EP2931958A1

EP2931958A1 - Cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning articles using water

Info

Publication number: EP2931958A1
Application number: EP13818690.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christiane BUSKE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Plasmatreat GmbH
Priority date: 2012-12-11
Filing date: 2013-12-09
Publication date: 2015-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-09
Also published as: PL2931958T3; WO2014090755A1; SI2931958T1; EP2931958B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (2, 82) having a cleaning chamber (4, 84), in which articles which are to be cleaned can be arranged, and having a water supply (10), which can direct water into the cleaning chamber (4, 84), wherein the cleaning apparatus (2, 82) has a plasma source (36) for generating a plasma (40), and wherein the plasma source (36) is arranged such that the water which can be directed into the cleaning chamber (4, 84) via the water supply (10) can be subjected, at least in part, to the plasma (40). The invention also relates to a method for cleaning articles using water, in the case of which a cleaning chamber (4, 84) is filled with the articles which are to be cleaned, and in the case of which water for cleaning the articles is directed into the cleaning chamber (4, 84), wherein, prior to be being directed into the cleaning chamber (4, 84), the water is subjected to a plasma (40), in particular to an atmospheric plasma jet (40). The invention further relates to the use of a plasma nozzle (38) for generating an atmospheric plasma jet (40) in such a method.

Description

Cleaning device and method for cleaning

Objects with water

The invention relates to a cleaning device, with a cleaning room in which to be cleaned Gegens can be arranged hands, and with a water flow, with the water in the cleaning space can be introduced. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning objects with water, in which a cleaning room is filled with the objects to be cleaned and in which water is introduced into the cleaning room for cleaning the objects.

From the state of the art, such cleaning machines are known, for example, as washing machines and dishwashers for domestic, commercial or industrial use. For example, a washing machine has one

Cleaning room with a laundry drum, in which the dirty laundry can be arranged. During the

Washing process, the cleaning of the laundry is then characterized in that mixed with a detergent, heated water is repeatedly introduced into the rotating laundry drum, so that dissolved by the water and the detergent dirt from the laundry and transported away.

A dishwasher also has a

Cleaning room, in which dirty dishes can be arranged. During the cleaning process, the dishes then by repeated introduction of detergent

added and heated water in the cleaning room

cleaned . The cleaning effect depends both on the washing machine and on the dishwasher, among other things, on the amount and composition of the washing or rinsing agent, on the duration of the cleaning process and on the temperature of the

Water off. By the use of the washing or rinsing agent, the heating of the water and the implementation of the

Cleaning process over a certain period of time

Natural resources and energy consumed. The resource and energy consumption is particularly high when a particularly intensive cleaning or even disinfection is required, such as clothing, crockery or equipment in the medical field. By reducing the washing or rinsing agent, the

Although the water temperature and the duration of the cleaning process, a resource and energy saving can be achieved, but this is often at the expense of the cleaning effect, so that the laundry, the dishes or other purified

Objects are not sufficiently clean after the cleaning process or are not sufficiently disinfected.

The present invention has the object to Gr nde, a generic cleaning device and a

To provide generic method available in which the cleaning effect can be improved. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the object, the

Reduce resource and / or energy consumption during cleaning.

These objects are achieved in a cleaning device with a cleaning room, in the objects to be cleaned can be arranged, and with a water flow, with the water in the cleaning space can be introduced,

According to the invention at least partially achieved in that the cleaning device has a plasma source for generating a plasma and that the plasma source is arranged so that via the water flow into the cleaning room

einleitbares water is at least partially acted upon by the plasma. It was recognized that by integrating a

Plasma source in such a cleaning device the

Cleaning effect can be improved. By the

Application of water to the plasma can cause substances reactive in the water, in particular reactive oxygen-containing substances such as oxygen radicals, ozone or peroxides such as

Nitrogen peroxide, are formed. These reactive substances can in the water a long life, in some cases even up to two hours, without having a

unwanted, premature degradation of the reactive substances by chemical reactions with the air, in particular with

Nitrogen comes. Therefore, the reactive substances are available in the water long enough to the cleaning effect

Improve contact of the water with the objects to be cleaned. In particular, the reactive substances can react with dirt particles on the objects to be cleaned and thus contribute to the cleaning, bleaching or disinfection of the articles. Therefore, for example, the amount of detergent, the temperature of the water and / or the duration of the cleaning process at a constant

Cleaning effect can be reduced. In particular, the amount of a Hygienülülülers for disinfection can be reduced or possibly. to be completely dispensed with. The cleaning device has a cleaning room in which objects to be cleaned can be arranged.

