CN112423635B - Holding device and kit for a portable hard surface cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to improve a holding device for a portable hard surface cleaner, in particular in the form of a window cleaner, comprising a holding part which comprises first connecting means for connecting the holding device with the hard surface cleaner, and an extension part which comprises second connecting means for connecting the holding device with an extension element, in particular in the form of an extension rod and an extension tube, such that the holding device can be used as universally as possible, it is proposed that: the first connecting device comprises at least two retaining elements for at least partially encircling and force-locking coupling with a housing region, in particular a grip region, of the hard-surface cleaning appliance.

Description

Holding device and kit for a portable hard surface cleaner

Technical Field

The invention relates to a holding device for a portable hard surface cleaner, in particular in the form of a window cleaner, comprising a holding part and an extension part, the holding part comprising first connecting means for connecting the holding device with the hard surface cleaner, and the extension part comprising second connecting means for connecting the holding device with an extension element, in particular in the form of an extension rod or an extension tube.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising a first portable hard surface cleaner and a retaining device coupleable to the first hard surface cleaner.

Background

A holding device and a kit of the above-described type are known, for example, from EP 3 021 725 B1. In the known retaining device, a receptacle corresponding to the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance is formed for the purpose of fixing the retaining device to the hard-surface cleaning appliance in advance, in which receptacle the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance is received in a form-fitting manner. The hard-face cleaner is finally fastened to the holding device by means of a holding strap or belt.

The coupling to different hard surface cleaners is not possible or only possible to a limited extent by the receptacles formed in particular on the known holding devices, wherein a secure holding of the hard surface cleaner on the holding device with the required safety cannot be ensured if the receptacles on the holding device do not correspond to the housing region of the hard surface cleaner.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is therefore to improve a holding device and a kit of the above-mentioned type such that they can be used as universally as possible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in a retaining device of the aforementioned type in that the first connecting device comprises at least two retaining elements for at least partially encircling and force-locking coupling with a housing region, i.e. a grip region, of the hard-surface cleaner.

The proposed development of the known retaining device has the particular advantage that a form-locking receptacle for receiving a housing region, in particular a housing region surrounding the upright face of the portable hard face cleaner, as described in EP 2 890 283 B1, can be dispensed with. The fastening can in particular be performed by at least two retaining elements. In particular, the pre-fixing of the hard-surface cleaning appliance on the holding device can be achieved with at least two holding elements, for example by applying an optional restraining element in the form of a fixing strap or belt, in order to hold the hard-surface cleaning appliance on the holding device in a manner that is as rotation-proof as possible and is fixed in a tilt-proof manner. The at least two holding elements may define holding or clamping surfaces, respectively, wherein each of the at least two holding elements may also define two or more holding or clamping surfaces. The greater the number of holding or clamping surfaces defined by at least two holding elements, the more stable the hard surface cleaner can be applied to the holding device without undesired relative movements between the hard surface cleaner and the holding device taking place. The at least two retaining elements are coupled in an at least partially encircling and force-fitting manner to the grip region of the housing region of the hard surface cleaner, so that a particularly simple adaptation to different shapes and sizes of the grip region is made possible, so that the retaining device can also be connected simply and reliably to differently shaped hard surface cleaners. The at least two retaining elements proposed in particular make it possible to dispense completely with a form-locking connection for connecting the hard-surface cleaning appliance to the retaining device. This has the advantage, in particular, that the holding device can be coupled more flexibly to different hard-surface cleaners. Thus, a special adaptation of the receptacle to a certain housing region of a certain hard-surface cleaner is not absolutely required (as is known from EP 2 890 283 B1), but can be provided as an option. The force-locking for holding the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance with at least two holding elements can be provided in particular by the shape of the holding elements and/or the material from which the holding elements are made. It is also optionally conceivable to provide an additional pretensioning element which holds the at least two holding elements in the initial position in a pretensioned manner against one another and then also provides the force required for producing the force lock between the at least two holding elements and the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance.

Advantageously, at least one or two or all of the at least two holding elements are configured in the form of a spring-elastic or substantially spring-elastic clamping arm. A retaining element configured in this way can be elastically deformed to some extent and thus adapted to different housing regions of different hard surface cleaners, so that the retaining device can be optionally connected to different hard surface cleaners.

The clamping arm is advantageously made of an elastically deformable material, in particular plastic. For example, the clamping arm may be a clamping arm constructed from a thermoplastic material by injection molding.

The holding device can be coupled or connected to the hard surface cleaner in a particularly simple and reliable manner if at least two holding elements are arranged or formed in pairs, in particular in pairs which are mirror images of one another. For example, the at least two holding elements can thus at least partially surround the housing region on both sides and thus hold the housing region securely clamped between the two holding elements. The mirror-symmetrical arrangement is particularly easy to handle and simplifies the construction costs for producing the holding device. In particular, the symmetrically shaped gripping areas can thus also be held in a simple and reliable force-fitting manner by the holding device.

Advantageously, the free ends of the retaining elements arranged in pairs are configured to point away from one another, and advantageously the free ends define between them an insertion region with sliding surfaces pointing toward one another or substantially toward one another for the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance. The proposed improvement particularly makes it possible to introduce the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance, which region is to be introduced between the two holding elements, in a simple manner and as far as possible without deflection. In particular, when the housing region is introduced between the retaining elements, the free ends of the retaining elements can be moved away from one another and, after the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance has been completely introduced between the retaining elements arranged in pairs, spring back slightly so that they can hold the housing region securely in a force-fitting manner.

Advantageously, the holding elements arranged in pairs are arranged or formed at a distance from one another and a constriction or constriction is defined between the holding elements. In particular, the narrowing or constriction may adjoin the introduction region. For example, when the housing region passes through a constriction or a constriction, the retaining elements arranged in pairs can be maximally spread apart when the housing region is introduced between them. After passing through the narrow or narrowed portion, the retaining elements arranged in pairs can spring back or move back slightly in the direction of their initial position in order to at least partially enclose the housing region of the hard-surface cleaner and protect it against loosening from the retaining device.

Advantageously, the first connecting means define a first longitudinal axis and the narrowing or narrowing defines an angle in the circumferential direction with respect to the first longitudinal axis, the angle having a value in the range of about 10 ° to about 120 °. The angle range can in particular assume values of about 40 ° to about 90 °. This constriction or constriction on the one hand enables a simple insertion of the housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance between the at least two retaining elements, and on the other hand enables a secure, non-positive retention of the surface cleaning appliance on the retaining device.

The holding device preferably comprises two, four or six holding elements. A particular advantage of the provision of four or six retaining elements is that a plurality of contact points can be defined between the retaining device and the hard-surface cleaning appliance in order to achieve a secure retention of the hard-surface cleaning appliance on the retaining device, in particular to achieve a temporary connection of the hard-surface cleaning appliance to the retaining device, and then optionally additionally to secure the hard-surface cleaning appliance with the already mentioned constraining elements.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first connecting device defines a first longitudinal axis and that the at least two retaining elements are arranged or configured at least partially around the first longitudinal axis. This configuration is achieved in particular in that a receiving space or receiving region is defined by at least two retaining elements, in which a housing region of the hard surface cleaner can be received. In particular, by the arrangement and configuration of the at least two retaining elements, the region between the retaining elements is configured to be variable, so that differently shaped housing regions of different hard-surface cleaners can be accommodated and held in a force-fitting manner and can be held in a force-fitting manner.

