Method for forming a strong connection between a holding plate and the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag and vacuum cleaner filter bag

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for producing an improved material-bonded connection between a retaining plate and the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for producing an improved material-bonded connection between a retaining plate and the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag. According to a first embodiment, the retaining plate is not applied directly to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, but rather a textile material is arranged between the retaining plate and the wall. The bond between the retaining plate and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is achieved via this textile material. According to a second embodiment, a film made of a thermoplastic material is arranged in certain areas between the retaining plate and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. The bond between the retaining plate and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is achieved via this film. According to a third embodiment, the retaining plate is directly bonded to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.The wall is formed, at least in the area where the retaining plate is applied, as a film made of special thermoplastic materials. The present invention also relates to vacuum cleaner filter bags in which the retaining plate is bonded to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the preceding principles.

[0002] For vacuum cleaner filter bags that consist of or have a section made of thermoplastic film, it may be necessary to attach a retaining plate precisely in that area. Typically, the vacuum cleaner bag retaining plate is joined to the filter bag's nonwoven fabric by bonding with a thermally activated adhesive (e.g., hot melt) or by ultrasonic welding. Due to the short welding time and the high strength and process reliability of the weld, ultrasonic welding is the preferred method. Directional elements on the retaining plate, as well as textures on the sonotrode or anvil, further enhance the performance of ultrasonic welding.

[0003] However, ultrasonic welding of a retaining plate to a film proves surprisingly difficult. The maximum tensile forces achieved are unsatisfactory, directional guides often lead to even worse results than welding flat, smooth retaining plates to the film, and structuring the sonotrode or anvil hardly improves the result either.

[0004] DE 20 2008 002 010 U1 describes a filter bag for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the filter bag comprises a dust collection bag connected to a retaining plate which has a through-opening for a vacuum cleaner nozzle, the opening being fitted with a seal made of a polymeric material. The dust collection bag is directly bonded and / or welded to the seal.

[0005] DE 20 2008 004 025 U1 describes a filter, in particular a vacuum cleaner bag, with a filter material in which an inlet opening is provided. This inlet opening contains a sealing device for creating a seal with a nozzle, which is arranged adjacent to a retaining plate. The sealing device has at least one elastic rubber layer with an opening, which is reinforced by a further, stiffer material layer with an opening aligned with the opening of the rubber layer.

[0006] From EP 2 025 278 A1, a vacuum cleaner filter bag, a filter bag material which has an inner layer of nonwoven material at least in the area of ​​the inlet opening, and a retaining plate arranged on the outside of the filter bag in the area of ​​the inlet opening, which can be attached to a holding device of a vacuum cleaner for holding the vacuum cleaner filter bag and on which a closing device for closing the inlet opening is provided, is known, wherein the nonwoven material in the area of ​​the inlet opening has a surface which is designed in such a way that the formation of a filter cake on this surface is avoided.

[0007] The problem of creating a reliable bond, particularly by welding the mounting plate to the filter bag wall, especially if the bag is made of foil, remains unsolved. Welding can be further complicated if the mounting plate incorporates a mechanism for automatically closing a flap when the filter bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner. These mechanisms often feature various metallic springs anchored in the mounting plate. In the area of ​​these often form-fitting anchors, significant material thicknesses are present, which impede ultrasound conduction. Furthermore, the spring itself often leads to an unintended distribution of the ultrasound within the workpiece, resulting in insufficient energy being available at the desired welding point.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide reliable methods for connecting a retaining plate to the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag, thereby avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the connection between the retaining plate and the wall of the filter bag should be easy to achieve, the resulting connection should withstand high tensile loads, and the results obtained should be reproducible. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide suitable vacuum cleaner filter bags.

[0009] This problem is solved by the methods for joining a retaining plate to the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag by material bonding, according to claims 1 and 13, and with respect to vacuum cleaner filter bags, according to claim 14. The respective dependent claims represent advantageous embodiments.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention thus relates to a method for joining a retaining plate to the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag by means of a material bond. The wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag has a location provided for attaching the retaining plate. This location can be situated at different points depending on the design of the vacuum cleaner filter bag to be subsequently produced from the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0011] According to a first version of this aspect, it is provided that, at least in certain areas around the mounting point of the retaining plate, a material-, force-, or form-fit connection is created between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and at least one, and in particular exactly one, layer of a textile material, and that the retaining plate is pressed against the side of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag covered with the textile material at the mounting point. Subsequently, a material-fit connection is created between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the textile material, and the retaining plate.

[0012] According to this first variant of the first aspect of the invention, at least one layer of a textile material, for example a single layer of a textile material, is first applied to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the point of attachment of the retaining plate and is connected there at least partially to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0013] The mounting location is understood to be the area of ​​the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag on which the retaining plate is later placed, i.e., the area of ​​the wall that is defined in projection onto the wall by the outline of the retaining plate.

