WO2022211769A2

WO2022211769A2 - Sterilization cabinet for electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2022211769A2
Application number: PCT/TR2022/050289
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ali Savaş KOPARAL; Mehmet UĞURLU; İbrahim Erdinç ERGÜN; Ersin KÖSEOĞLU; Fadime KARAER ÖZMEN
Original assignee: A.Ü.Strateji̇ Geli̇şti̇rme Dai̇resi̇ Başkanliği; Eski̇şehi̇r Tekni̇k Üni̇versi̇tesi̇ İdari̇ Ve Mali̇ İşler Dai̇re Başkanliği
Priority date: 2021-04-03
Filing date: 2022-04-01
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: WO2022211769A3; TR2021006023A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilization cabinet (1) which provides the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated to be sterilized in-situ by the photolytic inactivation directly with the UV-C lamps with a beam wavelength which does not produce ozone and by the photocatalytic inactivation on the entire surface which has been given an antimicrobial quality by coating the tray, in which the equipment and the device to be sterilized is placed, and the UV-C beam contact path with the nanometer-sized TiO₂ in the anatase phase.

Description

STERILIZATION CABINET FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a photolytic and photocatalytic advanced technology sterilization cabinet which provides a safe and effective in-situ sanitation for the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and equipment which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated.

Prior Art

Many applications aimed at the disinfection and sterilization of the indoor areas in order to prevent the airborne and respiratory infections have come to the fore after the COVID- 19 pandemic. It is known that a large number of viruses are easily transmitted between people through a direct and indirect contact. The air exhaled by the infected person and the discharge such as coughing or sneezing can cause the virus to enter the air and transfer it directly to another person and the virus can also be transmitted indirectly after the contact with the table tops, equipment, devices, or surfaces such as door handles which are in common contact with the infected person, and after the contact with the personal belongings of the infected person. Although there are many sanitation practices applied to prevent the spread of the contamination through the indirect contact, their effectiveness against the resistant microorganisms is limited. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the safe and quick in-situ sterilization of the contaminated indoor areas, surfaces, equipment, and devices through the automation has gained even more importance.

In addition to the personal hygiene, the workplace hygiene which has become more important along with the COVID-19 pandemic has been the priority for the medical facilities, universities, schools, offices, technical services, and all other public institutions in the transition to the new normal order. It has become necessary to develop the advanced technology practices for the safe and effective sanitation of the technological equipment such as computers, printers, scanners and all other equipment and devices while sanitizing the indoor areas and surfaces in these areas. In this case, there is a need for an advanced technology sterilization cabinet which provides a safe and effective in-situ sanitation for the surfaces, electronic equipment, and devices, which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices.

Various disinfection and sterilization strategies are used to prevent the direct and indirect spread of such infections. The prominent disinfection and sterilization practices are mostly physical and chemical inactivation practices which aim to prevent the contamination which may occur during the indirect contact with the indoor areas and surfaces. The main practice to reduce the spread of the microorganisms is to clean the surfaces often with a disinfectant containing ethanol. There are systems which provide the surface sanitation by using a disinfectant in the disinfection of the surfaces of the electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. There are the practices based on a disinfecting process and sterilization systems developed to eliminate, or reduce to the acceptable levels, the microbial residues resistant to the conventional disinfectants in the health care facilities, public health facilities and healthcare organizations. None of the inventions patented as the sterilization cabinets in the present system are designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. The ultraviolet radiation is the advanced technology application in the sterilization of the surfaces of the electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. The ultraviolet radiation is an effective microbial control process which is often used to sterilize the indoor air, surfaces, water and surgical instruments. Depending on the wavelength of the applied UV light, three types of UV rays, namely UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm) and UV-C (100-280 nm), are used for the disinfection and sterilization. Among these wavelengths, UV-C is preferred to prevent the microbial contamination since it has the most lethal wavelength for the microorganisms. In order to eliminate the effect of the harmful UV rays on humans when UV-C rays are used to prevent the microbial contamination, the special filters which prevent direct contact with the person and UV light-damping ray traps have been developed.