Examples of such a cleaning room are the

Cleaning aura with a washing drum of a washing machine or the interior of a dishwasher. The cleaning space can be formed as a closed chamber, which is substantially completely enclosed during operation.

Alternatively, the cleaning room can also be used as a tunnel

be formed, which is for example only partially enclosed during operation. For example, the objects to be cleaned can be transported through the tunnel during operation. The cleaning compartment preferably has an access, via which the objects to be cleaned can be put into the cleaning room or the cleaned objects can be taken out of the cleaning room again. The access is preferably closable, so that the

Cleaning room for the cleaning process can be closed. The access can be formed for example by a door. Alternatively, the access can also be provided by the fact that the cleaning space is surrounded by an at least two-part housing, of which at least one housing part is displaceable or pivotable.

The cleaning device has a water flow, with the water in the cleaning space can be introduced. Of the

Water inflow can be via an external water supply

be fed. Furthermore, the water supply can additionally or alternatively be fed from an internal water reservoir. In the cleaning device can in particular a Be provided water circuit, so that the introduced into the cleaning room water back from the

Cleaning room out and back to the water inlet

is transported.

The cleaning device has a plasma source for

Generation of a plasma. A plasma becomes a reactive medium with ionized or partially ionized

Understood molecules or atoms. For example, the plasma may be one created with a plasma nozzle

Act plasma jet. Examples of plasma sources are

Plasma sources in which the plasma is generated by capacitive or inductive coupling, by dielectrically impeded discharge, by corona discharge or by arc discharge, in particular by DC, low frequency or high frequency arc discharge.

The plasma source is arranged so that over the

Water inflow into the cleaning chamber einleitbare water is at least partially acted upon by the plasma. The plasma source can be arranged such that the water can be acted upon by the plasma before or after it has been introduced into the cleaning space. The plasma source can be arranged so that the water can be exposed to plasma without the plasma source itself coming into contact with the water. In this way, the wear of the plasma source can be reduced. Alternatively, the plasma source may be arranged so that in operation at least a portion of the plasma source is in direct contact with the water. For example, during operation, the plasma source may be partially immersed in the water

be immersed. That way, one is special

effective admission of water with plasma possible. Furthermore, the undesirable reaction of the reactive substances with the ambient air is reduced.

The water may be in liquid or gaseous form, i. as a vapor, to be acted upon by the plasma. Furthermore, the water can also in droplet form, especially in nebulized

Form are subjected to the plasma. For nebulizing the water, the cleaning device may for example have a nozzle with which the water is nebulised. Such a nozzle may be arranged, for example, so that the water droplets from the nozzle into the plasma, for example, in a plasma jet generated with a plasma jet arrive.

In a first embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device is a washing machine or a

Dishwasher. It has been found that the integration of a plasma source in a washing machine or in a dishwasher is particularly suitable to improve the washing or rinsing performance or to save resources or energy.

In the case of the washing machine laundry items can be cleaned better or more economically. By the

disinfecting effect of the reactive substances in the water is also an effective disinfection of the laundry items possible. This is particularly advantageous for medical underwear, such as medical clothing, lingerie off

Hospitals or other medical or nursing facilities. In the case of the dishwasher can crockery or cutlery, but also to be cleaned devices and equipment parts, such as Kitchen appliances or medical devices, better or

be economically cleaned and / or disinfected.

Alternatively, the cleaning device can also be

Tumble dryer with which a cleaning of the

drying laundry is possible. For this purpose, the

Tumble dryer have a water supply to the the

Laundry during drying extracted water of laundry

at least once again admit. Before the introduction of the water into the laundry, this can then by dien

Plasma source are exposed to plasma. This can in the tumble dryer an additional cleaning or even

Disinfection of the laundry can be achieved. This has the

Advantage that the laundry can be cleaned or disinfected immediately before drying. In this way, a recontamination between the cleaning and the

Drying process can be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the

Cleaning device designed as a washing machine with dryer function. The advantages of this embodiment will be apparent from the description of the washing machine or the

Tumble drier. In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device has a control device for carrying out a cleaning process in the cleaning space, wherein the cleaning process comprises introducing water into the cleaning chamber and at least partially pressurizing the water with plasma. The control device may, for example, an electronic circuit,

especially with a processor and a memory, include. For example, a program may be stored in the memory whose execution on the processor causes the cleaning process to be performed. The

