CH707719B1 - Kit for forming a device with a UV source for UVC disinfection. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit for forming a device (1) with a radiation source for UVC disinfection according to at least one of the classes in the range from IP52 to IP68 according to EN 60 529, comprising at least one tube body (2) that emits UV -Source with electrical connections (3), at least one socket carrier (4) for receiving the electrical connections (3) of the tube body (2) and an electrical connector (7) for transmitting electrical energy via the socket carrier (4) to the tube body ( 2), an element for fixing the holder (4) to the tube body (2), at least one sealing element (10) for providing the desired tightness of the electrical plug connection and a reflector element (15) for receiving the tube body (2) and for arrangement the frame holder (4).

Description

description

Description of the invention The invention relates to a device for forming a UV source and a modular system for UVC disinfection according to the IP52 to IP68 standard, the device consisting of at least one tube body which emits UV light. Source with electrical connections includes, there is at least one holder for receiving the electrical connections of the tube body and an electrical connector for transmitting the electrical energy via the holder to the tube body.

Definitions In this application, UV means ultraviolet and is used to identify a defined wavelength range.

[0003] Ultraviolet rays form part of the natural sunlight spectrum. Short-wave ultraviolet rays belong to the group of optical rays. Nevertheless, they are invisible to the human eye. The UV rays from the so-called C-band (hence the name UVC) have a strong germicidal effect around 260 nm (nanometers). The kill rate is based on the dose-response principle; That is why technical characteristics for tube performance and the duration of the description are crucial for reliable UVC disinfection.

[0004] Germ killing particularly affects bacteria, viruses, yeasts and mold. These microorganisms are effectively inactivated by UV disinfection of air, water or surfaces.

The technology of UV disinfection uses no chemistry and no toxic compounds and does not lead to mutation-related resistance formation. The unwanted microorganisms become inactive in a matter of seconds, while the product properties of the irradiated product remain almost unchanged. UV disinfection is used in particular in areas where there are high demands on consumer protection and the requirements of the HACCP concept.

The ultraviolet radiation is very high in energy and triggers photochemical reactions in the respective nucleic acids of the exposed cell when the radiation is absorbed. If two thymins lie next to each other in the DNA strand, they react and form a dimer that is unusable for duplication and transcription. If there is more damage, the cell is no longer able to regenerate. It loses the ability to divide and multiply and dies.

From an economic point of view, the germ reduction of up to the 5-log level is possible. The exact UV dose that leads to the inactivation of the microorganisms differs depending on the type. While the majority of bacteria and viruses become inactive with a relatively low dose, yeast, mold, fungi and spores need a correspondingly higher dose.

The short-wave UVC radiation can be shielded by ordinary window glass, transparent plastic, such as Makrolon® or Plexiglas, and all practically opaque materials.

UVC disinfection is used particularly in the food processing industry. Due to the environment in which the radiation sources are used, there are special requirements for the UC source. Since the EU Hygiene Ordinance of 2004, compliance with HACCP has been mandatory for all companies that manufacture, process or sell food. HACCP is the risk analysis of a process (hazard analysis) and the subsequent determination of control measures (control points) at the weak points (critical) for this process. This also means that devices used in processes must meet such regulations.

[0010] Furthermore, radiation sources must also meet at least the IP52 standard. According to EN 60 529, protection against the ingress of foreign bodies and moisture is identified using a fixed key. This key consists of the letters IP, followed by 2 digits. The first digit indicates the degree of protection against dust and the second digit against water. The degree of protection can be read from the figures according to the table below.

