Cleaning body

Abstract

To provide a cleaning body capable of effectively removing dirt adhering to a cleaning object.SOLUTION: A cleaning body made of a water-decomposable raw material includes a cleaning part 2a at one end and a mounting part at the other end. The cleaning body is a roll body formed by spirally winding a dissolvable, water-soluble sheet material folded in two, and encloses a powdery detergent composition 2d in a tip part 2c, the foldback part at the tip of the cleaning part 2a. The powdery detergent composition 2d may be composed of a single layer, or may be composed of a first layer on a lower layer side and a second layer on an upper layer side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent composition and a cleaning body that can be suitably used for cleaning, for example, toilet bowls and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool in which a water-decomposable fibrous interwoven fabric is wound into a cylindrical shape. This cleaning tool is attached to a storage part at the tip of a holder having a handle, and the cleaning tool is brought into contact with an object to be cleaned, such as a toilet bowl, to perform cleaning.

[0003] Since this cleaning product is made of water-soluble materials, it will not clog pipes if flushed down the toilet, and therefore can be discharged into the sewer via the toilet after use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-78794 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although using both powder and liquid detergents when cleaning objects can effectively remove dirt from the objects, it is necessary to prepare detergent separately. Also, it is difficult to use the right amount of detergent, and it is often the case that more detergent than necessary is used.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a cleaning element capable of effectively removing dirt adhering to an object to be cleaned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cleaning element of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a cleaning element formed by spirally winding a water-disintegrable sheet material folded in half into a roll body, one end side of the roll body being a cleaning section and the other end side of the roll body being an attachment section, a powdered detergent composition is encapsulated inside the folded-back section of the sheet material along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material, the folded-back section forms a tip of the cleaning section, and the attachment section, which is continuous with the cleaning section, is detachable from a cleaning tool having a handle. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Since the cleaning element of the present invention already contains a powdered detergent composition therein, there is no need to prepare a detergent separately, and the encapsulated detergent composition can effectively remove objects to be cleaned, such as dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned.

[0009] Furthermore, since the detergent composition is not directly touched by the hands, even if the cleaning element is attached to the handle by hand, it does not cause rough skin or the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning element as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing a manufacturing procedure of the cleaning element. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing a manufacturing procedure of the cleaning element. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing a manufacturing procedure of the cleaning element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the cleaning tool before the cleaning body is attached to the handle. The cleaning tool 1 is composed of the cleaning body 2, which is the part used for cleaning, and the handle 3 to which the cleaning body 2 is attached. The cleaning body 2 is detachable from the handle 3, and a user can hold the handle 3 and use the cleaning body 2 to wipe off dirt from the surface to be cleaned.

[0012] When using the cleaning tool 1, the user holds the handle 3 and moves the cleaning body 2 along the cleaning surface to wipe or rub off water stains, sebum stains, and other objects to be cleaned. After using the cleaning body 2 as the cleaning tool 1, it can be removed from the handle 3 and disposed of as is.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning element 2 as viewed from above, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cleaning element 2 as viewed from below. The cleaning element 2 is made of a water-disintegratable material, and has a cleaning part 2a at one end and an attachment part 2b at the other end connected to the cleaning part 2a.

[0014] The cleaning body 2 is formed by spirally winding a water-disintegrable sheet material S folded in half into a roll body R, and a powdered detergent composition 2d is enclosed in a tip portion 2c, which is the folded-back portion at the tip of the cleaning part 2a.

[0015] In this manner, the cleaning body 2 is formed by winding layers of water-disintegrable sheet material S into a spiral shape, and water-disintegrability refers to the property of some or all of its components dissolving and dissolving when they come into contact with water.

[0016] For example, in the case where the sheet material S is composed of a fiber component and an adhesive component, it is sufficient that the fibers originally bonded to each other by the adhesive component are loosened as a result of the adhesive component dissolving in water. In other words, the fiber component does not need to be water-soluble, but it is not prohibited for the fiber component to be water-soluble.

[0017] Since the cleaning element 2 is made of the water-decomposable sheet material S, it can be discarded immediately after use and can be used as a disposable item. The sheet material S may be water-permeable, that is, may have water permeability in addition to being water-decomposable.

