Heating device

Abstract

Heating device for germ reduction, comprising a cuff-shaped and / or tubular base body (10), insulation (14), a heating element (28), a fastening device for attaching the base body (10) to a drain pipe (12), and a control device (16) for controlling the temperature (22) of the heating element (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heating device comprising a heating element, a fastening device for attaching to a pipe and a control device for controlling the temperature of the heating element.

[0002] Serious hygiene problems arise in sinks and / or drains, namely biofilms in the drain. These slimy bacterial communities form in damp pipe systems and provide an ideal breeding ground for pathogenic, sometimes multi-resistant germs.

[0003] When washing hands and / or doing dishes, water can hit the contaminated drain and propel germs in fine droplets into the surrounding area, sometimes up to a meter away. This is a real and growing problem. The actual breeding ground for many of these pathogens is the sewer system itself. From there, the slimy biofilm – an invisible carrier of dangerous bacteria – slowly works its way through the pipes to the sinks.

[0004] In recent years, the problem has become particularly evident in hospitals: Outbreaks of multi-resistant germs are increasingly common, as these germs colonize sink drains and are then transmitted to patients. These pathogens are resistant to most available antibiotics and can lead to serious and / or fatal infections. However, this risk is not limited to hospitals. Private households, commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food processing companies are also at risk. Anywhere hygiene is paramount, an overlooked drain can become a silent threat.

[0005] The problem is that these resistant germs cannot be eliminated by conventional cleaning agents and / or routine cleaning. Even regular cleaning does not reach the deeply embedded biofilms – they persist and form a permanent source of infection.

[0006] Instantaneous water heaters are a type of water heater that is installed at the inlet of a pipe. These heaters heat the water to between approximately 35°C and 50°C. For safety reasons, the maximum temperature of an instantaneous water heater is limited to 50°C.

[0007] Firstly, the instantaneous water heaters are installed in the wrong place, namely at the water inlet and not at the outlet. Secondly, germs are not killed due to the relatively low temperatures. Bacteria and / or germs are only killed at temperatures of at least 60°C. Furthermore, the heating process must take place over a longer period. Instantaneous water heaters are generally operated for significantly shorter periods.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a heating device for heating a drain pipe, with which germs in a drain pipe can be reduced in a simple and reliable manner.

[0009] The solution to this problem is provided by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0010] According to the invention, the heating device is designed for germ reduction and / or can be used for this purpose.

[0011] The heating device has a cuff-shaped and / or tubular base body. The base body is preferably watertight.

[0012] The cuff-shaped and / or tubular design of the base body, for example, facilitates assembly, as orientation is irrelevant.

[0013] Preferably, the base body has an elongated, cylindrical opening inside. For example, the inner diameter of the base body can be constant. This allows the base body to, for instance, fit snugly against a drain pipe and / or replace a section of the drain pipe.

[0014] For example, the inner diameter of the base body can be between 2.5 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 4 cm, e.g., 3.2 cm. The outer diameter can be, for example, between 3 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm, e.g., 5 cm.

[0015] The length of the base body can be, for example, between 2 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm, e.g. 6 cm.

[0016] For example, the basic body is flexible in shape. This allows it to be adapted to different pipes, e.g., with different pipe diameters and / or different materials.

[0017] The heating device has insulation, e.g., a silicone sheath. Preferably, the insulation is applied to the outer surface of the base body. This prevents heat loss.

[0018] The heating device includes a heating element. Preferably, the heating element is located inside and / or on the inner surface of the base body.

[0019] The heating element can be, for example, a heating wire, e.g., a resistance heating wire in an end piece, a heating film or heating tape on an inner wall, an integrated heating coil and / or a PTC heating element, preferably self-regulating.

[0020] Optionally, the heating element can be designed as a disposable heating element. This allows the heating device to be used as a cost-effective option, e.g., in crisis areas.

[0021] The heating device has a fastening device for attaching the base to a drain pipe.

[0022] The mounting bracket can optionally be lockable. This prevents unauthorized removal of the heating device. Therefore, the heating device can be used, for example, in public spaces.

[0023] The drainpipe is, for example, a siphon pipe and / or the lower section of a drain.

