Cleaning system for cleaning goods, method for drying goods, and use of a shaking device for drying goods in a cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system (1) for cleaning goods (2). The cleaning system (1) comprises a housing (3) that defines a cleaning chamber (4) for receiving goods (2). At least one device (5) for introducing cleaning fluid is arranged in the cleaning chamber (4). The cleaning system (1) also comprises a carrier (6) for goods to be washed. The carrier (6) for goods to be washed has at least one level (7, 8). Goods (2) can be arranged on the level (7, 8). The cleaning system (1) has at least one shaking device (9), by means of which the carrier (6) for goods to be washed can be moved. The invention also relates to a method for drying goods (2) and to the use of a shaking device (9) for drying goods (2) in a cleaning system (1).

Description

[0001] Cleaning system for cleaning goods, process for

[0002] Drying of goods and use of a shaking device for

[0003] Drying goods in a cleaning plant

[0004] The present invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning goods, a method for drying goods, and the use of a vibrating device for drying goods in a cleaning system.

[0005] Cleaning systems are known from the prior art. In laboratory and / or pharmaceutical settings, it is important that the goods are dried after the cleaning process. This is done, for example, using hot air. However, cleaning systems known from the prior art have the disadvantage that cleaning with hot air is time-consuming and energy-intensive, making the cleaning systems inefficient.

[0006] Furthermore, it is possible that goods will not be completely dried by the hot air. If several cleaning steps are carried out in a cleaning system and the goods are not completely dried after each step, the remaining liquid on the goods may pose a potential hazard because microbial growth can occur there. This can lead to contamination being transferred from one cleaning step to the next or being introduced into the production process of pharmaceuticals. This is called carryover. Such carryover contaminates subsequent production batches. Carryover is particularly dangerous for patients in the pharmaceutical and / or laboratory fields because the patient may be treated with contaminated medications.

[0007] The cleaning systems known from the prior art therefore have the disadvantage that the drying process is inefficient and there is a risk of residual water remaining on the goods. This water provides a breeding ground for bacterial growth, which can be carried over from one cleaning step to the next.

[0008] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to create a cleaning system for cleaning goods in which the goods can be dried efficiently and hygienically.

[0009] The problem is solved by a cleaning system for cleaning goods, a method for drying goods, and the use of a vibrating device for drying goods in a cleaning system according to the independent patent claims.

[0010] In particular, the task is solved by a cleaning system for cleaning goods. The goods can be pharmaceutical and / or laboratory products. The cleaning system comprises a housing. The housing defines a cleaning chamber for receiving the goods. At least one cleaning fluid introduction device is provided in the cleaning chamber for introducing cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid introduction device can be a washing arm. The cleaning system has a goods carrier. The goods carrier has at least one level. Goods can be arranged on this level. The goods can be pharmaceutical and / or laboratory products. The cleaning system has at least one vibrating device with which the goods carrier can be moved.

[0011] With such a cleaning system, the goods can be dried efficiently and easily, or at least pre-dried.

[0012] It is possible that the cleaning room is equipped with two washing arms for introducing cleaning fluid. The goods being cleaned could be, for example, test tubes or surgical instruments.

[0013] The cleaning system can be made primarily of stainless steel. Stainless steel is a robust material that is easy to clean and therefore hygienic. The vibrating device allows the washing carrier to be moved or shaken.

[0014] The vibration motion is thus transferred from the washing carrier to the items placed on it. The items are therefore vibrated by the washing carrier. After cleaning, cleaning fluid droplets are present on the items. The vibration of the items transfers at least some of the movement to the water droplets. This causes the cleaning fluid droplets to move on the items. In addition, gravity acts on the cleaning fluid droplets. The resulting force from gravity and the vibration force moves the cleaning fluid droplets on the items.The cleaning fluid droplets are forced by the resulting force to an edge area of ​​the goods if one of the goods' surfaces has a slope. They are then eventually carried away from the goods by gravity and fall through the cleaning chamber into a floor area where they condense as a cleaning fluid film. By shaking the goods, the cleaning fluid droplets are thus moved away from them, and the goods are dried by the cleaning fluid.

