cleaning tools

Abstract

To provide a cleaning tool that can be easily handled and that enables efficient execution of cleaning work.SOLUTION: A cleaning tool, which is brought into contact with an object so as to clean the object, comprises a washing part that is brought into contact with the object so as to wash the object, and a holding part that is extended from the washing part. The washing part has a base that is connected to the holding part, and an inclined part that is inclined with respect to the base from an end of the base. The holding part is large enough to be capable of being covered with a user's hand for holding the holding part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Various cleaning tools have been known in the past. Patent Document 1 describes a toilet cleaning tool. The toilet cleaning tool includes a handle that is gripped by the cleaner and a cleaning part that is attached to the end of the handle and cleans the surface to be cleaned inside the toilet bowl by contact. The handle includes a grip part formed at one end of a handle that extends in an elongated shape from the cleaning part, and a fitting hole at the other end of the handle to which the cleaning part is attached.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a toilet brush as a toilet cleaning tool. The toilet brush comprises a handle portion consisting of a rod body and a brush portion attached to the lower end of the handle portion. The handle portion includes a straight handle portion and a curved portion continuing from the lower end of the handle portion. The curved portion is fixed to the brush portion in a state where it is inserted into a tubular portion of a pressure plate fixed to a wrapping member that forms the outer surface of the brush portion. The curved portion extends linearly from the pressure plate and curves above the pressure plate, and extends linearly further upward from the curved portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-36002 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-80522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the cleaning tools, including the toilet bowl cleaning tool and toilet brush described above, a rod-shaped handle or curved rod extends from each of the cleaning part and the brush part. Therefore, the section from the cleaning part that cleans the object to the grip part that is held is a long rod-shaped section, and the distance from the cleaning part to the grip part is long, which can make them difficult to handle and reduce the efficiency of cleaning work. When the section from the cleaning part to the grip part is a rod-shaped section, the grip part can make it difficult to move the cleaning part properly, making it difficult to move the cleaning part to small areas. Furthermore, in the cleaning tools described above, the rod-shaped section is difficult to hold, so cleaning is sometimes performed by holding the base of the rod-shaped section. In this case, the swinging of the rod-shaped section during cleaning can cause the rod-shaped section to collide with other parts, potentially damaging the cleaning tool. Therefore, there is a demand for a cleaning tool that is easy to handle and allows for efficient cleaning work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cleaning tool according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a cleaning tool that comes into contact with an object to clean it, and includes a cleaning section that comes into contact with the object to clean it, and a handle extending from the cleaning section. The cleaning section has a base connected to the handle, and the base has a first surface from which the handle extends, a second surface facing the opposite side to the first surface, and a first curved section that curves between the first surface and the second surface and protrudes outward from the cleaning section. The handle is sized to be able to be covered by the hand of a user holding the handle, and the handle extending from the first surface is held so that the second surface and the first curved section are placed against the object. The cleaning section includes a skeleton and a deformable covering section that covers the skeleton, and the covering section covers the entire skeleton. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cleaning work can be performed efficiently and with ease of use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a skeleton of the cleaning tool according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a skeleton of the cleaning tool according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of the cleaning tool being gripped according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a side view showing an example in which the cleaning tool according to the embodiment is held in a manner different from that shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the cleaning tool according to the embodiment is prevented from entering the drain pipe. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the cleaning tool according to the embodiment is prevented from entering the drain pipe in a manner different from that of FIG. 7.

[0033] FIG. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are perspective views showing a covering portion and a skeletal portion of the cleaning tool according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a procedure for winding the covering portion of FIG. 9 around the skeleton portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a continuation of the procedure of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a continuation of the procedure of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a covering portion according to a modified example. [Figure 14] 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the cleaning tool wrapped with the covering portion of FIG. 13 is being squeezed. FIG. [Figure 15] 1A to 1C are plan views showing examples of various covering portions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cleaning tool according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated, and dimensions, angles, etc. are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0010] The cleaning tool according to the present embodiment cleans an object to be cleaned to remove dirt and the like adhering to the object. In this disclosure, the term "object" refers to an object to be cleaned, and includes various objects such as objects around water, including toilets, washrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, as well as tableware, cooking utensils, machines, and structures.

[0011] "Cleaning" refers to cleaning an object. "Washing" refers to removing dirt in the cleaning process, and "cleaning part" refers to the part or component that is cleaned. "Cleaning" includes, for example, rubbing the cleaning part against the object to scrape off dirt from the object, removing dirt using water or detergent, and polishing to remove deposits such as rust. The cleaning tool according to this embodiment comprises a cleaning part and a grip part that extends from the cleaning part. "Gripping" refers to holding it in the hand, and the "grip part" refers to the part or component that is held in the hand.

[0012] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary cleaning tool 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, cleaning tool 1 includes a cleaning part 10 that comes into contact with an object to clean it, and a handle part 20 that extends from cleaning part 10 and is held by hand. As an example, cleaning tool 1 is a toilet brush used to clean toilets, scrubbing the toilet bowl to clean it.

[0013] Cleaning tool 1 is, for example, a commercial toilet brush used by building cleaning companies, and scrapes off dirt adhering to a toilet bowl by directly contacting cleaning part 10 with the bowl. Specifically, cleaning is performed by gripping handle 20 and placing cleaning part 10 against the bowl, and cleaning part 10 scrapes off the dirt. However, cleaning tool 1 may also be used for purposes other than as a toilet brush.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a side view schematically showing the cleaning tool 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cleaning part 10 is connected to the grip part 20 and extends in a direction D1 intersecting the grip part 20. As an example, the angle formed between the base of the grip part 20 and the cleaning part 10 may be a right angle. The cleaning part 10 includes a base part 11 extending from the grip part 20 in the direction D1 intersecting the grip part 20, and an inclined part 12 inclined from the end of the base part 11 in the direction D1.

