DE102015100456A1 - Vacuum cleaner filter bag with odor-inhibiting properties - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag (10) in which nanoparticles are present on a surface inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag (10). The surface is coated with nanoparticles and the nanoparticles are formed from metals and / or metal salts. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a filter bag and the use of metal nanoparticles and / or metal salt nanoparticles for suppressing microbial growth in vacuum cleaner filter bags.

Description

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag in which nanoparticles are present on a surface inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag. It also relates to a method for producing such a filter bag and the use of metal nanoparticles and / or metal salt nanoparticles for suppressing microbial growth in vacuum cleaner filter bags or for binding odors.

The occurrence of malodors in vacuum cleaners is a well-known problem. As a result of the explosive nature of this topic, a large number of solution strategies has been developed.

The first strategy is the masking or perfuming, with which a superposition of the Störgeruchs takes place. For example, the typical musty odor is covered with a fresh note by the commercially available "Dovina Duftchip".

The second strategy is an adsorption strategy. Above all, activated carbon and zeolites can bind odor molecules. WO 01/08543 A1 has a method for vacuuming with a hand vacuum cleaner to the object, wherein the dust is first taken in a dust collection container, such as a dust filter bag, and subsequently disposed of, with further odor adsorption by means of an adsorbent, such as activated carbon occurs. The adsorbent is added directly to the dust collection room in an amount corresponding to a fraction of the total amount that can be introduced into the dust collection room.

Further, chemical masking may be a strategy. Certain chemical molecules are capable of altering odorants through chemical interactions. Here, above all, the vapor pressure, the molar mass or a chemical fixation of interest. Examples are cyclodextrins, which are already used in commercial products.

The fourth strategy is the prevention of the formation of odorants. This strategy is based on the assumption that odorants arise primarily as a result of microbial degradation processes. Bacteria and fungi metabolize hair, cellulose etc. and volatile - strongly smelling - compounds arise. In addition to general disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, formaldehyde, various isothiazoles), the microbicidal action of copper or silver salts is known.

EP 1 830 000 A1 relates to an antimicrobial material consisting of a carrier polymer to which metallic and non-metallic cations are bonded, a process for its preparation and its use. Microparticles of this material are preferably applied by coating. The microparticles are suitable in the non-textile sector in particular for the equipment of filters and containers of all kinds including vacuum cleaner bags, trash bags, etc.

WO 2008/086982 A1 discloses a molding composition containing: i) from 0.001 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of components (i) to (iii), of copper or a copper alloy containing predominantly copper; ii) 0.001 to 99.999 wt .-%, of at least one polyester based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids and an aliphatic or aromatic dihydroxy compound and / or iii) 0 to 99.999 wt .-% of a polyester composed of: A) a (cyclo) aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or their ester-forming derivatives, B) a diol component of a (cyclo) alkanediol; iv) 0 to 300 wt .-%, based on the weight of components (i) to (iii), conventional auxiliaries and additives. The use of the claimed material in plastic products is addressed. The plastics can be further processed into fibers. The use of fibers mentioned therein in vacuum cleaner bags is mentioned. Furthermore, blends, micropowders, moldings, films, spunbonded nonwovens or fibers or products made therefrom, obtainable from the molding compositions, are disclosed. The microparticles are preferably applied by coating to the mentioned products. The microparticles are according to this patent application in the non-textile field in particular for equipment of filters and containers of all kinds including vacuum cleaner bags, trash bags, etc.

The use of microbicidal particles (known as silver and copper salts adsorbed on zeolites) in vacuum cleaner filter bags would be desirable because of the extremely low vapor pressure of these inorganic solids. This is an advantage over volatile microbicidal chemicals such as formaldehyde. The use of the particles was so far but with the proviso that the particles must be successfully fixed in the filter bag. Blowing the particles out of the vacuum cleaner would lead to a loss of the microbicidal effect in the filter bag.

The object of the present invention has been at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it has set itself the task of providing a vacuum cleaner filter bag, in which the occurrence of disturbing odors is reduced or avoided.

This object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to claim 1, a A method according to claim 6 and a use according to claim 8. Advantageous developments are specified in the subclaims.

