DE102007034879A1 - Filter element that can be treated with UV radiation as well as filter device, respiratory mask and respiratory protection set with such a filter element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (1) with a flow-through zone for a fluid, wherein the filter element (1) has a filter material (2). This filter element (1) is designed with a view to a simplified and improved antimicrobial treatment of the filter material (2) and with regard to an improved separation efficiency for microorganisms, that the filter material (2) for UV radiation having a wavelength of about 450 nm or less permeable and / or conductive. On the basis of the filter element (1) according to the invention further a filter device, a respiratory mask and a respiratory protection set are proposed.

Description

The The invention relates to a filter element with a flow zone for a fluid, wherein the filter element is a filter material having. The invention further relates to a filter device with such a filter element and a UV radiation source. Furthermore The invention relates to a respirator with such a filter device. Finally, the invention relates to a respiratory protection set, having a respirator and a UV base station.

filter elements of the type mentioned are from virtually every field of technology known. Such filters are generally used for cleaning fluids, For example, of air, used. The air flows through the Flow zone from the inlet to the outlet of the filter. Such a filter generally has a predetermined one Pass-through characteristic. Depending on this transmission characteristic keeps the filter impurities from flowing through Fluids back, which exceed a predetermined size or have special electrostatic properties.

The mentioned impurities can dirt particles or Like. Foreign body. These foreign bodies should be held back in the filter so that on Outlet of the filter liberated from certain ingredients Fluid can be obtained. In some applications the filter should also retain microorganisms, in particular bacterial cell agglomerates attached to dust or water droplets attach, but also spores, individual bacteria, viruses and the like.

Such a cleaning effect is especially expected in filters that are designed for the purification of breathing air, for example. In respirators.

In In practice, however, has been found that the cleaning effect of filter elements that are a conventional filter material especially with regard to protection against microorganisms is limited. For example. can be microorganisms in the Filter material settle and even form cultures that the outflowing Can contaminate air again. On the surface of the filter material can lead to the formation of a so-called biofilm. In the worst case, it eventually comes to a so-called "breakthrough" of the microorganisms through the filter element. Furthermore, such filters may be discontinuous Load after a particularly large load over long-term release microorganisms. The aforementioned Phenomena can cause the the air leaving the outlet of the filter even stronger is loaded as the inflowing, to be purified air.

in the General is with filter elements with a conventional filter material a satisfactory separation efficiency for microorganisms achievable only by the pore size, d. H. of the Diameter of the flow paths for the to be cleaned Fluid, to a very low value (generally less than 1 μm) is reduced. With such a small pore diameter However, the flow rate of the filter element decreases rapidly, which is due to a very large pressure difference between and outlet must be balanced.

Of Further, there is manual maintenance of microorganisms loaded filters made of conventional filter material increased risk of infection for maintenance personnel as well as the whole environment, which is especially true in healthcare is highly undesirable.

From the DE 197 16 277 A1 For example, a filter element is known which has a filter material which is transparent or conductive to UV radiation in a limited wavelength range. In the process, microorganisms present in the filter material can be killed by exposure to UV radiation.

At the generic type filter element is disadvantageous that it is for a large part of the wavelength spectrum of the irradiated Light is not permeable. This is an optimal impeded antimicrobial treatment of the filter material. on the other hand is disadvantageous that the applied UV radiation in the generic Filter element not into the interior of the filter material arrives. Therefore, in the generic filter element a UV radiation source either within the filter material be positioned or it must be smaller by one filter element Act size, allowing irradiated UV light can penetrate into all areas of the filter element.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a filter element of the type mentioned above to design and develop, that a simplified and improved antimicrobial treatment of the filter material and an improved separation efficiency of the Filter element for microorganisms during the Exposure to UV radiation is reached. Furthermore lies the present invention has the object, a filter device, a respirator and a respirator with such a filter element specify.

The above object is achieved with respect to a filter element having the features of claim 1. After that is a generic Filter element characterized in that the filter material for UV radiation having a wavelength of about 450 nm or less is permeable and / or conductive.

