Reusable flat mop, cleaning unit and method for impregnating reusable flat mops

Abstract

Reusable flat mop with a cover sheet side made of or containing at least one cover sheet layer and with an opposite cleaning side made of or containing at least one cleaning layer, and with at least one intermediate layer arranged between the cover sheet layer and the cleaning layer, characterized in that which includes at least one cleaning layer consisting of a front-facing, warp-knitted loop trim, comprising or consisting of formed from or containing first loops, in particular endless loops, consisting of or containing first fibers in the form of microfibers, or comprising such a layer, in that the at least one cover layer is or comprises a pre-shrunk or shrunk knitted or woven plastic fiber layer, that the cover sheet layer is designed to be permeable to disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids on both sides, that the reusable flat mop is designed in such a way that the cleaning layer can be impregnated or wetted with the disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids by the disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids passing through from the cover sheet, that the intermediate layer comprises or is formed from at least one circular knitted or warp-knitted terry layer containing or formed from microfiber material, in particular PET fibers, that the first fibers in the form of microfibers in the first loops are made of or contain these microfibers in the form of twisted yarns, in particular twisted continuous yarns, that the first loops comprise or represent twisted loops.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable flat mop, in particular for cleanroom cleaning, a cleaning unit containing the reusable flat mop and a method for impregnating these reusable flat mops.

[0002] Cleaning companies regularly use flat mops to clean floors. For cost and environmental reasons, reusable flat mops are most commonly used. Common flat mops are essentially flat and elongated. They have attachment points on the top for a mop holder. Often, these are holder pockets located at the ends of the elongated top surface. The reusable flat mop is typically moistened by fully or partially immersing it in a container filled with liquid. This usually requires a cleaning cart with at least two or more containers: a first container for the cleaning fluid, another for wringing out the moistened mop, and a container for used mops.Especially for cleanroom cleaning, such a complex system with a press for wringing out the mop introduces a multitude of contamination sources.

[0003] DE 200 04 583 U1 describes a floor mop with a substantially rectangular shape, featuring a cleaning surface on one side and two diametrically opposed pockets on the opposite side for receiving the ends of a chipboard. The floor mop comprises at least two layers of material, the first layer forming the cleaning surface. The first layer is positioned against the underside of a second layer, with the pockets formed by folding diametrically opposite ends of one layer back along fold lines, substantially against a side of the second layer facing away from the first. The first and second layers are connected longitudinally via free longitudinal edges of the floor mop. Such a floor mop is intended to provide particularly easily accessible pockets for a chipboard.

[0004] DE 20 2007 011 580 U1 describes a mop with a top sheet made of durable synthetic fibers and a wiping surface made of microfiber plush. The wiping surfaces have freely movable lamellae on the underside of the flat mop at the edges.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2012 012 402 describes a flat wiper cover for cleanrooms, wherein the textile material can be knitted, woven, or nonwoven fabric. The flat wiper cover has a pivoting cleaning lip. The cleaning surface does not have a base fabric with applied threads.

[0006] German patent DE 101 34 948 also describes a mop system for cleanrooms, where the mop exhibits improved absorption of chemicals, water, and oils. It utilizes loops made of yarn cords constructed from ultra-fine continuous polyester yarn or nylon. The top layer can be made of PU-coated raschel cloth or PVC (polyvinyl chloride)-coated mesh fabric.

[0007] A particular challenge in the development of flat mop systems for cleanrooms is the controlled supply of disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids for optimal wetting. If the flat mop is not sufficiently saturated or moistened, a continuous film of liquid is often not formed on the surface to be cleaned. Complete disinfection or cleaning does not occur. Conversely, if too much liquid is introduced into the mop during saturation, there is a risk that dirt particles will not be absorbed by the fiber structure of the cleaning surface or will be trapped within it.

