Cleaning tool

Abstract

To provide a washing tool with improved washing performance and sterilizing / antibacterial performance.SOLUTION: A cleaning tool comprising: a surface portion in which an opening is formed; a container body which is located on a first direction side of the surface portion and stores a liquid agent; and a sponge which is located on a second direction side opposite to the first direction of the surface portion, covers the opening, and to which the liquid agent is supplied from the container body through the opening, wherein the liquid agent contains an antibacterial agent, and the cleaning tool has a liquid agent discharge mechanism and a backflow prevention mechanism which are developed in accordance with a magnitude of a pressing force to the sponge in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, containers have been known that include a container body that contains a liquid agent and a structure that discharges the liquid agent. Some such containers include various components on the side that discharges the liquid agent. For example, there is an applicator that includes a component that absorbs and applies the liquid agent. Patent Document 1 also describes a cleaning tool (washing tool) that includes multiple bristles. The cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1 has an opening in the body that is closed by a valve means and a pushable valve drive button. Pushing the valve drive button opens the valve means, and the liquid agent is discharged from between the bristles through a discharge passage onto the surface to be cleaned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-66337 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1 requires the valve drive button to be pressed before the liquid agent can be dispensed, making the cleaning process cumbersome. Furthermore, with the method of dispensing the liquid agent as described above, the liquid agent is present at the tips of the bristles but is difficult to spread along the entire length of the bristles. Therefore, the cleaning tool leaves room for improvement in terms of its ability to clean surfaces. On the other hand, because the bristles clean by rubbing the surface, there is a possibility that dirt will adhere or bacteria will be contaminated along their entire length, leaving room for improvement in terms of hygiene.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides a cleaning tool that has improved cleaning properties as well as sterilizing and antibacterial properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a cleaning tool comprising: a surface portion having an opening formed therein; a container body located on a first direction side of the surface portion and containing a liquid agent; and a sponge located on a second direction side of the surface portion opposite the first direction, covering the opening and through which the liquid agent is supplied from the container body, wherein the liquid agent contains an antibacterial agent, and the cleaning tool has a liquid agent ejection mechanism and a backflow prevention mechanism that are activated according to the magnitude of the pressing force on the sponge in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The container of the present invention has improved washability as well as sterilizing and antibacterial properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cleaning tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cleaning tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a container body 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support member 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of the support member 20 taken along line II shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a support member 20 and a valve member 30. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a sponge 40. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the cleaning tool 1. [Figure 9] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the cleaning tool 1 in a state where a sponge 40 is pressed against a surface to be cleaned. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] <Overview of the container> One embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning tool that allows a user to lather a liquid agent when cleaning a desired object. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cleaning tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container body 10, a support member 20, a sponge 40, and a cap 90. The container body 10 contains a liquid agent. The liquid agent contained in the container body 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the liquid agent contained in the container body 10 may be a liquid agent such as a liquid detergent, bleach, shampoo, or body soap. Examples of liquid detergents include detergents for cleaning hard surfaces such as washbowls, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and dishes.

[0011] The liquid contains an antibacterial agent. The antibacterial agent preferably includes one or more types selected from organic antibacterial agents and inorganic antibacterial agents. The organic antibacterial agent preferably contains one or more selected from cationic surfactants and organic acids, and among these, cationic surfactants are more preferred because they have cleaning properties and sterilizing effects. The cationic surfactant may include one or more selected from alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, etc. The organic acid may include one or more selected from benzoic acid and its salts, lactic acid and its salts, citric acid and its salts, etc. The inorganic antibacterial agent typically contains a metal, and may contain one or more selected from silver, copper, zinc, lead, bismuth, etc., or ions or complexes thereof.

[0012] The liquid preferably contains one or more surfactants selected from nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. The nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants may include various surfactants that have a cleaning effect. Preferably, they also have a disinfecting effect. The nonionic surfactants may include one or more surfactants selected from alkyl glucosides, alkyl glyceryl ethers, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers. The amphoteric surfactants may include one or more surfactants selected from alkyl dimethylamine oxides, alkyl sulfobetaines, and alkyl dimethylaminoacetic acid betaines.

[0013] It is preferable to use a solvent together with the various agents described above. As the solvent, a solvent commonly used in preparing liquid antibacterial agents can be used. Specific examples thereof include one or more selected from propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, and ethanol. Note that such solvents are usually volatile, and are expected to have a disinfecting effect until they evaporate.

