Frame assembly for a mop, a mop and a cleaning implement

The current invention relates to a frame assembly for holding a mop, said frame assembly comprising a base element which has a width "W" and a length "L", where said length "L" is greater than said width "W", a first and a second clamping member arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis of the base element, and a clamping mechanism arranged for displacing said clamping members in a direction which has a component which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base element and in such a way that in one position of the clamping members, the clamping members are pulled in towards the base element such that each of the clamping members clamp an edge of the mop to an edge of the base element.

To the general public, the term "mop" is typically understood as a cleaning implement with a handle and an implement of absorbent material fastened to one end of the handle. A "mop" of this kind is usually used to clean floors or other surfaces. However, for the sake of this specification, the term "mop" should be understood as an implement made of an absorbent material which is fastenable to different forms of cleaning implements. One example of a "mop" according to this specification is a disposable mop cloth which is mountable to a "mop frame", said mop frame being connected to a handle which is operated by a user. Another example of a mop according to this specification is a flat washable mop with a rectangular section, the edges of which are surrounded by string fringes. The rectangular section is mountable to a mop frame. The person skilled in the art will be able to provide many different examples of "mops" which fit into this definition of "mop".

The term "frame assembly for a mop" should therefore be understood as a frame to which a mop according to the definition specified above can be fas- tened. In general mops are flexible implements and the frame provides a support for the mop. The frame can be used in different ways. In one case,

the frame is attached to one end of a handle. In another example, the frame could be attached to a cleaning robot.

This specification also refers to "a cleaning implement". In this specification, this term refers to a complete cleaning product comprising both a mop frame and a handle. A mop will be fastenable to the mop frame of the cleaning implement.

Description of related art

Cleaning implements with mops have been used for many years. In recent years, mops are generally provided as essentially rectangular flexible implements made from relatively flexible materials. These mops are attached to an essentially rectangular mop frame which provides support for the mop. The mop frame is usually attached to a handle which is operated by a user.

In a typical use, the mop is dipped in water and then applied to a dirty floor or other surface. When the mop has absorbed a certain amount of dirt, the mop is rinsed in clean water. However, at a certain point, the mop has absorbed so much dirt that it can no longer be simply rinsed. The mop is then removed from the frame and a new mop is mounted on the frame. The dirty mop is then washed in a washing machine or disposed of depending on the type of mop.

The step of mounting a mop on a mop frame has been solved in many different ways. In certain cases, a set of clips fastens the mop to the mop frame. Examples of this type of mop are shown in JP 3631356 and DE 201 06 432 U1. In other cases, Velcro is used to attach the mop to the mop frame. In other cases, the mop has pockets on its top surface and the mop frame is arranged in a way such that parts of the mop frame can engage with the

pockets. Examples of this type of mop are shown in EP 1 097 667 B1 and in EP 1 033 105 A2.

In general, common for all these types of cleaning implements is that it re- quires a complex motion or a sequence of motions to attach the mop to the mop frame. This requires time and in many cases, the user is forced to use his or her hands to manually operate clips or clamping mechanisms on the mop frame to engage the mop with the mop frame. In other cases, complex mechanisms are present between the mop frame and the handle which allow the user to operate the mop frame clamping mechanism without direct contact to the mop frame and the mop.

On the other hand, mop solutions based on Velcro are very easy to mount, but are difficult to demount. Furthermore, Velcro tends to get damaged and loose its strength over time, especially if the mop to which the Velcro is attached is washed frequently.

Another problem with known mop based cleaning implements is that it is very difficult for a cleaning robot to automatically mount and dismount mops from a mop frame. This is very important for a cleaning robot since the cleaning robot has to frequently exchange dirty mops with clean mops. The known systems are not very suitable for this purpose since the motions required to mount and demount the mop are complex and time consuming.

A mop frame which solves some of the problems discussed above is shown in JP 2672786 B2, JP 3759920 B2, JP 3717902 B2 and JP 3917580 B2. In this solution, clamping rods arranged along the sides of a rectangular base element are arranged to clamp an edge of the mop in towards the edge of the rectangular base element. The clamping rods are actuated to pull in to- wards the rectangular base element by a mechanism which is actuated by a vertical force applied to a foot actuated actuation plate.

However, the mechanism of these mop frames is rather complicated. The mop frames are therefore rather expensive and are not particularly robust.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore a first aspect of the current invention to provide a frame assembly for a mop which is simpler and more robust than the prior art types of frame assemblies for mops.

