EP2432562B1 - Protective mask - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a protective mask according to the preamble of claim 1.

A protective mask in the sense of the present invention represents, in particular, a respiratory protective device. Particularly preferably, the proposed protective mask complies with the European standard EN 149: 2001 D. The protective mask is particularly preferably a particle-filtering half mask.

A known protective mask, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3 of EN 149: 2001 D, has a cover for at least partial covering of a face, in particular of the nose and mouth, and a head mount for attaching the protective mask. The cover is usually made of a flexible material that adapts to the face to be covered. The preferably band-like trained headgear usually engages the edge of the cover to hold the protective mask on the face to be covered.

A protective mask in the sense of the present invention is preferably used for filtering inhaled air. Usually, the protective mask either a filter which is connected or connectable to a Einateanschluß the protective mask or the Abde effect, or a filter material, for example, forms the cover, to filter the inhaled air.

The WO 2009/038857 A1 discloses a respirator with a headgear, a mask body and an exhalation valve. The mask body has a support structure including a skeletal molding device and a filter structure. Two head mounts are arranged at the lateral edge of the former.

In the US Pat. No. 3,330,274 A a protective mask with a gasket is described. The mask has a facial part formed of rigid plastic and a headgear which engages the face part front and center.

In practice, it has been shown that previous protective masks do not allow optimal sealing between the cover and the facial area to be covered (which may also include adjoining areas of skin, for example at the neck), in particular along the edge of the cover. However, an insufficient seal results in that unfiltered air can be sucked in and inhaled, which is just to be prevented by the protective mask.

The present invention has for its object to provide a protective mask, which allows an improved seal.

The above object is achieved by a protective mask according to claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The present invention is thus a protective mask with a cover for at least partially covering a face and a head mount for attachment of the protective mask, wherein the headgear at least substantially engages the front of the cover, wherein the protective mask has a shaping device which is formed like a skeleton and formed to stiffen the cover and to bias in at least one concave face towards the face, the molding device being integral with the cover or permanently connected to the cover, and wherein the molding device has at least one portion for stiffening or biasing the cover, and wherein the headgear engages the former.

A first aspect of the present invention is that the protective mask or cover has a shaping device in order to improve the shape of the cover or its contact with the face, in particular in the edge region of the cover, and thus to allow or ensure better sealing. Thus, the shaping device effects an optimized shaping, installation or adaptation, or even permits a shaping of the cover or of a material which at least essentially forms the covering, which in particular is a flat material, base material and / or filter material.

As already mentioned, the term "seal" in the present invention means the seal between the protective mask or its cover on the one hand and the face to be covered on the other hand against incoming ambient air, in particular during inhalation. The cover is sealingly in a preferably peripheral along the edge bearing area - in particular with a contact portion - on the face to be covered or face. The term "face" or "facial area" is to be understood in this case as meaning that it may also include areas of skin adjoining the face, for example in the area of the neck and in particular below the chin, in particular if the cover also extends beyond the area Chin out to the transition to the neck extends, as preferably provided.

The shaping device is designed like a skeleton. This allows an optimized, adapted to the face shape shaping and thus an improved seal.

In particular, the molding device has one or more arm portions which cover the critical facial areas, in particular in concave facial areas, particularly preferably in the region of the edge of the cover and / or under the cheekbones and / or on both sides of the nose and / or under the chin and / or in the area between the chin and mouth in the wearing state to the face bias and / or press there. This improves the seal.

Additionally, the former is configured to stiffen the cover and bias it towards the face in at least one concave facial area. Thus, a significantly improved sealing can be achieved, since, especially in critical areas - for example, at the edge of the cover next to or in a concave face area - a better investment of the cover can be achieved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the protective mask is formed such that the headgear engages at least substantially exclusively in a region substantially in the center of the cover and / or (only) at the front of the cover, in particular in a region of the cover in front of the nose or mouth when wearing the protective mask. Thus, it can be achieved that the protective mask or cover in the wearing state quasi central or pressed from the front of the face and not, as usual in the prior art, is pulled by lateral attack on the edge of the cover on the face. In particular, in combination with a correspondingly sufficient stiffening and / or preferably partial elastic bias of the cover, which is preferably realized by the molding device according to the first aspect, so a substantially improved sealing can be achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the cover has a material storage - for example in the form of a fold, protuberance or the like. - The surface forming the cover and / or in the region of the lower jaw in an area which lies in front of the mouth and / or laterally next to the mouth in the wearing state of the protective mask. This additional surface material in this area can be a significantly improved seal, especially during Opening and closing of the mouth or in chewing movements or the like can be achieved.

The proposed protective mask has a very good protection and / or filtering effect.

An essential measure of the quality of a protective mask is the total inward leakage (see chapter 7.9.1 of EN 149: 2001 D). The total inward leakage consists of three components: face leakage, valve slippage (if a breathing valve is present), and the filter passage. The total inward leakage is hereinafter referred to as GL for short.

Experiments have shown that with the proposed protective mask a very low GL is feasible. In particular, the proposed protective mask can reach or clearly exceed the limit values of class FFP3 for GL according to EN 149: 2001 D, in particular according to 7.9.1 of EN 149: 2001 D. Particularly noteworthy is that experiments have shown that the proposed protective mask shows a GL of less than 2%, in particular of less than 1%, particularly preferably of about 0.5% or less in the average. In particular, the aforementioned limit value of GL for the proposed protective mask applies to at least eight out of ten arithmetic mean values for individual protective masks, which have each been subjected to five exercises, ie as provided in 7.9.1 of EN 149: 2001 D. The examination of GL is generally carried out in accordance with 8.5 of EN 149: 2001 D.

The foregoing aspects, as well as other aspects and features of the present invention which follow from the description and claims which follow, may also be implemented independently of one another and in any desired combination.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten vorschlagesgemäßen Schutzmaske im Tragezustand von vorne;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht der Schutzmaske im Tragezustand von der Seite;

Fig. 3

einen schematischen ausschnittsweisen Schnitt der Schutzmaske in einem Randbereich;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Formeinrichtung der Schutzmaske zur Verbesserung der Abdichtung;

Fig. 5

einen schematischen ausschnittsweisen Schnitt eines Filtermaterials der Schutzmaske;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten vorschlagsgemäßen Schutzmaske im Tragezustand von der Seite; und

Fig. 7

eine schematische Ansicht einer dritten vorschlagsgemäßen Schutzmaske im Tragezustand von der Seite.

Further advantages, features, aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of a first proposed protective mask in the worn state from the front;

Fig. 2

a schematic view of the protective mask in the worn state from the side;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of the protective mask in an edge region;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a shaping device of the protective mask to improve the seal;

Fig. 5

a schematic sectional view of a filter material of the protective mask;

Fig. 6

a schematic view of a second proposed protective mask in the worn state from the side; and

Fig. 7

a schematic view of a third proposed protective mask in the worn state from the side.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and components, with the corresponding advantages and properties, even if a repeated description is omitted.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a proposed protective mask 1, which is in particular a respiratory protective device, preferably in the sense of EN 149: 2001 D.

The protective mask 1 is preferably designed as a half mask, in particular as a particle-filtering half mask according to EN 149: 2001 D.

The proposed protective mask 1 is intended in particular for use in the medical, civil or military sector, particularly preferably for ABC use. In particular, the protective mask 1 can be used or noted for the prevention of unwanted droplet infections become. However, the protective mask 1 can also be used for other purposes.

The protective mask 1 has a cover 2 for at least partial covering of a face 3, in particular a nose 4 and / or a mouth 5 (dotted in FIG FIGS. 1 and 2 indicated).

The protective mask 1 has a head holder 6 for fastening the protective mask 1, in particular on a head 7, as shown schematically in FIG Figures 1 and 2 shown on.

The head holder 6 preferably has an in particular at least partially elastic band 8, which can be guided in particular around the head 7. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The head holder 6 or the band 8 is preferably made of a textile sheet material (woven or knitted fabric). But it can also be made of rubber, foil or other suitable material.