[0014] The above-mentioned nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and cationic surfactants can enhance the foaming properties of the liquid agent absorbed into the sponge 40. Therefore, from the viewpoint of enhancing the cleaning properties of the liquid agent, it is preferable that the liquid agent contains at least one of the above surfactants. From the viewpoint of cleaning properties, an anionic surfactant may be contained, but when a cationic surfactant is used, it is preferable not to contain an anionic surfactant in order to avoid the formation of a complex between the anionic surfactant and the cationic surfactant and to maintain the antibacterial properties of the cationic surfactant. From the above, it is preferable to include one or more surfactants selected from nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants from the viewpoint of cleaning properties, and to use a cationic surfactant in combination from the viewpoint of antibacterial properties. In this case, since the cationic surfactant also has a cleaning effect, an even better cleaning effect can be expected. Furthermore, it is preferable to include an inorganic antibacterial agent here from the viewpoint of further improving antibacterial properties. When the liquid preparation contains an anionic surfactant, it is preferable to mix it with an inorganic antibacterial agent from the viewpoint of obtaining an antibacterial effect.

[0015] It is preferable that the liquid contains a fragrance. By including a fragrance, it is possible to suppress the bad odor caused by bacteria adhering to the sponge. Furthermore, the fragrance makes it easier for the user to recognize the disinfecting and antibacterial effects of the aforementioned ingredients.

[0016] In the present invention, the backflow prevention mechanism in the usage mode described below allows the liquid to be used undiluted, thereby significantly improving the cleaning, sterilizing, and antibacterial effects of the liquid on the sponge 40.

[0017] The support member 20 is detachably attached to the container body 10. The support member 20 has a surface portion (support surface 211 shown in FIG. 5 and subsequent figures) in which an opening is formed, and the sponge 40 is supported on this surface portion. In this specification, the direction toward the container body 10 as viewed from the surface portion may be referred to as a first direction (Z1 direction shown in FIG. 1), and the direction opposite to the first direction may be referred to as a second direction (Z2 direction shown in FIG. 1).

[0018] The sponge 40 is located on the second direction side (Z2 direction) of the surface portion, covers the opening, and allows the liquid agent to be supplied from the container body 10 through the opening. The sponge 40 is a member having elasticity and many air bubbles. The sponge 40 is formed, for example, from an ether-based urethane foam. The sponge 40 absorbs the liquid agent discharged from the container body 10 through the openings in the surface portion of the support member 20. The cap 90 is removably engaged with the support member 20. When the cap 90 is engaged with the support member 20, the cap 90 is spaced apart from the sponge 40 and covers the sponge 40.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the above-described cleaning tool 1 is used in a tilted position so that the second direction (Z2 direction) approaches the direction of gravity. The user presses the sponge 40 against the surface to be cleaned and moves the cleaning tool 1 up and down. By moving it up and down, the liquid agent is supplied to the sponge 40 from the container body 10 (details will be described later). At the same time, the sponge 40 is compressed, and the liquid agent absorbed in the sponge 40 is pushed out onto the surface to be cleaned while mixing with air. The liquid agent becomes foam when mixed with air, and is pushed out onto the surface to be cleaned in the foamed state. By moving the cleaning tool 1 while pressing the sponge 40 against the surface to be cleaned, the user can clean the surface to be cleaned with the sponge 40 while entangling the foam in the sponge 40.

[0020] Furthermore, the cleansing tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a configuration for further enhancing the foaming properties of the liquid agent. The configurations of the container body 10, support member 20, sponge 40, and other components of the cleansing tool 1 will be described in detail below. <Configuration of container body 10> 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a container body 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The container body 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a body portion 120, a bottom portion 140, and a neck portion 160. Body 120 has a cylindrical shape with two opposing openings. In the example shown in Fig. 3, body 120 has a cylindrical shape, but body 120 may have other shapes such as a rectangular cylindrical shape, a conical shape, or a frustum shape. Bottom portion 140 is a portion that closes the opening on the first direction (Z1 direction) side of body portion 120. The space surrounded by body portion 120 and bottom portion 140 becomes a storage space for the liquid agent. Neck portion 160 is a hollow portion that connects to the storage space for the liquid agent. A helical convex portion 162 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of neck portion 160. Support member 20 is threadedly engaged with this helical convex portion 162, thereby detachably attaching support member 20 to container body 10. However, the engagement method between container body 10 and support member 20 is not limited to threaded engagement, and other engagement methods such as a stoppering method may also be used.

