Method and Device for Cleaning and Disinfecting Objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning and disinfecting at least one object, wherein the device has a chamber surrounded by a housing, in which the at least one object is accommodated on at least one receiving element. The device has at least three of the following means A) to D): A) at least one UV lamp arranged in the chamber on the receiving element for generating UV-C light in the non-visible wavelength range, B) at least one means for generating ozone, C) at least one device for setting and/or changing the temperature in the chamber and D) at least one device for setting and/or changing the pressure in the chamber, an air inlet pointing from outside the housing into the interior of the chamber and having an air inlet and an air outlet pointing from the chamber out of the housing.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning and disinfecting at least one object, in particular an object including a textile, wherein the object is inserted through an opening into a chamber enclosed by a housing, characterized in that the object is received in the chamber by means of a receptacle element and at least three of the following techniques a) to d) are implemented during a cleaning cycle in the chamber: a) UV-C light in the nonvisible wavelength range is generated by means of at least one UV lamp, b) ozone is generated by at least one means for ozone generation, c) the temperature modes are settable and/or selectable, d) the pressure is settable and/or changeable, wherein by means of an air inlet leading from the housing into the chamber and an air outlet leading from the chamber out of the housing, an airflow is produced inside the chamber.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for ozone generation is the UV lamp, wherein the UV lamp is designed to be dimmable.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature modes are settable or changeable in such a way that the temperature rises in the chamber from a low temperature to a higher temperature, or is reduced from a high temperature to a lower temperature, or the temperature alternately rises and sinks again or sinks and rises again.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature is settable and/or changeable in a temperature range from −30° C. to 150° C.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a negative pressure and/or an overpressure can be generated in the chamber in relation to the atmospheric pressure, and/or the pressure in the chamber rises from a low pressure to a higher pressure or is reduced from a high pressure to a low pressure, or the pressure alternately rises and sinks again or sinks and rises again.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressure is settable and/or changeable in a pressure range from vacuum to 5 bar.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that silver nanoparticles having a particle size from 25 nm to 1000 nm are introduced from a reservoir into the chamber.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that heated or cooled air is introduced into the chamber and is irradiated in the chamber using ultraviolet light from at least one UV-C light source, and ozone is generated in the chamber by means of the UV-C light source and thus disinfection and cleaning of the at least one object takes place, wherein the UV-C light source is at least partially introduced into the recesses or the cavity of the object, and an alternating pressure is generated in the chamber by means of an exhaust unit, whereby soiling of the object is released and dirt particles are transported away.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the airflow is heated by means of a heating element in the region of the suctioning.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that water steam is admixed with the airflow in the region of the supply into the chamber in such a way that the object to be cleaned is smoothed.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the water steam is produced in a water tank having integrated heating element.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an aroma is supplied to the airflow and/or the chamber.

13. A device for cleaning and disinfecting at least one object, wherein the device includes a chamber enclosed by a housing, in which the at least one object is received on a receptacle element, characterized in that the device includes at least three of the following means A) to D): A) at least one UV lamp arranged in the chamber on the receptacle element for generating UV-C light in the nonvisible wavelength range, B) at least one means for ozone generation, C) at least one unit for setting and/or changing the temperature in the chamber, D) at least one unit for setting and/or changing the pressure in the chamber, an air supply pointing from outside the housing into the interior of the chamber having an air inlet and at least one air outlet leading from the chamber out of the housing.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the receptacle element is designed in the form of a hanger and includes at least one UV lamp for generating UV-C radiation and for generating ozone, and the device includes an exhaust unit on the air outlet for generating a negative pressure in the chamber.

15. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the receptacle element includes two UV lamps spaced apart from one another and arranged adjacent to one another.

16. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the receptacle element is adjustable in its width.

17. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the receptacle element is designed in the form of at least one adapter, and the receptacle element is connected to the chamber-side end of the air supply and extends into the chamber 2.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the adapter includes an air guide, by means of which the airflow guided through the chamber-side end can be divided into multiple airflows, and the adapter includes one UV radiation source arranged on an outlet opening of the airflow per airflow.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the outlet openings are arranged radially or axially in relation to the flow of the air.

20. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the receptacle element is replaceable, and/or multiple receptacle elements are arrangeable inside one chamber.

21. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the cleaning cycle is settable by means of a control unit and the parameters such as temperature and/or pressure and/or addition of fragrances and/or silver nanoparticles are settable.

22. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that an aroma element is arranged in the air supply.

23. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the device includes a water tank having a heating element in such a way that water steam can be produced, and the water steam can be supplied via a duct to the air supply.

24. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the chamber can be pulled out of the housing by means of a rail system.

25. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle for the objects is variable in its width.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] In the figures:

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of the device according to the invention in a side view in an open position

[0079] FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the schematic structure of the device,

[0080] FIG. 3 shows a receptacle element for the device,

[0081] FIG. 4 shows the device according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed position,

[0082] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a device having a first and second adapter within the chamber,

[0083] FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional illustration according to FIG. 6,

[0084] FIG. 7 shows an illustration similar to FIG. 6 but without cover in the insert and instead with cross struts 12 between the sides S1 and S2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] A schematic structure of the device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles, in particular for cleaning and disinfecting the interior of shoes, helmets, gloves, sporting equipment, T-shirts, shirts, suits (pieces of clothing), and bags is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The device comprises a housing 1, which forms a chamber 2 in its interior, wherein the chamber 2 can preferably be pushed into and pulled out of a cabinet body 1a in closing the housing 1 via a rail system (not shown). The cabinet body 1a is open in the direction toward the housing 1 (via a vertically extending opening (not identified)), so that the housing 1 can be inserted therein. Otherwise, the cabinet body is closed on the bottom, top, on the sides, and on the rear side. The frame-like housing 1, which can be inserted into the cabinet body 1a, having the chamber element/the chamber 2 is preferably designed like a frame here. The housing 1 includes a bottom B and a lid D, wherein the bottom B and the lid D are connected to one another via two terminal vertical side parts S1, S2 which are parallel to one another. The side part S1 is arranged in the direction toward the cabinet body 1a and the side part S2 is opposite thereto. The side part S2 closes the cabinet body 1a in the inserted state (see FIG. 4). Two covers A1, A2 (see FIG. 1) spaced apart from one another extend between the side parts S1, S2 and the bottom B and the lid D. Each cover A1, A2 has a large passage (not identified), through which objects to be cleaned can be introduced into the chamber 2. The device can thus be loaded from two sides in the open state.

[0086] The device 1 includes an air supply 3 in the form of a duct in the lower region, wherein the housing 1 includes on its front an opening in the form of an air inlet 3.1 for the air supply 3 leading into the chamber 2, wherein a fan 3.2 is arranged on the housing-side end of the air supply 3, which forms the air inlet 3.1. The fan 3.2 is designed in such a way that fresh air can be suctioned from the surroundings and conveyed through the air supply 3 into the chamber 2.

[0087] The air supply 3 is preferably designed to be tubular and has an angle, preferably of 90°, on its chamber-side end 3.3. The angle acts as a guide of the air, whereby a central outflow of the suctioned-in air into the chamber 2 is achievable.

[0088] At least one receptacle element 4, which is arranged hanging on the lid or in the region of the lid of the chamber 2, is provided in the interior of the chamber 2. The receptacle element 4 is designed in the form of a hanger and has a downward facing UV lamp 5 at each end, which generates the UV radiation required for the cleaning.

[0089] In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle element is designed in the form of at least one adapter, wherein the receptacle element is connected to the chamber-side end of the air supply and extends into the chamber.

[0090] The adapter or the receptacle element includes an air guide, by means of which the air flow guided through the chamber-side end can be divided into a first and second airflow. The adapter has one UV radiation source arranged at an outlet opening of the airflow per airflow.

