CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLEANING ARTICLES TO BE CLEANED

Abstract

Proposed is a cleaning device (110) for cleaning articles (112) to be cleaned, a cleaning basket (114) for use in a cleaning device (110), a method for cleaning articles (112) to be cleaned and a use of a cleaning device (110). The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (116) for stationarily receiving at least one cleaning basket (114) with the articles (112) to be cleaned contained therein. Furthermore, the cleaning device (110) comprises at least one application device (118) for applying at least one cleaning fluid (120) to the articles (112) to be cleaned. The cleaning device (110) also comprises a plurality of movable cleaning elements (154), wherein: the movable cleaning elements (154) are arranged to move relative to the cleaning basket (114); the movable cleaning elements (154) are configured to remain in the cleaning chamber (116) while the cleaning fluid (120) is being applied to the articles (112) to be cleaned; the movable cleaning elements (154) are configured to be set in motion by the cleaning fluid (120); and the movable cleaning elements (154) are configured to exercise a mechanical cleaning effect on the articles (112) to be cleaned while the cleaning fluid (120) is being applied to the articles (112) to be cleaned.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning articles for cleaning, in particular personal protective equipment and in particular breathing apparatus, comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving at least one cleaning basket, with the articles for cleaning received therein, in a static manner, furthermore comprising at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the articles for cleaning, furthermore comprising multiple movable cleaning elements, the movable cleaning elements being arranged so as to be movable relative to the cleaning basket, the movable cleaning elements being configured to remain in the cleaning chamber, as the cleaning fluid is applied to the articles for cleaning, the movable cleaning elements being configured to be set in motion by the cleaning fluid, and the movable cleaning elements being configured to exert a mechanical cleaning action on the articles for cleaning as the cleaning fluid is applied to the articles for cleaning, the movable cleaning elements being fastened at least partially in the cleaning chamber, the movable cleaning elements each having at least one freely movable part that is configured to mechanically act on the articles for cleaning, the cleaning device having at least one freeing device, the freeing device being configured to mechanically separate the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements from the articles for cleaning.

2. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the movable cleaning elements being produced at least partially from a flexible material.

3. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the movable cleaning elements being produced at least partially from a textile material, the textile material having at least one material selected from the group comprising: a natural fiber; cotton; a textile synthetic material.

4. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the movable cleaning elements having at least one shape selected from the group comprising: a ball shape; a strand shape; a ribbon shape.

5-6. (canceled)

7. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the freeing device having at least one pusher, the pusher being configured to push the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements away from the articles for cleaning.

8. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the freeing device having at least two sub-devices, the sub-devices being configured to move the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements away from the articles for cleaning in at least two different directions.

9. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the freeing device being configured to automatically mechanically separate the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements from the articles for cleaning when the cleaning chamber is opened, and to allow contact between the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements and the articles for cleaning again when the cleaning chamber is closed.

10. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the movable cleaning elements being fastened at least partially to at least one movable element of the cleaning device, the cleaning device being configured to set the movable cleaning elements in motion by means of the movable element in addition to the movement caused by the cleaning fluid.

11. A cleaning basket for use in a cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, the cleaning basket having at least one basket rack for receiving the articles for cleaning, the cleaning basket furthermore having multiple movable cleaning elements, the movable cleaning elements being arranged so as to be movable relative to the cleaning basket, and the movable cleaning elements being configured to be set in motion by the cleaning fluid, and the movable cleaning elements being configured to exert a mechanical cleaning action on the articles for cleaning as the cleaning fluid is applied to the articles for cleaning.

12. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 11, the basket rack having at least one basket base, the basket rack, furthermore having at least one cleaning element carrier arranged above the basket base, the articles for cleaning being receivable between the basket base and the cleaning element carrier, the movable cleaning elements each being fastened by way of one end to the cleaning element carrier, and the movable cleaning elements furthermore having at least one freely movable part, the freely movable part being capable, owing to the gravitational force acting thereon, of extending to the articles for cleaning when the cleaning basket has been introduced into the cleaning chamber.

13. The cleaning basket as claimed in claim 12, the cleaning element carrier being a cleaning element carrier that can be pivoted out or pulled out.

