Cleaner

Abstract

To provide a universal cleaner capable of utilizing the excellent dirt removing performance of a polyurethane elastic yarn itself.SOLUTION: A cleaner for removing dirt on a surface of an object to be cleaned by wiping, wherein the cleaner is formed into a thread lump having a surface exposed to the outside, the thread lump being an assembly of threads including a polyurethane elastic yarn, at least a part of the surface exposed to the outside is composed of the polyurethane elastic yarn, the cleaner is configured to be capable of exhibiting dirt removing performance of the polyurethane elastic yarn itself exposed to the outside, and a ratio of the polyurethane elastic yarn to an area of the surface exposed to the outside is 3% or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a versatile cleaner that uses polyurethane elastic threads and can effectively remove various types of dirt by wiping. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various cleaners have been known in the form of cloths, scrubbing brushes, etc. Cleaning cloths such as bath towels and kitchen towels are made of natural materials such as cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester, cellulosic materials such as paper, or nonwoven fabrics (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Known examples of fabrics using polyurethane elastic yarn include toweling that takes advantage of the elasticity of polyurethane elastic yarn (e.g., Patent Document 4) and body cleansing fabrics that use a blend of polyurethane and polyester fibers (e.g., Patent Document 5). Also known is a bath towel made of a woven or knitted fabric containing paper yarn and hydrophobic fibers, with polyurethane fibers used as the hydrophobic fibers (e.g., Patent Document 6).

[0004] Knitted articles and bed pads that utilize the anti-slip properties of polyurethane elastic yarns are also known (for example, Patent Documents 7 and 8). Furthermore, knitted fabrics for stretchable wear that are knitted only with knitting yarns made of polyurethane elastic yarns are also known (for example, Patent Documents 9 and 10). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-89438 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-75235 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-36062 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-127940 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2021-16532 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-58614 [Patent Document 7] Patent No. 5845008 [Patent Document 8] Utility Model Registration No. 3237456 [Patent Document 9] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-144836 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-144837 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, polyurethane elastic yarn is used in various forms by taking advantage of its various properties. However, it is not known that polyurethane elastic yarn itself has excellent stain removal performance, and therefore, no cleaner has yet been found that utilizes the excellent stain removal performance of polyurethane elastic yarn itself.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a versatile cleaner that can utilize the excellent dirt removal performance of polyurethane elastic yarn itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the cleaner of the present invention is a cleaner that removes dirt from the surface of an object to be cleaned by wiping, and is formed into a thread mass made up of threads including polyurethane elastic threads and having a surface exposed to the outside, at least a part of the surface exposed to the outside is made up of polyurethane elastic threads, and is configured to be able to exhibit the dirt removal performance inherent to the polyurethane elastic threads themselves, and the proportion of the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside that is occupied by polyurethane elastic threads is 3% or more.

[0009] After extensive research and various tests, the inventors discovered that polyurethane elastic yarn itself has excellent dirt removal performance against various types of dirt, leading to the completion of the present invention. It is believed that this excellent dirt removal performance of polyurethane elastic yarn itself is achieved by the combined or synergistic exertion of the friction resistance, stretchability, and other properties of polyurethane elastic yarn. Furthermore, they discovered that by utilizing the lipophilicity, etc., of polyurethane elastic yarn itself, it is possible to create a cleaner that foams well and drains water well, and that also has excellent cleaning performance for trapped dirt. Furthermore, they discovered that because polyurethane elastic yarn itself has high elasticity, it can efficiently remove dirt without damaging the object being cleaned.