Control device preferably has an input device via which a user of the cleaning device

Determine parameters of the cleaning process and / or the

Start cleaning process or interrupt. The

Parameters preferably include parameters of the plasma source. In this way, the user can set whether or with which parameters the plasma source at a certain

Cleaning process to be used. As a result, an appropriate use of the plasma source is possible.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the plasma source is a plasma nozzle for generating a

Plasma jet, in particular an atmospheric

Plasma beam, formed. It has been found that such a plasma nozzle is particularly well suited to enrich the water with reactive substances. A particularly effective enrichment can be achieved in that the outlet of the plasma nozzle, through which the plasma jet emerges, is arranged so that it is under water during operation when the water is exposed to the plasma. Optionally, a cage may be provided on the plasma nozzle into which the

Plasma jet is passed. This way you can

direct contact of the plasma jet with the water can be reduced. On the contrary, the reactive substances excited by the plasma jet can pass through openings in the cage into the water. As a result, the water with the excited substances and thus at least indirectly acted upon by the plasma. In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the plasma nozzle as a plasma nozzle for generating an atmospheric plasma jet by a with a

high frequency generated arc discharge in a working fluid, in particular in a working gas, formed. The discharge takes place in particular between two electrodes, wherein at least one of these electrodes can also be formed by the water to be acted upon. A high-frequency high voltage is typically a voltage of 1 to 100 kV, in particular 1 to 50 kV, preferably 5 to 50 kV, at a frequency of 1 to 100 kHz, in particular 10 to 100 kHz, preferably 10 to 50 kHz

Understood. The high-frequency high voltage can be a

high-frequency alternating voltage, but also a pulsed one

Be DC voltage.

In this way, a plasma jet is generated, which on the one hand has a high reactivity and on the other hand a relatively low temperature. Such a plasma nozzle

enables a particularly safe and reliable

Business . Since the plasma jet of such a plasma nozzle is relatively cold, the material loading of the

Cleaning device reduced. In particular, a working gas, a working fluid and / or a mixture of a working gas and a fluid can be used as the working fluid.

Preferably, the plasma nozzle with a working gas

operated. As a result, a plasma field can be provided reliably. By using a plasma nozzle, the water to be applied can usually more process-reliable and / or more effectively enriched with reactive substances than with a simple arrangement of electrodes in the water to be acted upon. For example, air can be used as the working gas, if appropriate with the addition of additional gases such as oxygen and / or with the addition of liquids such as water,

Instead of a plasma nozzle, the plasma source can also be designed as a plasma source for generating a plasma by means of dielectrically impeded discharge. Such

Plasma source has at least two electrodes, wherein a dielectric is arranged between the electrodes. The dielectric may for example be applied to one of the electrodes. At least one electrode and / or the

Dielectric can also be formed by the water to be acted upon.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device has an oxygen feed for introducing oxygen into the plasma source. Through the supply of oxygen, the generation of reactive oxygen-containing substances in the water can be enhanced. reactive

Oxygen-containing substances such as atomic oxygen, ozone or peroxides have a high cleaning or

Disinfecting effect on. The oxygen supply may be fed from an external oxygen supply or from an internal oxygen reservoir, such as an oxygen cylinder. When using a plasma nozzle as

Plasma source, for example, a working gas to operate the plasma nozzle are enriched with oxygen. In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the water inflow is set up so that at least part of the water can be guided through the plasma source. In this way, there is an intimate contact of the plasma with the water and thereby to an increased production of reactive substances in the water. When using a plasma nozzle, the water can be conducted, for example, in the region of the plasma jet or in the region of the discharge into the nozzle tube of the plasma nozzle. The water can be via the inlet for the working gas or via a dedicated, separate

Inlet are introduced into the plasma nozzle.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device comprises a control device for controlling the plasma source, wherein with the

Control device the temperature within the

Plasma source and / or the temperature of the plasma generated with the plasma source is controllable. With the control device, the plasma source can we regulated so that the production of reactive substances in the water is optimal. In a plasma nozzle as a plasma source, the control, for example, on the voltage, the frequency and / or the flow of the guided through the plasma nozzle working fluid he olgen.

