Device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a shisha and method for producing such a device

Abstract

Device (1) for the fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces (2) and / or hoses (3) of a shisha, comprising a receiving device (8) which defines a receiving space (7) for receiving at least one basket-like frame construction (4) for storing mouthpieces (2) and / or hoses (3) of a shisha to be cleaned by fluid flow, wherein the receiving device has one or more wall elements which define the outer dimensions of the receiving device (8), wherein at least one wall element (W1 - Wn) is provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with a precious metal and / or a precious metal alloy.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah and a method for producing such a device.

[0002] Corresponding devices for the fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a shisha are known in principle from the prior art and typically comprise a receiving device which defines a receiving space for receiving at least one basket-like frame construction for storing mouthpieces and / or hoses of a shisha to be cleaned based on fluid flow, wherein the receiving device has one or more wall elements which define the outer dimensions of the receiving device.

[0003] A generic device is described, for example, in the German patent DE 102021 131 154 B3.

[0004] A particular challenge with such devices is the fact that they are regularly used in environments where there is a risk of corrosion, particularly with regard to the wall elements of the corresponding receiving devices, which can lead to damage to the wall elements, which can require either repairs or sometimes replacement of the corroded wall elements.

[0005] This applies in particular to areas of application in which the devices are exposed to warm, humid climatic conditions.

[0006] The prevention of corrosion is also important in connection with compliance with quality and / or hygiene criteria, since corrosion phenomena on the wall elements of corresponding devices can also hinder the hygienic cleaning of shisha pipes, in particular the mouthpieces and hoses of shisha pipes.

[0007] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah and a method for producing such a device.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah. The device is thus designed for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses, ie, in particular, generally at least partially hollow cylindrical components, of a hookah.

[0010] The term “fluid flow-based cleaning” is to be understood in particular to mean that a fluid, i.e. a gas and / or a liquid, which may be provided with cleaning substances and may be tempered, can be used or is used to clean the mouthpieces, which fluid flows around or through the components of a shisha to be cleaned, possibly under pressure, once or several times, whereby impurities such as deposits of smoking material, germs, etc., are dissolved.

[0011] The device comprises a receiving device, which may also be referred to or considered a housing device, which defines a receiving space for accommodating at least one basket-like frame structure for storing mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah that are to be cleaned by fluid flow. The receiving space of the receiving device, which can typically be opened and closed as needed, is typically designed to be sealed so that a cleaning fluid, such as water, can flow through it during operation of the device.

[0012] The receiving device has one or more wall elements that define the outer dimensions of the housing device. The wall elements typically have a (substantially) flat basic shape. The wall elements therefore typically have a main extension plane that is delimited or defined by edges.

[0013] The wall elements of the receiving device can be formed from a metal, in particular a sheet metal. A wall element material (base material) forming the wall elements can thus be a metal, in particular a sheet metal. As will become apparent below, the metal does not necessarily have to have special corrosion properties, because the invention described herein takes a different approach, explained in more detail below, to protecting the wall elements from corrosion.

[0014] The wall elements can be arranged or formed on a base structure of the device or form a corresponding base structure of the device. The base structure can optionally also be formed as or comprise a frame structure, in particular a frame structure that can be placed on a base.

[0015] The wall elements can be specifically designed, for example, as or comprise: a side wall defining a side surface of the receiving device or the device, a top wall defining an upper side of the receiving device or the device, a front wall defining a front side of the receiving device or the device, a rear wall defining a rear side of the receiving device or the device, a bottom wall defining a bottom side of the receiving device or the device.

[0016] The device typically has a cuboidal basic shape, the surfaces of which are defined by corresponding wall elements; the device therefore typically has at least one side wall defining a side surface of the receiving device or the device, a top wall defining an upper side of the receiving device or the device, a front wall defining a front side of the receiving device or the device, a rear wall defining a rear side of the receiving device or the device, and a bottom wall defining a bottom side of the receiving device or the device.

[0017] At least one wall element can be mounted relative to at least one other wall element with at least one degree of freedom of movement, in particular with at least one degree of freedom of pivoting movement. A corresponding wall element can, in particular, form a front wall of the receiving device or the device. By corresponding movements of the at least one wall element, an open state of the device, in which access to the receiving space is possible, and a closed state of the device, in which access to the receiving space is not possible, can be realized.

[0018] To counteract the corrosion problem described above, at least one wall element is provided, at least in sections, optionally completely, with at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy. The device described herein is thus characterized in that one, several, or all wall elements are provided, at least in sections, optionally completely, with at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy, thus providing a material that exhibits excellent corrosion resistance.

[0019] As will become apparent below, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy is typically applied as a single-layer or multi-layer coating to the at least one wall element. In particular, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy is typically applied as a single-layer or multi-layer coating to at least one exposed outer surface, i.e. the surface facing away from the receiving space, of the at least one wall element, such that the coating is visible from the outside, which has the positive side effect of a visually appealing appearance of the device. A corresponding outer surface can define a main extension plane which is delimited or defined by edges. Corresponding edges can also be provided, at least in sections, if appropriate completely, with at least one precious metal or at least one precious metal alloy.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy can be applied as a single- or multi-layer coating to at least one inner surface, i.e., the surface facing the receiving space, of the at least one wall element, such that the coating is not visible from the outside, at least in the closed state of the device. A corresponding inner surface can define a main extension plane, which is delimited or defined by edges. Corresponding edges can also be provided, at least in sections, optionally completely, with at least one precious metal or at least one precious metal alloy.

