System for particulate and microbiological depletion and inactivation of goods, comprising a conveying system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) for the particulate depletion and microbiological depletion and / or microbiological inactivation of goods (150), in particular of the surfaces thereof. The system (100) comprises a cleaning chamber (101) in which the goods (150) can be placed. An access opening (102) of the cleaning chamber (101) can be closed during operation to prevent access. An eddy current system (104) directs a turbulent flow (107) of a cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber (101) in order to swirl up particles on the goods item (150). A displacement flow system directs a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow (108) of a cleaning fluid in a predetermined flow direction through the cleaning chamber in order to remove the swirled-up particles from the goods item (150). A UV radiation source (106) radiates UV radiation having a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm into the cleaning chamber (101) for microbiological inactivation. A conveying system (115) for handling the goods item (150) is provided in order to place the goods item (150) in the cleaning chamber (101). A control device (110) automatically controls a predetermined cleaning procedure.

Description

[0001] System for the particulate and microbiological removal and inactivation of goods using a conveyor system

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and a method for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods using a conveying system. The present invention further relates to a transport system for the mobile particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In environments such as those used in the production of pharmaceuticals, food, or semiconductors, it is essential that goods are cleaned before being introduced into production or storage areas. This cleaning process must remove both dirt particles and microbiological substances or germs. High demands are placed on the cleaning performance of the equipment when goods are transferred from one environment to, for example, a cleanroom.

[0006] For example, microbiological degradation / inactivation can be carried out using UVC radiation. It is also known to remove particles from the surface of goods being processed using compressed air pulses. However, efficiently implementing the various cleaning processes, such as irradiating the goods together with the aerodynamic removal of particles from the surface of the goods to be cleaned, is extremely complex.

[0007] In particular, the handling and transport of goods before and after the purification process is often carried out manually, resulting in long transport times for the goods being cleaned. For example, a transport vehicle such as a forklift must be manually operated to position the goods correctly, without the possibility of a semi- or fully automated system.

[0008]

[0009] the

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the efficient execution of various cleaning processes of a product to be cleaned, thereby facilitating the handling of the product to be cleaned.

[0011] This task is solved by a system for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods, a method and a transport system for the mobile particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods, in particular their surfaces, is described. The system comprises a cleaning chamber in which the goods can be placed, the cleaning chamber having an access opening for handling the goods with respect to the cleaning chamber (i.e., for inserting them into and removing them from the cleaning chamber). The access opening can be closed, in particular locked, to prevent access during operation.

[0013] Furthermore, the system features an eddy current system coupled to the cleaning chamber in such a way that a turbulent flow of a cleaning fluid, in particular air, can enter the cleaning chamber to agitate particles on the goods. The system also features a displacement flow system coupled to the cleaning chamber in such a way that a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow of a cleaning fluid, in particular air, can flow through the cleaning chamber in a predetermined direction (i.e., from top to bottom (or vice versa) or from one side to the opposite side) to remove the agitated particles from the goods. The displacement flow, for example, exhibits a quality according to H14 when entering the cleaning chamber.Furthermore, the system has a UV radiation source which is coupled to the cleaning chamber in such a way that UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm can be introduced into the cleaning chamber for microbiological inactivation.

[0014] The system also includes a conveying system for handling the goods, the conveying system being designed to manipulate the goods, e.g., to place them in the cleaning room.

[0015] The system also features a control device which is configured to automatically control at least the conveying system, the eddy current system, the displacement flow system and the UV radiation source in a predetermined cleaning sequence.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for the particulate removal and microbiological inactivation of goods, in particular their surfaces, using a system described above is explained. According to the method, the goods are placed in the cleaning chamber section containing the conveyor system, and the cleaning chamber is closed. A turbulent flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the cleaning chamber to agitate particles on the goods. Furthermore, a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow of cleaning fluid is introduced to remove the agitated particles from the goods. In addition, the goods are irradiated with UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm within the cleaning chamber for microbiological inactivation.The control unit regulates the conveyor system, the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source in a predefined cleaning sequence. Optionally, the conveyor system can transport the goods out of the cleaning chamber after the cleaning process.

[0017] The cleaning room will consist of appropriate interior walls, i.e.

[0018] The cleaning chamber is formed by side walls, ceiling walls, and floor areas, and encloses an internal cleaning volume in which the goods can be placed for decontamination or inactivation. The cleaning chamber can be bounded, for example, laterally, top, or bottom by the walls of a building within which it is located. In particular, the cleaning chamber can be entirely formed by appropriate panels or walls and thus defined independently of a building wall. The cleaning chamber can, for example, be fixed and immobilized within a building. Alternatively, the cleaning chamber can also be designed as a mobile cleaning chamber and installed at various operating locations and / or integrated into a transport mechanism (e.g., a vehicle).The cleaning chamber can, for example, have various connections for the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, or the UV radiation source. Alternatively, the listed components or systems can also be attached directly to or integrated into the cleaning chamber. The cleaning volume formed inside is sealed from the environment by the walls of the cleaning chamber, in particular hermetically sealed. The cleaning chamber is designed such that appropriate inlet openings into the cleaning volume and corresponding outlet openings for the cleaning fluid are provided.

[0019] The cleaning room is designed to accommodate both the goods to be cleaned and system components. The interior cleaning volume is sufficiently large to allow the goods to be processed and handled. The cleaning room has at least one opening for feeding goods in (feed opening) and, in one example below, another opening for removing goods. During the removal process, access to the containment area or cleaning room is closed to personnel, preferably locked and secured.

[0020] The cleaning fluid can be, for example, a gaseous fluid (such as air), an aerosol (such as air containing aerosols of a cleaning agent), or a liquid fluid. The cleaning fluid can also be introduced into the cleaning chamber in a ribbon-like pattern, i.e., using an eddy current system or a displacement flow system.

[0021] The access opening to the cleaning room is designed to be selectively closed, particularly by means of a locking device. For example, a pivoting door or a flap device can be provided as a locking device to selectively open the second opening. Furthermore, the access opening can have a separate airlock device, so that the goods are first introduced into the airlock device, then the surrounding atmosphere is removed from the airlock device, and only then can the goods be moved into the cleaning room. The locking device can also be controlled by the control unit, so that the control unit can automatically open or close the access opening.

[0022] The vortex system is, for example, located externally to the cleaning chamber or, alternatively, integrated within it. The vortex system includes, for example, a fluid source for the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the vortex system includes a conveying device, such as a pump, to supply the appropriately printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber. The vortex system directs the printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber, where corresponding vortex elements are located. These include, for example, nozzle openings formed in the wall of the cleaning chamber or flow probes projecting into the cleaning volume, with corresponding flow nozzles at their ends. The vortex system is designed to generate a turbulent flow of the cleaning fluid. For this purpose, the vortex system may include corresponding vortex elements, so-called vortex generators, to generate this turbulent flow.Furthermore, the eddy current system can, for example, introduce pulses of turbulent cleaning fluid into the cleaning volume in a sequential manner. Sound-dampening elements can also be incorporated to reduce the noise level of the turbulent flow. The turbulent flow of the cleaning fluid improves particle removal upon contact with the surface of the item being cleaned, as the turbulent flow causes shear forces, for example, to detach the particles from the surface and swirl them into the cleaning volume.

[0023] The displacement flow system is, for example, located externally to the cleaning chamber or, alternatively, integrated within it. The displacement flow system includes, for example, a fluid source for the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the displacement flow system includes a conveying device, such as a pump or fan, to supply the appropriately printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber. The displacement flow system directs the printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber, where corresponding inlet elements, such as nozzle openings formed in the wall of the cleaning chamber or flow probes projecting into the cleaning volume, are located. These probes are fitted with corresponding flow nozzles at their ends. The displacement flow system is designed to generate a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow of the cleaning fluid.Ideally, the displacement flow is a laminar flow with minimal eddies and turbulence. To achieve this, the displacement flow system incorporates flow elements designed to generate a flow with minimal turbulence. For example, flow straighteners (laminarizers) can be used in the displacement flow's feed channel to create a directed, low-turbulence flow. This low-turbulence displacement flow can be directed precisely along a specific path through the cleaning volume, such as from a ceiling area of ​​the cleaning chamber towards a floor area. The low-turbulence displacement flow allows particles within the cleaning volume to be selectively transported to a predetermined location within the cleaning chamber. Specifically, particles stirred up by the vortex flow system can be removed by means of the displacement flow.The eddy current system and the displacement flow system can be operated simultaneously or alternatively sequentially, so that first the eddy current system of the turbulent flow stirs up the particles and subsequently the displacement flow of the displacement flow system carries away the stirred-up particles.

[0024] The cleaning fluid for the eddy current system and the displacement flow system can, for example, consist of one and the same cleaning fluid, such as air. Alternatively, different cleaning fluids can be used for the eddy current system and the displacement flow system.

[0025] In particular, the cleaning fluid for the displacement flow is introduced with a quality rating of H14. This means that the displacement flow, for example, before entering the cleaning volume, passes through and is cleaned by a HEPA H14 filter. A HEPA H14 filter is characterized in particular by a particle separation efficiency of 99.995% for particle sizes of 0.1 to 0.2 pm and can comply with DIN 1946-4 Part 4 (alternatively EN 1822).

[0026] The UV radiation source is designed to emit UV radiation, particularly UVC radiation, into the cleaning volume, especially towards the goods, in order to achieve microbiological inactivation of the goods or their surfaces. Specifically, the UV radiation source is designed to emit UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm, particularly 150 nm to 250 nm. UV and UV-C radiation are capable of killing and / or inactivating bacteria, germs, fungi, and viruses. UV-C radiation can be used to disinfect the surfaces of the goods, disinfect the air within the cleaning volume, and / or inactivate at least some of the microorganisms. The inactivation effect of the UV radiation can be precisely adjusted by the control unit through the irradiation duration and dose.A light source of the UV radiation source can also be designed as an LED light to emit directed UV radiation onto the goods.

