Textile cleaning element and method for producing same

Abstract

A textile cleaning element (2) according to the invention comprises the following features: a carrier mat (10) having a cleaning functional side (4) and having a rear side (5); and a plurality of textile fibers (12, 14), in particular cleaning fibers, which protrude from the carrier mat (10) on the cleaning functional side (4); wherein the carrier mat (10) has at least one region (6) on the cleaning functional side (4), in which at least a majority of the textile fibers (12) have a lower flexible base region (16), in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially not connected to one another, and an upper cleaning region (18), in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are connected to one another.

Description

[0001] Textile cleaning element and manufacturing process for it

[0002] The invention relates to a textile cleaning element and a manufacturing process for it.

[0003] Textile cleaning elements are known in a variety of designs in the prior art, for example, mop covers, cleaning pads, or wipes. In practice, these are subject to several requirements. They must be able to effectively loosen dirt, transport dirty water into a cleaning container, and transport fresh water from the cleaning container onto the surface to be cleaned, such as a floor. Furthermore, such textile cleaning elements must often be reusable and withstand numerous washing cycles.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a textile cleaning element with which effective dirt removal, high water absorption and release capacity and long durability with a large number of washing cycles is achieved.

[0005] Such a textile cleaning element should be suitable for a wide variety of applications.

[0006] Furthermore, a suitable, effective and practically feasible method for manufacturing such a textile cleaning element should be specified.

[0007] These problems are fully solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent patent claims.

[0008] A textile cleaning element according to the invention comprises the following features: a carrier mat with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side; a plurality of textile fibers, in particular cleaning fibers, which project away from the carrier mat on the cleaning-functional side; wherein the carrier mat has at least one region on the cleaning-functional side in which at least a majority of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base region in which adjacent textile fibers are substantially unconnected to one another, and an upper cleaning region in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to one another. A textile cleaning element according to claim 1 is also referred to as a textile cleaning element according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0009] The area of ​​the cleaning function side, in which at least a large proportion of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other, and an upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, is hereinafter also referred to as the area with fiber structure according to the invention.

[0010] The area with the fiber structure according to the invention can comprise a partial area of ​​the surface of the cleaning functional side and can, for example, be arranged at an edge area of ​​the surface of the cleaning functional side.

[0011] In the remaining area of ​​the surface of the cleaning function side, textile fibers of the usual type may be provided, without an upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other.

[0012] In the remaining or further area, the textile fibers can be designed in such a way that their tips furthest from the backing mat are open and / or loopless / eyeless. These can also be at least partially spliced.

[0013] Alternatively, the entire cleaning-functional side of the carrier mat can be designed as an area with a fiber structure according to the invention.

[0014] According to a basic idea of ​​the present invention, such a textile cleaning element combines the advantages of a high mechanical cleaning effect, through the area with the fiber structure according to the invention, a high water absorption, water release and dirt absorption capacity, through the lower flexible base area, and - if the carrier mat has at least one further area with textile fibers of the usual type in addition to the area with the fiber structure according to the invention - through such a further area.

[0015] Furthermore, such a textile cleaning element is sustainable because the same material can be used for all textile fibers, and in particular for the textile fibers of the area according to the invention with the fiber structure according to the invention, including the upper cleaning area and the lower flexible base area of ​​these fibers. Moreover, such a textile cleaning element has very high washability / excellent wash cycle resistance, in particular more than 500 washes at a washing temperature of 60°C.

[0016] In the upper cleaning zone, the adjacent textile fibers are bonded / fused together, particularly through a thermal or thermokinetic treatment. This reinforced upper cleaning zone combines high mechanical cleaning performance with high durability. Even under heavy stress, the textile fibers do not tear out of the existing structure.

[0017] The upper cleaning area, in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, is retained even after a large number of washing cycles, and the adjacent textile fibers connected / especially welded together there do not separate from each other.

[0018] One can also say that the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area are stabilized or reinforced by the connection / fusion with each other, whereas the textile fibers in the lower area are significantly softer, more flexible and / or elastic.

[0019] The properties of the textile fibers, especially microfibers, particularly good water release capacity and water / dirt absorption capacity, are largely retained in the lower flexible base area.

[0020] The invention also relates to a textile cleaning element comprising the following features: a carrier mat with a cleaning-functional side and a back side; a plurality of textile fibers, in particular hook and loop fibers, which protrude from the carrier mat on the back side; wherein the carrier mat has at least one area on the back side in which at least a majority of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other, and an upper hook and loop area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other.

[0021] A textile cleaning element according to claim 3 is also referred to as a textile cleaning element according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0022] The area of ​​the reverse side, in which at least a large proportion of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other, and an upper hook-and-loop area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, is hereinafter also referred to as the area with fiber structure according to the invention.

[0023] In this case, the textile fibers on the back of the backing mat stand away from the back of the backing mat as hook and loop fibers.

[0024] The cleaning function page can be implemented in any way. In particular, it can also be implemented as specified in claim 1, last feature.

[0025] The formation of the textile fibers in the area with the fiber structure according to the invention enables a very good adhesive bond between the textile fibers and a corresponding surface of a mop holder or a cleaning plate / drive plate of a cleaning machine, which can be designed in particular in the form of a hook plate.

