Cleaning tool

Abstract

To provide a cleaning tool which is compact in a folded state as compared with a conventional form.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides a cleaning tool X including a head 10, a rod 20, and a joint 30 connecting the head 10 and the rod 20, wherein a recess 11 is formed in the head 10, and the recess 11 is formed so as to house at least a part of the joint 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Mops are a type of cleaning tool and are called flat mops, sponge mops, thread mops, chemical mops, microfiber mops, dust mops, wet mops, floor wipers, flooring wipers, sponge wipers, etc. depending on the characteristics of the mop head.

[0003] Among mops, a typical example of what are called flat mops, floor wipers, flooring wipers, etc. is the cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-176703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to realize a cleaning tool that is more compact in its folded state than conventional cleaning tools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present disclosure provides a cleaning tool comprising a head, a rod, and a joint connecting the head and the rod, wherein the head has a recess formed therein, and the recess is formed to accommodate at least a portion of the joint. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The cleaning tool provided by the present disclosure is more compact in its folded state than conventional cleaning tools, which makes it possible to clean and store in smaller spaces than conventional cleaning tools. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are comparative explanatory diagrams of cleaning tools according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a partial perspective view of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded view of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is an exploded view (corresponding to FIG. 6) of a cleaning tool according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a partial cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along VIII-VIII in FIG. 5) of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a partial cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along IX-IX in FIG. 5) of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a plan view of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 8) of a cleaning tool according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 12. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 12) of a cleaning tool according to a second modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure provides, as one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning tool X. Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating this embodiment.

[0010] The cleaning tool X is a type of mop. In the present disclosure, a mop is a cleaning tool that includes a head that is an element used to perform cleaning work, a rod that is an element that a user holds, and a joint that is an element that connects the head and the rod. That is, the cleaning tool X includes a head 10, a rod 20, and a joint 30.

[0011] The cleaning tool X may be any type of mop, and may be a cleaning tool having at least one of the following names: flat mop, sponge mop, thread mop, chemical mop, microfiber mop, dust mop, wet mop, floor wiper, flooring wiper, or sponge wiper.

[0012] The head 10 is formed with two faces, one of which is a work surface for performing cleaning work and the other of which is a connection surface for connecting to the joint 30. The head 10 is preferably configured so that a cleaning element, which is an element for removing dust, dirt, etc., can be attached to the work surface. The cleaning element may be a fiber sheet, a sponge, or a mop thread, and is determined depending on the type of cleaning tool X.

[0013] The joint 30 is configured to enable the rod 20 to tilt relative to the head 10. The joint 30 is configured to be able to continuously transition between an upright state and a folded state by tilting the rod 20. In the present disclosure, the upright state is a state in which the rod 20 and the joint 30 stand approximately perpendicular to the work surface of the head 10, and the folded state is a state in which the rod 20 and the joint 30 are aligned approximately parallel to the work surface of the head 10. In order to tilt the rod 20, it is preferable that the joint 30 be rotatably connected to the head 10 and the rod 20 by engagement between the shaft body and the shaft hole.

[0014] A recess 11 is formed in the head 10. The recess 11 is formed so that the joint 30 fits into the recess 11 when the rod 20 is tilted. The recess 11 may be formed so that at least a portion of the joint 30 fits therein, but it is preferable that the recess 11 is formed so that substantially the entire joint 30 fits therein. This feature allows the cleaning tool X to be more compact in the folded state than conventional cleaning tools. In the conventional cleaning tool, the head 10 and the rod 20 occupy separate spaces when folded (see the top of FIG. 1). Therefore, the occupied width of the conventional cleaning tool is not less than the sum of the thickness of the head 10 and the diameter of the rod 20. On the other hand, in the cleaning tool X, the head 10 and the rod 20 share the space created by the recess 11 when folded (see the bottom of FIG. 1, where only the head 10 is shown in cross section). Therefore, the occupied width of the cleaning tool X is less than the sum of the thickness of the head 10 and the diameter of the rod 20.