[0027] The conveyor system is designed to transport goods into and out of the cleaning area. Specifically, the conveyor system can be configured to transport goods within the cleaning area. It can be designed to transport goods continuously, i.e., at a constant speed, or sequentially or discontinuously. The conveyor system can, for example, include one or more manipulators (such as robot arms) to grasp the goods and move them from a starting point to a destination. The manipulator can have a mechanical gripper, a magnetic gripper, or a vacuum gripper to grasp the goods. Furthermore, the conveyor system can include a conveyor track that, for example, extends through the openings of the cleaning area and runs through its entirety. The goods can be transported along the conveyor track in the direction of travel.The conveyor system can, for example, include a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, or a compressed air conveying system.

[0028] The conveyor system or manipulator can also be designed in such a way that the manipulator moves the entire decontamination system (cleaning chamber and the system components located therein) spatially, i.e., that it acts as a transport system, moving the entire decontamination system from point A to point B. This allows for both the transport of goods and decontamination taking place during transport. Communication between the conveyor system and the decontamination system is controlled by the control unit and can include information such as 'system loaded', 'start transport', 'end cleaning cycle because waypoint reached', etc. In other words, depending on the cleaning process, the control unit can control the conveyor system and, depending on the cleaning process, transport the goods to a designated location.

[0029] The control unit is connected via signal technology to the conveyor system, the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source. Furthermore, the control unit can also be coupled to the access opening closing mechanism to selectively open or close the access opening. Accordingly, the control unit is configured to transmit control commands or signals to the system components listed above and control them accordingly. A specific cleaning sequence can be predefined for the control unit. The control unit therefore includes, for example, a processor that can generate corresponding control signals for the system components based on the cleaning sequence. The control unit can be connected, for example, via a wired or wireless network connection (e.g., via the internet, cloud-based) to a remote central control system.Accordingly, a cleaning sequence can be automatically defined via the control unit. The control unit also includes, for example, a database in which one or more different cleaning sequences are stored. Depending on the item to be cleaned, the control unit can automatically decide which specific cleaning sequence should be performed. A cleaning sequence defines, for example, the power of the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source. Furthermore, the cleaning sequence defines the order in which the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source operate. The control unit can therefore automatically control the system components simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the defined cleaning sequence.

[0030] By using compressed air (cleaning fluid) as a turbulent airflow to blow off the surface of the goods, the particles lying on or lightly adhering to it are stirred up. The control unit can regulate the power of the vortex system in such a way that the stirred-up particles do not re-colonize already cleaned areas of the goods while still achieving sufficient removal efficiency.

[0031] The directed, low-turbulence displacement flow (DV) is directed by the displacement flow system across a large portion of the interior or cleaning volume of the cleaning chamber of the particle removal system. This ensures that the suspended particles are removed (and largely do not settle back onto the goods or the environment). Using a predominantly low-turbulence displacement flow can achieve both energy savings (air conveyance under laminar and / or low-turbulence conditions is more energy-efficient than under turbulent flow conditions) and a reliable removal effect of the suspended particles. By using removal air of at least H14 quality (e.g., via upstream H14 filters), it can be ensured that the interior of the particle removal system is not contaminated or flooded with foreign substances.

[0032] The described system and process for particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods provides a semi- or fully automated system for combined particulate removal with microbiological removal / inactivation, particularly using UVC radiation. Due to the precise coordination of the individual system components, such as the introduction of turbulent flow, displacement flow, and the precise activation of UV radiation, the removal process or the corresponding cleaning sequence can be designed efficiently. This ensures that, for example, despite energy-saving measures, the removal performance remains high and a defined removal rate can be achieved.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning chamber also has a discharge opening such that the goods can be conveyed into the cleaning chamber through the access opening and out through the discharge opening. The discharge opening can, for example, be located on the same side of the cleaning chamber as the access opening. Alternatively, the discharge opening can be located on different sides of the access opening. Thus, for example, the cleaning chamber can be accessible from different environments, allowing, for instance, the introduction of soiled goods from one side and the discharge of cleaned goods from another. The discharge opening can also have a closing device that selectively closes the cleaning chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the closing device can also be selectively controlled by the control unit, particularly depending on the cleaning process.

[0034] The cleaning chamber is designed such that the access and discharge openings are positioned opposite each other to form a tunnel system. The conveying system is designed for the continuous or discontinuous transport of goods through the access and / or discharge openings, and the control unit is configured to manage the conveying system. This allows for the efficient transport of goods from a first area through the cleaning chamber to a second area, such as a cleanroom. For example, a conveying system (as described in detail below) can be easily installed in such a tunnel system. Thus, a conveyor belt or manipulator of the conveying system can transport goods through the cleaning chamber even during the cleaning process.Accordingly, the control unit can control the conveyor system, enabling fully automated integration of the transport and cleaning of the goods.

[0035] For example, continuous or sequential pseudo-continuous conveying of goods can be implemented, whereby the conveyor belt of the conveying system stops intermittently during sub-process steps, for example, to open or close access points (such as the airlock control, cleaning by vortex flow, displacement flow, and / or subsequent UV irradiation using a UV radiation source). Depending on the design variant, this also allows for pseudo-continuous conveying (i.e., the conveyor belt stops intermittently during sub-process steps [e.g., to open or close access points, for blow-off control, etc.]) or continuous conveying (where, for example, the manipulator places the goods onto or removes them from the moving conveyor belt).

[0036] The cleaning room can be installed, in particular, between a first room area and a second room area, wherein the first room area and the second room area are designed with different levels of cleanliness, in particular particle quantities / m³. 3 exhibiting air and / or different concentrations of active organisms in the air.

[0037] The cleaning room can be installed, in particular between the first and second room areas, in such a way that the room is ventilated and the leakage rate through the cleaning room is less than 1.2 l / (m²). 2 *s), especially less than 0.2 l / (m²) 2 *s), furthermore, in particular less than 0.05 l / (m²) 2 ) amount, and in particular that the maximum room ventilation leakage rate can be provided up to a differential pressure of 40 Pa between the first room area and the second room area.

[0038] The first and second spatial areas are, for example, rooms or hall sections whose atmospheres are separated. The cleaning room according to the invention can be installed in a transition area and, due to its structural and functional design, forms a reliable barrier between the two spaces. Using the removal system, contaminated goods can thus be introduced from the first spatial area into the cleaning room and cleaned. The cleaned goods are then transferred to the second spatial area, which can, for example, be a cleaner room (cleanroom). This cleans the goods for the second spatial area, which has a lower particle load, preventing contamination of the cleaner area. The removal system or the cleaning room can provide a sufficiently airtight separation between the two areas.Appropriate seals can achieve the room air leakage rates described above between the two room areas. For leakage rate measurement, the area covered by the system according to the invention (e.g., the area of ​​the passage between two room areas or the area of ​​the access or unloading opening of the cleaning room) can be used as a reference area between the two areas. This allows the system or the cleaning room to be used to separate areas, particularly room areas. One room area can have a different level of cleanliness than the other. For example, if loading / unloading is carried out with a manipulator, the size of the cleaning room or the manipulator can be optimized to achieve, for example, low leakage rates between two room areas.

[0039] According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveying system includes a manipulator for handling the goods, wherein the manipulator is arranged inside or outside the cleaning chamber and is configured to handle the goods through the access opening and place them in the cleaning chamber. The manipulator can be configured, in particular, to move the goods during the cleaning process, especially to reposition them, and / or align them. The manipulator can have a mechanical gripper, a magnetic gripper, or a vacuum gripper to grasp the goods.

[0040] The control unit is specifically linked to the manipulator to control it. Accordingly, communication takes place with the manipulator (e.g., robot arm / cobot, SCARA robot (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm), etc.), which is at least partially responsible for loading and / or unloading the goods. The manipulator controls the spacing and positioning of the goods outside and / or inside the cleaning area in such a way that cleaning can occur, and in particular, supports this process. The manipulator can be either an integral part of the cleaning area or an external system.

[0041] Furthermore, the manipulator can be trained to reposition the goods after an initial depletion cycle (cleaning process) so that other areas of the goods, e.g. the base or other hard-to-reach areas, can also be cleaned.

[0042] Furthermore, the manipulator can be designed to place the goods at such a distance from each other on a component of the conveying system (e.g. conveyor belt) or transport system that this is optimal for compressed air removal and / or UV decontamination.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control unit controls the manipulator based on the geometric dimensions and material properties of the goods before or during the cleaning process. The manipulator can thus take into account the properties of the goods, particularly their dimensions, for correct positioning / spacing, preferably considering the effects of these dimensions on the shading of the turbulent flow. For this purpose, the sensor system described below, which is configured to determine the position of the goods, can be used so that the control unit can obtain position data from the goods to control the manipulator / conveyor system.

[0044] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control unit, based on target control data for the conveyor system, controls the cleaning process, issues a demand request to the conveyor system, grants permission to continue the cleaning process, and / or initiates a safety function, in particular an emergency stop. The target control data can be obtained from a database or an input unit. The target control data specifies control data for the conveyor system, for example, for the manipulator. For instance, based on the actual operating state / position of the manipulator and a comparison with the target operating state / position, the control unit can control the manipulator accordingly. Furthermore, when the manipulator reaches a target position, the cleaning process can be controlled or initiated accordingly. The target control data also specifies a target operating state / position of the goods or the

[0045] System components are presented, whereby a next step in the cleaning process can be initiated based on a comparison of the actual operating state / position. If the actual operating state / position deviates from the target control data or target operating state / position by a certain threshold, the control unit can initiate a safety function, in particular an emergency stop.

[0046] The control unit manages the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source, as well as at least the interaction (communication, release, timing, control, regulation, etc.) with the conveying system (e.g., manipulator, conveyor belt). This interaction, particularly communication, between the depletion system and the manipulator (or its automation technology) can occur in such a way that, based on the communication between the control unit, the conveying system (manipulator), and the depletion systems and / or their control components, a process is synchronized (e.g., 'Cleaning chamber loading complete, close access opening'), a release is granted (e.g., 'Ready for unloading'), a request is made (e.g., 'Start depletion'), and / or a safety function (e.g., activation or deactivation of a closing device) is triggered.

