Sterilising apparatus

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for sterilising baby bottles and their associated components.SOLUTION: An apparatus (2), for sterilising objects, comprising a chamber (12), for housing objects to be sterilised and sterilisation means for sterilising objects within the chamber (12). The apparatus (2) further comprises a forced air flow device arranged to direct air into the chamber (12) and at least one nozzle (16) extending into the chamber (12) and arranged to direct air from the forced air flow device. The at least one nozzle (16) comprises at least one outlet (26) arranged to direct air along and around an axis of the nozzle (16) to create a helical flow of air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilising apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for sterilising feeding bottles and their associated parts.

Background Art

[0002] It is considered necessary to sterilise all feeding utensils before each use until the baby reaches around one year old. For example, a feeding bottle, together with its associated parts including the nipple and the lid, must be sterilised before use. Sterilising before each use ensures the killing of any microorganisms, such as bacteria, present on the utensils, and thus helps to avoid the baby getting sick from using the utensils.

[0003] There are various methods for sterilising feeding utensils, including electric steam sterilisers, microwave steam sterilisers, boiling pans, and cold water sterilisation. As is understood, since feeding utensils are used frequently, it is necessary to sterilise such utensils frequently accordingly. Therefore, a simple and easy-to-use sterilising apparatus is preferred by most users, and many users rely on electric steam sterilisers for convenience.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An electric steam sterilizer is generally a freestanding device that can be placed on a countertop. They function by boiling water to generate steam that passes near the feeding utensils contained within the device. The steam sterilizes the feeding utensils and kills almost all bacteria that may be present on the utensils. Once sufficient steam is generated and / or the steam has passed near the utensils for a sufficient time to sterilize the feeding utensils, the device is turned off and the contents are allowed to cool and dry. A typical electric steam sterilizer utilizes a relatively low-output heating element to heat water and generate steam. As a result of using a low-output heating element, the sterilization process can take a significant amount of time. Further, after the sterilization process is complete, it can take a long time for the utensils to dry and cool. Due to the nature of infants and the feeding routine, this can be a problem as users generally cannot wait a long time for the utensils to dry.

[0005] Higher performance electric steam sterilization devices further include a fan that blows air into the device to assist in speeding up the drying process. These devices shorten the drying time compared to the more basic devices described above. However, even with a fan, the drying time can still be quite long, for example about 20 minutes. In many cases, since the sterilization of feeding utensils is performed immediately before use, a long drying time can interfere with the feeding of infants.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention aims to solve or at least mitigate the above problems and is a device for sterilizing an object, comprising a chamber for containing the object to be sterilized, sterilization means for sterilizing the object within the chamber, a forced air flow device configured to blow air into the chamber, and at least one nozzle extending into the chamber and configured to direct the air from the forced air flow device. Provide an apparatus in which the at least one nozzle comprises at least one outlet configured to direct air along the axis of the nozzle to flow around the axis to create a helical air flow.

[0007] The applicant recognizes that the helical air flow formed by the at least one outlet can create an air flow in the chamber that is particularly well-suited for rapidly drying an object placed in the chamber. The nozzle can be shaped to receive the object to be disinfected. For example, the nozzle can be shaped and sized such that a baby bottle with the nipple removed can be placed on the nozzle. Thus, the helical air flow will flow around the inside of the object, for example, around the inside of the baby bottle, thereby shortening the drying time. The applicant has found that the apparatus according to the present invention can significantly shorten the drying time, for example, by about 50%, for example, from 20 minutes to 10 minutes in a disinfection apparatus used for disinfecting and drying feeding utensils. By shortening the drying time, the apparatus can be more suitable for its applications, for example, disinfecting and drying feeding utensils where a short required time is often desired. In a set of embodiments, the apparatus is a disinfection apparatus for baby utensils, for example, feeding utensils. For example, the apparatus can be suitable for disinfecting objects including, but not limited to: baby bottles (including all of their respective parts), pacifiers, teething rings, and other baby utensils that require disinfection.

[0008] The spiral air flow formed by the at least one outlet may be capable of sufficiently drying an object placed on the at least one nozzle. However, in one set of embodiments, the at least one nozzle comprises a further outlet configured to be aligned with the axis of the nozzle and direct air to flow along the axis of the nozzle. Thus, the air directed to flow along the axis of the nozzle forms an axial air flow. The combination of the axial air flow and the spiral air flow may be particularly well-suited for drying certain objects that may be placed on the at least one nozzle. For example, in the exemplary case of an inverted bottle, the spiral air flow may act to dry the round sidewall of the bottle, and the axial air flow may be directed towards the bottom of the inverted bottle, which is opposite the further outlet. Thus, this can ensure that the entire inside of the bottle is dried.

[0009] It may be possible to create a spiral air flow by imparting an appropriate shape to the outlet at the location where the air exits the further outlet. For example, the outlet may have a curved shape, such as a spiral shape, that causes the air passing through the outlet to flow in a spiral. Merely imparting the shape to the outlet may be sufficient to create a spiral air flow that maintains the spiral shape as it exits the further outlet. However, in one set of embodiments, the nozzle comprises an internal spiral air flow path that leads towards the outlet. The internal spiral air flow path can cause at least a portion of the air passing through the nozzle to flow into the spiral flow path as it flows towards the outlet. Introducing the air in this way before it exits the outlet can help ensure that the air flow maintains a spiral shape after it exits the outlet. This can help ensure that the spiral air flow can effectively perform a sufficient drying function after it leaves the nozzle.

[0010] The above-described spiral flow path can be integrally formed within the nozzle, for example, as part of a molded product of the nozzle. However, in one set of embodiments, the nozzle comprises a separate insert that defines a spiral air flow path when inserted into the nozzle. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, it may be difficult to integrally form a spiral flow path within the nozzle, and thus the insert that defines the spiral air flow path can simplify the manufacture of the present device. The insert may comprise a conduit that passes through the insert and provides a flow path to the additional outlet described above. Thus, the insert can function to divide the air between the at least one outlet and the additional outlet. Further, the conduit may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the additional outlet. According to this, the speed of the air exiting from the additional outlet can be increased, thereby creating a strong axial air flow. For example, the additional outlet may be circular and have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the conduit, which is also circular.

[0011] The insert may be configured to extend partway into the nozzle and define a cavity between the end of the insert and the additional outlet. The nozzle may have a conical tip, and thus this cavity may also have a conical shape. The conical cavity can function to direct the air leaving the conduit of the insert towards the additional outlet.

[0012] The insert may also comprise at least one positioning mechanism configured to engage a corresponding positioning mechanism on the nozzle. This can help ensure that the insert is placed in the correct position within the nozzle and, thus, that the insert can reliably direct the air towards the at least one outlet and / or the additional outlet.

[0013] In another set of embodiments, air from the forced air flow device is fed into the nozzle so as to flow around the inner wall of the nozzle, thereby creating a helical air flow within the nozzle. The air may be fed into the nozzle by air duct means, such as a manifold, disposed within the device. The air can be fed into the nozzle in any suitable manner such that the air flows around the inner wall of the nozzle. The inner wall of the nozzle can be shaped appropriately to form a helical air flow. The nozzle may be at least partially cylindrical, and thus the inner wall can also be at least partially cylindrical. This shape can cause the air to flow in a helical pattern. In a further set of embodiments, the air may enter the nozzle at least partially tangentially, for example, tangentially with respect to the inner wall of the nozzle. The above-described embodiments may be combined with the helical air flow path. Such a combination of features can advantageously form a strong helical air flow that maintains its helical shape over a long distance and / or for a long time even after leaving the nozzle. However, advantageously, the applicant has recognized that introducing the air flow so as to flow around the inner wall of the nozzle to create a helical air flow may eliminate the need to provide a helical air flow path inside the nozzle. This can simplify the manufacture of the device, particularly its nozzle.

