CLEANING BASKET FOR CLEANING A BREATHING APPARATUS

Abstract

A cleaning basket (120) for cleaning a breathing apparatus (112) is proposed. The cleaning basket (120) comprises at least one basket rack (140). Furthermore, the cleaning basket (120) comprises at least one mask holder (122) for holding at least one protective breathing mask (114) in the cleaning basket (120). Furthermore, the cleaning basket (120) comprises at least one suction element (156) which has at least one suction opening (160) and is configured to extend into the protective breathing mask (114) held by the mask holder (122). The suction element (156) is configured to be charged with negative pressure and to suck cleaning fluid out of at least one interior space (148) of the protective breathing mask (114) into the suction opening (160). Furthermore, a cleaning system (110) with the cleaning basket (120) and a cleaning device (118), and a method for cleaning the breathing apparatus (112) are proposed.

Claims

1. A cleaning basket for cleaning breathing apparatus, comprising at least one basket rack, furthermore comprising at least one mask holder for holding at least one protective breathing mask in the cleaning basket, furthermore comprising at least one suction element, wherein the suction element has at least one suction opening and is configured to extend into the protective breathing mask held by the mask holder, wherein the suction element is configured to be charged with negative pressure and to suck cleaning fluid out of at least one interior space of the protective breathing mask into the suction opening.

2. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction element has at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a suction pipe with the at least one suction opening; a curved suction pipe with the at least one suction opening; a suction tube with the at least one suction opening; a U pipe with the at least one suction opening; a pipe loop; a disk-shaped suction element with the at least one suction opening; a spoon-shaped suction element with the at least one suction opening.

3. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction element is configured to be at least partially flexible.

4. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 3, wherein the suction element has at least one flexible tongue for introduction into the interior space of the protective breathing mask, wherein at least one suction opening is introduced in the flexible tongue.

5. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction element is connected to the mask holder.

6. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning basket has at least one suction line, wherein the suction element is fluidically connected to the suction line, and wherein the suction line has at least one connection for the connection of a suction device.

7. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 6, wherein the suction device is entirely or partially integrated in the cleaning basket.

8. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning basket furthermore has at least one pressure connection which is connectable to at least one gas-conducting element of the breathing apparatus, wherein the gas-conducting element can be charged with compressed gas while the cleaning fluid is being applied to the breathing apparatus.

9. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cleaning basket has a releasable compressed gas connection for connecting the pressure connection to a pressurization device of a cleaning device.

10. A cleaning system for cleaning breathing apparatus, comprising at least one cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1, and at least one cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device has at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the at least one cleaning basket, wherein the cleaning device furthermore has at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the breathing apparatus, wherein the cleaning system furthermore has at least one suction device which is connectable to the suction element of the cleaning basket and is configured for generating the negative pressure.

11. The cleaning system as claimed claim 10, wherein the cleaning system furthermore has at least one pressurization device with at least one pressure connection, wherein the pressure connection is connectable to at least one gas-conducting element of the breathing apparatus, wherein the pressurization device is configured to charge the gas-conducting element with compressed gas while the at least one cleaning fluid is being applied to the breathing apparatus.

12. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cleaning basket has a releasable connection for connecting the suction element to the suction device.

13. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the suction device comprises at least one pump.

14. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pump has at least one jet pump.

15. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the jet pump has at least one Venturi nozzle.

16. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cleaning device has a compressed gas line which is connected to the Venturi nozzle.

17. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the suction device is configured to return cleaning fluid sucked out of the protective breathing mask into a fluidic system of the cleaning device.

18. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the suction device has at least one liquid separator.

19. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the suction device has at least one suction line, wherein the suction line is connectable to a connection of the cleaning basket.

20. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cleaning device has at least one controller and is configured to carry out a cleaning program with at least two different program steps, wherein the controller is configured, in at least one program step of the cleaning program, to activate charging of the suction element with negative pressure such that penetrating cleaning fluid is sucked out of the at least one interior space of the protective breathing mask at least partially into the suction opening.

21. A method for cleaning breathing apparatus, comprising: a) providing at least one cleaning basket as claimed in claim 1; b) fastening at least one protective breathing mask of the breathing apparatus to the at least one mask holder of the cleaning basket; c) introducing the suction element into at least one interior space of the protective breathing mask in such a manner that at least one part of the suction element with the at least one suction opening projects into the interior space; d) applying at least one cleaning fluid to the breathing apparatus; and e) charging the suction element with negative pressure and sucking cleaning fluid out of the interior space via the suction opening.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method furthermore comprises: f) charging at least one gas-conducting element of the breathing apparatus with compressed gas.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0177] Further details and features emerge from the description below of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the dependent claims. Here, the respective features can be realized by themselves alone or together in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are schematically illustrated in the figures. The same reference numbers in the individual figures refer to elements which are identical or functionally the same or correspond to one another in respect of their functions.

