HK1181701B - Device for cleaning respirators - Google Patents

Description

Device for cleaning a respirator

Technical Field

The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning and optionally additionally also for disinfecting respirators (Atemgereit) or also components of respirators. Furthermore, the invention relates to a holder (Halterung) for use in a cleaning device, to a use of a cleaning device and to a method for cleaning a respirator. Such devices and methods are commonly used for cleaning respirators or components thereof, such as respirators for rescue forces (e.g. fire brigades, technical assistance agencies or rescue hygienists), for divers or general personnel in life-threatening or critical work environments and for military and safety forces such as police officers. The proposed device and method can also be used in respirators in the medical field, for example breathing masks (Atemmask) for oxygenation and surgery. In particular, the cleaning of breathing masks or automatic lung machines (lungnautomat) is generally considered as a field of use.

Background

Respirators, such as respiratory protection masks or automatic lung machines, are often part of personal protective equipment, for example for rescue teams, military forces or safety forces. A large number of respirators for different purposes of use are therefore known from the prior art. For example, rescue teams (e.g., fire brigades) use respiratory protection masks with filters for removing harmful components from inhaled breathing air. In many cases, however, instead of or in addition to filters, so-called lung robots are used, via which the user is artificially ventilated (beatmen) with breathing gas, for example compressed air. A lung robot (which is often also referred to as a breathing regulator) generally enables a user to breathe from a compressed gas bottle or other compressed gas connection (druckgassanschluss) and to remain there in this way, for example underwater or in other non-breathable or toxic environments. For this purpose, the compressed gas (e.g. compressed air) is adapted from the compressed gas connection via the lung machine to the pressure prevailing in the working environment of the user.

Respirators or their components must generally be cleaned, sterilized, dried, inspected and, if necessary, repaired and packaged, depending on the application. With cleaning, all dirt which is used or deposited should be removed so that the respirator can be provided visually clean and without problems in terms of hygiene, for example for the next step in the preparation. The same requirements generally apply to other components of the respirator, such as accessories and fittings of the breathing mask, for example filters or lung robots. Since respirators or their components are generally safety-relevant devices, a number of requirements should be taken into account in the cleaning of the devices. In addition to adequate cleaning and disinfection, it is noted, for example, in many cases that fittings must remain associated with the respective breathing mask for technical reasons. Furthermore, there is often the requirement that the gas-conducting regions of certain components of the respirator (for example, the gas-conducting regions of the lung automata) are not allowed to come into contact with cleaning fluids, for example, with water and/or cleaning solutions.

In many cases, respirators (for example breathing masks and their fittings) are cleaned by hand or washed in a retrofit washing machine (waeschewasschmaschene) by means of a protective bag and/or by means of an adapter. A washing machine with a leaching container with a drum (laugenbehalter) is known, for example, from document EP0935687B1 in general. The jacket of the drum has a curvature directed toward the inside of the drum, wherein holes are arranged in the corner points of the curvature on the edge contour of the curvature directed toward the outside of the drum. With such washing machines, particularly careful cleaning of the equipment items for rescue teams is possible in principle.

A retaining system for a respiratory protection mask in a laundry treatment machine is known from document EP1088928a 1. The holding system has a carrier (Tragbuegel) which is arranged in a drum of the washing machine in a rotating manner and to which a respiratory protection mask can be connected.

Devices for treating protective clothing (Schutzanzug) are known from DE20003743U1 and DE29822172U1, respectively. Here, a clothes hanger is used, which comprises a variable air ejection nozzle. The clothes rack is correspondingly fixed at the swinging device. Cleaning of the respirator is often impossible or very difficult with the aid of the device shown.

A device for cleaning a respiratory protection mask is known from DE102005033618B 3. The device comprises a closable housing and at least one receptacle for a respiratory protection mask arranged in a support. Furthermore, a nozzle assembly and a brush assembly are provided, wherein brushing the respiratory protection mask is achieved by movement of the respiratory protection mask. However, fittings of the mask cannot be individually associated and cleaned by means of the disclosed device. Furthermore, gas-conducting components, such as lung robots, cannot be cleaned using a publicly accessible device. A device for cleaning, disinfecting and drying a respiratory protection mask having a carrier frame with an associated nozzle system and individual treatment stations is also known from DE20003744U 1. The device is also not suitable in principle for cleaning gas-conducting components and fittings.

A cleaning device for a compressed air respirator is known from DE102007009936a 1. It has a receiving chamber bounded by a protective grid and a rotating nozzle holder. The nozzle support is here located outside the protective screen. The device shown, however, has the disadvantage that cleaning liquid can be squeezed into the gas-conducting region.

Cleaning of sensitive components of respirators, such as automatic lung machines, is usually carried out manually. Manual cleaning can be supported if necessary by insertion into the ultrasonic cleaning device. However, a method and a device for cleaning a lung robot are known from DE102007012768B 4. In this case, the items to be cleaned are inserted onto the holder of the rotating element and are dipped a plurality of times into a liquid bath (Fluessigkeitsbart) with cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid and rinsing liquid. In this case, the lung machine is initially charged with compressed air for the sealing arrangement between the valve and the hose connection and is thereafter immersed in a liquid bath. However, such immersion methods are disadvantageous in that expensive holding parts with corresponding actuators (Aktor) are required to ensure that the cleaning fluid is removed from the different cavities after cleaning by corresponding movements.

Furthermore, a cleaning machine is known from the medical field, in which the breathing tube can be cleaned. Such washing machines are usually designed as single-cycle machines, also called water change machines. This means that the washing machine has a washing container in which the cleaning liquid is cleaned and conditioned. For changing the cleaning liquid (for example for changing the washing liquid to the rinsing liquid), a complete change of water in the container is required.

Known methods and devices for cleaning respirators (e.g., respiratory protection masks and their fittings) have a number of disadvantages. Manual cleaning of the respirator is thus very labor intensive. Furthermore, the cleaning process is in this case strongly influenced by the respective cleaning force and is therefore hardly standardizable.

In contrast to this, cleaning in the modified washing machine is relatively time-intensive. Furthermore, the respirators or their fittings are in many cases filled with cleaning fluid after cleaning, because they are arranged randomly in the drum of the washing machine or because their position is fixed within the drum and cannot be influenced in a targeted manner, so that the respirators generally cannot be idle following the end of the cleaning program. The accessories cannot mostly be cleaned together in a washing machine, since the individual relationship is often lost during the process.

With the known methods and devices, the cleaning of the gas-conducting elements of the respirator (for example one or more pipes, hoses or valves and/or a lung robot) is particularly critical. For such automatic lung machines, only few automated cleaning methods are available to date, which would meet the safety requirements mentioned above. The cleaning method known from DE102007012768B4 has the disadvantages described above and is relatively expensive. Furthermore, the device shown is not capable of cleaning and, if necessary, disinfecting the lung robot and the breathing mask and fittings at the same time. The washing machines in the medical field, which are adapted for mask cleaning, are also not suitable for cleaning the lung automat and sufficiently hygienic.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for cleaning and optionally additionally disinfecting a respirator, which avoid the disadvantages specified above. In particular, a reliable, rapid and nevertheless fully safe cleaning of gas-conducting components of respirators (for example gas-conducting components with at least one internal valve, for example automatic lung machines) should be possible.