[0014] Even a single outlet may be capable of generating a spiral air flow that sufficiently contributes to shortening the drying time of an object within the chamber. However, in one set of embodiments, the at least one outlet includes a plurality of outlets each configured to direct air along the axis and around the axis so as to generate a spiral air flow. Each of the plurality of outlets may have any of the features of the outlets described above or below. The plurality of outlets may contribute to the formation of a strong spiral air flow that maintains a spiral shape over a sufficient distance even after leaving the nozzle. Thereby, the spiral air flow can surely contribute to the rapid drying of the object disposed covering the nozzle. The plurality of outlets may include, for example, two outlets. In an exemplary case of two outlets, each of these outlets may be diametrically opposed on the nozzle. Further, in such an example, one-third of the air flow passing through the nozzle may pass through the additional outlet, one-third of the air flow passing through the nozzle may pass through one of the outlets, and one-third of the air flow may pass through the other of the outlets. One of the plurality of outlets may be disposed on one side of the nozzle, and another outlet may be disposed on the opposite side of the nozzle. In embodiments having a plurality of outlets, the outlets may be arranged at equal angles around the nozzle.

[0015] As described above, the nozzle can be shaped and sized to receive an object to be disinfected and subsequently dried. Thus, the number of nozzles may vary depending on the purpose of use of the apparatus. In one set of embodiments, the at least one nozzle includes a plurality of nozzles. Thus, the apparatus may be capable of rapidly drying a plurality of objects. For example, the apparatus may be capable of disinfecting and drying a plurality of baby bottles, in which case each baby bottle is placed covering one of the plurality of nozzles. For example, in the case of an apparatus designed to disinfect six baby bottles, the plurality of nozzles may include six nozzles. The plurality of nozzles can ensure that the axial and spiral air flows are fed into each of the objects to be individually dried, thus enabling high-speed drying of each of the objects.

[0016] The nozzle can receive several objects to be disinfected and dried, while other objects may be placed elsewhere in the chamber. For example, a bottle can be placed on the nozzle, and other parts such as nipples and caps can be placed elsewhere in the chamber. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, air can enter the object placed on the nozzle and circulate inside it, and then flow out of the object, for example through the opening of the object, and into the chamber. However, the air that has flowed into the chamber after circulating inside the object may already have a high moisture content, for example, after drying has been carried out inside the object, and thus may not be able to sufficiently dry other objects in the chamber. Moreover, the air leaving the bottle may have a reduced wind speed, which may thereby reduce its ability to dry other objects in the chamber. For this reason, in one set of embodiments, the apparatus further comprises air directing means located downstream of the forced air flow device and configured to direct a first portion of the air to pass through the at least one nozzle and a second portion of the air to enter the chamber directly. Thus, the air flow from the forced air flow device is split between the at least one nozzle and the rest of the chamber. By directing the second portion of the air to enter the chamber directly, a separate air flow into the chamber, distinct from the air flow from the nozzle, is provided, and this air flow can dry other objects in the chamber that are not placed on the nozzle. For example, the second portion of the air can pass by other objects in the chamber that are not placed on the nozzle, such as nipples and caps. The air directing means can comprise any suitable configuration capable of appropriately splitting the air. For example, the air directing means may comprise a plurality of flow paths configured to appropriately direct each portion of the air.

[0017] The relative portion of air directed to pass through the at least one nozzle and the relative portion of air directed to enter the chamber directly may vary depending on the use of the apparatus and the type of object to be dried therein. However, in one set of embodiments, the first portion of the air comprises from 40% to 60%, preferably 50%, of the air sent by the forced air flow device. The Applicant has found that dividing the air in this way into at least one nozzle and the air directly supplied to the chamber can be particularly well-suited for drying an object, such as a bottle, placed on the at least one nozzle. Thus, this can help ensure that the air flow passing through the at least one nozzle can suitably dry the object placed thereon.

[0018] The at least one nozzle may be a completely separate part from other parts of the apparatus, such as air directing means, and may be suitably connected to such parts. However, in one set of embodiments, the at least one nozzle is integrally formed with the air directing means. For example, the at least one nozzle and the air directing means may consist of a single plastic molded article. Integrally molding the at least one nozzle with the air directing means in this way can reduce the number of separate parts in the apparatus and speed up the manufacture and assembly of the apparatus. The air directing means may be in the form of a manifold.

[0019] As described above, an object can be placed on the at least one nozzle. In one set of embodiments, the nozzle has a conical tip. The conical tip can facilitate placing an object on the nozzle. The first outlet may be disposed at the apex of the conical tip.

[0020] As described above, the air flow from the at least one nozzle can act to dry the object in the chamber, specifically the object placed on the at least one nozzle. It may be necessary to dry the object due to the residual moisture remaining on the object after disinfection by the disinfection means. For example, the disinfection means may include a configuration for immersing the object in a disinfection solution. The disinfection solution can be discharged from the chamber, and then a forced air flow device can be used to dry the object in the chamber. However, this is only one form of the disinfection means. In a set of embodiments, the disinfection means includes a steam generator configured to feed steam into the chamber. The steam generator can provide a quick and convenient means for disinfecting the object in the chamber while avoiding the use of chemicals. After the disinfection process using the steam from the steam generator, the water remaining on the object in the chamber can be dried by the air flow generated by the forced air flow device, particularly the air flow generated by the at least one nozzle. Therefore, the present device can be configured to operate in a disinfection mode for operating the disinfection means and a drying mode for operating the forced air flow device.

[0021] As described above, a portion of the air sent by the forced air flow device can be directed to pass through the at least one nozzle, and another portion of the air can be directed to enter the chamber. In a set of embodiments, the device has at least one inlet, separate from the at least one nozzle, for allowing air to enter the chamber directly. The at least one inlet may be considered to allow air to enter the chamber directly since the inlet does not receive the object placed thereon, whereas the at least one nozzle can be directed to direct air not directly into the chamber itself but first into the object placed on the nozzle. The air can then exit the object and flow into the chamber. Of course, if no object is placed on the nozzle, the air can enter the chamber directly. In a set of embodiments, the device includes at least one inlet configured to allow a portion of the air sent by the forced air flow device to enter the chamber, and at least one chamber outlet configured to allow fluid to escape from the chamber, and the at least one inlet and the at least one chamber outlet are arranged within the chamber such that at least a portion of the air entering the chamber through the at least one inlet moves in a first direction away from the at least one chamber outlet. Thus, as will be understood, arranging the at least one inlet such that the air entering the chamber through the at least one inlet moves in a first direction away from the at least one outlet means that the air must first circulate at least partially within the chamber in order to flow out of the chamber through the chamber outlet. The applicant has found that the circulation achieved by this arrangement improves the circulation of the air within the chamber, and thus the drying time of the object within the chamber can also be shortened.

[0022] The applicant recognizes that the arrangement of the at least one inlet and the chamber outlet is novel and inventive in itself, and thus, from a further aspect, the present invention is a device for disinfecting an object, A chamber for accommodating an object to be disinfected, disinfection means comprising a steam generator configured to send steam into the chamber, a forced air flow device configured to send air into the chamber, at least one inlet configured such that air sent by the forced air flow device can enter the chamber, and at least one chamber outlet configured to allow fluid to escape from the chamber, wherein the at least one air inlet and the at least one chamber outlet are arranged in the chamber such that at least a part of the air entering the chamber through the at least one inlet moves in a first direction away from the at least one chamber outlet, providing a device.