In the photolytic inactivation process in which UV radiation is used, UV light directly penetrates the microbial cell and kills it by destroying the cell and protein structure. The microorganisms occurring in colony in the photolytic inactivation process sometimes shade each other and reduce the inactivation efficiency of UV radiation. Thus, the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2 - UV system) processes have been accepted as a more reliable sterilization process. There is no invention which is based on the use of direct ultraviolet radiation technology and designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. The personnel are at risk, who will disinfect the surfaces with a particularly high microbial load in the area, surface and equipment sanitation process using a disinfectant developed for different purposes. Apart from the microbial risk, there is also a chemical risk arising from the disinfectant applied. Since the effects of UV-C radiation on human health are known, such sanitation processes must be carried out in UV-C- proof sealed cabinets without harm to human health in the sanitation of areas, surfaces, equipment and devices using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is required that UV radiation is combined with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2 - UV system) processes for a more effective and reliable use. A cabinet which is not designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices should be self-cleaning and provide an effective inactivation for a wide variety of microorganisms and an easy and safe use without threatening human health.

A sterilization method and device are described in the invention in the U.S. patent application document, numbered US2019374890 (A1 ) and with the priority date 29.01.2014, in the state of the art. The invention in said document comprises a sterilization container for holding the surgical instruments in a sterilizer, a plurality of walls defining an interior volume sized to accommodate at least one tool tray, and a filter blocking at least one of the walls defining a ventilation passage area and the ventilation passage area. The surgical instruments used in surgeries are sterilized in the sterilization device in said document. The sterilization device comprises a door defining an interior volume sized to receive a closing wall and at least one tool tray, a door defining at least one of the surrounding walls and a ventilation passage area, and a filter blocking the ventilation passage area. A method for drying the contents in the sterilization container is provided; said method comprises a door defining an interior volume sized to receive at least one tool tray and contents in a sterilization container with a closed wall, such as a plurality of walls. The sterilization device described in the invention in the state of the art provides the sterilization only by drying the instruments used during the surgery by the filter in the cabinet. However, unlike the cabinet in said document, in the cabinet of the invention subject to the application, the sterilization of all contaminated or not contaminated devices and instruments is carried out by photocatalytic inactivation. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet in the invention subject to the application has a two- step inactivation mechanism (1 . The photolytic inactivation and 2. The photocatalytic inactivation) and provides the ultraviolet light to be used safely. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application provides the in-situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment, devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment.

A medical cleaning and disinfection vessel is described in the invention in the Chinese patent document, numbered CN109303926 (A) and with the priority date 24.10.2018, in the state of the art. The invention in said document relates to the technical field of the medical cleaning and disinfection vessels and describes a medical cleaning and disinfection vessel. In the disinfection vessel of said document, the top of an inner surface of the container body is attached to one side of the outer surface of a partition plate. The upper part of the outer surface of the partition plate is attached to the lower part of an outer surface of a fixed mounting slot. The inner surface of the fixed mounting slot is attached to an outer surface of a drive motor, and the lower part of the outer surface of a support rod is attached to one side of the outer surface of a small eccentric disk, namely to the lower part of its outer surface. The small eccentric disk is attached to the upper end of a rotating column, the lower part of the outer surface of the rotating column is attached to the output shaft of a motor, and the receiver is attached to the lower part of the outer surface of the container body. The medical cleaning and disinfection vessel can be adjusted, when in use, to be convenient for the user, using the rotating column and an external threaded block and the height can be adjusted according to personal need using the small cubes and a bridging roller. The cleaning and disinfection vessel is better in the disinfection effect and has the adjustment function. In the invention in the state of the art, there is a disinfection vessel in a wheeled cabinet. However, in the invention in said document in question, unlike the invention subject to the application, there is no information on the sterilization with UV light and photocatalytic inactivation method. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application provides an increase in the efficiency of UV radiation during the disinfection by combining it with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2-UV system) processes and can be moved to the desired place thanks to the wheel system thereunder. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application has a two-step inactivation mechanism (1. The photolytic inactivation and 2. The photocatalytic inactivation) and provides the ultraviolet light to be used safely. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application provides the in-situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment, devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application provides an increase in the efficiency of UV radiation during the disinfection by combining it with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2-UV system) processes and can be moved to the desired place thanks to the wheel system thereunder. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet comprises an air-tight and light-tight gasket which is impermeable to UV-C radiation and air on the disinfection cabinet lid to ensure the safe use of UV radiation. In the invention subject to the application, it is provided that it works as long as the timer and the lid are closed, and that the changeover time of the UV lamp is monitored.