[0010] In the cleaner according to the present invention, which is constructed with a focus on the excellent dirt-removal properties of the polyurethane elastic yarn itself, at least a portion of the surface exposed to the outside of the cleaner is made of polyurethane elastic yarn, and the proportion of the polyurethane elastic yarn to the area of ​​the exposed surface is 3% or more. In other words, the exposed surface is formed by the polyurethane elastic yarn, other yarns, and spaces between the yarns, and the proportion of the polyurethane elastic yarn to the area of ​​the exposed surface is 3% or more. This allows the excellent dirt-removal properties of the polyurethane elastic yarn itself to be fully exhibited when wiping away dirt from the surface of the object to be cleaned. For example, dirt on the surface of the object to be cleaned can be efficiently removed using only water by using the frictional resistance and elasticity of the polyurethane elastic yarn itself to lift the edges of the dirt, and then peeling off the lifted parts with the polyurethane elastic yarn. The yarn exposed to the surface of the cleaner may include yarns other than polyurethane elastic yarn, and it is the polyurethane elastic yarn among these that exhibits the excellent dirt-removal properties described above. If the proportion of polyurethane elastic yarns in the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside is 3% or more, the excellent stain removal performance as described above can be fully exhibited, and it is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 7% or more, and even more preferably 9% or more. Note that, as shown in the measurement method described below, the proportion of polyurethane elastic yarns in the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside can be determined as the ratio of the area occupied by polyurethane elastic yarns observed in a specified measurement area (exposure rate) by coloring the yarns as needed and observing the surface under a microscope.

[0011] In the present invention, the cleaner according to the present invention as described above is formed in the form of a mass of yarns containing polyurethane elastic yarns.

[0012] When the cleaner is formed from a yarn mass made up of yarns including polyurethane elastic yarns, it can be either a randomly assembled yarn mass or a partially bonded yarn mass. Since the shape of the yarn mass is highly flexible, it is possible to improve usability by adopting a structure including a yarn mass shape-retaining means that limits the shape of the yarn mass. For example, a relatively coarse mesh can be used as the yarn mass shape-retaining means.

[0013] Furthermore, when the cleaner is formed from fabric with an exposed surface rather than from a lump of yarn as described above, the fabric can be formed in any form, such as knitted fabric, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, in cases where a cleaner made solely from fabric is considered inconvenient to use, a structure can be adopted that further includes a support means for supporting the fabric. This fabric support means can be a simple base, or it can be configured as a means with a handle or an auxiliary tool.

[0014] In the present invention, the threads exposed on the surface of the cleaner may include threads other than polyurethane elastic threads, and may be configured to include, in addition to polyurethane elastic threads, at least one of polyester threads, polyamide threads, cellulose threads, and cotton threads, for example.

[0015] The fineness of the polyurethane elastic yarn used is not particularly limited, but can be appropriately selected, for example, from the range of 22 to 3730 decitex. A more suitable range of this fineness can be selected depending on, for example, the surface properties of the object to be cleaned, as described below.

[0016] The cleaner of the present invention can be configured as an all-purpose cleaner capable of removing a variety of stains, and the stains to be removed can include not only general stains but also oily and sebum stains.

[0017] The object to be cleaned by the cleaner according to the present invention can include skin and solid matter, and it is possible to select the most suitable cleaner specifications depending on the type of object to be cleaned.

[0018] For example, when the object to be cleaned is skin, it is desirable to be able to remove sebum and cosmetic stains without damaging the skin, so a relatively fine thread may be used. For example, the fineness of the polyurethane elastic thread is preferably in the range of 22 to 2500 decitex, and the proportion of the polyurethane elastic thread to the surface area exposed to the outside of the object to be cleaned is preferably in the range of 3% to 80%. A more preferred range for the fineness of the polyurethane elastic thread is 22 to 2000 decitex, and an even more preferred range is 22 to 1880 decitex. A more preferred range for the proportion of the polyurethane elastic thread to the surface area exposed to the outside of the object to be cleaned is 5 to 70%, and an even more preferred range is 7 to 60%. By appropriately setting the fineness of the polyurethane elastic thread exposed to the surface, and in some cases by appropriately setting the structure of the fabric, etc., it is possible to achieve high stain removal effectiveness without causing any problems, and it is also possible to achieve a pleasant feel and massage effect.

[0019] When the object to be cleaned is a solid, removal of relatively firmly attached dirt is often required, so a relatively thick yarn may be used. For example, it is preferable that the polyurethane elastic yarn has a fineness in the range of 78 to 3730 decitex, and that the proportion of the polyurethane elastic yarn relative to the surface area exposed to the outside of the object to be cleaned is in the range of 30% to 100%. A more preferable range for the polyurethane elastic yarn fineness is 100 to 3730 decitex, and an even more preferable range is 156 to 3730 decitex. A more preferable range for the proportion of the polyurethane elastic yarn relative to the surface area exposed to the outside of the object to be cleaned is 35 to 100%, and an even more preferable range is 40 to 100%.

