Decontamination system for a mobile apparatus, room and method involving such system

Abstract

A decontamination system (1) configured for decontaminating the ground member (96) of a mobile apparatus (90). In particular, the decontamination system (1) comprising (i) a guiding structure configured for guiding the mobile apparatus (90) through the decontamination system (1), (ii) a cleaning station configured for receiving and cleaning the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90) and (iii) a disinfecting station configured for receiving and disinfecting and / or sterilizing the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90). Such a decontamination system (1) can be used for decontaminating the ground member (96) of a mobile apparatus (90). In particular, it can allow for more efficient and reproducible decontamination of the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90). The invention also relates to a room (20) wherein the said decontamination system (1) is installed and to a method of decontaminating the ground member (96) of a mobile apparatus (90) by means of said decontamination system (1).

Description

P39652-EPDESC RI PTIONTitleDECONTAMINATION SYSTEM FOR A MOBILE APPARATUS, ROOM AND METHOD INVOLVING SUCH SYSTEMTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to decontamination of wheels or similar elements of mobile robots. More specifically, it relates to such decontamination in controlled environments such as biosafety level (BSL) laboratories and cleanrooms.Background Art

[0002] In pharmaceutical, food and other industries, a variety of mobile robots and other equipment are used for diverse tasks, wherein they may be equipped with wheels themselves or they may be placed on supports having wheels. Such robots may frequently transition between uncontrolled environments to controlled environments with monitored contamination levels such as cleanrooms and biosafety level (BSL) laboratories. Therefore, when transiting between different environments they usually must undergo decontamination processes to prevent contaminants being unintentionally transferred and to ensure compliance with the specific contamination levels required for such environments.

[0003] Thereby, the wheels of mobile robots are usually highly susceptible to transporting contaminants. Therefore, wheels typically undergo a decontamination process before entering controlled environments that usually consists in manually brushing, manually disinfecting, e.g., by spraying chemical disinfectants with a spray bottle and wiping with a piece of cloth, and / or manually rinsing and manually drying with a sponge. Differently, the decontamination of the bodies of mobile robots is usually limited to manually wiping them with a cloth and a chemical disinfectant.

[0004] Such decontamination processes are comparably cumbersome, time-consuming and labour-intensive. Moreover, it is typically performed by researchers or other highly educated laboratory stuff who could otherwise focus on tasks that are more critical. Additionally, the manual nature of this process results in low repeatability and reliability,making it less suitable for controlled environments with stringent contamination level requirements set by regulatory standards.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for systems and methods that allow effective, efficient and reproducible decontamination of mobile robots or other mobile apparatus. Such systems and methods should be efficient in terms of time and resources required as well as in terms of involving minimum human intervention.

[0006] Furthermore, there may be a need for a decontamination system and method that enables to achieve an appropriate decontamination level for mobile robots, particularly their wheels, in compliance with regulatory standards.Disclosure of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention this need is settled by a decontamination system as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1 , by a room as it is defined by the features of independent claim 19 and a method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus as defined by the features of independent claim 21. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a decontamination system configured to decontaminate a mobile apparatus having a ground member for contacting a ground. The decontamination system comprises a disinfecting station configured to receive and to disinfect or sterilize the ground member of the mobile apparatus; a cleaning station configured to receive and to clean the ground member of the mobile apparatus; and a guiding structure configured to guide the ground member of the mobile apparatus to the cleaning station and from the cleaning station to the disinfecting station.

[0009] The disclosed decontamination system advantageously enables the decontamination of the ground member of the mobile apparatus to a level sufficient to permit, in accordance with regulations, the use of the mobile apparatus within a controlled environment, such as, but not limited to, sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, and BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories.

[0010] The term “decontaminate” as used herein relates to removing, neutralizing and / or reducing contaminants such as biological, chemical or particulate matter to an acceptable residual amount. The acceptable residual amount may be determined in relation torequirements of an environment of application of the decontamination system such as cleanrooms, sterile rooms, good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant rooms and BSL laboratories. The acceptable residual amount may be determined based on regulatory standards and guidelines applicable to pharmaceutical environments, such as ISO Class 5 cleanrooms, Grade A sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, and BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories or other controlled environments. The acceptable residual amount may be determined in accordance with standards such as ISO 11737-1 or similar guidelines.

[0011] The term "controlled environment," as used herein, refers to spaces such as sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories, or other facilities requiring comparable stringent contamination control.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "mobile apparatus" refers to a device designed for use in sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, BSL-2 or BSL- 3 laboratories, or similar controlled environments, that is capable of moving and desires mobility. Examples of mobile apparatus include, but are not limited to, carts for transporting instruments or drones, and particularly to mobile robots or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

[0013] In the context of present invention, the term “ground member” refers to an element of the mobile apparatus that comes into contact with the ground and which is typically embodied to allow moving the mobile apparatus. Examples of ground members include, but are not limited to, wheels, gliders, treads, continuous tracks, mechanical legs, drone landing gears.

[0014] The term “cleaning station” as used herein refers to a setup that may include a work area, decontamination agents and / or physical equipment configured to clean the ground member of the mobile apparatus. The components of the cleaning station may be integrated or spatially separated, and are designed to work together to achieve the required level of cleanliness.

[0015] The term "cleaning" as used herein refers to a process of removing contaminants such as dirt, organic material, and particulate matter. The cleaning process may remove also microorganisms while removing other contaminants. Cleaning may involve physicalactions, such as scrubbing, brushing, or wiping, and the use of cleaning agents, such as detergents, solvents, or surfactants, to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.

[0016] The term “disinfecting station” as used herein refers to a setup that may include a work area, disinfecting agents and / or physical equipment configured to disinfect or sterilize the ground member of the mobile apparatus. The components of the disinfecting station may be integrated or spatially separated, and are designed to work together to achieve the required level of disinfection, or sterilization.

[0017] The terms "sterilizing" and "disinfecting" as used herein refer to processes of eliminating or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. "Sterilizing" refers to the essentially complete eradication of all forms of microbial life, achieving a sterile state. "Disinfecting" refers to reducing the number of viable microorganisms to an acceptable residual amount. Both processes may involve one or more steps and can include chemical methods (e.g., using ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol solutions) and physical methods (e.g., heat-based sterilization, UV irradiation, or steam sterilization).

