System for particulate and microbiological depletion and inactivation of goods, comprising a data processing device

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. A data processing device exchanges information with the control device (110) regarding at least the system state, the cleaning procedure, the degree of cleaning of the goods item (150) and / or information regarding the state of the goods item (150).

Description

[0001] System for the particulate and microbiological removal and inactivation of goods with a data processing unit

[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 data processing device. 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] Particularly for subsequent processing steps, and especially for quality assurance and quality control, it is currently difficult to verify whether the material has been adequately depleted. Furthermore, wear and defects in some relevant system components within a cleaning system are often only detected at a late stage.

[0008] Presentation of the invention

[0009] 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, wherein the quality of the depletion or cleaning of the product to be cleaned is traceable.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The system further comprises a control unit configured to automatically control at least the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source in a predefined cleaning sequence. The system also comprises a data processing unit coupled to the control unit in such a way that the data processing unit exchanges information with the control unit regarding at least the system status, the cleaning sequence, the degree of cleaning of the goods, and / or condition information of the goods.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for the particulate removal and microbiological inactivation of goods, in particular their surfaces, is described using a system as described above. A turbulent flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the cleaning chamber to agitate particles on the goods. A continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow of the cleaning fluid is then introduced to remove the agitated particles from the goods. In addition, the goods are irradiated with UV radiation in the cleaning chamber with a wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm for microbiological inactivation. The control unit regulates the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source in a predetermined cleaning sequence.Furthermore, a data processing unit, which is coupled with the control unit, exchanges information regarding at least the system status, the cleaning process, the degree of cleaning of the goods and / or condition information of the goods.

[0015] The cleaning room will consist of appropriate interior walls, i.e.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The cleaning fluid can be, for example, a gaseous fluid (such as air), an aerosol (such as air with 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.

[0019] 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, for example, by the control unit, so that the control unit can automatically open or close the access opening.

[0020] 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 dislodging 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.

[0021] 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 laminar 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 guided along a specific direction through the cleaning volume, such as from the ceiling area of ​​the cleaning chamber towards the floor area. Directing the displacement flow in the direction of gravity further reduces energy consumption, as the particles do not need to be moved against gravity.With the low-turbulence displacement flow, particles in the cleaning volume can be selectively conveyed to a predetermined location within the cleaning chamber.

[0022] In particular, the particles stirred up by the eddy current system can be removed by the displacement flow. The eddy current system and the displacement flow system can be operated simultaneously or sequentially, so that first the eddy current system stirs up the particles, and subsequently the displacement flow system removes the stirred-up particles. The cleaning fluid for both the eddy current and displacement flow systems can, for example, consist of the same cleaning fluid, such as air. Alternatively, different cleaning fluids can be used for the eddy current and displacement flow systems.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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.The UV radiation source can also be a light source designed as an LED to emit directed UV radiation onto the product. The control unit is connected to the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source via signal transmission.

[0025] Furthermore, the control unit can also be coupled to the closing device of the access openings to selectively open or close the access opening. Accordingly, the control unit is configured to send control commands or control signals to the above-mentioned devices.

[0026] The system components are transmitted and controlled accordingly. A specific cleaning sequence can be predefined for the control unit. The control unit, for example, has a processor that can generate corresponding control signals for the system components based on the cleaning sequence. The control unit can be connected to a remote central control system via a network (e.g., the internet, a building management system, or a cloud-based system), either wired or wirelessly. A cleaning sequence can then be automatically defined by controlling the control unit. The control unit may also have a database unit in which one or more different cleaning sequences are stored.For example, 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 instance, the power output 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. Accordingly, the control unit can automatically control the system components simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the predefined cleaning sequence.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 purification system's cleaning chamber. This ensures that the suspended particles are removed (and largely do not settle back onto the goods or the surrounding environment). Using a predominantly low-turbulence displacement flow can achieve both energy savings (air circulation 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 purification air of at least H14 quality (e.g., via upstream H14 filters), it can be ensured that the interior of the purification system is not contaminated or flooded with foreign substances.

[0029] The data processing unit is coupled with the control unit. Accordingly, the data processing unit includes, for example, a processor and a data storage device, enabling it to store information regarding at least the system status (operating state active / inactive, ready for use / defective, etc.), the cleaning process, the degree of cleanliness of the goods, and / or condition information of the goods. This condition information can include, for example, the size, weight, quantity, date of manufacture, batch number, age, concentrations and compositions (e.g., for packaged chemical goods), identification numbers, check digits (e.g., hashes of a sum of values), quality information, and / or shape details of the goods. The data processing unit can be connected to the control unit via a network (e.g., via the internet, building management system, or cloud-based) either wired or wirelessly.

[0030] Information provided by the data processing unit to the control unit includes, in particular, information or data concerning a predetermined cleaning sequence for a product or the condition of a product that is to be cleaned or has been cleaned. Furthermore, for example, to determine the system status, the data processing unit can provide possible operating parameters of the individual systems, such as the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and / or the UV radiation source, which can be set during a cleaning sequence. Environmental parameters, such as the quality of the atmosphere in the cleaning chamber (humidity, temperature, chemical composition of the atmosphere), can also be provided.The data processing unit can also obtain information about the goods from the control unit or from an external database, such as an identification number (article number) of the goods cleaned by the cleaning process. Furthermore, the data processing unit can obtain information about state variables, such as the geometric dimensions, material, temperature, and / or type of goods (hollow bodies, solid bodies, packaged goods), from the control unit or from an external database.

[0031] Furthermore, the data processing unit can possess information regarding the occupancy, i.e., regarding the next cleaning cycle, and thus has knowledge of the system's downtimes during which no goods are being cleaned. Since it takes some time to clean the cleaning chamber (even without goods and with an ongoing depletion cycle) using the displacement flow, energy can be saved, for example, through the interaction of the control unit with the data processing unit according to the invention, as the data processing unit knows that no depletion is required for an extended period. Thus, the throughput rate of the displacement flow can be reduced, which in turn reduces fan power, since more time is available to clean or prepare the cleaning chamber for a subsequent cleaning cycle.