[0023] Such a device has the above-mentioned advantage that the drying time of operating the forced air flow device can be shortened compared with conventional disinfection devices.

[0024] In an embodiment of this second aspect of the present invention, the device may further comprise at least one nozzle, and the at least one nozzle may comprise at least one outlet configured to direct air to flow around an axis along the axis of the nozzle to generate a spiral air flow. Further, the at least one nozzle may comprise a further outlet aligned with the axis of the nozzle and configured to direct air to flow along the axis of the nozzle. The at least one nozzle may have the same advantages as the at least one nozzle described above with respect to the embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, and may similarly comprise any of the features of the at least one nozzle described above with respect to the embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Here, features applicable to corresponding embodiments of any aspect of the present invention described above will be described. The at least one inlet and the at least one chamber outlet can be disposed at any suitable position such that air passing through the inlet first moves in a direction away from the outlet. In one set of embodiments, the at least one chamber outlet is disposed at the lower part of the chamber. For example, the at least one chamber outlet may be disposed at the lower part of the side wall of the chamber. Disposing the outlet at the lower part of the chamber is advantageous because it can avoid allowing vapor and, optionally, heated air to escape towards the top of the chamber. According to this, heating of parts of the device that a user is likely to come into contact with, such as the cover, can be avoided. Therefore, according to this, the possibility of harm to the user can be minimized.

[0026] The at least one inlet may have any suitable form capable of directing air away from the at least one chamber outlet. The form of the at least one inlet may depend at least in part on the relative arrangement of the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. For example, the at least one inlet may be angled away from the at least one chamber outlet such that air is directed away from the at least one chamber outlet. However, in one set of embodiments, the at least one inlet comprises a conduit extending into the chamber. In embodiments comprising at least one chamber outlet disposed at the lower portion of the chamber, the conduit may advantageously extend beyond the at least one chamber outlet such that air from the at least one inlet does not bypass the remainder of the chamber and immediately exit through the at least one chamber outlet. The conduit may extend to a height above the at least one chamber outlet such that air can move away from the at least one chamber outlet and be forced to circulate within the chamber before flowing out through the at least one chamber outlet. In a further set of embodiments, the conduit extends from the bottom of the chamber towards the central portion of the chamber. Such a set of embodiments can directly provide an air flow to an object stored at a higher location within the chamber, thereby assisting in the rapid drying of such an object.

[0027] Regardless of the form of the at least one inlet and the at least one chamber outlet, the at least one inlet and the at least one chamber outlet can be positioned at any suitable relative position within the chamber such that air from the at least one inlet is directed away from the at least one chamber outlet. In one set of embodiments, the at least one inlet is disposed above the at least one chamber outlet. Disposing the at least one inlet above the at least one chamber outlet is advantageous because it can further minimize the amount of air that bypasses the chamber and immediately exits through the at least one chamber outlet. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an air flow moving towards the at least one chamber outlet can draw the surrounding air flow towards the at least one chamber outlet. Thus, by disposing the at least one inlet above the at least one chamber outlet, the amount of air that can be drawn towards the at least one chamber outlet by other air flows within the device can be minimized. Therefore, this enables the air from the at least one inlet to reliably circulate properly within the chamber, thereby drying the object placed within the chamber and then exiting through the at least one chamber outlet. This can be particularly important, for example, when the air flow rate from the forced air flow device is smaller due to a low-speed fan that may be desired to minimize the noise of the device.

[0028] Air entering the chamber in a direction away from the at least one chamber outlet can advantageously be circulated within the chamber before exiting the chamber outlet. In one set of embodiments, the portion of the chamber opposite the at least one air inlet is shaped to deflect the direction of the air circulating within the chamber toward the at least one air outlet. In such embodiments, the air flow can be directed to more efficiently circulate within the chamber, thereby further improving the air circulation, and thereby improving the drying effect of the air. For example, the upper wall of the chamber may be curved to direct the air flow toward the lower part of the chamber. By imparting a shape for directing the air flow to a part of the chamber, the air circulation can be controlled as desired, which may include delivering air to the entire specific region within the chamber that might otherwise not receive a strong air flow.

[0029] In one set of embodiments, the at least one chamber outlet is configured to cause a pressure increase within the chamber. This can be achieved by any suitable means. In one set of embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the at least one chamber outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air supply port to the forced air flow device. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, by making the cross-sectional area of the at least one chamber outlet smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air supply port, the at least one air outlet can restrict the flow of air exiting the chamber, so that the interior of the chamber can be pressurized during use. By thus restricting the flow of air exiting the chamber, the air circulation within the chamber can be increased before the air escapes. This increase in circulation can shorten the drying time of the object within the chamber. Furthermore, air under elevated pressure may be able to hold more moisture, and thus can more efficiently dry the object within the chamber. In embodiments where there are multiple chamber outlets, the cross-sectional area of the multiple chamber outlets can be the sum of the respective cross-sectional areas of these chamber outlets.

[0030] The forced air flow device may be capable of pushing a large amount of air into the chamber, so that the air flow rate exiting the chamber, specifically from the at least one chamber outlet, can be relatively large. As a result, a stable air and / or vapor flow can be pushed out of the chamber through the at least one chamber outlet. In embodiments where the air and / or vapor flow exiting the at least one chamber outlet has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air supply port where air is drawn in by the forced air flow device at the at least one chamber outlet, the flow can be even more powerful. The powerful air and / or vapor flow exiting the chamber can harm the user or the environment in which the device is placed. Therefore, in a set of embodiments, the device further comprises an expansion chamber disposed downstream of the at least one chamber outlet, the expansion chamber having at least one device outlet in fluid communication with the environment in which the device is placed. The expansion chamber can disrupt the air and / or vapor flow exiting the at least one chamber outlet, which may be in a pressurized state due to the relative size of the at least one chamber outlet as described above. The at least one device outlet can be appropriately positioned such that air and / or vapor exits the device in an area where the user is less likely to place other objects. This is advantageous as it can help prevent harm to the user of the device or objects in the vicinity of the device.

[0031] In a further set of embodiments, the at least one device outlet has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the at least one chamber outlet. At least, when compared with the cross-section of the at least one chamber outlet, the larger cross-sectional area of the at least one device outlet allows air to flow out of the expansion chamber into the environment in which the device is located in a more diffused form. Thus, this can avoid the output of a strong air and / or vapor flow from the device that may harm the user or an object in the environment where the device is placed. The at least one device outlet may include a plurality of device outlets. In embodiments with a plurality of device outlets, the cross-sectional area of the plurality of device outlets may be the sum of the respective cross-sectional areas of these device outlets. Similarly, in embodiments with a plurality of chamber outlets, the cross-sectional area of the plurality of chamber outlets may be the sum of the respective cross-sectional areas of the plurality of chamber outlets.

[0032] In embodiments including a steam generator, the steam generator may have any suitable configuration capable of generating steam. In one set of embodiments, the steam generator includes a heating element configured to heat a heated base disposed below the chamber. Such a configuration can be a convenient configuration for a steam generator capable of generating steam that can spread upward into the chamber. The heated base may have a depression in its center for containing water. Thus, the user can simply pour water into the chamber to supply water for generating steam to the steam generator, and the water can flow into the depression.