[0015] The base 11 has a first surface 11b from which the grip portion 20 extends, a second surface 11c facing the opposite side to the first surface 11b, and a first curved surface 11d that curves between the first surface 11b and the second surface 11c and protrudes outward from the cleaning portion 10. The grip portion 20 extends from the first surface 11b. For example, the first surface 11b and the second surface 11c are each flat, and the first surface 11b and the second surface 11c extend parallel to each other.

[0016] For example, if the gripping portion extends from first curved surface 11d parallel to base 11 (along direction D1), it may be difficult to bring first curved surface 11d into contact with an object, making it difficult to use first curved surface 11d as the part to be cleaned on the object. In contrast, in cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment, gripping portion 20 extends from first surface 11b. Therefore, in cleaning tool 1, gripping portion 20 extending from first surface 11b can be grasped to bring second surface 11c and first curved surface 11d into contact with an object, making it possible to use second surface 11c and first curved surface 11d as the part to be cleaned on the object.

[0017] That is, the object can be efficiently cleaned by holding the grip portion 20 in one's hand and twisting the wrist while rubbing the object with the second surface 11c and the first curved surface 11d. In addition, because the grip portion 20 extends from the first surface 11b, the pressing force of the base portion 11 against the object can be increased, allowing the object to be cleaned more effectively by the cleaning unit 10.

[0018] The inclined portion 12 is inclined obliquely from one end of the base 11 in the direction D1, and for example, the grip portion 20 extends from the other end of the base 11 in the direction D1. The inclined portion 12 is inclined, for example, from one end of the base 11 toward the grip portion 20 (diagonally upward when the grip portion 20 is located above the base 11), and protrudes obliquely toward the grip portion 20. By providing the inclined portion 12 that protrudes toward the grip portion 20 in this way, it is possible to insert the inclined portion 12 into a narrow area, such as behind the edge of a toilet bowl, and to efficiently clean the narrow area.

[0019] The inclined portion 12 has a third surface 12b continuing from the first surface 11b, a fourth surface 12c continuing from the second surface 11c, and a second curved surface 12d that curves between the third surface 12b and the fourth surface 12c and protrudes outward from the cleaning portion 10. As an example, the third surface 12b and the fourth surface 12c are each flat, and the third surface 12b and the fourth surface 12c extend parallel to each other.

[0020] The third surface 12b, the fourth surface 12c, and the second curved surface 12d are all portions that can be brought into contact with an object and can be used as the cleaning portion of the object. In this way, with the cleaning tool 1, at least the second surface 11c, the first curved surface 11d, the third surface 12b, the fourth surface 12c, and the second curved surface 12d can be used as the cleaning portion of the object, thereby ensuring a large cleaning area. Therefore, by holding the handle 20 in one's hand and twisting one's wrist, the second surface 11c, the first curved surface 11d, the third surface 12b, the fourth surface 12c, and the second curved surface 12d can be brought into contact with any part of the object, thereby enabling efficient and reliable cleaning.

[0021] The handle 20 has, for example, a grip portion 21 that is held by hand H (see FIG. 5 or 6), and a connecting portion 22 that connects the cleaning unit 10 and the grip portion 21. As an example, the connecting portion 22 extends perpendicularly from the first surface 11b of the cleaning unit 10, and the grip portion 21 extends obliquely relative to the cleaning unit 10 in direction D2 away from the cleaning unit 10.

[0022] The grip portion 20 is sized to be covered by a person's hand H, so that, for example, when the grip portion 21 is gripped by the hand H, the grip portion 21 does not protrude from the hand H. In this way, because the grip portion 20 is sized to fit in the hand H, the cleaning portion 10 can be moved freely in any direction by moving the hand H, improving the handling properties of the cleaning tool 1.

[0023] Grip portion 21 and connecting portion 22 are, for example, rod-shaped and long enough to be covered by hand H. Grip portion 21 has a fifth surface 21b facing away from cleaning portion 10, a sixth surface 21c facing toward cleaning portion 10, and a seventh surface 21g extending in direction D2 between fifth surface 21b and sixth surface 21c. Grip portion 21 also has, for example, a tip portion 21d that forms the end of grip portion 21, and a hole portion 21f that penetrates fifth surface 21b and sixth surface 21c.

[0024] Fifth surface 21b may be a flat surface or a curved surface that curves outward from grip portion 21. Seventh surface 21g is provided, for example, on each side of fifth surface 21b in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2). Seventh surface 21g may be a flat surface or a curved surface that curves outward from grip portion 21.

[0025] Sixth surface 21c is curved, for example, so as to protrude outward from grip portion 21. By curving sixth surface 21c outward in this manner, grip portion 21 has an easy-to-grip shape. Hole 21f is a hole for hanging cleaning tool 1 on a locking device such as a hook, and as an example, hole 21f extends in direction D2, in which grip portion 21 extends.

[0026] Tip portion 21d has eighth surface 21h continuing from seventh surface 21g, and ninth surface 21j located on the tip side of hole 21f of grip portion 21. Eighth surface 21h and ninth surface 21j are, for example, curved surfaces that protrude outward from grip portion 21. As described above, grip portion 21 has fifth surface 21b, sixth surface 21c, seventh surface 21g, eighth surface 21h, and ninth surface 21j, and the boundaries between these surfaces all form obtuse angles.

