Electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier for generating gas flow

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) for generating a gas flow, comprising a gas flow generator (4) and a gas flow accelerator (5), in which a first gas flow (2) can be generated by the gas flow generator (4) and guided to the gas flow accelerator (5). The gas flow accelerator (5) is configured to enable the second gas flow (3) to be accelerated by the first gas flow (2). The gas flow accelerator (5) is a Coanda gas flow accelerator and accelerates the second gas flow (3) from the gas flow generator (4) to the gas outlet (6) by means of the Coanda effect from the first gas flow (2). The invention further discloses a cleaning device for cleaning the medical instrument. The cleaning device comprises the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1). A method of amplifying a gas using the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) is also disclosed. The invention also discloses a use of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier for generating an airflow, a cleaning device for cleaning medical devices comprising a cleaning chamber and an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier, a method for amplifying gas using an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier when amplifying gas, uses of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier for amplifying gas, and uses of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier for disinfection. Background Art

[0002] Air flow generators for generating air flows are well known. The most common way is to generate the air flow by a ventilator. Air flow generators with ventilators include many moving parts and are therefore easily damaged and are also very noisy. In addition, the moving ventilators generate friction and therefore small particles contaminate the accelerating gas. This is a major disadvantage, for example in the medical field, where the air flow must be clean. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier and a corresponding method for generating a gas flow which is reliable, scalable and generates a clean gas flow.

[0004] The above objects are achieved by an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier, a washer comprising an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier, a method for amplifying a gas and a use of an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier according to the independent claims.

[0005] In particular, this object is achieved by an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier for generating airflow, the amplifier comprising an airflow generator and an airflow accelerator. A first airflow can be generated by the airflow generator and can be directed to the airflow accelerator. The airflow accelerator is configured to enable a second airflow to be accelerated by the first airflow. The airflow accelerator is a Coanda airflow accelerator, which uses the Coanda effect to accelerate the second airflow to a gas outlet by means of a first airflow from the airflow generator. The airflow generator is an electrofluidic airflow generator.

[0006] Such an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is reliable, quiet and clean. Electrofluidic gas flow generators have advantages in many applications. Electrofluidic gas flow generators can be applied to cooling, noiseless fans, ion pumps and plasma actuators, solid-state, bladeless fans without moving parts, propulsion engines, mainstream control, surface drying, gas and small particle extraction, purification and / or disinfection control. Disinfection control is beneficial for medical and food processing purposes because the electrofluidic gas generator produces ozone as a byproduct. It is also feasible that the electrofluidic gas generator includes a device for removing ozone or diluting ozone to subcritical levels. In this case, the electrofluidic gas generator can also be used for home use.

[0007] The gas of the first airflow can be any gas that can be ionized. The gas of the second airflow can be any gas. The gas related to the present invention can also be a mixed gas, such as air. The gas of the first airflow and the gas of the second airflow can be the same gas or different gases. The gas of the first airflow and / or the second airflow can be air. In this case, the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is an air amplifier. The first airflow from the airflow generator is guided into the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier so that the airflow from the first airflow generator flows on the inner surface of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier. The first airflow from the airflow generator can usually be guided into the fluid power gas flow amplifier parallel to the inner surface of the fluid power gas flow amplifier. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can be formed so that its cross section increases along the direction of the first airflow. Due to the direction of the first airflow and the shape of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier, the first airflow from the airflow generator is usually guided to the inner surface of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier near the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier in the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier along the direction parallel to the inner surface of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier. In this way, the first airflow can amplify the second airflow in the airflow accelerator. The airflow accelerator can be at least partially bent. The airflow accelerator may include an at least partially hollow body surrounding an interior area. The body may have at least one gas outlet. A gas outflow opening is arranged on an inner surface of the body. The inner surface faces the interior area. The gas outflow opening is guided so that the gas flows in a direction generally parallel to the inner surface. The body includes a gas inlet. An electrohydrodynamic airflow generator is connected to the gas inlet to generate a first airflow flowing to the body.

[0008] Such an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier efficiently produces a clean gas flow.

[0009] The body may be partially hollow, or it may be completely hollow. The gas outflow opening may be at least partially curved. The gas outflow opening may include one or more openings. The gas outflow opening may have a circular shape. It may also be formed similar to a square or an ellipse. The gas inlet may have a circular, semicircular and / or elongated shape. The gas inlet may include openings that may have the same or different shapes. The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may be made of metal, plastic or other materials, or a combination of different materials.

