EP3936242A1 - Method and cleaning system for cleaning breathing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for cleaning breathing apparatus (112) is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing the breathing apparatus (112), the breathing apparatus (112) having at least one gas-carrying element (180) with at least one warning whistle (182), the warning whistle (182) being set up to the gas-carrying element (180) with a pressure that falls below a minimum pressure to emit a warning tone;b) subjecting the breathing apparatus (112) to at least one cleaning fluid (132, 154); andc) flushing the warning whistle (182) with at least one compressed gas, step c) being carried out at least partially at the same time as step b) and wherein the flushing takes place in such a way that the compressed gas flows out through at least one outlet opening (184) of the warning whistle (182), so that penetration of cleaning fluid (132, 154) through the outlet opening (184) by the outflowing compressed gas is at least largely prevented.Furthermore, a cleaning system (111) is proposed, which is set up for carrying out the method.

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a method and a cleaning system for cleaning breathing apparatus. Methods and cleaning systems of the type mentioned can be used in general to clean breathing apparatus or components thereof, for example breathing apparatus for rescue workers such as fire brigades, technical aid organizations or paramedics, breathing apparatus for divers or people in general in hostile or critical work environments and for armed forces and security forces such as police officers . The proposed devices and methods can also be used for breathing apparatus in the medical field, for example breathing masks for oxygen supply and operations. Other areas of application are also conceivable.

Technical background

Respirators, such as respiratory masks or regulators, are usually part of the personal protective equipment of rescue workers, armed forces or security forces, for example. A large number of breathing apparatuses for different purposes are known from the prior art. For example, rescue workers such as fire brigades use respirators with filters to remove harmful components from the intake air. In many cases, however, as an alternative or in addition to a filter, a so-called lung demand valve is used, via which the user can be ventilated with a breathing gas, for example compressed air. Regulators, which are often also referred to as breathing regulators, generally allow a user to breathe from a compressed gas cylinder or other compressed gas connection and in this way, for example, to be under water or in another non-breathable one or toxic atmosphere. For this purpose, the compressed gas, for example compressed air, from the compressed gas connection is adjusted by the demand valve to a pressure prevailing in the user's working environment.

The breathing apparatus or components thereof must generally be cleaned, sanitized, dried, checked and, if necessary, repaired and packaged after each use. Cleaning is intended to remove all contamination resulting from use or storage, so that the breathing apparatus can be made available macroscopically clean and hygienically flawless, for example for the next steps in processing. The same requirements usually also apply to components of breathing apparatus, such as attachments and accessories for breathing masks, such as filters or regulators.

In many cases, respirators such as respirators and their accessories are either cleaned by hand or washed in modified laundry washing machines using protective bags and/or adapters. For example, is off EP 0 935 687 B1 generally known a washing machine having a tub with a drum. A casing of the drum has a curved structure directed toward the interior of the drum, with holes being arranged at the corner points of edge contours of the curvature directed toward the outside of the drum. In principle, particularly gentle cleaning of items of equipment for rescue workers is possible with washing machines of this type.

Out EP 1 088 928 A1 a holding system for breathing masks in a laundry treatment machine is known. The holding system has a carrying handle which is arranged in a drum of the laundry treatment machine so that it rotates with it and to which the respirators can be connected.

Out DE 200 03 743 U1 and from DE 298 22 172 U1 devices are known for treating protective suits. In this case, clothes hangers are used, which include flexible air outlet nozzles. The hangers are each attached to a pivoting device. Cleaning breathing apparatus is generally not possible or only possible with difficulty using the devices shown.

Out DE 10 2005 033 618 B3 a device for cleaning respiratory masks is known. The device comprises a closable housing and at least one holder arranged in a carrier for at least one respirator. Furthermore are a nozzle arrangement and a brush arrangement are provided, with the respirators being brushed by a movement of the respirators. However, an individual assignment and cleaning of accessories of masks is not possible by means of the disclosed device. Furthermore, the cleaning of gas-carrying elements, such as lung demand valves, is not possible with the disclosed device. Also from DE 200 03 744 U1 a device for cleaning, disinfecting and drying respiratory protection masks is known, which has a carrying frame with an associated nozzle system and individual treatment stations. This device is also fundamentally not suitable for cleaning gas-carrying elements and accessories.

Out DE 10 2007 009 936 A1 a cleaning device for compressed air breathing apparatus is known. This has a receiving space delimited by a protective grille and rotating nozzle holders. The nozzle holders are located outside the protective grille. The disadvantage of the device shown, however, is that cleaning liquid can penetrate into gas-carrying areas.

On the other hand, the cleaning of sensitive components of breathing apparatus, such as lung demand valves, is usually done manually. If necessary, manual cleaning can be supported by placing it in ultrasonic cleaning devices. Out DE 10 2007 012 768 B4 however, a method and a device for cleaning automatic regulators are known. The objects to be cleaned are placed on holders of a rotating element and immersed several times in a liquid bath with cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid and rinsing liquid. In this case, lung demand valves are first pressurized with compressed air to seal between the valve and hose connection and then immersed in the liquid bath. A disadvantage of such immersion methods, however, is that complex mounts with appropriate actuators are required in order to ensure removal of cleaning fluid from the various cavities after cleaning by appropriate movements.

DE 100 20 835 A1 describes a device for treating respirators. A receptacle for equipping with respirators is provided, in which the respirators are coupled to the receptacle by means of the respirator connection. Furthermore, it is described that a collection device for collecting treatment agents is provided in a cabin of the device, as well as a pump for supplying the treatment agents.

US 3,881,503A discloses an apparatus for washing and decontaminating anesthesia equipment. A nozzle system is provided through which jets of water can be sprayed onto the items to be cleaned under high pressure.

In DE 11 74 169 B describes a device for cleaning respiratory masks. In this case, a rotatably mounted tubular frame is provided in a housing, in which the masks to be cleaned are clamped onto holders. The respirators are moved with a rotating movement through a bath of cleaning liquid in a tub by means of the rotating frame.

WO 2011/144518 A2 describes a cleaning device for cleaning breathing apparatus. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber for accommodating at least one breathing apparatus and at least one fluid device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the breathing apparatus. The cleaning device also has at least one pressurization device with at least one pressure connection. The pressure connection can be connected to at least one gas-carrying element of the breathing apparatus. The pressurization device is set up to apply pressurized gas to the gas-carrying element. This design is particularly suitable for preventing moisture from penetrating into gas-carrying elements, since this moisture can freeze during use, for example when compressed air expands, which could lead to interruptions in a vital breathing air supply.

DE 10 2018 204 763 A1 describes a method for cleaning at least one breathing apparatus, the breathing apparatus comprising at least one breathing mask. The method comprises at least one pre-cleaning step, the pre-cleaning step comprising the following sub-steps: a) providing the respirator in an externally contaminated state; b) providing at least one holder for the breathing mask, the holder having at least one curved sealing surface, c) clamping the breathing mask onto the holder in such a way that at least one sealing lip of the breathing mask rests on the curved sealing surface and closes off an interior of the breathing mask; d) introducing the holder with the breathing mask into a pre-cleaning chamber; and e) applying at least one pre-cleaning fluid to an outside of the breathing mask in the pre-cleaning chamber. Furthermore, the method can comprise at least one main cleaning step carried out after the pre-cleaning step, which has the following partial steps: i) detaching the breathing mask from the holder); ii) placing the respirator in a main cleaning chamber; and iii) pressurization of the breathing mask including one directed towards the interior Inside of the breathing mask with at least one main cleaning fluid. Also disclosed is a device for cleaning at least one breathing apparatus, a pre-cleaning device and a cleaning system.

Despite the advantages that have been and are being achieved with the devices and methods described above, numerous technical challenges remain. One challenge is that modern respirators often have so-called "warning whistles". Possible constructions of such warning whistles, which can also be used in the context of the present invention, are for example in DE 1 133 251 B or also in DE 23 51 718 C3 described. In general, these warning whistles are set up to warn a user if the pressure in the breathing apparatus falls below a predetermined minimum. This minimum pressure is usually selected in such a way that the user can still safely retreat. A challenge with such constructions is that the warning whistle itself usually provides an opening through which cleaning fluid can penetrate into the gas-carrying element.

Furthermore, warning whistles generally include at least one valve and at least one signal body, the valve generally remaining closed as long as the minimum pressure is exceeded. On the other hand, if the pressure falls below the minimum pressure, gas, for example compressed air, can reach the signal body and trigger the warning tone. A technical challenge associated with the pressurization during the cleaning process described above is that the pressurization must typically be of sufficient pressure so that the pressure will securely close the valve of the warning whistle so that no cleaning fluid will pass through the valve can. In many cases, this minimum pressure is more than 50 bar, for example 60 bar or even 70 bar. Accordingly, the pressurization usually has to take place with a considerable pressure in order to safely close the valve of the warning whistle. With such high pressures, however, corresponding safety precautions are usually associated, which are structurally complex.

A further disadvantage is that the two-part construction of the warning whistle described above with the valve and the signal body is usually equipped with at least one cavity which can fill up with cleaning fluid, for example water, when cleaning. If the pressurization is removed after cleaning, the valve of the warning whistle opens in many cases and cleaning fluid can now get through the open valve into the remaining components of the gas-carrying element, for example the breathing system.

In some constructions, the warning whistle is also structurally coupled to other components of the gas-carrying element. For example, the warning whistle and at least one pressure measuring device such as a manometer or pressure gauge can form a structural unit. This unit can, for example, be fully or partially encapsulated with a rubber protection, which often does not fit tightly against the housing of the unit. Accordingly, during cleaning, cleaning fluid can penetrate into a gap between the rubber protection and the manometer, from there it can reach the outlet opening of the warning whistle and can penetrate the gas-carrying element, for example the hose system, via the outlet opening and the valve of the warning whistle.

object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide a method and a cleaning system for cleaning breathing apparatus which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known methods and systems of the type mentioned. In particular, the aim is to at least largely prevent cleaning fluid from penetrating into gas-carrying elements in a structurally simple manner.

General Description of the Invention

This object is addressed by a method and a cleaning system having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

In the following, the terms "have", "have", "comprise" or "include" or any grammatical deviations thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B", "A comprises B" or "A includes B" can both refer to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element in A is present (ie to a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as to the situation in which, in addition to B, there are one or more other elements in A, e.g. element C, elements C and D or even further elements .

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" as well as grammatical modifications of these terms are used when they are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express that the element or feature is provided once or several times can generally only be used once, for example when the feature or element is introduced for the first time. If the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element can be provided once or more than once.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without alternative embodiments being restricted thereby. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims, by these features. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the invention may be practiced using other configurations. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in one embodiment of the invention" are understood to be optional features without intending to limit alternative configurations or the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, through these introductory expressions, all possibilities to combine the features introduced here with other features, be they optional or non-optional features, remain untouched.

1. a) Bereitstellen des Atemgeräts, wobei das Atemgerät mindestens ein gasführendes Element mit mindestens einer Warnpfeife aufweist, wobei die Warnpfeife eingerichtet ist, um bei einer Druckbeaufschlagung des gasführenden Elements mit mindestens einem Druck, der einen Mindestdruck unterschreitet, einen Warnton abzugeben;
2. b) Beaufschlagung des Atemgeräts mit mindestens einem Reinigungsfluid;
3. c) Spülen der Warnpfeife mit mindestens einem Druckgas, wobei Schritt c) zumindest teilweise zeitgleich mit Schritt b) durchgeführt wird und wobei das Spülen dergestalt erfolgt, dass das Druckgas durch mindestens eine Auslassöffnung der Warnpfeife ausströmt, so dass ein Eindringen von Reinigungsfluid durch die Auslassöffnung durch das ausströmende Druckgas zumindest weitgehend verhindert wird.

