WO2003039321A1

WO2003039321A1 - Cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2003039321A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/011495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masatoshi Fujiwara; Yoshiko Saida; Tomokazu Suda
Original assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
Priority date: 2001-11-08
Filing date: 2002-11-05
Publication date: 2003-05-15
Also published as: JP2003265392A; JP4001737B2

Abstract

Disclosed is a cleaning device (20A), in which a connector (31) is provided on a front end of a handle (21), and pivotably connected to support members (34, 35) with hinges (36, 37). A first elastic plate member (23) and a second elastic plate member (24) are mounted on the support members (34, 35), respectively. Upon use, a cleaning sheet (16) is mounted on the first plate member (23) and the second plate member (24). By lifting up the handle (21) while keeping the second plate member (24) in contact with a floor surface, the first plate member (23) can be deformed to bend. In such a state, the floor surface can be cleaned. In a state where the plate members (23, 24) are not deformed, on the other hand, a tight space can be cleaned.

Description

DESCRIPTION

CLEANING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning device to be used for cleaning a floor, furniture and so on, more particularly, relates to a cleaning device which can be deformed in conformity with objects to be cleaned. Description of the Related Art

Figs.14 and 15 illustrate conventional cleaning devices to be used for wiping a floor, furniture and so on.

In the cleaning device of Fig. 14, a plate 1 is supported on the front end of a handle 2 through a connector 3. In the connector 3, the plate 1 is pivotably connected to the handle 2 by connecting shafts 4 and 5. On the surface of the plate 1, a disposable cleaning sheet 6 can be detachably mounted. The cleaning device of Fig. 14 is suitable mainly for cleaning a flat object such as floor.

The cleaning device of Fig. 15 is similar to that disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H9-276195 (276195/1997), in which an attachment base 8 is mounted on the front end of a handle 7. Elastic plates 9, 9 are mounted on two sides of the attachment base 8, and fixed with a holding member 11. Then, a wiper 12 is mounted on the elastic plates 9, 9. Since the elastic plates 9, 9 of this — . —

cleaning device are freely deformable, the front portions of the elastic plates 9, 9 can be used for collecting dust even in a tight space.

In the cleaning device of Fig. 14, however, after the cleaning sheet 6 is mounted on the flat plate 1, only the bottom surface la of the plate 1 is exploited for wiping operation. Therefore, although the cleaning device of Fig.14 is effective in cleaning a flat surface such as floor surface, it is difficult to clean a tight space such as a corner of a room, a space between pieces of furniture, or the like. In the cleaning device of Fig. 14, moreover, dust or dirt is liable to gather near the edges of the plate 1, so that the cleaning sheet 6 is easily locally soiled at positions indicated at 6a and 6b. Therefore, the intermediate portion of the cleaning sheet 6 between the positions 6a and 6b cannot be fully exploited for collecting dust.

In the cleaning device of Fig. 15, on the other hand, dust in a tight space such as a space between pieces of furniture can be collected by using the front portions of the elastic plates 9, 9. In addition, dust in a corner of a room can be wiped off by using elastic deformation of the elastic plates 9, 9. However, the cleaning device of Fig. 15 is not suitable for collecting dust on a flat surface such as floor surface. More specifically, because the elastic plates 9, 9 are fixed to the handle 7 in the state of Fig. 15, it is difficult to certainly bring the entire surface of one elastic plate 9 into contact with a floor surface while keeping the handle 7 standing from the floor surface. In addition, if a user tries to move the handle 7 freely, the elastic plate 9, that is intended to be kept in contact with the floor surface, easily moves away from the floor. Thus, it is difficult to keep a large area of the cleaning sheet 6 in contact with the floor surface during wiping operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been worked out in view of the shortcoming in the prior art set forth above. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device having a deformable plate that enables cleaning of a wide variety of places such as a flat surface and a tight space.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning device comprising: a handle; a support structure provided on a front end of the handle; and a cleaning plate joined to the support structure, the cleaning plate including a first plate member and a second plate member, the support structure being positioned between the first and second plate members, wherein the handle is so supported by the support structure as to be able to tilt toward at least one of the first and second plate members, wherein at least one of the first and second plate members is allowed to deform such that when the handle is tilted, a rear portion of one plate member pushed by the handle is bent away from the other plate member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning device comprising: a handle; a support structure provided on a front end of the handle; and a cleaning plate joined to the support structure, the cleaning plate including a first plate member and a second plate member, the support structure being positioned between the first and second plate members, wherein the support structure includes a connector provided on the front end of the handle and a support member supporting the first and second plate members, the connector being so connected to the support member as to be able to tilt toward at least one of the first and second plate members, wherein at least one of the first and second plate members is allowed to deform such that when the handle is tilted together with the connector, a rear portion of one plate member pushed by the handle or the connector is bent away from the other plate member.