This object is achieved by a device and a method with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention, which can be realized individually or in any combination, are indicated in the dependent claims.

In a first aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning and optionally additionally also for disinfecting a respirator is proposed. A respirator is generally understood here to mean a device which is set up in any desired manner for providing breathing gas to at least one human and/or animal user. These respirators can be complete respirators that can be operated in a deliverable manner, or they can also be part of them, so that in the following there is no conceptual distinction between respirators and their parts. In particular, the respirator may comprise a breathing mask, a hose, a valve, a filter, a compressed gas container, a lung automaton or a combination of the mentioned and/or other elements.

The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber for accommodating at least one respirator. The clean room can in principle be designed as a closed, open or to be opened clean room. It is particularly preferred if the clean room is surrounded on all sides or at least in two dimensions by a housing, which can be designed completely closed, but which can in principle also have one or more gaps (durchfuehung). The cleaning chamber can be designed in particular as a rigid cleaning chamber, i.e. as a cleaning chamber whose position and/or orientation does not change during the cleaning process, but can in principle also be designed as a movable cleaning chamber, for example as a pivotable and/or rotatable cleaning chamber whose position and/or orientation changes (for example by means of a rotation, a centrifugal process, a vibration process or similar movements) in the cleaning device during the cleaning process. In this context, the cleaning chamber can be designed, for example, as a washing chamber of a washing machine and the cleaning device and/or the cleaning chamber as a washing machine can be designed as a drum of a washing machine, and the cleaning device is in the form of a washing machine. For example, dish washing machines and/or washing machines of the commercial type or for the household range can be modified according to the invention.

The cleaning device also has at least one fluid device for loading the respirator with at least one cleaning fluid. A cleaning fluid is understood here to mean in principle any liquid and/or in principle any gas which can have a macroscopic and/or microscopic cleaning effect on the respirator. A fluid device is generally understood to mean a device by means of which a respirator accommodated in a clean room can be loaded in any desired manner directly or indirectly with a cleaning fluid. This can be achieved, for example, in the form of direct application, for example by spraying, dripping, spraying or a combination of the mentioned and/or other direct application types, in which the cleaning fluid leaving the fluid device comes directly onto the respirator. This embodiment of the loading can be realized in particular in a stationary cleaning chamber, for example in a washing machine. Alternatively or additionally, the loading can also be carried out by means of a fluid device in such a way that the fluid device completely or partially fills the cleaning chamber with cleaning fluid, so that the cleaning fluid contained in the cleaning chamber is in contact with the cleaning fluid at least in the region of the cleaning chamber. This embodiment of the loading can be used in particular in the design of a cleaning chamber as a movable cleaning chamber, for example in the form of a roller. Combinations of the mentioned load types and/or other load types are also possible. Independently of whether the clean room is designed rigidly or movably, the application of cleaning fluid to the respirator can be carried out in a simple operation by applying cleaning fluid to the respirator only once. Alternatively or additionally, cleaning can also be carried out in a cyclic operation, however, by applying the cleaning fluid to the respirator several times. Such a circulation and circulation is known, for example, from conventional washing machines or washing machines.

The cleaning device also has at least one pressure application device with at least one pressure connection. A pressure application device is generally understood to mean a device which is designed to be able to supply a fluid, in particular a gas, with a pressure which is higher than the normal pressure, for example a pressure of at least 1.5bar, preferably a pressure of 2 bar. A pressure connection is understood to mean, in principle, any connection of a pressure application device, via which a fluid, in particular a gas, can be supplied to the pressure application device. In particular, the pressure connection can be arranged in the interior of the cleaning chamber and/or can be accessible from the interior of the cleaning chamber. It is also contemplated that multiple pressure interfaces may be provided. The pressure interface should be able to be connected to at least one gas-conducting element of a respirator in the cleanroom, preferably to a plurality of gas-conducting elements of a plurality of respirators in the cleanroom. A gas-conducting element is generally understood here to mean an element which, when the respirator is in use, is acted upon by a human or animal user with breathing gas or can be brought into contact with breathing gas in some other way. In particular, the invention relates to a breathing tube and/or a lung robot with at least one valve. The gas-conducting element can be, in particular, an element having at least one hose and/or at least one other type of gas-conducting device with an inner chamber and/or at least one valve, which is not normally allowed to be charged with cleaning fluid. The gas-conducting element can be, for example, a region of the respirator which is subjected to a pressure which is higher than the normal pressure during operation, for example a region of the respirator which conducts gas above the normal pressure, for example above 1.5bar, in particular above 2 bar. In particular, the invention relates to a breathing gas-conducting region of a lung robot, wherein the lung robot can in principle be a single-stage or also a multistage lung robot. The gas-conducting element can be part of the first and/or second and/or possibly further stages of the lung robot, for example, or can also be a complete lung robot. The gas-conducting element can be, for example, the region between the hose connection and the valve of the lung automat, or the gas-conducting element can comprise such a region. The connection between the pressure connection and the gas-conducting element can generally be understood as a fluid connection, in particular a gas connection, so that the fluid under pressure of the pressure application device can be conveyed into the gas-conducting element of the respirator, in particular into the interior of the gas-conducting element, preferably without fluid and/or pressure losses occurring in this connection. Furthermore, the connection between the gas-conducting element of the respirator and the pressure interface may optionally comprise at least one mechanical connection, in particular a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection, so that the respirator can be fixedly connected to the pressure interface. For example, a screw connection and/or a clamping connection and/or a tensioning connection can be provided, for which the pressure connection and/or the respirator can have at least one mechanical connecting element. In particular, a plug connection in the form of a quick coupling (Schnellkupplung) and/or a thread, for example a coupling for a breathing interface of a pulmonary robot, may be provided. A quick coupling is generally understood here to mean a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight plug-and-socket connection between fluid-conducting components, which can be mechanically locked by means of a mechanical fastening to be established and released in a simple and quick manner, in particular without the use of a plug, for example by means of at least one clamping hook (Spannhaken) and/or a bayonet plug (bayonettverseschluss) and/or a plug, for example a union nut (Ueberwurfmutter). The connection can be established in particular without tools. The pressure connection may in particular comprise a plurality of adapters which are fixedly or exchangeably designed for connection to different types of gas-conducting elements. By means of the adapter, a plurality of different gas-conducting elements can be directly or indirectly connectable with the pressure interface, for example different products or manufacturers, for example different types and/or models of gas-conducting elements. For example, it is possible to provide the device with a plurality of different couplings (for example couplings of quick couplings) and/or a set of screw adapters for coupling different gas-conducting elements. For example, different quick-coupling systems and/or standard threads can be used. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one pressure connection can however also be designed as a fixed pressure connection for a certain type of connecting element or for a certain type of gas-conducting element. It is particularly advantageous when the pressure connection and/or the coupling system is set up such that, on the one hand, no gas can be removed when no fittings are coupled and, in this case, no further media (e.g. cleaning fluids) can enter the gas-conducting element.

