DE102015205068A1 - Scented rod-shaped element and process for its preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

A rod-shaped element (10) is provided with a material which is intended and suitable to deliver a fragrance to the environment. Characterized in that the rod-shaped element (10) has a core (11) as a carrier material for a plastic (12) to which the perfume is added, provided with a fragrance rod-shaped element is created, which ensures a long-lasting fragrance experience with favorable production. A method is provided for producing the scent-provided rod-shaped element (10), wherein the rod-shaped element is produced by co-extrusion of at least the carrier material as core (11) with the at least one plastic covering the core (12) , which plastic (12) the perfume is added, a process is created, which also ensures a long-lasting fragrance experience with favorable production.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a provided with a fragrance rod-shaped element having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for its preparation with the features of the preamble of claim 8.

State of the art

Known air and space fresheners consist of rattan or willow sticks, in which by the capillary effect, a fragrance liquid absorbed and discharged through the pores of the rod to the environment to influence the room fragrance. The fragrance liquid is thereby in a glass, into which the Rattan or Weidenstäbchen are put. This has the disadvantage that the fragrance liquid can run out of the container by tipping over and can cause damage to household items, carpet or parquet. In addition, there is a risk that children or pets drink the smelling liquid. However, according to the CLP Regulation, these liquids are usually labeled as "irritating" or even "corrosive". If these fluids have been taken, consult a doctor immediately. Added to this are the problems of disposal of such products due to the risk of environmental pollution.

From the underlying the preamble of claim 1 WO 2007/001504 A2 It is known from a biological plastic material, ie from only one material component, to produce a variety of products that also affect fragrance sticks for the apartment, among other things. The fragrance is added to the recycled natural material and the scent sticks are made from it (see also p http://www.eastman.com/Literature_Center/S/Success151.pdf, last call on 16.03.2015 ). These materials, such as aura cell ^® can indeed loaded with fragrance and also have the required stiffness to mold it sticks, but these materials have to be processed with a processing temperature of about 180 ° C. This high temperature destroys the nuances in the fragrances, so that the biodegradable plastics are not suitable in practice for the production of fragrance sticks.

When using a standard extrusion process, e.g. With scented ethylene vinyl acetate (abbreviated EVA) material is due to the addition of the fragrance, which leads to a corresponding porosity when exuding the fragrances, too low a material hardness and / or lack of flexibility, so that fragrance sticks thus produced are not suitable for practice. In any case, EVA and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are already very flexible even without admixtures and generally unsuitable for a rod form.

Furthermore, it is known to provide plastics with fragrance powders and to produce various products, in particular by injection molding. From the US 3,733,016 A is one with a fragrance plastic, consisting of a mixture of fragrance powder and thermoplastic, coat hangers known. Also the US 6,149,038 A concerns a hanger with built-in air freshener in the middle part.

Furthermore, the gel membrane technique is widely used in which a fragrance-added gel is applied to a carrier material. These are, for example, car air fresheners, in which contact with the gel is of no importance in practice ( US 2011/0108632 A1 . WO 2013/184251 A1 . US 2011/0215167 A1 . US 5,407,642 A . US 5,527,493 A . US 5,865,372 A . US 6,264,887 B1 . US 7,182,270 B2 . US 7,687,038 B2 ). For use as a scent stick such a material is hardly suitable in practice, since it alters its surface shape during the thinning and the fragrance can be touched directly by the user.

For such purposes are also still perfume compositions of the US 4,314,915 A . US 4,411,829 A or US 4,434,306 A known.

Object of the invention

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a provided with a fragrance rod-shaped element and a method for its production, which ensures a long-lasting fragrance experience with favorable production.

This object is achieved by a rod-shaped element having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 8.

The rod-shaped element is processed with a core as a carrier material, which is coated with the perfume-laden plastic, ie there are at least two material components. Such a rod-shaped element can cost by co-extrusion of the carrier material as the core with the at least one core 11 are produced plastic encasing the perfume is added. At the same time, the plastic provided with the perfume is as the outer layer even with correspondingly high degrees of filling by the underlying carrier material so stable that handling is easily possible even by touching the surface.

