Cleaning system for cleaning articles, and method for drying articles

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system (1) for cleaning articles (2). The system (1) comprises a cleaning chamber (3) for receiving articles (2) to be cleaned, a steam supply device (6), by means of which superheated steam can be supplied into the cleaning chamber (3), and at least one steam outlet (7), through which superheated steam can be discharged out of the cleaning chamber (3). The invention also relates to a method for cleaning and drying pharmaceutical articles (2).

Description

[0001] Cleaning system for cleaning goods and process for drying goods

[0002] The invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning goods and a method for drying goods.

[0003] In various sectors, such as the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, medicine and laboratory technology, the thorough cleaning of materials such as ampoules, etc. is of great importance. The items to be washed are cleaned with a cleaning fluid in a cleaning system. After the cleaning process, the items to be washed are at least partially wetted with the cleaning fluid and must therefore be dried for further use. The items to be cleaned can, for example, be dried in the air. Mechanical drying with a drying agent is also conceivable. However, both processes are complex and time-consuming. The drying process after cleaning in such a system takes a long time and is therefore inefficient. It is also possible that the items can become contaminated again when dried with a drying medium, for example a drying cloth.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to create a cleaning system for cleaning goods which can be operated reliably and efficiently, as well as to create a method for drying goods which can be carried out quickly and has a high level of reliability.

[0005] The object is achieved by a cleaning system for goods and by a method for drying goods according to the independent patent claims. The object is achieved in particular by a cleaning system for cleaning goods. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning chamber for receiving goods to be cleaned. At least one cleaning fluid introduction device for introducing cleaning fluid is formed in the cleaning chamber. In addition, the cleaning system has at least one steam supply device through which superheated and / or saturated steam can be supplied to the cleaning chamber. In addition, the cleaning system has at least one steam outlet through which superheated and / or saturated steam can be discharged from the cleaning chamber.

[0006] The goods may be pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods. The cleaning fluid introduction device may comprise a washing arm. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid introduction device may comprise one or more nozzles.

[0007] In the present patent application, the term “plant” is synonymous with the term “cleaning plant”.

[0008] In such a system it is possible to dry the goods with superheated steam. Superheated steam is steam that has been heated above the boiling point of the steam medium. Superheated steam has a higher specific heat capacity than air. Superheated steam can therefore introduce or apply more thermal energy into the cleaning room and thus to the goods. This also allows the cleaning fluid, with which the goods are at least partially wetted when wet, to be quickly heated and evaporated. This means that rapid drying of the goods is possible in such a system. A cleaning fluid can essentially consist of water. However, a cleaning fluid can also contain other liquids or solids such as detergents or disinfectants.

[0009] The steam can be water vapor. The steam can, for example, have a temperature of 130° to 200°. Such superheated steam can carry a high thermal energy for heating and / or drying the goods and transfer it to the goods being dried, thus quickly heating and / or drying the goods. Drying energy is heat energy, also known as thermal energy, and in this case is used for drying and heating goods.

[0010] It is possible that the steam is superheated and under pressure when it is introduced into the cleaning room. In the cleaning room the steam expands and cools down. It is entirely possible that the steam is introduced before the drying process, when the goods and / or the cleaning room are still cold, condenses and heats the goods and the interior of the cleaning room. The condensation energy released is transferred to the system and the items being washed in the form of heat energy. The goods and the cleaning room are then heated to a drying temperature, initially by the steam and by the hot water droplets that condense from the steam and settle on the inside wall of the cleaning room and on the goods. It is possible that extremely hot water remains in the system when the system is heated up.

[0011] After this step, when the cleaning room and the goods have been heated to the drying temperature, the steam is introduced into the cleaning room in a superheated state such that it remains superheated even after the cooling and expansion process and therefore no water droplets condense from the steam. Initially, the steam condenses at least partially until the goods and / or the cleaning room have been heated to the drying temperature. The steam is then introduced into the heated cleaning room at such a superheated state that no more water droplets condense. In this way, the goods and / or the cleaning room are heated first and then drying takes place.

[0012] The steam can, for example, be introduced into the cleaning room at a pressure of 3 bar. In the cleaning room, the steam pressure then assumes the ambient pressure of 1 bar if the system is located at sea level. If the system is located at a greater level above sea level, the ambient pressure is slightly lower. However, the system is designed in such a way that the ambient pressure surrounding the system is essentially always present in the system. If the superheated steam is introduced into the cleaning room at a pressure of 3 bar, the pressure therefore drops by essentially 2 bar to a pressure of 1 bar, which is the pressure present in the system.

