EP1462560A1 - Test material for determining in a standardised manner the quality of a washing, cleaning or drying process - Google Patents

Abstract

The testing medium (31) comprises a two- or three-dimensional object with a carrier element (32). Detachable particles (24) are applied to the object in a defined density by physical and chemical actions. The particles may be applied to the carrier element by a connecting mechanism, and may be formed in one-piece with the object. The particles may have a defined quantity of protein, blood, ketchup or other foodstuff.

Description

The invention relates to a test device for the standardized determination of Quality of a washing, cleaning and / or drying process of an aggregate, consisting of textile fabric (woven, knitted, flowing or similar) or two- and three-dimensional objects from everyday life.

definition

Units that carry out washing, cleaning and drying processes are in Training of washing machines or dishwashers and other washing, cleaning and Drying devices (also for example floor cleaning devices) are known.

State of the art

Especially for washing machines, which usually consist of a rotating drum, into which the fabric, clothing or the like to be washed is entered this drummed by rotation of the drum, so that this together with water and detergents are mechanically stressed. Because of this strain the textile fabric is loaded in such a way that individual fibers and / or Fiber associations are subjected to high mechanical stresses and thus cracks, tears or other fiber breaks occur.

Dishwashers usually consist of a washroom in which one or more Water jets rotate and so the items to be cleaned, such as plates, glasses or Clean cutlery or similar. In addition, detergents have an increased effect that additionally created a chemical substance in connection with water is the corresponding contamination on the part of the objects to be cleaned away. In the case of dishwashers in particular, the aim is to clean them Remove items from a dishwasher as cleanly as possible.

To the quality of such washing, cleaning and / or drying machines with regard the physical and / or chemical load in particular Washing machines, based on the items to be cleaned or in terms of their impact Checking the aggregates for the textile goods is, for example, according to the State of the art provided to produce so-called test equipment, by means of which it can be determined how strong the physical and / or chemical stress of textile fabric during washing processes in different washing machines is. For this purpose, it is proposed to use a test material in the form of a fiber fabric to use that has certain holes in the tissue, which then due to mechanical stress during the washing process can be enlarged by the individual fiber strands of the textile Remove the fiber. The number of fiber strands or fibers detached is then an indication of the said load on the textile fabric during washing, cleaning and / or drying process. The more textile fibers or threads are detached the greater the mechanical load.

Test methods are also known for dishwashers. They usually consist of that food residues in defined quantities and designs are to be cleaned be applied. For example, areas of Protein, ketchup, salad dressings and butter or other foods with one Brush applied. This test equipment production is repeated several times, so that for different cleaning processes, the same test equipment is available.

In the actual washing, cleaning and / or drying process, however, are still other parameters to consider, such as the corresponding one Detergent, but also the water hardness, which is also due to mechanical processing of the good can influence.

The location of the goods to be cleaned within the facility also plays a role a role.

1. die Bearbeitungsdauer;

2. die innere Konstruktion der Wascheinrichtung, wie beispielsweise Grösse, Gestaltung, Anzahl und Form der entsprechenden Trenneinrichtungen;

3. Umdrehungsgeschwindigkeiten der Trommel bzw. des zu waschenden Gutes bzw. der Strahleinrichtung innerhalb einer Geschirrspülmaschine;

4. Wasserstand;

5. die Menge des zu waschenden und reinigen oder trocknenden Guts, insbesondere im Verhältnis zum Raumvolumen;

6. die Eigenschaften des zu reinigenden Gutes, wie Art, Menge, Qualität und Ausmasse bzw. Gewicht sowie Zusammensetzung;

7. Schaumhöhe.

Other parameters include:

1. the processing time;

2. the internal construction of the washing device, such as the size, design, number and shape of the corresponding separating devices;

3. rotational speeds of the drum or of the goods to be washed or of the jet device within a dishwasher;

4. water level;

5. the amount of the goods to be washed and cleaned or dried, in particular in relation to the volume of the room;

6. the properties of the goods to be cleaned, such as type, quantity, quality and size or weight and composition;

7. Foam height.

For the physical and / or chemical processing of the textile fabric is in essential the mechanical force crucial during the washing process acts on the tissue. Repeated bending, stretching and walking or grinding movements, which all aim to wash the dirt out of the textiles adversely affect the nature and the corresponding properties of the textile fabric.