According to the invention First, it has been recognized that UV radiation with one wavelength of about 450 nm or less, a particularly advantageous effect in the treatment of microbial contaminants. Consequently, the filter element according to the invention a filter material that is transparent to radiation in this wavelength range and / or is conductive.

Of Furthermore, it has been recognized according to the invention that a combination of permeability and conductivity of the filter material for irradiated UV light allows, a UV radiation source outside the filter element too position. In the filter element according to the invention It is still possible, every point of the filter material to reach with irradiated UV light. Close to the UV radiation source arranged areas of the filter material are achieved because the Filter material is transparent to UV radiation. However, further spaced areas of the filter material are also achieved, since the filter material has at the same time light-conducting properties, whereby the UV radiation on the surface of the filter material can penetrate and through the material to shadowed areas the filter element is passed.

The inventive combination of radiation transmission and radiation conductivity represents a departure from generic form of the prior art, the only one each permeability or conductivity.

With the filter element according to the invention can also large-volume or large-area filter materials with a UV radiation source positioned outside the filter element simply and safely treated antimicrobially. Thus is also one improved separation efficiency of the filter element for microorganisms during exposure to UV radiation.

In A first embodiment of the invention is the filter material for UV radiation with a wavelength of approx. 380 nm to about 420 nm, in particular for UV radiation with a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 420 nm, permeable and / or conductive. In these wavelength ranges is a particularly effective antimicrobial effect of UV radiation been found.

In a development of the inventive concept is the Pore diameter within the flow zone about 1 micron to about 10 microns, and is particularly preferred Way about 1 micron to about 2 microns. As already mentioned, must be a conventional filter used for the deposition of microorganisms, in particular of viruses is suitable, a pore diameter of about 1 micron or less. The pore diameter within the flow zone gives the diameter of the flow path for the fluid to be filtered. With the invention Filter element, it is now possible to clear this diameter to increase, reducing the flow capacity rises and the pressure drop across the filter seen clearly sinks. In this case, the filter material preferably has a defined Pore size on, with the size the pores vary only slightly compared to neighboring pores. At the filter element according to the invention is in addition to the conventional mechanical filtering effect the antimicrobial treatment UV radiation allows. The flowing through the filter Fluid will pass through as in a conventional filter Pores of the flow zone. Larger particles are retained mechanically. Smaller microorganisms can Although theoretically pass through the filter, but during the passage is killed by the penetrating UV light. The same applies to the mechanically retained larger microorganisms. In other words Inactivates microorganisms of any size, even if the smallest pore diameter of the flow zone of the filter element is greater than the diameter the smallest microorganism that is in the fluid to be treated place.

In Particularly preferably, the filter material has light-conducting Properties on. This means that inside the filter material Conducting paths are formed for the irradiated light, For example, by arranged in the filter material light guide or thereby, the filter material comprises photoconductive particles. It can in particular, they are elongate elements, for example fibers.

Preferably For example, the filter material comprises a polymer or a polymer blend. Such a material is easy to manufacture and handle. The Pores of the flow-through zone or the flow paths for the fluid can be achieved by foaming the Polymers are formed. Alternatively, a porous polymer be used. With the mentioned materials can be the pore diameter is generally good and has over the entire filter material seen only small fluctuations.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter material comprises fibers. These may be polymer fibers. Furthermore, the filter material may consist of a polymer in which fibers are dispersed. The fibers preferably have photoconductive properties. The Fibers can form a plurality of points of contact with each other. Irradiated UV light can then pass from fiber to fiber at the interfaces between individual fibers as the fibers pass UV radiation. At the points of contact, the direct transfer of UV radiation from one fiber to the next takes place. As a result, the UV radiation can also reach areas which have a greater distance from the surface of the filter element. The UV radiation can be "coupled" into the fibers at the surface of the filter element according to the invention, for example by positioning a UV radiation source adjacent to the filter element. As a result, the available filter cross-sectional area can be selected to be large without fear of the deactivating effect of the filter device falls below a minimum value at a greater distance from the UV radiation source.