When these cleaning devices are in an initial state where the first and second plate members are not deformed by the motion of the handle, a tight space can be swept with front portions of the first and second plate members. When one plate member is deformed to bend by the motion of the handle while trying to keep the other plate member in contact with a flat surface such as floor surface, on the other hand, the flat surface can easily be cleaned with the plate member in contact with the flat surface.

When the handle is tilted, a front end of one plate member deformed by the motion of the handle is preferably moved forward from a front end of the other plate member so as to increase the area of the cleaning plate in contact with the flat surface such as floor surface.

In one embodiment, the first and second plate members are of a rectangular shape, of which a long side extends parallel with a pivot about which the handle is turned.

Preferably, the first and second plate members are elastic plates. In this case, the first and second plate members may be separate from each other, or front ends of the first and second plate members may be connected to each other. If the first and second plate members are elastic plates that are able to come into soft contact with the flat surface such as floor surface, they are prevented from damaging the flat surface. In addition, since they can be flexibly deformed, an undulating surface can also be certainly cleaned. However, the first and second plate members may be partially stiff. In this case, only a central portion of each plate member may be formed of an elastic material for bending deformation.

In the case where the first and second plate members are elastic plates, it is preferred that reinforcing plates are provided on opposed surfaces of the rear portions of the first and second plate members to extend along the long side. With such reinforcing plates being provided on the rear portions of the elastic plates, when the handle is tilted, the rear portion of one plate member can be certainly bent, and the other plate member can be certainly brought into contact with a flat surface such as floor surface.

Upon use, it is possible to mount a cleaning sheet that can be replaced after use on the first and second plate members of the present invention. In this case, the first and second plate members are preferably provided with means for securing a cleaning sheet thereon. The cleaning sheet may be a disposable sheet such as nonwoven fabric or a reusable sheet that can be washed. In an alternative, the first and second plate members may have an ability to adsorb dust by themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to be limitative to the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the cleaning device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.1 is deformed by the motion of a handle;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.3 is deformed by the motion of a handle;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing an initial state of the cleaning device of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an initial state;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.7 is deformed by the motion of a handle; Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a support structure;

Fig. 10A is a side view showing a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an initial state, and Fig. 10B is a side view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.10A is deformed by the motion of a handle;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of means for securing a cleaning sheet in an enlarged scale;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of means for securing a cleaning sheet in an enlarged scale;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of means for securing a cleaning sheet in an enlarged — σ —

scale;

Fig. 14 is a side view showing a conventional cleaning device; and

Fig. 15 is a side view showing another conventional cleaning device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings . In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instance, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscurity of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig.2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the cleaning device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig. 1 is deformed by the motion of a handle; Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.3 is deformed by the motion of a handle; Fig.6 is a sectional view showing an initial state of the cleaning device of Fig. 1 ; Fig.7 is a sectional view showing a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an initial state; Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.7 is deformed by the motion of a handle; Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a support structure; Fig. 10A is a side view showing a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an initial state, and Fig.10B is a side view showing a state where the cleaning device of Fig.10A is deformed by the motion of a handle; and Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are perspective views showing embodiments of means for securing a cleaning sheet in an enlarged scale.