[0020] Furthermore, when the threads constituting the cleaner include the polyurethane elastic thread and other threads, by appropriately setting the mixing ratio of the polyurethane elastic thread to the total threads, it becomes possible to maintain good dirt removal performance of the polyurethane elastic thread from the object to be cleaned while also maintaining good other performance of the other threads, such as fabric shape maintenance performance, etc. The mixing ratio of the polyurethane elastic thread to the total threads may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably in the range of 10 to 80%, more preferably in the range of 10 to 70%, and even more preferably in the range of 20 to 70%. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the cleaner according to the present invention can efficiently remove dirt due to the polyurethane elastic threads appropriately exposed on the surface. Also, it can remove various types of dirt, providing a versatile cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a cleaner according to the present invention formed on a yarn lump having a yarn lump shape maintaining means. FIG. [Figure 2] 1A is a schematic perspective view from above, FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view from below, and FIG. 1C is a schematic side view showing an example of a cleaner formed on a fabric having a support means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments. First, the polyurethane used as the main component in the polyurethane elastic yarn of the present invention will be described. Here, the main component is a component contained in the polyurethane elastic yarn in an amount of more than 50% by mass.

[0024] The polyurethane used in the present invention may be any polyurethane having a structure starting from a polymer diol and a diisocyanate, and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, its synthesis method is also not particularly limited. For example, it may be a polyurethane urea composed of a polymer diol, a diisocyanate, and a low-molecular-weight diamine as a chain extender, or a polyurethane urethane composed of a polymer diol, a diisocyanate, and a low-molecular-weight diol as a chain extender. It may also be a polyurethane urea using a compound having a hydroxyl group and an amino group in the molecule as a chain extender. It is also preferable to use a polyfunctional glycol or isocyanate having a functionality of three or more, as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, its processing method is also not particularly limited. For example, recycled polyurethanes that have been remolded and re-spun may also be used.

[0025] The polymer diol is preferably a polyether-based diol, a polyester-based diol, a polycarbonate diol, etc. In particular, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility and elongation to the yarn, it is preferable to use a polyether-based diol.

[0026] Preferred examples of polyether diols include polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol derivatives, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as PTMG), modified PTMG which is a copolymer of tetrahydrofuran (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as THF) and 3-methyltetrahydrofuran, modified PTMG which is a copolymer of THF and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, modified PTMG which is a copolymer of THF and 2,3-dimethylTHF, polyols having side chains on both sides as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2615131, and random copolymers in which THF and ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide are irregularly arranged. These polyether diols may be used alone or in combination or copolymerized with two or more.

[0027] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of obtaining abrasion resistance and light resistance as polyurethane elastic yarn, polyester-based diols such as butylene adipate, polycaprolactone diol, and polyester polyols having side chains as disclosed in JP-A-61-26612, and polycarbonate diols as disclosed in JP-B-2-289516 are preferably used.

[0028] These polymer diols may be used alone or in combination or copolymerized form.

[0029] From the viewpoint of obtaining elongation, strength, heat resistance, etc. when made into a yarn, the molecular weight of the polymer diol is preferably a number average molecular weight of 1,000 or more and 8,000 or less, more preferably 1,500 or more and 6,000 or less. By using a polymer diol with a molecular weight in this range, an elastic yarn excellent in elongation, strength, elastic recovery force, and heat resistance can be easily obtained.

[0030] Next, as diisocyanates, aromatic diisocyanates such as diphenylmethane diisocyanate (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as MDI), tolylene diisocyanate, 1,4-diisocyanatobenzene, xylylene diisocyanate, and 2,6-naphthalene diisocyanate are particularly suitable for synthesizing polyurethanes with high heat resistance and strength. Furthermore, as alicyclic diisocyanates, for example, methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), isophorone diisocyanate, methylcyclohexane 2,4-diisocyanate, methylcyclohexane 2,6-diisocyanate, cyclohexane 1,4-diisocyanate, hexahydroxylylene diisocyanate, hexahydrotolylene diisocyanate, and octahydro-1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate are preferred. Alicyclic diisocyanates are particularly effective in suppressing yellowing of polyurethane elastic yarns. These diisocyanates may be used alone or in combination.

[0031] The chain extender used in synthesizing the polyurethane is preferably at least one of a low molecular weight diamine and a low molecular weight diol, although it may also be one having both a hydroxyl group and an amino group in one molecule, such as ethanolamine.