[0015] In the cleaning tool X, the diameter of the rod 20 may be equal to or smaller than the recessed amount of the recess 11 (see the top of FIG. 2). Also, in the cleaning tool X, the joint 30 may be connected to the rod 20 at a position eccentric to the working surface side when the joint 30 is housed in the recess 11 (see the bottom of FIG. 2). This makes the width of the cleaning tool X in the folded state even closer to the thickness of the head 10. That is, the space occupied by the rod 20 outside the head 10 becomes even smaller.

[0016] The cleaning tool X includes a fixing means 40 that fixes the joint 30, which is housed in the recess 11, to the head 10. This feature makes it easier for the cleaning tool X to maintain a folded state compared to conventional forms. In conventional cleaning tools, maintaining a folded state is possible if there is large friction at the connection between the joint 30 and the head 10, but this large friction impairs the feel of use during normal use. On the other hand, the cleaning tool X can maintain a folded state using the fixing means 40 even if there is small friction at the connection between the joint 30 and the head 10. Therefore, the feel of use during normal use is not impaired. Furthermore, this feature makes it easier for the cleaning tool X to maintain a compact folded state compared to conventional forms. As a result, the cleaning tool X can wipe smaller spaces with sufficient cleaning pressure compared to conventional forms.

[0017] The joint 30 is connected to the rod 20 outside the recess 11 when the joint 30 is housed in the recess 11. Due to this feature, the rod 20 can rotate relative to the joint 30 while the cleaning tool X is in the folded state (see FIG. 3). This allows the cleaning tool X to be used freely in the folded state. Furthermore, due to this feature, the cleaning tool X can be used freely in a compact folded state compared to conventional forms. This allows the cleaning tool X to wipe narrow spaces more freely than conventional forms.

[0018] The cleaning tool X includes a fixing means 50 for fixing the joint 30 to the rod 20. The fixing means 50 can fix the rod 20 in two states: one in which the rod 20 extends in a direction substantially opposite to the joint 30, and the other in which the rod 20 extends in a direction perpendicular to this state. This feature allows the cleaning tool X to be maintained in an upright state. Furthermore, when the cleaning tool X transitions from the upright state to the folded state, with the rod 20 aligned with the long side edge of the head 10, the cleaning tool X becomes most compact as a whole, and this state is maintained.

[0019] Continuing on, the present disclosure provides a first example of a cleaning tool X. Figures 4 to 11 are diagrams illustrating this example. Note that modifications of the configuration and elements (dimensions, shape, arrangement, etc.) of this example based on design requirements, etc., obviously belong to the cleaning tool X.

[0020] The cleaning tool X according to the first example is a cleaning tool that is called at least one of a flat mop, a floor wiper, and a flooring wiper (see FIGS. 4 and 5). That is, in the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the head 10 is formed so that its outer shape is a substantially rectangular plate. The head 10 also has a gripper 13 on its connecting surface to which a fiber sheet can be attached.

[0021] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the recess 11 is formed on the connecting surface of the head 10. The recess 11 is formed from approximately the center of the head 10 to one long edge. The recess 11 is formed so as to be recessed in the thickness direction of the head 10. The recess amount of the recess 11 is preferably at least 1 / 3 and not more than 2 / 3 of the thickness of the head 10, and more preferably approximately 1 / 2 of the thickness of the head 10. The recess 11 does not penetrate the working surface of the head 10, i.e., the recess amount of the recess 11 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the head 10. Due to this feature, the cleaning tool X according to the first example can be folded compactly while maintaining the cleaning pressure during normal use.