[0008] A system for the controlled moistening of flat mops is disclosed in DE 20 2009 018 838 U1. This system comprises a moistening reservoir with a transfer element for transferring a predetermined quantity of liquid. Known flat mop systems often require a large contact area with the liquid in order to immerse the flat mop.

[0009] The present invention was therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and providing a reusable flat mop that enables reliable and controlled humidification, particularly of cleanrooms. Furthermore, it is an objective to provide a reusable flat mop that can also be used with conventional flat mop holders and humidification systems. A further objective is to provide a suitable cleaning unit for a reusable flat mop according to the invention.

[0010] Accordingly, a reusable flat mop according to the features of claim 1 was found.

[0011] With the reusable flat mop according to the invention, disinfectant and / or cleaning fluid can be readily absorbed via the cover sheet and directed in a controlled manner to the cleaning surface. Typically, the cover sheets of reusable flat mops for cleanrooms are sealed to be liquid-tight. This is advantageous because such a seal effectively reduces particle emission. Surprisingly, however, it has been shown that, on the one hand, low particle emission can also be achieved without the liquid-tight seal, and on the other hand, that using a liquid- and gas-permeable cover sheet offers significant advantages in the wetting, drying, and use of the flat mop according to the invention.

[0012] This ensures that, by applying the disinfectant and / or cleaning fluid to the mop via the top sheet, only the clean top sheet, and not the contaminated cleaning side, comes into contact with the fluid. For example, the fluid can be sprayed onto the top sheet or applied by gravity. Accordingly, the reusable flat mop according to the invention can be moistened several times from above, even though the underside has an increased particle load after use. This repeated moistening ensures an optimal moisture level of the reusable flat mop during the wiping process.

[0013] Using at least two layers simplifies the design of the front and back sides. While a higher material volume on the front side regularly offers advantages for optimizing cleaning performance, the back side preferably has no bristles or loops. Such a structure would increase the risk of particle emission when inserting the flat mop holder. Furthermore, the top layer used has the advantage that even with frequent insertion of the flat mop holder into the pocket on the top layer, it does not become brittle or show signs of chipping or abrasion. Different layers of the flat mop allow it to meet the various requirements of cleanroom cleaning.

[0014] In this regard, at least one intermediate layer is provided, so that, regardless of the coating of the front and back sides, a particularly absorbent material can be used. Accordingly, at least one intermediate layer is arranged between the back or cover layer and the front or cleaning layer. Intermediate layers comprising or formed from circular-knitted or warp-knitted terry cloth layers, containing or formed from microfiber material, exhibit good liquid retention and surface cleaning performance. Suitable fibers or microfibers include polyamide fibers, in particular polyamide microfibers, and / or polyester fibers, in particular polyester microfibers, especially polyethylene terephthalate microfibers, preferably polyester microfibers.Additionally, at least one, and in particular at least two, preferably unbonded, nonwoven layers, preferably containing or consisting of polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and / or at least one layer of foamed material can be provided as an intermediate layer. A suitable intermediate layer can preferably absorb at least four times its own weight in water. This makes it particularly suitable for increasing the absorbency of the reusable flat mop.

[0015] Furthermore, the reusable flat mop according to the invention allows for a reduced contamination with bacterial cultures through an accelerated drying process. Conventional flat mops for cleanrooms with moisture-impermeable, sealed covers allow the damp mop to be dried after use, if necessary, only via the cleaning side. The resulting prolonged retention of warm moisture beneath the cover increases the risk of bacterial growth. This must be avoided at all costs, especially in cleanrooms.