[0026] According to a further fundamental principle of the invention, textile fibers designed in this way provide a sufficient, yet detachable, hook-and-loop connection to such a mop holder or cleaning plate / drive plate. Excessive adhesion to the mop holder or drive plate, as is often the case with conventional cleaning elements, is avoided according to the invention.

[0027] Such a textile cleaning element according to the invention is also designed to be particularly durable; the hook and loop fastener is released by unhooking it from the mop holder / drive plate without causing damage, i.e., the inventive structure of the textile fibers in the area of ​​the back of the carrier mat remains intact.

[0028] At the same time, the stated advantages and embodiments regarding sustainability, washability and resistance to washing cycles also apply unchanged to a textile cleaning element in which the area of ​​the back of the carrier mat is formed with a structure according to the invention.

[0029] The carrier mat can only be formed in at least one area of ​​the back with such a textile fiber structure according to the invention, which is particularly adapted to the surface of the mop holder / drive plate to which the textile cleaning element is to be attached.

[0030] Alternatively, the textile fiber structure according to the invention can also extend over the entire area of ​​the reverse side of the textile cleaning element. The upper hook-and-loop area, in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to one another, exhibits a particularly high mechanical hook-and-loop effect.

[0031] The flexibility of the hook and loop fibers in the lower flexible base area and the properties of the textile fibers in this area remain unchanged.

[0032] The embodiments and advantages described below apply equally to the textile cleaning element according to the first aspect of the invention and to the textile cleaning element according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0033] The textile fibers are significantly harder in the upper cleaning / upper Velcro area than in the lower flexible base area.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a large proportion of the textile fibers have a total height, measured from the plane of the carrier mat, and further comprises at least one of the following features: the total height of the textile fibers, measured from the carrier mat, is 3-20 mm; the upper cleaning area or the upper hook and loop area occupies a height of 10-50%, preferably 10-30%, of the total height; and the lower flexible base area, in which adjacent textile fibers are substantially unconnected to one another, occupies a height of 50-90%, preferably 70-90%, of the total height.

[0035] Textile fibers of this size offer a particularly good combination of mechanical cleaning effect and high water absorption, water release and / or dirt absorption capacity, or a particularly favorable mechanical hook-and-loop effect.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, adjacent textile fibers form loops in the upper cleaning area or in the upper Velcro area.

[0037] The loops can be formed below the upper cleaning area or the upper hook-and-loop area, at the transition to the lower flexible base area, particularly at the transition from the areas of textile fibers connected to each other in the upper cleaning area or the upper hook-and-loop area to the unconnected areas of textile fibers in the lower base area. The loops can also be formed within the upper cleaning area or the upper hook-and-loop area itself, by means of unconnected sections of textile fibers arranged between connected sections.

[0038] These loops allow for easy and secure attachment to a mop holder or drive plate, especially one equipped with hooks. Simultaneously, such a textile cleaning element can also be easily detached from the mop holder / drive plate by unhooking it.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, adjacent textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook and loop area are connected to each other to form one or more bundles, in particular by thermal or thermokinetic treatment.

[0040] This achieves a reliable bond between the adjacent textile fibers in the upper cleaning / hook and loop area without the addition of any other material.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, adjacent textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook and loop area are connected to each other to form one or more bundles, in particular by thermal treatment and the addition of a polymer, especially polyethylene, recycled polyethylene, polyamide or polyester.

[0042] This ensures that the textile fibers in the upper cleaning / hook-and-loop area are bonded together particularly reliably and permanently. The textile fibers in the lower, flexible base area are either completely free of polymer or contain only a very small amount of adhering polymer.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, abrasive grains or particles made of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, corundum, diamond, minerals or rock materials are distributed within the polymer to increase the mechanical cleaning performance or the mechanical hook-and-loop performance.

[0044] Such abrasive grains or particles further increase the mechanical cleaning performance of a textile cleaning element.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the textile fibers are attached to the carrier mat by weaving or sewing. The attachment of the textile fibers to the carrier mat can be carried out in any manner, in particular by weaving or sewing. A particularly suitable example is shown in Figure 2 of WO 2022 / 101873.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the textile fibers are microfibers, cotton and / or a cotton-microfiber blended textile.

[0047] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the textile cleaning element is designed as a wiping cover, for example for a mop holder, in particular a foldable mop holder, or for a cleaning plate, as a cleaning pad; or as a wiping cloth.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element, in particular the wiping cover or the mop cover, is designed as follows:

[0049] At least one area of ​​the carrier mat is folded back and, in particular, connected to the underlying area of ​​the carrier mat by at least one connection, especially a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection, forming a rear material reinforcement area.

[0050] The rear material reinforcement area is arranged opposite the area on the cleaning function side, in which at least a large proportion of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other, and an upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other.

[0051] The height and / or material thickness of the textile cleaning element is increased in the rear material reinforcement area to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area of ​​the textile fibers on the cleaning function side.

[0052] If the folded-over areas are reinforced with cleaning fibers, this results in further material reinforcement. The folded-over areas can also be folded over multiple times, which again provides further material reinforcement.

[0053] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element, in particular the wiping cover or the mop cover, is designed as follows:

[0054] On the reverse side of the area in which at least a large proportion of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other and an upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, a rear material reinforcement area is arranged and is connected to the underlying area of ​​the carrier mat, in particular by at least one connection, especially a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection.

[0055] The height and / or material thickness of the textile cleaning element is increased in the rear material reinforcement area to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area of ​​the textile fibers on the cleaning function side.