[0014] The textile material can be applied only to specific areas of the mounting location, so that only a portion of the surface on which the mounting plate will later be placed is covered with textile material. This design is particularly useful when it is sufficient only as a localized or partial reinforcement of the bond between the mounting plate and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. One or more strips of textile material can also suffice for reinforcement. In particular, the area of ​​the bond, e.g., the weld, that experiences the highest stress can be reinforced.

[0015] It is also possible to cover the entire area that defines the mounting location of the mounting plate with a textile material.

[0016] It is also possible to choose a larger area of ​​the textile material than the area of ​​the attachment point, so that after connecting the mounting plate to the wall, textile material protrudes below the mounting plate.

[0017] The connection of the textile material to the wall, at least partially, can be achieved, for example, by spot welding, spot gluing, or by permanent or temporary mechanical fixings such as clamping connections. After the textile material has been fixed to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the designated location according to the procedure described above, the retaining plate is pressed onto the textile material so that at least part of its surface rests on the material. Alternatively, the entire surface of the retaining plate can be adapted to the textile material, provided that the area of ​​the textile material used is sufficiently large, i.e., at least as large as the base area of ​​the retaining plate.

[0018] Finally, a material-bonded connection is created between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the retaining plate through the textile material. This can be achieved, for example, by welding, particularly ultrasonic welding, or by gluing. In the latter case, for instance, an adhesive is applied to either the textile material, the retaining plate, or both the textile material and the retaining plate before the retaining plate is pressed onto the textile material.

[0019] A second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention provides that, at least in certain areas of the retaining plate, a material-, force-, or form-fit connection is created between the retaining plate and at least one, in particular exactly one, layer of a textile material, and that the retaining plate, with the side provided with the textile material, is pressed against the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the point of attachment. Here, too, a material-fit connection between the wall and the textile material is subsequently created in the manner described above.

[0020] In contrast to the first variant discussed previously, in the second variant presented here the textile material is fixed to the mounting plate, at least in certain areas. The mounting plate, together with the textile material fixed at least in certain areas, is then pressed onto the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the point of attachment and connected to it through the textile material.

[0021] The textile material can be applied, for example, only to certain areas of the mounting plate, such that it does not cover the entire surface, or that the textile material extends beyond one edge of the mounting plate, but does not cover the entire surface that will later be attached to the wall. It is also possible for the textile material to cover the entire surface of the mounting plate, even extending beyond the edge. If the mounting plate has an opening for a vacuum cleaner nozzle, a pass-through opening can be created in the textile material before or after it is applied to the mounting plate, provided that the opening is partially or completely covered.The opening for the passage can also be created after the mounting plate has been joined to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0022] The textile material can be attached to the mounting plate in the same way as the textile material is attached to the wall according to the first method, i.e., for example, by spot welding, spot gluing, or also by permanent or temporary mechanical fixings such as clamping connections, etc. Additionally, it is possible to mold the textile material onto the mounting plate during the manufacturing process. In particular, if the mounting plate is produced using injection molding, the textile material can, for example, be introduced directly into the injection mold and thus bonded to the mounting plate during the injection molding process.

[0023] The joining of the retaining plate covered with the textile material is identical to the first variant, i.e., here too, the retaining plate can be glued or welded to the wall via the textile material.

[0024] According to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the inventive method, at least one, and in particular exactly one, layer of a textile material is inserted between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the retaining plate, at least in the area of ​​the mounting point of the retaining plate. The retaining plate, together with the textile material, is then pressed against the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the mounting point. Here, too, a material-bonded connection between the wall and the retaining plate is ultimately formed via the textile material. According to this embodiment, the textile material is inserted between the wall and the retaining plate without prior fixation, for example, by being placed at the designated location. Only a single bonding process takes place, in which the retaining plate is bonded to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag through the textile material.

[0025] In this third variant, as described above, the textile material can also be applied only to specific areas of the mounting location, so that only a portion of the surface on which the mounting plate will later be placed is covered with textile material. It is also possible to cover the entire area defining the mounting location of the mounting plate with textile material. Furthermore, the area of ​​the textile material can be larger than the mounting location, so that after the mounting plate is attached to the wall, textile material protrudes below the mounting plate.

[0026] Surprisingly, it was found that bonding a retaining plate to the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag significantly improved the welding results. In particular, it was observed that the maximum tensile force required to detach the bonded retaining plate from the vacuum cleaner filter bag wall could be considerably increased. This was especially noticeable when the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least in the area where the retaining plate is attached, is made of a film.

[0027] A preferred embodiment provides that the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag comprises, consists of, or is formed from a thermoplastic material, at least in the area where the mounting plate is attached. Preferred thermoplastic materials suitable for the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag include polyolefins, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene; polyesters, in particular PET, PBT, PC, or PLA; thermoplastic elastomers, in particular TPE-O, TPE-V, TPE-U, TPE-E, TPE-S, or TPE-A; poly(meth)acrylates; polyamides; polybenzimidazoles; polyethersulfones; polyetheretherketones; polyetherimides; polyphenylene oxides; polyphenylene sulfides; and polytetrafluoroethylene, as well as mixtures, blends, or combinations thereof. The wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag can, at least in the area where the mounting plate is attached, be designed, for example, as a film or a nonwoven fabric.

