EP2517603A2 - Washing element for vehicle washing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing element (3) has a material with ordered or disordered micro fibers and combined with chemical-resistant and flexible material. The flexible material is arranged as filling material between the micro fibers for cross linking and stabilizing the micro fibers such that interstices store washing liquid. The filling material closes the interstices between the micro fibers such that water absorbing capacity of the washing element is between 10 and 30 weight per percent concerning to dead weight of the dry washing element. An independent claim is also included for a washing mat comprising a washing element.

Description

The present application relates to a washing element, in particular for a vehicle washing system, of an ordered or disordered microfibers material combined with a primarily chemically resistant, flexible material.

Such washing elements are known in the art. So revealed the DE 197 18 589 A1 a washing element in the form of a strip of flexible material projecting from a roll core of a work roll of a vehicle washing plant. The above document states that the strips advantageously consist of closed-cell foam, it being also noted that the washing elements can be made of microfibre material or cellular rubber, as well as of combinations of such materials in a bonded layer structure.

In the DE 10 2005 061 612 A1 a washing element in the form of a peelable working element for a vehicle washing system is disclosed, wherein the working element is formed from materials such as fleece, pile, and in particular Mikrofaserflor.

The use of microfibre material for drying systems in vehicle washing systems is from the DE 201 06 592 U1 and the DE 10 2006 017 991 A1 known.

The use of microfibre material for washing elements in vehicle washing systems has hitherto not been very widespread, since the microfiber material wears out and has to be replaced after too short an operating time. Therefore, as in the DE 197 18 589 A1 described, mainly foam material used for the washing elements, as this is extremely resistant to wear, and thus allows a long service life in the vehicle washing system.

A disadvantage of the use of foam material for washing elements, however, is that this requires a relatively thick cross-section of the washing element, and thus can not apply a sufficiently high washing pressure on the surface of the vehicle, and not reach all areas on vehicles. This is especially true for the tailgates of modern motor vehicles which have curved concave shapes. The bumper and license plate area is problematic to clean.

Another problem with using foam washers is that a hydroplaning effect between foam and the vehicle surface may occur because the foam does not absorb water. Thus, the washing element does not penetrate to the vehicle surface at medium speeds with respect to the vehicle, but very high speeds are necessary for this, but in turn cause high wear of the foam elements, wherein also removed from the foam elements material can remain on the vehicle paint, and its appearance can affect.

Another problem with the use of microfibre materials is that they have too high a fluid intake. This is undesirable in modern car washes, since only a small amount of washing liquid should be used for the wash program. Furthermore, a high fluid intake requires a higher weight of the washing elements, which are therefore exposed to a higher centrifugal force when used on a washing roller and thus wear faster.

In drying elements in washing systems, however, the use of microfiber materials is widespread and advantageous, since the microfibrous materials have a high Flüssigkeitsaufsaugkapazität necessary for the drying process. In particular, common microfiber materials absorb 400% of their own weight in water. In addition, there is no problem in terms of wear in drying elements, since the drying elements are moved only slowly over the vehicle surface.

Based on the situation in the prior art discussed above, it is the object of the invention to provide an alternative washing element, which has both a good cleaning effect, especially in hard to reach areas on the vehicle, as well as wear resistant.

This is made possible with a washing element in which the primarily chemically resistant, flexible material is arranged as a filling material between the microfibers in order to crosslink and stabilize them. The property of the material as filler material is that the interstices between the microfibers are filled so that the absorbency of the microfiber material can be reduced, whereby it advantageously absorbs less washing liquid during operation.

Furthermore, the cross-linking of the microfibers through the filler material allows the individual microfiber strands to be better bonded together, thereby resulting in less relative friction between the microfibers and overall fixing the structure of the microfiber material.

The filler material stabilizes the microfiber material, on the one hand, by increasing the stability of the individual microfibers provided therewith, and on the other hand by stabilizing the washing element as a whole, so that a higher washing force, that is to say pressing force of the washing element when the washing element is spun on a roller of a vehicle washing facility, can be achieved.