[0021] In principle, it is equally conceivable that the at least one wall element is formed, at least in sections, optionally entirely, from at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy; the at least one wall element can thus be a component which is formed, at least in sections, optionally entirely, from at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy.

[0022] Overall, this provides an improved device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the device, the device can be designed as a dishwasher. If the device is designed as a dishwasher, it can comprise one or more typical functional units of a dishwasher, such as a circulation unit, e.g., in the form of a pump unit, for a cleaning fluid, such as water, to be circulated in the receiving space, a temperature control unit, e.g., in the form of a heating unit, for controlling the temperature of a cleaning fluid to be circulated in the receiving space, and a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software for controlling the operation of the device, in particular a corresponding circulation device and / or a corresponding temperature control device.

[0024] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the precious metal can be gold and / or silver and / or platinum and / or palladium. A corresponding precious metal alloy can thus contain at least gold and / or silver and / or platinum and / or palladium as an alloy component, in particular as the main alloy component.

[0025] As mentioned above, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy can be present as a coating of a surface, in particular an exposed outer or inner surface, of at least one wall element.

[0026] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the at least one wall element can thus be coated at least in sections, optionally completely, with a coating of a precious metal and / or a precious metal alloy, deposited and / or applied in particular by a chemical and / or physical deposition and / or application process.

[0027] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the coating can be formed by applying at least one gaseous, liquid, dissolved, or solid coating material, in particular at least one coating material containing the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal coating, to the at least one wall element. The coating can thus be arranged or formed on the corresponding surface of the at least one wall element, for example, by chemical and / or physical vapor deposition, brushing, dipping, spraying, galvanizing, thermal spraying, or powder coating. Combinations of at least two coating methods are also conceivable, which does not only apply to embodiments in which the at least one or at least one wall element is provided with several different precious metals and / or precious metal alloys.In principle, there is therefore a high degree of flexibility with regard to the type of coating and its design, so that the type of coating and its design can be selected individually with regard to specific applications or areas of use of the device.

[0028] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the coating can have a layer thickness in a range between 1 µm and 1000 µm, in particular between 1 µm and 900 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 800 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 700 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 600 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 500 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 400 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 300 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 200 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 100 µm. Layer thicknesses greater than 1000 µm are also conceivable. In principle, there is therefore a high degree of flexibility with regard to the layer thickness, which can be selected individually, for example, with regard to specific applications or areas of use of the device.

[0029] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the at least one wall element can accordingly have at least one first region in which the coating has a first layer thickness and at least one second region in which the coating has a second layer thickness different from the first layer thickness. This also provides a high degree of flexibility with regard to the layer thickness, and this can, for example, be individually selected differently in certain sections with regard to specific applications or areas of use of the device.

[0030] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, at least one adhesion-promoting material and / or at least one adhesion-promoting material structure can be arranged or formed between the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy and a wall element material (base material) forming the at least one wall element. A corresponding adhesion-promoting material can, for example, be formed by an adhesion-promoting intermediate layer which, for example due to suitable chemical functionalization, enables, on the one hand, a good, optionally material-locking, connection to the wall element material forming the at least one wall element and, on the other hand, to the at least one precious metal or the at least one precious metal alloy. A corresponding adhesion-promoting material structure can, for example,by chemical and / or physical activation of the surface of the at least one wall element, e.g. by plasma activation, mechanical roughening, etc., which leads, for example, to improved adhesion or wettability of the wall element material forming the at least one wall element.

[0031] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the at least one wall element can be provided with at least one first precious metal and / or a first precious metal alloy and with at least one second precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy different from the first precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy. Thus, a wall element can certainly be provided with several different precious metals or precious metal alloys; the different precious metals or precious metal alloys can be arranged or formed next to one another and / or one above the other, thus also providing a high degree of flexibility in this respect.

[0032] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, at least one first wall element can be provided with at least one first precious metal and / or a first precious metal alloy, and at least one second wall element can be provided with at least one second precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy that is different from the first precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy. Thus, different wall elements can be provided with different precious metals or precious metal alloys, thus providing a high degree of flexibility in this respect as well.

[0033] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the device can comprise at least one basket-like frame construction for storing mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah that are to be cleaned using a fluid flow. The basket-like frame construction comprises one or more strut-like or -shaped and thus typically elongated receiving elements for receiving a mouthpiece and / or hose of a hookah that is to be cleaned using a fluid flow (hereinafter referred to as components of a hookah to be cleaned). The receiving elements are therefore each designed to receive at least one component of a hookah that is to be cleaned and to clean it as part of a fluid flow-based cleaning process that can be carried out or is carried out using the device, e.g.a rinsing process, in a spatial arrangement or orientation that is appropriate with regard to the geometry of the components of the shisha to be cleaned or the sections to be cleaned, which includes in particular the interiors of the typically hollow-cylindrical components. For this purpose, the receiving elements can be arranged or positioned at an angle of, for example, between 5° and 45° relative to a horizontally oriented reference plane - this can be defined, for example, by an open or closed base surface of the basket-like frame construction. Specifically, the receiving elements can be arranged or positioned at an angle of, for example, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35° or 40° within the aforementioned limits of 5° and 45°. The aforementioned values ​​can also be understood as upper or lower limits of an angular range. All values ​​lying between the aforementioned values, such as, for example, B.7°, 12°, 29° are also included.