[0016] Another advantage over conventional cleanroom flat mops with sealed top sheets becomes apparent during use: The flat mop is applied to the surface to be cleaned during wiping. The user then applies pressure to the mop, compressing the material. Depending on the pressure exerted, liquid is displaced from the mop. With a conventional flat mop, liquid cannot escape through the top sheet, so the excess liquid is applied to the surface being cleaned via the cleaning side. This can create an accumulation of liquid on the surface, contaminated with particles from the previously used mop. A permeable top sheet is advantageous in preventing this possibility of particle (back)emission.When the user presses down, the liquid is forced through the cover sheet. However, the excess liquid does not come into contact with the cleanroom and is reabsorbed during the subsequent cleaning process or when the pressure is released. No particles are released in this process, and the liquid ensures continuous, optimal moistening of the flat mop. As can be seen from the prior art, the controlled application of a predefined amount of liquid is of paramount importance, at least in cleanrooms. The flat mop according to the invention avoids the disadvantages of overdosing. Furthermore, it is possible to selectively choose a higher dosage due to the cover sheet of the reusable flat mop according to the invention. This is particularly important in cleanrooms.

[0017] For the purposes of the present invention, a cleanroom is understood to be a room in which the number and size of particles in the ambient air are controlled. Cleanrooms are classified into nine classes (ISO 1-9) according to DIN EN ISO 14644-1, with each class specifying particular limits for particle size and number.

[0018] Fiber materials, especially microfibers, or continuous fibers and particularly continuous microfibers, are advantageously characterized by their durability and dimensional stability. Microfibers, in particular, release significantly fewer particles than conventional natural fibers. They generally comprise ultrafine fibers that can penetrate even the smallest irregularities on a surface more effectively and capture particles there. These materials typically absorb very little water, are relatively break-resistant, and exhibit high dimensional stability as well as good chemical and thermal resistance.

[0019] Microfibers as defined in the invention are typically very fine fibers with a fineness of less than or equal to 1.0 denier. Fibers or microfibers with a fineness of less than or equal to 1.5 denier, preferably less than or equal to 1 denier or 1 dtex, and especially in the range of 0.3 dtex to 0.8 dtex, are particularly suitable for the purposes of the present invention.

[0020] According to a first embodiment of a reusable flat mop of the present invention, the front loop trim is formed essentially entirely of loops (first loops), in particular continuous loops, made of fibers with a fineness of less than or equal to 1.5 denier, in particular microfibers (first fiber), in particular continuous microfibers. Preferably, in this first embodiment, essentially all loops of the loop trim have fibers of a substantially uniform fineness.

[0021] According to a second embodiment of a reusable flat mop of the present invention, it is provided that, in addition to the first loops described, it further comprises additional loops (second loops) containing or consisting of further fibers (second fibers), wherein the further, second loops have a greater stiffness than the first loops, in particular made of or containing microfibers, and / or wherein the second fibers have a coarser fineness than the first fibers, and that a plurality of first loops, in particular made of or containing microfibers, are present in at least a first area and a plurality of loops (second loops) that have a greater stiffness than the first loops, in particular made of or containing microfibers, are present in at least a second area.Particularly advantageous are embodiments in which the first and second areas are formed in strips and these strip-shaped areas are arranged alternately, with these strip-shaped areas extending essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reusable flat mop, which is particularly rectangular in shape, over at least a portion of the cleaning surface or completely over the cleaning surface. The additional fibers (secondary fibers) are suitably polypropylene fibers, preferably with a fineness above 30 denier and particularly preferably in the range of 35 denier to 50 denier. It is particularly preferred if the additional loops (secondary loops) are formed predominantly or essentially entirely of polypropylene fibers.First and second fibers regularly differ in that the first fibers, which form the first loops, have a finer fineness than the second fibers, which form the further, second loops; i.e., the den or dtex value of these first fibers is smaller than that of the second fibers.

[0022] Thus, in order to meet the various cleaning requirements, an embodiment according to the invention has bristle or loop structures made of different materials. Preferably, the bristle or loop structure on the front side of the cleaning layer has at least two areas, in particular a plurality of areas, with loops of different stiffness or hardness. Preferably, the plurality of areas comprises two area types, with each area type being assigned a fiber type. In a suitable embodiment, the first area type can have a first fiber type in the form of microfibers, in particular polyester microfibers, and a second area type can have a second fiber type in the form of harder or stiffer and / or coarser fibers, preferably harder or stiffer and coarser fibers than the first fiber type, in particular in the form of brush strips made of polypropylene loops.Preferably, the areas with loops of varying stiffness or hardness are formed in a strip-like shape, and these strip-like areas are arranged alternately. In a suitable embodiment, the strip-like areas extend longitudinally to the main axis of the reusable flat mop over at least a portion of the cleaning surface. Preferably, the strip-like areas are oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal side of the flat mop.

