DE602005001110T2 - Method for maintenance of hard surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A tool for treating a hard surface comprises a flexible pad (1) having an active treatment surface presenting abrasive particles bonded to the pad, wherein the pad presents a first portion (P1) wherein said abrasive particles are present in a first concentration, and a second portion (P2, P2') having a second, lower concentration of said abrasive particles, said abrasive particles comprising diamond particles.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining hard Surfaces, mainly concrete (Cement), terrazzo and granite floor surfaces, but also marble or limestone surfaces. The invention In particular, it relates to a method of maintenance, which is intended for daily Use to maintain a polished hard floor surface is.

background

in the Related to cleaning or light polishing of floor surfaces the use of a pad in the form of a three-dimensional nonwoven web known. The pillow will become ordinary as a circular, disc-shaped Article provided, which on a circular support plate separable to attach, which in operation in a plane parallel with the soil surface is rotated so that the pillow when in contact with the soil surface is brought by the between the soil surface and the carrier plate resulting pressure is slightly compressed. The carrier plate becomes ordinary powered by a motor and can be mounted on a carrier housing which can be arranged by a walking user can be pulled or pushed, or which as a mobile Vehicle can be arranged.

Such Cushions become ordinary formed of fibers of an organic material, for. As polyamide and / or Polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate. In some cases, these include Fibers also natural Fibers, such as walnut fibers or coconut fibers.

The Fibers of the pillow become at their mutual contact points connected by so-called fusion bonding, wherein the Fibers of a heat treatment be subjected, which causes the outer regions of the fibers easily melt and thereby bind together.

alternative or additionally can the fibers are connected together at their mutual contact points by impregnating the pad with a polymer resin, hereinafter referred to as "primary binder".

The production of this type of nonwoven pad is z. B. from the US-A-3,537,121 . US-A-4,893,439 . EP-A-0397374 . GB-A-1348526 and EP-A-0562919 well known and therefore does not need to be elaborated here.

US-A-3,537,121 discloses a pad for polishing surfaces of aluminum, plastic, wax and similar surfaces. US-A-3,537,121 also discloses the manufacture of such cushions. In US-A-3,537,121 For example, a binder mixed with abrasive particles is applied to the pad by passing the pad through a pair of pressure rollers, one of which partially dips into a container for a mixture of binder resin and abrasive particles, after which the pad is cured or dried.

US-A-3,537,121 thus provides a pad which is completely impregnated by the binder and the abrasive particles.

US-A-4,803,439 discloses a cushion for polishing floor surfaces or aluminum. The pad is made of fibers of an organic material and forms an airy, open nonwoven structure, and contains a binder that binds abrasive particles to the fibers. This in US-A-4,893,493 shown pillow has larger cavities than that in US-A-3,537,121 and thus has an improved dirt holding capacity so that it can be used over a longer period of time. This in US-A-4,893,494 The disclosed pillow is also completely impregnated with binder and abrasive particles.

EP-A-0 397 374 discloses a floor polishing machine pad which is also completely impregnated with binder and abrasive particles.

Cushions of the above type are regularly used for so-called "burnishing", that is dry-polishing (often daily) of very lightly worn surfaces at high speed (1500 to 3000 rpm) and relatively low pressure, with the intention to restore a polished surface manufacture. This type of finish is commonly used on both vinyl and marble floors. Cushions usable for this purpose are available from ^3M® under the designation "3M ^™ Floor Pads" and have little or no effect on very hard floor surfaces such as terrazzo or concrete which worn over a longer period of time.

EP-A-0 562 919 discloses a nonwoven pad of polymer fibers which is completely impregnated with a binder comprising a mixture of a curable synthetic resin and abrasive particles having a particle size of 0.1-30 μm. As examples of the curable resins, mention is made of phenol resin, acrylic resin, melamine resin and urea resin. Diamond is mentioned as one of some other examples of plausible abrasive particles. According to EP-A-0 562 919 however, the pad disclosed therein is suitable for treating marble surfaces, and only in combination with crystallization chemicals, therefore, the treatment must be carried out in the presence of a liquid containing a salt-forming acid.

