Ultraviolet light emitting component

Abstract

The present invention relates to ultraviolet light emitting assemblies. Assemblies and methods for disinfecting a surface using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light emitting assembly (300, 400) includes a plurality of UV light emitters (320) and first and second UV light emitter supports (322, 323) that house the UV light emitters. A first heat sink (346) is attached to the first UV light emitter support and a second heat sink (380) is attached to the second UV light emitter support. A thermally conductive, electrically insulating plate (370) contacts the first heat sink and the second heat sink.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to disinfecting surfaces, and more specifically, to components and methods for disinfecting surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light. Background Technology

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) light is used in some setups to disinfect and clean surfaces. In some examples, multiple UV emitters are provided and powered by a relatively low power supply (e.g., 12 watts). While these UV devices offer assurance in their ability to inactivate and / or kill certain pathogens, there are challenges in developing devices and systems for delivering this UV radiation more effectively. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly is provided, comprising a plurality of UV light emitters, a first UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters, and a second UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters. The first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support by a gap. A first heat sink is attached to the first UV light emitter support, and a second heat sink is attached to the second UV light emitter support. A thermally conductive insulating plate contacts the first and second heat sinks.

[0004] According to another aspect, a UV light emitting assembly is provided, comprising a plurality of UV light emitters, a first UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters, and a second UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters. The first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support by a gap. A moving mechanism is configured to change the gap between the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support, thereby changing the intensity of UV light emitted from the plurality of UV light emitters.

[0005] According to another aspect, a UV light emitting assembly is provided, comprising a plurality of UV light emitters, a first UV light emitter support for mounting the plurality of UV light emitters, and a second UV light emitter support for mounting the plurality of UV light emitters. The first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are spaced apart. The assembly also includes a heat sink comprising an active cooling plate. A first thermally conductive insulating pad includes a first upper surface contacting a first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support and a first lower surface contacting the active cooling plate. A second thermally conductive insulating pad includes a second upper surface contacting a second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support and a second lower surface contacting the active cooling plate.

[0006] According to another aspect, a method for changing the UV intensity emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters is provided. The method is performed using a first UV light emitter support and a second UV light emitter support, wherein the first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support. The method includes: energizing the plurality of UV light emitters to emit a first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by a first gap. The method further includes: moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until a second gap larger than the first gap is formed between the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support. The method also includes: energizing the plurality of UV light emitters to emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by the second gap. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of a disinfection system in a washroom according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 Examples shown according to this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the disinfection system.

[0009] Figure 3 An example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting component housed in a module is shown according to an example of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 An example of a UV light emitting component according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 An exploded view of the UV light emitting component.

[0012] Figure 6 Examples shown according to this disclosure Figure 4 Another diagram of the UV light emitter support and heat sink.

[0013] Figure 7 Another example of a UV light emitting component according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 An exploded view of the UV light emitting component.

[0015] Figure 9 Another example of a UV light emitting assembly including a moving mechanism, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0016] Figure 10Show Figure 9 The UV light emitting assembly, in which the UV light emitter support and heat sink move closer to each other.

[0017] Figure 11 Another example of a UV light emitting assembly including a moving mechanism, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0018] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 The UV light emitting assembly has a UV light emitting support and a heat sink that move closer to each other.

[0019] Figure 13 Another example of a UV light emitting assembly including a moving mechanism, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0020] Figure 14 A block diagram illustrating an example method for changing the intensity of UV light emitted by multiple UV light emitters according to an example of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 15 An environment for an aircraft equipped with the UV light emitting components disclosed herein is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In view of the considerations discussed above, Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a system for sterilizing one or more components using the ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly of this disclosure is shown. As described in more detail below, in some examples, the system utilizes a UV light emitting assembly comprising one or more heat sinks that provide heat transfer functionality to enable the assembly to operate at higher power and provide correspondingly higher UV irradiation. In some examples described below, the assembly can be mechanically controlled to change the intensity of the UV light emitted by the UV light emitter.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a washroom 102 is shown, which includes a system 100 for disinfecting one or more components using ultraviolet (UV) light. The system 100 includes a plurality of UV light emitting modules 104 containing UV light emitting components, as further described below.