In a first aspect, a method for cleaning at least one breathing apparatus is proposed. The method includes the steps detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, the steps can be performed in the order listed. However, a different sequence is also possible in principle. Furthermore, two or more of the method steps mentioned can be carried out with a time overlap or at the same time. Furthermore, one or more or even all of the process steps mentioned can be carried out once or several times repeatedly. In addition to the steps mentioned, the method can comprise further method steps which are not mentioned. The procedure includes the following steps:

1. a) providing the breathing apparatus, the breathing apparatus having at least one gas-carrying element with at least one warning whistle, the warning whistle being set up, to emit a warning tone when the gas-carrying element is pressurized with at least one pressure that falls below a minimum pressure;
2. b) subjecting the breathing apparatus to at least one cleaning fluid;
3. c) flushing the warning whistle with at least one compressed gas, step c) being carried out at least partially at the same time as step b) and flushing taking place in such a way that the compressed gas flows out through at least one outlet opening of the warning whistle, so that cleaning fluid can penetrate through the outlet opening is at least largely prevented by the outflowing compressed gas.

The term "cleaning" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a process in which items to be cleaned are freed from adhering macroscopic or else microscopic contamination and/or in which such contamination is at least partially removed. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised.

The term "breathing apparatus" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, to a device suitably configured to protect a user's airways from harmful influences and/or to apply one or more respiratory gases to the user's airways. For example, the breathing apparatus can be a device that is set up to completely or partially filter ambient air and/or to provide breathing gas to at least one user. These breathing devices can be complete, ready-to-use breathing devices or components thereof, so that in the following no conceptual distinction is made between breathing devices and their components.

The breathing apparatus has at least one gas-carrying element. The term "gas-carrying element" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to an element or a combination of elements which, when the breathing apparatus is used by a human or animal user, are exposed to a breathing gas or are otherwise exposed to the same respiratory gas can come into contact. In particular, this can be a demand valve and/or a breathing tube with at least one valve. In particular, the gas-carrying element can be an element which has at least one hose and/or at least one other type of gas-carrying device with an interior space and/or at least one valve, which cleaning fluid generally must not be subjected to. For example, the gas-carrying element can be an area of the breathing device that is subjected to a pressure above normal pressure during operation, for example a gas-carrying area of a breathing device above normal pressure, for example above 1.5 bar, in particular above 2 bar . In particular, it can be a breathing gas-carrying area of a demand valve, in which case the demand valve can in principle be a single-stage or also a multi-stage demand valve. The gas-carrying element can, for example, be a part of a first stage and/or a second stage and/or optionally further stages of the demand valve or a complete demand valve. For example, the gas-carrying element can be an area between a hose connection and a valve of a demand valve, or the gas-carrying element can comprise such an area.

The gas-carrying element can have at least one hose and/or at least one tube, for example. In particular, the gas-carrying element can have at least one completely or partially closed lumen that can hold compressed gas. Furthermore, the at least one gas-carrying element can have at least one connection, for example at least one connection for connecting at least one compressed gas tank and/or at least one compressed gas line. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connection can also be connectable to at least one mouthpiece and/or at least one breathing regulator, and/or the breathing regulator and/or the mouthpiece can be part of the gas-carrying element. Furthermore, the at least one connection can also include at least one tool connection, so that, for example, at least one compressed gas gun, for example a compressed air gun, can be connected to the connection or can also be part of the at least one gas-carrying element.

Furthermore, the gas-carrying element can also have, for example, at least one manometer, also referred to as a pressure gauge, or can be connected to the at least one manometer, for example via the at least one connection. The at least one pressure gauge can be set up, for example, to detect at least one internal pressure, for example the high pressure and/or the medium pressure described in more detail below. The pressure gauge can be designed entirely or partially as a separate component or can also be combined entirely or partially with other components. As explained above, for example, the at least one warning whistle can also be fully or partially integrated into the at least one manometer and/or combined with the at least one manometer. A separate design of these elements is also possible.

In particular, the gas-carrying element can have a number of areas, in particular a number of inner areas, which can be formed separately from one another, for example by one or more valves and/or pressure regulators. In particular, the gas-carrying element can have at least one high-pressure area and optionally also at least one medium-pressure area, the medium-pressure area being able to be connected, for example, to the high-pressure area via at least one pressure reducer. For example, the gas-carrying element can be connected to at least one reservoir for compressed gas in the high-pressure area during operation of the breathing apparatus, so that pressures of at least 200 bar or even at least 300 bar can prevail here. In the medium-pressure range, for example, 4-12 bar can prevail, or for example generally pressures of less than 40 bar, in particular less than 20 bar. The warning whistle described in more detail below can, in particular, as will be explained in more detail, have at least one valve and at least one signal body, in particular an acoustic signal body or whistle body, the valve being connected, for example, to the high-pressure area and thus being subjected to an internal pressure of the high-pressure area can. Thus, the internal pressure prevailing in the high-pressure area can be set up, for example, to control a position of the valve of the warning whistle.

In addition to the at least one gas-carrying element, the breathing apparatus can also have one or more additional components which can be connected to the gas-carrying element or which can also be cleaned separately, for example, can be accommodated separately in at least one cleaning basket. For example, the breathing apparatus can include at least one breathing mask, also referred to as a breathing mask. The term "respirator" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. In particular, the term may refer, without limitation, to a device which is part of breathing apparatus and which is adapted to: to cover all or part of a user's face, in particular a mouth area and/or nose area. The cover can be used in particular to protect the user's respiratory tract from pollutants and/or the introduction of respiratory gases into the respiratory tract and/or the discharge of respiratory gases from the respiratory tract. The respirator can also cover other parts of the user's face and/or head, such as the eyes. Accordingly, the breathing mask can in particular also have at least one transparent viewing window. The respirator can also have at least one seal for sealing an interior of the respirator from an exterior, the interior being delimited, for example when the respirator is in operation, by the respirator itself, the head of the user and the seal of the respirator. In particular, the breathing mask can be convex, with at least one cavity being formed that is partially closed off by the breathing mask and the edges of which are formed, for example, by the at least one seal. In particular, the breathing mask can have a wall that is preferably completely or partially flexible and covers the mouth and nose and optionally other areas of the face such as the eyes. In particular, the seal can have at least one sealing lip, which seals the breathing mask against the face, so that the said interior space is formed as a sealed area between the face and the breathing mask. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, the respirator mask can have at least one attachment for attachment to the user's head, for example at least one strap, at least one attachment strap or at least one attachment which consists of several straps and is often referred to as a strap or spider. The breathing mask can have at least one opening, for example, and can be set up, for example, to enable an air supply or respiratory gas supply. For example, the breathing mask can have at least one thread for connecting a breathing gas supply. Furthermore, the breathing mask can have at least one exhalation valve, for example. For example, the respirator mask can be made entirely or partially from a flexible material, in particular from at least one elastomeric material, for example rubber and/or silicone. Furthermore, the breathing apparatus can also have one or more small parts, which can be accommodated, for example, in at least one small parts basket of the cleaning basket.

The term "warning whistle" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may particularly relate, without limitation, to a device configured to emit at least one audible warning signal when one or more specified conditions exist.

As explained above, the warning whistle is set up to emit a warning sound when the gas-carrying element is pressurized with a pressure that falls below at least a minimum pressure. In particular, the warning whistle can be a device which can be subjected to one or more pressures and which, if one or more conditions are present with regard to this at least one pressure, emits at least one acoustic warning signal. In particular, the warning whistle can be set up to emit the at least one acoustic warning signal when the at least one pressure applied to the warning whistle reaches at least one threshold value or falls below the at least one threshold value. This threshold value is also referred to as the minimum pressure, with one or more threshold values being able to be provided. The minimum pressure can be fixed or can also be adjustable, for example. The warning signal can also be emitted in an open, closed or half-open pressure range of the at least one pressure, for example if the applied pressure is within the interval, but no signal if the pressure is outside the interval.

The warning whistle has at least one outlet opening. This outlet opening can, for example, open directly or via the interposition of one or more gas-carrying areas, such as tubes, into an area surrounding the gas-carrying element. For example, the warning whistle can be formed on an extension of the gas-carrying element, such as a manometer extension or on a rigid or flexible connector. The outlet opening can be formed, for example, at the end of this extension.

The warning whistle can also have at least one valve and at least one signal body. For example, at least one cavity can be formed between the valve and the signal body. The signal body can comprise at least one element which can generate the at least one acoustic signal, for example when the at least one compressed gas flows through or around it. This at least one element can, for example, have at least one cutting edge or edge, which the compressed gas can flow against, so that acoustic vibrations can occur in the compressed gas and/or on the cutting edge. The at least one valve can, for example, with at least one hydraulic surface with at least one interior of the gas-carrying Elements are connected, so that, for example, an internal pressure in the interior, which can be, for example, a high-pressure area of the gas-carrying element, can determine at least one position of the valve. The valve can be set up, for example, to control a gas flow in or on the signal body. This gas flow can, for example, be diverted from the internal pressure in the interior space, or it can be a separate gas flow. For example, depending on its position, the valve can close or open an opening through which pressurized gas can penetrate from the interior into the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, however, the cavity can also be charged separately with compressed gas, depending on the position of the valve, for example from a separate store and/or via a separate compressed gas supply. Thus, the interior of the gas-carrying element and the cavity between the valve and the signal body can be charged with the same compressed gas or with different compressed gases.

In general, possible configurations of the warning whistle can be referred to, for example, the above-mentioned documents DE 1 133 251 B or DE 23 51 718 C3 to get expelled. However, a different embodiment is also fundamentally possible, as is known to those skilled in the art.

In step b), as explained above, the respirator is impinged with at least one cleaning fluid. This can in particular be a purely external application, so that, for example, only the outer surfaces of the breathing apparatus are exposed to cleaning fluid. The loading can take place in particular in at least one cleaning device, for example in a cleaning chamber of the cleaning device, as will be explained in more detail below. However, impingement without using a cleaning device with a cleaning chamber is also possible, for example in a sink.

The term "cleaning device" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a device which is set up to free items to be cleaned from adhering macroscopic or else microscopic contamination or to at least partially eliminate such contamination. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised. As will be explained in more detail below, the cleaning device can be designed in particular as a dishwasher, in particular as a dishwasher. The dishwasher can be designed, for example, as a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit washing system, as a front-door dishwasher or as a hood-type dishwasher, in particular as a pass-through dishwasher. Dishwashers with water changes, in particular so-called single-circuit systems, can also be used. As an alternative or in addition to dishwashers, other types of cleaning devices can also be used.

As will be explained below, the cleaning device can have at least one cleaning chamber. The term "cleaning chamber" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. In particular, the term may refer, without limitation, to a fully or partially enclosed chamber within which the cleaning process may be fully or partially performed. The cleaning chamber can in particular have at least one housing which completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. In this case, a single cleaning chamber can be provided, or, in principle, a plurality of cleaning chambers can also be provided, for example sequentially. The cleaning chamber can, for example, have at least one opening for loading the cleaning chamber with the items to be cleaned. For example, this can be an opening with a flap arranged on a front side of the cleaning chamber and/or a top side of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods are also possible to close off the cleaning chamber, for example in the context of so-called hood dishwashers or pass-through dishwashers. In principle, other configurations are also possible.