[0013] It is possible for the pressurised steam, which is introduced into the cleaning chamber using flow dynamics, to act on the goods and also to at least partially remove the cleaning fluid film on the goods. The superheated steam introduced using flow dynamics entrains the water particles of the cleaning fluid film. As a result of the flow dynamic introduction of the steam and the exposure of the goods to the steam and the entrainment of water particles by the steam, the water particles are moved away from the goods. The superheated steam then heats the cleaning fluid film on the goods to be cleaned and simultaneously the superheated steam, which has a certain speed, removes the cleaning fluid film or the cleaning fluid droplets on the goods by entrainment.Thus, the two effects of entrainment of the cleaning fluid and evaporation of the cleaning fluid overlap, whereby the effects complement and support each other in the drying of the goods.

[0014] It is possible that a pressure relief valve is installed in the cleaning chamber. A pressure relief valve releases pressure from the cleaning chamber when the pressure in the cleaning chamber exceeds a certain pressure threshold. This ensures that essentially no overpressure develops in the cleaning chamber and that the system can be operated safely.

[0015] It is possible for the wall of the cleaning chamber to be made essentially of stainless steel. The washing arm can be made of plastic or stainless steel. The wall of the cleaning chamber and / or the washing arm can also be made of other materials or of several materials. It is crucial that the components of the cleaning system are made of a heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant and robust material. It is also possible for the cleaning system to comprise several materials. The cleaning chamber can be made essentially cuboid-shaped. It is possible for several cleaning fluid introduction devices to be formed in the cleaning chamber. It is also possible for several washing arms to be formed in the cleaning chamber. It is possible for a washing arm to be formed in an upper region and a lower region of the cleaning chamber.It is also possible for two washing arms to be formed in an upper region and a lower region of the cleaning chamber. It is possible for the steam supply device to be formed at least partially in the cleaning fluid introduction device and / or in a wash item carrier.

[0016] This arrangement of the steam supply system ensures that the cleaning system is simple and has a small number of components. This prevents defects and allows for easy maintenance of the system.

[0017] If the steam supply device is formed in the cleaning fluid introduction device, at least in part only one line is required for the steam supply and the one for the supply of the cleaning fluid.

[0018] The goods can initially be arranged in the cleaning room. The goods are then cleaned by introducing the cleaning fluid. Steam is then introduced into the cleaning room by the steam supply device and the cleaning fluid introduction device. It is possible that the cleaning room and / or the goods are initially heated by the steam, although steam can condense in this case. The steam and the hot water droplets that have condensed on the goods and / or on the inside wall of the cleaning room heat the wall of the interior and / or the goods to a drying temperature. Further steam is then introduced into the cleaning room by the steam supply device. This dries the goods. The goods are therefore heated first and then dried. The washing arm can be designed to be movable. The washing arm can be designed to pivot.It is also possible for the washing arm to be mounted for rotation about a rotational axis. If the steam supply device is at least partially formed in the washing arm, the steam introduced into the cleaning chamber via the steam supply devices and the washing arm can be advantageously distributed, and the goods can be advantageously exposed to the steam. This ensures a particularly thorough, effective, and efficient drying process.

[0019] It is also possible for the steam supply device to be incorporated into a laundry carrier. The laundry carrier can, for example, have steam-carrying pipes in which the steam supply device is at least partially incorporated. This makes it possible to introduce steam even into hard-to-reach areas of the items, for example, into a test tube. By arranging the steam supply device in this way, even hard-to-reach areas in a laundry carrier can be cleaned and dried.

[0020] When used as intended, the steam supply device may comprise a steam inlet in the upper and / or lower areas of the cleaning chamber.

[0021] Such an arrangement of the steam inlets of the steam supply device ensures a uniform exposure of the goods, which can be exposed and dried particularly evenly and preferably from the lower area and from the upper area by such exposure.

[0022] The upper area of ​​the cleaning chamber is the area of ​​the cleaning chamber that is essentially located in the area of ​​the upper wall in the interior of the cleaning chamber. The lower area of ​​the cleaning chamber is the area that is essentially located in the area of ​​the lower wall in the interior of the cleaning chamber. The steam outlet can be connected to an extraction device. The extraction device can extract the steam from the cleaning chamber through the steam outlet.