[0027] That is, the fifth surface 21b, the sixth surface 21c, the seventh surface 21g, the eighth surface 21h, and the ninth surface 21j are connected to one another via obtuse-angled corners, and for example, the grip portion 21 does not have any acute or right-angled corners. Therefore, the grip portion 21 has a rounded shape as a whole, making it easy to hold.

[0028] The connecting part 22 has a columnar shape that protrudes from the cleaning part 10. The connecting part 22 has a tenth surface 22b that is continuous with the sixth surface 21c, an eleventh surface 22c that is continuous with the seventh surface 21g, a twelfth surface 22d that is located on the opposite side of the eleventh surface 22c from the fifth surface 21b, and a finger contact surface 22f that is located between the twelfth surface 22d and the fifth surface 21b.

[0029] The tenth surface 22b, the eleventh surface 22c, and the twelfth surface 22d are, for example, flat surfaces or curved surfaces that protrude outward from the connecting portion 22. The finger contact surface 22f extends obliquely with respect to the twelfth surface 22d, and the inclination angle of the finger contact surface 22f with respect to the direction D1 is larger than the inclination angle of the grip portion 21 (direction D2) with respect to the direction D1.

[0030] The finger contact surface 22f is a surface on which a finger H1 of a hand H gripping the grip portion 20 is placed (see FIG. 5 or FIG. 6). The finger contact surface 22f is a flat surface or a curved surface that is recessed inward into the grip portion 20. Since the finger contact surface 22f is a flat surface or a curved surface that is recessed inward, it is possible to easily place the finger H1 on the finger contact surface 22f, making it even easier to grip the grip portion 20.

[0031] The finger contact surface 22f is provided between the cleaning unit 10 and the grip unit 21, and the grip unit 20 is shaped to be easier to grip, for example, by placing a finger H1 (e.g., a thumb or index finger) on the finger contact surface 22f to grip the grip unit 21. Note that the grip unit 20 does not need to have the connecting portion 22, and for example, the grip unit 21 may extend directly from the cleaning unit 10.

[0032] The grip portion 20 is made of, for example, resin. The material of the grip portion 20 may be a flexible material, in which case the grip portion 20 can be deformed. As an example, the material of the grip portion 20 is polypropylene resin (PP) or epoxy resin. Note that the grip portion 20 may be rigid, and the material of the grip portion 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0033] If the length of the grip portion 21 of the handle 20 is length L1 and the length of the connecting portion 22 (the height of the connecting portion 22 relative to the cleaning portion 10) is length L2, then, for example, length L1 is 150 mm or less. The upper limit of length L1 may be 120 mm, 110 mm, 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, or 70 mm. The lower limit of length L1 may be 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, or 70 mm. As an example, length L1 is 80 mm or more and 110 mm or less.

[0034] The length L2 is, for example, 15 mm or more. In this case, the length L2 of the connecting portion 22 can be set to be the length of one finger or more, making it easier to place the finger H1 on the connecting portion 22. The lower limit of the length L2 may be 5 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm. The upper limit of the length L2 is, for example, 50 mm, or may be 40 mm, 30 mm, or 20 mm. As an example, the length L2 is 15 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0035] As an example, the connecting portion 22 extends perpendicularly from the cleaning portion 10, and the angle θ1 formed between the connecting portion 22 and the grip portion 21 (direction D2) is, for example, 30° or more and 300° or less. That is, the tilt direction of the grip portion 21 with respect to the base portion 11 (direction D1) may be a direction other than a direction away from the base portion 11 and the inclined portion 12, or may be a direction approaching at least one of the base portion 11 and the inclined portion 12. The lower limit of the angle θ1 may be 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, or 120°. The upper limit of the angle θ1 may be 270°, 240°, 225°, 180°, 150°, or 120°. As an example, the angle θ1 is 90° or more and 270° or less.

[0036] The inclination angle θ2 of the inclined portion 12 with respect to the base portion 11 is, for example, not less than 10° and not more than 90°, but is not particularly limited thereto. The upper limit of the inclination angle θ2 may be 80°, 75°, 70°, 60°, or 50°. The lower limit of the inclination angle θ2 may be 10°, 30°, 45°, or 50°.

[0037] If the minimum height of cleaning tool 1 is minimum height L3, for example, minimum height L3 is 70 mm or more. Here, "minimum height of cleaning tool" refers to the minimum value of the height of the cleaning tool in a side view (a side view of the cleaning tool when the cleaning tool is positioned so that the handle is located above the cleaning part), and is, for example, the distance between a straight line A1 extending from second curved surface 12d of inclined portion 12 along direction D2 in which grip portion 21 extends, and a straight line A2 extending from first curved surface 11d of base 11 along direction D2 in which grip portion 21 extends.

[0038] The lower limit of the minimum height L3 may be 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, or 110 mm. The upper limit of the minimum height L3 may be 200 mm, 180 mm, 150 mm, 120 mm, or 110 mm. As an example, the minimum height L3 is not less than 70 mm and not more than 150 mm.

[0039] The cleaning unit 10 includes a skeleton 13 extending along the base 11 and the inclined portion 12, and a deformable covering 14 covering the skeleton 13. FIG. 3 is an exemplary side view showing a skeleton S of the cleaning tool 1 including the skeleton 13 and the grip 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the skeleton 13 includes a first bone 13b constituting the base 11 and a second bone 13c (tip) constituting the inclined portion 12. The first bone 13b is plate-shaped and extends in direction D1, and the second bone 13c is a tip that protrudes from one end of the first bone 13b in direction D1 toward the grip 20.