A cleaning device 20A of Fig. 1 comprises: a handle 21; a support structure 22A provided on a front end of the handle 21; and a cleaning plate 25 supported by the support structure 22A. The cleaning plate 25 includes a first plate member 23 and a second plate member 24. In the first and second embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the first plate member 23 and the second plate member 24 are of a rectangular shape and separate from each other. Here, the individual plate members 23 and 24 are elastic plates. The term " elastic plate" as used herein refers to a plate formed of an urethane foam, synthetic rubber or the like, which can elastically recover to its original flat state after an external force applied to the plate for bending deformation within its elastic limit is removed. In the present and following embodiments, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4 to 8, a disposable or reusable cleaning sheet to be mounted on a cleaning device is indicated at 16.

Fig. 2 shows the support structure 22A of the cleaning device 20A.

The support structure 22A has a connector 31. This connector 31 is in the form of narrow plate extending in one direction (direction Y). At the central portion of the connector 31, there is provided a protruding portion 32 that is integral with the connector 31. On the other hand, the handle 21 is axially cut at the front end to provide a connecting groove 21a. The protruding portion 32 is inserted into the connecting groove 21a, and then connected to the handle 21 by a connecting shaft 33. Thus, the handle 21 is pivotable in directions

1 and a 2 with respect to the connector 31.

On opposite sides of the connector 31 in a direction perpendicular to an XY-plane of Fig. 2, there are provided a first support member 34 and a second support member 35. The first support member 34 includes a reinforcing plate 34a, and the second support member 35 includes a reinforcing plate 35a. The first support member 34 is pivotably connected to the connector 31 by two hinges 36, 36. Likewise, the second support member 35 is pivotably connected to the connector 31 by two hinges 37, 37. The connector 31, the first support member 34 and the second support member 35 are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material. Here, the plate formed of the synthetic resin is partially made thin at the hinges 36, 36 and the hinges 37, 37, thereby enabling folding of the plate. On the surface of the first support member 34, the first plate member 23 is fixed through fixingmeans such as an adhesive. On the surface of the second support member 35, likewise, the second plate member 24 is fixed through fixing means such as an adhesive.

In the support structure 22A thus constructed, the handle

21 and the connector 31 are positioned between the first support member 34 and the second support member 35, and the connector 31 are pivotably connected to both the first support member

34 and the second support member 35. Therefore, the connector 31, the first support member 34 and the second support member

35 can pivot (or tilt) independently in directions β l and β

2 (see Fig. 4). The pivots between the connector 31 and the first and second support members 34 and 35 are located within a range indicated at 01 in Fig. 4 and extend in the direction

Y. The first and second plate members 23 and 24 are of a rectangular shape, of which the long sides extend parallel with the pivots . As shown in Fig. 6, a rear portion of the first plate member 23 from a position near the pivots to a long side 23c adjacent to the handle 21 is indicated at 23a. As shown in Fig.

4, the rear portion 23a can be bent together with the first support member 34. Likewise, a rear portion of the second plate member 24 from a position near the pivots to a long side 24c adjacent to the handle 21 is indicated at 24a, and the rear portion 24a can be bent together with the second support member 35. The reinforcing plate 34a of the first support member 34 extends along the long side 23c of the first plate member 23. The rear portion 23a of the first plate member 23 is reinforced by bonding the reinforcing plate 34a to the rear portion 23a. Likewise, the reinforcing plate 35a of the second support member 35 extends along the long side 24c of the second plate member 24. The rear portion 24a of the second plate member 24 is reinforced by bonding the reinforcing plate 35a to the rear portion 24a. As shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 6, the cleaning sheet 16 is wrapped around the first plate member 23 and the second plate member 24. Here, end portions 16a and 16b of the cleaning sheet 16 are put on the interior surfaces of the first and second plate members 23 and 24, and then, secured by securing means. Concrete examples of the securing means are shown in Figs. 11 to 13 (which will be described later) .

