Improved disinfection device and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for a combined disinfection of surfaces and interior air in the public health sector. The disinfection device (1) according to the invention comprises a device for generating UV-C radiation (2), said device emitting radiation directly into the surrounding area, as well as a device for generating ozone (3) and is characterized in that the disinfection device (1) is designed to convey room air along the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3) by means of at least one outlet (9). The method according to the invention for operating a disinfection device (1) is characterized in that during the operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or during the operation of the device for generating ozone (3), room air is conveyed along same through outlets (9).

Description

[0001] Improved disinfection device and method therefor

[0002] Introduction

[0003] The invention relates to the field of disinfection. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method for the combined disinfection of surfaces and indoor air in healthcare settings.

[0004] State of the art and disadvantages

[0005] It is well known that ambient air contains a multitude of different germs that can lead to infection upon contact with people. This bacterial contamination is particularly problematic in the healthcare sector when it occurs in areas where physically weakened people are present, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, and the like. Surfaces contaminated with germs (e.g., walls, floors, ceilings, mattresses, equipment) also pose a risk to these groups of people.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to regularly disinfect such places, particularly after the presence of an infected person, in order to keep the risk to both the staff and other persons who are subsequently to be treated as low as possible.

[0007] In addition to simple wipe disinfection and room air disinfection with hydrogen, room air disinfection with ozone has also been known for a long time. The room air mixed with ozone interacts with contaminated surfaces and, after a suitable waiting period, reaches areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to access. At the same time, the room air itself is also disinfected. After disinfection with ozone, the room air can be actively freed of ozone by decomposing it, e.g. by irradiation with UV light of, for example, 254 nm. Rapid and combined disinfection of room air and surfaces is achieved using devices that use UV radiation. The disinfecting effect of this type of radiation is known, for example, from the document EP 2391421 A1.

[0008] Document DE 10 2015 102882 A1 discloses a device that combines the advantages of both technologies. Accordingly, this document shows a disinfection device for the combined disinfection of room air and surfaces, comprising both a device emitting into the environment for generating UV-C radiation and a device for generating ozone. The disinfection device also comprises a controller that is coupled to the device for generating UV-C radiation and the device for generating ozone, and with which the timing of the operation of these devices can be controlled separately.

[0009] It has been found that it would be desirable to further reduce the time required to disinfect a room using devices of the latter type. An improvement in efficiency is also desirable.

[0010] Task of the invention and solution

[0011] The invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] Accordingly, the invention is intended to improve a device of the aforementioned type such that the disinfection time is reduced and / or the efficiency is improved. This object is achieved by a disinfection device according to claim 1 and a method according to the independent claim 11. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the respective dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0013] Description A disinfection device which achieves the object on which the invention is based for the combined disinfection of room air and surfaces comprises both a device which emits UV-C radiation into the environment and a device which can be controlled separately from this for generating ozone. The device for generating ozone partially converts the atmospheric oxygen present in the room air into ozone. The gaseous ozone can also penetrate into inaccessible places such as the smallest cracks, remains there for a certain time because it does not decompose immediately and leads to the destruction of microorganisms. In this way, both surfaces which come into contact with the gas and the room air are disinfected. In addition, odor molecules are destroyed, which subjectively leads to fresher room air.

[0014] The device emitting UV-C radiation into the environment produces light with a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm. On any surface irradiated with this light, the DNA of microorganisms is altered, preventing their reproduction. This results in the deactivation of the germs within seconds. Another effect of UV lamps, which are typically low-pressure lamps, is the destruction of ozone, i.e., residual ozone is converted back into atmospheric oxygen.

[0015] The device for generating ozone and the device for generating UV-C radiation can comprise a single, but typically multiple, radiation-emitting components. These can also be combined into groups so that they can be controlled as a single unit.

[0016] Both the device for generating ozone and the device for generating UV-C radiation typically have a "length". This means that they (i.e. their light sources) are not merely point-shaped or individually spherical, but are either, for example, rod-shaped or column-shaped, or comprise a plurality of individual sources, which in turn can be combined, for example, to form a corresponding rod or column shape. Thus, the two devices also have an "emission surface", which faces the environment, and a "rear surface", which does not face directly into the environment, but typically faces the direction of the disinfection device. The "rear surfaces" are "facing" the disinfection device, the

[0017] Emission surfaces are "turned away" from these.

