DE102008004186A1 - Treating a constructional element e.g. an evaporator with biocide, comprises arranging biocide material in a second area of constructional element, dissolving out biocide by a carrier medium and conducting biocide to first area - Google Patents

Abstract

Treating a first area of a constructional element, where the constructional element shows a biocide containing material, which is operated at a place of installation, comprises: arranging the biocide containing material in a second area of the constructional element and/or an area of a further constructional element; gradually dissolving out the biocide by a carrier medium from the material of the second area and/or an area of a further construction unit; and conducting the biocide containing carrier medium to the first area, which constitutes the place of action for the biocide. Independent claims are included for: (1) the constructional element comprising a first area in which a place of action for a biocide and a second area are included, where at least the surface of the constructional element is formed partly by the extracted biocide, where the biocide is transportable from the second area of the constructional element to the first area of the constructional element by a carrier medium; and (2) a ventilation, heating and/or an air conditioning system, preferably of a vehicle, comprising the constructional element.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for treating a component with a biocide, in particular for aeration, Heating and / or air conditioning of a vehicle, according to the The preamble of claim 1. The invention preferably relates an evaporator, filter or housing, however they are also applied to other components.

From the DE 102 25 324 A1 is an antimicrobial coating for components known, wherein the coating material partially or completely suppresses bacterial growth on the coated surfaces. The antimicrobial lacquer contains nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 100 nm and the surface of the nanoparticles is enriched with silver ions or copper ions or elemental silver or elemental copper. The paint has a nanoscale, ceramic-forming powder, from the group of oxide, sulfide, carbide or nitride powder. Suitable base materials for the application of such an antimicrobial layer are all types of plastics and metals, as well as wood, enamel and ceramics.

The EP 0 409 130 B1 discloses an aluminum heat exchanger comprising a number of tubes through which a heat exchange fluid passes, aluminum and aluminum fins disposed between the tubes. Here, a first protective film of a chemical conversion coating formed on the metal surfaces of the tubes and fins and containing a metal component and a second protective film disposed on the first protective film is provided at least on the fins comprising an antimicrobial agent, particularly 2,2'-dithiobis. (pyridine-1-oxide) contains. The second protective film is in this case heat resistant up to about 220 ° C, uniformly soluble in an acidic solution or in an acid solution and is insoluble. The second protective film is deposited on the first protective film by a polyvalent metal ion. Further, there is a chemical bond between the second protective film and the metal component of the first protective film. The second protective film preferably comprises a resin coating of an organic polymer.

Other coatings that prevent the colonization of microorganisms on surfaces, for example, from DE 197 50 122 A1 or the DE 100 45 605 A1 known.

Furthermore, from the DE 199 10 356 A1 It is known to keep air in a strongly low bacterial state by adding or maintaining the action of a biologically completely nontoxic agent.

coatings with biocide-containing materials but also a direct mixing of an agent in the air to be supplied to a room still wishes open.

It Object of the invention, improved protection by means of a To provide biocides.

These Task is solved by a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of Dependent claims.

The The invention relates to a method for treating a component with a biocide, wherein the component and / or another component, such as for example, a housing surrounding the first component a biocide-containing material, which at a first area should work. Here, the biocide-containing material is in a second Area of the component and / or an area of the other component arranged, which is spaced from the actual location of the Biocides, so the first area is arranged. The biocide will gradually by means of a carrier medium from the Material of the second area dissolved out and then becomes the biocide-containing carrier medium to the first area which is the place of use for the biocide forms.

The Promotion of the biocide-containing carrier medium takes place preferably gravity-actuated. Alternatively, the biocide-containing Carrier medium also promoted in any other way be particularly preferably air flow actuated and / or centrifugally operated.

At the The carrier medium is preferably water, in particular Condensation, spray or rainwater, which, for example, at a Vehicle occurs regularly.

For such a method is provided in particular a component, in which in a first area a place of work for a biocide is provided, and further spaced from the first Area arranged, second area is provided, in which at least the surface of the component at least partially formed by leachable biocide, wherein the bi zid from the second region of the component to the first region of the component can be transported by means of a carrier medium.

