Device and method for cleaning a hollow object

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for cleaning one or more objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body (200), in particular drinking straws and / or mouthpieces, preferably hookah mouthpieces, comprising a housing (102) in which a cleaning chamber (104) is provided, in which at least one spray nozzle (106) is located, an input device (108), a receiving and transport device (114) provided in the cleaning chamber (104), and a dispensing device (118) arranged on the housing (102), which includes an outlet (120) for dispensing one or more of the hollow bodies (200) from the cleaning chamber (104), wherein the receiving and transport device (114) has at least three rotational positions. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning one or more objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body, in particular drinking straws or mouthpieces, preferably shisha mouthpieces.

[0002] As is well known, cleaning reusable drinking straws or mouthpieces, for example made of steel, glass, or plastic, is cumbersome. Both the outer and inner surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned. Typically, the hollow objects are first cleaned in dishwashers. There, they are placed in a cleaning basket or on a cleaning grid inside the dishwasher. However, since the dishwasher does not guarantee sufficient cleaning of the inner surface, these must then be cleaned additionally with a special brush. This is particularly time-consuming and resource-intensive when a large number of hollow objects need to be cleaned, as is often the case in the catering industry.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device and a method with which objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body can be cleaned simply, automatically and efficiently.

[0004] This problem is solved with a device having the features of claim 1 and with a method having the features of claim 14.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments with appropriate further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The device according to the invention for cleaning one or more objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body, in particular drinking straws or mouthpieces, preferably shisha mouthpieces, comprises a housing in which a cleaning chamber is provided, in which at least one spray nozzle is located. Furthermore, the device comprises an input device having an inlet for introducing one or more of the hollow bodies into the cleaning chamber. The device also includes a receiving and transport device that is rotatable about an axis of rotation within the cleaning chamber and has at least one receptacle, radially oriented with respect to the axis of rotation, for receiving the elongated hollow body.The device also includes a dispensing device arranged on the housing, which comprises an outlet for dispensing one or more of the hollow bodies from the cleaning chamber, wherein the receiving and transport device has at least three rotational positions, wherein in a first rotational position the receiving is oriented with respect to the inlet such that one of the hollow bodies can be positioned in the receiving starting from the input device, wherein in a second rotational position a hollow body positioned in the receiving can be cleaned within the cleaning chamber by means of liquid and / or steam from the at least one spray nozzle, and wherein in a third rotational position the receiving is oriented with respect to the outlet such that a hollow body positioned in the receiving can be dispensed and / or removed from the cleaning chamber via the dispensing device.

[0007] Such a device enables the automated cleaning of the outer and inner surfaces of objects shaped like elongated hollow bodies, particularly drinking straws or mouthpieces, especially hookah mouthpieces. Furthermore, such a device allows for the simultaneous cleaning of a large number of hollow bodies. Thus, a device is provided that enables particularly simple, fast, and resource-efficient cleaning of objects shaped like elongated hollow bodies, especially drinking straws and mouthpieces.

[0008] Preferably, the receiving and transport device is formed as a drum with a circular cross-section, in particular from two parallel rings with a circular cross-section. This results in a low weight for the receiving and transport device and makes it particularly easy to manufacture.

[0009] It is advantageously provided that a guide rail for guiding the hollow bodies is arranged circumferentially on the receiving and transport device. Such a guide rail prevents the hollow bodies from falling out of the receiving device due to their own weight or gravity. Furthermore, such a guide rail allows the hollow bodies to roll along the guide rail, thus enabling particularly thorough cleaning of the outer surface from all sides.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide rail has a partial ring shape in cross-section. Thus, the guide rail is adapted to the shape of the receiving and transport device, while simultaneously being lightweight and easy to manufacture.

[0011] Preferably, the input device and / or the output device form a singulation mechanism. This ensures that the hollow bodies are singulated during input and output, respectively, thereby guaranteeing reliable input and output of the hollow bodies. Furthermore, this ensures that when the hollow bodies are inserted, only one hollow body is correctly positioned in a receptacle of the receiving and transport device.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the singulation mechanism comprises an adjustable shaft arranged parallel to the axis of rotation, with a passage for one of the hollow bodies. In this way, a particularly simple singulation mechanism can be realized, which can be integrated into the device very easily and with minimal installation space.

