Cleaning tools

Abstract

To address the shortcomings and deficiencies of conventional technology, we provide a cleaning tool assembly that is easy to operate with one hand. [Solution] A cleaning tool for gripping a cleaning sheet, comprising a head 1, a rod 2, and a joint 3 connecting the head 1 and the rod 2, wherein the head 1 has a gripping portion 11 that forms its bottom surface and a driving means 12, the gripping portion 11 has a first gripping portion 111 and a second gripping portion 112 positioned adjacent to the first gripping portion 111, the driving means 12 is configured to allow the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 112 to transition between a gripping state in which they are close together and a non-gripping state in which they are separated based on the vertical movement of the rod 2 via the joint 3, the joint 3 allows relative rotation of the head 1 and the rod 2 in the gripping state and suppresses their relative rotation in the non-gripping state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of mops, and specifically relates to a pressing type mop rod assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, the mops commercially available are generally for large-area cleaning. However, the cleaning needs of small spaces such as the gaps in the household toilet and bedroom cannot be met by existing mops because the spaces are narrow, cleaning is difficult, and thorough cleaning cannot be achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to design a mini mop that is small in size and can flexibly enter and exit small spaces such as gaps. The mini mop can utilize a used non-woven towel or a disposable soluble cleaning paper towel as a cleaning consumable, and is required to be energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0003] All conventional mini mops have the following drawbacks: The sponge mini mop has a low cleaning effect, and when used multiple times, mold grows on the dirt remaining in the sponge. The paper mini mop requires contact with the paper towel by hand when gripping or releasing the paper towel, which is inconvenient and may contact contaminants at the same time. Also, when releasing the paper towel, both hands need to be used for operation, which is a bit cumbersome.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a convenient cleaning tool to solve the defects and deficiencies existing in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the present invention employs the following technical solution: a press-type mop rod assembly, the press-type mop rod assembly including a return mechanism, the return mechanism including an external push rod and a connecting rod fitted inside the external push rod and movable up and down, further provided between the connecting rod and the external push rod a position regulating member and a return member for releasing the position regulating member, the upper and lower ends of the connecting rod being connected to a mop rod and a transmission assembly, respectively, the transmission assembly being driven by the vertical movement of the connecting rod to cause the telescopic wings on both sides of the mop plate to extend outward or contract inward.

[0006] Preferably, the position regulating member includes a position regulating locking member provided on the connecting rod and a locking groove provided on the external pushing rod that engages with the position regulating locking member, wherein one end of the position regulating locking member is hinged to the connecting rod and the other end engages in the locking groove by the action of a snap spring.

[0007] Preferably, the return member includes a return retaining sleeve provided on the outer pushing rod and a return spring whose ends abut against the connecting rod and the outer pushing rod, respectively, and a pressing projection is provided at a position corresponding to the locking groove of the return retaining sleeve.

[0008] Preferably, the snap spring is provided horizontally on the side away from the pressing projection of the position-regulating locking member, and the snap spring and the return spring are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] Preferably, the external push rod is rotatably connected to the mop plate via a first rotary joint and a second rotary joint in sequence, and the direction of rotation of the first rotary joint is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the second rotary joint.

[0010] Preferably, a third and fourth rotary joint are provided between the connecting rod and the transmission assembly, which rotate in conjunction with the first and second rotary joints.

[0011] Preferably, the mop plate includes an upper cover and a lower cover, with a space for housing a transmission assembly formed between the upper cover and the lower cover, and the lower cover has a guide groove that slidably fits with a guide block on an extendable wing.

[0012] Preferably, a non-slip rubber coating layer is provided on both the bottom of the lower cover and the bottom of the retractable wing.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to accomplish this task, the present disclosure provides cleaning tools [1] to [7]. [1] A cleaning tool for gripping a cleaning sheet, It comprises a head, a rod, and a joint connecting the head and the rod, The head has a gripping portion that forms its bottom surface and a driving means, The gripping portion comprises a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion positioned adjacent to the first gripping portion. The driving means is configured to allow the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion to transition between a gripping state in which they are close together and a non-gripping state in which they are separated, based on the vertical movement of the rod via the joint. The joint allows relative rotation of the head and the rod in the gripping state, and suppresses their relative rotation in the non-gripping state. Cleaning tools.

[0014] [2] The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion enter the gripping state when the rod is displaced downward, and enter the non-gripping state when the rod is displaced upward. [1] The cleaning tools described above.