The cleaning chamber can, for example, be set up to accommodate at least one cleaning basket, as will also be explained in more detail below. For this purpose, the cleaning chamber can have, for example, at least one basket holder, for example at least one rail into which the cleaning basket can be pushed, and/or at least one holding device or transport device, by means of which the basket can be moved into the cleaning chamber, out of the cleaning chamber or through the Cleaning chamber can be transported through.

The cleaning device can also have at least one application device for applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the breathing apparatus. In this way, the application device can be designed in particular to apply the at least one cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber to the breathing apparatus. the The application device can have, for example, at least one tank for receiving the at least one cleaning fluid and, for example, one or more nozzles. In particular, the application device can have, for example, at least two nozzle arms accommodated in the cleaning chamber. In addition, the application device can have further elements, such as one or more pumps for transporting the cleaning fluid to the at least one nozzle, and one or more pipelines. The application device can be controlled in particular by at least one controller of the cleaning device.

The term "applying device" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to any device in principle, by means of which the items to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber can be subjected to the at least one cleaning fluid, in particular the at least one cleaning liquid. The application device has, for example, at least one nozzle system with at least one nozzle, for example with one or more nozzle arms, which can be arranged, for example, above and/or below the items to be cleaned. Furthermore, the application device can include at least one pump and at least one line system for providing cleaning liquid to the nozzle system. In this case, for example, a nozzle system and a line system for applying cleaning liquid from a tank can be provided, as well as at least one corresponding pump. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one nozzle system can also be acted upon directly from a supply line, without a pump being required for this. The cleaning device can be designed in particular as a cleaning device with two tanks, a washing tank and a rinsing tank. Accordingly, the loading device can in particular comprise a washing system and a rinsing system, wherein the washing system can have the washing tank and a washing nozzle system as well as a washing line system and a washing pump, for example a circulating pump. The rinsing system can have, for example, a rinsing tank that is separate from the wash tank, as well as a rinsing nozzle system, a rinsing line system and optionally a rinsing pump. The after-rinse nozzle system and the washing nozzle system can, for example, be completely or partially separate. Optionally, however, these nozzle systems can also be combined in whole or in part, for example in a common housing.

As explained above, the application device can in particular have at least one nozzle. This at least one nozzle can in particular comprise at least one nozzle selected from the group consisting of: a spray nozzle; a flushing nozzle; a spray arm, in particular a rotatable spray arm; a nozzle that can be operated in circulation mode.

The term "cleaning fluid" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a liquid which, when it hits the items to be cleaned, can develop a cleaning effect. Accordingly, the term “cleaning liquid” is also used in the following instead of the term “cleaning fluid”, without restricting the use of other fluid media. In particular, the cleaning liquid can include an aqueous liquid, for example water and/or water with one or more additives, for example with one or more cleaning concentrates and/or rinse aids and/or disinfectants. The cleaning fluid can be applied to the respirator in such a way that a single cleaning liquid is used or in such a way that a combination of several cleaning liquids is used. If several cleaning liquids are provided, the different cleaning liquids can be applied simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the cleaning basket with the breathing apparatus can remain stationary within a cleaning chamber of a cleaning device and can be subjected to the various cleaning liquids and/or cleaning fluids one after the other.

As further explained above, the cleaning fluid can in particular comprise at least one cleaning fluid selected from the group consisting of: an aqueous cleaning fluid; a cleaning fluid with at least one cleaning solution; a cleaning fluid with at least one rinse aid; a cleaning fluid with at least one disinfectant; a post-rinse fluid; demineralized water; a heated cleaning fluid, in particular a cleaning fluid heated to a temperature of 30°C to 70°C and particularly preferably 60°C.

“Application with cleaning fluid” can generally be understood as meaning any desired contacting of items to be cleaned, in this case the breathing apparatus, with the at least one cleaning fluid, in particular external contacting. This can be done, for example, in the form of a direct application, for example by spraying, dripping, irradiating or a combination of the above and/or other direct types of impingement, in which the cleaning fluid impinges directly on the items to be cleaned, for example the breathing apparatus and/or the breathing mask. This embodiment of the loading can take place in particular with a fixed cleaning chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the loading can also take place in such a way that the cleaning chamber is completely or partially filled with cleaning fluid, so that the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber come into contact with the cleaning fluid at least in one position of the cleaning chamber. This design of the impingement can be used in particular in a design of the cleaning chamber as a movable cleaning chamber, for example in the form of a drum. Combinations of the types of loading mentioned and/or other types of loading are also possible. Irrespective of whether the cleaning chamber is designed to be rigid or movable, the cleaning fluid can be applied in simple operation in that the cleaning fluid is applied to the items to be cleaned, for example the breathing apparatus and/or the breathing mask, only once. Alternatively or additionally, however, cleaning can also be carried out in circulation mode, in that cleaning fluid is applied to the items to be cleaned several times. Such circulating operations and circulating circuits are known, for example, from conventional dishwashers.

The cleaning device can be set up, for example, to carry out at least one cleaning program using the application device, for example controlled by at least one controller of the cleaning device, in which the items to be cleaned, for example the at least one cleaning basket with the breathing apparatus, are held stationary in the cleaning chamber and successively in one or several cleaning steps of the cleaning program is applied in different ways with cleaning fluid, for example initially in at least one washing step with the at least one washing fluid and in at least one rinsing step with the at least one rinsing fluid. Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided, which for example in the at least one cleaning chamber can be carried out downstream of the application of the cleaning fluid when the items to be cleaned are held in a stationary manner. Accordingly, the cleaning device can be designed in particular as a program machine. Alternatively, however, the cleaning device can also be designed, for example, as a transport cleaning device, in which the cleaning basket with the breathing apparatus is transported through one or more cleaning zones.

The term "tank" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. the Term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a completely or partially closed container which is designed to hold at least one fluid, in particular at least one liquid. As stated above, the at least one tank can have at least one washing tank, for example. This at least one wash tank can be arranged, for example, in a floor of the cleaning chamber or can also be fluidically connected to a floor of the cleaning chamber, so that cleaning fluid can flow from the cleaning chamber into the wash tank. For example, the wash tank can be separated from the cleaning chamber by at least one screen. In addition to the at least one washing tank, the at least one tank can also further comprise one or more further tanks. For example, the at least one tank can have at least one post-rinse tank, which can be configured separately from the wash tank, for example. In the at least one post-rinse tank, for example, at least one post-rinse fluid, also referred to as final-rinse fluid, can be processed, for example temperature-controlled, while a washing step is still taking place in the cleaning chamber. The post-rinse tank can, for example, comprise at least one boiler.

In step c), the warning whistle is flushed with at least one compressed gas. This step is carried out at least partially at the same time, that is to say at least partially with a time overlap or else completely at the same time, as the at least one cleaning fluid is applied to the breathing apparatus. Furthermore, the flushing takes place in such a way that the compressed gas flows out through at least one outlet opening of the warning whistle, so that penetration of cleaning fluid through the outlet opening by the outflowing compressed gas is at least largely prevented.

The term "compressed gas" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to any gas that has a pressure above normal pressure, ie a pressure above 1 bar. In particular, this can involve a pressure above 1.5 bar, in particular above 2 bar, and particularly preferably above 3 bar. In particular, the compressed gas can be air or include air, ie compressed air. However, other gases, in particular inert gases, can also be used, for example nitrogen.

As stated above, the flushing takes place in such a way that the compressed gas flows out through at least one outlet opening of the warning whistle, so that cleaning fluid can penetrate is at least largely prevented through the outlet opening by the outflowing compressed gas. For example, the compressed gas, controlled for example by the valve of the warning whistle, can flow into the cavity between the valve and the signal body and flow out from there through the outlet opening, so that the flow at least largely prevents the penetration of cleaning fluid. For example, a pressure, in particular a static pressure, of the compressed gas at the outlet opening can exceed 1 bar, in particular 1.5 bar, particularly preferably at least 2 bar, for example 2 to 6 bar. The term "at least largely prevented" can be understood in particular to mean that no more than 10% of the cleaning fluid that occurs on the outlet opening can penetrate into the outlet opening, preferably no more than 5%, in particular no more than 1% or even no more than 0 .5%. In particular, the term “at least largely prevented” can mean that cleaning fluid is no longer visually recognizable in the area of the outlet opening.

The warning whistle can be flushed with the at least one compressed gas in various ways. For example, at least one interior space of the gas-carrying element, as explained above, can optionally be pressurized during the application of the at least one cleaning fluid, for example with the at least one compressed gas. For example, this can be a high-pressure area or a medium-pressure area of the gas-carrying element. At least part of this at least one compressed gas can be branched off as a stream, for example, in order to flush the warning whistle. For example, the valve of the warning whistle, as explained above, can either be permeable to this flow or regulate the flow in such a way that part of the compressed gas can be diverted. As an alternative or in addition to the optional branching off of the stream of compressed gas from a pressure in the interior, separate flushing can also take place. The compressed gas that is used to flush the warning whistle can thus be independent of the compressed gas with which the interior of the gas-carrying element can optionally be charged during the application of the at least one cleaning fluid. Nevertheless, the valve of the warning whistle, which can regulate the flushing of the warning whistle, can be controlled by a pressure in the at least one interior space.

The method may further include the following step:
d) Covering the outlet opening of the warning whistle with at least one covering element, step d) being carried out at least partially before step b) and c), the outlet opening being at least partially closed during the covering process, so that Compressed gas can still flow out through the at least partially covered outlet opening.

The term "covering" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process in which at least one element or at least one region is completely or partially closed by at least one covering element, in that the covering element completely or partially overlaps and/or fills the element or region. In particular, by covering at least one opening can be completely or partially closed by the cover element. The term "cover member" is to be construed accordingly, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the term can relate in particular to an element or a device which is set up to carry out or ensure “covering” in the sense of the above understanding. Examples of cover elements are described in more detail below.

The covering can in particular take place in such a way that the at least one opening, in the present case the at least one outlet opening of the warning whistle, is at least partially closed for the passage of at least one medium in at least one passage direction. In this case, the covering can be in the form of a valve, so that, for example, media can still pass through completely or partially in one direction, but is prevented in an opposite direction. However, the covering should be such that the at least one compressed gas can at least partially flow out of the covered outlet opening, i.e. out of the warning whistle, so that the flushing in step c) is not completely interrupted. This can be done in a number of ways. For example, the at least one cover element can only partially close the at least one outlet opening, so that at least part of the opening remains free for the compressed gas of the flushing to flow out. Alternatively or additionally, as explained above, the at least one cover element can also have valve properties, so that the compressed gas can escape from the warning whistle, but entry in the opposite direction, e.g. entry of cleaning fluid, is at least largely prevented. This can be done, for example, by applying a flexible cover element to the outlet opening from the outside, as a result of which the outlet opening is completely or partially closed, the flexible cover element being completely or partially displaced and/or, for example, by escaping compressed gas can be lifted from the outlet opening so that the flow of pressurized gas can pass through the outlet opening.

Accordingly, the cover element can be configured in a particularly flexible manner. In step c), for example, the outflowing compressed gas can displace the cover element at least partially from the outlet opening, for example lift it outwards. In this way, as explained above, a valve property of the cover element can be created in particular, which allows media, in particular compressed gas, to exit from the outlet opening but at least largely prevents media, in particular cleaning fluid, from entering the warning whistle. In general, the cover element can therefore sit on the outlet opening as a flexible valve.