Degree of protection against dust / first code number

Degree of protection against water / second code number

0 Not protected 0 Not protected 1 Protected against solid foreign bodies 50 mm 0 and larger 1 Protected against dripping water 2nd Protected against solid foreign bodies 12.5 mm 0 and larger 2nd Protected against dripping water if that Housing is inclined up to 15 ° 3rd Protected against solid foreign bodies 2.5 mm 0 and larger 3rd Protected against water spray

CH 707 719 B1

Degrees of protection against dust / first code Degree of protection against water / second code

4th Protected against solid foreign bodies 1.0 mm 0 and larger 4th Protected against splash water 5 Protected from dust 5 Protected against water jets 6 Dustproof 6 Protected against strong water jets 7 Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water 8th Protected against the effects of permanent immersion in water

In order to take appropriate precautions, the UV source is arranged in a tube body, one end of which is provided with at least one electrical connection. As a rule, these are received by holder carriers, which in turn provide an electrical link between the tube body and a power supply unit, such as a power source. The tube body, similar to neon tubes, is received in a holder and held there. The tube body can also meet the minimum standard IP52.

Disadvantages of the prior art The UVC disinfection devices mentioned above are generally always exposed to dirt and liquids. Particularly for wastewater treatment, but also for the sterilization of products in meat processing, high demands are placed on the sterilization devices.

In order to meet these and in particular the corresponding prescribed standards such as IP52, IP54, IP64 and IP68, the devices shown are very complex and usually designed as special solutions.

This leads to the fact that these are expensive and therefore more expensive. The cleaning and repair of such UV disinfection systems are also very complex for the user, since they are always structured differently and require high maintenance.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0015] The object of the invention is to provide a UVC disinfection device which is of very simple construction and can be adapted inexpensively to the respective application.

Solution of the task The solution of the task is characterized by the features of claim 1.

Advantages of the invention The basic idea of the invention is to provide the essential components for a UVC disinfection device and to design them as a kit, the individual components of the kit being distinguished by the fact that they can be used for different areas of application. Special components are not necessary. Through additive joining of different components, a variety of designs are achieved that meet the known requirements.

Thus, it is advantageously provided that in connection with the tube body, which is the emitting light source (UV source), together with the frame carrier that receives the tube body and together with an electrical connector that can be inserted into the socket carrier and the transmits electrical energy from the electrical connector via the holder to the tube body, additional components are provided which fix the holder to the tube body according to the necessary standards IP54, IP64 and IP68, but also properly the entire emitting light source together with the holder the corresponding standards can be fixed and arranged in corresponding devices, in such a way that on the one hand they are easy to assemble, but on the other hand they can be disassembled very quickly. Corresponding maintenance can be carried out easily, for example. It is also possible to simply replace the tube body after it has exceeded a certain period of use.

Thus, according to the invention, for example, a union nut is provided as a component of the kit, which serves to fix the frame carrier to the tube body. In order to meet the corresponding tightness standards, additional sealing elements are provided which ensure the desired tightness between the union nut

Provide CH 707 719 B1 and the tube body and thus also against the holder. By screwing on the union nut it is brought about that the frame carrier is brought up to the tube body and it is ensured that the plug contacts of the tube body interact properly with those of the frame carrier. For this purpose, the union nut provides an area that covers a flange of the socket carrier. The flange is provided with a thread which interacts with a thread arranged in the union nut. By screwing on, a flange arranged on the tube body is pulled up against the flange of the socket carrier and pressed flatly, so that on the one hand a proper electrical connection is created between the socket carrier and the tube body, but also that the necessary tightness is given. A seal is also provided inside the union nut.

This simplest form is suitable for arranging the device with corresponding beam sources in a holding device in which the rod-shaped tube body can be inserted.

In order to enable a better arrangement, it is optionally also provided to feed the connector either at an angle or in the longitudinal direction of the tube body. One of the two embodiments can optionally be selected by the user.

Depending on the load and length of the tube body, it is necessary that the end of the tube body opposite the socket carrier is also properly maintained. For this purpose, a holding element is also provided as a kit, which is also formed from a union nut. The union nut is preferably identical to that which is also suitable for the frame carrier. In addition, a screw element can be arranged on the union nut, which cooperates with the holding element, so that the end of the tube body opposite the socket carrier can be arranged in a screw-like manner on a frame.