[0015] [3] The head further comprises a head body that constitutes an internal space for housing the drive means, The rod comprises a rod body that can move up and down, and a sleeve through which the rod body is inserted. The joint comprises a first joint that connects the rod body and the driving means and follows the vertical movement of the rod body, and a second joint that is configured separately from the first joint and connects the sleeve and the head body and does not follow the vertical movement of the rod body. The first joint is provided with a first pivot shaft portion and a second pivot shaft portion formed along the vertical direction, with their axial directions substantially perpendicular to each other. The second joint is provided with a third pivot shaft portion for connecting to the sleeve, and a fourth pivot shaft portion whose axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the third pivot shaft portion and for connecting to the head body. In the gripping state, the axial directions of the first pivot shaft and the third pivot shaft, and the axial directions of the second pivot shaft and the fourth pivot shaft are arranged substantially coaxially, thereby allowing relative rotation of the head and the rod. In the non-gripping state, relative rotation of the head and the rod is suppressed because the axial directions of the first and third pivot shafts, and the axial directions of the second and fourth pivot shafts are not arranged substantially coaxially. The cleaning tools described in [1] or [2].

[0016] [4] The rod further includes control means for controlling the vertical movement of the rod body, The control means includes a biasing member that biases the rod body upward, and a locking mechanism configured to suppress upward displacement of the rod body in the gripping state. [3] Cleaning tools as described above.

[0017] [5] The outer surface of the sleeve is provided with through holes. The locking mechanism includes a locking portion provided on the rod body and biased outward in the left-right direction, and a pressing portion provided on the sleeve and configured to be displaceable inward in the left-right direction. In the gripping state, the locking portion is inserted and locked into the through hole, thereby entering a locked state that suppresses relative sliding between the rod body and the sleeve. In the gripping state, the pressing portion is configured to be able to release the locked state by pressing the locking portion against its biasing force. The cleaning tool according to [4].

[0018] [6] A pair of the locking portion and the pressing portion are provided along the left - right direction. The cleaning tool according to [5].

[0019] [7] The driving means is a rack - pinion mechanism. The cleaning tool according to any one of [1] to [6]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, a cleaning tool with good usability can be provided. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic structural diagram of the return mechanism in the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross - sectional structural diagram of the return mechanism in the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing the tightened state of the telescopic wings of the mini - mop adopting the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the deployed state of the telescopic wings of the mini - mop adopting the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a (a) perspective view and (b) bottom view of the cleaning tool (gripping state) in a modification of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the cleaning tool (gripping state) in a modification of the present invention, and is (a) a front view, (b) an enlarged perspective view of the control means, and (c) an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the control means. [Figure 7]This figure shows a cleaning tool (in a gripping state) in a modified example of the present invention, and (a) is an enlarged front view of the area around the joint, and (b) is an enlarged side view of the area around the joint. [Figure 8] This figure shows a cleaning tool (in a gripping position) in a modified version of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the internal space of the head seen from the upper left side, and (b) is a perspective view of the internal space of the head seen from the upper right side. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the operation of a cleaning tool in a modified version of the present invention, with (a) being a gripping state and (b) being a non-gripping state. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the operation of a cleaning tool in a modified version of the present invention, with (a) being a gripping state and (b) being a non-gripping state. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the operation of a cleaning tool in a modified version of the present invention, with (a) being a gripping state and (b) being a non-gripping state. [Figure 12] (a) A perspective view and (b) A bottom view of a cleaning tool (non-gripping state) in a modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail and in full below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. Clearly, the embodiments described are only some, and not all, embodiments of the present invention. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is, in practice, merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention or its applications or uses in any way. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain without creative work based on the embodiments of the present invention are all within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0023] The press-type mop rod assembly of the present invention is used in a mini-mop and, as shown in Figures 1-4, includes a return mechanism 3, the return mechanism 3 includes an external push rod 3-1 and a connecting rod 3-3 fitted inside the external push rod 3-1 and movable up and down, the connecting rod 3-3 and the external push rod 3-1 further include a position regulating member and a return member for releasing the position regulating member, the upper and lower ends of the connecting rod 3-3 are connected to the mop rod 1 and the transmission assembly 4 respectively, the transmission assembly 4 can be driven by the up and down movement of the connecting rod 3-3 to cause the telescopic wings 5 ​​on both sides of the mop plate 2 to extend outward or contract inward, thereby achieving a release or gripping function for paper towels.