[0091] The outlet openings are arranged radially or axially with respect to the flow of the air depending on the design of the adapter.

[0092] The wavelength of the UV radiation is preferably between 100 and 300 nm. The ultraviolet radiation is sufficiently shortwave and high-energy that it is absorbed by molecular oxygen (O.sub.2). The molecular oxygen (O.sub.2) is split into two free oxygen radicals (2 O.sup.−), which each reacts further with a further molecule of oxygen (O.sub.2) to form ozone (O.sub.3).

[0093] The ozone formed in this way at the UV lamp 5 disinfects the textiles of germs, fungi, and bacteria.

[0094] Furthermore, the chamber 2 includes an exhaust unit 6 in the lid region of the chamber 2. The exhaust unit 6 is preferably arranged in the upper region of the device, on top in the side part S2 here, and includes, for example, an air outlet 6.1 leading outward through the housing 1 on its front, in which a second fan 6.2 is installed. The fan 6.2 is designed in such a way that the air is suctioned out of the chamber 2, whereby a negative pressure results. An alternating pressure is achieved in the chamber 2, wherein the exhaust unit 6 can be designed in such a way that a vacuum can also be generated in the chamber 2. The vacuum air exchange system removes dead, living, and eliminated organisms from the textiles. The exhaust unit 6 having the air outlet 6.1 can have a replaceable filter (not shown) connected upstream, so that the soiled air can be purified before exiting from the chamber and the ozone can be removed.

[0095] For more effective cleaning, the air is heated or cooled or also alternately heated and cooled in the region of the air supply 3. For this method step, a heating unit 3.4 is arranged in the region of the air supply 3, which is preferably wound in the form of a heating coil around the air supply 3. Alternatively, a heating fan can also be used as a combination of heating unit 3.4 and fan 3.2. The air flowing through the air supply 3 is heated in the region of the heating unit 3.4. Alternatively or additionally, a cooling element 6.1 can be provided in the region of the air supply 3.

[0096] In one advantageous embodiment, a water tank 7 having a heating element 7.1 arranged therein is provided in the bottom region of the device. The water is heated in such a way that water steam results, wherein the water steam is supplied via a line 7.2 to the air supply 3.

[0097] Heated air and the produced water steam are mixed, wherein the mixture is supplied via the chamber-side end 3.3 of the chamber 2.

[0098] The piece of clothing to be cleaned is flattened by the air enriched with moisture, whereby later ironing is dispensed with. The water tank 7 is advantageously designed so it can be filled via a lateral opening or can be removed completely.

[0099] It is also possible that the bottom B is designed as double-walled and the air is conducted from the air inlet 3.3 via the air supply 3 into the chamber 2 through the bottom-side cavity thus formed. Similarly, the water steam can also flow via the air inlet 3 or a further inlet (not shown) into the chamber 2 through the bottom-side cavity. The fan 3.2, the heating unit 3.4, the water tank 7, and the heating element 7.1 are then also arranged in the bottom-side cavity.

[0100] An aroma capsule 8 can preferably be placed in the air supply 3 for producing a fresh odor of the textiles. The released fragrances can be admixed with the air suctioned in by the air supply 3 and conducted into the chamber 2. The odor intensity is preferably settable via a manual regulator 8.1 or via the control 9 using a front-side display of the device.

[0101] FIG. 1 furthermore shows the arrangement of a textile to be cleaned, in the form of a schematic shoe 10 here. The shoe 10 is fastened on the receptacle element 4 in such a way that the opening of the shoe extends over the radiation source 5, wherein the radiation source 5 extends into the interior of the shoe 10. The interior of the shoe is thus penetrated by the UV radiation, wherein germs and bacteria are killed by means of the ozone resulting in the shoe 10. Unpleasant odor which is produced by sweat and bacteria can thus be neutralized.