[0033] In order to efficiently dry the object in the chamber, it is considered desirable to send "fresh" air, that is, air that has not yet circulated in the chamber, into the chamber. For this reason, in a set of embodiments, the forced air flow device is configured to send air from the environment in which the device is placed into the chamber. Accordingly, the forced air flow device acts to send air from outside the device, that is, fresh air, into the chamber. The air from outside the device has a low moisture saturation, and thus it may be possible to dry the object in the device more quickly. The air may be drawn into the device through an air supply port that is in fluid communication with the environment in which the device is placed by the forced air flow device. The air supply port may be separated from the device outlet so that the forced air flow device does not immediately recirculate the air that has exited the device. For example, the air supply port and the device outlet may be arranged on different sides of the device, or may be arranged at the top and bottom. Similarly, the at least one device outlet may be configured to direct the air away from the air supply port so that the air flowing out of the device is not immediately drawn back into the device.

[0034] The forced air flow device may include any suitable device for pushing air into the chamber. In a set of embodiments, the forced air flow device includes an electric fan. The electric fan may be a DC fan, but since it is not necessary to provide a DC power source inside the device, the electric fan is preferably an AC fan. The types of forced air flow devices that can be used are not limited to electric fans. In an alternative example, the forced air flow device may include an air pump without a fan, such as a positive displacement pump.

[0035] As described above, by appropriately controlling the air flow in the chamber, the drying time can be significantly shortened. The drying time of the object in the chamber can also be accelerated by heating the air in the chamber. This can be achieved by any suitable means. For example, in an embodiment including a steam generator with a heated base, the heated base can be continuously heated even after steam generation to heat the air flowing into the chamber. However, in a set of embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an electric heating element configured to heat the air sent by the forced air flow device.

[0036] The above electric heating element can be disposed at any suitable position within the apparatus so as to be able to heat the air in the chamber. For example, the heating element may be disposed in the chamber and exposed to the air in the chamber, and may be, for example, an immersion heating element. Alternatively, the heating element may be provided directly in the air flow sent by the forced air flow device, that is, immediately downstream of the forced air flow device. Advantageously, in this arrangement, all of the air sent by the forced air flow is heated. The electric heating element may be of any suitable type, for example, a sheathed heating element or a heating element made of a coiled wire. By providing a heating element to heat the air in the chamber, the temperature of the air circulated in the chamber by the forced air flow device rises, and due to the increased temperature, the water condensed on the object within the apparatus can dry more quickly.

[0037] In particular, in embodiments comprising a steam generator where steam is distributed within the chamber, it is considered desirable to prevent moisture from reaching a forced air flow device that may include exposed electrical components. For this reason, in one set of embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a one-way valve disposed downstream of the forced air flow device and configured such that air flows through the one-way valve toward the chamber. Thus, the one-way valve allows air to flow from the forced air flow device toward the chamber while preventing air, or other fluids, from traveling toward the forced air flow device. Thereby, the apparatus can prevent moisture that could damage the electrical components of the forced air flow device from reaching the forced air flow device, thus ensuring the safety of the apparatus. The one-way valve can be provided by any suitable means. For example, the one-way valve may include a flap valve that is elastically biased such that the air flow from the forced air flow device can overcome the elastic bias. The elastically biased valve can be biased to a closed position when the forced air flow device is not performing an operation to generate an air flow.

[0038] The apparatus may comprise any suitable means for controlling its operation. For example, the apparatus may comprise a control device. The control device may include an electronic and / or thermomechanical device configured to control the operation of the apparatus. For example, the electronic and / or thermomechanical device may be configured to start and stop the operation of the forced air flow device. The forced air flow device may be operated for a certain period of time, for example. In embodiments comprising a steam generator, the electronic and / or thermomechanical device may be configured to stop the operation of the steam generator when a threshold temperature is detected. The threshold temperature may be a temperature indicating that all the water has evaporated to form steam. The electronic device may include a thermistor configured to sense the temperature of a part of the apparatus.

[0039] Since the main purpose of this device is to disinfect the object placed in the chamber, it is important to ensure that the chamber remains in a disinfected state, especially after disinfection has been carried out. As will be understood, sending air into the chamber in the drying mode increases the risk that the disinfected object within the device will be contaminated by the passage of airborne bacteria. Thus, in one set of embodiments, the device further comprises an air filter configured to filter the air sent by the forced air flow device. The air filter may be any suitable filter, for example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

[0040] The air filter may be arranged upstream of the forced air flow device. However, in an advantageous set of embodiments, the air filter is arranged downstream of the forced air flow device. The applicant recognizes that arranging the air filter downstream of the forced air flow device is advantageous for several reasons. For example, all of the air sent into the chamber by the forced air flow device is reliably filtered. Further, in this downstream position, the air filter can also act as a baffle to prevent steam from flowing out of the chamber through the forced air flow device during the disinfection process. Preventing the steam from flowing back through the forced air flow device helps to ensure that the steam remains within the chamber to disinfect the contents, and also helps to prevent moisture from reaching the forced air flow device, thus avoiding damage to the electrical components by the moisture. Moreover, the steam passing by the air filter heats the air filter, and thereby, advantageously, the air filter itself can be disinfected.

[0041] In embodiments comprising a steam generator, the steam generator may be capable of containing 50 - 150 ml of water for boiling in the disinfection mode. For example, the steam generator may be capable of containing 100 ml of water for boiling in the disinfection mode.

[0042] As described above, some objects to be disinfected can be placed on the nozzles such that air from the first outlet and further outlets dries the inside of the object placed thereon, and other objects can be placed at other locations within the chamber, for example, to be dried by an air flow that circulates through the remainder of the chamber from the at least one inlet. In one set of embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a support structure for supporting objects within the chamber. The support structure can be spaced apart from the at least one nozzle such that there is space above the at least one nozzle for placing an object thereon. Advantageously, the support structure can enable more objects to be placed within the chamber, and thus facilitate disinfection and drying of more objects, thereby increasing the efficiency of the apparatus.

[0043] In one set of embodiments, the support structure comprises at least one shelf member disposed within the chamber to support an object at a location spaced from the bottom of the chamber. The shelf member can provide a convenient means for supporting an object within the chamber. In a further set of embodiments, the support structure comprises at least one support mechanism for assisting in supporting an object thereon. The at least one support mechanism can enable an object to be properly positioned on the support structure, which can help ensure that the object is properly disinfected and dried.

[0044] In a further set of embodiments, the one or more support mechanisms may be provided with holes therethrough. Similar to the nozzles described above, the holes within the support mechanism can enable a fluid, such as air, to pass through the holes and flow into or onto the object, thereby improving disinfection or drying of the object.

[0045] At least one support member may extend only over a part of the cross-section of the chamber, so that fluids such as steam and air can pass around the support member and around the object arranged on the support structure. However, in one set of embodiments, the at least one support member comprises at least one hole configured to allow fluid to pass through. Such a support structure can more easily distribute fluids such as steam and air around the object on the support structure, and thus can improve the disinfection and drying of the object. Also, such at least one hole allows the support structure to extend across the entire cross-section of the chamber, and thus more space can be provided for arranging the object to be disinfected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046] Here, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described merely for illustrative purposes. In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 10C

Figure 10D

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] First, the features of the apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, and then the operation of the apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 and FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 2 for disinfecting an object according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 2 can be a disinfecting apparatus for baby articles, such as nursing articles, and can disinfect any baby article that needs to be disinfected. The apparatus 2 includes a main body 4 on which a cover 6 is disposed. Although the cover 6 is shown as opaque, the cover 6 may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the user can see the object being disinfected inside the apparatus 2. A handle 8 for use in separating the cover 6 from the base 4 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 6. A power button 10 is disposed on the front surface of the base 4 and can be used to turn the switch of the apparatus 2 on and off. The cover 6 includes a curved upper portion 7 that can help direct the air inside the apparatus 2.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a view of the apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 with the cover 6 removed so that the internal components of the apparatus 2 can be seen. The cover 6 (not visible in this figure), together with the main body 4, defines a chamber 12 in which the object to be disinfected can be placed. At the bottom of the chamber 12, a manifold 14 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 16 for directing air from a forced air flow device (not visible in this figure) into the interior of the object in the chamber 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, there are six nozzles 16. The nozzles 16 are integrally formed with the manifold 14, that is, the manifold and the nozzles 16 are made of a single material. As will be described in more detail below, the object can be placed on the nozzles 16 for disinfection and drying within the chamber 12.