In the invention subject to the application, the disinfection is performed by the oxidation and degradation of the organic substances in the active oxygen structure and the removal of the bacteria by the super-oxidation and purification of the air from the undesirable odors and harmful gases. The inactivation is provided on the surface which has been given a photocatalytic antimicrobial quality by coating the surfaces in which the equipment and device to be sterilized are placed and the UV-C beam contact path with the nanometer-sized T1O2 in the anatase phase. It is provided that the cabinet joints of the lid are covered with the air-tight antibacterial silicone cabinet lid gasket with an interlocking channel structure so that the air inside the cabinet does not escape to the outside. The anatase phase is formed, which is a phase of the nanometer-sized T1O2 on the UV light contact surfaces. In order to provide the disinfection by directing the microorganisms to the nanometer-sized TiC coated photocatalytic surfaces, there are two air circulation fans on the lower right and upper right surfaces of the disinfection cabinet to ensure the turbulence of the air entering the cabinet.

In the state of the art, the technical features of the invention subject to the application and the technical effects of the invention subject to the application are not described. The present applications do not comprise a sterilization cabinet which is based on the use of direct ultraviolet radiation technology, which is not designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices, and in which UV radiation is combined with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2-UV system) processes for a more effective and reliable use.

Objects of the Invention

The object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet having a two-step inactivation mechanism (1. The photolytic inactivation and 2. The photocatalytic inactivation) and providing the ultraviolet light to be used safely.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which is based on the use of direct ultraviolet radiation technology and designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which prevents the personnel who will disinfect the surfaces with a particularly high microbial load in the area, surface and equipment sanitation process using a disinfectant developed for different purposes from being at risk.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which is used in the sanitation of the areas, surfaces, equipment and devices, which will be performed using the ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides that such sanitation processes are carried out in UV-C-proof sealed cabinets without harm to human health since the effects of UV-C radiation on human health are known.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides that UV radiation is combined with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2 - UV system) processes for a more effective and reliable use.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which is a self-cleaning cabinet not designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices and provides an effective inactivation for a wide variety of microorganisms and an easy and safe use without threatening human health.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides the in- situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides the in- situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices and prevents the contamination arising from the technological equipment, such as technical services, taken into the plant from the external environment.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which is a cabinet designed for the easy and safe in-situ sterilization of the contaminated surfaces, electronic equipment, and device and/or all other equipment and devices and is suitable for use in all areas at risk in order to protect the public health.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which makes a great contribution to reducing all infections which can be transmitted indirectly.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which is widely used in hospitals, clinics, microbial research, and private and public laboratories carrying out the disinfection and sterilization research, which have high microbial risk, apart from the technological equipment.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides that healthcare personnel at high risk can easily and safely disinfect the contaminated equipment and devices in-situ using such technologies, resulting in the significant improvements in the field of healthcare.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides an increase in the efficiency of UV radiation by combining it with the photocatalytic inactivation (TiC UV system) processes and provides 100% of inactivation efficiency to be achieved in practice. Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which can be moved to the desired place thanks to the wheel system thereunder and the lid of which can be opened and closed in a hinged manner from the longitudinal side of the cabinet.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which is configured to start operating automatically as soon as the lid is closed by means of the switch on the lid.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides that the attached timer works as long as the lid is closed, and the changeover time of the UV lamp is monitored, allowing the economical use.

Another object of the invention is to realize a sterilization cabinet which provides the oxidation and degradation of the organic substances in the active oxygen structure and the removal of the bacteria by the super-oxidation, as well as the purification of the air from the undesirable odors and harmful gases.