[0010] The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may include at least one of glass fiber reinforced polyamide (PA-GF), copper and tungsten. Glass fiber reinforced polyamide is a formable composite material including glass fibers in a polymer material matrix. The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may also include a combination of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, copper and tungsten. The fluid dynamic gas flow amplifier can be made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, copper and tungsten.

[0011] The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may include a dielectric material. The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may include a three-dimensionally printed material.

[0012] The electrohydrodynamic airflow generator can be designed as a corona discharge airflow generator.

[0013] Such a corona discharge airflow generator is easy to produce and expand, and has reliable performance. It is also feasible that the electrofluidic airflow generator is designed as a dielectric barrier discharge airflow generator.

[0014] The electrohydrodynamic airflow generator may include one or more needle electrodes.

[0015] Needle electrodes have the advantage of generating airflow very well. In terms of discharge stability, needle electrodes are superior to linear electrodes. When a nearby dielectric is introduced, the performance of needle electrodes is also better than that of linear electrodes. Therefore, it is very advantageous to arrange needle electrodes in an electrohydrodynamic airflow generator.

[0016] The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier may include a plurality of needle electrode units, each unit including one, two or four needle electrodes. It is feasible to connect a plurality of electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers in series. It is also feasible to arrange the electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers in parallel. It is feasible to expand the cross-section of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier. Therefore, the design of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is scalable.

[0017] The needle-shaped electrodes may be made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal or a metal alloy, in particular copper or tungsten.

[0018] The electrohydrodynamic gas flow generator of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may include a wire electrode.

[0019] When the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier is designed to be circular like a cylinder or a ring, a linear electrode can be formed very easily.

[0020] The electrofluidic gas generator may comprise one or more wire electrodes. It is also feasible that the electrofluidic gas generator comprises needle electrodes and / or wire electrodes, or even other electrodes or combinations of electrodes.

[0021] The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may include a current collector. The current collector is a grounded element that can conduct electric current. In the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier, an ion wind is generated between the electrode and the current collector. The electrode can be generally made of tungsten. The current collector can be made of copper. The current collector can be designed as a plate-shaped current collector or a rod-shaped current collector.

[0022] Most of the rod-shaped current collector can be embedded in the glass fiber reinforced polyamide material. The glass fiber reinforced polyamide material can be laser sintered.

[0023] The distance between the electrode and the current collector can be 20mm (millimeter) to 30mm. Preferably, the distance between the electrode and the current collector is substantially 30mm. The electrode can withstand a voltage of 15-20kV (kilovolt). When the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is operated at a voltage of 15kV to 17.5kV, the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can be equipped with a rod-shaped current collector. When the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is operated at 17.5kV to 20kV, the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can be equipped with a plate-shaped current collector.

[0024] The inner surface of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier may have a gas inlet side and a gas outlet side. The gas outflow opening may be generally arranged on the gas inlet side. The surface surrounded by the gas inlet side may be smaller than the surface surrounded by the gas outlet side.

[0025] In this way, the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier can produce efficient acceleration.

[0026] The gas flow accelerator of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier may include a Coanda surface. The Coanda surface may be generally flat or convex along the first gas flow direction. The Coanda surface may also be partially curved along a direction generally perpendicular to the first gas flow direction. Preferably, the Coanda surface forms an internal shape similar to a cylinder.

[0027] By utilizing the Coanda effect and the Coanda surface, the second airflow can be effectively amplified by the first airflow.

[0028] The airflow accelerator may be generally formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the Coanda surface is convex along the first airflow direction and is curved along a direction generally perpendicular to the first airflow direction. In this embodiment, the airflow accelerator may be advantageously used in an open space.

[0029] It is also possible that the Coanda surface is substantially flat in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first airflow. In this case, the gas accelerator may substantially form a flat cuboid. In this embodiment, the airflow accelerator may advantageously be used in a closed space, such as in a housing for a washer or sterilizer for medical equipment.

[0030] The inner surface may be at least partially convex in cross-section.

[0031] Since the cross section of the inner surface is convex, the second airflow can be well amplified.

[0032] The object of the present invention can also be achieved by a cleaning device for cleaning medical instruments, the cleaning device comprising a cleaning chamber and the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier as described above.

[0033] Such an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can generate a clean air flow. For this purpose, it is advantageous to arrange such an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier in a cleaning device for medical devices. One or more electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers can be arranged in a cleaning chamber. In particular, ozone is also generated during the electrofluidic air flow generation process, and the gas generated by the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier automatically sterilizes the area to be dried.

