Cleaning tool and cleaning element holder

It is an object of the invention to provide an elongate cleaning element holder which contributes to a smoother cleaning operation, for a cleaning tool in which a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned is attached to the cleaning element holder. The representative cleaning element holder 120 includes a holding element 132 to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element. The holding element 132 has an inclined part 136 wherein a height of the inclined part 136 in a direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding element 132 gradually increases toward the connection.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national phase of PCT/JP2009/002126, filed May 14, 2009 and is based on, and claims priority from, Japanese Application Number 2008-128877, filed May 15, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a cleaning tool, and more particularly to a cleaning tool having a cleaning element for use in cleaning an object.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese non-examined laid-open Patent Publication No. 9-154791 discloses a cleaning tool having a cleaning cloth and a holder that detachably holds the cleaning cloth inserted into a holding region of the cleaning cloth. This cleaning tool is capable of wiping an object to be cleaned. However, in designing a cleaning tool of this type in which a holder-side holding element is inserted into an insert region of a cleaning element and thereby holds the cleaning element, it is required to provide an effective technique for realizing a smoother cleaning operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an elongate cleaning element holder which contributes to a smoother cleaning operation for a cleaning tool in which a cleaning element for cleaning an object is attached to the cleaning element holder.

The above-described object can be achieved by the claimed invention. This invention can be applied to the construction of cleaning tools for cleaning regions to be cleaned (floors, walls, ceilings, external walls, pillars, furniture, clothes, curtains, bedding, lighting, electric cords, home electric appliances, etc.) inside and outside of houses, apartments, buildings, factories, vehicles, etc. or regions of human body parts to be cleaned. These regions to be cleaned may be either flat or curved, uneven or stepped.

A cleaning tool according to the invention is used for cleaning a region to be cleaned and includes at least a cleaning element holder and a cleaning element. The cleaning element holder is an elongate member. The cleaning element holder has a grip to be held by a user and a holding element extending in a longitudinal direction from a connection which is connected to the grip. The grip and the holding element may be formed integrally or separately with respect to each other. The holding element is designed to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element to thereby hold the cleaning element. One or more holding elements can be provided as necessary. Particularly, the holding element has an inclined part which is inclined such that a height of the inclined part in a direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding element gradually increases from the tip end which is first inserted into the insert region, toward the connection. This is, in other words, the holding element has an inclined part which is inclined such that the height (or thickness) of the holding element is increasingly changed from the tip end to the connection with respect to the extending direction of the holding element. In regard to this construction, the inclined part can form the entirety or part of the holding element. Further, the increase or decrease of the height of the inclined part includes increases or decreases in linear, curved and stepped forms. Further, the “height of the inclined part in a direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding element” is typically defined as the height in the vertical direction of the holding element in normal cleaning conditions.

With such a construction of the cleaning tool according to this invention, the flexibility of the holding element increases from the connection side toward the tip end side, so that the flexibility of the holding element can be ensured. Moreover, the holding element has an increasingly higher rigidity or strength from the tip end side toward the connection side of the holding element. Thus, an area of the holding element on the connection side can be reinforced, so that a smoother cleaning operation can be realized.

Further, in the cleaning tool according to the invention, the cleaning element may be of disposable type designed for single use, disposable type designed for multiple use which can be used several times, while holding dust which has been removed from the region to be cleaned, on a brush portion, or reusable type which can be reused by washing.

In a further aspect of the invention, the inclined part may preferably be contiguous to the connection, and the height of the inclined part in a direction transverse to the extending direction of the holding element peaks at an area of the inclined part which is contiguous to the connection. With such a construction, in the holding element, particularly, the connection and the area contiguous to the connection can be reinforced.