[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] In particular, the data processing unit in the partially or fully automated systems according to the invention can provide information on the cleaning processes carried out, thus enabling continuous subsequent quality control. Furthermore, the data processing unit can be used to selectively adjust system parameters during a cleaning process in order to prevent impermissible quality parameters that may indicate deviations in the product during a depletion process.

[0034] The system can include a safeguarding system to protect information exchange between the data processing unit and the control unit. Parts of the safeguarding system (safety mechanisms) can be integrated into both the data processing unit and the control unit. This includes electrical safety, communication security, and access control. The more sensitive the information being processed, the higher the required level of security. In the simplest case, for example, enabling can be achieved using positively driven signals (analogous to a positively driven relay). This prevents incorrect switching in the event of a subsystem failure (e.g., the UV radiation source), a system malfunction, or a failure of part of the signal path. For more complex requirements, such safeguards (and extended mechanisms like access control, transmission security protocols, etc.) can be added.The design of safety and reliability has thus far prevented the implementation of safety-relevant data exchange between subsystems. For example, it is undesirable for the locking mechanism of a security door to be overridden by the security system at the data level via a hacking attack. The encapsulation of the safety levels in the automation control of the decontamination system according to the invention allows data communication between the data processing unit and the control unit 'to the outside', even if the data processing unit is located remotely from the control unit, without affecting the safety-relevant aspects of the system. A high safety standard is particularly necessary for a decontamination system that contains such intense UVC radiation sources.

[0035] The data processing unit can also relate to another purification system and, for example, represent a control unit located there. This enables the communication-based exchange of information and optimizations, particularly of the cleaning process, within a network of purification systems. For example, during the servicing of one purification system, the performance of other purification systems can be increased, and / or indicators can be recorded that might indicate future simultaneous failures of multiple purification systems.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the data processing unit is coupled to the control unit in such a way that the data processing unit records and monitors information from the control unit. In particular, the data processing unit is configured to record and monitor information about a completed cleaning process and / or cleaned goods. In this exemplary embodiment, the data processing unit is coupled to the control unit to record and monitor information from the control unit about a completed cleaning process relating to the cleaned goods.

[0037] For example, the information exchanged between the control unit and the data processing unit includes information or data that can be used to record the quality of a product's cleaning process and / or specific events during a cleaning process. For instance, operating parameters of individual systems, such as the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and / or the UV radiation source, can be recorded by the data processing unit during the cleaning process. Furthermore, environmental parameters, such as the quality of the atmosphere in the cleaning chamber (humidity, temperature, chemical composition of the atmosphere), can be recorded.The data processing unit can also receive (or transmit) information about the goods from the control unit, such as an identification number (article number, batch / lot number) of the goods cleaned by the cleaning process. Furthermore, the data processing unit can receive and / or transmit information about state variables from the control unit, such as the geometric dimensions, material, temperature, and / or type of goods (hollow bodies, solid bodies, packaged goods).

[0038] The data processing unit functions as a control system, recording all information regarding the status and progress data of the cleaning process. This recorded information can be used for subsequent processing steps. For example, it can be used to determine whether sufficient depletion of the product has occurred and thus whether the minimum requirements for a further processing step have been met. Furthermore, it is often necessary to trace the entire production chain in the event of a later defect or damage to the product. Regarding the depletion system, the data processing unit can also close any information gaps concerning the depletion of the product.The data processing facility can also provide a certificate for a depleted commodity, which can certify that during the depletion of the specific commodity, all system parameters were within the specified limits (or, in special cases, outside the system parameters).

[0039] Furthermore, the data processing unit can store target information for cleaning processes and corresponding goods (goods types), so that if the information supplied by the control unit deviates from the stored target information, the data processing unit can monitor and control the control unit accordingly. If the information transmitted by the control unit deviates from the corresponding target information, the data processing unit can, for example, send an emergency stop command to the control unit. Additionally, if the transmitted information deviates from the corresponding target information, the control unit can monitor the control unit in such a way that the system parameters, such as the strength of the turbulent flow or the displacement flow, are adjusted by the control unit.

[0040] According to a further 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 cleaning chamber can be installed, in particular, between a first chamber area and a second chamber area, wherein the first chamber area and the second chamber area are configured with different degrees of cleanliness, in particular particle quantities / m³. 3 exhibiting air and / or different concentrations of active organisms in the air.

[0041] The data processing facility is configured to obtain information about goods, and the data processing facility is configured to check, based on the admission conditions of the second space area, whether the goods may be transported into the second space area.

[0042] The discharge opening can be located, for example, 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. This allows, for example, the cleaning chamber to be accessible from different environments, enabling the introduction of soiled goods from one side and the discharge of cleaned goods from another. The discharge opening can also include a closing device that selectively closes the cleaning chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, the closing device can also be selectively controlled by the control unit, particularly depending on the cleaning process.

[0043] The cleaning chamber 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 or room pressures, in particular particle quantities / m³. 3 exhibiting air and / or different concentrations of active organisms in the air.

[0044] The cleaning room must be installed in such a way that the room air 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 furthermore, 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.

[0045] 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. 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 fed into the second spatial area, which can, for example, be a cleaner room (cleanroom). This cleans the goods for the second spatial area with a lower particle load, so that no contamination of the cleaner area occurs. The removal system or the cleaning room 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 spatial areas can be achieved.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 degree of cleanliness than the other. If, for example, loading / unloading is carried out with a manipulator, the size of the cleaning room or the manipulator can be optimized in such a way that, for example, low leakage rates between two room areas are possible.

[0046] Communication with the data processing system ensures, for example, that only approved or designated goods move from one area to another. Based on the approval criteria of the (first or) second area, the data processing system verifies whether the goods may be transported to the second area. These criteria include, for example, specific hazard classes, such as fire protection classes, or specific requirements for the goods, such as water resistance. For instance, an approval criterion for the second area might stipulate that, for fire safety reasons, no goods containing batteries may be entered.If, during inspection of the goods to be cleaned, the data processing unit detects (for example, through the transmission of relevant data from the control unit to the data processing unit) that the goods contain a battery, a corresponding control signal is transmitted to the control unit to prevent the cleaning process from starting or to stop it, and to keep the discharge opening to the second compartment locked. The same can occur, for example, if the goods do not have an IP67 protection rating, which is a prerequisite for access to the second compartment.