[0034] A washer for medical instruments may be configured such that an outlet of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier is directed into the cleaning chamber so that the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier facilitates a drying process in the washer.

[0035] The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can be arranged above the cleaning chamber. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can also be arranged on one side of the cleaning chamber or below the cleaning chamber. It is also feasible that the outlets of multiple electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers are connected to the cleaning chamber to promote the drying process in the cleaner. The outlets of multiple electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers can be connected to the bottom of the cleaning chamber and / or the side of the cleaning chamber and / or the top of the cleaning chamber.

[0036] The object of the present invention can also be achieved by a sterilizer for sterilizing medical instruments, the sterilizer comprising a sterilization chamber and the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier as described above.

[0037] Such an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can produce a clean airflow. For this reason, advantageously, such an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is installed in a sterilizer for sterilizing medical instruments. One or more electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers can be arranged in a cleaning chamber. In particular, during the electrofluidic airflow generation process, the gas produced by the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier also automatically produces ozone, which is advantageous for sterilizing medical instruments.

[0038] A sterilizer for medical instruments may be configured such that an outlet of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier is directed into a sterilization chamber such that the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier facilitates a drying and / or sterilization process in the washer.

[0039] The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can be arranged above the disinfection chamber. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier can also be arranged on one side of the disinfection chamber or below the disinfection chamber. It is also feasible that the outlets of multiple electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers can be connected to the disinfection chamber that promotes the drying and / or disinfection process in the sterilizer. The outlets of multiple electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers can be connected to the bottom of the disinfection chamber and / or the side of the disinfection chamber and / or the top of the disinfection chamber.

[0040] The object of the present invention can also be achieved by a method using the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier as described above. In the method, a first gas flow is generated by a gas flow generator, and a second gas flow is amplified by the first gas flow in a gas flow accelerator.

[0041] This method is reliable and efficient.

[0042] In the method, the airflow generator may be an electrodynamic fluid power generator that generates ionized wind.

[0043] In the method, the first airflow may be generated by an airflow generator, the first airflow may be directed to an airflow accelerator, and the second airflow may be amplified by the first airflow.

[0044] The object of the present invention can also be achieved by the application of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier for drying as described above. The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier can be used for drying in a medical cleaning device.

[0045] A medical washer is a device used to clean medical equipment such as surgical instruments or other medical materials.

[0046] A sterilizer is a device used to disinfect and / or sterilize medical equipment such as surgical instruments or other medical materials.

[0047] It is possible that medical devices are cleaned, disinfected and / or sterilized in the same machine. In this case, the machine is a medical washer and sterilizer.

[0048] Electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifiers as previously described can also be used for sterilization.

[0049] The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier can also be used in other applications where air flow needs to be generated. It can replace mechanical fans in various applications, for example in building ventilation or in household appliances like hair dryers or dishwashers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be further described below by way of embodiments:

[0051] Figure 1 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier;

[0052] Figure 2 : An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a gas inlet side and a gas outlet side;

[0053] Figure 3 : A partial view of an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a first gas flow, a second gas flow and a Coanda surface;

[0054] Figure 4 : An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a first gas flow, a second gas flow and a needle electrode;

[0055] Figure 5 : A gas flow amplifier operated with a pressurized gas as known in the prior art, wherein the gas inlet side has a larger outer diameter than the gas outlet side;

[0056] Figure 6 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a gas flow amplifier operated with pressurized gas known in the prior art, wherein the gas inlet side has a larger diameter than the gas outlet side;

[0057] Figure 7 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a needle electrode;

[0058] Figure 8 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view through three electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifiers with needle electrodes attached sequentially;

[0059] Fig. 9 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a needle-shaped electrode, the inner surface of which is convex;

[0060] Fig.10 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a plate-shaped current collector;

[0061] Fig.11 : A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier with a rod-shaped current collector;

[0062] Fig.12 : Needle electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 is shown. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes an airflow generator 4 that generates a first airflow 2. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 also includes an airflow accelerator 5, where a second airflow 3 is amplified by the first airflow 2. The second airflow 3 flows out of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 at a gas flow outlet 6. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier has a body 7. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier includes an inner surface 8. The inner region 9 of the body 7 is truncated conical. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a gas inlet 10 that is annular. The airflow generator 4 includes a linear electrode 12. The first airflow 2 is generated at the linear electrode 12. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 has a gas outflow opening 16. The gas outflow opening 16 is annular. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 has a gas inlet side 13 and a gas outlet side 14. The gas outflow opening 16 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the body 7. The inner surface 8 faces the inner region 9. The gas outlet opening 16 directs the first gas flow 2 in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface 8. The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier 1 comprises a Coanda surface 15 arranged on the inner surface 8 of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier 1.