[0023] The microfibers (first fibers) in the loops, and possibly also the subsequent fibers (second fibers), are in the form of twisted yarns, particularly twisted continuous yarns. To optimize cleaning performance, the first loops, especially the first and second loops, comprise or represent twisted loops. Using loops made of continuous yarns formed from first fibers in the form of microfibers offers the advantage that, for example, no lint or fiber remnants are released due to the absence of open or cut ends. The use of twisted loops based on twisted microfiber yarns results in a permanently dimensionally stable loop lining. This lining retains its shape even after repeated autoclaving and cleaning cycles.Moreover, such a loop design results in very good gliding properties.

[0024] It has proven advantageous that the fibers, in particular microfibers, (first fibers) of the loops (first loops) of the loop trim on the front side comprise or are polyamide or polyester, in particular polyamide microfibers or polyester microfibers, in particular PET microfibers, or split conjugated microfibers, in particular polyamide / polyester microfibers, and / or that the loops made of or containing fibers, in particular microfibers, (first loops) are predominantly or substantially entirely composed of polyamide microfibers or polyester microfibers, in particular PET microfibers, or split conjugated microfibers, in particular polyamide / polyester microfibers. Among the conjugated fibers, in particular microfibers, those are particularly suitable whose polyester fiber content is in the range of 60 to 90 wt.%, in particular in the range of 65 to 85 wt.%, and whose polyamide fiber content is in the range of 10 to 40 wt.%.-%, especially in the range of 15 to 35 wt.%.

[0025] Polyester fibers, especially polyethylene terephthalate fibers, generally exhibit lower particle emissions than natural fibers and are sufficiently soft and dimensionally stable. Their high durability is also advantageous.

[0026] The loop reinforcement of the reusable mops according to the invention is a warp-knitted loop reinforcement. It is also possible that the first loops and, optionally, the second loops are warp-knitted loops or twist pile loops, in particular warp-knitted twist pile loops. Twist pile loops provide loops or loop reinforcements with high dimensional stability and good gliding properties.

[0027] In order to achieve a satisfactory cleaning performance for many applications, it has proven advantageous if the first loops, in particular made of or containing microfibers, and optionally also the loops made of or containing the further fibers (second loops), each have a loop height in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm, in particular in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm and particularly preferably in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0028] The use of these loops can increase the stability of the cleaning layer while keeping particle emissions low.

[0029] Loops, as defined in the invention, are synonymous with the term slings.

[0030] To attach the flat mop holder, special fastening means can be provided on the top side of the flat mop. Suitable fastening means have proven to be pockets, in particular two pockets, each with an opening for a flat mop holder. These can be used in conjunction with commercially available flat mop holders. The use of special flat mop holders that have a moistening system for the top side is also possible in principle. By using a conventional system for attaching flat mops, the user can freely choose whether to use a conventional flat mop holder or a special flat mop holder with a moistening system for the top side. Even when using conventional flat mop holders, many of the essential advantages of the invention are retained, as already described.

[0031] In one embodiment, the pocket(s) can be created by folding over one or more edge sections of the flat mop, so that in the area of ​​the pocket(s) the material of the back layer overlaps and / or the folded-over edge sections are sewn together along their circumferential edges to form the pocket. This allows the material to be reinforced compared to a single layer, resulting in reduced flexibility of the pockets. The increased dimensional stability of the pockets facilitates the insertion of the flat mop holder. Furthermore, the folding creates a sealed hem, thus reducing particle emission in this area.A hem within the meaning of the present invention is the edge of a woven, knitted or crocheted fabric, wherein the woven, knitted or crocheted fabric has been folded over at said edge.