[0024] The mop plate 2 includes an upper cover 2-1 and a lower cover 2-2, with a space for housing the transmission assembly 4 between the upper cover 2-1 and the lower cover 2-2. The lower cover 2-2 has a guide groove that slidably fits with the guide block on the telescopic wing 5, ensuring stability during the movement of the telescopic wing 5. The bottom of the lower cover 2-2 and the bottom of the telescopic wing 5 are both provided with a non-slip rubber coating layer 6, which not only provides a cushioning effect but also guarantees a cleaning effect.

[0025] The above position regulating member includes a position regulating locking member 3-4 provided on the connecting rod 3-3 and a locking groove provided on the external pushing rod 3-1 that engages with the position regulating locking member 3-4, the position regulating locking member 3-4 having one end hinged to the connecting rod 3-3 and the other end engaging with the locking groove by the action of a snap spring 3-5, the return member includes a return retaining sleeve 3-2 provided on the external pushing rod 3-1 and a return spring 3-6 whose ends abut against the connecting rod 3-3 and the external pushing rod 3-1 respectively, the return spring 3-6 is provided coaxially with the connecting rod 3-3 and the external pushing rod 3-1, and the return A pressing projection is provided at a position corresponding to the locking groove of the retaining sleeve 3-2, and furthermore, the snap spring 3-5 is provided horizontally on the side away from the pressing projection of the position-regulating locking member 3-4, and the snap spring 3-5 and the return spring 3-6 are perpendicular to each other, and the position-regulating locking member 3-4 can contract inward by the pressure action of the pressing projection, overcoming the elastic force of the snap spring 3-5, and can disengage from the locking groove of the outer push rod 3-1, and at the same time, when the position-regulating locking member 3-4 disengages from the locking groove, the connecting rod 3-3 can be displaced upward by the action of the return spring 3-6.

[0026] The external push rod 3-1 is rotatably connected to the mop plate 2 via a first rotary joint 3-7 and a second rotary joint 3-8 in sequence; that is, the external push rod 3-1 is rotatably connected to the second rotary joint 3-8 via the first rotary joint 3-7, and the second rotary joint 3-8 is also rotatably connected to the mop plate 2, and the direction of rotation of the first rotary joint 3-7 is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the second rotary joint 3-8, thereby enabling rotation in the forward, backward, left, and right directions, and between the connecting rod 3-3 and the transmission assembly 4, there is a rod that rotates in conjunction with the first rotary joint 3-7 and the second rotary joint 3-8. A third and a fourth rotary joint are provided. When the connecting rod 3-3 is displaced downward and in a position-restricted state, that is, when the telescopic wings 5 ​​on both sides are tightened, the third and fourth rotary joints can rotate in conjunction with the first and second rotary joints 3-7 and 3-8. When the connecting rod 3-3 is displaced upward and in a position-restricted state, that is, when the telescopic wings 5 ​​on both sides are extended, the third and fourth rotary joints shift position relative to the first and second rotary joints 3-7 and 3-8, thereby enabling the mop rod to stand on its own and facilitating its use and storage.

[0027] The operating principle of the mini-mop employing the press-type mop rod assembly of the present invention is as follows: In the initial state, the telescopic wings 5 ​​on both sides of the mop plate 2 are in a tightened state. At this time, by pressing the pressing projection on the return-pressing sleeve 3-2 inward with one finger of one hand, and pushing the position-regulating locking member 3-4 to overcome the force of the snap spring 3-5 and compress it inward, the position-regulating locking member 3-4 is released from the locking groove of the external-pressing rod 3-1. The connecting rod 3-3 is displaced upward by the force of the return spring 3-6, driving the third and fourth rotary joints to be displaced upward, and simultaneously engaging the transmission assembly 4 at the bottom, causing the telescopic wings 5 ​​to extend to both sides and form a state in which they grip paper towels. When the telescopic wings 5 ​​are extended, downward pressure is applied by the mop rod 1, pushing the connecting rod 3-3 and overcoming the elastic force of the return spring 3-6, causing it to be displaced downward. The connecting rod 3-3 drives the third and fourth rotary joints to be displaced downward, simultaneously engaging the bottom transmission assembly 4. The telescopic wings 5 ​​are then tightened to their respective intermediate positions, and when the connecting rod 3-3 is displaced downward to the position-regulating locking member 3-4 and engages with the locking groove of the external push rod 3-1, position lock is achieved. At the same time, the paper towel is in a gripping state, and the mop can be dragged to achieve a cleaning effect. After cleaning is complete, the user repeatedly presses the pressing projection on the return-holding sleeve 3-2 inward with one finger of one hand, as described above, enabling the extension of the retractable wings 5 ​​to both sides. The soiled paper towel then falls into the trash can or toilet bowl due to gravity, achieving automatic release of the paper towel, avoiding contact with the soiled paper towel by hand, and significantly improving the user experience.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, and the claims of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, based on the technical solutions of the present invention and the concept of the invention, should all be included within the claims of the present invention.