[0178] Specifically:

[0179] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system for cleaning a breathing apparatus, in a sectional illustration from the side;

[0180] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning basket obliquely from above;

[0181] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the cleaning basket according to FIG. 2;

[0182] FIG. 4 shows a perspective detailed view of a mask holder of the cleaning basket according to FIG. 2 without a protective breathing mask; and

[0183] FIG. 5 shows a perspective partial sectional view of the mask holder with a protective breathing mask stretched thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0184] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a sectional illustration from the side, an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 110 for cleaning a breathing apparatus 112. The breathing apparatus comprises at least one protective breathing mask 114 and furthermore, optionally, additional components, such as, for example, gas-conducting elements 116, for example breathing regulators.

[0185] In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning system 110 comprises a cleaning device 118 and at least one cleaning basket 120. The cleaning basket 120 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1. Detailed views of a possible configuration of said cleaning basket 120 are shown in FIGS. 2-5. FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of the cleaning basket 120 obliquely from above, FIG. 3 shows a top view of the cleaning basket 120, FIG. 4 shows a perspective detailed view of a mask holder 122 without a protective breathing mask 114, and FIG. 5 shows a perspective partial sectional view of the mask holder 122 with a protective breathing mask 114 stretched thereon. These figures will be explained in context below.

[0186] The cleaning device 118 has a housing 124 in which various components of the cleaning device 118 are accommodated. For example, a controller 126 of the cleaning device 118 can also be accommodated in said housing 124. The housing 124 surrounds a cleaning chamber 128 for receiving the at least one cleaning basket 120. The housing 124 can have, for example, an opening device 130 by means of which the cleaning chamber 128 can be opened or closed in order to introduce the cleaning basket 120 into the cleaning chamber 128. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the opening device 130 is illustrated as a hood 132. Accordingly, the cleaning device 118 can be configured, for example, as a pass-through washer. However, other configurations are also possible, for example configurations in which the opening device 130 is designed as a flap or door. The cleaning chamber 128 is shown in an open state in FIG. 1. For example, a basket receptacle 134, for example a rail system, can be provided in the cleaning chamber 128.

[0187] The cleaning device 118 comprises at least one application device 136 for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the breathing apparatus 112. With regard to possible configurations of the application device 136, reference can be made by way of example to the above prior art, for example to WO 2011/144518 A2. In particular, the application device 136 can have at least one nozzle system 138. Furthermore, the application device 136 can have at least one, preferably at least two tanks for receiving the at least one cleaning fluid, and one or more pumps.

[0188] As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 2, the cleaning basket 120 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated comprises a basket rack 140 with a basket wall 142 and a basket base 144. The cleaning basket 120 furthermore comprises the at least one mask holder 122 which has already been mentioned, wherein four mask holders 122 by way of example are provided in the exemplary embodiment shown. Said mask holders can be oriented, for example, in such a manner that the protective breathing masks respective stretched thereon point into the four corners of the cleaning basket 120. A different number is also possible.

[0189] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mask holders 122 are connected fixedly or releasably to the basket rack 140, for example can be placed releasably as a rack onto the basket rack 140.

[0190] As can be seen in the figures, the mask holders 122 can be designed, for example, as wire loops, for example made from round wire. However, other embodiments are also possible in principle, for example embodiments in which the mask holders 122 have a head shape or the shape of a face.

[0191] As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 5, the at least one protective breathing mask 114 can be placed or stretched onto the mask holder 122. This can preferably take place in such a manner that at least one viewing window 146 of the protective breathing mask 114 faces upward. At least one interior space 148 of the protective breathing mask 114 is as a rule formed, by contrast, on the lower side, said interior space 148 being partially surrounded by the protective breathing mask 114 and, as a rule, being open downward in the stretched-out state. Nevertheless, one or more draining volumes 150 as a rule form in said interior space 148, for example in the region of one or more seals 152 and/or in a connection region 154 for at least one gas-conducting element 116. Since the protective breathing mask 114 is conventionally cleaned from above and from below and cleaning fluid applied, for example in the case of the arrangement according to FIG. 1, cleaning fluid as a rule accumulates as a rule in this interior space 148, as described above, said cleaning fluid not being able to flow away completely after the end of the application of the cleaning fluid. This residual quantity of cleaning fluid in many cases interferes with the cleaning operation and a subsequent drying operation within the cleaning device 118 and/or in a separate drying cabinet and, furthermore, can lead to safety problems due to the risk of slipping in the event that it leaks onto a floor in front of the cleaning device 118.