[0102] The device moreover offers the option of gently drying damp textiles in a short time.

[0103] Environmentally-friendly cleaning and disinfection of the textiles without the supply of chemical cleaning agents is possible using the device according to the invention. Bacteria, germs, and fungi are effectively removed.

[0104] FIG. 3 shows a receptacle element 4 in the form of a hanger having a receptacle 4.1 for hanging the hanger in the chamber. The hanger is adaptable in its width, wherein this is preferably performed by means of carrier elements 4.2, 4.3 movable outward. The carrier elements 4.2, 4.3 are in particular laterally adjustable continuously or by means of detents, whereby the width of the hanger can be set to the different requirements or sizes of the textiles to be cleaned.

[0105] The receptacle element 4 furthermore includes connections 4.4 for contacting the UV lamps 5, wherein two UV lamps are used here, for example.

[0106] In FIG. 4, the device is shown in the closed state. The insert in the form of the housing 1 is inserted into the cabinet body 1a, wherein the side part S2 terminates the cabinet body 1a. A seal can be provided here between the side part 1 and the cabinet body 1a.

[0107] The display 9, the air inlet 3.1, and the air outlet 6.1 are located in the side part S2. Alternatively, the air inlet 3.1 and the air outlet can also be located in the rear side part S1 (not shown), wherein then the cabinet body 1a is to be open at least in these regions on its rear side (not shown).

[0108] The device is operated by means of the display 9 or also via an app.

[0109] It is possible to hang one or more hangers (receptacles 4) in the chamber 2, so that one or more pieces of clothing can be disinfected and freshened simultaneously.

[0110] According to FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 1 includes a chamber 2 having an air supply 3 having an air inlet 3.1 arranged in the front and an alternatively designed receptacle element 4. The receptacle element 4 is designed in the form of a first adapter 4.5 and a second adapter 4.6, which are directly connected to the chamber-side end 3.3 of the air supply 3 and extend upward in the chamber 2. The first and second adapter 4.5, 4.6 are embodied to be hollow and include an air guide 4.5.1, 4.6.1, by means of which the airflow guided through the chamber-side end 3.3 can be divided into a first and second airflow per adapter 4.5, 4.6.

[0111] The first and second adapter 4.5, 4.6 include one outlet opening 4.5.2, 4.6.2 per airflow according to FIGS. 5 and 6 here, according to FIG. 5 four outlet openings, in the region of each of which a UV radiation source 5 is arranged. The outlet openings can be arranged radially or axially in relation to the individual airflow. In the present example according to FIG. 5, the first adapter is formed Y-shaped (Y) and includes a first and second UV radiation source 5 on its chamber-side end. Such an adapter is suitable in particular for the positioning of textiles forming a cavity in the form of shoes or helmets, since these can be placed or plugged on one individual UV radiation source 5 or spanning over two UV radiation sources 5.

[0112] The second adapter 4.6 differs in its shape from the first adapter 4.5 in such a way that the two airflows or air ducts are brought together again or are connected to one another. The shape of the second adapter 4.6 corresponds to a “Koppa” ( in Greek alphabet). The UV radiation sources 5 are arranged in the region of the two separate airflows.

[0113] Using such an embodiment of an adapter, textile objects can be hung without a further hanger.

[0114] Two adapters are preferably arranged in the chamber 2, wherein two adapters of the first adapter type 4.5, two adapters of the second adapter type 4.6, or one adapter each of the first type 4.5 and the second type 4.6 can be used.

[0115] The wiring for the connection of the UV radiation sources 5 is preferably provided in the first and second adapter 4.5, 4.6.

[0116] The adapters 4.5, 4.6 can include symmetrically and/or asymmetrically distributed holes and/or passages throughout for distributing the air or the water steam.

[0117] A vertically extending region of an air duct 4A is provided above the region of the air supply 3.3 arranged on the chamber side in the bottom B. The first and the second adapter 4.5 and 4.6 adjoin its upper end, which are formed like ducts and by which the airflow is divided further.