In order to achieve a secure connection, in particular between the holding device and the hard-surface cleaning appliance, for example also to prevent tilting or rotation of the holding device relative to the hard-surface cleaning appliance about a tilting axis running transversely to the first longitudinal axis, it is advantageous if the holding device comprises two pairs each having two holding elements, which are arranged or configured axially offset from one another relative to the first longitudinal axis. The further the mutual distance between the two pairs is, the more reliably the holding device and the hard surface cleaner can be prevented from tilting relative to each other. The two pairs each having two holding elements can also form two units each, for example in the form of a clamp having two clamping arms, two holding elements being arranged or formed on each clamping arm.

In order to adapt the holding device as flexibly as possible to different housing regions of different hard-surface cleaners, it is advantageous to design the two pairs, each having two holding elements, to be able to differ from one another in terms of shape and size. In particular, the retaining elements may have different mutual distances.

Advantageously, the first connecting device comprises at least one first contact surface for contacting a housing region of the hard-surface cleaning appliance, and the at least two retaining elements are arranged or formed laterally in the circumferential direction relative to the first longitudinal axis on or laterally adjacent to the at least one contact surface. In particular, the housing region of the hard surface cleaning appliance to be held in a force-fitting manner between the at least two holding elements can thus be supported at a plurality of points, as a result of which the risk of relative movements between the holding device and the hard surface cleaning appliance can be minimized.

Advantageously, the at least two retaining elements define at least one retaining receptacle for the housing region, and the retaining receptacle defines a cross-sectional shape with respect to the first longitudinal axis that differs from a circular shape. This retaining receptacle makes it possible in particular to accommodate differently shaped housing regions of different hard-surface cleaners in a simple and reliable manner.

The adaptation of the holding device to different housing regions of different hard surface cleaners can be further improved if the two pairs each have two holding elements which define a first holding receptacle and a second holding receptacle which differ from one another in shape and/or size. In particular, this is achieved by two pairs of two retaining elements acting on different housing regions of the hard surface cleaner in order to achieve a sufficiently stable force-fitting connection between the retaining device and the hard surface cleaner.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first connecting device comprises at least one constraining element which, in at least one constraining position, secures a housing region of the hard-surface cleaner, which housing region is accommodated between at least two retaining elements, within the retaining receptacle and, in the insertion position, releases the retaining receptacle. The at least two holding elements can thus be used in particular for temporarily connecting the holding device with the hard-surface cleaning appliance for placing the constraining element against or for changing the constraining element from the introduction position into the at least one constraining position, while releasing one or both hands. Depending on the arrangement and the shape and size of the at least one constraining element, a sufficient force-locking connection between the holding device and the hard-surface cleaner can be produced in combination with the at least two holding elements. In particular, a tilting of the holding device relative to the hard-surface cleaning appliance about a tilting axis running transversely to the first longitudinal axis can be avoided by corresponding arrangement and configuration of the holding element and the at least one constraining element.

Advantageously, the at least one constraining element fixes a housing region of the hard-surface cleaner, which housing region is accommodated between the at least two retaining elements, in the first constraining position and in the at least one second constraining position within the at least one retaining receptacle, and advantageously a first cross-sectional shape and/or a first cross-sectional area of the accommodating region defined or delimited by the at least one constraining element in the first constraining position differs from a second cross-sectional shape and/or a second cross-sectional area of the accommodating region defined or delimited by the at least one constraining element in the second constraining position. In other words, the at least one restraining element can rest at least partially around the housing region of the hard-face cleaner in different closed positions that define different restraining positions. In particular, different housing regions of different cross-sectional shapes or different cross-sectional areas, which are accommodated between the holding elements, can thus be fixed to the holding device with at least one constraining element. The different restraining positions enable an individualized adaptation of the at least one restraining element, in particular with respect to its length or free length, to the housing region of the hard-face cleaner.

Advantageously, the at least one constraining element has a free end, on which the first closing element is arranged or formed, on the holder at least one second closing element is formed, and the first closing element and the at least one second closing element are correspondingly formed and are in force-fitting and/or form-fitting engagement in the at least one constraining position. By engaging the first closing element and the second closing element, the housing region can be held on the holding device in a non-positive manner by a constraining element which partially surrounds the housing region in addition to the at least two holding elements.

It is furthermore advantageous if the at least two second closing elements are formed on the holder, and if the first closing element is in a first restraint position in non-positive and/or positive engagement with one of the at least two second closing elements, and if the closing element is in a second restraint position in non-positive and/or positive engagement with the other of the at least two second closing elements. By means of the at least two second closing elements, the at least one retaining element can be fixed to the holder with different free lengths, in order to hold housing regions having different cross-sectional shapes or different cross-sectional areas on the holding device in a secure, force-fitting manner.

In order to prevent the hard surface cleaning appliance from tilting on the holding device, in particular, in a connecting position in which the hard surface cleaning appliance is held on the holding device in a non-positive manner with the at least two holding elements and with the at least one restraint element, it is advantageous if the at least one restraint element is arranged or formed axially offset relative to the longitudinal axis between two pairs of two holding elements each. In particular, tilting between the hard surface cleaner and the holding device about a tilting axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis can thus be prevented.

If the at least one constraining element is configured in the form of a retaining band or belt, the retaining device can be constructed in a simple and inexpensive manner.

The at least one restriction element is preferably constructed of a resilient and/or flexible material. In particular, the restraining element may be formed of rubber. This restraining element optimally matches the different shape of the housing area of the hard-face cleaner.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one protective element is arranged or formed on the holding part, which protective element is assigned to one of the at least two holding elements. In particular, a number of protective elements corresponding to the number of holding portions may be provided. The at least one protective element can also delimit in particular the maximally receivable housing region for the hard-surface cleaning appliance. Furthermore, the protection element may also protect the at least two holding elements from damage.

Advantageously, at least one protective element is spaced apart from the associated holding element in the axial and/or radial direction relative to the first longitudinal axis, and the distance of the protective element in the radial direction from the first longitudinal axis is greater than the distance of the associated holding element from the first longitudinal axis. In particular, a holding device can be formed in which the at least one protective element protects the one or more holding elements in a surrounding manner at a point directed away from the longitudinal axis.

The at least one protective element is constructed as an arch, the holding device can be constructed in a simple and inexpensive manner. In particular, the at least one protective element can be configured in the form of an annular bracket, which can furthermore be arranged or configured to protrude beyond the free end of the at least one retaining element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one protective element has a free protective element end, and that the distance of the free protective element end from the first longitudinal axis is greater than the distance of the free end of the associated retaining element from the first longitudinal axis. This configuration makes it possible in particular to use at least one protective element to protect the associated retaining element, in particular the free end thereof, against damage.

Advantageously, the at least two holding elements define a clamping surface directed towards or substantially directed towards the first longitudinal axis, and the clamping surface has a shape different from a section of the hollow cylindrical surface concentric with the first longitudinal axis. In particular, the clamping surface may differ from the hollow cylindrical surface in an axial direction with respect to the first longitudinal axis. In order to achieve an optimum fit with different housing regions of different hard-surface cleaners, the clamping surface can be curved, in particular concavely or convexly curved, in the direction of the first longitudinal axis. Multiple curvatures, in particular with different radii, are also conceivable.

The clamping surface is preferably convexly curved in a direction pointing towards the longitudinal axis at least in one spatial direction, in particular in two or three spatial directions. In this way, an optimal contact area with the holding device can be defined, so that differently shaped housing area gripping areas of different hard-surface cleaners can be held reliably, in particular only in a force-fitting manner.

It is furthermore advantageous if the second connecting means comprise a connecting element for connection with a free end of the extension element. The extension element, for example an extension pole or an extension tube, can be coupled simply and reliably with the holding device, for example to use the hard surface cleaner at a working height, in which case a ladder would otherwise have to be used if the user held the hard surface cleaner in his hand.