The component preferably has, at least in some areas, a material with a biocide, in particular in an outer coating of a surface or a surface region of the component, in which the biocide is released from the material during use or operation of the component or a device in which the component is installed bar, wherein the biocide is dissolved out of the material by a fluid, in particular water, particularly preferably in the form of condensation water, spray water or rain water, which is present at least for a short time in the area of the surface of a biocidal area. Under a device in which a corresponding component is used, is in particular a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning to understand a vehicle, the operation refers to this device or more generally to the vehicle itself. Because the biocide from the biocidal material is gradually leachable by the fluid, sufficient biocide to prevent, for example, a microbial growth can be stored in a depot-like manner over a substantially estimated or calculable period of time. The biocide may be compiled as needed, and it may be formed by any combination of agents, for example, algicides, bactericides, fungicides, microbicides, virucides or rodenticides. By providing a biocide in particular unpleasant odors and the formation of biofilms on surfaces can be prevented, so that especially in air conditioning comfort increases and the cost of cleaning / disinfection can be reduced. Particularly suitable biocides are the following active substances: silver, in particular in the form of nanoparticles, silver salts, copper, in particular in the form of nanoparticles, copper salts, sodium pyrithione, zinc pyrithione, benzimidazoles (eg thiabendazole), octylisothiazolone, dichloroctylisothiazolone, quaternary ammonium salts and chloromethylisothiazolinone.

Of the Biocide content of the biocidal material is preferably 0.1 to 20 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0.5 to 15 wt .-% and particularly preferably 1 to 10% by weight. Here, the biocide content also over the surface and / or the distance vary to the surface of the component, allowing a targeted Release of the active substance or substances is possible. Also The biocide may be encapsulated.

Especially preferred is the biocide dissolved out in small amounts together with that in the biocidal area collecting or optionally the same supplied fluid to another Area of the component feasible, which by a biocide-free Material is formed. The forwarding of the enriched with the biocide Fluids can be entrained in a particularly simple way by gravity by air, which flows around or flows through the component, or done by centrifugal force. This allows that also an area in which no biocide is stored, free of microorganisms can be held. Particularly advantageous is the transport of biocide-containing fluid from a biocide-containing region to a other non-biocidal area, for example in the case of Corrugated ribs of an evaporator, in whose area the application of a Biocides, for example contained in a polymer, to Wirkungsgradeinbussen would lead.

The Component having a biocide-containing material is in particular preferably an evaporator and / or the housing accommodating the evaporator, such as an air conditioner housing, wherein the biocide particularly preferably in the material and / or the coating of the collecting boxes of Evaporator is arranged. By itself in the area of the upper Collecting condensation collecting water collects the biocide from the biocide Materal dissolved or by slow dissolution the layer released, and over the heat transfer surface, d. H. the network of the evaporator, promoted down, taking the heat transfer surface auto matically treated with the drug. By in the area of the lower Collection box existing biocide, however, is particularly the treated condensing water collects, so sterilized.

In In another embodiment, the component may also be referred to as be arranged separate component on the collecting tank of an evaporator. For example, the component is at least partially the collecting box covering or this completely formed enclosing. An attachment to the collecting box is preferably in the form of a clip and / or plug connection, the component being particularly advantageous with insertion aids for insertion into the area the evaporator network is formed.

Other Components that preferably have a biocide-containing material are For example, filters, especially in automotive ventilation systems, such as For example, air filters for the outside of the Vehicle interior supplied air, housing or Air duct components of a ventilation, heating, and / or Air conditioning, roof tiles, bricks or concrete components, in particular Rain are exposed. In the case of filters containing the biocide is added to the fibers or at least a portion of the fibers, the biocide content is preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight based on the fiber weight.

Especially is at least a housing component of an air conditioner, which in direct contact with an evaporator or directly downstream of the evaporator is formed with a provided the invention following biocide. This is particularly advantageous a housing component, the recording of the evaporator in the Housing serves, provided.

The material to which a biocide is added is preferably a plastic, more preferably a polymer material such as PET, PA6, PA6.6, PP or PE. The biocide may, for example, be added to the plastic during the melting of the granules in a reactor or an extruder. A subsequent introduction of the biocide by diffusion, for example from a solution, is possible. For example, in case of use with filter fibers, diffusion of the active ingredient can be applied to both the (finished) spun fiber and the starting granulate. The same applies to the injection molding process, ie a diffusion is possible both in the granules and the finished cast workpiece. The active ingredient can also be subsequently applied to the surface in the form of a coating. Also in the case of fibers, the introduction of the biocide in encapsulated form is possible, so that the active ingredient can be released from the capsules with a time lag. In addition to the addition of biocides, for example in the form of the substances mentioned above, biocidal polymers can be adjusted by a copolymerization, such as organic phosphorous acid as a copolymer for polyester, polystyrene fibers with a dimethylaminomethylene on the phenyl ring.

