Disinfection system for the interior of closed containers

Abstract

The invention proposes a modular system based on LEDs (3) that emit blue-violet light for disinfecting the interior of containers, especially refrigerated van bodies. The individual modules (10) are constructed from LEDs (3) and (3a), electronic components (3b) and lines, cast into a profile (2) with transparent polymers and optionally additionally provided with LEDs (3a) that emit light in the white range of the spectrum in order to illuminate the interior, and this enables the creation of a disinfection and illumination strip of any desired length.

Description

[0001] Disinfection system for the interior of closed containers

[0002] The invention relates to a disinfection system for the interior of closed containers, in particular truck box bodies, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] A "closed container" within the meaning of the invention also includes the interior of buses and motor vehicles, gondolas, containers, and transport containers of all sizes, including waste containers, even though the invention is explained in more detail below using a refrigerated truck body. It should also be noted that closed containers that accommodate people, whether for a shorter or longer period of time, can be equipped according to the invention with a design that features a combined lighting and disinfection system. This is also one reason why a refrigerated truck body is used as an exemplary embodiment.

[0004] There is therefore a need for an intrinsically safe device for disinfecting the interior of containers that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture, assemble, and operate. The aim and object of the invention is to provide such a device, with one embodiment also allowing for interior illumination.

[0005] In the following, the truck (refrigerated) box body will usually be referred to simply as the body. The aim of the invention is to achieve significantly improved hygiene and lighting conditions inside such a body compared to previous solutions.

[0006] The hygienically safe handling of refrigerated goods inside a body is an essential requirement in modern refrigerated transport, and compliance with this requirement must be monitored by the operator. Poor hygiene, caused by inadequate cleaning processes or careless handling of the transported goods, usually leads to the loss of the refrigerated goods due to "non-disposal" (i.e., disposal). In the worst case scenario (e.g., if botulism pathogens develop), this can be considered negligent behavior and thus punishable by criminal law. Current, commonly used procedures to ensure the necessary, hygienically sufficient transport situation inside a body generally utilize steam jet cleaning or blasting processes with the addition of disinfectants to clean the interior walls. However, the cleaning and disinfection effects can be significantly reduced depending on the superstructure and fittings inside the body.Furthermore, cleaning and disinfection are carried out at varying, sometimes longer, intervals, and certainly not continuously. Continuously effective disinfection cannot be achieved with these methods.

[0007] KR20220072651A proposes the use of LEDs inside the body that emit ultraviolet (UV) light, which is switched on or off depending on whether the case is entered. This requires complex electronics with sensors for the closed state of the doors and the presence of people. Regardless of this effort, the interior surface of the body in areas where no refrigerated goods are stored is attacked and destroyed by the UV light in a relatively short time, releasing undesirable substances that are just as harmful as the germs being controlled.

[0008] A similar device is known from US 2022 / 0409754 A1, which additionally includes the control of visible light inside the structure, the interior lighting, which can be activated alternatively to UV light. This device suffers from the same disadvantages as the first one.

[0009] From a completely different field, namely wastewater treatment, it is known from WO201 1 / 139758 A2 to mount several LEDs on a common strip.

[0010] The present invention aims to avoid the aforementioned deficiencies and those of known solutions, and to ensure continuous disinfection even during use of the structure, combined with cost-effective and long-lasting interior lighting. The invention is based on the use of embedded LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that emit a specific wavelength spectrum, as described, for example, in WO 2018 / 020527 A1, namely in the range between 405nm and 420nm; referred to as blue-violet.

[0011] These LEDs are preferably arranged in a special, innovative mounting system. This system can be integrated into a wall rail and, thanks to the structural design and sealing of the LEDs using transparent polymers, is designed to be so resistant that it can be cleaned in the same way as the walls of the structure, without being susceptible to damage due to moisture penetration.

[0012] It is well known that lasers, lamps, or LEDs that emit intense blue-violet light ("mid and near UV") are used in hospitals to reduce microbial and bacterial loads. Frequent exposure of human skin to light at these wavelengths, particularly when larger portions of shorter wavelengths are also emitted, can lead to undesirable effects such as melanomas or other skin irritations. Therefore, it is important to ensure that exposure of human skin is avoided wherever possible when using light at these wavelengths, or to select the wavelength range of the light so that it has a bactericidal effect while causing as little damage to human skin as possible and without corrosive changes to the surface of the structure. This is largely achieved with the wavelength range specified.

