EP3167788B1 - Cleaning item with an absorbent base material - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning article with an absorbent base material, which is formed by a flat material, with a first and a second side surface, a coating being provided on at least the first side surface, which gives the first side surface of the cleaning article an increased frictional force compared to the uncoated first side surface confers, wherein the coating comprises a plurality of coating lines.

In the prior art, a variety of cleaning articles for cleaning surfaces, e.g. B. known for household cleaning.

For example, from the WO 03/104544 A1 a cleaning wipe with a sheet-like structure made of nonwoven material and a structured coating application is known, with in particular discrete individual patterns being provided as the coating pattern.

Furthermore, from the WO 2004/106002 A1 a cleaning wipe is known, the arrangement of the abrasive areas preferably being non-directional in order to ensure good abrasion performance in every direction.

In addition, from the DE 25 36 440 An absorbent textile fabric is known, which consists of a nonwoven fabric and is coated on both sides with binding agent surfaces, a raised, squeegee-like printing pattern is formed from disjointed geometric figures and in particular continuous channels or alleys of the printing pattern are to be avoided.

Furthermore, from the DE 10 2004 039 517 B4 a cleaning cloth is known with a surface coating in the form of a printed pattern, which has an abrasive agent, flat patterns being provided.

Furthermore, from the EP 1 342 825 B1 a nonwoven fabric for cleaning cloths is known with very fine fibers, an application of binding agent being provided.

Finally from the WO 2015/123635 A1 a cleaning article is known in which a nonwoven fabric is provided with an outwardly protruding linear coating which can have coating heights of 0.05 to 0.8 mm.

Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a cleaning article which provides a good abrasive effect against adhering dirt on the surfaces to be cleaned while at the same time providing good, sufficient absorption capability for the components to be removed.

A cleaning article within the meaning of the invention should in particular include cleaning cloths for surface cleaning, for example for household purposes, in particular for Dish cleaning, but also for surface cleaning, preferably in the kitchen or sanitary area, as well as for window cleaning, etc. can be understood.

The invention achieves this object by a cleaning article with the feature of claim 1, in which the coating lines have a ratio of coating line width to coating line height of at least 2 and wherein the coating line width is 0.2 to 1.5 mm and the coating line height is at most 0.8 mm .

In this way, comparatively thin, fine coating lines can be provided that promise better abrasion than wider lines or two-dimensional patterns that tend to "slip" over the dirt to be rubbed off.

Such fine lines can preferably be implemented in the gravure printing process. In principle, however, other processes, such as screen printing processes, are also conceivable.

The coating lines particularly preferably have a ratio of coating line width to coating line height of 2-15, in particular 2-10 and further in particular 2-6.

The line width of the coating line is in particular at least 0.3 mm, further in particular at least 0.4 mm, further in particular at least 0.5 mm and further in particular at least 0.6 mm. The line width of the coating lines is in particular at most 1.2 mm, further in particular at most 1.0 mm, further in particular at most 0.8 mm.

The length of the coating line in relation to the line width should in particular be at least 5 times, preferably at least 6 times, more preferably at least 8 times and more preferably at least 10 times the line width.

The height of the coating lines and any further coatings provided should in particular be at least 0.1 mm, more particularly at least 0.2 mm. The height of the coating line should furthermore in particular be at most 0.6 mm, further in particular at most 0.5 mm and further in particular at most 0.4 mm.

The measurement of the height of the coating can be determined with a microscope with a corresponding magnification, namely as the difference between an averaged upper upper side of the base material and the upper edge of the coating line or further coatings.

With these preferred heights of the coating lines and the additional coatings that may be provided, a good abrasion effect can be achieved and nevertheless the contact between the uncoated absorbent areas of the first side surface and the surface to be cleaned can also be maintained. In addition, haptic effects that are advantageously unpleasant to the touch are avoided.

Preferably, the entire coating is raised above the upper surface of the base material.

The coating of the cleaning article includes coating lines. A full-surface coating of the cleaning article in the sense of a continuous, area-wide uninterrupted application is not provided. In addition to the coating in the form of coating lines, partial surface coatings or point coatings can also be provided. Exclusively flat or exclusively homogeneously distributed point coatings are therefore not in accordance with the invention.

The coating of the cleaning article particularly preferably consists entirely of coating lines.

The linear coatings can basically have both straight lines and lines deviating from a straight course, such as curved lines, wavy, zigzag-shaped lines, as well as intersecting straight lines or lines deviating from a straight course, such as curved, wavy, zigzag-shaped lines. The lines can basically be designed both continuously and interrupted, provided that the line remains clearly recognizable as such. That is to say, dashed, dash-dotted or dotted coating lines are also conceivable for the purposes of the present invention. In particular, the interrupted points must not be longer than ten times, in particular no longer than eight times, in particular no longer than six times, in particular no longer than four times the line width of this line adjacent to the interrupted point.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the coating has a basis weight of 5 - 50 g / m ^2, preferably 5 - 40g / m ^2, more preferably of 5 - 25 g / m ^2. This is intended to encompass both coating lines and, where appropriate, flat or point coatings that are additionally provided. With such a weight per unit area, in spite of the coating, sufficient uncoated areas of the base material can advantageously be available as absorption surfaces at the same time for a good abrasion effect.