[0028] It is also preferred if the textile material comprises or consists of or is formed from thermoplastic fibers and / or thermoplastic filaments.

[0029] The thermoplastic fibers or filaments of the textile material can be made from the same or different materials that were previously mentioned for the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least the bearing surface of the retaining plate comprises at least some areas of a thermoplastic material or consists entirely of a thermoplastic material or is formed entirely of a thermoplastic material, or if the entire retaining plate consists of a thermoplastic material or is formed entirely of a thermoplastic material.

[0031] The thermoplastic materials mentioned earlier for the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag are also particularly suitable for use as the retaining plate. The materials used for the retaining plate can be the same as, or different from, those used for the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag or the textile material.

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic fibers and / or the thermoplastic filaments of the textile material are formed from a material which a melting temperature which is less than or equal to, preferably less than, particularly preferably at least 10 °C less than, particularly at least 20 °C less than, the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and / or the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate, wherein the melting temperature is determined in each case according to ISO 11357, and / or a melt flow rate (MFR) which is greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, particularly preferably by a factor of 5 to 20 greater than, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and / or the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate, wherein the melt flow rate is determined in each case according to ISO 1133, at a nominal load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230 °C.These parameters for determining the melt flow index (MFI) may need to be adjusted depending on the thermoplastic materials used. It is essential that only MFIs determined with the same parameters are compared. For significantly different plastics (e.g., PP and TPE), the temperature is set so that both plastics melt at this temperature. The nominal load is set so that the discharge rate for both melts is within a readily measurable range. These adjustments are familiar to any expert.

[0033] The thermoplastic materials of the textile material melt more readily, i.e., at lower temperatures, than the thermoplastic materials of the wall and / or the retaining plate, and / or are lower in viscosity at the same temperature. This earlier melting and / or lower viscosity of the melt of these materials results in improved wetting of the wall and the retaining plate, particularly in a welded joint, leading to a significantly improved bond between the retaining plate and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0034] Particularly preferred thermoplastic materials for the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag include polyolefins, especially polypropylene or polyethylene, polyester or - in the case that the wall is designed as a film laminate at least at the point of attachment - thermoplastic polymers, especially TPE or TPU as the layer of this laminate facing the retaining plate.

[0035] Materials used for the mounting plate include polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or polyesters, especially PET.

[0036] The materials particularly suitable for the textile material are preferably thermoplastic elastomers, such as TPE or TPU. However, it is also possible for the textile material to be made of the same thermoplastics as the mounting plate or the wall; in this case, however, as described above, it is preferable for the thermoplastic material to have a lower melting point. For example, if the wall, mounting plate, and textile material are all made of PP, it is advantageous to use a PP grade for the textile material that has a lower melting point and / or a higher melting point index (MFI) than the PP grades used for the mounting plate and wall.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the textile material is selected from the group consisting of nonwovens, nets, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, crocheted fabrics, braided fabrics, sewn knitted fabrics, and felts, as well as combinations thereof. Nonwovens and netting are particularly preferred, with spunbond nonwovens and carded nonwovens being especially favored.

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment, the textile material is formed in a planar form and in particular has a basis weight of 5 to 200 g / m², preferably 10 to 100 g / m², and especially preferably 15 to 50 g / m².

[0039] The advantages of the present invention are particularly evident when the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is formed, at least in the area where the retaining plate is to be fixed, as a film made of a thermoplastic material, a film laminate in which at least the side on which the retaining plate is applied consists of a thermoplastic material, or as a nonwoven fabric made of a thermoplastic material.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if the thermoplastic material of the film or the side of the film laminate to which the mounting plate is applied is made of a material that a melting temperature which is less than or equal to, preferably less than, particularly preferably at least 10 °C less than, in particular at least 20 °C less than, the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5), wherein the melting temperature is determined in each case according to ISO 11357, and / or has a melt flow rate (MFR) which is greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, particularly preferably by a factor of 5 to 20 greater than, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5), wherein the melt flow rate is determined in each case according to ISO 1133, at a nominal load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230 °C.

[0041] Due to the smooth surface of the film, it is difficult to securely weld a mounting plate to it. It is assumed that complete wetting of the film or film laminate is not possible, particularly during the welding process. Surprisingly, the wetting of the film or film laminate can be improved by placing a textile material between the mounting plate and the film or film laminate. It is particularly advantageous if the textile material itself is made of a thermoplastic material, especially a thermoplastic elastomer, and melts during the welding process. This allows for significantly better wetting of the film, thus considerably improving the resulting maximum tensile force that can act on the mounting plate before partial or complete detachment.