The pillow off EP-A-0 562 919 is also provided by passing a nonwoven pad through a nip between two pressure rollers, one of which is partially dipped in a binder / abrasive particle mixture so that the binder and abrasive particles are distributed over the surface of the cylinder in the pad.

Since that in EP-A-0 562 919 In the presence of crystallization chemicals, the disclosed pillow is used in EP-A-0 562 919 described method actually an overglazing method, which is used with the intention of improving the soil repellency and durability of a marble floor. This method is not suitable for daily maintenance because it involves the use of special crystallization chemicals, including acids, which are said to react with the calcium present in the soil surface to form insoluble calcium salts. Such a process is typically used once in connection with the initial production of a polished marble floor, and thereafter at intervals of 6 to 12 months. This in EP-A-0 562 919 described method is therefore too complicated for daily use.

Cushion of in EP-A-0 562 919 ^{3M® are sold} under the name "3M ^™ 5200 Brown Stone Renew Pad" and "3M ^™ 4000 Gray Stone Polish Pad" and are used to treat marble in the presence of crystallization chemicals and at relatively low speeds (below 250 rpm). used.

The Need of crystallization chemicals does the polishing work more complicated as the chemicals may need to be applied to the surface, possibly followed by removal of excess chemicals, which also contributes to make the polishing work more time consuming. Handling and application The chemicals also pose a potential threat to the environment in general and the working environment in particular.

It is also known, polished stone or concrete surfaces below Using a device, comprising grinding or polishing elements, made of a with Abrasive particles mixed with synthetic resin, e.g. As diamond particles to provide. Because such elements are usually on one rotating plate are firmly mounted, they are unable To compensate for unevenness in the soil, resulting in uneven treatment the soil surface to lead can, or for scratching or staining the soil surface, if such an element contacts the surface with excess pressure. One Another problem is that abrasion, such as grains of sand, is small Stick stones or metal to or near the elements and cause scratching of the floor surfaces. Finally, this device type requires a special equipment, the capable is a higher one Pressure on the contact surface between the device and the soil surface exercise.

WO 03/075734 discloses a disc-shaped device for cleaning purposes, comprising a nylon scrubbing material mounted on a rigid disc, wherein abrasive elements containing industrial diamond are placed in wells of the effective scrubbing surface. A disadvantage of in WO 03/07534 disclosed device is that the risk of sticking of abrasion on or in the vicinity of the grinding elements is not eliminated. Another disadvantage is that the device is complicated and therefore more prone to breakage, more difficult to manufacture and more expensive to manufacture.

It There is therefore a need for an improved and simplified Method and a device to the daily Maintenance of hard surfaces. The method should preferably be easy to use, e.g. B. by persons who do not special training in soil preparation and the process should be carried out with conventional soil surface treatment equipment, e.g. B. burnishing machines, etc. be usable. The device should also be easy to manufacture, not too expensive and durable.

Summary of the invention

A The object of the invention is to provide an improved Technique that addresses the problems of procedures and pillows the technique completely or partially cleared out. In particular, it is an object of a method for treating hard surfaces to provide which is easier to use and which one comparable or better result than the procedures according to State of the art.

The invention is based on the idea that abrasive particles in the form of diamond particles provide a polishing effect that is significantly improved over that with those abrasive particles used in the e.g. In EP-A-0 562 919 can be achieved, and that this polishing effect is improved so that the need for crystallization chemicals is eliminated.

The Invention is by the attached independent Claim defined. embodiments are in the dependent claims and set forth in the following description and drawings.

Consequently is a method for maintaining hard floor surfaces, comprising Stone or a stone-like material, provided, the Method having the features set forth in claim 1.

Of the Term "diamond" includes both Natural diamond as well as synthetic diamond, and diamond particles, with a suitable coating, for. As silver coated are.

