Filter system and flow apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter system (11) for cleaning an air flow (2) contaminated with damp and / or germ-infested particles (1), comprising: - a filter housing (11') having an inlet tube (3) for introducing the air flow (2) containing particles (1) into an interior region (11'') of the housing (11') and having an outlet tube (4) for discharging a cleaned air flow (5) from the interior region (11''), - a drip dish (6) for collecting condensate (7) in a first region (11''(1)) of the interior region (11''), - at least one UV light source (9) in at least one second region (11''(2)) of the interior region (11''), and - at least one mechanical particle filter (10) in at least one third region (11''(3)) of the interior region (11''). The invention also relates to a flow apparatus.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] FILTER SYSTEM AND FLOW DEVICE

[0003] This application is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, FFG number 896772.

[0004] A filter system and a flow device are specified.

[0005] At least one object of certain embodiments is to provide a filter system for efficiently cleaning an air stream contaminated with moist and / or contaminated particles. This object is achieved by an object having the features of patent claim 1.

[0006] At least one further object of certain embodiments is to provide a flow device with a filter system for efficiently cleaning an air stream contaminated with moist and / or contaminated particles. This object is achieved by an object having the features of patent claim 12.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the filter system and the flow device are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment, the filter system for cleaning an air stream contaminated with moist and / or contaminated particles comprises a filter housing with an inlet pipe for introducing the particle-laden air stream into an interior of the housing and an outlet pipe for discharging a cleaned air stream from the interior. The filter housing is configured, for example, for mechanically stabilizing and / or securing components of the filter system arranged therein.

[0009] For example, the filter housing is hermetically sealed so that air can only enter or exit the interior via the inlet or outlet pipe. The filter housing is made of plastic or metal, for example, or consists of at least one of these materials.

[0010] According to at least one further embodiment, the filter system comprises a drip tray for collecting condensate in a first region of the interior. For example, during operation of the filter system, moist particles of the contaminated air flow enter the interior via the inlet pipe and release moisture there. The moisture can condense, in particular, in the interior of the filter housing and, for example, form a liquid condensate that sinks downwards due to gravity. The drip tray is designed, in particular, to collect this liquid condensate.

[0011] For example, the drip tray can be removed from the filter housing to drain the condensate from the interior. For example, the drip tray is located in a drawer of the filter housing or forms a drawer of the filter housing. The drawer can be sealed hermetically, for example. For example, the first area of ​​the interior is located at or near a base of the filter housing, with the base sealing off the filter housing in a direction of gravity.

[0012] According to at least one further embodiment, the filter system comprises at least one UV light source in at least a second region of the interior. The UV light source is designed in particular to at least partially convert an electrical operating current into electromagnetic radiation. During operation, the UV light source emits, for example, electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers inclusive. Preferably, during operation, the UV light source emits electromagnetic radiation in a UV-C spectral range with a wavelength between 280 nanometers and 100 nanometers inclusive. For example, the UV light source has one or more light-emitting semiconductor diodes or consists of at least one light-emitting semiconductor diode.

[0013] For example, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV light source during operation is designed to at least partially disinfect the contaminated airflow and / or components of the filter system. For example, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV light source destroys or inactivates at least 90%, or at least 99%, of the germs in the contaminated airflow and / or the germs on surfaces inside the filter housing. The germs are, in particular, pathogens, such as microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and / or fungi. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV light source during operation can also be designed to hinder and / or prevent the formation of contaminated biological deposits inside the filter housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV light source during operation is designed, for example, to at least partially disinfect the condensate in the drip tray. For example, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV light source destroys or inactivates at least 90%, or at least 99%, of the germs in the condensate.

[0015] For example, the filter housing is designed such that, during operation of the UV light source, no or as little as possible of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the UV light source escapes from the interior of the filter housing. For example, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe have an angled section so that the escape of electromagnetic radiation from the interior of the filter housing is at least largely prevented.

[0016] For example, the second region of the interior is arranged vertically above the first region. Here and in the following, "vertical" refers to a direction antiparallel to a vertical direction, with gravity acting in the vertical direction.

[0017] The filter housing can also have two or more second regions, in each of which at least one UV light source is arranged. For example, two second regions are separated by a filter element of the filter system, wherein the filter element is, for example, an opaque and at least partially air-permeable mechanical particle filter. According to at least one further embodiment, the filter system comprises at least one mechanical particle filter in at least a third region of the interior. The mechanical particle filter is, in particular, a suspended matter filter and is designed to filter particles from the contaminated air stream. For example, the mechanical particle filter has a network of glass fibers and / or polymer fibers. For example, the mechanical particle filter has a glass fiber composite and / or a polymer fiber composite or consists of one of these materials.