[0047] According to another exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that the turbulent fluid flow can enter the cleaning chamber with a pressurized fluid system of more than 1 bar, in particular more than 2 bar, preferably more than 4 bar maximum pressure. According to another exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that the maximum fluid flow rate for the turbulent fluid flow through the cleaning chamber is more than 10 Nl / min, in particular more than 25 Nl / min, preferably more than 50 Nl / min. It has been found that it is optimal to generate the turbulent airflow with a compressed air system (e.g., a compressor) of the eddy current system with a maximum pressure of more than 1 bar, in particular more than 2 bar, preferably more than 4 bar, and / or to configure a maximum airflow rate for the turbulent airflow of more than 10 Nl / min, in particular more than 25 Nl / min, preferably more than 50 Nl / min.The unit Nb min describes the standard volume flow rate. Under these conditions, the ratio of energy input for air supply to particle removal effect can be optimal.

[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that the turbulent fluid flow reaches a maximum velocity of over 10 m / s, in particular over 20 m / s, preferably over 50 m / s, in the cleaning chamber, and / or that the turbulent fluid flow can be pulsed into the cleaning chamber. The turbulent airflow can be directed at the product at a maximum velocity of over 10 m / s, in particular over 20 m / s, preferably over 50 m / s, and can especially be pulsed. Pulsing the airflow allows for better depletion because the modulation of the turbulent flow (above a certain minimum modulation range, which can be generated with the high airflow velocities mentioned above) results in an improved depletion effect.

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment, the displacement flow system is configured such that the low-turbulence displacement flow (108) has an average velocity of less than 2 m / s, in particular less than 1 m / s, preferably less than 0.5 m / s. Particularly good ratios between energy input for generating the displacement flow and particle removal performance in the ambient air of the goods or in the cleaning volume were achieved when the low-turbulence displacement flow has an average velocity of less than 2 m / s, in particular less than 1 m / s, preferably less than 0.5 m / s over a greater distance.

[0050] According to another exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that, during particle removal, the product experiences a wall shear stress of >1 Pa, particularly >3 Pa, and more specifically >5 Pa, due to the turbulent fluid flow. This wall shear stress is precisely what ensures the desired minimum removal effect and reliably accomplishes the partial task of particle removal. It should be noted that excessive wall shear stress can lead to damage to the product (e.g., labels tearing off, vials bursting in a transport container, etc.), while excessive wall shear stress can result in insufficient particle removal.

[0051] Especially with knowledge of the flow details of turbulent airflow, the conveying system or manipulator can ensure the appropriate blowing angles and blowing positions.

[0052] According to another exemplary embodiment, the UV radiation source is configured to irradiate surface segments of the goods with a minimum UV radiation energy of 100mJ / cm². 2 , in particular at least 200mJ / cm² 2 , furthermore, in particular at least 400mJ / cm² 2The control unit is configured to activate the UV radiation source to irradiate the goods, particularly after the particles have been stirred up by the turbulent flow. The system also includes a sensor system with a UV radiation sensor, which is designed to measure the radiation dose of the UV radiation acting on the goods. The control unit is configured to control the UV radiation source based on this measured dose. This energy control can be implemented adaptively via the control unit. In this context, adaptive means that the exposure time or the UV intensity is controlled based on the dose measurement. A radiation source can change its emission power during its lifetime. This (automatic) adaptation ensures that the primary energy used is minimized.The radiation sensor measures the radiation dose and / or ensures that this radiation dose has been delivered with the aforementioned minimum energy. The radiation sensor is an electronic sensor that, for example, implements the previously described adaptive principle through implicit control by the control unit, particularly in real time. It is advantageous to monitor, using an (electronic) radiation sensor, that the radiation source is delivering the intended power, especially if several radiation sensors monitor the radiation power / dose (redundancy) and / or if a radiation sensor is regularly tested for functionality (functional reliability).

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning process can be controlled by means of the control device in such a way that

[0054] a) first, by means of the eddy current system, the turbulent flow of the cleaning fluid, in particular with a pulsed turbulent fluid flow, can be introduced into the cleaning chamber in order to stir up particles on the goods,

[0055] b) the continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow of the cleaning fluid can then flow through the cleaning chamber in a predetermined direction by means of the displacement flow system in order to remove the suspended particles from the goods, and

[0056] c) Subsequently, UV radiation can be introduced into the cleaning chamber via the UV radiation source for surface decontamination of the goods. The control unit is configured to implement automated control of the decontamination system. The control unit controls the aforementioned system components, in particular the sequencing of the partial work steps in the cleaning process. The control of the cleaning process also affects the ratio between cleaning performance and total energy consumption. Control by the control unit allows the cleaning or decontamination to take place in several steps. For example, the control unit controls the UV light source and the eddy current system in such a way that, prior to microbiological decontamination with radiation, particulate cleaning with the turbulent fluid flow, in particular a pulsed turbulent flow (airflow), takes place.Furthermore, the control unit regulates the displacement flow system in such a way that a chamber cleaning of the cleaning chamber or cleaning volume with continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow takes place between particle removal with the turbulent flow and radiation decontamination. This cleaning pause between the turbulent airflow blow-off and microbiological inactivation ensures that resuspended particles do not settle back onto the goods and thus shade surface areas, which would reduce the inactivation efficiency (and thus require more UV radiation and therefore more primary energy for the necessary inactivation). The same applies to air turbidity caused by resuspended particles in the case of operation without a 'depletion pause'.

[0057] According to another exemplary embodiment, the UV radiation source is designed such that, in 90% of the cleaning chamber volume, after a cleaning cycle, the difference between the highest and lowest introduced UV energy of the UV radiation is less than 8, in particular less than 4, and further, in particular less than 2, and / or that, in 90% of the product surface, after a cleaning cycle, the difference between the highest and lowest introduced UV energy of the UV radiation is less than 8, in particular less than 4, and further, in particular less than 2. The design and configuration of, for example, the reflectors, the arrangement of the UV radiation sources, and the construction of the inner surfaces of the inner walls of the cleaning chamber are designed such that the UV radiation dose acting on the product is as uniform as possible. A defined minimum dose is necessary to ensure microbiological inactivation.Any dose higher than this minimum dose is a form of energy waste, which can be reduced by the measures described. These measures have ensured that in 90% of the product volume of the depletion system, the difference between the highest and lowest applied UV dose is no more than 8, in particular no more than 4, and preferably no more than 2. The same can be optimized for the product surface. Here, for example, the conveyor system, e.g., the manipulator, can be controlled by the control unit in such a way that the product is held precisely in front of the UV radiation source and optimally aligned for irradiation.

[0058] According to another exemplary embodiment, the inner walls of the cleaning chamber facing the goods are made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Furthermore, plastic parts on the inside (inner walls) of the cleaning chamber and / or components, particularly movable components of the conveyor system, may have a cover, which may be made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Additionally or alternatively, at least one inner wall may have a multi-layered construction. Glass, aluminum, or stainless steel have proven to be particularly suitable (with regard to reflection and embodied energy for the construction of the system) for the inner walls of the cleaning chamber facing the goods.Since plastics age rapidly under the influence of high UV radiation, becoming brittle and / or exhibiting increased plasticizer release (which can continue even after the UV radiation source is switched off, thus forming reflection-reducing deposits on the surfaces), it is advantageous for the main (plastic) components on the inside of the cleaning chamber to be covered, particularly if this cover is made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Such a cover can reduce both the radiation exposure and the amount of plastic particles entering the interior.

[0059] Furthermore, if highly reflective surfaces made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel are used for energy optimization, assessing the shading of a single surface point on the goods, considering only the direct line of sight to the UV radiation source, is inaccurate. For optimized operation, it is therefore advantageous to consider how the UV radiation is reflected within the cleaning chamber. This can be achieved, for example, using computational methods based on ray tracing. This allows for optimal shading assessment for the movements of the conveyor system, such as an actuator, especially a robot, and the optical interaction with the goods (particularly between the goods themselves). This becomes increasingly important the less rough the internal surfaces are. Surfaces that, when measuring 3x3 mm areas, predominantly exhibit a surface roughness (Ra) of <0.Surfaces with a surface roughness of 5 mm (especially <100 micrometers, preferably <20 micrometers) and a roughness depth (Rz) of <0.8 mm (especially <0.2 mm, preferably <0.08 mm) can be considered relevant sources of secondary UV radiation and modeled accordingly in a digital model.

[0060] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system includes an ionization device configured to ionize the cleaning fluid, particularly for low-turbulence displacement flow, before or upon entering the cleaning chamber. This results in fewer or no static charges forming on the surface of the goods, which could potentially lead to particle adhesion due to static charges and / or increased resuspension due to electrostatic repulsion (particle-particle, but also particle-wall, particle-goods).

[0061] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the UV radiation source is configured to emit UV radiation with a power of more than 10 W, in particular more than 20 W, and further, in particular, more than 50 W. The UV radiation source is further configured to emit UV radiation with a principal emission wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm, in particular between 230 nm and 272 nm, and further, in particular, between 245 nm and 265 nm. A desired minimum irradiation dose of 100 mJ / cm² is achieved. 2For treatment of microbiological inactivation on the product surface, it is advantageous if the UV radiation source has a power output of more than 10 W, particularly more than 20 W, and preferably more than 50 W, because the efficiency of the UV radiation source increases with higher power output. Additionally, microbiological inactivation is particularly effective if the main emission wavelength of the UV radiation source is between 200 nm and 280 nm, particularly between 230 nm and 272 nm, and preferably between 245 nm and 265 nm. This is especially advantageous for the conveying system, particularly the manipulator, because shorter wavelengths produce more ozone, which can attack components inside the manipulator.

[0062] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a carrier system on which the goods can be placed, wherein the carrier system is designed to introduce and / or remove the goods on the carrier system into the cleaning area. The carrier system is, in particular, a basket or a pallet which can be transported by means of the conveyor system.

[0063] The conveying system includes, in particular, a conveyor belt on which the carrier system can be placed. Furthermore, the conveying system may include, in particular, a manipulator that handles the carrier system in relation to the cleaning chamber. The control unit is configured to control the conveying system in relation to the carrier system. For loading the cleaning chamber, it has proven advantageous if the goods are placed in and / or removed from the cleaning chamber on a carrier system. The carrier system includes, for example, a basket or a pallet. Furthermore, several items can be placed on one carrier system, for example, on a pallet, so that the conveying system transports several items while moving the carrier system, thus increasing efficiency. This eliminates the need to individually load and unload each item. Additionally, interaction with the conveying system, e.g., the manipulator or the conveyor belt, is advantageous. The manipulator can, for example,Both loading and unloading the carrier system with goods, as well as positioning the carrier system itself for depletion or moving it during depletion in such a way that all sides are easily accessible to compressed air and UV radiation.