[0029] <Example of modification> The above embodiments of the present invention may be modified as shown in Figures 5 to 12. In each figure, the symbol X indicates the cleaning tool according to this embodiment. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity in the following explanation, the x-axis direction shown in Figure 1, etc., will be referred to as the front-back direction, the y-axis direction as the left-right direction, and the z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0030] <<Structure>> As shown in Figure 5(a), the cleaning tool X comprises a head 1, a rod 2, and a joint 3 that connects the head 1 and the rod 2. Furthermore, the cleaning tool X is configured such that the head 1 is capable of gripping a cleaning sheet (not shown), and the head 1 is configured to grip the cleaning sheet when in use and to release the grip after use and when replacing the cleaning sheet.

[0031] The cleaning sheet is preferably made to be of a size that is easily grasped by the head 1. Furthermore, the cleaning sheet may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of removing dirt by applying friction to the object to be cleaned.

[0032] <<<Head 1>>> The head 1 has a gripping portion 11 that forms its bottom surface, a driving means 12, and a head body 13 that forms an internal space housing the driving means 12.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5(b), the gripping portion 11 includes a first gripping portion 111 and a second gripping portion 112 positioned adjacent to the first gripping portion 111.

[0034] The first gripping portion 111 is located in the center of the bottom surface of the head 1 and has a roughly rectangular outer shape. Furthermore, a pair of spaces S1 (see Figure 11(b)) are provided on the upper side of the first gripping portion 111, which are capable of housing the rack 122 of the drive means 12, which will be described later. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the first gripping portion 111, there is an elongated space S2 (see Figure 11(b)) that extends in the front-to-back direction and is positioned at a certain distance from each space S1 in the left-to-right direction. In addition, a space S3 (see Figure 11(b)) capable of housing the central shaft portion 121 of the driving means 12 is provided on the upper side of the first gripping portion 111.

[0035] The second gripping portion 112 is positioned adjacent to each longitudinal edge of the first gripping portion 111 and has an elongated outer shape that extends in the left-right direction.

[0036] On the other hand, the inner longitudinal edge of the second gripping portion 112a is substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge of the first gripping portion 111 and is configured to be the same length. The inner longitudinal edge of the other second gripping portion 112b is also approximately parallel to the longitudinal edge of the first gripping portion 111 and is positioned to be the same length as it. As a result, in the gripping state, the bottom surfaces of the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portions 112a and 112b are connected, forming a single, substantially rectangular bottom surface.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8(a), each second gripping portion 112a and 112b is provided with a pair of drive assist portions n projecting inward from their respective inner longitudinal edges, spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each drive assist unit n is an elongated structure extending in the front-rear direction, and each is positioned in space S2 to assist the sliding motion of each second gripping unit 112a, 112b by the drive means 12.

[0038] In addition, the outer longitudinal edge of the second gripping portion 112b is configured as a curved surface with its center concave inward. Furthermore, the first gripping section 111 and the second gripping section 112 are provided with an anti-slip structure on their bottom surfaces to prevent the cleaning sheet from slipping during use.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the drive means 12 in this embodiment is configured as a rack and pinion mechanism, and is configured to allow the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 112 to transition between a gripping state in which they are close together and a non-gripping state in which they are separated, based on the vertical movement of the rod 2 via the joint 3. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the internal space of head 1, with the head body 13 excluded.

[0040] More specifically, the drive mechanism 12 includes a central shaft portion 121 connected to the joint 3, a rack 122, a pinion 123, and a link 124 connecting the central shaft portion 121 and the pinion 123, as shown in Figure 8.

[0041] The central shaft portion 121 is an elongated, roughly rectangular parallelepiped extending vertically, connected to the lower part of joint 3 (the lower end of the lower second joint 322, which will be described later).

