Device for disinfecting an object.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for disinfecting an object comprising a housing in which an internal disinfection chamber is provided, which housing has an inlet opening for introducing the object into said chamber and a means for moving said object within said chamber, characterized in that: - at least one ultraviolet radiation source is disposed on a wall of the chamber, which UV source is arranged to emit UV radiation directed towards at least one face of the object when it is introduced and moving within the chamber, - an optical lens is placed in front of the UV source, which lens is configured so that the UV radiation is emitted at a solid angle of at least 120°, - a reflective surface is disposed on a wall of the chamber, opposite the UV source, so as to reflect the UV radiation towards another face of the object when it is introduced and moving within said chamber.- The motion mechanism is installed in the chamber and configured to move the object within said chamber along a path that allows at least 90% of the object's surface to be irradiated by the emitted and / or reflected UV radiation.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for disinfecting an object. Technical field.

[0001] The subject of the invention is a device for disinfecting (or decontaminating, the two terms being synonymous in the present context) an object.

[0002] The invention relates to the technical field of devices for inactivating and / or eliminating the harmfulness of micro-organisms (germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) present on the surface of an object, in particular, but not exclusively on a pen, a card, a mobile phone, or a digital tablet. State of the art.

[0003] Disinfecting an object before use is important to prevent the spread of microorganisms that can cause disease. The surfaces of objects used daily such as mobile phones, pens, magnetic cards are indeed places where microorganisms can spread easily. Microorganisms are transferred, for example, from human to human, by contact with these same contaminated surfaces. These risks of cross-contamination appear most generally in private and / or public establishments such as offices, restaurants, shops, health establishments, banking establishments, sports facilities, etc.

[0004] By disinfecting these objects before use, the risk of contracting a disease is reduced. For this reason, there is a growing need to carry out disinfection of these objects more regularly.

[0005] Since the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, liquid disinfection products (such as hydroalcoholic solutions) have been widely used. Although effective, these liquid products must be replaced frequently and can leave residue on the surface of objects. In addition, applying liquid products to objects containing electronic components (mobile phones, tablets, magnetic cards, etc.) risks damaging them.

[0006] Also known from patent document US5,428,856 (Thorne) is a device for disinfecting playing cards comprising a housing in which an internal disinfection chamber is arranged. This housing has an inlet opening for introducing the cards into the chamber and drive rollers allow said cards to be moved in said chamber. During their movement, the surfaces of the cards are moistened by a liquid disinfectant product and then dried. This device does not, however, solve the aforementioned technical problems and is also exclusively suitable for flexible objects of the type playing card.

[0007] One objective of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Another objective of the invention is to provide a device that is particularly effective in terms of disinfection, which can be used for many everyday objects, in particular those with or without electronic components, and whether they are flexible or rigid, while preserving their physical integrity. Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a disinfection device that is simple to design and use, robust, inexpensive and requires reduced maintenance. Presentation of the invention.

[0008] The solution proposed by the invention is a device for disinfecting an object comprising a housing in which an internal disinfection chamber is arranged, which housing has an inlet opening for introducing the object into said chamber and a means for moving said object in said chamber, characterized in that: - at least one source of ultraviolet radiation is arranged on a wall of the chamber, which UV source is arranged so as to emit UV radiation directed towards at least one face of the object when it is introduced and moving in the chamber, - an optical lens is placed in front of the UV source, which lens is configured so that the UV radiation is emitted at a solid angle of at least 120°, - a reflective surface is arranged on a wall of the chamber, opposite the UV source, so as to reflect the UV radiation towards another face of the object when it is introduced and moving in said chamber, - the movement means is installed in the chamber and configured so as to move the object in said chamber along a path allowing at least 90% of the surface of said object to be irradiated by the emitted and / or reflected UV radiation.

[0009] UV radiation is now used to inactivate and / or eliminate harmful microorganisms from the surface of objects to be disinfected. The object is disinfected by simply passing it through the disinfection chamber. This technique leaves no residue on the surface of the objects, as no liquid product needs to be used.

[0010] In addition, since UV irradiation only occurs in the internal chamber, this disinfection solution does not present any risk to the health of people present near the disinfection device.

[0011] Also, this solution is particularly economical insofar as the combination of the UV source, the optical lens and the reflective surface makes it possible to reduce the number of UV sources (which generally have a consumption low electrical).

[0012] Furthermore, the device is particularly effective in terms of disinfection since the design of the chamber allows the majority of the surface of the object to be exposed to UV radiation. The presence of non-irradiated parts of the object, where microorganisms can persist, is thus very significantly reduced.

[0013] Other advantageous characteristics of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above. Each of these characteristics contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the remarkable characteristics defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0014] According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one of the following characteristics: the UV source emits in the UV-C band, preferably in wavelengths between 250 and 270 nm; and / or the UV source is activated for a duration between 0.5 s and 30 s; and / or the UV source is installed in the chamber so as to be located at a distance between 0.5 cm and 2 cm from the surface of the object when it is introduced and moving in said chamber, preferably at a distance of 1 cm ± 10%.

[0015] According to one embodiment, several UV sources are arranged on a wall of the chamber, which sources are arranged in one or more adjacent columns, each column comprising from two to fifteen sources.