[0118] It is possible that the adapters 4.5 and 4.6 are formed in one piece with the air duct 4A and are removably and replaceably fastened on the bottom, or that the adapters 4.5 and 4.6 are formed separately and are removably fastened on the upper end of the air duct 4A.

[0119] In any case, for example, only one or two or also more first adapters 4.5 or one or two or also more second adapters or a different number and combination of the adapters can also be used, depending on which object is to be cleaned.

[0120] According to FIGS. 5 and 6, the water tank 7 is arranged having a heating element arranged therein (not shown) in the region of the transition between the chamber-side end 3.3 of the air supply and the first and second adapter 4.5, 4.6, in the region of the air duct 4A here. The water is heated in such a way that water steam results, wherein the water steam is supplied via a line (not shown) to the air supply 3.

[0121] Heated air and the produced water steam are mixed, wherein the mixture is supplied via the chamber-side end 3.3 to the cavities formed in the adapters and is conducted via these to the UV-C radiation sources.

[0122] The piece of clothing to be cleaned is smoothed by the air enriched with moisture, whereby later ironing is dispensed with.

[0123] The use of a special ironing liquid is also possible, so that the schematically indicated water tank 7 is filled with the ironing liquid instead of water.

[0124] The smoothing of the textiles by means of water steam is preferably performed after the UV radiation sources are switched off and thus after the treatment of the textile using the UV radiation.

[0125] For more effective cleaning, the air is heated or cooled or also alternately heated and cooled in the region of the air supply 3 as already described above. The heating unit 3.4 is arranged in the region of the air supply 3 for this purpose. Alternatively, a heating fan can also be used as a combination of heating unit 3.4 and fan 3.2. The air flowing through the air supply 3 is heated or cooled in the region of the heating unit 3.4. The temperature is settable and/or changeable in a temperature range of −50° C. to 100° C., preferably in a temperature range of −30° C. to 60° C., particularly preferably in a temperature range between −10° C. and 50° C.

[0126] In one advantageous embodiment, an aroma capsule 8 for generating a fresh aroma of the textiles in the air supply 3 is arranged in the region of the air supply 3. The released fragrances can be admixed with the air suctioned in by the air supply 3 and conducted into the chamber 2.

[0127] According to the preceding figures, the chamber 2 according to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6 has an exhaust unit 6 in the lead region of the chamber 2. The exhaust unit 6 is preferably arranged in the upper region of the device and includes an air outlet 6.1 oriented upward and leading outward, in which there is also a fan (not shown). The exhaust unit 6 can also be supplemented with a replaceable filter (not shown), so that the contaminated air can be purified before exit from the chamber and the ozone can be removed. The filter is preferably arranged in the region of the fan and the exhaust unit 6.

[0128] An alternating pressure can also be achieved in the chamber 2 using the exhaust unit 6 and air supply 3 according to FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein the exhaust unit 6 can be designed in such a way that a vacuum can also be generated in the chamber 2. The chamber 2 is preferably made airtight for such an embodiment.

[0129] It is apparent from FIG. 6 that the exhaust unit 6 can also be arranged having one or more air outlets 6.1 in the lid D. Outlet openings 6.1.1, via which the exhausted air can exit, are then located in the upper side (not shown) of the cabinet body 1a. In the inserted state of the housing 1, the outlet openings 6.1.1 of the cabinet body 1a are located above the air outlets 6.1 in the lid D of the housing 1.

[0130] Furthermore, an additional pressure system 11 is possible in the region of the bottom B of the chamber 2, by means of which the air supply 3 and the exhaust unit 6 for generating a negative pressure or overpressure are assisted.

[0131] The pressure in the chamber 2 can be settable and/or changeable in a pressure range between 0.001 bar to 10 bar, in particular between 0.1 bar and 2 bar.

[0132] The use of a filter is particularly recommended since escaping ozone is harmful to health due to irritation of the respiratory tract even at low concentrations.