[0018] When the cleaning element 2 is used, the powdered detergent composition 2d can be brought into contact with water and turned into an aqueous solution sooner, without waiting for the sheet material S to be hydrolyzed in water.

[0019] The sheet material S is preferably made of paper or nonwoven fabric, more preferably made of nonwoven fabric, and may be embossed.

[0020] The fiber component of the sheet material S is preferably made of, for example, natural fibers, regenerated fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of these fibers, more preferably made of a mixture of natural fibers and regenerated fibers, and most preferably made of a mixture of pulp and rayon.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning part 2a of the cleaning element 2, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view. The tip parts 2c are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other. The tip parts 2c have a cavity 2e therein, and the cavity 2e contains a powdered detergent composition 2d.

[0022] In addition, the powdered cleaning agent composition 2d may consist of a single layer as shown in FIG. 4, or may consist of a first layer 2d1 on the lower side and a second layer 2d2 on the upper side as shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] The powdered detergent composition 2d is preferably one that dissolves in water to form an aqueous solution, and more preferably one that dissolves in water to become alkaline, or one that dissolves in water to become acidic, for example.

[0024] Among the powdered detergent compositions 2d, those that dissolve in water and exhibit alkalinity are preferably, for example, sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, or sodium silicate, and more preferably sodium hydrogen carbonate.

[0025] Among the powdered detergent compositions 2d, those that dissolve in water and exhibit acidity are preferably, for example, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, and sulfamic acid, and more preferably citric acid.

[0026] When using these alkaline detergent compositions 2d, one or a mixture of multiple types may be used. Similarly, when using an acidic detergent composition 2d, one or a mixture of multiple types may be used, and further, a well-known surfactant may be appropriately mixed into the detergent composition 2d.

[0027] The powdered detergent composition 2d may be composed of the same type of detergent, or may be composed of two or more detergents of different types. When the powdered detergent composition 2d is composed of two or more detergents of different types, and one detergent of the two or more detergents causes a chemical reaction with the other detergents, it is necessary to pay attention to the arrangement of the powdered detergent composition 2d.

[0028] For example, when the powdered detergent composition 2d is composed of a first detergent 2da and a second detergent 2db, it is preferable that they are arranged separately. Specifically, the first detergent 2da and the second detergent 2db are not completely mixed, and only the first detergent 2da is arranged in a predetermined area, and only the second detergent 2db is arranged in an area adjacent to the area where the first detergent 2da is arranged, and this is repeated. As a result, the first detergent 2da and the second detergent 2db are arranged alternately, separated along a folding line described later.

[0029] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case where the powdered detergent composition 2d contains a first detergent 2da and a second detergent 2db, and the first detergent 2da and the second detergent 2db are different detergents, a first layer 2d1 made of the lower first detergent 2da is arranged at the bottom, which is the tip of a folded portion 2f described later, and a second layer 2d2 made of the upper second detergent 2db is arranged via the boundary surface with the lower first detergent 2da.

[0030] In the case where the first layer 2d1 and the second layer 2d2 are directly laminated to each other, for example, the first cleaning agent 2da constituting the first layer 2d1 is dissolved in water to exhibit alkaline properties, and the second cleaning agent 2db constituting the second layer 2d2 is dissolved in water to exhibit acidity.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the first layer 2d1 may be arranged on the side where the folded portion 2f is located, i.e., the bottom side, and the second layer 2d2 may be arranged on the opposite side to the side where the folded portion 2f is located, or vice versa, with the second layer 2d2 arranged on the bottom side.

[0032] Also, a particulate abrasive may be placed on the outer surface of the folded sheet material S. The particulate abrasive to be used is one that has little effect on the skin even when touched with a finger, and is preferably one that does not dissolve in water or is difficult to dissolve in water, such as silicon dioxide.

[0033] Also, when the sheet material S folded in half is spirally wound into a roll body R, a particulate abrasive may be disposed only on the outer surface of the sheet material S wound on the inside. In the cleaning body 2 formed in this manner, even if the cleaning part 2a is held with fingers, the abrasive cannot be touched by the fingers. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned abrasive such as silicon dioxide, a well-known particulate abrasive can be appropriately applied to one outer surface of the sheet material S.