[0042] In particular, it is preferred if the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is connected to the textile material at least partially by material, force or form-fitting means, the joining of the retaining plate to the textile material, at least partially, by means of a material-, force- or form-fitting connection, and / or the final production of the material-bonded connection between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the textile material and the retaining plate by means of a welding process, in particular an ultrasonic welding process or by means of an adhesive bond, in particular by means of a liquid adhesive, a 2-component adhesive or a thermally liquefiable adhesive.

[0043] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bag inlet opening in the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag or a through-opening in the textile material, and to align the respective openings in the various variants of the method described above. In this case, an inlet opening contained in the retaining plate, into which, for example, a vacuum cleaner nozzle can be inserted, is also arranged in alignment with the bag inlet opening and the through-opening.

[0044] Particularly in the first-mentioned variant of the inventive method, it is preferred to first create at least a partial bond between the textile material and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the attachment point of the retaining plate, and in a subsequent step, for example by means of a punching process, to simultaneously introduce a congruent bag inlet opening into the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and a through-opening into the textile material. The retaining plate can then subsequently be applied with its inlet opening aligned with the through-opening of the textile material.

[0045] The geometric shape of the textile material can be determined by the desired weld geometry. Typically, the weld is round and has a width of a few millimeters to centimeters. Therefore, it is sufficient to position a corresponding ring of textile material between the film and the mounting plate and join them to the film and mounting plate in one step using the established ultrasonic welding process.

[0046] In principle, it is also possible to first lightly fix the textile material to the mounting plate or onto the film and then process it in a second step (ultrasonic welding).

[0047] The textile material can, for example, be designed as a strip of material that can also be wider than the intended weld seam to facilitate positioning.

[0048] The bag inlet opening of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and / or the passage opening of the textile material can be dimensioned in diameter smaller than or the same size as the inlet opening of the retaining plate.

[0049] This embodiment provides that either the bag inlet opening in the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, or the opening through the textile material, or both the bag inlet opening in the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the opening through the textile material are smaller in diameter than the inlet opening of the retaining plate. This resulting overhang towards the recess (filling hole) forms a seal that can seal the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which is inserted into the interior of the resulting vacuum cleaner filter bag via the inlet opening of the retaining plate. A particularly good sealing effect can be observed when the opening through the textile material (and possibly also the bag inlet opening in the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag) is smaller.For example, in the area of ​​this resulting overhang, the textile material can be additionally connected to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, for instance by welding. However, it is also possible to leave the textile material unconnected to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag in this area.

[0050] It is also possible to incorporate an additional seal, for example a flat sealing element, during the production of the material-jointed composite according to the invention.

[0051] For this purpose, it is preferred if at least one flat sealing element is inserted at the mounting location of the retaining plate on the inside of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the textile material and / or between the textile material and the retaining plate, which is preferably made of TPE or TPU and which has a passage opening that is aligned with the passage opening of the retaining plate, but has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the passage opening of the retaining plate.

[0052] It is further preferred if the contact surface of the mounting plate is at least partially structured and / or has directional sensors for ultrasound. A directional sensor can, for example, be designed as a raised groove on the mounting surface of the mounting plate.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that if the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is designed as a film or film laminate at least in the area of ​​the mounting point of the retaining plate, the film or film laminate is structured at least at the mounting point, in particular highly-low structured, such as knurled.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the film used can also be a laminate made of two different thermoplastic materials. The layer of the laminate that is more easily activated by ultrasound faces the mounting plate. If this layer is, for example, a TPE and the mounting plate is equipped with the TPE welding aid described in EP2311358 A1, a particularly good bond is achieved. In this case, the additional incorporation of a textile material is also advantageous.

[0055] Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that a thermoplastic elastomer, such as TPE-O, TPE-V, TPE-U, TPE-E, TPE-S, or TPE-A, is applied at least partially to the wall, at least in the area where the mounting plate is attached, and / or to the side of the textile material facing the wall and / or to the side of the textile material facing the mounting plate, for example, by means of a printing process, particularly by functional screen printing. The thermoplastic elastomer can be applied to the respective surface, for example, in the form of bumps or concentric circles.

[0056] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a further method for bonding a retaining plate to the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag at a designated attachment point. In contrast to the first aspect, no textile material is used between the retaining plate and the wall to reinforce the bond; instead, a film made of a thermoplastic material is used, which is applied only to a specific area of ​​the attachment point. Corresponding to the first aspect, the second aspect of the method according to the invention is also available in three variants.

[0057] According to a first variant, in the area of ​​the mounting point of the retaining plate, at least in certain areas a material-, force- or form-fitting bond is created between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and at least one, in particular exactly one, layer of a film made of a thermoplastic material, the retaining plate is pressed onto the side of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag provided with the film at the mounting point and subsequently a material-bonded bond is created between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the film and the retaining plate.