[0015] Drying means that after drying, fewer cleaning fluid droplets remain on the goods than before. It is, of course, possible that a film of cleaning fluid may still remain on the goods even after drying by vibration. However, after drying by vibration, there is less cleaning fluid on the goods than before vibration. The cleaning fluid can be water. The cleaning fluid can also be water mixed with cleaning agents. The terms "goods" and "cleaning goods" are considered synonymous in this patent application.

[0016] It is possible that the vibrating device is designed as a pneumatic vibrating device. Alternatively or additionally, the vibrating device can also be designed as a hydraulic vibrating device and / or a mechanical vibrating device.

[0017] A pneumatic design of the vibrating device enables reliable operation. Furthermore, pneumatic connections are frequently available in pharmaceutical and / or laboratory settings, allowing for easy connection and advantageous operation of the cleaning system in such environments.

[0018] A mechanical vibrator is robust in its construction. It is possible for the mechanical vibrator to be driven by an electric motor. In this case, only an electrical connection is required to supply power to the mechanical vibrator. Electrical connections are often already present in cleaning systems. Therefore, a mechanical vibrator can be integrated into a cleaning system in a structurally advantageous and flexible manner.

[0019] A hydraulic vibrator operates using hydraulic fluid. The supply line to the hydraulic vibrator, through which the hydraulic fluid is routed, can be flexibly positioned. This allows for the advantageous integration of a hydraulic vibrator into a cleaning system, and enables the flexible and targeted supply of energy to the vibrator.

[0020] It is also possible for the vibrating device to be hydraulically operated. It is possible for the vibrating device to include a double- or single-acting pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder may include a spring. It is also possible for the vibrating device to include both hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. These may be single-stroke or double-stroke cylinders. The hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder may be designed as a linear cylinder. It is possible for the vibrating device to include a mechanical power transmission such as a camshaft. It is possible for the vibrating device to include a rotating component with an imbalance.

[0021] It is possible that the cleaning system includes several vibrating devices. For example, the workpiece carrier may have four feet and / or columns, with each foot and / or column of the workpiece carrier containing a vibrating device. It is also possible that there is exactly one vibrating device. The vibrating device may connect the workpiece carrier to a non-vibrating part of the cleaning system.

[0022] With such an arrangement, the entire washing carrier can be shaken, and all goods located on the washing carrier can be shaken and thus dried.

[0023] The non-vibrating part of the cleaning system could be, for example, the housing. It is also possible that the non-vibrating part is a guide rail on which the washing carrier is mounted and can move. The non-vibrating part refers to a part that is not intended to move. It is, of course, possible that the non-vibrating part will move slightly when the vibrating part vibrates. However, the non-vibrating part is a part that is not designed to vibrate. If the non-vibrating part does move slightly, it will do so with a significantly lower intensity than the vibrating part.

[0024] It is possible for the vibrating device to be positioned between the guide rails and the housing. The workpiece carrier can then be placed on the guide rails. The guide rails can then be vibrated by the vibrating device. Since the workpiece carrier is placed on the guide rails, the guide rails transmit a vibrating force to the workpiece carrier. Thus, the vibrating device vibrates the guide rails, which in turn transmit the vibrating force to the workpiece carrier, thereby vibrating the workpiece carrier. The workpiece carrier transmits a vibrating force to the workpieces placed on it. The workpieces then transmit a vibrating force to the cleaning fluid droplets located on them.This causes the cleaning fluid droplets to move towards the edge of the goods and are eventually carried away by gravity. The cleaning fluid droplets then fall from the goods, across the cleaning chamber, and into a floor area of ​​the cleaning chamber.

[0025] It is possible that the washing carrier has an upper level and a lower level.

[0026] By having an upper and a lower level, it is possible to arrange as many items as possible on the cleaning carrier. Furthermore, it is possible for the levels in the cleaning system to be supplied with different cleaning fluids, so that each level is designed for a specific type of item. It is also possible for the upper and lower levels to each include a grid on which the items to be cleaned can be arranged.

[0027] The upper and lower levels can each include receiving devices such as holders or stems designed for specific items, for example, test tubes. The upper and lower levels can be connected by columns.