The covering element can generally have elastic properties. Furthermore, the cover element can in particular at least partially enclose the warning whistle. For example, the covering element can be designed entirely or partially as a band which completely or partially encloses the warning whistle in the area of the at least one outlet opening. As an alternative or in addition, as will be explained in more detail below, the cover element can be configured entirely or partially as a clamp which completely or partially encloses the warning whistle in the area of the outlet opening.

In particular, the cover element can have at least one element selected from the group consisting of: an elastic band, in particular a rubber band; a sealing tape, in particular a sealing tape selected from the group consisting of an elastic sealing tape and a sealing tape with a Velcro fastener; a clip, in particular a clip selected from the group consisting of a metal clip and a plastic clip, in particular a clip with at least one sealing element, in particular a sealing surface or seal which can be placed on the outlet opening to form a seal.

As explained above, in step c) the warning whistle is flushed with the at least one compressed gas. In addition to the at least one warning whistle, one or more other parts of the gas-carrying element can be flushed with compressed gas. Thus, in particular during step c), ie at least partially simultaneously with the flushing of the warning whistle, one or more other parts of the gas-carrying element can be flushed with compressed gas, in particular one or more hoses.

As stated above, the compressed gas can include compressed air in particular. Accordingly, the method can be carried out in particular with a pressurization device with a compressed air source, for example a compressed air source which is provided on site and/or which is provided in a cleaning device and which is connected to the gas-carrying element for carrying out step c).

As stated above, the warning whistle is set up to emit a warning sound when the gas-carrying element is pressurized with a pressure that falls below a minimum pressure. For example, the warning whistle can generally emit the warning tone at pressures below the minimum pressure or also in at least one pressure interval which is below the minimum pressure. The minimum pressure of the warning whistle can, for example, be at least 50 bar, in particular at least 100 bar, in particular in a range from 100 bar to 300 bar.

In particular during the flushing in step c), the compressed gas can have a flushing pressure that is below the minimum pressure. Accordingly, in particular, pressurization with high pressure is not required. In particular, the flushing pressure can be in a range from 1 bar to 12 bar.

As explained above, the warning whistle can in particular have at least one valve and at least one signal body. At least one internal pressure of the gas-carrying element can be applied to the valve, for example. For example, this internal pressure can be a pressure that prevails in at least one interior space of the gas-carrying element. For example, this can be a pressure in at least one high-pressure area and/or in at least one medium-pressure area. For example, the valve can be set up in such a way that an internal pressure in the interior can control a position of the valve, as is usually the case with warning whistles. Accordingly, the position of the valve can control the flow of the at least one pressurized gas through the warning whistle.

As stated above, in addition to flushing the warning whistle in step c), the at least one interior of the gas-carrying element can also be subjected to at least one pressure, for example as in WO 2011/144518 A2 described.

In particular, as explained above, at least one cavity can be formed between the valve of the warning whistle and the signal body of the warning whistle. In step c) can in particular pressurized gas flow through the cavity to the signal body and then through the outlet opening.

In particular, as explained above, the outlet opening can be arranged directly or indirectly on the signal body. For example, as explained above, the signal body can have at least one whistle opening, which can function as an outlet opening. Alternatively or additionally, however, the outlet opening can also be connected to the signal body by at least one flow channel, for example.

In step a), the method comprises providing the at least one respirator. This provision in step a) can in particular include introducing the breathing apparatus into at least one cleaning device, in particular into at least one cleaning chamber of the at least one cleaning device. In particular, the provision can include introducing the breathing apparatus into at least one cleaning basket of the cleaning device. Furthermore, step a) can include connecting the at least one gas-carrying element of the breathing apparatus to at least one pressure connection of the cleaning basket. In step c), the warning whistle can be flushed with the compressed gas via the pressure connection and via at least one pressurization device of the cleaning device.

As used herein, the term "cleaning basket", also referred to as "rinse basket", is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a portable receiving device in which items to be cleaned can be accommodated, placed in a cleaning device, for example a dishwasher, and then removed from the cleaning device again in a cleaned state. The cleaning basket can thus be reversibly introduced into the cleaning chamber. Accordingly, the cleaning chamber can have, for example, at least one receptacle for the cleaning basket. Alternatively, the cleaning basket can also be permanently installed in a cleaning device, for example. For example, the cleaning basket can be fastened in a rail system of the cleaning device and can be pushed into a cleaning chamber of the cleaning device via this system and pulled out of the cleaning chamber again after cleaning. Furthermore, cleaning baskets can also be used for the temporary storage of items to be cleaned. The cleaning basket can in particular have a large number have openings so that liquid can drip down. The cleaning basket can in particular have an essentially cuboid shape, with a basket base which can have a square or generally rectangular outline, for example, and which has a support surface for placing the cleaning basket on a flat work surface. Optionally, one or more basket walls can extend upwards from the basket floor, for example with an upstanding edge and also optionally other elements such as handles. Furthermore, the cleaning basket can have a plurality of mask holders or other holders for the items to be cleaned, in particular the breathing apparatus. In addition, the cleaning basket can have at least one pressure connection, as explained above and as explained in more detail below.

The term "pressure port" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to any connecting element in principle, to which the at least one gas-carrying element can be connected in order to provide compressed gas from the pressurization device to the at least one gas-carrying element. A connection between the pressure port and the gas-carrying element is generally to be understood as a fluidic connection, in particular a gas connection, so that the pressurized fluid of the pressurization device can flow into the gas-carrying element of the breathing apparatus, in particular into an interior space of the gas-carrying element and/or in the warning whistle, preferably without loss of fluid and/or pressure at that connection. The pressure connection can include at least one mechanical connection element, in particular a positive and/or non-positive connection, so that the breathing apparatus, in particular the gas-carrying element, can be firmly connected to the pressure connection. For example, this can be a screw connection and/or a clamp connection and/or a clamping connection, for which purpose the pressure connection and/or the breathing apparatus can each have at least one mechanical connection element. In particular, this can be a plug-in connection in the form of a quick-action coupling and/or a thread, for example a coupling piece for a breathing connection of a demand valve. A quick coupling is generally to be understood as a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight plug-in connection between two fluid-carrying components, which can be mechanically secured by a mechanical fixation that can be produced and released in a simple and quick manner, in particular without using a screw cap, for example by at least a clamping hook and/or a bayonet lock and/or a screw lock, for example a union nut. The connection can be made in particular without tools. In particular, the pressure connection can include a plurality of fixed or exchangeable adapters for connection to different types of gas-carrying elements. A number of different gas-carrying elements can be connected directly or indirectly to the pressure connection by means of these adapters, for example different types and/or different types of gas-carrying elements, for example different makes or manufacturers. For example, an adapter set with a plurality of different coupling pieces, for example coupling pieces of a quick coupling, and/or threads for connecting different gas-carrying elements can be provided. For example, this can involve different quick coupling systems and/or standard threads. Alternatively or additionally, however, the at least one pressure connection can also be designed as a fixed pressure connection for a specific type of connecting element or for a specific type of gas-carrying element. It is particularly advantageous if the pressure connection and/or its coupling system are set up in such a way that on the one hand no gas can escape if no counterpart is connected and that in this case no other medium, for example cleaning fluid, can enter the gas-carrying element.

The pressure port may be directly or indirectly connected or connectable to the pressurization device. As will be explained in more detail below, there are several possibilities with regard to the configuration of the pressurization device. For example, this can be fully or partially integrated into the cleaning basket, for example in the form of at least one compressed gas bottle. In this case, for example, there can be a compressed gas line between the integrated pressurization device and the pressure connection in the cleaning basket. At least one valve can be provided in this compressed gas line, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the pressurization device can also be accommodated, for example, in whole or in part in a cleaning device, in the cleaning chamber of which the cleaning basket is placed, in the form of a pressurization device integrated into the cleaning device and/or in the form of a connection of the cleaning device, for example to an on-site compressed gas network or an on-site compressed gas line. In this case, for example, the cleaning basket can be connected to the pressurization device via at least one compressed gas line. This compressed gas line can be connected automatically, for example, when the cleaning basket is inserted into the cleaning chamber, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively or additionally, however, the compressed gas line can also be connected manually, for example, manually a corresponding connection on the cleaning basket when the cleaning basket is introduced into the cleaning chamber of the cleaning device. A cleaning system comprising the cleaning basket and the cleaning device, which is described in more detail below, can thus also comprise the at least one compressed gas line which connects the pressurization device and the pressure connection. The compressed gas line can be part or all of the cleaning basket or can also be part or all of a further part of the cleaning system, for example the cleaning device or as a separate component.

The term "pressurization device" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a device which is set up to be able to provide a fluid, in particular a gas, at a pressure above normal pressure, for example a pressure of at least 1.5 bar, preferably a pressure of at least 2 bar. The pressurization device is set up to apply pressurized gas to the gas-carrying element. A compressed gas can generally be understood to mean any gas which has a pressure above normal pressure, ie a pressure above 1 bar. In particular, this can involve a pressure above 1.5 bar, in particular above 2 bar, and particularly preferably above 3 bar. In particular, the pressurization device can be set up in such a way that the pressurization with the compressed gas takes place in such a way that all cleaning fluid is kept away from an interior space of the breathing apparatus to which the pressurized gas is applied. The compressed gas can be, for example, compressed air or another gaseous medium with an overpressure, for example nitrogen, carbon dioxide or the like. In particular, an inert gas can be used as the compressed gas. The cleaning device can in particular be designed in such a way that the pressurization takes place via the pressurization device during at least one cleaning process, for example during at least one program step of a single-step or multi-step cleaning program. In particular, the pressurized gas can be applied at the same time as the cleaning fluid is applied to the breathing apparatus. The pressurization device can in particular have at least one valve, in particular at least one valve which can be controlled by a controller of the cleaning device.

• mindestens einem externen Druckanschluss zur Verbindung mit einer externen Druckgasquelle, insbesondere einer bauseitigen Druckgasleitung und/oder einer Druckgasflasche, an die Reinigungsvorrichtung; und/oder
• einer in die Reinigungsvorrichtung integrierten Druckgasquelle, insbesondere eine integrierte Druckgasflasche und/oder einen integrierten Kompressor; und/oder
• einer in den Reinigungskorb integrierten Druckgasquelle, insbesondere eine integrierte Druckgasflasche und/oder einen integrierten Kompressor.