[0032] Preferred low-molecular-weight diamines include, for example, ethylenediamine, 1,2-propanediamine, 1,3-propanediamine, hexamethylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, p-xylylenediamine, m-xylylenediamine, p,p'-methylenedianiline, 1,3-cyclohexyldiamine, hexahydrometaphenylenediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, and bis(4-aminophenyl)phosphine oxide. It is preferable to use one or more of these. Ethylenediamine is particularly preferred. The use of ethylenediamine facilitates the production of yarns with excellent elongation, elastic recovery, and heat resistance. A triamine compound capable of forming a crosslinked structure, such as diethylenetriamine, may be added to these chain extenders to an extent that the effect is not lost.

[0033] Representative low-molecular-weight diols include ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, bishydroxyethoxybenzene, bishydroxyethylene terephthalate, and 1-methyl-1,2-ethanediol. It is preferable to use one or more of these. Ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,4-butanediol are particularly preferred. The use of these diol-extended polyurethanes results in higher heat resistance and allows for the production of stronger yarns.

[0034] In the present invention, the molecular weight of the polyurethane is preferably in the range of 30,000 to 150,000 in terms of number average molecular weight, from the viewpoint of obtaining polyurethane elastic threads with high durability and strength. The molecular weight is measured by GPC (gel permeation chromatography) and converted into polystyrene.

[0035] It is also preferable to use one or more types of terminal blocking agents in combination for the polyurethane. Preferred terminal blocking agents include monoamines such as dimethylamine, diisopropylamine, ethylmethylamine, diethylamine, methylpropylamine, isopropylmethylamine, diisopropylamine, butylmethylamine, isobutylmethylamine, isopentylmethylamine, dibutylamine, and diamylamine, monools such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, allyl alcohol, and cyclopentanol, and monoisocyanates such as phenyl isocyanate.

[0036] In the present invention, a cleaner is constructed using polyurethane elastic threads made of polyurethane having the basic structure described above. The cleaner of the present invention is a cleaner that removes dirt from the surface of an object to be cleaned by wiping, and is characterized in that at least a portion of the surface exposed to the outside is constructed of polyurethane elastic threads, and the proportion of the polyurethane elastic threads to the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside is 3% or more. As described above, the proportion of the polyurethane elastic threads to the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside (exposure rate) can be determined using a microscope, as described below.

[0037] In the cleaner according to the present invention, yarns including polyurethane elastic yarns are formed into a yarn mass, but they can also be formed into a fabric with an exposed surface. An example of a cleaner formed into a yarn mass having a yarn mass shape-maintaining means is shown in Figure 1, and an example of a cleaner formed into a fabric with a support means is shown in Figure 2.

[0038] In the cleaner 1 shown in Fig. 1, the cleaner, which removes dirt from the surface of an object to be cleaned by wiping, is formed in the form of a yarn mass 2 made up of yarns including polyurethane elastic yarns. The yarn mass 2 can be used in the form of a simple lump of yarns, but to make it easier to handle, it is preferable that the yarns in the yarn mass 2 are partially bonded together. The bonding may be by fusion or adhesion of the yarns together.

[0039] Although the cleaner 1 can be used in the form of a yarn lump 2, the freedom of movement in the form of the yarn lump 2 can be great and can be difficult to use, so in this example, a yarn lump shape retention means is provided that limits the freedom of movement of the shape of the yarn lump 2, and this yarn lump shape retention means is formed in the form of a mesh body 3 with a relatively large mesh. Furthermore, the cleaner 1 is provided with a hanging tool 4 for storage, etc.

[0040] In cleaner 11 shown in FIG. 2, a cleaner for wiping away dirt from the surface of an object to be cleaned is formed in the form of fabric 12 with a surface exposed to the outside. Fabric 12 can be any of knitted fabric, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric. While cleaner 11 can be used as is in the form of fabric 12, in this example, cleaner 11 has base 13 as a support means for supporting fabric 12 to make it easier to handle. Furthermore, cleaner 11 is provided with a handle 14 for use in cleaning operations.

