DE202009001568U1 - Device for disinfecting textiles, in particular UV disinfecting washing ball - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for disinfecting textiles, consisting of or comprising a housing (1) carrying at least one, preferably at least two UV light emitting radiation sources (2), electrically conductive connecting means (7) and an accumulator (3), wherein the at least one, preferably at least two UV light emitting radiation sources (UV radiation sources) (2) are arranged in the region of the surface of the housing (1) and are connected to the accumulator (3) via the electrically conductive connection means (7).

Description

The The present invention relates to a system for disinfecting (meaning: "Totes or put living material in a state that it no longer can infect ") of laundry and / or laundry-like Commodities through the use of UV light, in particular by UV LEDs. Areas of application of the invention are in particular Private households, commercial laundries as well as health and care facilities.

Currently the disinfection by a laundry additive from different Chemicals reached. This addition is usually the last wash (that of softening), together with the fabric softener, the laundry added. Here it unfolds its disinfecting effect.

These Additives are used in the washing machine with the existing washing water mixed. The disadvantage of this approach is u. a., That thereby a high concentration of the disinfectant is needed which in turn enters the sewage system with the dirty water and an unnecessary one Represents pollution of the wastewater.

task The invention therefore is the provision of a disinfection system for textiles based on a process that occurs when illuminating UV LEDs results. The resulting light waves produce a disinfecting Effect. Dead or living material, which is in the to be washed Is located in particular by irreversible damage to his Inherited genetic material in a state in which it no longer has an infectious effect can.

These Task is solved according to the claims. The The invention therefore relates to a device for disinfecting Textiles according to claim 1 and a washing machine according to claim 19. The other claims relate to preferred embodiments the invention.

Surprisingly, a movable device consisting of or with a housing ( 1 ), the UV light emitting radiation sources (UV radiation sources) ( 2 ), electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) and at least one accumulator ( 3 ), whereby the UV radiation sources ( 2 ) in the area of the surface of the housing ( 1 ) are arranged and via the electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) with the at least one accumulator ( 3 ) are found to be particularly advantageous for disinfecting textiles.

The UV radiation sources ( 2 ) are preferably formed as UV-emitting luminous body or particularly preferably as UV-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs).

The electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) are preferably formed as wires or more preferably as cables.

The invention is thus based on one aspect of UV LEDs ( 2 ), Connecting cables and an accumulator ( 3 ), which are mounted in a housing or by means of a housing and arranged and connected to each other such that the device thus formed by means of the UV LEDs ( 2 ) Can emit UV light into the environment of the device. The device is thus configured such that it can be moved freely in space and can emit UV light into its external environment during its movements, which then at least partially penetrates nearby textiles and possibly washing solution adjacent to the device.

The UV LEDs ( 2 ), the connection cables and the accumulator ( 3 ) are thereby advantageously by the housing ( 1 ) mutually spatially fixed to each other, so that the distances of these components are kept constant even during the intended movement of the device.

Especially suitable is a device containing more than two UV radiation sources in particular between 4 and 36, preferably between 6 and 24, more preferably between 12 and 20 UV radiation sources.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, the housing ( 1 ) formed as a three-dimensional body, the recesses for receiving the UV LEDs ( 2 ), the connection cable and the accumulator ( 3 ) having.

The casing is preferably of substantially non-electrically conductive Material, in particular of PVC, Household plastic, Teflon, Epoxy resin, Kevlar or a combination of the like.

In another advantageous embodiment of the device, the housing ( 1 ) composed of a plurality, in particular two, parts, preferably of an upper shell and a lower shell.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, the UV LEDs ( 2 ) and / or is the accumulator ( 3 ) substantially from the housing ( 1 ), wherein at least a part of the accumulator ( 3 ) out of the housing ( 1 ) or not with the housing ( 1 ) is in contact, so that a connection of the accumulator ( 3 ) to a preferably externally mounted / erected loading device ( 5 ) is possible. Preferred are the UV LEDs ( 2 ) surrounded by the housing such that no direct contact of the components of the UV LEDs ( 2 ) takes place with the external environment of the device. In another preferred embodiment of the device, the housing ( 1 ) substantially as an ellipsoid, in particular essentially as a sphere, wherein preferably the housing ( 1 ) in the region of the part of the accumulator intended for connection to an (external) charging device ( 3 ) is flat / beveled. Thus, the device is designed as a UV disinfecting washing ball, wherein advantageously the radius of the spherical housing ( 1 ) corresponds to the usual radius of conventional washing balls for dosing detergent.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device, the housing ( 1 ) is formed from preferably transparent plastic.