14. A method for cleaning articles for cleaning, in particular personal protective equipment and in particular breathing apparatus, comprising the following steps: i. providing at least one cleaning device as claimed in claim 1; ii. placing the articles for cleaning in the at least one cleaning basket; iii. introducing the cleaning basket into the at least one cleaning chamber of the cleaning device; and iv. applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the articles for cleaning in the cleaning chamber, the movable cleaning elements exerting a mechanical action on the articles for cleaning during the application in step iv., the movable cleaning elements being set in motion by the cleaning fluid, and the movable cleaning elements remaining in the cleaning chamber during the application.

15. The use of a cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 to clean personal protective equipment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0125] Further details and features will emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. Here, the respective features may be realized individually or severally in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are schematically illustrated in the figures. Here, the same reference designations are used in the individual figures to denote elements which are identical or functionally identical or which correspond to one another in terms of their function.

[0126] In the figures:

[0127] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device for cleaning articles for cleaning with an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning basket in a side view;

[0128] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning basket for use in a cleaning device in a front view;

[0129] FIGS. 3 and 4 show different states of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device in a plan view;

[0130] FIG. 5 shows the state of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device as illustrated in FIG. 4, in a front view; and

[0131] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for cleaning articles for cleaning.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0132] FIG. 1 shows exemplary embodiments of a cleaning device 110 for cleaning articles for cleaning 112, and of a cleaning basket 114, in a schematic sectional illustration from a side elevation. The cleaning device 110 for cleaning articles for cleaning 112, in particular for cleaning personal protective equipment and in particular breathing apparatus, comprises at least one cleaning chamber 116 for receiving the at least one cleaning basket 114, with articles for cleaning 112 received therein, in a static manner.

[0133] The cleaning device 110 furthermore comprises at least one application device 118 for applying at least one cleaning fluid 120 to the articles for cleaning. In particular, the application device 118 may for example in turn comprise one or more elements, for example one or more pipelines, one or more pumps and/or one or more tanks. For example, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the cleaning device 110 is designed in particular as an industrial single-chamber washer, for example as a front-door washer with a door 122, with a multi-circuit wash system. The application device 118 may for example have a washing nozzle system 124, for example with one or more nozzle arms 126 with multiple nozzles, which nozzle arms are received above and/or below the breathing apparatuses 112 and are preferably mounted so as to be rotatable and/or swivelable. Alternatively or in addition, the application device 118 may also comprise a rinsing nozzle system 128, for example with one or more rinsing nozzle arms 130, which are preferably in turn mounted so as to be rotatable and/or swivelable and which may for example in turn be arranged above and/or below the breathing apparatuses 112. Other arrangements and/or refinements are however also possible in principle.

[0134] Furthermore, the application device 118 may for example have a washing line system 132 for charging the washing nozzle system 124 with cleaning fluid 120, for example from a washing tank 134. For example, the washing tank 134 may be provided in the base region of the cleaning chamber 116, and/or may in turn be connected in some other way to the cleaning chamber 116, such that, after being applied to the articles for cleaning 112, cleaning fluid 120 can flow and/or drip back into the washing tank 134 again. To charge the washing nozzle system 132 with the cleaning fluid 120 from the washing tank 134, the application device 118 may furthermore have one or more circulation pumps 136, in particular washing pumps. Furthermore, one or more heating elements 138 may be provided for purposes of heating the cleaning fluid 120 of the washing tank 134 and/or of other tanks. The washing tank 134 may in turn be capable of being emptied into a drain 144, for example via a discharge line 140 and optionally via a discharge pump 142.

[0135] The application device 118 may furthermore have a rinsing line system 146, via which, for example, the rinsing nozzle system 128 can be charged with a further cleaning fluid 120, for example with a rinsing liquid 148. In particular, the rinsing liquid 148 may for example be provided from a separate rinsing tank 150, and may preferably likewise be heatable by means of one or more heating elements 138. In order to charge the rinsing nozzle system 128, the application device 118 may for example have one or more rinsing pumps 152.

[0136] The cleaning device 110 may in particular comprise at least one controller 153. The controller 153 may for example be configured to control a cleaning operation, for example a cleaning program, in which the articles for cleaning 112, for example the at least one cleaning basket 114 with the articles for cleaning 112, are received in the cleaning chamber 116 in a static manner and have cleaning fluid 120 applied thereto successively in different ways in one or more cleaning steps of the cleaning program, for example firstly at least one washing fluid in at least one washing step and at least one rinsing liquid 148 in at least one rinsing step. Furthermore, at least one drying step may be provided, which may for example follow the application of the cleaning fluid 120 in the single cleaning chamber 116 while the articles for cleaning 112 are held in a static manner.