[0018] Having the cleaning station preceding the disinfecting station offers significant advantages in the decontamination process. Cleaning removes contaminants which can create barriers that protect microorganisms from subsequent disinfection / sterilization. By reducing the initial microbial load through cleaning, the time and resource efficiency and effectiveness of the disinfection / sterilization can be improved, as fewer microorganisms need to be eradicated. Additionally, cleaning prevents potential damage to the ground member caused by residual debris reacting with sterilizing agents. Cleaning before disinfecting or sterilizing ensures that all surfaces are exposed and accessible to the disinfecting / sterilizing agents, improving sterility assurance. Having the cleaning station preceding the disinfecting station may allow for comparably efficient compliance with regulatory standards. Therefore, the sequential arrangement of a cleaning station followed by a disinfecting station ensures a more reliable and effective decontamination process.

[0019] Advantageously, the decontamination system includes a disinfecting station specifically configured to disinfect the ground member and a cleaning station specifically configured to clean the ground member. "Configured to clean and disinfect the ground member" refers to processes that exclusively target the ground member, withoutsignificantly affecting other parts of the mobile apparatus. Particularly, this can include cleaning and disinfecting the inboard-facing and outboard-facing sides of the ground member and, preferably, the portion of the ground member that comes into direct contact with the ground during operation (tread surface). By configuring these stations for the decontamination of the ground member, the system allows that only the ground member is treated without affecting the rest of the mobile apparatus. Furthermore, it ensures that the ground member is decontaminated to a level sufficient for its use within controlled environments.

[0020] Since the ground member is particularly prone to transporting contaminants into controlled environments, its decontamination is essential. At the same time, thorough decontamination of the body of the mobile apparatus can be unnecessary, especially when transferring from one controlled environment to another. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary wear on its structure or potential damage to the materials it transports, such as sensitive drugs or similar products, it can be desirable to avoid decontaminating the body of the mobile apparatus while ensuring the decontamination of the ground member.

[0021] The term “guiding structure” as used herein refers to a physical formation or computer-implemented system, or a combination of the two, configured to guide or transfer the mobile apparatus throughout the decontamination system in a predefined manner and / or along a predefined path. The guiding structure may be designed to guide or transfer the mobile apparatus at least from the cleaning station to the disinfecting station and to prevent other transfers through the decontamination system. Examples of guiding structures include, but are not limited to, rails, U-rails, tracks and treadmills. Additionally, a guiding structure may comprise a software implemented in the mobile apparatus to navigate it through the decontamination system. Another example includes a line drawn on the ground in combination with computer vision-based software implemented in the mobile apparatus, configured to guide the mobile apparatus through the decontamination system. Furthermore, a guiding structure may consist of a combination of software implemented in the mobile apparatus and sensors within the decontamination system, both working together to guide the mobile apparatus throughout the decontamination process. The guiding structure may also be embodied for automatically guiding or transferring the mobile apparatus through the decontamination system in a predefined manner.

[0022] The guiding structure allows to predefine the specific decontamination procedure applied by the decontamination system. Like this, an increased reliability and efficacy can be achieved. Further, it may enable increased automation of the decontamination system, reducing the need for manual intervention. In sum, the guiding structure allows for a more efficient, reliable and effective decontamination of the ground member. Additionally, the guiding structure enhances reproducibility and repeatability of the decontamination process, thereby also facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

[0023] In some advantageous embodiments, the guiding structure comprises rails or U- rails, which may be particularly useful for improving the effectiveness of the decontamination for specific types of ground members, such as, but not limited to, wheels. Other options for the guiding structure, such as, but not limited to, tracks and treadmills, may be particularly useful for increasing the adaptability of the decontamination system to multiple types of ground members. Further options included in the guiding structure, such as U-rails combined with software implemented in the mobile apparatus, may be particularly useful for enabling the automation of the decontamination system.

[0024] According to the invention, by combining the guiding structure, the cleaning station and the disinfecting station in the decontamination system, increased repeatability, reliability and effectiveness of the decontamination of the ground member of the mobile apparatus can be achieved, which may further facilitate compliance with regulatory standards.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the disinfecting station comprises at least one of the following functional units: a chemical disinfection unit, preferably comprising a chemical disinfectant spray; a chemical sterilization unit, preferably comprising a chemical sterilizer spray and / or a steam sterilization apparatus; a physical sterilization unit, preferably comprising at least one of: a microwave apparatus; a UV sterilization apparatus; a thermal sterilization apparatus; a gamma irradiation apparatus.

[0026] The term “functional unit”, as used herein, relates to a component or a combination of elements configured to perform a respective function such as cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing. A functional unit may particularly be operated automatically or semi-automatically.

[0027] The term “chemical disinfection unit”, as used herein, relates to a functional unit configured to perform a disinfection by chemical means. A chemical disinfection unit may comprise a chemical disinfectant spray comprising a nozzle configured to spray hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol and / or povidone-iodine.

[0028] The term “chemical sterilization unit”, as used herein, relates to a functional unit configured to perform a sterilization by chemical means. A chemical sterilization unit may comprise a chemical sterilizing spray comprising a nozzle configured to spray peracetic acid and / or ethylene oxide (EtO), and / or a steam sterilization apparatus comprising a nozzle configured to spray steam.

[0029] The term “spray,” as used herein, relates to a type of a device configured to dispense a fluid substance such as a chemical disinfectant spray or a chemical sterilizing spray. Such devices may comprise a nozzle for spraying the substance and a mechanism for delivering the substance to the nozzle such as a pump or the like.

[0030] A spray may be configured to be adjustable in terms of pressure, flow rate and spray width. A spray may be configured to generate a gentle spray to prevent the damaging of electrical appliances of certain types of mobile apparatus such as, mobile robots. A spray with these characteristics enhances the flexibility of the decontamination system. Additionally, these features improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the decontamination process.