The pressure application device is designed to apply a pressurized gas to the gas-conducting element. Compressed gas is generally understood here to mean any gas having a pressure above the normal pressure, i.e. a pressure above 1 bar. In particular, pressures of more than 1.5bar, in particular more than 2bar, particularly preferably more than 3bar, can be used here. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure application device is designed such that the pressure application with compressed gas is effected in such a way that all the cleaning fluid is kept away from the interior of the respirator, which is loaded with compressed gas. The compressed gas can be, for example, compressed air or other gaseous media with overpressure, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. In particular, inert gases can be used as compressed gases. The cleaning device can be designed in particular such that the pressure application is effected via the pressure application device during at least one cleaning process, for example during at least one process step of a single-step or multi-step cleaning process. In particular, the loading with compressed gas can be effected simultaneously with the loading of the respirator with cleaning fluid. The pressure connection can accordingly be arranged in particular in the cleaning chamber, so that a simultaneous application of pressure for the compressed gas and the cleaning fluid can be achieved.

The cleaning device can be advantageously modified in different ways. As described above, the pressure connection can thus comprise at least one positive-locking and/or non-positive-locking connection element in order to additionally establish a mechanical connection to the respirator. In particular, a quick coupling system and/or a thread can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, other mechanical connection elements may also be used.

The cleaning device can be designed and/or comprise a single-chamber washing machine. A single-chamber cleaning machine is understood here to mean a cleaning machine with individual cleaning chambers, in which preferably a plurality of program steps of a multi-stage cleaning program can be carried out. The loading in the single-chamber cleaning machine can be effected in particular by a fluid device in the form of one or more spray nozzles, for example in the form of one or more spray nozzles and/or other nozzles, for example rigid and/or rotatable and/or pivotable nozzle arms. The single-chamber cleaning machine can be designed in particular as a so-called multi-cycle cleaning machine. Accordingly, the single-chamber washing machine can have, for example, at least one fluid tank (Fluidtank) which is designed separately from the cleaning chamber, wherein the at least one cleaning fluid can be regulated in the fluid tank independently of the cleaning process currently taking place in the cleaning device, for example can be heated and/or can be loaded with additives. Such washing machines with the multi-cycle principle are known from the field of industrial dish washing machines, in which a tank for conditioning the re-wash liquid (nachsuelflussigkeit), for example a boiler and/or a tank with a continuous heater, is usually provided separately from the cleaning chamber.

The supply of compressed gas can be effected by the cleaning device itself and/or by external means. The pressure application device may thus have, in particular, at least one external pressure connection for connection to an external pressure source. The external pressure source may, for example, be a compressed gas bottle designed separately from the cleaning device and/or an on-site (bauseitig) compressed gas line, for example a compressed air line. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure application device may also have at least one compressed gas source integrated into the cleaning device. In particular, at least one integrated compressed gas bottle and/or at least one integrated compressor can be provided for supplying compressed gas. Alternatively or additionally, several compressed gases can also be supplied simultaneously or in succession in order to supply a single compressed gas.

The cleaning device can in particular have at least one holder which can be introduced into the cleaning device for receiving the respirator. The holder can be fixedly mounted in the cleaning chamber, but can also be designed to be movable and/or can be designed as a removable holder, which can be removed from the cleaning chamber, preferably without additional tools being required for this purpose. The holder can be designed in particular for adjusting and preferably fixing the respirator relative to the fluid device. The fastening can be effected, for example, in such a way that the respirator is loaded with cleaning fluid at critical points, wherein the cleaning fluid can preferably flow out of these critical areas after loading, for example from concave domes of the breathing mask. The holder can also be designed to be pivotable, so that different positions can be taken up between different steps of the cleaning method. For example, at least one first position can be provided for the purpose of being charged with cleaning fluid, while at least one second position can be provided for the purpose of emptying the respirator. The at least one first position can also be changed during the procedure, so that loading from a plurality of directions can be achieved, without the fluid device (for example the nozzle) having to be changed for this purpose in its position and/or orientation, which can nevertheless be achieved. The emptying can be effected, for example, by tilting and/or rotating the holder, so that, for example, the interior region of the respirator and/or the hose can be emptied. Alternatively or in addition to the holder for fixing the respirator, however, a misaligned and/or unfixed accommodation of the respirator in the clean room is in principle possible.

The cleaning device can generally be a retrofit dish washing machine and/or a laundry washing machine or a dish washing machine or a washing machine comprising such a dish washing machine or laundry washing machine in a modified state, respectively. It is particularly preferred if the cleaning device is set up such that the application of cleaning fluid takes place by spraying, sprinkling or dripping. In particular, the respirator should not, or at least should not be completely immersed in the cleaning fluid during the loading process, so that the cleaning fluid can flow out of the respirator and/or drip off the latter, either directly on impact on the respirator or directly after impact on the respirator. In this way, it is possible to prevent the cleaning fluid from being pushed into the gas-conducting element under excess pressure as a result of longer action or even as a result of the respirator being loaded with the cleaning fluid, and/or to prevent residues of the cleaning fluid from remaining in the respirator. This ensures, for example, that when the cleaning device is designed as a washing machine, in which the respirator is accommodated in the holder and is acted upon with cleaning fluid from at least one nozzle, for example from above and/or below the holder, wherein after the action of the cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid can flow out of the respirator directly and/or drip into the washing tank.

The holder can be designed in particular such that it has a plurality of different receptacles which are designed to receive different types of respirators and/or different components of the respirators. The holder can in particular have a plurality of compartments and/or receptacles, in which different components of the respirator can be received and, if appropriate, fixed and/or spatially aligned, wherein the components remain associated with one another, so that after cleaning the components can be associated with one another and joined together again without mixing. The holder can thus comprise, for example, at least two holder groups each having a plurality of receptacles, wherein a holder group is associated with a respirator, and wherein a holder group comprises a plurality of receptacles of different types for receiving different components of a respirator.

If at least one holder is provided, the at least one, positive-locking and/or non-positive-locking connecting element (which can optionally be provided) for mechanical connection to the respirator can be integrated in particular completely or partially in the holder. The at least one pressure connection may also be integrated completely or partially into the holder. The pressure connection may thus comprise, for example, one or more line connections for connection to the at least one respirator, wherein the at least one line connection may be connected, for example, via one or more intermediate loading connections (beaufschlagugustutzen) to further elements of the pressure loading device, in particular to an integrated and/or external pressure gas source. For example, a hose connection and/or a pipe connection can be established with the holder, which can be designed to be released, for example, when the holder is removed from the cleaning chamber. Alternatively or in addition to the integration of the pressure connection into the holder, however, in principle other types of design of the pressure connection, for example a simple hose connection to any breathing protective mask arranged in the cleaning chamber, can also be realized. The holder can in particular have a releasable compressed gas connection to the remaining cleaning device, in particular to one or more optional further components of the pressure application device, which is not integrated into the holder. As already mentioned above, the holder and/or the pressure connection and/or further components of the pressure application device can comprise, for example, at least one pressure distributor, by means of which the compressed gas can be distributed to several respirators and/or to several gas-conducting elements, in particular by means of at least one optional releasable compressed gas connection as a central pressure connection and as a central connection to the remaining cleaning device. The pressure distributor may comprise, for example, a plurality of connections for gas-conducting elements, for example in a linear and/or star-shaped arrangement.