[0013] It is advantageously provided that the shaft is cylindrical and the opening has a cuboid shape adapted to the dimensions of the hollow bodies. This ensures that the opening is designed in such a way that exactly one hollow body can fall through it at a time. Blockage or clogging of the singulation mechanism is thus prevented.

[0014] Preferably, a conveying device, fluidically connected to the spray nozzle, is provided for supplying a mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or steam, as well as a pumping device for conveying the used mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or used steam from the cleaning chamber. This ensures the supply of water and cleaning agent as well as the disposal of the used mixture. The conveying device and the pumping device can also be integrated into the device, i.e., located within the housing or on the underside of the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one spray nozzle is arranged in the cleaning chamber such that, during intended use, its outlet is directed towards an opening of one of the elongated hollow bodies positioned in the receptacle. This ensures particularly thorough cleaning of the inner surface of the hollow bodies. It is also possible for the spray nozzle to be mounted on an actuator that adjusts the nozzle along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation, allowing the nozzle to penetrate into the cavity of a hollow body to clean its inner surface.

[0016] It is advantageously provided that a spray arm, driven about a rotational axis oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation, is present, on which at least one further spray nozzle is provided, which, in its intended use, is directed towards the outside of one of the elongated hollow bodies. This ensures particularly thorough cleaning of the outside of the elongated hollow bodies.

[0017] Preferably, the dispensing device has a detachable collection container for the hollow bodies arranged at the outlet. This ensures that the hollow bodies are collected after dispensing. Due to its detachability, the collection container can also serve as a dispenser for the hollow bodies.

[0018] Preferably, the collection container has a dispensing slot adapted to the dimensions of the hollow bodies. The dispensing slot preferably includes an off-center dispensing opening. This ensures that the hollow bodies are not handled at one end when removed from the collection container. The ends of the hollow bodies are particularly relevant from a hygiene perspective, as they may, for example, be in a beverage or put in the mouth by a user during subsequent use.

[0019] It is advantageously provided that the dispensing opening extends over an area in which, during normal use, a hollow body is located within the collection container. The dispensing opening extends from a point located at a maximum distance of 10% of the length of the hollow body to its end, and by 40% of the hollow body's length. Preferably, the dispensing opening is located in an area of ​​the collection container that extends up to 30% of the container's length from a side edge. This ensures that, when removing the hollow bodies from the collection containers, they are only handled in an area that, during normal use, is neither submerged in a beverage nor used for drinking. This results in particularly hygienic removal of the hollow bodies.

[0020] The advantages, designs and effects explained in connection with the device according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention.

[0021] The inventive method for cleaning one or more objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body, in particular drinking straws and / or mouthpieces, preferably shisha mouthpieces, in particular by means of the device described above according to the invention, comprises the following steps: - Inserting the elongated hollow body into the cleaning chamber via an inlet of an input device; - Positioning the elongated hollow body in a receptacle of a receiving and transport device within the cleaning chamber; - Transporting the elongated body into a cleaning position and cleaning the elongated hollow body with liquid and / or steam; - Transporting the elongated hollow body to a dispensing device; and - Dispensing the cleaned elongated hollow body via an outlet.

[0022] Such a process enables simple, fast and automated cleaning of objects that have the shape of an elongated hollow body.

[0023] Preferably, the hollow bodies are singulated during insertion and / or dispensing by means of a singulation mechanism. This prevents blockage during insertion and / or dispensing.

[0024] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figure, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0025] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the device with a partially shown housing, Fig. 2 a side view of the device Fig. 1, Fig. 3 another perspective view of the device from Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 a perspective view of the device from Fig. 1 with fully shown housing.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 100 with a housing 102 in which a hermetically sealed cleaning chamber 104 is provided.

