WO2021239227A1

WO2021239227A1 - Device for disinfecting breathing air and facemask comprising a disinfection device

Info

Publication number: WO2021239227A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/064814
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Peter SCHWARZER; Hitomi NAKANISHI
Original assignee: Gerätebau Schwarzer Ag
Priority date: 2020-05-28
Filing date: 2020-05-28
Publication date: 2021-12-02

Abstract

A device for disinfecting breathing air for example for use with a facemask comprises at least one disinfection compartment (1) with an air passage system for passing airthrough the disinfection compartment (1), a light source system emitting ultraviolet radiation into the disinfection compartment (1) for disinfecting breathing air passing through the disinfection compartment (1), and an energy supply system for providing electrical energy to the light source system for emitting the ultraviolet radiation. The air passage system is realized by openings in the disinfection compartment (1) located at a central opening section (2) and a peripheral opening section (3) surrounding the central opening section (2). The central opening section (2) and the peripheral opening section (3) are radially distanced from each other by an opening-free intermediate section (4). The light source system is located at the intermediate section (4) of the disinfection compartment (1) and comprises a plurality of ultraviolet light sources (6) arranged around the central opening section (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title

DEVICE FOR DISINFECTING BREATHING AIR AND FACEMASK COMPRISING A DISINFECTION DEVICE

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for disinfecting breathing air according to the preamble of independent claim 1 , particularly to a disinfection device using ultraviolet radiation for disinfecting breathing air. Further, the invention relates to a facemask comprising such a disinfection device to disinfect inhaled and/or exhaled air.

Background Art

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is widely used in the field of hygiene, sanitation and disinfection for various technologies like the treatment of drinking water and food or the sterilisation of medical and personal items. The technology is based on the fact that microorganisms like bacteria, germs and viruses are destroyed by a photochemical reaction when exposed to UV radiation in the range of about 200nm to 300nm. Particularly, UVC radiation of wavelengths below 280nm, which is naturally absorbed by the earth atmosphere, is used for disinfection.

[0003] UV technology is also applied in breathing facemasks and respiratory masks, respectively, which traditionally rely on filters for filtering unwanted particles in breathing air. However, many bacteria and especially viruses are to small to be caught in conventional filter material, and pathogens might still be inhaled or exhaled to the environment by a person wearing such a facemask.

[0004] A breathing apparatus comprising a facemask and using UV radiation for reducing the risk from pathogens is for example disclosed in WO 2012/151204 A1. The mask comprises a flow chamber with several lateral openings on both sides of the mask for air inflow and outflow and an opening in a mask support for breathing in and out when wearing the mask. Several UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged inside the flow chamber for emitting radiation of a wavelength that is able to disinfect the air flowing through the chamber. There is a turbulence structure in form of triangular blocks to create a turbulent airflow in the chamber. However, the geometrical distribution of openings and turbulence blocks is insufficient to ensure that all pathogens in the breathing air are exposed to UV light and destroyed. Therefore, there remains a risk of contamination of the environment or infection of a user of the breathing apparatus.

[0005] In a further development of the breathing apparatus as disclosed in WO 2016/003604, the flow chamber is amended by internal walls to form a serpentine air passage for guiding the airflow between the lateral inflow/outflow openings and the mask support opening. Despite the serpentine air passage some of the airflow can still escape the exposure to UV light and the deflection of the airflow by the internal walls hampers breathing through the breathing apparatus.

[0006] Another facemask using UV radiation for killing bacteria, viruses, etc. is shown in CN 201451468 U. The mask is designed with a tube like shape and comprises two ring-shaped UV lamps arranged at an inner circumference of the tube like mask. There is an air inlet at the front of the mask in form of an air inlet sleeve with grid pores. The mask comprises two light shielding plates to block UV radiation to the inside of the mask. The holes of the shielding plates are misaligned so that UV light is blocked in direction of the user. Breathing air enters the air inlet, passes through the ring-shaped UV lamp and the light shielding plates before being inhaled by a user. The breathing air passes the UV lamps in a large distance which results in a low radiation power and low radiation intensity which compromises the disinfection efficiency. Also, the exposure time of particles to the UV radiation is very short. Further, the breathing air has to travel a long distance, which makes respiration difficult. Also, the tube shape of the facemask is inconvenient and incorrect application of the mask on a face is likely.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a device disinfecting breathing air and for a facemask using such disinfecting device that ensure disinfection of inhaled and exhaled air, allow for easy respiration and provide wearing comfort during application of the device, provide a simple and cost efficient design, avoid unnecessary waste materials, and ensure protection of a user from contamination and infection. Disclosure of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention these needs are settled by a device for disinfecting breathing air as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1 , and by a facemask as it is defined by claim 13. Preferred embodiments of the disinfection device and the facemask are subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention a device for disinfecting breathing air comprises at least one disinfection compartment with an air passage system for passing air through the disinfection compartment, a light source system emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation into the disinfection compartment for disinfecting breathing air passing through the disinfection compartment, and an energy supply system for providing electrical energy to the light source system for emitting the ultraviolet radiation. The disinfection compartment defines an inner space, which basically corresponds to the air passage system. The light source system comprises a plurality of UV light sources, particularly UVC light sources, which are connected to the energy supply system. The light sources are arranged in the disinfection compartment and directed towards the air passage system. The energy supply system can be located at the disinfection compartment or it can be arranged separately thereof and connected to the light source system by for example an electrical wire or circuit board.