Particularly good conditions for the production of reactive oxygen-containing substances can be achieved in that the temperature is controlled to less than 2600 ° C, preferably to less than 2500 ° C, in particular to less than 2400 ° C. Particularly good conditions for the production of reactive oxygen-containing substances can furthermore be achieved by regulating the temperature to less than 1600 ° C., preferably to less than 1500 ° C., in particular to less than 1400 ° C. Above this Temperatures increasingly generate nitrogen-containing reactive substances which react with the oxygen-containing reactive substances and thereby reduce them. In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the plasma source has a water cooling, which

can be fed in particular by the water to be acted upon or acted upon. For this purpose, the plasma source can preferably have cooling channels. When using a

Plasma source having at least one electrode, for example a Piasadüse or a plasma source for generating a plasma by means of dielectrically impeded discharge, at least one electrode has a

Water cooling on. For example, the electrode

Have cooling channels, which are arranged on the surface of the electrode or go through the electrode.

In particular, the electrode may be formed as a hollow electrode, wherein water forms the hollow interior of the hollow electrode, the cooling channel. By cooling the plasma source, the temperatures of the plasma source or of the plasma can be reduced, so that less nitrogen-containing reactive substances are formed.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device has a measuring device for

Measuring at least one property of the plasma supplied with the water. Preferred examples of the at least one property are the conductivity, the pH or pOH value or the nitrogen oxide concentration of the

charged water. With the measuring device can

For example, a control of the with the plasma acted upon water, in particular the concentration of reactive substances in the acted upon water, take place.

In a further preferred embodiment, the

Cleaning device in addition to the measuring device also one

Control device for controlling the plasma source, wherein with the control device measured by the measuring device property of the applied water is controllable. The regulation of this property can take place, for example, via the operating parameters of the plasma source,

for example, the voltage, the frequency and / or the working gas flow when using a plasma nozzle as

Plasma source. By the regulation of at least one

measured property of the acted upon water, in particular, the concentration of reactive substances in the acted upon water can be controlled. For this purpose, in particular the properties conductivity, pH or pOH value and / or nitrogen oxide concentration of the acted upon

Suitable for water.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device has a

Detergent supply for introducing a

Cleaner in the cleaning room. At a

For example, the washing machine can be fixed,

in particular powdery or tabular, or liquid

Detergent, in a dishwasher for example, solid, especially powder or tabular, or liquid

Rinse agent act. The cleaning agent can be introduced separately or together with the water in the cleaning room. Preferably, the detergent feed is arranged so that the detergent in the water is introduced before the water is supplied with the plasma. This may cause the cleaning agent

also be activated by the plasma.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device has a water outlet to

Discharging water from the cleaning room, wherein the water drain is arranged so that at least a portion of the discharged water via the water supply again into the cleaning room can be introduced. In this way, the same amount of water can be used several times for cleaning, so that the water consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the reactive substances generated by the plasma in the water can be better utilized, since after a single pass through the cleaning room remaining reactive substances in the next run can still lead to improved cleaning.

The Plasmaque.ile can be arranged in a further Äusführungsform so in the water drainage, so that the

Water before discharging from the cleaning device, in particular before feeding to the sewer, with the

Plasma can be acted upon. As a result, a treatment of the waste water with the plasma can be achieved, whereby

For example, umweitschädliche pollutants in the wastewater can be reduced. For example, the reactive substances introduced into the water by the plasma can also be used

Detergent residues or residues of dirt react and chemically transform them into safer compounds. in the

Area of the water drain can also be an additional

Be provided plasma source for supplying the waste water. In a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the plasma source is arranged so that via the

Water drain and the inflow of water again in the

Cleaning room introduced water is at least partially acted upon by the plasma. In this way, the concentration of the reactive substances in the water can be increased again before re-introduction into the cleaning room.

As a result, a consistently high concentration of the reactive substances in the water and thus a consistently high cleaning effect during the cleaning process can be achieved.

The cleaning device preferably has a pump, for example a centrifugal pump, for transporting the water. In one embodiment, the plasma source in the

Be arranged region of the pump, wherein the water is preferably applied immediately before or within the pump with the plasma. By the pump movement can be achieved that the introduced into the water

reactive substances are distributed evenly. The

Plasma source may preferably be with the pump as a

constructive unit can be formed.

The subject of the present disclosure is therefore also a pump with integrated plasma source, wherein the plasma source is arranged so that the pumped with the pump medium within the pump can be acted upon with plasma. This pump can be used in particular for one of the cleaning devices described above.

