Light transmission device and method of using the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a light transmission device and a method for using the same, which relates to the field of sterilization technology, and includes an ultraviolet emission component, a light guide column and a diverging component. The ultraviolet emission component is arranged at the entrance of a target sterilization area, and the light emitted by the ultraviolet emission component enters the light guide column and forms an incident angle with the normal of the surface of the light guide column, wherein the incident angle is a1, and sin(a1)>n2 / n1; the light guide column and the diverging component are connected at intervals, the light guide column is placed on a straight section of the target sterilization area, the diverging component is placed at a bend in the target sterilization area, and the diverging component is used to diverge the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to all around. This device avoids the problem that ultraviolet light is prone to form a sterilization dead zone when the shape of the target sterilization area is irregular, and can transmit the sterilizing ultraviolet light to an area that cannot be irradiated by direct light through the diverging component without changing the position of the light source, thereby improving the application adaptability of ultraviolet sterilization without increasing the light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sterilization technology, and in particular to a light transmission device and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Ultraviolet sterilization relies on the propagation of light, and light propagates in a straight line in space. When the space is irregular in shape, ultraviolet rays can easily be blocked due to the irregularity of the propagation space, resulting in the inability of ultraviolet rays to irradiate and sterilize the space behind the obstruction, forming a sterilization blind spot and reducing the universality of ultraviolet application. Summary of the invention

[0003] 1. Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] In response to the technical problem that ultraviolet irradiation easily forms sterilization blind spots, the present invention provides a light transmission device and a method of using the same, which transmits sterilizing ultraviolet rays to areas that cannot be irradiated by direct light, thereby improving the application adaptability of ultraviolet sterilization without increasing the light source.

[0005] 2. Technical solution

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is: a light transmission device, comprising an ultraviolet emission component, a light guide column and a diverging part, wherein: the ultraviolet emission component is arranged at the entrance of the target sterilization area, the light emitted by the ultraviolet emission component enters the light guide column and forms an incident angle with the normal of the surface of the light guide column, the incident angle is a1, and sin(a1)>n2 / n1, wherein n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air; the light guide column and the diverging part are connected at an interval, the light guide column is placed on the straight section of the target sterilization area, the diverging part is placed at the bend of the target sterilization area, and the diverging part is used to diverge the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to all around.

[0007] Optionally, the ultraviolet emission assembly includes an ultraviolet light source and a condenser, the ultraviolet light source is arranged at the entrance of the target sterilization area, and the condenser is arranged between the ultraviolet light source and the light guide column, so that the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source enters the light guide column after being reflected and concentrated by the condenser, and the light entering the light guide column forms an incident angle a1 with the normal of the surface of the light guide column.

[0008] Optionally, two ends of the condenser are respectively a light input end and a light output end, the light input end is connected to the ultraviolet light source, and the light output end is connected to the light guide column.

[0009] Optionally, the inner side wall of the condenser is a reflective arc surface, which is used to gather the light entering from the light input end and emit it from the light output end.

[0010] Optionally, the condenser is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0011] Optionally, the light guide column is a cylinder, and the diverging member is a sphere.

[0012] Optionally, the light guide column and the diverging member are both made of quartz glass.

[0013] Optionally, the diameter of the diverging member is greater than the diameter of the light guiding column.

[0014] Optionally, the light guiding column and the diverging member are integrally formed.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a method for using the light transmission device described above, comprising the following steps: placing an ultraviolet light source and a light condenser at the entrance of a target sterilization area, placing a light guide column in a straight section of the target sterilization area, placing a divergent part in a bent section of the target sterilization area, adjusting the positional relationship between the light condenser and the light guide column so that the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source enters the light guide column after being reflected and concentrated by the light condenser, the light entering the light guide column forms an incident angle a1 with the normal of the surface of the light guide column, and sin(a1)>n2 / n1, wherein n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air, turning on the ultraviolet light source, and sterilizing the target sterilization area.

[0016] 3. Beneficial effects

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] (1) The light transmission device proposed in the embodiment of the present application avoids the problem that ultraviolet light easily forms a sterilization dead zone when the shape of the target sterilization area is irregular. Without changing the position of the light source, the light can be transmitted to the area where direct light cannot reach by means of a divergent component, thereby improving the application adaptability of ultraviolet sterilization without increasing the light source.