[0040] The covering portion 14, for example, covers the entire skeletal portion 13. In this case, because the deformable covering portion 14 covers the entire skeletal portion 13, it is possible to prevent the skeletal portion 13 from being damaged. The covering portion 14 includes a sponge 14b that covers the skeletal portion 13 and a nonwoven fabric 14c that covers the sponge 14b. The sponge 14b and the nonwoven fabric 14c are made of different materials, and for example, the covering portion 14 has a double structure made of two different materials. The sponge 14b is located inside the nonwoven fabric 14c and is made of a softer material than the nonwoven fabric 14c.

[0041] The sponge 14b is deformable. For example, the sponge 14b is an elastic foam, such as urethane foam (urethane sponge). The nonwoven fabric 14c may contain, for example, abrasive particles (granular abrasive). The nonwoven fabric 14c is wound around the sponge 14b so as to fit along the base 11 and the inclined portion 12, and the sponge 14b has an exposed surface 14d facing the width direction D3 of the nonwoven fabric 14c. The covering portion 14 configured as described above is wound around the first bone portion 13b and the second bone portion 13c.

[0042] The covering portions 14 have connecting portions 14f (see FIGS. 11 and 12) that connect the pair of covering portions 14 to each other on the first surface 11b from which the gripping portion 20 extends. The covering portions 14 are, for example, long and extend in direction D1 before being wrapped around the skeletal portion 13 (first bone portion 13b and second bone portion 13c). When wrapped around the skeletal portion 13 along direction D1, one end 14g and the other end 14h of the covering portions 14 in direction D1 are connected to each other, thereby forming the connecting portion 14f.

[0043] 4 is an exemplary plan view showing the skeleton S of the cleaning tool 1, which includes the skeleton portion 13 and the grip portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first rib portion 13b extends from the grip portion 20 in a direction D1 intersecting the grip portion 20, and the second rib portion 13c is inclined from the end of the first rib portion 13b in the direction D1. The first rib portion 13b has a first plate-shaped portion 13d that extends at the end (lower end) of the grip portion 20 so as to surround the grip portion 20, and a second plate-shaped portion 13f that extends from the first plate-shaped portion 13d in the direction D1.

[0044] When viewed from the grip portion 20 side (in a plan view), for example, the second plate-shaped portion 13f extends linearly in the direction D1, and the first plate-shaped portion 13d has a shape that widens from the end of the second plate-shaped portion 13f in the direction D1. That is, the width of the first plate-shaped portion 13d increases with increasing distance from the second plate-shaped portion 13f.

[0045] The first plate-shaped portion 13d has a pair of first sides 13g extending obliquely from the second plate-shaped portion 13f to both sides of the second plate-shaped portion 13f in the width direction D4, and a second side 13h extending in the width direction D4 on the side of the pair of first sides 13g opposite the second plate-shaped portion 13f. Each of the first sides 13g extends along the outer shape of the grip portion 20 and is, for example, curved so as to bulge outward. The second side 13h extends, for example, linearly along the width direction D4.

[0046] The thickness of the first plate-shaped portion 13d and the second plate-shaped portion 13f may be uniform or may increase toward the grip portion 20. The second plate-shaped portion 13f has a pair of third sides 13j extending along the direction D1, and for example, the pair of third sides 13j extend parallel to each other. The width W1 of the second plate-shaped portion 13f is not particularly limited, but may be constant.

[0047] The second bone portion 13c has a plate shape that is continuous with the second plate-shaped portion 13f, and protrudes obliquely from the end of the second plate-shaped portion 13f in direction D1 toward the grip portion 20. The thickness of the second bone portion 13c may become thinner, for example, as it becomes more distant from the first bone portion 13b (toward the tip of the second bone portion 13c).

[0048] For example, the width of second bone portion 13c may be the same as width W1 of second plate-shaped portion 13f. That is, width W1 of the portion of skeleton portion 13 extending from grip portion 20 in direction D1 may be constant, for example, 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. Width W1 may be, for example, 10 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0049] The width W1 may be half or less of the width W2 (see FIG. 1) of the covering portion 14. Moreover, the width W1 may be 40% or less, 30% or less, 25% or less, or 10% or less of the width W2. For example, the width W2 of the covering portion 14 is 50 mm or more and 70 mm or less. Furthermore, the width W3 of the grip portion 21 of the handle 20 is, for example, equal to or greater than the width W1 and equal to or less than the width W2. For example, the width W3 is 15 mm or more and equal to or less than 35 mm.

[0050] A method for manufacturing the cleaning tool 1 configured as above will be described. For example, the skeleton S of the cleaning tool 1, including the grip portion 20 and the skeletal portion 13, is manufactured by resin molding (a step of preparing the skeleton of the cleaning tool). After preparing the skeleton S in this manner, a strip-shaped sponge 14b and a strip-shaped nonwoven fabric 14c are bonded together to prepare a structure. Thereafter, holes are made in the sponge 14b and the nonwoven fabric 14c, and the grip portion 20 is passed through the holes, and the sponge 14b and the nonwoven fabric 14c are wrapped around the skeletal portion 13 in direction D1. The sponge 14b is then fixed to the skeletal portion 13 with glue or the like (a step of wrapping and fixing the sponge), thereby completing the manufacturing of the cleaning tool 1.