[0064] According to another exemplary embodiment, the carrier system and / or the conveying system is designed such that all sides of the goods are accessible to the displacement flow (and / or the turbulent flow). In particular, the carrier system and / or the conveying system is designed such that at least five sides of the goods are accessible to the displacement flow and / or the turbulent flow to more than 90%, in particular more than 95%, and further, in particular more than 98%, and a further side is accessible to the displacement flow and / or the turbulent flow to more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, and further, in particular more than 90%. The carrier system can be implemented, for example, with UV-permeable baskets, with support structures on columns, etc. In addition to the design of the carrier system, the manipulator is also helpful because it can reposition the goods and / or the carrier system during the depletion process.Such a carrier system can be prepared and / or optimized for the use of a manipulator. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning chamber has an airlock device by means of which the cleaning chamber can be selectively accessed or closed off via the access opening. The airlock device is designed, in particular, to provide a threshold-free transition and / or a drive-over transition. The airlock device can, for example, form a sealed intermediate area in which the goods are initially placed. Subsequently, the atmosphere in this intermediate area can be extracted so that the access opening towards the cleaning volume can then be opened, thus preventing the atmosphere in the cleaning chamber from being contaminated by the air from which the goods are introduced.For example, the airlock device can have two opposing locking flaps that can be selectively opened or closed, particularly by means of a control unit, to allow goods to be introduced into the intermediate area. The locking flaps can be sealed with gaskets, for example, selectively inflatable gaskets. The control unit can have a vent in the intermediate area to extract the atmosphere present there. This prevents contamination of the cleaning chamber when goods are introduced. For the integration or automation of the cleaning process, it has proven advantageous to use the airlock device described above, and in particular to implement this airlock device with a threshold-free and / or drive-over locking system.

[0065] This allows the cleaning room to be loaded and / or unloaded using, for example, a pallet truck or a forklift as a conveyor system (as described in detail below).

[0066] According to another exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured to move an outlet opening, in particular a nozzle, for turbulent cleaning fluid relative to the product during the inflow of the turbulent flow, wherein in particular the outlet opening, in particular the nozzle, and / or the product are movable, wherein in particular the outlet opening and / or the product can be moved by means of the manipulator. The control device is configured to control the movement of the outlet opening and / or the movement of the product, in particular by means of the manipulator. For example, the outlet opening, in which, for example, a controllable nozzle is arranged, can be moved by means of a mechanical actuator during the cleaning process, so that the outlet opening for turbulent air (e.g., a nozzle) experiences relative movement relative to the product during cleaning.This can be achieved, for example, by moving the nozzle and / or the product itself. This allows an automation system, for instance, to move a nozzle along the surface of the product, thus optimally removing particles. Alternatively, the product can be moved along a nozzle by the conveying system (e.g., using a manipulator or conveyor belt).

[0067] For example, a mechanical actuator ensures that a turbulent air outlet (e.g., a nozzle) moves relative to the product during cleaning. This can be achieved by moving the outlet (i.e., the nozzle) and / or the product itself. This allows an automation system, for example, to move a nozzle along the surface of the product, thus optimally removing particles. Alternatively, the product can be moved along a nozzle using a conveyor belt. Another alternative is to use a manipulator. The manipulator can perform one of the following tasks: moving a turbulent air outlet, moving the UV source and / or a light guidance system, or moving the product (positioning, changing position, aligning the product with the UV radiation source on all sides, loading, unloading, singulating, etc.).

[0068] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system has a movement device that, for example, comprises a joint or linear system to which, for example, one or more articulated arms movably attach the UV radiation source to an inner wall of the cleaning chamber. The joint system can be controlled, for example, by means of an electric actuator. The control unit can send corresponding control commands for this purpose.

[0069] The UV radiation guidance system is configured to control the direction of the UV radiation. The UV radiation guidance system includes, for example, a light guide, a mirror, and / or a lens system. The UV radiation guidance system can be moved relative to the product and, for example, also relative to the UV radiation source, by means of a movement device, so that the UV radiation can be directed to a desired location on the product.

[0070] The motion device can thus move the UV radiation source and / or the UV radiation guidance system (e.g., its lens systems) and / or the goods. This allows an automation system, for example, with the UV radiation source or a UV radiation guidance system, to deliver a high dose rate precisely along a surface of the goods, thereby optimally inactivating them microbiologically. Alternatively, the goods can be moved along a (static) UV radiation source or a light guidance system in the desired area using a conveyor belt. In an exemplary embodiment, a nozzle of the eddy current system can also be coupled to the motion device, so that both subsystems, i.e.,The UV radiation source and the eddy current system are moved to move the UV radiation source and / or to move a UV radiation guidance system for the UV radiation source relative to the goods during microbiological inactivation, wherein the control device is configured to control the movement device. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the movement device for the UV radiation source and / or the UV radiation guidance system has at least one degree of freedom, wherein the control device is configured to control the movement device depending on the nature of the goods. The movement device for the UV radiation source or the UV radiation guidance system controls it along at least one degree of freedom. The control device can control the movement device in such a way that, for example, the contour of a product is followed to enable complete UV irradiation or cleaning.In particular, the motion control of the movement device can be used to adjust the distance to the UV radiation source, for example due to different radiation intensity or a constant surface profile of the goods, in order to enable a constant dose rate input on the surface of the goods, which in turn reduces the necessary energy consumption.

[0071] According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveying system is designed to move the goods along a process direction through the cleaning room, wherein the conveying system is particularly designed to move the goods or subcomponents of the goods, in particular packaging material, along a return direction that differs from the process direction through the cleaning room.

[0072] The control unit can control the conveying system in such a way as to regulate the direction of the material flow. For example, a conveying motor, an actuator (e.g., of a conveyor belt), or a manipulator (e.g., a robot) can be implemented. When material is moved from one area to another during depletion, there is often also a need for return transport (e.g., of packaging material, goods past their expiration date, defective batches, etc.), especially if there is an access opening for loading and unloading the goods from the cleaning area. Since the depletion system according to the invention can also form a form of separation between two areas, it is advantageous if the control unit also conveys the goods back out of the cleaning area in the opposite direction after depletion (either through the depletion system [with or without a depletion process] and / or via an alternative path).For example, an alternative goods path can ensure that a sufficient number of safety seals between the two compartments are closed, thus minimizing the leakage rate. It should be noted that the processes for introducing and removing goods through the airlock differ (e.g., no depletion may be necessary in one direction).

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the conveyor system includes a manipulator for handling the goods, which can be controlled by the control unit such that the manipulator is configured for loading and / or unloading the goods into and out of the cleaning chamber and / or for positioning, in particular for maintaining a predetermined distance from the turbulent airflow and / or from the UV radiation source or its movement device. Optimal process control between the control unit and the manipulator can be achieved through communication between the control unit and the purification system. For this purpose, the manipulator is also designed to perform at least one of the following tasks: loading and / or unloading goods and / or maintaining distance with respect to accessibility of the turbulent airflow and / or maintaining distance with respect to shading of the UV radiation source or its radiation guidance.This has the advantage of optimizing the cleaning process, cycle times, and partial or full automation. However, the manipulator can also be designed as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), i.e., an automatically self-driving vehicle that can be controlled by the control unit.

[0074] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured such that the distance to the UV radiation source can be changed, particularly during the cleaning process. Based on the geometric dimensions of the goods, the control device regulates the conveyor system to adjust the distance to the UV radiation source. A manipulator can be used to change the distance to the UV radiation source or its UV radiation guidance system during the depletion process. This makes it easier to achieve the minimum desired radiation dose across the entire surface of the goods. The dimensions of the goods can be taken into account for this purpose. For example, the distance to the surface of the goods can be adjusted depending on their shape or size. This distance can, in turn, be influenced by the coupling of the control device with the conveyor system / manipulator.

[0075] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system includes a sensor system configured to determine the position of the goods in the cleaning chamber and / or to determine the goods' geometric dimensions. The sensor system includes, for example, an optical sensor, in particular a camera and / or a 3D sensor, for determining optical data regarding the position of the goods in the cleaning chamber and / or the goods' geometric dimensions. Based on this optical data, the control unit is configured to control the loading and / or unloading of the cleaning chamber with the goods and / or the cleaning process.

[0076] The control unit is further configured to control, through object recognition, artificial intelligence, the geometric dimensions of the goods and / or measurement of the goods using the sensor system, the position of the goods in the cleaning room, the cleaning process, the distance of the goods to the walls of the cleaning room, the cycle time of the cleaning process, the speed of the goods through the cleaning room, the intensity of the turbulent flow and / or the UV radiation.

[0077] The sensor system can also include other sensor types, such as a distance sensor, a mechanical touch sensor (pushbutton), or an infrared sensor. The sensor data (e.g.,

[0078] Parameters measured using pushbuttons, optical sensors, camera images, video data, and 3D sensors are acquired and processed by the system's control unit. Based on these measured parameters, the control unit can then optimize the loading and / or unloading of the depletion system or cleaning chamber, and / or the cleaning process (optimization of the depletion cycle).

[0079] Additionally, object recognition, AI and / or measurement using the control unit that controls the conveyor system can separate the goods from an unsorted and / or irregular arrangement and / or accumulation of goods, so that no prior sorting of the goods is necessary.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment, sensor data (e.g., from pushbuttons, optical sensors, camera images, video data, 3D sensors, etc.) are evaluated and interpreted by the control unit. This sensor data can also be exchanged in its original or interpreted form between the conveyor system, the control unit, and the sensor system via the communication interface according to the invention. This data can optimize the loading and / or unloading of the extraction system. Additionally, object recognition, AI, and / or measurement, preferably using this subsystem, can be used to separate unsorted and / or irregularly arranged and / or accumulated goods before loading. Regardless of the above procedure, position, distance, cycle time, speed, and / or intensity can be influenced, controlled, and / or regulated.This can affect the goods, the outlet for turbulent air and / or the UV source and / or its light guidance.