[0133] FIG. 7 shows an illustration, similar to FIG. 6 but without lid in the insert and instead having cross struts 12 between the sides S1 and S2, which stabilize the sides S1, S2 in relation to one another and ensure that the objects to be cleaned do not protrude laterally out of the housing 1 and prevent the insertion into the body. It is possible here to insert the objects to be cleaned from above. The exhaust (not shown here) is then arranged as in FIG. 1 in the front side part S2 or also in the rear side part S2, wherein then corresponding air outlets are provided in the cabinet body 1a in the rear wall. It is indicated in this variant that the first and the second adapter 4.5 and 4.6 are provided detachably adjoining the air duct 4A.

[0134] Instead of cross struts, one or more platelike elements can also extend between the side parts S1, S2.

[0135] Such cross struts or platelike elements can also be used in the above-described variants.

[0136] Furthermore, it is possible according to FIG. 7 that, for example, the first adapter 4.5 includes a joint G1 and G2 in each of the two upwardly extending regions of the air guide 4.5.1. The region shown here extending vertically upward in a starting position, for example, is thus designed to be pivotable around a horizontal axis A1, A2, which is indicated by the double arrows. The upper ends of the two air guides 4.5.1 of the adapter 5.5 can thus be pivoted toward one another and away from one another and the distance thereof can thus be adapted to the objects to be received.

[0137] Using the device according to the invention, the airflow supplied to the chamber is divided via the ducts which are formed by the adapter elements in the chamber and guided in each case to one UV radiation source 5.

[0138] The number of the ducts formed in adapter correspond here to the number of the UV radiation sources 5 provided on the adapter.

[0139] It is thus also possible to provide an adapter not only with two, but also with three, four, or more upwardly extending branches, which each guide the airflow to one UV radiation source 5.

[0140] The UV radiation source 5 is preferably located at the air exit regions of the adapter.

[0141] The adapters also form the receptacles for the objects to be cleaned.

[0142] The adapters can be embodied here so that the distance of the upper regions which receive the objects to be cleaned is changeable.

[0143] It is possible to arrange multiple of the essentially cuboid devices according to the invention adjacent to one another and/or one over another like batteries. The devices can also be connected to one another in this case.

[0144] It is furthermore also alternatively possible to provide a cabinet body having a pivotable or laterally displaceable door, wherein the chamber/cleaning chamber is then formed in the cabinet body.

[0145] Depending on the textile to be cleaned, the individual parameters such as pressure, temperature, UV radiation, and ozone can be set. Using the maximum power of the device is advisable, for example, in the cleaning of leather, while cashmere is only to be treated carefully, for example.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0146] 1 housing

[0147] 2 chamber

[0148] 3 air supply

[0149] 3.1 air inlet

[0150] 3.2 fan

[0151] 3.3 chamber-side end of the air supply

[0152] 3.4 heating element

[0153] 4 receptacle element

[0154] 4.1 receptacle

[0155] 4.2 carrier element

[0156] 4.3 carrier element

[0157] 4.4 connection

[0158] 4.5 first adapter

[0159] 4.5.1 air guide

[0160] 4.5.2 outlet opening

[0161] 4.6 second adapter

[0162] 4.6.1 air guide

[0163] 4.6.2 outlet opening

[0164] 4A vertically extending region

[0165] 5 UV radiation source

[0166] 6 exhaust unit

[0167] 6.1 air outlet

[0168] 6.1.1 outlet openings

[0169] 6.2 fan

[0170] 7 water tank

[0171] 7.1 heating element

[0172] 7.2 line

[0173] 8 aroma capsule

[0174] 8.1 manual regulator

[0175] 9 control having display

[0176] 10 shoe

[0177] 11 pressure system

[0178] 12 cross struts

[0179] A1, A2 covers

[0180] B bottom

[0181] D lid

[0182] S1, S2 side parts