The base material also preferably has a weight per unit area of at most 150 g / m ² . In particular, the basis weight of the base material is at most 130 g / m ² , further in particular at most 100 g / m ² , further in particular at most 80 g / m ² , further in particular at least 30 g / m ² , further in particular at least 40 g / m ² . That is to say, the basic materials for the cleaning article in question are preferably comparatively thin, cloth-like materials. With lower weights per unit area of the base material, cleaning articles with good handling and drapability, ie with good adaptability to the contours of the surface to be cleaned, can advantageously be provided.

The determination of the basis weight relates to the dry state of the base material.

A ratio of the weight per unit area of the coating to the base material of 0.04 to 0.6 and in particular 0.1 to 0.4 is particularly advantageous. This setting of the basis weight can advantageously achieve adequate stabilization of the relatively thin base material through the application of the coating so that the application of the coating contributes not only to the abrasion effect but also to a better handling of the cleaning article.

An increase in the strength of the base material is desirable, particularly in the case of relatively light materials, that is to say base materials with a low weight per unit area, both in the machine direction and in the transverse direction.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that if an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, perpendicular lines with an edge length of 20 mm of each grid square is laid over the first side surface of the cleaning article, the first side surface does not have a grid square that is coating-free. This ensures that a good cleaning effect can be provided equally over the entire cleaning article.

A grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines should be understood to mean an arrangement of lines in which a set of parallel, equidistant lines is intersected by a second set of parallel, equidistant lines, forming right angles. In the resulting grid on which the cleaning article can be placed as desired, ie there is no preferred direction of the grid, all grid squares should then have a coating, in particular have a degree of coverage of the coating. By definition, only those grid squares are to be used for the determination that lie completely in the area of the cleaning article. Grid squares cut through the edge line (edge) of the cleaning article are not considered for the evaluation of the grid squares to be considered.

The degree of coverage is understood to mean the area covered by the coating within a grid square, based on the area of the grid square.

Any further coatings that differ from the linear coatings should, however, according to the invention also be taken into account when determining the degree of coverage. In other words, the respective degrees of coverage result from the coatings arranged in the respective grid squares, regardless of their design.

In particular, all grid squares should have a degree of coating coverage of at least 5%, in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at most 45%, further in particular at most 40%, further in particular at most 35%, including non-linear coatings will. The degrees of coverage advantageously contribute both to the cleaning effect and to the strength of the cleaning article or the base material.

It is particularly preferred that in at least one direction, in particular in the machine direction and / or in the transverse direction, in particular in any direction of the cleaning article, in particular the base material, the distance between a coating line and at least one adjacent coating line is at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm.

The machine direction, also referred to as MD for short, is understood to mean the direction which corresponds to the transport direction during the manufacture of the cleaning article, in particular the manufacture of the base material of the cleaning article. The transverse direction, also referred to as CD for short, is accordingly the direction running perpendicular thereto.

When dimensioning the distance between two adjacent coating lines, a radius of at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, preferably at most 10 mm around any point on the coating line is considered. The distance is measured here from one edge of the coating line to the next edge of the adjacent coating line.

As a result of the fact that a large number of thin coating lines are arranged at a small distance, it is achieved that the coating lines can be attacked several times as abrasive means and thus a better abrasion effect can be achieved than with a two-dimensional application. This results in cleaning and abrasion properties with less effort, the large number of thin lines also making it possible to reduce the risk of sticking to the product. To further improve these properties, it is therefore equally preferred that at ^{least five interfaces of any coating lines are present on an area of 25 cm 2} , represented as an area of 5 × 5 cm, of the cleaning article. That is, in an area of 25 cm ² , the coating lines should preferably intersect, touch or tangent five times with further coating lines. In this way, solidification of the cleaning article, in particular also in Transverse direction of the base material can be further improved. In addition, interfaces also represent points of attack for the cleaning effect.

Particularly preferred is a coating in the configuration that at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, in particular 100% of the grid squares of 20 mm edge length at least one interface, in particular at least 2, further in particular at least 3, further in particular at most 30, further in particular a maximum of 25, further in particular a maximum of 20 interfaces are present.

Any contact areas or points of contact of at least two coating lines are understood as interfaces.

In order to improve the stability and strength of the cleaning article, especially in the case of base materials with a lower basis weight, it can also be provided in particular that at least in sections, in particular continuously over the entire cleaning article, a cohesive structure of coating lines in the course of the coating from one side edge of the cleaning article is present up to the opposite side edge.

In particular with a view to improving the stability and strength in the transverse direction of the cleaning article, the coating lines are in particular arranged in such a way that at least in sections in the transverse direction of the cleaning article, in particular the base material, there are no interruptions between the coating lines.

This is to be understood as meaning that if you follow a coating line that begins at one side edge, in particular a side edge running in the machine direction (MD), you either follow this coating line or change from one coating line to another reaches the other side edge, which in particular also runs in the machine direction, at points of contact or crossing points or areas, that is to say at the intersections of the coating lines, without having to overcome an area free of coating lines. In this way, the two side edges, which run in particular in the machine direction, are connected to one another by the coating lines, which form a cohesive structure, in particular in the transverse direction, and thus in particular stabilize and increase strength, particularly in the transverse direction.

Edges or edges or side edges of the cleaning article are understood to mean all edges of the cleaning article as well as boundaries of the same. In particular, at least one coating line, in particular a plurality of coating lines, in particular all coating lines are applied continuously from one side edge to the opposite side edge on the first side surface of the cleaning article. There is preferably a continuity of the coating lines also in the directions deviating therefrom. In particular, the coating can be formed with one or more continuous, in particular regularly extending, continuous coating lines running continuously from a first edge of the first side face to an opposite second edge of the first side face. Connected arrangements are particularly advantageous of intersecting coating lines, as provided for example in the case of lattice, diamond or honeycomb patterns.