Summary of the Invention

A sterilization cabinet which is realized to achieve the object of the present invention and defined in claim 1 and other dependent claims consists of cabinet body, cabinet lid, sterilization mechanism, protective grid, sealing element, discharge element, air inlet valve, locking element, lid sensor and control unit. The electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment are placed inside the cabinet body in the sterilization cabinet. The electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment in the cabinet body are placed on the nanometer-sized TiC coated grids in the anatase phase in the cabinet body. After the electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment are placed on the nanometer sized TiC>2-coated grids in the anatase phase, the cabinet lid is closed on the sealing element at the open edge of the cabinet body. When the cabinet lid is closed, the locking element is locked. When the cabinet lid is closed, the lid sensor receives the information about that the cabinet lid is closed and transmits it to the control unit. When the information about that the cabinet lid is closed is transmitted to the control unit, the control unit allows the sterilization process to be started. When the sterilization process is started, the photolytic inactivation is initially performed. The photolytic inactivation is provided by the upper sterilization lamp, the lower sterilization lamp, the right sterilization lamp, and the left sterilization lamp which emit beams with a UV-C beam wavelength. The upper sterilization lamp, the lower sterilization lamp, the right sterilization lamp, and the left sterilization lamp provides the photolytic inactivation when the UV-C beam waves which cannot produce ozone arrive on the electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment in the nanometer-sized TiC coated grids in the anatase phase in the cabinet body. After the photolytic inactivation, the photocatalytic inactivation is performed. The photocatalytic inactivation is performed on the surface which has been given a photocatalytic antimicrobial quality by coating the electronic equipment and devices, which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and to be sterilized, and/or all other equipment and the UV-C beam contact path with the nanometer-sized T1O2 in the anatase phase.

The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application has a two-step inactivation mechanism (1. The photolytic inactivation and 2. The photocatalytic inactivation) and provides the ultraviolet light to be used safely. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application provides the in-situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment, devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet of the invention subject to the application provides an increase in the efficiency of UV radiation during the disinfection by combining it with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2-UV system) processes and can be moved to the desired place thanks to the wheel system thereunder. The photocatalytic sterilization cabinet comprises an air-tight and light-tight gasket which is impermeable to UV-C radiation and air on the disinfection cabinet lid to ensure the safe use of UV radiation. In the invention subject to the application, it is provided that it works as long as the timer and the lid are closed, and that the changeover time of the UV lamp is monitored. In the invention subject to the application, the disinfection is performed by the oxidation and degradation of the organic substances in the active oxygen structure and the removal of the bacteria by the super-oxidation and purification of the air from the undesirable odors and harmful gases. The inactivation is provided on the surface which has been given a photocatalytic antimicrobial quality by coating the surfaces in which the equipment and device to be sterilized are placed and the UV-C beam contact path with the nanometer-sized T1O₂ in the anatase phase. It is provided that the cabinet joints of the lid are covered with the air-tight antibacterial silicone cabinet lid gasket with an interlocking channel structure so that the air inside the cabinet does not escape to the outside. The anatase phase is formed, which is a phase of the nanometer-sized T1O₂ on the UV light contact surfaces. In order to provide the disinfection by directing the microorganisms to the nanometer-sized TiC coated photocatalytic surfaces, there are two air circulation fans on the lower right and upper right surfaces of the disinfection cabinet to ensure the turbulence of the air entering the cabinet.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The sterilization cabinet realized to achieve the object of the present invention is shown in the attached figures, wherein

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the sterilization cabinet with the open lid.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing element.

Fig. 3 is a view of the sterilization mechanism outside the sterilization cabinet.

Fig. 4 is a perspective side view of the sterilization cabinet.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking element and the lid sensor.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the locking element.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the control unit in the cabinet.

The parts in the figures are individually numbered and the numbers corresponding to these parts are given below.