The above-described objects are in a method for cleaning objects with water, in particular under Use one of the previously described

Cleaning devices in which a cleaning room is filled with the objects to be cleaned and in which in the cleaning room water for cleaning the objects

is introduced, according to the invention at least partially solved in that the water before being introduced into the

Cleaning room with a plasma, in particular with an atmospheric plasma jet, is applied. In one embodiment of the method is the

Cleaning room part of a washing machine or a

Dishwasher.

For the advantages of these methods, reference is made to the corresponding statements in connection with the cleaning devices described above. Furthermore, the

Procedures with those for the cleaning devices

described characteristics are further developed accordingly. The objects described above are achieved at least in part by the use of a plasma jet for producing an atmospheric plasma jet in one of the methods described above. With regard to the advantages and further developments of this use, reference is made to the statements made in connection with the previously described methods and with the above

referenced cleaning devices. Further features and advantages of the cleaning device, the method and the use result from the

following description of various Embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawing show

Fig. 1 shows a washing machine as a first embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the inventive method and the

use according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1 with one

Charging unit,

Fig. 3 a dishwasher as a second embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the inventive method and the

use according to the invention,

4 shows a loading unit according to another

Embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention,

Fig. 5 an impingement unit according to another

Embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention, an application unit according to a further embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a loading unit according to another

Embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the inventive

Method and use according to the invention,

8 shows an application unit according to another

Embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the inventive

Method and the use according to the invention and

Fig. 9a-b an admission unit according to another

Ausführungsbeis ie1 of the cleaning device according to the invention, the inventive

Method and use according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a machine designed as a washing machine

Cleaning device 2. The cleaning device 2 has a cleaning chamber 4 with a rotatable laundry drum 6. The washing drum can be set in rotation by means of a drive (arrow 8) The cleaning device 2 also has a water inlet 10, which is fed via an external water supply 12. The water can be introduced into the cleaning space 4 via the water inlet 10 (arrow 14) Within the cleaning chamber 4, the water comes in during the cleaning process with the laundry in the

Laundry drum 6 in contact and thus leads to a cleaning of the laundry. The cleaning device 2 further has a water drain 16, through which the water from the

Reinigungsräum 4 can be removed (arrow 18). The discharged water can then with a pump 20 at least partially fed back to the Wasserzuf 10 and so again introduced into the cleaning chamber 4.

The cleaning device 2 also has a

Detergent supply 22 on, with a

Cleaning agent from a reservoir 24 in the through the

Water inflow 10 flowing water and thus can be introduced into the cleaning room 4 with this. Furthermore, the cleaning device 2 still has one

Control device 26 for carrying out a

Cleaning process in the cleaning room 4 on. The

Control device 26 includes an electrical circuit having a processor, a memory and a

Input device, wherein on the memory various

Cleaning programs are stored, among which one

Select user via the input device.

In the Wasserzuf flow 10 of the cleaning device 2, a loading unit 28 is integrated, the structure of which is shown in detail in Fig. 2.

The loading unit 28 has a line section 30 with an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. The inlet 32 and the outlet 34 are thus at the water inlet 10th

connected, that the water from the water inlet 10 through the inlet 32 into the conduit section 30 and through the outlet 34 back out and back into the water inlet 10 can flow. The application unit furthermore has a plasma source 36, which in the present case is in the form of a plasma nozzle 38 for producing an atmospheric plasma jet 40

is trained . The plasma nozzle 38 has a nozzle tube 42 made of metal that tapers conically to a nozzle opening 44. On the

Nozzle opening 44 opposite end, the nozzle tube 42 a swirl device 46 with an inlet 48 for a

Working gas, for example air.

An intermediate wall 50 of the swirling device 46 has a ring of obliquely set in the circumferential direction holes 52, through which the working gas is twisted. Of the

downstream, conically tapered part of the nozzle tube is therefore traversed by the working gas in the form of a vortex 54, whose core extends on the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube. At the bottom of the intermediate wall 50, an electrode 56 is centrally arranged, which protrudes coaxially in the direction of the tapered portion in the nozzle tube. The

Electrode 56 is electrically connected to the intermediate wall 50 and the remaining parts of the twisting device 46. The

Swirl device 46 is electrically insulated from the nozzle tube 42 by a ceramic tube 58, and via the swirl device 46, a high-frequency high-voltage generated by a transformer 60 is applied to the electrode 56. The inlet 48 is via a hose, not shown, with a pressurized working gas source, with variable

Throughput connected. The nozzle tube 42 is grounded. The applied voltage generates a high frequency discharge in the form of an arc 62 between the electrode 56 and the nozzle tube 42.