[0024] exist Figure 1 In the example, three UV light emitting modules 104a, 104b, and 104c are shown. System 100 also includes a power module 106 electrically connected to each UV light emitting module 104 and providing power to the UV light emitting components inside the module to generate UV light for disinfecting and / or cleaning components and their surfaces in the washroom 102.

[0025] In other examples, system 100 uses no more than three UV light emitting modules 104 electrically connected to power module 106. In other examples, system 100 and / or individually powered UV light emitting modules 104 can be used in a variety of environments, including but not limited to kitchens, in-flight kitchens, retail outlets, medical facilities, arenas, places of worship, banquet halls, theaters, concert venues, commercial enterprises, factories, and other spaces. In some examples, system 100 and / or individually powered UV light emitting modules 104 can be used in aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles (e.g., buses, trains, ships, etc.).

[0026] In commercial aircraft, System 100 can be located in the cabin, onboard galley, crew rest area, assembly area, cargo area, cockpit, lavatory, and other areas where individuals, passengers, crew, ground staff, and / or maintenance personnel may be located. Figure 1 In this example, the lavatory 102 may be located within a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft. For example, Figure 15 The aircraft environment depicted is described in the cabin 1000 of the aircraft, in which a UV light emitting module 104 is installed above the passenger seat 1004.

[0027] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of module 104 that can enclose the UV light emitting assembly of this disclosure is shown. Module 104 is provided as an example only, and any suitable housing or enclosure can be used with the UV light emitting assembly described herein. In other examples, one or more UV light emitting assemblies can be used in portable devices, such as being configured as a stick held by a user. In some examples, such portable devices are also configured to be removably mounted to a supporting structure (e.g., a wall).

[0028] return Figure 1 For example, UV light emitting module 104 is positioned to emit UV light toward one or more components within washroom 102 for disinfection and / or cleaning. In the example shown, one or more components include sink 112 and toilet 110. In this example, UV light emitting module 104 is positioned to emit UV light toward different components. For example, first UV light emitting module 104a is positioned to emit UV light toward toilet 110, including flush actuator 114 of toilet 110 (e.g., lever, button, etc.). Second UV light emitting module 104b is positioned to emit UV light toward sink 112 and surrounding areas (e.g., faucet 116 and portions of countertop 118). Third UV light emitting module 104c is positioned to emit UV light toward a door (not shown) for entering and exiting washroom 102.

[0029] In some examples, two or more UV light emitting modules 104 are positioned to emit UV light toward a common component. In some examples, two or more UV light emitting modules 104 are physically adjacent to each other and / or mechanically connected.

[0030] Power module 106 is electrically connected to UV light emitting module 104 to provide power to the UV light emitting components therein. In some examples, power module 106 includes processing and / or power modulation circuitry within a housing or enclosure. In different examples, power module 106 receives electrical energy from a power source such as a power distribution panel or battery and distributes the electrical energy among the UV light emitting modules 104.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In one example, the power module 106 is installed within the washroom 102 and electrically connected to the UV light emitting module 104 via a corresponding power line 120 (e.g., one or more wires or power cables). In other examples, one or more UV light emitting modules 104 are integrated with the power module 106 in a common housing.

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. In this example, a power module 106 receives electrical energy from an external power source 202 that is separate and independent from the power module 106. In some examples, the power source 202 is a vehicle electrical system on a vehicle or a building or facility electrical system. In other examples, the power source 202 is a battery, a generator, etc.

[0033] In this example, power module 106 is electrically connected to external power source 202 via power conditioning circuit 204 and power cables 206 and 208. In different examples, power conditioning circuit 204 includes one or more rectifiers, power factor correction circuitry, and / or capacitors for electromagnetic interference filtering. In other examples, power conditioning circuit 204 is integrated with power module 106 in a common enclosure (e.g., the housing of the power module).