[0022] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the recess 11 is formed to fit into the joint 30. That is, the recess 11 is formed so that its bottom surface is substantially trapezoidal, substantially the same as that of the joint 30. The recess 11 is formed so that the long base of the trapezoid is located substantially in the center of the head 10 and the short base of the trapezoid is along the long edge. As a result, the recess 11 is formed so that the joint 30 fits into the recess 11 when the rod 20 is tilted. Due to this feature, the cleaning tool X according to the first example is unlikely to come loose from the head 10 and the joint 30 even if an external force is applied in the folded state.

[0023] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the recess 11 is formed so that the head 10 and the joint 30 are arranged on approximately the same plane when the joint 30 is housed in the recess 11 (see FIG. 8). This feature allows the cleaning tool X according to the first example to achieve the most compact folded state in the thickness direction of the head 10.

[0024] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the joint 30 is formed so that its outer shape is a substantially trapezoidal plate (see FIG. 6). The joint 30 has ribs with a mesh structure inside. The joint 30 has a shaft a1 (or a shaft hole a2) on its side surface. The shaft a1 (or a shaft hole a2) of the joint 30 is provided on each of the long base sides of the side surfaces that correspond to the two legs of the trapezoid. The joint 30 also has a shaft hole b2 (or a shaft b1) on its side surface. The shaft hole b2 (or a shaft b1) of the joint 30 is provided on the side surface that corresponds to the short base of the trapezoid so that the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the joint 30.

[0025] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the joint 30 is rotatably connected to the head 10 by engagement between the shaft a1 and the shaft hole a2. That is, the head 10 has a shaft hole a2 (or shaft a1) on the side of the recess 11 that engages with the shaft a1 (or shaft hole a2) of the joint 30. The shaft holes a2 (or shaft a1) of the head 10 are provided on the long base sides of the side surfaces that correspond to the two legs of the trapezoid. As a result, when the joint 30 is rotated until it fits along the surface of the head 10, the joint 30 fits into the recess 11. The shaft hole a2 (or shaft a1) of the head 10 is formed so that the rotation axis is along the longitudinal direction of the head 10. The shaft a1 and shaft hole a2 are configured to be detachably engaged with each other.

[0026] The recess 11 is formed to fit into the joint 30, so that the joint 30 can rotate at least 90 degrees relative to the head 10. This allows the joint 30 to be continuously transitioned between an upright state and a folded state.

[0027] This feature may be modified as follows (see FIG. 7). In the modified cleaning tool X according to the first example, the recess 11 is formed from approximately the center of the head 10 to the other long side edge. That is, the recess 11 is formed so that the bases of two trapezoids are joined at their long bases. This allows the joint 30 to rotate at least 180 degrees relative to the head 10. This allows the joint 30 to be folded in two directions.

[0028] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the joint 30 is rotatably connected to the rod 20 by the engagement of the shaft b1 with the shaft hole b2. That is, the rod 20 has the shaft b1 (or the shaft hole b2) that engages with the shaft hole b2 (or the shaft b1) of the joint 30. The shaft b1 and the shaft hole b2 are configured to be detachably engaged with each other.

[0029] In the joint 30, the distance D1 is between the rotation axis of the shaft a1 (or shaft hole a2) and the shaft hole b2 (or shaft b1). In the head 10, the distance D2 is between the rotation axis of the shaft hole a2 (or shaft a1) and the long side edge of the connection surface. Here, the distance D1 is longer than the distance D2 (see FIG. 8). As a result, when the joint 30 is fitted in the recess 11, it is connected to the rod 20 outside the recess 11. In other words, when the joint 30 is fitted in the recess 11, the rod 20 can rotate relative to the joint 30 without interference from the head 10.

[0030] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the joint 30 has claws c1 on its side surface. The claws c1 of the joint 30 are provided on the side surfaces corresponding to the two legs of the trapezoid. The head 10 has claws c2 on the side surfaces of the recess 11. The claws c2 of the head 10 are provided on the side surfaces corresponding to the two legs of the trapezoid. The claws c2 of the head 10 are provided in positions that allow them to engage with the claws c1 of the joint 30 when the joint 30 is fitted in the recess 11. In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the fixing means 40 are the claws c1 and c2.