[0137] The cleaning device 110 furthermore comprises a multiplicity of movable cleaning elements 154, the movable cleaning elements 154 being arranged so as to be movable relative to the cleaning basket 114. In particular, the movable cleaning elements 154 are configured to remain in the cleaning chamber 116 as the cleaning fluid 120 is applied to the articles for cleaning 112. Furthermore, the movable cleaning elements 154 are configured to be set in motion by the cleaning fluid 120, in particular a flow of the cleaning fluid 120, the movable cleaning elements 154 being configured to exert a mechanical cleaning action on the articles for cleaning 112 as the cleaning fluid 120 is applied to the articles for cleaning 112.

[0138] For example, the mobility of the movable cleaning elements 154 may be such that the cleaning elements 154 can move freely in the cleaning chamber 116. This may be the case for example if the movable cleaning elements 154 or at least a part of the movable cleaning elements 154 comprise multiple solid bodies, for example balls 156 illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, which are freely movable in the cleaning chamber 116 but which cannot leave the cleaning chamber 116. The movable cleaning elements 154 may however alternatively or additionally also, at least in part, be designed to be only partially movable. This partial mobility is illustrated by way of example in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and may be realized for example by virtue of the movable cleaning elements 154 being fastened by way of at least one part, for example by way of a first end 158. For example, the cleaning elements 154 may be fastened, in particular by way of the first end 158, to at least one wall of the cleaning chamber 116 and/or to the cleaning basket 114. Alternatively or in addition, the cleaning elements 154 may be fastened by way of the first end 158 to a suspension means 160 that is attached in the cleaning chamber 116, for example to a grille. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the suspension means 160 may be used in particular if rotatably and/or swivelably mounted elements are arranged within the cleaning chamber 116 above the cleaning basket 114, for example the nozzle arm 126 and the rinsing nozzle arm 130 of the application device 118 in the exemplary embodiment shown here.

[0139] The movable cleaning elements 154 may, in particular irrespective of whether they are fastened by way of the first end 158 to a wall of the cleaning chamber 116, to the suspension means and/or to the cleaning basket, preferably designed to be movable by way of at least one other part, such that at least the movable part can mechanically act on the articles for cleaning 112 in the cleaning basket 114. This may be realized for example by virtue of the cleaning elements 154 being designed as ribbons 162, strips or strands 164, which have at least one freely movable part or one freely movable portion, for example one freely movable end 166, which can mechanically act on the articles for cleaning 112. For example, the movable cleaning elements 154, in particular the ribbons 162 and/or strands 164, may be dimensioned in terms of their length so as to extend from the fastened part, in particular from the first end 158, at least to the cleaning basket 114, in particular to a base 168 of the cleaning basket 114 or to just above same, such that said movable cleaning elements 154 can mechanically act by way of the freely movable part, for example by way of the freely movable end 166, on the articles for cleaning 112. For example, the freely movable part, in particular the freely movable end 166, may lie on the articles for cleaning owing to gravitational force. In particular, the movable cleaning elements 154 may be produced at least partially from a flexible material, for example from a textile material, such that the mechanical cleaning action includes, for example, rubbing with textile materials.

[0140] The cleaning device 110 may furthermore have, for example, a freeing device 170. Said freeing device 170 may for example may be configured to mechanically separate the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 from the articles for cleaning 112. In particular, the freeing device 170 may have at least one pusher 172, which is for example configured to push the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 away from the articles for cleaning 112. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a possible movement direction of the pusher 172 is illustrated by way of example using an arrow. For example, the pusher 172 may push the movable cleaning elements 154 at least partially away such that it is made easier for the cleaning device 110 to be loaded and unloaded, in particular for the cleaning basket 114 to be introduced into and/or removed from the cleaning device 110.

[0141] In particular, the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 may be pushed away automatically by the freeing device 170, for example in a manner controlled by the controller 153. In particular, the freeing device 170 may for example be configured to automatically mechanically separate the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 from the articles for cleaning 112 when the cleaning chamber 116 is opened, and to allow contact between the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 and the articles for cleaning 112 again when the cleaning chamber 116 is closed.

[0142] One possible refinement of the freeing device is illustrated by way of example in the exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. In particular, the freeing device 170 of the cleaning device 110 may for example have at least two sub-devices 174, the sub-devices 174 preferably being configured to move the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 away from the articles for cleaning 112 in at least two different directions. The freeing device 170 may in particular be configured to automatically mechanically separate the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 from the articles for cleaning 112 when the cleaning chamber 116 is opened. The freeing device 170 may furthermore be configured to automatically allow contact between the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 and the articles for cleaning 112 again when the cleaning chamber 116 is closed.