[0051] Next, the effects of the cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As described above, in the cleaning tool 1, the cleaning unit 10 comes into contact with an object, thereby removing dirt from the object and performing cleaning. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the handle 20 is the part that is gripped when holding the cleaning tool 1 with the hand H, and extends obliquely from the base 11 of the cleaning unit 10. Furthermore, the handle 20 is sized so that it can be covered by the user's hand H. Therefore, the distance from the base 11 to the tip of the handle 20 can be shortened, thereby improving the handleability of the cleaning unit 10.

[0052] That is, the cleaning unit 10 can be freely moved by holding the gripping portion 20 with the hand H, making the cleaning tool 1 easy to handle and improving the efficiency of cleaning work. Because the gripping portion 20 extending from the base 11 is large enough to be covered by the hand H, the cleaning unit 10 can be moved smoothly and can be made to maneuver easily, allowing the cleaning unit 10 to follow small areas. For example, the gripping portion 21 can be gripped in a variety of ways, such as by placing the thumb (finger H1) on the finger contact surface 22f or by placing the index finger (finger H1) on the finger contact surface 22f, thereby further improving the handling of the cleaning tool 1.

[0053] Furthermore, because the grip portion 20 is large enough to be covered by the hand H, it is possible to prevent the grip portion 20 and the like from colliding with other parts, thereby making it less likely for the cleaning tool 1 to be damaged. The cleaning part 10 also has a base 11 and an inclined portion 12 that is inclined relative to the base 11, and the inclined portion 12 is provided at the end of the base 11 opposite the grip portion 20. Therefore, the inclined portion 12 can be inserted into a narrow part of the object to be cleaned to clean the narrow part, and therefore, by inserting the inclined portion 12, the narrow part can be cleaned efficiently.

[0054] The minimum height L3 of the cleaning part 10 and the grip part 20 may be 70 mm or more. In this case, by making the minimum height L3 of the cleaning part 10 and the grip part 20 70 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the cleaning tool 1 from entering the drain pipe T1 of the toilet T, which is the object to be cleaned, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In other words, it is possible to make the minimum height L3 of the cleaning part 10 and the grip part 20 equal to or greater than the diameter of the drain pipe T1. This prevents the cleaning tool 1 from entering the drain pipe T1, so that even if the cleaning tool 1 accidentally falls into the drain pipe T1 of the toilet T during cleaning, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cleaning tool 1 from getting clogged deep inside the drain pipe T1.

[0055] The handle 20 has a grip portion 21 that extends obliquely relative to the base 11 of the cleaning unit 10, and the length L1 of the grip portion 21 may be 150 mm or less. In this case, since the length L1 of the grip portion 21 that extends obliquely relative to the base 11 is 150 mm or less, the grip portion 21 can be securely held in the hand H that holds the handle 20. This prevents the handle 20 from colliding with other parts during cleaning, and improves the handleability of the cleaning tool 1.

[0056] The cleaning unit 10 includes a skeleton 13 and a deformable covering portion 14. The skeleton 13 has a tip portion (second bone portion 13c) that is inclined relative to the base 11. The inclined portion 12 includes the covering portion 14 that covers the inclined tip portion (second bone portion 13c). The width W1 of the skeleton 13 may be equal to or less than half the width W2 of the covering portion 14. In this case, the width W1 of the skeleton 13 is equal to or less than half the width W2 of the deformable covering portion 14 that covers the skeleton 13. Therefore, because the width W1 of the skeleton 13 is narrow relative to the width W2 of the covering portion 14, it is easy to squeeze the covering portion 14 and squeeze out water that has accumulated in the covering portion 14.

[0057] Furthermore, when the width W1 of the skeleton 13 is equal to or less than half the width W2 of the covering part 14, the volume of the covering part 14 that can deform relative to the skeleton 13 can be increased, making it easier to deform the cleaning part 10. As a result, when the cleaning part 10 is inserted into a narrow space, the cleaning part 10 can flexibly follow the space, thereby enabling more efficient and reliable cleaning.

[0058] The covering portion 14 may include a sponge 14b that covers the skeletal portion 13 and a nonwoven fabric 14c that covers the sponge 14b. In this case, since the sponge 14b in the covering portion 14 is covered with the nonwoven fabric 14c, the covering portion 14 can be easily assembled and the cushioning properties of the covering portion 14 can be improved.

[0059] An example of the covering portion 14 including a strip-shaped sponge 14b and a strip-shaped nonwoven fabric 14c, and how the covering portion 14 is wrapped around the skeletal portion 13, will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 9, the covering portion 14 is elongated and extends in direction D1. The covering portion 14 has a pair of end faces 14j extending in direction D1 and facing the width direction D3 of the covering portion 14 between one end 14g and the other end 14h of the covering portion 14. For example, each end face 14j is flat. As an example, the one end 14g of the covering portion 14 has a pair of end faces 14p located at both ends in the width direction D3 and a protruding portion 14k protruding in direction D1 between the pair of end faces 14p. The other end 14h of the covering portion 14 has a pair of end faces 14q located at both ends in the width direction D3 and a recessed portion 14m recessed in direction D1 between the pair of end faces 14q.