[0018] For example, the mechanical particle filter has pores that are at least partially permeable to air. For example, the mechanical particle filter mechanically retains at least partially those particles whose average dimensions are larger than the average dimensions of the pores. It is also possible for the mechanical particle filter to capture particles with average dimensions that are smaller than the average dimensions of the pores, for example, through adsorption. For example, the mechanical particle filter is an EPA filter (efficient particulate air filter), a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate air filter), and / or a ULPA filter (ultra low penetration air filter).

[0019] For example, the third area is arranged vertically downstream of the second area, so that the UV light source is located between the mechanical particle filter and the drip tray. This allows the UV light source to irradiate and / or at least partially disinfect both the condensate and a surface of the mechanical particle filter facing the UV light source.

[0020] The filter system can also have two or more third zones, each of which contains at least one mechanical particle filter. For example, the filter system has at least two mechanical particle filters with different average pore sizes.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter system for cleaning the air stream contaminated with moist and / or germ-infected particles comprises: - the filter housing with the inlet pipe for introducing the particle-laden air stream into the interior of the housing and the outlet pipe for discharging the cleaned air stream from the interior,

[0022] - the drip tray for collecting condensate in the first area of ​​the interior,

[0023] - the at least one UV light source in at least the second area of ​​the interior, and

[0024] - at least one mechanical particle filter in at least the third area of ​​the interior.

[0025] The filter system described here is based in particular on the idea of ​​cleaning an air stream contaminated with moist and / or contaminated particles by using mechanical particle filters in combination with UV radiation. Condensate that may arise from the moist particles in the filter housing is collected in a drip tray. The UV light source is particularly advantageous for at least partially disinfecting or sterilizing the contaminated air stream, components of the filter system such as the mechanical particle filter, and the condensate in the drip tray. The arrangement of the components in the filter housing described here can also prevent the mechanical particle filter from becoming quickly loaded with moisture, which, for example, maintains its filtering effect for longer.

[0026] According to at least one further embodiment, the filter system further comprises an arrangement for heating the purified air flow in at least a fourth region of the interior. In particular, the heating arrangement comprises an electrical heating element, for example a heating coil or an infrared-emitting semiconductor diode, which converts an electrical operating current into heat.

[0027] For example, the fourth area is arranged downstream of the second area and the third area in the direction of air flow.

[0028] For example, the arrangement for heating the purified air stream can be used to set or regulate a temperature and / or relative humidity of the purified air stream. For this purpose, the arrangement for heating the purified air stream comprises, for example, a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor for measuring the temperature or relative humidity of the purified air stream, as well as control electronics. The control electronics are electrically connected, in particular, to the temperature sensor and / or the humidity sensor, as well as to the heating element.

[0029] Furthermore, the arrangement for heating the purified air stream allows the mechanical particulate filter to be at least partially dried. This, in particular, maintains the filtering effect of the mechanical particulate filter for longer.

[0030] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the first region, the second region, and the third region follow one another in this order in the direction of air flow. In other words, the UV light source is arranged between the drip tray and the mechanical particle filter. Thus, the UV light source can at least partially disinfect and / or sterilize the condensate in the drip tray, at least the surface of the mechanical particle filter facing the UV light source, and the passing air flow.

[0031] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the air flow in the interior of the filter housing flows vertically from bottom to top. This allows at least some of the condensate to collect in an area of ​​the bottom of the filter housing, where, for example, the drip tray is located, before the air flow reaches the mechanical particle filter. This advantageously results in less moisture accumulating in the mechanical particle filter. Thus, the filtering effect of the mechanical particle filter is maintained for a longer period of time, and / or replacement of the mechanical particle filter is required less frequently, for example.

[0032] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the mechanical particle filter is arranged in a pull-out filter drawer of the filter housing. This advantageously allows the mechanical particle filter to be easily replaced if the mechanical particle filter becomes dirty or if its filtering effect decreases. According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the filter drawer has a sealing system that prevents the air flow to be cleaned from flowing past the mechanical particle filter. This improves, for example, the filtering effect of the filter system. For example, a seal or a sealing lip is arranged along an edge of the filter drawer and is in direct contact with the filter housing after the filter drawer has been inserted into the filter housing.

[0033] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the drip tray is arranged in a pull-out first drawer of the filter housing. This allows the condensate that collects in the drip tray to be easily drained from the interior of the filter housing, for example.