Der Druckanschluss kann, wie oben ausgeführt, insbesondere mindestens ein formschlüssiges und/oder kraftschlüssiges Verbindungselement umfassen. Dieses Verbindungselement kann eingerichtet sein, um zusätzlich zu der gasdichten Verbindung, eine mechanische Verbindung mit dem gasführenden Element herzustellen. Insbesondere kann dieses mindestens eine Verbindungselement mindestens eine Schnellkupplung und/oder mindestens ein Gewinde aufweisen. Allgemein kann der Druckanschluss ganz oder teilweise in den Reinigungskorb integriert sein. Der Reinigungskorb kann allgemein insbesondere mindestens eine lösbare Druckgasverbindung zur Reinigungsvorrichtung aufweisen, so dass das Druckgas über die Reinigungsvorrichtung an den Reinigungskorb bereitgestellt werden kann, beispielsweise wenn die Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung ganz oder teilweise in die Reinigungsvorrichtung integriert ist und/oder wenn die Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung ganz oder teilweise einen externen Druckanschluss, der mit der Reinigungsvorrichtung verbunden ist, umfasst. Die lösbare Druckgasverbindung zwischen dem Reinigungskorb und der Reinigungsvorrichtung kann beispielsweise manuell und/oder automatisch geschlossen werden, wenn der Reinigungskorb in die Reinigungskammer eingebracht wird und/oder kann manuell oder automatisch entkoppelt werden, wenn der Reinigungskorb aus der Reinigungskammer entfernt wird. So können der Reinigungskorb und die Reinigungsvorrichtung beispielsweise korrespondierende Druckgasverbindungsteile aufweisen, welche miteinander koppelbar sind, insbesondere reversibel.The pressurization device can in particular have at least one element selected from the group consisting of:

• at least one external pressure connection for connection to an external source of compressed gas, in particular a compressed gas line on site and/or a compressed gas bottle, to the cleaning device; and or
• a compressed gas source integrated into the cleaning device, in particular an integrated compressed gas cylinder and/or an integrated compressor; and or
• a compressed gas source integrated into the cleaning basket, in particular an integrated compressed gas cylinder and/or an integrated compressor.

As stated above, the pressure connection can in particular comprise at least one positive and/or non-positive connection element. This connection element can be set up to establish a mechanical connection with the gas-carrying element in addition to the gas-tight connection. In particular, this at least one connecting element can have at least one quick coupling and/or at least one thread. In general, the pressure connection can be fully or partially integrated into the cleaning basket. The cleaning basket can generally have at least one detachable compressed gas connection to the cleaning device, so that the compressed gas can be made available to the cleaning basket via the cleaning device, for example if the pressurization device is fully or partially integrated into the cleaning device and/or if the pressurization device is fully or partially an external one Pressure port that is connected to the cleaning device includes. The detachable compressed gas connection between the cleaning basket and the cleaning device can, for example, be closed manually and/or automatically when the cleaning basket is introduced into the cleaning chamber and/or can be decoupled manually or automatically when the cleaning basket is removed from the cleaning chamber. For example, the cleaning basket and the cleaning device can have corresponding compressed gas connection parts which can be coupled to one another, in particular reversibly.

The pressurization device is set up to apply pressurized gas to the gas-carrying element. A compressed gas is generally understood to be any gas which has a pressure above normal pressure, ie a pressure above 1 bar. In particular, this can involve a pressure above 1.5 bar, in particular above 2 bar, and particularly preferably above 3 bar. The pressurization device is particularly preferably set up in such a way that the pressurization with the compressed gas takes place in such a way that all cleaning fluid is kept away from an interior space of the breathing apparatus to which the pressurized gas is applied. The compressed gas can be, for example, compressed air or another gaseous medium with an overpressure, for example nitrogen, carbon dioxide or the like. In particular, an inert gas can be used as the compressed gas. The cleaning device can in particular be designed in such a way that the pressurization takes place via the pressurization device during at least one cleaning process, for example during at least one program step of a single-step or multi-step cleaning program. In particular, the pressurized gas can be applied at the same time as the cleaning fluid is applied to the breathing apparatus. The pressure connection can accordingly be arranged in particular inside the cleaning chamber, so that the simultaneous application of compressed gas and cleaning fluid can take place.

• mindestens eine Reinigungsvorrichtung, umfassend mindestens eine Reinigungskammer zur Aufnahme des mindestens einen Atemgeräts, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin mindestens eine Beaufschlagungsvorrichtung zur Beaufschlagung des Atemgeräts mit dem mindestens einen Reinigungsfluid in Schritt b) aufweist, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin mindestens eine Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung mit mindestens einem Druckanschluss aufweist, wobei der Druckanschluss mit dem mindestens einen gasführenden Element des Atemgeräts verbindbar ist und wobei die Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung eingerichtet ist, um die Warnpfeife in Schritt c) mit dem Druckgas zu spülen; und
• mindestens ein Abdeckelement, wobei das Abdeckelement eingerichtet ist, um die mindestens eine Auslassöffnung der mindestens einen Warnpfeife des mindestens einen Atemgeräts zumindest teilweise zu verschließen, so dass nach wie vor Druckgas durch die zumindest teilweise abgedeckte Auslassöffnung ausströmen kann.

In a further aspect, a cleaning system for carrying out the method proposed here is proposed, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and/or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. Accordingly, for the description of the cleaning system, in particular with regard to possible definitions and/or with regard to possible configurations, reference can largely be made to the description of the method. The cleaning system includes:

• at least one cleaning device, comprising at least one cleaning chamber for accommodating the at least one respirator, the cleaning device further having at least one pressurizing device for pressurizing the breathing apparatus with the at least one cleaning fluid in step b), the cleaning device further having at least one pressurizing device with at least one pressure connection, wherein the pressure connection can be connected to the at least one gas-carrying element of the breathing apparatus and wherein the pressurization device is set up to flush the warning whistle with the compressed gas in step c); and
• at least one cover element, wherein the cover element is set up to at least partially close the at least one outlet opening of the at least one warning whistle of the at least one breathing apparatus, so that pressurized gas can still flow out through the at least partially covered outlet opening.

The term "cleaning system" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a system, i.e. to a total of at least two functionally interacting components, which the cleaning as defined above. With regard to possible definitions and configurations, reference can be made to the corresponding above or following descriptions, definitions and options of these system components in the above description or also in the following description.

Possible configurations of the pressurization device have already been described above. In particular, the pressurization device can have at least one external pressure connection for connection to an external source of compressed gas. For example, this can be a pressure connection for connection to an on-site compressed gas line and/or a compressed gas bottle. For example, the cleaning device can have such a pressure connection for connection to an on-site compressed gas line, for example a compressed air line. In this way, for example, a practically unlimited supply of compressed gas can be used to flush the warning whistle. However, other configurations of the pressure application device are also possible, alternatively or additionally.

The proposed method and the proposed cleaning system have numerous advantages over known methods and systems of the type mentioned. In particular, the challenges described above when cleaning breathing apparatus can be addressed with warning whistles. The technical implementation of the method can be implemented comparatively easily, for example by flushing using an existing pressure connection and/or by providing the outlet opening of the warning whistle with a splash guard as a cover during cleaning. The covering element, in particular the splash guard, can comprise an elastic sealing element, for example. The elasticity can contribute to the sealing element being able to adapt to different external geometries on the warning whistle. Furthermore, the preferably elastic covering element can in this way adapt well to the outlet opening of the warning whistle, so that the covering effect can thereby be improved.

The cover element can be realized in a simple manner. For example, as explained above, the following elements can be used: a rubber band; a sealing tape with a Velcro fastener; a clamp, for example made of metal and/or plastic, in particular with at least one seal and/or sealing surface. However, other cover elements can also be used.

As further stated above, the coverage can be full or partial. Thus, the covering element generally does not have to completely seal the outlet opening of the warning whistle.

Flushing can also be done easily. For example, flushing air can be fed into the gas-carrying element, for example into the hose system, during the entire cleaning process and/or during only part of the same. The scavenging air can fill the gas-carrying element, in particular the hose system, and escape via the outlet opening and the cover element. Flushing can generally ensure that cleaning fluid is completely or at least partially prevented from penetrating into a cavity between the valve and signal body during the cleaning process. By covering the outlet opening, in particular with an elastic cover element and in particular with an elastic sealing strip, the pressurized gas can generally escape easily, for example between a rubber protection and a manometer. In general, it can also be ensured in this way, at least to a large extent, that no cleaning liquid can penetrate between the manometer and the rubber protection, which could later get to the outlet opening of the warning whistle and from there via the valve into the system.

• p_pfeif < p < p_min,
• p_pfeif ≤ p < p_min,
• p_pfeif ≤ p ≤ p_min, oder
• p_pfeif < p ≤ p_min.

The volume flow of the compressed gas during flushing can generally be adjusted to the respective requirements. For example, a corresponding volume flow, for example a supplied compressed air volume flow, can be adjusted in step c) in such a way that the warning whistle just does not start to whistle. As explained above, the warning whistle can have a minimum pressure, for example, as well as at least one further pressure threshold, which is lower than the minimum pressure and below which no warning sound is emitted. If, for example, p _{min is} the minimum pressure described above, a further pressure _{threshold p whistle can} exist, with p _whistle < p _min , with the warning tone only being emitted when the gas-carrying element is pressurized with a pressure p that is in the interval p _whistle to p _min , i.e., for example, if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• p _whistle < p < p _min ,
• p _whistle ≤ p < p _min ,
• p _whistle ≤ p ≤ p _min , or
• p _whistle < p ≤ p _min .

The rinsing of the warning whistle in step c) can take place in particular with a rinsing pressure p _rinsing which is smaller than p _whistle , ie p _rinsing <p _whistle , ie in particular generally such that no warning tone is emitted. For this purpose, for example, at least one throttle element can be used to set the flushing pressure in a fixed or variable manner, for example a throttle, an orifice or a similar element.

As explained above, the warning whistle can in particular comprise at least one valve and at least one signal body. In this case, the valve does not necessarily have to be tightly closed during step c). Accordingly, in comparison, for example, to a method in which the valve has to be closed by internal pressurization, the flushing in step c) can be carried out with a significantly lower pressure than would be the case with static pressurization without flushing. For example, a flushing pressure during flushing can be 2 to 6 bar. Accordingly, the components used and also the safety precautions can generally be designed in a simple manner, in contrast to, for example, application of high pressure or medium pressure. In general, the cleaning system can thus be designed in a comparatively simple manner, for example without safety measures with regard to high pressure being applied. In addition, as stated above, the use of compressed gas for flushing, for example flushing air, which can flow through a rubber housing of the gas-carrying element, for example, can effectively prevent cleaning fluid from penetrating this area.

In addition, the rinsing in step c) can also support at least one optional drying step of a cleaning program. Thus, in general, the method can include the implementation of at least one cleaning program. In this cleaning program, for example, step b) can be a component of at least one washing step and/or at least one rinsing step, with at least one drying step being able to follow the at least one washing step and/or rinsing step. The rinsing in step c) can extend into the drying step, so that, for example, rinsing with the compressed gas can still support the drying step. In this way, the drying can be additionally supported by the compressed gas and the flushing with the same, and/or the penetration of moisture can be prevented during the drying step. Accordingly, the purging may be maintained, for example, until the respirator is disconnected from the at least one pressurization device.