[0034] The angular arrangement or arrangement of the receiving elements can be achieved, e.g., via at least one support section explained in more detail below, at a base area of ​​the basket-like frame structure or above the base area. If necessary, several correspondingly angled receiving elements can also be present in several levels above one another; for example, to increase the packing density of corresponding mouthpieces and / or hoses.

[0035] The angular arrangement or configuration of the receiving elements enables the aforementioned expedient spatial arrangement or alignment and stable storage of the respective components of a hookah to be cleaned. The angular arrangement or configuration of the receiving elements also makes it possible to store even comparatively long components of a hookah, such as mouthpieces or hoses with a length of at least 15 cm, in a more expedient manner with regard to the efficiency of the cleaning process and the space required for storage, than the mouthpieces or hoses, which are typically at least partially attached to the respective receiving elements, can be stored or stored at least partially obliquely aligned in space following the angular arrangement or alignment of the receiving elements. This typically also ensures that a cleaning fluid does not accumulate undesirably within the mouthpieces or hoses.

[0036] In particular, the described angular arrangement or arrangement of the receiving elements provides a device for fluid flow-based cleaning of at least mouthpieces and / or hoses of a shisha, which enables improved cleaning of components of a shisha, in particular meeting the high hygiene standards, for example in the catering, hotel industry, etc.

[0037] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, at least one receiving element can be arranged so as to be adjustable in several different angular orientations relative to the horizontally oriented reference plane. The respective receiving element can thus be adjusted in its spatial orientation and thus transferred into various angular orientations relative to the horizontally oriented reference plane. Due to the flexibility thus provided in the spatial orientation of individual, several, or all receiving elements, the best possible storage and cleaning can be achieved with regard to the dimensions of the respective components of a shisha to be cleaned, i.e., in particular, their length.

[0038] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, at least one locking device can be assigned to the respective receiving element(s) which can be arranged in a plurality of different angular orientations relative to the horizontally aligned reference plane, which locking device is designed to lock the respective receiving element(s) in the respective orientations, in particular by positive and / or non-positive interaction, ie for example latching interaction, with a section of the respective receiving element, and thus to secure it against uncontrolled adjustment.

[0039] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the receiving elements can each have a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow, and one or more outlet openings communicating with the flow channel structure, in particular bore-like or slot-like or slot-like outlet openings, through which a cleaning fluid flowing through the flow channel structure can exit. Thus, the receiving elements can be flowed through by a cleaning fluid through the flow channel structure, which typically comprises one or more flow channels penetrating the respective receiving element, in particular in the longitudinal direction. Respective outlet openings can be arranged or formed at different axial and / or circumferential positions with respect to a longitudinal axis of the respective receiving elements.In particular, an axially aligned outlet opening at or in the region of a free end of a respective receiving element is also conceivable. Respective outlet openings can be arranged or formed, in particular evenly or unevenly distributed, extending at least partially, or possibly completely, over a respective receiving element. In this way, a desired cleaning effect can be ensured for various components of a hookah that need to be cleaned.

[0040] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the receiving elements can have a length in a range between 10 cm and 50 cm, in particular in a range between 10 cm and 45 cm, in particular between 10 and 40 cm, further in particular between 10 cm and 35 cm, further in particular in a range between 10 cm and 30 cm, further in particular in a range between 10 cm and 25 cm, further in particular in a range between 10 and 20 cm. This enables the stable storage already indicated above and—in particular in connection with the aforementioned expedient arrangement and cleaning—of the respective components of a shisha to be cleaned.

[0041] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the receiving elements can be configured in the region of an end facing away from a free end with an enlarged cross-sectional geometry forming a clamping or tensioning section for clamping or clamping a mouthpiece and / or hose of a hookah to be cleaned. An enlarged cross-sectional geometry of respective receiving elements can be realized in particular by enlarging the outer diameter; a respective receiving element can thus have at least two different outer diameters and thus at least two different cross-sectional geometries.

[0042] The outer diameter of the receiving elements, which, as mentioned, are typically designed with a rotationally symmetrical basic shape, can, in all embodiments of the device, lie, for example, in a range between 1 and 15 mm, in particular in a range between 3 and 10 mm, and more particularly in a range between 5 and 10 mm. The outer diameter of the receiving elements can be selected, in particular, to match the inner diameter of the components of a hookah to be received, as mentioned, in particular by plugging them on. This can, if necessary, also mean a certain oversize or undersize of the outer diameter relative to the inner diameter of the components of a hookah to be received, as mentioned, in particular by plugging them on.

[0043] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the receiving elements can comprise, in the region of an end facing away from a free end, a stop element forming a stop surface for a mouthpiece to be cleaned and / or a hose of a hookah held on the respective receiving element. The provision of corresponding stop elements also contributes to the stable storage of the components of a hookah to be cleaned.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, several receiving elements can be arranged next to one another in at least one row on at least one support section, forming a receiving element group. This provides a particularly practical arrangement of the receiving elements with regard to the practical loading of the basket-like frame structure with components of a hookah to be cleaned.