[0143] FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, a plan view of a cleaning device 110 that is in a closed state. Here, in particular, the freeing device 170, for example with the at least two sub-devices 174, may be situated in a first position, in which contact is allowed between the articles for cleaning 112 (not illustrated in this figure) and the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154. FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, a plan view of a cleaning device 110 in an open or opened state, and FIG. 5 illustrates the open state of a cleaning device 110 as illustrated in FIG. 4, in a front view. Here, in particular, the freeing device 170, for example with the at least two sub-devices 174, may be situated in a second position, in which the freely movable parts of the movable cleaning elements 154 are mechanically separated from the articles for cleaning 112. FIGS. 3 to 5 each illustrate exemplary embodiments and arrangements of movable cleaning elements 154. Here, a multiplicity of cleaning elements 154 designed as strands 164 is shown on the left-hand side, whereas a multiplicity of cleaning elements 154 designed as ribbons 162 is illustrated on the right-hand side. A different design and arrangement are possible. In particular, it may for example be the case that only one embodiment of the cleaning elements 154 is present in a cleaning device 110, in particular only balls 156, only ribbons 162 or only strands 164. Alternatively, the embodiments of the cleaning elements 154 may also be mixed as desired. For example, cleaning elements 154 designed as balls 156 may be provided together with cleaning elements 154 designed as ribbons 162 and/or strands in a cleaning device 110. Furthermore, any desired arrangement of the cleaning elements 154 designed as strands 164 and/or ribbons 162 is possible. In particular, the cleaning elements 154, in particular the strands 164 and/or ribbons 162, may be arranged at regular intervals, for example in a regular pattern, in the cleaning device 110. Alternatively or in addition, an arrangement of the cleaning elements 154, in particular the strands 164 and/or ribbons 162, may for example be adapted to an arrangement of the articles for cleaning 112.

[0144] Furthermore, the movable cleaning elements 154 may be fastened at least partially to at least one movable element 176 of the cleaning device 116. Here, the cleaning device 110 may in particular be configured to set the movable cleaning elements 154 in motion by means of the movable element 176 in addition to the movement caused by the cleaning fluid 120. For example, the movable element 176 may have at least one oscillating plate 178 on a ceiling of the cleaning chamber 116. Accordingly, the suspension means 160 that is shown by way of example in FIG. 1 may preferably have at least one movable element 176. In particular, the suspension means may for example be designed as an oscillating plate 178.

[0145] As shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 110 may in particular furthermore have at least one pressurizing device 180 with at least one pressure connector, for example an external pressure connector 182. For example, the pressure connector 182 may be connectable to at least one gas-conducting element 184 of the articles for cleaning 112. Here, the pressurizing device 180 may in particular be configured to charge the gas-conducting element 184 with compressed gas, for example via a compressed-gas line 186 and a coupling 188, as the at least one cleaning fluid 120 is applied to the articles for cleaning 112. Here, the compressed-gas line 186 may for example have at least one valve 190. The coupling 188 may in particular be configured to connect the pressurizing device 180 of the cleaning device 110 to a further pressure connector 192. In particular, the pressure connector 192 may be arranged in the cleaning basket 114. The pressure connector 192 may for example be part of the cleaning basket 114. The cleaning device 110 may for example comprise the cleaning basket 114, such that the pressure connector 192 may preferably likewise be part of the cleaning device 110. Furthermore, the cleaning basket 114 may preferably have at least one fixing element 194 for fixing the articles for cleaning 112 in the cleaning basket 114.

[0146] An exemplary embodiment of the cleaning basket 114 for use in a cleaning device 110 is shown by way of example in FIG. 2 and comprises at least one basket rack 196 for receiving the articles for cleaning 112. The cleaning device 114 may furthermore comprise multiple movable cleaning elements 154, the movable cleaning elements 154 being arranged so as to be movable relative to the cleaning basket 114, and the movable cleaning elements 154 being configured to be set in motion by the cleaning fluid 120, in particular a flow of the cleaning fluid 120, and the movable cleaning elements 154 being configured to exert a mechanical cleaning action on the articles for cleaning 112 as the cleaning fluid 120 is applied to the articles for cleaning 112.