[0058] According to a second variant, a material-, force- or form-fitting connection between the retaining plate and at least one, in particular exactly one, layer of a film made of a thermoplastic material is produced in certain areas of the retaining plate, and the retaining plate with the side provided with the film is pressed against the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the point of attachment, and subsequently a material-fitting connection is produced between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the film and the retaining plate.

[0059] According to a third variant, at least one, in particular exactly one, layer of a film made of a thermoplastic material is inserted between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the retaining plate in the area of ​​the mounting point of the retaining plate, the retaining plate together with the film is pressed against the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag at the mounting point and then a material-bonded connection is created between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the film and the retaining plate.

[0060] It must be ensured that, during the production of the final bond between wall, foil and retaining plate, the bond is produced at least in the area where the foil is present.

[0061] Surprisingly, it was also found with this aspect of the invention that a significant improvement in the welding result can be achieved when creating a bond between a retaining plate and the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag. In particular, it was found that the maximum tensile force required to detach the bonded retaining plate from the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag can be considerably increased. This is especially noticeable when the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is made of a film, at least in the area where the retaining plate is attached or is intended to be attached.

[0062] Preferably, the film is made of a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature that is less than or equal to, preferably less than, particularly preferably at least 10 °C less than, and in particular at least 20 °C less than, the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and / or the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5), wherein the melting temperature is determined in each case according to ISO 11357, and / or has a melt flow rate (MFR) that is greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, and particularly preferably by a factor of 10 to 20 greater than, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and / or the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5), wherein the melt flow rate is determined in each case according to ISO 1133, at a nominal load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230 °C.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the materials that can be used, in particular, for the film correspond to the materials that have been named as preferred materials for the aforementioned textile materials.

[0064] Preferably, the film, which is inserted between the mounting plate and the wall, is designed as a strip of material.

[0065] Preferably, the film is not arranged in the area of ​​the inlet opening of the retaining plate or the bag inlet opening of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, but preferably in the edge area of ​​the mounting location of the retaining plate.

[0066] The area in which the film is arranged preferably comprises 5 to 70%, more preferably 10 to 50%, and particularly preferably 15 to 25% of the area where the mounting plate is attached.

[0067] The foil inserted between the wall and the mounting plate can be continuous or slotted and / or perforated.

[0068] Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that a thermoplastic elastomer, such as, for example, TPE-O, TPE-V, TPE-U, TPE-E, TPE-S, or TPE-A, is applied at least partially to the wall, at least in the area where the mounting plate is located, and / or to the side of the film facing the wall and / or to the side of the film facing the mounting plate, for example, by means of a printing process, in particular by functional screen printing. The thermoplastic elastomer can, for example, be applied to the respective surface in the form of bumps or concentric circles.

[0069] Furthermore, particularly with regard to the design of the filter bag wall and the design of the retaining plate, this second aspect of the invention is identical to the first. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding statements made regarding the first aspect of the invention.

[0070] The connection options for bonding the film to the wall or the mounting plate, at least partially, correspond to those already discussed in the first aspect of the present invention. In particular, spot welding or bonding, or full-surface welding, are suitable.

[0071] The final production of the bond between wall, film and retaining plate is also carried out analogously to the production of the bond between wall, textile material and retaining plate according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0072] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a further method for joining a retaining plate to the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag at a designated attachment point. In contrast to the first and second aspects, no additional material is introduced between the wall and the retaining plate. The retaining plate is joined directly to the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0073] According to the invention, in this aspect of the invention, it is provided that the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least in the area of ​​the attachment point, is made of a film of a thermoplastic material or of a film laminate, wherein at least the side on which the retaining plate is applied consists of or is formed of a thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material of the film or film laminate a melting temperature which is less than or equal to, preferably less than, particularly preferably at least 10 °C less than, particularly at least 20 °C less than, the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate, wherein the melting temperature is determined in accordance with ISO 11357, and / or a melt flow rate (MFR) which is greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, particularly preferably by a factor of 10 to 20 greater than, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate, wherein the melt flow rate is determined in accordance with ISO 1133, at a nominal load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230 °C.

[0074] Surprisingly, it was also found with this aspect of the invention that a significant improvement in the welding result can be achieved when creating a bond between a retaining plate and the wall of a vacuum cleaner filter bag. In particular, it was found that the maximum tensile force required to detach the bonded retaining plate from the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag can be considerably increased. This is especially noticeable when the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is made of a film, at least in the area where the retaining plate is attached or is intended to be attached.

[0075] The thermoplastic materials of the film, or the side of the film facing the mounting plate, melt more readily, i.e., at lower temperatures, than the thermoplastic materials of the mounting plate and / or have a lower viscosity at the same temperature. This earlier melting and / or lower viscosity of the melt of these materials results in improved wetting of the wall – in this case, the film – and the mounting plate, particularly in the case of a welded joint. This leads to a significantly improved bond between the mounting plate and the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0076] Particularly preferred thermoplastic materials for the film of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag include polyolefins, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene, polyester or - in the case that the wall is designed as a film laminate at least at the point of attachment - thermoplastic polymers, in particular TPE or TPU as the layer of this laminate facing the retaining plate.