If there are no grid-like devices for receiving the corresponding tube body of the device, the kit provides another component. It is a flange element that also interacts with the union nut and the socket support. Cooperation with the holding element is also provided, so that it is possible to additively and effectively connect the flange element to the components described above by means of screw connections.

In order to make this possible, a center piece is provided which has threads provided on both sides, so that on one side the flange element and on the other side the union nut can be screwed. An external thread is preferably provided on one end face and an internal thread on the opposite side. On the side facing the frame carrier, the flange of the frame carrier is overlapped together with the flange of the tube body and secured with the union nut. The flange element can be arranged on the other side of the center piece. The arrangement is preferably carried out by means of a screw connection. It is larger in diameter than the other elements and therefore offers attachment surfaces on the end face via which the device can be fixed.

In order to meet the HACCP standard in particular, provision is made to provide a Teflon screw element. This Teflon screw element corresponds to the design of a center piece, with an external screw connection being provided on one end face and an internal screw connection being provided on the opposite side. Both screw connections are sealed with seals.

The special feature of this screw connection concept is that a UVC system with splinter protection can be used in the wet area. From the prior art it is only known per se to cover the tube body with a Teflon sheath or film in order to avoid that splinters can move freely in the event of a tube body breakage.

If a standard screw connection with a standard Teflon tube is used in the wet area for this purpose, the risk of a rapid failure is high. The reason for this is the inadequate sealing of the sealing element or elements on the Teflon sleeve and that if the Teflon sleeve is damaged, the water can penetrate unhindered between the Teflon and the tube surface to the electrical contacts.

The Teflon screw connection proposed counteracts these mechanisms.

A specially teflon-coated tube is used, in which the teflon ends after a sealing ring between the first union nut and the teflon screw connection. This sealing ring primarily serves to mechanically hold the Teflon cover and the glass splinters in the event of a tube breakage and is thus intended to prevent «tearing». The actual sealing is carried out by the additional sealing ring between the Teflon screw connection and the center piece, with the sealing ring sealing or resting directly on the glass body of the tube body, since there is no longer any Teflon coating or casing.

The screw connection corresponds to the HACCP conformity, since the escape of glass splinters in the event of a tube break is actively prevented.

[0031] A reflector body is provided as a further component of the kit. The reflector body serves to properly accommodate the tube body and to output the emitting radiation in a directed manner. Like the tube body, this reflector body is rod-shaped and designed as a hollow body. A recess is provided on its circumference, which preferably extends almost over the entire longitudinal extent of the reflector body.

CH 707 719 B1

As already described above, the UVC radiation is emitted by the reflector body via the recess.

Due to the fact that the reflector body is only immovably arranged on the tube body and is thus held in place by the arrangement of the corresponding on the opposite side of the frame carrier, this is rotatable and thus orientable in the desired direction.

Due to the fact that the kit comprises only a few components, but a variety of possible combinations are possible, the device according to the invention can be used in many ways without the need for new designs or special training. As a result, the device can be manufactured much more cheaply than the special solution, and the possible uses are similarly large.

Further advantageous refinements emerge from the following description, the drawings and the claims.

Drawings show:

Fig. 1 [A-B] is a side view of a first embodiment in the assembled and disassembled state;

Fig. 2 [A-B] is a side view of a second embodiment in the assembled and disassembled state;

3 [A-B] shows a side view of a third exemplary embodiment in the assembled and disassembled state;

Fig. 4 [A-B] is a side view of a fourth embodiment in the assembled and disassembled state;

5 [A-C] shows a side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment in the assembled and disassembled state;

Fig. 6 [A-E] different representations of a sixth embodiment with a Teflon screw connection with HACCP conformity.

DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS The basic idea of the invention is based on a tube body 2, which comprises an emitting UV source with electrical connections 3, and on a socket carrier 4, which can be fixed via a connecting element 5 for receiving the electrical connections 3 of the tube body 2 , and a connector 6, which can be plugged into a plug connection of the holder 4. For this purpose, the socket carrier 4 has a flange receptacle 4.1, which is designed in its diameter such that it is preferably congruent with the diameter of the collar 2.1 provided for the tube body 2 in the region of the connection to the socket carrier 4.