[0031] The rod 20 has a protrusion d1 (or protrusion receiver d2) on the periphery of the shaft body b1 (or shaft hole b2), and the joint 30 has a protrusion receiver d2 (or protrusion d1) on the periphery of the shaft hole b2 (or shaft body b1) that engages with the protrusion d1 (or protrusion receiver d2) of the rod 20 (see Figure 9). The protrusion receiver d2 (or protrusion d1) of the joint 30 is formed on the outer surface that forms the shaft hole b2 (or shaft body b1). The joint 30 has one protrusion receiver d2 (or protrusion d1) located on a straight line that passes through the shaft hole b2 (or shaft body b1) and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft body a1 (or shaft hole a2), and one protrusion receiver d2 (or protrusion d1) located at each of positions rotated ±90 degrees from that position based on the axis of rotation of the shaft hole b2 (or shaft body b1). As a result, the fixing means 50 can fix the rod 20 in two states: one in which the rod 20 extends in substantially opposite directions relative to the joint 30, and the other in which the rod 20 extends in a direction perpendicular to this state (see FIG. 10). The protrusion receivers d2 (or protrusions d1) of the joint 30 are provided at positions rotated by an arbitrary angle (e.g., approximately ±30 degrees) based on the rotation axis of the shaft hole b2 (or shaft body b1) from a position on a line that passes through the shaft hole b2 (or shaft body b1) and is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the shaft body a1 (or shaft hole a2). As a result, the fixing means 50 can fix the rod 20 in a state in which the rod 20 extends in any direction relative to the joint 30. At least one of the protrusion d1 and the protrusion receiver d2 is flexible. In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the fixing means 50 is the protrusion d1 and the protrusion receiver d2.

[0032] The cleaning tool X according to the first example includes a fixing means 60 that fixes the joint 30 to the head 10 in an upright position relative to the head 10. In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the fixing means 60 is a protrusion e1 and a protrusion receiver e2. That is, the joint 30 has the protrusion e1 (or the protrusion receiver e2) on the side corresponding to the long base of the trapezoid, and the head 10 has the protrusion receiver e2 (or the protrusion e1) that engages with the protrusion e1 (or the protrusion receiver e2) of the joint, between the two shaft holes a2 (or the shaft body a1) of the recess 11. At least one of the protrusion e1 and the protrusion receiver e2 is flexible. This feature allows the cleaning tool X according to the first example to maintain the joint 30 in an upright position relative to the head 10. As a result, when letting go of the cleaning tool X according to the first example, there is no need to lean it against a wall or lay it on the floor.

[0033] In the cleaning tool X according to the first example, the head 10 has a convex portion 12 on which a protrusion receiver e2 (or a protrusion e1) is formed, protruding from the bottom surface of the recess 11. Also, the joint 30 has a notch on which the protrusion e1 (or the protrusion receiver e2) is formed so as to avoid the convex portion 12. One protrusion receiver e2 (or protrusion e1) of the convex portion 12 is provided on a straight line perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess and crossing the rotation axis of the shaft hole a2 (or shaft body a1).

[0034] This feature may be modified as follows (see FIG. 11). In the modified cleaning tool X according to the first example, the projection receiver e2 (or the projection e1) of the head 10 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 11. This eliminates the need for the projection 12 of the head 10 and the notch of the joint 30, and the cleaning tool X is provided with the fixing means 60.

[0035] Continuing, the present disclosure provides a second example of a cleaning tool X. FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating this example. Note that modifications of the configuration and elements (dimensions, shape, arrangement, etc.) of this example based on design requirements, etc., obviously belong to the cleaning tool X. In the description of this example, parts that overlap with the description of the previously provided example will be omitted.