[0010] According to the present invention the air passage system is realized by openings in the disinfection compartment located at a central opening section and a peripheral opening section surrounding the central opening section. That means openings of the peripheral opening section are located around the perimeter of the disinfection compartment while an opening or openings of the central opening section are arranged in a middle part of the disinfection compartment. The central opening section and the peripheral opening section are radially distanced from each other by an opening- free intermediate section. The intermediate section can be ring-shaped and encircles the central opening section. Thus, in radial direction of the centre of the disinfection compartment there are: (1) the central opening section comprising at least one central opening as an air inlet/outlet, (2) the opening-free intermediate section, and (3) the peripheral opening section comprising a plurality of openings around the perimeter of the disinfection compartment as air inlets/outlets. The light source system is located at the intermediate section of the disinfection compartment, wherein the plurality of UV light sources are arranged around the central opening section. [0011] Therefore, any arbitrary airflow path between a central opening and a peripheral opening must cross the radiation of at least one UV light source in close vicinity. This ensures destruction of pathogens present in the inhaled or exhaled air, which protects the user of the disinfection device and also its environment. The peripheral openings around the entire disinfection compartment allow for a radial passage of the airflow and for short travelling distances of the air. The air passage system takes advantage of the entire inner space of the disinfection compartment while the air stream is approximately evenly distributed in the inner space. This allows for easy breathing and prevents breathing resistance.

[0012] In one embodiment of a device for disinfecting breathing air according to the present invention the disinfection compartment is disc-shaped. The disinfection compartment has a first plane and a second plane, which are opposing each other, and a circumferential wall connecting the two opposing planes. Thus, the disinfection compartment is realized as a thin structure. For example, the distance between the first plane and the second plane is about 3mm to 10mm, preferably about 4mm to 7mm. Thus, the inner space of the disinfection compartment has a small height compared to its radial extension. The ratio of height to radial extension is for example between 1 :2 and 1 :10, preferably between 1:4 and 1 :7. Preferably, the light sources of the light source system are integrated into one of the planes. Thus, the light sources are even with the surface of the air passage system. Air passing the light sources has to cross through the light emission of the light source and cannot flow aside or below the light sources.

[0013] This ensures that air flowing through the air passage system has to pass in close proximity of at least one UV light source. Also, the disinfection device can be easily integrated into a facemask and does not extend far beyond a facemask sheet, which provides for comfortable wearing of the facemask. The disc-shaped design of the disinfection compartment must not be completely flat. It could for example also be slightly bend or convex. In this case the shape of disinfection device may follow the shape of a facemask.

[0014] In one example embodiment of a disinfection compartment of the disinfection device the central opening section is arranged in a first plane and the peripheral opening section is arranged in a second plane or the circumferential wall; for example, the first plane and second plane as mentioned above. Thus, it is made sure that the airflow passes radially and across the inner space and through the disinfection compartment. This maximizes the retention time of air in the disinfection compartment and increases disinfection efficiency.

[0015] In a further example of a disinfection compartment the peripheral opening section comprises a plurality of peripheral openings, which are equally distanced along the peripheral opening section and around the central opening section. This allows a homogenous distribution of the airflow within the disinfection compartment and a homogenous exposure of pathogens to the UV radiation. Thus, all of the air flowing through the compartment is optimally irradiated for disinfection.