A second aspect of the current invention is to provide a frame assembly for a mop which can be used by a cleaning robot.

The above mentioned aspects are provided by a frame assembly as men- tioned in the introductory paragraph further comprising a sliding element which slides in a direction which has a component which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base element and in that said motion of said sliding element activates the clamping mechanism. In this way, a simple mechanism is provided which is also robust.

In one embodiment, the frame assembly could comprise two clamping mechanisms, one at each end of the base element. In this way, the frame assembly is suitable for use with an elongated rectangular mop. In this case, each of the two clamping mechanisms could be activated by the same sliding element or by two separate sliding elements.

In order to increase the clamping force while decreasing the activation force required, the clamping mechanism could be arranged such that the clamping mechanism has a variable gearing such that the speed of the clamping ele- ments in the direction towards the centre axis of the base element decreases

in relation to the speed of the sliding element as the clamping elements approach a side edge of the base element.

This could be provided in that the clamping mechanism comprises a linkage mechanism which comprises at least one link which is connected to the sliding element and at least one of the clamping elements. The linkage mechanism could also comprise two links, a first link connected to the sliding element and the first clamping element and a second link connected to the sliding element and the second clamping element.

In the case of this specification, a linkage can be defined as being made up of links and joints. Links can be defined as a rigid body which possesses at least two nodes which are points of attachments to other links. A joint can be defined as a connection between two or more links (at their nodes), which connection allows some motion, or potential motion, between the connected links. A linkage mechanism can be defined as a kinematic chain in which at least one link has been grounded, or attached to the frame of reference (which itself may be in motion). A kinematic chain can be defined as an assemblage of links and joints, interconnected in a way to provide a controlled output motion in response to a supplied input motion. Linkage mechanisms are further defined in many textbooks on mechanical design.

The sliding element could be activated by an activation mechanism which is activated by a force being applied to the activation mechanism in a direction which has a component which is perpendicular to the plane of the base element. This force is easy to apply since the mop is usually arranged on a flat surface which provides support against the force.

In one embodiment the activation mechanism could comprise a linkage mechanism comprising at least two links where a first activation link is connected to the sliding element and the second activation link is connected to

the first element and the base element. A linkage mechanism like this also exhibits a gearing effect. It should be noted that the activation mechanism could also be comprised of a mechanism other than a linkage mechanism, for example a mechanism comprising toothed wheels could also be used.

In another aspect of the invention, a mop is provided which comprises a rectangular base part along the edges of which fringes are arranged, and a first and a second flap, the first flap being arranged along one longitudinal edge of the rectangular base part and which at least partially covers the fringes which are attached along the same longitudinal edge and the second flap being arranged along the opposite longitudinal edge of the rectangular base part and which at least partially covers the fringes which are attached along that longitudinal edge. This mop can be used together with the frame assembly of the current invention. Due to the flaps, the fringes are not caught by the clamping members when they are activated.

In one embodiment, the mop could further comprise a third and a fourth flap which are arranged above respectively the first and second flap and which at least partially cover the first and second flap respectively.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with refer- ence to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be empha-

sized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a frame assembly, in ac- cordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the frame assembly of figure 1 placed over a first embodiment of a mop;

FIGs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 illustrate schematic side views of the sequential steps of holding a mop by the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate schematic perspective views a second embodiment of the frame assembly in different positions;

FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of the activation mechanism of the second embodiment shown in figures 7-9;

FIGs. 11 , 12, 13 and 14 illustrate schematic side views of the sequential steps of holding a second embodiment of a mop by the frame assembly of figure 1 ; and

Figs. 15 - 17 illustrate a frame assembly 1500, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention in two different positions.

Detailed description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 illustrates a frame assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Frame assembly 100 includes a base element 102, which has a width "W" and a length "L". Base element 102 is in the form of a

plate. In an embodiment of the invention, base element 102 is a metal plate. A longitudinal axis of base element 102 is defined along its length. Frame assembly 100 also includes a first clamping member 104a and a second clamping member 104b. First and second clamping members 104a and 104b will be hereinafter referred to as clamping members 104a and 104b. Clamping members 104a and 104b are arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis of base element 102. In one embodiment of the invention, clamping members 104a and 104b are rods for holding a mop 112. Further, clamping members 104a and 104b are connected to clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b. Base element 102 of frame assembly 100 also includes longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. In an embodiment of the invention, edges 114a and 114b have grooves to clamp mop 112.

Clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b are arranged for displacing clamping members 104a and 104b towards the longitudinal edges of base element 102. Clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b are activated by a sliding member 108. Sliding element 108 can slide in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of base element 102. Sliding element 108 is displaced by an activation mechanism 110. In the current embodiment, the activation mecha- nism 110 is activated by a force in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of base element 102. Further, FIG. 1 illustrates a mop 112, which is made of an absorbent material. In the current embodiment, the mop 112 is a disposable mop that can be mounted on frame assembly 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates the frame assembly 100 placed on top of the mop 112. As shown in the figure, when the clamping members are fully extended and when the frame assembly 100 is placed on the mop, the clamping members 104a and 104b extend beyond the longitudinal side edges of mop 112. To fasten the mop 112 to the frame assembly 100, force is applied to activation mechanism 110 in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of base ele-

ment 102 and towards base element 102. On application of a suitable force, activation mechanism 110 displaces sliding element 108. The displacement of sliding element 108 activates clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b to displace clamping members 104a and 104b in such a manner that clamping members 104a and 104b are pulled towards the longitudinal edges 114a, 114b of base element 102. As the clamping members are pulled inwardly, they scrape along the floor. When the clamping members come into contact with the side edges of the mop, the clamping members move underneath the side edges and bend the longitudinal side edges of the mop up. As the clamping members continue in towards the longitudinal side edges of the base element 102, the longitudinal side edges of the mop are clamped in between the clamping members and the longitudinal side edges of the base element. By applying sufficient force to the clamping members, the side edges of the mop are firmly fixed to the side edges of the frame assembly. In this way, the mop is firmly fixed to the frame assembly.

FIGs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 illustrate side views of the sequential steps of fastening the mop 112 to the frame assembly 100. As shown in FIG 3, a handle 302 is connected to the activation mechanism of the frame assembly. By applying force to the handle, force can be applied to activate the activation mechanism 110. Frame assembly 100, mop 112 and handle 302 together forms a cleaning implement 300.

For clamping mop 112 using frame assembly 100, frame assembly 100 is placed on mop 112 as shown in FIG. 4. Frame assembly 100 is placed such that the bottom surface of base element 102 is on top of mop 112. Clamping members 104a and 104b are in extended positions, i.e. clamping members

104a and 104b extend beyond their respective longitudinal edges 114a and

114b of the base element. Further, clamping members 104a and 104b ex- tend beyond the longitudinal side edges of mop 112. Once the frame assem-

bly is positioned on the mop, clamping members 104a and 104b are pulled in towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b to grasp edges of mop 112. In FIG. 5, force 'F' is applied towards the plane of base element 102 in a direction that is perpendicular to it. This force is applied by using handle 302. The force causes activation mechanism 110 to displace sliding element 108. The displacement of sliding element 108 activates clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b. Consequently, clamping members 104a and 104b are pulled towards their respective longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. Clamping members 104a and 104b grasp the edges of mop 112 as a result of their displacement towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. The edges of mop 112 bend above the plane of mop 112 as a result. Clamping members 104a and 104b are further pulled towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. This forces the bent edges of mop 112 to move towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b.

The movement of clamping members 104a and 104b translates into clamping action as the edges of mop 112 also move towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. Finally, as shown in FIG. 6, clamping members 104a and 104 clamp the edges of mop 112 along longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. The edges of mop 112 are sandwiched between clamping members 104a and 104b and longitudinal edges 114a and 114b in the clamping position. As a result mop 112 is held on frame assembly 100.

The frame assembly as described above could be used in different contexts. In one example the handle 302 could be attached to an arm of a cleaning robot. The arm could then be used to apply force on handle 302 to activate activation mechanism 110. Due to the design of the frame assembly, the robot just needs to apply force in a single direction to activate the clamping mechanisms. The frame assembly as described above could also be used together with a normal broom shaft and be used by a human person like a normal manual mop.

FIGs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of the working of a second embodiment of a frame assembly 100, in accordance with the present invention. As in the previous embodiment clamping members 104a and 104b include clamping rods that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of base element 102. Clamping rods are used for clamping the mop 112 to the longitudinal edges of base element 102. Further, clamping members 104a and 104b include displacement rods that are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of base element 102. These rods are displaced by clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b for moving the clamping rods towards the longitudinal edges of base element 102.