Especially Preferably, the component is in at least one area with a polymer coating, For example, made of polyurethane or epoxy resin, in which the biocide is located. The polymer coating has in particular a thickness of 1 .mu.m to 3000 .mu.m, preferably from 100 microns to 2500 microns and more preferably between 500 microns to 2000 microns, on. The layer thickness can also vary across the surface of the component.

Especially Preferably, the biocidal material dissolves gradually from the outside up, d. H. the material thickness increases the period of use gradually, so that always new Regions of the biocidal material to the surface reach. Alternatively to a dissolution of the biocide-containing Material may also be provided a Wasserpermeation, which a detachment of the active ingredients allows. Further is it possible to store the active substances in encapsulated form, wherein the capsules are released with a time delay.

alternative to a surface coating can also the corresponding Area of the component in which the biocide is arranged, for example by a biocide-containing polymer may be formed, again the above mentioned, different variants of drug release possible are.

The Surface of the biocide-containing coating or biocide-containing Material can be closed or open-pored. Likewise are Honeycomb or foam-like structures to increase the Surface possible. Furthermore, the surface may be solid be crosslinked or plastically or elastically deformable.

These it is the component to an evaporator, it is particularly preferred the coating with the biocide-containing layer exclusively in the region of or the collection boxes of the evaporator, in particular preferably the upper header tank provided. Alternatively you can or the collection boxes also partially - especially preferred with distance to aluminum components, such as flat tubes or corrugated fins - or possibly also completely from a biocide-containing Be plastic molded. The production can preferably be carried out by means of injection molding, in particular by means of a two-component injection molding process, respectively. In the case of a subsequently applied coating the same can be applied in any manner, for example by means of diving, flooding, spraying, gluing, pinning, Reflow, a CVD or PVD process.

Especially Preferably, the component is an evaporator, which at least one in built in a vehicle o. Ä. State having arranged above collecting tank. This collection box is preferably made of plastic, in particular injection-molded, wherein it preferably before 0.1 to 20 wt .-%, particularly preferably Contains 0.5 to 10 wt .-% biocide. The collection box will with the heat transfer area (heat exchanger network) connected in a known manner, so that a direct overflow of the biocide-containing carrier medium from the collecting box to the heat transfer area is possible.

alternative can a biocidal plastic component formed separately and in the vicinity of a range of action, for example in the area of one Heat exchanger network of an evaporator), in particular preferably be attached mechanically or cohesively, in turn, a direct overflow of the biocide-containing Carrier medium from the plastic component to the sphere of action is possible.

The Attachment of a biocidal plastic component, wherein the component preferably 0.1 to 20% by weight, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight Biocide contains, takes place on a vaporizer in particular preferably after soldering the heat exchanger network Clipsens, screws, gluing, welding or Riveting. Here, the plastic component forms a biocide depot in Area of the evaporator.

As an alternative to an evaporator, the component having a biocide-displaced region may be a filter. Most preferably, the biocide is directly in the fibers ver for the filter production be used. Additionally or alternatively, in the case of hybrid filters, the active ingredient is on the surface of activated carbon.

Prefers is a filter, housing component or air duct, for example in the air intake tract of an air conditioner with a grid, fabric or Fleece spanned with a biocide material. The corresponding Fabric contains, for example, copper or silver in the form of nanoparticles and / or Metallfä or fibers, the impregnated with these materials. The installation takes place with the filter on the inflow and / or outflow side. Especially is by means of such a filter, which for example as an insertion part is executed, a simple renewal or reloading with biocide material possible by a filter change.

Especially Preferably, the component has at least a first region in which Condensation and / or water spray and / or rainwater collects or forms and a second area, with the water after down over the other, second area of the component expires. Here, at least the first area with the biocide-containing plastic trained or provided. Especially preferred is the other, second area not formed from a biocidal material, but should, for example, before a microbial growth with the help of Biocides are protected.