[0192] To avoid this problem, the cleaning basket 120 furthermore has at least one suction element 156. Said suction element 156 is configured, for example, as a pipe, as a tube, as a channel or in some other way in such a manner that preferably a lumen 157 is formed in its interior, by means of which the suction element 156 can be charged with a vacuum or with a negative pressure. For example, in this and also in other exemplary embodiments, the suction element 156 can be designed as a curved pipe loop 158 or can comprise a pipe loop 158, wherein preferably the pipe loop 158 or the curved region thereof points downward.

[0193] The suction element 156 comprises at least one suction opening 160 which is formed, for example, at the lowest point of the pipe loop 158. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 5, the suction element 156 is configured in such a manner that it can extend into the interior space 148 of the protective breathing mask 144 held by the mask holder 122. For example, in each case at least one suction element 156 can be assigned to in each case one mask holder 122. The suction element 156 is configured to be charged with negative pressure, for example by a corresponding vacuum or a negative pressure being applied to the lumen 157. In this way, cleaning fluid can be sucked out of the interior 148 into the suction opening 160 in order to completely or partially remove the cleaning fluid from the interior space 148, in particular from the draining volume 150.

[0194] In order to facilitate the introduction of the suction element 156 into the interior space 148, the suction element 156 can be configured in particular to be at least partially flexible, in particular resilient. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 4, for this purpose the suction element 156 can be mounted, for example, resiliently. As shown by way of example in the figures, the suction element 156 can extend, for example, directly or indirectly from the mask holder 122, wherein an extension of said extent can be variably configured, for example by means of a spring bearing 162. In this manner, for example, the pipe loop 158 which is shown can be configured as a flexible tongue. Furthermore, it can be ensured by means of this flexibility, for example, that the suction opening 160 is arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the lowest point of the draining volume 150.

[0195] The cleaning basket 120 furthermore has at least one suction line 164, wherein the suction element 156 is fluidically connected to the suction line 164 in such a manner that the suction element 156 can be charged with a negative pressure via the suction line 164. Said suction line 164, if a plurality of suction elements 156 are provided in the cleaning basket 120, can provide a joint or else separate charging with negative pressure for said suction elements 156. The suction line 164 can be designed to be rigid or else flexible.

[0196] The suction line 164 can have in particular at least one connection 166 for the connection of the at least one suction element 156 to a negative pressure source. In particular, the connection 166 can permit a connection, preferably a releasable connection, to a suction device 168 that is shown by way of example in FIG. 1. In this connection, there are a plurality of possibilities which can be combined with one another. Thus, the suction device 168 can be integrated, for example completely, in the cleaning device 118, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively or additionally, the suction device 168 can, however, also entirely or partially rely on on-site devices, for example a vacuum line. Again alternatively or additionally, the suction device 168 can also be entirely or partially integrated in the cleaning basket 120.

[0197] In particular, the suction device 168, as shown in FIG. 1, can have a pump 170. This pump can be designed, for example, as a jet pump 172 and can comprise a Venturi nozzle 174. For example, the cleaning device can have a compressed gas line 176 which is connected to the Venturi nozzle 174, for example via a valve 178. The Venturi nozzle 174 is for its part connected or connectable to the connection 166 of the cleaning basket 120, for example via a suction line 180. This connection can take place, for example, automatically when the cleaning basket 120 is introduced into the cleaning chamber 128, or else manually. An automatic connection can be produced, for example, upon closing the opening device 130. Furthermore, one or more valves, for example at least one nonreturn valve 182, can be introduced into the suction line 180. It is pointed out that, instead of the jet pump 172 which is shown, a different type of suction device 168 can alternatively or additionally also be used, for example a different type of vacuum pump or liquid pump.

[0198] Furthermore, the suction device 168 can have at least one liquid separator 184 which is likewise shown by way of example in FIG. 1. Said liquid separator can be connected, for example, to the Venturi nozzle 174 and/or to a different type of jet pump 172. The liquid separator 184 can be configured, for example, in such a manner that separated cleaning fluid that has been sucked out of the interior space 148 is returned into a fluidic system of the cleaning device 118. For example, the liquid separator 184 can be entirely or partially arranged in the cleaning chamber 128 or connected thereto. For example, separated cleaning fluid can be returned directly or indirectly into a tank of the cleaning device 118.

