ES1262345U - STERILIZATION MACHINE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Sterilization machine formed by a chamber (1) with a door (2) and an ozone generator (5) connected to the inside of the chamber (1), characterized in that it comprises one or more UV lamps (7) with wavelength less than 290 nm configured to connect when the generator (5) is turned off and two locks (3) to lock the door (2) connected with one or more ozone concentration sensors (6) inside the chamber (1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Sterilization machine

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention refers to a sterilization machine, for personal protective equipment or any other material that may have biological contamination. Presents security measures to perform the sterilization or disinfection of interior objects.

STATE OF THE ART

Due to the current situation created by COVID-19, all existing systems that are advertised on the market as anti-covid19 products have been studied. The reality and current situation is that there is no rigorous and real study that irrefutably demonstrates that the methods used against other viruses, including corona viruses, are valid for this infectious agent.

From CN104225643 an ozone disinfection chamber is known. It includes an interior space where ozone is introduced at a low temperature to disinfect or sterilize material. Once disinfected, the ozone is extracted and replaced by other gases. This solution is complex and not self-contained, so it can create ozone leaks and the internal level of this toxic compound is not adequately controlled.

The applicant does not know of any device similar to the invention, which can be considered as a solution to the same technical problems.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a sterilization machine according to the claims.

This machine allows fast, safe, highly economical disinfection or sterilization, and of demonstrable efficiency. Depending on the embodiment, the machine may only require a 220V socket, without the need for high maintenance or consumables.

The great security measures allow its use by anyone, without the need for a high qualification.

This system is planned, once its high efficiency is proven in rigorous scientific studies, to replace sterilization autoclaves.

The sterilization machine is made up of a chamber with a door fitted with a watertight seal, an ozone generator controlled by a microprocessor and monitored by various sensors, installed inside the chamber. In addition, it comprises one or more UV lamps with a wavelength lower than 290 nm configured to be connected in various process stages, when the generator is turned off, generally due to having reached the maximum (adjustable) concentration. UV lamps are used for the recombination of ozone into molecular oxygen. The machine also comprises two door locking locks connected to the microprocessor, which in turn monitors various ozone concentration sensors inside and outside the chamber. These two characteristics allow a highly fast and safe disinfection.

Preferably, the machine comprises a powerful microprocessor that controls an indicator of the state of the interior of the chamber and / or the state of the process, the ozone generator, the UV lamps, the ozone concentration sensors, the opening and closing valves. , checking the status of valves, fans, closed and secured chamber sensors, servomotor and electronic lock. The indicator can have three colors (green: the concentration is safe; red, the generator is running; orange, the generator has been turned off and the ozone is recombining with the UV lamps). Other forms of indication are possible.

Preferably, the chamber walls are transparent or comprise windows. Thus, it is possible to check the interior condition by means of any pilot, detection of air currents from fans ... due to the movements of clothing or ad-hoc tapes.

The interior of the chamber may have a fan for stirring the air inside the chamber. This facilitates the dispersion of ozone throughout the interior of the confined space.

For possible cases of power failure, the security measures that are implemented are: solenoid valves with automatic closing that prevent the escape of ozone from the chamber, locking of the door until recovery of safe parameters.

All systems will be managed with a control unit, as is usual in current machines.

Other particular embodiments will be discussed later, with the support of the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of the machine.

Figure 2 represents a diagram of the operation of another embodiment.

MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention will be briefly described below, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

The machine of the invention starts from a chamber (1) with a door (2) that closes completely tightly. The door (2) has two security locks (3) that only allow opening when conditions are safe. A status indicator (4) makes it possible to know these conditions. For example, with green to indicate that the previous treatment has finished and that it is ready for the next one, red to indicate that it is in the middle of the treatment process and orange to indicate that the treatment has finished and the indoor environment is being purified, and a screen with indication of the various processes. The walls of the chamber (1) can be transparent or comprise windows to help check the internal state.

An ozone generator (5) increases its concentration within the chamber (1) to proceed with sterilization, for example using ambient air. Several ozone concentration sensors (6) first ensure that the level reached is sufficient for sterilization or disinfection and then that it has been reduced so much that it is safe to open the door (2). The ozone concentration and duration of the treatment can be adjusted according to the type of biological agent to be disinfected (it will be taken always as the most resistant measure of all possible). Both values can be measured in the laboratory with the subsequent tests.

For the recombination of ozone in the indoor environment, one or more UV lamps (7) with wavelength less than 290 nm are arranged. This radiation is harmful, so the entire UV system is confined in a special envelope, which only allows its activation under the strictest safety conditions.

The UV lamps (7) can be activated in combination with a fan (8) or another system that ensures the rapid mixing of the air, so as to ensure that there are no pockets of ozone in any part of the chamber (1). All processes are indicated on an alphanumeric display dedicated to the effect.

The lock (3), therefore, will not open until the ozone concentration sensors (6) indicate that the ozone level is safe and also the UV lamps (7) are properly off.

The chamber (1) preferably has an interior space with trays, bars for hangers, all of the size and materials suitable for use. For example, the door (2) can be 200 cm high and the bar 110 cm long. All this can be in stainless steel or materials protected by special paints, resistant to ozone and UV rays. The interior space will form a single atmosphere, for which the trays will preferably be perforated.

This system is highly effective since it combines the action of ozone, which can reach any place on objects, for example PPE, to be disinfected, with the rapid recombination of ozone into oxygen thanks to UV light. The generator (5) has enough capacity to quickly raise the ozone level, and the recombination system is highly efficient, so that the whole process can be carried out in less than 10 minutes.

Additional safety measures include the presence of solenoid valves that block the ozone outlet to the outside if there is a power failure. Likewise, the door (2) will be locked in the event of a power failure. and it cannot be opened until the power returns, the duty cycle it was in is finished and it is verified that the ozone concentration existing in the chamber or confined space acquires safe values.

If there is a power cut with the door (2) closed, the locks (3) will prevent the opening until the power returns and as long as the ozone concentration sensors (6) do not obtain readings that are considered safe.

All key equipment will have security seals to prevent tampering that affects the risks of using the sterilization machine.

In the event of failure of any of the component elements of the system, the machine goes into a safe state and proceeds to indicate the incident on the screen.

Claims (1)

1- Sterilization machine formed by a chamber (1) with a door (2) and an ozone generator (5) connected to the inside of the chamber (1), characterized in that it comprises one or more UV lamps (7) with wavelength less than 290 nm configured to connect when the generator (5) is turned off and two locks (3) to lock the door (2) connected with one or more ozone concentration sensors (6) inside the chamber ( one). 2- Machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an indicator (4) of the state of the interior of the chamber (1) connected to the generator (5), to the UV lamps (7) and to the ozone concentration sensors ( 6). 3- Machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the walls of the chamber (1) are transparent or comprise windows. 4- Machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum ozone concentration and exposure to it is adjustable. 5- Machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises one or more fans (8) for stirring the air inside the chamber (1). 6- Machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior space of the chamber (1) has trays and bars for hangers. 7- Machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the generator (5) is supplied with ambient air. 8. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises solenoid valves configured to isolate the internal atmosphere in the event of a power failure. 9. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the locks (3) are configured to keep the door (2) closed in the event of a power failure.