[0047] The interaction with the data processing device according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to indicate (in particular, if necessary, to raise an alarm) that the cleaning room is open or closed and / or that the separation function between two room areas is not intact (e.g., detection of a manipulation error if two entrances to an airlock have been opened with an emergency button).

[0048] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that the turbulent fluid flow can enter the cleaning chamber at a pressure of more than 1 bar, in particular more than 2 bar, preferably more than 4 bar maximum pressure. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that the maximum fluid flow rate for the 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). According to a further exemplary embodiment, the eddy current system is configured such that the turbulent fluid flow reaches a maximum velocity of more than 10 m / s, in particular more than 20 m / s, preferably more than 50 m / s in the cleaning chamber, and / or that the turbulent fluid flow can enter the cleaning chamber in pulsed mode. The unit Nl / min describes the standard volumetric flow rate.Under these conditions, the energy input for air supply versus particle removal can be optimal. Pulsing the airflow allows for better removal because modulating the turbulent flow (above a certain minimum modulation range, which can be generated with the high airflow velocities mentioned above) results in improved removal. Under the described conditions, the energy input for air supply versus particle removal can be optimal. Any exchange of information with the data processing system can support this optimization (e.g., a cloud-based database with parameters for similar system settings).

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment,

[0050] The eddy current system is configured such that, during particle removal by the turbulent fluid flow, the goods predominantly experience a wall shear stress of >1 Pa, in particular >3 Pa, and more specifically >5 Pa. It should be noted that excessively high wall shear stress can lead to damage to the goods (e.g., tearing of labels, bursting of vials in a transport container, etc.), while excessively low wall shear stress can result in insufficient particle removal. For example, a sensor-based measurement of the fine dust content in the directed, low-turbulence displacement flow (TAV) can provide an indirect indication of the removal effect, which can then be made available to the data processing unit. Through the interaction with the data processing unit according to the invention, the aforementioned parameter values ​​can be influenced.For example, in the case of sensitive goods known to the data processing equipment, the air volume, air pressure, or indirectly the wall shear stress can be reduced, and the cleaning process can be extended if necessary.

[0051] 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 2to irradiate. The system includes a sensor system with a UV radiation sensor, which is configured 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 the measured radiation dose. The data processing unit is configured to compare the radiation dose with a target radiation dose, and based on this comparison, the control unit then controls the UV radiation source to achieve the target radiation dose.

[0052] This energy control can be implemented adaptively via the control unit. In this context, adaptive means that the exposure time or UV intensity is controlled based on dose measurement. A radiation source, in particular, 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 was 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 via the control unit, especially in real time.It is therefore advantageous to monitor, by means of an (electronic) radiation sensor, that the radiation source is delivering the intended power, in particular that several radiation sensors monitor the radiation power / dose (redundancy) and / or that a radiation sensor is regularly tested for its functionality (functional reliability). With the communication according to the invention to the data processing unit, this minimum energy can, for example, be influenced (and the required microbiological inactivation still be achieved) by, for example, transmitting knowledge about the nature of the goods and / or the required degree of depletion directly (as a specification) or indirectly (as a task) to the control unit.

[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) then, by means of the displacement flow system, the continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow of the cleaning fluid can be made to flow through the cleaning chamber in a predetermined flow direction in order to remove the suspended particles from the goods, and c) then, by means of the UV radiation source, the UV radiation can be introduced into the cleaning chamber for surface decontamination of the goods with UV radiation.

[0056] The control unit is configured to implement automated control of the purification system. The control unit manages the aforementioned system components, in particular the sequencing of the individual steps in the cleaning process. Controlling the cleaning process also affects the ratio between cleaning performance and overall energy consumption. Through control by the control unit, purification can be carried out in several steps. For example, the control unit manages the UV light source and the eddy current system such that, prior to microbiological purification with radiation, particulate purification is performed using a turbulent fluid flow, specifically a pulsed turbulent airflow.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'.Accordingly, the processing unit and the control unit can, for example, exchange sensor information and / or process flow information of the cleaning process in order to adjust the individual process flow steps of the cleaning process accordingly. According to a further 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, particularly less than 4, and further, particularly less than 2.

[0057] According to another exemplary embodiment, the UV radiation source is designed such that in 90% of the surface of the goods, 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.

[0058] The design and layout of components such as the reflectors, the arrangement of the UV radiation sources, and the construction of the inner surfaces of the cleaning chamber's interior walls are 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 represents a form of energy waste, which can be reduced by the measures described. These measures have resulted in the difference between the highest and lowest applied UV dose being no more than 8, particularly no more than 4, and preferably no more than 2, in 90% of the product volume of the decontamination system. The same can be optimized for the product surface.

[0059] According to another exemplary embodiment, the inner walls of the cleaning chamber oriented towards the goods are made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel. According to another exemplary embodiment, plastic parts on the inside of the cleaning chamber and / or components, in particular movable components of a conveyor system, have a cover, which is made in particular of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, at least one interior wall can have a multi-layered construction. Glass, aluminum, or stainless steel have proven particularly suitable (with regard to reflection and embodied energy for the construction of the system) for the interior walls of the cleaning room facing the goods. Since plastics age rapidly under the influence of high UV radiation, become brittle, and / or exhibit 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 if the main (plastic) components on the inside of the cleaning room are covered, especially if this cover is made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel. Such a cover can reduce both the radiation exposure and the introduction of plastic particles into the interior.

[0061] 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 area of ​​5 mm (particularly <100 micrometers, preferably <20 micrometers) and a roughness depth (Rz) of <0.8 mm (particularly <0.2 mm, preferably <0.08 mm) can be considered relevant sources of secondary UV radiation and modeled accordingly in a digital model. The communication according to the invention between the data processing unit and the control unit can support these optimizations and, in particular, improve the throughput through the depletion system and / or offload partial functions to a specialized data processing unit (e.g., for visibility calculations).

[0062] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises an ionization device configured to ionize the cleaning fluid, particularly for low-turbulence displacement flow, before or upon entry into 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 forces (particle-particle, but also particle-wall, particle-goods).

