Flat mop

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flat mop with a top layer and an opposing cleaning layer, the cleaning layer having a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the cleaning layer has or is a woven, knitted or crocheted layer with a front and a back side, and wherein the top layer has or is a bonded nonwoven material, in particular comprising or consisting of polyester fibers, wherein the front side and optionally the back side of the cleaning layer have alternating, in particular substantially parallel, first and second strip-shaped areas extending from or spaced apart from the first edge towards the second edge or to the second edge, wherein the first areas of the cleaning layer are predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, woven on the front side and in particular also on the back side.The invention relates to a cleaning device comprising an actuating element, in particular a handle, and, connected or connectable to the actuating element, a flat mop holder and a flat mop according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to the use of the flat mop and the cleaning device according to the invention for cleaning cleanrooms or sterile cleanrooms.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat mop, in particular a disposable flat mop, and the use of the flat mop for cleanroom cleaning.

[0002] Cleaning companies regularly use flat mops for floor cleaning. Both single-layer and multi-layer flat mop systems are employed. While little attention needs to be paid to the choice of material, manufacturing method, and structural design for conventional cleaning purposes, flat mops intended for cleanroom cleaning, especially sterile cleanroom cleaning, must reliably meet a very demanding set of requirements. Cleanroom cleaning must be carried out in such a way as to eliminate the risk of contamination while simultaneously guaranteeing high cleaning performance. This set of requirements generally entails complex manufacturing processes and the use of high-quality or specially selected materials.For both ecological and cost reasons, reusable flat mops are currently the most common type used for cleaning cleanrooms. These mops are typically flat and elongated. They have attachment points on the top edge for a mop holder. Often, these attachments are located at the ends of a rectangular top edge. Generally, the reusable flat mop is 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.

[0003] WO 2009095736 concerns a flat mop that is covered with microfibers on one front side and has grooves on said front side that are free of microfibers. The grooves are intended to serve as a dirt-collecting area, while the microfibers represent the active areas that are in contact with the floor.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2012 012 4002 relates to a flat wiper cover for cleanrooms, which has a base body without attached threads. The absence of threads makes it particularly suitable for cleanrooms, as fewer particles are released. The base body comprises a flat textile material, which can be a knitted, woven, or nonwoven fabric.

[0005] 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 along the edges on the underside of the flat mop.

[0006] 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.

[0007] German patent DE 101 34 948 also describes a mop system for cleanrooms, in which 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 a PU-coated raschel cloth or a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated mesh cloth.

[0008] A particular challenge in the development of flat mop systems for cleanrooms is achieving the required level of cleanliness combined with a controlled supply of disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids for optimal moistening. If the flat mop is not sufficiently saturated or moistened, a continuous film of liquid often fails to form on the surface being 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. Furthermore, the cleaning layer must not only capture all microparticles and prevent their release, but also ensure that all dirt particles are removed from the surface being cleaned, absorbed by the cleaning layer, and not released again.

[0009] The present invention was therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and providing a flat mop that, in addition to reliably and controllably moistening surfaces, particularly in cleanrooms, also consistently ensures high cleaning power. Furthermore, it is an objective to provide a flat mop that can also be used with conventional flat mop holders and moistening systems.

[0010] Accordingly, a flat mop, in particular a disposable flat mop, was found to have a top layer and an opposing cleaning layer, which has a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the cleaning layer has or is a woven, knitted or crocheted layer, with a front and a back, containing or consisting of microfiber material and fiber material that is not microfiber material (non-microfiber material), and wherein the top layer has or is a bonded nonwoven material, in particular comprising or consisting of polyester fibers, wherein the front and optionally the back of the cleaning layer have alternating, in particular substantially parallel, first and second strip-shaped areas extending from or spaced apart from the first edge towards the second edge or to the second edge.wherein the first areas of the cleaning layer on the front and especially also on the back predominantly, in particular essentially exclusively, contain or consist of woven, knitted or crocheted microfiber material and wherein the second areas of the cleaning layer on the front predominantly, in particular essentially exclusively, contain or consist of woven, knitted or crocheted non-microfiber material, i.e. fiber material that is not microfiber material.