Base element 102 is in the form of a plate, and includes one or more guides. In the embodiment of figures 7-9, sliding element 108 is in the form of a thin plate like element which has a rectangular cross section and which slides in a guide 702 provided on base element 102. Guide 702 is positioned along the longitudinal centre axis of base element 102. Activation mechanism 110 displaces sliding element 108 along guide 702 when force is applied on activation mechanism 110 in a downward direction that is perpendicular to the plane of base element 102. The mechanism and the elements of activation mechanism 110 will be further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 10.

The displacement of sliding element 108 activates clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b, to displace clamping members 104a and 104b towards their respective longitudinal edges of base element 102. Clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b are similar in construction and in their operations, and include two links which connect the sliding element with the two clamping members. In the embodiment shown in figures 7-9, clamping mechanism 106a includes a first link 704a and a second link 704b. First link 704a is pivotally connected

at one end to sliding element 108 and at its other end to the displacement rod of clamping member 104a. Similarly, second link 704b is pivotally connected at its first end to sliding element 108 and at its other end to the displacement rod of clamping member 104b. First link 704a and second link 704b are con- nected to sliding element 108 at the same point, such that they form a scissor-like link at the point of connection.

The clamping mechanism 106a includes a guide 706, which is positioned on base element 102 and comprises grooves which are arranged perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis. The displacement rods of clamping members 104a and 104b, are arranged in said grooves and are arranged to be displaceable along the grooves in the guide 706. Since the ends of first link 704a and second link 704b are connected to the displacement rods of clamping members 104a and 104b, the ends of the first and second links also move along the grooves in the guide 706.

Due to this arrangement, when the sliding member is displaced in a direction which is to the right in the figures, the result is a scissor-like extension of first link 704a and second link 704b about the point of connection. Scissor-like extension of first link 704a and second link 704b about the point of connection causes the displacement rods of clamping member 104a and 104b to be displaced in such a manner that the clamping rods of clamping members 104a and 104b are pulled towards the longitudinal edges of base element 102.

In this way, when the sliding member moves to the right in the figures, the clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b move the clamping rods of clamping members 104a and 104b towards the longitudinal edges of base element 102, and away from the longitudinal edges of base element 102 when the

sliding element 108 slides to the left in the figures. The direction of the sliding member controls the mounting and demounting of mop 112 on frame assembly 100. Further, the direction of sliding of sliding element 108 is dependent on the direction of the force applied on activation mechanism 110. For exam- pie, force directed towards base element 102 can be applied for mounting mop 112; while a force that is directed away from base element 102 can be applied for demounting mop 112.

In FIG. 8, activation mechanism 110 displaces sliding element 108 to slide to the right on guide 702 when a downward force is applied on it in a direction that is perpendicular to plane of base element 102. Consequently, sliding element 108 activates clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b to extend the links of clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b about the scissor-like connection point. The extension of first link 704a and second link 704b causes the clamping rods of clamping members 104a and 104b to move towards the corresponding longitudinal edges of base element 102.

FIG. 9 shows the mop-holding position of frame assembly 100. Sliding element 108 has extended the links of clamping mechanisms 106a and 106b completely. Consequently, the clamping rods of clamping members 104a and 104b are pressed on the grooves in the corresponding longitudinal edges of base element 102. This movement of clamping members 104a and 104b causes the flap of the mop to be grasped between clamping members along the longitudinal edges of base element 102 resulting in clamping of the mop. The flap of mop 112 is grasped such that it is sandwiched between the clamping rods of clamping member 104a and 104b and the grooves of longitudinal edges of base element 102.

It should be noted that due to the arrangement of the link mechanism, the speed of the clamping members 104a and 104b decreases with respect to the speed of the sliding element 108 as they approach the longitudinal edges 114a and 114b of the base element. This is a form of gearing. When the clamping members are located far from the longitudinal edges, they move quite quickly with respect to the speed of the sliding member, whereas when they are close to the longitudinal edges they move quite slowly with respect to the speed of the sliding member. As the speed decreases, the force transfer between the sliding member and the clamping member increases. In this way, the force applied by the clamping members to the edges of the mop when they clamping members are pulled all the way in can be quite large. This means that a large clamping force can be applied to the mop by the clamping members without requiring a large force to be applied to the activation mechanism.