All of the exemplary embodiments which are described below contain these basic elements mentioned. On the basis of these basic elements, different components of the kit are then used according to the invention, depending on the specific application, in order to meet the technical requirements for arranging the device according to the desired or necessary standards IP52 to IP68.

The device 1 shown in Fig. 1 thus consists of a tube body 2, to which a frame carrier 4 can be plugged. Figure [A] shows the arrangement in the unassembled state, whereas figure [B] shows the device in the assembled state. The infection takes place via the contact elements arranged in the tube body 2, which are received by plug-like recesses in the holder carrier 4. To fix the socket support 4 to the tube body 2, a union nut 8 is pushed over the tube body 2 in the direction of the arrow 9. The flange arranged on the tube body lies against the flange of the holder 4. A thread is arranged on the flange of the holder 4, so that the overlapping union nut 8 pulls and fixes the flange of the tube body 2 onto the flange of the holder 4. The union nut 8 has a cross-sectional taper on the inside in the formation of a shoulder, so that when the union nut is properly arranged, the collar 2.1 of the tube body 2 comes into contact with the shoulder within the union nut and thus the tube body 2 and thus the electrical plug connection properly on the socket carrier 4 is led and fixed.

In order to achieve the corresponding IP standard class, for example IP52, IP65 or IP68, depending on the tube type, an O-ring or a flat seal is introduced as a seal 10 therebetween, so that the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 with the Tube body 2, the socket holder 4, the connector 6 and the union nut 8 is produced. The tube body 2 shown here corresponds to class IP52.

A development of the device 1 is provided in FIG. 2. Figure [A] shows the arrangement in the unassembled state, whereas figure [B] shows the device in the assembled state. It differs from FIG. 1 in that two union nuts 8.1, 8.2 are used. These union nuts 8.1, 8.2 are fastened to a center piece element 11, which is also shown on the tube body 2 in the direction of arrow 9.

CH 707 719 B1 A seal 10, as also shown in FIG. 1, is also provided. The center piece element 11 has a thread 11.1, 11.2 on both sides, which is connected by the union nut 8.1 or 8.2 and the intervening O-rings. The center piece 11 has a cross-sectional taper in the formation of a shoulder 11.3, so that when the middle piece 11 is properly arranged, the collar 2.1 of the tube body 2 comes to rest against the shoulder 11.3 within the middle piece and thus the tube body 2 and thus the electrical plug connection properly the holder 4 is guided and fixed. The end face of the collar 2.1 (the side facing the plug contacts) then preferably lies flat against the flange receptacle 4.1 of the mount carrier 4.

A device 1 is thus provided which has a higher - compared to FIG. 1 - IP standard, namely IP68.

[0043] A development of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. Figure [A] shows the arrangement in the unassembled state, whereas figure [B] shows the device in the assembled state. Instead of the union nut

8.1 (Fig. 2), a flange element 12 is used. The flange element 12 serves to mount the device 1 within a holding device, not shown, by means of the openings 13 provided on the flange element 12.

The mount support 4 shown in both FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has no thread. Rather, it has a cylindrical surface 14 with a corresponding recess, the cylindrical surface serving to receive the center piece 11 and the recess to accommodate a seal. In the assembled state, the center piece 11 engages over the flange of the tube body and presses it against the flange of the socket support 4. The necessary pressing force is provided by the union nut 8.1 arranged on one side of the center piece. The flange element 12 is arranged on the other side of the middle piece 11.

Fig. 4 differs from the rest of FIGS. 1 to 3 in that the union nut 8.1 is designed alternatively. Figure [A] shows the arrangement in the unassembled state, whereas figure [B] shows the device 1 in the assembled state. The union nut 8.3 here has an external thread 8.4, which is received by the flange element 12 shown here.

