Cleaning element

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning element comprising a support body and elongated textile fringes, wherein at least part of the fringes comprises several strands.

[0002] The fringes of this type of cleaning element are attached to the body in such a way that they hang down from it in a bell shape. A handle is also attached to the other side of the body. The cleaning element, with its body, fringes, and attached handle, forms a cleaning device in the form of a mop, which in this context can also be referred to as a mop head. Mops are used for the wet cleaning of floors. Such mops are also known as fringe mops.

[0003] The fringes can be formed as more or less wide strips of a textile fabric, such as non-woven material. Such fringes have a relatively large contact area with the floor being cleaned. However, a disadvantage is that these fringes are relatively stiff and inflexible during mopping. It is also known to form fringes from individual fiber strands. These can move more flexibly during cleaning. It is known to form the fringes from single or multiple strands.

[0004] Fringes comprising multiple strands are typically quite voluminous and can therefore absorb a larger quantity of cleaning fluid and dirt. This increases the cleaning element's area coverage. However, it also increases the wet weight of the cleaning element, which can negatively impact its usability. The textile fringes can be made of either synthetic or natural fibers. The choice between synthetic and natural fibers depends on the specific cleaning requirements and sustainability considerations.

[0005] In the mop head known from DE 10 2017 004 809 B3, the fringes attached to the support body each comprise three strands arranged side by side and fixed to one another. This gives the fringes a flat, strip-like shape.

[0006] DE 10 2017 004 809 B3 discloses a mop head with textile fringes, each having three strands extending in the longitudinal direction of the fringes.

[0007] DE 10 2014 012 492 A1 shows fringes for a mop head, in which a first strand is enclosed by a second strand in the form of a ladder yarn.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a cleaning element which has an improved cleaning performance.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] To solve the problem, the cleaning element comprises a support body and elongated textile fringes, wherein at least part of the fringes comprises several strands, with a first strand and a second strand running lengthwise along the fringes and a third strand running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fringes.

[0011] Preferably, the third strand is arranged in a different plane than the horizontal plane formed by the first and second strands. The third strand, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, defines its own horizontal plane. This plane can be located above, below, or perpendicular to the horizontal plane formed by the first and second strands. This arrangement inherently results in a three-dimensional fringe due to the manufacturing process. Exposure to moisture and / or heat can further deform the fringe into a more three-dimensional shape.

[0012] Both natural and synthetic fibers change their length when exposed to moisture and / or heat. The moisture can originate from the air or from cleaning fluid. Heat can be applied during the cleaning process, for example, via warm cleaning water, or during the manufacturing process of the fringes. Upon contact with moisture and / or heat, the fibers shorten and their diameter increases accordingly. The fibers shrink. The fibers of the textile strands are made of natural or synthetic fibers and, accordingly, also change their length and shrink upon contact with moisture and / or heat. The first, second, and third strands all contract and shorten upon contact with moisture and / or heat.Because the third strand runs perpendicular to the length of the fringe, contact with moisture not only causes the fringe formed from the strands to shorten, but also results in a three-dimensional deformation. This creates three-dimensionally shaped, voluminous fringe that exhibits high cleaning performance.

[0013] In this context, it is theoretically possible to achieve the three-dimensional shape of the fringe by applying a different pre-tension to the third strand, which runs perpendicular to the length of the fringe. For example, the third strand could be processed with a greater pre-tension than the first and second strands during the fringe manufacturing process.

[0014] The fringe comprises a fourth strand, the fourth strand running lengthwise along the fringe like the first and second strands, and the fourth strand being positioned between the first and second strands. The third strand preferably runs in a zigzag pattern between the first and second strands, over the fourth strand. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the third strand runs between the first and fourth strands, as well as between the second and fourth strands. Upon contact with moisture, the strands shorten, and due to the transverse third strand, the first and second strands move towards the fourth strand.

[0015] The strands of the fringe form a knitted fabric. The strands are fixed together by a holding thread. This holding thread has a significantly lower mass per unit length compared to the strands and serves solely to fix the strands together. The holding thread allows the third strand to be tied to the other, lengthwise running, strands by forming a loop.

[0016] The first, second, and third strands can form a knitted fabric. The strands are connected by stitches and thus firmly fixed to one another. This creates a dimensionally stable structure, with the third strand being attached to the first and second strands in such a way that it runs perpendicular to the length of the fringe.

[0017] Preferably, the third strand runs in a zigzag pattern between the first and second strands. The third strand can run at an angle of 45° between the first and second strands. Upon contact with moisture, all three strands shorten, with the first and second strands, which run along the fringe, puffing up, and the third strand changing the relative position of the first and second strands to form a three-dimensional structure. In further alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that additional strands are provided, which can run longitudinally or transversely.