[0045] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the at least one support section—which may also be referred to as a support arm—can have a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow. Thus, the at least one support section can also be flowed through by a cleaning fluid.

[0046] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the carrier section-side flow channel structure can communicate with at least one receiving element-side flow channel structure.

[0047] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the at least one support section can be arranged or formed on a base section of the basket-like frame construction, wherein the base section has a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow.

[0048] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the base section-side flow channel structure can communicate with at least one carrier section-side flow channel structure.

[0049] The aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the device enable the realization of a higher-level flow channel structure that at least partially penetrates the basket-like frame construction, as each respective support section also has a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow, which can communicate with respective receiving element-side flow channel structures, so that a cleaning fluid flowing through the support section-side flow channel structure can flow from the support section-side flow channel structure into at least one receiving element-side flow channel structure. The support element-side flow channel structure can thus serve as a distributor structure with respect to the receiving element-side flow channel structures.

[0050] As mentioned, a respective support section can in turn be arranged or formed on a base section of the frame structure. The base section can thus also have a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow. The base section-side flow channel structure can communicate with a respective support section-side flow channel structure, so that a cleaning fluid flowing through the base section-side flow channel structure can flow from the base section-side flow channel structure into at least one support section-side flow channel structure. The base section-side flow channel structure can thus serve as a distributor structure with respect to the support section-side flow channel structures.The base section-side flow channel structure can have a central inflow opening for the inflow of a cleaning fluid into the base section-side flow channel structure and further into the support section-side flow channel structures communicating directly or indirectly with it, as well as correspondingly into the receiving element-side flow channel structures.

[0051] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, this can comprise a first receiving element group, which comprises a plurality of receiving elements arranged next to one another in at least one row in a first angular orientation on a first support section, and at least one second receiving element group, which comprises a plurality of receiving elements arranged next to one another in at least one row in a first angular orientation on a second support section. The first receiving element group can be arranged on a first side of a base section, in particular in the region of a first free end of the base section. The second receiving element group can be arranged on a second side of the base section opposite the first side, in particular in the region of a second free end of the base section opposite the first free end.This results in a practical arrangement of the receiving elements in terms of space requirements and cleaning efficiency.

[0052] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the basket-like frame construction can have a plurality of frame elements - these can also be referred to as auxiliary frame elements - arranged at an angle, in particular at right angles, on a vertically aligned rod-like or rod-shaped frame element in relation to a frame element axis defined by the rod-like or rod-shaped frame element, in particular in the manner of a spiral staircase, in different axial and / or circumferential positions. Respective frame elements can have first frame element sections extending at an angle, in particular at right angles or essentially at right angles, relative to the frame element axis, and second frame element sections extending parallel or essentially parallel to the frame element axis; respective frame elements can thus have an L-like or L-shaped basic shape. In this way, the spiral-like orA spiral staircase-like arrangement of the respective frame elements creates efficient space for the storage of hookah hoses, as these can be stored spirally across multiple levels. It is noteworthy that at least one free end of each hose can be arranged on a corresponding receiving element, as mentioned, for example, by plugging it on.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the basket-like frame structure can comprise one or more wheel or roller elements, via which the basket-like frame structure can be movably mounted, for example, on a base. Corresponding wheel or roller elements typically also enable the basket-like frame structure to be moved in and out of the receiving space of the receiving device. Similarly, optionally telescopic rail elements can also be arranged or formed on the basket-like frame structure.

[0054] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device, the receiving elements can be formed from a rust-proof metal, in particular a rust-proof iron-based metal, preferably a stainless steel. The receiving elements thus have sufficient stability, satisfy hygienic requirements, and are passivated against appropriate cleaning fluids. It is also conceivable for one, several, or all receiving elements to be provided with at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy, analogously to the at least one wall element, so that the corresponding statements in connection with the at least one wall element apply analogously to one, several, or all receiving elements.

[0055] As mentioned, the receiving device can form a dishwasher or a component thereof. The receiving device can therefore comprise a control unit for controlling operating processes, in particular dishwashing processes. The control unit can communicate with a data memory in which various operating programs, such as dishwashing programs or preparatory and / or post-processing programs, are stored, which can be differentiated, for example, by parameters influencing the cleaning process, i.e., parameters relating to the cleaning fluid, such as pressure, temperature, chemical composition, etc., and / or parameters relating to the actual cleaning process, such as the duration of the cleaning process. The control unit can also be or be connectable to an output device, via which information relating to a respective cleaning process can be output, for example for documentation purposes.The term "output" includes both the physical or non-physical output of corresponding information to an output interface, such as a printer, a display, etc., as well as the possibly encrypted, data-based transmission of corresponding information to a communication partner, such as a user-side device, e.g., in the form of a computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.

[0056] Of course, individual, several or all of the embodiments of the device described above can be combined with one another.