[0018] Typically, the disinfection device also comprises a controller which is coupled to the device for generating UV-C radiation and the device for generating ozone, and with which the temporal sequence of operation of these devices can be controlled separately. Such a controller therefore serves to control the temporal sequence of operation of the individual devices separately. In particular, it is possible to operate the two devices sequentially with the controller. Particularly preferably, the controller allows the device for generating ozone to be operated first, followed by the device for generating UV-C radiation.

[0019] It is clear that such a control system can also perform other tasks, as will be explained below.

[0020] Furthermore, the disinfection device is designed to convey room air along the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the device for generating ozone. This means that fresh air is moved—preferably continuously—in such a way that the air located in the immediate vicinity of the components of the two aforementioned devices that emit UV-C radiation is constantly exchanged.

[0021] According to the invention, at least one outlet leading into the environment is provided both along the device for generating UV-C radiation and along the device for generating ozone, through which outlet the room air can be conveyed in the direction of the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the device for generating ozone. This outlet is preferably aligned such that it points in the direction of the radiation-emitting components, thereby achieving the best possible air exchange at the relevant locations. Alternatively, "in the direction of" means in any case the immediate vicinity of the radiation-emitting components, which also leads to the desired result.

[0022] The outlet(s) can also be optionally closable during operation. This can be advantageous if only one of the two aforementioned types of radiation-emitting components (UV-C or ozone-generating unit) is in operation, so that only this one needs to be supplied with fresh air. This further improves effectiveness.

[0023] This exchange provides several advantages: Firstly, the radiation-emitting components are cooled, which improves their UV performance.

[0024] Furthermore, the ozone-enriched air moved by the ozone generation device distributes the ozone more effectively in the room, which increases process reliability and shortens treatment time.

[0025] Finally, the air moving past the ozone generation facility increases the oxygen content at that facility, making ozone production more efficient.

[0026] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0027] As a result, by means of the disinfection device according to the invention, ozone can be actively released and distributed into the room, the efficiency can be improved by cooling, and the efficiency of ozone production can be increased by increasing the oxygen content.

[0028] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below. For the sake of simplicity, a plurality of outlets is referred to, although it is clear that a single outlet may also be provided instead.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the outlet(s) are circular openings. The size of the openings and their spacing from one another must be selected to ensure that the respective device can be effectively exposed to airflow for the aforementioned purposes.

[0030] According to another embodiment, which can also be combined with the above-mentioned one, the outlet(s) are in the form of slot-shaped openings. These can preferably run along the longitudinal extent of the radiation-emitting components of the two devices. In extreme cases, a single slot-shaped opening is sufficient. This can have a variable width, for example for passive control of the volume flow leaving the opening at a specific point (a wider slot allows a larger volume flow). This also enables adaptation to pressure conditions that vary along the opening, for example due to increasing distance from a fan. In the same way, the distances or cross-sections of round (or differently shaped) openings can be adapted, for example to achieve a uniform air flow to the devices.

[0031] Preferably, at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 70% of the length of the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the length of the device for generating ozone can be flown through by the outlet(s). This means that in particular the percentage of the above-mentioned "rear surface" is flowed through by room air. It is clear that an outlet can flow over a somewhat larger area than its cross-section; however, it is clear that a sufficient cross-sectional size and a sufficient air flow must be available in order to achieve the said percentage values. However, it is particularly simple to compare the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlets in relation to the projected "rear surface" of the devices (or their radiation-emitting components) facing them; here too, the stated percentage values ​​can serve as a guideline.

[0032] Alternatively, the total volume flow of room air conveyed through the outlet(s), averaged along the length of the equipment, is between approximately 10 and 1000 m 2 / h, preferably between 30 and 700 m 2 / h, and particularly preferably between 100 and 500 m 2 / h. The numerical values ​​mentioned can also be combined differently than specified above. With such a volume flow, sufficient cooling of the radiation-emitting components of the equipment can be achieved, combined with increased efficiency and good transport of the treated air into the room.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the device for generating ozone comprises UV-C lamps whose sides facing the disinfection device are arranged opposite the outlets. "Facing" here means "toward a center of the device." "Facing away" would therefore mean "into the room." By placing them opposite each other, the shortest possible path is selected, so that the room air reaches the lamps as directly as possible and flows over them as efficiently as possible.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the disinfection device, both the device for generating UV-C radiation and the device for generating ozone comprise a plurality of vertically aligned and radially emitting UV-C light-emitting radiators, which are arranged alternately and / or opposite one another along a circumference of the device. This ensures a largely even distribution of the radiators, which leads to an advantageously uniform generation / distribution of disinfecting UV radiation and the provision of ozone-containing room air. Furthermore, this embodiment requires very little space.