FIG. 10 illustrates activation mechanism 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Activation mechanism 110 includes a first activation link 1002 and a second activation link 1004. First activation link 1002 is pivotally connected to sliding element 108. There can be one or more hinges between first activation link 1002 and sliding element 108. Further, second activation link 1004 is pivotally connected to first activation link 1002 and base element 102. The connection between second activation link 1004 and base element 102 restricts the motion of second activation link 1004 only to the pivotal motion around the point of connection. Further, first activation link 1002 and second activation link 1004 are arranged such that they extend above the plane of base element 102. Application of force at the point where first activation link 1002 and second activation link 1004 are pivotally connected to each other causes the point of connection of first activation link 1002 and sliding element 108 to move away from the point of connection of second activation link 1004 and base element 102. As a result, sliding mem-

ber 108 slides along guide 702 on base element 102. In the current embodiment, second activation link 1004 includes two locking links 1006a and 1006b, which can be used to lock the positions of first activation link 1002 and second activation link 1004 when frame assembly 100 is holding a mop. Activation mechanism 110 also includes links to connect a handle that can be used to apply force above the point where first activation link 1002 and second activation link 1004 are pivotally connected.

As mentioned in connection with the clamping mechanisms above, the ar- rangement of the link mechanism of the activation mechanism provides a sort of gearing to the frame assembly such that as the activation mechanism reaches is end position, the speed decreases and the force transfer increases.

FIGs. 11 , 12, 13 and 14 illustrate side views of sequential steps of holding a second embodiment of a mop 112 by frame assembly 100. The second embodiment of a mop 112 of cleaning implement 300 includes fringes 1102a and 1102b arranged along the sides of the mop. Fringes 1102a and 1102b can be made of material such as cloth, fabric, and the like. Fringes 1102a and 1102b aid the process of cleaning by using mop 112. A first flap 1104a and a second flap 1104b are also provided on mop 112. First flap 1104a and second flap 1104b partially cover fringes 1102a and 1102b. Moreover, mop 112 includes a third flap 1106a and a fourth flap 1106b that partially cover first and second flap 1104a and 1104b. Third and fourth flap 1106a and 1106b are designed to be grasped by clamping members 104a and 104b and be held along longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. The length of first and second flaps 1104a and 1104b are chosen such that they are greater than the length of third and fourth flaps 1106a and 1106b. In the current embodiment, the flaps are arranged such that a V-shaped gap is formed between first flap

1104a and third flap 1106a and between second flap 1104b and fourth flap 1106b.

As shown in FIG. 12, frame assembly 100 is placed on top of mop 112. Clamping member 104a and 104b are in their extended positions. Due to the dimensions of the mop and the dimensions of the frame assembly, the clamping member 104a is arranged between the free edge of the first flap 1104a and the free edge of the third flap 1106a. Similarly, clamping member 104b is arranged between the free edge of the second flap 1104b and the free edge of the fourth flap 1106b when frame assembly 100 is placed on mop 112. After placing frame assembly 100 on mop 112, a downward force 'F' is applied by using handle 302 that causes clamping members 104a and 104b to move towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13, as the clamping member 104a moves towards the longitu- dinal edge of the base element, the clamping member engages the gap between first flap 1104a and third flap 1106a. Thereafter, third flap 1106a bends because of the action of clamping member 104a. Similarly, clamping member 104b engages the gap between second flap 1104b and fourth flap 1106b and causes fourth flap 1106b to bend. Clamping members 104a and 104b are then further moved towards longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. This causes third and fourth flap 1106a and 1106b to further bend toward longitudinal edges 114a and 114b. In FIG. 14, clamping members 104a and 104b are moved even closer to the longitudinal edges therefore further bending the third flap 1106a and fourth flap 1106b towards the grooves of longitudinal edges 114a and 114b, respectively. This bending of third flap 1106a and fourth flap 1106b causes first flap 1104a and second flap 1104b to lift above the plane of mop 112. The first and second flaps are therefore not in contact with the fringes when the mop is properly fastened to the frame assembly. For clamping mop 112, clamping member 104a and 104b are moved further towards the base element 102. Consequently, third flap 1106a and fourth flap

1106b are sandwiched between clamping members 104a and 104b and grooves of longitudinal edges 114a and 114b respectively.

FIG. 15 through 17 illustrate a frame assembly 1500, in accordance with an- other embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 shows the assembly in a position where the clamping mechanism is open. Figure 17 shows the assembly in a position where the clamping mechanism is closed and figure 16 shows a position in between the open and closed position. In the closed position, a mop (not shown) will be clamped fast to the frame assembly in the same way as shown in figure 6 and figure 14. The clamping details are therefore the same as with the other embodiments, but the clamping mechanism is different.