The term "effective amount" means an amount sufficient to produce a measurable gloss improvement compared to the same treatment using a liquid that does not contain any crystallizing agent at all. Amounts known to be effective are about 1 to 2 liters of a crystallizing agent (comprising 2-30% by weight of, for example, magnesium hexafluorosilicate) on 50 m ^{2 of} soil surface for a single treatment operation. Thus, amounts known to be effective on an adhoc basis are about 0.4 g of magnesium hexafluorosilicate per m ^{2 of} soil surface. A diluted crystallizing agent z. In a ratio of 1: 100, however, is also known to be effective when repeated, e.g. As in the context of daily or weekly maintenance is used. Hence, amounts known for maintenance on a regular basis to be effective, to about 0.004 g Magnesiumhexafluorsilikat per m ² floor surface. There are of course other types of crystallizing agents, e.g. As zinc hexafluorosilicate, hydrofluoric acid and oxalic acid. The above values may therefore need to be adjusted to suit the appropriate type of crystallizing agent chosen.

The Combination of an elastic pillow and diamond particles poses a compensation for Unevenness in the surface ready, and distributes the pressure exerted on the cushion evenly. As well reduces this combination through the flexibility of the pillow the risk of scratching the surface by the diamonds significantly.

The Use of diamond particles as abrasive particles during polishing of hard stone surfaces an effect equal to or better than when used from conventional Abrasive particles, both in wet and dry conditions. In particular, allows the use of diamonds omitting the crystallization agent, whereby its handling is turned off.

The Treatment can be essentially in the absence of fluid be done on the contact surface, d. H. while essentially dry conditions; or in the presence of water the contact surface, d. H. while wet conditions. In particular, the treatment may be in the presence carried out by water and a cleaning agent on the contact surface, making it outstanding with everyday Maintenance / cleaning operations can be combined.

In an embodiment The abrasive particles are attached to the pillow with the help of a secondary binder bound. Therefore, no need abrasives in the treatment be added to the soil. The abrasive particles can in particular to the pillow just nearby the contact surface be bound. This is advantageous because abrasive particles in Parts of the pillow are present that are not in contact with the hard surface are, do not fulfill any function and therefore can be considered a waste.

The Abrasive particles can have a mean diameter of 0.1-30 microns, preferably between 0.1 and 15 μm and the strongest preferably between 10 and 15 microns.

The Abrasive particles can at least one of natural diamond particles, industrial diamond particles and coated diamond particles.

The Pillow used includes an open, airy, three-dimensional Nonwoven web of fibers. Such tracks are relatively low Costs and standard sizes adapted to existing surface treatment equipment.

The pad may have a density of less than 40 kg / m ³ , preferably 20-35 kg / m ³ . The pad therefore comprises a relatively large amount of voids into which dust, abrasion and particles may migrate during treatment. Therefore, dust is contained in the pads to a great extent, instead of being spread over the area where the treatment takes place, eliminating the need for additional dust collection equipment. Also, the risk of scratching the surface is reduced by the possibility of abrasion to migrate into the pad.

The Method is particularly applicable when the surface a Stone or stone-like material with a Mohs hardness of about 5 or more, preferably 6-7. Examples of such surface are concrete, terrazzo, granite, etc.

While that Cushion is in contact with the hard surface, it can with one Rotation speed of 50-3000 Rpm, preferably 100-1500 Upm, to be rotated.

Brief description of the drawings

1a - 1b show a pillow according to a first Ausführungsfrom.

2a - 2 B show a pillow according to a second embodiment.

3a - 3b show enlarged photographs of a pad according to the invention before and after the binder and abrasive particles have been applied.

4a - 4b show a diagram of a pad according to the first embodiment and an enlargement of a part of the pad.

5 is a sectional view of a floor surface treatment machine on which a cushion according to the invention is mounted.

Description of the embodiments

The Description will first focus on one for use in the procedure to maintain hard surfaces suitable device Focusing on the method of making the equipment and finally on the use of the device to maintain a hard surface.

Regarding 1a becomes a pillow 1 shown consisting of an open, airy, three-dimensional nonwoven web of fibers 2 , A first surface of the pillow 1 comprises a portion P1 of abrasive particles bound to the web by means of a secondary binder, ie a binder with the main purpose of binding fibers to the web. The pillow 1 is circular.