In With respect to the aforementioned embodiment, as a light guide Fibers with a diameter of about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns prefers. Such fibers are particularly suitable for the filter material for the filter element according to the invention to build. The pores for the fluid flowing through are formed between the closely spaced fibers.

in the Generally, an embodiment of the invention is preferred in which the filter material is a nonwoven material, in particular a Fleece, has. Such a nonwoven material is very special suitable at the same time a permeability of irradiated UV light and also to provide a certain light conductivity. In this case, a nonwoven material is preferably used, having the aforementioned fibers. Accordingly, can emitted light of an adjacent UV radiation source in the permeable translucent structure of nonwoven material, whereby the UV radiation source adjacent areas of the filter material are antimicrobially treatable. On the other hand, within the Nonwoven material, a transmission of UV radiation to remote, actually lying in the shadow of the UV radiation source areas occur.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention Filter material is a semiconductor material, in particular a photo semiconductor material, on. In addition to the mechanical filtering effect of the filter material and a possibly existing direct irradiation of UV light causes the semiconductor material further inactivates microorganisms. Due to incident UV radiation, the semiconductor material is excited, so photo-activated. Photo activation here means that through the Light absorption in the semiconductor material Electrons from the valence band be lifted into the conduction band. This creates a redox potential, that about the formation of radicals to kill of microorganisms or to obstruct their multiplication. The semiconductor changes in chemical terms not, therefore acts as a catalyst. additionally or alternatively for inactivating the microorganisms can be also undesirable oxidizable ingredients of cleansing fluid, such as nicotine, solvents, Formaldehyde and the like.

Of the Proportion of the semiconductor material to the filter material can be about 0.5 Wt .-% to about 2 wt .-%, and in particular about 1 wt .-% be. As a result, the semiconductor material can already be at low Concentration unfold a beneficial effect.

The Semiconductor material may be on the surface of the filter material be distributed and / or dispersed in filter material. With others Words, it is possible that operational filter material subsequently to treat with the semiconductor material, so that the semiconductor molecules on the surface deposit of fibers of the filter material. It can be special the flow paths or pores for the fluid treated which results in a sparing use of semiconductor material is possible. Furthermore, such a minimum occurs Influence on the permeability and the conductivity of the filter material with respect to incident UV light. alternative The semiconductor material can already during production of the filter material are dispersed therein. Accordingly the semiconductor material is found both in and on the particles, which form the filter material. These particles are in particular polymer fibers. As a result, the semiconductor material already be added before an injection molding process, so that of Initially made of polymer material containing semiconductor material become. In general, it is sufficient if the semiconductor material present in a thin layer whose thickness can be a few molecules. It may also be enough the semiconductor material only in certain areas of the filter material as long as it is ensured that all Portions of the fluid to be cleaned when passing through the filter element come into contact with the semiconductor material.

In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor material Titanium dioxide on. Titanium Dioxide is thermally stable and chemically extreme inert. It is also lightfast, inexpensive and completely non-toxic and is therefore particularly used in filters for breathing air. The effect of titanium dioxide As a photo semiconductor material can by an oxidizing agent such as. Hydrogen peroxide can be significantly increased.

In Reference to the aforementioned embodiment is a development preferred in which the proportion of the modification of anatase on the titanium dioxide about 75 wt .-% to about 95 wt .-%, in particular about 85 wt .-%, is. Titanium dioxide occurs in nature in three modifications. The am most common modifications are anatase and rutile. It has been found that titanium dioxide with the above-mentioned proportion of anatase surprisingly good results in the antimicrobial treatment as described above with the help of UV radiation. Accordingly contains the semiconductor material of a particularly preferred embodiment about 85% by weight of anatase and about 15% by weight of rutile. The exact Composition, however, vary, making a particularly effective formulation also contain a small proportion of the third modification brookite can.

In Reference to a filter device is the above-indicated object solved with the features of claim 14. After that has a filter device according to the invention a filter element according to the invention and a UV radiation source on, wherein the UV radiation source is arranged so that the filter element can be acted upon with UV radiation. With the invention Filter device is a ready to use device specified in which a filter element according to the invention the intended UV radiation source antimicrobially treatable is. Furthermore, through-flowing fluids be treated antimicrobially. These can be both gases as well as act on liquids.