Next, usage of the cleaning device 20Awill be described.

Fig. 6 shows an initial state of the cleaning device 20A where the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are kept almost flat but slightly bent due to their elastic restoring forces. At this time, the first and second support members 34 and 35 are in direct contact with the handle 21, and the rear portions 23a and 24a of the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are equally spaced apart from the handle 21. Since front portions of the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are elastically deformable in such a state, if the cleaning plate 25 composed of the plate members 23 and 24 is swung in directions γ l and 2, the front portions of the plate members 23 and 24

can be deformed together with the cleaning sheet 16. Therefore, dust can be wiped off from a flat surface such as floor surface by using the cleaning device 20A like a broom. In addition, dust can be collected from a tight space by using the front portions of the first and second plate members 23 and 24.

On the other hand, Fig. 4 shows a deformed state of the cleaning device 20A where one plate member is sharply bent and the other is substantially flattened so that a flat surface such as floor surface can easily be cleaned. The cleaning device 20A can be deformed from the state of Fig.6 to the state of Fig. 4 by lifting the rear end of the handle 21 away from the floor surface (in the direction β l ) while trying to keep the second plate member 24 in contact with the floor surface through the cleaning sheet 16, for instance. At this time, the connector 31 provided on the front end of the handle 21 is turned about the pivot of the hinges 37, 37 in the direction β l , and the reinforcing plate 34a of the first support member 34 is lifted up by the handle 21 to turn about the pivot of the hinges 36, 36 in the direction β l . Thus, the rear portion 23a of the first plate member 23 can be bent to rise together with the reinforcing plate 34a.

In the state of Fig.4, the substantially flattened second plate member 24 is in contact with the floor surface and the rear end of the handle 21 is sufficiently lifted away from the floor surface. Therefore, the flat surface such as floor surface can be swept with a portion of the cleaning sheet 16 covering the second plate member 24 by moving the cleaning device 20A forward and backward (in directions XI and X2) while holding the handle 21. Here, even if the handle 21 is slightly displaced from the position of Fig. 4 in the direction jSl or

32 or displaced from the position of Fig. 2 in the direction

l or α2, the substantially flattened second plate member 24 can be kept in contact with the floor surface through the cleaning sheet 16. Therefore, the position of the handle 21 can be relatively freely changed for facilitating the cleaning operation.

In the state of Fig. 4, moreover, since a front end 23A of the bond between the first plate member 23 and the first support member 34 is moved forward (in the direction XI) from a front end 24A of the bond between the second plate member 24 and the second support member 35, a front end 23b of the first plate member 23 is displaced forward (in the direction XI) from a front end 24b of the second plate member 24. As a result, the dimension W2 of a portion of the cleaning sheet 16 that is capable of coming into contact with the floor surface becomes larger than the dimension WI of the second plate member 24, so that the area of the cleaning sheet 16 in contact with the floor surface can be increased.

When the cleaning device 20A is used for cleaning in the state of Fig. 4, dust or dirt mainly gathers in a portion 16c of the cleaning sheet 16 that covers the front edge of the second plate member 24 and a portion 16d of the cleaning sheet 16 that covers the rear edge of the second plate member 24. At the time when the portions 16c and 16d of the cleaning sheet 16 are heavily soiled, then, the cleaning device 20A is turned upside down to use an unsoiled surface of the cleaning sheet 16. For example, after the cleaning device 20A is turned upside down to bring the first plate member 23 into contact with a floor surface through the cleaning sheet 16 , the rear end of the handle

21 is lifted away from the floor surface (in the direction β

2 ) . With such an operation, the rear portion 24a of the second plate member 24 can be sharply bent away from the floor surface, and the first plate member 23 can be substantially flattened to come into contact with the loor surface through the cleaning sheet 16. Thus, a portion of the cleaning sheet 16 that covers the first plate member 23 can be used for sweeping the floor surface.