[0042] The rack 122 is an elongated structure that extends inward along the front-rear direction, projecting inward from the inner longitudinal edge of each second gripping portion 112a, 112b, and the entire structure is housed in space S1 when gripping. Furthermore, each rack 122 has multiple recesses along the front-to-back direction that mesh with the teeth of the corresponding pinion 123.

[0043] A pair of pinions 123 are provided, corresponding to each rack 122, and their teeth are arranged to mesh with the recesses of each rack 122. Furthermore, a pivot shaft m is provided approximately in the center of each pinion 123, protruding in the left-right direction. The pivot shaft m is rotatably supported within the internal space of the head 1.

[0044] Each pair of links 124 is provided, corresponding to each pinion 123. One end of each link is rotatably supported on the pinion 123, and the other end on the central shaft portion 121, so that both ends are configured as joints of the link mechanism.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6(a), the head body 13 includes a lid portion 131 and a raised portion 132 provided approximately in the center of the upper surface of the lid portion 131.

[0046] The lid portion 131 covers each of the spaces S1 to S3 and is attached to the upper part of the grip portion 11.

[0047] A groove extending in the front-to-back direction is provided approximately in the center of the raised portion 132, and an insertion hole through which the central shaft portion 121 is inserted is provided in the center of this groove.

[0048] <<<Rod 2>>> The rod 2 includes a rod body 21 that can move up and down, a sleeve 22 through which the rod body 21 is inserted, and a control means 23 that controls the up and down movement of the rod body 21.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6(a), the rod body 21 includes a first rod body 211, which is an elongated, roughly cylindrical body with a three-stage stepped shape that gradually widens in diameter as it extends upward, and a second rod body 212, to which the lower end of the first rod body 211 is connected and which is entirely housed in the sleeve 22. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the area around the second rod body 212 with the sleeve 22 removed, and the biasing member 231, which will be described later, is omitted.

[0050] The upper end of the first rod body 211 is provided with a hanging hole p for suspending the entire cleaning tool X by hooking it onto a hook or the like.

[0051] The second rod body 212 is provided with a pivot hole h1 that supports a pair of locking parts W1, which will be described later, so that they can swing around their upper ends, and a vertically extending communication window h2 in which each locking part W1 supported by the pivot hole h1 is arranged.

[0052] The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 22 is provided with through holes H through which the pressed portion W12 of each locking portion W1, described later, can be inserted.

[0053] The control means 23 includes a biasing member 231 that biases the rod body 21 upward, and a locking mechanism 232 configured to suppress upward displacement of the rod body 21 in the gripping state.

[0054] The biasing member 231 is a compression spring housed in the sleeve 22 and surrounding the outer circumference of the second rod body 212. Furthermore, since the lower end of the biasing member 231 rests on the inner bottom surface of the sleeve 22 and the upper end abuts against a stepped portion provided on the outer surface of the second rod body 212, a predetermined biasing force is stored in the gripping state by the downward pressure on the second rod body 212.

[0055] The locking mechanism 232 includes, in particular as shown in Figure 6(c), a locking portion W1 provided on the second rod body 212 and a pressing portion W2 positioned adjacent to each through hole H on the outer circumferential surface side of the sleeve 22. The locking mechanism 232 further includes a compression spring t1 housed in the sleeve 22 and extending in the left-right direction to surround the outer circumference of each pressed portion W12, and an annular body t2 provided on the outer surface of the sleeve 22 to cover each through hole H.

[0056] The locking portion W1 and the pressing portion W2 are provided as a pair, aligned in the left-right direction.

[0057] To describe each locking part W1 in detail, each locking part W1 consists of a pivot W11 which forms its upper end and is inserted into and locked in the pivot hole h1, a block-shaped pressed part W12 which forms its lower end and is inserted into the through hole H, and a plate-shaped connecting part W13 which is connected to the pivot W11 and the pressed part W12 and forms an intermediate part. Furthermore, each pressed portion W12 is biased outward in the left-right direction by a compression spring t1, and is inserted and locked into each through hole H in the gripping state. As a result, upward displacement of the rod body 21 is suppressed while a predetermined biasing force is stored in the biasing member 231.

[0058] To describe each pressing portion W2 in detail, each pressing portion W2 is a projection provided on the inner circumferential surface of the annular body t2, and in the gripping state, it abuts against each pressed portion W12. Furthermore, each pressing portion W2 is configured to be displaceable inward in the left-right direction by bending so that the annular body t2 is reduced in diameter by an external force in the left-right direction.