[0021] <Configuration of Support Member 20> Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a support member 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of the support member 20 taken along line II shown in Fig. 4. The support member 20 has a support plate portion 210 , a groove 220 , an outer ring portion 230 , a middle ring portion 240 , and an inner ring portion 250 . The support plate 210 has a support surface 211 that supports the sponge 40. An opening 212 that penetrates the support plate 210 is formed in the support plate 210. The opening 212 is located at the center of the support plate 210 in a plan view of the support plate 210. A diameter d1 of the opening 212 on the support surface 211 is smaller than a diameter of the opening 212 on the surface opposite the support surface 211. In other words, the opening 212 and an inner peripheral wall 212t of the support plate 210 have a tapered shape.

[0022] The groove 220 is disposed so as to surround the support surface 211. The groove 220 is formed by a groove inner wall portion 222, a protruding portion 223, and a groove outer wall portion 224. The groove inner wall portion 222 is a side wall on the inner periphery of the groove 220 and extends from the outer edge of the support plate portion 210 in the first direction (Z1 direction). The protruding portion 223 protrudes outward from the end of the groove inner wall portion 222 on the first direction (Z1 direction) side. The groove outer wall portion 224 is a side wall on the outer periphery of the groove 220 and extends from the protruding portion 223 in the second direction (Z2 direction). The groove 220 formed by the groove inner wall portion 222, the protruding portion 223, and the protruding portion 223 is an annular portion that is recessed in the first direction (Z1 direction) with respect to the support surface 211. Additionally, the end portion of the groove outer wall portion 224 on the second direction (Z2 direction) side protrudes further in the second direction (Z2 direction) than the support surface 211. The inner peripheral surface of the cap 90 engages with the outer peripheral surface of the groove outer wall portion 224, whereby the cap 90 is detachably attached to the support member 20.

[0023] The outer ring portion 230 is a portion that extends from the outer edge of the protruding portion 223 toward the first direction (Z1 direction). As shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 230 may have concave and convex portions alternately arranged along the circumferential direction. Such a configuration of the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 230 can function as a non-slip surface for the user's fingers. For example, when a user holds the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 230 and rotates the support member 20 relative to the container body 10 in order to attach or detach the support member 20 to or from the container body 10, the concave and convex portions on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 230 can function as a non-slip surface for the user's fingers. The middle ring portion 240 is a portion that extends from the protruding portion 223 in the first direction (Z1 direction) on the inner peripheral side of the outer ring portion 230. A helical convex portion 242 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the middle ring portion 240. The helical convex portion 242 screws into the helical convex portion 162 of the container body 10. The inner ring portion 250 is a portion that extends from the support plate portion 210 in the first direction (Z1 direction) on the inner peripheral side of the middle ring portion 240. An annular convex portion 252 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 250. An annular concave portion 254 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 250.

[0024] <Configuration of the valve member 30> A valve member 30 is attached to the support member 20 described above, the tip of which is inserted into the opening 212 from the container body 10 side. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the support member 20 and the valve member 30. The valve member 30 has a tip portion 310, a tapered portion 320, a base portion 330, and legs 340. The valve member 30 is an example of an opening / closing portion that opens and closes the opening 212. The valve member 30 functions both as a mechanism for discharging the liquid agent into the sponge 40 and as a mechanism for preventing backflow of the liquid contained in the sponge 40 (moisture containing dirt and bacteria, and the discharged liquid agent). These mechanisms will be described in detail in the section (Operation) below. The tip portion 310 is an end portion on the second direction (Z2 direction) side of the valve member 30. The tip portion 310 passes through the opening 212 and protrudes beyond the support surface 211 in the second direction (Z2 direction). The tapered portion 320 is a portion located inside the opening 212. The outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 320 has a tapered shape and is in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface 212t of the support plate portion 210. The base portion 330 has an annular shape and is supported by the surface of the protrusion 252 of the inner ring portion 250 on the second direction (Z2 direction) side. A plurality of legs 340 are provided between the tapered portion 320 and the base portion 330, connecting the tapered portion 320 and the base portion 330. Fig. 6 shows an example in which the circumferential position of each leg 340 is the same at any position along the first direction (Z1 direction), but each leg 340 may have a shape (for example, a spiral shape) in which the circumferential position changes as it moves in the first direction (Z1 direction). The leg portion 340 is elastically deformable, which allows the tip portion 310 and the tapered portion 320 to move in a first direction (Z1 direction) and return to their initial positions by moving in a second direction (Z2 direction).