[0060] The covering portion 14 has holes 14r through which the skeletal portion 13 (e.g., the first bone portion 13b and the second bone portion 13c) are inserted. The holes 14r penetrate, for example, the plate-shaped covering portion 14 in the plate thickness direction. The holes 14r are formed, for example, on one end 14g side of the covering portion 14. As an example, the holes 14r are formed adjacent to protrusions 14k formed on the one end 14g of the covering portion 14. For example, the holes 14r are trapezoidal in shape, having an upper base 14s located on the protrusion 14k side, a lower base 14t located closer to the center of the covering portion 14 in the direction D1 than the upper base 14s, and a pair of legs 14v connecting the upper base 14s and the lower base 14t. However, the position, shape, and size of the holes 14r are not limited to the above examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0061] An example of a method for winding the covering portion 14 around the skeletal portion 13 will be described. First, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second bone portion 13c and the first bone portion 13b are inserted into the hole portion 14r of the covering portion 14, and the skeletal portion 13 is pushed into the hole portion 14r to expand the hole portion 14r, thereby inserting the skeletal portion 13 into the hole portion 14r. At this time, the skeletal portion 13 is inserted into the hole portion 14r so that the skeletal portion 13 protrudes from one end 14g of the covering portion 14 in the direction D1.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the covering portion 14 is lifted up, and the other end 14h of the covering portion 14 is passed under one end 14g of the covering portion 14 and the skeletal portion 13. A portion of the sponge 14b of the covering portion 14 is turned upward, and adhesive is applied to the upward-facing portion 14w of the sponge 14b. At this time, adhesive is also applied to, for example, the end face 14p, the convex portion 14k, the end face 14q, and the concave portion 14m. Then, the other end 14h is lifted up, and the sponge 14b is placed over the skeletal portion 13. The concave portion 14m of the other end 14h is fitted into the convex portion 14k of the one end 14g from above. In this state, the other end 14h is pressed down for a certain period of time with a tool (or a finger) to bond the sponge 14b to the skeletal portion 13, forming a connection portion 14f, and the wrapping of the covering portion 14 is completed. The certain period of time during which the other end 14h is held down with a jig or the like is, for example, 30 seconds or more and 24 hours or less, and may be, for example, 1 minute or more and 2 minutes or less.

[0063] 2 and 12, the covering portion 14 may have a connecting portion 14f that connects the pair of covering portions 14 (one end 14g and the other end 14h) to each other on the first surface 11b from which the grip portion 20 extends. In this case, by forming the connecting portion 14f on the first surface 11b, the connecting portion 14f can be formed in a location other than the aforementioned cleaning portion (e.g., the second surface 11c, the first curved surface 11d, the third surface 12b, the fourth surface 12c, and the second curved surface 12d). Therefore, since the connecting portion 14f is formed at a position away from the cleaning portion of the cleaning portion 10, concerns about a decrease in the strength of the cleaning portion of the cleaning portion 10 can be reduced, and the cleaning portion can be made to last longer.

[0064] Incidentally, in the covering portion 14, minute gaps 14x may be formed at the connecting portions 14f, extending in the width direction D3 and exposed at each end face 14j. If gaps 14x exposed at the end faces 14j are formed, there is a concern that dirt or the like may enter the covering portion 14 through the gaps 14x. Furthermore, the gaps 14x exposed at the end faces 14j may widen as the cleaning tool 1 is used, and if the gaps 14x widen, the skeletal portion 13 may become exposed through the gaps 14x, raising a concern that the skeletal portion 13 may damage the toilet bowl or the like. In contrast, the covering portion 24, which will be described later, is capable of suppressing the formation of the above-mentioned gaps 14x.

[0065] 13, the covering portion 24 has an elongated shape extending in direction D1. The covering portion 24 has one end 24g in direction D1, the other end 24h located on the opposite side of the one end 24g in direction D1, and a pair of end faces 24j extending in direction D1 between the one end 24g and the other end 24h and facing the width direction D3 of the covering portion 24. As described above, the configuration of part of the covering portion 24 is similar to the configuration of part of the covering portion 14. Therefore, in the following description, descriptions of parts that overlap with the description of the covering portion 14 will be omitted as appropriate, and parts of the covering portion 24 that are the same as the configuration of the covering portion 14 will be described using the same reference numerals as the configuration of the covering portion 14.

[0066] One end 24g of the covering portion 24 has a pair of inclined surfaces 24b located on both ends in the width direction D3, and an opposing surface 24c extending in the width direction D3 between the pair of inclined surfaces 24b. For example, the one end 24g is trapezoidal in shape, with the opposing surface 24c as the upper base and the inclined surfaces 24b as legs. The pair of inclined surfaces 24b and the opposing surface 24c are formed, for example, to surround the hole 14r (the connecting portion 22 of the grip portion 20).

[0067] Each inclined surface 24b extends obliquely from each end surface 24j in a direction protruding in the direction D1, for example. In this case, the angle θ3 formed between the inclined surface 24b and the end surface 24j is greater than 90° and less than 180° (an obtuse angle). The angle θ3 may be, for example, 120° or more and 150° or less, or 130° or more and 140° or less. Furthermore, the angle θ3 on one side in the width direction D3 and the angle θ3 on the other side in the width direction D3 may be different from each other.

[0068] Each inclined surface 24b extends along the hole 14r to face the hole 14r, and, for example, is inclined toward the same side as the leg 14v of the hole 14r with respect to the direction D1. For example, each inclined surface 24b is flat. The facing surface 24c faces the hole 14r along the direction D1, for example. That is, the facing surface 24c forms the end of the covering portion 24 in the direction D1, and extends, for example, along the upper base 14s of the hole 14r. For example, the facing surface 24c may extend parallel to the width direction D3 (or parallel to the upper base 14s).