[0057] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a shisha, in particular a device according to the first aspect of the invention, so that all statements in connection with the device according to the first aspect apply analogously to the method according to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0058] The method comprises at least the steps: a) providing a receiving device which defines a receiving space for receiving at least one basket-like frame construction for storing mouthpieces and / or hoses of a shisha that are to be cleaned based on fluid flow, wherein the receiving device has one or more wall elements that define the outer dimensions of the housing device, and b) arranging or forming, e.g. by coating, at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy on at least one wall element of the receiving device, in particular on at least one exposed surface of at least one wall element of the receiving device.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the arrangement or formation of at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy on an exposed surface of at least one wall element of the receiving device can be carried out, in particular in an automated manner, by means of a device which is configured to arrange or form at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy on an exposed surface of at least one wall element of the receiving device.

[0060] The invention is explained using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah according to an embodiment; and Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 each shows a schematic diagram of a device for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces and / or hoses of a hookah according to a further embodiment.

[0061] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces 2 and / or hoses 3 of a hookah according to one exemplary embodiment. The device 1 is thus designed for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces 2 and / or hoses 2, i.e., in particular, generally at least partially hollow cylindrical components, of a hookah.

[0062] The device 1 comprises a receiving device 8, which may also be referred to or considered as a housing device, which has a receiving space 7 for receiving at least one in the embodiment according to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, for storing mouthpieces 2 and / or hoses 3 of a hookah that are to be cleaned by fluid flow. The receiving space 7 is, as will become apparent below, typically openable and closable as needed.

[0063] The receiving device 8 has a plurality of wall elements W1 - Wn, each of which has a (substantially) flat basic shape and defines the outer dimensions of the receiving device 8.

[0064] The wall elements W1-Wn of the receiving device 8 can be formed from a metal, in particular a sheet metal. A wall element material (base material) forming the wall elements W1-Wn can thus be a metal, in particular a sheet metal. As will become apparent below, the metal does not necessarily have to have special corrosion properties, because the invention described herein takes a different approach, explained in more detail below, to protect the wall elements W1-Wn from corrosion.

[0065] The wall elements W1-Wn can be arranged or formed on a base structure (not shown) of the device 1 or form a corresponding base structure of the device 1. The base structure can optionally also be formed as or comprise a frame structure, in particular a frame structure that can be erected on a base.

[0066] Based on Fig. 1 it can be seen that the wall elements W1 - Wn can be designed specifically, for example, as: a side wall W1 defining a side surface of the receiving device 8 or the device 1, a top wall W2 defining an upper side of the receiving device 8 or the device 1, a front wall W3 defining a front side of the receiving device 8 or the device 1, a rear wall W4 defining a rear side of the receiving device 8 or the device 1, a bottom wall W5 defining a bottom side of the receiving device 8 or the device 1.

[0067] Based on Fig. 1 it is further apparent that the receiving device 8 or the device 1 typically has a cuboid basic shape, the surfaces of which are defined by the wall elements W1 - Wn.

[0068] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the wall element forming the front wall W3 is also provided with an interface 90 for displaying information and / or for setting operating programs of the device 1.

[0069] At least one wall element W1-Wn, in the exemplary embodiment the wall element forming the front wall W3, can be mounted relative to at least one other wall element W1-Wn with at least one degree of freedom of movement, in particular with at least one degree of freedom of pivoting movement about the pivot axis A1 indicated by the double arrow. By corresponding movements of the wall element, an open state of the device 1, in which access to the receiving space 7 is possible, and a closed state of the device 1, in which access to the receiving space 7 is not possible, can be realized.

[0070] To counteract the corrosion problem described above, at least one wall element W1-Wn, in particular the wall element forming the front wall W3, is provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy. The device 1 is thus characterized in that one, several, or all of the wall elements W1-Wn are provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy, thus providing a material that exhibits excellent corrosion resistance.

[0071] The precious metal can be gold and / or silver and / or platinum and / or palladium. A corresponding precious metal alloy can be a gold and / or silver and / or platinum and / or palladium alloy, which accordingly contains gold, silver, platinum and / or palladium as an alloying constituent, in particular as the main alloying constituent.

[0072] As will become apparent below, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy is typically applied as a single-layer or multi-layer coating 100 to the at least one wall element W1 - Wn. In particular, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy is typically applied as a single-layer or multi-layer coating 100 to at least one exposed outer surface, i.e., the surface facing away from the receiving space 7, of the at least one wall element W1 - Wn, such that the coating 100 is visible from the outside, which has the positive side effect of a visually appealing appearance of the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy can be applied as a single-layer or multi-layer coating 100 to at least one inner surface, i.e.,the surface facing the receiving space 7, of the at least one wall element W1 - Wn, so that the coating 100 is not visible from the outside, at least in the closed state of the device 1.

[0073] The coating 100 may be deposited and / or applied by a chemical and / or physical deposition and / or application process.

[0074] The coating 100 can be formed in particular by applying at least one gaseous, liquid, dissolved or solid coating material, in particular at least one coating material containing the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal coating, to the at least one wall element W1 - Wn. The coating 100 can therefore be arranged or formed on the corresponding surface of the at least one wall element W1 - Wn, for example, by chemical and / or physical vapor deposition, brushing, dipping, spraying, galvanizing, thermal spraying or powder coating. Combinations of at least two coating methods are also conceivable, so that a high degree of flexibility with regard to the type of coating 10 and its formation, so that the type of coating 100 and its formation can be individually tailored, for example, to specific applications orAreas of application of the device 1 can be selected.

