DE102018010294B4 - Method and device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles, in particular cavities formed by textiles, the textiles being inserted through an opening into a chamber formed by a housing, with heated or cooled air being introduced into the chamber and then is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV source and that ozone is generated in the chamber by means of the UV source and that the textiles are disinfected and cleaned and that an alternating pressure, negative pressure up to a vacuum is generated in the chamber by means of a suction device by means of which dirt is loosened in the textiles and dirt particles are removed.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles and is used in particular for cleaning objects containing textiles such as shoes, sports equipment, rucksacks or helmets.

Textiles should preferably be cleaned using a washing machine and then dried in a tumble dryer, whereby dirt, germs, bacteria and fungi are removed. In nature, bacteria and fungi feed on the sweat and dead skin particles given off by humans. A gas is excreted as a digestive product, which can be perceived as an unpleasant odor. However, not all products that come into contact with sweat or other odorous substances (smoke or food) can be cleaned in the washing machine.

Exposure to ultraviolet light can kill bacteria in liquids and substances and inactivate or destroy many organisms. This can be viewed as disinfecting the irradiated area. These microscopic organisms include, for example, spore-forming and non-spore-forming life forms or viruses or bacteriophages or cysts.

From the pamphlet DE 698 01 450 T2 a method for disinfecting liquids and gases and devices for using said method are known. The document relates in particular to methods for disinfecting liquids and gases by means of light which is radiated into the liquids and gases through light guides. The light is used in the form of ultraviolet radiation (UVA, UVB, UVC), as this radiation is particularly suitable for killing bacteria or microscopic harmful microorganisms. The light can also come from the visible range of the spectrum. The method comprises distributing at least one light guide in an area containing the liquids or gases to be disinfected. This is followed by aligning at least one radiation unit with a light source of high intensity and then irradiating the liquid or the gas over a predetermined period of time. The radiation unit is designed in the form of a laser.

In the pamphlet EP 2 273 004 B1 describes a cabinet for cleaning clothes, the cabinet having a cleaning space for the clothes to be cleaned and means for generating ozone from air. The ozone is brought into the cleaning room and brought into contact with clothing. The closet has an equipment room in which ozone is generated for cleaning the clothes and supplied to the clothes. The equipment room is designed to be separated from the cleaning room by a wall.

A device for sterilizing shoes is from the document U.S. 4,981,651 A known. The device comprises an elongated lamp for emitting ultraviolet radiation in a housing as well as a heating element and a fan. The device can be introduced into a shoe, with sterilization of the shoe sole being achieved by means of the lamp and the heating element. The growth of fungi and bacteria is stopped.

the end US 2016/0339 126 A1 a housing with a chamber arranged therein is known, textiles being introduced into the interior of the chamber through an opening and irradiated with UV-C from a UV source at 254 nm, the UV source being at least partially brought into the textiles. The introduction and / or suction of air goes out US 2016/0 339 126 A1 just as little as the formation of ozone at smaller wavelengths.

the end U.S. 3,877,152 A a chamber for treating textiles with an air supply, a heating source and a UV source for generating ozone from the air is known. A vacuum can be applied to the chamber to draw air into the chamber. On a suction of the ozonated air from the chamber goes U.S. 3,877,152 A not a.

The pamphlet CH 359 113 A describes a chamber to which a vacuum is applied and thereby a flow of air is generated. Ozone is generated from the air using UV light. The vacuum is used to remove the ozone and the dirt particles loosened from the laundry. However, the treatment takes place in the washing liquor and the UV source is not introduced into the textiles.

From the pamphlet DE 10 2012 209 823 A1 a method and a device for cleaning textiles are known. In the process, the textiles are inserted into the chamber of a household appliance through an opening. Air, which is heated in the area of an air supply, is introduced into the chamber of the dryer. Suitable modules are available for this. The air is irradiated with UV-C light, 200 to 280 nm. Ozone formation occurs at wavelengths less than 242 nm, i.e. also in the air flow. It is in the publication DE 10 2012 209 823 A1 not specified at which point of the air flow this takes place. Another ozone generator is located outside the chamber. A negative pressure up to a vacuum is generated in the chamber by means of a suction device. The loosening of dirt and the removal will be done in the process set automatically. Ozone and / or pollution in the air is removed by a filter placed in the area of the suction device. The radiation and ozone generation within the textiles and an arrangement of the UV source at the end of the air supply stop DE 10 2012 209 823 A1 not emerge.