In the conventional cleaning device of Fig.14, once the front and rear portions 6a and 6b of the cleaning sheet 6 are heavily soiled with dust, it becomes difficult to perform effective cleaning. In the cleaning device 20A of Fig. 4, on the other hand, even if the portions 16c and 16d of the cleaning sheet 16 are heavily soiled with dust, the unsoiled portion of the cleaning sheet 16 covering the first plate member 23 can be used for wiping by turning the cleaning device 20A upside down. Therefore, the cleaning device 20A of Fig. 4 can fully exploit the cleaning sheet 16 , as compared with the conventional cleaning device of Fig. 14.

Fig.3 shows a cleaning device 2OB according to the second - -

embodiment of the present invention. In the cleaning device 2OB of Fig.3, a support structure 22B is provided on the front end of the handle 21. Hereinafter, the detailed description of the portions having the same constructions as those of the first embodiment will be omitted by designating them by the common reference numerals.

The support structure 22B has a narrow connector 41 extending in the direction Y and a support member 44. The connector 41 is integrally formed with a protruding portion 42. The protruding portion 42 is inserted into the connecting groove 21a at the front end of the handle 21, and pivotably connected to the front end of the handle 21 by a connecting shaft 43. The support member 44 is in the form of cylinder and has a cut-out 44a at the central portion thereof. The connector 41 is accommodated in and supported by the support member 44 so as to be pivotable in the directions β l and β l , as shown in Fig. 5. Here, the connector 41 and the support member 44 may be formed of a synthetic resin material . In an alternative, they may be formed of a metal or wood. As shown in Fig. 5, support plates 46 and 47 extending in the direction Y are fixed on the exterior surface of the cylindrical support member 44. On the support plate 46, the first plate member 23 is fixed through an adhesive or the like. On the support plate 47, likewise, the second plate member 24 is fixed through an adhesive or the like. In the second embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the rear portion 23a of the first plate member 23 is in a range from a position bonded to the support member 44 to the long side 23σ. On the other hand, the rear portion 24a of the second plate member 24 is in a range from a position bonded to the support member 44 to the long side 24c. Along the long side 23c, a reinforcing plate 48 is bonded to the rear portion 23a of the first plate member

23. Along the long side 24c, likewise, a reinforcing plate 49 is bonded to the rear portion 24a of the second plate member 24.

Upon use, the cleaning sheet 16 is mounted on the cleaning device 2OB to cover the first and second plate members 23 and

24. As has been already described above, the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are elastic plates. In an initial state of the cleaning device 20B where no external force is applied, therefore, the rear portions 23a and 24a of the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are equally spaced apart from the handle 21, as in the case of the cleaning device 20A of Fig. 6. In such a state, dust can be wiped off from a floor surface and a tight space can be cleaned with the front ends 23b and 24b of the first and second plate members 23 and 24. The cleaning device 2OB can be deformed from the initial state to the state of Fig. 5 by lifting the rear end of the handle 21 away from a floor surface (in the direction β l ) while

trying to keep the second plate member 24 in contact with the floor surface through the cleaning sheet 16. At this time, the reinforcing plate 48 is pushed up by the motion of the handle 21, so that the rear portion 23a of the first plate member 23 can be bent to rise together with the reinforcing plate 48. — o —

In addition, since the cylindrical support member 44 is driven to rotate in a direction β 3 , the front end 23b of the first

plate member 23 is displaced forward (in the direction Xl) from the front end 24b of the second plate member 24. As a result, the area of the cleaning sheet 16 that faces the floor surface can be increased, as in the case of the cleaning device 20A of Fig. 4.

In the state of Fig.5 , a flat surface such as floor surface can be effectively swept. Thereafter, the cleaning device 2OB is turned upside down to bring the first plate member 23 into contact with a floor surface through the cleaning sheet 16, and the rear end of the handle 21 is lifted away from the floor surface ( in the direction β 2 ) , thereby bending the rear portion

24a of the second plate member 24. Thus, a portion of the cleaning sheet 16 that covers the first plate member 23 can be used for sweeping the floor.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a cleaning device 20C according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.8 is a sectional view showing a state where the cleaning device 20C is used for cleaning a floor surface or the like.