[0081] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control device controls at least the conveying system, the eddy current system, the displacement flow system and the UV radiation source based on the geometric dimensions of the goods, the quantity of goods, the measurement data of the sensor system, and the arrangement of the conveying system.

[0082] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control unit has a reading device for reading information from the product, wherein the information contains parameters based on which the control unit regulates the cleaning process. The reading device is designed to read machine-readable information from the product, wherein the machine-readable information is provided on the product in an optically readable form, in particular as a QR code, barcode, and / or OCR text. The reading device is also designed to read information from an information tag, in particular a transmitter, on or in the product using NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, and / or LoRa.

[0083] The information is selected from the group consisting of the placement and positioning of the goods in the cleaning room, the distance of the goods to the walls of the cleaning room, information regarding movement of the goods in the cleaning room, information regarding the speed or acceleration of the goods, information regarding the cleaning process including cycle times, intensity of turbulent flow and / or UV radiation.

[0084] The reading device is, for example, an optical sensor, an RFID scanner, or an NFC scanner. Based on the information read, the control unit can perform optimizations tailored to the product manipulator and / or the product removal system. The information can be transmitted optically (e.g., QR code, barcode, OCR, etc.) or wirelessly (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, LoRa, etc.). The actions derived from this information can include placement, positioning, spacing, handling (speed, acceleration, "do not tip over," etc.), and removal (cycle times, particulate intensity [e.g.,

[0085] wall shear stress] and / or microcellular inactivation [e.g.

[0086] Dose rate]), the conveying, logging, quality assurance, the chain of custody [material flows and their treatments], etc.

[0087] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to expose the conveying system to turbulent flow, displacement flow, and / or UV radiation during a cleaning process in order to remove particulate matter and microorganisms from the conveying system and / or to microbiologically inactivate it, particularly when no goods are placed in the cleaning chamber. In a further preferred embodiment, the conveying system, for example, the manipulator or the conveyor belt, is periodically cleaned by the removal system (i.e., by the eddy current system and the displacement flow system). This can be achieved, for example, by installing the manipulator inside the cleaning chamber so that it is periodically cleaned or microbiologically inactivated, either with or without additional goods.

[0088] According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveying system is suitable for carrying out hygienic applications, in particular being designed to IP 65 or better, and furthermore featuring a disinfection aid designed to facilitate disinfection of the conveying system with a disinfectant, thus making the conveying system suitable for hygienic applications. This can also be achieved, for example, by largely avoiding undercuts, as microbiologically problematic material can accumulate there. The disinfection aid, which may, for example, form a disinfection device, can apply chemical disinfectants to the system elements or the goods themselves. The system elements, and in particular the conveying system, can be disinfected by wipe disinfection and / or by misting / fumigation with a disinfectant.For example, the surfaces of the conveying system can be curved so that disinfectant flows precisely to a desired location. Furthermore, the conveying system, such as a manipulator, can be moved into a parking position where the disinfection device can apply disinfectant accordingly.

[0089] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a transport system for the mobile particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods is described. The transport system comprises the system described above. Furthermore, the transport system includes a transport device designed for transporting the system, wherein the transport device comprises a vehicle, a lift, and / or an automated guided vehicle (AGV). Thus, the removal system can be designed in such a way that it can be moved in parts or as a whole and still remain functional. This allows the removal processes to take place during transport or relocation. Furthermore, the goods can simply be transported within the system's cleaning chamber. The resources required for this can be carried along during transport of the transport device (battery, compressed air reservoir, etc.).Furthermore, the transport system can also have corresponding fluid connections, communication connections, and / or power connections to ensure a reliable power supply during transport or at a mobile deployment location. For example, power can be supplied via a conductor rail or sliding contact, similar to an electric train. Suitable implementations for such a transport system include vehicles, lifts, transport systems, and / or AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), i.e., autonomously driving vehicles. In a specific configuration, a robot guides the functionally relevant components (e.g., the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and / or the UV radiation source) around the contours of the goods, while the goods are either stationary or also in motion.

[0090] It should be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments are considered to be obviously disclosed to the person skilled in the art with regard to the embodiments explicitly described here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described by apparatus claims and other embodiments by method claims. However, it will become immediately clear to the person skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter is also possible.

[0091] Brief description of the drawings

[0092] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a system for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods, wherein the cleaning chamber comprises a first cleaning chamber section and a further cleaning chamber section, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a system for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods, wherein manipulators are provided in a cleaning room, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a transport system for transporting a depletion system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Detailed

[0097]

[0098] of example

[0099]

[0100] Identical or similar components in different figures are identified by the same reference numbers. The representations in the figures are schematic.

[0101] Fig. 1 shows a system 100 for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods 150, in particular their surfaces. The system 100 has a cleaning chamber 101 in which the goods 150 can be placed. An access opening 102 of the cleaning chamber 101 can be closed to prevent entry during operation. An eddy current system 104 directs a turbulent flow 107 of a cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber 101 to agitate particles on the goods 150. A displacement flow system directs a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow 108 of a cleaning fluid through the cleaning chamber in a predetermined flow direction to remove the agitated particles from the goods 150. A UV radiation source 106 emits UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm into the cleaning room 101 for microbiological inactivation.A conveyor system 115 is provided for handling the goods 150, wherein the conveyor system 115 is configured to place and handle the goods 150 in the cleaning room 101. A control device 110 automatically controls a predefined cleaning sequence.

[0102] The cleaning room 101 is formed from corresponding side walls, ceiling walls and floor areas and encloses an inner cleaning volume in which the goods 150 are placed for depletion or

[0103] Inactivation can be placed. In particular, the cleaning chamber 101 can be entirely formed by appropriate panels or walls and thus be defined independently of a building wall. The eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system 105, and the UV radiation source 106 are arranged on or integrated into the cleaning chamber 101. The cleaning volume formed inside is sealed off from the environment by the wall of the cleaning chamber 101. The interior cleaning volume is dimensioned sufficiently large to allow the goods 150 to pass through and be processed. The cleaning chamber 101 has at least one access opening 102 for feeding goods 150 and, in the example shown, an unloading opening 103 for removing goods 150, whereby access to the cleaning chamber 101 is closed to people during the depletion process.

[0104] The access opening 102 of the cleaning chamber 101 is designed to be selectively closed, for example by means of a closing device. For instance, a pivoting door or a flap lifting device can be provided as a closing device to selectively open the second opening. Furthermore, the access opening 102 and / or the discharge opening 103 can have a separate airlock 114, so that the goods 150 are first introduced into the airlock 114, then the surrounding atmosphere is removed from the airlock 114, and only then can the goods 150 be conveyed into the cleaning chamber 101. Similarly, the goods 150 can be discharged from the cleaning chamber into the discharge opening 103 via the airlock 114.The control device 110 controls the closing device and the sluice device 114, so that a loading and unloading process of the cleaning room 101 can be carried out automatically.

[0105] The airlock device 114 is designed, in particular, to provide a threshold-free transition and / or a drive-over transition. The airlock device 114 can, for example, form a sealed intermediate area in which the goods 150 are initially placed. The atmosphere in this intermediate area can then be extracted so that the access opening 102 towards the cleaning volume can be opened, thus preventing the atmosphere in the cleaning chamber 101 from being contaminated by air from which the goods 150 are introduced. For example, the airlock device 114 can have two opposing closing flaps that can be selectively opened or closed, in particular by means of the control unit 110, to introduce goods 150 into the intermediate area. This allows the cleaning chamber 101 to be loaded and / or unloaded, for example, using a pallet truck or a forklift as a conveying system 115.

[0106] The vortex system 104 is arranged at the cleaning chamber 101. The vortex system 104 has a fluid source for the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the vortex system has a conveying device, for example, a pump, to supply appropriately printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber 101. The vortex system 104 delivers the printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber 101, in which corresponding vortex elements, for example, nozzles 109 in the wall of the cleaning chamber 101 or in certain support structures, are arranged. The vortex system 104 is designed to generate a turbulent flow 107 of the cleaning fluid. The vortex system 104 can, for example, introduce pulses of turbulent flow 107 into the cleaning volume sequentially. By means of the turbulent flow 107 of the cleaning fluid, 150 particles are dislodged upon contact with the surface of the goods to be cleaned.

[0107] The displacement flow system 105 is arranged in the cleaning chamber 101. The displacement flow system 105 has a fluid source for the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the displacement flow system 105 has a conveying device, for example, a pump, to supply appropriately printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber 101. The displacement flow system 105 delivers the printed cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber 101, in which corresponding inlet elements, for example, nozzle openings 123 formed in the wall of the cleaning chamber 101, are arranged. The displacement flow system 105 is designed to generate a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow 108 of the cleaning fluid. In particular, the displacement flow 108 is ideally a laminar flow with as little turbulence as possible.For this purpose, the displacement flow system 105 incorporates corresponding flow elements that generate a flow with minimal turbulence. For example, flow straighteners can be used in the feed channel of the displacement flow 108 to generate a directed, low-turbulence flow. The low-turbulence displacement flow 108 is directed along a specific path from the ceiling area towards the floor area of ​​the cleaning chamber 101. The low-turbulence displacement flow 108 then carries particles from the cleaning volume through the floor area of ​​the cleaning chamber 101. The vortex flow system 104 and the displacement flow system 105 can be operated simultaneously or sequentially.

[0108] In particular, the cleaning fluid for the displacement flow 108 is introduced with a quality according to H 14. This means that the displacement flow 108, for example, before entering the cleaning volume, passes through a HEPA filter H14 and is cleaned by it.

[0109] The UV radiation source 106 is configured to emit UV radiation, in particular UVC radiation, into the cleaning volume, especially towards the goods 150, in order to achieve microbiological inactivation of the goods 150 or their surface. Specifically, the UV radiation source 106 is configured to emit UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm. The depletion effect of the UV radiation can be precisely adjusted by the control unit 110 by means of the irradiation duration and the irradiation dose.

[0110] The control unit 110 is connected via signaling to the eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source 106. Furthermore, the control unit 110 can also be coupled to the closing device of the access opening 102 and discharge opening 103 in order to selectively open or close the openings 102.