In in turn, another advantageous embodiment of the device the light that can be emitted by the UV-LEDs is essentially UV-A, UV-B, and / or UV-C light.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the device further comprises or includes control electronics for controlling and / or regulating the UV LEDs ( 2 ).

The device preferably further comprises an at least partially electrically conductive holder for the rechargeable battery ( 3 ), in particular a conventional battery housing, wherein the control electronics is particularly preferably integrated in the holder.

In yet another particularly advantageous embodiment, the device further comprises or includes a charging device ( 4 ), which is preferably an induction charging device.

In yet another particularly advantageous embodiment, the device further comprises or includes a charging device for charging the accumulator ( 3 ) during use. This is achieved by a rotor (eccentric piece) which is mounted on a generator shaft and the eccentric on the shaft is caused to rotate upon movement of the device. As a result, a charging voltage is generated in the generator which the accumulator ( 3 ).

In a particularly easy-to-implement embodiment, the device further comprises or includes a switch for switching on and / or off the device, wherein the switch is preferably in the region of the surface of the housing ( 1 ) is arranged. The switch is in particular so with the UV LEDs ( 2 ) and the accumulator ( 3 ), so that via the switch, a power circuit via the UV LEDs ( 2 ) and the accumulator ( 3 ) can be produced and / or interrupted.

In a further embodiment that is particularly easy to implement, the device comprises or includes a system for switching the device on and / or off, wherein the pulse for the switching takes place via a radio and / or infrared system. The switching system is in particular so with the control electronics ( 5 ), the UV LEDs ( 2 ) and the accumulator ( 3 ), so that via the pulse generator of the current circuit via the UV LEDs ( 2 ) and the accumulator ( 3 ) can be produced and / or interrupted.

One Another aspect of the invention relates to a device according to the invention, which is suitable for which use for disinfecting textiles, the device with textiles and possibly an aqueous one (Wash) solution is brought into contact, and the device via the ultraviolet LEDs utraviolettes Light emitted, leaving the textiles and possibly the watery solution at least partially penetrated by the emitted ultraviolet light become.

Especially proven has a use in which the device together with textiles in a common Washing machine is spent and by means of the washing machine a usual Washing process performed becomes.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a device according to the invention which is suitable for a method for desinificating textiles, comprising the irradiation of the textiles and, if appropriate, an aqueous (washing) solution with UV light emitted by UV LEDs (US Pat. 2 ), wherein the UV light is preferably UV-A, UV-B and / or UV-C light.

Under UV light in the context of the invention is in particular light of wavelength 1-380 nm Understood. Under UV-A light in particular light of wavelength 315-380 nm Understood. Under UV-B light in particular light of wavelength 280-315 nm Understood. Under UV-C light in particular light of wavelength 100-280 nm understood, with UV-C light of wavelength 200-280 nm particularly suitable is. But also UV-C light of the wavelength of 100-200 nm is for different applications suitable.

Especially Preferably, the process is carried out by the textiles during a conventional Washing process are irradiated with the UV light, the washing process preferably by means of a common Washing machine performed becomes.

Has proven in practice in particular a method in which the UV light is emitted by a device according to the invention.

Surprised also has a washing machine with a stationary UV radiation source, as suitable for disinfecting washing water and / or the washing machine self-proven.

The The invention therefore further relates to a washing machine with at least one, preferably at least two, integrated UV light emitting radiation source (s) (UV radiation source (s)) for disinfecting washing water and / or of the washing machine. Under washing machine is in particular a common Washing machine for washing textiles, so for example a conventional top loader or a common one Muzzle-loader, understood. Under integrated radiation source in the The sense of the invention is in particular a fixed to or in a component the washing machine installed, preferably within the washing machine Surrounding disguise understood, radiation source understood. Under washing water is in particular the during a usual Washing the washing machine with the textiles to be washed in touch understood coming water.

Especially In particular, a washing machine in which the UV radiation source is arranged such that these UV light in can emit the wash water.