From the pamphlet DE 10 2007 037 984 A1 it is known to use UV-C light with a wavelength of 254 nm for activation and not for generating ozone. The T-shaped UV source at the chamber-side end of the air supply can be introduced into the textiles. The air with the activated ozone can flow through the tissue. From the DE 10 2007 037 984 A1 however, it is not known to generate ozone directly in clothing using UV light of a suitable wavelength. An air flow for removing dissolved dirt particles is also not disclosed.

From the pamphlet US 2009/0 193 676 A1 also shows a UV source introduced into shoes. The textiles are flowed through with ozone-containing air, which is generated outside the chamber. The UV light is not used to generate ozone.

From the pamphlet EP 2 420 257 A1 shows the automatic ozone formation when air is irradiated with UV light with a wavelength of 185 or 254 nm. However, work is carried out here in an aqueous environment.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles, wherein an environmentally friendly antibacterial cleaning is made possible without the use of water or chemical additives and that the device has a simple structural design.

This object is achieved with the characterizing features of the first and sixth patent claims.

Advantageous refinements result from the subclaims.

The method according to the invention is used to clean and disinfect textiles, in particular cavities formed by textiles, the textiles (or at least one textile) being inserted through an opening into a chamber formed by a housing. According to the invention, temperature-variable air, preferably heated or cooled air, is introduced into the chamber in a first process step and the textile / s are then irradiated with ultraviolet light from at least one UV source, the UV source generating ozone in the chamber and disinfection and cleaning of the textiles takes place. The cavity formed by at least one textile is arranged on at least one UV source in such a way that the UV source can at least partially be introduced into the textiles. The germs and bacteria are killed by the combination of UV radiation and the ozone formed, which means that the textile in question can be disinfected.

The generated ozone is removed by a filter placed in the area of the suction device when the cleaned air is sucked or expelled from the chamber by means of the suction device.

A changing pressure, negative pressure up to a vacuum is achieved in the chamber by means of the suction device, by means of which a loosening of dirt in the textiles and a removal of loosened dirt particles by means of the suction take place.

In an advantageous embodiment, silver nanoparticles, which have a killing effect on the germs, are fed into the chamber.

The UV source works with a wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation in the UV-C range, the wavelength being between 170 and 270 nm, in particular between 180 and 250 nm.

Air enriched with fragrances can preferably be supplied to the chamber. In this way, the textile to be cleaned can be provided with a pleasant smell.

The device is used to clean textiles, in particular textiles contaminated with germs, bacteria and fungi, the device having a housing and a chamber arranged in the interior of the housing. The device has an air supply, pointing from outside the housing into the interior of the chamber, with at least one heating and / or cooling element extending along the air supply. A UV lamp is arranged at the chamber-side end of the air supply, the UV lamp being provided for generating UV radiation in such a way that ozone can be generated in the chamber. Furthermore, the device has a suction device for generating a negative pressure in the chamber, whereby the air and dirt particles can be sucked or conveyed out of the chamber, the generated / used ozone being removed by a filter in such a way that cleaned air is expelled.

The suction device is dimensioned in such a way that it can generate a vacuum in the chamber. Thus, dirt and germs can be left out loosen the textiles. A feed for silver nanoparticles and / or fragrances is preferably provided on the device. The silver nanoparticles are used to prevent bacterial growth.

The silver nanoparticles and / or fragrances can be introduced into the chamber. The silver nanoparticles and / or fragrances are preferably introduced directly into the cavity (s) formed by the textile (s). This is preferably done via the air supply.

The air that can be introduced into the chamber can be heated by means of a heating coil which is arranged around the air supply or cooled by means of a cooling device. At the end of the air supply on the housing side, a fan is preferably arranged, which sucks in the air and conveys it into the chamber.

The suction takes place in a similar way, with a second fan sucking the air out of the chamber and releasing it into the environment.

The cleaning cycle can preferably be set by means of a control unit, with individual or all parameters being adaptable. The parameters include the temperature and / or the pressure within the chamber and, if desired, the addition of fragrances and / or the silver nanoparticles. The chamber can also be used to dry the textiles. The device uses the spectrum of UV-C light as a UV source, whereby the combination of UV radiation, ozone, temperature programs and the use of vacuum air exchange eliminate bacteria and fungi.