In particular, a particularly stable connection between the holding device and the extension element can be achieved by configuring the connection element in the form of a connection receptacle for receiving a free end of the extension element. For example, additional latching connections can be provided in the region of the connection receptacles in order to secure the extension element to the second connection device in the connected position.

In order to be able to establish an anti-rotation connection between the extension element and the connection element of the second connection means, it is advantageous if the second connection means define a second longitudinal axis and the connection element defines a cross-sectional shape with respect to the second longitudinal axis that differs from a circular shape. In particular, a form-locking and in particular a rotationally fixed connection can be achieved by the cross-sectional shape.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular also in the case of a holding device of the aforementioned type, it can be provided that the holding device comprises an articulation means for connecting the holding part and the extension in an articulated manner. The hinge device in particular enables the orientation of the holder and the extension to be adjusted or in particular changed in a desired manner. Depending on the component to be connected to the holding device, the hinge device can furthermore be blocked or locked in a defined orientation of the holding part and the extension relative to one another by the parking device. Alternatively, the parking device may advantageously also be dispensed with in order to clean the hard surface with a hard surface cleaner connected to the holding device.

For example, by configuring the hinge arrangement to swing the retaining portion and the extension about the pivot axis, a particularly simple and defined relative movement between the retaining portion and the extension can be achieved. In particular, the hinge device can in this way form a hinge joint between the holding part and the extension.

Advantageously, the first connecting means defines a first longitudinal axis, the second connecting means defines a second longitudinal axis, and the pivot axis extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a plane containing the first longitudinal axis and/or the second longitudinal axis. In this way, the operator can simply and reliably operate the holding device to move the hard surface cleaner over the hard surface to be cleaned, even if the holding device is coupled to the extension element and the operator only holds the extension element and thus holds and guides the holding device and the hard surface cleaner fastened thereto.

If the hinge device comprises a first hinge element arranged or formed on the holding part and a second hinge element arranged or formed on the extension part, and if the first hinge element and the second hinge element are supported on one another in a manner pivotable about the pivot axis, the hinge elements and the extension part can be pivoted relative to one another in a simple manner.

The hinge device can be constructed in a simple manner, in particular by the first hinge element or the second hinge element comprising a hinge pin which defines the pivot axis, and the other hinge element having a hinge pin receptacle corresponding to the hinge pin, in which the hinge pin engages.

In order to particularly avoid the holding part and the extension part from accidentally coming loose from each other, it is advantageous if the holding part and the extension part are fixedly held to each other in the axial direction relative to the pivot axis. This stabilizes the hinge assembly in particular, since preferably the first hinge element and the second hinge element are fixedly held relative to each other in the axial direction relative to the pivot axis.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided, in particular in the case of a retaining device of the aforementioned type, that the retaining device comprises a locking device for locking the retaining part and the extension part relative to one another in at least one locking position. In particular, when a free fit of the hard surface cleaner held by the holding device relative to the hard surface to be cleaned is not desired, the locking device also enables the hard surface cleaner to be guided as desired, while the operator holds the extension element connected to the holding device, in order to hold and guide the hard surface cleaner for cleaning. It is particularly advantageous if a so-called window cleaner is used as the hard-surface cleaner to lock the holding part and the extension relative to each other, which may provide for a linear abutment, for example with a scraping lip, on the hard surface to be treated. By means of the locking possibility, this linear resting can also be maintained in the desired manner by the user when the user does not hold and guide the hard surface cleaner in his hand, but rather when he holds and guides the extension element coupled to the holding device, which in turn is connected to the hard surface cleaner. In the case of hard-surface cleaners which are intended to be placed as surface-mounted as possible, i.e. in surface contact with the surface to be cleaned, it is advantageous if the holding part and the extension part can be pivoted freely relative to one another. Alternatively, the maximum pivoting range can be defined by corresponding stops, so that pivoting is possible only in a certain angular range, for example in a range between 0 ° and 180 ° between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, the locking device can be brought from at least one locking position into a release position in which the holding part and the extension can be pivoted freely relative to one another about the pivot axis and vice versa. This configuration of the locking device makes it possible in particular to dispense with an adjustable relative positioning between the holder and the extension, to pivot the holder and the extension relative to one another about the pivot axis, and if necessary to fix it again in another relative position in order to prevent pivoting, i.e. to move into another locking position.

In order to achieve a personalized use of the holding device, it is advantageous if the locking device defines a plurality of locking positions for locking the holding part and the extension in different pivot positions relative to one another. The different pivot positions may in particular define different angles configured between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. The orientation of the hard-face cleaner relative to the elongate element can thus be adjusted and locked in a desired manner.

If the locking device comprises a locking member movably arranged on the hinge device, which locking member can be brought from a locking position, in which the locking device occupies at least one locking position, to an unlocking position, in which the locking device occupies a release position, and vice versa, locking can be achieved in a simple manner. The hinge device can thus be locked by a movement of the locking member, so that the holder and the extension cannot pivot relative to one another, or this locking position can be cancelled by a corresponding movement of the locking member, i.e. by moving the locking member into the unlocking position, so that the locking device assumes the release position.

The holding device can be particularly compact if the locking member is mounted on the joint in a manner such that it can be moved parallel to the pivot axis. In particular, the locking member may be arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis and supported in a displaceable manner relative to the longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, the locking member is non-rotatably held on the first or second hinging element irrespective of whether the locking member occupies the locked or unlocked position, the locking member being rotatable relative to the other hinging element about the pivot axis in the unlocked position and the locking member being non-rotatable relative to the first or second hinging element in the locked position. In this way, the pivotable ability of the holding part and the extension relative to one another can be activated and deactivated in a simple manner.

Advantageously, the locking device is of bistable design and no actuating force acting on the locking member is required to hold the locking member in the locked position and in the unlocked position. In particular, the locking device can be designed without a resetting device, which in known locking devices automatically resets the locking member into the locking position or into the unlocking position and, if necessary, pretensions the locking member into one of these two positions. For example, this bistable locking device may be implemented using a locking member that is moved in a first direction to unlock and in the opposite direction to lock.

If the locking member comprises a first control surface for introducing an actuating force for transforming the locking member from the locking position into the unlocking position and a second control surface for introducing an actuating force for transforming the locking member from the unlocking position into the locking position, and if the first and second control surfaces are configured to point in opposite or substantially opposite directions, the holding device can be operated in a simple manner. The locking member can be moved to and fro in the corresponding receptacle in a simple manner, for example by actuating the first actuating surface or by applying an actuating force to the second actuating surface. In the absence of a resetting device, the locking members are held in the respective positions if no further force, for example gravity, acts on them, which gravity may transfer them into the locked or unlocked position again in an undesired manner.

The holding device can be manipulated simply and reliably if the first and second actuating surfaces extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the pivot axis.

In order to achieve a stable locking of the hinge device even when large lever forces act on the hinge device, it is advantageous if the locking device comprises a first locking tooth and a corresponding second locking tooth, and the first locking tooth is arranged or formed on the locking member, and the second locking tooth is arranged or formed on a hinge element relative to which the locking member is rotatable about the pivot axis in the unlocked position, and the first locking tooth and the second locking tooth are engaged in the locked position and not engaged in the released position. In principle, it is also conceivable to provide only one locking tooth and to provide only one corresponding tooth instead of the other locking tooth. However, the plurality of intermeshing teeth may accommodate greater forces or moments and may be less prone to damage.