In addition, it can be provided that the coating has a multiplicity of individual patterns or is formed therefrom. The individual patterns in particular have coating lines or are in particular formed from coating lines. Individual patterns are to be understood as meaning patterns that are designed as open or closed patterns. Open patterns are those in which the beginning of the line has no contact with the end of the line, and closed patterns are those in which the beginning and end of a line can no longer be determined because they are connected to one another. In addition, only those patterns should be individual patterns according to the invention that cannot be reduced to a simple point. That is, an individual pattern must be more than one point, with individual patterns preferably being those in which the coating line does not extend exclusively as a straight line in only one vector direction, but in which the line pattern has curvatures and / or kinks.

Individual patterns are those that are either completely separated from one another, or also individual patterns that can also touch, intersect and / or overlap. In spite of tangent, cutting and / or overlapping, the individual pattern can still be recognized as an individual pattern from its two-dimensional extension circumscribed by the direction specified by the coating line.

Individual patterns are also understood to mean pattern groups which are composed in particular of at least two identical and / or different pattern elements. In particular, arrangements are used as sample groups understood, in which at least two pattern elements are arranged side by side and in contact, and / or in particular also pattern groups in which a first pattern element at least partially, in particular completely surrounds or runs around a second or further pattern element, such as concentric arrangements, in particular on circles, Ovals or triangles or other polygons, or geometrical figures of any kind lying one inside the other, which touch at a point or a line segment. The coating can also have combinations of such pattern groups.

It goes without saying that the individual patterns formed in particular from coating lines are only partially or at least partially, preferably completely, surrounded by an uncoated area and / or also include an uncoated area, and at least partially, preferably completely, surround this uncoated area.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that at least one individual pattern is formed on at least the first side surface in such a way that for each direction running in the surface of the cleaning article or, in the case of a curved cleaning article, for each tangential direction to the cleaning article, a section of this coating is perpendicular thereto runs. This means that for every possible direction in the cleaning article, provided the cleaning article lies flat, there is a section or area in the coating which runs perpendicular to any direction in the plane. By designing the linear coating with a curvature, a better distribution of the forces in different directions can be achieved. The abrasion effect for dirt can in this respect be improved. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, the section can be point-shaped, an imaginary tangent applied at this point then always running perpendicular to a direction in the cleaning article. Particularly preferably at least 20%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 80%, in particular 100% of the individual patterns have at least one section that runs perpendicular to any direction of the pad surface. In particular, in at least 20%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 80%, in particular 100% of the individual patterns, this at least one section is punctiform and an imaginary tangent applied to it runs perpendicular to any direction in the area of the cleaning article.

The linear coatings provided on the at least first side surface of the cleaning article can have the same or different geometric shapes and in particular be designed with the same or different dimensions / dimensions.

In addition, at least one individual pattern can preferably be formed as a pattern group which comprises at least two pattern elements formed from coating lines. At least 20%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 80%, in particular 100% of the individual patterns are particularly preferably formed from a pattern group. Furthermore, in particular, each individual pattern is made up of a plurality of pattern elements. The pattern group can, for example, consist of inner and outer pattern elements be constructed and / or to form an overall pattern assembling pattern elements or further pattern elements that z. B. are arranged side by side and touching each other, be constructed. Particularly preferably, the design of a pattern group can be provided in such a way that a pattern element of a single pattern surrounds a second pattern element or further pattern elements at least in some areas, but in particular completely. Circumferential should also be understood to mean that the lines touch one another at least in regions or are designed to run concurrently with one another. In particular, the pattern group of an individual pattern can be designed in such a way that a first pattern element is assigned to a second pattern element or further pattern elements next to one another and is arranged touching one another. Combinations of pattern groups are also conceivable. Overall, the cleaning power and abrasive effect can be further improved by pattern groups. In addition, pattern groups are beneficial for stabilizing the base material. Depending on the desired degree of abrasive properties as well as optical and design requirements, provision can be made for the large number of coatings to be applied in a regular repeat or not to be arranged regularly.

It is provided in particular that the coating of the cleaning article, and here in particular the first side surface, essentially encompasses its entire extent, that is to say not just special areas, such as the center or outer area of the cleaning article. It is therefore preferably provided that the coating extends over the entire at least first side surface of the cleaning article, with individual regions of the cleaning article, such as the central or edge region, in relation to the intended pattern Pattern density can vary within the scope of the present invention. It is also conceivable to apply different patterns in some areas of the cleaning article than in other areas. For example, a different coating can be provided in the central area than in the edge area.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the coating can be distributed uniformly or unevenly over the surface of the cleaning article. Preferably only the first side surface is coated. According to another embodiment, however, both side surfaces can also be coated.

The cleaning article can particularly preferably have a degree of coverage by the coating based on the extent of the first side surface of at least 6%, in particular at least 8%, in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 20% and in particular of at most 50%, further in particular at most 40% and furthermore, in particular, have a maximum of 30%. In this way, a good cleaning effect of the cleaning article is achieved and the desired properties of the base material, such as absorption capabilities, are not changed too much, but are retained.

If the coating on the cleaning article is a closed pattern, it can be provided that the individual patterns in total have an area proportion of at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, further in particular at least 30%, further in particular at least 40% and in particular at most 80% %, further in particular at most 70%, further in particular at most 60%, further in particular at most 50% of the at least first side surface.