[0056] The rear material reinforcement area can be designed as a separate material area and applied to the back of the relevant area with the fiber structure according to the invention on the cleaning side. The desired material reinforcement can be achieved here by appropriate material selection and / or the introduction of an intermediate layer, which can, for example, be formed by cleaning fibers.

[0057] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element, in particular the wiping cover or the mop cover, is designed as follows:

[0058] On the front side of the area in which at least a large proportion of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other and an upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, a front material reinforcement area is arranged and is connected to the area of ​​the carrier mat behind it, in particular by at least one connection, especially a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection.

[0059] The height and / or material thickness of the textile cleaning element is increased in the front material reinforcement area to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area of ​​the textile fibers on the cleaning function side.

[0060] The material reinforcement area can, in particular, have a fiber structure according to the invention. Alternatively, this can also be applied to a front side of the area of ​​the cleaning side of the cleaning element, in which the textile fibers do not have a fiber structure according to the invention, especially since the cleaning fibers are covered anyway by this material reinforcement area on the cleaning side.

[0061] By selecting appropriate materials and / or introducing an intermediate layer, which can be formed, for example, by cleaning fibers, the desired material reinforcement can be achieved.

[0062] In these embodiments, the rear or front material reinforcement areas can be arranged at the lateral edge regions of the textile cleaning element. It is also possible for the rear or front material reinforcement area to be arranged in a central region of the textile cleaning element or to extend to a central region of the textile cleaning element.

[0063] These embodiments are based on the understanding that the textile fibers in the area(s) with the inventive fiber structure of the cleaning function side, measured from the carrier mat, have a lower height than the textile fibers in the adjacent cleaning areas, where the textile fibers are formed differently, e.g., conventionally. This reduced height is compensated for by the material reinforcement in the area(s) with the inventive fiber structure of the cleaning function side, ensuring that the textile fibers effectively come into contact with the surface to be treated and can perform an effective dirt removal and cleaning function.

[0064] The attachment of the mop holder to such a mop cover can be done in the usual way, for example by tabs, straps, Velcro or pockets that are attached to or formed on the mop cover.

[0065] It should be noted at this point that the embodiments of the original patent claims 14 to 16 can also be realized without the inventive aspect of the fiber structure according to the invention on the cleaning function side according to independent patent claim 1.

[0066] No separate, independent patent claims have been filed to date in this regard. However, the applicant expressly reserves the right to file independent patent claims in this regard at a later date, for example by way of a divisional application.

[0067] Such independent patent claims read as follows:

[0068] A cleaning element, in particular a mop cover or wiper cover, comprising: a backing mat with a cleaning functional side and a backing; a plurality of textile fibers, in particular cleaning fibers, which protrude from the backing mat on the cleaning functional side; a portion of the backing mat is folded back and, in particular, connected to the underlying portion of the backing mat by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection, or an ultrasonic connection, and forms a rear material reinforcement area; the rear material reinforcement area is arranged opposite a cleaning area of ​​the cleaning functional side, in which the cleaning fibers have a lower height than cleaning fibers in an adjacent area of ​​the cleaning functional side, behind which no rear material reinforcement area is arranged;and the height and / or material thickness of the textile cleaning element is increased in the rear material reinforcement area to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area of ​​the textile fibers on the cleaning function side.

[0069] A cleaning element, in particular a mop cover or wiper cover, comprising: a backing mat with a cleaning-functional side and a backing; a plurality of textile fibers, in particular cleaning fibers, which protrude from the backing mat on the cleaning-functional side; on the back of a cleaning area of ​​the cleaning-functional side, in which the cleaning fibers have a lower height than cleaning fibers in an adjacent area of ​​the cleaning-functional side, a rear material reinforcement area is arranged and is connected to the underlying area of ​​the backing mat, in particular by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection; the adjacent area of ​​the cleaning-functional side is in particular substantially free of this rear material reinforcement area;and the height and / or material thickness of the textile cleaning element is increased in the rear material reinforcement area to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area of ​​the textile fibers on the cleaning function side.

[0070] A cleaning element, in particular a mop cover or wiper cover, comprising: a backing mat with a cleaning-functional side and a backing; a plurality of textile fibers, in particular cleaning fibers, which protrude from the backing mat on the cleaning-functional side; a front material reinforcement area is arranged on the front of the area of ​​the cleaning-functional side and is connected to the area of ​​the backing mat behind it, in particular by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection; in this area the cleaning fibers have a lower height than cleaning fibers in an adjacent area of ​​the cleaning-functional side, the adjacent area of ​​the cleaning-functional side is in particular substantially free of this front material reinforcement area;and the height and / or material thickness of the textile cleaning element is increased in the front material reinforcement area to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area of ​​the textile fibers on the cleaning function side.

[0071] These patent claims can be supplemented by corresponding dependent claims directed to the embodiments disclosed above with reference to the mop.