[0063] 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. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the UV radiation source is 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. This is achieved with a desired minimum irradiation dose of 100 mJ / cm². 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.

[0064] The communication according to the invention between the data processing unit and the control unit allows, for example, measurement and calibration data relating to the UV source or the UV power to be transmitted from the control unit to the data processing unit, and the data processing unit to output this data as a certificate, log or protocol in digital form and / or to request preventive maintenance from the data processing unit depending on the lifetime value of the UV source.

[0065] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system includes a conveying system for conveying the goods, in particular continuously or discontinuously, through the access opening and / or through the discharge opening. The control unit is specifically configured to control the conveying system.

[0066] The conveyor system is designed to transport goods into and out of the cleaning area. Specifically, the conveyor system can be designed to transport goods within the cleaning area. It can be configured 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 (e.g., a conveyor belt) that extends through the openings of the cleaning area and runs through its entirety.The goods can be transported along the conveyor in the direction of travel. The conveyor can, for example, consist of a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, or a compressed air conveying system.

[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a carrier system on which the goods can be placed, wherein the carrier system is configured 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 that can be conveyed by means of the conveyor system. For example, the conveyor system comprises a conveyor belt on which the carrier system can be placed, wherein the control device is configured to control the conveyor system with respect to the carrier system.

[0068] 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,The system can be used both to load and unload the carrier system with goods, and to position the carrier system itself for cleaning or to move it during cleaning in such a way that all sides are easily accessible to compressed air and UV radiation. For example, the data processing unit can provide relevant information about the goods, such as the manipulator's gripping points on the goods. Thus, the communication according to the invention between the data processing unit and the control unit can support the cleaning process accordingly.

[0069] 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 may be prepared and / or optimized for the use of a manipulator.

[0070] According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveying system is designed and controllable by the control device in such a way that the goods can be moved bidirectionally through the cleaning room.

[0071] Based on information from the data processing system, the control unit can regulate the conveying system in such a way as to control 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 as part of the conveying system. When material is moved from one area to another, with depletion occurring, 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 goods from the cleaning area.Since the depletion system according to the invention can also form a form of separation between two spatial areas, it is advantageous if the control unit also conveys the goods back out of the cleaning chamber 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 path for the goods ensures that a sufficient number of safety seals between the two spatial areas are closed, thus minimizing the leakage rate. It should be noted that the processes for introducing and removing goods through the airlock device differ (e.g., depletion may not be necessary in one direction). The data processing unit can provide the control unit with relevant information, which, for example, determines the material flow.The data processing unit can provide relevant control data for the control unit to manage the conveyor system (for detailed coordination of the goods path, entry or exit process into / out of the cleaning room) as well as the entry or exit process as a whole.

[0072] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning room has an airlock device by means of which the cleaning room can be selectively accessed or closed off through 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 the intermediate area can be extracted so that the access opening towards the cleaning volume can be opened, 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 closing flaps that can be selectively opened or closed, particularly by means of the control unit, to introduce goods into the intermediate area. The closing 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 prevailing atmosphere there. This prevents contamination of the cleaning chamber when the goods are introduced. For the integration orAutomating the cleaning process has proven advantageous when the above-described airlock system is used, and this system is implemented particularly with a threshold-free and / or drive-over closure. This allows the cleaning area to be loaded and / or unloaded, for example, using a pallet truck or forklift as a conveyor system.

[0073] 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. In particular, the outlet opening, especially the nozzle, and / or the product are movable, wherein the outlet opening and / or the product can be moved by means of the manipulator of the conveying system. 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).

[0074] The data processing unit is configured to store information from the control unit regarding the movement of the turbulent flow outlet, the movement of the UV radiation source and / or its UV radiation guidance system, the movement of the goods (in particular, goods position data, changes in goods position), loading, unloading, singulation of goods stacks, and / or the movement of a carrier system. The data processing unit is configured to transmit the cycle time of the depletion process or the cleaning sequence to the control unit, depending on the goods being processed.

[0075] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a movement device for moving the UV radiation source and / or a UV radiation guidance system for the UV radiation source relative to the goods during microbiological inactivation. The control unit is configured to control the movement device, particularly depending on the nature of the goods. The UV radiation guidance system is configured to control the direction of the UV radiation. The UV radiation guidance system comprises, for example, a light guide, a mirror, and / or a lens system. The UV radiation guidance system can be moved relative to the goods and, for example, also relative to the UV radiation source by means of the movement device, so that the UV radiation can be directed to a desired location on the goods.

[0076] 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 steering system for the UV radiation source relative to the product during microbiological inactivation, with the control unit configured to control the movement device. The data processing unit is configured to provide or receive information about the product or the parameters of the depletion process or cleaning sequence from the control unit.

[0077] According to another exemplary embodiment, the distance between the goods and the UV radiation source and / or the UV radiation guidance system can be changed during the cleaning process by means of the movement device and / or the conveying system, particularly taking into account the geometric parameters of the goods, especially the distance to a surface of the goods. The data processing unit is configured to obtain, store, and / or transmit information about the distance, and in particular the change in distance over time, during the cleaning process to the control unit. The data processing unit can, for example, provide the control unit with information about the geometric parameters of the goods to be cleaned. The control unit can adjust the removal rate and also the distances (for example, the distance of a nozzle and / or UV radiation source to the surface of the goods depending on their shape or size).The position of the goods in the cleaning room can be adjusted to their size, for example, by controlling the conveyor or motion system. Another example is that the depletion system adjusts the distance of a nozzle and / or UV source to the surface of the goods depending on their shape or size.

[0078] 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. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor system includes 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.The control unit is configured, in particular through object recognition, artificial intelligence, and / or measurement of the goods using the sensor system, to control the position of the goods in the cleaning chamber, the geometric dimensions of the goods, and / or the cleaning process. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control unit is configured, in particular through object recognition, artificial intelligence, and / or measurement of the goods using the sensor system, to control the position of the goods in the cleaning chamber, the distance of the goods to the walls of the cleaning chamber, the cycle time of the cleaning process, the speed of the goods through the cleaning chamber, and / or the intensity of the turbulent flow and / or the UV radiation.