[0041] In the cleaner according to the present invention, which is configured as a lump of threads or fabric as described above, the polyurethane elastic threads exposed at an appropriate rate (exposure rate) on the surface of the cleaner can fully demonstrate the excellent dirt removal performance of the polyurethane elastic threads themselves when wiping away dirt from the surface of the object to be cleaned. For example, dirt on the surface of the object to be cleaned can be efficiently removed using only water by using the frictional resistance and elasticity of the polyurethane elastic threads themselves to lift the edges of the dirt, and then peeling off the lifted parts with the polyurethane elastic threads.

[0042] In addition to the above-mentioned exposure rate, by appropriately setting the fineness of the polyurethane elastic yarn depending on the application, for example, a fabric or yarn lump using polyurethane elastic yarn with a fineness of 22 to 2500 decitex and having a polyurethane elastic yarn exposure rate of 3% to 80% can be used as a face wash towel or body towel to remove dirt without irritating the skin. For example, if a test to remove skin dirt is conducted using a knitted fabric made of 100% polyurethane elastic yarn, it is thought to cause severe skin irritation, but by lowering the exposure rate to 3% to 80%, it becomes possible to effectively remove dirt without irritating the skin.

[0043] Furthermore, when removal of solid stains that are relatively firmly attached is required, for example, a fabric or thread mass using polyurethane elastic yarn with a fineness of 78 to 3730 decitex, in which the polyurethane elastic yarn exposure rate is 30% to 100%, can remove stubborn grease stains and the like that have stuck to frying pans and the like. Conventionally, steel scrubbing pads and melamine sponges have been commonly used to remove stubborn grease stains and the like that have stuck to frying pans and the like, but these cleaners tend to damage the coating of frying pans and the like. However, the cleaner of the present invention, due to the elasticity of the polyurethane elastic yarn, causes less damage to the object being wiped and does not damage the coating of frying pans and the like.

[0044] Furthermore, since the polyurethane elastic yarn in the cleaner of the present invention has good elasticity, it can remove dirt more effectively than yarn that does not have elasticity. Furthermore, since the polyurethane elastic yarn is highly hydrophobic, the cleaner also has the property of draining water well and drying quickly. [Example]

[0045] Examples of the present invention will be described below. First, the test methods, measurement methods, and evaluation methods used in the present invention will be described.

[0046] (1) Method for measuring the exposure rate of polyurethane elastic threads on the surface of the cleaner The fabric to be measured was cut into a 5 cm x 5 cm piece and attached to a flat plate with double-sided tape without tension or unevenness. It was then placed on the stage of a VHX-1000 microscope (Keyence Corporation). The magnification of the VH-Z20R ultra-compact, high-performance zoom lens (Keyence Corporation) attached to the VHX-1000 microscope was set to a range of 20x to 200x depending on the density of the fabric weave, and the image was displayed on a personal computer (PC) screen. The vertical and horizontal distances of the image were measured using 3D shape measurement software VHX-H3M (Keyence Corporation). Next, an image of the polyurethane elastic yarn was selected, and an image was created in which the polyurethane elastic yarn image area was colored white and the non-polyurethane elastic yarn image area was colored black. Small white dots within the black area were filled in with black, and small black dots within the white area were filled in with white. The area of ​​the polyurethane elastic yarn region in this binarized image was then calculated. The ratio of the area of ​​the polyurethane elastic yarn region to the total image area was calculated, and this was taken as the exposure rate (%) of the polyurethane elastic yarn. Here, when the polyurethane elastic yarn and other yarns were of the same color to the extent that binarization was difficult, they were dyed to make them binarizable before measurement. The same measurement was also carried out when the measurement object was a yarn mass.