In order to keep the processing temperatures as low as possible, the fragrance-preserving area, the core has a hole as a carrier material in the interior, i. he is formed as a hollow tube. The hole in the interior of the tubular core helps to reduce the cooling time, so that the fragrance is exposed only a short time to the processing temperature, which is also relatively low, preferably in a range below 130 ° C, particularly preferably in the range between 60 ° C and 120 ° C can be maintained. This results in a significantly lower odor loss than other manufacturing processes.

Processing by co-extruding has low unit costs by continuous production and low investment costs, since compared to the injection molding only a comparison with injection mold significantly cheaper extrusion tool and no peripherals are required, the advantage that a preferably continuous blending of the perfume is directly possible during production, ie There is no need for a separate mixing of the fragrance. This also leads to less odor loss during processing. At the same time, a quick and uncomplicated fragrance and color change at any time during production is possible, which also contributes to a cost savings and a lower odor loss during processing.

Preferably, the rod shape is easily changed by different extrusion tools as well as the length of the rod depending on the product requirement. At the same time, it is advantageous that the rod-shaped element can, if necessary, be cut to length and packaged immediately after the extrusion, thus resulting in a fully automated production process of the product. This again contributes to the cost savings and less odor loss, since the rods are packed fully automatically immediately after processing in an air and aroma-tight bag. The finished fragrance sticks are thus exposed to the ambient air for only a few seconds.

Further advantages emerge from the dependent claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment.

Brief description of the figures

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in FIGS. Show it:

1 a rod-shaped element, which is provided with a perfume, in a frontal view,

2 the rod-shaped element according to 1 in a section along line AA in 1

3 a flow diagram of a manufacturing method according to the invention.

Description of preferred embodiments

Before describing the invention in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device and the respective method steps, since these components and methods may vary. The terms used herein are intended only to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, if singular or indefinite articles are used in the specification or claims, this also applies to the majority of these elements unless the overall context clearly makes otherwise clear.

The figures show a rod-shaped element 10 which is provided with a material which is intended and suitable to deliver a fragrance to the environment. The rod-shaped element 10 has a core 11 as a carrier material in the form of the material component A for a plastic 12 as material component B, to which the perfume is admixed as material component C. On the material components A, B and C is in connection with 3 discussed in more detail. The core 11 is preferably through a hollow tube with an interior 11a formed, in principle, however, can also be a closed full-material. In the exemplary embodiment, the rod-shaped element is an element with a round cross-section. However, it goes without saying that alternative geometry forms are possible, provided that it is ensured that in the interior 11a the core is formed a cavity. It is conceivable, for example, oval, rectangular, square or star-shaped or flower-shaped cross-sectional shapes. The limits for these geometries are in the area of the manufacturing process, ie, especially during extrusion, determined by the shape of the extrusion tool 15 ,

In the exemplary embodiment, the interior of the tube has a diameter of less than 1 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 mm. This interior has the advantage that during the manufacturing process a faster cooling of the carrier material and thus also of the entire rod-shaped element 10 so that the fragrance is exposed to the processing temperatures required for the production for a shorter time. In addition If less material has to be extruded, the plastic and thus the perfume must be exposed to the corresponding processing temperatures for a shorter time, even during the processing of the plastic material for the extrusion process, which can also be lower. This results in a gentle handling of the material, which is accompanied by a lower loss of odor. This in turn contributes to the rod-shaped elements thus produced 10 can release the fragrance to the environment for a long time.

Also the core 11 as a carrier material is formed by a plastic. In the embodiment it consists of polystyrene, although other suitable materials can be used, provided that the desired stability of this core 11 is guaranteed. Opposite the perfume enclosing plastic 12 The outer layer of this plastic is harder to ensure the appropriate stability of the final product. The hardness of the outer layer forming plastic 12 is also determined by the fact that the fragrance is added to it. When this perfume is released into the environment, the pores loaded by the perfume in the rod-shaped element gradually become free, resulting in a porosity of the perfume-containing plastic 12 which would further affect its stability, which then passes through the core 11 is guaranteed.