[0111] Accordingly, the control unit 110 is configured to transmit control commands or control signals to the system components listed above and to control them accordingly. A specific cleaning sequence can be predefined for the control unit 110. Similarly, a cleaning sequence can be automatically predefined by controlling the control unit 110. The control unit 110 also has, for example, a database unit in which one or more different cleaning sequences are stored. For example, depending on the item 150 to be cleaned, the control unit 110 can automatically decide which specific cleaning sequence should be carried out. A cleaning sequence defines, for example, the performance of the eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system 105, and the UV radiation source 106.Furthermore, the cleaning process defines the sequence of the eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system 105, and the UV radiation source 106 in relation to each other. The control unit 110 can automatically control the system components simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the predefined cleaning process.

[0112] By using compressed air (cleaning fluid) as a turbulent airflow to blow the surface of the product 150 onto the surface, the particles lying on or slightly adhering to it are stirred up. The control device 110 can control the power of the eddy current system 104 in such a way that the power of the turbulent flow 107 does not cause the stirred-up particles to re-colonize already cleaned areas of the product 150, while still achieving a sufficient removal rate.

[0113] The cleaning room 101 is designed such that the access opening 102 and the discharge opening 103 are located opposite each other (i.e., on opposite wall areas or interior walls) to provide a tunnel system. This allows the goods 150 to be efficiently conveyed from a first area 118 through the cleaning room 101 to a second area 119, for example, a cleanroom. The first area 118 and the second area 119 are designed to allow different particle counts / m³. 3 Air and / or varying concentrations of active organisms in the air. The cleaning room 101 is to be installed, in particular between the first room area 118 and the second room area 119, in such a way that room air leakage rates through the cleaning room 101 are less than 1.2 l / (m³). 2*s) and / or that the maximum room ventilation leakage rate can be provided up to a differential pressure of 40 Pa between the first room area 118 and the second room area 119.

[0114] The first room area 118 and the second room area 119, for example, constitute rooms or hall areas whose atmospheres are separated. The cleaning room 101 according to the invention can be installed in a transition area. By means of the decontamination system, contaminated goods 150 can thus be introduced from a first room area 118 into the cleaning room 101 and cleaned. The cleaned goods 150 are then fed to the second room area 119, which can, for example, be a cleaner room (cleanroom). This goods 150 are thus cleaned for the second room area 119 with a lower particle load, so that no contamination of the cleaner area occurs. The decontamination system or the cleaning room 101 can form a sufficiently airtight separation between the two areas. By means of appropriate seals, the room air leakage rates described above between the two room areas can be achieved.For leakage rate measurement, the area covered by the system 100 according to the invention (e.g., the area of ​​the passage between two room areas or the area of ​​the access opening 102 or the discharge opening 103 of the cleaning room 101) between the two areas can be used as a reference area.

[0115] The eddy current system 104 has nozzles 109 for the outflow of the turbulent fluid flow, wherein the nozzles 109 are in particular configured to outflow the turbulent fluid flow by means of a Venturi effect.

[0116] Furthermore, an ionization device 111 is provided, which is designed to ionize the low-turbulence displacement flow 108 before or upon entry into the cleaning chamber 101. This ensures that fewer or no static charges form on the surface of the goods 150, which could potentially lead to the adhesion of particles due to static charges.

[0117] Cleaning chamber 101 has a surface area configured to exhibit a surface roughness (Ra) of <0.5 mm when UV radiation is emitted across 3x3 mm areas. The internal surfaces of cleaning chamber 101, which are illuminated by UV radiation, are designed to provide a suitable reflective effect for the UV radiation.

[0118] The cleaning room 101 also has reflectors 112 which are aligned in such a way that the reflected UV radiation is mostly radiated past the UV radiation source 106.

[0119] The UV radiation source 106 is designed to emit UV radiation with a power output exceeding 10 W. Furthermore, the UV radiation source 106 emits UV radiation with a principal emission wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm.

[0120] Furthermore, a filter device 120 is provided, which is designed such that the cleaning fluid discharged from the cleaning chamber 101 can be filtered to a quality at least equivalent to H14. The filter device 120 includes an H14 HEPA filter. In the example shown, the filter device 120 is located in the floor area. The filter device includes, for example, a blower to extract and filter the atmosphere from the cleaning volume.

[0121] The eddy current system 104 generates a fluid turnover of the turbulent flow 107 of greater than 30m 3 / h (volume flow rate). By using a high volume flow rate for the turbulent flow 107 during the blowing off of the surface of the product 150, it can be ensured that the soluble particles are reliably stirred up (and subsequently removed with the directed TAV).

[0122] The UV radiation source 106 has a radiation sensor 122, which is configured to measure the UV radiation energy of the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source 106. The control unit 110 is coupled to the UV radiation energy such that the UV radiation source 106 can be controlled based on the measured UV radiation energy. The radiation sensor 122 measures the radiation dose and / or ensures that this radiation dose has been delivered with the aforementioned minimum energy.

[0123] The cleaning room 101 has interior walls 113 facing the interior volume of the cleaning room 101. The interior walls 113 are at least partially made of glass, aluminum, and / or stainless steel, which have been shown to be particularly suitable with regard to reflection and embodied energy. The interior walls 113 can also be at least partially covered by a cover, which is at least partially made of glass, aluminum, and / or stainless steel.

[0124] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control device 110 is configured to measure the operating time of the UV radiation source 106 and, in particular, at least one additional measurement parameter from the group consisting of current, voltage, temperature, radiation intensity, switching-on cycles, initial start-up time, age of the radiation source, and vibrations. The control device 110 is thus configured to initiate preventive maintenance, in particular a replacement, of the UV radiation source 106 based on the operating time of the UV radiation source 106 and the at least one additional parameter.

[0125] The control unit 110 also monitors the temperature of the UV radiation source 106, in particular the surface temperature of the UV radiation source 106. For example, a specific limit value for the temperature of the UV radiation source 106 can be specified, whereby the control unit 110 takes countermeasures, such as deactivating the radiation source, if the limit value is exceeded for a certain value or for a certain period of time.

[0126] The control unit 110 further comprises a manually operated emergency shutdown device, the emergency shutdown device being configured to switch off the UV radiation source 106, to mechanically release access through the access opening 102 and / or the discharge opening 103, and / or to deactivate the vortex flow system 104 and / or the displacement flow system. The control unit 110 is configured to monitor the closure status of the access opening 102 and / or the discharge opening 103 during operation.

[0127] System 100 further comprises a conveying system 115 for conveying the goods 150, in particular continuously or discontinuously, through the access opening 102 and / or through the discharge opening 103. The control unit 110 is configured, in particular, to control the conveying system 115. The conveying system 115 is designed to convey the goods 150 into and out of the cleaning room 101. In particular, the conveying system 115 may be configured to convey the goods 150 within the cleaning room 101.

[0128] The conveyor system 115 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 has one or more manipulators 124 (for example, robot arms) to grasp the goods 150 and move them from a starting point to a destination. The manipulator 124 can have a mechanical gripper, a magnetic gripper, or a vacuum gripper to grasp the goods 150. Depending on the cleaning process, the control unit 110 can control the conveyor system 115 and transport the goods 150 to a designated location. The system 110 has a carrier system 116 on which the goods 150 can be placed. The carrier system 116 is designed to load and / or unload the goods 150 on the carrier system 116 into the cleaning chamber 101. The carrier system 116 is, in particular, a basket or a pallet that can be transported by the conveyor system 115.

[0129] The control unit 110 is configured to control the conveyor system 115 in relation to the carrier system 116. For loading the cleaning room 101, it has proven advantageous if the goods 150 are loaded into and / or unloaded from the cleaning room 101 on a carrier system 116.

[0130] The support system 116 is designed such that all sides of the product 150 can be exposed to the displacement flow 108 and / or the turbulent flow 107. This can be achieved, for example, with UV-permeable baskets or with support structures on columns. Alternatively, the product 150 can also be moved with a manipulator.

[0131] The eddy current system 104 has a movable or positionable outlet opening, in particular a movable nozzle 109, for turbulent cleaning fluid to move relative to the workpiece 150 during the inflow of the turbulent flow 107. The control device 110 is configured to control the movement of the outlet opening and / or the movement of the workpiece 150 (relative to the outlet opening). The controllable nozzle 109 can be moved by means of a mechanical actuator during the cleaning process, so that the outlet opening for turbulent air experiences relative movement relative to the workpiece 150 during cleaning.

[0132] System 100 may further comprise a movement device for moving the UV radiation source 106 and / or a UV radiation steering system for the UV radiation source 106 relative to the product 150 during microbiological inactivation, wherein the control device 110 is configured to control the movement device. The movement device may, for example, have a joint system to which, for example, articulated arms movably attach the UV radiation source 106 to the inner wall 113 of the cleaning chamber 101.

[0133] The UV radiation guidance system comprises, for example, a light guide, a mirror, and / or a lens system. The UV radiation guidance system is movable relative to the product 150 and, for example, also relative to the UV radiation source 106 by means of the movement device, so that the UV radiation can be directed to a desired location on the product 150. The movement device can thus move the UV radiation source 106 and / or the UV radiation guidance system (e.g., its lens systems) and / or the product 150. In an exemplary embodiment, a nozzle 109 of the eddy current system 104 can also be coupled to the movement device, so that both subsystems, i.e., the UV radiation source 106 and the eddy current system 104, can be moved by means of one and the same actuator.

[0134] Furthermore, system 100 includes a sensor system 121, which is configured to determine the position of the goods 150 in the cleaning room 101 and / or to determine the geometric dimensions of the goods 150. The sensor system 121 includes, for example, an optical sensor, in particular a camera and / or a 3D sensor, for determining optical data regarding the position of the goods 150 in the cleaning room 101 and / or the geometric dimensions of the goods 150. The control unit 110 is configured, based on the optical data, to control the loading and / or unloading of the cleaning room 101 with respect to the cleaning room 101 and / or the cleaning process.The control unit 110 is configured, in particular by means of object recognition, artificial intelligence and / or measurement of the goods 150 by means of the sensor system 121, to control the position of the goods 150 in the cleaning room 101 and / or the geometric dimensions of the goods 150 and / or the cleaning process. The sensor system 121 may also include a distance sensor, a mechanical touch sensor (pushbutton) or an infrared sensor to determine a specific position of the goods 150.