[0035] Instead of linear radiators, these can also be in the form of a longitudinal spiral or longitudinal screw. Such a longitudinal spiral winds around a center. Tests have shown that such a shape can achieve particularly good illumination of a room. Such a longitudinal spiral also has a "length" according to the above definition, namely both along the actual spiral and along the cylinder around which the spiral runs.

[0036] The radiators can also be ring-shaped, for example, extending around a column. In particular, several spaced-apart rings are possible.

[0037] Finally, the spotlights can be in the form of a multitude of point light sources, particularly in the form of LEDs. These also have an "emission surface" and a "rear surface." The rear surfaces must then be subjected to air flow in the manner described above to achieve the desired effect. Accordingly, by definition, room air is conveyed "toward" such light sources even if their flow is not directed directly at them, but rather exchanges the air in their immediate vicinity.

[0038] The outlets are preferably arranged in a central column into which the room air can be conveyed. In other words, the room air is sucked in from below by means of a fan, for example, and pressed into the column. From there it exits again through the outlets. The radiators, which can be linear or screw-shaped, for example, are arranged around the column. It is clear that the outlets should be arranged according to the position of the radiators in order to keep the flow paths short and to minimize flow losses. According to a further embodiment, the disinfection device is mounted so as to be rotatable and can be driven by a motor. In other words, the device can rotate about a preferably vertical axis by means of a drive.This makes the illumination of the room and the surfaces to be disinfected more even, since the necessarily discrete distribution of the emitter(s) along the perimeter of the device means that certain areas are better illuminated, while intermediate areas are less well illuminated. Furthermore, the rotation blurs the edges of the shadow areas, so that a larger surface area is exposed to the radiation.

[0039] The rotary mounting can be achieved, for example, in that the device comprises a base frame and an upper frame rotatably connected thereto, on which at least the device for generating UV-C radiation and preferably also the device for generating ozone are arranged.

[0040] A rotary mounting system can be advantageous when, for cost or space reasons, only a few lamps are available, preventing uniform illumination without mobility. If treatment time is of secondary importance, a device with a reduced number of lamps can achieve virtually the same disinfection effect as a device with a larger number of lamps.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the component which comprises the outlets (for example the column) is also rotatable, so that the flow paths from the outlet to the radiator always remain as short as possible, even when the radiators rotate.

[0042] The disinfection device is preferably mounted on a rolling base. This allows it to be transported particularly easily and safely from one room to another.

[0043] Optionally, the rollers can also be drivable. The drivable rollers can also be used, similar to the rotation mentioned above, to enable better illumination of, for example, an elongated room, by the device rotating about an axis or moving along a predetermined path. The disinfection device preferably comprises a filter through which the room air can be sucked in. The filter is, for example, an activated carbon filter, or preferably an ozone catalyst, which can be present, for example, as a flow-through block or flow-through granules. This has the function of reducing the ozone content in the room more quickly in a (second) operating phase "ozone reduction".

[0044] It should be noted that it is preferred if the airflow through the radiators according to the invention can be controlled independently of the airflow through the filter. Otherwise, the ozone desired in a (first) operating phase, "ozone generation," would be immediately eliminated again. For this purpose, either two independent fans (airflow fans for the radiators and flow-through fans for the filter) can be provided, or switchable flow channels can be provided so that the room air can be used selectively for airflow through the radiators and / or for airflow through the filter.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the disinfection device comprises a device for contactless detection of a room and a device for logging operation. The device for contactless detection, for example based on RFID, serves to automatically identify the room in which the disinfection device is to be used. A program suitable for this room is stored in a memory, which is sent to a controller and processed by it. The logging device saves the time and type of program so that the use of the disinfection device can be traced.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for operating a disinfection device as described above. It is characterized in that, during operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the device for generating ozone, room air is conveyed along this device(s), and more precisely, along its radiation-emitting components (emitters). The associated advantages have already been explained above and therefore require no repetition.