Advantageously, the first locking tooth and the second locking tooth each comprise a plurality of locking teeth, and the plurality of locking teeth are arranged or configured to point in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. This achieves in particular a mutual engagement or disengagement of the first locking teeth and the second locking teeth by a movement of the locking member parallel to the pivot axis.

If the locking member is constructed in two parts and comprises two locking member parts, the holding device can be constructed and in particular mounted in a simple manner. In particular, the first and second hinge elements can be connected to each other in a snap-lock manner after the first and second hinge elements have been coupled to each other.

In order to prevent, in particular, the locking member from moving from the unlocking position into the locking position or vice versa due to the effect of gravity, it is advantageous if the retaining device comprises a latching means for retaining the locking member in the locking position and in the unlocking position. For example, in the unlocked position and in the locked position, the locking member can be stopped on a catch member which in both positions assumes an initial position. For example, the catch member of the catch device can be deflected counter to a restoring device, for example a spring element which can optionally also be designed integrally with the catch member, from an initial position into a deflected position when the locking member is transferred from the locked position into the unlocked position or vice versa, from which deflected position the catch member is automatically transferred back into the initial position when the locking member assumes one of the two defined positions. Thus, undesired movements of the locking member, in particular due to the effect of gravity, can be prevented in a simple manner.

In particular in the case of a retaining device of the type described above, it is furthermore advantageous if the retaining device is configured to be releasably coupled to at least two differently shaped hard-surface cleaners. In particular, the differently shaped hard face cleaners may be different types of hard face cleaners. Furthermore, the hard-surface cleaning appliance can have different housing regions, which can be connected to the first connection means of the holding device, which can be flexibly adjusted in the manner described. In this way, the holding device can be combined and used with different hard-surface cleaners with a high degree of flexibility. In other words, the holding device can function together with the extension element as a universal extension device which can be used for one or more hard-surface cleaners.

According to the invention, the aforementioned task is also achieved in a kit of the aforementioned type by configuring the holding device in the form of one of the aforementioned holding devices. For example, the holding device may be connected to the elongated element such that a user may hold and guide the hard-surface cleaner through the elongated element.

The kit preferably comprises at least one elongated element that can be coupled with the holding device. In particular, two, three or more extension elements may be provided, for example, of different lengths, in order to thus achieve different extended lengths. Alternatively, two or more elongated elements may also be interconnected to thereby form an elongated device consisting of individualized elongated elements. The at least one extension element may in particular be configured in the form of an extension rod or an extension tube.

To achieve a variable elongation, it is advantageous if at least one of the elongation elements is designed as a telescopic elongation element.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the kit comprises at least one portable second hard surface cleaner which differs from the first hard surface cleaner with respect to its function and/or housing shape. The holding device can thus be used in particular for connecting to a first or second or further hard-surface cleaner, which is portable. The described retaining device, in particular because of its design, enables differently shaped housing regions of housings of different hard-surface cleaners to be connected to each other.

The first hard surface cleaner and/or the at least one second hard surface cleaner are advantageously designed to scrape off and suck off liquid from hard surfaces, in particular window panes. The hard surface cleaner can remove cleaning liquid from wet and cleaned hard surface.

It is also advantageous if the first hard surface cleaner and/or the at least one second hard surface cleaner is/are designed in the form of a liquid applicator for applying and/or wetting hard surfaces, in particular window panes, with a cleaning liquid. The hard-surface cleaner can especially disintegrate dirt on the hard surface. The applied cleaning liquid may then be removed, for example, using a hard-face cleaner, to wipe off and aspirate the liquid.

It is furthermore advantageous to design the first hard surface cleaner and/or the at least one second hard surface cleaner in the form of a window cleaner. With the holding device, in particular with the extension element, the user can also clean the glass, for which the user holds and guides the corresponding hard surface cleaner directly by hand, which would otherwise require a ladder.

In particular, an optimal cleaning of the window pane is achieved by means of a kit, wherein the window cleaner is designed in the form of a window aspirator or window moistener. The kit may in particular comprise a window aspirator and a window moistener as well as a holding device and at least one extension element.

Furthermore, it is proposed to use one of the above-mentioned holding devices for connection with the grip area of a hard-surface cleaner.

The gripping area of a hard-face cleaner typically has at least a similar shape in that it is configured to be gripped by a user's hand. Accordingly, the dimensions of the grip region are selected only such that a secure holding and guiding of the hard surface cleaner can be achieved when the user holds the hard surface cleaner on the grip region with one hand.

Furthermore, it is proposed to use one of the above-mentioned holding devices for the purpose of exclusively connecting with the grip area of the hard-surface cleaner.

In principle, it is conceivable to connect the holding device also to other regions of the hard-surface cleaning appliance, for example the housing region. The connection of the holding device to the grip region of the hard surface cleaner, in particular to the first connecting means of the holding part, makes it possible to connect different hard surface cleaners simply and reliably with only one holding device, i.e. a universal holding device.

The second attachment means of the extension does not necessarily have to be connected to the extension element. In particular, it is also conceivable to couple the extension with a machine, for example a robot hand, by means of a second connecting device. It is also conceivable to connect a user-specific, individualized, ergonomic handle with the extension, so that the user does not grip the hard surface cleaner on its grip region, but rather on a handle specially designed for the user, which handle is coupled to the holding device.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for the purpose of explanation in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1: a schematic illustration showing the holding apparatus prior to connection with the first hard-face cleaner;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram: a view similar to fig. 1 is shown, in which the holding device is connected with its holding part to the gripping area of the first hard-surface cleaner;

FIG. 3: a schematic illustration of a second hard-face cleaner and the holding device of figure 1 before connection is shown;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of: a view similar to fig. 3 is shown, in which the holding device is connected with its holding part to the gripping area of the second hard-surface cleaner;

FIG. 5: a perspective view of the holding device in fig. 1 to 4 is shown;

FIG. 6: a view of the holding device in fig. 5 along arrow a is shown;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of: a side view of the holding device in fig. 6 is shown along arrow B;

FIG. 8: a side view of the holding device in fig. 6 is shown along arrow C;

FIG. 9: a side view of the holding device in fig. 8 is shown along arrow D;

FIG. 10: a side view of the holding device in fig. 8 is shown along arrow E; and

FIG. 11: an exploded view of the holding device of fig. 5 is shown.

Detailed Description

The first embodiment of the holding device 10 comprises a holding portion 12 and an extension 14. The holder 12 comprises a first connecting device 16 for connecting the holder 10 to a first hard surface cleaner 18.

In one embodiment, the extension 14 includes a second attachment means 20 for attaching the holding device 10 to a second hard surface cleaner 22, the second attachment means 20 being in the form of an extension pole 24 or an extension tube 26, for example. Alternatively, the extension 14 can also be connected to a suitable interface 28 on a machine, for example a robot.

In one embodiment, the first connecting means 16 comprises a total of four retaining elements 30 and 32. The holding elements are arranged or configured symmetrically in pairs with respect to a mirror plane 34, which contains a first longitudinal axis 36 defined by the first connecting means 16.

The two retaining elements 30 and 32 arranged in pairs form two pairs 38, 40 arranged or configured axially offset from one another relative to the first longitudinal axis 36.

In one embodiment, instead of four holding elements 30 and 32, only two holding elements 30 or 32 can also be provided, or two further holding elements can also be provided in addition to four holding elements. A total of three pairs 38 and 40 of retaining elements 30, 32 can thus be formed.

The two holding elements 30 and 32 are configured to at least partially surround the housing region 42 and are coupled to the housing region 42 in a force-fitting manner. In one embodiment, the housing area 42 is, for example, a gripping area 44 of the first hard side cleaner 18.