With reference to 1b is a cross section along the line S1-S2 in 1a shown. As in 1b is indicated, the portion P1 with the abrasive particles on the first surface A to a depth D which is less than the thickness T of the pad 1 , On a second surface B there is therefore a part P2 which is substantially free of abrasive particles and the secondary binder.

The reference to "parts" refers to parts of the macrostructure of the pillow 1 and not parts of individual fibers.

With reference to 2a and 2 B will be a similar pillow 1 shown, with the difference that there is a part P2 ', that is, at the first surface A, wherein the part P2' is substantially free of abrasive particles and secondary binder.

In both embodiments, abrasive particles are present throughout the secondary binder and the fibers are bonded together by a primary binder and / or by fusion bonding.

Now follows a description of the manufacture of the pillow 1 according to with reference to 1a and 1b discussed embodiment.

A circular, disc shaped Glit / Microtron Tan Floor ^® polishing pad having a diameter of 20 inches (51 cm), a thickness of 28 mm and a weight of 157 g was used as starting material. Such pads are available from Gilt / Microtron, Wrens, GA, USA. The initial density of the pad was 27 kg / cm ³ . 3a Figure 3 is a microscopic photograph showing the pad prior to application of the polymer resin (s). 3a shows that the fibers forming the pad are in their mutual points of contact 10 held together by a primary polymer resin. The cushion is elastic and springy and includes polyester and nylon fibers.

There was prepared a homogeneous polymer resin mixture consisting of 200 g PA resin 52-68 phenol resin (available from Perstorp AB, Perstorp, Sweden), 100 g of T-RÖD ^® ethanol (available from Alfort & Cronholm AB, Bromma, Sweden) and 20 g LANDS LS600F 4-8 μm diamond particles (available from Lands Superabrasives, Co., New York, NY, USA). Immediately prior to application of the mixture, 60 g of 65% P-toluenesulfonic acid (PTS) was added as a curing agent.

The Resin mixture was sprayed onto a first of the surfaces A of the polishing pad, under Use of a compressed air spray gun standard type (usually used for spraying paint). The Cushion with the unhardened Resin weighed 173 g. The pad subsequently became about 120 ° C for about 20 Min. In a hot air oven given.

The pillow now took on the look that was in 3b , which is a microscopic photograph, is shown. Beads or drops 11 of the resin / particle mixture are formed along each fiber, also between the mutual contact points of the fiber. The drops are distributed so that the fibers to which they are bound are not completely covered. A clearer illustration of this is in 4a - 4d shown an above with reference to 1a - 1b described pillow and an enlargement of a part of this pillow ( 4b ) show, with drops 11 of the binder / particle mixture are attached to the fibers.

To evaluate the performance of a pad made as described above, comparative tests were conducted to examine two different 20 inch (51 cm) pads prepared as described above: a first, designated "yellow", of 7 to 12 μm silver-coated diamond particles, and a second, designated "green", with 3 to 6 μm normal diamond particles. Two different commercially available pads were used as reference: a twenty inch (51 cm) 3M ^™ 5200 Brown Stone Renees pillow and a 20 inch (51 cm) 3M ^™ 4000 Gray Stone polishing pad were used, both available from 3M, St. Paul , MN, USA.

The tests were carried out on two different surface types: Kolmården Marmor (marble from the Kolmården region outside of Norrköping, Sweden) and K40 concrete. Each test was performed on a surface of about 1 m ² using a Coor & Kleever Crystallizer 1250KG bottom surface working machine (available from Coor & Kleever, SA, Barcelona, Spain) with a single support plate adapted to receive a 20 inch bottom plate and to rotate about 175 rpm, performed.

The tests included polishing the surface for about 1 minute / m ² . The surface gloss was measured at various points on the surface before and after each treatment using a Sanwal / Cenma IG-310 Gloss Tester. The gloss value in the tables below is the average for each area. High gloss is classified as 80-90 °. Semi-gloss is classified as 50-75 °. Silky is classified as 30-45 °.

scouring effect is classified as 20-25 °. Flat gloss is classified as 5-15 °.