Also the mechanical processing of the goods to be cleaned within a dishwasher depends on the mechanical force of the corresponding water jet dependent. The greater the force on the water jet to be cleaned, the greater the likelihood that food residues will be removed accordingly become. However, there are also areas where the corresponding water jets are not reach, so here in particular the chemical process, caused by the detergent, must act to clear food residues here to remove.

Furthermore, there are currently no methods or test equipment for floor cleaning machines known.

The methods to identify qualities of a washing, cleaning and / or drying process Detection of washing machines and dishwashers are very expensive and expensive and can be influenced by chemical influences such as bleach, be severely distorted. Furthermore, the comparison with other types of examination very difficult since no standardized procedure is implemented.

problem

It is an object of the invention to provide a test device and a method by means of this particularly standardizes the mechanical activity of an aggregate, such as, for example a dishwasher and a washing machine and the associated mechanical and chemical processing of one to be washed, cleaned or goods to be dried can be determined.

This means that using such test equipment and such a method the physical and / or chemical load caused by the unit as precisely as possible on the goods to be cleaned and the comparison of different aggregates can be traced among each other. By the test equipment and the inventive Procedure should ensure a practical assessment.

solution thoughts

A core idea of the invention is to create a defined test means on which corresponding particles are applied in a certain density. For washing machines is particularly affected by the mechanical load on the test equipment the drum, for example by walking, bending or stretching, that the particles detach from the test equipment. The number of particles after the Cleaning, washing and / or drying process remain on the test equipment a quantity that is related to the load on the test equipment and thus the physical and / or chemical activity of the aggregate during the washing process stands.

Through the physical and / or chemical processing of the test equipment within a dishwasher, for example by using different water jets with different ones Pressures and chemical additives ensure that the Detach particles from the test equipment. The number of particles after cleaning, Washing and / or drying process on the test equipment is a size, in relation to the cleaning quality and thus to the physical and / or chemical activity of the aggregate during cleaning, washing and / or Drying process stands.

The test equipment is preferably designed in such a way that it can be used for all types of Units that carry out washing, cleaning and / or drying processes suitable. For example, a floor tile can form a test device to check floor cleaning equipment accordingly. An alternative can consist of applying the test equipment to an already installed floor tile.

Advantages of the invention

The advantages of the invention are generally dependent on the unit for which for example washing machine or dishwasher the appropriate test equipment is used. For reasons of clarity, the Advantages in relation to an aggregate in the formation of a washing machine are shown. The following is a closer look at the advantages of the test equipment and the inventive one Received procedures related to the unit in the formation of a dishwasher. It is pointed out that the use of the test equipment does not affect limited these two aggregates. The test equipment is used for every qualitative Testing an aggregate that involves a washing, cleaning and / or drying process durchfüht.

Washing machine

A preferred embodiment of the test equipment in relation to quality testing a cleaning, washing and / or drying process in a washing machine is a two- or three-dimensional object in the formation of a carrier element, on which particles are arranged in a defined density. These particles point the property of being affected by chemical and / or physical action detach from the carrier element. The particles have a defined one Holding force, since it is either glued, melted or otherwise applied are. The particles themselves are usually made of plastic. By in the Resulting mechanics (walking, bending, stretching or similar) Depending on the magnitude of the forces occurring, more or fewer particles are detached. The number of detached or remaining particles is determined accordingly, measured and is generally considered to be a measure of the mechanical load during the cleaning, washing and / or drying process. The assessment Then you can use different methods, including: simple counting of a comparison standard or measurement, for example in colorimetric form.

In order to create a user-friendly design of the test equipment, the invention proposed the carrier element from a fabric, for example in plain weave on which the particles, for example consisting of Polyethylene, are applied. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the Carrier element made of wool or another textile base material on which also corresponding particles, for example consisting of polyethylene, arranged are.