[0034] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the UV light source is arranged in a pull-out second drawer of the filter housing. This simplifies, for example, maintenance of the UV light source.

[0035] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the inlet pipe is arranged on a side surface of the filter housing, and an angle of inclination between a main axis of the inlet pipe and a bottom surface of the filter housing is between 0° and 90°, or between 10° and 80°, or between 30° and 60°. This reduces or prevents, for example, the accumulation of condensate in the inlet pipe. Furthermore, the escape of electromagnetic radiation from the UV light source from the interior of the filter housing can be reduced or prevented.

[0036] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, at least one UV light source is arranged in the interior area upstream and downstream of the mechanical particle filter in the direction of airflow. This allows the mechanical particle filter to be at least partially disinfected or sterilized, for example, during operation of the filter system, and biological deposits in or on the mechanical particle filter can be reduced or prevented. According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the interior area has an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a horizontally arranged floor that is transparent to UV light.

[0037] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the inlet pipe introduces the contaminated air stream into the upper chamber and the outlet pipe introduces the purified air stream from the lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber and the lower chamber are connected via a connecting pipe.

[0038] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the at least one first region and the at least one third region are located in the upper chamber, and the at least one second region is located in the lower chamber.

[0039] For example, the drip tray or drip area is located at the bottom of the transparent base in the first chamber, while the UV light source is located in the second chamber. Thus, the condensate in the drip area or drip tray is irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation of the UV light source through the transparent base.

[0040] According to at least one further embodiment, the filter system further comprises an airflow dehumidification system arranged in the interior of the housing. The airflow dehumidification system is arranged, in particular, in a region where the contaminated airflow enters the interior of the housing. For example, the airflow dehumidification system is arranged immediately downstream of the inlet pipe in the direction of airflow.

[0041] The airflow dehumidification system is particularly designed to remove moisture from the contaminated airflow before it reaches the mechanical particulate filter. This can, for example, reduce the moisture loading of the mechanical particulate filter, thereby increasing the service life of the filter. For example, the airflow dehumidification system is designed such that moisture from the contaminated airflow condenses at least partially on or in the airflow dehumidification system. The condensate that forms on or in the airflow dehumidification system can, in particular, drip or flow off into the drip tray and be collected there.

[0042] The airflow dehumidification system can be passive or active. The passive airflow dehumidification system, in particular, requires no power supply. The active airflow dehumidification system, for example, has an actively cooled surface on which moisture from the contaminated airflow condenses.

[0043] According to at least one further embodiment of the filter system, the airflow dehumidification system comprises a plurality of fins arranged between the first region and the second region. The fins are particularly designed to condense moisture from the contaminated airflow on the surfaces of the fins. The fins are arranged, for example, such that the contaminated airflow flows between the fins. The surfaces of the fins are oriented, for example, such that condensate forming on the fins flows, following gravity, to an edge of the respective fin and from there drips into the drip tray.

[0044] Furthermore, a flow device is specified. The flow device, in particular, has a filter system described here. All features of the filter system are also disclosed for the flow device, and vice versa.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment, the flow device for drying an object, in particular a human hand, by means of treated air comprises the filter system described here.

[0046] According to at least one further embodiment, the flow device comprises a housing with an interior space into which the object to be dried can be inserted via an opening in a lid of the housing, and with a base opposite the lid. The filter system is arranged, for example, within the housing.

[0047] According to at least one further embodiment, the flow device comprises a pump which is connected on the inlet side to the interior space in such a way that during operation of the pump a negative pressure is generated in the interior space and thereby a first air flow directed from the opening into the interior space for drying the object is generated, wherein the pump is configured for the outlet side discharge of an output air flow passing through the pump.

[0048] According to at least one further embodiment, the flow device comprises a flow arrangement which has a controllable overpressure generating device, an inflow pipe and at least one nozzle, wherein the overpressure generating device is connected on the output side to the interior via the inflow pipe and the at least one nozzle and is designed to form an overpressure in the inflow pipe during operation and to generate a second air flow directed into the interior via the at least one nozzle for drying the object.