[0075] The layer thickness of the coating 100 can range between 1 µm and 1000 µm. Thus, there is a high degree of flexibility with regard to the layer thickness, which can be individually selected, for example, with regard to specific applications or areas of use of the device.

[0076] Although not shown in the exemplary embodiment, the at least one wall element W1-Wn can have at least a first region in which the coating 100 has a first layer thickness and at least a second region in which the coating 100 has a second layer thickness different from the first layer thickness. In this respect, too, a high degree of flexibility is thus provided with regard to the layer thickness, and this can, for example, be individually selected differently in certain sections with regard to specific applications or areas of use of the device 1.

[0077] In principle, it is equally conceivable that the at least one wall element W1 - Wn is formed at least in sections, optionally completely, from at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy; the at least one wall element W1 - Wn can thus be a component which is formed at least in sections, optionally completely, from at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy.

[0078] The device 1 is designed in the embodiment as a dishwasher and comprises, although in the schematic representation according to Fig. 1 shows the typical functional units of a dishwasher, such as a circulation unit, e.g., in the form of a pump unit, for circulating a cleaning fluid, such as water, in the receiving space; a temperature control unit, e.g., in the form of a heating unit, for controlling the temperature of a cleaning fluid to be circulated in the receiving space; and a control unit implemented in hardware and / or software for controlling the operation of the device, in particular a corresponding circulation device and / or a corresponding temperature control device. The control unit can communicate with the interface 90.

[0079] At least one adhesion-promoting material and / or at least one adhesion-promoting material structure can be arranged or formed between the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy and a wall element material (base material) forming the at least one wall element W1 - Wn. A corresponding adhesion-promoting material can, for example, be formed by an adhesion-promoting intermediate layer which, for example due to suitable chemical functionalization, enables, on the one hand, a good, optionally material-locking, bond to the wall element material forming the at least one wall element and, on the other hand, to the at least one precious metal or the at least one precious metal alloy. A corresponding adhesion-promoting material structure can, for example, be achieved by chemically and / or physically activating the surface of the at least one wall element W1 - Wn, i.e., B.by plasma activation, mechanical roughening, etc., which leads, for example, to improved adhesion or wettability of the wall element material forming the at least one wall element W1 - Wn.

[0080] Although not shown, the at least one wall element W1-Wn can be provided with at least one first precious metal and / or a first precious metal alloy and with at least one second precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy different from the first precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy. Thus, a wall element W1-Wn can certainly be provided with several different precious metals or precious metal alloys; the different precious metals or precious metal alloys can be arranged or formed side by side and / or one above the other, thus also providing a high degree of flexibility in this respect.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, at least one first wall element W1-Wn can be provided with at least one first precious metal and / or a first precious metal alloy, and at least one second wall element W1-Wn can be provided with at least one second precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy different from the first precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy. Thus, different wall elements W1-Wn can be provided with different precious metals or precious metal alloys, thus providing a high degree of flexibility in this respect as well.

[0082] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 each show a schematic diagram of a device 1 for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces 2 and / or hoses 3 of a shisha according to a further embodiment in a perspective view; Fig. 2, Fig. 3 differ in that the device 1, ie a basket-like frame construction 4 forming a component of the device 1, is only Fig. 3 is equipped with a shisha mouthpiece 2 that is to be cleaned using fluid flow and a shisha hose 3 that is to be cleaned using fluid flow. The mouthpiece 2 and the hose 3 are exemplary components of a shisha that are to be cleaned using fluid flow.

[0083] The aforementioned basket-like frame construction 4 is designed to store mouthpieces 2 and / or hoses 3 of a shisha that are to be cleaned using fluid flow during a fluid flow-based cleaning process and comprises one or more strut-like or -shaped and thus elongated basic shape, e.g. made of a stainless metal, receiving elements 5, 6 for receiving a mouthpiece 2 and / or hose 3 of a shisha that is to be cleaned using fluid flow (hereinafter referred to as components of a shisha to be cleaned). The receiving elements 5, 6 are thus each designed to receive at least one component of a shisha that is to be cleaned and to be used as part of a fluid flow-based cleaning process that can be carried out or is carried out using the device 1, i.e., e.g.a rinsing process, in a spatial arrangement or orientation that is appropriate with regard to the geometry of the components of the shisha to be cleaned or the sections thereof to be cleaned, which includes in particular the interior spaces of the typically hollow-cylindrical components. For this purpose, the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 are arranged at an angle α between 5° and 45° relative to a horizontally oriented reference plane - this can be defined, for example, by an open or closed bottom surface of the basket-like frame construction 4. Specifically, the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 can be arranged or positioned, for example, at an angle α of approximately 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35° or 40° within the aforementioned limits of 5° and 45°.