[0013] The inventive design of the LED arrangement and their circuitry allows the above-described problem to be solved simply by selecting wavelength ranges that are largely harmless to humans and the surfaces of the body, but sufficiently active for germs. Further improvements are achieved by preferentially switching on the blue-emitting LEDs only when the doors of the refrigerated box body are closed, which is made possible by a single, inexpensive sensor.

[0014] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows a 3D representation of the cross-section and top view of a module with the profile clipped (snapped) into a mounting strip 1, with a circuit board, with LEDs, and cable ducts. Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross-section through a module in the area of ​​the LED arrangement with the profile clipped (snapped) into the mounting strip, the circuit board, and a potting compound. Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-section through a module in the area of ​​the cable ducts with the profile clipped (snapped) into the mounting strip.

[0015] The LEDs 3 essential for disinfection according to the invention operate, as mentioned, in a blue-violet wavelength range with emission peaks between 405 nm and 420 nm. In addition, any number of LEDs 3a can be installed in a module 10 for lighting purposes, emitting white light with a color temperature between 1000 and 20,000 K.

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a 3D cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment. The mounting strip 1 designed according to the invention, with a flat central section and partially rounded lateral sections designed to provide a certain degree of elasticity for the snap-in of the profile 2, is attached to the inside of the body (not shown) along the longitudinal side at any desired height. Adhesive attachment is preferred. However, all other force-fitting connection techniques are also possible.

[0017] A profile 2 designed according to the invention is inserted into this mounting strip 1 and fastened by clipping (snap-in). The cross-sectional dimension of the mounting strip 1 ranges in width between 40 mm and 100 mm, with widths of the mounting strip 1 between 70 mm and 45 mm being preferred according to the invention. The height of the mounting strip 1 ranges between 5 mm and 15 mm depending on the width, with a height between 7 mm and 12 mm being preferred according to the invention. The flat middle section preferably has a width between 20 mm and 40 mm and a depth between 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 12 mm. These dimensions can be adapted accordingly depending on the width and depth of the profile 2, whereby the dimensions of the LEDs 3 and 3a used and the circuit board 4 must also be taken into account.The dimensions of the profile 2, which contains the circuit board 4 and the LEDs 3 and 3a, as well as the electronic components and control elements 3b and the necessary cables for the power supply 5, and which is covered with a polymeric, transparent casting compound, are adapted to the respective dimensions of the mounting strip 1 and are preferably designed in such a height that, after clipping (locking in place), the upper edge of the profile 2 runs flush with the upper edge of the mounting strip 1. The dimensions of the circuit board 4 (printed circuit board) arranged inside the profile 2 are preferably designed such that the circuit board 4 can be inserted flush into the rectangular recess 12 facing the interior of the box body.

[0018] The mounting strip 1 with the snap-in modules 10, consisting of the profile 2, the LEDs 3 and 3a, the circuit board 4, the side cover 9, and a rectangular recess 12, which is laterally defined by the width of the profile 2, is closed at the longitudinal ends with end caps 11. The modules 10 can be clipped into the mounting strip 1 in various lengths between 100mm and 500mm, preferably with lengths between 250mm and 350mm. This allows a continuously operating disinfection strip to be installed over the entire length of a structure (up to lengths of more than 15m). Due to the low energy consumption of the LEDs, this strip can also be powered from the vehicle battery when the vehicle is stationary.

[0019] The mounting strip 1, like the profile 2, is made of metallic materials, preferably high-strength aluminum. Polymeric, fiber-reinforced materials are also conceivable for profile production. To ensure sufficient reflection of the LED radiation, the aluminum mounting strips 1 and the profile strips 2 can be anodized or, for example, plasma-oxidized. Other types of surface finishing are also possible. A white powder coating is preferred, providing particularly suitable reflection values.