[0034] 1 is composed of an attachment portion 3a at the tip side and a grip portion 3b continuing from the attachment portion 3a. The handle portion 3 is molded from a hard synthetic resin.

[0035] The mounting portion 3a is a portion to which the mounting portion 2b of the cleaning body 2 is detachably attached, and is provided with a mounting hole 3c having a cylindrical gap. This mounting hole 3c is preferably provided with a holding mechanism for holding the cleaning body 2, such as a clamping mechanism or a fitting mechanism, and more preferably a clamping mechanism incorporating a spring material.

[0036] The grip part 3b is located at the rear end of the handle 3, is formed from a rod-shaped member, and is equipped with an operating part 3d. This operating part 3d is connected to the holding mechanism in the mounting hole 3c described above, and the cleaning body 2 can be attached and detached by operating it with a finger. The grip part 3b may be any part that is easy for a user to grip, and it is preferable that the length and thickness of the grip part 3b are appropriately adjusted according to the user group.

[0037] 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the steps of manufacturing the cleaning element 2. First, a water-disintegratable, rectangular strip-shaped sheet material S with a constant width is prepared. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the sheet material S shown by the dotted line is folded in half along a fold line S1 in the center in the short direction. This folding in half is performed by bringing a pair of long sides S2, S3 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet material S close to each other.

[0038] Then, the powdered detergent composition 2d, which is the part surrounded by an ellipse in Fig. 6, is enclosed inside the folded-back portion 2f that becomes the tip portion 2c so as to be uniformly distributed along the longitudinal direction. Note that the powdered detergent composition 2d is not placed near the ends 2g on both sides of the folded-back portion 2f so that the detergent composition 2d does not spill out when the sheet material S shown in Fig. 8 is rolled up.

[0039] 7, the sheet material S is folded back to form a folded-back portion 2f along the folding line S1. This folded-back portion 2f is formed along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material S.

[0040] The enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cross section AA, and the folded sheet material S has a pair of inner surfaces 2h that face each other across the folded portion 2f.

[0041] The folded portion 2f formed between the pair of long sides S2, S3 has a V-shaped valley shape, and a gap 2e exists between the pair of inner surfaces 2h of the folded portion 2f. A powdery detergent composition 2d is disposed in the gap 2e.

[0042] The process of encapsulating the detergent composition 2d in the sheet material S may be carried out by arranging the powdered detergent composition 2d uniformly in advance in the center of the short side direction of the original sheet material S and along the fold line S1 of the sheet material S before folding it back, and then folding back the sheet material S together with the arranged detergent composition 2d to sandwich it.

[0043] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the sheet material S, which has been folded back and has the powdered cleaning agent composition 2d disposed in a predetermined position, is wound up so that the folded back portion 2f forms a spiral shape, thereby forming a roll body R.

[0044] In this way, by winding the folded portion 2f in a spiral shape, a structure can be obtained in which the detergent composition 2d enclosed in the cleaning element 2 can easily come into contact with water during use and become an aqueous solution.

[0045] Finally, the part of the spirally wound roll body R opposite to the side where the folded-back part 2f is located, i.e., the rear end, is compressed using a compressor or the like. By compressing the rear end into a cylindrical shape, the cleaning part 2a is formed at one end side and the attachment part 2b is formed at the other end side, i.e., the rear end, to form the bell-shaped cleaning body 2 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] In order to maintain the squeezed state of the attachment portion 2b, the periphery may be fixed with a water-soluble adhesive. Furthermore, other than adhesive, for example, water-soluble string may be used for wrapping or tying, or these means may be combined with adhesive.

[0047] By narrowing the attachment portion 2b in this way, the density of the layers of the attachment portion 2b becomes denser than that of the cleaning portion 2a, improving the attachment strength. This is because the diameter of the attachment portion 2b is smaller than the diameter of the cleaning portion 2a, even though the number of layers exposed on the surface of the attachment portion 2b is the same as the number of layers exposed on the tip portion 2c of the cleaning portion 2a.

[0048] Furthermore, by forming the attachment portion 2b, the powdered detergent composition 2d enclosed in the cavity 2e will not fall off the cleaning element 2.