• Ausführungsform 1: Verfahren zur Reinigung von Atemgerät, umfassend folgende Schritte:
  1. a) Bereitstellen des Atemgeräts, wobei das Atemgerät mindestens ein gasführendes Element mit mindestens einer Warnpfeife aufweist, wobei die Warnpfeife eingerichtet ist, um bei einer Druckbeaufschlagung des gasführenden Elements mit mindestens einem Druck, der einen Mindestdruck unterschreitet, einen Warnton abzugeben;
  2. b) Beaufschlagung des Atemgeräts mit mindestens einem Reinigungsfluid;
  3. c) Spülen der Warnpfeife mit mindestens einem Druckgas, wobei Schritt c) zumindest teilweise zeitgleich mit Schritt b) durchgeführt wird und wobei das Spülen dergestalt erfolgt, dass das Druckgas durch mindestens eine Auslassöffnung der Warnpfeife ausströmt, so dass ein Eindringen von Reinigungsfluid durch die Auslassöffnung durch das ausströmende Druckgas zumindest weitgehend verhindert wird.
• Ausführungsform 2: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, weiterhin umfassend:
  d) Abdecken der Auslassöffnung der Warnpfeife mit mindestens einem Abdeckelement, wobei Schritt d) zumindest teilweise vor Schritt b) und c) durchgeführt wird, wobei bei dem Abdecken die Auslassöffnung zumindest teilweise verschlossen wird, so dass Druckgas noch durch die zumindest teilweise abgedeckte Auslassöffnung ausströmen kann.
• Ausführungsform 3: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Abdeckelement flexibel ausgestaltet ist, wobei in Schritt c) das ausströmende Druckgas das Abdeckelement zumindest teilweise von der Auslassöffnung verdrängt.
• Ausführungsform 4: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Abdeckelement als flexibles Ventil auf der Auslassöffnung sitzt.
• Ausführungsform 5: Verfahren nach einer der drei vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Abdeckelement elastische Eigenschaften aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 6: Verfahren nach einer der vier vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Abdeckelement die Warnpfeife zumindest teilweise umschließt.
• Ausführungsform 7: Verfahren nach einer der fünf vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Abdeckelement mindestens ein Element aufweist, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe bestehend aus: einem elastischen Band, insbesondere einem Gummiband; einem Dichtband, insbesondere einem Dichtband ausgewählt aus der Gruppe bestehend aus einem elastischen Dichtband und einem Dichtband mit Klettverschluss; einer Klammer, insbesondere einer Klammer ausgewählt aus der Gruppe bestehend aus einer Metallklammer und einer Kunststoffklammer, insbesondere einer Klammer mit mindestens einem Dichtelement, insbesondere einer auf der Auslassöffnung abdichtend aufsetzbaren Dichtfläche oder Dichtung.
• Ausführungsform 8: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei während Schritt c) weitere Teile des gasführenden Elements mit Druckgas gespült werden, insbesondere ein oder mehrere Schläuche.
• Ausführungsform 9: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Druckgas Druckluft umfasst.
• Ausführungsform 10: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Druckgas bei dem Spülen in Schritt c) einen Spüldruck aufweist, der unterhalb des Mindestdrucks liegt.
• Ausführungsform 11: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der Spüldruck in einem Bereich von 1 bar bis 12 bar liegt.
• Ausführungsform 12: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der Mindestdruck bei mindestens 50 bar liegt, insbesondere bei mindestens 100 bar, insbesondere in einem Bereich von 100 bar bis 300 bar.
• Ausführungsform 13: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Warnpfeife mindestens ein Ventil und mindestens einen Signalkörper aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 14: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Ventil mit einem Innendruck des gasführenden Elements beaufschlagbar ist.
• Ausführungsform 15: Verfahren nach einer der beiden vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei zwischen dem Ventil und dem Signalkörper mindestens ein Hohlraum ausgebildet ist, wobei Druckgas in Schritt c) durch den Hohlraum zu dem Signalkörper und dann durch die Auslassöffnung strömt.
• Ausführungsform 16: Verfahren nach einer der drei vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Auslassöffnung an dem Signalkörper angeordnet ist.
• Ausführungsform 17: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei Schritt a) ein Einbringen des Atemgeräts in mindestens einen Reinigungskorb einer Reinigungsvorrichtung umfasst, wobei Schritt a) weiterhin ein Verbinden des mindestens einen gasführenden Elements des Atemgeräts mit mindestens einem Druckanschluss des Reinigungskorbs umfasst, wobei in Schritt c) das Spülen der Warnpfeife mit dem Druckgas über den Druckanschluss und über mindestens eine Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung der Reinigungsvorrichtung erfolgt.
• Ausführungsform 18: Reinigungssystem zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, umfassend:
  • mindestens eine Reinigungsvorrichtung, umfassend mindestens eine Reinigungskammer zur Aufnahme des mindestens einen Atemgeräts, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin mindestens eine Beaufschlagungsvorrichtung zur Beaufschlagung des Atemgeräts mit dem mindestens einem Reinigungsfluid in Schritt b) aufweist, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin mindestens eine Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung mit mindestens einem Druckanschluss aufweist, wobei der Druckanschluss mit dem mindestens einen gasführenden Element des Atemgeräts verbindbar ist und wobei die Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung eingerichtet ist, um die Warnpfeife in Schritt c) mit dem Druckgas zu spülen;
  • mindestens ein Abdeckelement, wobei das Abdeckelement eingerichtet ist, um die mindestens eine Auslassöffnung der mindestens einen Warnpfeife des mindestens einen Atemgeräts zumindest teilweise zu verschließen, so dass nach wie vor Druckgas durch die zumindest teilweise abgedeckte Auslassöffnung ausströmen kann.
• Ausführungsform 19: Reinigungssystem nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrichtung mindestens einen externen Druckanschluss zur Verbindung mit einer externen Druckgasquelle aufweist, insbesondere einer bauseitigen Druckgasleitung und/oder einer Druckgasflasche.

In summary, the following embodiments are proposed without restricting further possible configurations:

• Embodiment 1: Method for cleaning breathing apparatus, comprising the following steps:
  1. a) providing the breathing apparatus, wherein the breathing apparatus has at least one gas-carrying element with at least one warning whistle, the warning whistle being set up to emit a warning tone when the gas-carrying element is pressurized with at least one pressure that falls below a minimum pressure;
  2. b) subjecting the breathing apparatus to at least one cleaning fluid;
  3. c) flushing the warning whistle with at least one compressed gas, step c) being carried out at least partially at the same time as step b) and flushing taking place in such a way that the compressed gas flows out through at least one outlet opening of the warning whistle, so that cleaning fluid can penetrate through the outlet opening is at least largely prevented by the outflowing compressed gas.
• Embodiment 2: Method according to the previous embodiment, further comprising:
  d) covering the outlet opening of the warning whistle with at least one covering element, step d) being carried out at least partially before step b) and c), the outlet opening being at least partially closed during the covering process, so that compressed gas can still flow out through the at least partially covered outlet opening can.
• Embodiment 3 Method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the cover element is designed to be flexible, wherein in step c) the outflowing compressed gas at least partially displaces the cover element from the outlet opening.
• Embodiment 4 Method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the cover element sits on the outlet opening as a flexible valve.
• Embodiment 5 Method according to one of the three previous embodiments, wherein the covering element has elastic properties.
• Embodiment 6 Method according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the cover element at least partially encloses the warning whistle.
• Embodiment 7: Method according to one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the covering element has at least one element selected from the group consisting of: an elastic band, in particular a rubber band; a sealing tape, in particular a sealing tape selected from the group consisting of an elastic sealing tape and a sealing tape with a Velcro fastener; a clip, in particular a clip selected from the group consisting of a metal clip and a plastic clip, in particular a clip with at least one sealing element, in particular a sealing surface or seal which can be placed on the outlet opening to form a seal.
• Embodiment 8 Method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein further parts of the gas-carrying element are flushed with compressed gas during step c), in particular one or more hoses.
• Embodiment 9: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the compressed gas comprises compressed air.
• Embodiment 10 Method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the compressed gas during the flushing in step c) has a flushing pressure that is below the minimum pressure.
• Embodiment 11: Method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the flushing pressure is in a range from 1 bar to 12 bar.
• Embodiment 12 Method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the minimum pressure is at least 50 bar, in particular at least 100 bar, in particular in a range from 100 bar to 300 bar.
• Embodiment 13 Method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the warning whistle has at least one valve and at least one signal body.
• Embodiment 14 Method according to the preceding embodiment, in which the valve can be subjected to an internal pressure of the gas-carrying element.
• Embodiment 15 Method according to either of the two preceding embodiments, wherein at least one cavity is formed between the valve and the signal body, with pressurized gas flowing in step c) through the cavity to the signal body and then through the outlet opening.
• Embodiment 16 Method according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the outlet opening is arranged on the signal body.
• Embodiment 17: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step a) comprises introducing the respirator into at least one cleaning basket of a cleaning device, wherein step a) further comprises connecting the at least one gas-carrying element of the respirator to at least one pressure connection of the cleaning basket, wherein in Step c) the warning whistle is flushed with the compressed gas via the pressure connection and via at least one pressurization device of the cleaning device.
• Embodiment 18: Cleaning system for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising:
  • at least one cleaning device, comprising at least one cleaning chamber for accommodating the at least one respirator, the cleaning device further having at least one pressurizing device for pressurizing the breathing apparatus with the at least one cleaning fluid in step b), the cleaning device further having at least one pressurizing device with at least one pressure connection, wherein the pressure connection can be connected to the at least one gas-carrying element of the breathing apparatus and wherein the pressurization device is set up to flush the warning whistle with the compressed gas in step c);
  • at least one cover element, wherein the cover element is set up to at least partially close the at least one outlet opening of the at least one warning whistle of the at least one breathing apparatus, so that pressurized gas can still flow out through the at least partially covered outlet opening.
• Embodiment 19: Cleaning system according to the previous embodiment, wherein the pressurization device has at least one external pressure connection for connection to an external compressed gas source, in particular an on-site compressed gas line and/or a compressed gas bottle.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in connection with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate elements that are the same or have the same function or that correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

Figur 1

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Reinigungssystems;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung der Spülung einer Warnpfeife eines Atemgeräts mit Druckgas in dem Reinigungssystem;

Figur 3

einen schematischen Ablaufplan eines Verfahrens zur Reinigung von Atemgerät;

Figuren 4A und 4B

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Abdeckens einer Auslassöffnung einer Warnpfeife eines Atemgeräts, mit einem Abdeckelement in Form einer Klammer; und

Figuren 5A, 5B und 5C

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Abdeckens einer Auslassöffnung einer Warnpfeife eines Atemgeräts, mit einem Abdeckelement in Form eines Dichtbandes.

Show in detail:

figure 1

a sectional view of an embodiment of a cleaning system;

figure 2

a schematic representation of the flushing of a warning whistle of a breathing apparatus with compressed gas in the cleaning system;

figure 3

a schematic flow chart of a method for cleaning breathing apparatus;

Figures 4A and 4B

a first embodiment of covering an outlet opening of a warning whistle of a breathing apparatus, with a covering element in the form of a clip; and

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C

a second embodiment of covering an outlet opening of a warning whistle of a breathing apparatus, with a covering element in the form of a sealing tape.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

In figure 1 an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 and a cleaning system 111 according to the invention is shown, which is set up for cleaning at least one breathing apparatus 112. The cleaning system 111 comprises the cleaning device 110 and also a cover element 113, which is described in more detail below.

The cleaning device 110 is in figure 1 shown schematically in sectional view. The cleaning device 110 can be configured as a dishwasher 114, for example. the Cleaning device 110 comprises a cleaning chamber 116, for example a rinsing chamber 118. This cleaning chamber 116 can be opened, for example, by a door 120, for example a pivoting door, a sliding door or a flap, and/or by another opening device. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning chamber 116 can also be designed as a cleaning chamber covered by a hood. Other configurations are also possible. in the in figure 1 illustrated embodiment, the dishwasher 114 is designed, for example, as a front-loading dishwasher. However, other configurations are also possible.

The cleaning device 110 has at least one application device 122 for applying one or more cleaning fluids to the breathing apparatus 112 accommodated in the cleaning chamber 116 . For example, the impingement device 122 may include one or more nozzles 124, which may be located, for example, above and/or below the respirator 112 and/or at other locations within the cleaning chamber 116, such as on one or more side walls. For example, the application device 122, as in the illustrated embodiment according to figure 1 , a washing nozzle system 126, for example with one or more nozzle arms with a plurality of nozzles 124, which are accommodated below and/or above the respirators 112 and are preferably rotatably and/or pivotably mounted or a plurality of post-rinse nozzle arms, which in turn are preferably rotatably and/or pivotably mounted, which in turn can be arranged, for example, above and/or below the breathing apparatus 112. However, other arrangements and/or configurations are also possible in principle.