The carrier element can thus consist of any materials, provided a certain one Surface is guaranteed. Three-dimensional structures can also be used be either formed from the carrier material or the test equipment itself has the corresponding particles applied in a defined density are. Depending on the material to be tested, appropriate test pieces can be washed become. It is also conceivable that the test materials are attached to existing laundry or textile fabrics are sewn on or attached in any other way. Here can be provided, for example, the test material on towels, in particular To be attached to the edge (hem) to find real conditions accordingly.

dishwasher

A preferred embodiment of the test equipment for dishwashers is a two or three-dimensional object, corresponding to the shape of a customary to clean Guts, for example a plate, a mug, a glass or one Has cutlery. The particles are on this object with a defined holding force applied (either glued, melted or with protein or otherwise applied).

These particles are usually made of plastic. Due to the physical load, especially due to the mechanical load due to the applied Water pressure, arise depending on the type and location and arrangement of the to be cleaned Good occurring forces that are more or less the appropriate ones Detach particles. The number of points that have been replaced or left will become corresponding determined and measured and is generally considered a measure of the quality of the Washing, cleaning and / or drying process. The assessment afterwards can be done using various methods, including simple counting, Comparison standards or measurements, for example colorimetric.

An alternative training may be that the particles are leftovers from food are formed, which are applied to a carrier material, which in turn on a good to be cleaned, such as a plate, a glass, a mug or cutlery can be applied. Through the physical or chemical pollution that occurs inside the dishwasher will be the different Particles removed in different amounts, so that too Way a very consumer-oriented quality check can be carried out.

A particularly preferred embodiment consists in that the test means, and this has a two- or three-dimensional design, from a carrier element consists of plastic, ceramic or glass. This support element, on which the corresponding particles are arranged in a predetermined density, can be shaped as desired or can be inserted in different shapes. This brings the advantage that the carrier materials can be cleaned at freely selectable locations Guts can be applied and thus standardized measurements allow to focus in particular on angled and undercut areas of the can extend cleaning good.

In addition, this training of the test equipment has the advantage that it is consumer-oriented, so that the consumer in the test equipment items found daily in the dishwasher.

The particles themselves can consist of different materials. Essence of the invention it is that the particles of the same size or different defined each Size on the object or on the carrier element in any certain Way glued or melted, the holding force that the particles holds on the support member is defined. Especially when performing standardized test series can provide that the particles with food-like or -identical adhesives are applied.

Alternatively, polyester or polyamide particles can also be provided. Further it is conceivable to use any metals, stones, glass or similar materials, which are applied by means of an adhesive. It is important that only the adhesive is arranged below the corresponding particle.

The following order procedures are therefore proposed:

On the one hand, it can be provided point by point or particle by means of a predetermined points to apply the points on the support element. moreover can be provided, accordingly, via a matrix which is placed over the carrier element Apply particle material. It can also be provided in certain Sizes and areas using a structure that has already been applied to film to apply the particles to the carrier element. So there are a lot of variants conceivable to apply such particles to a fabric or to a specific carrier element.

The adhesive method can be selected depending on the desired holding force. To the one can be provided according to the invention, the individual particles by means of a apply the appropriate adhesive. On the other hand, it can be provided by Spraying or melting onto the carrier element that a certain connection is entered between the carrier element and the particle, the size has a corresponding holding force.

Alternatively, it can be provided to provide each particle with an adhesive and then according to a previously defined pattern on the carrier element applied.

Protein can also be provided as the adhesive material, so that in particular in the area the use of test equipment in dishwashers, a consumer-oriented quality assessment can be done.

A further embodiment can consist of the carrier element and particles form an integral part. The holding force between the particle and the carrier element It is preferably provided to determine the particle with a corresponding to provide a thin cross section. Alternatively, it can be provided insert a defined and predetermined breaking point on the particle.

If the test equipment is designed as a carrier element, it can be different Attach it to objects in a variety of ways. For example provided that the carrier element is formed in strips and in particular can be stuck onto the items to be cleaned in the dishwasher area. It leaves can be attached to a good at any point and can due to its flexible Design can be arranged at any curves and corners and edges.

Food residues can also already be arranged on the carrier element. This can be made both synthetically and real, these properties exhibit the daily use of goods to be cleaned within Dishwasher.