[0016] According to one embodiment, several UV sources are installed in the chamber, and in which: either an optical lens is placed opposite each said source, or an optical lens is placed opposite several or all of said sources.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the movement means is formed of a support and an actuator; the actuator is in the form of an electric motor, the support being integral with the axis of rotation of said motor; the support is integral with the axis of rotation of said motor, which support has a housing in which one end of the object is housed; the support is configured so that when the object is installed in said support and said motor is actuated, said object is rotated about its longitudinal axis.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one of the following characteristics: the housing of the support is in the axis of the inlet opening; and / or the rotation speed of the motor is between 0.2 rad / s and 0.4 rad / s; and / or the source is activated to emit the ultraviolet radiation when the object is installed in the support, and deactivated when said support has rotated 180° or 360°.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the movement means is formed of one or more pairs of drive rollers or rollers installed in the chamber, the rollers or rollers of each pair being configured to sandwich the object at its large faces when said object is inserted into the chamber, said rollers or rollers being configured so that when they are rotated, they cause the translation of said object in the chamber, along an axis.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one of the following characteristics: the housing has an outlet opening arranged opposite the inlet opening, the path of the object in the chamber being located between said inlet opening and said outlet opening; and / or the chamber has side walls provided with a reflective surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the movement means comprises a crown movable in rotation around a central axis, which crown has at least one arrangement in which one end of the object is housed; the chamber is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; the rotation of the crown drives the object in a circular movement, along a path such that said object moves in the chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the crown comprises a gear mechanism making it possible to transmit the rotational movement of said crown to the object, so that said object is also rotated about its longitudinal axis when said crown is rotated about the central axis.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the movement means comprises a carriage moving on rails, which carriage has at least one arrangement in which one end of the object is installed; the chamber is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; the rails are arranged so as to move the carriage in the chamber, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the movement means comprises a support mounted to be movable in rotation about an axis so that said support is able to pivot between a disinfection position where the object is located in the chamber and a gripping position where said object is located outside said chamber, said object being driven in a circular movement when said support pivots; the opening is arranged in a wall of the housing to allow the passage of the object into / out of the chamber when the support pivots. Brief description of the figures.

[0025] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of preferred embodiments which follow, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a disinfection device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.3] is a schematic sectional view along AA of the device of [Fig.2].

[0029] [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] illustrate an alternative embodiment of the device according to the first embodiment, the housing being shown respectively in a lowered position and in a raised position.

[0030] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of a disinfection device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.6] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.7A] is a schematic sectional view along BB of the device of [Fig.6].

[0033] [Fig.7B] illustrates reflections inside the chamber of the device of [Fig.7A], the movement means not being shown for the sake of clarity. [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of a disinfection device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig.9] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig. 10] is a schematic sectional view along CC of the device of [Fig.9]. [Fig. 11] is a schematic sectional view of a disinfection device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Description of the embodiments.

[0036] The invention is used to inactivate and / or eliminate the harmfulness of micro-organisms (germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) present on the surface of an object, in particular on everyday objects, in particular on a pen, a card (bank card, health card, driving license, identity card, loyalty card, etc.), a mobile phone (in particular a smartphone) or a digital tablet.

[0037] The device is particularly intended for use in private and / or public establishments such as offices, restaurants, shops, pharmacies, medical practices, healthcare establishments, banking establishments, sports facilities, etc. It makes it possible in particular to reduce the number of cross-transmissions between people when handling objects. First embodiment

[0038] Figures 1 to 4B illustrate a first embodiment of the invention particularly well suited to the disinfection of an object having a generally cylindrical shape such as a pen.

[0039] Referring to [Fig.l], the disinfection device comprises a housing 1 having a cylindrical shape. Other shapes can however be envisaged such as polyhedral or spherical shapes for example.

[0040] The housing 1 has for example a height of between 10 cm and 50 cm, and a diameter of between 1 cm and 20 cm. The thickness of the walls of the housing 1 can be between 1 mm and 1 cm. It is made of a rigid material of the plastic, composite, steel, metal, alloy, glass, etc. type. The housing 1 can be obtained by various techniques, in particular by molding, injection, machining or assembly of several parts. The housing 1 can be provided with a fixing and / or a weighting means making it possible to hold it in position and / or prevent it from falling and / or prevent it from being stolen.

[0041] An internal disinfection chamber 2 is provided in the housing 1. The object to be disinfected is introduced into this internal chamber 2 from an opening 10 provided on a wall of the housing 1. In [Fig.l], this opening 10 is located on the upper end of the housing 1. The opening 10 is shaped to the shape of the object to be disinfected. It may, for example, be circular in shape for a pen, or rectangular in shape for a card, a telephone or a tablet. Its dimensions are preferably complementary, that is to say adjusted to those of the object.

[0042] The walls of the housing 1 are preferably opaque so that the UV irradiation only occurs in the chamber 2. There is thus no risk to the health of people present near the housing 1, as UV rays can be irritating to the skin and risk damaging the eyes. The opacity of the walls can result directly from the choice of the material used and / or from a coating applied to the external face and / or the internal face of said walls. To further limit these risks, the opening 10 can be closed during UV irradiation, for example by a hatch or a cover.