The protective mask 1 preferably has a valve 9, which is particularly preferably designed as an exhalation valve or forms such in the illustrated example. The valve 9 is preferably attached to the protective mask 1 (possibly also replaceable) that (only) exhaled air can be discharged through the valve 9. The valve 9 preferably corresponds to the European standard EN 405.

When inhaling the valve blocks 9. Instead, the air is sucked through a filter. The filter is preferably formed in the illustrated example by the cover 2 and a cover 2 in the integrated or a Dekde kung 2 forming filter material. As required, therefore, only areas of the cover 2 or the cover 2 can be formed as a whole filter or for filtering inhaled air or provided with the filter material and formed permeable to air.

Alternatively or additionally, a separate filter for filtering inhaled air may also be provided. For example, in addition to or instead of the Valve 9 an optionally changeable filter on the protective mask 1 and cover 2 be connected. In this case, the inhalation and possibly also the exhalation can take place through the filter, wherein the filter may also contain a bypass valve or exhalation valve for bypassing a filter medium or filter material of the filter during exhalation in order to reduce the flow resistance during exhalation. In this case, the valve 9 or exhalation valve is integrated into the filter.

Preferably, the exhalation valve 9 is maintained, even if a separate filter for filtering inhaled air is provided. This can prevent the filter from getting wet inside.

If necessary, the cover 2 is preformed and / or cut in such a way that it adapts as well as possible to the face 3 - more precisely to the part of the face 3 to be covered or in the contact area. This depends on the structure of the cover 2, in particular on the base material or filter material, from which the cover 2 is preferably made. The cover 2 serves for a planar covering of the face 3 in the desired area and is accordingly flat. In particular, the cover 3 forms a planar structure. For adaptation or contact with the face 3, the cover 2 is also at least partially sufficiently flexible or adaptable.

The protective mask 1 or cover 2 has an in FIGS. 1 and 2 dashed lines indicated forming device 10 to form the cover 2, or to adapt to the face shape (better) and so to improve the seal.

The molding device 10 is designed to stiffen the cover 10 - at least in some areas - and / or to bias it towards the face 3 or to press or apply it.

The molding device 10 is formed like a skeleton.

The molding device 10 has at least one arm portion 11 for biasing, pressing and / or stiffening the cover 2, in particular to the edge of the cover 2, parallel to or along the cover 2 and / or in a critical facial area, particularly preferably in a concave Facial area, extends.

In the illustrated example, the molding device 10 has a plurality of, preferably arm-shaped sections 11 a-c, also referred to below as arm sections, which are also generally designated only by the reference numeral "n" and in particular extend in different directions and / or Anpreßbereiche.

The term "arm portion" is preferably to be understood very generally, in particular so that flat or web-like or grid-like or other formations or sections are also included.

The molding device 10 is in particular designed such that - in the wearing state of the protective mask 1, so with attached protective mask 1 - the cover 2 in certain areas, particularly preferably in concave facial areas and / or in the region of the edge of the cover 2, biased against the face 3 and / or applied to the face 3 sealingly. For this purpose, the sections 11a-e preferably extend into the specific areas and / or into the vicinity of the edge and / or even as far as the edge of the cover 2, as in FIG FIGS. 1 and 2 indicated. However, the portions 11a-e or parts thereof may also extend along the edge of the cover 2.

The cover 2 is - as already mentioned - preferably constructed at least substantially of a surface or base material 12 which is at least partially stiffened or reinforced by the molding device 10 and its section (e) 11 or biased in one direction or in is preformed in a desired manner. Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an edge region of the cover 2 according to a possible embodiment.

In the illustrated example, the base material 12 is preferably formed at least in regions or as a total filter material. Particularly preferred embodiments of the filter material will be explained later in more detail.

By the molding device 10, it is possible, in particular, to use such a surface, base or filter material 12 for the cover 2, which allows no or only a poor deformation. Rather, the desired (pre-) shaping is effected by the shaping device 10, so that nevertheless a good seal can be achieved or ensured.

The forming device 10 or its section (s) 11 is or are connected to the cover 2 or the base material 12 preferably fixed or non-detachable. In principle, it is possible to integrate the molding device 10 or its section (s) 11 into the cover 2 or the base material 12. It is possible to arrange the molding device 10 or its section (s) 11 on the inside or outside, ie in particular on a flat side, on the cover 2 or on the base or filter material 12.

At the in Fig. 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the molding device 10 or the illustrated section 11 extends at least partially along the base material 12 and is covered by a cover layer 13 on the side opposite the base material 12. This can be achieved, for example, by at least partial lamination or insertion of the molding device 10 or its section 11 into the cover 2 or in any other suitable manner.

Preferably, portions 11a extend laterally in directions that extend in the direction of the ears 14 of the face 3 and head 7, respectively, in the wearing state of the protective mask 1 and / or in areas underlying the cheekbones 15 of the face 3 in the wearing state of the protective mask 1 schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicated. These areas below the cheekbones 15 represent concave facial areas in the context of the present invention, in which the molding device 10 preferably ensures a contact of the cover 2 on the face 3 and / or a bias of the cover 2 to the face 3 to a particularly good seal in To achieve the purposes of the present invention.

The two sections 11a preferably extend at least substantially in opposite directions and / or are preferably curved towards the face 3 and the inside of the cover 2, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the sections 11a are angled inward in the region of their free ends or towards the face 3, as in FIG Fig. 4 schematically indicated that shows a possible embodiment of the molding device 10 without cover 2, so as a separate part.

Preferably, portions 11b extend into regions which lie on both sides next to the nose 4 in the wearing state of the protective mask 1. As a result, a better or safer investment and / or bias of Abde effect 2 in the facial areas right and left of the nose 3 is achieved. These facial areas also represent concave facial areas in the sense of the present invention.

The two sections 11b preferably extend at least substantially parallel to one another.

Preferably, the cover 2 extends beyond the chin 16 of the face 3.

Preferably, the molding device 10 or at least a portion 11c extends around the chin 16, in particular towards the neck and / or into an area, more preferably between the chin 16 and mouth 5 and / or under the chin 16 of the face 3 in the wearing state the protective mask 1 is located. In particular, this area is in particular a concave face area in the sense of the present invention, where particularly preferred the forming device 10, the concern or pressing the cover 2 on the face 3 or biasing the cover 2 against the face 3 or biasing the Cover 2 against the face 3 ensures or improves.

In the illustrated example, the shaping device 10 preferably has two sections 11 c extending at least substantially parallel to the chin 16 or around the chin 16, which are particularly preferably provided by transverse members or transverse webs are interconnected, here by sections 11d and 11e.

Preferably, a particularly transversely or horizontally extending portion 11d in an area between the mouth 5 and chin 16, (this area also constitutes a concave face area in the sense of the present invention) and / or a particular transversely or horizontally extending portion 11e in an area below of the chin 16, in particular at the transition to the neck, (this area likewise constitutes a concave face area in the sense of the present invention), in order to stiffen the covering 2 and / or to bias it against the face 3 or to hold it.

Preferably, the molding device 10 is formed such that even with opening and closing of the mouth 5 or Kaubewegungen the mold device 10 or cover 2 can follow the movement and always ensures a secure seal.

Particularly preferably, the molding device 10 is clamp-like or spring-like elastically deformable, in particular to movements, especially when chewing or opening and closing of the mouth 5 to be able to follow. For example, for this purpose, the sections 11 are formed resiliently or elastically deformable.

The shaping device 10 preferably has a central portion 17, protrude from the several sections, here the sections 11 a-c. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The shaping device 10 or its central section 17 can also carry, form or contain the optional valve 9, in particular the exhalation valve.

The protective mask 1 or cover 2 or the molding device 10 is preferably formed such that the central portion 17 substantially in the center of the cover 2 and / or in a region of the cover 2, the front and / or in front of the nose 4 or Mouth 5 is in the wearing state of the protective mask 1, is arranged.

As already mentioned, the molding device 10 is preferably integrated into the cover 2 or fixedly connected thereto. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The molding device 10 is preferably made by injection molding and / or plastic, possibly from a fibrous plastic. In particular, the former 10 is made of polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polyester (PBT), polycarbonate, ABS, polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene or polyethylene. Alternatively, the molding device 10 may also be made of metal or metal wire, preferably coated with plastic, for example one of said polymers, or of a composite material.