[0027] In the cleaning chamber 104, several spray nozzles 106 are arranged for cleaning objects that have the shape of elongated hollow bodies 200, in particular drinking straws and / or mouthpieces. Fig. Figure 1 shows examples of reusable drinking straws.

[0028] The device 100 comprises an input device 108 with an inlet 110, an output device 118 with an outlet 120, and a receiving and transport device 114 arranged in the cleaning chamber 104. Items intended for cleaning are introduced into the cleaning chamber 104 via the input device 108. Cleaned items are discharged from the cleaning chamber 104 via the output device 118.

[0029] Furthermore, the device 100 comprises a conveying device 130 fluidically connected to the spray nozzles 106 for providing a mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or for providing steam, as well as a pumping device 132 for conveying the used mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or the used steam from the cleaning chamber 104. This is, for example, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 to recognize.

[0030] The input device 108 connects the external environment to the hermetically sealed cleaning chamber 104, allowing the hollow bodies 200 to be introduced into the cleaning chamber 104 by means of the input device 108. The input device 108 consists of an input funnel 150 and the inlet 110, the inlet 110 being designed as a singulation mechanism 124. The input funnel 150 has a width adapted to the length of the hollow bodies 200. The same applies to the inlet 110 in the form of the singulation mechanism 124.

[0031] The dispensing device 118 connects the cleaning chamber 104 to the external environment, allowing the hollow bodies 200 to be dispensed from the cleaning chamber 104 via the dispensing device 118. The outlet 120 is formed by a further singulation mechanism 124, with a collection container 138 detachably arranged at the outlet 124, so that the dispensed hollow bodies 200 are collected in the collection container 138 and can be removed, preferably individually. The collection container 138 also has a width adapted to the length of the hollow bodies 200. The same applies to the outlet 124 in the form of the singulation mechanism 124.

[0032] The cleaning chamber 104 contains a spray arm 136, which can be driven about a rotary axis 134 and on which several spray nozzles 106 are arranged for cleaning the outer surface of the hollow bodies 200. The rotary axis 134 of the spray arm 136 is oriented essentially orthogonally to the bottom and top of the housing 102.

[0033] Furthermore, the cleaning chamber 104 contains additional spray nozzles 106 for cleaning the inner surface of the hollow bodies 200. In normal use, these nozzles direct their spray towards openings in the elongated hollow bodies 200, which are positioned in receptacles 116 of a receiving and transport device 114. In the illustrated embodiment, these spray nozzles 106 are, by way of example, mounted on the rear wall of the housing 102. It is also possible to direct only one of the spray nozzles towards the inner surface.

[0034] The receiving and transport device 114 is driven about a rotational axis 112 and is formed from two rings with circular cross-section. The two parallel rings are spaced apart from each other and connected by struts 148. The rotational axis 112 is oriented essentially orthogonally to the axis of rotation 134 of the spray arm 136.

[0035] The rings are formed with receptacles 116 for receiving the hollow bodies 200. In the embodiment shown, the receptacles 116 are essentially semicircular in shape and are formed complementarily to the hollow bodies 200, so that the hollow bodies 200 can be securely positioned in the receptacles 116.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 2 shows that two guide rails 122 are arranged circumferentially on the receiving and transport device 114 for guiding the hollow bodies 200. The two guide rails 122 are also arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by bolts 152. The guide rails 122 have a partial ring shape in cross-section, more precisely a semi-ring shape, and are arranged concentrically to the receiving and transport device 114. Furthermore, the guide rails 122 are mounted on the side of the receiving and transport device 114 facing away from the inlet 110 and the outlet 120 and are offset by approximately 45 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation 134, so that the inlet, the outlet 120 and the spray nozzles 106 on the spray arm 136 are not covered by the guide rails 122.The guide rails 122 ensure that hollow bodies 200 held in the receptacles 116 do not fall out of the receiving and transport device 114 under the influence of gravity.

[0037] The housing 102 also includes a maintenance panel 154, which is located in the wall opposite the outlet 120. The maintenance panel 154 can be easily and quickly removed, thus providing simple access to the cleaning chamber 104 and enabling particularly quick and easy maintenance and cleaning work in the cleaning chamber 104.