• – die Oberfläche mit Nanopartikeln beschichtet ist und
• – die Nanopartikel aus Metallen und/oder Metallsalzen gebildet werden.

The invention proposes a vacuum cleaner filter bag in which nanoparticles are present on a surface inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag, wherein

• - the surface is coated with nanoparticles and
• - The nanoparticles are formed from metals and / or metal salts.

In the context of the present invention, nanoparticles are those particles whose d ₉₀ value of the particle size distribution (determined by dynamic laser light scattering) is less than 1 μm. The d ₉₀ value states that 90% of the particles are smaller than the specified value.

The nanoparticles are preferably produced in a so-called microjet reactor. Such a reactor type is used, for example, in WO 00/61275 disclosed. At least two nozzles are provided, each with associated pump and supply line for spraying each of a liquid medium in a reactor space enclosed by a reactor chamber to a common collision point. A first opening is provided in the reactor housing, through which a gas, an evaporating liquid, a cooling liquid or a cooling gas for maintaining the gas atmosphere inside the reactor, in particular at the collision point of the liquid jets, or for cooling the resulting products can be introduced. Another opening is provided for removing the resulting products and excess gas from the reactor housing. In the case of nanoparticles produced in this way, a desired particle size can be reliably obtained, which brings with it advantages in terms of quality assurance in the production of the filter bag.

The metal nanoparticles and / or metal salt nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of odoriferous microorganisms. Depending on the metal used, the nanoparticles can also act as heterogeneous catalysts and catalyze the degradation of odoriferous molecules. Another mechanism of action is chemical adsorption of the odoriferous molecules.

It is provided according to the invention that the surface in the interior of the filter bag is coated with nanoparticles. This may be part of the total surface, although it is preferred that as much of the surface as possible bears the nanoparticles.

The fact that the surface is coated with nanoparticles means that the nanoparticles are not only loosely on the surface, but that they are at least so firmly bonded to the surface that they are not removed from the surface under the operating conditions of the vacuum cleaner. This is preferably achieved by polymers which are used in the preparation of nanoparticles as stabilizers and later ensure improved adhesion of the particles to the substrate surface.

The nanoparticles can be present in the filter bag, for example, in an amount of ≥ 0.001% by weight to ≦ 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the filter bag.

The nanoparticle-coated surface is preferably that surface which is in contact with the dust retained in the filter bag. In this way, the nanoparticles are best able to exert their effect.

Embodiments and other aspects of the present invention are described below. They can be combined with each other as long as the opposite does not result from the context.

In one embodiment of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles, silver salt nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and / or copper salt nanoparticles. Preference is given to silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, copper carbonate nanoparticles and copper sulfate nanoparticles.

In a further embodiment of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the nanoparticles have a d ₉₀ value of the particle size distribution of ≥ 3 nm to ≦ 300 nm. The particle size distribution is determined by means of dynamic laser light scattering. The d ₉₀ value is preferably 10 nm to ≦ 150 nm. The d ₉₀ value states that 90% of the particles are smaller than the stated value. With a small particle size, any solubility or suspension problems in making the filter bag using a colloidal stock solution of the nanoparticles can be avoided.

In a further embodiment of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the nanoparticle-coated surface is part of a further filter bag present in the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. If a multilayer filter bag is used, the nanoparticle coated surface should be part of the innermost layer to allow contact with dust present in the bag.

In a further embodiment of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the nanoparticle coated surface is part of a substrate located separately inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag. Such a substrate may be, for example, a nonwoven fabric on which the nanoparticles are applied. The end user can then put this fleece into a conventional bag and take advantage of the odor avoidance of the nanoparticles.

• – Bereitstellen eines Staubsauger-Filterbeutels
• – Kontaktieren des Staubsauger-Filterbeutels mit einer Nanopartikel umfassenden Zusammensetzung, wobei die Nanopartikel aus Metallen und/oder Metallsalzen gebildet werden.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for producing a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising nanoparticles, comprising the steps:

• - Provide a vacuum cleaner filter bag
• Contacting the vacuum cleaner filter bag with a composition comprising nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are formed from metals and / or metal salts.

