Cleaning tools and handles

Abstract

The present invention provides a manual cleaning tool that is easy for the user to operate and offers excellent operability, as well as a handle that constitutes the cleaning tool. [Solution] The manual cleaning tool A comprises a cleaning head 1, a connecting rod 2 connected to the cleaning head 1, and a handle H integrally provided with the connecting rod 2 at the end of the connecting rod 2 opposite to the cleaning head 1. The handle H has a gripping portion G that is held by the user's hand, and the gripping portion G is positioned to intersect with the virtual extension line es of the axis js of the connecting rod 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool and a handle constituting the cleaning tool.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various cleaning tools having a cleaning head that slides on the floor surface and a handle at the rear have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Most of the handles of this type of cleaning tool have been in the form of a rod that extends substantially linearly.

[0004] However, in the conventional handle structure, the operating force of the user for sliding the cleaning head is not necessarily effectively transmitted to the cleaning head, and there is a certain limit in improving the operability.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and at least, to provide a manual cleaning tool and a handle constituting the cleaning tool that are easy for the user to apply an operating force and have excellent operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] That is, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a manual cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head, a connecting rod connected to the cleaning head, and a handle integrally provided with the connecting rod at the end of the connecting rod opposite to the cleaning head, wherein the handle has a grip portion that is grasped by the user's hand, and the grip portion is positioned to intersect with a virtual extension line of the axis of the connecting rod.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the connecting rod is composed of a plurality of pipe members connected so as not to rotate relative to each other, or a single pipe member.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a base connected to the opposite end, a first inclined extension extending from the base in a direction gradually moving away from the virtual extension line toward the rear, and a grip portion whose one end is continuous with the rear end of the first inclined extension.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion extends in a substantially straight line.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 4, wherein the grip portion is tilted forward at an angle (obtuse angle) of 100° to 140° with respect to the virtual extension line in a side view.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 4, wherein a finger rest portion is provided on the grip portion for the user's thumb to rest on.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 3, wherein the handle has a second inclined extension connecting the base and the other end of the grip, and the base, the first inclined extension, the second inclined extension, and the grip form a closed loop in a side view.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 6, wherein the finger rest portion is separate from the grip portion and is made of a synthetic resin material that is softer than the grip portion.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 8, which can be propped up against a structure such as a wall or furniture while standing upright on the floor, and the finger rest portion also serves as a part that contacts the structure in the propped-up position.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the placement of the grip portion is set such that the longitudinal middle portion of the grip portion intersects the virtual extension line.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is a manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning head holds a wiping sheet material that slides against the floor surface by the operating force of the user applied to the handle.

[0019] The invention described in claim 12 is a manual cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head, a connecting rod connected to the cleaning head, and a handle integrally provided with the connecting rod at the end of the connecting rod opposite to the cleaning head, wherein the handle comprises a base connected to the opposite end and a grip portion extending from the base in a direction intersecting the axis of the connecting rod and being grasped by the user's hand.

[0020] The invention described in claim 13 is a manual cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head, a connecting rod connected to the cleaning head, and a handle integrally provided with the connecting rod at the end of the connecting rod opposite to the cleaning head and having a closed-loop portion in a side view.

[0021] The invention according to claim 14 is a handle that constitutes a manual cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide at least a manual cleaning tool that is easy for a user to apply an operating force and has excellent operability, and a handle applied to the cleaning tool.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A right side view in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A partially enlarged view in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] A perspective view of the handle in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the handle in the same embodiment. <00001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The manual cleaning tool A comprises a cleaning head 1, a connecting rod 2 whose tip is connected to the cleaning head 1, and a handle H integrally provided with the connecting rod 2 at the rear end of the connecting rod 2, which is the end opposite to the cleaning head 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, the manual cleaning tool A is referred to as a floor wiper or flooring wiper.

[0027] Here, "manual cleaning tools" refers to cleaning tools that operate solely through the user's operating force. In other words, "manual cleaning tools" is a concept that excludes electric vacuum cleaners that utilize power sources such as motors.

[0028] The components of the manual cleaning tool A in this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0029] <<Cleaning Head 1>> The cleaning head 1 slides against the floor surface F against its frictional force and has a part that directly interacts with dirt such as dust and liquids that have formed on the floor surface F.

[0030] The cleaning head 1 constitutes the tip portion of the cleaning tool A. The cleaning head 1 is rotatably connected to the tip of the connecting rod 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cleaning head 1 holds a wiping sheet material (not shown) that slides against the floor surface F by the user's operating force applied to the handle H.