[0084] How Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the angular arrangement or configuration of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 enables the aforementioned expedient spatial arrangement or alignment and stable storage of the respective components of a hookah to be cleaned. The angular arrangement or configuration of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 also makes it possible to store even comparatively long components of a hookah, such as mouthpieces 2 and hoses with a length of at least 15 cm, in a manner that is expedient with regard to the efficiency of the cleaning process and the space required for storage, as the mouthpieces 2 or hoses 3, which are attached lengthwise to the respective strut-like receiving elements 5, 6, can be stored or stored at an angle in space, at least in sections, following the angular arrangement or alignment of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6, as shown in Figure 2.This typically also ensures that a cleaning fluid does not accumulate undesirably within the mouthpieces 2 or hoses 3.

[0085] The strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 can have a length in a range between 10 cm and 40 cm, in particular a length of more than 15 cm. This allows for the previously mentioned stable storage and—particularly in connection with the aforementioned practical arrangement and cleaning—of the respective components of a shisha to be cleaned.

[0086] Through the Fig. 2, Fig. The angular arrangement or arrangement of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 shown in Figure 3 provides a device 1 for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces 2 and / or hoses 3 of a shisha, which enables improved cleaning of components of a shisha, in particular meeting the high hygiene standards, for example in the catering, hotel industry, etc.

[0087] At least one strut-like receiving element 5, 6 can be arranged so as to be adjustable in several different angular orientations relative to the horizontally oriented reference plane. The respective receiving element 5, 6 can thus be adjusted in its spatial orientation and thus transferred into various angular orientations relative to the horizontally oriented reference plane. Due to the flexibility thus provided in the spatial orientation of individual, several, or all of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6, the storage and cleaning can be as optimal as possible with regard to the dimensions of the respective components of a shisha to be cleaned, i.e., in particular, their length.

[0088] At least one locking device (not shown) can be assigned to the respective receiving element(s) 5, 6, which can be arranged in a plurality of different angular orientations relative to the horizontally aligned reference plane, which locking device is designed to lock the respective receiving element(s) 5, 6, in particular by positive and / or non-positive interaction, ie for example latching interaction, with a section of the receiving element 5, 6, in the respective orientations and thus to secure it against uncontrolled adjustment.

[0089] The strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 have in the embodiments of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 each have a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow, and a plurality of outlet openings 5.1, 6.1 communicating with the flow channel structure, in particular bore-like or slot-like or slot-like, through which a cleaning fluid flowing through the flow channel structure can exit. The strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 can thus be flowed through by a cleaning fluid through the flow channel structure, typically comprising one or more flow channels penetrating the respective receiving element 5, 6, in particular in the longitudinal direction. It is evident that respective outlet openings 5.1, 6.1 can be arranged or formed at different axial and / or circumferential positions with respect to a longitudinal axis of the respective strut-like receiving elements 5, 6.In particular, an axially aligned outlet opening at or in the region of a free end of a respective strut-like receiving element 5, 6 is also conceivable. Respective outlet openings 5.1, 6.1 can be arranged or formed, in particular evenly or unevenly distributed, extending at least partially, optionally completely, over a respective strut-like receiving element 5, 6. In this way, a desired cleaning effect can be ensured for various components of a hookah that are to be cleaned.

[0090] Based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 shows that the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 can be designed, in the region of an end facing away from a free end, with an enlarged cross-sectional geometry forming a clamping or tensioning section 6.2 for clamping or clamping a mouthpiece 2 and / or hose 3 of a shisha to be cleaned. An enlarged cross-sectional geometry of respective strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 can be realized in particular by enlarging the outer diameter; a respective strut-like receiving element 5, 6 can thus have at least two different outer diameters. Although corresponding clamping or tensioning sections 6.2 are shown only for the strut-like receiving elements 6 in the figures, these could alternatively or additionally also be provided for the strut-like receiving elements 5.

[0091] Based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, it is further apparent that the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6, in the region of an end facing away from a free end, can comprise a stop element 5.2 forming a stop surface for a mouthpiece 2 to be cleaned and / or a hose 3 of a shisha held on the respective strut-like receiving element 5, 6. The provision of corresponding stop elements 5.2 also contributes to a stable mounting of the components of a shisha to be cleaned. Although corresponding stop elements 5.2 in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 are only shown for the strut-like receiving elements 5, these could alternatively or additionally also be provided for the strut-like receiving elements 6.

[0092] The carrier sections 9 can also have a flow channel structure (not shown) through which a cleaning fluid can flow. Thus, the carrier sections 9 can also be flowed through by a cleaning fluid. In particular, the respective flow channel structures on the carrier section side can communicate with the respective flow channel structures on the receiving element side.

[0093] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3 shows that the support sections 9 are arranged or formed on a base section 10 of the basket-like frame structure 4, wherein the base section 10 also has a flow channel structure (not shown) through which a cleaning fluid can flow. The base section-side flow channel structure can communicate with respective support section-side flow channel structures.

[0094] Thus, the realization of a higher-level flow channel structure penetrating the basket-like frame construction 4 at least in sections is possible, as a respective support section 9 also has a flow channel structure through which a cleaning fluid can flow, which can communicate with respective receiving element-side flow channel structures, so that a cleaning fluid flowing through the support section-side flow channel structure can flow from the support section-side flow channel structure into at least one receiving element-side flow channel structure. The support element-side flow channel structure can thus serve as a distributor structure with respect to the receiving element-side flow channel structures.