As already mentioned above, the cleaning device can be designed in particular as a program-controlled device in order to carry out a cleaning program with one or more program steps. The cleaning device can be set up in particular for carrying out a cleaning program with at least two different program steps. For example, the loading with different types of cleaning fluids can be effected in different program steps, for example at least one cleaning step (in which the loading with a detergent solution is effected) and at least one further program step, in particular a rewashing step (in which the loading with a rewashing fluid is effected). Optionally, at least one program step can also be provided, which is designed as a drying step, wherein the drying can be effected passively, for example by simple dripping, if appropriate, or, alternatively, the drying can also be actively supported therein, for example by automatically blowing air to the mask with compressed air and/or by providing a heat source, for example hot air, microwaves and/or at least one similar heat source or drying source.

A further possible embodiment relates to a fluidic device. As already mentioned above, the fluid device can in particular have at least one nozzle. In particular, this can be a nozzle selected from spray nozzles, washing nozzles, spray arms, in particular pivotable spray arms, nozzles which can be operated in a circulating manner. Combinations of the mentioned and/or other types of nozzles are also contemplated. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid device may, however, also comprise a simple opening for letting cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber, for example.

The cleaning fluid may in particular comprise an aqueous cleaning fluid, i.e. water or water with one or more additives, which may be present in dissolved form, in emulsion form or also in suspension form. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may also comprise at least one detergent solution. A detergent solution is here generally understood to be a solution of at least one surfactant (Tensid) in a solvent (likewise for example water). For example, commercial detergent solutions may also be used here, which may also be used in dishwashers and/or which may be used in washing machines. In principle, however, special cleaning agent solutions can also be developed and/or used. Still alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may also comprise a cleaning fluid with at least one cleaning agent (klarspulser), even if the respirator dries out easily and/or additives that make liquid drip off easily from at least one surface of the respirator. Such cleaning agents (which may likewise comprise one or more surfactants) are substantially known from the field of dishwashing technology. As a further alternative or in addition, the cleaning fluid can also comprise at least one further cleaning fluid, which in principle can be, for example, water and/or water with one or more additives. As a further alternative or in addition, the cleaning fluid may also comprise a cleaning fluid with at least one disinfectant, wherein a disinfectant is in principle understood to mean any substance having a bactericidal effect. Such disinfectants are likewise known in principle from the prior art. Still alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may also comprise demineralized water. As is also detailed below, the demineralized water can be provided, for example, in a corresponding demineralizing unit of the cleaning device, for example an ion exchanger. Alternatively or additionally, the demineralization unit may however also comprise a reverse osmosis unit (umkehrostomeworrrichtungng), for example. Still alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may also comprise a heated cleaning fluid. In particular, such a heated cleaning fluid can be suitable for rewashing, wherein heated cleaning fluid can in principle be understood as a cleaning fluid having a temperature of at least 25 ℃. Temperatures of from 30 ℃ to 70 ℃ and in particular 60 ℃ are particularly preferred. These temperatures prove particularly suitable for cleaning flexible elastomeric materials, as they are often used in respirators.

As indicated above, providing a high quality cleaning fluid is particularly important for the cleaning of respirators. In this way, for example, microscopic or also macroscopic soiling of the respirator can be avoided. Microscopic soiling, such as mineral soiling, for example, produces calcium deposits on the viewing surface (e.g., the viewing window of a respirator). In addition, microbial contamination can lead to contamination of the respirator. It is therefore particularly preferred when the cleaning device has at least one reverse osmosis device for providing water, in particular demineralized water. A reverse osmosis device is generally understood to be a device which, in the case of application of the reverse osmosis principle, can provide a fluid with a high degree of purity. The reverse osmosis device may, for example, have one or more permeable membranes through which the clean components of water under high pressure may be pressed, thereby producing a purified permeate, while the contaminants remain on the concentrate side (konzentratite). For example, pressures of more than 2bar, in particular more than 5bar, can be used here.

As indicated above, it is possible to modify in particular commercially available washing machines and/or dish washing machines, for example industrial washing machines and/or industrial dish washing machines, for the purposes of the present invention. The modification can be realized in such a way that the washing machine or the dish washing machine is equipped with a pressure application device according to the above-described features. The cleaning device can be designed, for example, as a front-loading washing machine or as a hood-type washing machine. A front-loading washer is here generally understood to be a washer with a cleaning chamber which can be opened by a user located in front of the washer via a flap and/or a slider. A hood-type cleaning machine is understood here to mean a cleaning machine whose cleaning chamber comprises a pivotable and/or removable hood which can be separated from other components of the cleaning chamber, for example the base. Such hood-type washing machines are known from the industrial dish washing technology. The cleaning chamber can be designed in particular rigidly. In particular, by providing an automatic locking part, which is preferably triggered during a program and can be released again automatically after the program, the cleaning chamber can generally be designed to be lockable during a cleaning process.

In a further aspect of the invention, a holder is proposed for use in a cleaning device according to one or more of the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, reference is made to the above description for possible designs of the holder and there in particular to the features relating to the holder. The holder should be introducible into the cleaning chamber. This introduction can be effected permanently or also reversibly, for example by the holding part having at least one connecting element for connection to the cleaning chamber. The retaining portion may, for example, comprise one or more rollers and/or wheels and/or other types of connecting elements which can be pushed into one or more tracks in the cleaning chamber. Other designs of the connecting element are also possible.

The holder is designed to receive at least one respirator. The holder is preferably also designed for adjusting the respirator relative to the fluid device. For example, by adjusting only one part of the respirator relative to one or more nozzles, this adjustment can be realized completely or partially, so that particularly critical parts can be loaded routinely and reliably with cleaning fluid. The adjustment can be effected rigidly or also (as described above) movably, for example pivotably and/or rotatably. The cleaning device can be designed, for example, such that different positions and/or different orientations of the respirator are provided in different program steps. The holder has at least one integrated pressure connection, wherein the pressure connection can function as a component of the pressure application device and is designed to be connected to at least one gas-conducting element of the respirator. As already mentioned above, at least one mechanical connection element, for example a positive and/or non-positive connection element, is additionally provided, which can establish a mechanical connection between the holder and the respirator. In particular, at least one quick coupling and/or at least one thread can be provided in the holder. For further possible embodiments of the holder, which can be designed, for example, as a fitting and/or as an interchangeable part, reference can be made to the above description. Equipping the holder with one or more respirators can be carried out in particular outside the clean room before the equipped holder can be introduced into the clean room. Different designs are possible.