The application device 122 may also include one or more other elements, such as one or more pipelines, one or more pumps, and/or one or more tanks. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one wash line system 130 is provided for charging the wash nozzle system 126 with cleaning fluid 132, for example detergent solution, from one or more wash tanks 134. For example, a wash tank 134 can be provided in the bottom area of the cleaning chamber 116 and/or in another way be connected to the cleaning chamber 116 so that the cleaning fluid 132 can flow and/or drip back into the washing tank 134 after it has acted on the breathing apparatus 112 . For loading the washing nozzle system 126 with the cleaning fluid 132 from the wash tank 134, the application device 122 can also have one or more circulation pumps 136. Furthermore, one or more heating elements 138 can be provided to heat the cleaning fluid 132 of the wash tank 134 and/or other tanks, for example in the form of a wash tank heater inside the wash tank 134. One or more temperature sensors 140 can be provided to monitor the heating of the cleaning fluid 132 , for example inside the wash tank 134. Furthermore, one or more level sensors 142 can be provided, for example a level sensor 142 as a level sensor of the wash tank 134. The wash tank 134 can be emptied into a drain 148, for example via a drain line 144 and optionally via a drain pump 146. Optionally, one or more, in figure 1 inlets, not shown, to the washing tank 134 can be provided in order to fill it with cleaning fluid 132 . Alternatively or additionally, however, filling can also take place via the after-rinse nozzle system 128 described in more detail below. Furthermore, a dosing system 150 can be provided, for example at least one dosing system, in order to introduce one or more additives into the cleaning fluid 132 of the wash tank 134, for example a cleaning concentrate, a rinse aid, a disinfectant or combinations of the aforementioned and/or other additives.

The cleaning fluid 132 can be applied to the breathing apparatus 112, in particular in a circulating operation, in that the cleaning fluid 132 is sprayed and/or sprayed onto the breathing apparatus 112 from the washing tank 134 via the washing nozzle system 126 and then runs or drips off again into the washing tank 134 in order to to be used again from there. One or more filters, for example coarse filters and/or fine filters, can optionally be provided in order to at least partially clean the cleaning fluid 132 of the washing tank 134 .

The post-rinsing nozzle system 128 can be acted upon, for example, via at least one post-rinsing line system 152 with a further cleaning fluid 154, for example a post-rinsing liquid. where is in figure 1 an optional embodiment shown, in which the cleaning device 110 is designed as a two-circuit system. Accordingly, the second cleaning fluid 154 is made available from a separate tank, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is configured as a final-rinse tank 156 that is configured separately from the wash tank 134 . For example, this rinsing tank 156 can be configured as a boiler and can include a rinsing tank heater 158, for example. As an alternative or in addition to a post-rinse tank heater 158, other types of heating elements can also be provided for the second cleaning fluid 154, for example one or more flow heaters. The same also applies to the first cleaning fluid 132 in the Wash tank 134. Again, one or more temperature sensors 160 and/or one or more level sensors 162 can be provided in the final-washing tank 156, and the final-washing tank 156 can be charged with cleaning fluid 154, for example fresh water, via one or more inlets 164. The at least one inlet 164 can have one or more valves 166 . For example, the inlet 164 can be connected or can be connected to an on-site fresh water connection. Alternatively or additionally, at least one reverse osmosis device 170 can be provided on site or as part of the cleaning device 110, via which the post-rinse tank 156 and/or one or more other tanks of the cleaning device 110 can be charged with a permeate, for example purified water. Furthermore, at least one dosing system 168 can be provided, via which one or more additives can be added to the cleaning fluid 154 in the final-washing tank 156, for example one or more rinse-aid concentrates.

The post-rinse nozzle system 128 can preferably be acted upon in simple operation, that is to say not in circulation mode, so that the post-rinse fluid from the post-rinse tank 154 acts on the respirator 112 only once. For the application, the application device 122 can include, for example, one or more pressure boosting pumps 172 .

It is noted that the in figure 1 illustrated embodiment of the cleaning device 110 represents only one of several different embodiments. Thus, one or more or even all of the elements described above can also be implemented in a different framework. The rinsing chamber 118 can, alternatively or in addition to the rigid, stationary configuration according to FIG figure 1 , Can also be designed to be pivotable and/or rotatable. Furthermore, the fluid circuit shown can also be modified considerably.

The cleaning of the respirator 112 in the cleaning device 110 according to FIG figure 1 This can be done, for example, by initially introducing one or more respirators 112 into the cleaning chamber 116 using at least one cleaning basket 174, which can also be part of the cleaning device 110 and/or the cleaning system 111. In addition to the cleaning device 110, the cleaning system 111 can, for example, also have an assortment 175 of different cleaning baskets 174, which can be optionally introduced into the cleaning chamber 116. In this case, cleaning baskets 174 can be provided in the range 175, which are configured differently are, for example, at least one cleaning basket 174 with at least one pressure connection 178, which is described in more detail below, and at least one cleaning basket 174 without a pressure connection 222 figure 1 However, the cleaning device 110 shown is also conceivable for cleaning devices 110 in which a plurality of cleaning baskets 174 can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 116 at the same time.

After the cleaning basket 174 has been introduced into the cleaning chamber 116, the door 120 can be closed and a cleaning program can preferably be started, which can be controlled, for example, via a controller 176, for example a central machine controller or a decentralized controller. In this case, for example, the washing tank 136 can first be filled with cleaning fluid 132 and/or a preliminary stage of this cleaning fluid 132, for example fresh water, in particular demineralized fresh water, by means of the after-rinse nozzle system 128. This can then be conditioned inside the wash tank 134, for example by adding one or more additives via the dosing system 150 and/or by heating by means of the heating element 138. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid 132 can also remain in the wash tank 134 after a rinsing program of a previous cleaning cycle in order to be used in a subsequent cleaning cycle as cleaning fluid 132 and/or as a component thereof, since post-rinsing fluid generally has a comparatively high degree of purity even after exposure to the breathing apparatus 112.

The respirator 112 can then be cleaned, in particular washed, in one or more washing program steps, preferably in circulation mode. Adhering contaminants can be removed from the respirators 112 and/or the respirator 112 can be sanitized.

Subsequent to the at least one washing program step, one or more rinsing steps can preferably be carried out. For this purpose, the wash tank 134 can optionally be emptied via the drain line 144 and the drain pump 146 . The final-washing tank 156 can already have been filled with the final-washing fluid 154, for example fresh water with or without additives, for example demineralized fresh water, during the at least one wash program step. One or more additives can then be mixed in via the dosing system 168 and/or the cleaning fluid 154 can be heated as a final-washing fluid by means of the final-washing tank heater 158 and/or a continuous-flow heater. The post-rinse fluid 154 preconditioned in this way can then be applied to the respirators 112 during the at least one post-rinsing step via the post-rinsing nozzle system 128, so that they are post-rinsed and/or rinsed clear. After the at least one final rinsing step, at least one drying step can optionally follow, which can be carried out passively, by simply waiting, or which can also be actively supported, for example via at least one drying fan and/or another type of drying device of cleaning device 110, for example an infrared radiator system and/or a microwave radiation system. Various configurations are conceivable. Subsequent to the optional drying step, the door 120 that has been optionally locked until then can be released and/or opened automatically. The entire program sequence can be controlled, for example, by the controller 176, with several program sequences also being able to be selected.

During the cleaning described above, in particular when the at least one cleaning fluid 132, 154 is applied to the breathing apparatus 112, the problem can arise that cleaning fluid 132, 154 can penetrate into the interior of the breathing apparatus 112. In particular, the breathing apparatus 112 can have at least one gas-carrying element 180 . This gas-carrying element 180 can have at least one demand valve and/or at least one tube system, for example. Furthermore, the gas-carrying element 180 can have at least one warning whistle 182, which is described in more detail below. Cleaning fluid 132 , 154 can penetrate into the gas-carrying element 180 in particular through this warning whistle 182 .

Accordingly, it is proposed that the warning whistle 182 of the gas-carrying element 180 be flushed with at least one compressed gas at least partially at the same time as the at least one cleaning fluid 132, 154 is applied. This is exemplified by the figure 2 , which in conjunction with the figure 1 is to be considered, explained.

In figure 2 1 is schematically shown the gas-carrying element 180 accommodated within the cleaning chamber 116 of the cleaning device 110 . Other components of the cleaning device 110 are not shown. For possible configurations can on the figure 1 and their description are referenced. As explained above, the gas-carrying element 180 has at least one warning whistle 182 . This warning whistle 182 in turn has at least one outlet opening 184 . For example, this can be a whistle opening. The outlet opening 184 can in particular be arranged in at least one signal body 186 of the warning whistle 182 . For example, this signal body 186 can be a whistle head. Furthermore, the warning whistle 182 have at least one valve 188. A position of this valve 188 can be controlled, for example, by pressurization.

The cleaning device 110 has at least one pressurization device 190 . This pressure application device 190 can in particular have the at least one pressure connection 178 . For example, at least one connecting element 192 of the gas-carrying element 180 can be coupled to this pressure connection 178 . For example, the pressure port 178 may be located in the cleaning basket 174 . A different arrangement is also possible in principle. Furthermore, the pressurization device 190 can have at least one compressed gas supply 196, in particular at least one compressed air supply. This compressed gas supply 196 can in particular have at least one compressed gas hose 198, which can be designed in one piece or also in multiple parts and which can optionally also have one or more couplings 200. Further, the pressurization device 190 may optionally include one or more pressurized gas sources 202 . This at least one compressed gas source 202 can have, for example, at least one integrated compressed gas source 204 and/or at least one external compressed gas source 206, for example at least one building-side connection to at least one building-side compressed gas network, for example at least one building-side compressed gas line, in particular at least one building-side compressed air line. This at least one compressed gas source 202 can, for example, be coupled to the at least one compressed gas supply 196 and/or integrated into it, as in figure 1 shown.

In order to prevent the cleaning fluid 132, 154 from penetrating through the outlet opening 184 into the gas-carrying element 180 during the application of the at least one cleaning fluid 132, 154, the warning whistle 182, as explained above, is flushed with compressed gas during this application. This can be done, for example, controlled by the controller 176, which controls a program flow. For example, as in figure 2 shown, the rinsing via the connecting element 192 take place, with a rinsing pressure p. The warning whistle 182 can, for example, be designed in such a way that it emits a warning tone _{when pressure is applied below a minimum pressure p min .} this is in figure 2 indicated by the fact that the valve 188 is controlled in its position by the pressure p. For example, a pressure line 208 of the gas-carrying element 180 can have a branch 210 which acts on the valve 188 and controls its position. At the same time, the pressure line 208, as also in figure 2 recognizable, direct a compressed gas flow 212 through the valve 188, which then flows through an optional cavity 214 and finally reaches the signal body 186 and exits from the outlet opening 184 there. The warning whistle 182 can be set up in this way, for example be that at least one pressure below a minimum pressure p _min a warning tone is emitted. For example, the warning tone can be emitted during operation of the breathing apparatus 112 if the pressure is in a pressure interval from p _whistle to p _min , where p _{whistle represents} a lower pressure threshold which is the minimum required for the warning whistle 182 to emit the warning tone. However, the flushing during the cleaning can in particular take place in such a way that the flushing pressure p of the compressed gas flow 212 is below the lower pressure _threshold p whistle, so that no warning tone is emitted during the cleaning. Nevertheless, another embodiment is also possible, since, for example, with flushing pressures that are only slightly above the lower pressure threshold, only a warning tone that is hardly noticeable compared to the other flushing noises is generally generated.