[0069] The other end 24h of the covering portion 24 has a pair of inclined surfaces 24d located at both ends in the width direction D3 and an opposing surface 24f extending in the width direction D3 between the pair of inclined surfaces 24d. For example, the other end 24h has a trapezoidal recess with the opposing surface 24f as the upper base and each inclined surface 24d as the legs. Each inclined surface 24d is inclined from each end surface 24j in a direction in which the covering portion 24 is recessed in the direction D1. In this case, the angle θ4 formed between the inclined surface 24d and the end surface 24j is greater than 0° and less than 90° (an acute angle). The angle θ4 may be, for example, 30° or more and 60° or less, or 40° or more and 50° or less. The angle θ4 on one side in the width direction D3 and the angle θ4 on the other side in the width direction D3 may be different from each other.

[0070] The method of winding the covering portion 24 around the skeletal portion 13 is the same as that of the covering portion 14. However, in the state shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the case of the covering portion 14, the recessed portion 14m is fitted into the protruding portion 14k from above, whereas in the case of the covering portion 24, the other concave end 24h can be fitted into the one convex end 24g from above or from the side (from direction D1). Therefore, compared to the covering portion 14 having rectangular recessed portions and protrusions at the one end 14g and the other end 14h, the covering portion 24 having trapezoidal recessed portions and protrusions at the one end 24g and the other end 24h has the advantage that it is easier to connect the other end 24h to the one end 24g and to form a connection.

[0071] As described above, the cleaning tool 1 may include a covering portion 24 having trapezoidal projections and recesses instead of the covering portion 14. In this case, the covering portion 24 has a pair of inclined surfaces 24b, 24d that extend from an end surface 24j of the covering portion 24 facing the width direction D3 at an angle relative to the end surface 24j. In the covering portion 24, the inclined surfaces 24b, 24d and the opposing surfaces 24c, 24f are aligned with each other, thereby firmly connecting the one end 24g of the covering portion 24 to the other end 24h. Furthermore, in the case of a covering portion 24 having a pair of inclined surfaces 24b, 24d, the contact area between the one end 24g and the other end 24h can be increased compared to a covering portion that does not have a pair of inclined surfaces 24b, 24d (i.e., has only flat surfaces extending in the width direction D3), thereby increasing the connection strength of the connection portion.

[0072] Furthermore, in the case of a covering in which one end and the other end are connected only by a plane extending in the width direction D3, a crack may appear parallel to the width direction D3 of the covering, which may widen and expose the skeletal structure when the covering is squeezed for cleaning, as shown in Fig. 14. In contrast, in the case of covering 24 having inclined surfaces 24b and 24d extending obliquely with respect to the width direction D3, even when covering 24 is squeezed, inclined surfaces 24b and 24d adhere to each other along direction D1, making it less likely that the above-mentioned crack will occur. This prevents dirt and other contaminants from entering the interior of covering 24, resulting in a more hygienic cleaning tool 1.

[0073] The inclined surfaces 24b and 24d may be inclined in a direction approaching the gripping portion 20 (hole 14r) toward the end surface 24j (both end sides in the width direction D3). In this case, when the covering portion 24 is squeezed, the inclined surfaces 24b and 24d are more likely to deform along the gripping portion 20, which makes it even more difficult for the above-mentioned cracks to occur and also suppresses damage to the sponge 14b.

[0074] The covering portion 24 may have opposing surfaces 24c and 24f that extend along the gripping portion 20 (hole 14r) between the pair of inclined surfaces 24b and 24d and face the gripping portion 20. In this case, since the covering portion 24 has the opposing surfaces 24c and 24f, even if a slight misalignment occurs in the width direction D3 when the other end 24h is connected to the one end 24g, the misalignment can be absorbed. Therefore, the other end 24h can be connected to the one end 24g more efficiently, and the covering portion 24 can be wrapped around the skeletal portion 13 more efficiently.

[0075] The above describes an embodiment of a cleaning tool according to the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified or applied to other things within the scope of the gist described in each claim. In other words, the shape, size, material, number, and arrangement of each part of the cleaning tool may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the gist described above.

[0076] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the covering portion 24 has trapezoidal projections and recesses at one end 24g and the other end 24h. However, the shape of the connecting portions at one end and the other end of the covering portion can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the covering portion 34 may have a curved projection 34b at one end 34g in the direction D1 and a curved recess 34c at the other end 34h in the direction D1, with the curved projection 34b and the curved recess 34c connected to each other.

[0077] In this case, both end portions of the curved convex portion 34b and the curved concave portion 34c in the width direction D3 are inclined with respect to the end surface 24j. Therefore, similar to the above-described covering portion 24, the contact area between one end 34g and the other end 34h can be increased, making it possible to prevent tears from occurring when the covering portion 34 is squeezed and efficiently winding the covering portion 34 around the skeletal portion 13. Note that the shapes of the curved convex portion 34b and the curved concave portion 34c when viewed from the plate thickness direction of the covering portion 34 may be arc-shaped or parabolic, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0078] 15(b), the covering 44 may have multiple peaks 44b at one end 44g in the direction D1 and multiple valleys 44f at the other end 44h in the direction D1, with each valley 44f connected to a corresponding peak 44b. For example, each peak 44b includes a first inclined surface 44c that slopes in a direction protruding from the end face 24j in the direction D1 and a second inclined surface 44d that slopes in a direction recessed in the direction D1 from the end of the first inclined surface 44c protruding in the direction D1. Each valley 44f includes, for example, a third inclined surface 44j that slopes in a direction recessed from the end face 24j in the direction D1 and a fourth inclined surface 44k that slopes in a direction protruding in the direction D1 from the most recessed portion of the third inclined surface 44j.