[0049] According to at least one further embodiment of the flow device, the filter system is arranged between the interior and the pump. For example, the first air stream and / or the second air stream is discharged from the interior via the floor, subsequently passes through the filter system, and then the pump. For example, after passing through the pump, the first and / or the second air stream is at least partially discharged from the flow device and / or at least partially recirculated to the inlet side of the overpressure generation device.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the flow device for drying an object, in particular a human hand, by means of treated air comprises:

[0051] - the filter system described here,

[0052] - the housing with the interior into which the object to be dried can be inserted via the opening in the lid of the housing, and with the bottom opposite the lid,

[0053] - the pump, which is connected on the inlet side to the interior space in such a way that during operation of the pump, the negative pressure is generated in the interior space and thereby the first air flow directed from the opening into the interior space for drying the object is generated, wherein the pump is designed for the outlet-side discharge of the output air flow passing through the pump, and - the flow arrangement, which has the controllable overpressure generation device, the inlet pipe and at least one nozzle, wherein the overpressure generation device is connected on the outlet side via the inlet pipe and the at least one nozzle to the interior space and is designed to form the overpressure in the inlet pipe during operation and to generate the second air flow directed into the interior space for drying the object via the at least one nozzle, wherein

[0054] - the filter system is located between the interior and the pump.

[0055] According to at least one further embodiment, the flow device further comprises a control element electrically connected to the pump and the overpressure generating device for controlling operating modes of the flow device, wherein the control element is configured to:

[0056] - in a drying mode, to activate the pump and the overpressure generating device to generate the first and second air streams; and

[0057] - in an air cleaning mode, to activate the pump and deactivate the overpressure generating device in order to generate the first air flow and not to generate the second air flow.

[0058] According to at least one further embodiment, the flow device further comprises at least one controllable valve arranged downstream of the pump in the flow direction, wherein the valve is configured to either introduce the output air flow at least partially into the inlet pipe of the flow arrangement or to at least partially discharge the output air flow from the housing. The valve is, for example, electrically controllable. For example, the valve is configured to switch the flow device between the drying mode and the air purification mode.

[0059] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the filter system and the flow device will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures. Figures 1 to 8 show schematic sectional views of filter systems according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0060] Figures 9 to 12 show schematic sectional views of flow devices according to different embodiments.

[0061] Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a flow device according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 14 shows a schematic sectional view of a filter system according to an embodiment.

[0063] Figures 15 to 18 show schematic sectional views of a part of a flow device according to various embodiments.

[0064] Figure 19 shows a schematic air flow diagram of a flow device according to an embodiment.

[0065] Identical, similar, or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements depicted in the figures are not to be considered to scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or clarity.

[0066] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a filter system 11 comprising a filter housing 11' with an inlet pipe 3 and an outlet pipe 4, which are arranged on opposite side walls of the filter housing 11'. The inlet pipe 3 enters the filter housing 11' closer to the bottom of the latter, while the outlet pipe 4 is arranged near a cover surface of the filter housing 11' opposite the bottom. An air stream 2 contaminated with moist and / or contaminated particles 1 is introduced into the interior region 11" of the filter housing 11' via the inlet pipe 3, while the purified air stream 5 is discharged from the interior region 11" via the outlet pipe 4. In a first area 11 "(1) of the interior area 11" immediately above the floor, a drip tray 6 is arranged for collecting condensate 7, which can form, for example, due to the release of moisture from the moist particles 1.The contaminated air stream 2 spreads, among other things, in a horizontal direction H above the drip tray 6, i.e., parallel to a main extension plane of the floor. Furthermore, the contaminated air stream 2 moves in a vertical direction V, i.e., counter to the vertical direction, to a second region 11"(2), in which a UV light source 9 is arranged. The second region 11"(2) is arranged downstream of the first region 11"(1) in the flow direction of the contaminated air stream 2.

[0067] The UV light source 9 comprises a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor diodes that, during operation, emit electromagnetic radiation 8 in the UV-C spectral range. The UV light source 9 is arranged essentially parallel to the bottom of the filter housing 11', so that the contaminated air stream 2 flowing in the vertical direction V flows past the UV light source 9. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation 8 emitted by the UV light source 9 at least partially destroys or inactivates the germs in the contaminated air stream 2.

[0068] A mechanical particle filter 10 is arranged in a third region 11"(3) of the interior region 11". The third region 11"(3) is arranged downstream of the second region 11"(2) in the flow direction of the contaminated air stream 2. In particular, the mechanical particle filter 10 extends in the horizontal direction H parallel to the bottom of the filter housing 11'. The mechanical particle filter 10 is a particulate filter, for example an EPA, HEPA, or ULPA filter, and filters at least a portion of the moist and / or contaminated particles 1 from the contaminated air stream 2.

[0069] During operation, the UV light source 9 emits electromagnetic radiation 8 both in the direction of the first region 11"(1) and in the direction of the second region 11"(2). Thus, the electromagnetic radiation 8 also destroys or inactivates germs in the condensate 7 in the drip tray 6, as well as germs adhering to a surface 10' of the mechanical particle filter 10 facing the UV light source 9. The contaminated air stream 2 is thus at least partially cleaned by the electromagnetic radiation 8 emitted by the UV light source 9 and the mechanical particle filter 10. The cleaned air stream 5 thus exits the mechanical particle filter 10 on a side facing away from the UV light source 9 and is then discharged from the interior region 11" of the filter housing 11' via the outlet pipe 4.