In a further aspect of the invention, the grip and the holding element may preferably be separately formed, and at the connection, a first connection on the side of the holding element and a second connection on the side of the grip can be engaged with each other. Further, as viewed in section in a direction transverse to the extending direction of the holding plate, preferably, the first connection includes a bottom plate part extending along the holding element, an upright part extending upward from both edges of the bottom plate part, an upper plate part extending between the upright pails above the bottom plate part, a demarcated region demarcated by the bottom plate part, the upright parts and the upper plate part, and an opening that is formed in the upper plate part, and provides communication between the demarcated region and an upper region above the upper plate part. Further, preferably, the second connection includes an insertion part which is inserted and engaged in the demarcated region, and a contiguous part that is contiguously formed on an upper side of the insertion part and has a smaller width than an opening width of the opening, and in the state in which the insertion part is inserted and engaged in the demarcated region, the contiguous part is exposed to the upper region through the opening. With such a construction, the first connection and the second connection can be prevented from being reversed during connection to each other. Specifically, even if an attempt is made to insert the insertion part of the second connection which is reversed with respect lo the first connection into the demarcated region of the first connection, the insertion part cannot be inserted into the demarcated region due to interference of the contiguous part contiguous to the insertion part. Thus, the first connection and the second connection can be prevented from being connected improperly.

In a further aspect of the invention, an engagement protrusion may preferably be formed on one of opposed sides of the bottom plate part and the insertion part, and an engagement hole is formed on the other side, and the grip and the holding element are locked with respect to each other by engagement of the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole. With such a construction, the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole become invisible from the outside and thus the outward appearance is enhanced. Moreover, the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole are protected from dust or dirt, so that a stable operation of connecting the first connection and the second connection can be ensured.

In a further aspect of the invention, a plurality of holding elements may preferably extend from the connection in parallel in the longitudinal direction. In order to extend in “parallel” here, a plurality of the holding elements may be required to be disposed at least side by side. Such a manner of extending in parallel here includes the manner in which a plurality of the holding elements are disposed in parallel, and the manner in which the distance between two adjacent holding elements decreases toward the front end. With such a construction, in each of the holding elements of the cleaning element holder, not only the flexibility of the holding element can be ensured, but an area of the holding element toward the proximal end side can be reinforced.

Further, a cleaning element holder according to the invention is an elongate cleaning element holder to which a cleaning element for use in cleaning an object to be cleaned is attached, and has substantially the same construction as the cleaning element holder of the above-described cleaning tool. Therefore, with the cleaning element holder according to this invention, in one or more holding elements of the cleaning element holder, not only the flexibility of the holding element can be ensured, but an area of the holding element toward the connection side can be reinforced. Further, with the cleaning element holder according to this invention, in the holding element, particularly, the connection and an area contiguous to the connection can be reinforced. Further, with the cleaning element holder according to this invention, the first connection and the second connection can be prevented from being connected improperly. Further, with the cleaning element holder according to this invention, the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole become invisible from the outside and thus the outward appearance is enhanced. Moreover, the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole are protected from dust or dirt, so that a stable operation of connecting the first connection and the second connection can be ensured.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

As described above, according to the invention, an elongate cleaning element holder which contributes to a smoother cleaning operation can be provided for a cleaning tool in which a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned is attached to the cleaning element holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A cleaning tool100as a representative embodiment of a cleaning tool according to the invention is now described with reference to the drawings. Objects to be cleaned with the cleaning tool100include regions to be cleaned (floors, walls, windows, ceilings, external walls, furniture, clothes, curtains, bedding, lighting, home electric appliances, etc.) inside and outside of houses, apartments, buildings, factories, vehicles, etc. and regions of human body parts to be cleaned. These regions to be cleaned may be either flat or curved, uneven or stepped.

FIG. 1shows the cleaning tool100according to this embodiment in perspective view, in a state disassembled into a cleaning element110and a cleaning element holder120. As shown inFIG. 1, the cleaning tool100comprises the cleaning element110and the cleaning element holder120.

The cleaning element110has a function of wiping, sweeping or scraping dirt on the region to be cleaned. The cleaning element110is in a sheet-like or plate-like form at the time of purchase or in the initial unused state, and in use, it is loosened such that its volume is increased. As shown inFIG. 1, the cleaning element110has a rectangular shape in plan view, extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (the direction of the length), which is explained in more detail below. The cleaning element110includes a cleaning element body111and a holding sheet112stacked and fusion bonded together at a fusion bonded part113,114. The fusion bonded parts113,114may be designed to extend continuously or discontinuously. Further, the extending length of the fusion bonded part113,114can be appropriately selected as necessary.