[0031] The term “physical sterilization unit”, as used herein, relates to a functional unit configured to perform a sterilization process by physical means. The physical sterilization unit may comprise a UV apparatus configured to sterilize irradiating UV light and / or a thermal sterilization apparatus configured to sterilize by spraying pressurized steam or the like.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the cleaning station comprises at least one of the following functional units: a mechanical cleaning unit, preferably comprising a brushing apparatus and / or a sticky mat apparatus; a washing unit, preferably comprising a water spray; an ultrasonic cleaning unit; a water jet unit.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the cleaning station comprises a sticky mat apparatus.

[0034] The term “mechanical cleaning unit”, as used herein, relates to a functional unit configured to clean by mechanical means. A mechanical cleaning unit may comprise a brushing apparatus comprising brushes configured to brush residuals from the ground member of the mobile apparatus, and / or a sticky mat apparatus having a sticky mat configured to capture and remove residues from the ground member of the mobile apparatus.

[0035] The term “washing unit”, as used herein, relates to a device configured to wash. A washing unit may comprise a water spray configured to spray water and / or a detergent spray configured to spray a detergent solution.

[0036] The term “ultrasonic cleaning unit”, as used herein, relates to a functional unit advantageously comprising a liquid bath and configured to generate ultrasound waves to agitate a liquid in the liquid bath to achieve a cleaning effect. Ultrasonic cleaning generally is a process that uses ultrasound to agitate a fluid for cleaning. The principle of ultrasonic cleaning typically is to convert sound energy of an ultrasonic frequency source into mechanical vibration through a transducer. The mechanical vibration is transmitted to the liquid so that micro-bubbles in the liquid keep vibrating under the action of the ultrasonic wave, destroying and separating dirt adsorption on a surface of an object.

[0037] The sticky mat apparatus provides an economical and effective solution for cleaning the ground member of the mobile apparatus. In particular, it enhances the cleaning of the portions of the ground member that come into contact with or roll on the ground (tread surface), which are the areas most likely to transport contaminants. This facilitates subsequent effective disinfection of these areas, helping to ensure compliance with decontamination requirements for controlled environments.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the decontamination system further comprises a reservoir seat configured to receive a reservoir housing a decontamination agent and / or cleaning water; and a duct connecting the reservoir to at least one of the disinfecting station and the cleaning station.

[0039] The term “sterilizing / disinfecting agent”, as used herein, relates to a substance used to clean, sterilize and / or disinfect. Examples of such agents include, but are not limited to, ethylene peroxide, ethylene oxide, peracetic acid, povidone-iodine, water,isopropyl alcohol. Other agents used for decontamination may be water, air, vacuum or the like.

[0040] The term “cleaning water”, as used herein, relates to water used to clean and wash. Examples of cleaning water include, but are not limited to, deionized water, distilled water, sterile water, ultrapure water, reverse osmosis water, low endotoxin water, low total organic carbon water, laboratory-grade water, pH neutral water. Using water with specific characteristics, such as those listed, may provide more effective decontamination of the mobile apparatus and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the use of specific types of water can reduce the wear and tear on mobile apparatuses due to decontamination.

[0041] The term “duct”, as used herein, relates to a device configured to transport cleaning water and / or a decontamination agent. The duct may comprise pipes and pumps configured to transport cleaning water and / or a decontamination agent.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the cleaning station and / or the disinfecting station comprises a draining floor.

[0043] The term “draining floor”, as used herein, relates to a floor configured to drain water, cleaning water, decontamination agents and / or any other substance used for the decontamination. The draining floor may comprise a grating. The draining floor may increase the effectiveness of the decontamination draining liquids away from the mobile apparatus, thereby preventing the stagnation of contaminants around the ground member.

[0044] The draining floor may extend beneath the entire disinfecting station or parts thereof, beneath the entire cleaning station or parts thereof, beneath the entire drying station or parts thereof, beneath the entire decontamination system, beneath regions of the decontamination system other than the cleaning and disinfecting stations, or beneath any combination of these areas.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the disinfecting station and / or the cleaning station comprises a preferably removable wastewater container configured to collect wastewater.

[0046] The “term wastewater”, as used herein, relates to water, cleaning water, decontamination agents and any other substance used for the decontamination and that constitute a waste of the decontamination.

[0047] The draining floor may be connected to the wastewater container to facilitate the drainage of wastewater. The draining floor may extend over the wastewater container and be connected to it by pipes.

[0048] The wastewater container may facilitate efficient disposal of wastewater, thereby increasing the effectiveness and ease of maintenance of the decontamination system. Preferably, the wastewater container is removable, further enhancing the ease and efficiency of maintenance.

[0049] The wastewater container may extend beneath the entire disinfecting station or parts thereof, beneath the entire cleaning station or parts thereof, beneath the entire decontamination system, beneath regions of the decontamination system other than the cleaning and disinfecting stations, or beneath any combination of these areas. The decontamination system may include a plurality of wastewater containers, which may be connected to a further wastewater container. The wastewater container may be connected to sewers, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater disposal and thereby increasing the overall efficiency, effectiveness and maintainability of the decontamination system.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the decontamination system further comprises a body decontamination station configured to decontaminate a body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0051] The term “body decontamination station”, as used herein, relates to a setup that may include a work area, decontamination agents and / or physical equipment configured to decontaminate a body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0052] The term "body section" refers to a part of the mobile apparatus that is not the ground member. Body section may refer to the entire body of the mobile apparatus. For example, the body section of a mobile robot may include a frame or housing, movable arms, controllers or the like.

[0053] The body decontamination station facilitates effective, efficient and reproducible decontamination of a body section of the mobile apparatus. Additionally, it ensures that the decontamination level of the body section of the mobile apparatus complies with regulatory standards. Furthermore, it enables the automation of the decontamination process for a body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the body decontamination station comprises at least one of the following functional units: a UV unit and a wraparound brushes unit.

[0055] The term “UV unit”, as used herein, relates to a functional unit configured to sterilize, to disinfect or to otherwise eliminate living contaminates on the body section by irradiating UV light to the body section. UV light is ultraviolet light being electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths of between 10 nanometers (nm) and 400 nm, i.e., shorter than wavelengths of visible light. UV light may be used for disinfection and / or sterilization wherein particularly UVC light is often used for such purpose. UVC light has wavelengths in between about 280 nm to about 100 nm.