Especially Preferably, the at least one UV radiation source is arranged in such a way is that while she is of the machine to be carried out Washing process directly or indirectly in contact with the wash water is, in particular at least partially washed by the washing water. This is, for example, realized by the UV radiation source in the Pump interior, through which the wash water is passed, protrudes.

Especially is particularly suitable insebesondere a washing machine, wherein the at least a UV radiation source in a pump through which the wash water is integrated.

In another particularly suitable embodiment of the washing machine is the at least one UV radiation source in the region of a Heat arranged heating of the wash water is arranged, for example. Such, that in the area of the heater through the washing machine circulating wash water several times that from the UV radiation source can absorb emitted UV radiation.

The at least one integrated in the washing machine UV radiation source is advantageously as at least one UV light emitting illuminant or preferably as at least one UV light emitting diode Formed (UV LEDs).

In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the washing machine this is the one that can be emitted by the at least one UV radiation source Light substantially UV-A, UV-B or UV-C light or especially preferably a combination of the like.

Especially proven has a washing machine according to the invention, the for a method for disinfecting washing water in the washing machine, the irradiation of the washing water during one of the washing machine carried out washing by means of at least one integrated in the washing machine UV light emissive radiation source is suitable

In proven in practice In particular, a washing machine according to the invention, which is suitable for a Procedure for cleaning the washing machine is that the circulation of water with a water temperature between 5 and 98 degrees the washing machine and the irradiation of the water during the Circulation with UV light includes. This is particularly easy Way and with low water consumption, a cleaning, in particular Disinfection, which allows washing machine.

Especially the combination of the device according to the invention for disinfecting of textiles with the washing machine according to the invention has in the Surprisingly, practice An additional Synergy effect for the disinfecting of textiles as well as with the disinfecting of Washing water or the washing machine revealed. The effect of UV light certain wavelengths is, based on their disinfecting effect, scientifically proven. The enabled by the invention Use in the cleaning sector is the safeguarding of natural resources owed and a step towards the improvement of the environmental situation.

The disinfection system according to the invention prevents microorganisms that are in the wash and / or in laundry-like Commodities can continue to be infectious.

The pollution of our waste water with chemicals is counteracted with the aid of the invention. A product based on the invention includes e.g. B. in addition to a user manual, an energy storage (battery), a charging station and a housing in which the UV LEDs are housed and a way to take the product in operation and take it out of service (eg. A switch or a control and / or control electronics for switching on or off). Possible uses of this product include hospitals, laundries, launderettes, households, etc.

Further advantageous features and properties will also become apparent from the following given embodiments seen.

In a suitable implementation, the invention relates to a UV washing device for disinfecting laundry and laundry-like articles of daily use, which is produced as a UV disinfecting washing ball ( 1 ). It consists inter alia of a watertight housing (Pos.1A and 1B). In the housing there is an electronic control unit (Pos.5), a battery or possibly several batteries (Pos.3). This at least one battery is recharged by an energy system, which is located in the charging tray (Pos.4), in the induction process ( 2 ). Furthermore, a charging station with mains connection and a system for switching on and off.

in the casing the invention, several UV LEDs are at certain distances from each other, which are connected to the control electronics (Pos.5).

through a common one Waxing machine were several comparable washes with used textiles carried out, the washing process each with or without the presence of UV light Emitterienden UV washer in the washing drum of the washing machine was carried out.

Subsequently was the purity of textiles with respect to microbial load microbiological examined. The textiles, together with the UV washer were washed, showed a significantly lower microbial load as the textiles which had been washed without the UV-washing.

Legend to the pictures ( 1 and 2 ):

1A

Housing part 1 upper shell

1B

Housing part 2 lower shell

2

UV LED

3

accumulator

4

Charger Housing: Electronics, Connecting cable, induction charging device

5

control electronics

6

electric cable 220V

7

connection cable the radiation sources

All in the foregoing description, the following claims and The features shown in the illustrations can be used individually as well in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments be significant.