In particular, the filler prevents tearing of an already slightly damaged microfiber material, so that the life of the material can be increased. Nevertheless, there is still a microfiber structure which makes it possible to make the washing element relatively thin, so that the washing element can also reach critical areas on vehicles. Thus, the washing element can be formed with a small thickness, which makes it possible to apply at the edges of the washing element a higher surface pressure on the vehicle, which requires a better washing performance.

Higher surface pressure reduces the likelihood of aquaplaning occurring between the washing element and the vehicle, that is, it reduces the likelihood that a closed water layer will form between the washing element and the vehicle. Aquaplaning requires that the washing element can no longer penetrate the vehicle surface, which significantly worsens the washing performance.

The likelihood of aquaplaning between the washing element and the vehicle is further reduced by the fact that preferably there are still spaces and passages between the microfiber material and filling material into which washing liquid can penetrate, so that as soon as a high pressure arises between the washing element and vehicle surface, the washing liquid into the interior of the washing element can be removed, whereby the washing element remains in contact with the vehicle surface. However, the water does not accumulate significantly in the washing element, since the filling material prevents this.

Microfibers allow a very gentle vehicle wash, since they have such a fine structure that scratching of the paint can be excluded.

Preferably, therefore, the filler material is arranged between the microfibers that still remain spaces for receiving washing liquid. This also has the further advantage that the washing element can also take over the function of wetting the vehicle surface with washing liquid, and that the washing liquid does not have to be sprayed exclusively on the vehicle. In addition, the gaps also allow water to dissipate from the vehicle surface, so that freshly sprayed washing liquid or freshly applied by the washing element washing liquid can be used with less dirt for washing.

The washing liquid is primarily a mixture of water with a suitable washing additive, but also other washing liquids, which may not have water, can alternatively be used.

A reduction in water absorbency is further made possible by the fact that the microfibers are preferably hydrophobic. This can be achieved by impregnating the microfibers with fluoro- or silicone-based agents.

Preferably, the filler closes the interstices between the microfibers, so that only a water absorption capacity in the washing element of less than 100 wt .-%, preferably between 30 and 10 wt .-%, with respect to the own weight of the dry washing element is present. In particular, a water absorbency of about 20% by weight is preferred. The aforementioned water absorption capabilities allow optimum cleaning effect without the washing element becomes too heavy due to the washing liquid, and thus exposed to high centrifugal forces during a rotation process of a washing roller. In addition, thus a washing process is made possible with only a small amount of washing liquid.

In one embodiment, the microfibers are microfilaments that have a length so that they extend over the entire length of the washing element. Thus, the microfilaments have a length at least the length of the washing element, but may also have a considerably longer length when woven or felted Condition are arranged. The continuous microfilaments make it possible to increase the stability of the washing element significantly, since a continuous cutting of the continuous microfilaments is necessary for a progression of the dissolution of the washing element. The preparation of the microfibers or microfilaments is carried out in particular by extrusion and subsequent stretching to increase the strength, such as in the FR 274 98 60 A1 is described.

In a preferred embodiment, the microfibers in the wash element are randomly oriented, that is, randomly arranged to form a felt. To form a felt, the microfibers are advantageously intertwined to a considerable extent, so that a high strength of the washing element is due to the interaction of the microfibers with each other. The entangling of the microfibers or microfilaments is made possible, in particular, by a water-jet system which directs a water jet with primarily 100 bar to 300 bar pressure onto randomly arranged microfibers or microfilaments.

Alternatively, the microfibers in the washing element are interwoven together to form a fabric so as to obtain an increase in strength, it being understood that it is also possible to use woven microfibers which are partly or partially felted.

But it is also possible to use exclusively largely parallel arranged microfibers, which are crosslinked only through the filling material.

The entanglement or interweaving of the microfibers with each other in particular increases the tensile strength of the washing element.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling material is arranged in a state solidified from the liquid form between the microfibers. The introduction of the filling material in a liquid form into the microfibers allows the filling material to penetrate into the interstices between the microfibers in a small thickness, and thus the interstices can be filled with only a small amount of filling material, without the microfiber material as a whole being significantly expanded.