The outer layer of the rod-shaped element 10 by the plastic that encloses the fragrance 12 is formed, preferably has a thickness of less than 1 mm, in particular between 0.5 to 1 mm. In the same dimension range, preferably also the carrier material moves, ie the wall of the tube is regularly between 0.5 to 1 mm, but can also assume dimensions outside this range. However, it goes without saying that other sizes and dimensions are conceivable, and in principle it must be ensured that a careful handling of the material and especially the fragrance is then ensured if the processing temperatures remain in a relatively low range.

The fragrance-laden rod-shaped elements 10 have the advantage that they can scent the room air without liquid. The fragrance sticks thus produced can be made in different scents, shapes, colors, lengths and thicknesses. Particularly suitable as plastics ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for the production. Depending on the plastic, different filling levels of perfume are possible. In practice, in the case of the preferred plastics, a fill level of up to 35% by volume has proven feasible for EVA and up to 50% by volume for TPEs. Due to the inclusion of hazardous substances in the plastic, the rod-shaped elements produced in this way must be classified to a significantly lesser extent than CLP labeling in nearly all artificial or natural fragrances. In addition, there is no longer the risk of liquid damage.

According to the method according to 3 for producing the fragrance-containing rod-shaped element 10 used a co-extrusion process. In this case, at least one preferably hollow tubular support material - in the embodiment of polystyrene -, in 3 is symbolized by the material component A, as the core 11 with at least one the core 11 plastic sheathing 12 made, with the plastic 12 the fragrance is added. Plastic 12 is in 3 shown as material component B and the perfume as material component C, both in the co-extruder 13 be prepared. This is the opposite to the outer layer hard inner core with the laden with the fragrance plastic 12 overdrawn. In order to reduce the cooling times, a tube cool off faster, and to comply with the part tolerances, the support material is preferably hollow and tubular as a core, as already described above. In addition, when using a pipe, process fluctuations can be better absorbed and material saved.

The core 11 is in the embodiment in a main extruder 13 processed in the case of the polystyrene used in the embodiment at a temperature of 80 ° C to 200 ° C. However, other suitable materials may be used. In contrast, the co-extruder works 14 for the preparation of the material components B, C, so the plastic 12 and the fragrance, in a much lower temperature range, which makes it possible to process the fragrance as gently as possible. At the same time, the residence time of the loaded with the fragrance plastic 12 reduced to expose the fragrance no longer than necessary to the processing temperatures. That's why for the plastic 12 and the perfume is preferably a very short co-extruder 14 eg used with a maximum length of about 60cm. The duration of the loaded with the fragrance plastic 12 is exposed to the processing temperature is thus between 10 to 15 seconds. The temperature control is between 60-120 ° C. It is taken into account that the fragrances, depending on the fragrance tolerate a maximum temperature of 120 to 150 ° C, without the molecular structure is destroyed. Above 150 ° C, the fragrance intensity and the fragrance variation is not the same as before the introduction into the plastic. Another advantage of the short special extruder is that the perfume is ideally combined with the plastic and sets a uniform homogeneous mixture.

Basically, alternatively, a so-called sidefeeder could be used to attach the fragrance to the already molten material.

The shape thus produced contributes to the processing temperature of, in particular, the plastic provided with the fragrance 12 less than 130 ° C, preferably in the range between 60 ° C to 120 ° C. As a result, in particular the fragrance is hardly affected by the temperature of the manufacturing process, so that the fragrance remains in the material and ensures a long-lasting fragrance. A separate mixing of the perfume is not required, but this can be done preferably by pumping directly on the machine during the extrusion, preferably continuously. This also contributes both to the cost savings and to a reduction in the odor loss during processing.

From the extrusion tool 15 The finished product enters a vacuum bath 16 with disc calibration. In the vacuum bath 16 The still hot material is cooled down with a liquid. The whole thing happens under vacuum so that the stick better maintains its shape. This closed system also has the advantage that the fragrance does not escape to the environment.

Basically, the production process thus constructed has the advantage that the perfume is almost completely sealed off from the ambient air and thus has no chance to dissipate.