[0011] Microfibers as defined in the invention are typically very fine fibers with a fineness of less than or equal to 1.5 denier. Microfibers with a fineness of less than or equal to 1.0 denier, preferably less than or equal to 1 dtex, and particularly in the range of 0.3 dtex to 0.8 dtex, are particularly suitable for the purposes of the present invention.

[0012] Microfiber materials, and in particular continuous microfibers, are advantageously characterized by their durability and dimensional stability. Microfibers, like synthetic fibers, typically release far fewer particles than conventional natural fibers. Microfibers generally comprise ultrafine fibers that penetrate even very small surface irregularities more effectively and can capture very small particles, for example, in the micrometer range. The microfiber materials mentioned in this application generally absorb very little water, are generally relatively break-resistant, and preferably exhibit high dimensional stability as well as good chemical and thermal resistance.

[0013] The average fineness of the fibers of the non-microfiber material is always higher than the average fineness of the microfiber fibers used in the flat mop according to the invention. Preferably, the absolute fineness of the fibers of the non-microfiber material is also always higher than the absolute fineness of the microfiber fibers used in the flat mop according to the invention.

[0014] Flat mops according to the invention also solve the problem underlying the invention particularly advantageously if the first areas of the cleaning layer on the front and back predominantly, and in particular essentially exclusively, contain or consist of woven, knitted, or crocheted microfiber material, and if the second areas of the cleaning layer predominantly, and in particular essentially exclusively, contain or consist of woven, knitted, or crocheted non-microfiber material on the front and predominantly, and in particular essentially exclusively, woven, knitted, or crocheted microfiber material on the back. These embodiments achieve a particularly good and, in particular, more uniform liquid distribution.

[0015] The second strip-shaped areas, due to their greater hardness and stiffness compared to the first strip-shaped areas, are particularly suitable for loosening adhering dirt particles. These second strip-shaped areas thus perform a brush-like function.

[0016] The shape or geometry of the strip-shaped first and second areas can be selected within a wide range. Preferably, the first and second strip-shaped areas are in the form of longitudinal strips that extend from or spaced apart from the first edge towards the second edge or to the second edge, preferably from the first to the opposite second edge. In a suitable embodiment, the first and / or second areas assume a substantially rectangular basic shape. If the flat mop according to the invention has a substantially rectangular basic shape, the first and second edges regularly form the narrow sides of this basic shape. The strip-shaped areas preferably extend in the form of longitudinal strips substantially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the substantially rectangular basic shape. The average width of the first and / or second strip-shaped areas, particularly in the form of longitudinal strips, i.e.,The extent, essentially parallel to the first and / or second edge, is typically in the range of 0.3 cm to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 0.5 cm to 3 cm, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.75 cm to 1.5 cm. If the first and / or second areas are in the form of longitudinal strips, their width represents the distance between the opposing longitudinal strips.

[0017] The first and second strip-shaped areas are particularly preferably an integral part of a woven, knitted, or crocheted fabric. Particularly preferably, the first and second strip-shaped areas, especially in the embodiment described above, are directly adjacent to each other or merge into one another.

[0018] According to the present invention, the cleaning layer is located on the side of the flat mop that comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned during the cleaning process. This side is also called the front of the flat mop. Since the flat mop according to the invention has a knitted, crocheted, or woven layer on its front, the cleaning surface has an irregular surface structure or three-dimensionality, unlike, for example, the smooth surface of a stretched cleaning cloth. The cleaning layer is therefore part of, or forms, the front. The cleaning layer itself can be further subdivided into a front and a back surface or sections. In the generic use, the cleaning layer comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned on the front side. On the back side, however, the cleaning layer faces the top layer or the intermediate layer.