[0036] In the cleaning tool X according to the second example, the head 10 has a protrusion 12 on which a protrusion receiver e2 (or protrusion e1) is formed, protruding from the bottom surface of the recess 11. The joint 30 also has a notch on which the protrusion e1 (or protrusion receiver e2) is formed, formed to avoid the protrusion 12. One protrusion receiver e2 (or protrusion e1) of the protrusion 12 is provided on a straight line perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess and crossing the rotation axis of the shaft hole a2 (or shaft body a1), and another is provided at a position rotated 90 degrees from that position based on the rotation axis of the shaft hole a2 (or shaft body a1) (see FIG. 12). In the cleaning tool X according to the second example, the fixing means 40 is the protrusion e1 and the protrusion receiver e2. That is, in the cleaning tool X according to the second example, the protrusion e1 and the protrusion receiver e2 serve as both the fixing means 40 and the fixing means 60. Due to this feature, the cleaning tool X according to the second example has a simple structure relating to the fastening means 40 and the fastening means 60, and is therefore easy to manufacture.

[0037] This feature may be modified as follows (see FIG. 13). In the modified second example of the cleaning tool X, the head 10 has the projection receiver e2 (or projection e1) formed on the side surface corresponding to the long base of the trapezoid of the recess 11. This eliminates the need for the projection 12 of the head 10 and the notch of the joint 30, and the cleaning tool X is provided with the fixing means 40 and the fixing means 60. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10: Head 11: Recess 12: Convex part 20: Rod 30: Joint 40: Fixing means 50: Fixing means 60: Fixing means a1: Shaft a2: Shaft hole b1: Shaft body b2: Shaft hole c1: Nail c2: Nail d1: protrusion d2: Protrusion holder e1: protrusion e2: Protrusion holder X:Cleaning tool

Claims

1. a head, a rod, and a joint connecting the head and the rod; The head has a recess formed therein. The recess is formed to accommodate at least a portion of the joint. Cleaning tools.

2. the joint is rotatably connected to the head by engagement of a shaft body with a shaft hole; one of the shaft body and the shaft hole is provided in the joint, The other of the shaft body and the shaft hole is provided in the recess. The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

3. a fixing means for fixing the joint housed in the recess to the head; The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

4. the joint has a first claw; the head has a second prong; the fixing means is the first claw and the second claw, the second claw is provided at a position where it engages with the first claw when the joint is housed in the recess; The cleaning tool according to claim 3.

5. the joint is connected to the rod outside the recess with the joint seated in the recess; The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

6. a fixing means for fixing the joint to the rod; The fixing means can fix the rod in a first state in which the rod extends in a direction substantially opposite to the joint, and in a second state in which the rod extends in a direction perpendicular to the first state. The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

7. the fixing means is a protrusion and a protrusion receiver, one of the protrusion and the protrusion receiver is provided on the rod, the other of the protrusion and the protrusion receiver is provided on the joint; The cleaning tool according to claim 6.

8. a fixing means for fixing the joint to the head in an upright position relative to the head; the fixing means is a protrusion and a protrusion receiver, one of the protrusion and the protrusion receiver is provided on the head, the other of the protrusion and the protrusion receiver is provided on the joint; The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

9. The head has a convex portion on which the protrusion or the protrusion receiver is formed, which protrudes from a bottom surface of the concave portion, The joint has a notch in which the protrusion or the protrusion receiver is formed so as to avoid the convex portion. The cleaning tool according to claim 8.

10. The protrusion or the protrusion receiver of the head is provided on a bottom surface of the recess. The cleaning tool according to claim 8.

11. a first fixing means for fixing the joint fitted in the recess to the head, and a second fixing means for fixing the joint in a state of standing upright relative to the head to the head, The first fixing means also serves as the second fixing means. The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

12. the first fixing means is a protrusion and a protrusion receiver, one of the protrusion and the protrusion receiver is provided on the head, the other of the protrusion and the protrusion receiver is provided on the joint; The cleaning tool of claim 11.

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