[0072] Furthermore, dependent claims may be added which are directed to the last feature of independent claim 1 and to the features of claims 2 and 5 to 9.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a textile cleaning element, in particular of the type described herein, comprising the following process steps:

[0074] Providing a backing mat with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side in which a multitude of textile fibers, in particular cleaning fibers, on the cleaning-functional side protrude from the backing mat, the tips of which are open and / or loopless / eyeless; or

[0075] Providing a backing mat with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side in which a large number of textile fibers, in particular hook and loop fibers, protrude from the back of the backing mat, the tips of which are open and / or loopless / eyeless; and in at least one area of ​​the cleaning-functional side or the reverse side:

[0076] Thermokinetic treatment of the upper cleaning area or the upper hook-and-loop area of ​​the textile fibers by passing a gas, in particular nitrogen, argon or air, over them at a gas temperature that is above the melting temperature of the textile fibers at the moment of impact, in particular at a gas temperature of 120-1000 °C, preferably 200-800 °C, more preferably 400-600 °C, and thereby thermally bonding adjacent textile fibers in an upper cleaning area or in an upper hook-and-loop area.

[0077] The features, embodiments and advantages mentioned above with reference to the textile cleaning element (with mop) also apply to the method according to the invention in a procedurally equivalent manner and are not repeated here.

[0078] With such a method according to the invention, a textile cleaning element according to the invention can be reliably and effectively produced in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention. According to the broadest embodiment of the present invention, no additional materials are required for this purpose. The area(s) of the surface of the carrier mat in which the fiber structure according to the invention is to be generated are treated thermokinetically by passing a gas over them, as specified in the independent method claim. This thermally bonds adjacent textile fibers together in an upper cleaning area or in an upper hook-and-loop area, in particular by welding them together.

[0079] The specific fiber structure produced thereby is described in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0080] In those surface areas of the textile cleaning element over which the gas does not flow, the tips removed from the carrier mat remain open and / or without loops / eyelets, remaining unchanged and in their original condition.

[0081] It is of course also possible to treat the entire surface of the textile cleaning element thermokinetically and thereby create a fiber structure according to the invention.

[0082] According to a further embodiment of the inventive method, adjacent textile fibers remain essentially unconnected to each other in a lower, flexible base area of ​​the inventive fiber structure arranged adjacent to the carrier mat.

[0083] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the overall height of the textile fibers, measured from the carrier mat, decreases during thermokinetic treatment. The textile fibers in the upper cleaning area and in the upper hook-and-loop area shrink. This results in the different heights H1 and H2 specified in the exemplary embodiment.

[0084] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, during thermokinetic treatment a polymer, in particular polyethylene, recycled polyethylene, polyamide or polyester, is carried along with the gas and applied to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area. The polymer adheres to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook-and-loop area and supports the formation of loops.

[0085] The polymer can be applied to the textile fibers in any desired manner. A suitable setup is described, for example, in US 2021 / 0007184 A1. According to a further embodiment of the inventive method, during thermokinetic treatment, the polymer to be applied to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook-and-loop area contains abrasive grains or particles made of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, corundum, diamond, or mineral materials. During thermokinetic treatment, the polymer and the grains or particles can be carried along by the gas and applied to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook-and-loop area.

[0086] The advantages resulting from the applied polymer and the abrasive grains / particles contained therein have been described above with reference to the textile cleaning element and will not be repeated here.

[0087] The abrasive grains and particles can be distributed particularly evenly in the polymer material in the upper cleaning area / upper hook and loop area, which ensures particularly good integration of the abrasive grains / particles in the polymer material and accordingly in the upper cleaning area / upper hook and loop area and prevents the release / loss of such abrasive grains / particles.

[0088] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0089] Figure 1 shows a top view and a sectional view of a textile cleaning element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 2 shows a side view of a section of a textile cleaning element according to Figure 1, with first and second cleaning fibers, and detailed views of the upper regions of the first cleaning fibers, in which the cleaning fiber regions in the upper cleaning region are welded together (Figure 2(b)), in which the cleaning fiber regions in the upper cleaning region are welded together and connected to each other by means of a polymer (Figure 2(c)), and in which the cleaning fiber regions in the upper cleaning region are welded together and connected to each other by means of a polymer in which grains / particles are enclosed (Figure 2(d)); and

[0091] Figures 3, 4 and 5 each show schematic front views of a mop holder and a mop cover, according to further embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a wiping cloth or wiper cover with a substantially square shape as a textile cleaning element 2. Other textile cleaning elements, not shown but included in the present invention, can be wiping cloths, wiper covers, or mop covers for a mop holder, in particular a folding mop holder, or for a cleaning plate / drive plate, which can have any shape.

[0093] The present invention also includes cleaning pads that can be applied with their back side to a cleaning plate / drive plate of a cleaning machine.

[0094] Figure 1 (b) shows a sectional view along the section plane AA, which in Figure 1 (a) runs vertically and orthogonally through the drawing plane.

[0095] The textile cleaning element 2 shown in Figure 1 (a) has a substantially square or rectangular shape.

[0096] The side facing upwards in Figure 1(a) and to the right in Figure 1(b) represents the cleaning function side 4. The side of the textile cleaning element 2 facing downwards and not visible in Figure 1(a) and facing left in Figure 1(b) represents the reverse side 5.

[0097] When the textile cleaning element 2 is designed as a mop cover or as a cleaning pad, the textile cleaning element 2 can be attached to a mop holder or a cleaning plate / drive plate of a cleaning machine by means of a clamping or fastening element not shown here.

[0098] The cleaning function side 4 of the textile cleaning element 2 comprises first cleaning areas 6 and second cleaning areas 8. In Figure 1(a), the first cleaning areas 6 are indicated by a darker color than the second cleaning areas 8. In Figure 1(b), it is clearly visible that in the first cleaning areas 6, the textile fibers 12 have a lower height, measured upwards from the carrier mat 10 (i.e., to the right in Figure 1(b)), than the textile fibers 14 in the second cleaning areas 8.