[0032] Access pockets with openings featuring a hem are therefore preferred. Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the hem is reinforced. Preferably, the access openings have a length of at least 10 cm and / or a height of at least 0.5 cm when no external force is applied, with the height being determined as the vertical distance between the hem and the cover sheet surface at the center of the access openings.

[0033] Although various methods exist for reinforcing hems, it has proven advantageous for the reinforced hem to have at least one section, preferably located within the hem itself, containing or consisting of plastic, in particular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or metal, in particular at least one plastic or metal rib. In contrast to conventional methods, this utilizes the cavity that is typically formed when a fabric is folded over. This allows, for example, metal or preferably plastic ribs to be fixed without the need to glue them to the hem material. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for fixing agents such as adhesives, thus preventing particle emissions from these fixing agents in addition to reducing material consumption.Furthermore, adhesives in particular may be soluble in disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids, so that permanent fixation is not guaranteed. Suitable materials include plastics and metals that are moisture-resistant. Corrosion-resistant or corrosion-protected metals are preferable. For the purposes of this invention, metals also include metal alloys and, in particular, stainless steel. Suitable plastics are preferably solvent-stable. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has proven particularly suitable. The plastic or metal ribs are preferably dimensionally stable at 25°C and especially preferably elastic. Dimensionally stable means that the essential shape is not permanently altered by the force typically applied during use of the flat mop.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one gripping pocket has at least one recess on the side opposite the gripping opening, particularly in the corner region(s) of the gripping pocket. This has proven advantageous. On the one hand, the user can see whether the flat mop holder has been correctly inserted into the corners of the gripping pocket, and on the other hand, the recess prevents liquid from accumulating inside the pockets, as these recesses serve as outlets for liquid that has entered the gripping pocket through the gripping pocket opening.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cover sheet of the reusable flat mop according to the invention has at least one hand pocket, in particular two spaced-apart hand pockets, with a hand opening for a flat mop holder, wherein the at least one hand pocket comprises a layer of a, in particular pre-shrunk or shrunk, knitted plastic fiber fabric, wherein the plastic fibers, in particular polyester fibers, are fully drawn fibers (FDY). In this embodiment, the hand pocket comprises opposing first and second side edges and a bottom edge opposite the opening of this hand pocket, wherein the hand pocket is connected, in particular sewn, to the cover sheet layer in the area of ​​the first and second side edges and the bottom edge.In this embodiment, the opening of the access pocket has a hem in which at least one stiffening material strip is present, preferably containing at least one plastic knitted, woven or crocheted strip coated on both sides with polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, wherein at least one passage opening for cleaning fluid is present in the area of ​​at least one side edge and / or the bottom edge and / or in the transition from side edge to bottom edge, and wherein the distance between the points where the opposing side edges are connected to the top layer is less than the extent of the material of the access pocket between these connection points.

[0036] Furthermore, in one embodiment it can be provided that the fiber material of the intermediate layer has a medium fineness in the range of 0.5 dtex to 4 dtex, in particular in the range of 1 dtex to 3 dtex and especially preferably in the range of 1.5 dtex to 2.5 dtex.

[0037] Reusable flat mops according to the invention are particularly suitable in which the at least one intermediate layer made of microfiber material has a basis weight of at least 150 g / m². 2 or in the range of 150 g / m² 2 up to 400 g / m² 2 , preferably of at least 200 g / m² 2 or in the range of 200 g / m² 2 up to 350 g / m² 2 , and particularly preferably of at least 250 g / m² 2 or in the range of 250 g / m² 2 up to 300 g / m² 2, has. It has proven advantageous to select a higher basis weight for the top layer than for the intermediate layer and / or the front layer. Reusable flat mops according to the invention are therefore also suitable if the back or top layer has a basis weight of at least 250 g / m². 2 or in the range of 250 g / m² 2 up to 1000 g / m² 2 , in particular of at least 400 g / m² 2 or in the range of 400 g / m² 2 up to 750 g / m² 2 , and particularly preferably of at least 450 g / m² 2 or in the range of 450 g / m² 2 up to 600 g / m² 2 , exhibits.