Advantageously, the washing element has a texture that results from the fact that the particular woven and / or felted microfibers are first solidified with heat input and pressure before the filler material is introduced. Thus, the individual microfibers of the microfiber material are partially or partially welded together, which is made possible in particular by microfibers consisting of polyester and polyamide. The microfiber material thus solidified has higher strength and higher modulus of elasticity than comparable non-solidified microfiber materials. In particular, the solidification can take place only in regions, or be carried out intensively in certain regions, as a result of which the microcompartments described below can be produced.

Furthermore, the washing element advantageously has a texture that results from the fact that the microfibers, in particular after solidification, are immersed in the filling material, and then the excess filling material is squeezed out of the microfibers. The squeezing can prevent too large accumulations of filling material between the microfibers, as a result of which as a whole a thin shape of the washing element can be achieved, yet the spaces between the microfibers are filled to the desired extent by the filling material.

Finally, it is also preferred that the wash element has a texture that results from the microfibers being thermally treated with the filler so that the filler engages with the microfibers. The thermal treatment may in particular lead to a curing of the filling material, as well as to an adhesion of the filling material due to a positive connection or due to an adhesive effect on the microfibers. Furthermore, the thermal treatment can not only cause the curing of the filler, but also allow a chemical cohesive connection between the filler and the microfibers. It should be noted that the filling material still has a desired flexibility in the cured state, since the washing element is advantageously advantageously flexible overall.

In preferred embodiments, the wash element is a microfiber material, especially a crosslinked nonwoven, having a basis weight of from 90 grams per square meter to 400 grams per square meter. In particular, the microfiber material has a basis weight of 240 grams per square meter. The microfiber material, or the crosslinked nonwoven, is in particular strip-shaped or planar.

The weight of the filling material is added to the above basis weights.

Advantageously, the washing element has filler material with a weight fraction of 5% to 30%, preferably 20%. Thus, the interstices of the microfiber material can be sufficiently filled, and the microfibers are sufficiently crosslinked. At a lower weight content of filler material, a higher water absorption capacity of the washing element is achieved, but with a higher proportion by weight of the filling material, a lower water absorption capacity is achieved.

Preferably, the microfibers are made of polyamide or polyester. In particular, the microfibers of polyamide and polyester are formed, each forming a partial cross-section of the microfiber. Advantageously, the polyamide and polyester cross sections are arranged as a plurality of circle segments in a round microfiber cross section. These types of plastic provide sufficient strength and durability of the microfibers. Furthermore, combined polyamide and polyester microfibers allow for advantageous welding of the microfibers together by application of heat, since polyamide has a lower melting temperature than polyester. The melting temperature of polyester is about 255 ° C, the melting temperature of polyamide is about 225 ° C. If a temperature is selected for welding between these temperatures, the microfibers can be welded together, whereby their structure is not destroyed. Welding of the microfibers is carried out in particular for solidifying the microfiber material and / or for forming the microcompartments prior to introduction of the filling material. The microfibers in particular have a diameter of about 6 microns.

Advantageously, the filler material is natural rubber or synthetic rubber. Rubber allows introduction in liquid form, after which curing of the rubber by heating enables crosslinking and stabilization of the microfibers. During heating, the liquid rubber is activated in such a way that the individual molecular chains crosslink in the rubber. This can be promoted by chemical additives known in the art. However, the temperature for the crosslinking of the molecular chains in the rubber is below the temperature required for welding the microfibers was applied. Due to resistance to wear, the use of rubber is a particularly preferred embodiment.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use as filler polyurethane, which also allows networking and stabilization of the microfibers, while filling the spaces between the microfibers.

In a preferred embodiment, the washing element is a washing strip, that is to say an elongated element having a certain, preferably constant width, and a thickness which is smaller in comparison to the width. The wash strip has a relatively small area at its longitudinal end, as defined by the width and thickness of the wash strip, and thus can apply a high surface pressure to the surface of a vehicle. In addition, the narrow strip shape allows optimal penetration of the washing strip even in recessed, narrow areas of the vehicle surface, which can thus be cleaned well. Furthermore, the washing strip also allows a good cleaning action with its top and bottom, which is defined by its width and partly by its length, as it can be pulled over the surface of the vehicle. The wash strip can either be manufactured individually or be cut off in strips from a larger wash element mat.