[0099] The textile fibers 12 of the first cleaning areas 6 have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile phases are essentially unconnected, and an upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected. In contrast, the cleaning fibers 14 of the second cleaning areas 8 are unconnected along their entire length and have open ends / tips without loops or eyelets.

[0100] The first cleaning areas 6 are shown in the purely exemplary representation according to Figure 1 (a) as an upper horizontal strip, as a lower, middle, round area and as square areas arranged to the left and right of the lower, middle, round area.

[0101] The upper strip is positioned at approximately three-quarters of the total height of the textile cleaning element 2. The lower, middle, round cleaning area is laterally framed by the angular side cleaning areas. All three lower cleaning areas are positioned at approximately one-quarter to one-fifth of the total height of the textile cleaning element 2.

[0102] The first cleaning areas 6 with the first cleaning fibers 12 are primarily intended and suitable for the mechanical removal of dirt particles, especially by means of their upper cleaning area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, and they accordingly have a high mechanical cleaning effect.

[0103] The lower flexible base area of ​​the first cleaning fibers 12, in which the adjacent textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other, has a high water absorption, water release and dirt absorption capacity.

[0104] The second textile fibers 14 of the second cleaning areas 8, which are essentially unconnected to each other over their entire height, have a high water absorption, water release and dirt absorption capacity, but only a low mechanical cleaning effect.

[0105] Figure 2 (a) clearly shows that the first cleaning fibers 12, measured from the carrier mat 10, have a lower height H2 than the second cleaning fibers 14, whose height is marked H1.

[0106] In Figure 1 (b) and Figure 2 (a) it can be clearly seen that the first cleaning fibers 12 and the second cleaning fibers 14 extend away from the carrier mat 10 on the cleaning function side 4.

[0107] It can also be seen that adjacent cleaning fibers 14 are unconnected to each other over their entire height H1. Although this is not shown, some of the cleaning fibers 14 may also be split, i.e., branched into separate fibers. Likewise, some of the second cleaning fibers 14 may have a shorter height than H1.

[0108] The height H1 can also be understood as a height range. The ends / tips of the second cleaning fibers 14 do not have to lie exactly in the same plane, as indicated by the upper ends / tips of the cleaning fibers 14 in both Figure 1 (b) and Figure 2 (a).

[0109] The first cleaning fibers 12 of the first cleaning areas 6 have a total height H2, measured from the carrier mat upwards in Figure 2 (a) and to the right in Figure 1 (b).

[0110] The cleaning fibers 12 are divided into a lower flexible base area 16, in which adjacent textile fibers or adjacent areas of textile fibers are essentially unconnected to each other, and into an upper cleaning area 18, in which adjacent textile fibers or adjacent areas of textile fibers are connected to each other.

[0111] In the upper cleaning area 18, the adjacent textile fibers have a high mechanical cleaning effect. In the lower flexible base area 16, the adjacent textile fibers 12 have a high water release and / or water absorption and / or dirt absorption capacity.

[0112] The first cleaning fibers 12 form loops 26. These are formed, in particular below the upper cleaning area 18, at the transition from the upper cleaning area 18 to the lower flexible base area 16.

[0113] Adjacent cleaning fibers 12 in the upper cleaning area 18 are connected to one or more bundles, in particular fused by thermal treatment. This is also clearly visible in Figures 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d). There, the upper areas of the cleaning fibers 12 are connected to one or more bundles, in particular fused by thermal treatment.

[0114] According to Figure 2(c), in addition to the thermal bonding / thermal welding, a polymer material 22, for example a polyethylene, recycled polyethylene, polyamide, or polyester material, is present in the upper cleaning region 18, embedding and surrounding the tips of the cleaning fibers 12. Such a polymer material in the upper cleaning region 18 increases the mechanical cleaning performance of the first cleaning fibers 12.

[0115] According to Figure 2(c), in addition to the thermal bonding / thermal welding, a polymer material 22, for example polytetrafluoroethylene, is provided which embeds and surrounds the tips of the cleaning fibers 12. Such a polymer material in the upper cleaning area 18 increases the mechanical stability of the fibers and reduces the coefficient of friction with the surface to be cleaned.

[0116] As shown in Figure 2 (b), abrasive grains or particles 24 made of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, corundum, diamond or rock materials are distributed within this polymer material, which further increases the mechanical cleaning performance.

[0117] However, the polymer material 22, and in particular the grains or particles 24, are only present in the upper cleaning area 18. The lower flexible base area 16 is essentially free of such polymer material and free of such grains / particles.

[0118] As a result, the cleaning fibers 12 in the lower base area 16 have a high water release and / or water absorption and / or dirt absorption capacity. This capacity is significantly lower in the upper cleaning area 18.

[0119] The cleaning fibers 12 and 14 can be microfibers, cotton, and / or a cotton-microfiber blend. These are typically attached to the carrier mat 10 by weaving or sewing. For suitable heights / lengths and height / length ranges of the textile fibers 12 and 14, please refer to the general description section.

[0120] In another embodiment, not shown here, the loops in the upper cleaning area 18 are formed themselves, for example by unconnected sections of textile fibers arranged between connected sections.