[0043] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the chamber 2 is shaped to the shape of the object 3 to be disinfected. The chamber 2 may have a cylindrical, polyhedral, spherical, etc. shape. For example, the chamber 2 is preferably cylindrical in shape for disinfecting a cylindrical object 3 of the pen type. It will preferably be rectangular in shape for disinfecting a parallelepiped object 3 of the card, telephone or tablet type. The chamber 2 may have a height of between 5 cm and 30 cm and a diameter of between 0.5 cm and 20 cm.

[0044] One or more sources 4 of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are arranged on a wall of the chamber 2. For reasons of clarity, the remainder of the description refers to several UV sources 4, but only one source can be used. In practice, from one to fifteen UV sources 4 can be installed in the chamber 2, depending on the size of the object 3 and / or the desired exposure dose.

[0045] The UV sources 4 are arranged so as to emit UV radiation R oriented towards at least one face of the object 3 when it is introduced into the chamber 2. The UV sources 4 are powered by an electrical power source which is in particular in the form of batteries installed in the housing 1 or which comes from the mains to which said housing is connected. A processing unit and / or a timer embedded in the device make it possible to adjust the activation time of the UV sources 4.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the UV sources 4 are configured and / or adjusted to emit in the UV-C band, more particularly in wavelengths located between 200 and 300 nanometers (nm), advantageously between 240 and 280 nm. A good compromise between speed and effectiveness of disinfection is obtained when the UV sources 4 emit in wavelengths between 250 and 270 nm.

[0047] The number and / or power of the UV sources 4 are adapted so that the exposure dose of the object 3 is between 1 mJ / cm2 and 15 mJ / cm2 (millijoule per square centimeter). Good results in terms of disinfection efficiency are obtained when the exposure dose is between 2.5 mJ / cm2 and 3.5 mJ / cm2. The exposure time can be set between 0.5 s and 30 s.

[0048] The UV 4 sources are preferably UV-C LEDs. However, they can be in other forms, such as fluorescent tubes, mercury vapor discharge lamps or any other technology suitable to those skilled in the art.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the UV sources 4 are installed in the chamber 2 so as to be located at a distance of between 0.5 cm and 2 cm from the surface of the object 3, preferably at a distance of 1 cm ± 10% so that at least 90% of the radiation emitted by said sources is projected onto said object.

[0050] When two or more UV sources 4 are used, they are arranged in one or more adjacent columns, preferably a single column, each column comprising from two to fifteen sources. The number of columns and the number of sources per column depend in practice on the size of the object 3 and / or the desired exposure dose.

[0051] To irradiate the largest possible surface area of ​​the object 3 with a minimum of UV sources 4, the UV radiation is emitted at a solid angle of at least 120°. To do this, an optical lens 40 is placed opposite each UV source 4. According to an alternative embodiment, a common lens is placed opposite several or all of the UV sources 4.

[0052] The lens 40 may be in the form of a diverging lens making it possible to diverge the beam of rays emitted by the UV source(s) 4, into a wide beam forming a solid angle of at least 120°. According to another embodiment, the lens 40 has a faceted structure configured so that the UV radiation is emitted at a solid angle of at least 120°. The facets may be planar, and for example arranged to form roof prisms. The facets may also be curved, for example in the shape of a spherical cap. A lens 40 having a faceted structure is preferred when this lens is common to several UV 4 sources.

[0053] To limit the number of UV sources4, a reflective surface 5 is arranged on a wall of the chamber 2, opposite the UV sources 4. The reflective surface 5 can be arranged on all the walls of the chamber 2, although this is not necessary. This surface 5 makes it possible to reflect the UV radiation towards another face of the object 3. The reflection is illustrated by the arrows in [Fig.3]. This reflected radiation is referenced R' in the attached figures. The reflective surface 5 can be in the form of a mirror, a polished metal surface, a reflective film, a reflective coating, etc. The majority of the surface of the object 3 is therefore irradiated by the emitted UV radiation R and by the reflected UV radiation R'.

[0054] In Figures 2 and 3, the object 3 is a pen inserted and positioned in the chamber 2 along its longitudinal axis XX. For other objects such as a card, telephone or tablet, positioning along the longitudinal axis of said object is also preferred. Positioning along the transverse axis of the object 3 is also conceivable.

[0055] The faces of the object 3 located directly opposite the UV sources 4 and the reflective surface 5 are those which receive a maximum exposure dose and where the inactivation and / or elimination of the harmfulness of the microorganisms are maximum. The other faces can receive a lower exposure dose (for example from 0% to 50% of the maximum dose), so that the harmfulness of the microorganisms can remain on these faces.

[0056] To remedy this, the device comprises a means for setting the object 3 in motion in the chamber 2. This setting means is installed in the chamber 2 and configured so as to move the object 3 in said chamber along a path making it possible to irradiate at least 90% of the surface of said object by the UV radiation R emitted and / or reflected R'. In [Fig.2], this setting means is formed of an object support 6 and an actuator 7.