[0135] The manipulator 124 is configured to separate the goods 150 from a multitude of unsorted and / or irregularly arranged goods 150 located outside the cleaning room 101 and place them in the cleaning room 101 before loading it. The control unit 110 controls the conveyor system 115 such that, based on the optical data from the sensor system 121, a multitude of goods 150 can be placed in the cleaning room 101. The control unit 110 controls the cleaning process, in particular the movement of the eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system 105, and / or the UV radiation source 106, based on the arrangement of the goods 150 in the cleaning room 101.

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 110 can, based on the measured parameters, influence and / or control and / or regulate a position, a distance, a cycle time, a speed and / or an intensity of the goods 150 or of the cleaning process using the sensor system 121.

[0137] With the illustrated system 100, the control unit 110 first controls the manipulator 124 of the conveying system 115 at the entrance of the access opening 102 of the cleaning chamber 101. The manipulator 124 grasps an item 150 individually or an item 150 on a carrier system 116. The item 150 can be placed in a sluice device 114 to purify the atmosphere of the first chamber area 118. Subsequently, the item 150 is placed inside the cleaning volume, for example, by means of a manipulator 124 located within the cleaning chamber 101. Following this, the turbulent flow 107 of the cleaning fluid, in particular a pulsed turbulent flow, is introduced into the cleaning chamber 101 by means of the eddy current system 104 to agitate particles on the item 150.

[0138] Afterwards or simultaneously, the continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow 108 of the cleaning fluid is directed in a predetermined flow direction from a basin area towards the bottom area of ​​the cleaning room 101 by means of the displacement flow system in order to remove the stirred-up particles from the goods 150.

[0139] Afterwards or simultaneously, the UV radiation is applied to the cleaning room 101 by means of the UV radiation source 106 for surface decontamination of the goods 150 with UV radiation.

[0140] The cleaned goods 150 can then be gripped by a further manipulator 124 of the conveying system 115 through the discharge opening 103, in which a further sluice device 114 may be arranged, and transported into the second room area 119, which is, for example, a cleanroom.

[0141] The control unit 110 is configured to implement automated control of the depletion system. The control unit 110 controls the individual steps of the cleaning process.

[0142] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of system 100 for the particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods 150. System 100 has the same system components as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, with the cleaning chamber 101 and the conveying system 115 being configured alternatively. In particular, cleaning chamber 101 is configured with a first cleaning chamber section 201 and a subsequent further cleaning chamber section 202. The conveying system 115 has a conveyor belt 117 which conveys the goods 150 along a conveying direction from the first chamber section 118 through the access opening 102 into the first cleaning chamber section 201, then transfers the goods 150 from the first cleaning chamber section 201 into the further cleaning chamber section 202, and finally conveys them through the discharge opening 103 into the second chamber section 119.

[0143] The conveyor belt 117, for example, extends through the access opening 102 and the discharge opening 103 of the cleaning room 101 and runs through the entire cleaning room 101. The conveyor belt 117 can, for example, be a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, or a pneumatic conveying system. Depending on the cleaning process, the control unit 110 can control the conveying system 115 and, depending on the cleaning process, transport the goods 150 to a designated location.

[0144] The conveying system 115 can also include a manipulator 124 to, for example, convey the goods 150 onto the carrier system 116 or directly onto the conveyor belt 117.

[0145] By means of the conveyor belt 117, a continuous or sequential pseudo-continuous conveying of the goods 150 can be implemented, whereby the conveyor belt 117 of the conveying system 115 stops intermittently during partial process steps, for example to open or close access points (e.g. the sluice devices 114), cleaning by vortex flow 107, displacement flow 108 and / or subsequent UV irradiation by means of the UV radiation source 106.

[0146] The product 150 can initially be transferred to the first cleaning chamber section 201. This first cleaning chamber section 201 contains, among other things, the eddy current system 104 and the displacement flow system 105. As the product 150 passes through the first cleaning chamber section 201 continuously or sequentially, it is exposed to the turbulent flow 107 to loosen particles. Simultaneously or subsequently, the displacement flow 108 can carry the loosened particles towards the floor area, where a filter device 120 filters the exhaust air. A sensor system 121 can detect the position of the product 150 in the first cleaning chamber section 201, allowing the connected control unit 110 to influence the cleaning process based on the position data.

[0147] After passing through the first cleaning chamber section 201, the goods 150 are transferred by means of the conveyor belt 117 to the subsequent cleaning chamber section 202, which is downstream in the conveying direction. In this subsequent cleaning chamber section 202, the UV radiation source with one or more lamps is arranged, for example, on a side or top inner wall 113, to treat the goods 150 with UV radiation. A radiation sensor 122 of the sensor system 121 can measure the radiation dose accordingly, so that the coupled control unit 110 can influence the cleaning process based on the measurement data.

[0148] In the further cleaning chamber section 202, reflectors 112 can also be provided to reflect the UV radiation. The reflectors 112 are designed such that the UV radiation is largely reflected past the UV radiation source 106.

[0149] After particulate removal, microbiological removal, and microbiological inactivation, particularly of the surfaces of the goods 150 passing through, they are conveyed further by conveyor belt 117 into the second room area 119. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a system 100 for particulate removal, microbiological removal, and / or microbiological inactivation of goods. The system 100 has the same

[0150] System components as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, wherein additional manipulators 124 are provided in a cleaning room.

[0151] For example, a manipulator 124 of the conveyor system 115 is located near the access opening 102. The manipulator 124 can thus grasp the goods 150 externally and, for example, place them separately or together with the carrier system 116, such as a pallet, in the cleaning chamber 101 between the nozzles 109 of the vortex system 104. The manipulator 124 can then detach itself from the goods 150, and the removal process or cleaning sequence can be carried out automatically.

[0152] Near the discharge opening 103 edges, a further manipulator 124 is provided, which, after the depletion process, places the goods 150, for example together with the carrier system 116, through the discharge opening 103 to the outside into the second room area 119.

[0153] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a transport system 400 for transporting a system 100 according to the present invention. The system 100, and in particular the cleaning chamber 101, is placed on an automated guided vehicle (AGV) 401. All system elements necessary for the removal of contaminants are located in the cleaning chamber 101. For example, the eddy current system 104 and the displacement flow system 105 are arranged in the mobile cleaning chamber 101. The control unit 110 is, for example, placed on the AGV 401. The control unit 110 is coupled to the relevant system components and control technology and can also be coupled to the AGV 401 to control it accordingly and move it to a predetermined location.

[0154] Outside cleaning room 101 (alternatively, placement inside cleaning room 101 is also possible), a manipulator 124 of the conveyor system 115 is positioned on the colorless transport vehicle 401. The manipulator 124 can grasp a good 150 from outside the transport vehicle 401 and place it in or remove it from cleaning room 101.

[0155] In particular, the transport system 401 can be configured such that a cleaning process is carried out while the transport vehicle 101 is in motion. Alternatively, the transport system 401 can be placed at a desired location in order to then carry out a cleaning process at that location.

[0156] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. List of reference numerals:

[0157] 100 System 201 first cleaning room section 101 cleaning room 202 further

[0158] 102 Access opening Cleaning room section

[0159] 103 Discharge opening

[0160] 104 Eddy current system 400 Transport system

[0161] 105 Displacement flow system 401 Driverless transport vehicle 106 UV radiation source

[0162] 107 turbulent flow

[0163] 108 Displacement flow

[0164] 109 nozzles

[0165] 110 Control unit

[0166] 111 ionization facility

[0167] 112 Reflector

[0168] 113 Interior wall

[0169] 114 Lock device

[0170] 115 Conveyor system

[0171] 116 Carrier system

[0172] 117 Conveyor belt

[0173] 118 first room area

[0174] 119 second room area

[0175] 120 filter device

[0176] 121 Sensor system

[0177] 122 Radiation sensor

[0178] 123 nozzle openings

[0179] 124 Manipulator

[0180] 150 goods

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) for the particulate and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods (150), in particular on their surfaces, comprising the system (100) a cleaning room (101) in which the goods (150) can be placed, wherein the cleaning room (101) has an access opening (102) for handling the goods (150) in relation to the cleaning room (101), wherein the access opening (102) can be closed, in particular locked, to prevent access during operation of the system (100), a vortex flow system (104) which is coupled to the cleaning chamber (101) in such a way that a turbulent flow (107) of a cleaning fluid, in particular air, can flow into the cleaning chamber (101) in order to stir up particles on the goods (150), a displacement flow system coupled to the cleaning chamber (101) in such a way that a continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow (108) of a cleaning fluid, in particular air, can flow through the cleaning chamber (101) in a predetermined flow direction in order to remove the suspended particles from the goods (150); a UV radiation source (106) coupled to the cleaning chamber (101) in such a way that UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (101) for microbiological inactivation. a conveyor system (115) for handling the goods (150), wherein the conveying system (115) is set up to place the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101), a control device (110) which is configured to automatically control at least the conveying system, the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system (105) and the UV radiation source (106) in a specified cleaning sequence.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement flow (108) upon entering the cleaning chamber (101) has a quality according to H14, 3. System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning room (101) further has an unloading opening (103) such that the goods (150) can be conveyed into the cleaning room (101) through the access opening (102) and out through the unloading opening (103), wherein the cleaning room (101) is in particular designed such that the access opening (102) and the unloading opening (103) are opposite each other in order to provide a tunnel system, wherein the conveying system (115) is designed in particular for the continuous or discontinuous conveying of the goods (150) through the access opening (102) and / or through the discharge opening (103), in particular the control unit (110) is configured to control the conveying system (115), wherein the cleaning room (101) can be installed in particular between a first room area (118) and a second room area (119), wherein the first room area (118) and the second room area (119) are designed to have different levels of cleanliness, in particular particle quantities / m³ 3 exhibiting air and / or different concentrations of active organisms in the air.

4. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conveying system (115) includes a manipulator (124) for handling the goods (150), wherein the manipulator (124) is arranged inside or outside the cleaning room (101) and is configured to handle the goods (150) through the access opening (102) and to place them in the cleaning room (101), wherein the manipulator (124) is configured in particular to move the goods (150) during the cleaning process, in particular to relocate and / or align them.