[0077] Materials used for the mounting plate include polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or polyesters, especially PET.

[0078] The materials that are particularly suitable for the side of the film laminate facing the mounting plate are preferably thermoplastic elastomers, such as TPE or TPU.

[0079] However, it is also possible for the film or film laminate to be made of the same thermoplastics as the mounting plate or the wall. In this case, however, as described above, it is preferable for the thermoplastic material to have a lower melting point. For example, if both the mounting plate and the film or film laminate are made of PP, it is advantageous to use a PP grade for the film or film laminate that has a lower melting point and / or a higher melting point index (MFI) than the PP grades used for the mounting plate and wall.

[0080] Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that a thermoplastic elastomer, such as TPE-O, TPE-V, TPE-U, TPE-E, TPE-S or TPE-A, is applied to the wall of the film or film laminate, at least in the area where the mounting plate is attached, for example by means of a printing process, particularly by functional screen printing. The thermoplastic elastomer can be applied to the respective surface, for example, in the form of bumps or concentric circles.

[0081] The retaining plate can also have a closing flap that protrudes through the bag inlet opening into the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, allowing the bag inlet opening to be closed from the inside. This flap can, for example, have a spring mechanism that enables the bag inlet opening to close automatically with the flap.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a wall with an attachment point for a retaining plate, and a retaining plate connected to the wall at the attachment point in a material-bonded manner, which is connected to the wall at least partially via at least one, in particular exactly one, layer of a textile material.

[0083] According to the invention, the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is formed from a film of a thermoplastic material, at least at the point where the mounting plate is attached.

[0084] It is further preferred that the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag has a bag inlet opening in the area of ​​the attachment point, the textile material has a passage opening and the retaining plate has an inlet opening, wherein the bag inlet opening, passage opening and inlet opening are aligned one above the other, in particular that the bag inlet opening and / or the passage opening are dimensioned in diameter smaller than or equal to the inlet opening.

[0085] Another preferred embodiment provides that at least one flat sealing element is inserted at the mounting location of the retaining plate on the inside of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, between the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the textile material and / or between the textile material and the retaining plate, which is preferably made of TPE or TPU and which has a passage opening that is aligned with the passage opening of the retaining plate, but has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the passage opening of the retaining plate.

[0086] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a wall with an attachment point for a retaining plate, and a retaining plate that is bonded to the wall at the attachment point, wherein the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is made, at least in the area of ​​the attachment point, of a film of a thermoplastic material or of a film laminate, wherein at least the side on which the retaining plate is applied consists of or is formed of a thermoplastic material, wherein the thermoplastic material of the film or film laminate a melting temperature which is less than or equal to, preferably less than, particularly preferably at least 10 °C less than, in particular at least 20 °C less than, the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5), wherein the melting temperature is determined in each case according to ISO 11357, and / or has a melt flow rate (MFR) which is greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, particularly preferably by a factor of 10 to 20 greater than, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5), wherein the melt flow rate is determined in each case according to ISO 1133, at a nominal load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230 °C.

[0087] The vacuum cleaner filter bags according to all embodiments can be manufactured from the walls described above, produced according to the invention, using manufacturing methods known from the prior art, e.g. as flat bags or as block bottom bags.

[0088] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, without, however, limiting the present invention to the embodiments specifically illustrated.

[0089] Here they show Figure 1 shows a first variant for the production of a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a second variant of a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention, and Figure 3 shows a third variant for the production of a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention.

[0090] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a first method according to the invention for producing a wall according to the invention, having an inlet opening, for a vacuum cleaner filter bag. In the first step, which is described in Figure 2, the following steps are taken: Figure 1a As shown in the figure, a wall 1 of a vacuum cleaner filter bag is provided. The wall can be, for example, a non-woven material or a film.

[0091] Laminates made of nonwovens or films are also conceivable. These materials can, for example, be supplied from rolls and unwound continuously. Figure 1a ) (as in all subsequent figures) only a small section of the material of wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag is shown.

[0092] Figure 1bFigure 1 shows the state after a textile material 2 has been applied to one side of the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag by means of four separate individual weld points 3. The remaining surface of the textile material 2 is loose and not connected to the wall of the filter bag. As an alternative to the individual weld points 3, the textile material 2 can also be spot-glued to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. It is also possible to bond the textile material 2 to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag over its entire surface, for example by welding or gluing.

[0093] Into the Figure 1b The resulting structure is subsequently (see Figure 1cA common opening (bag inlet opening 4 in the textile material 2 and passage opening 4' in the textile material 2) is provided. This opening can be created, for example, by punching, cutting, or similar processes.