[0024] The invention also relates to a corresponding system with a heating device according to the invention and a drain pipe, e.g. a siphon pipe.

[0025] The drain pipe is located inside the drain, meaning a conventional tankless water heater cannot be used. Tankless water heaters are too large to be attached to a drain pipe in the confined space beneath a sink.

[0026] The heating device has a control device for controlling the temperature of the heating element.

[0027] The control device is preferably configured to heat the heating element cyclically and / or to at least 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 72°C, 75°C or more. The heating cycle can preferably last at least or exactly 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes or 30 minutes.

[0028] The heating element is preferably heated independently of water consumption, unlike an instantaneous water heater, which only heats the water when water is used.

[0029] The heating element heats up to a defined temperature, for example 72°C or higher, in regular, automated cycles daily. This thermally kills the rising biofilm at the critical interface between the pipe system and the sink, before it reaches the upper part of the sink. The heating element also cleans itself through this process.

[0030] For example, the control device can have a timer. This allows heating to occur at night, for instance.

[0031] Optionally, the control device can be connected to a temperature sensor, fault sensor, and / or motion sensor. The temperature sensor, fault sensor, and / or motion sensor can be integrated into the heating device.

[0032] Temperature control can be thermostatic and / or digital. In case of overheating, a safety shutdown can be triggered. Alternatively or additionally, a warning signal or message, e.g., visual and / or audible, can be issued. For example, an indicator light can change color.

[0033] The fault sensor can, for example, detect a fault. The control device can then issue a warning signal or message, e.g., visual and / or audible.

[0034] The heating device according to the invention reduces germs in a pipe in a simple and reliable manner. This effectively prevents the spread of this invisible danger.

[0035] Experiments have shown that even highly resistant germs – such as those increasingly found in drains of hospitals, doctors' offices, hygiene facilities, commercial kitchens and even private households – have one crucial weakness despite their resistance to almost all chemical cleaning agents: heat.

[0036] The heating device according to the invention is not only effective, but also closes a significant gap in current hygiene management. It offers a physical, chemical-free approach to the permanent interruption of microbial transmission pathways and is therefore an effective answer to an increasingly global hygiene and health problem.

[0037] Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the fastening device is designed to secure the base body around the drain pipe.

[0039] For example, the cuff-shaped base body can be placed around the drain pipe and attached there using the fastening device.

[0040] The fastening device can preferably be a hook-and-loop fastener, a clip, a clamp, a plug-in, a snap-in, a magnetic, a pin, and / or a screw-in device. A wall mount with a folding mechanism is also conceivable.

[0041] A clamping device can, for example, be a clamping sleeve designed to seal and / or fix.

[0042] The connector can, for example, have a bayonet fitting.

[0043] The mounting can preferably be done without tools. This ensures quick and easy assembly and disassembly, e.g. as a "plug-and-play" kit.

[0044] Alternatively, permanent connections are conceivable in principle, for example adhesive, rivet, solder and / or welding connections.

[0045] The heating device can be used with existing drain pipes. This allows already installed drain pipes to be retrofitted with the heating device.

[0046] The installation method can be retrofitted, for example as an add-on.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the fastening device is designed for attaching the base body to the end face of the drain pipe.

[0048] The base body itself forms a pipe section.

[0049] The inside of the base body can, for example, have an antibacterial coating, such as a ceramic coating, and / or form barriers. This can physically block colonization and / or the ascent of germs.

[0050] In principle, any heat-resistant and / or hygienic materials can be used in the heating device, for example ceramic, metal, e.g. steel, preferably stainless steel, plastic, preferably with a fiberglass content, and / or bioplastics, e.g. PLA.

[0051] The base unit can be attached to the actual drain pipe, for example via a thread. An adapter could be used to adapt to different pipe diameters.

[0052] The fastening device can preferably be a clamping, plug-in, snap-in, and / or screw-in device. Fastening can preferably be tool-free, ensuring quick and easy assembly and disassembly.

[0053] The connector can, for example, have a bayonet fitting.

[0054] Permanent connections are also conceivable in principle, for example adhesive, rivet, solder and / or welding connections.

[0055] In this variant, the heating element can be pre-installed during manufacturing. For example, different designs can be provided for vertical or horizontal installation.