In order to also prevent the cleaning fluid 132, 154 from penetrating into the outlet opening 184, the outlet opening 184 can be at least partially closed with the at least one cover element 113, as shown in FIG figure 1 implied. This covering takes place in such a way that the compressed gas can still escape through the outlet opening 184 during the flushing. Examples are described in more detail below.

In figure 3 A schematic flow chart of one possible embodiment of a proposed method for cleaning breathing apparatus 112 is shown. This method can, for example, with the figures 1 and 2 shown devices are carried out. However, another embodiment is also possible. The procedure includes the figure 3 illustrated method steps, which can be carried out, for example, in the order shown. However, a different order is also possible in principle and/or an order in which two or more of the figure 3 shown method steps overlapping in time and / or at least partially performed simultaneously.

The method includes providing the respirator 112 (step a), in figure 3 denoted by the reference numeral 216). This provision 216 can include, for example, introducing 218 the respirator 112 into the cleaning device 110, in particular into the at least one cleaning basket 174. Step 216 can also include covering the at least one outlet opening 184 with the at least one cover element 113, as described above, in figure 3 denoted by the reference numeral 220. Furthermore, step 216 can include connecting the at least one gas-carrying element 180 of the breathing apparatus 112 to the pressure connection 178 and/or the pressurization device 190, in figure 3 denoted by the reference numeral 222.

Furthermore, the in figure 3 The method shown involves the implementation of at least one cleaning program 224. During this cleaning program 224, the breathing apparatus 112 is subjected to the at least one cleaning fluid 132, 154 (method step b), in figure 3 denoted by reference numerals 226 and 228). For example, the cleaning program can have at least one washing step 226 and optionally at least one final rinsing step 228, as described above. Furthermore, the cleaning program 224 can optionally have at least one drying step 230 .

In addition, this includes figure 3 shown method, as explained above, flushing the at least one warning whistle 182 with the at least one compressed gas (method step c), in figure 3 denoted by the reference numeral 232). This flushing 232 occurs at least partially simultaneously with one or both of the method steps 226 and 228. In particular, step 232 can start before steps 226 and/or 228 are started and end after steps 226 and 228 have ended. Optionally, step 232 can also extend at least partially over the duration of the drying step 230, for example up to the end of the drying step 230 or even beyond.

The procedure can then be terminated as in figure 3 indicated by the reference numeral 234. This termination may include removal of respirator 112 from cleaning device 110 , or removal of respirator 112 may follow end 234 , for example. For this purpose, for example, the respirator 112 can be decoupled from the pressurization device 190 again.
This in figure 3 The method shown may be controlled in whole or in part by the controller 176, for example. For example, the controller 176 can control one or more valves and/or one or more pumps in order to carry out the method accordingly. Other elements of the example in the figures 1 1 and/or 2 can be controlled by the controller 176 in a time-controlled manner.

As stated above, the at least one outlet opening 184 can optionally be covered during cleaning, as explained in step 220 . The at least one cover element 113 can be used for this. In the Figures 4A , 4B , 5A , 5B and 5C various configurations are shown for this purpose. However, other configurations are also possible. The figures each show an example of a gas-carrying element 180 of a breathing apparatus 112 in a partial illustration. A warning whistle 182 can be seen in each case, which has at least one outlet opening 184 . As shown in the figures, the warning whistle 182 can, for example, be coupled to at least one manometer 236 and/or can be integrated into at least one manometer 236. However, other configurations are also possible possible. This integrated device, comprising the manometer 236 and the warning whistle 182, can be covered, for example, in whole or in part by at least one rubber sleeve which is open in the area of the outlet opening 184.

In the Figures 4A and 4B an embodiment is shown in perspective representations, in which the cover element 113 is designed in the form of a flexible clamp 238, which can be made entirely or partially of plastic and/or metal, for example. while showing Figure 4A the cover element 113 and the gas-carrying element 180 separately, whereas in Figure 4B the outlet opening 184 of the warning whistle 182 of the gas-carrying element 180 is covered by the cover element 113 .

This clamp 238 can have flexible arms 240, for example. Furthermore, the clamp 238 can have at least one sealing surface 242, for example. This at least one sealing surface 242 can be, for example, a surface of an elastic element 244, which can, for example, comprise at least one rubber stopper. However, another configuration is also possible. The elastic element 244 can, for example, be fully or partially integrated into the bracket 238 or, as shown in FIGS Figures 4A and 4B shown, be connected to the bracket 238, for example by a screw connection. while in Figure 4A the cover element 113 is shown separated from the warning whistle 182 is in FIG Figure 4B the cover element 113 is applied to the warning whistle 182 in such a way that this cover element 113 covers the outlet opening 184 and thereby at least partially closes it. This application can be done here, for example, in the form of clipping. In general, the cover element 113, in this exemplary embodiment or in other exemplary embodiments, can be connected to the warning whistle 180, for example, via at least one connection, selected from the group consisting of a non-positive connection, a positive connection and a material connection. However, as before, during rinsing, for example in method step 232 in figure 3 above, pressurized gas to escape from outlet port 184, in Figure 4B indicated by the reference numeral 246. This can be done, for example, by the compressed gas displacing the elastic element 244 in whole or in part.

In the Figures 5A , 5B and 5C a further exemplary embodiment of covering the outlet opening 184 is shown in perspective representations. In this exemplary embodiment, the cover element 113 is embodied as a sealing strip 248, for example. In Figure 5A the cover element 113 is again shown separately from the gas-carrying element 180, analogously to FIG Figure 4A , whereas in Figure 5B the cover element 113 the outlet opening 184 covers the warning whistle 182, analogously to Figure 4B . In Figure 5C on the other hand, a cleaning basket 174 is shown in a perspective view, in which breathing apparatus 112 is accommodated. In this case, the breathing apparatus 112 comprises a carrying frame 250 and a pressurized gas cylinder 252 with a gas-carrying element 180 analogously to FIG Figure 5B , with the outlet opening 184 of the warning whistle 182 closed by the cover element 113. The compressed gas cylinder 252 itself can be used as a pressurization device 190 for flushing the warning whistle 182, or an additional pressure connection, not shown, can be used, analogously to figure 1 or figure 2 . The cleaning chamber 174 can be introduced into a corresponding cleaning device 110, for example.

As stated above, in the Figures 5A , 5B and 5C the cover element 113 is designed as a sealing strip 248 . This can in particular be an elastic band. In particular, the sealing tape 248 can be configured with at least one Velcro fastener 254, which is Figures 5A and 5B is recognizable. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

Reference List

110

cleaning device

111

cleaning system

112

Respiratory Equipment

113

cover element

114

dishwasher

116

cleaning chamber

118

washing chamber

120

door

122

impingement device

124

nozzles

126

washer nozzle system

128

rinse nozzle system

130

washing line system

132

cleaning fluid, washing fluid

134

wash tank

136

circulation pump

138

heating element

140

temperature sensor

142

level sensor

144

drain line

146

drain pump

148

procedure

150

dosing system

152

post-rinse pipe system

154

cleaning fluid, rinsing fluid

156

rinse tank

158

Rinse tank heater

160

temperature sensor

162

level sensor

164

Intake

166

Valve

168

dosing system

170

reverse osmosis device

172

booster pump

174

cleaning basket

175

range

176

steering

178

pressure connection

180

gas-carrying element

182

warning whistle

184

exhaust port

186

signal body

188

Valve

190

pressurization device

192

fastener

194

compressed air supply

196

compressed gas supply

198

compressed gas hose

200

coupling

202

compressed gas source

204

integrated compressed gas source

206

external compressed gas source

208

pressure line

210

junction

212

compressed gas flow

214

cavity

216

Providing the breathing apparatus

218

Insertion of the respirator

220

cover the outlet opening

222

Connecting the gas-carrying element

224

cleaning program

226

washing step

228

post-rinse step

230

drying step

232

Flushing with pressurized gas

234

end

236

manometer

238

bracket

240

poor

242

sealing surface

244

elastic element

246

escape of pressurized gas

248

sealing tape

250

carrying frame

252

compressed gas cylinder

254

Velcro

Claims (15)

A method of cleaning breathing apparatus (112), comprising the steps of: a) Providing the breathing apparatus (112), wherein the breathing apparatus (112) has at least one gas-carrying element (180) with at least one warning whistle (182), the warning whistle (182) being set up so that when the gas-carrying element (180) is pressurized emit a warning sound with at least one pressure that falls below a minimum pressure; b) subjecting the respirator (112) to at least one cleaning fluid (132, 154); and c) flushing the warning whistle (182) with at least one compressed gas, step c) being carried out at least partially at the same time as step b) and flushing taking place in such a way that the compressed gas flows out through at least one outlet opening (184) of the warning whistle (182), so that penetration of cleaning fluid (132, 154) through the outlet opening (184) by the outflowing compressed gas is at least largely prevented. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising:
d) Covering the outlet opening (184) of the warning whistle (182) with at least one cover element (113), step d) being carried out at least partially before step b) and c), the outlet opening (184) being at least partially closed during the covering , so that compressed gas can still flow out through the at least partially covered outlet opening (184). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover element (113) is designed to be flexible, wherein in step c) the outflowing compressed gas at least partially displaces the cover element (113) from the outlet opening (184). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover element (113) is seated as a flexible valve on the outlet opening (184). Method according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the covering element (113) has elastic properties. Method according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the cover element (113) at least partially encloses the warning whistle (182). A method according to any one of the five preceding claims, wherein the cover member (113) comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: an elastic band; a sealing tape with Velcro; a clip (238); a clamp with at least one sealing element. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurized gas comprises compressed air. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed gas during the flushing in step c) has a flushing pressure which is below the minimum pressure. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the flushing pressure is in a range from 1 bar to 12 bar. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning whistle (182) has at least one valve (188) and at least one signal body (186), the valve (188) being able to be subjected to an internal pressure of the gas-carrying element (180). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one cavity (214) is formed between the valve (188) and the signal body (186), with pressurized gas in step c) flowing through the cavity (214) to the signal body (186) and then through the Outlet port (184) flows. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the outlet opening (184) is arranged on the signal body (186). Cleaning system (111) for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one cleaning device (110), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (116) for accommodating the at least one breathing apparatus (112), wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one application device (122) for applying the at least one cleaning fluid (132, 154) to the respirator (112) in step b), wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one pressurization device (190). has at least one pressure connection (178), wherein the pressure connection (178) can be connected to the at least one gas-carrying element (180) of the breathing apparatus (112) and wherein the pressurization device (190) is set up to activate the warning whistle (182) in step c) purge with the pressurized gas; - at least one cover element (113), wherein the cover element (113) is set up to at least partially close the at least one outlet opening (184) of the at least one warning whistle (182) of the at least one breathing apparatus (112), so that compressed gas continues to flow can flow out through the at least partially covered outlet opening (184). The cleaning system (111) of the preceding claim, wherein the pressurizing device (190) includes at least one external pressure port for connection to an external source of pressurized gas (206).

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