[0094] Figure 1d Figure 1 shows the state after a retaining plate 5 with an associated inlet opening 6 has been aligned with the common opening (4, 4') of the composite of the filter material wall 1 and the textile material 2. It can be seen that the through-opening 6 of the retaining plate 5 has a larger diameter than the common opening (4, 4') of the filter bag wall and the textile material. This protrusion, visible within the inlet opening of the retaining plate, acts as a seal for a vacuum cleaner nozzle inserted through the inlet opening 6 of the retaining plate 5.

[0095] The bond between the retaining plate 5 and the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag via the textile material 2 is achieved, for example, by an ultrasonic welding process in which ultrasound is introduced into the retaining plate using a sonotrode and anvil. The weld seam can be, for example, ring-shaped around the inlet opening 6 of the retaining plate 5. Alternatively, the retaining plate 5 can be welded to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag only at specific points via the textile material 2. It is also possible to weld the entire surface of the retaining plate 5 to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag via the textile material 2.

[0096] In this example, the wall 1, the textile material 2 and the retaining plate 5 are made of thermoplastic materials.

[0097] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment for the production of a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention.

[0098] The steps shown are essentially identical to the sequence of steps as described in Figure 1 was presented.

[0099] The only and essential difference to the embodiment according to Figure 1 The difference is that the textile material is smaller. In the example case of the Figure 2 The textile material is fixed to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag only via two points 3 (for example by welding or gluing).

[0100] Due to its smaller dimensions, the textile material 2 does not cover the bag inlet opening 4, which is located in Figure 2c ) is now simply inserted into the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0101] When the retaining plate 5 is superimposed, and its inlet opening is aligned with the bag inlet opening 4, the retaining plate 5 only rests on the textile material 2 in certain areas. When the retaining plate is finally bonded to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag by the textile material 2 (for example, by welding), only the area where the textile material 2 is present is reinforced. This is sufficient, for example, in the case of known tensile stress on the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0102] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to the invention. Figure 3a ) is identical to Figure 1a ) or Figure 2a ). In the example case of the Figure 3 The material of the vacuum cleaner filter bag's wall is made of non-woven fabric.

[0103] In a first step, which in Figure 3b As shown in the figure, a recess A is now made in the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. This can be done, for example, by punching or cutting.

[0104] As in Figure 3c As shown in the perspective view, a thermoplastic film F is now fixed to the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, covering the recess A, on the back side of the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, for example by welding or gluing.

[0105] The following, as in 3d figures ) shown, is seen from the perspective front, a textile material 2 is fixed to the foil F by means of four welding points 3, for example.

[0106] The final steps e) and f) are essentially identical to the explanations already given for Figure 1c ) or 1d) were presented.

[0107] Here too, an opening is created jointly through all the material layers, i.e., viewed from above, the textile material 2, the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 and the film F behind it.

[0108] After the retaining plate 5 with the inlet opening 6 is applied, the retaining plate is fixed by the textile material 2 with the film F, which in this area forms the wall 1 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

Claims

1. Method for integral connection of a retaining plate (5) to the wall (1) of a vacuum cleaner filter bag at an application location provided for this purpose, in which a) at least in regions in the region of the application location of the retaining plate (5), at least in regions, an integral, frictional or form-fitting connection (3) of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag to at least one, in particular precisely one, layer of a textile material (2) is produced, the retaining plate (5) is pressed on the side of the wall, provided with the textile material (2), of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at the application location, or b) at least in regions on the retaining plate (5), at least in regions, an integral, frictional or form-fitting connection of the retaining plate (5) to at least one, in particular precisely one, layer of a textile material (2) is produced, and the retaining plate (5) is pressed with the side, provided with the textile material (2), on the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at the application location, or c) between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the retaining plate (5) at least in regions, in the region of the application location of the retaining plate (5), at least one, in particular precisely one, layer of a textile material (2) is introduced, the retaining plate (5) together with the textile material (2) is pressed on the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at the application location, and subsequently an integral connection between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the textile material (2) and the retaining plate (5) is produced.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least in the region of the application location of the retaining plate (5), comprises a thermoplastic material or consists hereof or is formed herefrom, the textile material (2) comprises thermoplastic fibres and / or thermoplastic filaments or consists hereof or is formed herefrom, and / or at least the abutment side of the retaining plate (5) comprises a thermoplastic material, at least in regions, or consists of or is formed completely from a thermoplastic material or the entire retaining plate (5) consists of or is formed from a thermoplastic material.

3. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, characterised in that the thermoplastic material of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the material from which the thermoplastic fibres and / or the thermoplastic filaments of the textile material (2) are formed and / or the thermoplastic material of the retaining plate (5) is selected, respectively independently of each other, from the group consisting of polyolefins, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene, poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polyesters, in particular PET, PBT, PC or PLA, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular TPE-O, TPE-V, TPE-U, TPE-E, TPE-S or TPE-A, polybenzimidazoles, polyethersulfones, polyetheretherketones, polyetherimides, polyphenylene oxides, polyphenylenesulfides and polytetrafluoroethylene and also mixtures, blends or combinations hereof.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the textile material (2) is selected from the group consisting of nonwovens, nets, woven materials, knitted materials, fabrics, braided materials, plaited materials, stitchbonded materials and felts and also combinations hereof.