[0056] For example, the heating system can be designed as a permanent installation in a new building. Furthermore, the heating system can be integrated into existing hygiene concepts.

[0057] The heating device can be designed, for example, as a complete replacement for a drain or as a combinable additional component.

[0058] For example, a modular design is conceivable, in which, for instance, the end piece can be replaced. Alternatively, the siphon and the end piece can be designed as a single unit.

[0059] An activated carbon filter can be optionally included, for example to combat odors. Other filters and / or inserts, for example to improve wastewater quality, are also possible.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the heating device has a vibration device, preferably an ultrasonic vibration device.

[0061] The ultrasonic vibration device allows for additional mechanical combat of biofilm structures.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the heating device includes a UV light device.

[0063] The UV light device can irradiate the contaminated area, for example using reflector technology.

[0064] For example, the UV light device can have at least one LED.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the heating device includes an induction device.

[0066] This enables wireless power supply.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the heating device has a mobile power supply, preferably a rechargeable battery and / or a battery.

[0068] This makes wireless retrofitting possible.

[0069] The battery can be replaced if necessary. The rechargeable battery, on the other hand, can be recharged.

[0070] A solar panel, for example, can serve as a mobile power source. This can, for instance, charge a battery. In this way, the heating device can be used independently in an outdoor area.

[0071] In addition to battery operation, inductive operation, e.g. via charging pads in the wall, is conceivable. Furthermore, the battery can be recharged via inductive charging.

[0072] If a power connection, e.g. a socket or a concealed cable, is available in the area of ​​the pipe, operation via the mains power supply is generally possible as an alternative.

[0073] A combination of mains power and battery operation is also conceivable. For example, the battery can take over in the event of a power outage.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the control device includes a data transmission device.

[0075] For example, the data transmission device can have a so-called IO-Link, i.e., an input / output link for integration into a data network, e.g., a bus system. This enables digital communication and / or the exchange of data.

[0076] Preferably, several heating devices can be networked together and centrally controlled.

[0077] The data transmission device can have a smart connection. This allows the heating device to be integrated into a smart home system and / or a building management system, for example.

[0078] The smart connection can be used for control, monitoring, and / or maintenance, for example, via an app. A notification can be sent if contamination is detected. It is conceivable that temperature and / or operating time data could be displayed, for example, on the app and / or on a display on the heating device.

[0079] Data transmission can be wireless, preferably using mobile transmission technologies such as UMTS, GSM, LTE, 5G, 6G, Bluetooth, infrared, WLAN (e.g., WiFi), or similar. Alternatively, wired transmission is conceivable.

[0080] The invention also relates to the use of a heating device according to the invention for germ reduction in a drain pipe.

[0081] It was surprising that the heating device according to the invention could reduce germs in a drain pipe and prevent their spread, e.g. via the sink.

[0082] The heating device has a wide range of applications. For example, it can be used in all sanitary environments, such as in healthcare, catering, industry, as well as in public and private sanitary facilities.

[0083] Possible areas of application include, for example, private households, medical facilities, catering with larger flow rates, nursing homes, motorhomes, tiny houses, hotels and / or outdoor areas.

[0084] The heating device can be used, for example, in wastewater systems, even outside the siphon. Possible applications include shower drains and / or floor drains, e.g., in gyms and / or hospitals, toilet connections, e.g., wall-mounted end pieces, and / or washing machine drain pipes, e.g., to prevent residual water bacteria.

[0085] The heating device can be used, for example, in medical technology and / or laboratory technology. Possible applications include sample drainage lines in laboratories, sterile sink drains in operating room (preparation) rooms, and / or laboratory sinks with germ-reducing drains.

[0086] Potential applications also include industry and / or production. Examples include heating devices in food processing, e.g., at rinsing stations and / or drains; in the pharmaceutical industry, e.g., at washing areas in cleanrooms; and / or in cosmetics production, e.g., at hygiene-relevant basin drains.

[0087] The heating device can be used, for example, in public sanitary facilities. Possible applications include sanitary facilities at airports, rest stops, parking lots and / or train stations, washing areas in sports clubs, kindergartens and / or schools, campsites and / or outdoor toilets.