[0019] According to the present invention, the top layer is located on the side of the flat mop opposite the front. This side is also called the back of the flat mop. The top layer is therefore a component of, or forms, the back. The top layer comprises, or is formed from, a bonded nonwoven fabric. The bonding of fiber materials is known to those skilled in the art and can be carried out, for example, by water jet treatment. Preferably, polyester fibers are used for the nonwoven material of the top layer. Alternatively, the nonwoven material of the top layer can also comprise or consist of polyolefin fibers, in particular polypropylene fibers. Furthermore, fiber blends can also be used for the nonwoven material of the top layer, for example, containing or consisting of polyester and polypropylene fibers.Particularly when using polyester fibers, it has been surprisingly found that the top layer is very abrasion-resistant and highly resistant to gamma radiation. Furthermore, using polyester fibers for the bonded nonwoven of the top layer allows for the creation of very strong and rigid systems. The combination of the described top layer with the described cleaning layer, containing the described alternating strip-shaped areas, also prevents the cleaning layer from curling up or deforming during the cleaning process with a handle and mop holder.

[0020] The top layer is typically provided on the reverse side with two pockets, spaced apart from each other, so that a flat mop holder can engage in these pockets. The flat mop according to the invention is usually rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the two pockets may be positioned opposite each other on the narrow sides.

[0021] Such flat mops according to the invention solve the problem underlying the invention particularly well, in which the fibers of the non-microfiber material have a greater stiffness or hardness than the fibers of the microfiber material.

[0022] Particularly suitable fibers for the microfiber material are selected from the group consisting of polyamide microfibers, polyolefin microfibers, and polyester microfibers, or any mixture thereof. Among the polyolefin microfibers, polypropylene microfibers are particularly preferred. Among the polyester microfibers, polyethylene terephthalate microfibers are preferred.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, split conjugated microfibers, in particular polyamide / polyester microfibers, can also be used for the cleaning layer. Among the conjugated microfibers, those with a polyester fiber content of 60 to 90 wt.%, especially 65 to 85 wt.%, and a polyamide fiber content of 10 to 40 wt.%, especially 15 to 35 wt.%, are particularly suitable.

[0024] The use of microfiber material for the cleaning layer makes it particularly efficient to prevent the contamination of cleanrooms by fiber residues or so-called lint.

[0025] It has proven particularly advantageous to use polyester fibers for the fibers of the non-fiber material. Polyethylene terephthalate fibers are especially preferred in this regard.

[0026] Suitable flat mops according to the invention, or the cleaning surface of such flat mops, generally have a rectangular base shape, with the first and second edges arranged opposite each other. The first and / or second edge generally has a straight course. Such flat mops according to the invention have proven particularly advantageous when the first and / or second strip-shaped areas extend essentially at right angles to the first and / or second edge.

[0027] To provide a flat mop that can be used independently of the cleaning or humidification unit, it has proven advantageous for the top layer to be permeable to disinfectant and / or cleaning fluids on both sides. It can also be designed so that the cleaning layer can be saturated or wetted by the disinfectant and / or cleaning fluid penetrating from the top layer. An aqueous alcoholic system, e.g., containing 70% isopropanol and 30% water by volume, is particularly suitable as a disinfectant for cleanroom cleaning and the cleaning of sterile rooms.

[0028] By using at least one, and in particular two, pockets for a flat mop holder on the top sheet, the flat mop according to the invention can generally be used with all common cleaning systems. These pockets can be formed by folding over one or more edge sections of the flat mop, so that the material of the top sheet rests against itself in the area of ​​the pocket(s). It is also possible for the folded-over edge sections to be connected, in particular sewn, along their circumferential edges to form the pocket.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the flat mop according to the invention further comprises at least one intermediate layer, arranged between the cleaning layer and the top layer, made of an unbonded nonwoven material or a foam material. If an unbonded nonwoven material is used for the at least one intermediate layer, needle-punched nonwovens are preferably used. The unbonded nonwoven material is preferably based on staple fibers, in particular those with an average length in the range of 20 mm to 80 mm, preferably in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm, and most preferably in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm.