Frame assembly 1500 includes a base element 1502, which has a width "W" and a length "L" and is in form of a plate with longitudinal side edges 1503. As can be seen from the figures, a first longitudinal side edge is longer than the second longitudinal side edge. This means that the tips of the base element are angled. This allows the mop to get into tight spaces.

Frame assembly 1500 also includes a first clamping member 1504a and a second clamping member 1504b arranged on each side of the longitudinal axis of the base element 1502. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are part of a first wire assembly 1506a and a second wire assembly 1506b respectively. The wire assemblies are formed from a bent metal wire which is chosen from a material which is quite stiff, for example spring steel. The wire assemblies could each be described as a closed loop where the clamping members are arranged as the outer side of the loop. On the inner side of the loop, a portion of the wire assembly is arranged with two sloping portions 1508. The sloping portions are arranged one on each side of

the centre transverse axis of the base element. The sloping portions are arranged inside channels 1510 of two separate sliding elements 1512. The sliding elements are arranged to be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the base element in opposite directions. In other words, the sliding elements can either be moved from the centre of the base element towards the outer edges of the base element or from the outer edges of the base element towards the centre of the base element.

The channels 1510 in the sliding elements and the sloping portions of the wire assemblies are arranged such that as the sliding elements are moved in or out along the longitudinal axis of the base element, the wire assemblies are moved away from the longitudinal centre axis of the base element or in towards the longitudinal centre line of the base element respectively. As the wire assemblies move in or out, the clamping members of the wire assem- blies also move in or out. According to the language of the specification, the sloping portions of the wire assemblies and the channels in the sliding elements can be considered a sort of clamping mechanism.

It should be noted that in the current embodiment the sloping portions have a non linear path. In other words, the slope of the sloping portion at the inner side (closer to the centre of the base element) is steeper than the slope of the sloping portion at the outer side (away from the centre of the base element). This allows the sloping portion to act as a sort of gearing. As the clamping member nears the longitudinal edge of the base element, the speed of the motion is reduced and the clamping force is increased due to the reduced slope of the sloping portion. This allows the clamping member to squeeze the mop edge tightly between the clamping member and the longitudinal edge of the base element without the need for a large input force from the operator.

An activation mechanism 1514 is provided to displace the sliding elements. The activation mechanism comprises a first plate 1516 and a second plate 1518. A first end of the first plate is pivotably connected to the first sliding element and a second end of the first plate is pivotably connected to a first end of the second plate. The second end of the second plate is pivotably connected to the second sliding element. A mop handle (not shown) is connected to the activation mechanism at the point of connection 1520 between the first plate and the second plate. By moving the connection point 1520 up or down, the sliding elements are moved in or out respectively. It should also be noted that the activation mechanism acts with a sort of gearing, whereby the speed of the sliding elements in an outwards direction decreases with respect to the speed of the connection point 1520 as the connection point moves downwards. However, the force exerted on the sliding elements is increased with respect to the input force at the connection point as the connection point moves downwards.

Guide elements 1522 are provided at each end of the base element. The guide elements have a flange which extends above the ends of the wire as- semblies and prevents them from bending upwards. A locking mechanism 1524, 1526 is provided to lock the activation mechanism in the clamping position. The locking mechanism comprises a sloped tab 1524 attached to the second plate and a flexible flange 1526 attached to the base element. As the second plate pivots downwards, the sloped tab 1524 contacts the flexible flange and slowly presses it inwards. As the sloped tab is forced even further downwards, the sloped tab passes the flexible flange and the flexible flange springs out thereby locking the sloped tab underneath the flexible flange. In order to unlock the mechanism, the user presses the flexible flanges inwardly and releases the sloped tabs.

The current embodiment has the advantage of being relatively simple and light weight. In addition, there are few components and many of the components could be made from plastic. It should also be mentioned that in the current embodiment, the clamping members are shown as integrated with the wire assemblies. However, it could also be imagined that the clamping members were made from a separate material and were connected to a wire assembly. It should be obvious to the person skilled in the art that other embodiments which are based on the current embodiment could also be provided.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning implement that includes a frame assembly for holding a mop. The frame assembly includes a mechanism that is simple to operate for mounting and demounting the mop. Further, the frame assembly can be easily attached with a robotic cleaning arm.

It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Detailed description of the mechanical details has not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description.