The cleaning device described above can be advantageously applied in different ways. In particular, according to the invention, the use of a cleaning device for cleaning at least one respirator is correspondingly proposed in one or more of the embodiments shown above, wherein the respirator can be selected in particular from: a lung automaton or breathing mask for divers; a lung automaton or respiratory protection mask for rescue teams; a compressed air ventilator; a lung automat or breathing mask for police or military or other security forces; a lung automaton or a breathing mask for medical purposes. However, other applications are also possible in principle.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for cleaning a respirator is provided. In particular, the present disclosure may relate to a lung robot and/or a breathing mask, for example a respiratory mask. As indicated above, the respirator can in particular comprise at least one region with at least one valve by means of which the inner chamber (for example the gas-conducting inner chamber of the gas-conducting element) can be separated from the outer chamber, wherein the method can in particular be carried out such that the inner chamber is not loaded with cleaning fluid. The valve can be in particular at least one rocker (Kipphebel) of a pulmonary robot. Other embodiments are however also possible in principle. The method can be carried out in particular using a cleaning device according to one or more of the above-described embodiments, so that reference is made to the above description for alternative embodiments. In principle, however, other cleaning devices can also be used and/or the method can be carried out manually.

In the method according to the invention, the respirator is loaded with at least one cleaning fluid. During the loading with the cleaning fluid, at least one gas-conducting element of the respirator is loaded with compressed gas. The application of compressed gas can be achieved in particular by suitable selection of the pressure and/or throughput (Durchsatz) of the compressed gas, for example, such that substantially no cleaning fluid can penetrate into the interior of the gas-conducting element. A complete prevention of jamming is achieved in this case. Alternatively, tolerances of very small quantities, for example in the microliter or nanoliter range (tolierierung), can however also be achieved.

The cleaning device described above, the holder described above, the use and the proposed method have a number of advantages over known methods and devices. In particular, short cleaning times can thereby be achieved according to the invention with high cleaning efficiency and low energy and water consumption, for example in the context of a cleaning program. This can be achieved in particular by means of a washing or rinsing machine which operates on the so-called dual-cycle principle, similar to the embodiments thereof known in the industry for washing dishes, for example in the form of a single-chamber program robot. For example, a design as a front-loading model or a hood model is conceivable here.

The application of the holder, in particular the removable holder, to the respirator makes it possible to secure, for example, one or more respirators, for example a respiratory protection mask, in such a way that, on the one hand, all surfaces are reached and, on the other hand, the cleaning fluid flows out well. For example, positioning relative to the jet and/or other fluid device can be achieved so that the cleaning fluid reaches all critical surfaces well. On the other hand, with a suitable orientation, it is possible that no accumulations of cleaning fluid residues in the interior of the respirator, for example in the interior of the mask, can form. The holder can be designed, for example, to accommodate two, three, four, five or more respirators, for example, to accommodate such a number of breathing masks and/or lung robots. The holder, in which a plurality of holders can also be provided, can be designed in particular such that the fitting of the respirator can be held in each case in connection with the respirator. By for example the holding portion comprising a basket-like receptacle (in which the fitting can be accommodated), the fitting can thereby be associated with, for example, a respective breathing mask. In this way the association can also be maintained during the cleaning process.

The cleaning device and in particular the holder can be equipped in particular with one or more pressure connections for a respirator, for example for one or more lung robots, wherein a gas, for example compressed air, can be introduced at an overpressure by means of at least one pressure connection. The or these machines can be coupled with their gas-conducting region to the at least one pressure interface when the cleaning device is loaded. By means of this coupling process, all gas-conducting regions for the at least one respirator (for example, a lung robot) or parts thereof can be flowed through by gas, which can be at a higher pressure than the ambient pressure. This reliably prevents the cleaning fluid from being pushed into the at least one gas-conducting region during the cleaning process of the remaining surface.

The supply of compressed gas for the pressure application device can be realized in different ways. Whereby the connection to the cleaning device can be provided from a compressed gas interface on site. Alternatively or additionally, a compressed gas container can be installed in or in the cleaning device, which can be replaced, for example, by a full container after it has been emptied. As a further alternative or in addition, at least one compressor can also be provided in the cleaning device, which can directly generate compressed gas, in particular compressed air, for example on site.

The proper use of the cleaning device can be designed, for example, in such a way that at least one respirator, for example a respirator mask, fittings and a lung robot, is initially fixed to the holder as required. The entire holder is then optionally introduced into a cleaning chamber, for example a washing chamber of a washing machine. The compressed gas connection to the holder is optionally established before, during or after the introduction of the holder. The cleaning chamber can then be closed and a cleaning procedure can be initiated. The cleaning program can be designed such that in a first step the respirator is flushed with a cleaning fluid, for example a cleaning liquid, and/or for a certain time in the surroundings. The cleaning fluid may, for example, be designed on an aqueous basis and may be doped with one or more additives. These additives are comparable to the cleaners currently used when manually cleaning respiratory protection masks. The additives may be compatible with the materials from which the respiratory protection mask is constructed. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid may contain one or more components which cause disinfection on a chemical basis, i.e. one or more disinfectants. The cleaning fluid may be heated, for example, to 60 ℃. The temperature can be adapted in particular to the requirements of the material forming the respirator, for example to the requirements of the mask material, and/or can be derived, for example, from the requirements of the cleaning and/or disinfecting agent used. In a further program step, the at least one respirator can optionally be rinsed again with a rinsing fluid, for example fresh water. The rinsing fluid can, for example, likewise be heated and/or be admixed with a rinsing agent, which can facilitate the outflow and drying of the fluid. A particular advantage is achieved for the rewashing effect when the fresh water is demineralized, for example in the case of the use of the osmosis device described above. Optionally, the cleaning may also be divided into a plurality of steps, or a plurality of rewashing steps may be implemented. The duration of the individual program steps can likewise be adapted to requirements, for example the requirements of the type of cleaning and/or disinfecting agent used and/or respirator and/or the degree of contamination or soiling. For successful chemical-thermal disinfection, a program run time of, for example, 5 minutes is known. At the end of the cleaning procedure, the holder with the at least one clean and optionally hygienic respirator can then optionally be removed from a cleaning chamber (e.g. a washing chamber). After a short waiting time (which may be spent inside or outside the clean room), typically all residual liquid drips or dries from the respirator. The respirator may then be removed from the holder and a further step of preparation may follow. The cleaning chamber can optionally be locked during the cleaning procedure manually or automatically by machine control and opened at the end of the running according to a prescribed procedure to remove the respirator.