Advantageously, the wash strip has a width of 2 to 10 mm, preferably 4 mm, and a substantially smaller thickness of about 5% to 50%, preferably 20% of its width. This dimensioning allows an optimal washing effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the washing element has microcompartments in the form of recessed washing liquid receiving areas. These predominantly solidified, depressed regions are advantageously produced by the fact that the microfiber material in the production, in particular before the introduction of the filling material, in some areas a high pressure and / or high temperature is exposed, so that in these local areas, the washing element is further solidified, and in particular the microfibers are welded together. In other embodiments, the filler material and the microfibers may also be further solidified in regions and / or further welded together. In particular, the pressure and / or the high temperature is applied to the top and bottom of the washing element so that a partially compressed portion of the washing element is formed, which differs from the top to the bottom along the thickness of the washing element extends continuously. Thus, a high-strength area can be generated in which no or hardly any washing liquid is taken up between the microfibers. The appropriate provision of such areas can increase the strength of the washing elements, since a stable connection between the microfibers is provided. Furthermore, the washing liquid receiving area is reset to provide a defined transport volume for the washing liquid when the washing element scraps the washing liquid receiving area over the vehicle, since the washing liquid is pressed by the surface pressure in the washing liquid receiving areas, and is carried in these by the washing element. Furthermore, the recessed microcompartments reduce the likelihood of aquaplaning occurring.

Advantageously, the microcompartments are provided as elongated recesses offset from one another on the upper and lower side of the washing element. In particular, the microcompartments extend in different directions, advantageously in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction of the washing element. In preferred embodiments, the microcompartments are offset from one another and do not extend along the entire width or length of the washing element, but are made relatively short, in particular in lengths of 2 mm to 10 mm, advantageously 3 mm. The microcompartments advantageously have a width of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular of 1 mm, and a depth of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular of 0.25 mm.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a washing element, in particular for a vehicle washing system, from an ordered or disordered microfibers having material, which is provided, in particular on the top and bottom, with microcompartments, which are formed by recessed, compacted areas of the washing element , These microcompartments allow solidification of the microfiber material, as this is compacted in the areas of the microcompartments, and in particular the microfibers are glued or fused together by the compression. Furthermore, the cleaning effect is increased by the microcompartments, since washing liquid is supplied in the microcompartments of the vehicle surface, and is discharged from the vehicle surface. This allows an improved transport function of the washing liquid, which further improves the cleaning effect.

The aforementioned alternative washing element can also be combined with the primarily chemically resistant, flexible material, wherein the primarily chemically resistant, flexible material is arranged as a filling material between the microfibers in order to crosslink and stabilize them. Furthermore, the alternative washing element can also be designed in accordance with all the other abovementioned features of the washing elements and washing strips, in particular also without providing the primarily chemically resistant, flexible material, unless this is necessarily necessary for the respective features.

The present invention also makes it possible to produce a washing mat with a carrier mat to which washing elements as described above are attached, whereby the washing mat can be fastened in a vehicle washing system for common applications.

In particular, a plurality of washing elements are respectively provided at an attachment point in the support mat, and the attachment point comprises an open cylindrical extension to support the wash elements directly on the fastener. The washing elements are exposed to high loads, especially in the attachment area, since they are kinked and sewn in this area or fastened in some other way. Therefore, it may be advantageous to comprise a bundle of washing elements by a frame with the cylindrical extension of the support mat, which advantageously consists of plastic, which prevents kinking of the washing elements directly on the fastening element, and thus improves the resistance of the washing elements.

In particular, a washing roller for a vehicle washing system is made possible by the invention, in which a washing mat of the form described above is arranged around a base roller. The arrangement of the washing mat around a base roller allows the washing mat can be replaced independently of the base roll, especially in case of wear or if the washer is to be converted in their dimensions. The wash mat is fastened in particular by screwing, clips, buttons or rivets at opposite ends, once it has been wrapped around the base roll once.