[0016] Additionally, the air passage system of the disinfection compartment may comprise radial walls extending from the central opening section to the peripheral opening section. The radial walls establish air channels in the disinfection compartment such that each air channel connects at least one of the peripheral opening and a central opening and comprises at least one of the light sources. The radial walls stretch for example between the first plane and the second plane as mentioned before and connect the two planes. Further, the radial walls for example extend from the central opening section across the opening-free intermediate section to the circumferential wall of the disinfection compartment. The air channels streamline the airflow through the disinfection compartment making sure that the air inhaled or exhaled is approximately evenly exposed to UV light. Further, the radial walls may strengthen the structure of the disinfection device. Flowever, the radial walls are optional and the disinfection device provides dependable air disinfection even without such walls.

[0017] In one embodiment of the disinfection device, the disinfection compartment is designed symmetrically to a symmetry axis running perpendicular through the central opening section. For example, the disinfection compartment is polygon shaped, oval or circular. Preferably, the disinfection compartment is designed as a circular disc having a circular circumferential wall. In a circular disc-shaped disinfection compartment the air paths of air entering the openings in the circular circumferential wall extend radially towards the central opening and are equal from all sides of the disinfection device. All particles are uniformly exposed to UV radiation of a high radiation power due to the disc shaped thin design of the disinfection compartment.

[0018] In an example of the light source system of the disinfection device according to the invention, the plurality of light sources each define a light emission zone and light emission zones of adjacent light sources overlap to realize a continuous emission field around the central opening section. Therefore, air passing from the peripheral openings to the central opening section is inevitably irradiated by UV light. The light sources are The light sources are approximately evenly distributed in the intermediate section of the disinfection compartment in a distance from each other that ensures overlapping radiation. The number of light sources used for the light source system depends on the type of light source used, the radiation power and intensity of the light source, and the emission angle of the light sources. Advantageously, light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting UVC light are used, for example with a wavelength of about 250nm - 268nm. Typical emission angles of LEDs are in the range of up to 120°. The use of LEDs with low radiation intensity as for example 0.1 Watt requires a larger number of LEDs than LEDS with high radiation intensity as for example 1.0 Watt.

[0019] For an embodiment of the disinfection compartment that uses radial walls to form radial air channels in the compartment these walls could for example be conically shaped to adjust the free space in the channels to the emission angles of the LEDs. For example the walls comprise a wider base part at the plane that carries the LEDs and a narrower top part at the opposite plane. This structure ensures that all of the cross-sectional area of the air channel is irradiated by UV light and air cannot escape UV radiation.

[0020] Advantageously, light sources are arranged around the centre opening in several rings and air passes through more than one light emission zone, i.e. is irradiated by more than one light source. For example, the plurality of light sources can be arranged circularly around the central opening section in at least a first light source circle and a second light source circle. However, other light source patterns are possible as long as the overlapping light emission zones realise a circumferentially extending continuous emission field between the central opening section and the peripheral opening section.

[0021] In one embodiment of the disinfection device, the disinfection compartment comprises a filter system in the air passage system, wherein the filter system includes at least one filter layer comprising a disinfecting agent for disinfecting pathogens when the pathogens get in contact with the disinfecting agent. The filter system allows for self- sanitizing the disinfection device when the device is not in use, i.e. the light source system is not switched on for a period of time. [0022] Advantageously, the filter system includes at least one filter layer comprising copper and/or at least one filter layer comprising an emulgent. The filter layers are arranged between the central opening section and the peripheral opening section such that air flowing through the air passage system has to pass the filter system. The copper filter layer may be realized by a commonly known filter material, which has copper added to it. The copper can for example be integrated in the material such that the filter layer is provided with a copper surface. Pathogens contacting the copper will be killed after approximately four hours. Similarly, the emulgent filter layer may be realized by a commonly known filter material, which has an emulgent added to it. The emulgent may be any surfactant or emulsifier, for example Lecithine / Soyalecithin.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the filter system applies a combination of copper and emulgents. The filter system may for example use a textile filter material that comprises a copper layer on an outer surface and emulgents within the textile fabric. The combination ensures reliable disinfection of the disinfection device when the light sources are switched off. Therefore, the disinfection device can be taken out of use for a while and will still be efficient in disinfecting breathing air.

[0024] Furthermore, when the disinfection device is in use the filter system using such a combination of disinfecting agents will be exposed to moisture of the breathing air. The moisture assists in activating the disinfection agents, particularly the emulgents. Pathogens passing the textile filter material are adhered to the material due to the moistness of the material. Simplified, the filter material becomes sticky for the pathogens when breathing air passes the filter.