[0019] (2) The light transmission device proposed in the embodiment of the present application has a cylindrical light guide column that allows light to propagate inside the column. When the light encounters a spherical divergent component, the sphere has a large scattering angle for the light, and the total reflection condition is broken. The light forms diffuse reflection at the divergent component and illuminates the surrounding space, thereby achieving the goal of eliminating dead zones and improving the sterilization effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a light transmission device proposed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the incident angle a1 of the light transmission device proposed in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to further understand the content of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the relevant inventions, rather than to limit the invention. It should also be noted that, for the convenience of description, only the parts related to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The words "first", "second", etc. described in the present invention are set for the convenience of describing the technical solution of the present invention, and have no specific limiting effect. They are all general references and do not constitute a limiting effect on the technical solution of the present invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a connection between the insides of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances. Multiple technical solutions in the same embodiment, and multiple technical solutions in different embodiments, can be arranged and combined to form new technical solutions without contradictions or conflicts, all of which are within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Combined with Figure 1-2The light transmission device of this embodiment includes an ultraviolet emission component, a light guide column 3 and a diverging component 4, wherein: the ultraviolet emission component is arranged at the entrance of the target sterilization area, the light emitted by the ultraviolet emission component enters the light guide column 3 and forms an incident angle with the normal of the surface of the light guide column 3, the incident angle is a1, and sin(a1)>n2 / n1, wherein n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column 3, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air; the light guide column 3 and the diverging component 4 are connected at intervals, the light guide column 3 is placed on the straight section of the target sterilization area, the diverging component 4 is placed at the bend of the target sterilization area, and the diverging component 4 is used to diverge the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 1 to the surroundings. The light emitted by the ultraviolet emission component enters the light guide column 3, according to Snell's law (reflection law): Among them, a1 is the incident angle of the light in the light guide column 3, a2 is the refraction angle of the light in the air, n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column 3, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air. When a2=90°, the light undergoes total reflection at the interface between the light guide column 3 and the air. Therefore, when the angle a1 of the incident light satisfies sin(a1)>n2 / n1, the light will only be transmitted in the light guide column 3; when the target sterilization area is bent, such as the target sterilization area of ​​a water pipe or the target sterilization area of ​​a fan of a refrigerator or air conditioner, the ultraviolet light source 1 cannot irradiate the area after the bend, and the divergent part 4 is placed in the bend area to break the total reflection condition, and the light forms diffuse reflection at the divergent part 4 to illuminate the surrounding space, so that the area after the bend can also be irradiated by the light, eliminating the sterilization dead corner. This device avoids the problem that ultraviolet light easily forms a sterilization dead zone when the shape of the target sterilization area is irregular. Without changing the position of the light source, it can transmit the sterilization ultraviolet light to the area that cannot be directly irradiated by the light through the divergent part 4, thereby improving the application adaptability of ultraviolet sterilization without increasing the light source.

[0026] Example 2

[0027] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with the technical solution of Example 1, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the ultraviolet emission assembly includes an ultraviolet light source 1 and a condenser 2, the ultraviolet light source 1 is arranged at the entrance of the target sterilization area, and the condenser 2 is arranged between the ultraviolet light source 1 and the light guide column 3, so that the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 1 enters the light guide column 3 after being reflected and concentrated by the condenser 2, and the light entering the light guide column 3 forms an incident angle a1 with the normal line of the surface of the light guide column 3. The light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 1 first enters the condenser 2, so that the light is compressed and gathered to form a relatively concentrated columnar light beam, which greatly reduces the probability of edge light being absorbed, and at the same time improves the sterilization efficiency of the area within the light beam.

[0028] Example 3

[0029] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with the technical solutions of Embodiment 1 or 2, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the two ends of the light collecting cover 2 are respectively a light inlet end 21 and a light outlet end 22, the light inlet end 21 is connected to the ultraviolet light source 1, and the light outlet end 22 is connected to the light guide column 3. The light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 1 enters the light collecting cover 2 from the light inlet end 21 of the light collecting cover 2, and enters the light guide column 3 from the light outlet end 22 after being reflected and concentrated by the light collecting cover 2.

[0030] Example 4

[0031] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with any one of the technical solutions in Embodiments 1-3, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the inner side wall of the condenser 2 is a reflective arc surface, which is used to collect the light coming from the light inlet end 21 and emit it from the light outlet end 22. The light reflected by the reflective arc surface is compressed and collected to form a relatively concentrated columnar light beam, which greatly reduces the probability of edge light being absorbed and improves the sterilization efficiency of the area within the light beam. The sterilization light is generally columnar, similar to the shape of a sterilization lamp tube, and is suitable for narrow and long sterilization environments.

[0032] Example 5

[0033] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with any one of the technical solutions in Embodiments 1-4, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the material of the condenser 2 is aluminum or aluminum alloy. Aluminum or aluminum alloy has strong thermal conductivity, which can dissipate heat from the light source in time and increase the service life of the light source.

[0034] Example 6

[0035] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with any one of the technical solutions in Examples 1-5, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the light guide column 3 is a cylinder, and the divergent part 4 is a sphere. The cylindrical light guide column 3 allows the light to propagate inside the cylinder. When the light encounters the spherical divergent part 4, the sphere has a large scattering angle for the light, and the total reflection condition is broken. The light forms diffuse reflection at the divergent part 4 and irradiates the surrounding space, thereby achieving the goal of eliminating dead zones and improving the sterilization effect.

[0036] Example 7

[0037] Combined with Figure 1-2Compared with any one of the technical solutions of embodiments 1 to 6, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the light guide column 3 and the diverging member 4 are made of quartz glass. The ultraviolet transmittance of quartz glass is higher than that of glass of other materials, so that the light can be transformed between total reflection and diffuse reflection, and the ultraviolet light can be transmitted to the desired position without loss, and then the light can be diverged through the diverging member 4, so as to achieve the beneficial purpose of eliminating the irradiation dead zone.