[0025] <Composition of Sponge 40> 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of sponge 40, and air bubbles are not shown to facilitate understanding of the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, sponge 40 has a cylindrical shape. Of the two opposing surfaces of sponge 40, the surface on the second direction (Z2 direction) side is a cleaning surface 410, and the surface on the first direction (Z1 direction) side is an adhesive surface 420. Cleaning surface 410 is a surface that is pressed against a surface to be cleaned, and adhesive surface 420 is a surface that is adhered to support surface 211 of support member 20. The length d3 of the sponge 40 along the first direction (Z1 direction) (i.e., the height of the sponge 40) is preferably 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and more preferably 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less, in order to ensure sufficient space for the liquid agent and air to mix to generate bubbles. A recess 422 that is recessed toward the second direction (Z2 direction) is formed on the adhesive surface 420 of the sponge 40. The recess 422 is located at the center of the sponge 40 in a plan view of the sponge 40. In other words, the recess 422 is formed at a position that corresponds to the opening 212 when the adhesive surface 420 is adhered to the support surface 211 of the support member 20. The molding density of the sponge 40 is set to 10 kg / m from the viewpoint of cleaning property and foaming property. 3 More than 50kg / m 3 It is preferable that the saturation is 20 kg / m or less. 3 More than 40kg / m 3 More preferably, it is:

[0026] <Assembly state and operation of the cleaning tool 1> 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the cleaning tool 1. The adhesive surface 420 and the support plate 210 are bonded via an adhesive layer 60. Because the adhesive surface 420 of the sponge 40 is bonded to the support plate 210 via the adhesive layer 60, the outer surface of the sponge 40 is not in contact with any other member at any position. When the cleaning tool 1 is manufactured and sold, a sealing member 50 may be attached to the support member 20. The sealing member 50 has a base 510, an outer ring portion 520 extending from the base 510 in the second direction (Z2 direction), and an inner ring portion 530 located inside the outer ring portion 520 and extending from the base 510 in the second direction (Z2 direction). A protrusion 522 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 520, and the protrusion 522 fits into a recess 254 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 250. The outer peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 530 is in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 250. In other words, the sealing member 50 is attached to the inner ring portion 250 by sandwiching the inner ring portion 250 between the outer ring portion 520 and the inner ring portion 530, and seals the opening of the inner ring portion 250 on the first direction (Z1 direction) side. With regard to the recess 422 of the sponge 40, the depth d4 (see FIG. 7) of the recess 422 is greater than the length d2 (see FIG. 6) by which the tip 310 of the valve member 30 protrudes from the support surface 211. Therefore, the bottom 422b of the recess 422 is separated from the tip 310 of the valve member 30 in the natural state. In other words, due to the presence of the recess 422, the sponge 40 is kept out of contact with the valve member 30 (the opening / closing portion of the opening 212) in the natural state. A diameter d5 (see FIG. 7) of the recess 422 is larger than a diameter d1 (see FIG. 5) of the opening 212 in the support surface 211. Therefore, the edge of the recess 422 is located on the outer periphery side of the edge of the opening 212 in the support surface 211, and is spaced apart from the edge of the opening 212 in the support surface 211.

[0027] With the cleaning tool 1 in the state shown in Fig. 8, the user removes the support member 20 from the container body 10, and then removes the seal member 50 from the support member 20, and then reattaches the support member 20 to the container body 10. Thereafter, the user uses the cleaning tool 1 by pressing the sponge 40 against the surface to be cleaned with the cleaning tool 1 tilted so that the second direction (Z2 direction) is close to the direction of gravity, as described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0028] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the cleaning tool 1 when the sponge 40 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned. When the sponge 40 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the sponge 40 is compressed, and the bottom 422b of the recess 422 presses against the tip 310 of the valve member 30. This causes the leg 340 to bend, and the tip 310 is pressed in the first direction (Z1 direction). As a result, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 320 and the inner peripheral wall 212t of the support plate portion 210 of the support member 20. The liquid agent contained in the container body 10 is discharged by gravity through this gap toward the sponge 40 as indicated by the curved arrow, and is absorbed by the sponge 40. This operation is the discharge mechanism of the valve member 30.