In A first embodiment emits the UV radiation source UV radiation with a wavelength of approx. 253 nm to approx. 450 nm, and in particular emits UV radiation having a wavelength of about 380 nm to about 420 nm. Here is the former, larger Range advantageous in that the inactivation effect is reinforced. It has been found that the wavelength range is around 254 nm unfolds its own biocidal effect and so in addition to inactivate the longer waves germs. For realization This wavelength spectrum can also be several UV radiation sources are used. The narrower wavelength range mentioned is with regard to a particularly defined inactivation effect as well as with regard to a defined passage of light and a defined light pipe within the filter material is preferred. This range corresponds approximately to that of available UV LEDs (LED) is emitted.

Accordingly, can the UV radiation source one or more low-pressure mercury (Hg) lamps and / or one or more UV light-emitting diodes (LED). With a Hg low-pressure radiator are shorter wavelengths and a broader wavelength spectrum feasible. UV LED are in terms of a smaller size and a lower power consumption preferred.

To a particularly favored development of the filter device is the UV radiation source outside the filter element arranged. This is to avoid avoiding repetitions on the References to the filter element.

The UV radiation source can be arranged adjacent to the filter element be. It can be acted upon by the directly with UV radiation Area of the filter material light in accordance with the invention Way, shaded areas are derived. At the same time given a permeability to UV radiation At the same time, the UV radiation can enter directly into the filter material penetration. The result is an enforcement of the entire filter element accessible with UV light. The UV radiation source can also be arranged in this way be that they cover the surface of the filter element at least partially affected, creating a particularly effective Coupling of UV radiation in the filter material allows is.

In an alternative embodiment is the UV radiation source spaced from the filter element, one between the UV radiation source and the filter element extending light guide provided is. In this way, for example, especially for microbial heavily loaded areas a decoupling of the UV radiation source and the actual filter element take place. The filter element can be encapsulated so that no microbial contamination of the Environment is to be feared. At the same time the UV radiation source remains accessible to the operating personnel. Furthermore is achieved that radiated from the UV radiation source heat does not act on the filter element.

The The above stated object is with respect to a respirator solved with the features of claim 20. After that is a respirator with a housing and a holding device indicated by a filter device according to the invention is marked. As housing is that part of a Breathing mask to understand on the one hand the filter device holds and on the other hand at least the mouth and nose area of the User wraps around. Furthermore, it is usually a holding device is provided, which is the back of the head of the user encloses and is thus connected to the housing, that the housing pressed on the mouth or face area becomes.

The proposed respirator comprises both a filter element according to the invention and a UV radiation source, so that a mo biler use of the filter device is enabled. Thus, the filter element contained in the respirator mask can be applied periodically or continuously with UV radiation, in one of the aforementioned types. Due to the particularly advantageous passage characteristic of the filter element according to the invention, breathing is significantly easier than with a conventional respirator mask. At the same time, the possibility of UV irradiation of the filter element ensures reliable protection of the user from contamination by microorganisms.

The UV radiation source can have one or more UV LEDs. UV LED are particularly small and can be easily in a housing place. In addition, the power consumption of these LEDs relatively low, creating a more mobile Use is possible. The one or more UV LEDs can For example, in the transition between the housing and the Be arranged filter element and the filter element on one of the already mentioned types with UV radiation. If several UV LED are provided, these can be the filter element completely surrounded at some distance from each other, so that a particularly effective irradiation is feasible.

To A particularly preferred development is the UV radiation source the respirator by an accumulator or by a battery fed. This is the largest possible Mobility when wearing the respirator of the invention reached. The accumulator or the battery can be in the housing the respirator, for example. Below the filter element, arranged be. Furthermore, the respirator via a charge indicator for the accumulator or a voltage indicator for have the battery. This is certainly preventable, that the device unnoticed by the user due to a too low Voltage fails. Furthermore, an acoustic Signal be provided, which the user falls below a previously specified minimum value of the supply voltage.

alternative or in addition to the proposed UV LED, the UV radiation source of the respirator one or more mercury (Hg) low-pressure lamps exhibit. Although these radiators require more space than the LED and have a higher power consumption, but have also have a higher radiant power and emit a broader wavelength spectrum of UV radiation. The Use of Hg low-pressure lamps in the inventive Respirator is particularly beneficial if the surrounding air is contaminated with particularly dangerous germs and necessarily a complete inactivation of these germs must be ensured. Therefore, in particular, the use offers in safety laboratories, where the respirator with a Power cable to supply the Hg low-pressure lamps equipped can be and by the user without major restrictions its mobility.