[0038] An advantageous embodiment of the reusable flat mop according to the invention provides that the top layer has perforations. This generally increases liquid permeability, thus enabling accelerated transfer through the top layer. Aeration is also improved without generating higher particle emissions. In a further advantageous embodiment, the fibers of the top layer and / or the top layer itself may be coated with polyurethane (PU). PU typically increases mechanical stability, with spacing between the fibers or subsequently introduced perforations preferably ensuring high liquid permeability.

[0039] The top layer comprises or consists of thermally pre-shrunk fibers. This is usually advantageous for mechanical and thermal stability. Thermal pre-shrunkenness can take place, for example, at temperatures in the range of approximately 80°C to 180°C. Suitable pre-shrunkenness methods are known to those skilled in the art. Reusable flat mops are regularly autoclaved to enable their reuse, particularly for cleaning sterile cleanrooms. During this autoclaving process, pre-shrunk top layers are generally subjected to a further, final shrinking process. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the fiber knit of the back or top layer comprises or is formed from fully drawn fibers (FDY). The fibers of the fiber knit of the back or top layer preferably comprise or represent polyester fibers, especially PET fibers. The fineness of the fibers of the fiber knit of the back or top layer is determined by the specific properties of the fibers.The top layer is preferably in the range of 1.0 denier to 5.0 denier, and particularly preferably in the range of 2.0 denier to 4.0 denier. For the top layer of the reusable mops according to the invention, so-called tightly woven fiber knits are preferably used. It has proven advantageous if the fiber knit layer of the top layer has a stitch density in the range of 20 to 48 stitches per inch (gauge), preferably in the range of 24 to 36 stitches per inch (gauge). Such top layers have proven to be particularly robust against mechanical influences; for example, they do not tear, without losing their good absorbency.

[0040] The flat mop according to the invention is preferably suitable for cleaning cleanrooms. It is therefore particularly preferably a reusable cleanroom cleaning mop. A suitable embodiment of a reusable flat mop or a reusable cleanroom cleaning mop provides that the flat mop is sterile. Preferably, the reusable flat mop is designed and equipped to clean cleanrooms of classes ISO 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and / or 9 (GMP A / B, C, D). Preferably, the reusable flat mop is designed and equipped for cleanrooms of classes 5 or 4. It is clear to those skilled in the art that flat mops designed and equipped, for example, for cleanrooms of class 4 also meet the requirements of classes 5 to 9. The classes are defined according to ISO 14644-1 and determine the number of permissible particles depending on the particle size. A flat mop suitable for an ISO class 1 cleanroom should emit virtually no particles >= 100 nm.

[0041] Preferably, the bristle or loop structure of the flat mop according to the invention is closed. This enables high durability and low particle emission, and reduces the risk of fiber breakage. To further reduce particle emission, the material edges are preferably sealed in suitable embodiments. In particular, the top layer, the cleaning layer, and optionally also the intermediate layer preferably have sealed material edges. Preferably, all material edges found on an outer surface of the reusable flat mop are sealed in a suitable manner. The sealed material edges can be created, at least partially, by overstitching with a strip of woven, knitted, or crocheted plastic fabric, preferably with a width of ≤ 1 cm, wherein the strips are attached, at least in some areas, with one, preferably two, seams.Overstitching with a strip of woven, knitted, or crocheted plastic can also constitute a form of sealing. However, in a particularly suitable embodiment, overstitching combined with an additional sealing process is also provided. Such sealing could, for example, also be achieved through a thermal process.

[0042] One embodiment provides that the cover sheet and the hem essentially comprise the same surface structure made from the same base material.