Another embodiment of a test device, especially for dishwashers, can consist of the carrier element or the object being circular is designed so that it is particularly on plates or on cups or Glass shelves can be attached.

The above test equipment are also suitable for the quality of cleaning agents to be assessed when hand washing.

Further advantageous embodiments are given in the following description, Claims and drawings.

drawings

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemässes Prüfmaterial, das aus einem dreidimensionalen Gegenstand besteht der als Trägerelement ausgebildet ist sowie auf dem Trägerelement aufgebrachte Partikel;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf ein Prüfmittel, eingesetzt in Waschmaschinen, das einer sehr geringen Belastung ausgesetzt worden ist;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf ein Prüfmittel, eingesetzt in Waschmaschinen, das einer geringen Belastung ausgesetzt worden ist;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf ein Prüfmittel, eingesetzt in Waschmaschinen, das einer mittleren Belastung ausgesetzt worden ist;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf ein Prüfmittel, eingesetzt in Waschmaschinen, das einer starken Belastung ausgesetzt worden ist;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung der Aufbringung eines Trägermaterials auf ein zu reinigendes Gut, das mit Partikeln versehen ist;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Ansicht auf das aufgebrachte Trägermaterial zusammen mit dem zu reinigenden Gut, gemäss Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung der Aufbringung von Partikeln auf ein zu reinigendes Gut.

Show it

Fig. 1

a cross section through a test material according to the invention, which consists of a three-dimensional object which is designed as a carrier element and particles applied to the carrier element;

Fig. 2

a plan view of a test device, used in washing machines, which has been subjected to a very low load;

Fig. 3

a plan view of a test device, used in washing machines, which has been exposed to a low load;

Fig. 4

a plan view of a test device, used in washing machines, which has been subjected to a medium load;

Fig. 5

a plan view of a test equipment used in washing machines that has been subjected to a heavy load;

Fig. 6

is a schematic representation of the application of a carrier material to a product to be cleaned, which is provided with particles;

Fig. 7

a schematic view of the applied carrier material together with the material to be cleaned, according to FIG. 6;

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of the application of particles to a product to be cleaned.

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a test device according to the invention. This test equipment 1 consists of a two- or three-dimensional object in the formation of a carrier element 2 and from those arranged on the surface 3 Particles 4. The particles 4 are in a region 5 on the surface 3 of the carrier element 2 arranged and have a distance 6 from each other. The thickness 7 of the support element 2 is arbitrary and preferably such a support element is provided 2 to use, which also in actual use, for example the quality inspection of a washing machine of textiles such as shirts, pants or the like.

The particles 4 are on their underside 8 on the surface 3 of the carrier element 2 applied. There is a gap 9 between the individual particles Free space.

Such a carrier element 2 with particles 4 is shown in plan view in FIGS. 2-5. It can be seen in particular in FIG. 2 that there are small empty spaces 10 are caused by a particle 4 from the surface 3 of the carrier element 2 has come loose. The distance 6 between the individual particles 4.

Several empty spaces 10 have already occurred in FIG. 3, whereas in FIG. 5 there are a large number of empty spaces 10 which have been caused by that a strong mechanical and / or chemical stress has occurred and so the particles 4 have lost contact with the carrier element 2.

The carrier element 2 thus produced is introduced into an assembly and there accordingly the unit, for example a washing machine or a dishwasher, processed. For this purpose it can be provided that a so-called standard loading of the unit is specified and the test equipment 1 as additional quality test equipment will be added. The evaluation of how many blanks 10 now Such carrier element 2 can be done in different ways.

Particles are preferably colored, either already colored when applied, or colored after application to the carrier element 2, designed such that this are very different from the basic color of the surface of the carrier element and take off with it. Because of this, the optical surface measurement Area density of the particles 4 can be determined analytically. There are different procedures for this Known from the prior art and do not require further explanation here.

As an alternative to the method mentioned, in which it is determined how many particles 4 may have become detached due to the mechanical and / or chemical stress to provide different test materials in the test process, the different test materials differ in that these In each case, particles with different holding forces are provided on the carrier element 2 are and / or another carrier element 2 is used.