The area of an individual pattern is understood to mean the area enclosed by the outer coating lines (including the coating lines), so the inner uncoated areas of the individual pattern or, when executed as a pattern group, the associated areas of the individual pattern elements are also taken into account. If individual samples have closed sample areas from which further, open, ie not self-contained coating lines extend, then these free, attached coating lines are not taken into account when calculating the area of the individual sample. Sufficient abrasive properties can be achieved over the surfaces covered by the individual patterns while maintaining the properties inherent in the base material, such as softness and absorption properties.

An individual pattern preferably has an area with an extension distance between the outer coating lines of at least 0.3 cm, preferably at least 0.5 cm, more preferably at least 0.7 cm, more preferably at least 1.0 cm, more preferably at least 1.5 cm , more preferably at least 2 cm, more preferably at most 5 cm, more preferably at most 4 cm, more preferably at most 3 cm. As the extension distance, the z. B. can be a diameter, the distance between the distal distally most distant coating lines that describe or delimit an individual pattern is understood. The outer edge of the coating line, including its line width, is measured.

In the case of closed individual samples, these, including the circumscribing coating lines, preferably an area of at least 0.2 cm ² , more preferably of at least 0.5 cm ² , more preferably of at least 1.0 cm ² , more preferably of at least 1.5 cm ² , more preferably of at most 10.0 cm ² , more preferably of at most 8.0 cm ² , more preferably of at most 6.0 cm ² .

The coating features can be designed differently or identically with regard to their geometric shape and / or their dimensions. The various properties of the cleaning article such as degree of coverage, frictional force, absorption properties can be taken into account and implemented by setting the coating pattern.

Coating patterns with curved or rounded areas are particularly preferred, as these enable better ergonomic adaptation to the surface to be cleaned and a more attractive appearance when in use.

The coating is in particular polymer-based. In particular, the polymer-based coating is taken from the group comprising PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), APAO (amorphous polyalphaolefins), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), EVAC (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers), PA (polyamides), TPE-O ( Thermoplastic elastomers based on olefins), TPE-V (crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers based on olefins), TPE-E (thermoplastic copolyesters), TPE-U (thermoplastic elastomers based on urethane), TPE-A (thermoplastic copolyamides, e.g. PEBA), TPE-S ( Thermoplastic styrene block copolymers, such as HSBC (hydrogenated styrene block copolymers), SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene polymers), SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), SEPS (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or a combination of one or more of the named polymers thereof.

The coating is preferably homogeneous in its composition. Preferably, no abrasive particles are added to the coating.

The materials for the coating are preferably materials with a Shore A hardness of in particular at least 30, in particular at least 40, in particular at least 50, further in particular at least 60 and in particular at most 95, further in particular at most 90, further in particular at most 80, further in particular a maximum of 70 in question. The Shore A hardness is a material parameter for elastomers and plastics. The Shore A hardness is determined using the following method.

Method for determining the Shore A hardness:

The Shore A hardness is a measure of the resistance of a material to the penetration of a body of a certain shape and under a defined spring force. In the Shore hardness units, the value 0 indicates the smallest and the value 100 the greatest hardness.

The measurement is based on the standards DIN 53505: 2000-08 and ISO 868: 2003 (E). A Shore A hardness tester is used. Such a Shore A hardness tester, which is shown schematically in Figure 6 is shown with the reference numeral 60, uses a spring-loaded indenter with the geometry of a truncated cone. The indenter 62 made of steel has a diameter D1 of 1.25 ± 0.15 mm, which is in a lower truncated cone with a lower surface with a diameter D2 of 0.79 ± 0.01 mm with an angle of inclination W of 35 ° ± 0.25 ° opens. The distance C between the lower edge of a pressure foot 64 and the lower surface of the indenter is 2.5 ± 0.02 mm. The indenter is introduced centered within the pressure foot 64 with a recess with a diameter D3 of 3 ± 0.5 mm.

The test should be carried out on test specimens that have not been mechanically stressed. For the test, the test specimen should be fully polymerized or fully vulcanized for 16 hours. The test is carried out under standard conditions at 23 ± 2 ° C and 50 ± 2% humidity. The specimens and the devices are conditioned accordingly for at least 1 hour.

The specimens need dimensions that allow measurements to be taken at least 12 mm from each edge and have a sufficiently plane-parallel support surface so that the pressure foot can touch the specimen on a surface with a radius of at least 6 mm around the tip of the indenter. Specimens with a material thickness of at least 4 mm are required. In the case of small thicknesses, the specimens can be composed of several thinner layers. At least 5 different points are measured on each specimen, the distance from the edges of the specimen being at least 12 mm. The distance between the measuring points should be at least 6 mm. The pressing weight of the indenter is 1 kg.

The measuring time is 3 seconds, ie the hardness is read 3 seconds after the contact surface of the test device and the test specimen have come into contact.

The coating lines are preferably applied by means of a roller which has an engraving corresponding to the pattern of the coating.

The first side surface with the coating can have a dynamic coefficient of friction measured based on ASTM D 1894-01 of at least 0.2, in particular at least 0.3, further in particular at least 0.4, further in particular at least 0.5, with maximum values of in particular a maximum of 1.0, further in particular a maximum of 0.8, further in particular a maximum of 0.6 should be achieved. This generates sufficient frictional forces and cleaning forces without the cleaning article sliding too easily over the surface to be cleaned. The level of friction is to be adjusted depending on the cleaning purpose. In particular, a coating with fine, hard lines is preferred.