[0038] The singulation mechanisms 124 each have an adjustable shaft 126 arranged parallel to the axis of rotation 112, with a passage 128 for the hollow bodies 200. The shaft 126 is cylindrical, while the passage 128 is cuboid, adapted to the dimensions of the hollow bodies 200. A push button 156 is connected to the shaft 126 and positioned so that its end contacts a limit switch 146 when the shaft is moved beyond a predefined travel distance.

[0039] One of the limit switches 146 is assigned to an open position of the shaft 126, while the other limit switch 146 of the singulation mechanism 124 is assigned to a locked position of the shaft 126. In the locked position, the cleaning chamber 104 is hermetically sealed.

[0040] In the open position of the singulation mechanism 124 of the input device 108, the passage 128 connects the input hopper 150 to the cleaning chamber 104, the passage 128 being oriented on the side facing the cleaning chamber 104 with respect to the receptacle 116 such that a hollow body 200 rolls from the passage 128 into the receptacle 116. In the locked position, the shaft 126 blocks the inlet 110 or the input hopper 150.

[0041] In the open position of the singulation mechanism 124 of the dispensing device 118, the passage 128 is oriented with respect to the receiving 116 such that a hollow body 200 falling out of the receiving 116 rolls into the passage 128 and subsequently into the collecting container 138. In the locked position, the shaft 126 blocks the outlet 120 and seals the cleaning chamber 104, particularly hermetically.

[0042] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the drives 144 can be seen, which drive the singulation mechanisms 124 and the receiving and transport device 114.

[0043] Furthermore, the lines 142 can be seen, which connect the conveying device 130 with the spray nozzles 106, which are arranged in the wall of the housing 102.

[0044] In addition to the pump and conveying equipment 130, 132, there is also a heater that can heat the water or the cleaning mixture to a predefined temperature.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 4 also shows that the collection container 138 has a removal slot 158 ​​adapted to the length of the hollow bodies 200, which in this case is formed with an additional removal opening 140 for removing the collected hollow bodies 200. The removal opening 140 serves to allow the hollow body 200 to be grasped with (human) fingers and removed from the collection container 138. The removal opening 140 is formed off-center. In other words, the removal opening 140 extends over an area in which, during intended use, a cleaned hollow body 200 lies in the collection container 140, with the removal opening 140 extending on the collection container 138 from a point on the hollow body 200 that is not affected by more than 10 percent of the length of the hollow body 200, by a maximum of 40 percent of the length of the hollow body 200.Starting from the side edge of the collection container 138, the dispensing opening 140 is located in the first third of the container's length. This ensures that the hollow bodies 200 can only be removed from a point that will not be placed in the user's mouth or come into contact with a user's beverage. This guarantees particularly hygienic removal of the hollow bodies 200. The collection container 138 can be detached from the housing 102, allowing it to be used separately as a dispenser for clean hollow bodies 200.

[0046] The device 100 also includes a control unit (not shown) which is connected to and configured to control a user display, the heater, the motors 144, the conveying device 130 and the pumping device 132.

[0047] Optionally, compressed air nozzles (not shown in detail) are also provided in the cleaning chamber 104 for drying the hollow bodies 200; these are supplied with compressed air via a pressure unit. The control unit is also configured to control the pressure unit.

[0048] The following describes the functioning of the device 100 and the cleaning method according to the invention.

[0049] First, the soiled or used elongated hollow bodies 200 are introduced into the cleaning chamber 104 via the inlet 110 of the input device 108.

[0050] The hollow bodies 200 are separated using the singulation mechanism 124.

[0051] The individual hollow bodies 200 are then positioned in one of the receptacles 116 of the receiving and transport device 114 within the cleaning chamber 104.

[0052] The elongated hollow bodies 200 are then transported into a cleaning position. First, the outer surface of the hollow bodies 200 is cleaned using the spray nozzles 106 on the spray arm 136.

[0053] The spray nozzles 106, which are arranged in the wall of the housing 102 and whose outlets are directed towards an opening of the hollow bodies 200, then clean the inner surface of the hollow bodies 200. The cleaning is carried out with liquid and / or steam, which can be heated if necessary. However, this always depends on the material of the hollow bodies 200.