The term "arc" is used here as a phenomenological description of the discharge, since the discharge occurs in the form of an arc. The term "arc" but is understood in DC discharge with substantially constant voltage values.

Due to the swirling flow of the working gas, however, this arc is in the vortex core on the axis of the

Nozzle tube 42 is channeled so that it branches only in the region of the nozzle opening 44 to the wall of the nozzle tube 42. The working gas in the area of the vortex core and thus in the immediate vicinity of the arc 62 with high

Flow speed rotates, comes with the arc in intimate contact and is thereby partially in the

Plasma state transferred, leaving an atmospheric

Plasma jet through the nozzle opening 44 enters an outlet pipe 64.

The outlet tube 64 of the plasma nozzle 38 is guided through the wall of the conduit section 30 and arranged so that the outlet opening 66 is under water when the water is passed through the conduit section 30. The from the

Outlet opening 66 emerging plasma jet 40 has a high

Reactivity and generated in the water 68 reactive substances, especially reactive oxygen-containing substances that accumulate in the form of bubbles 70 in the water in particular. The bubbles 70 are shown in FIG. 2 greatly enlarged for clarity.

The enriched with the reactive substances water 68 can then be introduced via the outlet 34 in de water inlet 10 and above in the cleaning room 4. The reactive substances in the water 68 lead there to an improved

Cleaning effect. The control device 26 is connected to the plasma nozzle 38 and configured to control the plasma nozzle 38. The control device 26 also has a

Control device for controlling the temperature within the plasma nozzle 38 and / or the temperature of the plasma jet 40 on. For this purpose, 38 thermocouples for measuring the temperature of the plasma jet 40 or the plasma nozzle 38 may be provided in the region of the plasma nozzle. Fig. 3 shows a trained as a dishwasher

Cleaning device 82. The cleaning device 82 shows in principle a similar construction as the

Cleaning device 2 from FIG. 1. Identical components are marked mi according to the same reference numerals. For the operation of these same components, reference is made to the description of FIG.

The cleaning device 82 has as a cleaning room 84 a space in which crockery, cutlery or devices, such as medical devices, can be arranged. In the cleaning space 84, at least one rotatable spray arm 86 is provided, via which the water introduced through the water inlet 10 into the cleaning space 84 can be distributed therein.

The cleaning device 82 also also has a loading unit 28, as shown in FIG. 2 is shown. With the loading unit 28, the water is enriched by the plasma nozzle 38 with reactive substances, which lead to an improved cleaning effect in the cleaning chamber 84, so that arranged in the cleaning space to cleaning items can be better cleaned or disinfected.

4 shows an application unit 102 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention. The loading unit 102 has a similar structure as the

Beau impact unit 28 of FIG. 2. Identical components are marked accordingly with the same reference numerals. The loading unit 102 may be used, for example, in the cleaning devices 2 and 82 instead of the

Applying unit 28 can be used. The loading unit 102 has as a plasma source

also a plasma nozzle 38. For the structure and function of the plasma nozzle 38, reference is made to the description of FIG. 2 referenced. The applying unit 102 is different from the

Beaufschlagungseinheit 28 characterized in that the outlet pipe 64, a cage 104 is connected, in which the from the

Outlet opening 66 exiting plasma jet 40 occurs. The reactive substances generated by the plasma jet 40 then pass through the openings 106 of the cage 104 into the water. In this embodiment, a direct contact of the

Plasma jet 66 with the water outside of the cage 104 can be reduced or avoided. The water is applied to the excited working gas around the plasma jet 66 and thus indirectly through the plasma jet. In particular, the working gas excited by the plasma jet 66 can also be regarded as a plasma. 5 shows an application unit 112 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention. The loading unit 112 has a similar construction as the

Applying unit 28 of Fig. 2. The same components are marked accordingly with the same reference numerals. The loading unit 112 can be used, for example, in the cleaning devices 2 and 82 instead of the

Applying unit 28 can be used.

The application unit 112 has as a plasma source a plasma nozzle 114, which has a similar construction to the plasma nozzle 38 from FIG. 2. With regard to the same components, reference is therefore made to the description of FIG.