[0070] The mechanical particle filter 10 is arranged in an extendable filter tray 13, which can be pulled out of the filter housing 11' and reinserted perpendicularly to the vertical direction V. This allows the mechanical particle filter 10 to be easily replaced. The filter tray 13 has a sealing system 14 that prevents the air flow 2 to be cleaned from flowing past the mechanical particle filter 10. The sealing system 14 comprises a rubber seal arranged on an edge of the filter tray 13 and in direct contact with a support surface of the filter housing 11' for the filter tray 13.

[0071] The filter system 11 further comprises an air flow dehumidification system, which is arranged in the interior area 11" of the filter housing 11' immediately after the inlet pipe 3 in the flow direction of the air flow. The air flow dehumidification system is a passive system and has a plurality of fins between which the contaminated air flow 2 flows. Moisture from the contaminated air flow 2 can condense on the surfaces of the fins. Condensate 7 that forms on the fins drips into the drip tray 6 and is collected there.

[0072] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view along the vertical direction of the filter system 11 according to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 1. In particular, Figure 2 shows a state of the filter housing 11' in which the filter drawer 13 with the mechanical particle filter 10 is partially pulled out of the interior region 11" of the filter housing 11'.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11 which, in comparison to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1, additionally has an arrangement for heating 12 the purified air flow 5 in a fourth region 11"(4) of the interior region 11". The fourth region 11"(4) is arranged downstream of the third region 11"(3) in the flow direction of the air flow 2.

[0074] The arrangement for heating the purified air stream 5 comprises a heating element 12, for example, a heating coil, which heats the air flowing past it. This allows, on the one hand, the temperature of the purified air stream 5 to be increased compared to the contaminated air stream 2. On the other hand, the relative humidity of the purified air stream 5 can be reduced.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11 which, in comparison to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1, additionally has a further UV light source 9. The further UV light source 9 is designed identically to the UV light source 9 in the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1. The further UV light source 9 is arranged downstream of the mechanical particle filter 10 in the flow direction of the air flow 2. Thus, the mechanical particle filter 10 is irradiated from two opposite sides with electromagnetic radiation 8 in the UV-C spectral range in order to at least partially disinfect the mechanical particle filter 10 and the contaminated air flow 2.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11. Compared to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1, the inlet pipe 3 is arranged such that an inclination angle α between a main axis of the inlet pipe 3 and a bottom surface of the filter housing 11' is between 30° and 60°. This allows condensate 7, which forms, for example, in the inlet pipe 3, to easily flow into the drip tray 6. Furthermore, the contaminated air stream 2 is directed into the drip tray 6 and flows closer to the surface of the drip tray 6, thereby increasing the adsorption of moist and / or contaminated particles 1 on the drip tray 6.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11. In contrast to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1, the interior space 11" has two concentrically arranged regions separated by the mechanical particle filter 10. The mechanical particle filter 10 has the shape of a cylindrical surface. The UV light source 9 forms an axis in the center of the mechanical particle filter 10, which axis extends in the vertical direction.

[0078] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11. In contrast to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 4, the second region 11"(2), the third region 11"(3), and the fourth region 11"(4) extend primarily in the vertical direction. In other words, the mechanical particle filter 10 and the arrangement 12 for heating the purified air stream 5 extend in the vertical direction V instead of in the horizontal direction H. Several UV light sources 9 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction V in the second region 11"(2). Furthermore, a convection region is arranged above the drip tray 6, in which the incoming contaminated air stream 2 can circulate before flowing past the UV light source 9 to the mechanical particle filter 10. This improves the adsorption of moist and / or contaminated particles 1 on the drip tray 6.

[0079] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11. In contrast to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1, the interior region 11" has an upper chamber 161 and a lower chamber 162, which are separated by a horizontally arranged floor 17 transparent to UV light. The inlet pipe 3 guides the contaminated air stream 2 via a side surface into the upper chamber 161, wherein the transparent floor 17 forms the drip tray 6 for the condensate 7 in the upper chamber 161.

[0080] The mechanical particle filter 10 is arranged parallel to the transparent base 17 and spaced therefrom. The filtered air flow 5 is subsequently directed from the upper chamber 161 to the lower chamber 162 via a connecting pipe 163. The connecting pipe 163 is arranged on a side surface of the filter housing 11' opposite the inlet pipe 3.