• – Investitionskosten für Werkzeug und Peripherie sind gering,
• – schneller und unkomplizierter Duft- und Farbwechsel ist auch während der laufenden Produktion jederzeit möglich,
• – eine individuelle Stäbchenform und -länge ist je nach Produktanforderung, wie z.B. der Raumgröße, einfach realisierbar,
• – die fertigen Teile werden direkt an der Maschine während des laufenden Prozesses automatisch mittels Cutter 17 abgelängt und in einer Verpackungsanlage 18 verpackt.

Since the extrusion process is a continuous production in which the extruded product immediately and continuously from the extrusion die 15 There are many other advantages that affect both the reduction of possible odor loss and the cost of the manufacturing process:

• - Investment costs for tools and peripherals are low,
• - quick and uncomplicated fragrance and color change is possible at any time during production,
• An individual rod shape and length can easily be realized depending on the product requirement, such as the size of the room,
• - The finished parts are automatically cut directly on the machine during the running process 17 cut to length and in a packaging plant 18 packed up.

Thereby, a rod-shaped element and a method for its production are created, with which it is possible to produce Raumerfrischerdüfte in rod-shaped plastic, which produce by a low processing temperature a maximum possible scenting the consumer.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

rod-shaped element

11

core

11a

inner space

12

plastic

13

main extruder

14

Co-extruder

15

Tool

16

vacuum bath

17

cutter

18

packing plant

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2007/001504 A2 [0003]
• US 3733016 A [0005]
• US 6149038 A [0005]
• US 2011/0108632 A1 [0006]
• WO 2013/184251 A1 [0006]
• US 2011/0215167 A1 [0006]
• US 5407642 A [0006]
• US 5527493 A [0006]
• US 5865372 A [0006]
• US Pat. No. 6,264,887 B1 [0006]
• US 7182270 B2 [0006]
• US 7687038 B2 [0006]
• US 4314915 A [0007]
• US 4411829 A [0007]
• US 4434306 A [0007]

Cited non-patent literature

• http://www.eastman.com/Literature_Center/S/Success151.pdf, last call on 16.03.2015 [0003]

Claims (13)

Rod-shaped element ( 10 ) provided with a material intended and capable of delivering a fragrance to the environment, characterized in that the rod-shaped element ( 10 ) a core ( 11 ) as a carrier material for a plastic material forming the above material ( 12 ), which is incorporated with the fragrance, wherein. Rod-shaped element according to claim 1, characterized in that the core ( 11 ) is formed by a hollow tube whose inner diameter is preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1 mm. Rod-shaped element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core ( 11 ) is formed by a plastic. Rod-shaped element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic enclosing the fragrance ( 12 ) the outer layer of the rod-shaped element ( 10 ) with a thickness of less than 2.5 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 1 mm. Rod-shaped element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic provided with the fragrance ( 12 ) Is ethylene vinyl acetate or a thermoplastic elastomer. Rod-shaped element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic ( 12 ) has a filling level of perfume of at most 35 percent by volume, in thermoplastic elastomers up to 50 percent by volume. Rod-shaped element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod-shaped element ( 10 ) with the core ( 11 ) and the plastic provided with the fragrance ( 12 ) is co-extruded. Process for the preparation of a fragranced rod-shaped element ( 10 ), characterized in that it is obtained by co-extrusion of at least one support material as core ( 11 ) with at least one plastic encasing the core ( 12 ), which plastic ( 12 ) the fragrance is added. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that as core ( 11 ) a hollow tube is used. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the perfume during co-extruding preferably continuously the plastic ( 12 ) is added. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the temperature control and the throughput in the co-extruder ( 14 ) for the plastic ( 12 ) is selected such that the perfume is exposed for a maximum of 30 seconds, preferably between 10 to 15 seconds, to a temperature at least 10% below the temperature at which the molecular structure of the perfume is destroyed. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the processing temperature of the provided with the perfume plastic ( 12 ) is less than 130 ° C, preferably 60 ° C to 120 ° C. Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the rod-shaped element ( 10 ) is cut to length and packaged immediately after co-extruding.

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