Depending on the use of the corresponding seal 10 or seals 10 between these connections, a standard according to EN 60 529 can be created.

5 shows a further development of the device 1 according to the invention. In this case, the figure [A] shows the arrangement in the unmounted state, whereas the figure [B] shows the device in the assembled state. Figure [C] shows a section of an alternative embodiment to FIG. 5 [A-B]. This device 1 in turn has a tube body 2, which shows electrical connections 3. These serve to provide an electrical contact with a socket carrier 4, which in turn has a plug connection 7, which makes an electrical connection with a plug connector 6.

A connecting element 8.3 with an external thread 8.4, as shown in FIG. 4, serves to cover the cylindrical surface of the holder support 4 and to cooperate with a union nut 8.5.

This union nut 8.5 is characterized in that it has a flange-like design 8.6 pointing away from the mount carrier 4. This in turn serves to receive a reflector element 15. In order that this can be arranged in the correct position, a union nut 8.7 with a similar design is also shown on the side opposite the holder 4. This also has a paragraph 8.8 pointing towards the reflector element 15, against which the end face of the reflector element 15 comes to rest in the assembled state. The union nut 8.7 has a threaded bore on the end face. This serves to fasten the system by means of a screw 16 to a holding device, not shown in the drawings.

The reflector element 15 is arranged in the correct position over the tube body 2 and can be rotated in and against the direction of the arrow 18 (FIG. 5B).

As a result, a recess 17 provided in the reflector element 15 is aligned. This recess 17 extends in the longitudinal direction of the hollow-body-like reflector element 15. This recess is provided so that the UV source arranged inside the tube body 2 from the UV source can emit UV radiation in the direction of the arrow 19.

The alternative to the designs [A-B] shown in FIG. 5 [C] differs in that a flange element 12, comparable to FIG. 3 [B], is provided on the frame carrier 4.

A development of the device 1 is provided in FIG. 6. Figure [A] shows the arrangement in the unassembled state, whereas figure [B] and [C] shows the device in the assembled state. It differs from FIG. 1 in that a Teflon screw connection 20 or 20 ′ is used. The Teflon screw connection 20, 20 'has an external thread 20.1 and an internal thread 20.2. The external thread 20.1 of the Teflon screw connection 20, 20 ′ can be connected to a first union nut 8.1, a first seal 10 being arranged between the union nut 8.1 and the Teflon screw connection. The internal thread 20.2 can be coupled to the external thread 11.1 of the middle piece 11, a seal 10 likewise being provided in between. The further external thread 11.2 of the middle piece 11 is provided with a further union nut 8.2. connectable, a seal 10 also being provided in between.

CH 707 719 B1 As exemplarily shown in FIG. 6 [D], the center piece 11 has a cross-sectional taper on the inside in the formation of a shoulder 11.3, so that when the center piece 11 is properly arranged, the collar 2.1 of the tube body 2 inside the center piece Paragraph 11.3 comes to rest and so the tube body 2 and thus the electrical plug connection is properly guided and fixed to the holder support 4. The end face of the collar 2.1 (the side facing the plug contacts) then preferably lies flat against the flange receptacle 4.1 of the mount carrier 4.

To use this Teflon screw connection, it is necessary that a tube body 2 coated with Teflon is used. A Teflon sleeve 21 is preferably used, which extends over the tube body 2 to a point A.

The point A is defined by the position after the seal 10 between the union nut 8.1 and the Teflon screw connection 20. The first seal 10 primarily serves to mechanically hold the Teflon casing 21 and the glass splinters in the event of a tube break and is thus intended to prevent «tearing out». The actual sealing is carried out by the further seal 10, arranged between the Teflon screw connection 20 and the middle piece 11. Here, the further seal 10 lies on the glass of the tube body 2 and seals, since no Teflon sleeve 21 is provided in this area.