[0030] In a particularly suitable embodiment of the flat mop according to the invention, both the intermediate layer and the top layer are made of nonwoven material, wherein the intermediate layer preferably comprises unbonded nonwoven material and the top layer comprises or is formed from bonded nonwoven material. Unbonded nonwoven material within the meaning of the present invention includes material that is directly obtained during nonwoven production, including needle-punched nonwovens. Needle-punched nonwovens are generally unbonded nonwoven material that has been needle-punched.

[0031] Suitable nonwoven materials include, in particular, those made from man-made fibers, e.g., from natural polymers such as viscose nonwovens, man-made fibers from synthetic polymers, or man-made fibers from minerals. Suitable man-made fibers from synthetic polymers include, in addition to polyester nonwovens, polyolefin nonwovens such as polypropylene and polyethylene nonwovens, polyamide nonwovens, and aramid fiber nonwovens. Suitable man-made fibers from minerals include, for example, glass fiber nonwovens and carbon fiber nonwovens. Polyethylene terephthalate fibers are preferably used for the interlayer nonwoven material, although these do not typically have to be in microfiber form. However, polyester microfibers, such as polyethylene terephthalate microfibers, can also be used for the interlayer nonwoven material.

[0032] For the microfiber material of the cleaning layer, a continuous fiber is used in a particularly advantageous embodiment, regardless of whether the front layer is woven, knitted, or crocheted from microfiber material. Continuous fibers are also preferably used for the non-microfiber material of the cleaning system. In a suitable embodiment, the cleaning layer is a circularly knitted terry cloth fabric made of microfiber and non-microfiber materials. By forming the cleaning layer as a circularly knitted terry cloth fabric, a pile or loop structure with a particularly pronounced cleaning effect is obtained on the front side. The terry cloth fabric is preferably produced using a circular knitting machine. Suitable circular knitting machines are known to those skilled in the art.Preferably, the manufacturing process is adjusted such that a loop pile height of no more than 4 mm, and in particular no more than 3 mm, is obtained. Adherence to the aforementioned pile height has also proven advantageous for cleaning layers manufactured using other methods.

[0033] The microfiber material of the cleaning layer preferably has a mean fineness of less than or equal to 1 dtex, particularly in the range of 0.3 dtex to 0.8 dtex. The fiber material of the intermediate layer preferably has a mean fineness in the range of 0.5 dtex to 4 dtex, particularly in the range of 1 dtex to 3 dtex, and most preferably in the range of 1.5 dtex to 2.5 dtex. The non-microfibers used in the flat mops according to the invention regularly have a significantly greater hardness or stiffness than the microfibers. The fibers of the non-microfiber material of the cleaning layer can have a mean fineness in the range above 15 denier, particularly above 20 denier, and preferably above 25 denier, and most preferably in the range of 25 denier to 50 denier. The unit 1 denier = 1 g / 9000 m. And 10 dtex = 9 denier.

[0034] The determination of the fineness or the average fineness is based on ISO 1144 and DIN 60905 Part 1.

[0035] The cleaning layer of the flat mops according to the invention preferably has a basis weight of at least 150 g / m² or in the range of 150 g / m² to 400 g / m², preferably at least 200 g / m² or in the range of 200 g / m² to 350 g / m², and particularly preferably at least 225 g / m² or in the range of 225 g / m² to 300 g / m². Furthermore, the at least one intermediate layer, in a suitable embodiment, can have a basis weight in the range of 50 g / m² to 200 g / m², preferably in the range of 75 g / m² to 175 g / m², and particularly preferably in the range of 90 g / m² to 150 g / m², also called the first intermediate layer material.In a further suitable embodiment, the intermediate layer can have a basis weight of at least 150 g / m² or in the range of 150 g / m² to 400 g / m², preferably at least 200 g / m² or in the range of 200 g / m² to 350 g / m², and particularly preferably at least 225 g / m² or in the range of 225 g / m² to 300 g / m², also referred to as the second intermediate layer material. Preferably, two or more intermediate layers are used with the flat mop according to the invention, for example, one layer of the aforementioned first intermediate layer material and two intermediate layers of the aforementioned second intermediate layer material. Such intermediate layers enable a very high area coverage rate of the flat mop according to the invention.