In one embodiment of the holding device 10, the holding elements 30 and 32 are configured in the form of spring-elastic or substantially spring-elastic clamping arms 48.

In another embodiment, only one or both holding elements are configured in the form of such a clamping arm.

The clamping arms 46, 48 are preferably constructed of a resiliently deformable material. In particular, the material is a plastic, such as a thermoplastic.

In one embodiment, the free ends 50, 52 of the retaining elements 30, 32 arranged in pairs are formed so as to point away from one another and define between them an insertion region 54, 56 having sliding surfaces 58, 60 pointing toward one another or substantially toward one another for the housing region 42 of the hard-surface cleaning appliance 18.

In one embodiment, the retaining elements 30, 32 arranged in pairs are arranged or configured on the retaining portion 12 at a distance from one another and narrow points 62, 64 are defined between the retaining elements 30, 32. In one embodiment, the narrowing or constriction 62, 64 directly adjoins the lead-in region 54, 56.

In one embodiment, one or more of the narrow portions or constrictions 62, 64 define an angle 66, also referred to as an opening angle, which is in the range of about 10 ° to about 120 °. In the embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawings, said angle 66 is approximately 70 °.

In order to be able to reliably hold the grip region 44 in a clamping manner, the holding elements 30, 32 are arranged or configured partially around the first longitudinal axis 36.

The two pairs 38 and 40, respectively with the two retaining elements 30 and 32, differ from each other in shape and size.

In particular, the retaining elements 30, 32 define clamping surfaces 68, 70 directed or directed substantially toward the first longitudinal axis 36. In one embodiment, the clamping surfaces 68, 70 have a shape that is different from a section of the hollow cylindrical surface concentric with the first longitudinal axis 36. For example, the difference may occur in an axial direction relative to the first longitudinal axis 36.

In one embodiment, the clamping surfaces 68, 70 are convexly curved in at least one spatial direction in a direction pointing toward the longitudinal axis 36. In the embodiment of the holding device 10 illustrated in the figures, the clamping surfaces 68, 70 are convexly curved both in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis 36 and in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 36. This enables in particular a defined, point-shaped or linear resting area on the grip area 44, irrespective of its specific shape.

In one embodiment of the holding device 10, the second connecting means 20 comprise a connecting element 72, said connecting element 72 being in particular intended to be connected with a free end of the extension element 22.

In one embodiment, the connecting element 72 is configured in the form of a connection receiver 74 for receiving the free end of the elongated element 22.

The second connection means 20 defines a second longitudinal axis 76. In one embodiment, the connecting element 72 defines a cross-sectional shape relative to the second longitudinal axis 76 that is other than circular. In particular, the cross-sectional shape may be oval, triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal.

In one embodiment, the first attachment means 16 has one or more rest surfaces 78 for resting on the housing area 42 of the hard-surface cleaner 18.

Two or four retaining elements 30, 32 are arranged or formed on the contact surface 78 laterally in the circumferential direction with respect to the first longitudinal axis 36 or laterally delimit the contact surface 78.

The two pairs 38, 40 of the two holding elements 30 and 32, respectively, define a first holding receptacle 80 and a second holding receptacle 82, the first holding receptacle 80 and the second holding receptacle 82 differing from one another in shape and/or size. The retention receptacles 80, 82 are for receiving the housing region 42 and define a cross-sectional shape other than circular in one embodiment relative to the first longitudinal axis 36. In particular, the cross-sectional shape may be elliptical.

By means of the exemplary embodiment of the holding device 10 described so far, the housing region 42 can be fixed in a clamping manner between the holding elements 30, 32. In other words, the holding device 10 with the holding portion 12 may be clipped onto the grip area 44 of the hard-sided cleaner 18. Depending on the design of the holding elements 30, 32, the holding elements 30, 32 are in principle sufficient to hold the hard-surface cleaning appliance 18 securely.

However, in order to prevent as reliably as possible an unintentional detachment of the hard-surface cleaner 18 from the holding device 10, the first connecting means 16 comprise one or more restraining elements 84 in one embodiment.

By means of the constraining element 84, the housing region 42 accommodated between the retaining elements 30, 32 can be fixed within the retaining receptacles 80, 82, and in particular in a first constraining position, which is schematically illustrated in fig. 2 in the embodiment of the retaining device 10 illustrated in the figures. The restraining element 84 closes the retaining receptacles 30, 32 on one side and is axially offset from the retaining elements 30, 32 with respect to the first longitudinal axis 36.

In one embodiment, the constraining element 84 is arranged or configured axially offset relative to the longitudinal axis 36 between the two pairs 38, 40 of retaining elements 30, 32.

In one embodiment, the restraining element 84 is configured in the form of a retaining band 86 or belt.

In one embodiment, the restraining element 84 is constructed of a resilient and/or flexible material. In particular, the restraining element 84 may be constructed of rubber.

In one embodiment, the restraining element 84 is injection molded integrally with an insert 88 made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The insert 88 has two lateral coupling projections 90 which are directed substantially away from one another and which, when the holding device 10 is mounted, engage in corresponding coupling receptacles 92 on the holder 12.

In one embodiment, the landing surface 78 is configured on the insert 88 and is directed in the direction of the first longitudinal axis 36.

In one embodiment, the restraining element 84 has a free end 94, the free end 94 being provided with a longitudinal opening 96 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 36. A hinge pin 98 is inserted into the longitudinal opening 96, the hinge pin 98 defining a pivot axis 100 and serving to support a first closure element 102.

The second closing elements 104 and 106 are configured on the holder 12 in the form of a recess or opening into which a free end 108 of the first closing element 102 can engage. To connect the holding device 10 with the hard-surface cleaner 18, the first closure element 102 engages into the second closure element 104.

In order to connect the holding device 10 to another hard surface cleaning appliance 110, i.e. to a housing region 112 of the hard surface cleaning appliance 110, which also defines a gripping region 114, the first closing element 102 and the second closing element 106 engage one another. In this position, the free length of the constraining element 84 is slightly shortened, so that a gripping region 114, which is slightly smaller in cross section than the gripping region 44 and also shaped slightly differently, can also be reliably connected with the holding device 10.

The first closing element 110 can pivot about the pivot axis 100 as described and in this way forms a tensioning means for pretensioning the grip region 44 or 114 on the first connecting device 16.

The first cross-sectional shape and/or the first cross-sectional area of the receiving region 116 is therefore different from the cross-sectional shape and/or the cross-sectional area of the receiving region 118, wherein the receiving region 116 is delimited by the constraining element 84 when the first closing element 102 is engaged into the second closing element 104 and the second receiving region 118 is delimited by the constraining element 84 when the first closing element 102 is engaged into the second closing element 106. The closing elements 102 and 104 or 106 engage in the described restraining position in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

In another embodiment, a further second closing element may alternatively be provided on the holder 12. However, it is also conceivable to provide only one closing element on the second holding part 12, wherein preferably two or more closing elements are provided on the constraining element.

On the constraining element, the closing element can also be configured, for example, in the form of an opening that is pulled over a projection on the holder, similar to what is known in watches with silicone wristbands, in which one band portion has an opening and on the other band portion a constraining pin passing through the opening.

In one embodiment, the holder 12 includes one or more protective elements 120, 122. In one embodiment, a protective element 120, 122 is assigned to each holding element 30, 32.

In one embodiment, the protective elements 120, 122 may be made of a different material than the insert 88 or the restraining element 84.