Test to determine the dynamic coefficient of sliding friction

In the present case, the slip behavior and thus also the force behavior of cleaning articles according to the invention with a coating are to be determined. Here, the first side surface of the cleaning article provided with the coating is drawn against a standardized surface. The sliding friction force A occurring here is to be measured and from this the dynamic sliding friction coefficient is to be determined. The test method is based on ASTM D 1894-01 for determining the friction behavior of plastic films.

The test specimens must be conditioned for at least 2 hours in a standard climate at 23 ° C ± 2 ° C and 50% ± 2% humidity being. The samples must not be kinked, folded or scratched; other changes and contamination are to be avoided. The same applies to the steel test plate. The test procedure must also be carried out under standard conditions (23 ° C ± 2 ° C, 50% ± 2%).

A test specimen measuring 50 × 50 mm is punched out of the cleaning article with a coating or from a corresponding roll product and is attached to a friction block without creases. The roll goods are exactly that material from which the cleaning articles according to the invention are punched out or cut out.

The friction block has a base area of 63 mm × 63 mm edge length, i.e. a contact base area of 40 cm ² and a mass of 200 g ± 5 g. It is attached to the force transducer of a tensile testing machine in accordance with DIN 51 221 class 1 using a thread (without intrinsic elongation). One such tensile testing machine is the Zwick Roell type Z010 testing device from Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, 89079 Ulm, Germany.

The additional device consisting of the sample table and friction block according to DIN EN ISO 8295: 2014 is also offered by Zwick. The friction block with the specimen is carefully placed on a defined material, a smoothly polished steel plate (DIN EN 1939: 2003-12). The experiment is started 15 seconds after the friction block has been placed. The test speed is 150 mm / min, both for the actual measuring path of 130 mm and for the pre- and post-measuring path of 10 mm each. To determine the dynamic coefficient of sliding friction µ, only the force curve of the measuring path of 130 mm is used. The test is for at least five specimens accomplished. A mean value x and the standard deviation s rounded to two decimal places are given. The dynamic coefficient of sliding friction results from the quotient of the sliding friction force A determined in this way, expressed in grams (g) by the force of 200 g exerted by the friction block.

The cleaning article can be designed in one or more layers with respect to the base material and in particular comprise a fiber material, in particular a nonwoven material. The nonwoven materials preferably include cellulose-based fibers such as cotton or viscose, or synthetic fibers such as polyester, preferably polyester bicomponent fibers or polyester microfiber, polypropylene or mixtures thereof. The fleece material can in particular be a fleece made of continuous fibers or preferably a fleece made of staple fibers. The base material preferably consists of staple fibers with a proportion of cellulose-based fibers of at least 20% by weight, in particular at least 30% by weight, further in particular at least 40% by weight, based on the mass of the base material. In a mixture, the remainder of the fiber material of the base material preferably consists of synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers can preferably also contain heat-fusible binding fibers for possible thermal consolidation of the base material, preferably 10-40% by weight, more particularly 10-30% by weight, based on the mass of the base material. Alternatively, a configuration of the base material from 100% by weight of cellulose-based fibers is also conceivable.

Non-wovens made from staple fibers are preferably needle-punched nonwovens, water-jet needled nonwovens or thermally bonded nonwovens.

The thickness of the cleaning article, including the coating on the first side surface or optionally a coating on the second side surface, is 0.3-2.5 mm, preferably 0.5-2 mm. The thickness of the cleaning article (including the coating) is determined using a specific measuring pressure of 0.5 kPa on a button area of 25 cm ² . In particular, a DMT thickness measuring device from Schröder can be used. Otherwise, the thickness is determined based on DIN EN ISO 9073-2: 1995.

The cleaning article particularly preferably has the coating according to the invention only on the first side surface. The second, coating-free side surface of the cleaning article can thus be used in further actions of use that precede and / or follow the cleaning and friction effect of the first side surface.

The cleaning article particularly preferably has a coating on the first and second side surfaces. In particular, the cleaning article has the coating according to the invention on both side surfaces. The cleaning article can thus be used by the user for more intensive cleaning processes and also more easily, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning article.

The base material without a coating, in particular from water-jet needled spunlace or carded nonwovens, preferably has a strength or maximum tensile strength in MD direction of 10 - 50N / 25mm and a strength or strength.

Maximum tensile force in CD direction of 5 - 30N / 25mm. The base material can already be compacted by means of consolidation measures, for example by means of water jet needling in the case of spunlace or carded nonwovens, or the action of heat in the case of nonwovens containing thermoplastic fibers.

An increase in the strength of the base material is desirable, especially in the case of relatively light materials, i.e. in particular in the case of base materials with a basis weight of at most 150 g / m ² , preferably at most 130 g / m ² , both in the machine direction and especially in the transverse direction.

The coating makes a particularly advantageous contribution to increasing the strength of the base material. The cleaning article or the base material with the coating can have an increased strength compared to the base material without a coating, the strength in particular by at least 5%, further in particular by at least 10%, further in particular by at least 20%, further in particular by at least 30%, is further increased in particular by at least 50%, at least in one direction, in particular preferably in the transverse direction (CD direction).

The cleaning article with the coating preferably has a longitudinal strength or maximum tensile force in the longitudinal direction (machine direction) of 15-80 N / 25 mm, in particular of 15-70 N / 25 mm and a maximum tensile force in the transverse direction (transverse to the machine direction) of 10-50 N / 25mm, especially 10-40 N / 25mm.