[0025] It is noted, that the filter system using such a combination of disinfecting agents can be advantageously used as a breath through filter system for disinfecting breathing air. The use of a UV light system and an air passage system is not absolutely required to achieve a disinfection effect. Thus, such a filter system can be advantageously used in a facemask. The applicant reserves the right to claim a disinfection device and a facemask comprising such a filter system as a breath through device.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of a device for disinfecting breathing air according to the invention two disinfection compartments are arranged on top of each other with their respective central opening sections being aligned to realize a common central air passage. In this embodiment the disinfection device is designed as a two compartment device. Each of the disinfection compartments that are stacked on each other comprises a peripheral opening section, wherein the peripheral openings of a first compartment are used as air inlet openings and the peripheral openings of an adjacent second compartment are used as air outlet openings. Entering the inlet openings air passes over a first opening-free intermediate section of the first compartment comprising a first plurality of light sources. Next the air passes through the common central air passage of the central opening section. Then, the air passes over a second opening-free intermediate section of the second compartment comprising a second plurality of light sources before finally exiting through the outlet openings. The first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources may be part of a light source system common for both disinfection compartments. In this embodiment the exposure time of pathogens to UV radiation is doubled and the disinfection efficiency is increased. At the same time the dimensions of the disinfection device are just slightly increased which does not lessen wearing comfort of a facemask using the device.

[0027] The air passage systems of the two disinfection compartments are coupled by connecting their respective central opening sections to realize a common air passage system through the two disinfection compartments. For example, the central opening sections of the two disinfection compartments are arranged in a first plane of the respective disinfection compartment. The peripheral opening sections of the two disinfection compartments are arranged in a second plane of the respective disinfection compartment. Thus, air inflow and air outflow are realized on opposite sides of the disinfection device. The second planes of the compartments and their circumferential wall define the exterior side of the disinfection device. The first planes of the two disinfection compartments rest on top of each other and are arranged inside the disinfection device. However, air inflow and air outflow also could be arranged in the circumferential wall of the compartments.

[0028] In one example, the two disinfection compartments comprise a common disk providing the central opening sections for both disinfection compartments. One side of the disk determines a first plane of the first compartment and the opposite side of the disk determines a first plane of the second compartment. A plurality of light sources are provided on each side of the common disk which surround the central opening section. The common disk can also serve as a carrier for the light source system and the energy supply system or at least parts of the energy supply system, like for example electrical conductors connected to the individual light sources. Advantageously, the light sources are integrated into the disk surface and do not extend beyond the surface. Thus, there are no dead areas in the air passage system, which cannot be irradiated by the light sources. The use of a common disk reduces the number of parts required for the disinfection device and simplifies the arrangement of components of the device.

[0029] Further, for realizing the disinfection compartments two compartment trays may be provided, each comprising a base, for example another disk-shaped area, and a circumferential wall. The two compartment trays are attached to opposite sides of the common disk to realize the two disinfection compartments on top of each other. Thus, the number of parts being used for the disinfection device is further reduced. The trays can be identical, which simplifies manufacturing of the device.

[0030] According to another aspect the invention provides a facemask for disinfecting breathing air. The facemask comprises a mask sheet for covering mouth and nose of a face such that a breathing air chamber is defined between the face and the mask sheet. The mask sheet comprises at least one mask opening covered by a disinfection compartment of a disinfection device as discussed above to disinfect breathing air inhaled or exhaled through the facemask. In case of more than one mask opening, each of the openings can be covered by a disinfection device. The disinfection device can be a one compartment device or a two compartment device. The disinfection compartment is arranged on the mask opening such that the central opening section is located at the mask opening and the peripheral opening section is located on an outer side of the mask sheet opposite to the breathing air chamber. Thus, air enters from outside the facemask through the peripheral openings, flows across the air passage system and the light source system for disinfection and exits into the breathing air chamber to be inhaled by the user. Vice versa, exhaled air enters the disinfection compartment from the breathing air chamber follows the air passage system and exits through peripheral openings on the outer side of the face mask.

[0031] In case of a one compartment device the central opening section defines at least one inlet/outlet to the breathing air chamber. In case of a two compartment device the peripheral opening section of the second compartment defines inlets/outlets to the breathing air chamber. [0032] A facemask according to the invention reliably and efficiently provides disinfected breathing air for a user of the mask and protects the environment from contaminated breathing air. The facemask carrying the disinfection device is simple to handle and provides high wearing comfort. [0033] In one example of the facemask the disinfection compartment with the light source system covers the mask opening and the energy supply system is provided separately and electrically connected to the light source system. For example, the energy supply system may be attached at another area of the mask sheet. Alternatively, the energy supply system may be basically separate from the mask and simply connected to the light source system by electrical wirings. The same energy supply system may be used for several disinfection compartments covering several mask openings. Thus, the weight of the disinfection device can be distributed more evenly over the mask sheet. Further, the wearing comfort is improved and breathing is facilitated.