[0079] 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.,

[0080] Parameters measured using buttons, optical sensors, camera images, video data, 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 via the communication interface according to the invention between the conveyor system, the control unit, and the sensor system. 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 involve the product, the turbulent air outlet, and / or the UV source and / or its light guidance. In particular, sensor data (e.g., pushbuttons, optical sensors, camera images, video data, 3D sensors, etc.) can be evaluated by the control unit or the data transmission unit. The information exchange between the control unit and the data transmission unit can include raw data, metadata (information about other data, or derivations or references to other data), and control data. This means that, for example, sensor data in its original form (e.g., a video stream in H.264) or in interpreted form (e.g., shapes detected by a 3D sensor) can be exchanged via a communication interface between the control unit and the data transmission unit. This data can optimize the loading and / or unloading of the depletion system.Additionally, object recognition, AI and / or measurement, preferably based on placement information of the goods in front of the system provided by the data transmission device, can enable the control device to control the conveyor system in such a way that, prior to loading the cleaning room, singulation of unsorted and / or irregular arrangement and / or accumulation of goods is achieved.

[0083] Furthermore, due to the exchange of information between the control unit and the data processing unit, a position, distance, cycle time, speed, and / or intensity can be influenced, controlled, and / or regulated depending on information provided by the data processing unit. This can affect the positioning of the goods by means of the conveyor system, the placement or opening state of the outlet for turbulent air, and / or the UV radiation source and / or its light guidance by means of the UV radiation guidance system.

[0084] According to another exemplary embodiment, the information about the (completed or future) cleaning process, which the data processing unit and control unit exchange, is selected from the group consisting of the size of the goods, the identification information of the goods (e.g.Batch number, an ID, a delivery note reference, a substance name), quantity (number) of depleted goods, sensor value of the sensor system, intensity of the turbulent flow, the displacement flow and / or the radiation intensity of the UV radiation, limit values ​​of the intensity of the turbulent flow, the displacement flow or the radiation intensity of the UV radiation, system states, in particular release, blocking, safety, logging of the eddy current system, the displacement flow system or the UV radiation source, wherein the data processing device, based on the exchanged information, instructs the control device to adjust the cleaning process and / or to activate a safety function.

[0085] 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 controls 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. In a further exemplary embodiment, the reading device is designed to read information from an information tag, in particular a transmitter, on or in the product using NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, and / or LoRa.The information (especially legible) 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.

[0086] 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.,

[0087] wall shear stress] and / or microcellular inactivation [e.g.

[0088] Dose rate]), the conveying, logging, quality assurance, the chain of custody [material flows and their treatments], etc.

[0089] The external data exchange according to the invention between the external data processing unit and the control unit allows the combined use of sensor and / or result data. For example, information regarding the type or... can be obtained by means of the readout device.

[0090] The condition of the goods is read out and this information is provided to the control unit. The control unit can then transmit this information to the data processing unit. The data processing unit can then retrieve the cleaning process assigned to the goods, for example, from a database, and provide it to the control unit to manage the cleaning process for the selected goods.

[0091] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control unit is configured to clean the interior of the cleaning chamber at a predetermined maintenance interval using at least the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source, particularly without any goods being present in the cleaning chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the data processing unit is configured to specify the maintenance interval for the control unit based on the information received. The control unit can, for example, perform maintenance at predetermined intervals. A maintenance interval can be understood, for example, as the cleaning of the interior of the cleaning chamber from contamination resulting from previous cleaning of goods. In particular, such maintenance cleaning is carried out without any goods being present in the cleaning chamber.Furthermore, the data processing unit can receive relevant information from the control unit indicating a system maintenance requirement. In summary, a maintenance interval can be predefined, enabling periodic cleaning (self-cleaning) of the depletion system. This can also be combined with (self-)calibration of the system components (although this can occur independently). Additionally, the data processing unit can access information about the utilization of goods and upcoming cleaning cycles, thus determining the system's workload. The data processing unit can therefore schedule maintenance for times of low system workload.

[0092] According to another exemplary embodiment, the maintenance interval is variably preset by the data processing unit based on measured parameters of the sensor system. The measured parameters are selected from the group consisting of an intensity measurement of turbulent flow, displacement flow, or radiation intensity; a temperature measurement of the product surface; an operating time measurement of the system; a volumetric flow rate measurement of turbulent and / or displacement flow; an atmospheric pressure in the cleaning chamber; and / or a vibration of the product during the cleaning process. For example, the data processing unit can obtain information about the radiation intensity of the UV radiation source at a specific current. If the radiation intensity is too low for the applied current, the data processing unit can conclude that the UV radiation source requires maintenance.A corresponding maintenance requirement can also be determined for the eddy current system or the displacement flow system by the data processing device if, for example, the flow intensity of the turbulent flow or the displacement flow does not correspond to a current applied to the respective flow systems. Thus, the data processing device according to the invention (for example, OPC UA FX) serves to influence service and maintenance. Sensors of the depletion system evaluate the condition of the system (e.g., intensity measurement, temperature measurement and / or cumulative operating time of the UV source, volumetric flow monitoring of the turbulent depletion flow, vibration measurement of fans, pressures / pressure differences and / or operating times of filters) and deliver this data in its original form or derived results to the data processing device.Based on this, service calls and / or preventive maintenance work can be initiated and / or coordinated.

[0093] According to another exemplary embodiment, the data processing device records cleaning processes and information related to these processes. This information is selected from the following group: a product parameter, a predetermined (cleaning) result, a specific time, an error that occurred, a predetermined control variable, sensor information from the sensor system, a product identification feature, environmental information, and / or the duration of a process step.

[0094] By recording information (sensor data, product information) through the data processing unit, a log file or corresponding data record (audit trail) is generated for the specific recorded cleaning process. The audit trail in machine operation is a comprehensive record that captures all relevant activities and changes performed in the system, particularly during a cleaning process for a specific product. User interactions, including changes to settings, start and stop operations, and maintenance work, are thus fully traceable. Overall, the audit trail significantly contributes to safety, transparency, and efficiency in machine operation.

[0095] The audit trail file can be provided to the data processing unit for the control unit to control the system, so that the audit trail file is relevant for a system-, process- and / or operational aspect that can be controlled by the control unit (e.g.