Accordingly, becomes an embodiment preferred in which in the respirator, in particular in Housing, a connection for the power supply of UV radiation source is formed. It can be on the one hand to trade the connection for a power cable. on the other hand can provide a connection for a charger become, with which arranged in the respirator accumulator after Recharging the use, without the accumulator to remove from the respirator.

After all is the above-mentioned task with regard to a respiratory protection set solved with the features of claim 25. After that For example, a respirator kit includes a respirator with a device according to the invention Filter element and a UV base station, which has at least one UV radiation source, the respirator being positionable on or in the UV base station is that the filter element is exposed to UV radiation.

With the respiratory protective set according to the invention it is possible To periodically treat a respirator with UV radiation inactivate microorganisms contained in the filter element. The Respirator can be used in a conventional manner For example, to protect against microbial contamination in a laboratory. After a certain useful life has elapsed, the respirator can now arranged on or in the UV base station and with UV radiation be treated. This prevents that mechanically retained in the filter Multiply microorganisms. The mask is for the renewed Always germ-free. A collection or even a breakthrough of microorganisms due to a long life in the contaminated Condition is excluded.

The UV radiation source of the respiratory protection set according to the invention may be one or more Hg low pressure radiators and / or one or more have multiple UV LEDs. In terms of features and benefits the respective radiation sources is based on the above statements directed.

In a preferred embodiment, the UV base station of the respirator a shielding the UV radiation source housing on. This protects the environment from UV rays. Furthermore, stands the greatest possible Proportion of emitted radiation for the treatment of Filter element available.

there an embodiment is preferred in which the respirator in the housing is receivable. Alternatively, an embodiment of the housing possible, in which the filter element the respirator by applying or placing the mask on or the housing is treatable. This can be the case For example, have a transparent disc on which the respirator can be placed.

The Housing expediently has over a power connection or an internal power supply the UV radiation source via an accumulator or a Battery.

To In a preferred development, the UV base station of the respiratory protection set Means for automatically performing a predetermined Treatment cycle for the filter element. For this purpose can the housing have an electronic component, in which such a treatment cycle is stored and after Selection of the user is started and then runs automatically. fixable Parameters for such a treatment cycle are, for example. the duration of treatment and the intensity of irradiation. there It may seem advantageous, the irradiation intensity to vary during the treatment cycle.

It Now there are different ways of teaching the present Invention in an advantageous manner and further develop. On the one hand to the subordinate claims and on the other hand, the following explanation of each one preferred embodiment of the invention Filter device and the invention Respiratory mask. In conjunction with the explanation the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing are also generally preferred embodiments and developments explained the teaching. In the drawing show

1 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the filter device according to the invention,

2 a side schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the respirator according to the invention, and

3 a frontal schematic sectional view of the respirator 2 ,

1 shows a schematic sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the filter device according to the invention. A filter element according to the invention 1 that is a filter material 2 has, is in a housing 3 arranged. Between the upper and the lower part of the housing 3 are in the filter material 2 Flow paths or pores formed for the fluid to be cleaned.

In this case, the fluid to be cleaned flows through the filter material 2 from left to right, which is indicated by the thick black arrows. Accordingly, the left edge of the filter element is used 1 as an inlet 4 and the right edge of the filter element 1 as an outlet 5 for the fluid. Between the upper and the lower part of the housing 3 has the filter element 1 a flow-through zone for the fluid. In this particular case, the fluid to be cleaned is air which is to be freed from microorganisms in particular.