A pair of right and left spaces demarcated by the fusion bonded parts113,114form insert regions115into which holding portions (holding plates132of a holder body130which is described below) of the cleaning element holder120are inserted. The insert regions115are configured to have adequate size (insertion width and insertion depth) to receive the holding plates132of the holder body130. Further, each of the fusion bonded parts114is arranged to have such a bond width that the insertion width of each of the insert regions115is larger at the both ends than at the central portion. The cleaning element110is a feature that corresponds to the “cleaning element” according to this invention. The cleaning element110may also have a square or other shape in plan view as necessary. Further, the insert regions115are the features that correspond to the “insert region” according to this invention. Each of the insert regions115may be formed by a single insert portion extending elongate or by a plurality of insert portions extending discontinuously.

The cleaning element holder120is removably attached to the cleaning element110. The cleaning element holder120is an elongate member including the holder body130and the handle140connected to each other. The cleaning element holder120is a feature that corresponds to the “cleaning element holder” according to this invention. The handle140includes a handle body141extending in an elongate form and a handle body-side connection142disposed between the handle body141and the holder body130. The handle body141is an area to be held by a user. The handle body-side connection142is an area on the handle body141side at which the handle body141and the holder body130are fixedly connected to each other. The handle140or the handle body141here forms the “grip” according to this invention.

The holder body130has a function of detachably holding the cleaning element110. The holder body130includes a holder body-side connection131between the holder body130and the handle body141, a pair of right and left holding plates132and a retaining plate134. The holding plates132extend forward in the longitudinal direction from the holder body-side connection131and parallel with a predetermined spacing therebetween on the same plane. In other words, the holder body130has a bifurcated form. Each of the holding plates132has a constant width in the longitudinal direction or is tapered. The holding plates132here form the “holding elements” according to this invention. Further, the holder body-side connection131here forms the “connection” according to this invention. The holding plates132may also have a rod-like shape having a circular or polygonal section.

Further, two projections133are formed toward the front and the rear on the outer edge of each of the holding plates132. Each of the projections133has an elliptic contour projecting outward from the holding plate132and has a convexly curved projecting surface. Further, an opening or hollow portion133ais formed in the central portion of the projection133in order to increase elasticity. The retaining plate134extends forward between the pair holding plates132and is convexly curved downward. The retaining plate134further has an engagement lug (not shown) on the underside.

The holding plates132can be inserted into the associated insert regions115formed in the cleaning element110and have a function of holding the cleaning element110in the inserted state. In the inserted state, the holding plates132are fitted in the associated insert regions115by close sliding contact, so that the holding plates132are securely attached to the cleaning element110. Further, in each of the insert regions115, as described above, the insertion width of the both ends is larger than that of the central portion, and in the inserted state, the front and rear projections133of each of the holding plates132are placed in the wider areas on the both sides of the narrower area of the associated insert region115. Thus, in this arrangement, the holding plates132serve to prevent the cleaning element110from coming off. Further, in the inserted state, the retaining plate134presses the cleaning element110from above, and the engagement lug (not shown) formed on the underside of the retaining plate134serves as a stopper for preventing the cleaning element110from coming off. Thus, in the inserted state in which the holding plates132are inserted into the insert regions115of the cleaning element110, the cleaning element110is reliably retained by the holder body130.