[0034] In a further example, the disinfection device is detachably connected to the mask sheet of the facemask. Thus, the parts of the device can be reused with another mask sheet or can be recycled properly. In case of the disinfection compartment or compartments and the energy supply system are arranged separately, each of these components can be handled individually. Further, the disinfection compartment and the energy supply system can be replaced independent form each other. [0035] Advantageously, a disinfection device comprising a filter system as mentioned above can be used in combination with the facemask. When the disinfection device is removed from the mask it can be stored for a predetermined period of time before reuse with another facemask. During that period of time the disinfection device self-sanitizes and will be free of pathogens before being used again.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] The device for disinfecting breathing air and the facemask according to the invention are described in more detail herein below by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a device for disinfecting breathing air comprising one disinfection compartments according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of a disc providing a component of the disinfection device of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a device for disinfecting breathing air comprising two disinfection compartments according to the invention;

Fig. 4a shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a facemask comprising a centred disinfection device according to the invention;

Fig. 4b shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a facemask comprising a lateral disinfection device according to the invention; and Fig. 4c shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a facemask comprising a disinfection device with a disintegrated energy supply system according to the invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0037] In the following description of embodiments of a device for disinfecting breathing air and of embodiments of a facemask comprising such a disinfection device identical components or components with the same functionality have the same reference signs. Features described for one embodiment that may be used in another embodiment will not necessarily be explained in full detail for all embodiments. In this case, the description of the feature for one embodiment shall apply to other embodiments as well.

[0038] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross section of a first embodiment of a device for disinfecting breathing air according to the invention with one disinfection compartment 1. The disinfection device has a circular, disc-like, flat shape. The disinfection compartment 1 comprises an air passage system for passing air through the disinfection compartment 1. The air passage system is realized by openings in the compartment located at a central opening section 2 comprising one or more openings and a peripheral opening section 3 surrounding the central opening section 2. The peripheral opening section 3 comprises a plurality of peripheral openings 4, which extend around the perimeter of the disinfection compartment 1. The central opening section 2 and the peripheral opening section 3 are radially distanced from each other by an opening-free intermediate section 5. The disinfection compartment 1 is basically designed symmetrically to a symmetry axis running perpendicular through the central opening section 2.

[0039] Further, the disinfection device comprises a light source system for emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation into the disinfection compartment 1 and an energy supply system for providing electrical energy to run the light source system. The light source system is located at the intermediate section 5 of the disinfection compartment 1 and comprises a plurality of UV light sources 6 emitting radiation with a wavelength capable of disinfecting breathing air passing through the disinfection compartment 1 . In the present embodiment UVC LEDs are used as light sources 6. The energy supply system is provided externally of the disinfection compartment 1 It comprises at least one connector 7, which connects the light sources 6 via electrical conductors (not shown) to an external energy supply, for example a battery. Advantageously, the energy supply can be switched on and off depending on the use of the disinfection device.

[0040] The disinfection compartment 1 has a first plane 8 and a second plane 9 which are opposing each other and a circumferential wall 10 connecting the two opposing planes 8 and 9. In the present example, the disinfection compartment 1 is realized by a disk 11 providing the first plane 8 with the central opening section 2 and a shallow tray comprising a base defining the second plane 9 and the peripheral openings 4 and defining the circumferential wall 10. The disk 11 and the tray are attached to each other to create the disinfection compartment 1. The tray can for example be made of plastic material and produced by injection molding. The disk can be realized as a circuit board disk can be produced in any conventional manner. The light sources 6 are integrated in the first plane and the disk, respectively. Thus, the light sources are even with the surface of the first plane.