The protective elements 120, 122 are spaced apart from the holding elements 30, 32 to which they 120, 122 are assigned in the axial and radial direction relative to the first longitudinal axis 36. The protective elements 120, 122 are at a greater distance from the first longitudinal axis 36 in the radial direction than the associated retaining elements 30, 32 are at a greater distance from the first longitudinal axis 36.

In one embodiment, the protective elements 120, 122 are configured in an arcuate shape.

In another embodiment, the protective elements 120, 122 have free protective element ends 124, 126. In one embodiment, the free protective element ends 124, 126 are at a greater distance from the first longitudinal axis 36 than the free ends 50, 52 of the associated retaining elements 30, 32 are at a greater distance from the first longitudinal axis 36.

In one embodiment, the holding device 10 has a hinge arrangement 128 for hingedly connecting the holding part 12 and the extension 14 to one another.

In one embodiment, the articulation device 128 is configured to pivot the retaining portion 12 and the extension 14 relative to one another about a pivot axis 130.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis 130 runs transverse, i.e., in particular perpendicular, to a plane containing the first longitudinal axis 36 and/or the second longitudinal axis 76. In one embodiment, this plane coincides with the mirror plane.

The hinge arrangement 128 comprises a first hinge element 132 arranged or formed on the holding part 12 and a second hinge element 134 arranged or formed on the extension 14.

The first and second hinge elements 132, 134 are mounted on one another so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis 130 and are held together in a fixed manner in the axial direction relative to the pivot axis 130.

In order to form a pivot bearing, a hinge pin 136 defining the pivot axis 130 is arranged or configured on the second hinge element 134. The first hinge element 132 comprises a hinge pin receptacle 138 corresponding to the hinge pin 136, the hinge pin 136 engaging in said hinge pin receptacle 138.

In one embodiment, the holding device 10 comprises locking means 140 for locking the holding part 12 and the extension part 14 in one or more locking positions relative to each other.

The locking device 140 is configured to be brought or transferred from one of the locking positions into a release position in which the holder 12 and the extension 14 are freely pivotable relative to each other about the pivot axis 130.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 140 defines a plurality of locking positions for locking the holder 12 and the extension 14 in different pivot positions relative to each other. In different pivot positions, different pivot angles are formed between the longitudinal axes 36 and 76.

In one embodiment of the holding device 10, the function of the locking means 140 is fulfilled by a locking member 142 which is movably arranged on the hinge means 128. The locking member 142 may be brought from a locking position, in which the locking means occupies one of the locking positions, to an unlocking position, in which the locking means 140 occupies the release position, and vice versa. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the locking member 142 is supported on the articulation 128 in a manner movable parallel to the pivot axis 130.

In one embodiment, the locking member 142 is configured in two parts and includes two locking member portions 144 and 146.

The locking member 142 includes a base 148 configured on the locking member portion 146, the base 148 having a cross-sectional shape other than circular.

The two locking member portions 144 and 146 snap into one another. A base body 150 is formed on the locking component part 144, said base body 150 being introduced into the base body 148 and being held latched therein.

The base 148 protrudes about the pivot axis 130 from a first control disk 152, which first control disk 152 defines a first control surface 154 directed away from the second articulation element 134.

The locking member portion 144 comprises a second operating disk 156, the second operating disk 156 having a second operating surface 158 directed away from the first articulation element 132.

An opening for receiving the non-circular base body 150 is formed in the second hinge element 134 such that the locking member 142 can only move relative to the second hinge element 134 parallel to the pivot axis 130, but cannot rotate relative to the second hinge element 134 about the pivot axis 130, regardless of whether it occupies the locked or unlocked position.

In one embodiment, the locking member 142 is rotatable about the pivot axis 130 relative to the first hinge element 132 in the unlocked position, but is not rotatable in the locked position.

The locking device 140 comprises a first locking toothing 160 and a corresponding second locking toothing 162, which second locking toothing 162 is arranged or formed on the first hinge element 132. In the unlocked position, the locking member 142 is rotatable relative to the first hinge element 132 about the pivot axis 130.

The first locking tooth 160 and the second locking tooth 162 each have a plurality of locking teeth 164, 166, which locking teeth 164, 166 are arranged or configured to point in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 130.

The first locking tooth 160 and the second locking tooth 162 mesh, i.e., engage, in the locked position. In the release position of the locking device 140, the locking teeth 160 and 162 are not engaged.

The amount of travel of the locking member 142 parallel to the pivot axis 130 is at least approximately such that the locking teeth 160 and 162 are not engaged at all in the unlocked position. The locking member 142 can be moved with its locking teeth 160 in the direction of the second hinge element 134 to such an extent that the locking teeth 160 and 162 arranged or configured about the pivot axis 130 can engage with one another.

In one embodiment, the locking device 140 is configured to be bistable. This means that the locking member 142 is held in the respective positions in both the locking position and the unlocking position without an operating force acting on the locking member 142. No reset means is provided for automatically shifting the locking member 142, for example, from the unlocked position to the locked position.

In order to avoid the risk of accidental unlocking of the locking means 140, in one embodiment the holding device 10 comprises a latch 168, said latch 168 being used to hold the locking member 142 in the locked and unlocked positions.

In one embodiment, the latching device 168 comprises two latching elements 170 projecting from the second control disk 156 in the direction towards the first articulation element 132, which latching elements 170 each have a latching nose 172 projecting in the radial direction from the pivot axis 130, which latching noses 172 interact with corresponding latching projections on the second articulation element 134.

For locking, an actuating force is applied to the locking member 142 on the first actuating surface 154. The locking member 142 can thus be moved in the direction of the second hinge element 134 until the locking teeth 160 and 162 engage one another. During this movement, the latching element 170 is deflected from its initial position in the direction of the pivot axis 130 and engages the locking nose from behind on the other side.

In order to transfer the locking device 140 from the locking position into the release position, an actuating force must be introduced onto the second actuating surface 158 in order to push the locking member 142 back into the unlocking position. The second operating disk 146 is moved in the direction of the first hinge element 132 until the locking teeth 160 and 162 are completely disengaged.

During this displacement movement of the locking member 142, the latching element 170 slides over the latching projection again and is deflected in the direction of the pivot axis 130. If the locking member 142 again assumes the unlocking position, the latching noses 172 can again engage the corresponding latching projections from behind, so that the respective latching element 170 can again spring back outward in the radial direction away from the pivot axis 130.

The described retaining device 10 is designed in particular for releasable coupling to two or more differently shaped hard- surface cleaners 18, 110.

In one embodiment, the first hard surface cleaner 18 and/or the second hard surface cleaner 110 are configured in the form of a portable hard surface cleaner 18, 110 that is not dependent on an electrical grid. The first and/or second hard surface cleaners 18, 110 are powered by a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery.

In order to clean in particular hard surfaces, i.e. hard surfaces which are not accessible when the user grips the respective hard surface cleaner 18, 110 with his hand on the respective grip region 44 or 114, for example window panes, the retaining device 110 can be selectively connected to one of the two hard surface cleaners 18, 110 in the manner described, i.e. by connecting the first connecting means 16 to only one of the grip regions 44 or 114.

The gripping areas 44 and 114 differ in cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size. However, the adjustable first connecting means 16 enable a reliable and in particular tilt-proof connection of the holding device 10 to the hard- surface cleaners 18 and 110.

In order to be able to use one of the two hard- surface cleaners 18 or 110 for treating a window pane which cannot be reached as described above, the second connecting means 20 of the extension 14 are coupled, for example, to the extension element 22. The user then grips the elongate element 22 and in this way guides the hard surface cleaner 18 or 110 held on the holding device 10.