Each surface was used both dry and as a lubricant using water. In addition, the concrete surface was coated using Coor Rosa / K-2 crystallizing agent (available from Coor & Kleever SA, Barcelona, Spain) as a lubricant, ie, the in EP-B-0 562 919 crystallization chemical called Magnesiumhexafluorsilikat as crystallization agent, tested.

When testing the 3M ^™ cushions, each surface part was first treated with the brown pad and then with the gray pad. Table 1: Tests with water as a lubricant on Kolmårdenmarmor pillow brown Gray green Initial shine 17 17 10 liquid water water water final gloss 17 35 30 Table 2: Tests performed without lubricant on Kolmårdenmarmor pillow brown Gray green Initial shine 20 25 28 liquid none none none final gloss 25 30 50

From Tables 1 and 2 it can be concluded that on marble, which is a relatively soft stone with a hardness of about 3-5 Mohs, and using water as a lubricant, the combination of 3M ^™ cushions (brown and gray) one slightly better effect, although both the gray and the green cushions reached values that fall within the range of "silky". However, under dry conditions, the green pad achieved a marked improvement, approaching the semi-gloss range. Table 3: Tests conducted with water as a lubricant on K40 concrete pillow brown Gray yellow green Initial shine 30 29 24 35 liquid water water water water final gloss 29 29 35 46 Table 4: Tests performed without lubricant on K40 concrete pillow brown Gray yellow green Initial shine 29 34 30 48 liquid none none none none final gloss 34 35 48 58

Tables 3 and 4 show that under wet conditions and on K40 concrete with a hardness of about 6-7 Moh, the combination of brown and gray pads did not provide any measurable improvement, while the combination of yellow and green pads provided a significant improvement. Under dry conditions, a small improvement in the surface treated with the combination of brown and gray pads was noted, while a significant improvement was noted for the surface treated with the combination of yellow and green pads. Table 5: Tests performed with Coor Rosa / K-2 crystallization agent as a lubricant on K40 concrete pillow Gray green Initial shine 41 35 liquid VMC-Pink VMC-Pink final gloss 45 51

table Figure 5 shows that with a gray pillow using Coor Pink / K-2 crystallization agent as a lubricant on K40 concrete one certain effect is achievable, and that with the green pillow using Coor Rosa / K-2 crystallization agent as a lubricant a significantly better effect is achievable.

All in all shows that the pillow according to the invention a perceptible Improvement over The prior art provides. The improvement is particular in dry conditions and on concrete perceptible.

5 Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a floor surface working machine 20 to which a pillow according to the invention 1 is mounted, giving a contact surface 9 with the hard surface 8th defined, which in this example is a ground surface. The pillow 1 is on a driven, rotatable carrier plate 4 mounted, which is typically mounted on a ball bearing, and is therefore rotatable, relative to a machine body 5 on which a motor unit 6 is arranged. In this embodiment, the machine has a handle 7 and is therefore adapted to be held / pushed / pulled by a walking operator. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the floor surface treatment machine 20 a z. B. can be mobile vehicle with a support plate 4 equipped for picking up the pillow 1 is adjusted.

The pillow 1 and the method described above may be used for the daily cleaning / maintenance of polished hard surfaces, such as stone, concrete or terrazzo floor surfaces, using a floor finishing machine, such as a scrubber / dryer combination machine, e.g. Eg the Nilfisk CR1300; a single disk floor maintenance machine (at low speed or high speed), e.g. The Nilfisk 510B or 545; a burnishing machine, z. Nilfisk SDH5120, BHS5120 or BHS7014, all available from Nilfisk-Advance, Stockholm, Sweden.

The Treatment of the soil surface is typically done placing the pillow in contact with the soil surface in a direction parallel to the soil surface area is set in rotation. Typical rotational speeds are sufficient from 50 rpm to 3000 rpm. Lower or higher rotation speeds are not excluded.