[0047] The room air is conveyed through outlets toward the UV-C radiation generation device and / or the ozone generation device. Reference can also be made to the above explanations here.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the air is conveyed by means of a flow fan, which sucks in the room air and blows it into a column, in whose walls the outlets are arranged. As already mentioned, the outlets should be arranged as close as possible to the radiators in order to keep flow losses as low as possible. The use of a single, central (flow) fan is more advantageous than the use of a large number of separate fans. However, the use of individual fans or the like installed in the outlets, which ensure the movement of the air according to the invention, is also conceivable.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, during operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the device for generating ozone, these devices are rotated at least temporarily while being exposed to ambient air. This rotation makes the room more evenly illuminated; by exposing the lamps to ambient air, efficiency is improved and treatment time is shortened.

[0050] According to another embodiment, prior to operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation and / or the device for generating ozone, contactless detection of the room in which disinfection is to take place takes place. Here, too, reference is made to the above explanations in this context.

[0051] Based on the identified room, a program suitable for disinfecting the room is then retrieved from a memory and sent to a controller. This controller controls the operation of the UV-C radiation generation device, the ozone generation device, and the air supply, and logs the operation.

[0052] Preferably, during operation of the device for generating ozone and / or the device for generating UV-C radiation, flow through this device(s) takes place, whereas only during operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation does flow through the filter take place - alternatively or additionally. In other words: typically, the device for generating ozone is initially in operation for a first time interval, followed by operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation for a second time interval. During the first time interval, the flow through the radiators according to the invention takes place; only during the second time interval does flow through the filter take place (at least also). However, it is possible that the correspondingly active radiators, or all of the radiators, continue to be flowed through in any case in the second interval too.

[0053] Character description

[0054] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to figures.

[0055] Figure 1 is a view of an embodiment of the disinfection device according to the invention;

[0056] Figure 2 shows a section of the column of a further embodiment of the disinfection device;

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic flow diagram of the inventive

[0058] procedure .

[0059] Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the disinfection device 1 according to the invention.

[0060] This comprises a device for generating UV-C radiation 2 and a device for generating ozone 3. More precisely, the device for generating UV-C radiation 2 shown comprises vertically aligned and radially emitting UV-C emitters, for example with a wavelength of 254 nm, and the device for generating ozone 3 comprises similarly arranged and oriented UV-C emitters, for example with a wavelength of 187 nm. The two emitter types are arranged alternately. Accordingly, the emitters of the two devices 2 and 3 are arranged alternately and adjacent to one another along the circumference of the disinfection device 1, as well as evenly distributed around the circumference.

[0061] The device 1 comprises a base frame 4 equipped with casters and an upper frame 5 mounted thereon. The control system 6 arranged in the base frame 4 is merely indicated. Also shown are preferably present presence sensors 7 (only one is provided with a reference numeral), with which the presence of persons and / or the ozone content of the room air and / or its germ load can be measured.

[0062] In the column 8 of the upper frame 5, there are a plurality of slot-like, vertical outlets 9 (only one is provided with a reference numeral), through which the room air can be conveyed towards the device for generating UV-C radiation 2 and the device for generating ozone 3. The sides of the radiators facing the disinfection device 1 are arranged opposite the outlets 9 in order to keep the flow paths as short as possible.

[0063] Column 8 is hollow and is supplied with room air from below by a fan 10 (shown only schematically), which then exits through outlets 9. A part of the device for contactless room detection 13 is arranged on top of column 8 in the form of an antenna. Surrounding column 8 is a handle 14, which also serves as protection for the radiators.

[0064] The disinfection device 1 further comprises a filter 11 (shown only in outline) with a downstream flow-through fan 12 (shown only in outline), through which room air can also be sucked in. The room air sucked in through the filter 11 is also conveyed into the column 8, from where it can flow out through the outlets 9. The filter 11 serves to more quickly reduce the ozone content of the room air in the second operating phase, in which the UV surface disinfection takes place. The associated flow-through fan 12 should only be in operation during this operating phase, if necessary.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a section of the column of another embodiment of the disinfection device. Column 8 is shown cylindrically here, but can also have a different cross-section. LEDs emitting UV light of corresponding wavelengths are arranged directly on column 8 as a device for generating UV-C radiation 2 and a device for generating ozone 3. Here, too, the disinfection device is designed to convey room air "along" the two devices 2, 3.