[0049] The manifold 14 further includes an opening 18 that enables steam to enter the chamber 12 from a steam generator (not visible in the figure) disposed below the manifold 14. The manifold 14 also includes a plurality of air inlets 20 that direct air from a forced air flow device into the chamber 12. The air inlets 20 are in the form of conduits that extend upwardly toward the center of the chamber 12. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, there are four air inlets 20. Unlike the nozzle 16 configured to place an object thereon, the air inlets 20 are simply configured to allow air to enter directly into the chamber 12. Similar to the nozzle 16, the inlets 20 may be integrally formed with the manifold 14. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the apparatus 2 may include any number of nozzles 16 and any number of inlets 20 depending on the intended use of the apparatus 2.

[0050] On the back of the chamber 12, there is provided a chamber outlet 22 for discharging steam and air from the chamber 12 during use of the apparatus 2. As shown, the chamber outlet 22 is disposed near the lower part of the chamber 12 and is on the rear wall 23 of the main body 4. Although there are two chamber outlets 22 in the illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that any number of chamber outlets 22 can be provided. As will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG. 14, the inlets 20 and the chamber outlets 22 are arranged such that at least a portion of the air entering the chamber 12 through the inlets 20 moves in a direction away from the chamber outlets 22. In this case, the air entering the chamber 12 initially moves in an upward direction away from the chamber outlets 22.

[0051] Each of the nozzles 16 includes a further outlet 24 aligned with the axis of the nozzle 16 and an outlet 26 configured to direct air along the axis of the nozzle 16 to flow around the axis to create a spiral air flow. Around the base of each nozzle 24, a plurality of openings 28 are provided in the manifold 14 that allow steam to enter the object when the object is placed on one of the nozzles 16 in the disinfection mode and allow air and steam to exit the object when air is pushed into the object through the nozzle 16 in the drying mode.

[0052] A support structure 30 is disposed above the chamber 12. The support structure 30 can support an object within the chamber 12 during the disinfection process. The support structure 30 includes a plurality of openings 32 that allow steam and air to pass through the support structure 30 so as to reach the object supported on the support structure 30. In an exemplary case of disinfecting a feeding utensil, the support structure 30 can support the nipple and lid of a feeding bottle.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the back of the apparatus 2. As shown, the apparatus 2 includes a measuring cup 34 that can be used by a user to measure the amount of water required by the apparatus 2 to perform the disinfection process. Accordingly, the measuring cup 34 can be detachable from the apparatus 2. The measuring cup may be configured to measure, for example, 50 to 150 ml, for example 50 ml of water. The apparatus 2 also includes an apparatus outlet 36 that vents air and steam from the apparatus 2 to the surrounding environment in which the apparatus 2 is installed. Further, the apparatus includes an air supply port 38 that draws air from the environment in which the apparatus 2 is installed by a forced air flow device (not visible in the figure).

[0054] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 2 with a part of the main body 4 removed so that further internal components of the apparatus 2 can be seen. As can be seen in Figure 4, a steam generator 40 is disposed below the manifold 14. Therefore, during use, steam from the steam generator 40 rises through the opening 18 of the manifold 14 and enters the chamber 12, flowing around the object in the chamber 12 and thereby disinfecting the object. A forced air flow device (not visible in the figure) is housed within the duct 42, and the duct 42 is configured to feed air from the forced air flow device into the manifold 14 and discharge it through the nozzles 16 and the air inlets 20.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the lower surface of the manifold 14. The duct 42 that directs the air from the forced air flow device supplies air to the inlet 44 of the manifold 14. A cover 46 is attached to the manifold 14 by a plurality of screws 48. The cover 46 acts to seal the internal structure of the manifold 14 such that all of the air from the forced air flow device exits through the nozzles 16 and the air inlets 20. Figure 6 shows the manifold 14 with the duct 42 and the cover 46 removed so that the internal structure of the manifold 14 can be seen. As shown in the figure, the manifold 14 includes an inner wall 50 that defines flow paths 52a - 52f for directing air towards each of one of the six nozzles 16. The inner wall 50 also defines additional flow paths 54a - 54d for directing air towards each of the four air inlets 20.

[0056] The air passing through the inlet 44 is divided by the inner wall 50 into the respective flow paths 52a - 52f and the additional flow paths 54a - 54d. Thus, the inner wall 50 of the manifold 14 acts as an air directing means located downstream of the forced air flow device. The first portion of the air from the forced air flow device is directed to pass through each nozzle 16 via the flow paths 52a - 52f, and the second portion of the air is directed to pass through each air inlet 20 via the flow paths 54a - 54d. The position of the inner wall 50, and thus the sizes of the flow paths 52a - 52f and the additional flow paths 54a - 54d, define the ratio of the first and second portions.

[0057] Referring to nozzle 16 in the lower left of FIG. 6, as shown, the flow path 52e includes a flow path outlet 53e that directs air to flow around the inner wall 17 of nozzle 16. Directing the air as shown can help form a spiral air flow within nozzle 16. In the illustrated embodiment, nozzle 16 has a cylindrical shape, and thus the inner wall 17 of nozzle 16 also has a cylindrical shape. With the flow path outlet 53e, it can be considered that air is introduced at least partially in a tangential direction of the inner wall 17. When air enters the interior of nozzle 16 and a spiral air flow is at least partially formed, the spiral air flow can continue to be carried by the spiral air flow path as described below. The other flow path outlets of the other flow paths 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52f can also send air into their respective nozzles in a similar manner.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of the manifold 14 cut to show the internal structure of the nozzle 16. As seen in this cutaway view, inside the nozzle 16, an insert 56 that defines a spiral flow path 58 leading to the outlet 26 is disposed. The spiral flow path 58 can act to cause air to flow into a spiral flow as it passes through the nozzle 16 so that the spiral air flow is maintained over a significant distance as the air exits the outlet 26. The nozzle includes a protrusion 69 that engages a corresponding recess 68 (shown in FIG. 9) for use in positioning the insert 56 at an appropriate position within the nozzle 16. Of course, the insert 56 that defines the spiral flow path 58 may not be necessary, and the outlet 26 alone and / or in combination with the flow path outlet 53e that directs air to flow around the inner wall 17 of the nozzle may be capable of imparting a spiral flow to the air as it exits the outlet 26 of the nozzle 16. Although the spiral flow path 58 is defined by a separate insert 56 inserted into each of the nozzles 16, the spiral flow path 58 may be formed integrally with the nozzle 16 itself, eliminating the need for a separate insert 56.

[0059] Figure 8 shows a further cutaway view of the manifold 14 cut away. As shown, the insert 56 includes a conduit 60 that passes through the insert 56 and directs air toward a further outlet 24. Thus, the insert 56 can direct air toward the further outlet 24 and the outlet 26. The nozzle 16 has a conical tip 62, and the conical tip 62 defines a corresponding conical inner cavity 64 at the conical tip 62 of the nozzle 16. The insert 56 extends only part way into the nozzle 16 and does not block the conical inner cavity 64. The cross-sectional area of the conduit 60 is larger than the cross-sectional area 24 of the nozzle 16. As a result, air can rise through the conduit 60 and enter the conical inner cavity 64, whereby the air converges toward the further outlet 24. This serves to increase the velocity of the air as it exits from the further outlet 24, thereby creating a strong air flow along the axis of the nozzle 16. As also seen in Figure 8, the nozzle 16 can include a plurality of outlets 26, in this case two outlets 26. In the illustrated exemplary case, the outlets 26 are arranged to be diametrically opposed in the nozzle 16. The spiral flow path 58 can direct air toward each of the outlets 26. The plurality of outlets 26 can contribute to the formation of a strong spiral air flow.