[0121] Above, the textile cleaning element 2 and its textile fibers 12 and 14 have been described such that these textile fibers 12 and 14 and the first and second cleaning areas 6 and 8 are arranged on the cleaning-functional side 4 of the carrier mat 10. In an alternative embodiment, the textile fibers 12 can be arranged on the back of the carrier mat 10, pointing away from it and forming hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0122] By means of such hook and loop fibers 12, and in particular by means of the loops 26 on or below the upper area 18, which in this case is to be regarded as the hook and loop area, such a textile cleaning element 2 can be easily and securely attached, for example, to a mop holder or a drive plate / cleaning plate of a cleaning machine, in particular by means of a hook and loop connection. The cleaning-functional side opposite the back side with such hook and loop fibers can be equipped with conventional cleaning fibers.

[0123] The present description and all stated features and advantages apply equally to such a textile cleaning element having the following features: a backing mat with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side; a plurality of textile fibers, in particular hook-and-loop fibers, which extend away from the backing mat on the reverse side; wherein the backing mat has at least one area on the reverse side in which at least a majority of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are substantially unconnected to one another, and an upper hook-and-loop area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to one another.

[0124] One simply needs to imagine that the term cleaning fibers is replaced by the term hook and loop fibers and the terms cleaning area / cleaning areas / upper cleaning area are replaced by the respective terms hook and loop area / hook and loop areas / upper hook and loop area.

[0125] Hooking elements, which are typically provided on a mop holder or a cleaning plate, can thus reliably but still releasably hook against the textile fibers 12 / hook and loop fibers 12, especially in the loops 26 below the tips or at the transition from the upper hook and loop area 18 to the lower flexible base area 16.

[0126] Furthermore, the first Velcro areas 6 are typically designed for those areas of the mop holder / cleaning plate that are equipped with corresponding interlocking elements.

[0127] A textile cleaning element 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is manufactured in particular as follows.

[0128] First, a backing mat is provided with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side, in which a multitude of textile fibers, in particular cleaning fibers, protrude from the backing mat on the cleaning-functional side, the tips of which are open and / or loopless / eyeless. Alternatively, a backing mat is provided with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side, in which a multitude of textile fibers, in particular hook-and-loop fibers, protrude from the backing mat on the reverse side, the tips of which are open and / or loopless / eyeless.

[0129] In at least one area of ​​the cleaning-functional side or the reverse side, the upper cleaning area or the upper hook-and-loop area of ​​the textile fibers undergoes a thermokinetic treatment by passing a gas, in particular nitrogen, argon, or air, over it at a gas temperature that, at the moment of impact on the textile fibers, is above the melting point of the textile fibers, particularly at a gas temperature of 120–1000 °C, preferably 200–800 °C, more preferably 400–600 °C. This causes adjacent textile fibers in an upper cleaning area or in an upper hook-and-loop area to bond together. The gas flow is controlled such that adjacent textile fibers in a lower, flexible base area located next to the backing mat remain essentially unbonded.

[0130] In this process, the overall height of the textile fibers, measured from the backing mat, decreases from height H1 to height H2. The textile fibers in the upper cleaning area, or in the upper hook-and-loop area, shrink to a total height of H2. The upper cleaning area, or upper hook-and-loop area, then reaches a height of H4, and the lower flexible base area reaches a height of H3.

[0131] In the production of a textile cleaning element according to Figure 2(c), a polymer, in particular polyethylene, recycled polyethylene, polyamide or polyester, is carried along with the gas during thermokinetic treatment and applied to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area. The polymer adheres to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook-and-loop area and supports the formation of loops.

[0132] In the production of a textile cleaning element 2 according to Figure 2(b), the polymer to be applied to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook-and-loop area contains abrasive grains or particles made of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, corundum, diamond, or rock materials during thermokinetic treatment. During thermokinetic treatment, the polymer and the grains or particles are carried along by the gas and applied to the textile fibers in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook-and-loop area.

[0133] Figures 3, 4, and 5 each schematically depict a mop holder 30 and a mop cover 28 arranged below it (Figure 5 shows two different mop covers 28). Arrows illustrate the downward force transmission from the mop holder 30 to the respective mop cover 28.

[0134] The mop holder 30 is attached to the mop cover 28 in the usual way, for example by inserting its wings into straps, tabs, Velcro or pockets that are formed or attached to the mop cover 28, which are not shown here for the sake of simplicity.

[0135] Based on the finding that the textile fibers in the area(s) with the inventive fiber structure 6 of the cleaning functional side 4, measured from the carrier mat 10, have a lower height than the textile fibers in the adjacent cleaning areas, where the textile fibers are formed differently, e.g. conventionally, the mop covers 28 according to figures 3, 4 and 5 each have material reinforcement areas 32, 34, 36, 38.

[0136] These material reinforcement areas 32, 34, 36, 38 in the area(s) with the fiber structure 6 according to the invention of the cleaning functional side 4 compensate for this reduced height and ensure that the textile fibers effectively come into contact with the surface to be treated and can develop an effective dirt removal and cleaning function.

[0137] According to Figure 3, the lateral edge areas of the carrier mat 10 are folded back and, in particular, are connected by at least one connection, especially a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection, to the respective areas of the carrier mat 10 located below in Figure 3, and form rear material reinforcement areas 32.