[0054] The user can select from several different cleaning programs, for example, via the display or an input field. These programs can differ in aspects such as the temperature of the liquid or steam, the nozzle pressure, or the program's duration and intensity. Predefined programs for various materials used in the hollow bodies 200 may also be available. These programs are executed by the control unit, which controls the other components of the device 100 accordingly.

[0055] After cleaning, the hollow bodies 200 are transported to the dispensing device 118. Transport within the cleaning chamber 104 is achieved by rotating the receiving and transport device 114 around the axis of rotation 112. In this case, the receiving and transport device 114 rotates relative to the view in Fig. 2 counterclockwise.

[0056] During transport, the guide rails 122 prevent the hollow bodies 200 from falling out of the holders 116. Furthermore, this ensures that the hollow bodies 200 rotate within the holders 116, allowing every area to be cleaned. During transport, the hollow bodies 200 are further cleaned by means of the spray nozzles 106. Optionally, the hollow bodies 200 can be dried with compressed air from the compressed air nozzles before being dispensed.

[0057] The hollow bodies 200 then fall into the outlet 120 of the dispensing device 118 at a defined position and are dispensed. The hollow bodies 200 are then separated again by the singulation mechanism 124 of the dispensing device 118. However, the singulation mechanism 124 at the outlet is optional and does not necessarily have to be used. The opening 128 could also be fixed in a predefined position.

[0058] The hollow bodies 200 are collected in a collection container 138 and can be individually removed through a removal opening 140 and the removal slot 158, whereby the removal opening 140 allows only hygienic removal.

[0059] The following describes a second cleaning device for elongated hollow bodies 200, which is not shown in detail.

[0060] The device for cleaning one or more objects having the shape of an elongated hollow body, in particular drinking straws or mouthpieces, comprises a cleaning chamber to which an access door is assigned, which is adjustable between an open position in which the cleaning chamber 104 is accessible and a closed position in which the cleaning chamber 104 is, in particular hermetically, sealed.

[0061] In addition, the device 100 comprises a nozzle plate located in the cleaning chamber 104, which includes a plurality of cleaning nozzles, wherein in intended use at least one of the cleaning nozzles is directed with its outlet towards an opening of one of the elongated hollow bodies 200, which in intended use is located standing along its longitudinal direction in the cleaning chamber 104.

[0062] Furthermore, the device comprises a fluid-mechanically connected device to the nozzles of the nozzle plate for providing a mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or for providing steam, as well as a pumping device for conveying the used mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or used steam from the cleaning chamber 104.

[0063] The nozzle plate is adjustable between a cleaning position, in which the outlet of the cleaning nozzle is located near or in the opening of the hollow body to be cleaned, and a rest position, in which the cleaning nozzles are located outside the hollow body to be cleaned at a distance from the opening.

[0064] The nozzle plate is adjustable to the cleaning position by the pressure of the steam generated by the device, with a return element that returns the nozzle plate to the rest position when the pressure of the steam falls below a threshold value. A basket with partitions is provided, the individual partitions being arranged to each hold one of the elongated hollow bodies to be cleaned in a standing position such that at least one hollow body to be cleaned protrudes beyond the dimensions of the basket.

[0065] The basket is dimensioned in such a way that when the access door is moved into the closed position, it is automatically adjusted or pressed into its intended position for cleaning.

[0066] The cleaning chamber 104 has a perforated base for the basket, with a collection basin for operating fluid located beneath the base. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 100 Device 102 cases 104 Cleaning chamber 106 Spray nozzle 108 Input device 110 Admission 112 Rotation axis 114 Receiving and transport equipment 116 recording 118 Output device 120 outlet 122 Guide rail 124 Singulation mechanism 126 wave 128 Passage 130 funding facility 132 Pumping unit 134 Axis of rotation 136 Spray arm 138 collection containers 140 extraction opening 142 Management 144 Drive 146 limit switches 148 strut 150 input funnels 152 bolts 154 Maintenance plate 156 buttons 158 dispensing slots 200 hollow bodies