The cleaning device described and the proposed method can also be used in other areas where respirators are used, such as breathing masks and in particular lung robots. Disaster prevention organizations have already been mentioned above, for example, as well as military forces, diving sports and specific medical fields. The advantages of the proposed cleaning device and the proposed method can be noted particularly advantageously in these and other fields. These advantages are, in particular, the low time consumption for cleaning the respirator and its fittings. When an automated cleaning program is available, the operator can carry out further work programs in the scope of the preparation of the respirator, for example of the mask, so that a reasonable work sequence can be achieved. By the targeted accommodation of the respirator (e.g. mask) and the resulting good outflow of cleaning fluid, the time for the drying process which is usually specified next can be significantly reduced. The proposed method and the proposed cleaning device thus enable a reasonable and yet reliable possibility of cleaning a respirator, including one or more lung robots. In this case, the cleaning process can be standardized and monitored, whereby, in particular, a constant, high cleaning quality and hygiene can be ensured. For the user of the respirator, greater confidence is thereby created in his personal protective equipment. At the same time, the standardized method ensures less resource consumption than in conventional methods, in particular than in manual cleaning methods.

Drawings

Further details and features of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular in connection with the dependent claims. The respective features can be realized here individually or in combination with one another in a plurality. The present invention is not limited to these examples. These embodiments are schematically illustrated in the drawings. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote identical or functionally corresponding elements.

Wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention; and

fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the equipped holder of the cleaning device according to fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the present invention, which is designed for cleaning one or more respirators 112. The cleaning device 110 is schematically shown in a sectional view in fig. 1. The cleaning device 110 can be designed, for example, as a washing machine 114. Cleaning apparatus 110 includes a cleaning chamber 116, such as a rinse chamber 118. The clean room 116 may be opened, for example, by a door 120 (e.g., a swinging door, a sliding door, or a shutter) and/or by other opening devices. Alternatively or additionally, the clean room 116 can also be designed as a clean room covered by a hood. Other designs are also possible. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the washing machine 114 is designed as a front-loading washing machine, for example. However, other designs are also possible.

The cleaning device 110 has at least one fluid device 122 for loading the respirator 112 accommodated in the cleaning chamber 116 with one or more cleaning fluids. The fluidic device 122 may, for example, comprise one or more nozzles 124, which may, for example, be arranged above and/or below the respirators 112 and/or at other locations within the clean room 116, for example at one or more side walls. The fluid device 122 (as in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1) may comprise, for example, a washing nozzle system 126, for example with one or more nozzle arms with a plurality of nozzles 124, which are accommodated below and/or beneath the respirator 112, preferably rotatably and/or pivotably mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the fluidic device 122 may also comprise a re-wash nozzle system 128, for example with one or more re-wash nozzle arms, which are preferably in turn rotatably and/or pivotably mounted, which may in turn be arranged, for example, above and/or below the respirator 112. In principle, however, other arrangements and/or designs are also possible.

Further, the fluidic device 122 may include one or more additional elements, such as one or more conduits, one or more pumps, and/or one or more tanks. Thus, for example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one wash line system 130 is provided for supplying the wash nozzle system 126 with cleaning fluid 132 (e.g., a detergent solution) from one or more wash tanks 134. The wash tank 134 may be arranged, for example, in a bottom region of the clean room 116 and/or be connected to the clean room 116 in another manner, so that the cleaning fluid 132 may flow back and/or drip back into the wash tank 134 after the respirator 112 has been loaded. In order to load the washing nozzle system 126 with cleaning fluid 132 from the washing tank 134, the fluid device 132 can furthermore have one or more circulation pumps 136. Furthermore, one or more heating elements 138 may be provided in order to heat the washing tank 134 and/or the cleaning fluid 132 of the other tanks, for example in the form of washing tank heating portions within the washing tank 134. To control the heating of the cleaning fluid 132, one or more temperature sensors 140 may be provided, for example within the wash tank 134. Furthermore, one or more level sensors 142 may be provided, for example, a level sensor 142 as a level sensor of the washing tank 134. The wash tank 134 may be emptied into a drain 148, for example, via a drain line 144 and optionally via a drain pump 146. Optionally, one or more access openings (not shown in fig. 1) to the wash tank 134 may also be provided in order to fill it with cleaning fluid 132. However, alternatively or additionally, the filling can also take place via a re-cleaning nozzle system 128, which is described in more detail below. Furthermore, a dosing system 150, for example at least one dosing system, can be provided in order to introduce one or more additives into the cleaning fluid 132, for example a cleaning agent concentrate, a cleaning agent, a disinfectant or a combination of the mentioned and/or other additives.

By spraying and/or spraying the cleaning fluid 132 from the washing tank 134 via the washing nozzle system 126 onto the respirator 112, the cleaning fluid 132 can be applied to the respirator 112, in particular in a circulating operation, in order then to be discharged again or to drip into the washing tank 134 in order to be reused from there. One or more filters, such as a coarse filter and a fine filter, may optionally be provided to at least partially purify the cleaning fluid 132 of the wash tank 134.

The rewashing nozzle system 128 may be loaded with additional cleaning fluid 154 (e.g., a rewashing liquid), for example, via at least one rewashing line system 152. Fig. 1 shows an alternative embodiment in which the cleaning device 110 is designed as a dual-cycle system. Accordingly, the second cleaning fluid 154 is provided from a separate tank, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a re-wash tank 156, which is constructed separately from the wash tank 134. The recoiling tank 156 may be designed, for example, as a boiler and may, for example, comprise a recoiling tank heating 158. Other types of heating elements for the second cleaning fluid 154, such as one or more continuous heaters, may also be provided in place of or in addition to the rewashing tank heating section 158. The same also applies to the first cleaning fluid 132 in the wash tank 134. One or more temperature sensors 160 and/or one or more level sensors 162 may in turn be provided in the backflushing tank 156, and the backflushing tank 156 may be supplied with cleaning fluid 154, for example fresh water, via one or more inlet openings 164. The at least one access port 164 may have one or more valves 166. The inlet port 164 can be connected or connectable to a fresh water connection on site, for example. Alternatively or additionally, at least one reverse osmosis device 170 can be provided on-site or as a component of the cleaning device 110, via which the rewashing tank 156 and/or one or more further tanks of the cleaning device 110 can be loaded with permeate (e.g. purified water). Furthermore, at least one dosing system 168 can be provided, via which one or more additives, for example one or more washing machine concentrates, can be mixed into the cleaning fluid 154 in the backflushing tank 156.

The loading of the re-wash nozzle system 128 is preferably effected in a simple operation, i.e. not in a cyclic operation, so that the wash fluid from the re-wash tank 154 is loaded into the respirator 112 only once. For loading, the fluidic device 122 may include, for example, one or more booster pumps 172.

The cleaning of the respirators 112 in the cleaning device 110 according to fig. 1 can be achieved, for example, by first introducing one or more respirators 112 into the cleaning chamber 116 by means of a suitable holder 174 (which is also explained in more detail below). The door 120 can then be closed and preferably a cleaning program can be started, which can be controlled, for example, via a control 176, for example a central machine control or a non-central control. In this case, for example, the wash tank 136 can be initially filled with cleaning fluid 132 and/or a preliminary phase (Vorstufe) of the cleaning fluid 132, for example with fresh water, in particular demineralized water, by means of the rewashing nozzle system 128. This can then be adjusted within the washing tank 134, for example by mixing one or more additives via the dosing system 150 and/or by heating by means of the heating element 138. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid 132 can also remain in the wash tank 134 after the washing program of a preceding cleaning cycle, in order to be used as cleaning fluid 132 and/or as a constituent part thereof in a subsequent cleaning cycle, since the cleaning fluid also typically has a comparatively high degree of purity after loading the respirator 112.