After a test procedure, the mechanical load can then be determined in test equipment 1 that carries almost all particles 4 at first.

The main advantage of the invention is that in a very simple manner and how it can be determined at a first glance how high the physical and / or chemical pollution during a washing, cleaning and / or Drying process. Very few blanks become 10 easily recognized in a very simple way and it is possible also a corresponding comparison with different aggregates of the same Type.

Another major advantage is that the test material 1 for each type drying, washing or cleaning is applicable. Another essential one The point of view is that such a test can be carried out quickly and inexpensively, in particular, that sound statements about the mechanical load already can be taken after one to five washes. A time-consuming secondary examination, such as the tear strength test known from the prior art, completely eliminated.

A comparison can also be made between two different units, independently whether for cleaning, drying or washing textile goods or used for cleaning, washing and drying dishes or the like are very well presented analytically as well as optically. The results are easily reproducible using the test equipment and, above all, can be standardized. They also correspond to consumer ideas because they can be carried out realistically are.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of the application of a test device 21 a good 20 to be cleaned, for example a plate. This test equipment 21 consists of a two- or three-dimensional object in training a carrier element 22 and from the particles arranged on the surface 23 24. The particles 24 are in a region 25 on the surface 23 of the carrier element 22 arranged and have a distance 26 from each other. The thickness 27 the carrier element 22 is arbitrary. The particles 24 are on their underside 28 applied to the surface 23 of the carrier element 22. In the spaces 29 there is a free space between the individual particles 24. The carrier element is preferably 22 flexible so that it can be adapted to the items to be cleaned. On the side 32 facing away from the particles 24, the carrier element 22 has one Adhesive surface for firm application to the items to be cleaned.

As an alternative to this, it is provided that the carrier element 22 has any shape (for example as shown in Fig. 6) is inserted and by means of suitable devices is hardened. This creates a test means 21 that is a three-dimensional Has shape and then keeps it. Thus, very simple Wise cups, mugs, plates or similar products created as test equipment become.

FIG. 7 shows the result of the method step according to FIG. 6. Through there Applying the test means 21 in this way can partially clean the material to be cleaned or completely covered with particles 24.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. The test equipment presented here In this embodiment, 31 consists of particles 34 and a carrier element 32. The particles 34 are defined in a defined manner by means of a carrier element 32 Kept close to each other. The particles 34 point to that of the carrier element 32 pioneering side on an adhesive layer, which with a carrier film 35th is covered. To apply the particles 34, the carrier film 35 is removed and deducted so that the particle 34 can be applied to an object 40. As soon as the particles 34 are applied to the surface of the object 40, this can Carrier element 32 are removed. With the help of this facility, any Objects the particles 34 are attached.

The test equipment for the standardized determination of the quality of a washing, cleaning and / or Drying process can be applied to any unit, at least carries out one of the processes mentioned. Washing machine and dishwasher are therefore only a selection.

Claims (9)

Test equipment for the standardized determination of the quality of a washing, cleaning and / or drying process, characterized in that the test equipment (1; 21; 31) comprises a two- or three-dimensional object with a carrier element (2; 22; 32) and on which Object in a defined density by physical and / or chemical effects particles (4; 24; 34) detachable from the object are applied. Test equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the particles (4; 24; 34) are applied to the carrier element (2; 22; 32) by means of a connecting means. Test equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the particles (4) and the object are formed in one piece. Test equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that a predetermined breaking point is provided between the particle (4) and the object. Test equipment according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particles (4; 24; 34) consist of plastic. Test equipment according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the particles (4; 24; 34) have defined sizes of optionally protein, blood, ketchup or other foods or food-like substances. Test equipment according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particles (34) on one side with a carrier element (32) detachable from the particles (34) and on the other side with a carrier film (detachable from the particles (34)) 35) are covered. Test equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that the particles (34) on the side facing the carrier film (35) are provided with an adhesive for attachment to the object to be cleaned. Test equipment according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (2; 22; 32) can be freely shaped and can be cured in almost any configuration to form two- or three-dimensional objects.

Images