[0020] The LEDs 3 (blue-violet wavelength range) and 3a (white wavelength range) are mounted in the profile 2, as well as the electronic components and control elements 3b required for controlling the LEDs on a printed circuit board (PCB) 4. Both the LEDs 3 and 3a as well as the electronic control elements 3b with the PCB 4 and the necessary lines 5 for the voltage supply of the LEDs and the cable feedthroughs 6 are embedded in a transparent polymeric potting material 7, preferably consisting of thermally stable, curable polymers, such as transparent polyurethanes.

[0021] In principle, other transparently curing or permanently elastic polymeric encapsulation materials can also be used. According to the invention, transparent polyurethane or silicone-based materials are preferred, which can be applied bubble-free in a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably in a thickness between 2 and 5 mm, and which are sealed by a lateral cover 9 at both ends of the module 10, flush with the upper edge of the profile 2, and which have feedthroughs for the cables 6.

[0022] The potting material 7 covers the entire electronic arrangement (LEDs 3 and 3a, control elements 3b, circuit board 4 and the cables 5 as well as the cable bushings 6) and a flat surface is formed between the lateral longitudinal regions of the profile 2.

[0023] Additionally, a cover profile 8 can be used for the spaces between the individual snap-in modules 10. It consists of the LED arrays 3 and 3a embedded in the profile 2 on the circuit board 4 with the electronic components encapsulated in the potting compound. This cover profile 8 can be used in different lengths, thus enabling the realization of different distances between the modules 10.

[0024] The cross-section of the cover profile 8 corresponds to the cross-section of the profile 2 used and can be clipped (snapped) into the mounting strip 1 in the same way as the profile 2.

[0025] With the modules 10 manufactured according to the invention, disinfection and lighting units of various lengths can be manufactured depending on the customer's requirements. An end cap 11 closes the entire arrangement of modules 10 in the mounting strip 1 on both sides of the front ends of the mounting strip 1. The cross-sectional profile of the end caps 11 corresponds to the cross-section of the respective profile 2 used and can therefore also be clipped into the mounting strip 1. In another variant, the end cap 11 can be inserted into the lateral curves of the mounting strip 1.

[0026] According to the invention, the cable bushings 6 with the cables 5 are designed in such a way that the individual modules 10 can be coupled by simply plugging them together or by soldering the cables.

[0027] By clipping (snap-fitting) the profile 2 with the cast-in LED arrangements 3 with the circuit board 4 and the cables 5 (module 10) into the mounting strip 1, flexible installation and easy replaceability of the LEDs for service and repair is ensured.

[0028] An essential, inventively relevant use of the disinfection unit is that the additionally integrated white-light-emitting LEDs are used for normal lighting purposes, while the ultraviolet-emitting LEDs are automatically switched on only after the body doors are closed. This is achieved either by a direct electrical circuit or via a radio connection. Microswitches are preferably integrated into the respective door elements of the refrigerated body, enabling this control modality and, in combination with the LED control system, ensuring the necessary safety during operation.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged cross-section through a module 10 in the area of ​​the arrangement of the LEDs 3 with circuit board 4 and the potting compound 7 with profile 2 clipped (locked) into the mounting profile 1 as a carrier unit for the circuit board 4, the LEDs 3 and 3a and the electrical and electronic components necessary for their control.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged cross-section through a module 10 in the area of ​​the cable glands 6 and the potting compound 7, again with the profile 2 clipped (locked) into the mounting profile. In other words, it can be summarized that the invention relates to a lighting and disinfection system consisting of modules 10 for the interior of closed containers, for example box bodies and in particular refrigerated box bodies. In this case, it is preferably provided that at least one light-emitting module 10 is clipped into a mounting strip (1) with the aid of a profile 2. The profile has a rectangular recess in which a circuit board 4 with LEDs 3 and optionally LEDs 3a placed thereon is cast. The LEDs 3a emit light in the white range of the spectrum and are only provided if the closed container is intended to accommodate people at least briefly.LEDs 3 emit light in the blue-violet range of the spectrum, with emission peaks between 405nm and 420nm. If both LEDs 3 and LEDs 3a are provided, they are controlled differently.