In accordance with the invention is outside the filter element 1 namely in the housing 3 , a source of UV radiation 6 arranged. With the UV radiation source 6 is the filter material 2 can be acted upon by UV light.

The filter element 1 has a predetermined transmission characteristic. In other words, the pores or the flow paths for the fluid have a precisely defined maximum size, so that particles which exceed this maximum size exceed the filter material 2 be withheld. Other particles whose size is less than the pore diameter can pass through the filter, but are exposed to the UV radiation during this time and can thus be inactivated. Similarly, larger particles are inactivated, which are mechanically retained in the filter. This results in an increase or culture of microorganisms in the filter and ultimately a "breakthrough" of microbes through the filter material 2 prevented.

The UV radiation source 6 is supplied via an electrical connection, by an accumulator or by a battery (not shown) with electrical energy.

The filter material 2 is transparent and / or conductive to UV radiation having a wavelength of about 450 nm or less. This is the filter material 2 from polymer fibers which are additionally provided on the surface with the photo-semiconductor titania. The fibers of the filter material 2 lie close together and form a nonwoven material, namely a fleece.

That of the UV radiation source 6 radiated light can be near-edge areas of the filter material 2 penetrate and thus kill microorganisms directly or by photoactivation of titanium dioxide. Because the fibers of the filter material 2 In addition, have light-conducting properties, the UV radiation is simultaneously on the surface of the filter material 2 in the filter element 1 "Coupled" and thereby in all areas of the Filterele ments 1 transported.

About that In addition, the fibers scatter a portion of the UV radiation, leaving a certain amount of light also on the fiber surface exit. There, the scattered UV light on the photo semiconductor titanium dioxide hit and activate it.

The oxidizing effect of the photoactivated semiconductor is not limited to microorganisms. It can thus also other impurities such as nicotine, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents (especially PCB) and the like. Oxidize so that they at the outlet 5 are no longer present or in a no longer harmful concentration.

With the proposed filter device can be achieved excellent results in the sterilization of gases. In this case, the UV radiation source 6 also in a (not shown) side wall of the housing 3 be arranged. Alternatively, the UV radiation source 6 also outside the case 3 be arranged, and it can be between the UV radiation source 6 and the filter element 1 a light guide can be provided, with which the filter material 2 Nevertheless, can be acted upon by the UV radiation.

2 shows a lateral schematic sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the respirator according to the invention. The respirator has a filter element 1 on, in a case 3 ' is fixed. The housing 3 ' serves on the one hand to hold the filter element 1 and on the other hand to shield at least the mouth and nose of the user from uncleaned ambient air. Through the filter material 2 of the filter element 1 the ambient air is freed of dirt, especially of microorganisms. The filter material 2 is designed in such a way as based on the filter device according to the invention in 1 has been described. Alternatively, the filter material 2 after each of the above for the filter element according to the invention 1 be configured described embodiments. The flow of supplied or exhausted breathing air into the housing 3 ' or from the housing 3 ' out is illustrated by the broad arrows. Here is the left edge of the filter element 1 as an inlet 4 and the right edge as an outlet 5 trained for the supplied breath.

In accordance with the invention is in the housing 3 ' namely below the filter element 1 , a source of UV radiation 6 arranged. This UV radiation source 6 has a UV LED 7 on. The UV LED 7 is from the further below, but also in the case 3 ' arranged battery 8th powered. Alternatively, instead of the battery 8th an accumulator can be provided. Furthermore, the respirator can be connected directly to a power supply with a power cable.

Through the UV-LED 7 can both in the filter material 2 retained as well as the filter element 1 passing microorganisms are exposed to UV radiation and destroyed, namely as described above. This is the entire filter material 2 achieved by the emitted UV radiation, namely on the one hand due to the permeability and on the other hand, due to the conductivity of the filter material 2 for the irradiated UV light.

3 shows a frontal schematic sectional view of the respirator according to the invention. At the housing 3 ' is a holding device 9 arranged with the respirator can be positioned and held in front of the mouth or nose area of the user. In this figure, the black arrows show particularly clearly how, due to the special design of the filter material used 2 the irradiated UV light in the entire filter element 1 distributed. The directly illuminated surface of the filter material 2 can be small, due to the penetration and transmission of UV light in the filter material 2 will still be any point of the filter element 1 achieved, with an immediate inactivation or an indirect inactivation of microorganisms via the action of the existing photo semiconductor material takes place.

