Vacuum cleaner filter bags

Abstract

Vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) which has at least an interior space (6) and at least one wall delimiting the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) from the environment with one or more filter fleece layers (2, 3), wherein the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) contains an antimicrobial material (21) in the interior space (6) and / or within the at least one filter fleece layer (2, 3), characterized in that the antimicrobial material (21) has at least one antimicrobial component, wherein the antimicrobial component is a naturally occurring organic acid and / or a naturally occurring organic base and / or a derivative of a naturally occurring organic acid and / or a naturally occurring organic base.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] EP 0 731 725 B1 discloses a disposable paper filter vacuum cleaner bag. This bag contains an active additive that can act as a deodorant and also has bacteriostatic or antibacterial properties. This active additive is, in particular, an oil, such as pine oil, thyme oil, or lemon oil. These oils can become rancid. Therefore, citric acid can be added as a stabilizer, which in this context acts as an antioxidant.

[0003] DE 92 06 614 U1 discloses a dust filter bag for vacuum cleaners in which a granulate is arranged which has a porous ceramic substrate as a carrier material and lemon oil as a deodorizing and disinfecting substance.

[0004] DE 43 11 258 C1 discloses a tear-open bag within a vacuum cleaner filter bag with a deodorizing or disinfecting material, which tears open during the unfolding movement.

[0005] DE 44 18 720 A1 discloses an additive for removing germs or odors in a vacuum cleaner filter bag

[0006] DE 683 115 discloses a bacterial filter impregnated with germicidal substances.

[0007] When it comes to the use of antimicrobial substances in dust filter bags, oils and chemically produced substances, especially triclosan, are known and common. However, these substances are not natural but chemically produced and, in addition to their antimicrobial effect, also pose health and sensitization risks to humans and the environment.

[0008] Based on the prior art described above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner filter bag which is safe for health and the environment with regard to both microorganisms and antimicrobial substances.

[0009] A vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention has at least one interior space in which vacuumed dust is collected. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner filter bag has at least one wall that separates the vacuum cleaner filter bag from the environment and has one or more filter fleece layers. The vacuum cleaner filter bag has an antimicrobial material in the interior space or within the at least one filter fleece layer. The material can, for example, be arranged loosely in the interior space or in a reservoir. It is also possible for the antimicrobial material to be incorporated into the filter bag wall. This can be achieved, for example, by sprinkling it in when laying the filter fleece layers.

[0010] According to the invention, the antimicrobial material comprises at least one antimicrobial component, wherein the antimicrobial component is a naturally occurring organic acid and / or a naturally occurring organic base and / or a derivative of a naturally occurring organic acid and / or a naturally occurring organic base. The derivative can, in particular, be an acid anhydride.

[0011] The aforementioned components can also be produced synthetically, but they should also occur naturally in nature, e.g. in plants.

[0012] The antimicrobial material itself can be a mixture of several components, with only one component having an antimicrobial effect. It is also possible for the material to consist of a carrier coated with an antimicrobial component. This can be done as a coating. For example, an antimicrobial acid can be dissolved and the solution applied to a carrier material to achieve a larger effective surface area.

[0013] The antimicrobial component can also be adsorbed only on the surface of a carrier material.

[0014] Absorption of an antimicrobial component is also possible, e.g., by absorbing a liquid antimicrobial component into the pores of a porous material. Such porous materials are usually based on silicon, particularly silicon dioxide, or aluminum oxide, such as silica gel.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0016] The antimicrobial material can be in the form of a powder or granules. This is advantageous because the active ingredient can be distributed evenly and widely throughout the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0017] The granulate can advantageously be formed from at least a porous carrier material and the antimicrobial component. This allows the antimicrobial component to be incorporated in a material-saving manner.

[0018] The antimicrobial component can be selected from one or more of the following substances: lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, salicylic acid and / or their acid derivatives, maleic anhydrite, and / or activated citric acid. The aforementioned antimicrobial components occur naturally and are therefore readily biodegradable. This applies both to their compatibility with the human body and to the compostability of the dust bag.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner filter bag can advantageously have an insert designed as a sack or small bag containing the antimicrobial material, particularly if the vacuum cleaner filter bag has an inlet opening without a closure element. This prevents the component from trickling out.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner filter bag can have a sealable inlet, and the antimicrobial material can be in the form of a freely dispersible powder or granules. This wide-area distribution allows for a more comprehensive antimicrobial application.

[0021] For improved efficacy of the antimicrobial material, it is advantageous if the antimicrobial material has a pH value of less than 7. For some antimicrobial substances, especially lactic acid, the antimicrobial material is particularly effective if the reaction occurs at a pH value of preferably less than 4, especially less than 2. The pH values ​​always refer to 1 mol of the antimicrobial material dissolved in one liter of water.