[0031] The above explanation allows the application of the invention to the interior of buses, aircraft and other means of transport directly and without consideration; no further explanation is required.

[0032] If, for example, the invention is applied to non-walk-in containers or walk-in containers, for whatever reason, are not to be equipped with illumination with visible light, for example garbage bins, then either LED strips must be used which do not have LEDs 3a, or, if this is not desired, for example for storage reasons, these LEDs 3a are not controlled.

[0033] This significantly reduces or even eliminates the unpleasant odor that inevitably arises during the biological decomposition of waste in Colonia bins, especially during the warmer seasons. In the case of garbage bins, it is also preferable to have one or more photovoltaic (PV) elements mounted on the lid. These elements supply the power needed to operate the LED strip, thus enabling disinfectant radiation when the bin is closed. The electronics required in this case are small and inexpensive and can be housed on or in the lid, preferably encapsulated in the case of plastic lids. The invention can therefore be used in all cases of closed containers for disinfecting their interior (surfaces).

[0034] List of reference symbols:

[0035] 1 mounting strip

[0036] 2 clip-on (snap-in) profile

[0037] 3 LEDs, blue-violet emitting

[0038] 3a LEDs white emitting

[0039] 3b electronic control elements

[0040] 4 Circuit board (printed circuit board) as a carrier for the necessary electrical and electronic components

[0041] 5 cables for control and electrical systems

[0042] 6 cable entries

[0043] 7 Potting material

[0044] 8 Cover profile (plate) to cover the space between individual modules 10

[0045] 9 Lateral cover of the potting material in the edge areas of the LEDs

[0046] 10 modules of different lengths

[0047] 11 End cap

[0048] 12 Flat rectangular recess in profile 2

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Disinfection system, consisting of modules (10), for the interior of closed containers, in particular box bodies and very particularly refrigerated box bodies using electromagnetic radiation of a defined wavelength range, characterized in that at least one light-emitting module (10) is clipped into a mounting strip (1) with the aid of a profile (2), in the rectangular recess (12) of which parallel to the flat area of ​​the mounting strip (1) a printed circuit board (4) with LEDs (3) and (3a) placed thereon is cast, and that LEDs (3) emit light in the blue-violet range of the spectrum with emission peaks between 405nm and 420nm.

2. Disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that LEDs (3a) are also cast into the module (10) which emit light in the white range of the spectrum and that the LEDs (3) and the LEDs (3a) are controlled differently by electronic control elements (3b).

3. Disinfection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting strip (1) and / or the profile (2) are formed independently of one another from metallic or polymeric materials, preferably from high-strength aluminum or fiber-reinforced polymers.

4. Disinfection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the mounting strip (1) and the profiles (2) independently have an anodized surface or a white powder coating.

5. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several modules (10) with a length of 100mm to 500mm, preferably with a length between 100mm and 400mm, are clipped into the mounting strip (1).

6. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting strip (1) has a width between 40mm and 100mm, preferably between 45mm and 70mm, and a height between 5mm and 15mm, preferably between 7mm and 12mm.

7. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat central part of the mounting strip (1) has a width between 20 mm and 50 mm, preferably a width between 25 mm and 40 mm.

8. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that transparent polymeric potting materials, preferably polyurethanes or silicones, are used to embed the LEDs (3) and (3a) as well as the circuit board (4) and the cables for control and electronics (5).

9. Disinfection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the materials for the mounting strip (1) and the profile (2) have an anodized, plasma-oxidized or powder-coated surface, depending on the material.

10. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by stringing together modules (10) any desired length of the disinfection system can be realized, preferably up to 16m, wherein different distances between the modules (10) are realized by a snap-in cover profile (8).

11. Disinfection system according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover profile (8) has the same structure in cross section as the profile (2) used in each case.

12. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that end caps (11) are attached to the ends of the mounting strip (1), the internal structure of which is identical in cross-section to the profile (2), so that fastening in the mounting strip (1) is provided by snapping into place.

13. Disinfection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit board (4) with the LEDs (3, 3a) and the electronic control elements (3b) is fitted flush into the rectangular recess of the profile (2).

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