The respirator 112 can then preferably be cleaned, in particular rinsed, in a cyclical operation in one or more rinsing program steps. In this case, adhering contaminants can be removed from the respirator 112 and/or hygiene of the respirator 112 can be achieved.

One or more re-washing steps may then preferably be performed at the at least one washing program step. For this purpose, the wash tank 134 can optionally be emptied via a discharge line 144 and a discharge pump 146. During the at least one washing program step, the re-wash tank 156 may already be filled with a re-wash fluid 154, for example fresh water with or without additives, for example demineralized water. The one or more additives may then be mixed via the dosing system 150 and/or heating of the cleaning fluid 154 as a re-wash fluid may be achieved by means of the re-wash tank heating section 158 and/or a continuous heater. The thus preconditioned re-wash fluid 154 may then be applied to the ventilator 112 via the re-wash nozzle system 128 in the at least one re-wash step such that it is re-washed and/or washed. After the at least one further washing step, there may optionally be at least one drying step again, which may be designed to be passive, by simple waiting, or which may also be actively supported, for example via at least one drying fan and/or other types of drying means of the cleaning device 110, for example infrared radiation systems and/or microwave radiation systems. Different designs are conceivable. Next at an optional drying step, the door, which is thus optionally preferably locked, can be opened and/or opened automatically. The entire program process can be controlled, for example, by the control unit 176, wherein a plurality of program processes can be selectable.

It should be noted that the embodiment of the cleaning device 110 shown in fig. 1 shows only one of a number of different embodiments. Thus, single or a plurality of or also all of the elements described above can also be transferred into other ranges. Alternatively or in addition to the rigid, fixed design according to fig. 1, wash chamber 118 can also be designed to be pivotable and/or rotatable. The fluid circulation shown can also be modified considerably.

As indicated above, the at least one respirator 112 is preferably held within the cleaning device 110 by means of at least one holder 174. Such a holding portion 174 is shown in an enlarged illustration in fig. 2 by way of example in a sectional illustration. The holder 174 can be produced, for example, from plastic and/or metal and can be designed, for example (as shown in fig. 2), as a basket. The holder 174 may include one or more support surfaces 178 and/or one or more holding elements 180, such as one or more baskets 182 and/or one or more connecting elements 184 for mechanically connecting to the ventilator 112 and/or a stationary portion thereof. Accordingly, the holder 174 may be designed, for example, to adjust and/or fix one or more components of the ventilator 112 relative to one or more of the nozzles 124. The respirator 112 may thus comprise, for example, at least one breathing mask 186, wherein the adjustment may be effected, for example, by the support surface 178 in such a way that the viewing window 188 is always directed toward the upper nozzle system, while the inside of the breathing mask 186 is directed downward, so that the cleaning fluid 132,154 entering via the lower nozzle can flow out again after being loaded, without residues remaining in the breathing mask 186. The basket 182 can be designed, for example, to receive a fitting 190, which can likewise be a component of the respirator 112, for example, for maintaining an association with other components of the respirator 112 during a cleaning process. In this way, it can be ensured, for example, that different types of respirators 112 can be cleaned without mixing incompatible accessories. Furthermore, the ventilator 112 may comprise, for example, one or more lung robots 192 and/or one or more stages of such lung robots 192. Such a lung robot 192 typically includes one or more valves 194 (e.g., diaphragm valves and/or rocker valves) within its interior via which one or more gas directing elements 196 are separated from the outer chamber. For example, a gas-conducting element 196 can be provided in the interior of one or more gas lines 198 of the lung robot 192, wherein the inner walls of the gas lines 198 are generally not allowed to come into contact with the cleaning fluids 132, 154. The gas line 198 may, for example, end in one or more ports 200, for example in one or more quick-couplings.

In order to prevent the at least one gas-conducting element 196 of the respirator 112 (for example, the gas line 198 of the lung robot 192) from coming into contact with the cleaning fluid 132,154 according to the invention, it is provided according to the invention that the gas-conducting element 196 is charged with compressed gas, for example, during one or more program steps in which the respirator 112 is charged with the cleaning fluid 132, 154. For this purpose, the cleaning device 110 has at least one pressure application device 202 therein or also in other embodiments of the invention. The pressure application device 202 is designed to apply the at least one gas-conducting element 196 with compressed gas. For this purpose, the pressure application device 202 has at least one pressure connection 204, which can be connected to the gas-conducting element 196 in such a way that such a gas application can be achieved. This pressure connection 204 is configured in the exemplary embodiment shown as an integral part of the holder 174. Alternatively or additionally, however, the pressure connection 204 may also be provided at other locations of the cleaning device 110, preferably in the interior of the cleaning chamber 116. The pressure interface 204 can be designed, for example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, as an interface 206 for the lung automat 192. The pressure connection 204 can be designed here in general, or also in other embodiments, such that it can be connected to a plurality of types of gas-conducting elements 196, for example to different types and/or different types of gas-conducting elements 196. The pressure interface 204 may, for example, comprise a plurality of adapters 205 and/or the cleaning device 110 may, for example, be provided with a set of adapters 205 with different pressure interfaces 204, so that there is a high flexibility with regard to the type of gas-conducting element 196. The interface 206 for the lung robot 192 may comprise, for example, a quick coupling which corresponds to the interface 200 of the gas line 198 and can be connected thereto, preferably in a pressure-tight manner. In this case or also in other cases, the pressure connection 204 may therefore also comprise at least one connecting element 208 and/or be designed such that the connecting element 208 serves to establish a mechanical connection with the respirator 112 and the gas-conducting element 196 in particular.