[0088] Possible areas of application also include mobile systems such as motorhomes and / or tiny houses, food trucks, mobile laboratories and / or crisis operations, e.g. with the participation of the THW and / or NGOs.

[0089] The heating device can be used in special applications. Examples include nursing home toilets with an antibacterial heating function, end pieces for small wastewater treatment plants and / or greywater purification systems, heated inspection openings for sewer systems and / or cleaning stations for wheelchairs and / or medical devices.

[0090] Finally, the invention relates to a method for heating a drain pipe with a heating device according to the invention for germ reduction.

[0091] The control device cyclically controls the heating element.

[0092] The heating device is heated, preferably automatically and / or periodically. Heating preferably takes place over a longer period, e.g., at least 10, 20, or 30 minutes. Alternatively, shorter intervals, e.g., 1 minute or 5 minutes, are conceivable.

[0093] The temperature can be, for example, at least 60°, preferably at least 70°, 80° or 90°.

[0094] All embodiments and components of the device described herein are preferably designed to be operated, e.g., by means of a control device, according to the method described herein. Furthermore, all embodiments of the device and all embodiments of the method described herein can be combined with one another, preferably also independently of the specific configuration in which they are mentioned.

[0095] It is generally noted that terms like "ein" (a) and "eine" (a / an) do not necessarily mean "exactly one" or "exactly one," although this is also possible. The terms "ein" and "eine" can therefore be understood as "at least one" or "exactly one." The use of the singular preferably includes the possibility of the components being plural, and vice versa.

[0096] It is noted that "vorzugsweise" and "bevorzugt" can be translated as "preferably" in English. A feature introduced by "vorzugsweise" or "bevorzugt" is purely optional, can be omitted, and does not constitute a limitation, for example, of claims.

[0097] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a heating device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a side view of an embodiment of a heating device according to the invention, and Fig. 3 a semi-transparent side view of an embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

[0098] It should first be noted that the embodiments shown are purely exemplary. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also individually or in other technically feasible combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined with features of another embodiment in any way. The position of the heating element on the drain pipe is, in principle, arbitrary.

[0099] If a figure contains a reference numeral that is not explained in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or subsequent explanations in the figure description. Thus, the same reference numerals are used for identical or comparable components in the figures and are not explained again.

[0100] Fig. Figure 1 shows a heating device for germ reduction, comprising a cuff-shaped base body 10 which is attached to a drain pipe 12.

[0101] The base body 10 has insulation 14 on its outer surface. A heating element is provided inside.

[0102] The temperature of the heating element can be controlled via a control device 16.

[0103] The control device 16 can include a display for current 18, a data transmission device 20 and / or the temperature 22.

[0104] A cable 24 may be provided for power supply and / or data transmission.

[0105] In Fig. 2 the heating device is mounted on a drain pipe 12 of a siphon 26.

[0106] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the heating device can optionally be placed in different positions, for example also in front of the siphon 26.

[0107] Inside, the heating device has a heating element 28, which can be designed, for example, as a heating film or heating wire.

[0108] The heating device is a system, preferably modular and / or adaptive, for the thermal, physical and / or optical decontamination of drain pipes 12, e.g. of drains.

[0109] The heating device can be provided as modules or as a complete system. Reference symbol list 10 basic shapes 12 Drain pipe 14 Insulation 16 Control device 18 Electricity 20 Data transmission device 22 Temperature 24 cables 26 Siphon 28 Heating element

Claims

[1] Heating device for germ reduction, comprising a cuff-shaped and / or tubular base body (10), insulation (14), a heating element (28), a fastening device for attaching the base body (10) to a drain pipe (12), and a control device (16) for controlling the temperature (22) of the heating element (28). [2] Heating device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fastening device is designed to fasten the base body (10) around the drain pipe (12). [3] Heating device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fastening device is designed for fastening the base body (10) to the drain pipe (12) at the front. [4] Heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating device has a vibration device, preferably an ultrasonic vibration device. [5] Heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating device has a UV light device. [6] Heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating device has an induction device. [7] Heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating device has a mobile power supply, preferably a rechargeable battery and / or a battery. [8] Heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control device has a data transmission device (20). [9] Use of a heating device according to one of the preceding claims for germ reduction in a drain pipe (12).

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