[0023] Such an extraction device makes it possible to extract the steam from the cleaning room before the steam cools down to the condensation temperature.

[0024] The extraction device can, for example, be designed as a fan. It is possible for the extraction device to comprise several fans.

[0025] It is possible that the steam outlet is located in the lower area and / or in the upper area of ​​the cleaning room.

[0026] This makes it possible to advantageously extract the steam from the cleaning chamber. If the superheated steam collects, for example, in the upper area of ​​the cleaning chamber, it is possible to advantageously extract the steam that has risen to the upper area due to the heat using a steam outlet arranged in the upper area. If the steam outlet is located in the lower area of ​​the cleaning chamber, it is also possible to use the steam to extract cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber that has reached the lower area of ​​the cleaning chamber due to gravity. If the steam outlet is located in both the upper and lower areas of the cleaning chamber, a combination of these two effects is achieved. In addition, the time required for an exhaustion process can be shortened by arranging several steam outlets.

[0027] It is possible that the steam supply submission at least two

[0028] Steam inlets through which steam can be introduced into the cleaning chamber. It is also possible for the steam supply device to have at least three steam inlets through which steam can be introduced into the cleaning chamber.

[0029] Such an arrangement of multiple steam inlets makes it possible to apply steam to as many items as possible simultaneously. This shortens the time required for all items to be exposed to steam, allowing the items to be dried more quickly.

[0030] It is possible for the steam inlets to be designed as nozzles. Then the items can be targeted with steam if the position of the items can be largely anticipated, for example, because a laundry carrier is designed in such a way that a specific area of ​​the laundry carrier is intended for accommodating a specific item.

[0031] It is possible for the system to have a gas supply device, which can supply a gas into the cleaning chamber. It is also possible for the gas to be actively supplied into the cleaning chamber by the gas supply device.

[0032] By arranging a gas supply device in this way, it is possible to supply a gas into the cleaning room and to displace the steam in the cleaning room with the gas. The steam can therefore be displaced by the gas which is introduced into the cleaning room through the gas supply device, before the steam cools down to the condensation temperature. In addition, the gas can absorb and remove residual moisture which is on the goods and / or in the cleaning room. A gas can also be a gas mixture, for example air. It is possible for the gas or gas mixture to be introduced into the cleaning room in heated or cooled form. The gas can also be nitrogen or carbon dioxide, for example. It is also possible for the gas to be dried air.It is possible for the steam outlet with an extraction device to be located in the upper area of ​​the cleaning system and for an air supply device to be located in the lower area of ​​the cleaning system. The superheated steam in the cleaning room can then be simultaneously extracted by the extraction device and also displaced by the gas introduced into the cleaning room by the gas supply device. These two effects complement and support each other and ensure that the superheated steam can be quickly removed from the cleaning room before the superheated steam cools down to the condensation temperature. This essentially ensures that no condensation water forms in the cleaning room during the drying process and that the goods can be dried.Before the drying process, when the cleaning chamber and the goods are initially heated by the steam, it is quite possible that the steam will at least partially condense. The condensed, hot water droplets that form on the goods and / or the interior walls of the cleaning chamber allow the cleaning chamber and / or the goods to be advantageously heated to the drying temperature.

[0033] It is possible for the gas supply device to comprise a gas heating device, whereby a heated gas can be supplied into the cleaning chamber through the gas supply device. The gas heating device can be thermally connected to the steam outlet. Such a gas supply device with a gas heating device ensures that any residual moisture in the cleaning chamber or on the items being cleaned can be absorbed and removed by the heated air.

[0034] The gas heating device can be thermally connected to the steam outlet, for example, via a heat exchanger. Thus, the thermal energy contained in the steam passing through the steam outlet is transferred via the gas heating device to the gas introduced into the cleaning chamber. This increases the system's energy efficiency and thus reduces operating costs.

[0035] The cleaning system may include a steam generator that can produce superheated steam.

[0036] By arranging a steam generator in this way, the system does not have to be connected to an existing external steam line and the system can be operated independently of an external steam line.

[0037] The steam generator may include a heater. The steam generator may also include a superheat heater. The heater then heats a fluid until the fluid evaporates into a gas, and the superheat heater further heats the fluid that has evaporated into steam, producing superheated steam that can be introduced into the cleaning chamber.