The adjustable temperature programs include the option of heated or strongly cooled air, which is directed to the cleaning locations to be used. The ozone is synthesized directly at the UV-C source, the UV lamp, i.e. synthesized and used in the desired area of application.

The vacuum-air exchange system removes dead, living and eliminated organisms from the textiles.

The chamber has an antibacterial and antifungal effect and cleans the inside of the products. The disinfection and cleaning is carried out without the addition of water or chemicals, which is environmentally friendly and gentle on materials.

The chamber is preferably used to clean the inside of shoes, helmets, gloves, sports equipment, T-shirts, shirts, suits (items of clothing) or bags, as these textiles are only partially or not at all suitable for the washing machine and subsequent drying.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment and associated drawings.

• 1 einen schematischen Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
• 2 eine Seitenansicht des schematischen Aufbaus der Vorrichtung,
• 3 eine Vorrichtung mit zwei UV-Strahlungsquellen,
• 4 eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung mit zwei UV-Strahlungsquellen,
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Textils in der Vorrichtung.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic structure of the device according to the invention,
• 2 a side view of the schematic structure of the device,
• 3 a device with two UV radiation sources,
• 4th a side view of the device with two UV radiation sources,
• 5 a schematic representation of a textile in the device.

In 1 and 2 shows a schematic structure of the device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles, in particular for cleaning and disinfecting the interior of shoes, helmets, gloves, sports equipment, T-shirts, shirts, suits (items of clothing) and bags. The device comprises a housing 1 that inside a chamber 2 having, the chamber 2 is preferably accessible via an opening, not shown.

The case 1 has an opening for one into the chamber 2 leading air supply 3 on, at the end of the housing 3.1 the air supply 3 which is the opening in the housing 1 forms a fan 3.1.1 is arranged. The ventilator 3.1.1 is designed in such a way that fresh air is sucked in from the environment and through the air supply 3 into the chamber 2 is fundable.

The air supply 3 is tubular and has at its chamber-side end 3.2 an angle 3.2.1 on, preferably from 90 °. The angle acts as a guide for the air, creating a central outflow of the sucked air in the chamber 2 is attainable. To the angle element 3.2.1 the air supply 3 a UV source, preferably a UV lamp, extends below 4th that generates the UV radiation required for cleaning.

The wavelength of the UV radiation is preferably between 150 and 250 nm. The ultraviolet radiation is so short-wave and rich in energy that it is _{absorbed by molecular oxygen (O 2} ). The molecular oxygen (O ₂ ) is converted into two free oxygen radicals ( 2 O ') split, each of which reacts further _{with a further molecule of oxygen (O 2} ) to form ozone (O _3).

The ozone formed in this way on the UV lamp 4th disinfects the textiles against germs, fungi and bacteria.

Furthermore, the chamber 2 a suction device 5 on a side wall in the ceiling area of the chamber 2 on. The suction device 5 has an opening leading through the housing to the outside in which a second fan 5.1 is mounted. The ventilator 5.1 is designed so that the air out of the chamber 2 is sucked, creating a negative pressure. There will be a changing pressure in the chamber 2 achieved, the suction device 5 also a vacuum in the chamber 2 can generate. The vacuum-air exchange system removes dead, living and eliminated organisms from the textiles. The suction device in the form of an air outlet can be preceded by a filter so that the polluted air can be cleaned before it leaves the chamber.

For more effective cleaning, the air is in the area of the air supply 3 heated or cooled or alternately heated and cooled. For this process step is in the area of the air supply 3 a heater 6th arranged, preferably in the form of a heating coil around the air supply 3 is wrapped. The through the air supply 3 flowing air is in the area of the heater 6th warmed up. Alternatively or additionally, in the area of the air supply 3 a cooling element 6.1 be provided.

In the floor area of the chamber 2 is one in the chamber 2 pointing memory element 7th arranged for silver nanoparticles. The storage element 7th is preferably designed in the form of a container, with the air in the chamber 2 can be enriched with the silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles are used advantageously to prevent bacterial growth.

A fragrance capsule can preferably be placed in the air supply to produce a fresh fragrance for the textiles 3 be insertable. The released fragrances can with that of the air supply 3 sucked air is added and into the chamber 2 be directed.