This cleaning device 20C has a cleaning plate 51 that is formed by folding a single rectangular elastic plate. As shown in Fig. 7, the cleaning plate 51 is folded on a line extending between centers of short sides into two halves: one being a first plate member 52; the other being a second plate member 53. These first and second plate members 52 and 53 are of rectangular shape of which long sides extend in the direction Y. Here, a rear portion of the first plate member 52 that can be bent when the handle 21 pivots, is indicated at 52a, and a rear portion of the second plate member 53 that can be bent when the handle 21 pivots, is indicated at 53a. Along the boundary between the first and second plate members 52 and 53, there is provided an easily deformable portion where a plurality of thin portions (grooves) 51a are formed.

In the cleaning device 20C of Figs. 7 and 8, a support structure 22C is provided on the front end of the handle 21. This support structure 22C has a connector 56 extending in the direction Y, and this connector 56 is inserted into the connecting groove 21a at the front end of the handle 21 and pivotably connected by a connecting shaft 57.

On the interior surface of the rear portion 52a of the first plate member 52, a reinforcing plate 58 extending in the direction Y (which also functions as a support member) is bonded. On the interior surface of the rear portion 53a of the second plate member 53, a reinforcing plate 59 extending in the direction Y (which also functions as a support member) is bonded. Between the connector 56 and the reinforcing plate 58, there is provided a hinge 61 that is separate from the connector 56 and the reinforcing plate 58. Between the connector 56 and the reinforcing plate 59, likewise, there is provided a hinge 62. The hinge 61 has a pivot 61a, and the hinge 62 has a pivot 62a. With the two pivots 61a and 62a, the connector 56 is pivotably supported by the reinforcing plates (support members) 58 and 59. Upon use, the cleaning sheet 16 is mounted on the cleaning device 20C to cover the cleaning plate 51. The cleaning device 20C can be deformed from the initial state to the state of Fig. 8 by lifting the rear end of the handle 21 away from a flat surface such as floor surface ( in the direction β 1 ) while trying

to keep the second plate member 53 in contact with the flat surface through the cleaning sheet 16. At this time, the reinforcing plate 58 is pushed up by the motion of the handle 21, so that the rear portion 52a of the first plate member 52 can be bent to rise. In addition, when the rear portion 52a is raised, as shown in Fig. 8, the first plate member 52 is displaced forward (in the direction XI) , so that the dimension of a portion of the cleaning plate 51 in contact with the floor surface is increased from W3 of Fig. 7 to W4 of Fig. 8. As a result, the area of the cleaning sheet 16 in contact with the floor surface can be increased.

By turning the cleaning device 20C upside down from the state of Fig. 8, moreover, a portion of the cleaning sheet 16 covering the first plate member 52 can be used for cleaning the floor surface or the like.

Next, Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of a support structure provided on the front end of the handle 21.

A support structure 22D of Fig. 9 has a connector 81. The connector 81 has a protruding portion 8Id, which is inserted into the connecting groove 21a at the front end of the handle 21, and is pivotably supported by a connecting shaft 86. The connector 81 has a large diameter portion 81a where the protruding portion 81d is provided. On opposite sides of the large diameter portion 81a, shafts 81b and 81c are integrally formed to have a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 81a.

Support members 83 and 85 are rotatably passed over the shaft 81b, and support members 82 and 84 are rotatably passed over the shaft 81c. These support members 82, 83, 84 and 85 are provided with support plates 82a, 83a, 84a and 85a, respectively. The first plate member 23 of Fig.3 or the first plate member 52 of Fig. 7 is fixed on the support plates 82a and 83a, and the second plate member 24 of Fig. 3 or the second plate member 53 of Fig. 7 is fixed on the support plates 84a and 85a. The connector 81 and the support members 82, 83, 84 and 85 may formed of a synthetic resin, metal, wood or the like. The support members 82, 83, 84 and 85 and the support plates 82a, 83a, 84a and 85a may be integrally formed of a synthetic resin. In an alternative, the support member and the support plate may be formed separately from each other and fixed to each other by bonding, screwing, welding or the like.