[0049] The cleaning body 2 thus produced can be stored until use. When the powdered detergent composition 2d is stored in a humid or wet place, the powder particles may bind together due to the surrounding humidity or moisture, and the powder may solidify into larger lumps.

[0050] The powdered detergent composition 2d to be enclosed in the cleaning element 2 is dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution, and the chemical reaction that occurs during this process is utilized to facilitate cleaning of the object to be cleaned. However, the detergent composition that has solidified from a powder form into a lump form is difficult to dissolve in water or takes a long time to dissolve, and there is a risk that it will not be able to exhibit its inherent performance.

[0051] Therefore, by encapsulating the powdered detergent composition 2d in the cleaning body 2 as described above, the sheet material S constituting the cleaning body 2 absorbs the surrounding humidity and moisture instead, preventing the detergent composition 2d from solidifying from a powder form into a lump, and allowing the detergent composition to continue to maintain its inherent performance. In addition, when the powdered detergent composition 2d contains different types of detergents, when the composition is stored in a humid or wet place, the different types of detergents may not only be more likely to solidify due to the surrounding humidity or moisture, but may also cause a chemical reaction. In this case, too, by adopting an arrangement that makes it difficult for the different types of detergents to mix, as described above, the above-mentioned solidification and undesired chemical reactions can be prevented.

[0052] 1, when using the cleaning body 2, the attachment part 2b of the cleaning body 2 is inserted into the attachment hole 3c of the attachment part 3a of the handle 3, and the clamping mechanism in the attachment hole 3c is operated by the operating part 3d to fix the cleaning body 2. By attaching the cleaning body 2 to the handle 3 in this manner, the cleaning tool 1 becomes suitable for use.

[0053] A user grasps the handle 3 and brings the tip surface of the cleaning part 2a of the cleaning body 2 into contact with the object to be cleaned while facing it. When the object to be cleaned, such as dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned, is present in a so-called wet area such as a kitchen or a toilet, the object to be cleaned and its surroundings are in an environment where there is moisture or at least where moisture can be easily added.

[0054] The cleaning body 2 is configured so that when it comes into contact with the object to be cleaned and absorbs moisture from the object to be cleaned or its surroundings, it gradually dissolves in water due to the water-dissolvability of the sheet material S, but can continue to maintain its original structure until cleaning is completed.

[0055] First, the cleaning element 2 comes into contact with moisture through the folded portion 2f exposed at the tip 2c, and absorbs the moisture. Next, the moisture absorbed through the folded portion 2f permeates the folded portion 2f and reaches the powdered detergent composition 2d enclosed in the cleaning element 2.

[0056] When the powdered detergent composition 2d comes into contact with moisture, it becomes an aqueous solution of the detergent composition. The cleaning body 2 supplies the aqueous solution of the detergent composition to the object to be cleaned from its folded portion 2f. At this time, the aqueous solution of the detergent composition is, for example, alkaline or acidic depending on its properties, and causes a chemical reaction with the object to be cleaned. As a result, the object to be cleaned that is poorly soluble in water is transformed into a substance that is easily soluble in water, making it easier to clean.

[0057] In particular, when the powdered detergent composition 2d has a first layer 2d1 and a second layer 2d2 made of different detergent compositions as shown in FIG. 5, a stepwise action and effect can be obtained.

[0058] In order to obtain this gradual effect, an example will be described in which the first layer 2d1 is made of a substance that dissolves in water and exhibits alkaline properties, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and the second layer 2d2 is made of a substance that dissolves in water and exhibits acidity, such as citric acid.

[0059] First, an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate is supplied to the cleaning object from the first layer 2d1 arranged on the side where the folded portion 2f is located. This aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate causes a saponification reaction with, for example, sebum dirt made of fatty acids on the cleaning object, decomposing the fatty acids, and the soap newly generated by the decomposition of the fatty acids makes the sebum dirt more easily dispersible in water, making it easier to clean.