[0028] It is possible that each column includes a pneumatic cylinder. It is possible that a certain number of columns are equipped with vibrating devices and that a certain number of columns are equipped with a joint. It is possible that two columns are equipped with a vibrating device and one or two columns are equipped with a joint. In this case, the two columns with the vibrating devices are vibrated, and the vibration force is transmitted via the washing carrier to the columns with the joints. The columns with the joints are vibrated by the vibration force transmitted by the vibrating devices to the columns with the vibrating devices, via the washing carrier to the columns with the joints.

[0029] It is possible that the washing carrier can be set into vibration by the shaking device during the shaking process. The vibrations can have a frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

[0030] The vibration can also have a frequency of 1 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0031] Such a frequency allows the water droplets to be moved away from the goods, and the goods can be dried easily and quickly.

[0032] It is possible that the vibrating device can be coupled to a pneumatic supply.

[0033] A pneumatic supply is a system that provides a pressurized gas or gas mixture. Therefore, the vibrator can be supplied with a pressurized gas or gas mixture via an external pneumatic supply.

[0034] Pneumatics typically operate with compressed air. However, it is entirely possible that the pneumatic system of the present cleaning system could also be operated with a different gas or gas mixture. It is possible that the vibrating device can be connected to the pneumatic supply via multiple pneumatic connections. The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for drying goods. The method comprises the following steps:

[0035] - Providing a cleaning facility for the cleaning of goods, in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods,

[0036] - Arranging goods, especially pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods, moistened with a cleaning fluid onto a washing carrier of the cleaning system,

[0037] - Drying of the goods by shaking the washing carrier with a shaking device of the cleaning system, whereby cleaning fluid droplets which are on the goods are removed from the goods.

[0038] The goods in question may be pharmaceutical and / or laboratory products. In this process, the goods can be dried in a cleaning system as described above.

[0039] This method allows goods to be dried quickly and easily in a cleaning plant.

[0040] It is of course possible that the goods may still be slightly wetted with cleaning fluid even after the process. However, after the goods have dried through the process, there will be fewer cleaning fluid droplets on them than before the process. It is possible that the goods are shaken at different frequencies during the process. The terms "shaking" and "vibrating" are used synonymously in this patent application. During the process, the shaking can last from 10 to 90 seconds. It is also possible for the shaking to last between 15 and 60 seconds.

[0041] Such a long shaking duration ensures that the goods are dried in an effective and rapid manner.

[0042] It is possible that the goods are at least partially exposed to air during the shaking process. This air could be hot air.

[0043] Hot air is air that has a temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius.

[0044] The drying process is accelerated by simultaneously vibrating and exposing the goods to hot air. While the vibration moves water droplets away from the goods, the hot air dries any film of moisture present on the surface. The vibration and hot air application thus complement each other, resulting in a rapid and effective drying process.

[0045] The vibration process can be performed at a frequency of 1 Hz to 100 Hz. It is also possible for the vibration process to be performed at a frequency between 1 Hz and 10 Hz.

[0046] Vibration at this frequency ensures rapid drying of the goods and effectively removes water droplets. The cleaning fluid can be water alone, or it can be water containing a cleaning agent.

[0047] The object of the invention is also achieved by the use of a vibrating device for drying goods in a cleaning plant.

[0048] The use of a vibrating device for drying goods in a cleaning plant has essentially the same advantages as described above.

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0050] They show:

[0051] Figure 1: A cleaning system with a housing and a

[0052] Wash carrier

[0053] Figure 2: a view of a laundry carrier,

[0054] Figure 3: a side view of a laundry carrier,

[0055] Figure 4: a section through a vibrating device,

[0056] Figure 5: a wheel,

[0057] Figure 6: a top view of a cleaning carrier.