The molding device 10 is preferably formed in one piece. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment variant, the molding device 10 may also be designed such that it can be folded together.

Preferably, the molding device 10 is unbreakable and / or made of an unbreakable material and / or of a material with particularly good recovery properties, even after a very strong deformation, preferably to assume the original shape again automatically.

The protective mask 1 and / or the head holder 6 is or are preferably designed such that the head holder 6 preferably at least substantially exclusively in a region substantially in the middle of the cover 2 and / or front (in the wearing state) on the cover 2, in particular in an area that lies in front of the nose 4 or the mouth 5 in the wearing state of the protective mask 1, attacks. This ensures that the protective mask 1 or cover 2 is practically pressed from the front on the face 3 in the wearing state and not, as is usual in the prior art, starting from an edge of the cover 2 is pulled onto the face 3. It has been found that this also independent of the molding device 10, but especially in combination with the molding device 10, a particularly good contact with the face 3, at least in the desired investment area, in particular along the edge of the cover 2, and so a (very) good seal within the meaning of the present invention can be achieved.

Particularly preferably, the head holder 6 or its band 8 generally engages the forming device 10 in the region of the central portion 17.

Particularly preferably, the head holder 6 or its band 8 is elastically connected to the insert 10, for example by the use of rubber threads, elastic threads or the like.

In the wearing state of the protective mask 1, the head support 6 or its band 8 extends preferably from a front region or the engagement region of the head support 6 obliquely backwards above, over the ears 14 and around the head 7. However, other constructive solutions are possible.

The cover 2 preferably has a material reservoir 18 - ie an area with additional surface material - on which preferably a fold, protuberance or the like. forms and / or is arranged in an area which is in front of the mouth 5 and / or laterally adjacent to the mouth 5, particularly preferably on cheeks of the face 3, and / or in the region of the lower jaw in the wearing state of the protective mask 1. By this material storage 18 or area additional surface material can be achieved that the protective mask 1 or its cover 2 can follow the movements when opening and closing the mouth 5 or chewing movements or the like, while always a good seal in the sense of the present invention is possible. This aspect of the present invention is also independent of the realization of the molding device 10 and / or the preferred attack the headgear 6 front of the cover 2 in the present protective mask 1, but also in other protective masks 1 feasible.

Particularly preferred are the degree of elastic deformability of the molding device 10 in order to follow an opening and closing of the mouth 5 and chewing movements, and adapted the dimensioning of the additional material area or material memory 18 to optimally follow the movements to a To avoid unnecessary wrinkling and / or always to ensure a good seal.

The protective mask 1 or cover 2 preferably has a contact section 19, in particular in the region of the edge of the cover 2, particularly preferably along the entire edge, as shown in the schematic section in FIG Fig. 3 indicated. The cover 2 is in the wearing state preferably along the entire contact portion 19 and / or in particular only with the contact portion 19 directly on the face 3 sealingly. The abutment portion 19 is formed in particular bead-like or lip-like. The abutment portion 19 is preferably made of a soft and / or skin-friendly material, in particular polyurethane or silicone or another suitable material.

Two further embodiments of the proposed protective mask 1 will be explained in more detail below, with only essential differences being described with respect to the first embodiment. The previous statements and explanations therefore apply in particular supplementary or corresponding, even if a repeated description is omitted.

Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of the proposed protective mask 1 in one Fig. 2 comparable view from the side.

In the second embodiment, the region of additional material or the material reservoir 18 preferably extends in the region of the cheeks of the wearer and / or laterally to the ears 14 and / or the front around the mouth 5 and / or below the valve 9 or Central section 17 As already mentioned, the material reservoir 18 is in particular a (preferably convex) fold or protuberance of the covering 2 forming surface material. Particularly preferably, the material reservoir 18, starting from the side or the ears 14 towards the front side or to the area of the mouth 5, has increasingly more additional area material and / or most additional area material in the area of the front side or the mouth 5.

In the second embodiment, the portion 11e extends in particular below the chin 16 and / or around the chin 16 and / or substantially along the mandibular bone and / or obliquely rearward or in the wearing state toward the ears 14. However, other arrangements are possible.

In the second embodiment, the section 11e is preferably not held in the front support region of the protective mask 1, for example by the sections 11d, but preferably held laterally or in the region of its free ends, in particular connected to the molding device 10 and the central section 17, respectively Representation example particularly preferred over the sections 11a. Particularly preferably, the section 11e is connected to the sections 11a in the region of the free ends of the sections 11a or to the ears 14 or in the area of the temporomandibular joint. Thus, a particularly good mobility or adaptability of the protective mask 1 or cover 2 and / or the shaping device 10 can be achieved even when the mouth 5 is opened and closed, in particular in combination with the material reservoir 18.

Fig. 7 shows in one too Fig. 2 and 6 Corresponding illustration of a third embodiment of the proposed protective mask 1. The third embodiment corresponds largely to the second embodiment. The section 11e runs again below the chin 16 or around the chin 16, in particular along the lower jaw or lower jaw bone. In the third embodiment, portions 11c extend preferably from the central portion 17 laterally over the cheeks or ears 14 in the wearing state of the protective mask 1, in particular below the Sections 11a. The sections 11c are connected at their free ends to the free ends of the section 11e, thereby holding the section 11e in the desired position. At the same time, the sections 11a can still cause or support a somewhat better engagement of the cover 2 in the lateral area of the protective mask 1.

In the second and third embodiments, the portion 11e and the portions 11a or 11c holding it preferably include an acute angle and / or an angle varying in particular for adaptation to mouth movements. Preferably, the angle is more than 20 °, in particular more than 30 ° and / or less than 50 °, in particular less than 40 °.

The protective mask 1 or cover 2 has or preferably forms a particle and aerosol filter and optionally additionally an adsorption filter.

As already mentioned, the protective mask 1 or cover 2 preferably has a filter material. Particularly preferably, the base material 12 is at least partially or entirely formed by the filter material or formed as a filter material.

The filter material is in particular a particle and / or aerosol filter material, in particular an adsorption filter material or with adsorption filter function.

The filter material is preferably made of an air-permeable nonwoven material (a so-called non-woven). The fibers of this material are preferably microfibers, in particular polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polyester or the like. Alternatively, it can also be glass fibers.

The preferably fusible fibers can be made into non-wovens by any known processes, such as meltblow, laydown, or the like. The aerosol filter material used preferably meets the requirements of classes P1, P2 or P3 of EN 149: 2001 D.

In addition, the filter material (aerosol filter material) optionally has one or more layers of activated carbon, preferably in the form of activated carbon spheres or splintered activated carbon. Particularly preferred is a coating on a textile substrate material is provided, which can be folded as needed, in order to achieve the necessary bed depth for the adsorption or chemisorption of gases. The activated carbon is preferably impregnated for chemisorption.

The coating of the filter material with the activated carbon is preferably carried out with the aid of a hot melt adhesive, in particular a reactive hot melt adhesive or other reactive adhesive system.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the preferably provided or used filter material for the production of the cover 2 and the preferred structure, in particular with reference to the schematic section according to Fig. 5 explained in more detail.