[0038] Example 8

[0039] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with any one of the technical solutions in Examples 1 to 7, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the diameter of the diverging member 4 is larger than the diameter of the light guide column 3. The diameter of the diverging member 4 is larger than the diameter of the light guide column 3, so that the light is completely diffusely reflected at the diverging member 4, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect of the dead zone.

[0040] Example 9

[0041] Combined with Figure 1-2 Compared with any one of the technical solutions in Examples 1 to 8, the light transmission device of this embodiment can be improved as follows: the light guide column 3 and the diverging member 4 are integrally formed. The integral forming makes the connection between the light guide column 3 and the diverging member 4 more solid, maximizes the transformation of the light between total reflection and diffuse reflection, and enhances the sterilization effect of the dead zone.

[0042] Example 10

[0043] Combined with Figure 1-2 , a method for using the light transmission device according to any one of the technical solutions of Examples 2 to 9, comprising the following steps: placing an ultraviolet light source 1 and a light collector 2 at the entrance of a target sterilization area, placing a light guide column 3 at a straight section of the target sterilization area, placing a diverging member 4 at a bent section of the target sterilization area, adjusting the positional relationship between the light collector 2 and the light guide column 3, so that the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 1 enters the light guide column 3 after being reflected and focused by the light collector 2, and the light entering the light guide column 3 forms an incident angle a1 with the normal of the surface of the light guide column 3, and sin(a1)>n2 / n1, wherein n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column 3, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air, turning on the ultraviolet light source 1, and sterilizing the target sterilization area. The light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 1 first enters the light collector 2, and then enters the light guide column 3 after being reflected and focused by the light collector 2. According to Snell's law (reflection law): Among them, a1 is the incident angle of the light in the light guide column 3, the light transmission device 2 is the refraction angle of the light in the air, n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column 3, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air. When the light transmission device 2 = 90°, the light undergoes total reflection at the interface between the light guide column 3 and the air. Therefore, when the angle a1 of the incident light satisfies sin(a1)>n2 / n1, the light will only be transmitted in the light guide column 3; when the target sterilization area is bent, such as the target sterilization area of ​​a water pipe or the target sterilization area of ​​a fan of a refrigerator or air conditioner, the ultraviolet light source 1 cannot irradiate the area after the bend, and the divergent part 4 is placed in the bend area to break the total reflection condition, and the light forms diffuse reflection at the divergent part 4 to irradiate the surrounding space, so that the area after the bend can also be irradiated by the light, eliminating the sterilization dead corner. This device avoids the problem that ultraviolet light easily forms a sterilization dead zone when the shape of the target sterilization area is irregular. Without changing the position of the light source, it can transmit the sterilization ultraviolet light to the area that cannot be directly irradiated by the light through the divergent part 4, thereby improving the application adaptability of ultraviolet sterilization without increasing the light source.

[0044] The present invention and its embodiments are described schematically above, and the description is not restrictive. The drawings show only one embodiment of the present invention, and the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if a person skilled in the art is inspired by it and designs a structural method and an embodiment similar to the technical solution without creativity without departing from the purpose of the invention, they shall all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light transmission device, characterized in that: It includes ultraviolet emission components, light guides and diverging parts, wherein: The ultraviolet emission component is arranged at the entrance of the target sterilization area; the light emitted by the ultraviolet emission component enters the light guide column and forms an incident angle with the normal line of the surface of the light guide column, the incident angle is a1, and sin(a1)>n2 / n1, wherein n1 is the refractive index of the light in the light guide column, and n2 is the refractive index of the light in the air; The light guide column is connected to the diverging member at intervals, and the number of the diverging members is greater than or equal to 2; the light guide column is placed in the straight section of the target sterilization area, and the diverging member is placed at the bend of the target sterilization area, and the diverging member is used to diverge the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source to all sides; The ultraviolet emission assembly includes an ultraviolet light source and a condenser, wherein the ultraviolet light source is arranged at the entrance of the target sterilization area, and the condenser is arranged between the ultraviolet light source and the light guide column, so that the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source enters the light guide column after being reflected and concentrated by the condenser, and the light entering the light guide column forms an incident angle a1 with the normal line of the surface of the light guide column; When the target sterilization area is bent, the total reflection condition is broken by placing the divergent parts in the bent area. The light is diffusely reflected at the divergent parts and illuminates the surrounding space. In this way, the area after the bend can also be illuminated by the light, eliminating the sterilization blind spots.

2. The light transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the light collecting cover are respectively a light input end and a light output end, the light input end is connected to the ultraviolet light source, and the light output end is connected to the light guide column.

3. The light transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner side wall of the condenser is a reflective arc surface, which is used to collect the light coming from the light input end and then emit it from the light output end.

4. The light transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the condenser is aluminum or aluminum alloy.

5. The light transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light guide column is a cylinder, and the diverging member is a sphere.

6. The light transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The light guide column and the diverging member are both made of quartz glass.

7. The light transmission device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the diverging member is greater than the diameter of the light guiding column.

8. The light transmission device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The light guide column and the diverging piece are integrally formed.

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