[0018] Preferably, the fringes are three-dimensional in cross-section. Because a third strand is positioned between the first and fourth strands, and again between the second and fourth strands, the fring curls up, with the first and second strands moving towards each other. This creates a kind of tube within the fring, open between the first and second strands. Such a fring has a particularly large volume and is especially well-suited for absorbing cleaning fluid. A further advantage is that the cavity formed inside the strand effectively traps dirt and releases it back into the cleaning water.

[0019] The strands can be made from several yarns. It is particularly conceivable that the strands are made from different yarns. For example, the first and second strands could be made from soft yarns with a particularly high water absorption capacity, while the third strand could be made from a yarn with a comparatively low water absorption capacity but an abrasive effect. Depending on the application, it can also be advantageous to make the longitudinally running strands abrasive and the transversely running strands with a high water absorption capacity.

[0020] The yarns are made from fibers, which can be natural or synthetic. For yarns made from natural fibers, cotton, linen, wool, or silk are particularly suitable. However, other natural fibers can also be used. The yarns can also be made from semi-synthetic fibers such as viscose. In the case of synthetic fibers, yarns made from polyamide, polypropylene, polyester, or polylactides are particularly suitable. The use of polypropylene is especially advantageous for the crosswise strands. Metallized yarns can also be used there.

[0021] Some embodiments of the cleaning element according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show, schematically: Fig. 1 a cleaning element in perspective view; Fig. 2 a detail of a fringe of the cleaning element; Fig. 3 a first embodiment of the in Figure 2 shown fringe in its manufactured state; Fig. 4 the in Fig. 3 The fring shown in section in the section plane AA; Fig. 5 a second embodiment of the in Figure 2 shown fringe in its manufactured state; Fig. 6 the in Fig. 5 The fring shown in section in the section plane AA; Fig. 7 a third embodiment of the in Figure 2 shown fringe in its manufactured state; Fig. 8 the in Fig. 7 The fring shown in section in the section plane AA; Fig. 9 a first embodiment of the in Figure 2 shown fringe in its manufactured state; Fig. 10 the in Fig. 9 shown fringe in section in section plane AA;

[0022] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a cleaning element 1 in the form of a mop head, comprising a support body 2 and textile fringes 3. The fringes 3 are attached to one side of the support body 2 in such a way that they hang down from the support body 2 in a bell shape. On the other side, the support body 2 has a receptacle for a handle 9, the receptacle preferably being designed so that the handle 9 can be attached to the support body 2 by means of a screw fastening. Alternatively, a clamp fastening of the handle 9 to the cleaning element is also conceivable. The cleaning element 1 with support body 2 and fringes 3 and the handle 9 attached to the support body 2 forms a cleaning device, in this case a mop, or fringed mop. The mop is used for the wet cleaning of floors.

[0023] The textile fringes 3 are elongated and comprise several strands 4, 5, 7. A first strand 4, a second strand 5, and a fourth strand 7 run lengthwise along the fringes. A third strand 6 runs transversely to the length of the fringes 3. The first strand 4, the second strand 5, the third strand 6, and the fourth strand 7 are connected by a loop. The fourth strand 7 runs between the first strand 4 and the second strand 5. The third strand 6 runs in a zigzag pattern between the first strand 4 and the fourth strand 7, and also between the second strand 5 and the fourth strand 7.

[0024] Strands 4, 5, 6, and 7 are fixed together by means of a holding thread 8. The strands 4, 5, 6, and 7, together with the holding thread 8, form a knitted fabric.

[0025] Strands 4, 5, 6, and 7 comprise several yarns, the yarns being made of synthetic fibers. In the present embodiment, the first strand 4, the second strand 5, and the fourth strand 7 are made of polyester, and the third strand 6 is also made of polyester. The holding thread 8 is made of polyamide. In principle, however, other material combinations are conceivable. The yarns can also be made of or comprise natural or semi-synthetic fibers. Material blends are also conceivable.

[0026] The fringes 3 are three-dimensionally shaped in cross-section. In the present embodiment, the fringes 3 are ring-shaped due to the arrangement of the strands 4, 5, 6, 7 according to the invention. Upon contact with moisture, the yarns shrink, causing the strands 4, 5, 6, 7 to shorten and the transverse third strands 6 to cause the fringe 3 to curl up, with the first strand 4 and the second strand 5 moving towards each other. A longitudinally extending cavity forms inside the fringe 3.

[0027] Figure 2 shows in detail a Figure 1 described fringe 3.