[0036] In a suitable embodiment, the cover layer is based on a spunbond nonwoven material. For many applications, a single layer of the cover layer has proven sufficient. Spunbond nonwovens are well known to those skilled in the art. They are generally produced from fibers spun from polymer melts passing through nozzles and drawn using cold air and / or mechanical means. These fibers are then usually formed directly into a spunbond nonwoven or, after bonding, form this spunbond nonwoven. Spunbond nonwovens are generally derived from continuous fibers. Particularly suitable spunbond nonwovens are bonded spunbond nonwovens, for example, waterjet bonded spunbond nonwovens. These may also have been calendered.

[0037] Generally, the cleaning layer, the top layer, and optionally the intermediate layer are connected to one another along their circumferential edges, in particular sewn together. This results in particularly lint-resistant or lint-free flat mops according to the invention. It is especially preferred that the front layer, the back layer, and optionally the intermediate layer are connected to one another along their circumferential edges using an overlock sewing process. An overlock sewing machine can be used to sew the edge of one or more fabrics. Very clean edges can be achieved with the overlock sewing process. Fabrics or nets laid over both sides of the edge can also be attached to the layer material to be sewn using the overlock process.The overlock process achieves a very reliable and tight edge seal, ensuring that the interlayer material sandwiched between the cleaning layer and the top sheet layer does not escape.

[0038] In a suitable embodiment, the sewing of the edges of the cleaning and cover layers, as well as any intermediate layer(s), in particular by means of an overlock process, can be used to employ a colored sewing thread in order to achieve product identification or coding in this way.

[0039] Advantageously, the cleaning layer, the cover layer, and, if applicable, the intermediate layer are joined via an essentially identical basic shape, so that when they are placed one on top of the other, they overlap. In a further alternative embodiment, the dimensions of the intermediate layer are slightly smaller than those of the front and back layers, so that when the three layers are sewn together, the intermediate layer is completely enclosed by the overlapping and sewn edge strips of the front and back layers and preferably also connected to them, in particular sewn.

[0040] For many cleaning applications, it has proven sufficient or particularly advantageous to use flat mops according to the invention in which the cleaning layer has an average thickness of at least 0.5 mm or in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably at least 1.0 mm or in the range of 1.0 mm to 4.5 mm, and particularly preferably at least 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. If an intermediate layer is used, its average thickness is advantageously in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 8 mm, and particularly preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5 mm.

[0041] The cleaning layer and the cover layer, and, if present, also the intermediate layer, are advantageously connected to one another not only along the overlapping edges but also, in particular, between the longitudinal edges, preferably via one or a plurality of spaced-apart seams. To solve the problem underlying the present invention, it has proven advantageous for the cleaning side of the cleaning system to have at least two, and in particular at least three or four, first and second strip-shaped areas that alternate with one another. Particularly preferably, the alternating strip-shaped areas (n + 1) consist of first strip-shaped areas and n second strip-shaped areas, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. In particular, n is equal to 2, 3, 4, or 5.In a further preferred embodiment, at least one second strip-shaped area, in particular at least two or all second strip-shaped areas, is enclosed on both sides by a first strip-shaped area in the alternating sequence of first and second strip-shaped areas, or is adjacent on both sides, or is bounded by a first strip-shaped area. In this way, both comprehensive and uniform wetting of the surface to be cleaned with cleaning fluid and high cleaning performance, including reliable removal of the dirt particles detached from the surface, can be achieved.