The structure of the holding plates132is further explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 2 to 8.FIG. 2is a side view of the holding plate132of the holder body130in this embodiment, andFIG. 3is a plan view of the holder body130in this embodiment and its vicinity.FIG. 4is a sectional view of the holding plate132which is taken along line A-A inFIG. 3.FIG. 5is a sectional view of the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142which is taken along line B-B inFIG. 3.FIG. 6is a plan view of the holder body130in this embodiment and its vicinity, showing the construction of the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142. Further,FIG. 7is a sectional view showing the structure of engagement between an engagement protrusion138on the holder body-side connection131side and an engagement hole143on the handle body-side connection142side which are shown inFIG. 6, in a yet-to-be engaged state.FIG. 8is a sectional view showing the structure of engagement between the engagement protrusion138on the holder body-side connection131side and the engagement hole143on the handle body-side connection142side which are shown inFIG. 6, in an engaged state.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the holding plates132has an inclined part136on a holding plate upper surface135. The inclined part136is inclined such that its height in a direction transverse to the extending direction of the holding plate132(height H inFIG. 2) gradually increases from a tip end side (on the left as viewed inFIGS. 2 and 3) which is first inserted into the associated insert region115, toward a connection side (on the right as viewed inFIGS. 2 and 3). The “height in a direction transverse to the extending direction of the holding plate132” is typically defined as the height in the vertical direction of the holding plate132in normal cleaning conditions. Particularly, the connection side of the inclined part136is contiguous to the holder body-side connection131, and the height H of the inclined part136peaks at this contiguous area. Further, the lateral width (width D1inFIG. 3) of the inclined part136gradually increases from the tip end side (on the left as viewed inFIGS. 2 and 3) toward the connection side (on the right as viewed inFIGS. 2 and 3) and peaks at the area contiguous to the holder body-side connection131. Specifically, in this embodiment, the height H of the inclined part136is gradually reduced, or the inclined part136is gradually thinned, toward the tip end side of the holding plate132. The inclined part136may be provided entirely on the holding plate132with respect to the extending direction of the holding pate132. Otherwise, the inclined part136may be provided in part on the holding plate132with respect to the extending direction of the holding plate132. Moreover, the width D1of the inclined part136is gradually reduced, or the inclined part136is gradually narrowed, toward the tip end side of the holding plate132. The inclined part136here is a feature that corresponds to the “inclined part” according to this invention.

With such a construction, the holding plate132has an increasingly higher flexibility toward the tip end side, so that the flexibility of the holding plate132can be ensured. Moreover, the holding plate132has an increasingly higher rigidity or strength toward the proximal end side. Therefore, the holder body-side connection131and an area contiguous to the holder body-side connection131can be reinforced, and the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142can be connected with stability. As a result a smoother cleaning operation can be realized. Further, the height H and the width D1of the inclined part136of the holding plate136may not only be designed to increase or decrease in a linear form, but may be designed to increase or decrease in a curved or stepped form. Further, the inclined part136may be designed not to be contiguous to the holder body-side connection131, as necessary. For example, the inclined part136may be terminated before the holder body-side connection131.

Further, as shown inFIG. 4, a holder plate lower surface137of the holder plate132has a thin-walled part137awhich is bulged upward corresponding to the inclined part136. With this construction, the holder plate132can be reduced in weight. The thin-walled part137acan be appropriately omitted as necessary.

Further, in this embodiment, as for the structure of the cleaning element holder120, the holder body130and the handle140are separately formed and designed to be assembled together. Instead of this structure, however, the cleaning element holder120may have any other appropriately selected structure, such as a structure in which the holder body130and the handle140are molded in one piece.

As for the separate structure of the holder body130and the handle140, as shown inFIG. 6, the holder body-side connection131on the holder body130side and the handle body-side connection142on the handle body141side can be engaged with each other at the connection between the handle body141and the holder body130. The holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142are features that correspond to the “first connection” and the “second connection”, respectively, according to this invention. Further, the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142are locked with respect to each other by engagement of the engagement protrusion138formed on the upper surface of the holder body-side connection131and the engagement hole143formed in the lower surface of the handle body-side connection142, which is described below in more detail. Further, a guide hole144for guiding the engagement protrusion138to the engagement hole143is formed in the lower surface of the handle body-side connection142on the tip end side (on the left as viewed inFIG. 6) forward of the engagement hole143.

As shown inFIG. 5, as viewed in section in a direction transverse to the extending direction of the holding plate132, the holder body-side connection131includes at least a bottom plate part131a, upright parts131b, an upper plate part131c, a demarcated region131dand an opening131e. The bottom plate part131aextends along the holding plates132. The upright parts131bextend upward from the both edges of the bottom plate part131a. The upper plate part131cextends between the upright parts131babove the bottom plate part131a. The demarcated region131dis defined as a space demarcated by the bottom plate part131a, the upright parts131band the upper plate part131c, so that a structure (“box structure” or “pocket structure”) that envelops an insert (insertion part142a) from at least three directions and holds it with stability is formed. The opening131eis formed in the upper plate part131cand provides communication between the demarcated region131dand an upper region150above the upper plate part131c, or a region outside the demarcated region131d. The bottom plate part131a, the upright part131b, the upper plate part131c, the demarcated region131d, the opening131eand the upper region150are features that correspond to the “bottom plate part”, the “upright part”, the “upper plate part”, the “demarcated region”, the “opening” and the “upper region”, respectively, according to this invention.