[0060] Figure 9 shows the insert 56 alone. As can be seen, the insert 56 includes the conduit 60 and the spiral flow path 58. The spiral flow path 58 is defined by a spiral wall 66 that extends around the length of the insert 56. The insert 56 includes two recesses 68 at its upper portion. The two recesses 68 can engage corresponding protrusions 69 (seen in Figure 7), thereby functioning to securely position the insert 56 in the proper position within the nozzle 16. Two recesses 68 are shown, but any number of recesses 68 may be included. Similarly, any other positioning means may be provided to assist in positioning the insert 56 within the nozzle 16.

[0061] FIG. 10A shows a cutaway view of the device 2 to show the forced air flow device 70 disposed within the duct 42. The forced air flow device 70 in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of an electric fan. The forced air flow device 70 draws air into the device 2 from the environment in which the device 2 is placed through the air supply port 38. The forced air flow device 70 pushes the air into the internal space 72 of the manifold 14 through the duct 42 and then extrudes it into the chamber 12 through the nozzle 16 and the air inlet 20. A filter may be disposed upstream or downstream to filter the air flow into the device 2.

[0062] FIG. 10B shows a cutaway view of the device 2 with the manifold 14 removed. As shown in the figure, a one-way valve 71 is disposed on the rear wall 69 of the chamber 12. The one-way valve 71 is disposed at the end of the duct 42 (not visible in this figure) immediately before the inlet portion 44 of the manifold 14 (not visible in this figure). Of course, the one-way valve 71 may be disposed at any other suitable position. The one-way valve 71 includes a valve body 77 in the form of a pivotally mounted flap disposed at the valve opening 75. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve opening 75 has a rectangular shape to match the rectangular shape of the inlet portion 44 of the manifold 14.

[0063] In the position shown in FIG. 10B, the valve body 77 is in a closed position where the valve opening 75 is closed, and thus fluid cannot flow through the one-way valve 71. The valve body 77 may be elastically biased to this closed position. For example, the valve body 77 may be biased to the closed position by a spring. Further, or alternatively, the valve body 77 may be oriented towards the closed position by the action of gravity. When in this closed position, it is possible to prevent steam and air from passing through the one-way valve 71 and flowing into the duct 42 towards the forced air flow device 70.

[0064] Figure 10C shows the one-way valve 71 with the valve body 77 in the open position. At this position, air can flow freely from the forced air flow device 70 through the valve opening 75. The valve body 77 can be moved from the closed position shown in Figure 10B to the open position shown in Figure 10C by the force of the air sent by the forced air flow device 70. The force of the air may be able to overcome the biasing force that tries to move the valve body 77 towards the closed position. Therefore, the one-way valve 71 can automatically open when the forced air flow device 70 operates.

[0065] Figure 10D shows another cutaway view of the device 2 focusing on the duct 42. As shown in the figure, the device 2 further includes a heating element 79 disposed in the flow path downstream of the forced air flow device 70. The heating element 79 is in the form of a coiled resistance wire configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through it. Of course, any other suitable heating element may be provided. The heating element 79 acts to heat the air sent from the forced air flow device 70 so that the air pushed into the chamber 12 is heated. By heating the air flow into the chamber 12, the drying time of the object in the chamber 12 can be further shortened. The figure also shows more clearly how the one-way valve 71 is arranged in the flow path between the duct 42, and thus the forced air flow device 70, and the inlet 44 of the manifold 14.

[0066] Figure 11 shows another cutaway view of the device 2. As can be seen in the figure, the device 2 includes an expansion chamber 74 disposed on the back 73 of the device 2 where a forced air flow device 70 and a duct 42 (not visible in the figure) are arranged. The chamber outlet 22 of the chamber 12 is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber 74. As a result, during operation, vapor and air can exit the chamber 12 and enter the expansion chamber 74. The vapor and air in the expansion chamber 74 can then exit the expansion chamber 74 via the device outlet 36. The device outlet 36 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the chamber outlet 22 such that the vapor and air exiting the expansion chamber exits in a more diffused form than the vapor and air that exited the chamber 12 via the chamber outlet 22. This can help avoid an ejection of vapor and / or air that could cause damage or harm to a person or object in the vicinity of the device 2. Only the expansion chamber 74 on the right hand side of the device 2 is visible in the figure, but it will be understood that a similar expansion chamber 74 exists on the opposite side of the device and communicates with the other device outlet 36 on the left hand side of the chamber 12. Each expansion chamber 74 may be an independent chamber not in fluid communication with each other, or may be formed as a single chamber.

[0067] Figure 12 shows the steam generator 40 alone. The steam generator 40 includes a heated plate 76 formed to define a depression 78 in the center. The depression 78 serves to contain water during use, and this water is heated to generate steam for disinfecting the object within the device 2. A control device 80 is coupled to the bottom surface 82 of the heated plate 76 and operatively coupled to the switch 10. Figure 13 shows a view of the bottom surface of the steam generator 40. As shown in Figure 13, the control device 80 is disposed in contact with the bottom surface 82 of the steam generator 40. The control device 80 may be in the form of the applicant's U12 series controller. The sheathed heating element 84 is also in contact with the bottom surface 82 and functions to heat the bottom surface 82 and, in turn, the water contained in the depression 78 shown in Figure 12. The control device 80 can selectively supply power to the sheathed heating element 84. The illustrated control device 80 is a thermomechanical device for controlling the power supply to the sheathed heating element 84. Thus, the control device 80 includes a heat-sensitive element, such as a heat-sensitive actuator, configured to monitor the temperature of the heated plate 76. Of course, alternatively, the control device 80 may include electronic means for monitoring the temperature of the heated bottom surface 82 and controlling the power supply to the sheathed heating element 84.

[0068] The device 2 further includes a forced air flow device 70 and an electronic controller (not shown) for controlling the power supply to the heating element 69. This electronic controller is connected to a thermistor 83 configured to monitor the temperature of the heated bottom surface 82. Of course, the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 may be controlled by other suitable means. For example, the power supply to the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 may alternatively be controlled by a thermomechanical device similar to the control device 80.

[0069] Here, referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, and also referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 showing the air flow in the operating apparatus 2, the operation of the apparatus 2 will be described. The user can first pour water used to generate steam into the apparatus 2. This can be achieved by the user removing the measuring cup 34 and putting the required amount of water into the measuring cup 34. The user can remove the manifold 14 and pour the water in the measuring cup 34 into the depression 78 of the steam generator 40. The user can then return the manifold 14 to its original position and prepare to operate the apparatus 2. Alternatively, since there is an opening 18 in the manifold 14, the user can pour water into the manifold 14 while the manifold 14 is attached to the apparatus 2. Thereafter, the water flows through the opening 18 of the manifold 14 and collects in the depression 78 of the steam generator 40. When the user fills the apparatus with the required amount of water, the user can then place the object to be disinfected into the chamber 12. In the case of feeding utensils, this may include placing the open bottles on each of the nozzles 16 and placing the nipples and lids on the support structure 30. Thereafter, the user can place the cover 6 on the base 4 and press the power button 10 to start the disinfection and drying process.