[0032] The cleaning head 1 comprises a base plate portion 11 that is horizontally elongated and roughly rectangular in shape, a wiping sheet material (not shown) whose central portion is attached to the lower surface of the base plate portion 11 and whose ends are attached to sheet anchoring portions K provided at multiple locations on the upper surface of the base plate portion 11, and a connecting portion 12 provided at the approximate center of the base plate portion 11 in the front-rear and left-right directions and connected to the tip of the connecting rod 2 so as to be rotatable relative to it in the front-rear direction.

[0033] The cleaning head 1 is designed to oscillate smoothly relative to the floor surface F when the user, holding the grip portion G of the handle H, tilts the grip portion G from side to side, thereby rotating the entire handle H around its axis.

[0034] <<Connecting rod 2>> The connecting rod 2 is a rod-shaped component that connects the cleaning head 1 and the handle H. The connecting rod 2 extends in a substantially straight line overall.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connecting rod 2 is mainly composed of a plurality of, i.e., three, pipe members 21 that are connected to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other. The connecting rod 2 is formed by connecting three cylindrical pipe members 21 with their axes (axis lines js) aligned.

[0036] The connecting rod 2 is of the assembly type. The ends of the three pipe members 21 are connected by appropriate connecting means R so as not to rotate relative to each other around the axis.

[0037] A connecting member 22 is attached to the tip of the pipe member 21, which is located at the tip of the connecting rod 2, that is, the position closest to the cleaning head 1. This connecting member 22 is connected to the connecting part 12 of the cleaning head 1.

[0038] The rear end of the connecting rod 2, i.e., the pipe member 21 located closest to the handle H, is connected to the handle H so as not to rotate relative to it. The rear end of the connecting rod 2 is inserted into a cylindrical connecting portion bs provided on the base B of the handle H and then fixed to the connecting portion bs by a fixing means such as adhesive.

[0039] <<Handle H>> The handle H is made of synthetic resin. The handle H includes a grip portion G that is held by the user's hand. In a side view, the handle H has a closed loop-shaped portion that includes the grip portion G. The handle H is provided with finger holes that extend from side to side, into which the user's fingers other than the thumb are inserted.

[0040] The handle H comprises a handle body Hm integrally formed from synthetic resin, and a finger rest forming member Hs made of synthetic resin, which is separate from the handle body Hm and attached to the handle body Hm.

[0041] <Handle body Hm> The handle body Hm comprises a base B to which a connecting portion bs is provided, to which the rear end of a linearly extending connecting rod 2 is connected; a first inclined extension portion C1 extending diagonally upward and backward from the rear of the base B; a grip portion G extending in the vertical direction, with one end, the upper end, integrally connected to the rear end of the first inclined extension portion C1; and a second inclined extension portion C2 mainly composed of a portion extending diagonally downward and backward from the rear of the base B, integrally connecting the rear of the base B and the other end, the lower end, of the grip portion G.

[0042] The handle body Hm is formed by integrally creating a base B, a first inclined extension C1, a grip G, and a second inclined extension C2 from a hard synthetic resin.

[0043] [Base B] The base B extends in a direction that coincides with the axis of the connecting rod 2. The base B is provided with a connecting portion bs for connecting to the rear end of the connecting rod 2. The connecting portion bs is cylindrical and open to the front.

[0044] The rear end of the connecting rod 2 is fixed to the connecting part bs by an appropriate method. For example, the rear end of the connecting rod 2 is inserted into the connecting part bs and fixed to the connecting part bs with an adhesive or the like.

[0045] [First inclined extension part C1] The first inclined extension C1 extends inclined with respect to the extension direction of the base B. The first inclined extension C1 extends integrally from the upper part of the rear end of the base B toward the rear.

[0046] The first inclined extension C1 extends backward in a direction that gradually moves upward away from the virtual extension line es of the axis js in the connecting rod 2. In other words, the first inclined extension C1 as a whole is tilted backward with respect to the virtual extension line es.

[0047] The first inclined extension C1 is solid, meaning it does not have any internal cavities. The inner surface of the first inclined extension C1 facing the finger insertion hole sp is formed in a gently curved shape. On the other hand, the outer surface of the first inclined extension C1 is smoothly continuous with the outer surface of the base B, and its cross-sectional view is formed in a gently curved shape.

[0048] The width of the first inclined extension C1 is set to be approximately the same length as the width of the base B, the second inclined extension C2, and the grip G.