[0199] For further possible components of the cleaning basket 120, reference can be made by way of example to WO 2011/144518 A2. In particular, for accommodating small parts, the cleaning basket 120 can have at least one small parts basket in which, for example, accessories can be cleaned without assignment to the protective breathing masks 114 being lost.

[0200] Furthermore, the sucking off described here can also be combined with the principle of the pressurization, described in WO 2011/144518 A2, of gas-conducting elements 116 while cleaning fluid is being applied to the breathing apparatus 112 in order to prevent cleaning fluid from penetrating the gas-conducting elements 116. As can be seen in FIG. 1, this principle can be supported on the same compressed gas line 176 as the suction. However, a separate pressurization is also possible.

[0201] In order to realize said pressurization for gas-conducting elements 116, the cleaning basket 120 can additionally have at least one pressure connection 188 which can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. Said pressure connection 188 can be configured to charge the gas-conducting element 116 with compressed gas while the cleaning fluid is being applied to the breathing apparatus 112. For this purpose, the pressure connection 188 can have, for example, at least one quick-acting coupling 190. The pressure connection 188 can be connectable to a pressurization device 194 of the cleaning device 118, for example via a releasable compressed gas connection 192. This connection can in turn be produced manually or else, for example, can in turn be produced automatically, for example upon closing the opening device 130. The pressurization device 194 can comprise, for example, a compressed gas source which is integrated in the cleaning device 118, or else, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can rely on an external compressed gas source, for example an on-site compressed gas supply 196. Said on-site compressed gas supply 196 can optionally also be used at the same time, for example by means of a branch 198, for the operation of the suction device 168. The pressurization device 194 can comprise, for example, a compressed gas line 200 which is connectable to the compressed gas connection 192. Optionally in turn at least one nonreturn valve 202 can be provided in the compressed gas line 200.

[0202] The pressurization device 194 can furthermore also be used in order additionally to blast the breathing apparatus 112 with compressed gas, for example compressed air, for example by means of one or more nozzles which are not illustrated in FIG. 1. This can be used, for example, during drying in order additionally to promote drainage of cleaning fluid from the breathing apparatus 112, in particular from the protective breathing mask 114.

[0203] The cleaning device 118 can be configured in particular as an automatic programmed washer and can be configured to carry out at least one cleaning program with a plurality of program steps by means of the controller 126. For example, the cleaning fluid can be applied in at least one program step, wherein, for example, said at least one program step can comprise at least one washing step and at least one rinsing step. During said application with cleaning fluid, the above-described pressurization of the at least one gas-conducting element 116 can take place. The suction can take place already during this application or else in a subsequent program step. This can take place, for example, in a separate suction step. This step can also be entirely or partially integrated in a drying operation which, as described above, can take place entirely or partially in the cleaning device 118. Alternatively or additionally, for example after the suction step is carried out, the drying, however, can also take place entirely or partially outside the cleaning chamber 128, for example in a drying cabinet.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0204] 110 Cleaning system

[0205] 112 Breathing apparatus

[0206] 114 Protective breathing mask

[0207] 116 Gas-conducting element

[0208] 118 Cleaning device

[0209] 120 Cleaning basket

[0210] 122 Mask holder

[0211] 124 Housing

[0212] 126 Controller

[0213] 128 Cleaning chamber

[0214] 130 Opening device

[0215] 132 Hood

[0216] 134 Basket receptacle

[0217] 136 Application device

[0218] 138 Nozzle system

[0219] 140 Basket rack

[0220] 142 Basket wall

[0221] 144 Basket base

[0222] 146 Viewing window

[0223] 148 Interior space

[0224] 150 Draining volume

[0225] 152 Seal

[0226] 154 Connection region

[0227] 156 Suction element

[0228] 157 Lumen

[0229] 158 Pipe loop

[0230] 160 Suction opening

[0231] 162 Spring bearing

[0232] 164 Suction line

[0233] 166 Connection

[0234] 168 Suction device

[0235] 170 Pump

[0236] 172 Jet pump

[0237] 174 Venturi nozzle

[0238] 176 Compressed gas line

[0239] 178 Valve

[0240] 180 Suction line

[0241] 182 Nonreturn valve

[0242] 184 Liquid separator

[0243] 186 Small parts basket

[0244] 188 Pressure connection

[0245] 190 Quick-acting coupling

[0246] 192 Compressed gas connection

[0247] 194 Pressurization device

[0248] 196 Compressed gas supply

[0249] 198 Branch

[0250] 200 Compressed gas line

[0251] 202 Nonreturn valve