The impingement unit 112 differs from the impingement unit 28 in that the nozzle tube 42 and the outlet tube 64 are internally insulated with an insulation 116 and that instead of the nozzle tube 42 of the

Line section 30 is grounded. The plasma nozzle 114 is operated in such a way that the water, which enters into the outlet pipe 64 in FIG. 5, acts as a second electrode for the water jet

Arc 62 functions.

FIG. 6 shows an application unit 122 according to a further embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention. The loading unit 122 has a structure that at least partially the Structure of the loading unit 28 of FIG. 2 is similar.

The same components are the same

Reference number marked. For example, the applying unit 122 may be used in the cleaning devices 2 and 82 instead of the applying unit 28.

The admission unit 122 differs from the charging unit 28 in that, instead of a plasma nozzle, a plasma source 124 is provided for generating a plasma by means of dielectrically impeded discharge. The

Plasma source 124 includes a central electrode 126 having a dielectric coating 128 and a cage electrode 130 disposed thereabout. Between the central one

Electrode 126 and the cage electrode 130 is applied by means of a transformer 60, a high-frequency high voltage. Furthermore, a working gas is injected between the central electrode 126 and the cage electrode 130 (see arrows 132). The dielectric coating 128 prevents the formation of an arc discharge and instead results in a dielectrically impeded discharge between the central

Electrode 126 and the cage electrode 130. This creates between the electrode 126 and the cage electrode 130, a plasma and thus reactive substances that are enriched in the water.

FIG. 7 shows an application unit 142 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention. The loading unit 142 has a structure that at least partially the

Structure of the loading unit 28 of FIG. 2 is similar.

The same components are the same Reference number marked. For example, the applying unit 142 may be used in the cleaning devices 2 and 82 instead of the applying unit 28. The loading unit 102 has a plasma nozzle 38 as a plasma source. For the structure and function of the

Plasma nozzle 38 is referred to the description of FIG. 2.

Behind the inlet 32, a nozzle 144 is arranged, with which the water supplied via the inlet 32 can be atomized into droplets 146. The nozzle 144 is arranged so that the droplets reach the region of the plasma jet 40 and are enriched there with reactive substances. Due to the large specific surface area of the droplets, effective enrichment can be achieved in this way.

Subsequently, the droplets beat again as

Liquid 148, and then return through the outlet 34 in the water inlet 10 back. FIG. 8 shows an application unit 162 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the method according to the invention and the use according to the invention. The loading unit 162, like the loading unit in FIG. 2, has an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. The

Actuation unit 162 may, for example, in the

Cleaning devices 2 and 82 instead of the

Applying unit 28 can be used. The biasing unit 162 includes first and second reservoirs 164a, 164b, first and second rollers 166a, 166b, and a third reservoir 168. Between The first and second rollers 166a, 166b are applied with a high-frequency high-voltage by means of a transformer 60.

In operation, the water supplied via the inlet 32 is supplied to the first and second reservoirs 164a and 164b. The supply preferably takes place in such a way that the water in the first reservoir and the water in the second reservoir

are galvanically separated from each other. This can

for example, as in FIG. 8 can be achieved by a drip 170a, 170b of the water.

The water from the first and second reservoirs 164a, 164b flows in a waterfall fashion over the first and second rollers 166a, 166b. Due to the high frequency high voltage between the

Rolls 166a, 166b there are discharges between the first and via the second roller 166a, 166b flowing water. The water flowing via the first roller 166a and via the second roller 166b acts here as the first or

second electrode. The discharges create a plasma in the area of the water, through which reactive substances in the water are enriched. Preferably, a working gas (arrow 172) can be blown between the rollers 166a, 166b.

The water flowing via the rollers 166a, 166b passes into the third, preferably via a dropletization 174a, 174b

Reservoir 168. About the outlet 34, the water can be fed back to the water inlet.

Fig. 9a and 9b show an application unit 182 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention

Cleaning device, the inventive method and the use according to the invention. FIG. 9b shows a section through the plane correspondingly marked in FIG. 9a.

The loading unit 182 forms a unit with a pump 184, which, for example, in the

Cleaning devices 2 and 82 can be used instead of the pump 20. The loading unit 28 can then preferably be dispensed with.