[0095] In addition, a cleaning fluid flowing through the base section-side flow channel structure can flow from the base section-side flow channel structure into at least one support section-side flow channel structure. The base section-side flow channel structure can thus serve as a distributor structure with respect to the support section-side flow channel structures. The base section-side flow channel structure can have a central inflow opening 11 for the inflow of a cleaning fluid into the base section-side flow channel structure and further into the support section-side flow channel structures communicating directly or indirectly with it, as well as correspondingly into the receiving element-side flow channel structures.

[0096] Based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 further shows that several strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 are arranged next to one another in at least one row on at least one support section 9, forming a receiving element group G1, G2. This provides a particularly practical arrangement of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6 with regard to the practical loading of the frame structure 4 with components of a shisha to be cleaned.

[0097] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3 show in particular that a first receiving element group G1 can comprise a plurality of strut-like receiving elements 5 arranged next to one another in at least one row in a first angular orientation on a first support section 9, and a second receiving element group G2, which can comprise a plurality of strut-like receiving elements 6 arranged next to one another in at least one row in a first angular orientation on a second support section 9. The first receiving element group G1 can be arranged on a first side of the base section 10, in particular in the region of a first free end of a base section 10. The second receiving element group G2 can be arranged on a second side of the base section 10, opposite the first side, in particular in the region of a second free end of the base section 10, opposite the first free end. This results in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the strut-like receiving elements 5, 6, which is suitable with regard to space requirements and cleaning efficiency.

[0098] Based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, it is further apparent that the basket-like frame construction 4 comprises a plurality of frame elements 4.2 arranged at an angle, in particular at right angles, on a vertically aligned rod-like or -shaped frame element 4.1 in relation to a frame element axis defined by the rod-like or -shaped frame element 4.1, in particular in the manner of a spiral staircase, in different axial and / or circumferential positions. Respective frame elements 4.1 can have first frame element sections 4.2.1 extending at an angle, in particular at right angles or substantially at right angles, relative to the frame element axis, and second frame element sections 4.2.2 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the frame element axis; respective frame elements 4.2 can thus have an L-like or -shaped basic shape. Thus, as Fig. 3 shows by way of example - by means of the spiral or spiral staircase-like arrangement of the respective frame elements 4.2, space is created in an efficient manner for the storage of hoses 3 of a shisha, as these can be stored spirally over several spatial levels. Fig. 3 also shows that at least one free end of a respective hose 3 can be arranged, as mentioned, for example by plugging it on, on a corresponding strut-like receiving element 6.

[0099] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3 finally shows that the basket-like frame structure 4 can comprise one or more wheel or roller elements 12, via which the frame structure 4 can be movably mounted, for example, on a base within the receiving space 7. Corresponding wheel or roller elements 12 typically also enable the basket-like frame structure 4 to be moved in and out of the receiving space 7 of the receiving device 8.

[0100] With the device 1 described in connection with the figures, a method for cleaning at least one mouthpiece and / or a hose of a shisha can be implemented. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102021 131 154 B3

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces (2) and / or hoses (3) of a shisha, comprising: a receiving device (8) which defines a receiving space (7) for receiving at least one basket-like frame construction (4) for storing mouthpieces (2) and / or hoses (3) of a shisha that are to be cleaned by fluid flow, wherein the receiving device has one or more wall elements that define the outer dimensions of the receiving device (8), wherein at least one wall element (W1 - Wn) is provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with a precious metal and / or a precious metal alloy. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the precious metal is gold and / or silver and / or platinum and / or palladium, and / or wherein the precious metal alloy contains gold and / or silver and / or platinum and / or palladium as an alloy component, in particular as a main alloy component. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall element is coated at least in sections, optionally completely, with a coating of a precious metal and / or a precious metal alloy, deposited and / or applied in particular by a chemical and / or physical deposition and / or application process. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating is formed by applying at least one gaseous, liquid, dissolved or solid coating material, in particular at least one coating material containing the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal coating, to the at least one wall element. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating has a layer thickness in a range between 1 µm and 1000 µm, in particular between 1 µm and 900 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 800 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 700 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 600 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 500 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 400 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 300 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 200 µm, further in particular between 1 µm and 100 µm. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall element has at least a first region in which the coating has a first layer thickness and at least a second region in which the coating has a second layer thickness different from the first layer thickness. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one adhesion-promoting material and / or at least one adhesion-promoting material structure is arranged or formed between the at least one precious metal and / or the at least one precious metal alloy and a wall element material forming the at least one wall element. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall element is provided with at least one first precious metal and / or a first precious metal alloy and with at least one second precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy different from the first precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first wall element is provided with at least one first precious metal and / or a first precious metal alloy and at least one second wall element is provided with at least one second precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy different from the first precious metal and / or the first precious metal alloy. [10] Method for the device (1) for fluid flow-based cleaning of mouthpieces (2) and / or hoses (3) of a shisha, comprising the steps: - Providing a receiving device which defines a receiving space for receiving at least one basket-like frame construction (4) for storing mouthpieces (2) and / or hoses (3) of a shisha which are to be cleaned by fluid flow, wherein the receiving device has one or more wall elements which define the outer dimensions of the housing device, and - Arranging or forming at least one precious metal and / or at least one precious metal alloy on an exposed surface of at least one wall element of the receiving device.

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