[0041] In a mounted state of the disc and the tray, the first plane 8 and the second plane 9 are about 4-8mm apart from each other. The tray extends radially for example about 20-50mm. The plurality of peripheral openings 4 are arranged in the base of the tray and spread around the perimeter of the tray. Thus, the peripheral openings 4 surround the central opening section 2. The peripheral openings 4 are basically equally distanced from each other to create a radial homogenous airflow within the entire disinfection compartment 1. Thus, the disinfection compartment 1 is build by just two components. [0042] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the air passage system is realized by the central opening of the central opening section 2, a radial flow path across the intermediate section 5 over the light sources 6 and the peripheral openings 4 of the peripheral opening section 3. The flow direction determines if the openings serve as inlets or outlets. However, in both directions the air passes across the intermediate section 5 carrying the light sources 6.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, advantageously the disk 11 can be realized by a circuit board, which can carry the light sources 6 and parts of the energy supply system, like the conductors for the light sources. The disk 11 is of circular shape and the radius is slightly larger than the radius of the circular wall 10. The electrical connector 7 may extend radially from the outer edge of the disk 11. The tray may comprise a lip extending outwardly from the circumferential wall 10 of the tray and surrounding the wall. Thus, the tray can be bond with the lip on the outer edge of the disk 11 for example by adhesion. The bonding area can for example be sealed by silicone to prevent air from escaping the disinfection compartment. The light sources 6 are approximately evenly distributed on the opening-free intermediate section 5 of the disk 11. In the present example two circles of light sources 6 surround the central opening section 2.

[0044] In the present embodiment the plurality of light sources 6 of the light source system each define a light emission zone that extends away from the first plane 8 towards the second plane 9. The light emission zone is for example conically shaped. The light emission zones of adjacent light sources 6 overlap to realize a continuous emission field around the central opening section 2. Preferably, the light sources are distributed in a ring-like pattern around the central opening section 2 and two or more light source rings are provided around the central opening, as shown in Figure 2. Thus, the emission field can stretch continuously over the distance of the intermediate section 5 in radial direction. Advantageously, the light sources 6 are spread out in the intermediate section 5 such that approximately the entire inner space of the disinfection compartment 1 is irradiated by UV light.

[0045] To prevent emission of UV light to the environment around the disinfection device the second plane 2 may be covered with a UV shielding (not shown) for reflecting UV radiation back into the compartment 1 and a circumferential shielding wall 12 may be arranged in front of the peripheral opening 4 preventing UV radiation from exiting radially through the openings 4. Likewise, the first plane 1 may have a shielding cover and a shielding cap (not shown) having lateral openings may cover the central opening section. Further, the shielding can reflect the UV light back into the disinfection compartment and the reflected light can contribute to the disinfection of the airflow.

[0046] The disinfection device as described for Figures 1 and 2 defines a disinfection unit that can be applied in combination with a facemask as will be described for Figures 4a - 4c. The disinfection device includes only two main components, that is the disk carrying the light source system and the energy supply system, and the tray defining the disinfection compartment. The disinfection device is easy to manufacture for low costs and nevertheless ensures safe disinfection of breathing air running through the disinfection compartment.

[0047] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of a further embodiment of a device for disinfecting breathing air according to the invention with two disinfection compartments 1 and T. Again, the disinfection device in general has a circular, disc-like flat shape. The two disinfection compartments 1 and T are arranged on top of each other with their respective central opening sections being aligned to realize a common central air passage 2’. The disinfection compartments 1 and T are mostly designed as described for the disinfection compartment 1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Thus, the first planes 8 and 8’ of each of the disinfection compartments 1 and T lie against each other and the second planes 9 and 9’ of each of the disinfection compartments 1 and T realize outer planes of the disinfection device. The peripheral openings 4 of the second plane 8 and the peripheral openings 4’ of the second plane 8’ are arranged at the perimeter of the disinfection device but are facing in opposite direction. The air passage systems of the two disinfection compartments 1 and T are coupled by establishing the central opening sections 2’ creating a common air passage system through the two disinfection compartments. One of the second planes 8 and 8’ with their respective peripheral opening 4 and 4’ defines the air inlet side of the disinfection device and the opposite second plane defines the air outlet side of the disinfection device.

[0048] The first planes 8 and 8’ of the disinfection compartments 1 and T are realized by a common disk 11 , wherein one side of the disk serves as the first plane 8 of disinfection compartment 1 and the opposite side of the disk serves as the first plane 8’ of the disinfection compartment T. The common disk 11 provides the common central opening section 2’ for both disinfection compartments 1 and T. A plurality of light sources 6 are provided on each side of the common disk 11 on the opening-free section 5. The light sources 6 surround the common central opening section 2’ on each side of the disk. Again, the disk 11 can be realized by a circuit board having electrical conductors for the light sources 6 and an electrical connector 7 to connect the circuit board disk to the energy supply system. The light sources 6 are integrated into the disk on each side thereof.

[0049] The second planes 9 and 9’ of the two disinfection compartments 1 and T are provided by compartment trays each comprising a base, a circumferential wall 11 and a shielding wall 12 as described above. The two compartment trays are attached to opposite sides of the common disk 11. Generally, the two disinfection compartments 1 and T of the disinfection device are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the disk 11.

[0050] The embodiment of the disinfection device shown in Figure 3 doubles the exposure time of air flowing through the device by first crossing the UV emission field in the first disinfection compartment 1 and subsequently in the second disinfection compartment T. The airflow is guided in close proximity over the light sources 6. Therefore, the airflow is exposed to a high UV light intensity. This increases the efficiency of disinfecting the air in the disinfection device. The device is realized by only 3 components and thus can be realized in a low-coast and easy to produce manner.

[0051] The embodiments of a disinfection device shown in Figures 1 and 3 may comprise a filter system in the air passage system. The filter system can include at least one filter layer comprising a disinfecting agent for disinfecting pathogens when the pathogens get in contact with the disinfecting agent. As mentioned above, the filter system may include at least one filter layer comprising copper and/or at least one filter layer comprising an emulgent. For a two-compartment disinfection device it can be sufficient that just one of the disinfection compartment includes a filter. The filter layer may for example be attached to the inner side of the base of the compartment tray. Also, a filter layer may be covering the central opening section. The filter system is useful to self-sanitize the disinfection device when the device is not in use and the UV light source system is turned off.

[0052] Further, the disinfection devices shown in Figures 1 and 3 may include radial walls (not shown) within the disinfection compartment to provide radial air channels between the openings of the central opening section 2 and the peripheral opening section 4. The walls extend starlike from the central opening section 2 towards the peripheral opening section 4. The radial air channels may define separate channels or they may be connect, e.g. by small gaps in the radial walls. The air channels assist in guiding the breathing air through the UV radiation of the light sources.

[0053] A device for disinfecting breathing air as shown in Figures 1 or 3 can be applied in a facemask for disinfecting breathing air according to the present invention as is shown for the embodiments depicted in Figures 4a to 4c. The facemask can disinfect breathing air that is inhaled to protect a user from bacteria, viruses, etc.. Also, the facemask can disinfect breathing air that is exhaled to protect the environment from breathing air of a contracted user.

[0054] The facemask as illustrated in Figures 4a to 4c have a mask sheet 13 for covering mouth and nose of a user’s face such that a breathing air chamber (not shown) is defined between the surface of the face and the mask sheet 13. The mask sheet 13 may have attachment means to attach the facemask in front of the mouth and nose. For example, the facemask has two elastic strips for hooking the mask to the ears of a user. Further, the facemask may have shaping means for shaping the edges of the mask sheet 13 in accordance to the surface shape of the user for sealing the breathing air chamber.

[0055] The mask sheet 13 comprises at least one mask opening covered by a disinfection compartment 1 of a disinfection device as described above to disinfect breathing air inhaled or exhaled through the facemask and through the disinfection compartment 1.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4a the opening with the disinfection compartment 1 is located in the centre of the mask sheet 13. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4b the opening with the disinfection compartment 1 is located on a side of the mask sheet 13. In these embodiments, the energy supply system of the disinfection device is provided as an external system that is provided separately from the disinfection compartment 1 and the mask sheet 13. The energy supply system comprises a battery unit 14 for providing energy, a cable 15 and a plug 16 to connect the battery unit 14 to the disinfection compartment 1 via the electrical connector 7.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4c the disinfection compartment 1 is located on a side of the mask sheet 13 and the battery unit 14 is attached on the other side of the sheet mask 13 thereon. The disinfection compartment 1 and the battery unit 14 are located such that their overall weight is equally distributed on the facemask. The cable 15 from the battery unit 14 connects to the electrical connector 7 via the plug 16.

[0058] The battery unit 14 may comprise a control unit for controlling the energy supply system of the disinfection device. For example, the operation on/off of the device and the light source activity can be controlled.

[0059] Advantageously, the disinfection device is detachably secured on the mask sheet and seals the opening in the sheet. To do so, the mask opening may be bordered with a threaded ring made of plastic or metal for example. The threaded ring may be glued to the edges of the mask opening. The outer edge of the disinfection compartment 1 of the disinfection device may be provided with a counter thread to screw the disinfection compartment into the threaded ring. Sealing means may be provided between the threaded ring and the counter thread so that the opening of the mask sheet is closed in an airtight fashion. The electrical connector 7 of the disinfection compartment 1 will be arranged such that it is accessible for connecting to the plug 16 of the energy supply system. Thus, the disinfection device can easily be attached and detached from the facemask for example for cleaning or for maintenance purposes. The disinfection device can be reused for other facemasks and the battery unit can be recharged or serviced.