5. System (100) according to claim 4, wherein the control device (110) controls the manipulator (124) based on geometric dimensions of the goods (150), material properties of the goods (150) before or during the cleaning process.

6. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (110) controls the cleaning process based on target control data for the control of the conveying system (115), makes a demand request to the conveying system (115), gives a release to continue the cleaning process and / or initiates a safety function, in particular an emergency stop.

7. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the eddy current system (104) is configured such that that the turbulent fluid flow with a pressure fluid system of more than 1 bar, in particular more than 2 bar, preferably more than 4 bar maximum pressure, can flow into the cleaning chamber (101) and / or that the maximum fluid flow rate for turbulent fluid flow is more than 10 Nl / min, in particular more than 25 Nl / min, preferably more than 50 Nl / min through the cleaning chamber (101), and / or that the turbulent fluid flow reaches a maximum velocity of over 10 m / s, in particular over 20 m / s, preferably over 50 m / s in the cleaning chamber (101) and / or that the turbulent fluid flow can be pulsed into the cleaning chamber (101), and / or that wherein the displacement flow system (105) is configured such that the low-turbulence displacement flow (108) has a mean has a speed of less than 2 m / s, in particular less than 1 m / s, preferably less than 0.5 m / s.

8. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the eddy current system (104) is configured such that the product (150) experiences a wall shear stress of >1 Pa, in particular >3 Pa, and further in particular >5 Pa during particle removal by the turbulent fluid flow.

9. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the UV radiation source (106) is configured, surface segments of the goods (150) with a minimum UV radiation energy of 100mJ / cm² 2 , in particular at least 200mJ / cm² 2 , furthermore, in particular at least 400mJ / cm² 2 to irradiate wherein the control unit is configured, in particular after the particles have been stirred up by the turbulent flow (107), to activate the UV radiation source (106) to irradiate the goods (150) with UV radiation, wherein the system comprises a sensor system (121) with a UV radiation sensor (122) which is configured to measure the radiation dose of the UV radiation acting on the goods (150), wherein the control unit is configured to control the UV radiation source (106) based on the measured radiation dose of the UV radiation.

10. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cleaning process can be controlled by means of the control device (110) in such a way that first, the turbulent flow (107) of the cleaning fluid, in particular with a pulsed turbulent fluid flow, can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (101) by means of the eddy current system (104) in order to stir up particles on the goods (150), in particular, the continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow (108) of the displacement flow system is achieved by means of the displacement flow system. Cleaning fluids can flow through the cleaning chamber (101) in a predetermined direction to remove the suspended particles from the goods (150), and then, by means of the UV radiation source (106), the UV radiation can be introduced into the cleaning room (101) for surface decontamination of the goods (150) with UV radiation.

11. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the UV radiation source (106) is designed such that that in 90% of the cleaning room volume, after a cleaning cycle, the difference between the highest and lowest introduced UV energy of the UV radiation is less than 8, in particular less than 4, and further, in particular less than 2, and / or that in 90% of the surface of the goods (150) after a cleaning process the difference between the highest and lowest introduced UV^-energy of the UV radiation is less than 8, in particular less than 4, and further in particular less than 2.

12. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inner walls of the cleaning room oriented towards the goods (150) are made of glass, aluminium or stainless steel, and / or wherein plastic parts on the inside of the cleaning room and / or components, in particular movable components of the conveying system (115) have a cover which is made in particular of glass, aluminium or stainless steel.

13. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an ionization device (111) which is configured to ionize the cleaning fluid, in particular for the low-turbulence displacement flow (108), before or upon entry into the cleaning chamber (101).

14. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the UV radiation source (106) is configured to emit UV radiation with a power of more than 10W, in particular more than 20W, and further in particular more than 50W, and / or wherein the UV radiation source (106) is configured to emit UV radiation with a principal emission wavelength between 200nm and 280nm, in particular between 230nm and 272nm, and further in particular between 245 and 265nm.

15. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a carrier system (116) on which the goods (150) can be placed, wherein the carrier system (116) is configured to introduce and / or discharge the goods (150) on the carrier system (116) into the cleaning room (101), wherein the carrier system (116) is in particular a basket or a pallet which can be conveyed by means of the conveying system (115), wherein the conveying system (115) in particular comprises a conveyor belt (117) on which the carrier system (116) can be placed, and / or wherein the conveying system (115) in particular comprises a manipulator (124) which handles the carrier system (116) with respect to the cleaning room (101), wherein the control unit (110) is configured to control the conveying system (115) in relation to the carrier system (116).

16. System (100) according to claim 15, wherein the carrier system (116) and / or the conveying system (115) is designed such that all sides of the goods (150) can be contacted with the displacement flow (108) and / or the turbulent flow (107), wherein the carrier system (116) and / or the conveying system (115) is designed in such a way that at least five sides of the goods (150) are exposed to the displacement flow (108) and / or the turbulent flow (107) to more than 90%, in particular more than 95%, and further in particular more than 98% are accessible and another side is accessible to more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, and further in particular more than 90% of the displacement flow (108) and / or the turbulent flow (107).

17. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cleaning room (101) has an airlock device (114) by means of which the cleaning room (101) can be selectively accessed or closed off through the access opening (102), wherein the lock device (114) is designed in particular such that a threshold-free transition and / or a traversable transition can be provided.

18. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the eddy current system (104) is configured to move an outlet opening, in particular a nozzle (109), for turbulent cleaning fluid during the inflow of the turbulent flow (107) towards the product (150), wherein in particular the outlet opening, especially the nozzle (109), and / or the goods (150), are movable, wherein in particular the outlet opening and / or the goods (150) can be moved by means of the manipulator (124), wherein the control device (110) is configured to control the movement of the discharge opening and / or the movement of the goods (150), in particular by means of the manipulator (124).

19. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a movement device for moving the UV radiation source (106) and / or for moving a UV radiation steering system for the UV radiation source (106) relative to the goods (150) during microbiological inactivation, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to control the motion device.

20. System (100) according to claim 19, wherein the movement device for the UV radiation source (106) and / or the UV radiation steering system has at least one degree of freedom, wherein the control device (110) is configured to control the movement device depending on the nature of the goods (150).

21. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the conveying system (115) is designed to move the goods (150) along a process direction through the cleaning room (101), wherein the conveying system (115) is in particular designed to move the goods (150) or subcomponents of the goods (150), in particular packaging material, along a return direction which differs from the process direction, through the cleaning room (101).

22. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the conveying system (115) has a manipulator (124) for handling the goods (150), which can be controlled by means of the control device (110) such that the manipulator (124) is configured for loading and / or unloading the goods (150) into and out of the cleaning room (101) and / or for positioning, in particular for maintaining a predetermined distance to the turbulent airflow and / or to the distance of the UV radiation source (106) or its movement device.

23. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the control device (110) is configured such that the distance to the UV radiation source (106) can be changed, particularly during the cleaning process, wherein the control device (110) controls the conveying system (115) based on geometric dimensions of the goods (150) in order to set a distance to the UV radiation source (106).

24. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, a sensor system (121) configured to determine the position of the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101) and / or to determine the geometric dimensions of the goods (150), wherein the sensor system (121) comprises an optical sensor, in particular a camera and / or a 3D sensor, for determining optical data regarding the position of the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101) and / or the geometric dimensions of the goods (150), wherein the control unit is configured, based on the optical data, to control the loading and / or unloading of the cleaning room (101) with the goods (150) with respect to the cleaning room (101) and / or the cleaning process, wherein the control unit is configured, in particular by object recognition, artificial intelligence, the geometric dimensions of the goods (150) and / or measurement of the goods (150) by means of the sensor system (121) to control the position of the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101), the cleaning process, a distance of the goods (150) to walls of the cleaning room, a cycle time of the cleaning process, a speed of the goods (150) through the cleaning room (101), an intensity of the turbulent flow (107) and / or the UV radiation.

25. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the control device (110) controls at least the conveying system (115), the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system (105) and the UV radiation source (106) based on the geometric dimensions of the goods, the quantity of the goods, the measurement data of the sensor system, the arrangement of the conveying system (115).

26. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the control unit has a reading device for reading information on the product (150), wherein the information Parameters are included based on which the control unit (110) controls the cleaning process, wherein the reading device is designed to read machine-readable information from the goods (150), wherein the machine-readable information is provided on the goods (150) in an optically readable form, in particular as a QR code, barcode and / or OCR font, and / or wherein the reading device for reading information from an information tag, in particular a transmitting device, on or in the goods by means of NFC, Bluetooth, WI_AN and / or LoRa, wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of the placement and positioning of the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101), distance of the goods (150) to walls of the cleaning room (101), information relating to movement of the goods (150) in the cleaning room, including information relating to the speed or acceleration of the goods (150), and information relating to the cleaning process, including cycle times, intensity of the turbulent flow (107) and / or UV radiation.

27. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the control device (110) is configured to expose the conveying device to turbulent flow (107), displacement flow (108) and / or UV radiation in a cleaning process in order to deplete the conveying device of particulate matter and / or microbiologically and / or to inactivate it microbiologically, especially when no goods (150) are placed in the cleaning room (101).

28. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, that the conveying system (115) is suitable for carrying out hygienic applications, in particular is designed according to type IP 65 or better, wherein the system (100) further comprises a disinfection support which is designed to facilitate the disinfection of the conveying system (115) with a disinfectant.

29. Method for particulate and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods (150), in particular their surfaces, with a system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, comprising the method: Placing the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101) using the conveyor system (115), Locking the cleaning room (101), Inflow of the turbulent flow (107) of the cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber (101) to agitate particles on the item (150), inflow of the continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow (108) of the cleaning fluid to remove the agitated particles from the item (150), Irradiation of the goods (150) for microbiological inactivation with UV radiation with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm of the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101), wherein the control device (110) controls and / or monitors the conveying system (115), the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system (105) and the UV radiation source (106) in a predetermined cleaning sequence.

30. Transport system for mobile particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods (150), comprising the transport system a system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, a transport device designed for transporting the system (100), wherein the transport device comprises a vehicle, a lift and / or a driverless transport vehicle.

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