[0038] The steam supply device can comprise at least one steam connection to which an external steam line can be connected. Such a connection allows the system to be easily and simply connected to an existing external steam line. Since steam lines are frequently present in the pharmaceutical sector, the system can thus be easily integrated into existing systems, provided the existing system has a suitable steam heating system.

[0039] At least one temperature sensor can be formed in the cleaning chamber, wherein a temperature in the cleaning chamber can be determined by the temperature sensor.

[0040] Such a temperature sensor can be used to determine the temperature in the cleaning chamber. Since, as previously described, the system is essentially at ambient pressure, the condensation point of the superheated steam in the cleaning chamber can also be determined.

[0041] It is possible for the system to have a control system and for the temperature sensor to be connected to the steam outlet via the control system. Then, during the drying process, when the steam has cooled to a temperature just above the condensation point, this temperature can be determined by the temperature sensor and the control system can use the data from the temperature sensor to cause the steam to be extracted from the cleaning room and / or displaced before the steam condenses. The temperature sensor can also be used before the drying process, when the cleaning room and / or the goods are initially heated, to measure the temperature. This makes it possible to determine when the cleaning room and / or the goods have reached the drying temperature. The temperature sensor can therefore be used to determine the point in time at which the drying process can begin.

[0042] Such a temperature sensor and such a control system ensure that the system can be operated reliably and that the goods are dried as best as possible. When the steam in the cleaning room has cooled down to a temperature just above the condensation point, this temperature can be determined by the temperature sensor and the control system can use the data from the temperature sensor to ensure that more steam is introduced into the cleaning room so that the temperature in the cleaning room always remains above the condensation temperature of the steam during drying. While more steam is being fed into the cleaning room, steam that was previously introduced can be discharged via the steam outlet. This ensures that no excess pressure builds up in the cleaning room.

[0043] The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for drying and / or cleaning goods. The method comprises the following steps:

[0044] - Arranging still wet or moist and / or dirty goods, in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods, in a cleaning room,

[0045] - introducing superheated steam into the cleaning room via a steam supply device and, in particular, pulsating the goods with the steam, whereby the goods and / or the cleaning room are heated in particular by the steam,

[0046] In particular , removal of the steam from the cleaning chamber through a steam outlet , preferably above the condensation point of the superheated steam , In particular , exposure of the goods to a cleaning fluid and preferably simultaneous or alternating exposure of the goods to the cleaning fluid and steam ,

[0047] In particular , removal of condensed water from the cleaning room through a water outlet .

[0048] The goods may be pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods. The facility may be a facility as described above.

[0049] Such a process has essentially the same advantages as a system as previously described.

[0050] It is possible to subject the goods to steam in addition to the cleaning fluid during the cleaning process. It is possible for the goods to be exposed to cleaning fluid and steam alternately during the cleaning process. It is possible for the goods to be exposed to cleaning fluid and steam simultaneously during the cleaning process. The goods can be exposed to steam and cleaning fluid via the washing arm(s) and / or a wash item carrier. Due to the high exit speed of the steam from the steam outlet, dirt on the surface of the items to be cleaned can be loosened by the steam. The loosened dirt can then be bound by the cleaning fluid and carried away. By alternately exposing the goods to steam and cleaning fluid, dirt is loosened several times by the steam and carried away by the cleaning fluid.This results in a very thorough cleaning process with high-quality results. If the goods are alternately or simultaneously exposed to cleaning fluid or steam during the cleaning process, it is possible that the steam will at least partially condense in the cleaning room during cleaning of the goods. The optional process step of removing the steam from the cleaning room above the condensation point therefore takes place after the cleaning process, when the goods are dried. It is therefore possible that the steam will condense in the cleaning room during the cleaning process. Condensation of the steam in the cleaning room is undesirable during the drying process and is largely prevented by the process.Before the drying process, when the goods and / or the cleaning room are first heated to the drying temperature, it is quite possible that the steam will at least partially condense. Due to the at least partial condensation of the steam, hot water droplets are deposited on the goods and / or on the inner wall of the cleaning room. The thermal energy is transferred from the hot water droplets to the goods and / or the inner wall of the cleaning room. By at least partially condensing the steam before the drying process, an advantageous heating of the goods and / or the cleaning room to the drying temperature is possible.

[0051] It is possible to arrange the steam outlets in the cleaning room in such a way that the steam reaches particularly dirty areas of the goods. This allows the goods to be steamed and cleaned particularly effectively.