As From the foregoing, a first embodiment is included of the pillow according to the invention an open, airy, three-dimensional nonwoven web containing a variety of fibers, at their mutual contact points with the help of a primary Binders are bound together, and in which abrasive particles with a secondary Binders are mixed and only on a first surface of the pad are applied so that the pad only partially with the binder / particle mixture impregnated. Alternatively or in addition can the fibers are melt-bonded together.

In a second embodiment of the pad, the binder / particle mixture is only applied to parts of the first surface applied. This can be achieved by masking those parts be on their surface the binder / particle mixture should not be applied.

In a third embodiment the abrasive particles are present in the material of the pad. In a first alternative, the pad is a nonwoven fiber pad essentially as described above with in the fiber material contained diamond particles.

The Invention is not limited to the use of phenolic resin. Other Examples of suitable resins are melamine, urea, epoxy and polyester resins.

The curing agent may further be selected from any suitable curing agent for the type of resin selected to be selected. It is also possible not to include a curing agent, e.g. By allowing the pad to cure at a higher temperature and / or for a longer period of time.

As well becomes the solvent (Ethanol was used in the example) only provided to the viscosity reduce the mixture and thereby its sprayability to improve. Any suitable solvent can be used and the solvent may also be excluded, provided that the method of application this is allowed.

The Close abrasive particles Diamond on. In particular, silver-coated diamond particles have under Proven to provide equally good results. The diamond particles can Naturally be combined with other types of abrasive particles.

It goes without saying that the pillow 1 with secondary binder and abrasive particles as described above, to a disk or plate with any connection for connection to a backing plate of the surface treatment machine, or the pad directly to the surface treatment machine by means of a hook assembly of the Velcro type provided on the backing plate , wherein the hooks engage in the fibers of the pad, is connectable. The maintenance device may therefore consist of the pad with the primary binder, the secondary binder and the abrasive particles, possibly with the addition of dyes or printed areas providing information about the type of pad, manufacturer, trademark, etc.

alternative or additionally Can the pillow with a back reinforcing layer to be provided.

Claims (13)

A method of maintaining hard floor surfaces comprising stone or stone-like material, the method comprising treating the surface with an elastic pad (10). 1 ) in the presence of abrasive particles which are on the contact surface between the pad ( 1 ) and the hard surface are bonded to the pad, wherein: the abrasive particles comprise diamond particles, the treatment is carried out in the absence of an effective amount of crystallizing agents on the contact surface and the treatment is carried out using a pad ( 1 ), which comprises an open, airy, three-dimensional nonwoven web of fibers. Method according to claim 1, wherein the treatment is essentially in the absence of fluid the contact surface carried out becomes. Method according to claim 1, wherein the treatment is carried out in the presence of water on the contact surface. Method according to claim 3, wherein the treatment in the presence of water and a detergent on the contact surface carried out becomes. Process according to claim 5, wherein the treatment is carried out using a pad ( 1 ) is carried out with abrasive particles bonded to it by means of a secondary binder. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment is carried out using a pad ( 1 ) with abrasive particles bonded to it only near the contact surface. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment is carried out using a pad ( 1 ) with abrasive particles having an average diameter of 0.1 to 30 microns, preferably between 0.1 and 15 microns, and most preferably between 10 and 15 microns, is performed. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment is carried out using a pad ( 1 ) with abrasive particles comprising at least one of natural diamond particles, industrial diamond particles and coated diamond particles. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment is carried out using a pad ( 1 ) having a density of less than 40 kg / m ³ , preferably 20 to 35 kg / m ³ is performed. Method according to one the preceding claims, being the hard surface a stone or stone - like material with a Mohs hardness of is about 5 or more, preferably 6 to 7. Method according to claim 10, the hard surface a concrete or terrazzo surface is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushion ( 1 ) is moved with respect to the hard surface while in contact with the hard surface. Method according to claim 12, wherein the pad is rotated, at a rotational speed from 50 to 3000 rpm, preferably 100 to 1500 rpm while it is in contact with the hard surface is.