[0022] The insert, which serves as a sachet for the antimicrobial material, is made of a nonwoven material that acts as a dust storage medium. The insert thus serves as a pre-filter and allows for the storage of larger amounts of dust. This relieves the outer wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. The insert is connected to the filter fleece layers that define the interior space. It is typically welded or glued to these layers. The insert is positioned within the vacuum cleaner filter bag so that the incoming air directly impacts the insert, which forms the fleece layer.

[0023] The insert preferably has a predetermined breaking point or tear seam. When torn open, this releases the antimicrobial material into the interior of the dust filter bag.

[0024] The antimicrobial material preferably comprises a carrier and dispersing agent, in particular talc and / or calcium sulfate, in particular gypsum.

[0025] Additionally, fragrances can be added to the antimicrobial material, or the antimicrobial material can contain fragrances. Once the microbial material is released, the user can detect this through the fragrances transported from the vacuum cleaner through the filtered air. The invention also provides for the use of an organic acid and / or base to reduce the content of microorganisms in a vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below using two exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a filter bag according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic view of a second embodiment of a filter bag according to the invention.

[0027] The dust collected in the dust filter bag provides a breeding ground for microorganisms that, through proliferation, decomposition, and metabolism, release allergens, spores, and odors, thus posing a hygiene problem. Therefore, the growth of microbes can be inhibited or even killed by adding antibacterial substances to the bag or by inserting another suitable pad into the bag.

[0028] A filter bag 1 comprises a first upper filter fleece layer 2, on which an inlet opening 4 is formed. The first filter fleece layer 2 is connected circumferentially to a second filter fleece layer 3 at the edges, preferably via a welded seam. The filter fleece layers 2 and 3 can be formed from a multi-layer nonwoven fabric having at least one fine filter layer, for example, a meltblown layer.

[0029] A retaining plate 5 is provided around the inlet opening 4, by means of which the filter bag 1 can be secured to a vacuum cleaner. An interior space 6 is formed between the first filter material layer 2 and the second filter material layer, in which dust can accumulate during operation.

[0030] An insert 7 is arranged in the interior of the filter bag 1, in which a material 21 with antimicrobial action is arranged. The insert 7 can, for example, be double-layered and have an intermediate space or a reservoir that is closed at the edges. Thus, the insert 7 forms a kind of sack or reservoir for the material 21.

[0031] According to the invention, the material 21 with antimicrobial effect has an antimicrobial component which is selected from lactic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, salicylic acid and / or their acid derivatives, maleic anhydrite and / or activated citric acid.

[0032] The aforementioned antimicrobial components occur naturally and can therefore be easily biodegraded, or the human organism knows these substances and can metabolise them, and thus they do not cause any damage to humans in low concentrations.

[0033] In principle, the antimicrobial material can be liquid, gel-like or solid, but the antimicrobial material is preferably used as a solid or gel.

[0034] However, it is particularly preferred to incorporate the antimicrobial material into the bag in powder or granular form, as this mixes finely with the vacuumed dust during use, allowing its antimicrobial effect to unfold particularly effectively throughout the bag. The antimicrobial material can consist exclusively of the aforementioned antimicrobial component.

[0035] The antimicrobial material can, in particular, be in the form of granules or powder. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a liquid antimicrobial component (e.g., lactic acid) can be bound to a porous carrier, such as silica gel, to form the antimicrobial material. It is also possible to provide microencapsulation for the antimicrobial material.

[0036] When using the antimicrobial material in powder or granule form, it may be advantageous to mix the antimicrobial component with carrier and / or dispersing agents such as talc and / or calcium sulfate to avoid clumping.

[0037] The antimicrobial effect of the aforementioned organic acids and acid derivatives is optimally developed at an acidic pH value, particularly at a pH value below pH 4, and particularly preferably at a pH value below pH 2. The pH values ​​always refer to 1 mol of the antimicrobial material dissolved in one liter of water. Accordingly, the antimicrobial material can contain an additional component to adjust the pH value. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier material itself can also enable adjustment of the pH value. In this case, the carrier material has a pH value other than neutral of 7. The inducted air and the humidity it contains enable partial dissociation and thus adjustment of the pH value of the antimicrobial material.

[0038] Furthermore, fragrances can be added to the antimicrobial material, which underline and clarify the antimicrobial effect for the consumer in a sensory way.

[0039] In the case of dust bags that have an open inlet opening, there is a risk that the antimicrobial material contained in the bag will escape during transport and handling by the consumer, which, depending on the composition, can lead to irritation or burns. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the antimicrobial material 21 is fixed in an insert 7 as a sachet or pouch within the bag. In a preferred variant, the wall of the insert 7 can be designed to be correspondingly thin or provided with a predetermined breaking point so that the insert tears open when the vacuum cleaner bag is put into operation. This is particularly advantageous if the insert only opens or tears during use due to the airflow in the bag, releasing the antimicrobial material or transferring it to the dust accumulating in the interior.