Further, as shown inFIG. 5, the handle body-side connection142includes at least the insertion part142aand a contiguous part142b. The insertion part142ais a flange part extending outward from the contiguous part142bon the lower side of the handle body-side connection142and designed as an insert which is inserted and engaged in the demarcated region131dof the holder body-side connection131. The contiguous part142bis contiguously formed on the upper side of the insertion part142aand has a smaller width D2than an opening width D3of the opening131e. With this construction, in the state in which the insertion part142ais inserted and engaged in the demarcated region131d, the contiguous part142bis exposed to the upper region150through the opening131e. The insertion part142aand the contiguous part142bare features that correspond to the “insertion part” and the “contiguous part”, respectively, according to this invention. Further, the insertion part142aand the contiguous part142bmay be formed integrally or separately with respect to each other.

With such a construction, the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142can be prevented from being reversed during connection to each other. Specifically, even if an attempt is made to insert the insertion part142aof the handle body-side connection142which is reversed with respect to the holder body-side connection131, into the demarcated region131dof the holder body-side connection131, the insertion part142acannot be inserted into the demarcated region131ddue to interference of the contiguous part142bcontiguous to the insertion part142a. Thus, the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142can be prevented from being connected improperly. Further, in this embodiment, the bottom plate part131ais described as not having an opening, but it may be provided with an opening having an opening width smaller than the width of the contiguous part142b. With such an opening, the effect of preventing the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142from being connected improperly can also be obtained.

Engagement of the engagement protrusion138of the holder body-side connection131and the engagement hole143of the handle body-side connection142is now explained. When the insertion part142aof the handle body-side connection142is inserted into the demarcated region131d, the insertion part142aand the bottom plate part131aare allowed to slide in respective directions of arrows inFIG. 7while being prevented from moving in the vertical directions. At this time, the insertion part142ais slid along the upper surface of the bottom plate part131a, so that the insertion part142acan be smoothly inserted into the demarcated region131d. Thus, the stability of connection between the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142can be provided. Further, in this embodiment, the engagement protrusion138has an engagement protrusion inclined part138a, and the guide hole144has an end having a guide hole inclined part144awhich is configured to substantially conform to the inclination of the engagement protrusion inclined part138a. Therefore, in the above-described sliding process, the engagement protrusion138is guided to the end of the guide hole144and then the guide hole inclined part144aruns onto the engagement protrusion inclined part138a. Finally, the engagement protrusion138is engaged in the engagement hole143. Thus, the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142are locked with respect to each other and connection between the holder body130and the handle140is completed.

In the state of engagement in which the engagement protrusion138is engaged in the engagement hole143, an engagement protrusion upright part138band an engagement hole upright part143aabut against each other in surface contact in a direction of disengagement. Thus, the holder body130and the handle140are prevented from being accidentally disconnected from each other. Further, in this construction, the engagement protrusion138and the engagement hole143are formed in an area which cannot be seen from the outside when the holder body130and the handle140are engaged with each other. Specifically, the engagement protrusion138and the engagement hole143are formed on the opposed sides of the bottom plate part131aand the insertion part142a, or on the upper surface of the bottom plate part131aand the lower surface of the insertion part14, respectively. Therefore, the engagement protrusion138and the engagement hole143become invisible from the outside and thus the outward appearance is enhanced. Moreover, the engagement protrusion138and the engagement hole143are protected from dust or dirt, so that stable connecting operation can be ensured. The engagement protrusion138and the engagement hole143are features that correspond to the “engagement protrusion” and the “engagement hole”, respectively, according to this invention. Further, the engagement hole143may be provided in the upper surface of the bottom plate part131aand the engagement protrusion138may be provided on the lower surface of the insertion part142a, as necessary.