[0147] The basket rack 196 may in particular have at least one basket base 198, for example an open or closed basket base 198. Furthermore, the basket rack may have at least one cleaning element carrier 200 arranged above the basket base 198, wherein the articles for cleaning 112 may preferably be capable of being received between the basket base 198 and the cleaning element carrier 200. In particular, the movable cleaning elements 154 may each be fastened by way of one end, for example the first end 158, to the cleaning element carrier 200. Furthermore, the movable cleaning elements 154 may have at least one freely movable part, in particular comprising at least the freely movable end 166, the freely movable part being capable, owing to the gravitational force acting thereon, of extending to the articles for cleaning 112 when the cleaning basket 114 has been introduced into the cleaning chamber 116.

[0148] The cleaning element carrier 200 may for example be a cleaning element carrier 200 that can be pivoted out or pulled out. For example, the cleaning element carrier 200 may be capable of being pivoted out or pulled out in order to allow the articles for cleaning 112 to be loaded into and unloaded from the cleaning basket 114, for example in order to make it easier for the articles for cleaning 112 to be fixed to the fixing element 194. In particular, the cleaning element carrier 200 may for example be connected to the basket base 198 via at least one joint 202. Accordingly, the cleaning element carrier 200 may for example be of two-part form, as illustrated by way of example in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and may be connected to the basket base 198 via two hinges 204 and be capable of being pivoted out.

[0149] Furthermore, as stated above by way of example, the cleaning basket 114 may comprise the at least one pressure connector 192, wherein the pressure connector 192 may be connectable to the at least one gas-connecting element 184 of the articles for cleaning 112. In particular, via the pressure connector 192, the gas-conducting element 184 of the articles for cleaning 112 may be capable of being charged with compressed gas as the at least one cleaning fluid 120 is applied to the articles for cleaning 112.

[0150] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for cleaning articles for cleaning 112, the method comprising the following steps: [0151] Step i. (denoted by reference designation 206) providing at least one cleaning device 110; [0152] Step ii. (denoted by reference designation 208) placing the articles for cleaning 112 in the at least one cleaning basket 114; [0153] Step iii. (denoted by reference designation 210) introducing the cleaning basket 114 into the at least one cleaning chamber 116 of the cleaning device 110; and [0154] Step iv. (denoted by reference designation 212) applying the at least one cleaning fluid 120 to the articles for cleaning 112 in the cleaning chamber 116.

[0155] In particular, the movable cleaning elements 154 exert a mechanical action on the articles for cleaning 112 during the application in step iv., the movable cleaning elements 154 being set in motion by the cleaning fluid 120, and the movable cleaning elements 154 remaining in the cleaning chamber 116 during the application. The application in step iv. may be performed in particular by spraying, sprinkling, jetting or a combination of the abovementioned and/or other direct forms of application. Furthermore, step i. may for example comprise fixing the articles for cleaning 112 in the cleaning basket 114.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

[0156] 110 Cleaning device [0157] 112 Articles for cleaning [0158] 114 Cleaning basket [0159] 116 Cleaning chamber [0160] 118 Application device [0161] 120 Cleaning fluid [0162] 122 Door [0163] 124 Washing nozzle system [0164] 126 Nozzle arm [0165] 128 Rinsing nozzle system [0166] 130 Rinsing nozzle arm [0167] 132 Washing line system [0168] 134 Washing tank [0169] 136 Circulation pump [0170] 138 Heating element [0171] 140 Discharge line [0172] 142 Discharge pump [0173] 144 Drain [0174] 146 Rinsing line system [0175] 148 Rinsing liquid [0176] 150 Rinsing tank [0177] 152 Rinsing pump [0178] 153 Controller [0179] 154 Cleaning element [0180] 156 Ball [0181] 158 First end [0182] 160 Suspension means [0183] 162 Ribbon [0184] 164 Strand [0185] 166 Freely movable end [0186] 168 Base [0187] 170 Freeing device [0188] 172 Pusher [0189] 174 Sub-device [0190] 176 Movable element [0191] 178 Oscillating plate [0192] 180 Pressure application device [0193] 182 Pressure connector [0194] 184 Gas-conducting element [0195] 186 Pressurized gas line [0196] 188 Coupling [0197] 190 Valve [0198] 192 Pressure connector [0199] 194 Fixing element [0200] 196 Basket rack [0201] 198 Basket base [0202] 200 Cleaning element carrier [0203] 202 Joint [0204] 204 Hinge [0205] 206 Step i. [0206] 208 Step ii. [0207] 210 Step iii. [0208] 212 Step iv.