[0042] The flat mops according to the invention can be used for cleaning cleanrooms or sterile cleanrooms. Multiple uses are also possible in principle. In one embodiment, the flat mop can be used in a first, unused state for cleaning cleanrooms and subsequently, in a washed and / or decontaminated second state, for cleaning rooms that are not cleanrooms. In the latter case, it could then be referred to as a reusable flat mop. With regard to cleanroom cleaning, the flat mop according to the invention is preferably used as a disposable flat mop. 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 limits for particle size and number. For example, a flat mop suitable for an ISO class 1 cleanroom should produce virtually no particles larger than or equal to 100 nm.

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

[0044] The present invention is based on the surprising finding that cost-effective cleaning systems well-suited for cleanroom cleaning can be obtained using multi-layered flat mops according to the invention. The invention provides an economically and ecologically advantageous approach to flat mops, which can be used particularly as disposable flat mops for cleanroom cleaning. The flat mops according to the invention perform at least as well as conventional reusable flat mop systems for cleanroom cleaning. A particular advantage associated with the use of the flat mops according to the invention is the very high cleaning performance achieved. In particular, even residues firmly adhering to the surface to be cleaned can not only be removed with the flat mop according to the invention, but also immediately absorbed by the microfibers.For example, the flat mop according to the invention easily removes dried cleaning agent residues remaining on the surface. While not bound to any specific theory, it is assumed that the combination of alternating strip-shaped areas of microfiber and non-microfiber material, coupled with excellent dirt removal and retention capacity, contributes to the advantageous performance of the flat mop according to the invention. For example, particles in the micrometer range can be picked up and retained very efficiently with the flat mop according to the invention. Furthermore, the user finds the smooth handling of the flat mop according to the invention particularly beneficial. The "sticking" to the surface being cleaned, which is otherwise observed with flat mops that have a continuous cleaning layer of microfiber material, is no longer present.Furthermore, the flat mop according to the invention can achieve a lower contamination with bacterial cultures through an accelerated drying process.

[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 example with reference to a schematic drawing, without thereby limiting the invention. This shows: Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of the cleaning position of a flat mop according to the invention from the front side, and Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the cover sheet position of the flat mop according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 1The illustration of a flat mop 1 according to the invention is taken from the front side; that is, the front view of the cleaning layer 2, as used for cleaning surfaces, is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning layer 2 has a rectangular base shape with the first and second edges 4 and 6, respectively, forming the narrow sides of the rectangular base shape. The cleaning layer 2 has alternating first and second strip-shaped areas 8 and 10 on its front side. In the illustrated embodiment, these first and second strip-shaped areas 8, 10 are longitudinal strips and extend from the first edge 4 to the opposite second edge 6. They run essentially parallel to each other and parallel to the opposite edges 12, 14 of the longitudinal sides of the rectangular base shape of the flat mop 1 according to the invention. Figure 1In the preferred embodiment of the flat mop 1 according to the invention, first strip-shaped areas 8 adjoin the edges 12 and 14 of the longitudinal sides of the rectangular base. Accordingly, the flat mop according to the invention shown has five first strip-shaped areas 8 and four second strip-shaped areas 10 on its front side. The first strip-shaped areas 8 are made of circular-knit terry cloth made of microfiber material, while the second strip-shaped areas 10 are made predominantly or exclusively of non-microfiber material in the form of circular-knit terry cloth. The first and second strip-shaped areas 8, 10 are preferably an integral part of a single terry cloth obtained by circular knitting.Along the edges 4, 6, 12, and 14, the cleaning layer 2 is sewn to the other layers (top layer and intermediate layer, not shown) in the preferred embodiment shown using an overlock stitch. The color of the sewing thread 16 can indicate to the user, for example, for which specific cleaning purposes the flat mop is suitable. By having a first strip-shaped area 8 made of or containing microfiber material along both longitudinal sides 12 and 14, it can be ensured that the surface to be cleaned is first sufficiently and evenly moistened before the harder fibers of the second strip-shaped areas 10 loosen particularly stubborn dirt particles from the surface to be cleaned. These can then be immediately picked up by the subsequent first strip-shaped area 8.This ensures particularly efficient cleaning of cleanroom surfaces in particular.