Claims

Device (100) for cleaning one or more objects having the form of an elongated hollow body (200), in particular drinking straws and / or mouthpieces, preferably shisha mouthpieces, comprising a housing (102) in which a cleaning chamber (104) is provided, in which at least one spray nozzle (106) is located, comprising an input device (108) comprising an inlet (110) for introducing one or more of the hollow bodies (200) into the cleaning chamber (104), comprising a receiving and transport device (114) rotatable about an axis of rotation (112) in the cleaning chamber (104), comprising at least one receptacle (116) formed radially with respect to the axis of rotation (112) for receiving the elongated hollow body (200) on the receiving and transport device (114), and comprising a dispensing device (118) arranged on the housing (102).the device comprises an outlet (120) for dispensing one or more of the hollow bodies (200) from the cleaning chamber (104), wherein the receiving and transport device (114) has at least three rotational positions, wherein in a first rotational position the receiving device (116) is oriented with respect to the inlet (110) such that one of the hollow bodies (200) can be positioned in the receiving device (116) starting from the input device (108), wherein in a second rotational position a hollow body (200) positioned in the receiving device (116) can be cleaned within the cleaning chamber (104) by means of liquid and / or steam from the at least one spray nozzle (106), and wherein in a third rotational position the receiving device (116) is oriented with respect to the outlet (120) such that a hollow body (200) positioned in the receiving device (116) can be dispensed and / or removed from the cleaning chamber (104) via the dispensing device (118). is., Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving and transport device (114) is formed as a drum with a circular cross-section, in particular from two rings with a circular cross-section. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a guide rail (122) for guiding the hollow bodies (200) is arranged circumferentially on the receiving and transport device (114) in certain areas. Device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide rail (122) has a partial ring shape in cross-section. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the input device (108) and / or the output device (118) form a singulation mechanism (124). Device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the singulation mechanism (124) comprises an adjustable shaft (126) arranged parallel to the axis of rotation (112) with a passage (128) for one of the hollow bodies (200). Device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the shaft (126) is cylindrical and the passage (128) has a cuboid shape adapted to the dimensions of the hollow bodies (200). Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a conveying device (130) fluidically connected to the spray nozzle (106) for providing a mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or for providing steam, as well as a pumping device (132) for conveying the used mixture of cleaning agent and water and / or the used steam from the cleaning chamber (104) are provided. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one spray nozzle (106) is arranged in the cleaning chamber (104) such that, in its intended use, its outlet is directed towards an opening of one of the elongated hollow bodies (200) which is positioned in the receptacle (116). Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a spray arm (136) is provided which can be driven about a rotation axis (134) oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation (112) and on which at least one further spray nozzle (106) is provided which, in its intended use, is directed towards an outside of one of the elongated hollow bodies (200). Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the dispensing device (118) has a collection container (138) for the hollow bodies (200) which is detachably arranged at the outlet (120). Device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the collection container (138) has an off-center discharge opening (140). Device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the extraction opening (140) extends over an area in which, during intended use, a hollow body (200) is located in the collection container (140), wherein the extraction opening (140) extends from a point towards one end of the hollow body (200) by a maximum of 10 percent of the length of the hollow body (200) by a maximum of 40 percent of the length of the hollow body (200). A method for cleaning one or more objects having the form of an elongated hollow body (200), in particular drinking straws and / or mouthpieces, preferably shisha mouthpieces, in particular by means of a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - introducing the elongated hollow body (200) into a cleaning chamber (104) via an inlet (110) of an input device (108); - positioning the elongated hollow body (200) in a receptacle (116) of a receiving and transport device (114) within the cleaning chamber (104); - transporting the elongated hollow body (200) into a cleaning position and cleaning the elongated hollow body (200) with liquid and / or steam; - transporting the elongated hollow body (200) to a dispensing device (118); and - dispensing the cleaned elongated hollow body (200) via an outlet (120). Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the hollow bodies (200) are singulated by means of a singulation mechanism (124) during insertion and / or dispensing.

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