In one embodiment, the cleaning kit comprises in particular a hard surface cleaner 18 or a hard surface cleaner 110 and a holding device 10. Optionally, the cleaning kit may further comprise an extension element 22, for example in the form of an extension rod 24 or an extension tube 26, which can be coupled with the holding device.

In one embodiment of the cleaning kit, the extension element 22 may be configured to be telescopic.

The cleaning kit may also include a second hard surface cleaner 18 or 110, the second hard surface cleaner 18 or 110 differing from the other hard surface cleaner 18, 110 in its function or housing shape.

The hard side cleaners 18 and 110 may be configured, inter alia, in the form of window cleaners 174 and 176, respectively.

In one embodiment, the window cleaner 174 is configured in the form of a window aspirator 178.

In one embodiment, the hard-side cleaner 110 is configured in the form of a window wetter 180 that defines a particularly flat wetting surface 182, the wetting surface 182 preferably being placed flat on the surface to be cleaned.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hard-side cleaner 110 forms a liquid applicator 184 to apply and/or wet a hard-side, such as a window glass, with a cleaning liquid.

The window extractor 118 includes a suction nozzle 186 having a linearly oriented scraping lip 188.

To draw liquid from the hard face, the scraping lip 188 is brought into line contact with the hard face and wiped over the hard face while maintaining line contact. The suction device of the window aspirator 178 wipes liquid through the liquid inlet on the suction nozzle 186 and stores the liquid in the sump.

Maintaining line contact is critical to the use of the window aspirator 178. If the window aspirator 178 is held on the holding device 10, the hinge arrangement 128 is preferably locked for aspirating hard surfaces, and this is achieved by the locking member being transferred into the locked position in the manner described.

However, if the holding device 10 is connected with the window dampener 180, the hinge arrangement 128 is preferably unlocked in the manner described above. This enables the window dampener 180 to be placed flush against the surface to be cleared, and substantially independent of how the user guides the holding device 10, either directly or through the elongated element 22.

The described retaining device 10 can therefore be universally connected to two or more different hard-surface cleaners, for example to connect it to the extension element 22 or to an adapter of a machine.

In one embodiment, the first attachment device 16 is configured to only attach to the gripping area 44 or 114 of the hard side cleaner 18, 110.

List of reference numerals

10. Holding device

12. Holding part

14. Extension part

16. First connecting device

18. First hard surface cleaner

20. Second connecting device

22. Extension element

24. Extension rod

26. Extension pipe

28. Interface piece

30. Holding element

32. Holding element

34. Mirror plane

36. Longitudinal axis

38. To pair

40. For is to

42. Housing area

44. Grip area

46. Clamping arm

48. Clamping arm

50. Free end

54. Lead-in area

56. Lead-in area

58. Sliding surface

60. Sliding surface

62. Narrow part

64. Narrow part

66. Angle of rotation

68. Clamping surface

70. Clamping surface

72. Connecting element

74. Connection accommodating part

76. Second longitudinal axis

78. Leaning and placing noodle

80. The first holding and accommodating part

82. Second holding and accommodating part

84. Restraining element

86. Retaining strap

88. Insert piece

90. Coupling projection

92. Coupling receiving part

94. Free end

96. Longitudinal opening

98. Hinge pin

100. Pivot axis

102. First closing element

104. Second closing element

106. Second closing element

108. Free end

110. Second hard surface cleaner

112. Housing area

114. Grip area

116. Accommodation area

118. Accommodation area

120. Protective element

122. Protective element

124. End of protective element

126. End of protective element

128. Hinge device

130. Pivot axis

132. First hinge element

134. Second hinge element

136. Hinge pin

138. Hinge pin receiving part

140. Locking device

142. Locking member

144. Locking member portion

146. Locking member portion

148. Base body

150. Substrate

152. First control wheel

154. First control surface

156. Second control wheel

158. Second control surface

160. First locking tooth part

162. Second locking tooth

164. Locking tooth

166. Locking tooth

168. Locking device

170. Latching element

172. Latch nose

174. Window cleaner

176. Window cleaner

178. Window aspirator

180. Window moistener

182. Moistening noodle

184. Liquid applicator

186. Suction nozzle

188. Scraping lip

Claims (29)

1. Holding device (10) for a portable hard surface cleaner (18, 110), in particular in the form of a window cleaner, the holding device (10) comprising a holding part (12) and an extension part (14), the holding part (12) comprising a first connecting means (16) for connecting the holding device (10) with the hard surface cleaner (18, 110), and the extension part (14) comprising a second connecting means (20) for connecting the holding device (10) with an extension element (22), in particular in the form of an extension bar (24) or an extension tube (26), characterized in that the first connecting means (16) comprises at least two holding elements (30, 32) for at least partially encircling a housing region (42, 112), i.e. a grip region (44, 114), of the hard surface cleaner (18, 110) and for a form-fit force coupling therewith,

the at least two holding elements (30, 32) are arranged or configured in pairs,

the free ends (50, 52) of the retaining elements (30, 32) arranged in pairs are configured to point away from each other, and the free ends (50, 52) delimit between them an insertion region (54, 56), the insertion region (54, 56) having sliding surfaces (58, 60) pointing towards each other or substantially pointing towards each other for a housing region (42, 112) of the hard-surface cleaning appliance (18, 110),

at least one or both holding elements (30, 32) or all holding elements (30, 32) of the at least two holding elements (30, 32) are configured in the form of a spring-elastic or substantially spring-elastic clamping arm (46, 48),

said first connection means (16) defining a first longitudinal axis (36),

the at least two holding elements (30, 32) define a clamping face (68, 70) directed towards the first longitudinal axis (36) or substantially directed towards the first longitudinal axis (36), and the clamping face (68, 70) has a shape different from a section of a hollow cylindrical face concentric with the first longitudinal axis (36).

2. Holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping arms (46, 48) are composed of an elastically deformable material, in particular of plastic.

3. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two holding elements (30, 32) are arranged or constructed mirror-symmetrically in pairs.

4. Holding device according to claim 3, characterized in that the holding elements (30, 32) arranged in pairs are arranged or constructed at a distance from one another and define a narrowing (62, 64) or constriction between them, which narrowing (62, 64) or constriction in particular adjoins the introduction region (54, 56).

5. The holding arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the first connecting device (16) defines a first longitudinal axis (36) and the narrowing (62, 64) or constriction defines an angle (66) in the circumferential direction with respect to the first longitudinal axis (36) having a value in the range of about 10 ° to about 120 °, in particular in the range of about 40 ° to about 90 °.

6. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, and wherein the at least two holding elements (30, 32) are arranged or configured to at least partially enclose the first longitudinal axis (36).

7. The holding device according to claim 6, characterized in that there are two pairs with two holding elements (30, 32) each, the two pairs (38, 40) being arranged or configured axially offset from one another relative to the first longitudinal axis (36).

8. Holding device according to claim 7, characterized in that there are two pairs (38, 40) of two holding elements (30, 32) each

a) Are configured to be different from each other in shape and size,

and/or

b) A first holding container portion (80) and a second holding container portion (82) which are different from each other in shape and/or size are defined.

9. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first connecting means (16) comprise at least one first resting face (78) for resting on a housing region (42) of the hard-surface cleaner (18), and the at least two holding elements (30) are arranged or configured laterally in the circumferential direction relative to the first longitudinal axis (36) on or laterally adjoining the at least one resting face (78).

10. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two holding elements (30, 32) define at least one holding receptacle (80, 82) for the housing region (42), and the holding receptacle (80, 82) defines a cross-sectional shape with respect to the first longitudinal axis (36) that differs from a circular shape.