The Biocide may be fibrous and / or in the form of micro-organisms. and / or nanoparticles. Particularly preferred the diameters of the particles or fibers are a few 1 / 10th of a millimeter, more preferably 10-100 nm.

in the The invention will be described below on the basis of several exemplary embodiments, partially with reference to the drawings, explained in detail. It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger, and

2 a highly schematic, fragmentary section perpendicular to a surface provided with a coating.

An evaporator 1 , which is part of an automotive air conditioning system, has two headers 2 , where the first collection box 2 above the other collection box 2 is arranged, arranged in between refrigerant-carrying flat tubes 3 and the enlargement of the heat transfer surface serving corrugated fins 4 on. The refrigerant supply and drainage takes place by means of connection lines 5 ,

The evaporator 1 In the present case, it is made of aluminum in a manner known per se, the individual components being soldered together. The (aluminum) surface 6 of the evaporator 1 is present, as in 2 indicated schematically, continuously with a conversion layer 7 provided for corrosion protection. Further, in the area of the upper header tank 2 a 2000 μm thick polymer coating 8th provided, in which a biocide is included. Here, there is a weight ratio of polymer to biocide of 10: 1. The biocide itself is formed by a mixture of various chemically and / or biologically active substances, such as, inter alia, nanoscale silver particles, wherein as substances in terms of their action present an algicide, a bactericide, a fungicide and / or a microbicide are part of the biocide , In this case, the biocide is depot-like contained in the coating, ie it is released only gradually and relatively evenly, for which the coating slowly dissolves in contact with the accumulating condensation (is hydrolyzed), the active substances are released.

If condensation collects at the upper collection box, it slowly releases biocide from the coating. As the drops of condensate become too large, they will slowly flow downwards as a result of gravity, causing the biocide-enriched condensate to enter a zone (heat exchanger network) of the evaporator 1 arrives, in which only said conversion layer 7 and no polymer coating is provided, ie the biocide is from a first area (upper collection box 2 ) transported in a second area (heat transfer surface), in which the effect of the biocide is desired, but for example for manufacturing reasons no coating is provided with a biocide. This transport process is in 1 indicated by an arrow.

According to one alternative embodiment is in lieu of a resolving one Polymers provided a coating which a partial water permeation permitting, for example through pores, whereby the effective Substances are dissolved out. Active substances Alternatively, they can be encapsulated in the coating be provided, the capsules, the active substances delayed release.

The Coating containing the active substances is present on the entire surface of the collecting tank applied, wherein the application takes place by means of diving.

As an alternative to a heat exchanger in a flat tube design, a corresponding embodiment is, for example, also in a heat exchanger in disk construction or another heat exchanger with at least one overhead collecting box possible.

According to one second, not shown in the drawing embodiment is not a coating with a biocide-containing material provided, but forms a biocide-containing material itself a part of the component, in this case a collection box of an evaporator. For this purpose, nanoparticles, in particular silver nanoparticles, contained in a granule, which is used for the production a collecting box is used by injection molding. Also in this case, the active substances gradually by the condensation out of the material and are gravity-operated by the condensation in the direction of under the above-arranged collecting box arranged heat transfer surface transported, where they unfold their effect.

According to one third, not shown in the drawing embodiment becomes a collection box by means of a two-component injection molding process manufactured, wherein the sprayed in areas spaced apart from the corrugated fins and the pipes (in order to avoid an electrochemical Corrosion of the aluminum components of the heat exchanger) on the outside arranged component the biocide in encapsulated form in the area the extruder screw is added to the injection molding machine. This can in principle be the same for both components Base material can be used, only said area by area outside part of the biocide is mixed, preferably However, it is for the biocide-containing outer layer a base material used, which is a dissolution of the biocides contained therein. As a base material, in particular for the biocide-free base component, is preferably used a thermoplastic, in particular a polyolefin, such as PP, PE, PA6 and / or PA6.6. Also in this case, a dissolution of the Biocides in the area of the upper collecting tank by collecting there Condensation as well as a transport of the biocide-containing condensate due to gravity down, in the area of the heat exchanger network.

According to one further, not shown in the drawing embodiment become elements in individual areas of an evaporator box injected from copper, silver and / or their alloys, that the injected elements act as a biocide and a microbial growth prevent the evaporator. Here are the elements in places injected, which are spaced apart from the locations passing through a electrochemical corrosion of aluminum parts are threatened. At the locations in which injected elements are arranged is sprayed or condensed, which serves as a carrier medium acts biocide, in the present case in the form of ions, dissolved out and gravity actuated and / or taken by a Air flow transported to the place of action.

alternative or in addition to injecting appropriate Elements, such as nets, foils, expanded metal, on others Way of an at least partially water-permeable layer be held on a base layer of the collecting tank.