• eine Trägerschicht,
• eine der Trägerschicht zugeordnete, vorzugsweise an der Trägerschicht fixierte Adsorptionsschicht,
• gegebenenfalls eine auf der der Trägerschicht abgewandten Seite der Adsorptionsschicht angeordnete Abdeckschicht und
• eine Partikel- und/oder Aerosolfilterschicht, vorzugsweise eine Partikel- und Aerosolfilterschicht,

umfaßt, wobei die Partikel- und/oder Aerosolfilterschicht als ein aus Fasern mit Faserdurchmessern im Bereich von 10 nm bis 5 µm, bevorzugt 100 nm bis 1,1 µm, gebildetes luftdurchlässiges textiles Flächengebilde, vorzugsweise mit einem Flächengewicht von 1 bis 75 g/m², insbesondere 2 bis 50 g/m², besonders bevorzugt 5 bis 15 g/m², ausgebildet ist.The filter material is preferably an adsorption filter material 21 with integrated particle and / or aerosol protection (ie with integrated particle and / or aerosol filter function) and with a protective function against biological and / or chemical pollutants, in particular biological and / or chemical warfare agents, wherein the adsorption filter material is a multilayer Structure, wherein the multilayer structure

• a carrier layer,
• an adsorption layer assigned to the carrier layer and preferably fixed to the carrier layer,
• optionally a cover layer arranged on the side of the adsorption layer facing away from the carrier layer and
• a particle and / or aerosol filter layer, preferably a particle and aerosol filter layer,

comprising, wherein the particle and / or Aerosolfilterschicht as one of fibers with fiber diameters in the range of 10 nm to 5 microns, preferably 100 nm to 1.1 microns, formed air-permeable fabric, preferably with a basis weight of 1 to 75 g / m ² , in particular 2 to 50 g / m ² , particularly preferably 5 to 15 g / m ² , is formed.

Thus, an effective increase or improvement of the aerosol and particle protection of adsorptive filter systems, in particular those based on activated carbon preferably in particulate form acted upon textile materials can be achieved. As described in more detail below, filter systems or filter materials designed in this way reliably and efficiently retain, for example, aerosols of oils, salts, dusts etc. with an efficiency of more than 90%, preferably 99% or more.

In general, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is arranged directly on the adsorption layer, in particular fixed on or on the adsorption layer, preferably laminated thereon. Ie. in other words, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is generally arranged between the adsorption layer and the cover layer (ie the outer layer in use, eg an outer material), ie the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is in general on the side of the adsorption layer facing away from the carrier layer, wherein usually the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is fixed directly on or on the adsorption layer (eg by lamination or by preferably discontinuous bonding, preferably by lamination), preferably by lamination, Alternatively, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer may be fixed on or on the cover layer or else on or on the cover and adsorption layer (eg by lamination or by preferably discontinuous bonding, preferably by lamination). When the adsorption filter material according to the invention is in use, the covering layer faces the pollutant side as an outer layer (eg outer material), so that the pollutant-containing stream to be decontaminated, for example biological and / or chemical warfare agents, first passes through the covering layer, then onto the particle and / or or aerosol filter layer, are retained by the particles and / or aerosols, and then the remaining in the stream of chemical and / or biological contaminants, in particular warfare agents, meet the subsequent adsorption, from which they are then adsorbed and rendered harmless.

As described above, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is advantageously fixed directly on or on the adsorption layer (for example by lamination or by preferably discontinuous bonding, preferably by lamination). Alternatively, however, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer can also be fixed on or on the covering layer or else on or on the covering and the adsorption layer (for example by lamination or by preferably discontinuous bonding, preferably by lamination).

Due to the aforementioned multilayer structure, the adsorption filter material according to the invention combines in a single material both an efficient particle and / or aerosol protection and also an efficient protection against biological and / or chemical pollutants, in particular biological and / or chemical warfare agents.

The protective function of the adsorption filter material according to the invention in relation to particles and aerosols is comparable to conventional membrane systems; However, due to the gas permeability, in particular air permeability or permeability of the adsorption filter material according to the invention the wearing comfort during processing to ABC protective suits compared to membrane suits is significantly increased.

As far as the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is concerned, it is generally designed as an air-permeable textile fabric based on a fabric or textile composite, in particular nonwoven, particularly preferably as a nonwoven. In accordance with the invention, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is produced by electrospinning, meltblow process or a combination of these two processes; because in unexpected ways can be achieved with such materials, the best results in terms of aerosol and particle protection at the same time good air permeability and low basis weight.

The term nonwovens or nonwovens, also referred to as nonwovens, in the context of the present invention is used in particular as a term for flexible, porous fabrics which are included in the textile composites used, which are not made by the classical methods of weaving of warp and weft or by stitching, but by entanglement and / or cohesive and / or adhesive bonds of textile fibers. Nonwovens are generally loose materials made from staple fibers or filaments, in particular from synthetic fibers or chemical fibers (eg polypropylene, polyester, viscose, etc.) whose cohesion is generally given by the fibers inherent adhesion. Here, the individual fibers may have a preferred direction (so-called oriented or cross-layer webs) or else be non-directional (so-called random webs). The nonwovens can be mechanically consolidated by needling, meshing or by swirling by means of sharp water jets (so-called spunlaced nonwovens). Nonwovens which are particularly suitable according to the invention can be obtained, for example, by spunbonding, meltblow processes and, preferably, by electrospinning (cf. US 6,641,773 B2 ) getting produced. Adhesively bonded nonwovens are formed by bonding the fibers with liquid binders (eg acrylate polymers, SBR / NBA, polyvinyl esters or polyurethane dispersions) or by melting or dissolving so-called binder fibers, which are added to the nonwoven during production. In cohesive consolidation, the fiber surfaces are solubilized by suitable chemicals and bonded by pressure or welded at elevated temperature. Nonwovens made of spunbonded nonwovens, ie fabrics produced by spinning and then depositing, inflating or sponging on a conveyor belt, are called spunbonded fabrics. Additional threads, woven or knitted fabrics are considered as reinforced nonwovens. Due to the large number of available raw materials, combination options and improvement techniques, nonwovens or nonwovens can be specifically produced with any desired purpose-specific properties. Like all textiles, nonwovens or nonwovens can be subjected to the processes of textile finishing. For further details on the concept of nonwovens and nonwovens, for example, reference may be made to Römpp Chemielexikon, 10th edition, Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart / New York, Volume 6, 1999, pages 4889/4890, keyword: "Nonwovens , the entire disclosure content of which, including the references cited therein, is hereby incorporated by reference.

The weight per unit area of the particle and / or aerosol filter layer preferably used can vary within wide limits. As described above, the basis weight of the particle and / or aerosol filter layer used according to the invention is in the range from 1 to 75 g / m ² , in particular from 2 to 50 g / m ² , particularly preferably from 5 to 15 g / m ² . However, depending on the application or the individual case, it may be advantageous or necessary to deviate from the abovementioned values without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Particularly good particle and / or Aerosolabscheideraten be achieved if the particle and / or Aerosolfilterschicht a fabric consisting of textile fabrics, preferably nonwoven, is used, the average diameter of the textile fibers in the range of 10 nm to 5 .mu.m, preferably 100 nm 1,100 nm, more preferably 100 to 1,000 nm. Suitable textile fabrics, in particular nonwovens, with the aforementioned textile fiber diameters can be z. B. in meltblowing or preferably in the electrospinning process.

In particular, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is formed as a textile fabric consisting of textile fibers with pores or meshes delimited by the textile fibers. The individual textile fibers thus limit the stitches (eg in the case of fabrics) or pores (eg in the case of nonwovens). In this case, the textile fabric should have a mean pore size or average mesh size of at most 200 .mu.m, in particular at most 100 .mu.m, preferably at most 75 .mu.m, particularly preferably at most 50 .mu.m, very particularly preferably at most 40 .mu.m, even more preferably at most depending on the type of the fabric 10 microns have. In this way, a particularly good separation rate with respect to rendering harmless particles and / or aerosols is achieved.

In particular, the performance of the particle and / or aerosol filter layer in the event that the particle and / or aerosol filter is a fabric consisting of textile fibers of the aforementioned type with limited by the textile fibers pores or meshes, crucially depends on the ratio of the average pore size or Mesh size to the middle Diameter of the textile fibers. In general, the ratio or quotient of the mean pore size or mesh size to the mean diameter of the textile fibers should be in the range from 0.1 to 2000, in particular 1 to 500, preferably 5 to 350, particularly preferably 10 to 300, very particularly preferably 25 to 250 , vary. In particular, the ratio or quotient of the mean pore size or mesh size to the mean diameter of the textile fibers should be at most 2,000, in particular at most 500, preferably at most 350, particularly preferably at most 300, very particularly preferably at most 250. However, the ratio or the quotient of the mean pore size or mesh size to the mean diameter of the textile fibers should be at least 0.1, in particular at least 1, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10, very preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 40. In this way, particularly efficient deposition rates are achieved with respect to the harmless to be made particles and aerosols.