The composition comprising nanoparticles can be, for example, a colloidal suspension of the nanoparticles in water or another suspending agent. The contacting of the filter bag can be done by dip coating or spray coating. In dip coating, the filter bag or at least the innermost layer of a multi-layered filter bag is dipped in the composition. There is a drying at room temperature or elevated temperature, optionally under application of a negative pressure. The so impregnated substrate can be used in the usual way in the production process for the filter bag.

In spray coating, a previously manufactured filter bag, whether single-layer or multi-layer, can first be inflated by means of overpressure through a nozzle. This is followed by impregnation with the composition comprising nanoparticles. For this, the composition is sprayed into the inflated filter bag. After drying at room temperature or elevated temperature, optionally under application of a negative pressure, the filter bag can be processed in the usual way.

In both coating methods, the application of a negative pressure has the additional advantage that the filter bag is compressed, which benefits a smaller packaging volume.

Stabilizers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium citrate (use concentration preferably between 0.5 metal equivalents and 2.0 metal equivalents) and glycerol (preferably in a stoichiometric ratio relative to the metal or metal salt) are conceivable for avoiding agglomeration in the composition comprising nanoparticles.

In one embodiment of the method, the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles, silver salt nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and / or copper salt nanoparticles. Preference is given to silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, copper carbonate nanoparticles and copper sulfate nanoparticles.

In a further embodiment of the method, the contacting of the vacuum cleaner filter bag takes place in a gas plasma. By means of a plasma, the nanoparticles can additionally be fixed to the substrate. The nanoparticle-containing composition can be fed analogously to a TiO ₂ suspension in an argon or nitrogen plasma. Due to the harsh environment, the surface of the material to be coated is prepared and the nanoparticles are thermally fixed. Thus, a longer site-specific residence time can be achieved. Another advantage is the implementation of chemical stabilizers for the nanoparticles such as PVP or citrate.

The invention further relates to the use of metal nanoparticles and / or metal salt nanoparticles for suppressing microbial growth in vacuum cleaner filter bags.

In the use according to the invention, the nanoparticles are preferably silver nanoparticles, silver salt nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and / or copper salt nanoparticles. Particularly preferred are silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, copper carbonate nanoparticles and copper sulfate nanoparticles.

The present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the following drawings without, however, being limited thereto. It shows:

1 a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention

In 1 is a typical filter bag 10 pictured for a vacuum cleaner. About the opening 20 in the front panel 30 Dust-laden air gets into the interior of the filter bag 10 initiated. The filter bag 10 is constructed as a multi-layer filter bag. The filter bag wall 40 forms the outer layer. Furthermore, an inner filter bag 50 is provided, which carries at least on the surface directed into its interior and thus in contact with the retained dust surface silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, copper carbonate nanoparticles or copper sulfate nanoparticles. These nanoparticles inhibit the growth of microorganisms responsible for unpleasant odors. This prevents unwanted odors from forming.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

 10

 Vacuum cleaner filter bag

 20

 opening

 30

 front panel

 40

 Filter bag wall

 50

 Inner filter bag

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 01/08543 A1 [0004]
• EP 1830000 A1 [0007]
• WO 2008/086982 A1 [0008]
• WO 00/61275 [0014]

Claims (10)

Vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ), characterized in that inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) Nanoparticles are present on a surface, wherein - the surface is coated with nanoparticles and - the nanoparticles are formed from metals and / or metal salts. Vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles, silver salt nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and / or copper salt nanoparticles. Vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nanoparticles have a d ₉₀ value of the particle size distribution of ≥ 3 nm to ≤ 300 nm. Vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nanoparticle-coated surface forms part of an interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) is present further filter bag. Vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nanoparticle coated surface is part of a separate inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag ( 10 ) is present substrate.  A method of making a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising nanoparticles comprising the steps of: - Provide a vacuum cleaner filter bag Contacting the vacuum cleaner filter bag with a composition comprising nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are formed from metals and / or metal salts.  A method according to claim 6, wherein the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles, silver salt nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and / or copper salt nanoparticles.  A method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the contacting of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is in a gas plasma.  Use of metal nanoparticles and / or metal salt nanoparticles for suppressing microbial growth in vacuum cleaner filter bags.  Use according to claim 9, wherein the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles, silver salt nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and / or copper salt nanoparticles.

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