[0081] The UV light source 9 is located in the lower chamber 162. During operation, it emits electromagnetic radiation 8 to at least partially disinfect the passing air. Furthermore, during operation, the UV light source 9 irradiates and disinfects the condensate 7 in the drip tray 6 via the transparent base 17. The outlet pipe 4 is located on a side surface of the lower chamber 162.

[0082] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a flow device 100 for drying an object 18, in particular a human hand, using treated air. The flow device 100 comprises a housing 19 with a lid 192, which has an opening through which the object 18 can be introduced into an interior space 191 of the housing 19. The lid 192 is opposite a perforated bottom 193 of the housing.

[0083] 19. During operation of the flow device 100, air is pumped from the interior 191 of the housing 19 through the perforated base 19 by means of a pump

[0084] 20. Thus, during operation, the pump 20 generates a first air flow 21 in the interior 191 of the housing 19, directed from the opening in the cover 192 to the bottom 193, which is designed to dry the object 18.

[0085] A filter system 11 is arranged between the base 193 and the pump 20. The filter system 11 corresponds in particular to one of the exemplary embodiments described here. The inlet pipe 3 of the filter system 11 is connected to the interior space 191 via the base 193, while the pump 20 is connected to the outlet pipe 4 of the filter system 11.

[0086] Furthermore, the flow device 100 comprises a flow arrangement having a controllable overpressure generation device 241, an inlet pipe 242, and at least one nozzle 243. In this exemplary embodiment, the overpressure generation device 241 is the pump 20. The pump 20 is connected on the output side to the inlet pipe 242 and an outlet pipe via two controllable valves 26. Thus, during operation, depending on the position of the controllable valves 26, at least a portion of the air extracted from the interior 191 is directed into the inlet pipe 242, where an overpressure builds up. The inlet pipe 242 directs the air further via the nozzle 243 back into the interior 191 of the housing 19. This generates a second air flow 22, which is directed into the interior 19 via the nozzle 243 and contributes to the drying of the object 18.Furthermore, depending on the position of the controllable valves 26, at least another part of the air extracted from the interior 191 is discharged from the housing 19 of the flow device 100 and forms the output air flow 23. The controllable valves 26 are controlled via an electronic control element 25.

[0087] Furthermore, the flow arrangement comprises a proximity sensor 27, for example an optical sensor or a radar sensor, which detects whether an object 18 has been introduced into the interior space 191 and controls the pump 20 and / or the controllable valves 26 accordingly. A pressure sensor 28 or flow rate sensor detects the strength of the first air flow 21 and / or the second air flow 22, so that the pumping power of the pump 20 can be controlled accordingly. An air quality sensor 29 detects how well the air of the second air flow 22 was filtered by the filter element 11. This makes it possible, for example, to determine when the mechanical particle filter 10 of the filter system needs to be replaced. Optionally, the interior space 191 can also have further suction openings 30, which are arranged, for example, on a side wall and are designed to suction air from the interior space 191 via the pump 20.

[0088] Figure 10 shows a plan view along the vertical direction of the flow device 100 described in connection with Figure 9. The nozzles 243 are arranged on side walls of the interior 19.

[0089] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a flow device 100. In contrast to the flow device 100 described in connection with Figure 9, the flow device 100 in Figure 11 has only one controllable valve 26, which is arranged downstream of the pump 20 in the flow direction. Via the controllable valve 26, the pump's output air flow 23 can either be directed back into the interior space 191 via the inlet pipe 242 and the nozzle 243, or be discharged from the housing 19.

[0090] Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a flow device 100. In contrast to the flow device 100 described in connection with Figure 11, the flow device in Figure 12 has a further pump 201 instead of the controllable valve 26. One pump 20 is arranged on an outlet pipe, while the other pump 201 is the overpressure generation device 241 of the flow arrangement and, during operation, generates an overpressure in the inlet pipe 242. Depending on which of the two pumps 20, 201 is active during operation, a portion of the air extracted from the interior space 191 is discharged from the flow device 100 and / or returned to the interior space 191 via the nozzle 243.

[0091] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a flow device 100 according to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 9. The flow arrangement has, in particular, two flat nozzles 243 on opposite sides of the interior space 191.

[0092] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a filter system 11, in which the filter housing 1L, in comparison to the filter system 11 described in connection with Figure 1, additionally has a pull-out first drawer 151 for the drip tray 6 and a pull-out second drawer 152 for the UV light source 9. The condensate 7 in the drip tray 6 can be easily drained from the interior 11" via the first drawer 151. The UV light source 9 can be serviced and / or replaced in the event of a defect via the second drawer 152.