[0043] Furthermore, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a cleaning unit comprising an actuating element, in particular a handle, and, connected or connectable to the actuating element, a reusable flat mop holder and a reusable flat mop according to the invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a method for impregnating at least two, and in particular a plurality, of reusable flat mops according to the patent. The reusable flat mops are stacked on top of each other in a liquid-tight sealable box, preferably so that the cleaning side of the uppermost reusable flat mop comes into contact with the top side of the reusable flat mop below. The box is then partially filled with disinfectant and / or cleaning fluid, the box is subsequently sealed liquid-tight, and then rotated 180° so that the bottom of the box becomes the top. The box is then rotated another 180° so that it rests on the bottom of the box again. The liquid-, moisture-, and gas-permeable top side according to the invention is particularly advantageous in this process.If the cover sheet is sealed, optimal wetting can be hindered by the formation of air pockets near or within the underside of the cover sheet. The sealing of the cover sheet makes it difficult for the air to displace. This problem can be avoided by the cover sheet according to the invention. Gas and moisture can pass through the cover sheet, thus ensuring optimal wetting of both the cover sheet and the cover sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the reusable flat mops according to the invention allow the cleaning side, i.e., the looped trim of the cleaning side, to be soaked via the back or cover sheet even without turning the mop twice by 180 degrees in a closed box.In this process, the top surface of the flat, reusable flat mop is sprinkled with a cleaning fluid from above, for example using a suitable sieve device that allows the cleaning fluid to be distributed over a wide area and at the same time dispensed in essentially the same dose everywhere.

[0045] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained by way of illustration with reference to schematic drawings, without thereby limiting the invention. These drawings show: Fig. 1: A schematic view of the cover page of a first embodiment of a reusable flat mop according to the invention; Fig. 2: A schematic view of the front of a first embodiment of a reusable flat mop according to the invention; Fig. 3: A schematic view of the cover side of a second embodiment of a reusable flat mop according to the invention; Fig. 4: A schematic view of the front of a second embodiment of a reusable flat mop according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment 1 of a reusable flat mop. Fig. Figure 1 shows the cover sheet 2 of embodiment 1. At both ends of the cover sheet, two pockets 3 for a reusable flat mop holder are shown. Each of the two pockets 3 has a hem 5 that borders the opening 12 on one side. The hem 5 is formed by folding over a layer of fabric in the respective pocket 3, so that the reverse sides of two sections of the pocket-forming fabric layer abut each other when folded over. These sections are joined to each other by a seam 4, spaced apart from the hem 5. A region 11 extends between the seam 4 and the edge of the hem 5. This region 11 contains a plastic bridge between the sections of the pocket-forming fabric layer that correspond to the upper and lower sides of the pockets.The two hand pockets 3 each have, in addition to one hand opening 12, two cutouts 10 in the corner areas. The four corner cutouts 10 of the two hand pockets 3 each also have a cutout edge 13, the edge of which is sealed with a plastic textile strip 15, preferably with a width ≤ 1 cm, which is attached by a seam 6. A portion of the plastic textile strip 15 also connects the hand pockets 3 to the cover layer 2 on opposite sides. An edge area of ​​the cover layer is covered by a plastic textile hem 14 that runs around the cover layer. The plastic textile hem 14 is composed of segments, each of which is attached by two parallel seams 8a, 8b. The inner seam 8a joins several layers of the flat mop.The segments of the peripheral plastic hem 14 thus fix the folded-over section 9 of the front material to the remaining layers of the flat mop, and this section 9 therefore lies against the top sheet 2. Simultaneously, the plastic hem 14 encloses the edge of the folded-over section 9, with the seam 8b connecting only the plastic hem 14 to the edge of the folded-over section 9. Unlike seam 8a, seam 8b does not penetrate the other layers of the flat mop. This has the advantage that the edges of the flat mop are also available as a wiping surface. The seams 8a and 8b provide improved sealing, which is particularly important in cleanrooms. The material of the folded-over section 9 has a loop structure with twisted loops, analogous to the front.To improve the permeability of liquid and / or moisture, the cover sheet preferably has a large number of perforations 7.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows the front side 18 of the reusable flat mop 1 with a loop structure featuring twisted loops. The reusable flat mop preferably has vertical seams 16 and, in particular, several horizontal seams 17. The seams 16, 17 connect the front layer to the layers on the back, including the layer forming the top sheet. The front layer is essentially homogeneous and features loops made of microfibers. The continuous seams 16 of the front layer are also present on the top sheet. Fig. 1 visible.