[0070] After the power button 10 is pressed, the control device 80 is configured to supply power to the sheathed heating element 84 so that the sheathed heating element 84 begins to heat the bottom surface 82, thereby heating the water contained in the depression 78 to generate steam. The steam generated by the steam generator 40 rises, passes through the opening 18, and circulates within the chamber 12, and thus circulates around the object placed therein. This steam acts to disinfect the object within the chamber 12. This can be considered as the disinfection operation mode. After a certain period of time has elapsed, or when all the water has evaporated to generate steam, the control device 80 can cut off the power to the heating element 84. For example, the control device 80 may be configured to monitor the temperature of the heated bottom surface 82. When the heated bottom surface 82 exceeds a preset threshold temperature indicating that all the water has evaporated, the control device 80 can cut off the power supply to the sheathed heating element 84.

[0071] The temperature of the heated bottom surface 82 may be monitored by a thermistor 83 connected to a suitable electronic controller. When the electronic controller detects a threshold temperature, for example, the temperature corresponding to all the water having evaporated, the electronic controller may supply power to the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79. This can be considered as the start of the drying operation mode. The forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 may be electrically arranged in series such that the heating element 79 always operates when the forced air flow device 70 operates.

[0072] When power is supplied to the forced air flow device 70, the forced air flow device 70 draws air in from the air supply port 38 and pushes the air heated by the heating element 79 toward the manifold 14 through the duct 42. Referring particularly to FIG. 6, the air that enters the manifold 14 from the inlet portion 44 is divided by the inner wall 50 and guided to each of the flow paths 52a to 52f and the further flow paths 54a to 54d, and exits through the nozzle 16 and the air inlet 20, respectively.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 14, the air exiting the inlet 20 can flow freely through the chamber 12. As described above, the inlet 20 is configured to direct at least a portion of the air away from the chamber outlet 22. The air flow from the inlet 20 is indicated by arrow 86. Although the air flow for one air inlet 20 is shown, it will be understood that the air flow for the other air inlets 20 is similar. As shown, the air leaving the air inlet 20 moves in a first upward direction away from the chamber outlet 22. The air passes through the opening 32 provided in the support structure 30. When the air reaches the top of the chamber 12, its direction is changed by the curved upper portion 7 of the cover 6 (not shown in the figure), and finally, the air flow in the chamber 12 is moved so that the air returns to the bottom of the chamber 12, whereby the air then exits through the outlet 22. As shown, this arrangement causes the air to circulate within the chamber 12, so that the air can pass by the surface of the object within the chamber 12 and thereby dry the object. The direction of the air away from the chamber outlet 22 achieved by the inlet 20 can help prevent the air from bypassing the chamber 12 and immediately exiting through the chamber outlet 22. Further, it can help circulate the air throughout the chamber 12, so that all objects placed within the chamber 12 will surely be dried by the air flow regardless of their position within the chamber 12.

[0074] Here, with particular reference to FIG. 15 showing the air flow emerging from nozzle 16 in apparatus 2, the air flow from nozzle 16 will be described. Although the air flow for one nozzle 16 is illustrated and described, it will be understood that the air flow emerging from each nozzle 16 can be the same. As shown, the air emerging from nozzle 16 has two different flows. A further outlet 24 aligned with the axis of the nozzle directs and generates an axial air flow 88 flowing along the axis of the nozzle. Further, outlet 26 forms a helical air flow 90 flowing around the axis along the axis of the nozzle 16. When an object, for example, an inverted open bottle, is placed on nozzle 16, the axial air flow 88 and the helical air flow 90 flow into the bottle and circulate inside it. As described above, the applicant has found that the helical air flow 90 is particularly efficient in drying the inner wall of the object, and the axial air flow 88 is particularly well-suited for drying the end of the object, for example, the bottom. Thus, the combination of the helical air flow 90 and the axial air flow 88 can efficiently and firmly dry the inside of the object placed on nozzle 16. The air flow inside the bottle is reversed at the end of the bottle, flows out of the bottle through its opening, and flows downward through a plurality of openings 28 surrounding nozzle 16. This air can then return upward through openings 28 and enter chamber 12, circulate within chamber 12, and exit through outlet 22 shown in FIG. 14.

[0075] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 - 15, and particularly to FIG. 11, after the air exits through chamber outlet 22, it passes through expansion chamber 74 and exits through apparatus outlet 36. As described above, since apparatus outlet 36 can have a larger cross-sectional area, i.e., a larger opening, than chamber outlet 22, the air can exit through apparatus outlet 36 in a more diffused form. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the heated air / vapor jetting out from apparatus outlet 36.

[0076] The forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 69 can operate for a certain period of time, and this certain period of time can be controlled by an electronic controller. For example, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the electronic controller may cut off the power supply to the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79. The length of the above-mentioned certain period of time can be determined according to specific characteristics of the device, such as the size of the chamber, the number of objects in the chamber, and / or the air flow rate from the forced air flow device. Alternatively, the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 may be turned off when the temperature of the heated bottom surface, which can be measured by the thermistor 83, reaches a specific temperature.

[0077] The air flow generated by the nozzle 16 and the air inlet 20 of the present invention can significantly shorten the drying time of the objects in the device 2. Therefore, this can shorten the time required to dry the objects in the device 2 and make them ready for use. When the air flow device 70 stops, the user can remove the cover 6 and take out the disinfected and ready-to-use objects from the chamber 12.

[0078] The forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 may be electrically arranged in series, but in an alternative embodiment, the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 may be independently powered. Thereby, the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79 can be operated independently of each other. For example, the heating element 79 may be turned off before the forced air flow device is turned off. This can send cooler air into the chamber 12, which can help cool the objects in the device 2 that may be heated by the disinfection process and the heated air flow from the forced air flow device 70 and the heating element 79.

[0079] The above-described device 2 is merely one exemplary device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another device 102 for disinfecting an object according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device 102 functions in the same manner as the above-described device 2. However, unlike the device 2 having a removable cover 6 that can be lifted and removed from the main body 4, the device 102 includes a hinged door 106 that allows access to a chamber (not visible in the figure) in which the object is accommodated for disinfection. The door 106 may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that a user of the device 102 can view the inside of the chamber. The door 106 is connected to the main body 104 by two hinges 111 that facilitate pivoting of the door 106, thereby allowing access to the chamber (not visible in the figure).

[0080] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the device 102 with the door 106 removed to expose the chamber 112 and its internal components. As shown, similar to the above-described another embodiment, the device 102 includes a nozzle 116 and an air inlet 120 disposed at the bottom of the chamber 112. As can be seen from the figure, unlike another embodiment having six nozzles 16 and four air inlets 20, the device 102 includes four nozzles 116 and two air inlets 120. Thus, when the device 102 is used for disinfecting feeding utensils, the device 102 can be used to disinfect four bottles and their associated parts, with each bottle placed on top of a respective one of the nozzles 116.

[0081] As shown, a support structure 130 is disposed within the chamber 112. In this embodiment, the support structure 130 includes a first support structure 130A and a second support structure 130B. The first and second support structures 130A and 130B can be used to support articles to be disinfected, such as nipples and caps. The first and second support structures 130A and 130B include holes 132A and 132B that allow steam and air to pass therethrough during the disinfection drying process.

[0082] Similar to the above-described apparatus 2, the apparatus 102 includes an upper curved portion 107 configured to change the direction of the air in the chamber 112 and return it toward the bottom of the chamber 112. The upper curved portion 107 can be defined by both the main body 104 and a hinged door 106 (not visible in the figure).