The strength is determined with the following test:

This maximum tensile force can be determined using a standardized tensile testing machine according to DIN 51221: Samples of a width of 25 mm and a length that is greater than the clamping length, preferably 200, are made from the cleaning article to be tested, namely from a central area mm, punched out. The direction of the cleaning item to be checked, whether MD or CD direction, must be taken into account. For the test, the sample strips are fixed vertically and tension-free in the clamps of the tensile testing machine with a clamping width of 25 mm and a clamping length (the distance between the clamps) of 30 mm. The specimens clamped in this way are then moved apart in the plane of their extent at a test speed of 100 mm / min and the tensile force acting in this direction is measured. The maximum tensile force is understood to mean the maximum force at which the cleaning article or the sample strip tears. If higher force peaks are measured beforehand in the course of stretching, then these represent the maximum tensile force in the sense of this test. Advantageously, different, in particular five, individual measurements can be made when measuring the longitudinal and transverse directions, which correspond to the machine direction or the direction transverse thereto undertake and calculate their mean value. The specification is made in N / 25mm.

The cleaning article can preferably be used for cleaning hard surfaces. In particular, the cleaning article is used as a cleaning cloth, for example for household purposes, in particular as a cleaning cloth for cleaning dishes, but also for cleaning surfaces, preferably in the kitchen or sanitary area, as well as for Window cleaning can be used. The cleaning article is in particular a household cleaning cloth, a dishcloth, an oven or grill cleaning cloth, a floor wipe or a window cleaning cloth.

In addition, the cleaning article can also be used in the cosmetic field, for cleaning the skin, in particular facial cleaning, in the form of a cosmetic tissue, such as, in particular, as a peeling tissue.

The cleaning article is preferably a disposable product. In principle, however, cleaning items that can be washed or cleaned are also conceivable, e.g. in the household sector.

In the present manner, a cleaning article can be provided which has particularly favorable properties with regard to abrasive properties and also absorption properties.

Figur 1

eine Darstellung eines Ausschnitts einer ersten Seitenfläche eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsartikels,

Figur 2

eine Darstellung eines Ausschnitts einer ersten Seitenfläche eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsartikels,

Figur 3

eine Darstellung eines Ausschnitts einer ersten Seitenfläche eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsartikels,

Figuren 4a - c)

verschiedene Einzelmuster und verschiedene Ausgestaltungen von Beschichtungslinien,

Figuren 5a - b)

eine Darstellung der Bestimmung der Gitterquadrate und

Figur 6

eine schematische, nicht maßstabsgetreue Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Shore-A Härtemessgeräts.

Further features and details as well as advantages of the invention emerge from the drawing and the following description of the cleaning article according to the invention. In the drawing show:

Figure 1

a representation of a section of a first side surface of a cleaning article according to the invention,

Figure 2

a representation of a section of a first side surface of a further cleaning article according to the invention,

Figure 3

a representation of a section of a first side surface of a further cleaning article according to the invention,

Figures 4a - c)

different individual samples and different designs of coating lines,

Figures 5a - b)

a representation of the determination of the grid squares and

Figure 6

a schematic representation, not to scale, of a section of a Shore-A hardness measuring device.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a section of the first side surface 102 of a cleaning article 100 according to the invention, in the form of a cloth for cleaning dishes, the first side surface 102 facing the dishes when used for cleaning dishes. The cleaning article 100 is preferably composed of a base material made of nonwoven materials, and thereby of a mixture of cellulose-based fibers, such as cotton or viscose, and synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene.

The single-layer base material of the cleaning article has a base layer with a grammage of preferably at most 150 g / m ² , preferably 40-80 g / m ² .

As Figure 1 shows, a coating 112 of coating lines 114 is provided on the first side surface 102 of the cleaning article 100. The coating 112 serves to remove food residues etc. when washing dishes. The coating lines 114 are polymer-based. The material of the coating preferably has a Shore A hardness of 30-95. The coating lines are applied by gravure printing by means of an engraving process, with the cleaning article 100 being passed between an engraved roller with recesses lined with coating material and a counter roller. The width of the coating lines 114 is 0.5-0.7 mm in the present case. The height of the coating lines is preferably 0.2-0.3 mm, so that a good cleaning effect is achieved through the large number of narrow, hard coating lines. The ratio of the coating line width to the coating line height is 2-4. The coating lines 114 run continuously from one side edge 122a to another side edge, not shown here, and thereby in a contiguous and intersecting arrangement including uncoated areas 116. The multitudes of coating lines intersect at the interfaces 208 Arranged in the form of a diamond pattern. The distance between a coating line and at least one adjacent coating line is a maximum of 20 mm. A degree of coverage of the coating lines on the first side surface of 20-40% is achieved.

Different arrangements of the coating lines are conceivable, as further exemplified in FIG Figures 2 and 3 is shown. Figures 2 and 3 likewise show a top view of a section of the first side surface 102 of a cleaning article 100 according to the invention. Figure 2 shows an arrangement of coating lines 114, also in a contiguous and in the Interfaces 208 intersecting arrangement of the coating lines, in the design of a diamond pattern of larger dimensions.