[0093] Figure 15 shows a filter system 11 and a valve system 60 of a flow device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter system 11 corresponds to the filter system described in connection with Figure 7, but unlike the example in Figure 7, it does not have a heating element 12.

[0094] The purified air stream 5 is sucked out of the filter system 11, in particular by a pump 20 (not shown), and directed under pressure to the valve system 60. The valve system 60 comprises an inlet pipe 32 for the purified air stream 31, as well as a controllable valve 261 and a controllable shut-off valve 262. The valve 261 and the shut-off valve 262 each have an inlet pipe 33, 36 and an outlet pipe 34, 37. The purified air stream 35 is discharged into the environment via the controllable valve 261 and the outlet pipe 34. The purified air stream 38 is directed to the nozzles 243 (not shown, see Figures 9 and 13) of the flow device 100 via the controllable shut-off valve 262 and the outlet pipe 37. Figure 16 shows a filter system 11 and a valve system 60 with a subsequent heating chamber 70 of a flow device 100 according to an embodiment.In contrast to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 15, the purified air stream 40 is directed via the controllable shutoff valve 262 and the outlet pipe 39 into the heating chamber 70, where at least one heating element 12 is arranged to heat the purified air stream 40. After heating, the purified air stream 38 is directed to the nozzles via the outlet pipe 37.

[0095] The flow device 100 with the filter system 11, the valve system 60, and the heating chamber 70, for example, has a modular design. Individual modules, in particular the filter system 11, the valve system 60, and / or the heating chamber 70, can thus be easily replaced or removed and reinserted, for example, for maintenance of the flow device 100.

[0096] In contrast to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 16, the embodiment in Figure 17 additionally has a further controllable valve 263 arranged downstream of the heating chamber 70. The purified air stream 40 can be directed to at least two individually controllable nozzles 243 (not shown) via the further controllable valve 263.

[0097] In the embodiment in Figure 18, in contrast to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 17, the further controllable valve 263 is arranged together with the valve 261 and the shut-off valve 262 in the chamber of the valve system 60. Furthermore, the controllable valve 261 is connected to the shut-off valve via a connecting pipe 45.

[0098] The air flow diagram in Figure 19 schematically shows an air flow within a flow device 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. Contaminated air flows from the interior 191 of the flow device via the filter system 11 and the pump 20 to the controllable valve 26. From the valve 26, the purified air flow can be directed back into the interior 191 via the heating element 12 and / or discharged into the environment as the output air flow 23. The filter system 11, the controllable valve 26, and the heating element 12 form, for example, an extended filter system 110, which was described in connection with Figures 16, 17, or 18.

[0099] The invention is not limited to the embodiments by the description. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, including, in particular, any combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or embodiments.

[0100] Reference symbol list

[0101] 1 moist and / or contaminated particles

[0102] 2 contaminated air stream

[0103] 3 Inlet pipe

[0104] 4 Outlet pipe

[0105] 5 purified air flow

[0106] 6 drip tray

[0107] 7 Condensate

[0108] 8 electromagnetic radiation

[0109] 9 UV light source

[0110] 10 mechanical particle filters

[0111] 10' surface

[0112] 11 Filter system

[0113] 11 ' filter housing

[0114] 11" indoor

[0115] 11 "(1) first area

[0116] 11 " (2) second area

[0117] 11 " (3 ) third area

[0118] 11 " (4) fourth area

[0119] 12 Heating element

[0120] 12' thermal radiation

[0121] 13 Filter drawer

[0122] 14 Sealing system

[0123] 151 first drawer

[0124] 152 second drawer

[0125] 161 upper chamber

[0126] 162 lower chamber

[0127] 163 connecting pipe

[0128] 17 transparent floors

[0129] 18 objects

[0130] 19 housings

[0131] 191 Interior Cover Floor Pump 1 Additional pump First air flow Second air flow Output air flow 1 Overpressure generation device 2 Inlet pipe 3 Nozzle Control element Controllable valve 1 Controllable valve 2 Controllable shut-off valve 3 Controllable valve Proximity sensor Pressure sensor Air quality sensor From suction opening Purified air flow ,33,36 Inlet pipe .37.39 Outlet pipe .38.40 Purified air flow Outlet pipe Purified air flow Return pipe Heated air flow Connecting pipe Air flow dehumidification system Valve system Heating chamber 0 Flow device 0 Extended filter system V Vertical direction

[0132] H horizontal direction a inclination angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Filter system (11) for cleaning an air stream (2) contaminated with moist and / or contaminated particles (1), comprising: - a filter housing (11') with an inlet pipe (3) for introducing the air flow (2) containing particles (1) into an interior region (11") of the housing (11) and an outlet pipe (4) for discharging a purified air flow (5) from the interior region e, - a drip tray (6) for collecting condensate (7) in a first area (11 "(1)) of the interior (11"), - at least one UV light source (9) in at least a second area (11 "(2)) of the interior area (11"), and - at least one mechanical particle filter (10) in at least a third region (11 "(3)) of the interior region (11").