[0060] Next, after the powdered sodium bicarbonate in the first layer 2d1 is completely dissolved in water, an aqueous solution of citric acid is supplied to the object to be cleaned from the second layer 2d2 arranged on the opposite side to the side where the folded portion 2f is located. This aqueous solution of citric acid causes an acid-base reaction with, for example, limescale consisting of calcium carbonate crystals in the object to be cleaned, and changes calcium carbonate into calcium citrate, which has a property of being more easily dissolved in water, making it easier to clean.

[0061] As described above, when the cleaning body 2 has a first layer 2d1 and a second layer 2d2 made of different types of cleaning materials as the powdered cleaning agent composition 2d, the above-mentioned stepwise action effect makes it possible to easily clean a variety of objects to be cleaned without having to switch to a cleaning agent with properties appropriate to the object to be cleaned.

[0062] When the supply of the aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate is switched to the supply of the aqueous solution of citric acid, a neutralization reaction occurs between the aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate that was supplied first and remains around the object to be cleaned and the aqueous solution of citric acid that has just been supplied. At this time, carbon dioxide is generated and foaming occurs. This foaming allows the user to recognize that the type of aqueous solution being supplied is being switched, and allows the user to continue to concentrate on cleaning without being interrupted.

[0063] In addition, the tip 2c has a spirally laminated structure, which provides a large surface area in contact with the object to be cleaned and allows for efficient wiping or rubbing off dirt and other cleaning objects adhering to the object to be cleaned, as well as entangling them, due to the space between the tips. This effect is further enhanced when particulate abrasive is disposed on the outer surface of the tip 2c of the cleaning element 2.

[0064] In addition, when the sheet material S is brought into contact with and slid against an object to be cleaned, it has a strength sufficient to enable it to continue to maintain its original structure until the cleaning is completed, but it may also have a strength sufficient to enable the tip portion 2c to gradually hydrolyze to an extent that the cleaning agent composition 2d can flow out depending on the duration of use.

[0065] After using the cleaning body 2, it is removed from the handle 3 and, for example, flushed down the toilet into the sewer. Since the cleaning body 2 is made of the water-decomposable sheet material S, it can be disposed of without clogging pipes, etc.

[0066] In this way, the cleaning element 2 according to the present invention already contains the powdered detergent composition 2d, so there is no need to prepare a separate detergent, and the cleaning target that adheres to the object to be cleaned can be effectively removed by the encapsulated detergent composition 2d. In addition, since the detergent composition 2d is not directly touched by the hands, even if the cleaning element 2 is touched by the hands when attaching it to the handle 3, rough skin will not occur. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Cleaning equipment 2 Cleaning body 2a Cleaning section 2b Mounting part 2c Tip 2d Cleaning composition 2da No. 1 Cleaning Agent 2db Second Cleaning Agent 2f Folding part 3 Handle R Roll Body S Sheet material

Claims

1. A cleaning body comprising a water-decomposable sheet material folded in half and wound into a spiral shape to form a roll body, One end side of the roll body is a cleaning portion, and the other end side of the roll body is an attachment portion, A powdered detergent composition is enclosed inside the folded portion of the sheet material along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material, the folded portion forms a tip end of the cleaning portion, The cleaning element, wherein the attachment portion continuous with the cleaning portion is detachably attachable to a cleaning tool having a handle portion.

2. 2. The cleaning element according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent composition comprises first and second cleaning agents each having a different component.

3. 3. The cleaning element according to claim 2, wherein the first detergent is a powder containing an alkaline component, and the second detergent is a powder containing an acidic component.

4. 4. The cleaning element according to claim 3, wherein the first detergent is any one or more of baking soda, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, and sodium silicate.

5. 4. The cleaning element according to claim 3, wherein the second cleaning agent is one or more of citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, and sulfamic acid.

6. The cleaning element according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and second detergents are arranged separately along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material on the inside of the folded-back portion of the sheet material.

7. The cleaning element according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first detergent is disposed at a bottom portion, which is a tip of the folded portion, and the second detergent is disposed in an upper layer via a boundary surface with the first detergent in a lower layer.

8. The cleaning body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the sheet material folded in half is wound into a spiral shape to form the roll body, granular abrasive is disposed only on the outer surface of the sheet material that is wound on the inside.

9. The cleaning element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mounting portion has a cylindrical shape.

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