[0047] (2) Dirt removal test method using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned and evaluation method for wiping degree A 40 mm × 40 mm piece of fabric (thread mass) was attached to the bottom (22 × 116 mm surface) and both sides (116 × 14 mm surfaces) of a Kuretake paperweight (KC47-902, product size: 22 × 116 × 14 mm) using double-sided tape (Nichiban Co., Ltd., "Nice Tack" (registered trademark, NW-15)). The portion protruding from the bottom surface was attached to the 116 × 14 mm surface. A 20 mm square (20 mm × 20 mm) was uniformly filled in on a glass plate with a Zebra Corporation oil-based marker ("Hi-Macky" (product name) black, product number: MO-150-MC-BK), and then air-dried for 60 seconds. While air-drying for 60 seconds, the paperweight was immersed in room-temperature water with the fabric-attached side facing down. After 60 seconds, the paperweight was removed. A paperweight was placed face down on a 20mm square glass plate painted black. The blackened area was rubbed with a permanent marker (using only the weight of the paperweight (130g)) at a speed of one stroke per second, left and right 10 times and up and down 10 times. The glass plate was then placed on a white mount and photographed. This photograph was reduced to half, printed in color, and placed on the stage of a VHX-1000 microscope (Keyence Corporation). The magnification of the VH-Z20R ultra-compact, high-performance zoom lens (Keyence Corporation) attached to the VHX-1000 microscope was set between 20x and 200x depending on the density of the fabric, and the image was displayed on a personal computer (PC) screen. The vertical and horizontal distances of the image were measured using 3D shape measurement software VHX-H3M (Keyence Corporation). Next, image processing was performed to color the remaining black areas after rubbing white and the wiped areas, which were in the state of the glass plate before wiping and painting black, and the image was binarized into white and black areas. After that, small white dots within the black areas in the image were painted black, and the area of ​​the white areas displayed in the image was determined. To evaluate the degree of cleanliness, the area remaining after rubbing, relative to the 20mm square painted black area before rubbing, in other words, the area ratio of the white area in the image processing, was scored as × if it was 80% or more, △ if it was 50% to 80%, ◯ if it was 20% to 50%, and ◎ if it was 20% or less. △ to ◎ was considered practically acceptable.

[0048] (3) Dirt removal test method using skin as the object to be cleaned and evaluation method for wiping degree A 40mm x 40mm piece of fabric (thread mass) was attached to the underside (22mm x 116mm surface) and both sides (116mm x 14mm surface) of a Kuretake paperweight (KC47-902, product size: 22mm x 116mm x 14mm) using double-sided tape (Nichiban Co., Ltd., "Nice Tack" (registered trademark, NW-15)). The portion protruding from the underside was attached to the 116mm x 14mm surface. The fabric (thread mass) was uniformly smeared on the skin of the forearm with a Zebra Corporation oil-based marker ("Hi-Mackey" (product name) black, product number: MO-150-MC-BK) over a 20mm square (20mm x 20mm) and then air-dried for 60 seconds. While air-drying for 60 seconds, the paperweight was immersed in room-temperature water with the fabric-attached surface facing down. After 60 seconds, the paperweight was removed. A paperweight was placed face down on a 20mm square area of ​​the forearm that had been painted black, and the paperweight was manually operated so that the underside of the paperweight did not come off the skin surface. The area that had been painted black was rubbed with an oil-based marker 10 times back and forth from side to side and 10 times up and down at a speed of one stroke per second, and the extent to which the blackened area remained was then visually evaluated. In assessing the cleanliness of the area that had been painted black with the oil-based marker after wiping, a score of ◎ was given if the amount of oil-based marker stain remaining after wiping was clearly small, △ if it was somewhat large, and × if most of the stain remained. △ to ◎ was considered a practical pass.

[0049] Fabrics and thread lumps were prepared as cleaners as follows, and in Examples 1 to 15 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7, stain removal tests and evaluations of wiping performance were carried out using glass plates as the object to be cleaned, while in Examples 16 to 29 and Comparative Examples 8 to 13, stain removal tests and evaluations of wiping performance were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned. The results, including measurements of the exposure rate of polyurethane elastic threads on the surface of the cleaner, are summarized in Tables 1 to 4.