[0056] The UV unit may comprise a UV light source that generates a UV light beam and is mounted on a structure allowing the direction of the UV light beam to be adjusted to irradiate a specific body section of the mobile apparatus. The UV light source may be configured so that the intensity of the UV light beam is adjustable. This design of the UV unit enhances the flexibility of the decontamination system for different mobile apparatuses and allows for varying levels of disinfection or sterilization.

[0057] The UV unit may comprise an arch structure that includes a UV or UVC light source. This UV unit may be mounted such that the mobile apparatus passes through it during the decontamination process, ensuring that the entire body of the mobile apparatus is irradiated with UV light.

[0058] The term “wraparound brushes unit”, as used herein, refers to a functional unit comprising at least one brush and configured to clean a body section of the mobile apparatus by running the brush around it. The brush of the wraparound brushes unit may be cylindrical and it may be configured to rotate around its axis. It may be made of cloth and may be impregnated with a decontamination agent.

[0059] The body decontamination station may be configured such that the mobile apparatus passes first through the wraparound brushes unit and then through the UVunit. This configuration ensures a more reliable and effective decontamination process of the body section of the mobile robot. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the wraparound brushes unit and the UV unit results in increased repeatability, reliability and effectiveness of the decontamination of the body section of the mobile apparatus, further facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the decontamination system comprises a rinsing station configured to rinse the ground member and / or the body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0061] The term “rinsing station”, as used herein, relates to a setup that may include a work area, cleaning water and / or physical equipment configured to rinse the ground member and / or the body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0062] Having a station configured for rinsing allows to effectively removing any residual decontamination agent from the ground member or the body section of the mobile apparatus and so increasing the effectiveness of the decontamination.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the decontamination system further comprises a drying station configured to dry the ground member and / or a body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0064] The term “drying station”, as used herein, refers to a setup that may include a work area and / or physical equipment configured to dry the ground member or the body section of the mobile apparatus.

[0065] Following the decontamination process, droplets and residues of cleaning water and decontamination agents may remain on the mobile apparatus. These can increase the risk of corrosion and wear of the mobile apparatus and may also lead to the unintentional transport of contaminants with the mobile apparatus. Therefore, including a drying station is advantageous as it effectively removes any droplets and residues of cleaning water and / or decontamination agents. This not only enhances the efficacy of the decontamination process but also helps in preventing or reducing wear, tear and corrosion of the mobile apparatus, thereby extending its operational lifespan.

[0066] The drying station may be positioned as the last station through which the mobile apparatus passes. This arrangement maximizes the drying effectiveness, thereby enhancing the overall decontamination process.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the drying station comprises at least one of the following functional units: an air-drying unit, a sponge-drying unit; a cloth drying unit and a vacuum drying unit.

[0068] The term “air-drying unit”, as used herein, refers to a functional unit comprising a nozzle or another similar structure configured to inject an air beam intense enough to dry the ground member and / or a body section of the mobile apparatus. The air-drying unit may be structured such that the air beam can be directed to different body sections. It may also be structured such that the intensity of the air beam is adjustable. This design is particularly advantageous as it enhances the drying performance for various types of mobile apparatus, measured by the reduction in residual droplets and / or drying time. In general terms, the air-drying unit may be more advantageous with respect to a spongedrying unit or a cloth drying unit as it needs relatively less maintenance.

[0069] The term “sponge-drying unit”, as used herein, refers to a functional unit comprising a sponge positioned such that it runs over the ground member or the body section of the mobile apparatus when the mobile apparatus passes through the drying station.

[0070] The term “cloth drying unit”, as used herein, refers to a functional unit comprising a cloth positioned such that it runs over the ground member or the body section of the mobile apparatus when the mobile apparatus passes through the drying station.

[0071] The sponge-drying unit and the cloth drying unit may be advantageous as they have a relatively high drying effectiveness in terms of reduction in residual droplets and / or drying time when compared for example to the air-drying unit.

[0072] The term “vacuum drying unit”, as used herein, refers to a functional unit configured to aspirate air via a pump or similar device. This design needs relatively low maintenance and is comparably effective and efficient.

[0073] In another preferred embodiment, the decontamination system comprises a plurality of functional units, wherein each of the functional units is modularly arrangedsuch that the plurality of functional units is configured to be variably positioned to form different sequences.

[0074] The modular arrangement allows the functional units to be easily added, removed, or rearranged as needed, enabling the system to form different sequences tailored to specific decontamination requirements. For example, functional units such as a sticky mat apparatus, a brushing apparatus, a chemical disinfectant spray, and a vacuum drying unit can be reconfigured depending on the type of ground member being decontaminated or the required level of cleanliness. In a higher-contamination scenario, the system might include additional brushing apparatuses and washing units for thorough cleaning, while for less stringent requirements, one or more functional units could be removed to optimize efficiency. This modularity ensures that the decontamination system can be adapted to diverse operational needs while minimizing unnecessary complexity or resource consumption. Such flexibility is particularly advantageous in controlled environments, such as, but not limited to, GMP-compliant production areas or BSL laboratories, where varying degrees of decontamination are required to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, such modular arrangement also enables the decontamination system to be used in environments with different configurations.A particularly effective sequence of functional units may be: a sticky mat unit, a brushing apparatus, a chemical disinfectant spray, a vacuum drying unit and a sponge-drying unit. This specific arrangement and combination of units, particularly when integrated with a draining floor and a removable wastewater container extending across the entire decontamination system, has proven to be highly effective in decontaminating the ground member of the mobile apparatus. Furthermore, it achieves decontamination levels acceptable for cleanrooms, in compliance with regulatory standards.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, the decontamination system further comprises a ground-fixing structure configured to be fixed to the ground.