According to one further, not shown in the drawing embodiment a filter is provided in which a frame made of biocidal material is provided, which is injected around the filter material. Of the Filter is in the air inlet area of a motor vehicle ventilation system arranged, with condensing air moisture from the air collects the frame, as well as occasionally splashing water in contact with reaches the frame. This condensate or water spray dissolves out of the frame the active substances, so that the corresponding Protected area from microorganisms. Furthermore, can Gravity and air flow due to the substances provided condensation and / or water spray, for example collects at the top of the frame, over the filter surface flow down, which also adds the filter surface is treated. Alternatively, especially at high air flow speeds, the air flow to promote the spray water through the Depth of the filter can be used. Here, the biocide is in the front Provided area of the filter, from where it is, extracted by the splash water, taken from the spray through the air flow and transported to another area of the filter where it works.

One Filter according to another embodiment has polymer fibers produced by spinning, wherein a PE granules were mixed before spinning silver nanoparticles. These Particles cause, even at high humidities, that no microorganisms form on the fibers. The effectiveness is maintained over a long period of time.

According to one Variant are PET fibers after spinning an atmosphere exposed to copper salts, so that they are on the surface knock down and diffuse.

The incorporation of biocides in water, for example in the form of rain or accumulating and slowly draining condensation, exposed areas of components, for example, in the fall of components made of clay or concrete, especially in roof tiles or walls possible. Here copper particles are preferred, in particular in the form of microparticles and / or nanoparticles, particularly preferably copper ions, added during the manufacture of the component. The application can also be done later, for example by means of appropriate glazes, layers of paint or incubations.

alternative to a gravity feed or a take away in one Gas, especially airflow, can be a promotion of the a first region of a component by means of a carrier medium, In particular, water, biocides dissolved out are also centrifugally operated respectively.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10225324 A1 [0002]
• EP 0409130 B1 [0003]
• DE 19750122 A1 [0004]
• - DE 10045605 A1 [0004]
• - DE 19910356 A1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Method for treating a first region of a component, wherein the component comprises a biocide-containing material which is to act at a place of use, characterized in that the biocide-containing material is arranged in a second region of the component and / or a region of another component, the biocide is gradually dissolved out by means of a carrier medium from the material of the second region and / or a region of another component, and the biocide-containing carrier medium is conveyed to the first region, which forms the site of use for the biocide. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the promotion is gravity-driven. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the promotion air flow actuated and / or centrifugally operated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the carrier medium water, in particular Condensation, used, Component, in particular for use according to one Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which in a first area a site for a biocide and a second area is provided, in which at least the surface of the component at least partially by liberatable biocide is formed, wherein the biocide from the second region of the component to the first region of the component by means of a carrier medium is transportable. Component according to claim 5, characterized in that that the biocide coincides with the biocide-containing second area existing carrier medium to the first region of the component is feasible, which is formed by a biocide-free material is. Component according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the component is an evaporator ( 1 ), a filter, in particular air filter ( 1 ), a housing component, in particular a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning of a vehicle. Component according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the component in at least a second region with a polymer coating ( 8th ), in which the biocide is arranged, or that the second region of the component in which the biocide is arranged is formed by a biocide-containing polymer. Component according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the component is an evaporator ( 1 ), wherein the coating with the biocide-containing layer exclusively in the region of the or the collecting boxes ( 2 ) of the evaporator ( 1 ), in particular the upper collecting tank ( 2 ), or wherein the collecting box (s) are formed from a biocide-containing plastic, and the heat exchanger network is formed by a biocide-free material. Component according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the biocide silver, in particular in the form of nanoparticles, silver salt, copper, in particular in the form of nanoparticles, copper salt, sodium pyrithione, zinc pyrithione, Benzimidazoles, in particular thiabendazole, octylisothiazolone, dichloroctylisothiazolone, a quaternary ammonium salt and / or chloromethylisothiazolinone is. Component according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the biocide content of the biocide-containing Material 0.1 to 20 wt .-%, in particular 0.5 to 15 wt .-%, is. Ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning, in particular of a vehicle, characterized in that the ventilation, Heating and / or air conditioning component according to one of the preceding Claims.