[0096] The following information elements are included in the command 'Load system, start depletion process': trigger (external system, user [ID]), action type, product details, result, time, error, parameters, fault, measured value, sensor information (e.g., photo of the product), identification details, environmental information (e.g., humidity, temperature, particle count, etc.), and duration. This information can be protected with an electronic security code for tamper resistance. This information can be recorded as a history. This information can be transferred between the data processing unit and the control unit.According to another exemplary embodiment, the data processing unit records information about several cleaning cycles performed on the cleaned goods and compares this information to identify increasing deviations from a target cleaning cycle. The data processing unit is specifically designed to transmit software updates to the control unit, the eddy current system, the displacement flow system, and the UV radiation source. This allows for the collection of data used for system optimization. For this purpose, sensor values ​​from the depletion system or its environment are recorded and stored as a history. This data and / or its history is then used to optimize the depletion system. This information can be transferred between the data processing unit and the control unit.On the one hand, the control unit can locally store and / or evaluate the system parameters, or the influencing factors, or alternatively, the data processing unit can store the system parameters, or the influencing factors. Based on this optimization process, data, parameters, control specifications, regular parameters, or software components (updates) can then be transferred from the data processing unit to the control unit.

[0097] In summary, the system according to the invention is a semi-automatic, and in particular fully automatic, system for cleaning the surface of a product by removing particles using compressed air pulses, transporting particles by means of TAV (displacement flow, in particular directed TAV), and microbiological removal / inactivation by means of UVC radiation, wherein the control unit exchanges information with the data processing unit, which is in particular arranged externally. This information can support the design of a control and / or regulation of a process parameter, but also allow integration into a production process, which refers to the processed products, the removal results achieved, QS / GMP information, history, system status, self-cleaning cycles, etc.The exchanged information can encompass a wide range of data (sizes, parameters, approvals, status messages, quantities, sensor values, configurations, intensities, programs, etc.) and can also include collaborative aspects (human-machine and / or machine-machine). This allows for the optimal design of aspects such as quality assurance, safety, throughput rate, depletion intensity, logging, and / or resource optimization (e.g., energy).

[0098] Detailed information regarding goods and their depletion details can be transmitted via communication between the control unit and the data processing unit. This can involve information flowing both towards the control unit (e.g., 'These vials, as goods requiring cleaning, need a certain minimum UV dose') and in the opposite direction (e.g., 'These vials (wait) have been depleted with a certain UV dose') (or, of course, be bidirectional).

[0099] To provide an automated cleaning sequence for the system, the control unit manages both the system components of the decontamination process (eddy current system, displacement flow, UV radiation source) and is also involved in the interaction (communication, release, timing, control, regulation, etc.) with the external system. This interaction, particularly communication, between the automation technology (of the decontamination process) and the data processing unit can occur in such a way that, based on the exchange of information between the data processing unit and the control unit, a sequence is synchronized (e.g., 'Loading complete, close door'), a release is granted (e.g., 'Ready for unloading'), a request (e.g., 'Start decontamination') is made, and / or a safety function (e.g., activation or deactivation of a locking device) is triggered.

[0100] 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.The data processing unit can also control an external airlock and, for example, allows the transport system to dock with such an airlock. 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 a person skilled in the art with the embodiments explicitly described here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described by apparatus claims and other embodiments of the invention 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 of the invention, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter of the invention is also possible.

[0101] Brief description of the drawings

[0102] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system for particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a transport system for transporting a depletion system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed

[0105]

[0106] of example

[0107]

[0108] Identical or similar components in different figures are identified by the same reference numbers. The representations in the figures are schematic.

[0109] 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.

[0110] A control unit 110 automatically controls a predefined cleaning sequence. The control unit 110 is configured to automatically control at least the eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system 105, and the UV radiation source 106 in a predefined cleaning sequence. A data processing unit 125, which is provided within the system 100 itself or at a different location, is coupled to the control unit 110 in such a way that the data processing unit 125 exchanges information with the control unit 110 regarding at least the system status, the cleaning sequence, the degree of cleaning of the goods 150, and / or condition information of the goods 150. The cleaning chamber 101 is formed by corresponding side walls, ceiling walls, and floor areas and encloses an internal cleaning volume in which the goods 150 are subjected to depletion or...

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 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 introduced into the cleaning chamber 101. Similarly, the goods 150 can be discharged from the cleaning chamber through the airlock 114 at the discharge opening 103.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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 item to be cleaned.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.

[0115] In particular, the cleaning fluid for the displacement flow 108 is introduced with a quality according to H14. This means that the displacement flow 108, for example, passes through a HEPA filter H14 before entering the cleaning volume and is cleaned by it. 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. In particular, 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 specified cleaning process. By using compressed air (cleaning fluid) as a turbulent airflow to blow the surface of the goods 150 onto the surface, the particles lying on or slightly adhering to it are agitated. The control unit 110 can regulate the power of the eddy current system 104 in such a way that the turbulent flow 107 does not cause the agitated particles to re-colonize already cleaned areas of the goods 150, while still achieving sufficient removal efficiency.

[0118] The data processing unit 125 is coupled to the control unit 110. The data processing unit 125 accordingly includes, for example, a processor and a data storage device, so that information regarding at least the system state (operating state active / inactive, ready for use / defective, etc.), the cleaning process, the cleaning level of the goods 150, and / or condition information of the goods 150 can be stored. The data processing unit 125 can be connected to one of the control units 110 via a network connection (e.g., via the internet, cloud-based), either wired or wirelessly.

[0119] Information provided by the data processing unit 125 to the control unit 110 includes, in particular, information or data concerning a predetermined cleaning sequence for a product 150 or status information for a product 150 that is to be cleaned or has been cleaned. Furthermore, for example, to determine the system status, the data processing unit 125 can provide possible operating parameters of the individual systems, such as the eddy current system 104, the displacement flow system 105, and / or the UV radiation source 106, which can be set in a cleaning sequence. Environmental parameters, such as the quality of the atmosphere in the cleaning room (humidity, temperature, chemical composition of the atmosphere), can also be provided.The data processing unit can also obtain information about the goods from the control unit or from an external database, such as an identification number (article number) of the goods cleaned by the cleaning process.