[0057] The support 6 has a housing 60 in which one end of the object is housed. The housing 60 has a shape complementary to the end of said object. It preferably has a cylindrical or conical shape when the object 3 is of the pen type. It may be in the form of a slot when the object is of the telephone or tablet type, which slot is configured to receive an edge of said telephone or said tablet. The housing 60 may optionally be provided with a coating making it possible to hold the object 3 in position along its longitudinal axis X. X, and more generally along its positioning axis in the chamber 2. This coating may for example be a rubber coating. The support 6 is advantageously made of a transparent material (for example plastic or glass), so that the portion of the object 3 located in the housing 60 can receive the UV radiation emitted R and / or reflected R'.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 60 is in the axis of the inlet opening 10 so that when the object 3 is introduced into the chamber 2, its end is automatically positioned in said housing.

[0059] The actuator 7 is preferably in the form of an electric motor, the support 6 being integral with the axis of rotation of said motor. When the object 3 is installed in the support 6 and the motor is actuated, said object is thus rotated around the axis XX. In this way, all of the faces of the object 3 are located directly opposite the UV sources 4 and the reflective surface 5 so that all of said faces receive a maximum exposure dose.

[0060] The rotation speed depends on the desired exposure dose and the power of the UV radiation. For example, if the power of the UV radiation is 15 mW (milliwatt) and the desired exposure dose is 3 mJ / cm2, a rotation speed between 0.2 rad / s (radian per second) and 0.4 rad / s may be considered.

[0061] The motor 7 is powered by an electrical power source which may be common to that used to activate the UV sources 4 or separate. A processing unit and / or a timer embedded in the housing 1 make it possible to adjust the activation time of the motor 7.

[0062] The use and operation of the device are preferably carried out in the following manner: - Box 1 is installed on a desk or other similar surface such as a reception desk. - The object 3 to be disinfected is inserted into the chamber 2 from the opening 10, until it is positioned in the support 6. - When the object 3 is positioned in the support 6, the opening 10 is possibly closed and the UV sources 4 and the motor 7 are activated. This activation can be carried out manually by a person, for example by actuating a dedicated button 11 provided on the housing 1 ([Fig. 1]). This activation can also be carried out automatically, without human intervention, for example by means of a sensor installed in the housing 60 and capable of detecting the positioning of the object 3 in the support 6. - When the object 3 (or the support 6) has made a complete turn (360°) around its axis XX and all the faces of said object have been located directly opposite the UV sources 4 and the reflective surface 5, the dice operation infection is complete and said sources and said motor are deactivated. The disinfected object 3 can then be removed from the chamber 2. A visual and / or audible alarm signal is advantageously generated by the device at the end of this disinfection operation.

[0063] It should be noted that when the object 3 (or the support 6) has made a half-turn (180°) around its axis XX, all of its faces have been located directly either opposite the UV sources 4 or opposite the reflecting surface 5. All of the faces of the object 3 have therefore been exposed either to the emitted UV radiation R or to the reflected UV radiation R'. It is therefore possible to obtain effective disinfection even over a half-turn and to stop the disinfection operation when the object has made a rotation of 180°. This makes it possible to reduce the duration of the disinfection operation.

[0064] In [Fig.2], the object 3 is attached to a link 8 allowing it to be removed manually from the chamber 3. This link 8 has one end fixed to the object 3 and another end fixed to the housing 1. It can, for example, be in the form of a chain or a retractable wire.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the housing 1 is mounted to move in translation on a guide 9, along the axis XX. This guide 9 can serve as a base for the device. The translation of the housing 1 can be operated manually by a person or automatically (for example by means of a rack system).

[0066] In a lowered position ([Fig.4A]), the housing 1 is in a position such that the object 3 protrudes from the opening 10 so that it can be grasped by one of its ends. This lowered position is used for inserting the object into the chamber 2 and removing it from said chamber.

[0067] In a raised position ([Fig.4B]), the housing 1 is in a position such that the object 3 is completely confined in the chamber 2. This raised position is used for the disinfection operation. Second embodiment

[0068] Figures 5 to 7B illustrate a second embodiment of the invention particularly well suited to the disinfection of an object having a generally parallelepiped shape such as a card, a telephone or a tablet.

[0069] In [Fig. 5], the housing 1 has a parallelepiped shape. For example, it has a length of between 10 cm and 50 cm, a width of between 10 cm and 50 cm and a height of between 5 cm and 10 cm. The thickness of the walls of the housing 1 may be between 1 mm and 1 cm.

[0070] Apart from its shape, the housing 1 is similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0071] The opening 10 is shaped to the shape of the object to be disinfected. It is in particular in the form of a slot for a card, a telephone or a tablet. Its dimensions are complementary, that is to say adjusted to those of the object.

[0072] One or more UV sources 4 and a reflective surface 5 are installed in the chamber 2. These UV sources 4 (as well as their lens 40) and this reflective surface 5 are identical to those described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0073] In Figures 6, 7A and 7B, the UV sources 4 are installed at a bottom wall of the chamber 2 and the reflecting surface on an upper wall opposite said bottom wall. However, reverse positioning is possible. Positioning on the side faces of the chamber 2 is also possible depending on the position of the object 3 in said chamber.

[0074] In Figures 6, 7A and 7B, the object 3 is a card introduced into the chamber 2 along its longitudinal axis XX. However, it could be a telephone or a tablet, the operation being the same. The UV sources 4 and the reflective surface 5 are installed so that the large faces 30, 31 of the card 3 (i.e. those having the largest surface area) are located opposite said sources or said reflective surface.