[0049] On the other hand, the thickness dimension of the first inclined extension C1 in a side view is set to be shorter than the thickness dimensions of the base B and the grip G.

[0050] [Grip part G] The grip portion G extends in a substantially straight line. The grip portion G is positioned at a distance rearward from the base portion B. The grip portion G is positioned at a point where it intersects with the virtual extension line es of the axis js of the connecting rod 2.

[0051] In this embodiment, the handle H is positioned such that the longitudinal middle portion of the grip G intersects with the virtual extension line es.

[0052] The upper end of the grip portion G is integrally continuous with the rear end of the first inclined extension portion C1, and the lower end of the grip portion G is integrally continuous with the rear end of the second inclined extension portion C2.

[0053] The grip portion G is tilted forward so as to form an angle (obtuse angle) of 100° to 140° with respect to the virtual extension line es when viewed from the side.

[0054] In order to effectively transmit the user's operating force to the cleaning head 1, it is desirable that the angle (obtuse angle) α of the grip portion G with respect to the virtual extension line es be set within the range of 110° to 130°.

[0055] If the angle α is less than 110°, the inclination angle β of the connecting rod 2 with respect to the floor surface F becomes too large, making it difficult to slide the cleaning head 1 against the floor surface F. Also, if the angle α is greater than 130°, the inclination angle β becomes too small, making it difficult for the user's operating force to be suitably applied to the floor surface F through the cleaning head 1. In this embodiment, the angle α of the grip portion G with respect to the virtual extension line es is set to 120°.

[0056] The angle α of the grip portion G described above is based on the assumption that the inclination angle β of the connecting rod 2 with respect to the floor surface F is set to 45°, as shown in Figure 2.

[0057] The grip portion G is hollow, meaning it has a cavity d inside. An opening n is provided at the top of the grip portion G, connecting the cavity d to the external space. The opening n is closed by the finger rest portion Y. When attaching the finger rest portion forming member Hs to the handle body Hm, the inner fitting portion J of the finger rest portion forming member Hs is inserted into the opening n.

[0058] The grip portion G is cylindrical with an open top. The curvature of the inner surface of the grip portion G facing the finger insertion hole sp is set to be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the grip portion G.

[0059] On the inner surface facing the finger insertion hole sp at the boundary between the grip portion G and the first inclined extension portion C1, a smoothly curved surface wm is provided in a side view. The curved surface wm is located on the opposite side of the finger rest portion Y. The curved surface wm is the part that the user's index finger contacts, and it stabilizes the position of the user's index finger in a predetermined position during use.

[0060] [Second inclined extension part C2] The second inclined extension portion C2 is mainly composed of a portion that extends inclined with respect to the extension direction of the base portion B.

[0061] The second inclined extension portion C2 comprises a main inclined extension portion c21 that extends gradually toward the rearward direction away from the virtual extension line es of the axis js in the connecting rod 2, and a lower connecting portion c22 that extends diagonally upward and backward from the lower end of the main inclined extension portion c21 and integrally connects the lower end of the main inclined extension portion c21 and the lower end of the grip portion G.

[0062] The second inclined extension C2 is solid, meaning it does not have any internal cavities. The inner surface of the second inclined extension C2 facing the finger insertion hole sp is formed in a gently curved shape. On the other hand, the outer surface of the second inclined extension C2 is smoothly continuous with the outer surface of the base B, and its cross-sectional view is formed in a gently curved shape.

[0063] The width of the second inclined extension C2 is set to be approximately the same length as the width of the base B, the first inclined extension C1, and the grip G.

[0064] On the other hand, the thickness dimension of the second inclined extension C2 in the side view is set to be shorter than the thickness dimensions of the base B and the grip G.

[0065] The lower connecting portion c22 provided on the second inclined extension portion C2 separates the main inclined extension portion c21 from the grip portion G. As a result, the user's fingers, inserted into the finger insertion holes sp to grasp the grip portion G, are less likely to interfere with the main inclined extension portion c21.

[0066] <Finger rest forming member Hs> The finger rest forming member Hs is made of elastomer, a synthetic resin material that is softer than the handle body Hm. The finger rest forming member Hs is attached to the handle body Hm.

[0067] The finger rest forming member Hs comprises a finger rest Y located on the upper part and attached to the handle body Hm, positioned above the grip G, and an inner fitting part J that protrudes below the finger rest Y and is fitted onto the grip G while passing through an opening n formed in the grip G.