In the Figure 3 The coating 112 shown has a multiplicity of individual patterns 120 which are formed by coating lines 114. In the case shown, each individual pattern 120 is preferably formed by pattern groups 124, the pattern groups here consisting of at least 3 pattern elements 126, here concentrically arranged circles, and no coating compound is applied between the individual pattern elements 126 of each individual pattern group forming an individual pattern, i.e. one therein uncoated area 116 is present. In this way, a total degree of coverage of approx. 20-30% on the first side surface is achieved by the coating lines 114. Through the individual elements 120 as such, a total area coverage of 60-70% of the first side surface 102 is obtained, that is, the free areas outside the individual patterns 120, that is to say the outer uncoated areas 118 surrounding the individual patterns, take up approx. 30-40% of the area first side surface 102. The distance between a coating line and at least one adjacent coating line is a maximum of 20 mm, more particularly a maximum of 15 mm. The coating lines have a line width of 0.5-0.7 mm and a line height of 0.2-0.3 mm. In this way, due to the large number of fine lines, also at a small distance from one another, the abrasive force of the cleaning article 100 can be applied to e.g. B. dishes can be designed in an advantageous manner.

In addition, there is a coating in which the individual patterns 120 can intersect, overlap or tangent, and each individual pattern being recognizable for itself remains, as in Figure 3 or Figure 5 is shown by way of example, but the individual patterns merge into one another in such a way that the coating lines 114 are arranged at least in sections from one side edge 122a of the cleaning article to an opposite side edge 122b of the cleaning article so that no interruptions occur between the patterns, the advantage that on the one hand no preferred directions exist. On the other hand, however, this also advantageously improves the strengths of the cleaning article or of the base material in that direction. The continuity of the coating lines runs particularly advantageously in the transverse direction 212 of the cleaning article 100 or of the base material, that is to say the direction perpendicular to the manufacturing and machine direction 210 of the base material.

The at least partially connected structure of coating lines (114) in the course of the coating from one side 122a to the other side 122b is exemplified in FIG Figure 5b whose pattern corresponds to that of Figure 3 corresponds, shown schematically by means of an imaginary line 214 drawn in bold type.

A coherent structure of coating lines is also in the Figures 1 and 2 shown.

Two opposite edges of the cleaning article 100 are regarded as edges of the cleaning article 100. In this way, the abrasive properties and the stability and thus also the durability of the cleaning article can be improved in the respective direction.

A coating is particularly preferred in which, due to the design of the individual patterns 120, at least one Individual pattern 120, preferably at least 20% of the individual pattern 120 of the first side surface, particularly preferably each individual pattern 120, has a section or area 128 which is perpendicular, i.e. at an angle 132 of 90 ° to any direction 130 in the surface of the cleaning article 100 runs like in Figure 4a is shown schematically. In this way, each direction can be opposed by a portion that runs perpendicular to it and thus has the optimal abrasive effect for this direction of movement.
Further individual samples show the Figures 4a-4c , whereby both different individual patterns can be combined with one another, such as the Figures 4a-4b show, and, moreover, the individual patterns with regard to the formation of the coating lines, both with regard to their height and also with regard to their width, can have a difference. In addition, it is also conceivable for the coating lines not to be continuous, but to be interrupted, such as dashed, dash-dotted or dotted, as is the case, for example, in FIG Figure 4a is shown, provided that this does not lead to the dissolution of the overall pattern in such a way that the pattern can no longer be recognized as such. The individual patterns 120 made up of coating lines can also consist entirely of coating lines that are composed of a continuity of points, as exemplified in FIG Figure 4c is shown.

If an individual pattern 120 is composed as a pattern group 124 from several pattern elements 126, these can, as in FIG Figures 4a and 4b shown, surround each other fully circumferentially at a distance, but also surround each other in such a way that there are points of contact. In addition, it is also possible that the individual pattern elements of an individual pattern 120 with the formation of contact or Cutting areas are arranged, as it is for example Figure 4c indicates. The individual samples according to the Figures 4a to 4c can be analogous to Figure 3 be designed so that the individual patterns intersect, tangent or overlap one another.

The dynamic coefficient of friction of the coated side surface of the cleaning article according to Figures 1 , 2 or 3 measured on the basis of ASTM D 1894-01 0.4-0.7.

In the execution of a cleaning article with a base material (fleece material) made of 30% by weight viscose and 70% by weight polyester and with a weight per unit area of 50 g / m ² , the uncoated base material has a strength in the machine direction of 40-50 N / 25mm and in Transverse direction 5 - 10 N / 25 mm. With a coating of coating lines according to Figure 1 and a coating application of 20 g / m ² , the cleaning article has a strength in the machine direction of 65 -80 N / 25 mm and in the transverse direction 10 -15 N / 25 mm.

An imaginary grid is used to measure the distribution of the degrees of coverage on the first side surface of a cleaning article. The determination is based on the Figures 5a-b explained in more detail:
Figure 5a shows an example of a section of a cleaning article 100 of rectangular dimensions with a plan view of the first side surface with a coating 112 distributed over the entire extent of the first side surface, as already in FIG Figure 2 and an imaginary grid 200 superimposed thereon.

The imaginary grid 200, formed from an arrangement of lines, wherein a first family 202 of parallel, equidistant lines is intersected by a second family 204 of parallel, equidistant lines to form right angles, consists of grid squares 206, each with an edge length of 20 mm. The grid 200 can be placed over a cleaning article and its coating 112 in any desired manner. The individual grid squares 206 and the degree of coverage present therein are determined. Although in Figure 5a the grid 200 with the array of lines is provided at an angle of 45 ° to the edge 122 in the case of a rectangular cleaning article, but no preferred direction for creating the grid is envisaged for the dimensioning. Any evaluation method, for example computer-aided graphics and drawing programs, can be used to evaluate the degree of coverage of the coating in relation to the respective grid squares. During the evaluation, only grid squares are used for the determination that lie completely in the area of the cleaning article. Grid squares that are intersected by the edge line (edge) 122 of the cleaning article 100 remain for the evaluation of the degrees of coverage per grid square. As in Figure 5a can be seen, each grid square has a coating. There is no grid square 206 that is free of coating. In particular, each grid square used for the evaluation has a coating coverage of 5-15%.