[0050] Example 1 A 29-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed a 22 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of polyurethane elastic yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0051] Example 2 A 29-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed a 33 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of polyurethane elastic yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0052] Example 3 A 29-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed a 78 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of polyurethane elastic yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0053] Example 4 A 24-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed a 310 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of polyurethane elastic yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning performance using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0054] Example 5 An 8-gauge, 2-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Maruzen Sangyo Co., Ltd.) was used to feed a 1240 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of polyurethane elastic yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0055] Example 6 An 8-gauge, 2-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Maruzen Sangyo Co., Ltd.) was used to feed a 2500 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of polyurethane elastic yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0056] Example 7 Using a hand loom described in Utility Model Registration No. 3176449, polyurethane elastic yarn was supplied as the warp and weft to obtain a woven fabric consisting solely of polyurethane elastic yarn 1240 dtex (T-127, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) This fabric was used to carry out tests and evaluations using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0057] Example 8 (Example of thread block) A 1240 dtex polyurethane elastic thread (T-127 manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) was wound randomly and tightly around a paperweight (KC47-902, product size: 22 x 116 x 14 mm) manufactured by Kuretake Co., Ltd. Tests and evaluations were conducted using this thread lump and a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0058] Example 9 A circular knitted fabric was obtained using a single cylinder sock knitting machine (manufactured by Lonati) with 144 needles and a 4-inch bobbin diameter, and polyurethane elastic yarn 310 dtex (T-127C manufactured by Toray Opelontex) and No. 30 cotton yarn (approximately 197 dtex). Tests and evaluations were carried out using this fabric and a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0059] Example 10 A circular knitted fabric was obtained using a single-cylinder sock knitting machine (manufactured by Lonati) with 200 needles and a 3.75-inch diameter, and was fed with polyurethane elastic yarn 156 dtex (T-127C manufactured by Toray Opelontex) and No. 60 cotton yarn (approximately 98 dtex). This fabric was used for testing and evaluation, using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0060] Example 11 A warp knitting machine (Karl Mayer) was used to obtain a warp knitted fabric using No. 40 polyester spun yarn (made by spinning polyester staple fibers into yarn) (approximately 148 dtex) and 83 dtex woolly polyester yarn (yarn made by heat-processing polyester fibers to fix the artificial curl and give it a wool-like texture), No. 40 polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) as the weft, and 470 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) as the pattern yarn. Tests and evaluations were carried out using this fabric and a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0061] Example 12 A warp knitting machine (Karl Mayer) was used to obtain a warp knitted fabric using 40-count polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) and 83 dtex woolly polyester yarn (yarn made by heat-treating polyester fibers to fix the artificial curl and give it a wool-like texture), 40-count polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) as the weft, and 940 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) as the pattern yarn. Tests and evaluations were carried out using this fabric and a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0062] Example 13 A warp knitting machine (Karl Mayer) was used to obtain a warp knitted fabric using No. 40 polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) and 83 dtex woolly polyester yarn as the warp, No. 40 polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) as the weft, and 1240 dtex polyurethane elastic yarn (T-127C, manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) as the pattern yarn. Tests and evaluations were carried out using this fabric and a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0063] Example 14 A 22-gauge, 33-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Fukuhara Seiki Seisakusho) was used to feed polyurethane elastic yarn 235 dtex (T-127C manufactured by Toray Opelontex Co., Ltd.) and 100 dtex, 15-filament polyester yarn to obtain a circular knitted fabric. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning target using a glass plate.

[0064] Example 15 A fabric was prepared by changing the knitting structure of Example 14, and this fabric was used to carry out tests and evaluations using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0065] Example 16 The same fabric as in Example 1 was prepared, and tests and evaluations were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0066] Example 17 The same fabric as in Example 2 was prepared, and tests and evaluations were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0067] Example 18 The same fabric as in Example 3 was prepared, and tests and evaluations were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0068] Example 19 The same fabric as in Example 4 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0069] Example 20 The same fabric as in Example 5 was prepared, and tests and evaluations were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0070] Example 21 The same fabric as in Example 6 was prepared, and tests and evaluations were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0071] Example 22 The same fabric as in Example 7 was prepared, and tests and evaluations were carried out using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0072] Example 23 (Example of thread block) The same filament mass as in Example 8 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0073] Example 24 The same fabric as in Example 9 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0074] Example 25 The same fabric as in Example 11 was prepared and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0075] Example 26 The same fabric as in Example 12 was prepared and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0076] Example 27 The same fabric as in Example 13 was prepared and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0077] Example 28 The same fabric as in Example 14 was prepared and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0078] Example 29 The same fabric as in Example 15 was prepared and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0079] Comparative Example 1 A 29-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed woolly nylon yarn (a nylon fiber that has been heat-processed to set the artificial curl and give it a wool-like texture) at 78 dtex / 24 filaments to obtain a circular knit fabric made only of woolly nylon yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning performance using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0080] Comparative Example 2 A 29-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed woolly polyester yarn of 84 dtex / 36 filaments to obtain a circular knit fabric consisting only of woolly polyester yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning target using a glass plate.