[0075] The reflective surface 5 may be arranged only on the wall of the chamber 2 located opposite the wall carrying the UV sources 4 or on other walls of said chamber. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, side walls of the chamber 2 are also provided with a reflective surface 50. Indeed, the large faces of the object 3 are capable of forming a screen for the emitted radiation R, so that only a portion of it can be reflected by the “main” reflective surface 5 arranged on the wall opposite the UV sources 4. Also, the “lateral” reflective surfaces 50 are arranged and / or configured to reflect more of the emitted radiation R, towards the “main” reflective surface 5. These reflections are illustrated by the arrows in [Fig.7B]. The reflected radiation R' by the “main” reflective surface 5 can then cover a larger area of ​​the object 3.

[0076] The means for moving the object 3 is here formed of drive rollers or rollers 70 installed in the chamber 2. One or more pairs of rollers or rollers 70 may be provided. In [Fig.6], the UV sources 4 and the reflecting surface 5 are installed between two pairs of rollers or rollers. The rollers or rollers of each pair sandwich the object 3 at its large faces 30, 31. These rollers or rollers 70 are rotated by an actuator of the electric motor type 71, the axis 700 of at least one of the rollers or rollers 70 being engaged with the axis of said motor. Thus, when the rollers or rollers 70 are rotated, they cause the translation of the object 3 in the chamber 2, along the axis XX. Insofar as it is an axial translation, the object 3 moves in a single plane. Object 3 is therefore not subject to any deformation stress likely to damage it, so that the device is suitable for rigid objects, unlike the device described in the aforementioned patent document US5,428,856.

[0077] The speed of movement of the object 3 in the chamber 2 (and incidentally the speed of rotation of the rollers or wheels 70) depends on the desired exposure dose and the power of the UV radiation. For example, if the power of the UV radiation is 15 mW (milliwatt) and the desired exposure dose is 3 mJ / cm2, a movement speed of between 1 mm / s and 10 mm / s can be envisaged. The motor 71 is powered by an electrical power source which may be common to that used to activate the UV sources 4 or separate. A processing unit and / or a timer embedded in the housing 1 make it possible to adjust the activation time of the motor 71.

[0078] The use and operation of the device according to the second embodiment are preferably carried out in the following manner: - Box 1 is installed on a desk or other similar surface such as a reception desk. - The object 3 to be disinfected is inserted into the chamber 2 from the opening 10, until its edge is engaged with a pair of rollers or wheels 70. - When the object 3 is engaged, the UV sources 4 and the motor 70 are activated. This activation can be carried out manually by a person, for example by actuating a dedicated button 11 provided on the housing 1 ([Fig.5]). This activation can also be carried out automatically, without human intervention, for example by means of a sensor installed at the rollers or wheels 70 and capable of detecting that the object 3 is engaged. - When the object 3 translates in the chamber 2, at least a portion of its large lower face 31 is irradiated by the emitted radiation R. And at least a portion of its large upper face 30 is irradiated by the reflected radiation R'. The irradiated portion covers the entire width of the object 3. The object 3 is driven in translation as long as the entire surface of the large faces 30, 31 is not completely irradiated. In other words, the object 3 is driven in translation as long as the entire surface of the large faces 30, 31 is not located directly opposite the UV sources 4 or the reflecting surface 5. - When the entire surface of the large faces 30, 31 is irradiated, the disinfection operation is complete and the UV sources 4 are deactivated. - A visual and / or audible alarm signal is advantageously generated by the device at the end of this disinfection operation.

[0079] In [Fig.6], the path of the object 3 is located between the entrance opening 10 and a outlet opening 12 arranged in the housing 1, opposite said inlet opening. Thus, the object 3 is inserted into the chamber 2 from the inlet opening 10 and exits said chamber through the outlet opening 12. When the object 3 has exited through the outlet opening 12, it is certain that the entire surface of the large faces 30, 31 has been irradiated. The motor 71 can be deactivated as soon as the object 3 has exited through the outlet opening 12.

[0080] The object 3 to be disinfected can for example be introduced from the inlet opening 10 by a first person (for example a person contaminated by a virus) and be recovered disinfected from the outlet opening 12 by another healthy person.

[0081] According to an alternative embodiment, the entry and exit of the object 3 are made only from the opening 10, the housing being devoid of the exit opening 12. In this case, when the entire surface of the large faces 30, 31 has been irradiated (“aisle path” of the object 3), the motor 71 is controlled to drive the rollers or wheels 70 in a reverse direction, so as to cause the reverse translation (“return path”) of the object 3, the latter then being able to exit through the opening 10. The UV sources 4 can be deactivated at the end of the “aisle path” or at the end of the “return path”.

[0082] It will be noted that in this second embodiment, it is essentially the large faces 30, 31 which are subjected to the UV radiation emitted R and reflected R'. The small lateral faces 32 can be irradiated to a lesser extent. However, to the extent that the surface area of ​​the small lateral faces 32 can be negligible compared to the surface area of ​​the large faces 30, 31, the disinfection of the object 3 remains excellent. In any event, the lateral reflective surfaces 50 also make it possible to reflect part of the emitted radiation R towards these small lateral faces 32 so that the object 3 is in practice disinfected on all of these faces. Third embodiment

[0083] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention suitable for disinfecting an object having a generally cylindrical shape such as a pen, but is also suitable for an object having a generally parallelepiped shape such as a card, a telephone or a tablet.