[0029] When the force pressing sponge 40 against the surface to be cleaned weakens, sponge 40 expands, and bottom 422b of recess 422 moves in the second direction (Z2 direction). As a result, tip 310 also moves in the second direction (Z2 direction) due to the spring-like elastic force of valve member 30, and opening 212 is closed by valve member 30. As a result, the liquid agent is no longer discharged from container body 10 to sponge 40. When sponge 40 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned after absorbing the liquid in this manner, the liquid and air mix inside sponge 40 as sponge 40 is compressed, causing the liquid to foam, which is then pushed out onto the surface to be cleaned. By moving cleaning tool 1 while sponge 40 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned, the user can clean the surface to be cleaned with sponge 40 while entangling the foam in sponge 40.

[0030] The above-described discharge mechanism of the valve member 30 is activated by applying a certain amount of pressure to the sponge 40 in the first direction (Z1 direction) while the cleaning tool 1 is in use. The size of the gap changes depending on the magnitude of this pressure, so the amount of liquid dispensed can be controlled accordingly. Furthermore, by controlling the amount of liquid dispensed, it is also possible to control the degree of foaming of the sponge 40.

[0031] On the other hand, if the pressing force is not strong enough to press the tip 310 of the valve member 30, the gap will not be formed. In this state of use, even if the sponge 40 foams due to compression and cleans the surface to be cleaned, the liquid contained in the sponge 40 (moisture containing dirt and bacteria, and the discharged liquid agent) is unlikely to return to the container body 10. This makes it possible to prevent dilution of the liquid agent in the container body 10. This action is the backflow prevention mechanism of the valve member 30, and this mechanism is activated by keeping the pressing force on the sponge 40 in the first direction (Z1 direction) below a certain level.

[0032] As described above, the discharge mechanism and the backflow prevention mechanism are activated according to the magnitude of the pressing force in the first direction (Z1 direction) on the sponge 40. The pressing force, which is the basis for switching between the discharge mechanism and the backflow prevention mechanism, is set appropriately depending on the elasticity of the leg portion 340 of the valve member 30, the elasticity of the sponge 40, the depth d4 of the recess 422 in the sponge 40, etc.

[0033] The discharge mechanism may also function as a backflow prevention mechanism. That is, when the cleaning tool 1 is used as described above, the liquid is discharged with the aid of gravity, and the air inside the sponge 40 rises into the container body 10 to replace it. This replacement can prevent the liquid contained in the sponge 30 (moisture containing dirt and bacteria, and the discharged liquid) from flowing back into the container body 10. This serves as an auxiliary backflow prevention mechanism for the valve member 30, further preventing dilution of the liquid in the container body 10.

[0034] The recess 422 in the sponge 40 is significant for better performance of the backflow prevention mechanism of the valve member 30. That is, the presence of the recess 422 can delay contact between the sponge 40 and the tip 310 of the valve member 30. This can more effectively prevent the dilution of the liquid due to unintended discharge and backflow of the liquid. In addition, under the backflow prevention mechanism, the pressing force required for foaming of the sponge 40 and cleaning the surface to be cleaned can be increased, effectively dealing with stubborn dirt on the surface to be cleaned while preventing dilution of the liquid. Furthermore, when the backflow prevention function is activated, the recess 422 serves as a source of air to the sponge 40, further enhancing foaming properties. In addition, the recess 422 can provide more replacement air for the discharged liquid when the discharge mechanism of the valve member 30 is activated, thereby reinforcing the aforementioned backflow prevention auxiliary mechanism of the valve member 30.