[0068] [Finger rest area Y] The finger rest Y is the part where the user's thumb rests during use. The finger rest Y is positioned on top of the grip G. In a plan view, the finger rest Y has an elongated elliptical shape in the front-to-back direction.

[0069] The peripheral edge ye of the finger rest Y is formed to smoothly continue with the outer surface of the first inclined extension C1 and the outer surface of the grip G. The central part yc of the finger rest Y has a shape that is recessed downwards compared to the peripheral edge ye.

[0070] As shown in Figure 13, the cleaning tool A of this embodiment can be positioned upright on the floor F and leaned against a structure W such as a wall or furniture in a leaning position (S). In this position, the finger rest Y of the cleaning tool A can be brought into contact with the structure W.

[0071] In other words, the finger rest Y also serves as the part that comes into contact with the structure W when the device is leaning against something (S).

[0072] The finger rest Y is made of elastomer, a soft synthetic resin material. Therefore, the finger rest Y of this embodiment is not only less likely to damage the structure W, but is also less likely to slide against the structure W, so the cleaning tool A in a leaning position (S) is less likely to fall over against the floor surface F.

[0073] As described above, the cleaning tool A according to this embodiment comprises a cleaning head 1, a connecting rod 2 connected to the cleaning head, and a handle H integrally provided with the connecting rod 2 at the end of the connecting rod 2 opposite to the cleaning head 1.

[0074] Furthermore, the handle H is equipped with a grip portion G that is held by the user's hand, and the grip portion G is positioned at a location that intersects with the virtual extension line es of the axis js in the connecting rod 2.

[0075] Therefore, it is possible to provide a manual cleaning tool A that is easy for the user to operate and has excellent operability. In particular, the manual cleaning tool A shown in this embodiment is a floor wiper with a long connecting rod 2, so the user holds the connecting rod 2 with one hand and grips the handle G with the other hand, and when the floor surface F is heavily soiled, it is necessary to apply strong force. The manual cleaning tool A in this embodiment is easy for the user to operate even in the cleaning work described above.

[0076] While electric vacuum cleaners utilize auxiliary power generated by a motor to allow the head, which has a suction port and a certain weight, to move relatively easily against the floor surface, the manual cleaning tool A in this embodiment operates the cleaning head 1 against the floor surface F solely by the user's operating force. In this configuration, the grip G of the manual cleaning tool A is positioned to intersect with the virtual extension line es, making it easy for the user to apply operating force based on the configuration of the handle H, without relying on the external power of a motor.

[0077] The connecting rod 2 is composed of multiple pipe members 21 that are connected in such a way that they do not rotate relative to each other.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating force exerted by the user gripping the handle H is suitably transmitted to the cleaning head 1 through the connecting rod 2.

[0079] The handle H comprises a base B connected to the opposite end, a first inclined extension C1 extending from the base B in a direction that gradually moves away from the virtual extension line es toward the rear, and a gripping portion G whose one end is continuous with the rear end of the first inclined extension C1.

[0080] Therefore, the handle H has a suitable configuration for being connected to the connecting rod 2 and a suitable configuration for arranging the grip portion G at a predetermined location.

[0081] The grip portion G extends in a substantially straight line.

[0082] Therefore, the grip portion G is configured to be suitable for being held by the user's hand.

[0083] The grip portion G is tilted forward such that, in a side view, it forms an angle (obtuse angle) of 100° to 140° with respect to the virtual extension line es.

[0084] Therefore, the grip portion G is set to an appropriate angle so that the operating force from the user gripping it is effectively transmitted to the cleaning head 1 through the connecting rod 2.

[0085] A finger rest Y is provided on top of the grip G, where the user's thumb rests.

[0086] Therefore, the handle H is designed to allow the user to position their thumb in a suitable location for comfortable operation when gripping the handle G.

[0087] The handle H is equipped with a second inclined extension C2 that connects the base B and the other end of the grip G, and the base B, the first inclined extension C1, the second inclined extension C2, and the grip G form a closed loop in a side view.

[0088] Therefore, the handle H has a structure that is highly rigid overall. In addition, because the handle H has a closed loop section, it is designed to be easily attached to hooks or other objects when not in use.

[0089] The finger rest Y is separate from the grip G and is made of a softer synthetic resin material than the grip G.

[0090] Therefore, the finger rest Y not only has a suitable configuration for positioning the user's thumb, but also offers excellent design flexibility to improve functionality and aesthetics.