[0084] In [Fig.8], the housing 1 has a generally cylindrical shape, having a portion 120 truncated by a plane perpendicular to the bases. The housing 1 has, for example, a height of between 10 cm and 50 cm, and a diameter of between 1 cm and 20 cm. The thickness of its walls may be between 1 mm and 1 cm. Other shapes are, however, conceivable.

[0085] The chamber 2 is arranged in the portion 120. One or more UV sources 4 and a reflective surface 5 are installed in the chamber 2. The UV sources 4 (as well as their lens 40) and the reflective surface 5 are identical to those described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0086] In [Fig. 10], the UV sources 4 are installed at a side wall of the chamber 2 and the reflecting surface 5 on an opposite wall. Positioning on other faces of the chamber 2 is also possible depending on the position of the object 3 in said chamber.

[0087] The object 3 is, for example, a pen. It moves vertically in the chamber 2, oriented along its longitudinal axis XX. However, another orientation is possible. It could also be a telephone or a tablet, the operation being the same. The UV sources 4 and the reflective surface 5 are installed so that at least 90% of the surface of the object 3 is irradiated by the UV radiation.

[0088] The means for setting the object 3 in motion is here in the form of a carousel composed of a crown 61 movable in rotation around a central axis YY. The crown 61 has at least one arrangement 610 in which one end of the object 3 is housed.

[0089] The object 3 is advantageously attached to a link 8. This link 8 has for example one end fixed to the object 3 and another end fixed in the arrangement 610. It can for example be in the form of a chain or a retractable wire.

[0090] In the example of Figures 8 to 11, the crown 61 is arranged in the upper part of the housing 1. The object 3 is held vertically on the crown 61, along its axis XX. The upper end of the object 3 is installed in the arrangement 610 so that said object is suspended on said crown. The upper end of the object 3 can be held in position in the arrangement 610 by means of a mechanical connection such as a spring clamp, friction pad or mandrel, or by a magnetic connection.

[0091] According to an alternative embodiment, the crown 61 is arranged in the lower part of the housing 1, the lower end of the object 3 being in this case installed in the arrangement 610 so that said object is held vertically along its axis XX.

[0092] The crown 61 is rotated around the axis YY by an actuator of the electric motor type 611. The latter is powered by an electrical power source which may be common to that used to activate the UV sources 4 or separate. When the electric motor 611 is running, the crown 61 rotates and the object 3 is driven in a circular movement. During its path, the object 3 moves in the chamber 2 in which it receives the UV radiation (emitted and reflected).

[0093] The rotation speed of the crown 61 (i.e. the speed of movement of the object 3 in the chamber 2) depends on the desired exposure dose and the power of the UV radiation. For example, if the power of the UV radiation is 15 mW (milliwatt) and the desired exposure dose is 3 mJ / cm2, a movement speed of between 1 mm / s and 10 mm / s can be envisaged. A processing unit and / or a timer embedded in the housing 1 make it possible to adjust the engine activation time 611.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the crown 61 comprises a gear mechanism making it possible to transmit the rotational movement of said crown to the object 3 so that said object is also rotated about its axis XX when said crown is rotated about the axis YY. Thanks to this combined rotation of the object 3 on itself and about the axis YY, all of its faces are located directly opposite the UV sources 4 and the reflecting surface 5 so that all of said faces receive a maximum exposure dose.

[0095] The chamber 2 is provided with an inlet opening 10 and an outlet opening 12 arranged in the housing 1, opposite said inlet opening. These openings are advantageously provided with hatches which retract automatically when the object 3 passes through. These hatches make it possible to confine the chamber 2 so that the UV radiation does not exit said chamber. The openings 10, 12 (and where appropriate their hatch) are shaped to the shape and dimensions of the object 3.

[0096] The use and operation of the device according to the third embodiment are preferably carried out in the following manner: - Box 1 is installed on a desk or other similar surface such as a reception desk. The disinfected object 3 is initially positioned in chamber 2. - When a person wishes to retrieve the disinfected object 3, he brings his hand close to one or more detection sensors 13 installed on the housing 1. When the presence of the person is detected, the motor 611 is activated so that the crown 61 pivots to remove the object 3 from the chamber 2. The crown 61 rotates for example by 180°. This activation can also be carried out manually for example by actuating a dedicated button provided on the housing 1. - When the crown 61 is rotated, the object 3 reaches the exit opening 12, the trapdoor of which retracts as it passes (shown in dotted line in [Fig.10]). The object 3 is then accessible to the user who can grab it and use it (shown in dotted line in [Fig.9]). - When the object 3 is put back into position in the arrangement 610, the motor 611 is activated so that the crown 61 pivots to bring the object 3 into the chamber 2. The crown 61 rotates for example by 180°. This activation can be carried out manually by a person for example by actuating a dedicated button provided on the housing 1 or automatically, for example by means of a sensor installed at the arrangement 610 and capable of detecting that the object 3 is properly engaged in said housing. - When crown 61 is rotated, object 3 reaches the aperture entrance 10, the trapdoor of which retracts as it passes (shown in dotted line in [Fig. 10]). - When the object 3 enters the chamber 2, the UV sources 4 are activated. This activation can be carried out manually, for example by actuating a dedicated button provided on the housing 1, or automatically, for example by means of a sensor installed in the chamber 2 and capable of detecting the presence of the object 3 in said chamber. - During its movement in the chamber 2, the object 3 is irradiated by UV radiation. When at least 90% of the surface of the object 3 is irradiated, the disinfection operation is completed, the motor 611 and the UV sources 4 being deactivated. - A visual and / or audible alarm signal is advantageously generated by the device at the end of this disinfection operation.