1. Sterilization cabinet

2. Cabinet body

2.1. Carrying wheel

3. Cabinet lid

4. Sterilization mechanism

4.1. Upper sterilization lamp

4.2. Lower sterilization lamp

4.3. Right sterilization lamp

4.4. Left sterilization lamp 5. Protective grid

6. Sealing element

6.1. Upper lid gasket

6.2. Lower lid gasket

7. Discharge element

8. Air inlet valve

9. Locking element

9.1. Upper locking means

9.2. Lower locking means

10. Lid sensor

11. Control unit

A sterilization cabinet 1 , which provides the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated to be sterilized in- situ by the photolytic inactivation and photocatalytic inactivation methods, comprises essentially

- at least one cabinet body 2 in which the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated are placed, and by which the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated are accessed,

- at least one cabinet lid 3 which is positioned to close the open edge of the cabinet body 2 and can be opened and closed with a hinged system to provide access to the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated,

- at least one sterilization mechanism 4 which comprises at least one upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , at least one lower sterilization lamp 4.2, at least one right sterilization lamp 4.3, and at least one left sterilization lamp 4.4,

• which provides the emission of the beams with UV-C beam wavelength,

• which provides the photolytic inactivation by means of the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 which emit beams with a UV- C beam wavelength,

• which provides the photocatalytic inactivation of the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are placed into the cabinet body 2 and contaminated or suspected to be contaminated by coating the contact path of the UV-C light emitted by the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , lower sterilization lamp 4.2, right sterilization lamp 4.3 and left sterilization lamp 4.4 and the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools, which are placed into the cabinet body 2 and contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, with the nanometer-sized T1O2 in the anatase phase.

- at least one protective grid 5 which provides the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3 and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 in the sterilization mechanism 4 to be protected and to be connected to the cabinet body 2,

- at least one sealing element 6 which is fixed around the open edge of the cabinet body 2 in which the cabinet lid 3 is placed, and which is configured to interlock to prevent the air in the cabinet body 2 from escaping to the outside,

- at least one discharge element 7 which is located on the cabinet body 2 and allows the gases produced by the microorganisms inside the cabinet body 2 to be discharged to the outside,

- at least one air inlet valve 8 which is located on the cabinet body 2 and provides the air inlet into the cabinet body 2 for directing the microorganisms to the nanometer-sized TiC coated photocatalytic surfaces,

- at least one locking element 9 which is fixed on the cabinet body 2 on one side and on the cabinet lid 3 on the other side, provides the cabinet lid 3 to be locked onto the cabinet body 2 when the sterilization process starts, and prevents the cabinet lid 3 from being opened manually during the active sterilization process,

- at least one lid sensor 10 which is located on the cabinet body 2 and detects that the cabinet lid 3 is closed,

- at least one control unit 11 which is located on the cabinet body 2, receives the information about that the cabinet lid 3 is closed from the lid sensor 10, controls the sterilization process and is adapted to control the sterilization process.

The sterilization cabinet 1 of the application provides the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated to be sterilized in-situ by the photolytic inactivation and photocatalytic inactivation methods. The sterilization cabinet 1 comprises a cabinet body 2, a cabinet lid 3, a sterilization mechanism 4, a protective grid 5, a sealing element 6, a discharge element 7, an air inlet valve 8, a locking element 9, a lid sensor 10, and a control unit 11. The sterilization cabinet 1 has a two-step inactivation mechanism (1. The photolytic inactivation and 2. The photocatalytic inactivation) and provides the ultraviolet light to be used safely. The sterilization cabinet 1 is based on the use of direct ultraviolet radiation technology and designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. The sterilization cabinet 1 prevents the personnel who will disinfect the surfaces with a particularly high microbial load in the area, surface and equipment sanitation process using a disinfectant developed for different purposes from being at risk. The sterilization cabinet 1 is used in the sanitation of the areas, surfaces, equipment, and devices using the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Since the effects of UV-C radiation on human health are known, the sterilization cabinet 1 provides that such sanitation processes are carried out in UV-C-proof sealed cabinets without harm to human health. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides that UV radiation is combined with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2 - UV system) processes for a more effective and reliable use. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides a self-cleaning cabinet body 2 which is not designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices and provides an effective inactivation for a wide variety of microorganisms and an easy and safe use without threatening human health.