[0091] The device can be positioned upright on the floor F and leaned against a structure W such as a wall or furniture in a leaning position (S), with the finger rest Y also serving as the part that contacts the structure W in the leaning position (S).

[0092] Therefore, cleaning tool A is designed to allow for the optimal use of the finger rest Y in order to adopt a leaning position (S).

[0093] The placement of the grip portion G is set such that its longitudinal middle section intersects with the virtual extension line es.

[0094] Therefore, the placement of the grip portion G on the handle H is optimized to effectively transmit the operating force of the user gripping the grip portion G.

[0095] The cleaning head 1 holds a wiping sheet material that slides against the floor surface F by the user's operating force applied to the handle H.

[0096] Therefore, cleaning tool A has a suitable configuration for wiping and cleaning the floor surface F.

[0097] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above.

[0098] It goes without saying that the handle of a manual cleaning tool can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the grip portion may extend from the base in a direction intersecting the axis of the connecting rod.

[0099] In other words, the handle of a manual cleaning tool may comprise a base that is connected to the end of the connecting rod opposite the cleaning head, and a grip portion that extends from the base in a direction intersecting the axis of the connecting rod and is held by the user's hand.

[0100] The cleaning head can have any configuration as long as it is used to clean the floor surface. For example, the cleaning head may be a structure called a mop (a mop head), or it may have a brush attached.

[0101] The connecting rod may be composed of a single pipe member or a single rod-shaped member.

[0102] The connecting rod may be bent in part.

[0103] The connecting rod can be as short as a handheld wiper.

[0104] It goes without saying that the shape of the handle can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0105] For example, the handle may be configured without a second inclined extension. Even in this case, if there is an extension structure from the grip portion G corresponding to the lower connecting portion (c22), it will be configured to be easily attached to a hook or the like when not in use.

[0106] The handle may be a single, integrally molded product. In other words, the handle is not limited to having a handle body and a finger rest forming member that is separate from the handle body, as shown in the embodiments described above. For example, the handle may have a finger rest integrally formed with the handle body.

[0107] The grip portion is not limited to being substantially straight; it may be partially curved or have partial indentations or protrusions.

[0108] The grip may not have a finger rest for the user's thumb.

[0109] The handle and connecting rod may be molded as a single unit.

[0110] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] A... Manual cleaning tools 1…Cleaning head 2…Connecting rod H... Handle G...Grip part

Claims

1. A manual cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head, a connecting rod connected to the cleaning head, and a handle integrally provided with the connecting rod at the end of the connecting rod opposite to the cleaning head, The aforementioned handle is equipped with a grip portion that is held by the user's hand, A manual cleaning tool in which the grip portion is positioned to intersect with the virtual extension of the axis of the connecting rod.

2. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the connecting rod is composed of a plurality of pipe members connected so as not to rotate relative to each other, or a single pipe member.

3. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a base connected to the opposite end, a first inclined extension extending from the base in a direction gradually moving away from the virtual extension line toward the rear, and a grip portion whose one end is continuous with the rear end of the first inclined extension.

4. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion extends in a substantially straight line.

5. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 4, wherein the grip portion is tilted forward at an angle (obtuse angle) of 100° to 140° with respect to the virtual extension line when viewed from the side.

6. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 4, wherein a finger rest portion for the user's thumb is provided on the grip portion.

7. The handle is provided with a second inclined extension that connects the base and the other end of the grip portion. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 3, wherein the base, the first inclined extension, the second inclined extension, and the grip portion form a closed loop in a side view.

8. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 6, wherein the finger rest portion is separate from the grip portion and is made of a synthetic resin material that is softer than the grip portion.

9. It can be positioned upright on the floor and leaned against structures such as walls and furniture. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 8, wherein the finger rest portion also serves as a portion that contacts the structure when the tool is propped up.

10. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the placement of the grip portion is set such that the longitudinal middle portion of the grip portion intersects the virtual extension line.

11. The manual cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning head holds a wiping sheet material that slides against the floor surface by the user's operating force applied to the handle.

12. A manual cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head, a connecting rod connected to the cleaning head, and a handle integrally provided with the connecting rod at the end of the connecting rod opposite to the cleaning head, A manual cleaning tool in which the handle comprises a base connected to the opposite end and a grip extending from the base in a direction intersecting the axis of the connecting rod and grasped by the user's hand.

13. A manual cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head, a connecting rod connected to the cleaning head, and a handle integrally provided with the connecting rod at the end opposite the cleaning head and having a closed-loop portion in a side view.

14. A handle comprising a manual cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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