[0048] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment 1' of a reusable flat mop. Fig. Figure 3 shows the cover sheet 2' of embodiment 1'. At both ends of the cover sheet, two pockets 3' for a reusable flat mop holder are shown. Each of the two pockets 3' has a hem 5' that forms the boundary of the opening 12' on one side. The hem 5' is formed by folding over a layer of fabric in the respective pocket 3', so that the reverse sides of two sections of the pocket-forming fabric lie against each other when folded over. These sections are joined together by a seam 4' at a distance from the hem 5'. A region 11' extends between the seam 4' and the edge of the hem 5'. This region 11' contains a plastic bridge between the sections of the pocket-forming fabric that correspond to the upper and lower sides of the pockets.The two access pockets 3' each have, in addition to one access opening 12', two recesses 10' in the corner regions. The four corner recesses 10' of the two access pockets 3' each also have a recess edge region 13', the edge of which is sealed with a plastic textile strip 15', preferably with a width ≤ 1 cm, which is attached by a seam 6'. A portion of the plastic textile strip 15' also connects the access pockets 3' to the cover sheet 2' on opposite sides. An edge region of the cover sheet is covered by a plastic textile hem 14' that runs around the cover sheet. The plastic textile hem 14' is composed of segments, each of which is attached by two parallel seams 8a', 8b'. The inner seam 8 a' connects several layers of the flat mop.The segments of the peripheral plastic hem 14' thus fix the folded-over section 9' of the front material to the remaining layers of the flat mop, and this section 9' therefore lies against the top sheet 2'. Simultaneously, the plastic hem 14' encloses the edge of the folded-over section 9', with the seam 8b' connecting only the plastic hem 14' to the edge of the folded-over section 9'. Unlike the seam 8a', the seam 8b' does not penetrate the other layers of the flat mop. This has the advantage that the edges of the flat mop are also available as a wiping surface. The seams 8a' and 8b' provide improved sealing, which is particularly important in cleanrooms. The material of the folded-over section 9' has a loop structure with twisted loops, analogous to the front.The structure of the folded-over area 9' is striped and comprises a first area type 19 of a first fiber type in the form of microfiber, in particular polyester microfiber, and a second area type 20 of a second fiber type in the form of harder and preferably also coarser fibers than the first fiber type, preferably coarse PP fibers. Both area types also have a loop structure with twisted loops. Area types 19 and 20 are visible laterally because the front layer is folded over in a narrow area of ​​the microfiber mop.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the reusable flat mop 1' with the front side 18'. The reusable flat mop preferably has vertical seams 16' and, in particular, several horizontal seams 17'. The seams 16', 17' connect the front layer to the layers on the back, including the layer forming the top side. The front layer is essentially homogeneous and covered with microfibers. The area types 19 and 20 form parallel alternating stripes, with the stripes of area type 20 being thinner than the stripes of area type 19. The structure of area types 19 and 20 has already been described in connection with Fig. 3 described. The front side is connected to the adjacent layers on the back via horizontal seams 17' and vertical seams 16'. The course is essentially analogous to the seams of the Fig. 2. The continuous seams 16' of the front cover are also present on the front cover. Fig. 3 visible.

[0050] The features of the invention disclosed in the preceding description, the claims and the drawings can be advantageous for the realization of the invention both individually and in any combination.

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