[0076] Examples of ground-fixing structure include, but are not limited to, structures designed to be fixed to the ground by means of fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets or the like. The ground-fixing structure may for example consist in a plate comprising a hole designed to receive a fastener suitable to be screwed to an element of the ground or jointly fixed to the ground. The ground-fixing structure may be jointly or reversibly fixed to an element of the decontamination system including, but not limited to, a functional unit, the wastewater container or the draining floor. The ground-fixing structure may be fixedto an element of the decontamination unit for example by means of welding, bolts, rivets and / or screws. The ground-fixing structure may be configured to be reversibly or irreversibly fixed to the ground.

[0077] The ground-fixing structure may provide a stable and robust foundation for the decontamination system, ensuring that it remains securely in place during the decontamination process. Such configuration minimizes the risk of movement or displacement of the elements of the decontamination system, ensuring consistent decontamination and preventing potential damages to the mobile apparatus.

[0078] Moreover, the ground-fixing structure may allow for the precise alignment and calibration of the components or units of the decontamination system, ensuring proper functioning. This aspect may be particularly important for an embodiment of the decontamination system wherein each of the functional units is modularly arranged such that the plurality of functional units is configured to be variably positioned to form different sequences.

[0079] A ground-fixing structure may be configured to be reversibly fixed to the ground may be particularly advantageous for an embodiment of the decontamination system wherein each of the functional units is modularly arranged such that the plurality of functional units is configured to be variably positioned to form different sequences. Such a ground-fixing structure may enable to easily unfixing and fixing the functional units when arranging them in a different sequence improving the flexibility and user-friendliness of the decontamination system.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment, the guiding structure comprises a conveyor configured to forward the ground member of the mobile apparatus to the cleaning station and from the cleaning station to the disinfecting station.

[0081] The conveyor may be configured to advance the mobile apparatus through the various stations of the decontamination system, thereby obviating the necessity for human intervention. Like this, it can be ensured that the mobile apparatus progresses through the predetermined stations and functional units in a specified sequence. The automated conveyance mechanism may guarantee that the mobile apparatus traverses at an exact speed and adhere to a precise trajectory throughout the decontamination process, thereby achieving consistent decontamination results. Additionally, the conveyormay accurately position the mobile apparatus within each station to ensure the effective execution of all decontamination steps by the functional units. Consequently, the conveyor may facilitate the decontamination process in accordance with a predetermined plan and potentially in compliance with industry standards. Such arrangement enhances the effectiveness, repeatability and reliability of the decontamination procedure.

[0082] The conveyor may be particularly beneficial when the mobile apparatus is nonmotorized. In such instances, the elimination of the need for human intervention constitutes a significant advantage.

[0083] The term “conveyor” as used herein refers to a mechanical apparatus or computer-implemented system designed to transport or transfer the mobile apparatus from one location to another of the decontamination system. It may consist of a continuous loop of a belt, a chain, rollers, or a piston which moves along a predetermined path powered by motors or other mechanical means. Additionally, it could also have a computer-implemented system configured to transport or transfer the mobile apparatus from one location to another of the decontamination system.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the decontamination system comprises a U- rail configured to receive the ground member of the mobile apparatus and particularly a wheel of the ground member of the mobile apparatus.

[0085] The term “U-rail”, in this context, refers to an elongated structural component characterized by a cross-sectional profile that resembles the letter "U." The U-rail may comprise a horizontally oriented base portion and two vertically extending side portions, which collectively form a channel or groove. This configuration is designed to provide guided support and facilitate the movement of the ground member, such as wheels or continuous tracks, within the channel. The U-rail may be fabricated from materials such as metal, plastic, or composite materials, selected based on the specific requirements of strength, durability and environmental conditions. The U-rail's design may ensure precise alignment of the ground member and so effective decontamination, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the decontamination system in which it is incorporated.

[0086] The decontamination system may comprise multiple U-rails or other guiding structures. This could be advantageous for example in case the ground member included multiple lines of wheels, or multiple continuous tracks or other types of ground member.

[0087] Configurations of the decontamination system comprising multiple U-rails may be configured to allow a single U-rail to be moved further apart or closer another U-rail. This may enable the decontamination system to adapt to mobile apparatus with different ground members, for example ground members including multiple lines of wheels. For instance, U-rails may be slidably mounted on C-rails that extend transversely to the U- rails.

[0088] In a further preferred embodiment, the guiding structure of the decontamination system comprises a U-rail configured to receive the ground member of the mobile apparatus and at least one functional unit is installed in the U-rail.

[0089] Functional units or devices such as, but not limited to, brushes, chemical disinfectant sprays, chemical sterilizer sprays or UV sterilization apparatus may be installed in the U-rail, preferably onto or beside at least one of the vertically extending side portions. Functional units such as, but not limited to, a sticky mat or a draining floor may be installed in the U-rail, preferably onto or underneath at least one of the horizontally oriented base portion.

[0090] The installation of the functional units in the U-rails may enable their optimized setting and alignment ensuring an effective operation. The U-rail's design with the installation of the functional units in the U-rail allows for a precise and effective configuration of the decontamination system. Advantageously, this configuration allows precise targeting of only the ground member of the mobile apparatus, particularly the portion of the ground member moving within the U-rail, enabling its decontamination without affecting other parts of the mobile apparatus. This is particularly beneficial, for instance, when it is necessary to prevent damage to the body of the mobile apparatus. Furthermore, it ensures the decontamination of the ground member to a level acceptable for controlled environments, such as, but not limited to, sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, and BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the decontamination system comprises at least one functional unit positioned and oriented to decontaminate a tread surface of the ground member.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the decontamination system comprises at least one functional unit positioned and oriented to decontaminate an inboard-facing side and an outboard-facing side of the ground member.

[0093] For example, brushing apparatuses, chemical disinfecting sprays, or other functional units, can be installed on both the inboard and outboard sides of the guiding structure for cleaning and disinfecting the inboard-facing and an outboard-facing sides of a wheel, while a sticky mat apparatus or a waterjet unit and a UV sterilization apparatus, or other functional units, can be placed beneath the ground member to clean the surface that directly touches the ground. Different functional units of the stations herein disclosed can be positioned on the external and internal side of the guiding structure and / or beneath the ground member. In this configuration, the functional units are arranged to ensure comprehensive decontamination of the ground member, addressing all potential contamination points. This targeted approach enhances the effectiveness of the decontamination system, ensuring that the ground member is treated to a level sufficient for compliance with the stringent cleanliness requirements of controlled environments, such as sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, and BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories.