[0138] These rear material reinforcement areas 32 are arranged opposite the areas 6 on the cleaning function side 4 with the fiber structure according to the invention. As shown, they can also be folded / folded over twice.

[0139] According to Figure 4, material reinforcement areas 34 are sewn onto the edge from below the side edge areas of the carrier mat 10.

[0140] According to Figure 5, in the upper mop cover 28, the lateral edge areas of the carrier mat 10 are again folded backwards and connected to the area in front of the carrier mat 10 by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection, wherein the end of the area folded from the right extends to an area to the left of the center and the end of the area folded from the left extends to an area to the right of the center of the mop cover 2, so that the end areas overlap on the back of the mop cover 2 in an area which corresponds to the position of the area 6 on the cleaning functional side 4 with fiber structure according to the invention.

[0141] Thus, the height / material thickness in areas 8 without the fiber structure according to the invention is increased by the height / material thickness of the folded-over carrier mat 10 and its cleaning fibers.

[0142] In the area 6 with fiber structure according to the invention, the height / material thickness is virtually doubled, namely by the height of the two overlapping ends of the carrier mat 10 with respective cleaning fibers arranged on the back.

[0143] According to the mop cover 28 shown in Figure 5 below, a front material reinforcement area 38 is arranged in the lower middle area 6 from below and sewn to the area above it of the carrier mat 10 and its textile fibers.

[0144] This front material reinforcement area 38 can in particular be designed with a fiber structure according to the invention, as shown in Figure 5 below.

[0145] In Figures 3, 4 and 5 below, areas 8 are formed without the fiber structure according to the invention and without material reinforcement areas.

[0146] Reference symbol list

[0147] 2 textile cleaning elements

[0148] 4 Cleaning function page

[0149] 5 Back

[0150] 6 first cleaning areas

[0151] 8 second cleaning areas

[0152] AA cross-section

[0153] 10 carrier mat

[0154] 12 first cleaning fibers

[0155] H1 Height of the first cleaning fibers / height before thermokinetic treatment

[0156] 14 2nd cleaning fibers

[0157] H2 Height of the second cleaning fibers / height after thermokinetic treatment

[0158] 16 lower flexible base area with unconnected adjacent cleaning fiber areas

[0159] 18 upper cleaning area with connected adjacent cleaning fiber areas

[0160] H3 Height of the lower flexible base area

[0161] H4 Height of the upper cleaning area

[0162] 20 welded cleaning fiber areas in the upper cleaning area

[0163] 22 Polymer

[0164] 24 enclosed grains / particles

[0165] 26 loops

[0166] 28 mop covers

[0167] 30 mop holders

[0168] 32 stitched material reinforcement areas at the edge

[0169] 34 sewn-on material reinforcement areas at the edge

[0170] 36 stitched back material reinforcement area

[0171] 38 sewn-on central material reinforcement area

Claims

Patent claims 1. Textile cleaning element (2) comprising the following features: a carrier mat (10) with a cleaning-functional side (4) and with a back side (5); and a plurality of textile fibers (12, 14), in particular cleaning fibers, which extend away from the carrier mat (10) on the cleaning-functional side (4); wherein the carrier mat (10) has at least one area (6) on the cleaning-functional side (4) in which at least a majority of the textile fibers (12) have a lower flexible base area (16) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially unconnected to one another, and an upper cleaning area (18) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are connected to one another.

2. Textile cleaning element (2) according to claim 1, wherein the upper cleaning area (18), in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are connected to each other, has a high mechanical cleaning effect; and / or wherein the lower flexible base area (16), in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially unconnected to each other, has a high water release and / or dirt absorption capacity.

3. Textile cleaning element (2) comprising the following features: a carrier mat with a cleaning-functional side and with a back side; and a plurality of textile fibers, in particular hook and loop fibers, which extend away from the carrier mat on the back side; wherein the carrier mat has at least one area on the back side in which at least a majority of the textile fibers have a lower flexible base area in which adjacent textile fibers are substantially unconnected to each other, and an upper hook and loop area in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other.

4. Textile cleaning element (2) according to claim 3, wherein the upper hook and loop area, in which adjacent textile fibers are connected to each other, has a high mechanical hook and loop effect.

5. Textile cleaning element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a majority of the textile fibers (12, 14) have a total height (H1, H2) measured from the plane of the carrier mat (10); and further comprising at least one of the following features: wherein the total height (H1 , H2) of the textile fibers (12, 14), measured from the carrier mat (10), is 3-20 mm; wherein the upper cleaning area (18) or the upper hook and loop area occupies a height of 10-50%, preferably 10-30%, of the total height (H2); and wherein the lower flexible base area (16), in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially unconnected to each other, occupies a height (H3) of 50-90%, preferably 70-90%, of the total height (H2).

6. Textile cleaning element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent textile fibers (12) form loops (26) in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area; and / or wherein the loops (26) are formed below the upper cleaning area (18) or the upper hook and loop area, at the transition to the lower flexible base area (16), in particular at the transition from the areas of the textile fibers (12) connected to each other in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area to the unconnected areas of the textile fibers (12) in the lower base area (16); and / or wherein the loops in the upper cleaning area or in the upper hook and loop area itself are formed by unconnected sections of textile fibers that are arranged between connected sections.