[0058] Figure 1 shows a cleaning system 1 with a housing 3 and a workpiece carrier 6. The housing 3 defines the cleaning chamber 4. The cleaning system 1 includes a workpiece carrier 6. The workpiece carrier 6 comprises an upper level 7 and a lower level 8. Goods 2 are arranged on the lower level 8. The upper level 7 and the lower level 8 are connected by the columns 13. The workpiece carrier 6 includes four wheels 12. The workpiece carrier 6 can be moved within the cleaning system on the wheels 12. The workpiece carrier 6 includes the vibrating devices 9. The vibrating devices 9 are arranged in the columns 13. The workpiece carrier 6 can be vibrated by the vibrating devices 9. The workpiece carrier 6 also includes the pneumatic connections 10. The vibrating devices 9 of the washing carrier 6 can be supplied with compressed air via a pneumatic supply (not shown) by means of the pneumatic connections 10.The washing carrier 6 includes a cleaning fluid introduction device 5, with which cleaning fluid can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 4. The cleaning fluid introduction device 5 is designed as a washing arm.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a view of a washing carrier 6. The washing carrier 6 comprises an upper level 7 and a lower level 8. Goods 2 are arranged on the lower level 8. The washing carrier 6 includes a cleaning fluid introduction device 5 through which a cleaning fluid can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 4 (not shown). The cleaning fluid introduction device is designed as a washing arm. The goods 2 are arranged on the lower level 8. The upper level 7 and the lower level 8 are connected to each other by four columns 13. The vibrating devices 9 are arranged in the columns 13. Each column 13 includes a vibrating device 9. The washing carrier 6 includes four wheels 12 by which the washing carrier can be moved in a cleaning system.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a side view of a washing carrier 6 analogous to Figure 2. The same reference numerals denote the same components. Figure 4 shows a vibrating device 9. The vibrating device 9 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 14. The vibrating device 9 is formed in the area of ​​the lower level 8 of the washing carrier 6. The vibrating device 9 is formed in the column 13. The vibrating device 9 is connected to the pneumatic supply 11 by means of two pneumatic connections 10.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a wheel 12. A washing material carrier (not shown) can be moved in a cleaning system (not shown) using the wheel 12.

[0062] Figure 6 shows a top view of a washing carrier 6 analogous to Figures 2 and 3. Unlike in Figures 2 and 3, the goods 2 are located on the upper level 7 of the washing carrier 6. The washing carrier 6 comprises eight wheels 12.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cleaning system (1) for cleaning goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2), comprising a housing (3) which defines a cleaning chamber (4) for receiving goods (2), wherein at least one cleaning fluid injection device (5) and in particular a washing arm for introducing cleaning fluid is provided in the cleaning chamber (4), as well as a washing carrier (6), wherein the washing carrier (6) has at least one level (7, 8) on which goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2), can be arranged, characterized in that the cleaning system (1) has at least one vibrating device (9) with which the washing carrier (6) can be moved.

2. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vibrating device (9) is designed as a pneumatic vibrating device (9) and / or hydraulic vibrating device (9) and / or mechanical vibrating device.

3. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibrating device (9) connects the carrier for the items to be washed (6) with a non-vibrating part of the cleaning system (1).

4. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing carrier (6) has an upper level (7) and a lower level (8).

5. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier for the items to be washed (6) is moved by the vibrating device- tung (9) can be vibrated when shaken, in particular with a frequency in the range of 1 to 100 Hz, preferably in the range of 1 to 10 Hz.

6. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibrating device (9) can be coupled to a pneumatic supply (11).

7. Method for drying goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2), in particular in a cleaning plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Provision of a cleaning facility (1) for the cleaning of goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2), - Arranging goods (2) wetted with a cleaning fluid, in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods, on a washing carrier (6) of the cleaning system (1) , - Drying the goods (2) by shaking the washing carrier (6) with a shaking device (9) of the cleaning system (1) , whereby cleaning fluid droplets which are on the goods (2) are removed from the goods (2).

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the shaking is carried out for a duration of 10 seconds to 90 seconds, preferably from 15 seconds to 60 seconds.

9. Method according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the goods (2) are at least partially exposed to air, in particular hot air, during shaking.

10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the vibration is performed at a frequency of 1 to 100 Hertz and preferably at a frequency of 1 to 10 Hertz.

11. Use of a vibration device (9) for drying goods (2) in a cleaning system (1).

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