As stated previously, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is generally a textile fabric consisting of textile fibers, preferably a nonwoven. In this case, synthetic fibers (synonymously also referred to as chemical fibers) are used as textile fibers, in particular those textile fibers which can be processed or used in the context of the production process for the textile fabric, in particular in the context of the meltblow process or electrospinning. Particularly suitable textile fibers constituting the textile and / or aerosol filter layer-forming textile fabrics are, for example, selected from the group of polyesters (PES); Polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene; Polyvinyl chlorides (CLF); Polyvinylidene chloride (CLF); Acetates (CA); Triacetates (CTA); Polyacrylic (PAN), in particular polyacrylonitriles; Polyamides (PA); Polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL); polyurethanes; polyvinyl; Poly (meth) acrylates; Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); as well as their mixtures. Particularly preferred are polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polyacrylonitriles, poly (meth) acrylates and polyvinylidene fluorides (PVDF) and mixtures thereof. The abovementioned abbreviations for the textile fibers are taken from DIN 60001-4 (August 1991).

For further details on the term of textile fibers - synonymously also referred to as textile fibers - can be referenced, for example Römpp Chemielexikon, loc. Cit., Pages 4477 to 4479, keyword: "textile fibers In the context of the present invention, in particular, the term textile fibers is understood as a collective term for all fibers which can be processed textile, and together the textile fibers have a meaning in the textile fibers Compared to its cross-section of great length and sufficient strength and flexibility, whereby the textile fibers can be divided into different groups according to origin or material nature Within the scope of the present invention, the term textile fibers is to be understood very broadly and comprehensively and includes not only fibers as such but also fibrous structures such as filaments or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment, the covering layer of the adsorption filter material according to the invention is formed as a textile fabric composed of synthetic fibers (chemical fibers), preferably an air-permeable textile material, preferably a scrim or textile composite, in particular a nonwoven, whereby the synthetic fibers ( Chemical fibers) may preferably be selected from the group of polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyvinyl and / or polyacrylic, preferably polyolefins (in particular polypropylene) and / or polyesters. In a particularly preferred manner, the covering layer is formed as a nonwoven consisting of synthetic fibers (chemical fibers), in particular as a polyolefin nonwoven (for example polypropylene nonwoven) or polyester nonwoven.

• eine Trägerschicht,
• eine der Trägerschicht zugeordnete, vorzugsweise an der Trägerschicht fixierte Adsorptionsschicht,
• eine auf der der Trägerschicht abgewandten Seite der Adsorptionsschicht angeordnete Abdeckschicht und
• eine zwischen der Adsorptionsschicht und der Abdeckschicht angeordnete, an der Abdeckschicht und/oder Adsorptionsschicht, insbesondere an der Adsorptionsschicht vorzugsweise mittels Laminierung oder Verkleben fixierte Partikel- und/oder Aerosolfilterschicht, insbesondere Partikel- und Aerosolfilterschicht,

umfaßt, wobei die Partikel- und/oder Aerosolfilterschicht als ein aus Fasern mit Faserdurchmessern im Bereich von 10 nm bis 5 µm, bevorzugt 100 nm bis 1,1 µm, gebildetes luftdurchlässiges textiles Flächengebilde, vorzugsweise mit einem Flächengewicht von 1 bis 75 g/m², insbesondere 2 bis 50 g/m², besonders bevorzugt 5 bis 15 g/m², ausgebildet ist, wobei die Partikel- und/oder Aerosolfilterschicht durch Elektrospinnen, Meltblow-Verfahren oder eine Kombination dieser beiden Verfahren hergestellt ist, und wobei die Abdeckschicht als ein aus synthetischen Fasern (Chemiefasern) bestehendes textiles Flächengebilde, vorzugsweise ein luftdurchlässiges Textilmaterial, bevorzugt ein Gelege oder Textilverbundstoff, insbesondere ein Vlies (Non-Woven), ausgebildet ist, wobei die die Abdeckschicht bildenden synthetischen Fasern (Chemiefasern) aus der Gruppe von Polyamiden, Polyestern, Polyolefinen, Polyurethanen, Polyvinyl und/oder Polyacryl, bevorzugt Polyolefinen und/oder Polyestern, ausgewählt sind.According to a particular embodiment, an adsorption filter material with integrated particle and / or aerosol protection and with a protective function against biological and / or chemical pollutants, in particular biological and / or chemical warfare agents is used, wherein the adsorption filter material has a multilayer construction, wherein the multilayer construction

• a carrier layer,
• an adsorption layer assigned to the carrier layer and preferably fixed to the carrier layer,
• a cover layer arranged on the side of the adsorption layer facing away from the carrier layer and
• a particle and / or aerosol filter layer, in particular a particle and aerosol filter layer, arranged between the adsorption layer and the cover layer and fixed to the cover layer and / or adsorption layer, in particular to the adsorption layer, preferably by means of lamination or gluing;

wherein the particle and / or aerosol filter layer as an air-permeable textile fabric formed from fibers with fiber diameters in the range of 10 nm to 5 microns, preferably 100 nm to 1.1 microns, preferably having a basis weight of 1 to 75 g / m ² , in particular 2 to 50 g / m ² , particularly preferably 5 to 15 g / m ² , is formed, wherein the particle and / or aerosol filter is made by electrospinning, meltblow process or a combination of these two methods, and wherein the Cover layer as a synthetic fibers (man-made fibers) existing textile fabric, preferably an air-permeable textile material, preferably a scrim or textile composite, in particular a nonwoven, is formed, wherein the cover layer forming synthetic fibers (man-made fibers) from the group of Polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyvinyl and / or polyacrylic, preferably polyolefins and / or polyesters, are selected.

In order to achieve an efficient deposition rate with respect to the particles and / or aerosols to be rendered harmless, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer should have an average efficiency E _m according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993) of at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%. Furthermore, for this purpose, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer should have an average degree of separation A _m according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993) of at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95%, very particularly preferably at least 99%.

The DIN EN 779 of July 1993 concerns the requirements, testing and marking of particle air filters for general ventilation technology. According to this provision, the average degree of separation A _{m is} determined by a gravimetric test method, with a multiple dusting of the test piece with a known amount of standardized artificial test dust in flowing air to the maximum final pressure drop of 250 Pa, each of the degree of separation from the mass ratios by weighing a HEPA filter downstream of the test specimen is determined, the average separation efficiency A _m , calculated from all individual measurements, being valid; for more detailed details please refer to DIN EN 779. The mean efficiency E _m, however, is measured according to DIN 779 by means of a discoloration test method by multiple measurement of the efficiency against natural atmospheric dust in the air, the specimen loaded after a first measurement in new condition with a known amount of standardized artificial test dust according to DIN EN 779 and Thereafter, the determination of the efficiency is made again until a final pressure drop of 450 Pa is reached, the measurement of the efficiency based on the comparison of those test air volumes, which must be sucked before and after the specimen by a white particulate filter paper until they are the same discolored or are clouded, the average efficiency E _m , calculated from all individual measurements, applies; for further details please refer to DIN EN 779.

For the purpose of achieving good particle and aerosol deposition, the integral initial transmittance D _{i of} the particle and / or aerosol filter layer according to DIN EN 1822 (April 1989, DEHS aerosol (diethylhexyl sebacate), Most Penetrating Particle Size = MPPS 0.1 to 0 should also be used , 3 μm) at most 50%, in particular at most 40%, preferably at most 30%, particularly preferably at most 20%, very particularly preferably at most 10%. The test method according to DIN EN 1822 is carried out on unpolluted test specimens with a liquid test aerosol (DEHS = diethylhexyl sebacate), based on measured values for a respective particle diameter corresponding to the transmittance maximum (so-called MPPS, here: 0.1 to 0.3 μm). In a first step of the investigation, the particle size at which the transmission maximum (MPPS) is reached is determined on flat patterns of the filter medium, the subsequent evaluation and Classifying the filters only for the MPPS. In a second step, the integral transmittance D _i for the MPPS determined via the blow-off surface and the pressure loss of the filter, both at the nominal volume flow, are then measured. For more detailed details please refer to DIN EN 1822.