7. Textile cleaning element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent textile fibers (12) in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area are joined together to form one or more bundles, in particular fused together by thermal or thermokinetic treatment (20); and / or 8. Textile cleaning element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent textile fibers in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area are joined together to form one or more bundles, in particular by thermal treatment and addition of a polymer (22), in particular polyethylene, recycled polyethylene, polyamide or polyester; and / or wherein abrasive grains or particles (24) made of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, corundum, diamond or rock materials are distributed within the polymer (22) to increase the mechanical cleaning performance or the mechanical hook and loop performance.

9. Textile cleaning element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile fibers (12, 14) are attached to the carrier mat (10) by weaving or sewing; and / or wherein the textile fibers (12, 14) are microfibers, cotton and / or a cotton / microfiber blended textile; and / or wherein the textile cleaning element (2) as a wiping cover, for example for a mop holder, in particular a folding mop holder, or for a cleaning plate; or as a cleaning pad; or as a wiping cloth.

10. Textile cleaning element (2), in particular a wiper cover or mop cover according to claim 9, wherein at least one area of ​​the carrier mat (10) is folded back and is connected to the underlying area of ​​the carrier mat (10) by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection, and forms a rear material reinforcement area (32, 36); wherein the rear material reinforcement area (32, 36) is arranged opposite the area (6) on the cleaning function side (4), in which at least a majority of the textile fibers (12) have a lower flexible base area (16) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially unconnected to each other, and an upper cleaning area (18) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are connected to each other;and wherein the height and / or the material thickness of the textile cleaning element (2) is increased in the rear material reinforcement area (32, 36) to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area (18) of the textile fibers (12) on the cleaning function side (4).; 11. Textile cleaning element (2), in particular a wiper cover or mop cover according to claim 9, wherein on the back of the area (6), in which at least a large proportion of the textile fibers (12) have a lower flexible base area (16) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially unconnected to each other, and an upper cleaning area (18) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are connected to each other, a rear material reinforcement area (32, 36) is arranged and is connected to the underlying area of ​​the carrier mat (10) by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection;and wherein the height and / or the material thickness of the textile cleaning element (2) is increased in the rear material reinforcement area (32, 36) to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area (18) of the textile fibers (12) on the cleaning function side (4).; 12. Textile cleaning element (2), in particular a wiper cover or mop cover according to claim 9, wherein on the front of the area (6), in which at least a majority of the textile fibers (12) have a lower flexible base area (16) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are substantially unconnected to each other, and an upper cleaning area (18) in which adjacent textile fibers (12) are connected to each other, a front material reinforcement area (34, 38) is arranged and is connected in particular by at least one connection, in particular a mechanical connection, such as a seam, an adhesive connection or an ultrasonic connection to the area of ​​the carrier mat (10) located behind it;and wherein the height and / or the material thickness of the textile cleaning element (2) is increased in the front material reinforcement area (34, 38) to improve the force transmission into the upper cleaning area (18) of the textile fibers (12) on the cleaning function side (4).; 13. Textile cleaning element (2), in particular a wiper cover or mop cover according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the rear or front material reinforcement areas (32, 34) are arranged on lateral edge areas of the textile cleaning element (2); and / or wherein the rear or front material reinforcement area (36, 38) is arranged on a central area of ​​the textile cleaning element (2) or extends to a central area of ​​the textile cleaning element (2).

14. Method for producing a textile cleaning element (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following method steps: Providing a carrier mat (10) with a cleaning-functional side (4) and with a back side (5) wherein a plurality of textile fibers (12, 14), in particular cleaning fibers on the cleaning-functional side (4), protrude from the carrier mat (10), the tips of which are open and / or loopless / eyeless on the carrier mat (10); or Providing a backing mat with a cleaning-functional side and a reverse side in which a plurality of textile fibers, in particular hook and loop fibers, protrude from the reverse side of the backing mat, the tips of which are open and / or loopless / eyeless; and in at least one area of ​​the cleaning-functional side (4) or the reverse side: Thermokinetic treatment of the upper cleaning area (18) or the upper hook-and-loop area of ​​the textile fibers (12) by passing a gas, in particular nitrogen, argon or air, over it at a gas temperature which, at the moment of impact on the textile fibers (12), is above the melting temperature of the textile fibers (12), in particular- the at a gas temperature of 120-1000 °C, preferably 200-800 °C, more preferably 400-600 °C, and thereby thermally joining of adjacent textile fibers (12) in an upper cleaning area (18) or in an upper hook and loop area.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein adjacent textile fibers (12) remain substantially unconnected to each other in a lower, flexible base area (16) arranged adjacent to the carrier mat (10); and / or wherein the overall height of the textile fibers (12), measured from the carrier mat (10), decreases during thermokinetic treatment and / or the textile fibers (12) shrink in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein during thermokinetic treatment a polymer (22), in particular polyethylene, recycled polyethylene, polyamide or polyester, is carried along with the gas and applied to the textile fibers (12) in the upper cleaning area (18); wherein the polymer (22) adheres to the textile fibers (12) in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area, and supports the formation of loops (26).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein during thermokinetic treatment the polymer (22) to be applied to the textile fibers (12) in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area contains abrasive grains or particles (24) made of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, corundum, diamond or rock materials; and / or wherein during thermokinetic treatment the polymer (22) and the grains or particles (24) are carried along with the gas and applied to the textile fibers (12) in the upper cleaning area (18) or in the upper hook and loop area.

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