Further, the handle body-side connection142and the holder body-side connection131may preferably be formed of different kinds of resins or resins of varying hardness, such as a combination of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-stylene) resin and PP (polypropylene) resin, a combination of polyacetal resin and PE (polyethylene) resin, a combination of polycarbonate resin and PP (polypropylene) resin, and a combination of acrylic resin and PE (polyethylene) resin can be used. With such a construction, wear of the members that contact each other in the above-described sliding process can be reduced, and the guide hole inclined part144acan smoothly run on the engagement protrusion inclined part138a.

Referring toFIG. 9, the structure of the cleaning element110is specifically described.FIG. 9is a perspective view of a layered part of the cleaning element110which is shown separated into component elements.

As shown inFIG. 9, in the cleaning element110of this embodiment, the holding sheet112is overlaid on the cleaning element body111on the cleaning side (which is also referred to as the “lower side” or the “back”) shown on the upper side inFIG. 9. Further, the cleaning element body111has a cleaning side sheet111c, a fiber assembly111band a base sheet111aplaced one on the other in this order from the cleaning side (lower side). In this case, the holding sheet112and the base sheet111aare overlaid on the side of the fiber assembly111bopposite the cleaning side sheet111c(lower side sheet) and form an upper side sheet.

The base sheet111a, the fiber assembly111band the cleaning side sheet111cwhich form the cleaning element body111have the same rectangular sheet-like form in plan view and extend in a longitudinal direction of the cleaning element110. The fiber assembly111band the cleaning side sheet111cform a brush-like part having a dirt removing function, which is also referred to as the “brush part”. The cleaning element110may be of disposable type designed for single use, disposable type designed for multiple use which can be used several times, while holding dust which has been removed from the region to be cleaned, on the brush part, or reusable type which can be reused by washing. Further, in this embodiment, the cleaning element body111of the cleaning element110is described as a structure having the base sheet111a, the fiber assembly111band the cleaning side sheet111cstacked in layer, but may be constructed as a structure having an additional fiber layer and/or sheet.

The holding sheet112, the base sheet111aand the cleaning side sheet111chave a plurality of zigzag strips (strip portions) extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element110. Specifically, the holding sheet112comprises a plurality of strips112aarranged in parallel and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element110. The base sheet111acomprises a plurality of strips111darranged in parallel and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element110. The cleaning side sheet111ccomprises a plurality of strips111earranged in parallel and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element110. An improved structure which can easily trap dust and thus has a higher cleaning function can be realized by the zigzag strips of the sheets. The strips may have the same kind or different kinds of shape appropriately selected from various shapes, such as zigzag, linear and curved shapes.

The construction of the nonwoven fabric forming the above-described base sheet111a, cleaning side sheet111cand holding sheet112and the construction of the fiber assembly111bare now explained in detail.

The base sheet111a, the cleaning side sheet111cand the holding sheet112can typically be formed of sheet-type nonwoven fabric comprising thermal melting fibers (thermoplastic fibers) and thus referred to as nonwoven fabric sheet. The nonwoven fabric has a sheet-like configuration formed by fixing or intertwining fibers by mechanical, chemical or heat treatment. The nonwoven fabric partly includes thermoplastic fibers and thus can be fusion bonded. Further, the nonwoven fabric has a plurality of strips. Examples of the thermal melting fibers (thermoplastic fibers) include polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The nonwoven fabric may be manufactured by through-air bonding, spun bonding, thermal bonding, spun lacing, point bonding, melt blowing, stitch bonding, chemical bonding, needle punching or other similar processes. In order to enhance the dust wiping function, if is preferred to use a nonwoven fabric having higher rigidity. Further, as an alternative to or in addition to the nonwoven fabric, urethane, sponge, woven fabric, net, split cloth and other similar materials which are formed into strips may be used.