The present application also relates to a method for producing washing elements, in particular for vehicle washing installations, wherein an ordered or disordered microfibers having material is provided with a primarily chemically resistant, flexible material as filler, so that it is placed between the microfibers to these network and stabilize.

In particular, the filler is introduced in a liquid form between the microfibers, and then solidifies between them.

Advantageously, the microfibers can first be solidified under high temperature and pressure before the filler material is introduced.

In one embodiment of the method, the microfibers, in particular after solidification, are immersed in the filler, and then the excess Füllmatarial is squeezed out of the microfibers.

Finally, advantageously, the microfibers are thermally treated with the filler so that the filler forms a bond with the microfibers.

The ordered or disordered microfibers material is a material consisting either exclusively of microfibers or a blended material which may be mixed with other fibers or elements, e.g. Plastic strip, combined.

Figur 1

zeigt eine Ansicht einer Waschmatte mit einer Vielzahl von Waschelementen,

Figur 2a

zeigt eine vergrößerte Ansicht der Waschelemente auf der Trägermatte,

Figur 2b

zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer Waschmatte mit Waschelementen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,

Figur 3

zeigt eine Trägermatte, an der die erfindungsgemäßen Waschelemente befestigt werden können.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1

shows a view of a washing mat with a plurality of washing elements,

FIG. 2a

shows an enlarged view of the washing elements on the support mat,

FIG. 2b

shows a section of an alternative embodiment of a washing mat with washing elements according to the present invention,

FIG. 3

shows a support mat to which the washing elements according to the invention can be attached.

FIG. 1 shows a washing mat 1 with a support mat 2, on which a plurality of washing elements 3 is provided according to an embodiment of the invention as a wash strip. The support mat 2 has a plurality of cylindrical extensions 4, in which the washing strips 3 are attached. As an alternative to the cylindrical extensions 4, blind holes 9 (see FIG FIG. 3 ) are provided in an at least partially thicker designed support mat 2. The washing strips 3 are each attached to the inner base of the cylindrical extensions 4. For this is a small opening 7 (see FIG. 3 ) provided in the region of the base surface, wherein the opening 7 extends to the rear surface of the support mat 2. The rear surface is the surface on which no washing strips 3 are attached. Through the opening extends a nylon thread or the like, which penetrates or wraps around the washing strips 3, so that they are fixed to the bottom of the cylindrical extensions 4. In particular, the washing strips 3 are centrally folded and inserted in this form in the cylindrical extension 4, wherein the nylon thread wraps around the washing strip 3 at its fold at least partially.

In FIG. 2a is an enlarged portion of the support mat 2 with arrangements of four washing strips 3 per cylindrical extension 4 is shown in detail. In each case two of these washing strips 3 are an integral washing element, which is folded in the middle, and is inserted in this state in the cylindrical extension 4 of the support mat 2, and is fixed on its base. The washing strips 3 each have a width of approximately 4 mm and a thickness of approximately 1 mm. The washing strips 3 have a length of 20 cm to 70 cm, starting from the support mat 2, preferably of 40 cm.

In FIG. 2b an enlarged view of a portion of an alternative washing mat with washing elements 3 according to the present invention is shown. The washing mat 1 in turn comprises a support mat 2, which has a plurality of cylindrical extensions 4, in which washing strips 3 are arranged as described above. In addition, foam strands 5 of closed-cell foam are still provided in some of the cylindrical extensions 4. In particular, wash strips 3 and foam strands 5 are alternately provided in the cylindrical extensions 4. The foam strands 5 have a substantially square cross section, that is, they have substantially the same thickness and width, namely about 4 mm. Your length corresponds to the washing strip 3, namely about 40 cm. The foam strands 5 can not be made substantially thinner, since their material would not have sufficient stability in a thinner design.

Per cylindrical extension 4 four foam strands 5 are provided, and also secured by a nylon thread to the base of the cylindrical extension.