[0097] A similar operation occurs when the object 3 is initially positioned outside the chamber 2: the crown 61 is rotated to drive the object to be disinfected into the chamber 2, from the inlet opening 10, in which it is disinfected; the object then comes out through the outlet opening 12 until it reaches the final position where it can be grasped and is ready to be used. The crown 61 thus rotates 360° between the initial position and the final position.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the crown 61 has a multitude of arrangements 610 arranged radially around the axis YY, so as to be able to disinfect several objects in a short time.

[0099] According to an alternative embodiment, the crown 61 is replaced by a carriage moving on rails. These rails are arranged so as to move the carriage in the chamber 2, between the inlet opening 10 and the outlet opening 12. The carriage is advantageously provided with an arrangement in which one end of the object 3 is installed. The rails can be arranged so that the trajectory of the carriage is circular or non-circular, for example elliptical. Fourth embodiment

[0100] [Fig. 11] illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention. The housing 1 has a spherical shape, but other shapes are conceivable, for example cylindrical or parallelepiped. The housing 1 has for example a diameter of between 10 cm and 50 cm, the thickness of its walls being able to be between 1 mm and 1 cm.

[0101] One or more UV sources 4 and a reflective surface 5 are installed in the chamber 2. These UV sources 4 (as well as their lens 40) and this reflective surface 5 are identical to those described with reference to the previous embodiments.

[0102] The object 3, and more particularly one of its ends, is positioned in a support 62 mounted to rotate about an axis 620. The support 62 is thus able to pivot between a disinfection position where the object 3 is located in the chamber 2 and a gripping position where said object is located outside said chamber so that it is accessible to the user who can grasp it and use it (shown in dotted line).

[0103] The chamber 2 is provided with an opening 10 arranged in a wall of the housing 1 and allowing the passage of the object 3 into / out of said chamber. This opening is advantageously provided with a retractable hatch allowing the chamber 2 to be confined. The opening 10 (and where appropriate its hatch) is shaped to the shape and dimensions of the object 3.

[0104] The support 62 is rotated by an actuator of the electric motor type, powered by an electrical power source which may be common to that used to activate the UV sources 4 or separate. When the electric motor is running, the support 62 pivots and the object 3 is driven in a circular movement between the disinfection position and the gripping position. During its journey, the object 3 moves in the chamber 2 in which it receives the UV radiation (emitted and reflected).

[0105] The use and operation of the device according to the fourth embodiment are preferably carried out in the following manner: - Box 1 is installed on a desk or other similar surface such as a reception desk. The disinfected object 3 is initially positioned in chamber 2. - When a person wishes to retrieve the disinfected object 3, he brings his hand close to one or more detection sensors installed on the housing 1. When the presence of the person is detected, the motor is activated so that the support 62 pivots to remove the object 3 from the chamber 2. The support 62 pivots for example by 180°. This activation can also be carried out manually for example by actuating a dedicated button provided on the housing 1. - When the support is rotated, the object 3 reaches the opening 10, the trapdoor of which retracts as it passes. The object 3 then reaches the gripping position. - When the object 3 is returned to position in the support 62, the motor is activated so that said support pivots to bring the object 3 into the chamber 2. The support rotates for example by 180°. This activation can be carried out manually by a person for example by actuating a dedicated button provided on the housing 1 or automatically, for example by means of a sensor installed at the level of the support 62 and capable of detecting that the object 3 is properly engaged in said support. - When the support 62 is rotated, the object 3 reaches the opening 10, the trapdoor of which retracts as it passes. - When the object 3 enters the chamber 2, the UV sources 4 are activated. This activation can be carried out manually, for example by actuating a dedicated button provided on the housing 1, or automatically, for example by means of a sensor installed in the chamber 2 and capable of detecting the presence of the object 3 in said chamber. - During its movement in chamber 2, up to the disinfection position, the object 3 is irradiated by UV radiation. When at least 90% of the surface of the object 3 is irradiated, the disinfection operation is completed, the motor and the UV sources 4 being deactivated. - A visual and / or audible alarm signal is advantageously generated by the device at the end of this disinfection operation.

[0106] A similar operation occurs when the object 3 is initially in the gripping position: the support 62 is rotated to drive the object to be disinfected into the chamber 2, from the opening 10, and in which it is disinfected; by a reverse rotation movement, the support pivots so that the object comes out through the opening 10 until it reaches the gripping position. Test results

[0107] The disinfection efficiency of the device, according to the two aforementioned embodiments, was evaluated according to a method conforming to the AFNOR SPEC T72-902 standard.