The fiber assembly111bis a single fiber structure formed by fibers, a fiber structure having fibers aligned in the length direction and/or the radial direction (twist yarn, spun yarn, yarn to which a plurality of filaments are partially connected), or an assembly of the fiber structures. The fiber assembly111bpartially includes thermoplastic fibers and can be fusion bonded. The fibers forming the fiber assembly111bare elements of yarn, textile or the like and defined as being thin and flexible fibers having a substantially longer length compared with the thickness. Typically, a long continuous fiber is defined as a filament and a short fiber as a staple. The proximal ends of the fibers of the fiber assembly111bare bonded at the fusion bonded parts113and114. The fibers of the fiber assembly111beach have one end fixed at the fusion bonded parts and the other free end (distal end) on the opposite side. The fibers of the fiber assembly111bextend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element110(or the fiber assembly111b). The fiber assembly111bis also referred to as the “fiber bundle” having a plurality of fibers in a bundle.

In the representative example shown inFIG. 9, the fiber assembly111bcomprises three fiber layers, but it may comprise one or more fiber layers as necessary. Preferably, the fiber assembly111bhas a planar structure having a predetermined flat or curved region and has a three-dimensional form having a certain thickness or has a thin sheet-like form. The “fiber assembly” is typically formed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, rayon or the like. In practical use, an assembly of filaments formed by opening a tow is frequently used as the fiber assembly. It is particularly preferable that the fiber assembly comprises conjugated fibers having a core of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and a core covering sheath of polyethylene (PE). Further, the filaments of the fiber assembly are preferred to have a fineness of 1 to 50 dtex, more preferably 2 to 10 dtex. The individual fiber assembly may contain fibers of substantially the same fineness or of different finenesses.

Further, in order to enhance the dust wiping function, it is preferred to use a fiber assembly including fibers having higher rigidity or fibers having higher fineness. It is further preferred that the fiber assembly has crimped fibers. Here, the crimped fibers are fibers subjected to a predetermined crimping process and easily intertwined with each other. With the fibers being crimped, the fiber assembly becomes bulkier than before the holder is attached thereto, and dust can be easily captured by the crimped portions. This structure can be realized especially by using crimped fibers opened from a tow.

For the fiber assembly, fiat yarns or split yarns may also be used. The fiat yarns are prepared by slitting a film into tapes and by stretching the tapes in the longitudinal direction. The split yarns are prepared by splitting a thermoplastic film resin in the direction perpendicular to the orientation direction of the resin so that the film is fibrillated and interconnected into a net shape. Alternatively, a nonwoven fabric which is bulky and has low fiber density, such as a through-air bonded nonwoven fabric, may be used to form the fiber assembly.

The kinds and numbers of the component parts of the cleaning element110are not limited to those described in the above-described example, and can be selected as necessary.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above, but rather, may be added to, changed, replaced with alternatives or otherwise modified. For example, the following provisions can be made in application of this embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the inclined part136is described as being configured to gradually increase in height and width from the tip end side toward the connection side of the holding plate132. In this invention, however, it is essential that an area corresponding to the inclined part136gradually increases at least in height from the tip end side toward the connection side. In this construction, as for the structure of connecting the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142, as described in the above embodiment, the insertion part142amay be inserted into the demarcated region131dof the holder body-side connection131and thus supported from three directions. Furthermore, the holder body-side connection131and the handle body-side connection142may be locked in the connected slate by engagement of the engagement protrusion138and the engagement hole143which are formed on the opposed sides of the bottom plate part131aand the insertion part142a. The connecting structure is not limited to this, but other connecting structures can be appropriately used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the holding plate132is described as having the inclined part136, but, in this invention, an area corresponding to the inclined part136can form the entirety or part of the holding plate132. For example, the inclined part136itself may form the entirety of the holding plate132.

Further, in the above embodiment, the holder body130and the handle140are described as being separately formed. The invention can also be applied to a cleaning element holder in which a holding element corresponding to the holder body130and a grip corresponding to the handle140are formed in one piece.

Further, in the above embodiment, the cleaning element110is described as being formed by the sheet-type nonwoven fabric and the fiber assembly. In this invention, however, the cleaning element may be formed by either the sheet-type nonwoven fabric or the fiber assembly.

Further, in the above-embodiment, the cleaning element holder120is described as having two holding plates132, but, the number of members corresponding to the holding plates132can be appropriately changed as necessary. For example, the invention can also be applied to a cleaning element holder having one or three or more holding elements.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS