Device for disinfecting air flows in filters

Abstract

Device for disinfecting air flows in filters, with a light source for generating disinfectant radiation and means for powering and controlling the disinfection process, characterized in that a respiratory protection filter (2) of a respiratory protection mask (1) in a housing (10) of the respiratory protection filter (2) has, in an inner surface (3) of the filter, a circumferentially formed flow channel (7) which is designed as a wave-shaped parabolic recess (11), wherein the flow channel (7) is completely covered with a UV LED layer (4) or with a plurality of individual UV LEDs for emitting UV disinfectant radiation in order to destroy the viruses, bacteria and germs contained in the air inhaled by a person as the air particles (6) flow through the flow channel (7) of the respiratory protection filter (2).wherein the outside air, after entering through an air inlet opening (5) provided in the respiratory protection filter (2), can be guided past the UV-LED layer (4) or the plurality of individual UV-LEDs in the flow channel (7) for capturing all air particles (6) by the emitted UV disinfection radiation and exits cleaned through an air outlet opening (9) provided in the respiratory protection filter (2), and wherein an electronic unit (14) for supplying power and controlling the disinfection process is provided on the housing (10) of the respiratory protection filter (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for disinfecting air flows in filters, in particular in filters of respiratory masks for persons who work for long periods in hospitals, care facilities, in the food industry or other areas, or for high-risk patients who must constantly wear a respiratory mask.

[0002] Especially recently, it has become apparent that respiratory masks must be worn for hygiene reasons and to avoid infections such as those caused by the coronavirus. Many people are required to wear respiratory masks for extended periods of time, sometimes up to eight hours or more in a work shift, for example in food sales, hospitals, and nursing homes. This is just as stressful for these people as it is for high-risk patients who have to wear a respiratory mask at all times. With conventional respiratory masks such as FFP, FFP2, etc., the air must be inhaled and exhaled through a simple fabric, multiple fabrics with a filter insert, or a fabric filter. Since the exhaled air is moist and almost at body temperature, the air resistance during inhalation and exhalation constantly increases.The exhaled air can be contaminated with all kinds of viruses, bacteria and germs, which are trapped in the respirator mask and inhaled again, finding excellent conditions to multiply and spread in the warm, moist respirator mask material or filter material.

[0003] Together with the viruses, bacteria, and germs from the drawn-in outside air, the exposure to viruses, bacteria, and germs under the respirator and in the mouth and nasal cavity can increase considerably, which can lead to inflammation of the gums and the facial areas underneath the respirator. Furthermore, the moist mask fabric slows down the air you breathe, increasing the air resistance of these respirators and thus affecting your breathing rhythm. Breathing is less deep, leading to a reduced supply of fresh, oxygen-rich outside air. Problems such as discomfort and dizziness are well known. Regularly changing respirators is also often forgotten, which can lead to additional problems. Numerous respirators are known from the state of the art and are used, for example, by firefighters or in the medical field.For example, DE 10 2007 009 441 B4 describes a breathing mask for firefighters, with a protective screen integrated into the mask body and a temperature monitor equipped with a sensor to generate visual warning signals when a certain outside temperature is exceeded. DE 10 2011 121 347 A1 describes an electronic rescue aid with voice output as part of a breathing air filter to assist people in self-rescuing in fires or other disasters by informing the user of dangerous situations via a voice output device and data stored in the system. DE 10 2015 003 385 B4 describes a blower filter breathing system that is designed with a filter element for cleaning ambient air and a blower unit for drawing ambient air through the filter element and generating a volume of breathable air at an outlet side.DE 20 2020 001 277 U1 describes a respiratory mask having an air intake device that is effective during inhalation. The air intake device contains a space or section through which all inhaled air flows and is emitted with UV light. DE 10 2007 034 879 A1 and WO 2009 / 012 752 A1 specify a filter element with a flow zone for a fluid, the filter element comprising a filter material that is permeable and / or conductive to UV radiation with a wavelength of approximately 450 nm or less. A filter device, a respiratory mask, and a respiratory protection set are proposed based on the filter element according to the invention.

[0004] US 10 355 618 B2 describes a device for disinfecting air flows in filters with a light source for disinfection radiation and means for powering and controlling the disinfection process, wherein the respiratory mask has a respiratory filter in the housing of which a circumferential flow channel is formed, which is equipped with a plurality of individual UV LEDs for emitting UV disinfection radiation in order to destroy the viruses, bacteria and germs contained in the outside air inhaled by a person as the air particles flow through the flow channel of the breathing air filter.

[0005] Based on this prior art, the object of the invention is to create a device for disinfecting air flows in filters, in particular in filters of respiratory masks for persons by means of UV radiation, who in particular work for long periods in hospitals, care facilities, in the food sector or are high-risk patients, in which the flow of the inhaled outside air is effectively guided through a flow channel past the UV light sources, the UV light sources are protected and the electronic unit can be coupled to signal processing units, wherein the disinfection device is simple in design and handling and has a positive effect on the breathing rhythm.

[0006] To achieve this object, the invention proposes a device for disinfecting air flows in filters of respiratory masks, in which a respiratory filter of a respiratory mask has a circumferentially formed flow channel in a housing of the respiratory filter in an inner surface of the filter, wherein the flow channel of the respiratory filter is designed as a wave-shaped parabolic recess and the flow channel is completely covered with a UV LED layer or with a plurality of individual UV LEDs for emitting UV disinfection radiation in order to destroy the viruses, bacteria or germs contained in the outside air inhaled by a person as the air particles flow through the flow channel of the respiratory filter,wherein the outside air, after entering through an air inlet opening provided in the respiratory protection filter, can be guided past the UV LED layer or the plurality of individual UV LEDs in the flow channel to capture all air particles by the emitted UV disinfection radiation and exits cleaned through an air outlet opening provided in the respiratory protection filter, wherein an electronic unit for power supply and control of the disinfection process is provided on the housing of the respiratory protection filter.

[0007] Because the respirator mask features a device for disinfecting airflow in filters using UV radiation, a person's inhaled and exhaled air is completely disinfected, making it impossible for a healthy wearer to become infected while wearing the respirator mask, and impossible for an infected person to infect other people through exhaled air. The advantage of this design of the flow channel in the respirator filter is that the flow channel is adaptable for different groups of people. The flow cross-section for the breathing air is different for different air volumes, as is the length of the flow channel, for example, for children, athletes, or people with breathing difficulties, and can therefore be adjusted.

[0008] An advantageous embodiment is seen in the UV LED layer or the individual UV LEDs arranged in the flow channel of the respiratory protection filter being provided with a cover or protective layer made of a radiation-permeable material and a nano-coating to prevent the UV LED layer or the individual UV LEDs from becoming wetted by the moist breathing air. The advantage of the cover or protective layer as a nano-coating is that it ensures a uniform surface flow and simultaneously prevents viruses, bacteria, germs, or water from settling on the surface.

[0009] A further advantage is that the electronic unit (14) for controlling the disinfection process can be positively attached to the respiratory protection filter (2), wherein the UV LED layer (4) or the UV LEDs are provided so as to be controllable via electrical contacts (16) arranged in the housing (10) and in the end cap (12) of the respiratory protection filter (2).

[0010] Preferably, the electronic unit (14) further comprises an LED for indicating the end of the disinfection effect and thus the need to recharge the energy storage device. The energy storage device is designed to be rechargeable by means of a home charging station via a charging unit arranged in the electronic unit.

[0011] A preferred embodiment is seen in that the electronic unit of the respiratory mask is provided to be connectable via Bluetooth to all signal processing units, such as PCs, mobile phones, measuring devices or control units, and that the electronic unit has an indication of the end of the disinfection effect by means of a signal, e.g. a signal tone or a flashing or extinguishing LED.

[0012] In addition, the end cap of the respiratory protection filter can be customized, for example with the owner's name or pictures.

[0013] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a respiratory mask with a respiratory filter according to the invention; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a respiratory protection filter for a respiratory protection mask in plan view in section; Fig. 3 the respiratory protection filter of the respiratory mask in side view in section; Fig. 4 another embodiment of the respiratory protection filter; Fig. 5 a detail of a flow channel of the respiratory protection filter.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a respiratory protection mask 1 for persons for disinfecting air flows in filters with a respiratory protection filter 2 arranged on a respiratory protection mask 1.

[0015] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows a respiratory protection filter 2 according to the invention. The respiratory protection filter 2 has a circumferential flow channel 7 in an inner filter surface 3, which is completely covered with a UV LED layer 4 or with a sufficient number of individual UV LEDs for emitting UV disinfection radiation that destroys all viruses, bacteria, and germs as it flows through the inner filter surface 3 of the respiratory protection filter 2. For this purpose, it is necessary for the inhaled outside air, which enters through an air inlet opening 5, to be guided very close to a large inner filter surface 3 of the respiratory protection filter 2, which is covered with a UV LED layer 4 or a plurality of individual UV LEDs, so that all air particles 6 of the inhaled outside air are captured and disinfected by the disinfection radiation of the UV LED layer 4 or the UV LEDs.The flow velocity of the air particles 6 of the inhaled air over the UV-emitting UV-LED layer 4 or the UV-LEDs and the residence time of the air particles 6 in the entire disinfection area are decisive for the disinfection of the air flow in the respiratory protection filter 2. The inner filter surface 3 of the respiratory protection filter 2 is therefore designed by its geometry for a large and long disinfection distance so that with each breathing process by a person a predominantly laminar air flow and a nearly constant flow velocity arises, i.e. there are no flow edges and the deflections of the air flow are always less than 90°. By appropriately designing the flow channel 7 of the respiratory protection filter 2, the air particles 6 are forced to flow very close to the UV-LED layer 4 or the UV-LEDs. This is necessary with the low-energy UV-LED layers 4 or UV-LEDs.The inner filter surface 3 of the respiratory protection filter 2 with the UV-LED layer 4 or the UV-LEDs is dimensioned such that the inhaled air as well as the exhaled air of the mask wearer is completely disinfected, making it virtually impossible for a healthy wearer to become infected while wearing the respiratory protection mask 1, or for an infected person to infect others through exhaled air. The UV-LED layer 4 arranged on the inner filter surface 3 of the respiratory protection filter 2 or the plurality of UV-LEDs are covered with a cover or protective layer 8 made of a radiolucent material and a nano-coating. The cover or protective layer 8 prevents the accumulation of viruses, bacteria, and germs through its so-called "lotus effect," so that the moist inhaled air also does not wet the UV-LED layer 4 or the individual UV-LEDs and thus could not influence the disinfection effect.The respiratory protection filter 2 uses the biological lotus effect to prevent the colonization of the UV-LED layer 4 or the individual UV-LEDs by viruses, bacteria, and germs. A further positive effect of this self-cleaning lotus effect is the prevention of contamination of the flow channel 7 of the respiratory protection filter 2, which can then shrink and even close. The reason for the self-cleaning effect in the lotus effect lies in a hydrophobic (water-repellent) double structure of the surface. The flow channel 7 in the respiratory protection filter 2 is designed in such a way that a laminar air flow and a nearly constant flow velocity are created with each breathing process by the flow channel 7 continuously tapering from an air inlet opening 5 to an air outlet opening 9, and the last flow-through cross-section creates the desired aperture function, i.e.The sum of the cross-sections through which air flows through the respiratory protection filter 2 enables the same air resistance when inhaling and exhaling, since the cross-sections continuously decrease from the inlet surface (intake surface) to the outlet surface, but the flow velocity is determined by the aperture, i.e. by the last cross-section before the outlet opening. This ensures that the intake resistance for the user of the respiratory protection mask 1 always remains the same and is also the same as the outlet resistance, i.e. no additional or different resistance occurs when inhaling or exhaling. The flow channel 7 is formed by a wave-shaped parabolic recess 11 provided in the housing 10 of the respiratory protection filter 2 and an end cap 12 with flow guide elements 13 that protrude into the wave-shaped parabolic recess 11.The flow cross-section for a person's breathing air is designed to be adjustable for different air volumes, as is the length of the flow channel 7, e.g., for children, athletes, or people with breathing difficulties. An electronics unit 14 is arranged on the housing 10 of the respiratory protection filter 2 and is attached to the respiratory protection filter 2, for example, by means of a bayonet lock or similar connections. The electrical energy required by the electronics unit 14 to control the UV-LED layer 4 or the individual UV LEDs is provided by an energy storage device 15 (battery or rechargeable battery). The UV-LED layer 4 or the individual UV LEDs are controlled via electrical contacts 16, which are arranged in the housing 10 and in the end cap 12 of the respiratory protection filter 2. The respiratory protection filter 2 according to the invention with the electronics unit 14 is positively connected to the respiratory protection mask 1 by a plug connection.Since the UV-LED layer 4 or the individual UV-LEDs consume very little energy, the electrical power supply is suitable for autonomous use for up to 10 hours in mobile operation. The end of the disinfection effect is indicated, e.g., 1 hour in advance, by a signal. An inserted battery can be charged using a home charging station via a charging unit 17 arranged in the electronics unit 14. The electronics unit 14 of the respiratory mask 1 is also designed to be connectable to all signal processing units (PC, mobile phone, measuring devices, or control units) via Bluetooth. The respiratory mask 1 can also be operated stationary by inserting a hose into the air outlet 9. This has the advantage that bedridden patients can use the respiratory mask 1 at any time. The cover 12 of the respiratory filter 2 can be individually designed and used as a function display (e.g.,luminous name of the owner) can be illuminated from the inside by the UV LED layer 4 or the UV LEDs without any additional effort.