Also in the case of the support structure 22D, the rear portions of the first and second plate members can be deformed to bend by turning the handle 21, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 8.

Figs. 10A and 10B show a cleaning device 20D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the cleaning device 20D, a support structure 91 has a support member 92 , and the first plate member 23 and the second plate member 24 are bonded to the upper surface and the lower surface of the support member 92, respectively. As shown in Fig. 10B, both the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are elastic plates. In this embodiment, the rear portion 23a of the first plate member 23 is in a range from a rear end 23B of the bond where the first plate member 23 is bonded to the support member 92 to the long side 23c, and a reinforcing plate 48 is fixed on the interior surface of the rear portion 23a. On the other hand, the rear portion 24a of the second plate member 24 is in a range from a rear end 24B of the bond where the second plate member 24 is bonded to the support member 92 to the long side 24c, and a reinforcing plate 49 is fixed on the interior surface of the rear portion 24a. Here, a handle 93 can be turned about a pivot 94 of the support member 92 in the directions β l and β 2 .

The cleaning device 20D can be deformed from the state of Fig. 10A to the state of Fig. 10B by lifting the rear end of the handle 93 in the direction β l while trying to keep the second plate member 24 in contact with a flat surface such as floor surface through the cleaning sheet 16, for instance. Here, as the reinforcing plate 48 is lifted up by the motion of the handle 93, the rear portion 23a of the first plate member 23 is bent. In the state of Fig. 10B, the floor surface or the like can be swept by a portion of the cleaning sheet 16 covering the second plate member 24. It should be noted that the handle 93 may be pivotable not only in the directions β 1 and β 2 but

also in the directions a l and a 2 , as shown in Fig. 2. Here,

it is, of course, possible to apply the cleaning plate 51 of Figs. 7 and 8 to the support member 92 of Figs. 10A and 10B. Next, means for securing the end portions 16a and 16b of the cleaning sheet 16 on opposed surfaces of the first and second plate members will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 12 and 13. In Figs. 11, 12 and 13, the case where the end portion 16b of the cleaning sheet 16 is secured on the reinforcing plate 49 of the cleaning device 2OB of Fig. 3 is taken as an example. Also in the first, third and fourth embodiments, securing means may be selected from those of Figs. 11, 12 and 13.

Fig.3 shows retaining sheets 71 as securing means , which are provided on the surface of the reinforcing plate 49. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing one retaining sheet 71 in an enlarged scale. The retaining sheet 71 has a large number of hook-shaped resinous protrusions on its surface. After covering the exterior surfaces of the first and second plate members with the cleaning sheet 16, the end portion 16b is laid on the surface of the reinforcing plate 49 so that the end portion 16 can be retained by the retaining sheets 71. Likewise, the other end portion 16a of the cleaning sheet 16 can be retained on the reinforcing plate 48. Thus, cleaning sheet 16 can be secured on the cleaning device.

The retaining sheets 71 may be replaced by clamping plates 72. In Fig. 12, the clamping plate 72 is provided on the reinforcing plate 49 so as to be pivotable about a shaft 73. A hook 72 at the leading end of the clamping plate 72 can be detachably coupled to the edge of the reinforcing plate 49. Thus, the end portion 16b of the cleaning sheet 16 can be clamped between the reinforcing plate 49 and the clamping plate 72. Likewise, the other end portion 16a of the cleaning sheet 16 can be clamped on the reinforcing plate 48.

In an alternative, securing means may be provided by forming a cut-out 76, as shown in Fig. 13. With the cut-out 76, thin retaining strips 75 are separately formed in the resinous reinforcing plate 49. The individual retaining strips 75 are elastically deformable. Thus, the end portion 16b of the cleaning sheet 16 can be pushed into the cut-out 76 and retained by the retaining strips 75. Likewise, the other end portion 16a of the cleaning sheet 16 can be retained.