[0094] The installation of functional units on both sides of the U-rail may be beneficial to effectively decontaminate both sides of the ground member. This is particularly beneficial, for instance, to ensure the decontamination of both the inboard-facing side and an outboard-facing sides of the ground member to a level acceptable for controlled environments, such as, but not limited to, sterile rooms, GMP-compliant production areas, and BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, a functional unit is installed onto or beside each of the two opposite vertically extending sides of the U-rail.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, a functional unit is installed onto or underneath a horizontally oriented base portion of the U-rail.

[0097] In another preferred embodiment, the ll-rai I is configured to adapt its dimensions to different types of ground members.

[0098] Various designs of the ll-rail are contemplated to enable the adaptation of its dimensions to accommodate different types of ground members. Such designs enhance the flexibility and applicability of the decontamination system, making the same decontamination system compatible with diverse mobile apparatuses.

[0099] Configurations that allow the vertical side portions to be moved further apart or closer together enable the ll-rail to adapt to ground members of different thicknesses, such as wheels of different widths or continuous tracks. For instance, the vertically extending side portions of the U-rail may be configured to be slidably mounted on C-rails that extend transversely to the ll-rail.

[0100] Additionally, the U-rail may be designed such that the height of the vertically extending side portions can be increased or decreased. This adaptability permits the U- rail to accommodate ground systems of different heights and can be particularly advantageous in embodiments where a functional unit is mounted on a vertically extending side portion. In such cases, the vertical position of the functional unit can be adjusted to operate more effectively with ground systems of different heights. For example, this design could be embodied using telescopic vertically extending side portions.

[0101] In a further preferred embodiment, the decontamination system comprises a sensor configured to identify a location of the mobile apparatus and preferably configured to trigger an action of the cleaning station and / or the disinfecting station.

[0102] The sensor may, for example, initiate the activation or deactivation of a functional unit or control the operation of the conveyor. It can comprise or induce a light barrier, pressure detection, infrared distance detection, or the like. The incorporation of such a sensor within the decontamination system facilitates complete automation, thereby eliminating the necessity for human intervention. This automation enhances the effectiveness, reliability, repeatability and efficiency of the decontamination process.

[0103] The sensor may, for example, activate the functional units at the transit of a specific element of the ground member. This configuration may be particularlyadvantageous when the ground member of the mobile apparatus includes multiple elements such as multiple wheels.

[0104] In another aspect, the invention is a room comprising a decontamination system as described above, wherein the room has a passage and wherein the decontamination system is installed such that the mobile apparatus entering the room through the passage is forced to pass the decontamination system.

[0105] Such embodiment may ensure that the mobile apparatus is decontaminated when entering the room. The passage may be opened manually or automatically and may include a sensor to detect the mobile apparatus and open and close the passage before and after its transit. Examples of passages are, but are not limited to, a single door, a sliding door or a roller shutter.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the room is an airlock. Such airlock may have to meet specifically high cleanness conditions such that the decontamination system may be particularly useful.

[0107] When the room is positioned between two environments, one being a controlled environment such as a cleanroom or a biosafety lab, this embodiment may ensure that the integrity of a controlled environment is maintained.

[0108] An effect of including multiple features such as, but not limited to, sensors, a guiding structure, a conveyor, a room with an automated passage and functional units operated by sensors may enable automation of the whole decontamination system. Such a configuration may improve effectiveness, reliability, repeatability and efficiency of the decontamination enabling to meet the requirements of regulatory standards.

[0109] An effect of the different stations and functional units of the disclosed decontamination system may allow for an effective and efficient decontamination, also compliant with regulatory standards. The single functional units and stations alone would not be sufficient to have the same level of decontamination. As example, nor the cleaning station nor the disinfecting station alone would be sufficient to decontaminate the ground member of the mobile apparatus, while their combination may be sufficient to reach such result. A similar conclusion can be reached for combinations with the other stations.

[0110] In another aspect, the invention is a method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus using a decontamination system as described above.

[0111] Such method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus is advantageous as it may be effective, efficient, comply with regulatory standards and may decrease the need for human intervention when compared to existing methods.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment of the method, only the ground member of the mobile apparatus is decontaminated.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the ground member of the mobile apparatus is decontaminated to a contamination level allowable in a controlled environment.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method includes a step of cleaning a part of the mobile apparatus, particularly the ground member, and a following step of disinfecting the part of the mobile apparatus.

[0115] Having the cleaning step preceding the disinfecting step offers significant advantages in the decontamination process. Cleaning removes contaminants which can create barriers that protect microorganisms from subsequent disinfection / sterilization. By reducing the initial microbial load through cleaning, the time and resource efficiency and effectiveness of the disinfection / sterilization can be improved, as fewer microorganisms need to be eradicated. Additionally, cleaning prevents potential damage to the ground member caused by residual debris reacting with sterilizing agents. Cleaning before disinfecting or sterilizing ensures that all surfaces are exposed and accessible to the disinfecting / sterilizing agents, improving sterility assurance. Having the cleaning station preceding the disinfecting station may allow for comparably efficient compliance with regulatory standards. Therefore, the sequential arrangement of a cleaning step followed by a disinfecting step ensures a more reliable and effective decontamination process

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, the method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus is performed in a room as the one described.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0117] The decontamination system, the room and the method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus according to the invention are described in more detail hereinbelow by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a room according to the invention comprising an embodiment of a decontamination system according to the invention comprising a body decontamination station; andFig. 2 shows a schematic enlarged view of a U-rail and of sections of multiple stations of the decontamination system of Fig. 1 ; andFig. 3 shows a schematic partial cross sectional view of a spraying station of the decontamination system of Fig. 1 and a mobile robot passing through it in accordance with an embodiment of a method according to the invention.of Embodiments

[0118] In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right”, “left”, “up”, “down”, “under" and “above" refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal" and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

[0119] To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect.Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part are provided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0120] Fig. 1 shows an entrance 21 as passage to a biosafety laboratory 20 as an embodiment of a room according to the invention, the biosafety laboratory 20 comprises an embodiment of a decontamination system 1 according to the invention. An entrance sensor 22 activates the opening and closing of the entrance 21 .