[0016] In the embodiment of the respiratory protection filter 2 according to the invention according to Fig. 4, the flow channel 7 is incorporated as a wave-shaped parabolic recess 11 into the housing 10 of the respiratory protection filter 2.

[0017] Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the lining of the flow channel 7 with the UV-LED layer 4 and the covering or protective layer 8 with the lotus effect. List of reference symbols 1 respirator mask 2 respiratory protection filters 3 Inner filter surface of the respiratory protection filter 4 UV LED layer 5 Air inlet opening 6 air particles in the breathing air 7 Flow channel 8 Covering or protective layer 9 Air outlet opening 10 Respiratory protection filter housing 11 wave-shaped parabolic recess 12 End cap of the respiratory protection filter 13 flow guidance elements 14 Electronic unit 15 energy storage 16 electrical contacts 17 Charging unit

Claims

[1] Device for disinfecting air flows in filters, with a light source for generating disinfectant radiation and means for supplying power and controlling the disinfection process, characterized bythat a respiratory protection filter (2) of a respiratory protection mask (1) in a housing (10) of the respiratory protection filter (2) in an inner filter surface (3) has a circumferentially formed flow channel (7) which is designed as a wave-shaped parabolic recess (11), wherein the flow channel (7) is completely covered with a UV LED layer (4) or with a plurality of individual UV LEDs for emitting UV disinfection radiation in order to destroy the viruses, bacteria and germs contained in the air inhaled by a person as the air particles (6) flow through the flow channel (7) of the respiratory protection filter (2),wherein the outside air, after entering through an air inlet opening (5) provided in the respiratory protection filter (2), can be guided past the UV-LED layer (4) or the plurality of individual UV-LEDs in the flow channel (7) for capturing all air particles (6) by the emitted UV disinfection radiation and exits cleaned through an air outlet opening (9) provided in the respiratory protection filter (2), and wherein an electronic unit (14) for supplying power and controlling the disinfection process is provided on the housing (10) of the respiratory protection filter (2). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the UV-LED layer (4) or the UV-LEDs arranged in the flow channel (7) of the respiratory protection filter (2) are formed with a covering or protective layer (8) made of a radiation-permeable material and a nano-coating to prevent wetting of the UV-LED layer (4) or the UV-LEDs by the moist breathing air. [3] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the electronic unit (14) for controlling the disinfection process can be fastened to the respiratory protection filter (2) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the UV LED layer (4) or the UV LEDs are provided so as to be controllable via electrical contacts (16) which are arranged in the housing (10) and in the end cap (12) of the respiratory protection filter (2). [4] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the electronic unit (14) has an LED to indicate the end of the disinfection effect and thus a necessary charging of the energy storage device. [5] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the electronic unit (14) of the respiratory mask (1) is also provided to be connectable to all signal processing units via Bluetooth.

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