[0035] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, a variety of effects can be obtained. For example, while cleaning the surface, the cleaner 1 can simultaneously dispense and foam the liquid by appropriately pressing (compressing) the sponge 40 against the surface, resulting in excellent cleaning operability. The pressure and relaxation of the sponge 40 causes bubbles to expand and contract. This expansion and contraction of bubbles, along with the gravity-directed discharge of the liquid by the valve member 30, act synergistically as a driving force, allowing the liquid to penetrate evenly throughout the sponge 4. This enhances the foaming properties of the liquid throughout the sponge 40. As a result, the cleaner 1 can clean the surface while providing excellent cleaning performance for the surface, cleaning performance for the entire sponge, and sterilization and antibacterial properties throughout the entire cleaning process, all without interrupting the cleaning process. For example, the liquid is automatically replenished when scrubbing away any noticeable dirt, enhancing cleaning performance for the surface without interrupting the cleaning process. At the same time, the liquid is replaced throughout the sponge 40 while cleaning the surface, ensuring hygiene. In this case, the aforementioned backflow prevention has a high effect of preventing contamination inside the container body 10, and the liquid agent can be supplied to the sponge 40 in its undiluted form, so that the aforementioned cleaning, sterilizing and antibacterial effects are high. Furthermore, if a typical antibacterial sponge is left with dirt adhering to its surface, bacteria will feed on the dirt and grow, reducing its antibacterial effect. In contrast, with the cleaning tool of the present invention, after cleaning the surface to be cleaned, simply pressing the sponge 40 down ensures the antibacterial properties of the entire sponge 40, and can suppress bacterial growth, for example, until the next morning. This allows the cleaning tool 1 to be used for a longer period of time. In other words, there is no need to wash the sponge 40 itself after use. This suppresses the bad odor caused by bacteria growing inside sponge 40 even when the sponge is stored after use. Furthermore, if the liquid contains a fragrance, the fragrance of the liquid is provided without being disturbed by the bad odor, allowing the user to intuitively recognize the hygienic nature of sponge 40.

[0036] Support member 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention has groove 220 arranged to surround support surface 211. With this configuration, groove 220 can hold the liquid agent discharged from sponge 40, making it possible to prevent the liquid agent from leaking outside support member 20. The end of groove outer wall portion 224 on the second direction (Z2 direction) side protrudes further in the second direction (Z2 direction) than support surface 211. With this configuration, the liquid agent held in groove 220 returns to sponge 40 supported by support surface 211 before it exceeds the end of groove outer wall portion 224 on the second direction (Z2 direction) side, which is expected to further suppress leakage of the liquid agent. Since the end portion of the groove outer wall portion 224 on the second direction (Z2 direction) side protrudes further in the second direction (Z2 direction) than the support surface 211, it is possible to prevent the sponge 40 from being excessively compressed by pressure and the resulting damage to the tip portion 310 of the valve member 30. The edge of recess 422 is located on the outer periphery of the edge of opening 212 in support surface 211 and is spaced apart from the edge of opening 212 in support surface 211. The length between the edge of recess 422 and the edge of opening 212 is preferably 0.5 mm or more to reduce friction between sponge 40 and tip portion 310 and to facilitate smooth movement of tip portion 310 in the first direction (Z1 direction) and return in the second direction (Z2 direction). Furthermore, the length is preferably less than 2.0 mm so that the pressing force when sponge 40 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned is easily transmitted to tip portion 310.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, adhesive surface 420 and support plate 210 are bonded via adhesive layer 60. This allows for a design in which the outer surface of sponge 40 does not come into contact with other components at any position. As a result, it is possible to ensure a long compression amount of sponge 40 in the first direction (Z1 direction) and a wide range over which foam is extruded from sponge 40.

[0038] Although the configuration in which the liquid agent is discharged from the container body 10 to the sponge 40 by the user pressing the sponge 40 against the surface to be cleaned has been described above, other configurations for discharging the liquid agent may be included. For example, it is also possible to include a configuration in which the liquid agent is discharged to the sponge 40 by squeezing the container body 10.

[0039] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present invention can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Example]

[0040] The present invention will be explained in more detail below based on examples, but the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. In these examples, "parts" and "%" are all based on mass unless otherwise specified. "←" means that the value is the same as the value in the left column. "-" means that there is no value corresponding to that item.

[0041] Sponge samples were prepared for the liquid preparation samples of each Example and Comparative Example shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, and the following (1) sponge antibacterial activity test was conducted. The values ​​shown in Table 1 are the blending ratios (mass%) relative to the total mass of the liquid preparation sample, and each Example and Comparative Example contains deionized water equivalent to the difference that totals 100 mass%.