With such securing means, a soiled cleaning sheet 16 can be replaced by a new unsoiled cleaning sheet 16.

Needless to say, the components of the foregoing embodiments may be freely combined. For example, the support structures 22A of the first embodiment may be replaced by the support structure 22C of the third embodiment. Conversely, the support structure 22C of the third embodiment may be replaced by the support structure 22A of the first embodiment or the support structure 22B of the second embodiment. The first and second plate members 23 and 24 may be integrally formed with the support members 34, 35, 44, 82, 83, 84, 85, 92 or the reinforcing plates 58, 59. In an alternative, they may be bonded through bonding means other than an adhesive.

In the foregoing embodiments, since the first and second plate members are elastic plates, the reinforcing plates are provided on the rear portions of the first and second plate members so that the rear portion of the first or second plate member can be stably lifted by the handle. However, the plate member may be directly lifted up by the handle without the reinforcing plate.

Here, the plate member may be lifted up by the connector provided on the front end of the handle, in place of the handle.

It should also be note that the first and second plate members are not required to be elastic plates as a whole. As long as a portion of the plate member can be deformed to bend by the motion of the handle, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 8, the remaining portions of the plate member may not be elastically deformable.

Here, it is also possible that only one of the first and second plate members is deformable as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and

8 and the other is not deformable. In order to fully exploit the cleaning sheet, however, it is desirable that both the first and second plate members are deformable.

The cleaning device of the present invention should not be limited to one to be used in combination with such a cleaning sheet. For example, the cleaning plate itself (the first and second plate members) may have an ability to collect dust.

With the cleaning device of the present invention, as has been described hereinabove, not only a tight space but also a flat surface such as floor surface can be effectively cleaned. In addition, if a cleaning sheet is mounted on the cleaning device, the cleaning sheet can be fully exploited.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omission and additions may be made therein and thereto, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be understood as limited to the specific embodiments set out above but to include all possible embodiments which can be embodied within a scope encompassed and equivalent thereof with respect to the feature set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device comprising: a handle; a support structure provided on a front end of the handle; and a cleaning plate joined to the support structure, the cleaning plate including a first plate member and a second plate member, the support structure being positioned between the first and second plate members, wherein the handle is so supported by the support structure as to be able to tilt toward at least one of the first and second plate members, wherein at least one of the first and second plate members is allowed to deform such that when the handle is tilted, a rear portion of one plate member pushed by the handle is bent away from the other plate member.

2. A cleaning device comprising: a handle; a support structure provided on a front end of the handle; and a cleaning plate joined to the support structure, the cleaning plate including a first plate member and a second plate member, the support structure being positioned between the first and second plate members, wherein the support structure includes a connector provided on the front end of the handle and a support member supporting the first and second plate members, the connector being so connected to the support member as to be able to tilt toward at least one of the first and second plate members, wherein at least one of the first and second plate members is allowed to deform such that when the handle is tilted together with the connector, a rear portion of one plate member pushed by the handle or the connector is bent away from the other plate member.

3. The cleaning device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the handle is tilted, a front end of one plate member deformed by the motion of the handle is moved forward from a front end of the other plate member.

4. The cleaning device as set forth in any of claims 1 to

3, wherein the first and second plate members are of a rectangular shape, of which a long side extends parallel with a pivot about which the handle is turned.

5. The cleaning device as set forth in any of claims 1 to

4, wherein the first and second plate members are elastic plates.

6. The cleaning device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first and second plate members are separate from each other.

7. The cleaning device as set forth in claim 5 , wherein front ends of the first and second plate members are connected to each other.

8. The cleaning device as set forth in any of claims 5 to

7, wherein reinforcing plates are provided on opposed surfaces of the rear portions of the first and second plate members to extend along the long side.

9. The cleaning device as set forth in any of claims 1 to

8, wherein the first and second plate members are provided with means for securing a cleaning sheet thereon.