[0060] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and the claims. For example, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skills within the scope and spirit of the following claims. List of Reference Signs 1, 1’ disinfection compartment 2, 2’ central opening section

3 peripheral opening section

4 peripheral openings

5 opening-free intermediate section

6 light sources

7 electrical connector

8, 8’ first plane

9, 9’ second plane

10 circumferential wall

11 disc

12 shielding wall

13 mask sheet

14 battery unit

15 cable

16 plug

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Device for disinfecting breathing air comprising:

- at least one disinfection compartment (1) with an air passage system for passing air through the disinfection compartment (1),

- a light source system emitting ultraviolet radiation into the disinfection compartment (1) for disinfecting breathing air passing through the disinfection compartment (1), and

- an energy supply system for providing electrical energy to the light source system for emitting the ultraviolet radiation, characterized in that

- the air passage system is realized by openings in the disinfection compartment (1) located at a central opening section (2) and a peripheral opening section (3) surrounding the central opening section (2),

- wherein the central opening section (2) and the peripheral opening section (3) are radially distanced from each other by an opening-free intermediate section (4), and

- wherein the light source system is located at the intermediate section (4) of the disinfection compartment (1) and comprises a plurality of ultraviolet light sources (6) arranged around the central opening section (2).

2. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to claim 1 , wherein the disinfection compartment is disc-shaped having a first plane (8) and a second plane (9) which are opposing each other and a circumferential wall (10) connecting the two opposing planes.

3. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to claim 2, wherein the central opening section (2) is arranged in the first plane (8) of the disinfection compartment (1) and the peripheral opening section (3) is arranged in the second plane (9) or the circumferential wall (10) of the disinfection compartment (1).

4. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral opening section (3) comprises a plurality of peripheral openings (4), which are equally distanced along the peripheral opening section (3) and around the central opening section (2).

5. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air passage system comprises radial walls extending from the central opening section (2) to the peripheral opening section (3) establishing air channels in the disinfection compartment (1) such that each air channel comprise at least one of the light sources (6)

6. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfection compartment (1) is designed symmetrically to a symmetry axis through the central opening section (2).

7. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of light sources (6) each define a light emission zone and wherein light emission zones of adjacent light sources (6) overlap to realize a continuous emission field around the central opening section (2).

8. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfection compartment (1) comprises a filter system in the air passage system, wherein the filter system includes at least one filter layer comprising a disinfecting agent for disinfecting pathogens when the pathogens get in contact with the disinfecting agent.

9. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to the preceding claim, wherein the filter system includes at least one filter layer comprising copper and/or at least one filter layer comprising an emulgent.

10. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two disinfection compartments (1, 1’) are arranged on top of each other with their respective central opening sections being aligned to realize a common central air passage (2’).

11. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to the preceding claim, wherein the air passage systems of the two disinfection compartments (1, 1’) are coupled by connecting their respective central opening sections to realize a common air passage system through the disinfection compartments (1, 1’).

12. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the preceding claims 9 or 10, wherein the two disinfection compartments (1, 1’) comprise a common disk (11) providing the central opening sections for both disinfection compartments (1, 1’), wherein a plurality of light sources (6) are provided on each side of the common disk (11) and surround the central opening section on each side.

13. Device for disinfecting breathing air according to any of the claim 12, wherein two compartment trays are provided, each comprising a base and a circumferential wall (10) of a disinfection compartment (1 , 1’), wherein the two compartment trays are attached to opposite sides of the common disk (11).

14. Facemask for disinfecting breathing air comprising a mask sheet (13) for covering mouth and nose of a face such that a breathing air chamber is defined between the face and the mask sheet (13), wherein the mask sheet (13) comprises at least one mask opening covered by a disinfection compartment (1) of a disinfection device according to any one of the preceding claims to disinfect breathing air inhaled or exhaled through the facemask.

15. Facemask according to claim 14, wherein the at least one disinfection compartment (1) with the light source system covers the mask opening and the energy supply system is separately attached to the mask sheet (13) and electrically connected to the light source system.

16. Facemask according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the disinfection device is detachably connected to the mask sheet (13).