The screw connection corresponds to the HACCP, since the escape of glass splinters in the event of tube breakage is actively prevented. 6 [B] shows a union nut 8.1 for the tube body 2. Instead of the union nut 8.1 (FIG. 6 [B]), in FIG. 6 [A] (in an exploded view), in FIG. 6 [C] (in an assembled state) and in FIG. 6 [E] ( in a perspective view) uses a flange element 12 in addition to the Teflon screw connection 20, 20 '. The flange element 12 is used to mount the device 1 within a holding device, not shown, by means of the openings 13 provided on the flange element 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 [E], the flange element 12 is an integral part of the Teflon screw connection 20 '.

A device 1 is thus provided which has a higher standard, namely HACCP standard, compared to FIG. 1.

The selection of the exemplary embodiments shows a small section from which a wide range of possibilities for combining the individual or more components mentioned in the proposed inventive kit for producing a UV source for UVC disinfection can be created.

List of reference symbols [0060] Device for forming a UV source and modular system for UVC disinfection systems

contraption

Tubular body

2.1 Collar on the tube body electrical connections

Socket holder

4.1 Flange mount

Fastener

Connectors

Connector

Cap nut

8.1 union nut

8.2 union nut

8.3 union nut

8.4 Male thread

8.5 union nut

8.6 Male thread

8.7 union nut

CH 707 719 B1

8.8 paragraph

Arrow direction

poetry

Centerpiece element

11.1 thread

11.2 thread

11.3 paragraph

Flange element

Opening cylindrical surface with recess

Reflector element

screw

Recess

Rotary arrow emitting radiation

20.20 'Teflon screw element

20.1 Male thread

20.2 Internal thread

Teflon cover

Claims (4)

Claims 1. Kit for forming a device (1) with a UV source according to one of IP52 to 68 class according to EN 60 529 for UVC disinfection, consisting of - at least one tube body (2) which comprises an emitting UV source with electrical connections (3), - at least one socket support (4) for receiving the electrical connections (3) of the tube body (2), - An electrical connector (6) for the transmission of electrical energy via the holder (4) to the tube body (2) and - An element for fixing the frame carrier (4) on the tube body (2), characterized in that - At least one sealing element (10) to provide the desired tightness of the electrical connector to the environment according to the selected class and - A reflector element (15) is provided for receiving the tube body (2) and for arrangement at least on the frame carrier (4), and optionally one or more of the following components are additionally provided: - a union nut (8, 8.1,8.2, 8.3) and / or a flange element (12) as an element for fixing the socket carrier (4) to the tube body (2), the socket carrier (4) either having a cylindrical surface (14) or one Has a flange which interacts with a flange of the tube body (2), - a middle piece element (11) with threads (11.1, 11.2) provided on both sides for receiving a flange element (12) or a union nut (8.1,8.2), - Another union nut (8.7) as an element for fixing the reflector element (15) and for possible attachment to a holding device, -a Teflon screw connection (20, 20 ') to achieve HACCP conformity, consisting of a screw connection provided with threads (20.1, 20.2), the tube body (2) being covered with a Teflon sleeve (21) which extends to one point A extends within the screw connection and is contacted by a first seal (10) and a further seal (10), which is arranged between the Teflon screw connection (20, 20 ') and a central piece element (11), directly contacts the tube body (2). CH 707 719 B1 2. Kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector element (15) consists of a hollow body which is dimensioned such that it can take up the tubular body (2) and wherein the hollow body has a recess (17) on its circumference for emitting the Has radiation (19) from the UV source. 3. Kit according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess (17) is provided on part of the circumference of the reflector body (15) and extends in the longitudinal extent of the reflector body (15). 4. Kit according to claim 1, characterized in that for further fixation of the reflector element (15) two union nuts (8.5, 8.7) and a screw (16) are provided, the union nuts (8.5, 8.7) being provided for the reflector element ( 15) overlap at least partially, and the screw (16) is provided to penetrate the one union nut (8.7) and to fix the reflector element (15) on the end face.