[0081] Comparative Example 3 A 29-gauge, 3.5-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Lawson-Hemphill) was used to feed No. 60 cotton yarn (approximately 98 dtex) to obtain a circular knit fabric made entirely of cotton yarn. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0082] Comparative Example 4 A single cylinder sock knitting machine (manufactured by Lonati) with 144 needles and a 4-inch diameter was used to feed No. 30 cotton yarn (approximately 197 dtex) to obtain a circular knitted fabric. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0083] Comparative Example 5 A single cylinder sock knitting machine (manufactured by Lonati) with 200 needles and a 3.75 inch diameter was used to feed No. 60 cotton yarn (approximately 98 dtex) to obtain a circular knitted fabric. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning results using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0084] Comparative Example 6 A warp knitting machine (manufactured by Karl Mayer) was used to obtain a warp knitted fabric using No. 40 polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) and 83 dtex woolly polyester yarn as the warp, No. 40 polyester spun yarn (approximately 148 dtex) as the weft, and No. 16 polyester spun yarn (approximately 369 dtex) as the pattern yarn. Tests and evaluations were carried out using this fabric and a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0085] Comparative Example 7 A 32-gauge, 38-inch circular knitting machine (manufactured by Fukuhara Co., Ltd.) was used to feed a 100 dtex, 15-filament polyester yarn to obtain a circular knitted fabric. This fabric was used to test and evaluate the cleaning performance using a glass plate as the object to be cleaned.

[0086] Comparative Example 8 The same fabric as in Comparative Example 1 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0087] Comparative Example 9 The same fabric as in Comparative Example 2 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0088] Comparative Example 10 The same fabric as in Comparative Example 3 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using the skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0089] Comparative Example 11 The same fabric as in Comparative Example 4 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0090] Comparative Example 12 The same fabric as in Comparative Example 6 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0091] Comparative Example 13 The same fabric as in Comparative Example 7 was prepared, and tested and evaluated using skin as the object to be cleaned.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] [Table 3]

[0095] [Table 4]

[0096] In the yarn lump examples 8 and 23, results comparable to those of the other fabric examples were obtained. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The cleaner according to the present invention can remove various types of dirt and can function as a versatile cleaner depending on the application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1, 11 Cleaner 2 thread clumps 3 Reticulum 4 Hanging device 12 Fabric 13 Foundation 14 Toride

Claims

1. A cleaner for wiping away dirt from the surface of an object to be cleaned, characterized in that the cleaner is formed into a mass of threads including polyurethane elastic threads and has a surface exposed to the outside, at least a portion of the surface exposed to the outside is made of polyurethane elastic threads, and the cleaner is configured so as to be able to exhibit the dirt removal performance of the polyurethane elastic threads themselves, and the proportion of the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside that is occupied by polyurethane elastic threads is 3% or more.

2. The cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the yarns in the yarn mass are partially bonded to each other.

3. 2. The cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a yarn lump shape retaining means for restricting the degree of freedom of the shape of the yarn lump.

4. 4. The cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the means for maintaining the shape of the filament mass is formed in a net-like shape.

5. 2. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the surface exposed to the outside includes, in addition to the polyurethane elastic yarn, any one of polyester yarn, polyamide yarn, cellulose yarn, and cotton yarn.

6. 2. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the polyurethane elastic yarn has a fineness in the range of 22 to 3730 decitex.

7. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the dirt to be removed includes oily dirt and sebum dirt.

8. The cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the object to be cleaned includes skin and solid matter.

9. 2. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the object to be cleaned is skin, the polyurethane elastic yarn has a fineness in the range of 22 to 2500 decitex, and the proportion of the polyurethane elastic yarn in the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside of the object to be cleaned is in the range of 3% to 80%.

10. 2. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the object to be cleaned is a solid, the polyurethane elastic yarn has a fineness in the range of 78 to 3730 decitex, and the proportion of the polyurethane elastic yarn in the area of ​​the surface exposed to the outside of the object to be cleaned is in the range of 30% to 100%.

11. 2. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the yarn constituting the cleaner comprises the polyurethane elastic yarn and other yarns, and the mixing ratio of the polyurethane elastic yarn to the total yarns is in the range of 10 to 90%.

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