[0083] FIG. 18 shows another view of the apparatus 102 with the support structure 130 removed to more clearly show the internal components of the apparatus 102. In this embodiment, the inlet 120 is in the form of a conduit that extends upwardly from the nozzle 116 toward the center of the chamber 112. This can help ensure that the air leaving the inlet 120 is not disrupted by the air leaving the nozzle 116 where no object is placed. FIG. 18 also more clearly shows the presence of a chamber outlet 122 on the back of the chamber 112. Although one chamber outlet 122 is visible, the apparatus 102 includes another chamber outlet 122 disposed on the opposite side of the chamber 112. As shown, the inlet 120 is configured to direct the air away from the outlet 122. By extending the inlet 120 quite far into the chamber 112 in the form of a conduit as shown, it can further help prevent the air leaving the inlet 120 from immediately exiting through the outlet 122, and thus can help ensure proper circulation of the air within the chamber 112.

[0084] FIG. 19 shows a cutaway view of the apparatus 102 to show the expansion chamber 174 disposed on the back of the apparatus 112. As shown, the chamber outlet 122 of the chamber 112 is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber 174. At the topmost part of the expansion chamber 174, an apparatus outlet 136 is provided that is in fluid communication with the environment in which the apparatus 102 is installed. Thus, similar to the above-described apparatus 2, during use, steam and / or air can exit the chamber 112 and enter the expansion chamber 174, from where it can freely exit through the further outlet 136. Since the further outlet 136 can have a larger cross-sectional area than the chamber outlet 122, the expansion chamber 174 can reduce the pressure of the steam and / or air, so that the steam and / or air can exit through the further outlet 136 in a more diffused form. The expansion chamber 174 and the apparatus outlet 136 direct the steam and air vertically so that the steam is not directed horizontally towards the user or nearby objects, such as objects on a cooking surface.

[0085] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another manifold 214 that can be used in the apparatus according to the present invention. The manifold 214 is substantially identical to the above-described manifold 14, except that the nozzles 216 (only one of which is labeled with a reference numeral for clarity) do not have an internal spiral air flow path as in the case of the nozzles 16 of the above-described manifold 14. Instead, air is fed into the nozzles 216 such that it is guided by the inner wall within the nozzles to flow in a spiral manner.

[0086] FIG. 21 shows a plan view of the lower surface of the manifold 214 shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the lower surface of the manifold 214. Referring to the nozzle 216 in the upper left of FIG. 21 corresponding to the nozzle 216 in the lower right of FIG. 22, the flow path 252e includes a flow path outlet 253e that guides air to flow around the inner wall 217 of the nozzle 216. Since the nozzle 216 has a cylindrical shape, the inner wall 217 has a circular contour. Due to the circular contour of the inner wall 217, air flows spirally within the nozzle 216. The applicant has found that air can form a spiral air flow within the nozzle 216 even without the spiral flow path as shown in the above-described embodiment. By eliminating the need to provide a spiral flow path within the nozzle 216, the manufacturing of the device, specifically the manifold 214 thereof, can be simplified. Although the description is omitted, it will be understood that each of the other flow paths 252a, 252b, 252c, 252d, 252f may include a similar flow path outlet that feeds air into each respective nozzle so that air flows spirally within the nozzle.

Claims

1. An apparatus for disinfecting an object, comprising: a chamber for containing an object to be disinfected; disinfecting means for disinfecting objects within said chamber; a forced airflow device configured to force air into the chamber, the forced airflow device configured to force air into the chamber from an environment in which the device is located; an air supply port through which air is drawn by said forced air flow device; an apparatus outlet in fluid communication with an environment in which the apparatus is located, the air supply inlet being spaced apart from the apparatus outlet; at least one nozzle extending into the chamber and configured to direct air from the forced air flow device; The apparatus, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises at least one outlet configured to direct air along and around an axis of the nozzle to create a helical air flow.

2. The device described in claim 1, wherein at least one nozzle is provided with a further outlet aligned with the axis of the nozzle and configured to direct air to flow along the axis of the nozzle.

3. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the nozzle has an internal spiral air flow path leading to the outlet.

4. The device described in claim 3, wherein the internal spiral air flow path is defined by a separate insert inserted into the nozzle.

5. The device described in claim 4, wherein the separate insert has a conduit that passes through the separate insert and provides a flow path to the further outlet.

6. An apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein air from the forced air flow device is forced into the nozzle so as to flow around the inner wall of the nozzle, thereby generating a spiral air flow within the nozzle.

7. The device described in claim 6, wherein the air enters the nozzle at least partially tangentially to the inner wall of the nozzle.

8. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one outlet includes a plurality of outlets, each configured to direct air to flow along and around the axis to create a spiral air flow.

9. An apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one nozzle includes a plurality of nozzles.

10. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising air directing means located downstream of the forced air flow device and configured to direct a first portion of air through the at least one nozzle and to direct a second portion of air directly into the chamber.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first portion of air comprises 40% to 60%, preferably 50%, of the air delivered by the forced air flow device.

12. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein at least one nozzle is formed integrally with the air directing means.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sterilisation means comprises a steam generator configured to deliver steam into the chamber.

14. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one inlet configured to allow a portion of the air forced by the forced air flow device to enter the chamber, and at least one chamber outlet configured to allow fluid to escape from the chamber, wherein the at least one inlet and the at least one chamber outlet are positioned within the chamber such that at least a portion of the air entering the chamber through the at least one inlet moves in a first direction away from the at least one chamber outlet.

15. An apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the air supply inlet and the apparatus outlet are located on different sides of the apparatus.

16. An apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein one of the air supply port and the apparatus outlet is located at the top of the apparatus, and the other is located at the bottom of the apparatus.

17. An apparatus for disinfecting an object, comprising: a chamber for containing an object to be disinfected; sterilization means comprising a steam generator configured to deliver steam to the chamber; a forced airflow device configured to force air into the chamber, the forced airflow device configured to force air into the chamber from an environment in which the device is located; at least one inlet configured to allow air forced by the forced air flow device to enter the chamber; at least one chamber outlet configured to allow fluid to escape from the chamber; the at least one air inlet and the at least one chamber outlet are positioned within the chamber such that at least a portion of air entering the chamber through the at least one inlet travels in a first direction away from the at least one chamber outlet, and the at least one chamber outlet is positioned in a lower portion of a sidewall of the chamber.

18. The device described in claim 17, further comprising at least one nozzle having at least one outlet configured to direct air to flow along and around the axis of the nozzle to create a spiral air flow.

19. An apparatus described in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the at least one chamber outlet is located at the bottom of the chamber.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the at least one inlet comprises a conduit extending into the chamber.

21. The apparatus described in claim 20, wherein the conduit extends from the bottom of the chamber toward the center of the chamber.

22. An apparatus described in any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the at least one inlet is positioned above the at least one chamber outlet.

23. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the portion of the chamber opposite the at least one air inlet is shaped to change the direction of air circulating within the chamber and direct it towards the at least one air outlet.

24. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one chamber outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air supply inlet to the forced air flow device.

25. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 14 to 24, further comprising an expansion chamber located downstream of the at least one chamber outlet, the expansion chamber having at least one apparatus outlet that is fluidly connected to the environment in which the apparatus is located.

26. The device described in claim 25, wherein the at least one device outlet has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one chamber outlet.

27. ​​An apparatus described in any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the steam generator comprises a heating element configured to heat a heated base positioned below the chamber.

28. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the forced air flow device includes an electric fan.

29. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising an electric heating element configured to heat the air delivered by the forced air flow device.

30. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising a one-way valve positioned downstream of the forced air flow device and configured to allow air to flow through the one-way valve toward the chamber.

31. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the apparatus is an apparatus for disinfecting baby equipment.

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