[0052] By additionally exposing the items to steam during the cleaning process, the amount of cleaning fluid required can be reduced. Furthermore, the cleaning process is accelerated, and the reduction in the amount of cleaning fluid required also means fewer additives are needed. By saving on additives, the system can be operated cost-effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0053] It is possible for the cleaning fluid to be circulated by a pump during the cleaning process. The cleaning fluid can then be used for multiple cleaning operations. The goods can be exposed to cleaning fluid and then steam to loosen dirt from the goods. The goods can then be exposed to circulated cleaning fluid, with the dirt loosened by the steam being absorbed and removed by the circulated cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can be filtered during circulation.

[0054] If the steam is applied between the cleaning items being cleaned with cleaning fluid, the circulation of the cleaning fluid can be interrupted by stopping the power supply to the circulation pump and / or by stopping a circulation valve.

[0055] It is possible that the cleaning fluid is heated during or before the process. It is possible that the cleaning fluid is treated with cleaning chemicals before or during the process.

[0056] The steam that is introduced into the cleaning room through the cleaning fluid line can be saturated steam. Saturated steam is saturated steam. Saturated steam has a high specific heat capacity. This means that saturated steam can transport thermal energy well. Forming the steam that is introduced into the cleaning room through the cleaning fluid introduction device as saturated steam thus ensures that a high level of thermal energy can be introduced into the cleaning room in order to heat and / or dry the goods and / or the cleaning room. Forming the steam that is introduced into the cleaning room through the cleaning fluid line as saturated steam thus ensures an effective and efficient drying process.

[0057] It is possible that saturated steam is designed as saturated steam in the cleaning fluid introduction device and is introduced into the cleaning room as saturated steam from the cleaning fluid introduction device. If there is a pressure of 3 bar in the cleaning fluid introduction device and a pressure of 1 bar in the cleaning room, the saturated steam in the cleaning fluid introduction device has a pressure of 3 bar and during the introduction process the pressure of the steam drops from 3 bar to a pressure of 1 bar. During the introduction process the steam flows quickly and / or turbulently onto the goods. The fast and / or turbulent flow supports the drying process. It is possible that water droplets on the goods are entrained by the fast and / or turbulent flow and are thus mechanically moved away from the goods by the flow of steam. During the introduction process the steam expands and cools down.The saturated steam flowing into the cleaning chamber through the cleaning fluid introduction device becomes superheated steam during the flow. Even if saturated steam is formed in the cleaning fluid introduction device, superheated steam and essentially no saturated steam is formed in the cleaning chamber after the introduction process.

[0058] In the process, the water vapor can be exhausted through the steam outlet and simultaneously or periodically a gas can be supplied into the cleaning space through a gas supply device.

[0059] Simultaneous means that the extraction of water vapor and the supply of gas occur almost simultaneously. Of course, it is possible that the extraction of water vapor and the supply of gas occur with a slight time delay.

[0060] This type of process ensures that the superheated steam in the cleaning chamber is kept at a temperature just above the condensation temperature and can then be quickly removed. With a slower steam removal process, the steam would have to be introduced into the cleaning chamber at a higher temperature, otherwise there is a risk of the steam condensing during the slow removal process. With a constant temperature of the steam being introduced, a faster removal process makes it possible to keep the steam in the cleaning chamber longer before condensation.

[0061] This process step thus extends the drying time and / or reduces the temperature of the steam introduced. This process step thus improves the drying time and thus the drying result and / or reduces the temperature of the steam introduced and thus also the energy consumption of the system.

[0062] It is possible for a steam outlet to be formed in the lower area and in the upper area of ​​the cleaning room, for the steam supply device to be formed in the upper area, for a gas supply device to be formed in the lower area, and for the steam to be discharged from the cleaning room in the upper area via the steam outlet in the lower area when the steam is introduced into the cleaning room, and for the steam to be discharged from the cleaning room via the steam outlet in the upper area when drying is complete. When the steam is discharged, a gas can be introduced into the cleaning area in the lower area through the gas supply device. It is possible for the goods to be dried further by the introduction of the gas, in which residual moisture on the goods evaporates and is discharged by the gas. It is possible for the steam to be sucked off via the steam outlet in the upper area.It is possible that simultaneously with the extraction, gas is supplied through the gas supply device in the lower area of ​​the cleaning room, which at least partially displaces the steam.