Advantageously, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer is designed such that it has an average deposition rate with respect to particles and / or aerosols with diameters in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 μm of at least 80% at a flow velocity of 0.1 m / s. , in particular at least 90%, preferably at least 95%.

Furthermore, the particle and / or aerosol filter should at an inlet velocity of 0.1 m / s, an average deposition rate against particles and / or aerosols with diameters ≥ 2 microns, in particular ≥ 1.5 microns, preferably ≥ 1.0 microns, of at least 95%, in particular at least 98%, preferably at least 99%.

The thickness of the particle and / or aerosol filter layer should be in the range of 0.001 to 10 mm, in particular 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 0.01 to 1 mm.

According to a particular embodiment, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer can be designed as a so-called HEPA filter (High Efficiency Penetration or Particulate Air) or ULPA filter (Ultra Low Penetration or Particulate Air).

In order to ensure good gas permeability, in particular air permeability, of the adsorption filter material according to the invention overall and thus in the processing of ABC protective suits, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer should have good gas permeability, in particular air permeability. In general, with a flow resistance of 127 Pa, the gas permeability, in particular air permeability, of the particle and / or aerosol filter layer should be at least 10 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , in particular at least 30 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , preferably at least 50 1 · m ^-2 · s, particularly preferably at least 100 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , very particularly preferably at least 400 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 or more.

As regards the adsorption layer preferably provided, it may in principle be formed from any suitable adsorptive materials within the scope of the adsorption filter material according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, the adsorption layer is formed on the basis of activated carbon, d. H. the adsorptive layer has or consists of activated carbon. The activated carbon can be present in the form of activated carbon particles and / or activated carbon fibers.

For example, the adsorption layer may comprise or consist of discrete particles of activated carbon, preferably in granular form ("granular carbon") or spherical form ("spherical carbon"). In particular, in this case, the average diameter of the activated carbon particles is <1.0 mm, preferably <0.8 mm, preferably <0.6 mm. In this case, the average diameter of the activated carbon particles is in particular at least 0.1 mm. In this embodiment, the activated carbon particles may be present in an amount (ie, loading or batching amount) of 10 to 500 g / m ² , especially 25 to 400 g / m ² , preferably 50 to 300 g / m ² , preferably 75 to 250 g / m ² , more preferably 80 to 200 g / m ² , are used. In particular, such activated carbon particles are used which have a bursting pressure of 5 Newton, in particular at least 10 Newton, and / or up to 20 Newton, based on a single particle of activated carbon, in particular activated carbon granules or pellets.

Alternatively, however, the adsorption layer can also be formed from activated carbon fibers, in particular in the form of an activated carbon sheet, or comprise activated carbon fibers. In this embodiment, in particular activated carbon sheets with basis weights of 10 to 300 g / m ² , in particular 20 to 200 g / m ² , preferably 30 to 150 g / m ² , are used. Activated carbon fiber fabrics suitable according to the invention are, for example, activated carbon fiber fabrics, knitted fabrics, fabrics or composites, in particular based on carbonized and activated cellulose and / or based on carbonized and activated acrylonitrile.

Likewise, it is possible to combine activated carbon particles on the one hand and activated carbon fibers on the other hand for the formation of the adsorption layer.

It is preferred if the activated carbon used for forming the adsorption layer (ie activated carbon particles or activated carbon fibers) has an inner surface area (BET) of at least 800 m ² / g, in particular of at least 900 m ² / g, preferably of at least 1000 m ² / g, preferably in the range of 800 to 2,500 m ² / g.

To increase the adsorption efficiency or adsorption performance, in particular to obtain an increased or improved protective function against biological pollutants, in particular biological warfare agents, it is possible to impregnate the adsorption layer, in particular the activated carbon particles and / or the activated carbon fibers, with at least one catalyst. Suitable catalysts according to the invention are, for example, enzymes and / or metals, preferably metals, in particular from the group of copper, silver, cadmium, platinum, palladium, rhodium, zinc, mercury, titanium, zirconium and / or aluminum, preferably in the form of the corresponding metal ions. The amount of catalyst can vary widely; In general, it is 0.05 to 12 wt .-%, preferably 1 to 10 wt .-%, particularly preferably 2 to 8 wt .-%, based on the weight of the adsorption layer. Optionally, through the aerosol and / or particulate filter layer beaten biological pollutants can be effectively rendered harmless in this way.

As described above, the adsorption layer is fixed to the support layer. In general, the attachment of the adsorption layer to the carrier layer by means of an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is advantageously only discontinuously or only punctiform applied to the carrier layer to maintain a good gas permeability, especially air permeability, the carrier layer and in this way the Adsorptionsfiltermaterials total. The adhesive should be applied in an application amount of 10 to 80 g / m ² , in particular 20 to 60 g / m ² , preferably 30 to 50 g / m ² . Advantageously, the adhesive is applied in such a way that advantageously at most 50% of the surface of the carrier layer, preferably at most 40% of the surface of the carrier layer, more preferably at most 30% of the surface of the carrier layer, most preferably at most 25% of the surface of the carrier layer, is covered with adhesive. In general, the adhesive is applied or printed onto the carrier layer in the form of a regular or irregular grid in the form of dots of adhesive, the adhesion layer (eg discrete particles of activated carbon) subsequently being adhered to the adhesive dots.

The carrier layer is basically textile fabrics, preferably air-permeable textile materials. Preference is given to textile fabrics, knitted fabrics, knitted fabrics, scrims or textile composites, in particular nonwovens. In general, the carrier layer has a weight per unit area of 20 to 200 g / m ² , in particular 30 to 150 g / m ² , preferably 40 to 120 g / m ² .

The adsorption filter material is advantageously equipped with a cover layer on its outside (ie on the side of the particle and / or aerosol filter layer facing away from the adsorption layer) which is advantageously fixed or fastened to the particle and / or aerosol filter layer (eg by means of at least partially laminating or gluing). The presence of the cover layer leads to an improved wear protection with respect to the particle and / or aerosol filter layer, for example to an improvement in the washing resistance, but also the wear resistance of the material according to the invention.

As far as the optional cover layer is concerned, it is generally equally formed as a textile fabric, preferably an air-permeable textile material, e.g. B. as a woven, knitted, knitted, scrim or fabric composite, in particular a nonwoven. In general, the covering layer has a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m ² , in particular 75 to 275 g / m ² , preferably 100 to 250 g / m ² , particularly preferably 120 to 250 g / m ² .

To improve in particular the aerosol protection, the covering layer, in particular on its outside, oleophobed and / or hydrophobed, preferably oleophobic and hydrophobic, be equipped, preferably by an appropriate impregnation. In the case of the impact of larger drops of pollutants and toxins, these may be due to the Oleophobierung and / or hydrophobing of the surface of the cover layer distributed on the surface of the adsorption filter material according to the invention. Suitable oleo or hydrophobizing agents for this purpose are well known to the person skilled in the art (for example fluoropolymers, such as fluorocarbon resins, etc.).