[0064] Figure 2 An amplifier 1 is shown with a gas inlet side 13 and a gas outlet side 14. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 comprises a gas flow generator 4, in which a first gas flow 2 is generated. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 also comprises a gas flow accelerator 5, in which a second gas flow 3 is generated. The body 7 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 is cylindrical. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 has a gas inlet 10 which is annular.

[0065] Figure 3 A partial view of an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 with a first gas flow 2, a second gas flow 3 and a Coanda surface 15 is shown. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 also includes a gas flow accelerator 5 that accelerates the second gas flow 3. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 has a gas outflow opening 16, where the first gas flow 2 from the gas flow generator 4 intersects the second gas flow 3 of the gas flow accelerator 5. The inner surface 8 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a Coanda surface 15. The gas flow generator 4 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 has a linear electrode 12.

[0066] Figure 4An electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 with a first gas flow 2, a second gas flow 3 and a needle electrode 11 is shown. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a gas flow generator 4 that generates the first gas flow 2. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 also includes a gas flow accelerator 5, wherein the second gas flow 3 is amplified by the first gas flow 2. The gas flow generator 4 includes a needle electrode 11. The needle electrode 11 generates the first gas flow. Gas enters the gas flow generator 4 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 through a gas inlet 10. The inner surface 8 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a Coanda surface 15. The first gas flow 2 and the second gas flow 3 are both located in an inner region 9 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1. The second gas flow 3 escapes from the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 through a gas outlet 6.

[0067] Figure 5 A gas flow amplifier 1 is shown which is operated with a pressurized gas as known in the prior art, wherein the gas inlet side 13 has a larger outer diameter than the gas outlet side 14. The gas flow amplifier 1 is provided with pressurized gas by a first gas flow 2. The gas flow amplifier 1 comprises a gas flow generator 4, a gas flow accelerator 5 and a body 7. The first gas flow 2 enters the gas flow amplifier 1 through a gas inlet 10. A second gas flow 9 flows to the body 7 of the gas flow amplifier 1. The first gas flow 2 and the second gas flow 3 merge in the body 7 of the gas flow amplifier 1. The first gas flow 2 and the second gas flow 3 leave the gas flow amplifier 1 through a gas outlet 6.

[0068] Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a gas flow amplifier 1 operated with pressurized gas as known in the prior art is shown, wherein the gas inlet side 13 has a larger outer diameter than the gas outlet side 14. The gas flow amplifier 1 is provided with pressurized gas by a first gas flow 2. The gas flow amplifier 1 comprises a gas flow generator 4 and a gas flow accelerator 5. The first gas flow 2 is generated by the gas flow generator 4. The second gas flow flows through the gas flow accelerator 5. The second gas flow 3 is accelerated by the first gas flow 2. The first gas flow 2 enters the gas flow accelerator 5 through a gas outflow opening 16. The body 7 is cylindrical. The inner region 9 of the body 7 of the gas flow amplifier 1 comprises an inner surface 8. The inner surface 8 comprises a Coanda surface 15. The first gas flow 2 and the second gas flow 3 leave the gas flow amplifier 1 through a gas outlet 6.

[0069] Figure 7A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 with a needle electrode 11 is shown. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a gas flow generator 4 and a gas flow accelerator 5. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier has a body 7. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier includes an inner surface 8. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a gas inlet 10 in the form of an annular shape. The gas flow generator 4 includes a needle electrode 11. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 has a gas outflow opening 16. The gas outflow opening 16 is annular. The gas outflow opening 16 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the body 7. The inner surface 8 faces the inner area 9. The gas outflow opening 16 directs the first gas flow 2 in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface 8. The electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 includes a Coanda surface 15, which is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1.