5. Method according to the previous claim, characterised in that the nonwoven is selected from the group consisting of spun nonwovens and crimped nonwovens.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the textile material (2) has a planar configuration and in particular a basis weight of 5 to 200 g / m2, preferably 10 to 100 g / m2, particularly preferably 15 to 50 g / m2.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least at the application location of the retaining plate (5), consists of a film (F) made of a thermoplastic material, a film laminate, in which at least the side on which the retaining plate (5) is applied, made of a thermoplastic material, or is formed from a nonwoven made of a thermoplastic material.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a) the integral, frictional or form-fitting connection, at least in regions, of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag to the textile material (2), b) the integral, frictional or form-fitting connection, at least in regions, of the retaining plate (5) to the textile material (2), and / or c) the concluding production of the integral connection between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the textile material (2) and the retaining plate (5) is effected by means of a welding process, in particular an ultrasonic welding process or by means of adhesive connection, in particular by means of a liquid adhesive, a 2K adhesive or a thermally liquefiable adhesive.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, in the region of the application location, has a bag inlet opening (4), the textile material (2) a through-opening (4), and the retaining plate (5) an inlet opening (6), bag inlet opening (4), through-opening (4) and inlet opening (6) being brought into alignment one above the other, or in the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, in the region of the application location, there is / are introduced a bag inlet opening (4) and / or in the textile material (2), a through-opening (4), and bag inlet opening (4), through-opening (4) are brought into alignment one above the other and with an inlet opening (6) of the retaining plate (5).

10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the bag inlet opening (4) and / or the through-opening (4) are dimensioned smaller than or of equal size in diameter to the inlet opening (6).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, at the application location of the retaining plate (5) on the inside of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least one planar sealing element is introduced between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the textile material (2) and / or between the textile material (2) and the retaining plate (5), which planar sealing element is preferably formed from TPE or TPU and has a through-opening which is disposed in alignment with the through-opening of the retaining plate (5), however has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the through-opening of the retaining plate (5).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the abutment side of the retaining plate (5) is structured, at least in regions, and / or has energy directors for ultrasound, and / or in the case where the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least in the region of the application location of the retaining plate (5), is configured as film (F) or as film laminate, the film (F) or the film laminate is structured at least at the application location, in particular is high-low structured, such as e.g. reeded.

13. Method for integral connection of a retaining plate (5) to the wall (1) of a vacuum cleaner filter bag at an application location provided for this purpose, in which a) in regions in the region of the application location of the retaining plate (5), at least in regions, an integral, frictional or form-fitting connection (3) of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag to at least one, in particular precisely one, layer of a film (F) made of a thermoplastic material is produced, the retaining plate (5) is pressed on the side, provided with the film, of the wall of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at the application location, or b) in regions on the retaining plate (5), at least in regions, an integral, frictional or form-fitting connection of the retaining plate (5) to at least one, in particular precisely one, layer of a film (F) made of a thermoplastic material is produced, and the retaining plate (5) is pressed with the side, provided with the film, on the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at the application location, or c) between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the retaining plate (5), in regions, in the region of the application location of the retaining plate (5), at least one, in particular precisely one, layer of a film (F) made of a thermoplastic material is introduced, the retaining plate (5) together with the film is pressed on the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at the application location, and subsequently an integral connection between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, the film (F) and the retaining plate (5) is produced.

14. Vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a wall (1) with an application location for a retaining plate (5), and also a retaining plate (5) which is connected integrally to the wall (1) at the application location and is connected to the wall (1), at least in regions, via one layer of a textile material (2) wherein the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least at the application location of the retaining plate (5), is formed from a film (F) made of a thermoplastic material.

15. Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to claim 14, characterised in that the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, in the region of the application location, has a bag inlet opening (4), the textile material a through-opening (4') and the retaining plate (5) an inlet opening (6), bag inlet opening (4), through-opening (4') and inlet opening (6) being brought into alignment one above the other, in particular in that the bag inlet opening (4) and / or the through-opening (4') is dimensioned smaller than or of equal size in diameter to the inlet opening (6).

16. Vacuum cleaner filter bag according to one of the claims 14 to 15, characterised in that, at the application location of the retaining plate (5) on the inside of the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, at least one planar sealing element is introduced between the wall (1) of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the textile material (2) and / or between the textile material (2) and the retaining plate (5), which planar sealing element is preferably formed from TPE or TPU and has a through-opening which is disposed in alignment with the through-opening (6) of the retaining plate (5), however has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the through-opening (6) of the retaining plate (5).

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