To improve, in particular, the aerosol protection and the protection against biological pollutants, the covering layer and / or the carrier layer, preferably the carrier layer, can be provided with biocidal and / or biostatic equipment or equipment, preferably based on a catalytically active component (cf. attributed to the applicant himself DE 10 2005 056 537 A1 and DE 20 2005 018 547 U1 the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference); in particular in equipment or equipment serving as a support for the adsorption, downstream in the flow direction of the cover layer and aerosol / particle filter layer support layer with a biocidal or biostatically active catalytically active component may be effective, if necessary, by the advantageously oleophobed and / or hydrophobic cover layer and the downstream in the flow direction aerosol and / or particulate filter layer blown biological pollutants are rendered harmless. For example, toxic spores can also be rendered harmless or kill in this way, and the problem of possible re-solubilization is also dealt with in an efficient manner. The biocidal or biostatically active catalytically active component may in particular be incorporated or incorporated into the cover layer and / or carrier layer, preferably only in the carrier layer, preferably in the form of a textile fabric, in particular into the fibers, threads, yarns, filaments forming the fabric or the like, e.g. As by spinning, extruding, impregnation, chemical or plasma chemical treatment processes or the like. In particular, metals or metal compounds, in particular from the group of copper, silver, cadmium, platinum, palladium, rhodium, zinc, mercury, titanium, zirconium and / or aluminum and their ions and / or salts, can be used as the biocidal or biostatically active catalytically active component . preferably copper and silver and their ions and / or salts, particularly preferably from the group of Ag, Ag ₂ O, Cu, Cu ₂ O and CuO and mixtures thereof, are used. The amount of catalytically active component, based on the total layer, can vary in the range of 0.001 to 20 wt .-%, in particular 0.005 to 10 wt .-%, preferably 0.01 to 5 wt .-%, vary. According to the invention suitable, acted upon by a biostatic or biocidal catalytically active component fabric, which can be used in the present invention, are commercially available, for. From the companies Cupron Corporation, New York (USA), Foss Manufacturing Company Inc., Hampton, New Hampshire (USA) or Noble Fiber Technologies, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania (USA).

In the same way, to improve in particular the aerosol protection and the protection against biological pollutants - alternatively or cumulatively to the covering layer and / or the carrier layer - also the aerosol and / or particle filter layer with a biocidal and / or biostatic equipment or equipment, preferably be based on a catalytically active component, be provided; Here, the above statements on the biocidal and / or biostatic equipment or equipment of the cover layer and / or the carrier layer apply accordingly (see also the German patent application, which is based on the applicant himself DE 10 2005 056 537 and German utility model application DE 20 2005 018 547 the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). The biocidal or biostatically active catalytically active component can be incorporated or incorporated in particular in the aerosol and / or particle filter layer, in particular in the aerosol and / or particle filter layer forming fibers, threads, yarns, filaments or the like, for. As by spinning, extruding, impregnation, chemical or plasma chemical treatment processes or the like. In particular, metals or metal compounds, in particular from the group of copper, silver, cadmium, platinum, palladium, rhodium, zinc, mercury, titanium, zirconium and / or aluminum and their ions and / or salts, can be used as the biocidal or biostatically active catalytically active component preferably copper and silver and their ions and / or salts, particularly preferably from the group of Ag, Ag ₂ O, Cu, Cu ₂ O and CuO and mixtures thereof, be used. The amount of catalytically active component, based on the total layer, can vary in the range of 0.001 to 20 wt .-%, in particular 0.005 to 10 wt .-%, preferably 0.01 to 5 wt .-%, vary.

Furthermore, the cover layer can be provided with a flame retardant (for example by means of phosphoric ester impregnation). Furthermore, the cover layer can also be antistatic. According to a further embodiment, the cover layer may also be equipped by infrared reflection properties (IR reflection properties). Finally, the cover layer may also be provided with camouflage printing on its side facing the pollutants (that is, on the outside during use), in particular in the production of ABC protective suits.

In general, the carrier layer and / or the covering layer may be a textile fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers, preferably of synthetic fibers (chemical fibers). Synthetic fibers or man-made fibers suitable for the formation of the covering layer and / or carrier layer are for example selected from the group of polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins (for example polyethylenes or polypropylenes), polyurethanes, polyvinyl and / or polyacrylic.

According to a preferred embodiment, the covering layer can be designed in particular as a textile fabric consisting of synthetic fibers (chemical fibers), preferably an air-permeable textile material, preferably a scrim or textile composite, in particular a non-woven fabric. The synthetic fibers (man-made fibers) may be selected in particular from the group of polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyvinyl and / or polyacrylic, preferably polyolefins and / or polyesters. The cover layer is preferably designed as a nonwoven consisting of synthetic fibers (chemical fibers), in particular as a polyolefin nonwoven or polyester nonwoven.

In addition to the aforementioned layers, the adsorption filter material may also contain other layers, in particular textile layers. These may be arranged above, below or between the aforementioned layers.

As described above, the adsorption filter material is permeable to gas, in particular air-permeable and / or water-permeable and / or permeable to water vapor. This results in an excellent wearing comfort when processing into ABC protective suits.

In general, the adsorption filter material at a flow resistance of 127 Pa has a gas or air permeability of at least 101 · m ² · s ^-1 , in particular at least 301 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , preferably at least 501 · m ^-2 · s ^{- 1} , more preferably at least 100 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , most preferably at least 400 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 , and / or up to 10,000 1 · m ² · s ^-1 . Since the gas or air permeability of the adsorptive filter material according to the present invention is determined or limited at least essentially by the aerosol and / or particulate filter layer, the gas or air permeability of the adsorption filter material according to the invention substantially corresponds overall to the gas or air permeability of the aerosol and / or particle filter layer.

In general, the adsorption filter material has a total basis weight of 200 to 1,000 g / m ² , in particular 225 to 800 g / m ² , preferably 250 to 600 g / m ² , particularly preferably 300 to 500 g / m ² , in particular with a total cross-sectional thickness of the invention Adsorption filter material of 0.1 to 10 mm, in particular 0.2 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 mm.

To increase the wearing comfort, the adsorption filter material should have a water vapor transmission rate of at least 5 l / m ² per 24 h, in particular at least 10 l / m ² per 24 h, preferably at least 15 l / m ² per 24 h, particularly preferably at least 20 l / m ² per 24 h, very particularly preferably at least 25 l / m ² per 24 h. The water vapor permeability can be measured according to the so-called "inverted cup method" or according to ASTM E 96 and at 25 ° C. For more details on the measurement of water vapor transmission rate [WVTR] refer to McCullough et al. "A Comparison of Standard Methods for Measuring Water Vapor Permeability of Fabrics" in Meas. Sci. Technol. [Measurements Science and Technology], 14, 1402-1408, August 2003 , This ensures good wearing comfort.

In order to ensure a good protective action against chemical warfare agents, the adsorption filter material generally has a barrier effect against chemical warfare agents, in particular bis [2-chloroethyl] sulfide (synonymously also termed mustard gas, Lost or yellow cross), determined according to method 2.2 of CRDEC-SP. 84010, of at most 4 μg / cm ² per 24 h, in particular at most 3.5 μg / cm ² per 24 h, preferably at most 3.0 μg / cm ² per 24 h, more preferably at most 2.5 μg / cm ² per 24 h, up.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view through a preferred layer structure 20 of a filter material, in particular Adsorptionsfiltermaterials 21, which is equipped both with an integrated particle and / or aerosol protection and with a protective function against biological and / or chemical pollutants, especially biological and / or chemical warfare agents , has a multilayer structure 20 with a carrier layer 22, an adsorption layer 23 assigned to the carrier layer 22, preferably fixed to the carrier layer 22, and a cover layer 24 arranged on the side of the adsorption layer 23 facing away from the carrier layer 22. In addition, the adsorption filter material 21 is provided with a particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25, preferably a combined particle and aerosol filter layer 25. Such adsorption filter material 21 is the subject of the German patent application DE 10 2006 021 905.8 ,

In development of the subject of the German patent application DE 10 2006 021 905.8 In the case of the adsorption filter material 21, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25 is preferably an air-permeable textile fabric formed from fibers with fiber diameters in the range from 10 nm to 5 μm, preferably 100 nm to 1.1 μm, preferably with a basis weight of 1 to 75 g / m ² , in particular 2 to 50 g / m ² , particularly preferably 5 to 15 g / m ² formed.

The particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25 is generally arranged directly on the adsorption layer 23, in particular fixed on and / or on the adsorption layer 23, preferably laminated thereon. The particle and / or aerosol filter layer 26 is thus thus arranged between the adsorption layer 23 and the cover layer 24, wherein the particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25 is advantageously fixed on and / or on the adsorption layer 23, preferably by means of lamination. In use, the harmful substances to be rendered harmless including aerosols and particles after penetration of the outer cover 24 so first on the particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25, where the relevant pollutant particles and aerosols are rendered harmless, and possibly even chemical and / or biological Pollutant-containing, freed from the particles and aerosols pollutant then finally hits the adsorption layer 23, where the remaining pollutants are then made harmless by adsorption and in the presence of catalysts also by decomposition processes.