In order to load the pressure connection 204 and the gas-conducting element 196 with compressed gas (e.g., compressed air), the cleaning device 110 can comprise in the illustrated exemplary embodiment or also in other embodiments at least one internal and/or at least one external compressed gas source. The optional integrated compressed gas source 209 (which is represented in fig. 1) may comprise, for example, at least one compressor and/or at least one compressed gas bottle. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 110 (as shown in fig. 1) can also be equipped with at least one external pressure connection 210, in order to be connected via this external pressure connection 210 to at least one external compressed gas source, for example an external compressed gas bottle and/or an external compressed gas line, which can be provided, for example, on site. The external pressure connection 210 and/or the internal compressed gas source can be connected to the pressure connection 204, for example, via at least one compressed gas line 212. If the pressure connection 204 is connected to the holder 174 (as shown in fig. 1 and 2), the compressed gas line 212 can be releasably connected to the holder 174 and/or the pressure connection 204, for example, in order to enable the holder 174 to be optionally reversibly removed from the cleaning device 110. For this purpose, one or more connections 214 may be provided, which, for example, may be connected to the pressure connection 204 via one or more compressed gas lines 216. A distributor system can also be provided within or outside the holder 174, for example in order to be able to load a plurality of pressure connections 204 with compressed gas by means of a compressed gas line 212. One or more adapters 205 may also be provided, for example, to enable mating with a plurality of different types of gas-directing elements 196 and/or respirators 112. The pressure application device 202 can be designed to be detachable at one or more points, for example, in order to be able to remove the holder 174 from the cleaning chamber 116 and, for example, to insert it. For this purpose, the coupling 214 can be designed, for example, to be releasable. Furthermore, the pressure application device 202 may optionally comprise one or more valves 218, for example controllable valves, in which or also in other embodiments of the cleaning device 110 according to the invention, for example (as shown in fig. 1) in the compressed gas line 212 and/or in or upstream of the external pressure connection 210. These valves 218 can be controlled by the control unit 176, for example. Thus, for example, in this way or else also, the pressure application of the at least one gas-conducting element 196 by means of the pressure application device 202 can be effected in a controlled manner in this or also in other exemplary embodiments of the invention, for example by means of this application specifically before the start of the application of the cleaning fluid 132,154 to the respirator 112. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure application may also be carried out only in one or more program steps, for example only during the application of the cleaning fluid 132,154 to the respirator 112. During further program steps, the loading with compressed gas (e.g. compressed air) can optionally be switched off and/or effected in other ways, for example with a changed pressure. In this way, the pressure loading can be adapted, for example, to different program steps.

List of reference numerals

110 cleaning device

112 breathing instrument

114 cleaning machine

116 clean room

118 cleaning chamber

120 door

122 fluidic device

124 nozzle

126 washing nozzle system

128-rewashing nozzle system

130 washing pipe system

132 cleaning fluid, washing fluid

134 washing box

136 circulating pump

138 heating element

140 temperature sensor

142 liquid level sensor

144 discharge line

146 discharge pump

148 exhaust port

150 dosing system

152 recleaning line system

154 cleaning fluid, rinsing fluid

156 recleaning tank

158 recleaning tank heater

160 temperature sensor

162 liquid level sensor

164 entry port

166 valve

168 dosing system

170 reverse osmosis device

172 pressure increasing pump

174 holding part

176 control part

178 bearing surface

180 holding element

182 basket

184 connecting element

186 breathing mask

188 observation window

190 fittings

192 lung automata

194 valve

196 gas-guiding element

198 gas line

200 interface

202 pressure loading device

204 pressure interface

205 adapter

206 interface for a pulmonary automaton

208 connecting element

209 integrated compressed gas source

210 external pressure interface

212 compressed gas line

214 connecting part

216 compressed gas pipeline

218 valve.

Claims (28)

1. A cleaning device (110) for cleaning a respirator (112), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (116) for accommodating at least one respirator (112), wherein the cleaning device (110) further has at least one fluid device (122) for loading the respirator (112) with at least one cleaning fluid (132,154), wherein the cleaning fluid (132,154) is a liquid, wherein the cleaning device (110) further has at least one pressure loading device (202) with at least one pressure connection (204), wherein the pressure connection (204) can be connected to at least one gas-conducting element (196) of the respirator (112), wherein the pressure loading device (202) is set up for loading a compressed gas into an interior of the gas-conducting element (196) during the loading of the cleaning fluid (132,154) to the respirator (112), the fluid device (122) has at least one nozzle (124), the cleaning fluid (132,154) is directly loaded, the cleaning fluid (132,154) exiting from the fluid device (122) directly comes onto the respirator (112), the loading is selected from spraying, dripping, spraying or a combination of these loading types, the cleaning device (110) has at least one holder (174) that can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (116) for receiving the respirator (112), the holder (174) is set up for adjusting the respirator (112) relative to the fluid device (122).

2. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure interface (204) comprises at least one form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection element (208) in order to additionally establish a mechanical connection with the respirator (112).

3. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure interface (204) has a plurality of different adapters (205) for connecting with different types of gas-guiding elements (196).

4. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure loading device (202) has at least one external pressure interface (210) for an external compressed gas source.

5. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure loading device (202) has at least one source of compressed gas integrated into the cleaning device (110).

6. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder (174) is a removable holder (174).

7. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure interface (204) is at least partially integrated into the holder (174).

8. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (174) has a releasable compressed gas coupling (214) relative to the remaining cleaning devices (110).

9. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a single-chamber washer, wherein the single-chamber washer has at least one rewashing tank (156) which is configured separately from the cleaning chamber (116), wherein at least one cleaning fluid (132,154) in the rewashing tank (156) can be adjusted independently of a cleaning process taking place in the cleaning device (110).

10. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning device (110) is set up for carrying out a cleaning program with at least two different program steps.

11. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle (124) is selected from the group consisting of: a spray nozzle; cleaning the nozzle; a spray arm; a nozzle capable of operating in a cyclic operation.

12. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning fluid (132,154) is selected from: an aqueous cleaning fluid (132, 154); a cleaning fluid (132,154) with at least one cleaning agent; a cleaning fluid (132,154) with at least one disinfectant; a heated cleaning fluid (132, 154).

13. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least one reverse osmosis device (170) for providing water.

14. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the respirators (112) are one or both of a lung automata (192) and a breathing mask (186).

15. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one form-fitting and/or force-fitting connecting element (208) is a quick coupling and/or a thread.

16. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 4, wherein the external compressed gas source is an in situ compressed gas line and/or a compressed gas bottle.

17. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one compressed gas source integrated into the cleaning device (110) is an integrated compressed gas bottle and/or an integrated compressor.

18. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 9, wherein at least one cleaning fluid (132,154) in the rewashing tank (156) can be heated independently of a cleaning process carried out in the cleaning device (110).

19. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 11, wherein the spray arm is a rotatable spray arm.

20. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning fluid (132,154) is a cleaning fluid (132,154) with at least one detergent solution.

21. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 12, wherein the heated cleaning fluid (132,154) is heated to 30-70 ℃.

22. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 21, wherein the heated cleaning fluid (132,154) is heated to 60 ℃.

23. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 13, wherein the water is demineralized water.

24. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning fluid (132,154) is a re-wash fluid.

25. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning fluid (132,154) is demineralized water.

26. A method for cleaning a respirator (112), wherein the respirator (112) is loaded with at least one cleaning fluid (132,154), wherein at least one gas-conducting element (196) of the respirator (112) is loaded with a compressed gas during the loading with the cleaning fluid (132,154), comprising the use of a cleaning device (110) according to claim 1.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the ventilator (112) is one or both of a lung automaton (192) and a respiratory mask (186).

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the method is used to clean at least one respirators (112), the respirators (112) being selected from: a lung automaton (192) or breathing mask (186) for divers; a lung automaton (192) or breathing mask (186) for a rescue team; a compressed air ventilator; a lung automaton (192) or breathing mask (186) for police or military; a lung automaton (192) or a respiratory mask (186) for medical purposes.