[0070] Figure 8 A longitudinal cross-sectional view through three electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers 1 with needle electrodes 11 is shown. The three electrofluidic gas flow amplifiers 1 are attached in sequence. Each electrofluidic gas flow amplifier 1 comprises a unit of needle electrodes 11. Each unit comprises two needle electrodes 11. It is feasible that a unit may comprise one, two or four needle electrodes. The same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0071] Fig. 9 A longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier 1 with a needle electrode 11 is shown, the inner surface 8 being convex. A first gas flow 2 is generated at the needle electrode 11. The first gas flow 2 enters the inner region 9 through a gas outflow opening 16. The first gas flow 2 amplifies a second gas flow 3 in the inner region 9. The same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0072] Fig.10 Shown with Figure 1 A similar longitudinal cross-sectional view through an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier 1. Figure 1 The gas flow amplifiers in the Figure 1 The gas flow amplifier in O has a needle-shaped electrode 11. In addition, Fig.10 The gas flow amplifier 1 is also equipped with a plate-shaped current collector 27. The main body 7 is generally cylindrical. The outer diameter 17 of the gas flow amplifier 1 is 82 mm. The first inner diameter 18 of the airflow accelerator 5 is 50 mm. The second inner diameter 22 of the airflow accelerator 5 is 70 mm. The second inner diameter 22 is arranged downstream of the first inner diameter 18. The net width 20 of the airflow generator 4 is 10 mm. The net width 21 of the gas outflow opening 16 is 4 mm. The distance 19 between the needle electrode 11 and the plate-shaped current collector 27 is 30 mm. The length 23 of the gas flow amplifier 1 is 179 mm.

[0073] Fig.11 Shown with Fig.10 A similar longitudinal cross-sectional view through the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier 1. Fig.10 Compared with the gas flow amplifier 1 in Fig.11 The gas flow amplifier 1 in the embodiment is equipped with a rod-shaped current collector 28 .

[0074] Fig.12 A needle electrode 11 is shown. The needle electrode 11 has a maximum needle diameter 24 of 2 mm. The angle 25 of the needle tip 29 of the needle electrode 11 is 10°. The radius 26 of the needle tip 29 is 100 μm (micrometers).

Claims

1. An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) for generating an airflow, comprising an airflow generator (4) and an airflow accelerator (5), wherein a first airflow (2) can be generated by the airflow generator (4) and can be guided to the airflow accelerator (5), and the airflow accelerator (5) is configured to accelerate a second airflow (3) by the first airflow (2), wherein the airflow accelerator (5) is a Coanda airflow accelerator, which utilizes the Coanda effect to accelerate the second airflow (3) to a gas outlet (6) with the aid of the first airflow (2) from the airflow generator (4), characterized in that: The airflow generator (4) is an electrofluidic airflow generator.

2. The electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrohydrodynamic airflow generator is a corona discharge airflow generator or a dielectric barrier discharge airflow generator.

3. An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrohydrodynamic airflow generator comprises at least one, in particular two or four, needle-shaped electrodes (11).

4. An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrohydrodynamic airflow generator comprises a linear electrode (12).

5. An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that Its inner surface (8) has a gas inlet side (13) and a gas outlet side (14), wherein the gas outflow opening (16) is generally arranged on the gas inlet side (13), and the surface surrounded by the gas inlet side (13) is smaller than the surface surrounded by the gas outlet side (14).

6. An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The airflow accelerator (5) comprises a Coanda surface, wherein the Coanda surface is substantially flat or convex along a first airflow direction, and the Coanda surface is preferably partially curved along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first airflow direction.

7. An electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The inner surface (8) is at least partially convex in cross section.

8. A cleaning device for cleaning medical instruments, comprising a cleaning chamber and an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outlet (6) of the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) is directed into the cleaning chamber so that the electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) promotes the drying process in the cleaning chamber.

10. A sterilizer for sterilizing medical instruments, comprising a sterilization chamber and an electrofluidic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The sterilizer according to claim 11, characterized in that The outlet (6) of the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier (1) is directed into the sterilization chamber so that the electrofluidic gas flow amplifier (1) promotes the sterilization process and / or the drying process in the sterilizer.

12. A method for amplifying gas using an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A first airflow (2) is generated by an airflow generator (4), and a second airflow (3) is amplified by the first airflow (2) in an airflow accelerator (5).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The airflow generator (4) is an electric fluid power generator that generates ion wind.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that The first airflow (2) generated by the airflow generator (4) is guided to the airflow accelerator (5), wherein the second airflow (3) is accelerated in the airflow accelerator (5) by utilizing the Coanda effect.

15. Use of an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for amplifying gas, in particular for use in a medical scrubber.

16. Use of an electrohydrodynamic gas flow amplifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for sterilization.

Images