3 shows a schematic representation of a device for cleaning and disinfecting textiles, the device having two in the chamber 2 arranged UV radiation sources 4th having. The radiation sources 4th are offset to the air supply 3 at the chamber-side end 3.2 the air supply 3 arranged parallel to each other. According to the 3 and 4th assigns any radiation source 4th a conical seat 8th on which the radiation source 4th enveloped. Preferably the recordings are 8th perforated so that the UV lamps 4th radiation emitted by the recording 8th can act in the direction of a textile, not shown. The textile is designed in the form of a textile that forms a cavity, preferably in the form of shoes / gloves, bags / rucksacks, sports equipment, T-shirts, shirts, suits (items of clothing) or helmets. The textile to be cleaned and disinfected is via the intake 8th turned over and laid out on this in such a way that a cleaning effect is achieved on the inside of the textile by the radiation emitted and the ozone formed.

According to 4th are the recordings 8th for shoes or bags or textiles by means of an adapter 9 with the chamber-side end 3.2 the air supply 3 tied together. The adapter 9 is designed in the form of a Y-adapter, the adapter 9 an entrance 9.1 and two adjoining exits 9.2 having. The adapter 9 is tubular and divides the air supplied to the first and second UV radiation source 4th .

5 shows the arrangement of a textile to be cleaned, here in the form of a schematic footwear 10 . The shoe 10 is turned upside down on the radiation source 4th placed, the, above the radiation source 4th arranged recording 8th inside the shoe 10 reaches in. The inside of the shoe is penetrated by the UV radiation, germs and bacteria being killed by means of the ozone generated in the shoe. Unpleasant smells caused by sweat and bacteria can thus be neutralized.

The device also offers the possibility of gently drying damp textiles in a short time.

With the device according to the invention, environmentally friendly cleaning and disinfection of the textiles is possible without the addition of water or chemical cleaning agents. Bacteria, germs and fungi are effectively eliminated.

List of reference symbols

1

casing

2

chamber

3rd

Air supply

3.1

Housing-side end of the air supply

3.1.1

Fan

3.2

Chamber-side end of the air supply

3.2.1

Angle element of the air supply

4th

UV radiation source

5

Suction device

5.1

Fan

6th

Heating device

6.1

Cooling element

7th

Storage element

8th

recording

9

adapter

9.1

inlet

9.2

Outlet

10

shoe

Claims (11)

Method for cleaning and disinfecting textiles, the textiles being inserted through an opening into a chamber formed by a housing, characterized in that heated or cooled air is introduced into the chamber and then irradiated with ultraviolet light from at least one UV source and that ozone is generated in the chamber by means of the UV source and the textiles are disinfected and cleaned in such a way that the UV source is at least partially introduced into the textiles and that in the chamber, by means of a suction device, a changing pressure, negative pressure up to to a vacuum is achieved, by means of which a loosening of dirt in the textiles and a removal of dirt particles take place. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the generated ozone is removed by a filter placed in the area of the suction device in such a way that cleaned air is expelled. Procedure according to Claim 1 and 2 , characterized in that silver nanoparticles are introduced into the chamber. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the wavelength used for the ultraviolet radiation in the UV-C range is between 170 and 270 nm. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , characterized in that the air supplied to the chamber is enriched with fragrances. Apparatus for cleaning textiles, comprising a housing and a chamber arranged inside the housing for receiving textiles to be cleaned, characterized in that the apparatus has an air supply pointing from outside the housing into the interior of the chamber with at least one air supply extending along the Air supply extending, heating and / or cooling element and that at least one UV lamp for generating UV radiation and for generating ozone is mounted on the chamber-side end of the air supply and that the device has a suction device for generating a negative pressure in the chamber. Device according to Claim 6 , characterized in that at least two UV lamps are mounted on the chamber-side end of the air supply by means of an adapter. Device according to Claim 6 and 7th , characterized in that the suction device is designed to generate a vacuum. Device according to Claim 6 and 7th , characterized in that the device has a feed for silver nanoparticles and / or fragrances, which is designed to feed silver nanoparticles and / or fragrances into the chamber and / or into the cavity (s) formed by the textile (s) Bringing cavities. Device according to Claim 6 and 7th , characterized in that the heating element is arranged in the form of a heating coil around the air supply. Device according to one of the Claims 6 until 10 , characterized in that the cleaning cycle can be set by means of a control unit and the parameters such as temperature and / or pressure and / or addition of fragrances and / or silver nanoparticles can be set.

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