[0120] The data processing unit 125 is coupled to the control unit 110 in such a way that the data processing unit 125 records and controls the information (e.g. about a cleaning process carried out and / or a cleaned item 150) from the control unit 110.

[0121] For example, the information exchanged between the control unit 110 and the data processing unit 125 includes information or data that can be used to record the quality of a cleaning process of a product 150 and / or certain events during a cleaning process.

[0122] 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 have different particle concentrations per square meter. 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. The first room area 118 and the second room area 119 are, for example, rooms or hall areas whose atmospheres are separated from each other. The cleaning room 101 according to the invention can be installed in a transition area. By means of the depletion 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 supplied to the further second room area 119, which can, for example, represent 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 depletion system orThe cleaning room 101 forms a sufficiently airtight separation between the two areas. Appropriate seals ensure that the room ventilation leakage rates described above between the two areas can be achieved. For leakage rate measurement, the area covered by the system 100 (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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] Furthermore, an ionization device 111 is provided, which is configured 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 particle adhesion due to static charges. The cleaning chamber 101 has a surface area configured to exhibit a surface roughness (Ra) of <0.5 mm when UV radiation is emitted over 3x3 mm areas. The internal surfaces of the cleaning chamber 101, which are illuminated by UV radiation, are designed to have a suitable reflective effect for the UV radiation.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 blow-off of the surface of the product 150, it can be ensured that the soluble particles are reliably suspended (and subsequently removed with the directed TAV). 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 device 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 applied with the aforementioned minimum energy.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The control unit 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 cycles, initial start-up time, age of the radiation source, and vibrations. The control unit 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.

[0131] 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 set, 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. The control unit 110 also has a manually operated emergency shutdown device, wherein the emergency shutdown device is 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The conveyor system 115 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 has one or more manipulators 124 (for example, robot arms) to grip the goods 150 and move them from an origin to a destination. The manipulator 124 can have a mechanical gripper, a magnetic gripper, or a vacuum gripper to grip the goods 150. Depending on the cleaning process, the control unit 110 can control the conveyor system 115 and, depending on the cleaning process, transport the goods 150 to a designated location.

[0134] System 100 includes a carrier system 116 on which the goods 150 can be placed, the carrier system 116 being designed to transport and / or remove the goods 150 on the carrier system 116 into the cleaning room 101. The carrier system 116 is, in particular, a basket or a pallet which can be transported by means of the conveyor system 115.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] With the illustrated system 100, the control unit 110 first controls the manipulator 124 of the conveyor system 115 at the entrance of the access opening 102 of the cleaning chamber 101. The manipulator 124 picks up an item 150 individually or an item 150 on a carrier system 116. The item 150 can be placed in an airlock 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.

[0143] Subsequently, the turbulent flow 107 of the cleaning fluid, in particular with a pulsed turbulent fluid flow, is introduced into the cleaning chamber 101 by means of the eddy current system 104 in order to stir up particles on the goods 150.

[0144] Afterwards or simultaneously, the continuous, low-turbulence displacement flow 108 of the cleaning fluid is directed in a predetermined flow direction from a ceiling area towards the floor 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.

[0145] Afterwards, or simultaneously, the UV radiation from the UV radiation source 106 is applied to the cleaning chamber 101 for surface decontamination of the goods 150. Subsequently, the cleaned goods 150 can be picked up by a further manipulator 124 of the conveyor system 115 through the discharge opening 103, in which a further airlock device 114 may be arranged, and conveyed into the second room area 119, which is, for example, a cleanroom.

[0146] 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.

[0147] Fig. 2 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.

[0148] 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 driverless 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.

[0149] As with the stationary embodiment of the system from Fig. 1, a data processing device 125 can also be provided in the mobile system, which is located at a different location and is coupled to the control device 110 in such a way that the data processing device 125 exchanges information with the control device 110 regarding at least the system state, the cleaning process, the degree of cleaning of the goods 150 and / or condition information of the goods 150.

[0150] 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.

[0151] It should be further noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also 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: 201 first 100 system cleaning room section 101 cleaning room 202 further

[0152] 102 Access opening Cleaning room section 103 Unloading opening

[0153] 104 Eddy current system 400 Transport system 105 Displacement flow system 401 Driverless

[0154] 106 UV radiation source, transport vehicle; 107 turbulent flow

[0155] 108 Displacement flow

[0156] 109 nozzles

[0157] 110 Control unit

[0158] 111 ionization facility

[0159] 112 Reflector

[0160] 113 Interior wall

[0161] 114 Lock device

[0162] 115 Conveyor system

[0163] 116 Carrier system

[0164] 117 Conveyor belt

[0165] 118 first room area

[0166] 119 second room area

[0167] 120 filter device

[0168] 121 Sensor system

[0169] 122 Radiation sensor

[0170] 123 nozzle openings

[0171] 124 Manipulator

[0172] 125 Data processing equipment

[0173] 150 goods

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) for 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 (105) which is 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) which is 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 control device (110) which is configured to automatically control at least the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system (105) and the UV radiation source (106) in a predetermined cleaning sequence, a data processing device (125) which is coupled to the control device (110) in such a way that the data processing device (125) exchanges information with the control device (110) regarding at least the system state, the Cleaning process, the degree of cleaning of the goods (150) and / or condition information of the goods (150).

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement flow (108) when entering the cleaning chamber (101) has a quality according to H14.

3. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device (125) is coupled to the control device (110) in such a way that the data processing device (125) records and controls the information from the control device (110), wherein the data processing device (125) is in particular designed to record and control information about a cleaning process carried out and / or a cleaned item (150) (150).

4. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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) 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 air and / or different concentrations of active organisms in the air, wherein the data processing unit (125) is configured to obtain information about the goods (150), wherein the data processing device (125) is configured to check, based on the admission conditions of the second space area (119), whether the goods (150) may be transported into the second space area (119).

5. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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).

6. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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.

7. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the UV radiation source (106) is configured to irradiate surface segments of the goods (150) with at least a UV radiation energy of 100mJ / cm2, in particular at least 200mJ / cm2, and further in particular at least 400mJ / cm2, wherein the system (100) 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 device (110) is configured to control the UV radiation source (106) based on the measured radiation dose of the UV radiation, wherein the data processing unit (125) is configured to compare the radiation dose with a target radiation dose, wherein the data processing unit (125) is configured to control the UV radiation source (106) based on this comparison by means of the control unit (110) in order to achieve the target radiation dose.

8. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 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 cleaning fluid can then flow through the cleaning chamber (101) in a predetermined direction by means of the displacement flow system in order 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.

9. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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.

10. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 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 (101) and / or components, in particular movable components of a conveying system (115) have a cover which is made in particular of glass, aluminium or stainless steel.

11. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, 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).

12. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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.

13. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a conveying system (115) for conveying the goods (150) through the access opening (102) and / or through the discharge opening (103), in particular continuously or discontinuously, wherein in particular the control unit (110) is configured to control the conveying system (115), and / or a support system (116) on which the goods (150) can be placed, wherein the carrier system (116) is designed 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), in particular wherein the conveying system (115) has a conveyor belt (117) on which the support system (116) can be placed, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to control the conveying system (115) in relation to the carrier system (116).

14. System (100) according to claim 13, 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 particular such that at least five sides of the goods (150) are accessible 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%, and a further side is accessible to the displacement flow (108) and / or the turbulent flow (107) to more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, and further in particular more than 90%.

15. System (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the conveying system (115) is designed and controllable by the control device (110) such that the goods (150) can be moved bidirectionally through the cleaning room (101).

16. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, 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.

17. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, 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 the outlet opening, in particular the nozzle (109), and / or the goods (150), are movable, wherein in particular the discharge opening and / or the goods (150) can be moved by means of a manipulator (124) of a conveying system (115), 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), wherein the data processing device (125) is configured to store information from the control device (110) about a movement of the outlet opening for turbulent flow (107), about a movement of the UV radiation source (106) and / or a UV radiation steering system of the UV radiation source (106), about a movement of the goods (150), in particular position data of the goods (150), changes in the position of the goods (150), loading, unloading, singulation of stacks of goods and / or movement of a carrier system (116).

18. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising 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 goods (150) during microbiological inactivation, wherein the control device (110) is configured to control the movement device, in particular depending on the nature of the goods (150).

19. System (100) according to claim 18, wherein the distance of the goods (150) to the UV radiation source and / or to the UV radiation guidance system can be changed during the cleaning process by means of the movement device and / or the conveying system (116), in particular taking into account the geometric parameters of the goods, in particular the distance to a surface of the goods (150), wherein the data processing device (125) is configured to obtain, store and / or communicate information about the distance and, in particular, the temporal change of the distance during the cleaning process from the control device (110).

20. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising 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 device (110) 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 device (110) is configured, in particular by 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.

21. System (100) according to claim 20, wherein the control device (110) is configured in particular to control, by means of object recognition, artificial intelligence and / or measurement of the goods (150) by means of the sensor system (121), the position of the goods (150) in the cleaning room (101), 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) and / or an intensity of the turbulent flow (107) and / or the UV radiation.

22. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the information on the cleaning process, which the data processing unit (125) and the control unit (110) exchange, is selected from the group consisting of the size of the goods (150), the identification mark of the goods (150), the quantity of the depleted goods (150), the sensor value of the sensor system (121), the intensity of the turbulent flow (107), the displacement flow (108) or the radiation intensity of the UV radiation, limit values ​​of the intensity of the turbulent flow (107), the displacement flow (108) or the radiation intensity of the UV radiation, system states, in particular release, blocking, safety, logging of the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system (108) or the UV radiation source (108), wherein the data processing unit (125) instructs the control unit (110) to adjust the cleaning process and / or activate a safety function based on the exchanged information.

23. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the control device (110) has a reading device for reading information on the product (150), wherein the information contains parameters on the basis of which the control device (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, in particular in optically readable form, especially as a QR code, barcode and / or OCR text, on the goods (150) provided, and / or wherein the reading device is designed to read information from an information tag, in particular a transmitting device, on or in the goods using 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 turbulent flow (107) and / or UV radiation.

24. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the control device (110) is configured to clean the interior of the cleaning room (101) at a predetermined maintenance interval by means of at least the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system and the UV radiation source (106), in particular without any goods (150) being present in the cleaning room (101), and / or wherein the data processing unit (125) is configured to specify the maintenance interval for the control unit (110) based on the information.

25. System (100) according to claim 24, wherein the maintenance interval is variably specified based on measured parameters of the sensor system (121) by means of the data processing device (125), wherein the measured parameters are selected from the group consisting of an intensity measurement of turbulent flow (107), displacement flow (108) or radiation intensity, a Temperature measurement of the product surface, an operating time measurement of the system (100), a volume flow measurement of the turbulent flow (107) and / or the displacement flow (108), an atmospheric pressure in the cleaning room (101) and / or a vibration of the product (150) during the cleaning process.

26. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the data processing device (125) records cleaning processes and information related during the process flows, wherein the referenced information is selected from the group consisting of product parameters of a product (150), a predetermined result, a specific time, an error that occurred, a predetermined control variable, sensor information of the sensor system (121), an identification feature of the product (150), environmental information and / or a duration of a process step.

27. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the data processing device (125) records based on the information about several cleaning processes carried out relating to the cleaned goods (150) and compares the information about several cleaning processes carried out in such a way that increasing deviations from a target cleaning process can be determined, wherein the data processing device (125) is in particular configured to transmit software updates to the control device (110), the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system (105) and the UV radiation source (106).

28. 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 27, comprising the method: 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 the eddy current system (104), the displacement flow system and the UV radiation source (106) in a predetermined cleaning sequence, wherein a data processing unit (125) which is coupled to the control unit (110) exchanges information regarding at least the system state, the cleaning process, the degree of cleaning of the goods (150) and / or condition information of the goods (150).

29. Transport system (400) for mobile particulate removal and microbiological removal and / or microbiological inactivation of goods (150), comprising the transport system (400) a system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, a transport device designed for transporting the system (100), wherein the transport device comprises a vehicle, a lift and / or a driverless transport vehicle (401).

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