[0066] By definition, the area immediately in front of the radiation-emitting units must also be included in these. The room air is therefore still conveyed "in the direction" of the devices 2, 3, since the outlets 9 are positioned directly next to their radiation-emitting units (the LEDs) and flow into the area to the side and in front of the LEDs. This achieves the advantageous cooling according to the invention, but above all the increase in efficiency by transporting room air from the column 8 into the area immediately in front of the radiation-emitting units, in which the reactions with the room air actually take place. The room air located immediately in front of the units is constantly exchanged. Finally, the outlets 9 also ensure efficient transport and distribution of the treated room air into the environment.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention. After operation has started, the room is first identified using REID or another method, and the appropriate program for treating it is retrieved from a memory.

[0068] This is followed by the first operating phase, in which ozone is generated by the ozone generation device 3. This ozone is actively released into the room by the operation of the aeration fan 10. At the same time, the efficiency of the corresponding radiators is improved due to their cooling. The active distribution of the ozone-containing room air shortens operating times and improves process reliability. Furthermore, the increased oxygen content in the radiators increases the efficiency of ozone production.

[0069] In the second operating phase, the ozone generation device 3 is switched off and the UV-C radiation generation device 2 is switched on. The airflow fan 10 can, but does not have to, be switched off. In any case, the flow fan 12 is switched on, so that the ozone is filtered from the room air and the concentration is quickly reduced. This also provides an advantage, as the operating time is reduced due to the active ozone reduction.

[0070] After the room treatment program has been completed, the entire operation is logged and stored in a memory so that it can be traced at a later time.

[0071] Desmfe ct ions device

[0072] Device for generating UV-C radiation

[0073] Ozone generation facility

[0074] Base frame

[0075] Upper frame

[0076] steering

[0077] Presence sensor

[0078] column

[0079] Outlet

[0080] Fan, airflow fan

[0081] filter

[0082] Fan, flow fan

[0083] Device for contactless detection of a room

[0084] handle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Disinfection device (1) for the combined disinfection of room air and surfaces, comprising both a device for generating UV-C radiation (2) emitting directly into the environment and a device for generating ozone (3) that can be controlled separately therefrom, wherein the disinfection device (1) is designed to convey room air along the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3), characterized in that both along the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and along the device for generating ozone (3) there is an outlet (9) leading into the environment, through which the room air can be conveyed towards the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3) in such a way that ozone can be actively released and distributed into the room, the efficiency can be improved by cooling,and the efficiency of ozone production can be increased due to the ability to increase the oxygen content.

2. Disinfection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet(s) (9) are present as round and / or slit-shaped openings.

3. Disinfection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least 50% of the length of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the length of the device for generating ozone (3) can be flowed through by room air from the outlet(s) (9), and / or wherein the volume flow averaged along the length of room air conveyed through the outlet(s) (9) is between 100 m 2 / h and 500 m 2 / h.

4. Disinfection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3) comprises UV-C emitters, the sides of which facing the disinfection device (1) are arranged opposite the outlets (9).

5. Disinfection device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the UV-C emitters are vertically aligned and radially emitting, or in the form of a longitudinal spiral, one or more rings, or as a plurality of point-shaped light sources.

6. Disinfection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outlet(s) (9) are arranged in a central column (8) into which the room air can be conveyed.

7. Disinfection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same is rotatably mounted and motor-driven.

8. Disinfection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same comprises rollers on which it is movable.

9. Disinfection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filter (11) through which the room air can be sucked in.

10. Disinfection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for contactless detection of a room (13), and a device for logging the operation.

11. Method for operating a disinfection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that during operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3), room air is conveyed along this device(s), the room air being conveyed through outlets in the direction of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3).

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the conveying is carried out by means of a fan (10) which sucks in the room air and blows it into a column (8) in the wall of which the outlet(s) (9) are arranged.

13. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein during operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3), these devices (2, 3) are rotated at least temporarily while being subjected to a flow of ambient air.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein prior to the operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) and / or the device for generating ozone (3), a contactless detection of the room in which the disinfection is to take place takes place.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein, based on the recognized room, a program suitable for disinfecting the same is retrieved from a memory is retrieved and passed to a control system which controls and records the operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2), the device for generating ozone (3) and the supply of room air.

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein during operation of the device for generating ozone (3) and / or the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) a flow takes place therethrough, whereas only during operation of the device for generating UV-C radiation (2) does a flow through the filter (11) alternatively or additionally take place.

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