For this reason, in the respiratory mask according to the invention, the pore size of the filter material 2 be enlarged, making breathing much easier. It is achieved despite the larger pore size safe inactivation of microorganisms.

Finally It should be emphasized that the embodiments described above the However, they do not discuss the doctrine claimed Restricting embodiments.

1

filter element

2

filter material

3

casing (Filter means)

3 '

casing (Respirator)

4

inlet

5

outlet

6

UV radiation source

7

UV light emitting diode (UV-LED)

8th

battery

9

holder

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 19716277 A1 [0008]

Claims (29)

Filter element ( 1 ) with a flow-through zone for a fluid, wherein the filter element ( 1 ) a filter material ( 2 ), characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) is transparent and / or conductive to UV radiation having a wavelength of about 450 nm or less. Filter element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) for UV radiation having a wavelength of about 380 nm to about 420 nm, in particular for UV radiation having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 420 nm, is permeable and / or conductive. Filter element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pore diameter within the flow-through zone about 1 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m, in particular about 1 .mu.m to about 2 microns, is. Filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) has photoconductive properties. Filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) comprises a polymer or a polymer mixture. Filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) Fibers. Filter element ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the fibers have a diameter of about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. Filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) comprises a nonwoven material, in particular a nonwoven. Filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the filter material ( 2 ) comprises a semiconductor material, in particular a photo semiconductor material. Filter element ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the proportion of the semiconductor material to the filter material ( 2 ) about 0.5 wt .-% to about 2 wt .-%, in particular about 1 wt .-%, is. Filter element ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the semiconductor material on the surface of the filter material ( 2 ) and / or in the filter material ( 2 ) is dispersed. Filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the semiconductor material comprises titanium dioxide. Filter element ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the proportion of the modification of anatase on the titanium dioxide about 75 wt .-% to about 95 wt .-%, in particular about 85 wt .-%, is. Filter device with a filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a UV radiation source ( 6 ), the UV radiation source ( 6 ) is arranged so that the filter element ( 1 ) can be acted upon with UV radiation. Filter device according to claim 14, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) UV radiation having a wavelength of about 253 nm to about 450 nm, in particular from about 380 nm to about 420 nm emitted. Filter device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) one or more Hg low-pressure radiators and / or one or more UV LEDs ( 7 ) having. Filter device according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) outside the filter element ( 1 ) is arranged. Filter device according to claim 17, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) adjacent to the filter element ( 1 ) is arranged. Filter device according to claim 17, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) from the filter element ( 1 ) and that a light guide between the UV radiation source ( 6 ) and the filter element ( 1 ) is provided. Respirator with a housing ( 3 ' ) and a holding device ( 9 ), characterized by a filter device according to one of claims 14 to 19. Respiratory mask according to claim 20, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) one or more UV LEDs ( 7 ) having. Respiratory mask according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) by an accumulator or a battery ( 8th ) is fed. Respiratory mask according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) has one or more Hg low-pressure radiators. Respiratory mask according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that in the Respiratory mask, in particular in the housing ( 3 ' ), a connection for the power supply of the UV radiation source ( 6 ) is trained. Respiratory protective kit comprising a respiratory mask with a filter element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a UV base station which comprises at least one UV radiation source ( 6 ), wherein the respirator can be positioned on or in the UV base station, that the filter element ( 1 ) can be acted upon with UV radiation. Respiratory protection set according to claim 25, characterized in that the UV radiation source ( 6 ) one or more Hg low-pressure radiators and / or one or more UV LEDs ( 7 ) having. Respiratory protection set according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the UV base station is a UV radiation source ( 6 ) has shielding housing. Respiratory protection set according to claim 27, characterized the respirator can be received in the housing. Respiratory protection set according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the UV base station comprises means for automatically carrying out a predetermined treatment cycle for the filter element ( 1 ) having.