[0028] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a fringe 3. This figure shows that the fringe 3 is flat and strip-shaped after production, and the third strand 6 runs in a zigzag pattern between the first strand 4 and the second strand 5. The third strand 6 crosses the fourth strand 7 in each instance. The third strand 6 is fixed to the other strands 4, 5, 7 by means of a holding thread 8 through the formation of loops.

[0029] Figure 4 shows the in Figure 3The fring 3 shown is in section in the section plane AA. The lower illustration shows the fring 3 during or immediately after production. The fring 3 is flat and essentially strip-shaped. The upper illustration shows the fring 3 after production, under the influence of the production-related prestress or under the influence of moisture and / or heat. The fring 3 has deformed three-dimensionally and coiled into a roll. The first strand 4 and the second strand 5 have moved towards each other.

[0030] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of a fringe 3. In this figure, it can be seen that the fringe 3 is flat and strip-shaped after production, and the third strand 6 runs in a zigzag pattern between the first strand 4 and the second strand 5. The third strand 6 crosses the fourth strand 7 in each instance. The third strand 6 is fixed to the other strands 4, 5, and 7 by forming a mesh.

[0031] Figure 6 shows the in Figure 5 The fringe 3 shown is in section in the section plane AA. The lower illustration shows the fringe 3 during or immediately after production. The fringe 3 is flat and essentially strip-shaped. The upper illustration shows the fringe 3 after...

[0032] Manufacturing, under the influence of manufacturing-related prestress or under the influence of moisture and / or heat. The fringe 3 has deformed three-dimensionally and wound itself into a roll. The first strand 4 and the second strand 5 have moved towards each other.

[0033] Figure 7 shows a third design of a fringe 3 according to Figure 2 This figure shows that the fringe 3 is flat and strip-shaped after production, and the third strand 6 runs in a zigzag pattern between the first strand 4 and the fourth strand 7, as well as between the second strand 5 and the fourth strand 7. The third strand 6 is fixed to the other strands 4, 5, 7 by means of a holding thread 8 through the formation of loops.

[0034] Figure 8 shows the in Figure 7The fring 3 shown is in section in the section plane AA. The lower illustration shows the fring 3 during or immediately after production. The fring 3 is flat and essentially strip-shaped. The upper illustration shows the fring 3 after production, under the influence of the production-related prestress or under the influence of moisture and / or heat. The fring 3 has deformed three-dimensionally and coiled into a roll. The first strand 4 and the second strand 5 have moved towards each other.

[0035] Figure 9Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a fringe 3. In this figure, it can be seen that the fringe 3 is flat and strip-shaped after production, and the third strand 6 runs in a zigzag pattern between the first strand 4 and the fourth strand 7, as well as between the second strand 5 and the fourth strand 7. The third strand 6 is fixed to the other strands 4, 5, and 7 by means of a mesh formation.

[0036] Figure 10 shows the in Figure 9The fring 3 shown is in section in the section plane AA. The lower illustration shows the fring 3 during or immediately after production. The fring 3 is flat and essentially strip-shaped. The upper illustration shows the fring 3 after production, under the influence of the production-related prestress or under the influence of moisture and / or heat. The fring 3 has deformed three-dimensionally and coiled into a roll. The first strand 4 and the second strand 5 have moved towards each other.

Claims

1. Cleaning element (1), comprising a support body (2) and elongate textile fringes (3), wherein at least part of the fringes (3) comprises a plurality of strands (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein a first strand (4) and a second strand (5) run longitudinally along the fringe (3) and a third strand (6) runs transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fringe (3), characterized in that the fringes (3) comprise a fourth strand (7), wherein the fourth strand (7) runs longitudinally along the fringes (3) and wherein the fourth strand (7) is disposed between the first strand (4) and the second strand (5), and in that the four strands (4, 5, 6, 7) are fixed to one another by means of a holding thread (8).

2. Cleaning element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first strand (4), the second strand (5) and the third strand (6) are connected by loop formation.

3. Cleaning element according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the third strand (6) runs in a zigzag shape between the first strand (4) and the second strand (5).

4. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third strand (6) runs in a zigzag shape between the first strand (4) and the fourth strand (7) as well as between the second strand (5) and the fourth strand (7).

5. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that those fringes (3) that comprise a plurality of strands (4, 5, 6, 7) are three-dimensionally shaped when viewed in the cross section.

6. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strands (4, 5, 6, 7) and the holding thread (8) form a knitted fabric.

7. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strands (4, 5, 6, 7) comprise a plurality of yarns.

8. Cleaning element according to Claim 7, characterized in that the yarns comprise natural fibres, semisynthetic fibres and / or synthetic fibres.

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