The sterilization cabinet 1 provides the in-situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides the in-situ and quick sterilization of the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices and prevents the contamination arising from the technological equipment, such as technical services, taken into the plant from the external environment. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides the easy and safe in-situ sterilization of the contaminated surfaces, electronic equipment, and device and/or all other equipment and devices and is suitable for use in all areas at risk in order to protect the public health. The sterilization cabinet 1 makes a great contribution to reducing all infections which can be transmitted indirectly. The sterilization cabinet 1 is widely used in hospitals, clinics, microbial research, and private and public laboratories carrying out the disinfection and sterilization research, which have high microbial risk, apart from the technological equipment. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides that healthcare personnel at high risk can easily and safely disinfect the contaminated equipment and devices in-situ using such technologies, resulting in the significant improvements in the field of healthcare. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides that the sanitation of the areas, surfaces, equipment, and devices are carried out with the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in UV-C-proof sealed cabinets since the effects of UV-C radiation on human health are known and provides that the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices are in-situ sterilized readily, quickly and safely without harm to human health. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides an increase in the efficiency of UV radiation by combining it with the photocatalytic inactivation (T1O2-UV system) processes and provides 100% of inactivation efficiency to be achieved in practice.

This sterilization cabinet 1 which is not designed for the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices is a self-cleaning cabinet and provides an effective inactivation for a wide variety of microorganisms and an easy and safe use without threatening human health. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides, in practice, 100% of inactivation of the viruses and bacteria which is transmitted or may be transmitted by the electronic equipment and device contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment and devices. The sterilization cabinet 1 can be moved to the desired place thanks to the wheel system thereunder and its lid 3 can be opened and closed in a hinged manner from the longitudinal side of the cabinet body 2. The sterilization cabinet 1 has an air tight and light-tight sealing element 6 which is impermeable to UV-C radiation and air on the disinfection cabinet lid 3 to ensure the safe use of UV radiation. The sterilization cabinet 1 is configured to start operating automatically as soon as the lid 3 is closed by means of the switch on the lid 3. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides that the attached timer works as long as the lid 3 is closed, and the changeover time of the UV lamp is monitored, allowing the economical use. The sterilization cabinet 1 provides the oxidation and degradation of the organic substances in the active oxygen structure and the removal of the bacteria by the super-oxidation, as well as the purification of the air from the undesirable odors and harmful gases.

The photocatalytic system (T1O2 - UV system) described in this embodiment of the invention is self-cleaning and disinfects and improves the surface, ambient air, and hygienic conditions. In the photocatalytic systems, T1O2 is the most widely used semiconductor in the literature and is widely used for the sanitation, since it is generally cheap and stable and converts the organic compounds into the harmless compounds such as O2, water and CO2 under the UV radiation. These systems are operated by forming the anatase phase which is a phase of the T1O2 on the UV light contact surfaces.

The surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools contaminated or suspected to be contaminated are placed inside the cabinet body 2 in an embodiment of the invention. The cabinet body 2 provides access to the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools contaminated or suspected to be contaminated. The cabinet lid 3 in an embodiment of the invention is positioned to close the open edge of the cabinet body 2. The cabinet lid 3 can be opened and closed with a hinged system. The cabinet lid 3 can be opened and closed to provide access to the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated.

The sterilization mechanism 4 in an embodiment of the invention provides the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated to be disinfected in the cabinet body 2 by the photolytic inactivation and photocatalytic inactivation methods. The sterilization mechanism 4 comprises an upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , a lower sterilization lamp 4.2, a right sterilization lamp 4.3, and a left sterilization lamp 4.4. The upper sterilization lamp 4.1 is located on the part of the cabinet lid 3 facing the cabinet body 2. The lower sterilization lamp 4.2 is located on the surface of the bottom facing the cabinet lid 3 in the cabinet body 2. The right sterilization lamp 4.3 is located on the right side surface in the cabinet body 2. The left sterilization lamp 4.4 is located on the left side surface in the cabinet body 2. The upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 emit beams with a UV-C beam wavelength. The sterilization mechanism 4 provides the photolytic inactivation by means of the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 which emit beams with a UV-C beam wavelength. The sterilization mechanism 4 provides the photocatalytic inactivation of the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are placed into the cabinet body 2 and contaminated or suspected to be contaminated by coating the contact path of the UV- C light emitted by the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , lower sterilization lamp 4.2, right sterilization lamp 4.3 and left sterilization lamp 4.4 and the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools, which are placed into the cabinet body 2 and contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, with the nanometer-sized T1O2 in the anatase phase. There are UV light contact surfaces on the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 in the sterilization mechanism 4. The anatase phase is formed, which is a phase of the nanometer-thick T1O2 on the UV light contact surfaces on the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 in the sterilization mechanism 4. Said anatase phase has a photocatalytic effect. There are nanometer-sized TiC coated grids in the anatase phase for placing the equipment and devices inside the cabinet body 2. The microorganisms which directly contact with the equipment on these surfaces will be photocatalytically inactivated.