Furthermore, the microchambers 6 according to the invention, which extend in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction of the washing strip 3, are shown in an enlarged area of the washing strip 3. In this case, the microcompartments 6 are areas that are slightly set back and thus form washing liquid receiving areas that increase the cleaning performance of the washing strips 3. In addition, these compacted regions make it possible to increase the stability of the washing strip 3. In particular, microchambers 6 each extending in the transverse direction Q and in the longitudinal direction L of the washing strip 3 are provided alternately. Advantageously, in each case one longitudinally extending and one transversely extending microchamber 6 are arranged on the width of the washing strip 3 in the transverse direction Q. The microcompartments 6 are arranged on both sides on the top and bottom in corresponding areas.

FIG. 3 shows the support mat 2, which can be provided with the washing elements 3 according to the invention. For a plurality of cylindrical extensions 4 is provided, each having in its base the opening 7 for passing the nylon thread for fixing the washing elements 3 and 5 foam strands. Furthermore, areas of increased thickness 8 are provided in the support mat 2, which have blind holes 9, which are also provided with an opening 7 in its base, and serve the same purpose as the cylindrical extensions 4.

The support mat 2 has fastening elements 10 and 11 which can be inserted into one another when the support mat 2 is wound around a base roller of a vehicle washing installation in order to fasten the washing mat 1 to the base roller. In particular, the fastening elements 10, 11 can be tied together or screwed together or have clip elements which allow attachment of the fastening elements 10, 11 to each other.

Claims (15)

Washing element (3), in particular for a vehicle wash, from an ordered or disordered microfibers having material combined with a primarily chemically resistant, flexible material, characterized in that the material is arranged as a filler between the microfibers to cross-link and stabilize , Washing element according to claim 1, wherein the filling material is arranged between the microfibers, that still remain spaces for receiving washing liquid and / or wherein the filling material closes the gaps between the microfibers, so that only a water absorbency in the washing element (3) of less than 100 Percent by weight, preferably between 30 and 10 percent by weight, relative to the net weight of the dry washing element (3). A washing element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the microfibers are microfilaments having a length such that they extend over the entire length of the washing element (3). Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microfibers in the washing element (3) are statistically oriented so that they form a felt and / or wherein the microfibers in the washing element (3) are woven together. Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling material is arranged in a state of flexible hardened between the liquid form between the microfibers. Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing element (3) has a texture which results from the fact that the microfibers are first solidified with heat input and pressure before the filling material is introduced, and / or wherein the washing element (3) has a texture which results from immersing the microfibers in the filling material and then squeezing the excess filling material out of the microfibers, and / or wherein the washing element (3) has a nature that results from the microfibers thermally treating with the filling material so that the filler makes a bond with the microfibers. Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing element (3) consists of a flat microfiber material, in particular a crosslinked fleece, which has a basis weight of 150 g / m ^ 2 to 400 g / m ^ 2, in particular of 240 g / m ^ second Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing element (3) has filling material with a weight proportion of 5% to 30%, preferably 20%. Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microfibers consist of polyamide and / or polyester, and / or wherein the filling material is natural rubber, and / or wherein the filling material is synthetic rubber, and / or wherein the filling material is polyurethane. Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing element is a washing strip (3), and / or wherein the washing strip (3) has a width of 2 to 10 mm, preferably 4 mm, and a substantially smaller thickness with respect to its width , Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein microcompartments (6) in the form of recessed washing liquid receiving areas are provided in the washing element (3). Washing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcompartments (6) are provided as mutually offset elongated depressions on the top and bottom of the washing element (3). Washing element (3), in particular for a vehicle washing system, from an ordered or disordered microfibers having material, characterized in that on the washing element (3) micro-chambers (6) are provided, which are formed by recessed, compressed areas of the washing element (3). A washing mat, comprising a support mat (2) to which the washing elements (3) according to one of the preceding claims are attached, and / or wherein in each case a plurality of washing elements (3) are provided at an attachment point in the support mat (2), and the attachment point a open cylindrical extension (4) to support the washing elements (3) directly on the fastener. Washing roller for a vehicle washing installation, in which a washing mat (1) according to claim 14 is arranged around a base roller.

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