[0040] In an alternative design, the dust bag has an automatically closing retaining plate, particularly with a pivoting closure flap. In such dust bags, the antimicrobial material can be loosely inserted directly into the bag.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the invention, the insert 7 can be made of a filter material. The insert serves both to absorb dust and as a reservoir for the antimicrobial material. An initial amount of dust can initially be temporarily stored in the insert, where it comes into direct contact with the antimicrobial material 21. With prolonged use, the insert tears, releasing the antimicrobial material into the expanded interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0042] This allows a dust-storing layer to be arranged inside the vacuum cleaner filter bag, which protects the outer material of the filter bag and at the same time serves as a reservoir for the antimicrobial material.

[0043] In this variant, the insert can have at least three layers, with two outer layers and a middle layer between them for dust loading. The middle layer has a higher dust absorption capacity than the outer layers. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial material can be arranged between the outer layers together with the middle layer. Alternatively, the insert can also have two material layers forming the bag, with each of the material layers comprising the three aforementioned layers.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the vacuum cleaner filter bag has only a single interior space, which is separated from the environment by one or more layers of filter fleece material. The antimicrobial material is incorporated into at least one of the filter fleece material layers.

[0045] In another version, which is Fig.2, a filter bag 11 comprises a first upper filter fleece layer 12 on which an inflow opening 14 is formed. The first filter fleece layer 12 is connected around the edge to a second filter fleece layer 13, preferably via a welded seam 18. The filter fleece layers 12 and 13 can be formed from a multi-layer nonwoven fabric which has at least one fine filter layer, for example a meltblown layer. A holding plate 15 is fixed in the region of the inflow opening 14. The filter bag has an interior space 16. A pad, a small bag and / or a sachet 17 is arranged in the interior space 16 and is preferably attached to one of the filter fleece layers 12 or 13. This pad, small bag or sachet 17 is filled with the antimicrobial material described above or it has this antimicrobial material, e.g. incorporated into a material layer.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the pad, bag or sachet 17 is arranged opposite the inlet opening 14, so that the inlet air directly hits the material of the pad, bag or sachet 17 and releases the antimicrobial material there through mechanical destruction after the filter bag is put into operation.

[0047] The pad, sachet, or pouch 17 preferably consists of a base nonwoven material, the antimicrobial material as an ingredient, and a thinner cover layer facing the inlet opening, which is easily mechanically destroyed by incoming air and particles. A typical dimension of such a pouch is, for example, 10 by 10 centimeters. List of reference symbols 1 filter bag 2 filter material layers 3 filter material layers 4 Inlet opening 5 Holding plate 6 Interior 7 Insert 11 filter bags 12 filter material layers 13 Filter material layer 14 Inlet opening 15 Holding plate 16 Interior 17 Sachee 18 Weld seam 21 antimicrobial material

Claims

[1] Vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) which has at least one interior space (6) and at least one wall delimiting the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) to the environment with one or more filter fleece layers (2, 3), wherein the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) contains an antimicrobial material (21) in the interior space (6) and / or within the at least one filter fleece layer (2, 3), characterized by that the antimicrobial material (21) has at least one antimicrobial component, wherein the antimicrobial component is a naturally occurring organic acid and / or a naturally occurring organic base and / or a derivative of a naturally occurring organic acid and / or a naturally occurring organic base. [2] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to claim 1, characterized by that the antimicrobial material (21) is a powder or granules. [3] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to claim 2, characterized bythat the granules are formed from at least a porous carrier material and the antimicrobial component. [4] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the antimicrobial component is selected from one or more of the following substances: lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, salicylic acid and / or their acid derivatives, maleic anhydrite and / or activated citric acid. [5] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) has an insert (7) which is designed as a sack or small sack and which contains the antimicrobial material (21), in particular if the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) has an inlet opening (4) without a closure element. [6] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the vacuum cleaner filter bag (1) has a closable inlet opening and wherein the antimicrobial material is present as a freely dispersible powder or granulate. [7] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an aqueous solution of 1 mol of the antimicrobacterial material (21) in one liter of water has a pH value of less than pH=7. [8] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to claim 7, characterized by that an aqueous solution of 1 mol of the antimicrobial material (21) in one liter of water has a pH value of less than pH=4, preferably less than pH=2. [9] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insert (7) consists of nonwoven material as a dust storage medium, which is connected to the filter fleece layers (2, 3), in particular welded or glued, [10] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insert (7) has a predetermined breaking point. [11] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the antimicrobial material (21) comprises a carrier and dispersing agent, in particular talc and / or calcium sulfate, in particular gypsum. [12] Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that fragrances are added to the antimicrobial material (21) or that the antimicrobial material contains fragrances. [13] Use of an organic acid and / or base to reduce the content of microorganisms in a vacuum cleaner filter bag (1).

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