The protective grid 5 in an embodiment of the invention provides the protection of the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 in the sterilization mechanism 4. The protective grid 5 provides the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3 and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 in the sterilization mechanism 4 to be connected to the cabinet body 2. The upper sterilization lamp 4.1 is located on the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4.

The sealing element 6 in an embodiment of the invention is fixed around the open edge of the cabinet body 2 in which the cabinet lid 3 is placed. The sealing element 6 is configured to interlock to prevent the air in the cabinet body 2 from escaping to the outside. The sealing element 6 comprises an upper lid gasket 6.1 and a lower lid gasket 6.2. The upper lid gasket 6.1 and the lower lid gasket 6.2 have an interlocking channel structure to prevent the air in the cabinet body 2 from escaping to the outside. The sealing element 6 is preferably made of silicone.

The discharge element 7 in an embodiment of the invention is located on the cabinet body 2. The discharge element 7 allows the gases produced by the microorganisms inside the cabinet body 2 to be discharged to the outside. The air inlet valve 8 in an embodiment of the invention is located on the cabinet body 2. The air inlet valve 8 provides the air inlet into the cabinet body 2 for directing the microorganisms to the nanometer-sized TiC coated photocatalytic surfaces. The discharge element 7 and the air inlet valve 8 provide the air circulation inside the cabinet body 2. The discharge element 7 and the air inlet valve 8 provide the air circulation in the cabinet body 2 by directing the microorganisms to the nanometer-sized TiC coated photocatalytic surfaces to provide the disinfection.

The locking element 9 in an embodiment of the invention is fixed on the cabinet body 2 on one side and on the cabinet lid 3 on the other side. The locking element 9 provides the cabinet lid 3 to be locked onto the cabinet body 2 when the sterilization process starts. The locking element 9 prevents the cabinet lid 3 from being opened manually during the active sterilization process. The locking element 9 comprises an upper locking means 9.1 and a lower locking means 9.2. In the locking element 9, the upper locking means 9.1 is fixed on the cabinet lid 3 and the lower locking means 9.2 is fixed on the cabinet body 2. The lid sensor 10 in an embodiment of the invention is located on the cabinet body 2. The lid sensor 10 detects that the cabinet lid 3 is closed.

The control unit 11 in an embodiment of the invention is located on the cabinet body 2. The control unit 11 receives the information about that the cabinet lid 3 is closed from the lid sensor 10, controls the sterilization process and is adapted to control the sterilization process. By using the keys on the control unit 11 , the process is started and terminated or the timing is made. The control unit 11 allows the screen panel settings on the panel to be made and the remaining time to complete the sterilization process to be displayed.

The sterilization cabinet (1) in this embodiment of the invention is used as follows. The electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment are placed inside the cabinet body 2 in the sterilization cabinet 1 . The electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment in the cabinet body 2 are placed on the nanometer-sized T1O2- coated grids in the cabinet body 2. After the electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment are placed on the nanometer-sized TiC coated grids, the cabinet lid 3 is closed on the sealing element 6 at the open edge of the cabinet body 2. When the cabinet lid 3 is closed, the locking element 9 is locked. When the cabinet lid 3 is closed, the lid sensor 10 receives the information about that the cabinet lid 3 is closed and transmits it to the control unit 11. When the information about that the cabinet lid 3 is closed is transmitted to the control unit 11 , the control unit 11 allows the sterilization process to be started. When the sterilization process is started, the photolytic inactivation is initially performed. The photolytic inactivation is provided by the upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 which emit beams with a UV-C beam wavelength. The upper sterilization lamp 4.1 , the lower sterilization lamp 4.2, the right sterilization lamp 4.3, and the left sterilization lamp 4.4 provides the photolytic inactivation when the UV-C beam waves which cannot produce ozone arrive on the electronic equipment and devices contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and/or all other equipment in the nanometer-sized T1O2- coated grids in the cabinet body 2. After the photolytic inactivation, the photocatalytic inactivation is performed. The photocatalytic inactivation is performed on the surface which has been given a photocatalytic antimicrobial quality by coating the electronic equipment and devices, which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated and to be sterilized, and/or all other equipment and the UV-C beam contact path with the nanometer-sized T1O2 in the anatase phase. At the end of the sterilization process, the cabinet lid 3 is opened and the sterilized elements and equipment are removed from the cabinet body 2.