[0063] Rapid steam introduction and removal is extremely important to ensure that the steam is evenly distributed throughout the cleaning chamber and does not condense in areas where it remains for a longer period of time during a prolonged introduction and / or removal process. Rapid steam introduction into the cleaning chamber ensures even distribution of the steam. Furthermore, rapid steam introduction creates a fast and / or turbulent flow, which entrains water droplets on the goods and mechanically moves them away from the goods. This accelerates the drying process.

[0064] Introducing the superheated steam in the upper area and simultaneously discharging a gas through the steam outlet in the lower area ensures that the entire cleaning chamber can be quickly filled with the superheated steam and that the goods are thus evenly and quickly exposed to the superheated steam and dried.

[0065] Discharging the steam via a steam outlet located in the upper area of ​​the cleaning chamber is advantageous because the superheated steam collects at the steam outlet due to the heat of the steam in the upper area of ​​the cleaning chamber. The effect of the steam outlet is thus supported by the thermal rise of the steam toward the upper area.

[0066] Simultaneous introduction of the gas into the lower area of ​​the cleaning chamber via the gas supply device ensures that the steam is not only discharged or extracted via the steam outlet, but also that the superheated steam in the cleaning chamber is simultaneously displaced by the gas introduced into the lower area via the gas supply device. This process ensures that the superheated steam can be introduced easily and simply throughout the entire cleaning chamber, allowing the goods to be evenly exposed to superheated steam and dried.

[0067] Such a process also ensures that the superheated steam can be quickly extracted from the cleaning chamber at a temperature above the steam's condensation point. This process significantly shortens the drying time and is therefore extremely effective.

[0068] In the method, a temperature sensor may be arranged in the room and the temperature in the cleaning room may be determined by the temperature sensor.

[0069] Through such a process step, the steam supply and steam removal can be controlled accordingly via a control system. The invention is explained in detail with reference to the following figures. The figures show:

[0070] Figure 1: A cleaning system,

[0071] Figure 2: A cleaning system with a water tank,

[0072] Figure 3: A cleaning system with a gas heater,

[0073] Figure 4 : A cleaning system with a suction device,

[0074] Figure 5: A cleaning system with a heat exchanger,

[0075] Figure 6: A cleaning system with a blower,

[0076] Figure 7: A cleaning system with a circulation pump.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a cleaning system 1. The cleaning system 1 has a cleaning chamber 3. A temperature sensor 19 is arranged in the cleaning chamber 3. The cleaning chamber 3 has an upper region 10 and a lower region 11. A cleaning fluid introduction device 4 is formed in each of the upper region 10 and the lower region 11. The cleaning fluid introduction device 4 in the upper region 10 and in the lower region 11 each comprises a washing arm 5. Thus, two washing arms 5 are formed in the cleaning chamber 3, into each of which a cleaning fluid (not shown) can be introduced from a cleaning fluid introduction device 4. The two washing arms 5 are each mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 26. The rotation axes 26 of the two washing arms 5 are identical. Steam inlets 8 are formed in the washing arms 5.It is possible for steam or a cleaning fluid to be introduced into the cleaning chamber 3 through the steam inlets 8. The laundry carrier 9 is formed between the two washing arms 5. The items 2 are arranged on the laundry carrier 9. The cleaning system 1 has two steam outlets 7. The steam outlets 7 are connected to the upper area 10 and the lower area 11 respectively. The steam outlet 7, which is connected to the lower area 11 of the cleaning chamber 3, is also designed as a gas supply device 13. Thus, steam can be discharged through the steam outlet 7, which is connected to the lower area 11, and gas can be supplied to the cleaning chamber 3 through the gas supply device 13. The cleaning system 1 has a steam supply device 6. The cleaning system 1 is connected to an external steam line 18 via the steam connection 17 via the steam supply device 6.Thus, steam can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 3 via the external steam line 18, the steam connection 17, the steam supply device 6, the cleaning fluid introduction device 4, the washing arms 5, and the steam inlets 8. The cleaning chamber 3 is essentially cuboid-shaped.

[0078] Figure 2 shows a cleaning system 1 analogous to Figure 1. Unlike the cleaning system 1 in Figure 1, the cleaning system 1 in Figure 2 has a steam generator 24 which is connected to the steam supply device 6. The steam generator 24 comprises a water tank 23, a heater 20 and an overheating heater 21. In the steam generator 24, water in the water tank 23 can thus be heated and evaporated by the heater 20. The resulting steam can be superheated by the overheating heater 21 and then introduced into the cleaning chamber 3 through the steam supply device 6, the cleaning fluid introduction device 4, the washing arms 5 and the steam inlets 8. The system 1 from Figure 2 therefore does not require an external steam line 18, but only a water connection 27.