[0059] <<<Joint 3>>>

[0060] Joint 3 includes a first joint 31 that connects the rod body 21 and the drive means 12 and follows the vertical movement of the rod body 21, and a second joint 32 that is separate from the first joint 31, connects the sleeve 22 and the head body 13, and does not follow the vertical movement of the rod body 21.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the first joint 31 includes an upper first joint 311 connected to the lower end of the second rod body 212, a lower first joint 312 connected to the upper end of the central shaft portion 121, and a connecting portion 313 that connects the upper first joint 311 and the lower first joint 312.

[0062] The upper first joint 311 is a long, slender, roughly cylindrical body connected to the lower end of the second rod body 212. Furthermore, the lower end of the upper first joint 311 is provided with a recess that is roughly U-shaped in side view, where the protrusion of the upper end of the connecting portion 313 is positioned.

[0063] The lower first joint 312 is a roughly plate-like body connected to the upper end of the central shaft portion 121, and its entirety is configured as a convex portion positioned in the recess at the lower end of the connecting portion 313.

[0064] The upper end of the connecting portion 313 is provided with a protrusion that connects to a recess, and the lower end is provided with a recess that is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the front and connects to the lower first joint 312 (protrusion).

[0065] The first joint 31, configured as described above, is provided with a first pivot shaft portion A1 and a second pivot shaft portion A2, which are formed along the vertical direction and whose axial directions are substantially perpendicular to each other. In other words, the connecting shaft between the convex portion and the concave portion becomes the first pivot shaft portion A1 extending in the front-rear direction, and the connecting shaft between the convex portion and the concave portion becomes the second pivot shaft portion A2 extending in the left-right direction.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, the second joint 32 includes an upper second joint 321 connected to the lower end of the sleeve 22, a lower second joint 322 connected to the upper end of the head body 13, and a connecting portion 323 that connects the upper second joint 321 and the lower second joint 322.

[0067] The upper second joint 321 is provided in a pair, front and back, and is configured as a roughly plate-like shape extending downward from the lower end of the sleeve 22.

[0068] The lower second joint 322 is provided in pairs on the left and right sides and is configured as a projection extending from the upper surface of the raised portion 132. A groove is provided on its inner surface into which a pivot shaft, which extends in the left-right direction from the lower connecting projection k2 (described later), is fitted.

[0069] The upper end of the connecting portion 323 is provided with a pair of roughly plate-shaped upper connecting protrusions k1 that abut against the inner circumferential surface of each upper second joint 321, and the lower end is provided with a pair of roughly plate-shaped lower connecting protrusions k2 that abut against the inner circumferential surface of each lower second joint 322.

[0070] The second joint 32, configured as described above, is provided with a third pivot shaft portion A3 and a fourth pivot shaft portion A4, which are formed along the vertical direction and whose axial directions are substantially perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the connecting shaft between the lower end of each upper second joint 321 and each upper connecting projection k1 becomes a third pivot shaft portion A3 extending in the front-rear direction, and the connecting shaft between each lower second joint 322 and each lower connecting projection k2 becomes a fourth pivot shaft portion A4 extending in the left-right direction.

[0071] <<Operational Mode>> The operation of the cleaning tool X configured as described above will be explained below using Figures 9 to 11.

[0072] <<<Transition from gripping state to non-gripping state>>> As shown in Figure 9, the user presses the outer surface of the annular body t2 to transition the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 112 from a gripping state where they are close together (see Figure 5) to a non-gripping state where they are separated (see Figure 12).

[0073] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9(a), the user presses against the biasing force of the compression spring t1 by pinching with their fingers the parts on the outer surface of the annular body t2 that correspond to each pressing part W2. As a result, as shown in Figure 9(b), each pressed portion W12 is pressed and swings inward around the pivot W11, releasing the insertion lock state (lock state) into the through hole H. As a result, the biasing force of the biasing member 231 is released, pushing the rod body 21 (second rod body 212) upward.

[0074] As a result of the above series of operations, each of the pivot shafts A1 to A4 changes from the state shown in Figure 10(a) to the state shown in Figure 10(b). In other words, as the rod body 21 moves upward, the first joint 31 connected to it also moves upward, causing the axial directions of the first pivot shaft A1 and the third pivot shaft A3, and the axial directions of the second pivot shaft A2 and the fourth pivot shaft A4, to shift from being arranged substantially coaxially. This suppresses the relative rotation of head 1 and rod 2.