Claims

1. A sterilization cabinet (1) which provides the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated to be sterilized in-situ by the photolytic inactivation and photocatalytic inactivation methods, characterized by

- at least one cabinet body (2) in which the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated are placed, and by which the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated are accessed,

- at least one cabinet lid (3) which is positioned to close the open edge of the cabinet body (2) and can be opened and closed with a hinged system to provide access to the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are contaminated or suspected to be contaminated,

- at least one sterilization mechanism (4) which comprises at least one upper sterilization lamp (4.1), at least one lower sterilization lamp (4.2), at least one right sterilization lamp (4.3), and at least one left sterilization lamp (4.4),

• which provides the emission of the beams with UV-C beam wavelength,

• which provides the photolytic inactivation by means of the upper sterilization lamp (4.1), the lower sterilization lamp (4.2), the right sterilization lamp (4.3), and the left sterilization lamp (4.4) which emit beams with a UV-C beam wavelength,

• which provides the photocatalytic inactivation of the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools which are placed into the cabinet body (2) and contaminated or suspected to be contaminated by coating the contact path of the UV-C light emitted by the upper sterilization lamp (4.1), lower sterilization lamp (4.2), right sterilization lamp (4.3) and left sterilization lamp (4.4) and the surfaces, electronic equipment, devices, and tools, which are placed into the cabinet body (2) and contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, with the nanometer-sized T1O2 in the anatase phase.

2. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one protective grid (5) which provides the upper sterilization lamp (4.1), the lower sterilization lamp (4.2), the right sterilization lamp (4.3) and the left sterilization lamp (4.4) in the sterilization mechanism (4) to be protected and to be connected to the cabinet body (2).

3. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one sealing element (6) which is fixed around the open edge of the cabinet body (2) in which the cabinet lid (3) is placed, and which is configured to interlock to prevent the air in the cabinet body (2) from escaping to the outside.

4. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one discharge element (7) which is located on the cabinet body (2) and allows the gases produced by the microorganisms inside the cabinet body (2) to be discharged to the outside.

5. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one air inlet valve (8) which is located on the cabinet body (2) and provides the air inlet into the cabinet body (2) for directing the microorganisms to the nanometer sized TiC>2-coated photocatalytic surfaces.

6. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one locking element (9) which is fixed on the cabinet body (2) on one side and on the cabinet lid (3) on the other side, provides the cabinet lid (3) to be locked onto the cabinet body (2) when the sterilization process starts, and prevents the cabinet lid (3) from being opened manually during the active sterilization process.

7. A sterilization cabinet (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one lid sensor (10) which is located on the cabinet body (2) and detects that the cabinet lid (3) is closed.

8. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one control unit (11) which is located on the cabinet body (2), receives the information about that the cabinet lid (3) is closed from the lid sensor (10), controls the sterilization process and is adapted to control the sterilization process.

9. A sterilization cabinet (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by the upper sterilization lamp (4.1), the lower sterilization lamp (4.2), the right sterilization lamp (4.3), and the left sterilization lamp (4.4) which emit beams with a UV-C beam wavelength.

10. A sterilization cabinet (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized by the sterilization mechanism (4), in which the anatase phase is formed, which is a phase of the nanometer-sized T1O2 on the UV light contact surfaces on the upper sterilization lamp (4.1), the lower sterilization lamp (4.2), the right sterilization lamp (4.3), and the left sterilization lamp (4.4).