[0047] Figure 2Figure 1 shows the flat mop 1 according to the invention from the side of the top layer 32. The grip pockets 20 and 22 on the narrow sides of the flat mop 1 are formed by simply folding over the layer system consisting of a cleaning layer, an intermediate layer, and a top layer, which is sewn together at the edges. In the area of ​​these grip pockets for a mop holder, the top layers face each other and form the grip openings 24 and 26, respectively. By folding over these grip pockets, the first strip-shaped areas 8 are continued in the form of strips 30 and the second strip-shaped areas 10 as strips 28 in the area of ​​these grip pockets 20 and 22. In the illustrated variant, the grip pockets are formed by sewing the adjacent edge sections of the long sides 12 and 14 together.As indicated by reference numeral 18, the cover layer 32, the cleaning layer, and, if applicable, the intermediate layer (not shown) can also be joined to one another by spaced-apart seams. These preferably extend from the first edge 4 to the second edge 6, or, if the end areas are folded in to form access pockets, also in these folded areas.

[0048] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, claims and drawings can be essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination.

Claims

1. A flat mop, in particular a single-use flat mop, having a wrapper layer (32) and an opposite cleaning layer (2), which has a first edge (4) and an opposite second edge (6), wherein the cleaning layer has or constitutes a woven, knitted or machine-knitted layer, having a front and a back, and wherein the wrapper layer has or constitutes a reinforced, nonwoven material, in particular comprising or consisting of polyester fibers, wherein the front and, if applicable, the back of the cleaning layer has / have alternating first and second strip-type areas which in particular run substantially parallel and which extend from or at a distance from the first edge in the direction of the second edge or up to the second edge, wherein the first areas of the cleaning layer contain on the front and, in particular, also predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the back, woven, knitted or machine-knitted microfiber material or consist hereof, and wherein the second areas of the cleaning layer contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the front, woven, knitted or machine-knitted fiber material which is not a microfiber material (non-microfiber material) or consist hereof, wherein the cleaning layer comprises a circular-knit terry knit fabric or is formed herefrom.

2. The flat mop according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fibers of the non-microfiber material have a greater stiffness than the fibers of the microfiber material, and / or that the fibers of the non-microfiber material of the cleaning layer have an average fineness in the range above 15 den, in particular above 20 den and preferably above 25 den and, particularly preferably, in the range of 25 den to 50 den.

3. The flat mop according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fibers of the microfiber material are selected from the group consisting of polyamide microfibers, polyolefin microfibers, in particular polypropylene microfibers, polyester microfibers, in particular polyethylene terephthalate microfibers, and split conjugated microfibers, in particular polyamide / polyester microfibers, or any mixture thereof, and / or that the fibers of the non-microfiber material contain or constitute polyester fibers, in particular polyethylene terephthalate fibers.

4. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning layer or the flat mop has a rectangular basic form with the first and the opposite, second edge as narrow sides, wherein the first and / or second strip-type areas substantially extend at right angles to the first and / or second edge.

5. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one, in particular two, engagement pockets for a flat mop holder, which is / are provided on or affixed to the wrapper layer, wherein the engagement pocket or respectively engagement pockets is / are formed in particular by folding down one or more edge portions of the flat mop, so that in the region of the engagement pocket or respectively engagement pockets the material of the wrapper layer faces one another and / or rests on one another and / or wherein the end portions folded down on one another are connected, in particular sewn, to one another along their circumferential edges, forming the engagement pocket.

6. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one middle intermediate layer made of an unreinforced, nonwoven material or made of a foam material arranged between the cleaning layer and the wrapper layer, wherein the at least one intermediate layer preferably constitutes a needle-punched nonwoven, and / or wherein the fibers of the at least one intermediate layer preferably constitute staple fibers, in particular having an average length in the range of 20 mm to 80 mm, preferably in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm and, particularly preferably, in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm.

7. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fibers of the microfiber material of the cleaning layer have an average fineness smaller than or equal to 1 dtex, in particular in the range of 0.3 dtex to 0.8 dtex, and / or that the fiber material of the intermediate layer has an average fineness in the range of 0.5 dtex to 4 dtex, in particular in the range of 1 dtex to 3 dtex and, particularly preferably, in the range of 1.5 dtex to 2.5 dtex.

8. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning layer has a mass per unit area of at least 150 g / m2 or in the range of 150 g / m2 to 400 g / m2, preferably of at least 200 g / m2 or in the range of 200 g / m2 to 350 g / m2 and, particularly preferably, of at least 225 g / m2 or in the range of 225 g / m2 to 300 g / m2, and / or that the at least one intermediate layer has a mass per unit area of at least 150 g / m2 or in the range of 150 g / m2 to 400 g / m2, preferably of at least 200 g / m2 or in the range of 200 g / m2 to 350 g / m2 and, particularly preferably, of at least 225 g / m2 or in the range of 225 g / m2 to 300 g / m2, and / or the at least one intermediate layer has a mass per unit area in the range of 50 g / m2 to 200 g / m2, preferably in the range of 75 g / m2 to 175 g / m2 and, particularly preferably, in the range of 90 g / m2 to 150 g / m2, and / or that the wrapper layer has a mass per unit area in the range of 30 g / m2 to 175 g / m2, preferably in the range of 50 g / m2 to 125 g / m2 and, particularly preferably, in the range of 60 g / m2 to 100 g / m2, and / or that the cleaning layer has an average thickness of at least 0.5 mm or in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably of at least 1.0 mm or in the range of 1.0 mm to 4.5 mm and, particularly preferably, of at least 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, and / or the intermediate layer has an average thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 8 mm and, particularly preferably, in the range of 2.0 to 5 mm.

9. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front of the cleaning layer has alternating first and second strip-type areas which in particular run substantially parallel and which extend from or at a distance from the first edge in the direction of the second edge or up to the second edge, wherein the first areas of the cleaning layer contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the front and on the back, woven, knitted or machine-knitted microfiber material or consist hereof, and wherein the second areas of the cleaning layer contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the front, woven, knitted or machine-knitted non-microfiber material or consist hereof, and wherein the second areas contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the back, woven, knitted or machine-knitted microfiber material or consist hereof.

10. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning layer and the wrapper layer and, if applicable, the intermediate layer are connected to one another along their circumferential edges, in particular are sewn to one another, in particular using the overlock method.

11. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least each two, in particular at least each three or four, first and second strip-type areas are provided, which follow one another in an alternating form, and / or that (n + 1) first and n second strip-type areas are provided, which follow each other in an alternating form, wherein n is a whole number greater than or equal to 2, and / or that at least one second strip-type areal, in particular at least two or all of the second strip-type areas, is / are adjacent, in the alternating sequence of first and second strip-type areas, in each case on both sides, to a first strip-type area.

12. The flat mop according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first areas of the cleaning layer contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the front and on the back, woven, knitted or machine-knitted microfiber material or consist hereof, and that the second areas of the cleaning layer contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the front, woven, knitted or machine-knitted non-microfiber material and contain predominantly, in particular substantially exclusively, on the back, woven, knitted or machine-knitted microfiber material or consist hereof.

13. A cleaning device, comprising an actuation element, in particular a shaft, and, connected or connectable to the actuation element, a flat mop holder as well as a flat mop according to one or more of Claims 1 to 12.

14. Use of the flat mop according to one or more of Claims 1 to 12 or of the cleaning device according to Claim 13 for cleaning cleanrooms or sterile cleanrooms.

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