[0075] Furthermore, as a result of the above series of operations, the gripping portion 11 changes from the state shown in Figure 11(a) to the state shown in Figure 11(b). In other words, as the first joint 31 moves upward, the central shaft portion 121 connected to it also moves upward, causing the other end of each link 124 to be lifted upward. Consequently, one end of each link 124 moves outward, causing each pinion 123 to rotate around its pivot axis m. As a result, the grooves of each rack 122 and the teeth of each pinion 123 engage sequentially, causing each second gripping portion 112a, 112b to slide outward, resulting in a non-gripping state where the first gripping portion 111 and each second gripping portion 112a, 112b are separated.

[0076] Based on the above, the cleaning tool X changes from the state shown in Figure 5 (gripping state) to the state shown in Figure 12 (non-gripping state). The user can place and store the cleaning tool X in the state shown in Figure 12 in a designated location.

[0077] <<<Transition from non-grasping state to gripping state>>> When using the cleaning tool X, the user, in the state shown in Figure 12, places a predetermined cleaning sheet in contact with the bottom surface and then displaces the rod 2 downward, thereby transitioning the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 112 from a non-gripping state where they are separated (see Figure 12) to a gripping state where they are close together (see Figure 5).

[0078] More specifically, the user, from the state shown in Figure 12, grasps the first rod body 211 and pushes it downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 231, thereby moving each locking part W1 (second rod body 212) downward. Then, each pressed portion W12 is inserted into and locked into each through hole H by the biasing force of the compression spring t1, changing from the state shown in Figure 9(b) to the state shown in Figure 9(a) (locked state).

[0079] As a result of the above series of operations, each of the pivot shafts A1 to A4 changes from the state shown in Figure 10(b) to the state shown in Figure 10(a). In other words, as the rod body 21 moves downward, the first joint 31 connected to it also moves downward, so that the axial directions of the first pivot shaft A1 and the third pivot shaft A3, and the axial directions of the second pivot shaft A2 and the fourth pivot shaft A4 are arranged substantially coaxially. This allows for relative rotation of head 1 and rod 2.

[0080] Furthermore, as a result of the above series of operations, the gripping portion 11 changes from the state shown in Figure 11(b) to the state shown in Figure 11(a). In other words, as the first joint 31 moves downward, the central shaft portion 121 connected to it also moves downward, pushing down the other end of each link 124. Consequently, one end of each link 124 moves inward, causing each pinion 123 to rotate around its pivot axis m. As a result, the recesses of each rack 122 and the teeth of each pinion 123 engage sequentially, causing each second gripping portion 112a and 112b to slide inward, resulting in a gripping state where the first gripping portion 111 and each second gripping portion 112a and 112b are in close proximity (contacting each other). At this time, the cleaning sheet, which was in contact with the bottom surface (anti-slip structure portion), is gripped between the first gripping portion 111 and the respective second gripping portions 112a and 112b.

[0081] Based on the above, the cleaning tool X changes from the state shown in Figure 12 (non-gripping state) to the state shown in Figure 5 (gripping state). The user can use the cleaning tool X in the state shown in Figure 5 to clean floors and other surfaces via a cleaning sheet by rotating the rod 2 relative to the head 1 via the joint 3.

[0082] <<Effect>> According to this embodiment, the joint 3 allows relative rotation of the head 1 and the rod 2 in the gripping state, and suppresses this relative rotation in the non-gripping state, thereby preventing the rod 2 from unintentionally falling over when not in use (non-gripping state). Therefore, when not in use, the cleaning tool X can be stably placed and stored in a designated location.

[0083] Furthermore, since the rod 2 enters a gripping state when displaced downward and a non-gripping state when displaced upward, the process from gripping by pushing the rod 2 downward to cleaning by applying force diagonally downward and sliding it across the floor surface becomes seamless, improving convenience.

[0084] Furthermore, the configuration of each pivot axis section A1 to A4 allows for flexible relative rotation of the head 1 and rod 2 with a simple structure, while also enabling switching between gripping and non-gripping states.

[0085] Furthermore, the control means 23 can stably maintain the gripping state.

[0086] Furthermore, the through-hole H in the sleeve 22 and the configuration of the locking mechanism 232 in the control means 23 allow for easy suppression and release of upward displacement of the rod body 21 simply by pressing the pressing part W2.

[0087] Furthermore, since the locking part W1 and the pressing part W2 are provided as a pair along the left-right direction, the user can press the pressing part W2 (ring-shaped body t2) by gripping it with two fingers, making it easier to release the locked state.