[0079] In the case of this covering portion 44, both end portions of the peaks 44b and valleys 44f in the width direction D3 (e.g., the first inclined surface 44c and the third inclined surface 44j) are inclined with respect to the end surface 24j. Therefore, the covering portion 44 has the same effects as the covering portions 24 and 34 described above. Note that the example in FIG. 15(b) shows an example in which three peaks 44b are formed at one end 44g and three valleys 44f are formed at the other end 44h. However, the number, shape, size, and arrangement of the peaks 44b and valleys 44f can be changed as appropriate.

[0080] 15(c), the covering portion 54 may have a pair of mountain-shaped inclined surfaces 54b at one end 54g in the direction D1, a pair of valley-shaped inclined surfaces 54c at the other end 54h in the direction D1, and the pair of valley-shaped inclined surfaces 54c connected to the pair of mountain-shaped inclined surfaces 54b. For example, each inclined surface 54b is inclined toward the same side as the leg 14v of the hole 14r with respect to the direction D1.

[0081] Each inclined surface 54b extends along the hole 14r so as to face the hole 14r, similar to the inclined surfaces 24b of the covering portion 24 described above. Therefore, the covering portion 54 provides the same effect as the covering portion 24. That is, in the covering portion 54, the inclined surfaces 54b, 54c are more likely to deform along the gripping portion 20 when squeezed, which makes it less likely for the above-mentioned tears to occur and also prevents damage to the sponge 14b.

[0082] Various examples of the covering portion have been described above as shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c). However, the shapes of one end and the other end of the covering portion in direction D1 can be further modified from the examples shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c). Also, Figure 12 shows an example in which the connection portion 14f (gap 14x) extends in the thickness direction of the covering portion 14. However, the connection portion connecting one end and the other end of the covering portion to each other may extend in a direction inclined from the thickness direction of the covering portion. In other words, the inclined surface of the connection portion may be inclined three-dimensionally. In this case, the gap formed in the covering portion can be made less noticeable, thereby achieving the same effect as described above.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the covering portion 14 includes the sponge 14b and the nonwoven fabric 14c. However, the covering portion covering the skeletal portion 13 may include, for example, only the nonwoven fabric 14c or only the sponge 14b, and the material and type of material for the covering portion can be changed as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the covering portion 14 is fixed to the skeletal portion 13. However, the covering portion may be detachable from the skeletal portion. Furthermore, the cleaning portion may be detachable from the grip portion.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning tool 1 is a toilet brush used to clean toilets. However, the cleaning tool according to the present disclosure can be applied to objects other than toilets. That is, the cleaning tool according to the present disclosure can be used to clean washrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, tableware, cooking utensils, machines, buildings, structures, etc. The cleaning tool according to the present disclosure can also be applied to these cleaning objects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...cleaning tool, 10...cleaning part, 11...base part, 11b...first surface (surface), 12...inclined part, 13...skeletal part, 13b...first bone part, 13c...second bone part (tip part), 14, 24, 34, 44, 54...covering part, 14b...sponge, 14c...nonwoven fabric, 14f...connecting part, 14j, 24j...end surface, 20...gripping part, 21...grip part, 24b, 24d, 54b, 54c...inclined surface, 24c, 24f...opposing surface, D3...width direction, H...hand, L3...minimum height, W1, W2, W3...width.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool that comes into contact with an object to clean the object, a cleaning unit that comes into contact with the object to clean the object; a gripping portion extending from the cleaning portion; Equipped with The cleaning unit has a base connected to the grip unit, and the base has a first surface from which the grip unit extends, a second surface facing the opposite side to the first surface, and a first curved portion curved between the first surface and the second surface so as to protrude outward from the cleaning unit, The size of the grip portion is set to a size that can be covered by a hand of a user holding the grip portion, the gripping portion extending from the first surface is gripped, and the second surface and the first curved portion are applied to the object; the cleaning unit includes a skeleton and a deformable covering that covers the skeleton; the covering portion covers the entire skeleton portion, The handle has a grip portion that can be held by hand, the width of the grip portion is equal to or greater than the width of the skeleton portion and equal to or less than the width of the covering portion, the width of the skeleton is half or less of the width of the covering portion, The minimum height of the cleaning part and the grip part is 70 mm or more. Cleaning tools.

2. the handle portion has the grip portion extending obliquely relative to the base portion of the cleaning portion, The length of the grip portion is 150 mm or less. The cleaning tool of claim 1 .

3. the handle portion has a connecting portion that connects the cleaning portion and the grip portion, The connecting portion extends perpendicularly from the first surface of the cleaning portion, and the grip portion extends obliquely relative to the cleaning portion in a direction away from the cleaning portion. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The covering portion has a connecting portion that connects the pair of covering portions to each other on a surface from which the grip portion extends. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The covering portion has a pair of inclined surfaces extending obliquely from an end surface facing a width direction of the covering portion. The cleaning tool according to claim 4.

6. the covering portion has a hole portion through which the skeleton portion is inserted, the inclined surfaces are inclined in a direction approaching the hole as they go toward both ends of the covering portion in the width direction, The cleaning tool according to claim 5.

7. the covering portion has opposing surfaces extending in the width direction of the covering portion along the hole between the pair of inclined surfaces, The cleaning tool according to claim 6.

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