[0042] (1) Antibacterial activity of sponges In accordance with JIS K 6400-9:2018 Flexible foam materials - Part 9: Determination of antibacterial effect, the antibacterial activity of the sponge was tested using the following procedure. (1-1) Test method (a) Preparation of sponge test pieces: One sponge (0.6 g) was impregnated with 2.4 g (400%) of the liquid sample shown in Table 1 and rubbed three times with a glass rod to prepare sponge test pieces for each example and comparative example. The 2.4g sample was set to be equivalent to the amount of liquid remaining after 10 seconds of cleaning on a typical hard surface (a washbowl). The massaging with the glass rod was intended to push the sponge to allow the liquid to pass from the container into the sponge. (b) Preparation of test bacterial solution: Dilute normal bouillon medium 500 times with purified water and adjust the pH to 7.0±0.2 to make "1 / 500NB medium." Disperse the pre-cultured bacteria evenly in the "1 / 500NB medium." The number of bacteria is 1.0 × 10 4 ~5.0×10 4 The test bacterial solution was adjusted to have a concentration of 1000 cells / mL and used as the test bacterial solution for inoculation. (c) Incubation of sponge specimens ingested with test bacterial solution: 10 mL (1.0-5.0 × 10 5 The sponge test piece was placed in a sterilized cup containing 100 ml of spores (containing 1000 ml of bacteria), placed in an incubator at 35±1°C, and stored for 24 hours. (d) Measurement of viable cell count: 1 mL of the bacterial liquid was collected from a sterilized cup, and serial 10-fold dilutions were prepared, followed by measurement using the agar plate culture method. (1-2) Evaluation of effectiveness The antibacterial activity value for the above test was calculated using formula (1). The values ​​were rounded down to one decimal place and shown to one decimal place. R=[log(B / A)-log(C / A)]=[log(B / C)] (1) R: Antibacterial activity value A: Average number of viable bacteria (units) immediately after inoculation of untreated test specimens B: Average number of viable bacteria (units) on untreated test pieces after 24 hours C: Average number of viable bacteria (units) on antibacterial treated test pieces after 24 hours

[0043] (2) Appearance of the liquid For each liquid sample, the condition of the sample was visually observed at room temperature. The sample was placed in a transparent sample bottle and its appearance was observed. a:Transparent b: Cloudy or precipitated after standing (including slight cloudiness)

[0044] [Table 1]

[0045] [Table 2]

[0046] As shown in Table 1, each Example had a higher antibacterial activity than each Comparative Example. All of the Examples had superior antibacterial properties to Comparative Examples 1 to 5 in which a complex of an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant was formed, and Comparative Examples 6 to 10 in which no antibacterial agent was contained. In particular, in Examples 1 and 2, the sponge test pieces using the nonionic surfactant and cationic surfactant had good foaming and liquid circulation, and the antibacterial properties were good. Furthermore, Examples 3 and 4 contained a high content of antibacterial solvent and metal ions in addition to containing a nonionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant, and therefore had a higher bacterial growth inhibitory effect. Examples 5 and 6 contained three components, a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and a cationic surfactant, and thus had good cleaning effects in addition to antibacterial properties. In Examples 7 and 8, even though a complex of an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant was present, metal ions were also contained, and therefore antibacterial effects equivalent to those of Examples 1 to 6 were obtained. Among Examples 1 to 8, the appearance of the liquid preparations in Examples 7 and 8 was "b: cloudy (then precipitated)", whereas the appearance of the liquid preparations in Examples 1 to 6 was "a: transparent", indicating excellent storage stability. This is thought to be because in Examples 1 to 6, no complex was formed between the anionic surfactant and the cationic surfactant, and therefore the solubility of the surfactant was maintained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 Container body 212 Aperture 40, 41, 42 Sponge

Claims

1. a surface portion having an opening formed therein; a container body located on a first direction side of the surface portion and configured to contain a liquid agent; a sponge located on a second direction side of the surface portion, which is opposite to the first direction, to cover the opening, and through which the liquid agent is supplied from the container body, The liquid contains an antibacterial agent, The cleaning tool has a liquid agent ejection mechanism and a backflow prevention mechanism that are exerted in response to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the sponge in the first direction.

2. The cleansing tool according to claim 1, wherein the liquid contains one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

3. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antibacterial agent comprises one or more antibacterial agents selected from organic antibacterial agents and inorganic antibacterial agents.

4. The cleaning tool according to claim 3 , wherein the organic antibacterial agent comprises a cationic surfactant.

5. The cleansing tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid contains a fragrance.

6. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid agent is supplied from the container body by pressing a sponge against the cleaning tool and moving the cleaning tool up and down while the cleaning tool is tilted so that the second direction is close to the direction of gravity.

7. 3. The hard surface cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, which is used on hard surfaces.

8. A method of using a cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, comprising tilting the cleaning tool so that the second direction approaches the direction of gravity, pressing the sponge against the surface to be cleaned, and moving the sponge up and down to supply the liquid agent from the container body to the sponge and clean the surface to be cleaned.

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