In the case of a cleaning article 100, provision can also advantageously be made for at least five interfaces between any coating lines to be provided ^{per 25 cm 2.} The maximum distance from one Coating line to at least one adjacent coating line is a maximum of 20 mm. In particular, there is at least one interface 208, in particular 1-3 interfaces 208, per grid square 206 of 20 mm edge length, as shown schematically and by way of example in FIG Figure 5a is indicated. This form of evaluation can be carried out on any cleaning article regardless of its dimension and geometric shape, such as, for example, round, oval, angular or some other shape, or also independently of the configuration of the coating. So shows Figure 5b an example of the evaluation of the coating Figure 3 . A degree of coverage of the grid squares 206 with an edge length of 20 mm and an average of 20-35% can be seen. The number of interfaces 208 of the coating lines of the tangent individual patterns is between 1 and 4 per grid square.

Claims (18)

1. A cleaning article (100) having an absorbent base material formed by a flat material having a first side face (102) and a second side face, wherein a coating (112) which has been provided on at least the first side face (102) imparts elevated abrasiveness to the first side face (102) of the cleaning article (100) compared to an uncoated first side face (102), wherein the coating (112) comprises a multitude of coating lines (114) and wherein the coating line height is at most 0.8 mm, characterized in that the coating lines have a ratio of coating line width to coating line height of at least 2 and the coating line width is 0.2-1.5 mm.
2. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the ratio is 2-15, particularly 2-10, more particularly 2-6.
3. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coating (112) has a basis weight of 5-50g/m², particularly 5-40g/m², more particularly 5-25 g/m².
4. The cleaning article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base material has a basis weight of not more than 150 g/m², particularly not more than 130 g/m² particularly not more than 100 g/m², more especially not more than 80 g/m², more especially at least 30 g/m², more especially at least 40 g/m².
5. The cleaning article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid (200) of parallel, equidistant lines running at right angles to one another and having an edge length of 20 mm of each grid square (206) is placed over the first side face (102) of the cleaning article (100), the first side face (102) does not have any grid square free of coating, and, in particular, in that all grid squares (206) have a degree of coating coverage of at least 5%, particularly at least 8%, more particularly at least 10%, more particularly at most 45%, more particularly at most 40%, more particularly at most 35%.
6. The cleaning article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance of any coating line (114) from at least one adjacent coating line (114) in at least one direction, especially in machine direction (210) and or in cross direction (212), especially in any desired direction, is not more than 20 mm, preferably not more than 15 mm, more preferably not more than 10 mm.
7. The cleaning article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are at least 5 interfaces (208) of any coating lines (114) over an area of 25 cm².
8. The cleaning article as claimed in any of the preceding claims 5-7, characterized in that there is at least one interface (208) and there are particularly at least 2, more particularly at least 3, more particularly at most 30, more particularly at most 25, more particularly at most 20, interfaces (208), in at least 50%, especially in at least 75%, especially in 100%, of the grid squares (206).
9. The cleaning article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a coherent structure of coating lines (114) across the coating (112) from one lateral edge (122a) of the cleaning article to the opposite lateral edge (122b) at least in sections, especially continuously.
10. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the coating lines (114) are arranged in such a way that there are no interruptions between the coating lines (114) at least in sections in cross direction (212) of the cleaning article, especially of the base material.
11. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating (112) has or has been formed from a multitude of individual patterns (120), especially individual patterns (120) formed from coating lines (114).
12. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that at least one individual pattern (120) takes the form of a group of patterns (124) comprising at least two pattern elements (126) formed from coating lines (114).
13. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that a first pattern element (126) encircles at least regions of and especially the entirety of a second pattern element (126) or further pattern elements (126), and/or in that a first pattern element (126) is assigned to and arranged in contact with a second pattern element (126) or further pattern elements (126) alongside one another.
14. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side face (102) has a degree of coverage by the coating (112) of at least 6%, particularly at least 8%, particularly at least 10%, more particularly at least 20%, and particularly at most 50%, more particularly at least 40%, and more particularly at most 30%.
15. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating lines (114) take the form of continuous lines and/or lines that are interrupted at least in regions, especially in dashed, dashed-and-dotted or dotted form, where the interruption is not longer than 10 times, especially not longer than 8 times, especially not longer than 6 times, especially not longer than 4 times, the line width of the line adjacent to this site of interruption.
16. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating (112) is polymer-based and especially formed from materials having a Shore A hardness of at least 30, particularly at least 40, more particularly at least 50, more particularly at least 60, particularly of at most 95, more particularly at most 90, more particularly at most 80, more particularly at most 70.
17. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side face (102) having the coating (112) has a dynamic coefficient of friction in accordance with ASTM D1894-01 of at least 0.2, particularly at least 0.3, more particularly at least 0.4, more particularly at least 0.5, more particularly of not more than 1.0, more particularly of not more than 0.8, more particularly not more than 0.6.
18. The cleaning article (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is usable for cleaning of hard surfaces, especially in the domestic sector, and is especially a cleaning cloth for cleaning dishware, for cleaning surfaces, preferably in the kitchen or sanitary sector, or a cleaning cloth for cleaning windows.

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