[0088] Furthermore, by configuring the drive mechanism 12 as a rack and pinion mechanism, the second gripping portion 112 can be slid stably with a simple structure.

[0089] <<Example of changes>> It should be noted that the materials, structure, dimensions, and arrangement of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate according to design requirements and applications.

[0090] For example, the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 112 may enter a gripping state when the rod 2 is displaced upward, and may enter a non-gripping state when the rod 2 is displaced downward.

[0091] Furthermore, the gripping portion 11 may be composed of two or more gripping portions.

[0092] Furthermore, in addition to pressing each locking part W1 and pressing part W2, other release mechanisms such as lever type, screw type, slider type, or hinge type may be used as means to release the insertion lock state (lock state) into the through hole H.

[0093] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 12 may be composed of other drive mechanisms besides the rack and pinion, such as a ball screw, lead screw, belt pulley, or electric actuator.

[0094] Furthermore, the sleeve 22 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the side surface of the second rod body 212.

[0095] Furthermore, joint 3 may have a fifth or subsequent pivot shaft section separate from each pivot shaft section A1 to A4, or the pivot shaft section may be composed of two or more rotating shafts, such as a universal joint.

[0096] Furthermore, the locking portion W1 and the pressing portion W2 may be configured to be pressable in two or more directions, and may be configured to be annular in shape so that they can be pressed in any direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] X:Cleaning tool 1: Head 11: Grip part 12: Driving means 13: Head body 2: Rod 21: Rod body 22: Sleeves 23: Control means 3: Joint 31: First Joint 32: Second Joint A1: First rotation shaft part A2:Second rotation shaft part A3: Third rotation shaft A4: Fourth rotation shaft H: Through hole W1: Locking part W2: Pressing part

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for gripping a cleaning sheet, It comprises a head, a rod, and a joint connecting the head and the rod, The head has a gripping portion that forms its bottom surface and a driving means, The gripping portion includes a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion disposed adjacent to the first gripping portion. The drive means is configured to allow the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion to transition between a gripping state in which they are close together and a non-gripping state in which they are separated, based on the vertical movement of the rod via the joint. The joint allows relative rotation of the head and the rod in the gripping state, and suppresses their relative rotation in the non-gripping state. Cleaning tools.

2. The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion enter the gripping state when the rod is displaced downward, and enter the non-gripping state when the rod is displaced upward. The cleaning tool according to claim 1.

3. The head further comprises a head body that constitutes an internal space for housing the drive means, The rod comprises a rod body that can move up and down, and a sleeve through which the rod body is inserted. The joint comprises a first joint that connects the rod body and the driving means and follows the vertical movement of the rod body, and a second joint that is configured separately from the first joint and connects the sleeve and the head body and does not follow the vertical movement of the rod body. The first joint is provided with a first pivot shaft portion and a second pivot shaft portion formed along the vertical direction, with their axial directions substantially perpendicular to each other. The second joint is provided with a third pivot shaft portion for connecting to the sleeve, and a fourth pivot shaft portion whose axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the third pivot shaft portion and for connecting to the head body. In the gripping state, the axial directions of the first pivot shaft and the third pivot shaft, and the axial directions of the second pivot shaft and the fourth pivot shaft are arranged substantially coaxially, thereby allowing relative rotation of the head and the rod. In the non-gripping state, relative rotation of the head and the rod is suppressed because the axial directions of the first and third pivot shafts, and the axial directions of the second and fourth pivot shafts are not arranged substantially coaxially. The cleaning tool according to claim 2.

4. The rod further includes control means for controlling the vertical movement of the rod body, The control means includes a biasing member that biases the rod body upward, and a locking mechanism configured to suppress upward displacement of the rod body in the gripping state. The cleaning tool according to claim 3.

5. The outer surface of the sleeve is provided with through holes. The locking mechanism includes a locking portion provided on the rod body and biased outward in the left-right direction, and a pressing portion provided on the sleeve and configured to be displaceable inward in the left-right direction. The locking portion, when inserted into the through hole and locked in the gripping state, creates a locked state that suppresses relative sliding between the rod body and the sleeve. The pressing portion is configured to release the locked state by pressing the locking portion against its biasing force in the gripping state. The cleaning tool according to claim 4.

6. The locking portion and the pressing portion are provided in pairs along the left-right direction. The cleaning tool according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned drive mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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