11. The holding device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connecting means (16) comprise at least one restraining element (84), the at least one restraining element (84) securing a housing region (42, 112) of the hard-surface cleaner (18, 110) accommodated between the at least two holding elements (30, 32) in at least one restraining position within the holding receptacle (80, 82) and releasing the holding receptacle (30, 32) in an introduction position.

12. The retaining device according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one restraining element (84) secures a housing region (42) of the hard-face cleaner (18, 110) accommodated between the at least two retaining elements (30, 32) in a first restraining position and in at least one second restraining position within the at least one retaining receptacle (30, 32), and in that a first cross-sectional shape and/or a first cross-sectional area of the receiving region defined or delimited by the at least one restraining element (84) in the first restraining position differs from a second cross-sectional shape and/or a second cross-sectional area of the receiving region defined or delimited by the at least one restraining element in the second restraining position.

13. The holding device according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one holding element (84) has a free end (94), a first closing element (102) is arranged or formed on the free end (94), at least one second closing element (104, 106) is formed on the holding portion (12), and the first closing element (102) and the at least one second closing element (104, 106) are correspondingly formed and are in force-fitting and/or form-fitting engagement in at least one restraining position, wherein at least two second closing elements (104, 106) are formed on the holding portion (12), and the first closing element (102) is in force-fitting and/or form-fitting engagement with one second closing element (104) of the at least two second closing elements in a first restraining position, and the first closing element (102) is in force-fitting and/or form-fitting engagement with another second closing element (106) of the at least two second closing elements in a second restraining position.

14. Holding device according to claim 11, characterized in that said at least one constraining element (84)

a) Is arranged or formed axially offset relative to the longitudinal axis (36) between two pairs (38, 40) each having two holding elements (30, 32),

and/or

b) Configured in the form of a retaining strap (86) or belt,

and/or

c) Is made of an elastic and/or flexible material, in particular rubber.

15. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one protective element (120, 122) is arranged or configured on the holding section (12), which is assigned to one of the at least two holding elements (30, 32).

16. Holding device according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one protective element (120, 122)

a) Is spaced apart from the associated holding element (30, 32) in the axial and/or radial direction relative to the first longitudinal axis (36), and the distance of the associated holding element (30, 32) from the first longitudinal axis (36) in the radial direction is greater than the distance of the associated holding element (120, 122) from the first longitudinal axis (36),

and/or

b) Is configured in an arc shape and is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped grooves,

and/or

c) Has a free protective element end (124, 126), and the distance of the free protective element end (124, 126) from the first longitudinal axis (36) is greater than the distance of the free end (50, 52) of the associated retaining element (30, 32) from the first longitudinal axis (36).

17. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping surfaces (68, 70) have a shape in an axial direction with respect to the first longitudinal axis (36) which is different from a section of a hollow cylindrical surface concentric with the first longitudinal axis (36).

18. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second connecting means (20) comprise a connecting element (72) for connection with a free end of the elongated element (22).

19. The holding device of claim 18,

a) The connecting element (72) is configured in the form of a connection receptacle (74) for receiving a free end of the extension element (22),

and/or

b) The second connection device (20) defines a second longitudinal axis (76), and the connection element (72) defines a cross-sectional shape other than circular with respect to the second longitudinal axis (76).

20. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises a hinge means (128) for connecting the holding part (12) and the extension (14) in a hinged manner.

21. Holding device according to claim 20, characterized in that the hinge means (128)

a) Configured for swinging the holding part (12) and the extension part (14) about a pivot axis (130),

and/or

b) Comprises a first hinge element (132) arranged or formed on the holding part (12) and a second hinge element (134) arranged or formed on the extension (14), and the first hinge element (134) and the second hinge element (132) are mounted on one another so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis (130).

22. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a locking means (140) for locking the holding part (12) and the extension (14) relative to each other in at least one locking position.

23. The holding device according to claim 22, characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises an articulation means (128) for hingedly connecting the holding portion (12) and the extension (14), the locking means (140) comprising a locking member (142) movably arranged on the articulation means (128), which locking member can be brought from a locking position, in which the locking means (140) occupies the at least one locking position, to an unlocking position, in which the locking means (140) occupies a release position, and vice versa.

24. The holding device of claim 23,

the hinge device is configured for pivoting the holding part (12) and the extension (14) about a pivot axis (130),

a) The locking member (142) is mounted on the articulation (128) so as to be movable parallel to the pivot axis (130),

and/or

b) The locking member (142) being held on the first or second hinge element (134) in a rotationally fixed manner irrespective of whether the locking member occupies the locked position or the unlocked position, the locking member (142) being rotatable relative to the other hinge element (132) about the pivot axis (130) in the unlocked position and the locking member being non-rotatable relative to the first and second hinge elements (132, 134) in the locked position,

and/or

c) The locking device (140) is configured to be bistable and to hold the locking member (142) in the locking position and in the unlocking position without an actuating force acting on the locking member (142),

and/or

d) The locking member (142) comprising a first actuating surface (154) for introducing an actuating force for changing the locking member (142) from the unlocking position into the locking position and comprising a second actuating surface (156) for introducing an actuating force for changing the locking member (142) from the locking position into the unlocking position, and the first actuating surface (154) and the second actuating surface (156) being configured to point in opposite or substantially opposite directions,

and/or

e) The locking device (140) comprises a first locking tooth (160) and a corresponding second locking tooth (162), the first locking tooth (160) being arranged or formed on the locking member (142) and the second locking tooth (162) being arranged or formed on a hinge element (132) relative to which the locking member (142) is rotatable about the pivot axis (130) in the unlocked position and the first locking tooth (160) and the second locking tooth (162) are engaged in the locked position and not engaged in the released position,

and/or

f) The first locking tooth (160) and the second locking tooth (162) each comprise a plurality of locking teeth (164, 166), and the plurality of locking teeth (164, 166) are arranged or configured to point in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (130),

and/or

g) The locking member (142) is configured in two parts and comprises two locking member parts (144, 146),

and/or

h) The holding device comprises a latching arrangement (168) for holding the locking member (142) in the locking position and in the unlocking position.

25. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding device (10) is configured to be releasably coupled with at least two differently shaped hard-face cleaners (18, 110).

26. A kit comprising a portable first hard face cleaner (18, 110) and a holding apparatus (10) coupleable with the first hard face cleaner (18, 110), characterized in that the holding apparatus (10) is configured in the form of a holding apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

27. The kit of claim 26, wherein the kit comprises

a) Comprising at least one extension element (22) which can be coupled to the holding device (10), wherein the extension element (22) is designed in particular in the form of an extension rod (24) or an extension tube (26) and/or is designed to be telescopic,

and/or

b) Comprises at least one second portable hard surface cleaning device (18, 110), which second hard surface cleaning device (18, 110) differs from the first hard surface cleaning device (18, 110) in terms of its function and/or housing shape, wherein in particular the first hard surface cleaning device (18) and/or the at least one second hard surface cleaning device (110) is/are designed to scrape off and suck off liquid from hard surfaces, in particular window panes, and/or the first hard surface cleaning device (18) and/or the at least one second hard surface cleaning device (110) is/are designed in the form of a liquid applicator (184) for applying and/or wetting hard surfaces, in particular window panes, with cleaning liquid, and/or the first hard surface cleaning device (18) and/or the at least one second hard surface cleaning device (110) is/are designed in the form of a window cleaning device (174, 176).

28. Use of a holding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2 for connection with a gripping area (44, 114) of the hard face cleaner (18, 110).

29. Use of a holding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2 for connecting only with a gripping area (44, 114) of the hard-surface cleaner (18, 110).

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