2. Filter system (11) according to the preceding claim, further comprising an arrangement (12) for heating the purified air flow (5) in at least a fourth region (11 "(4)) of the interior region (11").

3. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (11"(1)), the second region (11"(2)) and the third region (11"(3)) follow one another in this order in the flow direction of the air flow (2).

4. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow (2) in the interior region (11") of the filter housing (11') flows in the vertical direction (V) from bottom to top.

5. Filter system according to (11) any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the mechanical particle filter (10) is arranged in a pull-out filter drawer (13) of the filter housing (11'), and - the filter drawer (13) has a sealing system (14) which prevents the air flow (2) to be cleaned from flowing past the mechanical particle filter (10).

6. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the drip tray (6) is arranged in a pull-out first drawer (151) of the filter housing (11), and - the UV light source (9) is arranged in a pull-out second drawer (152) of the filter housing (11').

7. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet pipe (3) is arranged on a side surface of the filter housing (11 ') and an inclination angle (a) between a main axis of the inlet pipe (3) and a bottom surface of the filter housing (11 ') is between 0° and 90°.

8. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the inner region (11 ') in the flow direction of the air flow (2) at least one UV light source (9) is arranged before and after the mechanical particle filter (10).

9. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the interior region (11') has an upper chamber (161) and a lower chamber (162) separated by a horizontally arranged floor (17) transparent to UV light, - the inlet pipe (3) introduces the contaminated air flow (2) into the upper chamber (161) and the outlet pipe (4) discharges the purified air flow (5) from the lower chamber (162), the upper chamber (161) and the lower chamber (162) being connected via a connecting pipe (163), - the at least one first region (11 ' '(1)) and the at least one third region (H"(3)) are located in the upper chamber (161), and - the at least one second area (11 "(2)) is n the lower chamber (162).

10. Filter system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air flow dehumidification system (50) arranged in the interior region (11") of the housing (11).

11. Filter system (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the air flow dehumidification system (50) comprises a plurality of louvers arranged between the first region (11 ' (1)) and the second region (11 '' (2)).

12. Flow device (100) for drying an object (18), in particular a human hand, by means of treated air, comprising: - a filter system (11) according to one of claims 1 to 11, - a housing (19) with an interior space (191) into which the object (18) to be dried can be introduced via an opening in a cover (192) of the housing (19), and with a base (193) opposite the cover (192), - a pump (20) which is connected on the inlet side to the interior space (191) in such a way that during operation of the pump (20) a negative pressure is generated in the interior space (191) and thereby a first air flow (21) directed from the opening into the interior space (191) for drying the object (18), wherein the pump (20) is arranged for the outlet-side discharge of an output air flow (23) passing through the pump (20), and - a flow arrangement which has a controllable overpressure generating device (241), an inlet pipe (242) and at least one nozzle (243), wherein the overpressure generating device (241) is connected on the output side via the inlet pipe (242) and the at least one nozzle (243) to the interior space (191) and is designed to form an overpressure in the inlet pipe (242) during operation and to generate a second air flow (22) directed into the interior space (191) via the at least one nozzle (243) for drying the object (18), wherein - the filter system (11) is arranged between the interior space (191) and the pump (20).

13. Flow device (100) according to claim 12, further comprising a control element (25) electrically connected to the pump (20) and the overpressure generating device (241) for controlling operating modes of the flow device (100), wherein the control element (25) is configured to: - in a drying mode, to activate the pump (20) and the overpressure generating device (241) to generate the first and second air streams (21, 22); and - in an air cleaning mode, to activate the pump (20) and to deactivate the overpressure generating device (241) in order to generate the first air flow (21) and not to generate the second air flow (22).

14. Flow device (100) according to one of claims 12 or 13, further comprising at least one controllable valve (26) which is arranged downstream of the pump (20) in the flow direction, wherein the valve (26) is designed either to introduce the output air flow (23) at least partially into the inlet pipe (242) of the flow arrangement, or to discharge the output air flow (23) at least partially from the housing (19).

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