Claims (28)

Device for disinfecting textiles, consisting of or with a housing ( 1 ), the at least one, preferably at least two UV light emitting radiation sources ( 2 ), electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) and an accumulator ( 3 ), wherein the at least one, preferably at least two UV light emitting radiation sources (UV radiation sources) ( 2 ) in the area of the surface of the housing ( 1 ) are arranged and via the electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) with the accumulator ( 3 ) are connected. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one, preferably at least two UV radiation sources ( 2 ) are formed as UV-emitting luminous bodies or preferably as UV-light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) are formed as wires or preferably as cables. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 1 ) Furthermore, an at least partially electrically conductive holder for the accumulator ( 3 ), preferably a battery housing, and the accumulator ( 3 ) via the holder and the connecting means ( 7 ) electrically conductive with the at least two UV radiation sources ( 2 ) connected is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 1 ) is formed as a three-dimensional body, the recesses for receiving the UV radiation sources ( 2 ), the electrically conductive connection means ( 7 ) and the accumulator ( 3 ) and possibly the holder. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the housing from several parts, preferably from an upper shell and a Lower shell, is composed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the UV radiation sources ( 2 ) and / or the accumulator ( 3 ) and possibly the holder is substantially surrounded by the housing / are, wherein at least a part of the accumulator ( 3 ) out of the housing ( 1 ) and possibly the bracket protrudes or not with the housing ( 1 ) is in contact, so that a connection of the accumulator ( 3 ) to an (external) charging device ( 4 ) is possible. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 1 ) is formed essentially as an ellipsoid, in particular essentially as a sphere: Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing ( 1 ) in the region of the part of the accumulator intended for connection to an (external) charging device ( 3 ) is flat / beveled. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 1 ) is formed from preferably transparent plastic. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the UV light is substantially UV-A, UV-B or UV-C light is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising control electronics for controlling and / or regulating the UV radiation sources ( 2 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a charging device ( 4 ), which is preferably an induction charging device. Device according to one of the preceding claims for one Use for disinfecting textiles in which the device with textiles and possibly an aqueous one (Wash) solution is brought into contact, and the device emits ultraviolet light via the UV LEDs, so that the textiles and possibly the aqueous solution of the emitted ultraviolet Light are at least partially penetrated. Device according to one of the preceding claims for one Use for disinfecting textiles in which the device is spent together with textiles in a washing machine and by means of the washing machine a usual washing process carried out becomes. Device according to one of the preceding claims, suitable for a process for disinfecting textiles, which comprises the irradiation of the textiles and possibly an aqueous (wash) solution with UV light, which is protected by UV LEDs ( 2 ), wherein the UV light is preferably UV-A, UV-B and / or UV-C light. Device according to one of the preceding claims for a Process for the desinificiation of textiles, which controls the irradiation of the Textiles during a usual one Washing with UV light, the washing process preferably by means of a common one Washing machine performed becomes. Device according to one of claims 16-17, suitable for a method Desinifzieren of textiles, in which the UV light from a Device according to a the claims 1-13 is emitted. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising, a charging device for charging the accumulator ( 3 ) during the intended use of the device, comprising a rotor (Exzenterstück) which is mounted on a generator shaft and the eccentric on the shaft in rotation upon movement of the device, wherein in the generator, a charging voltage is generated. Washing machine with at least one integrated UV light emitting radiation source (UV radiation source) for Desinify washing water and / or the washing machine. Washing machine according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one UV radiation source is at least one UV-emitting luminous body or preferably as at least one UV light emitting diode (UV LEDs) is formed. Washing machine according to one of claims 20-21, characterized characterized in that the UV radiation source is arranged such that it can emit UV light into the wash water. Washing machine according to one of claims 20-22, characterized characterized in that the at least one UV radiation source in Area of a for heating the washer provided heating is arranged. Washing machine according to one of claims 20-23, characterized characterized in that the at least one UV radiation source in a pump through which the wash water is passed integrated is. Washing machine according to one of Claims 20-24, characterized in that the light which can be emitted by the at least one UV radiation source is essentially UV-A, UV-B and / or UV-C light is. Washing machine according to one of claims 20-25 for a Method for disinfecting washing water in the washing machine, the irradiation of the washing water during one of the washing machine executed Washing process by means of at least one integrated in the washing machine UV light emitting radiation source comprises. Washing machine according to one of claims 20-26 suitable for a Method of cleaning the washing machine, which is the circulation or the circulation of water with a water temperature between 5-98 ° C, in particular 20-95 ° C, preferred 40-92 ° C, in particular preferably 60-90 ° C through the Washing machine and the irradiation of water during circulation or includes the circulation with UV light. Washing machine according to one of claims 20-27, further containing a device according to any one of claims 1-19.