[0121] The decontamination system 1 comprises a body decontamination station 70 which comprises a wraparound brushes unit 71 and a UV unit 72. The wraparound brushes unit 71 consists in an arch structure comprising three wraparound brushes 73 that can rotate around their longitudinal axis. The rotation of the wraparound brushes 73 is triggered by a brush sensor 76. The wraparound brushes 73 are dampened with disinfectant. The UV unit 72 consists in an arch structure comprising UV lights 74 emitting UVC light. The UV lights 74 are directed internally to the arch structure to irradiate a mobile robot 90 when this is passing through the UV unit 72. Their activation / deactivation is triggered by a UV sensor 75.

[0122] Moreover, Fig. 1 shows two U-rails 60 comprised by the decontamination system 1.

[0123] Fig. 1 also shows the mobile robot 90 comprising a ground member 96. The ground member 96 comprises two lines of wheels 91 (visible in Fig.3), 92, each of which includes two wheels 93 each with a diameter of around 20 cm. The mobile robot 90 has a body 94 as body section where a computer unit 95 is installed.

[0124] Fig. 2 provides a detailed view of one of the U-rails 60, wherein elements of a section of a cleaning station 30, of a section of a spraying station 40 and of a section of a drying station 50 are implemented. The mentioned sections of both U-rails 60, each together form the cleaning station 30, the spraying station 40 and the drying station 50, respectively. These structures are all elements of the decontamination system 1.

[0125] The ll-rail 60 is defined by two vertically extending side sections 61 , 62 and by a draining floor 8 that forms the base. Along a direction of movement 3 of the mobile robot 90, the cleaning station 30 precedes the spraying station 40 which is followed by the drying station 50.

[0126] The section of the cleaning station 30 includes a sticky mat apparatus 31 and a first brushing apparatus 32, which is installed onto the vertically extending side portion 61 internally to the ll-rail 60. A second brushing apparatus (not visible in the Figs.) is installed onto the vertically extending side portion 62 internally to the U-rail 60 and mirroring the brushing apparatus 32. Each brushing apparatus includes multiple brushes 33.

[0127] The section of the cleaning station 30 further comprises a left-most portion of the ll-rail 60. The sticky mat apparatus 31 is placed on the ground at an entrance 63 of the U-rail 60, preceding the U-rail 60.

[0128] The spraying station 40 comprises multiple nozzles 42 installed onto the vertically extending side portions 61 , 62 internally to U-rail 60 and configured to spray fluids in direction 43. The spraying station 40 serves as disinfecting station 44 or as rinsing station 45 depending on the fluid provided to and sprayed by the nozzles 42. In the shown embodiment, a first lefthand portion serves as disinfecting station 44 and a second righthand portion serves as rinsing station 45. The nozzles 42 included in the disinfecting station 44 together with all the equipment necessary for the functioning of these nozzles 42, constitute a chemical sterilization unit 41. The spraying station 40 is embodied in a central portion of the U-rails 60.

[0129] The drying station 50 comprises a first sponge-drying unit 51 installed onto the vertically extending side portion 61 internally to U-rail 60. A second sponge-drying unit (not visible in the Figs.) is installed onto the vertically extending side portion 62 internally to the U-rail 60 mirroring the sponge-drying unit 51. Each sponge-drying unit includes multiple sponges 52.

[0130] Further, the drying station 50 includes a vacuum drying unit aspirating air in direction 200, implemented underneath the draining floor 8. The drying station 50 further comprises a right-most portion of U-rails 60.

[0131] The cleaning station 30, the drying station 50, the disinfecting station 44, the rinsing station 45 and the sticky mat apparatus 31 are designed to have each a length ofat least 63 cm. This specific length ensures that the wheels 93 are able to complete at least one full revolution in each of them.

[0132] Fig. 2 further illustrates the draining direction 100, along which wastewater flows down from the draining floor 8 to a wastewater container.

[0133] Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the decontamination system 1 depicted in Fig. 1 . This cross-section traverses the spraying station 40, through which a mobile robot 90 is moving. The robot is equipped with the two lines of wheels 91 , 92.

[0134] While the mobile robot 90 proceeds into the disinfecting station 44, a disinfection sensor (not visible in the Figs.) activates the chemical sterilization units 41 and its nozzles 42 which spray the chemical sterilizer internally (direction 43) onto the wheels 93 of the mobile robot 90. Afterwards, when the mobile robot 90 reaches the rinsing station 45, a rinsing sensor activates the respective nozzles 42 and they spray cleaning water internally in a spray direction 43 onto the wheels 93, rinsing the wheels 93.

[0135] With reference to how the decontamination system is operated according to an embodiment of a method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus according to the invention using the decontamination system 1 shown in the figures: when the mobile robot 90 approaches the entrance 21 , the entrance sensor 22 triggers the opening of the entrance 21 to let the mobile robot 90 pass. Once the mobile robot 90 has passed through the entrance 21 , the closing of the entrance is triggered by the entrance sensor 22. The mobile robot 90 enters the U-rails 60 and passes through the cleaning station 30, the spraying station 40 and the drying station 50 in this order. The line of wheels 91 passes into the left ll-rai 1 60 and the line of wheels 92 passes into the right ll-rai I 60. The wheels 93 first roll over the sticky mat apparatus 31 , which remove dirt from the base of wheels 93. Afterwards, the wheels 93 roll through the brushing apparatuses 32 and the brushes 33 remove dirt from the sides of the wheels 93.

[0136] While the mobile robot 90 proceeds into the disinfecting station 44 within the spraying station 40, a disinfection sensor (not visible) activates the chemical sterilization units 41 and its nozzles 42 which spray a liquid chemical sterilizer internally (direction 43) on the wheels 93 of the mobile robot 90. Afterwards, when the mobile robot is crossing the rinsing station 45, a rinsing sensor (not visible) activates the nozzles 42 that spray cleaning water internally (direction 43) on the wheels 93, rinsing the wheels 93.Wastewater is drained in the draining direction 100 into a wastewater container via the draining floor 8. The mobile robot 90 proceeds into the drying station 50 where, the vacuum drying unit aspirates air and water and the sponges 52 of the sponge-drying units 51 rub and dry the wheels 93.