[0079] Figure 3 shows a cleaning system 1 analogous to Figure 1. Unlike in Figure 1, the cleaning system 1 in Figure 3 has a gas supply device 13 which is equipped with a gas heater 28 and a fan 22. It is thus possible to suck in ambient air through the fan 22, heat it by the gas heater 28 and introduce it into the cleaning chamber 3 via the steam outlet 7. The superheated steam which is in the cleaning chamber 3 during the drying process can be displaced in the cleaning chamber 3 by the heated air which is generated by the fan 22 and the gas heater 28. The steam outlet 7 which connects to the lower region 11 is equipped with a valve 25. When gas is introduced into the cleaning chamber 3 via the gas supply device 13, the valve 25 in the steam outlet 7 is closed.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a cleaning system 1 analogous to that in Figure 3. Unlike in Figure 3, the extraction device 12 is arranged in the steam outlet 7. The extraction device 12 is designed as a blower 22. Heated gas can be introduced into the lower region 11 of the cleaning chamber 3 through the gas supply device 13 and the gas heater 28, and steam can be extracted from the upper region 10 of the cleaning chamber 3 through the steam outlet 7 with the blower 22 as the extraction device 12. The heated gas is therefore not forced into the cleaning chamber 13 by the gas supply device 13, but rather is sucked into the cleaning chamber 3 through the extraction device 12 and the steam outlet 7.

[0081] Figure 5 shows a cleaning system 1 analogous to that in Figure 3. Unlike in Figure 3, the cleaning system 1 in Figure 5 has a heat exchanger 15. The steam outlets 7 are connected to the heat exchanger 15. By means of the blower 22 of the gas supply device 13, gas can be introduced through the heat exchanger 15 and the gas supply device 13 into the cleaning chamber 3. In this state, the valve 25 is closed. Thus, gas heated by the blower 22 and the heat exchanger 15 via the gas supply device 13 is fed into the lower region 11 of the cleaning chamber 3. The heated gas displaces the superheated steam in the cleaning chamber 3. The displaced superheated steam reaches the heat exchanger 15 via the steam outlet 7, which is arranged in the upper region of the cleaning chamber 3.In the heat exchanger 15, the gas, which is pumped into the heat exchanger 15 via the blower 22 of the gas supply device 13, is thermally connected to the superheated steam, which is discharged from the cleaning chamber 3 via the steam outlet 7, which is arranged in the upper region 10. Thus, the superheated steam, which is displaced from the cleaning chamber 3 and fed into the heat exchanger 15, transfers thermal energy to the gas, which is fed into the heat exchanger 15 by the blower 22 in the gas supply device 13. This ensures that the thermal energy of the superheated steam can be utilized and the system 1 thus operates energy-efficiently.

[0082] Figure 6 shows a cleaning system 1 similar to Figure 5. Unlike in Figure 5, the blower 22 is arranged as a suction device 12 in the steam outlet 7, which is arranged in the upper region 10 of the cleaning chamber 3. Unlike in Figure 5, in Figure 6 the saturated steam is sucked out of the upper region 10 of the cleaning chamber 3 via the blower 6 and the steam outlet 7, and heated air is fed into the lower region 11 of the cleaning chamber 3 via the gas supply device 13, which leads through the heat exchanger 15. Figure 7 shows a cleaning system 1 similar to Figure 1. Unlike in Figure 1, the cleaning system 1 in Figure 7 comprises a circulating pump 29 and a first valve 30, a second valve 31 and a third valve 32. With such a cleaning system 1 with a circulation pump 29, it is possible to use one cleaning fluid for several cleaning processes.Cleaning fluid can be sucked out of the cleaning chamber 3 by the circulation pump 29 and introduced into the cleaning chamber 3 through the first valve and the cleaning fluid introduction devices 4, the washing arms 5 and the steam inlets 8. The second valve 31 is arranged in the cleaning fluid introduction device 4. The third valve 32 is arranged in the gas supply device 13 and in the steam outlet 7, which connect to the lower region 11 of the cleaning chamber 3. While the circulation pump 29 pumps cleaning fluid, the first valve 30 is open and the second valve 31 and the third valve 32 are each closed. After the cleaning fluid has been circulated and the goods 2 have been exposed to the cleaning fluid, the first valve 30 is closed and the second valve 31 is opened.When the second valve 31 is open and the first valve 30 is closed, the goods 2 are subjected to steam from the external steam line 18, via the steam connection 17, the cleaning fluid introduction device 4 and the steam inlets 8 in the washing arms 5. While the steam is being admitted, gas can escape via the steam outlet 7 so that no pressure builds up in the cleaning chamber 3. The third valve 32 is closed during the cleaning process. The introduction of steam through the steam connection 17 and the cleaning fluid introduction device 4 as well as the circulation of the cleaning fluid and the exposure of the goods 2 to the cleaning fluid can be carried out alternately and repeated.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cleaning system (1) for cleaning goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2) , comprising a cleaning chamber (3) for receiving cleaning items (2), wherein in the cleaning chamber (3) at least one cleaning fluid introduction device (4) and in particular a washing arm (5) for introducing cleaning fluid is formed, characterized in that at least one steam supply device (6) , through which superheated and / or saturated steam can be supplied into the cleaning chamber (3) and at least one steam outlet (7) , through which superheated and / or saturated steam from the cleaning chamber (3) is designed to be dischargeable.

2. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam supply device (6) is formed at least partially in the cleaning fluid introduction device (4), in particular in the washing arm (5), and / or in a laundry carrier (9).

3. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam supply device (6) comprises, when used as intended, a steam inlet (8) in the upper region (10) and / or in the lower region (11) of the cleaning chamber (3).

4. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam outlet (7) is connected to a suction device (12) so that steam can be sucked out of the cleaning chamber (3) through the steam outlet (7).

5. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam outlet (7) is formed in the lower region (11) and / or in the upper region (10) of the cleaning chamber (3).

6. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam supply device (6) has at least two steam inlets (8), preferably at least three steam inlets (8), through which steam can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (3).

7. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (1) has a gas supply device (13), wherein gas can be supplied, in particular actively supplied, into the cleaning chamber (3) by means of the gas supply device (13).

8. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the gas supply device (13) comprises a gas heating device (14), wherein gas heated by the gas supply device (13) can be supplied into the cleaning chamber (3) and the gas heating device (14) is connected, in particular for thermal purposes, to the steam outlet (7).

9. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (1) comprises a steam generator (24) by means of which superheated and / or saturated steam can be generated.

10. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam supply device (6) comprises at least one steam connection (17) to which an external steam line (18) can be connected.

11. Cleaning system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor (19) is formed in the cleaning chamber (3), wherein a temperature in the cleaning chamber (3) can be determined by the temperature sensor (19).

12. A method for drying and / or cleaning goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2), in particular in a plant (1) according to one of claims 1-11, comprising the following steps: - arranging still wet or moist and / or dirty goods (2), in particular pharmaceutical and / or laboratory goods (2), in a cleaning room (3), - introducing saturated and / or superheated steam and in particular saturated steam into the cleaning chamber (3) via a steam supply device (6) and, in particular, pulsating the goods (2) with the steam, whereby the goods and / or the cleaning chamber are heated in particular by the steam, In particular, discharging the steam from the cleaning chamber (3) through a steam outlet (7), preferably above the condensation point of the superheated and / or saturated steam, in particular, subjecting the goods to a cleaning fluid and preferably simultaneously or alternately subjecting the goods to the cleaning fluid and the steam, in particular, discharging condensed water from the cleaning chamber through a water outlet.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the water vapor is sucked out through the steam outlet (7) and simultaneously or periodically a gas is supplied into the cleaning chamber (3) by a gas supply device (13).

14. Method according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that a steam outlet (7) is formed in each of the lower region (11) and in the upper region (10) of the cleaning chamber (3), and the steam supply device (6) is formed in the upper region (10), and a gas supply device (13) is formed in the lower region (11), and when the steam is introduced into the cleaning chamber (3) in the upper region (10), gas is discharged via the steam outlet (7) in the lower region (11), and after drying is complete, the steam is discharged, preferably sucked off, from the cleaning chamber (3) via the steam outlet (7) in the upper region (10), wherein when the steam is discharged, in particular a gas is introduced into the cleaning chamber (3) in the lower region (11) by the gas supply device (13).

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the temperature in the cleaning room (3) is determined by a temperature sensor (19) in the cleaning room (3).

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