The pump 184 is shown in Figs. 9a and 9b as a centrifugal pump

educated. The pump 184 has an inlet 186 and an outlet 188 and a pump housing 190 in which a paddle wheel 196 connected via a shaft 192 to a motor 194 is rotatably arranged. Through the rotation of the

Paddle wheel 196, the water is pumped from the inlet 186 to the outlet 188. To the pump 184, a plasma source 198 is connected, which, for example, as a plasma nozzle for

Generation of a plasma jet may be formed. Through connection channels 200 between the plasma source 198 and the interior of the pump housing 190, the plasma,

preferably one or more plasma jets, from

Plasma source 198 enter the pump housing 190, so that the pumped in the pump housing 190 water is supplied with the plasma and thereby enriched with reactive substances. The rotation of the paddle wheel 196 leads to a good mixing of the reactive substances in the water.

The present disclosure further provides a method in which a liquid is supplied to a chemical process, in particular combustion or (as

Edukt) a chemical production process, and in which the liquid before feeding to the chemical process with a plasma, in particular with a plasma jet, is applied. In this way, in the liquid reactive substances can be enriched, through which the

Reaction can be improved, for example, accelerated. The application of the plasma can thus

act as a catalyst or replace or support a catalyst.

As a plasma source, the plasma sources previously described in this disclosure come into consideration. The exposure of the fluid to the plasma may also be as previously described in this disclosure.

In one embodiment of the method, a fuel, for example gasoline, diesel or kerosene, is subjected to plasma, in particular before the combustion of the fuel in an internal combustion engine or in a

Jet engine. The application of plasma can

For example, be provided in, before or after a carburetor. This can cause the combustion of the fuel

be improved and the efficiency of the engine or the engine can be increased.

In a further embodiment of the method, a liquid educt for a chemical reaction, preferably with at least one second educt, before the reaction with plasma is applied. The plasma may provide in the liquid the energy required to initiate the reaction. Furthermore, the reaction can be accelerated or improved by the reactive substances in the liquid. In principle, the liquid may also be an oil, in particular a solution or a dispersion.

Claims

Cleaning device (2, 82), comprising a cleaning space (4, 84), in which objects to be cleaned can be arranged, and having a water inlet (10), with which water can be introduced into the cleaning space {4, 84), characterized in that the cleaning device (2, 82) has a plasma source (36) for generating a plasma (40), and that the plasma source (36) is arranged so that the over the water inlet (10) in the cleaning space Rei (4, 84) einleitbare water at least partially with the plasma (40) can be acted upon. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning device (2, 82) is a washing machine or a dishwasher. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning device (2, 82) comprises a control device (26) for performing a cleaning operation in the cleaning space (4, 84), wherein the cleaning process, the introduction of water into the cleaning chamber (4, 84 ) and at least partially pressurizing the water with plasma (40). Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plasma source (36) as a plasma nozzle for generating a plasma jet (40), in particular an atmospheric plasma jet (40) is formed. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the plasma nozzle {38) is formed as a plasma nozzle for generating an atmospheric plasma jet by a generated with a high frequency high voltage arc discharge in a working fluid. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cleaning device (2, 82) has an oxygen supply for introducing oxygen into the plasma source (36). Reinigungsvo direction according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the water inlet (10) is arranged so that at least a portion of the water through the plasma source (36) can be guided through. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cleaning device (2, 82) has a control device for controlling the plasma source (36), wherein the temperature within the plasma source (36) and / or the temperature of the with the plasma source (36) generated plasma (40) is controllable. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cleaning device {2, 82} has a detergent feed for introducing a Reinigungsmitteis in the cleaning chamber (4, 84). Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cleaning device (2, 82) has a water drain (16) for removing water from the cleaning chamber (14, 84), the water drain (16) being arranged at least part of the discharged water can be introduced again into the cleaning space (4, 84) via the water inlet (10).

1. Cleaning device according to claim 10,

characterized ,

in that the plasma source (36) is arranged so that the water introduced again into the cleaning space (4, 84) via the water outlet (16) and via the water inlet (10) is at least partially connected to the plasma (40).

can be acted upon.

2. Method for cleaning objects with water,

in particular using a cleaning device (2, 82) according to one of claims 1 to 11,

in which a cleaning space (4, 84) is filled with the objects to be cleaned and in which water is introduced into the cleaning space (4, 84) for cleaning the objects,

characterized,

the water is subjected to a plasma (40), in particular an atmospheric plasma jet (40), before it is introduced into the cleaning space (4, 84).

3. Verf according to claim 12,

characterized ,

the cleaning room (4, 84) is part of a washing machine or a dishwasher.

Use of a plasma nozzle (38) for generating an atmospheric plasma jet (40) in a method according to claim 12 or 13.