[0108] The tests were carried out with the microbial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in order to evaluate the capacity of the device to reduce the harmfulness of these microorganisms. These strains were used to contaminate a card of dimensions 8.5 x 5.5 cm.

[0109] After contamination, the card is inserted through the opening 10 of the housing 1 and is then recovered at the end of the disinfection operation.

[0110] The test results show that the device which is the subject of the invention induces a reduction of at least 99% in the number of viable microorganisms when the card receives an exposure dose of between 2.5 mJ / cm2 and 3.5 mJ / cm2.

[0111] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0112] Further, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be generalized to other embodiments, even if that feature or features are described only in combination with other features.

[0113] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0114] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for disinfecting an object comprising a housing (1) in which an internal disinfection chamber (2) is arranged, which housing has an inlet opening (10) for introducing the object into said chamber and a means (6, 61, 611, 62, 7, 70, 71) for moving said object in said chamber, characterized in that: - at least one source (4) of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is arranged on a wall of the chamber (2), which UV source is arranged so as to emit UV radiation (R) oriented towards at least one face of the object (3) when it is introduced and moving in the chamber, - an optical lens (40) is placed in front of the UV source (4), which lens is configured so that the UV radiation (R) is emitted at a solid angle of at least 120°, - a reflective surface (5) is arranged on a wall of the chamber (2), opposite the UV source (4),so as to reflect the UV radiation (R') towards another face of the object (3) when it is introduced and in motion in said chamber, - the movement means (6, 61, 611, 62, 7, 70, 71) is installed in the chamber (2) and configured so as to move the object (3) in said chamber along a path making it possible to irradiate at least 90% of the surface of said object by the emitted (R) and / or reflected (R') UV radiation.,

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following characteristics: - the UV source (4) emits in the UV-C band, preferably in wavelengths between 250 nm and 270 nm, - the UV source (4) is activated for a duration between 0.5 s and 30 s, - the UV source (4) is installed in the chamber (2) so as to be located at a distance between 0.5 cm and 2 cm from the surface of the object (3) when it is introduced and moving in said chamber, preferably at a distance of 1 cm ± 10%.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which several UV sources (4) are arranged on a wall of the chamber (2), which sources are arranged in one or more adjacent columns, each column comprising from two to fifteen sources.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which several UV sources (4) are installed in the chamber (2), and in which: either an optical lens (40) is placed opposite each said source, or an optical lens (40) is placed opposite several or all of said sources.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: - the movement means is formed of a support (6) and an actuator (7), - the actuator (7) is in the form of an electric motor, the support (6) being integral with the axis of rotation of said motor, - the support (6) is integral with the axis of rotation of said motor, which support has a housing (60) in which one end of the object (3) is housed, - the support (6) is configured so that when the object (3) is installed in said support and said motor is actuated, said object is rotated around its longitudinal axis (XX).

6. Device according to claim 5, comprising at least one of the following characteristics: - the housing (60) of the support (6) is in the axis of the inlet opening (10), - the rotation speed of the motor is between 0.2 rad / s and 0.4 rad / s, - the source (4) is activated to emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation when the object (3) is installed in the support (6), and deactivated when said support has rotated 180° or 360°.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: - the movement means is formed of one or more pairs of drive rollers or wheels (70) installed in the chamber (2), - the rollers or rollers (70) of each pair are configured to sandwich the object (3) at its large faces (30, 31) when said object is inserted into the chamber (2), said rollers or rollers being configured so that when they are rotated, they cause the translation of said object in the chamber (2), along an axis (XX).

8. Device according to claim 7, comprising at least one of the following characteristics: - the housing (1) has an outlet opening (12) arranged opposite the inlet opening (10), the path of the object (3) in the chamber (2) being located between said inlet opening and said outlet opening, - the chamber (2) has side walls provided with a reflective surface (50).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: - the movement means comprises a crown (61) movable in rotation around a central axis (YY), which crown has at least one arrangement (610) in which one end of the object (3) is housed, - the chamber (2) is provided with an inlet opening (10) and an outlet opening (12), - the rotation of the crown (61) drives the object (3) in a circular movement, along a path such that said object moves in the chamber (2) between the inlet opening (10) and the outlet opening (12).

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the crown (61) comprises a gear mechanism for transmitting the rotational movement of said crown to the object (3), so that said object is also rotated about its longitudinal axis (XX) when said crown is rotated about the central axis (YY).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: - the movement means comprises a carriage moving on rails, which carriage has at least one arrangement in which one end of the object (3) is installed, - the chamber (2) is provided with an inlet opening (10) and an outlet opening (12), - the rails are arranged so as to move the carriage in the chamber (2), between the inlet opening (10) and the outlet opening (12).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: - the movement means comprises a support (62) mounted to rotate about an axis (620) so that said support is able to pivot between a disinfection position where the object (3) is located in the chamber (2) and a gripping position where said object is located outside said chamber, said object being driven in a circular movement when said support pivots, - the opening (10) is arranged in a wall of the housing (1) to allow the passage of the object (3) into / out of the chamber (2) when the support (62) pivots.

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