[0137] While transiting through the decontamination system 1 , the mobile robot 90 also passes through the body decontamination station 70. When the mobile robot 90 goes through the wraparound brushes unit 71 , the wraparound brushes 73 of the wraparound brushes units 71 , activated by the brush sensor 76, roll over and wipe the body 94 of the mobile robot 90. When the mobile robot 90 transits through the UV unit 72, the UV lights 74 is turned on by the UV sensor 75, and they sterilize the body 94 of the mobile robot 90.

[0138] The mobile robot 90 is guided through the decontamination system 1 by a software implemented within the computer unit 95 integrated into the mobile robot 90. The robot 90 is guided by the software throughout the decontamination system at an optimized pace to increase the decontamination effectiveness. This configuration combined with the U-rails 60 constitutes an example of a guiding structure.

[0139] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting-the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

[0140] The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the Figs, individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of theinvention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features. Also, the present disclosure covers intermediate generalisations of features or groups of features of the embodiments described and shown in the figures. I.e., specific features or groups of features as disclosed in the figures and the associated sections of the description may be combined with the more general embodiments of the invention disclosed in connection with the description of the invention. In particular, such specific features or groups of features may be provided in the more general embodiments of the invention in isolation from further specific features shown in the figures. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to incorporate specific features from the description of the figures into the embodiments of the description of the invention.

[0141] Furthermore, in the claims the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term “about” in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAI MS1 . A decontamination system (1 ) configured to decontaminate a mobile apparatus (90) having a ground member (96) for contacting a ground comprising: a disinfecting station (44) configured to receive and to disinfect or sterilize the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90); a cleaning station (30) configured to receive and to clean the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90); and a guiding structure (95, 60) configured to guide the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90) to the cleaning station (30) and from the cleaning station (30) to the disinfecting station (44).

2. The decontamination system (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the disinfecting station (44) comprises at least one of the following functional units: a chemical disinfection unit, preferably comprising a chemical disinfectant spray; a chemical sterilization unit (41 ), preferably comprising a chemical sterilizer spray and / or a steam sterilization apparatus; a physical sterilization unit, preferably comprising at least one of: a microwave apparatus; a UV sterilization apparatus; a thermal sterilization apparatus; a gamma irradiation apparatus.

3. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning station (44) comprises at least one of the following functional units: a mechanical cleaning unit, preferably comprising a brushing apparatus (32) and / or a sticky mat apparatus (31 ); a washing unit, preferably comprising a water spray; an ultrasonic cleaning unit; a water jet unit.

4. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a reservoir seat configured to receive a reservoir housing a decontamination agent and / or cleaning water; anda duct connecting the reservoir to at least one of the disinfecting station and the cleaning station.

5. The decontamination system (1 ) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning station (30) and / or the disinfecting station (44) further comprises a draining floor (8).

6. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfecting station (44) and / or the cleaning station (30) comprises a wastewater container configured to collect wastewater, preferably being removable.

7. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a body decontamination station (70) configured to decontaminate a body section (94) of the mobile apparatus (90).

8. The decontamination system of claim 7, wherein the body decontamination station (70) preferably comprises at least one of the following functional units: a UV unit (72); a wraparound brushes unit (71 ).

9. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rinsing station (45) configured to rinse the ground member (96) and / or a body section (94) of the mobile apparatus (90).

10. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drying station (50) configured to dry the ground member (96) and / or a body section (94) of the mobile apparatus (90).

11. The decontamination system (1 ) of claim 10, wherein the drying station (50) comprises at least one of the following functional units: an air-drying unit; a sponge-drying unit (51 ); a cloth drying unit; a vacuum drying unit; and wherein the drying station (50) preferably comprises a draining floor (8).

12. The decontamination system (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the cleaning station (30) and / or the disinfecting station (44) further comprises a draining floor (8).

13. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of functional units, wherein each of the functional units is modularly arranged such that the plurality of functional units is configured to be variably positioned to form different sequences.

14. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ground-fixing structure configured to be fixed to the ground.

15. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding structure (95, 60) comprises a conveyor configured to forward the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90) to the cleaning station (30) and from the cleaning station (30) to the disinfecting station (44).

16. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding structure comprises a ll-rail (60) configured to receive the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90) and particularly a wheel (93) of the ground member (96) of the mobile apparatus (90).

17. The decontamination system (1 ) according to claim 16, wherein the U-rail (60) is configured to adapt its dimensions to different types of ground members (96).

18. The decontamination system (1 ) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein at least one functional unit is installed in the ll-rail (60).

19. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the decontamination system comprises at least one functional unit positioned and oriented to decontaminate a tread surface of the ground member (96) and / or to decontaminate an inboard-facing side and an outboard-facing side of the ground member (96).

20. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein the at least one functional unit is installed onto or beside each of the two vertically extending sides (61 , 62) of the U-rail (60) and / or onto or underneath a horizontally oriented base portion of the U-rail (60).

21. The decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor (22, 76, 75) configured to identify a location of the mobile apparatus (90) and preferably configured to trigger an action of the cleaning station (30), the disinfecting station (44), the drying station (50) and / or the body decontamination station (70).

22. A room (20) comprising the decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the room (20) has a passage (21 ) and wherein the decontamination system (1 ) is installed such that the mobile apparatus (90) entering the room (20) through the passage (21 ) is forced to pass the decontamination system (1 ).

23. The room of claim 22, wherein the room (20) preferably is an airlock.

24. A method of decontaminating a mobile apparatus (90) using a decontamination system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 .

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method is applied in a room (20) according to claim 22 or 23.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein only the ground member of the mobile apparatus is decontaminated.

27. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the method includes a step of cleaning a part of the mobile apparatus, particularly the ground member, and a following step of disinfecting the part of the mobile apparatus.

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