In general, the particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25 is configured as a scrim or nonwoven, in particular nonwoven, particularly preferably as a nonwoven. It is preferred if the particle and / or aerosol filter layer 25 is produced by electrospinning, meltblow process or a combination of these two processes.

Hereinafter, a particular preferred embodiment with respect to the structure and the production of the filter layer or the filter material for the proposed protective mask 1 is explained in more detail:

An adsorption filter material with integrated particle and aerosol filter layer in the form of a nonwoven fabric is produced.

For the production of the adsorption filter material, a textile carrier layer having a weight per unit area of about 95 g / m ^{2 is} printed dot matrix-like with about 38 g / m ^{2 of} an adhesive, on which subsequently activated carbon spherules with average diameters of about 0.4 mm in an edition of about 165 g / m ² are adhered. After crosslinking and curing of the adhesive, a particle and aerosol filter layer in the form of a nonwoven consisting of polyamide filaments or fibers with a fiber diameter of about 125 nm is laminated onto the adsorption layer (weight per unit area: about 15 g / m ² ; 25 μm, air permeability: approx. 380 1 · m ^-2 · s ^-1 with a flow resistance of 127 Pa), which is produced in the electrospinning process. The ratio of the average pore size of the nonwoven to the mean diameter of the textile fibers or filaments is about 200.

On the particle and aerosol filter layer, a protective layer serving as an outer layer, which is an air-permeable polyolefin nonwoven (PO nonwoven), is subsequently fixed by means of a melt adhesive web (basis weight: about 38 g / m ² ).

Subsequently, the barrier effect against mustard gas according to method 2.2 of CRDEC-SP-84010 is determined in the context of the so-called convective flow test . For this purpose, at constant flow resistance at a flow rate of about 0.45 cm / s, a mustard gas-containing air stream is allowed to act on the adsorption filter material and determines the area-related breakthrough rate after 16 hours (80% relative humidity, 32 ° C). The breakthrough amount relative to mustard gas is significantly below 3 g / cm ^2, so that the adsorptive filtering material has a good protective effect against chemical warfare agents.

Subsequently, the mean efficiency E _m according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993) and the average separation efficiency A _m according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993) are determined on the adsorption filter material. The average efficiency E _m according to DIN EN 779 is approx. 95%, and the average separation efficiency A _m according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993) is approx. 98%. This shows that the adsorption filter material according to the invention has good particle and aerosol protection. Furthermore, the integral initial transmittance D _i according to DIN EN 1822 (April 1998, DEHS aerosol, MPPS = 0.1 to 0.3 μm) is determined on the adsorption filter material according to the invention. The integral initial transmittance D _i is about 3%.

The adsorption filter material according to the invention also has a deposition rate above 98% compared to particles and aerosols with diameters ≥ 1 μm.

The adsorption filter material is subsequently subjected to five washes, and subsequently the aforementioned measurements are repeated. The same results are obtained, d. H. The adsorption filter material according to the invention is resistant to wear and can easily be regenerated by washing without impairing the efficiency.

In particular with the filter material constructed or manufactured as described above, the protective mask 1 according to the invention has a very good protective and / or filtering action.

An essential measure of the quality of a protective mask is the total inward leakage (see chapter 7.9.1 of EN 149: 2001 D). The total inward leakage consists of three components: face leakage, valve slippage (if a breathing valve is present), and the filter passage. The total inward leakage is hereinafter referred to as GL for short.

Experiments have shown that with the proposed protective mask 1 a very low GL is feasible. In particular, the proposed protective mask 1 can reach or clearly exceed the limits of class FFP3 for GL according to EN 149: 2001 D, in particular according to 7.9.1 of EN 149: 2001 D. Particularly noteworthy is that experiments have shown that the proposed protective mask 1 shows a GL of less than 2%, in particular less than 1%, particularly preferably about 0.5% or less in the average. In particular, the aforesaid limit value of GL for the proposed protective mask 1 applies to at least eight out of ten arithmetic mean values for individual protective masks 1, which have each been subjected to five exercises, ie as provided in 7.9.1 of EN 149: 2001 D. The examination of GL is generally carried out in accordance with 8.5 of EN 149: 2001 D.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

mask

2

cover

3

face

4

nose

5

mouth

6

head mount

7

head

8th

tape

9

Valve

10

forming device

11a-e

section

12

base material

13

topcoat

14

ear

15

cheekbone

16

chin

17

Central section

18

material storage

19

contact section

20

layer structure

21

adsorption filter

22

backing

23

adsorption

24

covering

25

Particle and / or aerosol filter layer

Claims (15)

1. Protective mask (1) with a cover (2) to at least partially cover a face (3) and with a head support (6) for fastening the protective mask (1), wherein the head support (6) engages at least substantially at the front of the cover (2),
   characterised in that,

   - the protective mask (1) has a skeletal-like forming device (10) which is designed to stiffen the cover (2) and pre-stress it in at least a concave face region of the face (3), wherein the forming device (10) is integrated in the cover (2) or is non-detachably attached to the cover (2), and wherein the forming device (10) has at least one section (11) for stiffening or pre-stressing the cover (2), and

   - the head support (6) engages in the forming device (10).
2. Protective mask according to claim 1, characterised in that the forming device (10) is formed in one piece and/or is elastically deformable and/or is made of plastic or metal.
3. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the section (11) extends to an edge of the cover (2) and/or along the planar cover (2) and/or that the forming device (10) comprises several sections (11) to stiffen or pre-stress the cover (2), and which preferably extend in different directions, and/or that sections (11a) extend laterally in directions that extend in the direction of the ears (14) of the face (3) or of a head (7) when the protective mask (1) is being worn, and/or extend in regions below the cheekbones (15) of the face (3) when the protective mask (1) is being worn.
4. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that sections (11b) extend in regions that lie on either side of the nose (4) when the protective mask (1) is being worn, and/or that one or multiple sections (11c) extend in an area between the chin (16) and the mouth (5) and/or under the chin (16) of the face (3) when the protective mask (1) is being worn.
5. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the forming device (10) comprises a central section (17) from which a plurality, or all, of the sections (11) protrude, in particular wherein the central section (17) is arranged substantially in the centre of the cover (2) and/or in a region of the cover (2) that lies in front of the nose (4) or the mouth (5) when the protective mask (1) is being worn, or in particular wherein the head support (6) engages exclusively in the region of the central section (17) or at the central section (17) on the protective mask (1).
6. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the head support (6) comprises a preferably elastic band (8) and/or engages directly on the forming device (1).
7. Protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the protective mask (1) has a valve (9), in particular only for breathing out, in particular wherein the valve (9) is connected or is connectable to the forming device (10).
8. Protective mask according to claims 5 and 7, characterised in that the valve (9) is arranged in the region of the central section (17), and is, in particular, connected or connectable to this.
9. Protective mask according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the valve (9) is arranged at least substantially exclusively in a region substantially in the middle of the protective mask (1) and/or in a region of the protective mask (1) lying in the front of the nose (4) or the mouth (5) when the protective mask (1) is being worn.
10. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (2) has a material reserve (18), so that the cover (2) can follow opening and closing of the mouth (5).
11. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the protective mask (1) is preferably formed as a particle-filtering half mask.
12. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (2) has an abutment section (19) in the region of an edge of the cover (2), in particular along the entire edge, in particular wherein the abutment portion (19) is bead or lip-like in shape and/or is made of a soft and/or skin-friendly material, in particular polyurethane or silicone.
13. Protective mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mask (1) or cover (2) is designed to be at least partially permeable to air and is fitted with a filter material to filter the air passing through.
14. Protective mask according to claim 13, characterised in that the filter material forms an adsorption filter (21), preferably with integrated particle and/or aerosol protection and/or with a protective function against biological and/or chemical contaminants, especially biological and/or chemical warfare agents, and/or the filter material comprises or forms a particulate and/or aerosol filter layer (25).
15. Protective mask according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the filter material is designed to be permeable to gas, in particular air-permeable and/or water-permeable and/or water vapour permeable.

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