[0034] In this example, power module 106 receives electrical energy from power conditioning circuit 204 and controls the power distribution among UV light emitting modules 104. In this example, power conditioning circuit 204 receives alternating current (AC) energy from external power supply 202 and converts the AC energy into DC energy. This DC energy is supplied to power module 106, which converts the DC energy back into AC energy and supplies the AC energy to the UV light emitting modules 104 to power the generation of UV light, as described in more detail below. In some examples, power module 106 also controls one or more operations of the UV light emitting modules 104, such as enabling and disabling the modules and the power output of the modulation modules.

[0035] Furthermore, as described in more detail below, some examples of the UV light emitting components of this disclosure utilize one or more heat sinks, which enable the module to operate at higher power and provide correspondingly higher UV irradiation compared to existing UV emitters. Additionally, in some examples described below, one or more moving mechanisms are used to change the intensity of the UV light emitted by the component's UV light emitter.

[0036] Now refer to Figures 3 to 6 An example of a UV light emitting component 300 according to this disclosure is shown. In different usage examples, the UV light emitting component 300 may be enclosed in the description and illustration above. Figure 3 It can be housed in module 104 or in various other housings, enclosures, or portable devices. In different applications, the UV light emitting assembly 300 and other examples of UV light emitting assemblies described herein can be used in UV disinfection systems such as system 100 and / or stand-alone devices.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, in this example, the UV light emitting assembly 300 is housed in a module 104 including a panel 312, which includes a light-transmitting aperture 316 through which UV light from one or more UV light emitting devices within the housing is transmitted. In different examples, the walls of the module 104 may be made of a plastic material or a conductive material (e.g., aluminum). In this example, the UV light emitting assembly 300 uses four UV light emitting devices 320. In other examples, fewer or more than four UV light emitting devices may be used in the UV light emitting assembly according to this disclosure.

[0038] Multiple UV light emitters 320 are configured to emit 222nm wavelength UV light. In some examples, the UV light emitters 320 may be excimer lamps using a krypton-chlorine (Kr-Cl) gas mixture supplied in the bulb. These excimer lamps emit UV light with a wavelength of 222nm, which can disinfect and clean component surfaces via localized antiviral and antibacterial effects. Furthermore, 222nm wavelength UV light can disinfect and clean surfaces without the skin damage effects associated with conventional bactericidal ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In other examples, the UV light emitting assembly 300 may use other types of UV emitters and UV lamps. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the UV light emitters 320 are housed in one or more UV light emitter supports within module 104.

[0039] As mentioned above, in Figures 3 to 6In one example, the UV light emitter 320 is disposed in a V-shaped groove in a first UV light emitter support 322 and a second UV light emitter support 323 that extend parallel to each other. In some examples, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are made of a conductive material (e.g., aluminum). Thus, by disposing the UV light emitter 320 in the support, the emitter is electrically connected to the support.

[0040] Referring to the light emitting component 300 shown Figures 4 to 6 Furthermore, in one potential advantage of this disclosure, in this example, the first heat sink 346 is attached to the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second heat sink 380 is attached to the second UV light emitter support 323. Therefore, as described in more detail below, the heat sinks 346 and 380 provide heat transfer capabilities that enable the assembly 300 to operate at higher power and provide correspondingly higher UV irradiation. In some examples, the higher power achieved through the heat sinks 346 and 380, combined with the increased gap between the UV light emitter supports 322, 323, results in a significantly increased UV light intensity and a larger irradiated area compared to existing configurations. Thus, fewer UV light components can be used to sterilize a given area.

[0041] In this example, the first heat sink 346 includes a first plurality of fins 350 extending from a first base 354 of the first heat sink. The first base is attached to a first bottom surface 356 of the first UV light emitter support 322. Similarly, the second heat sink 380 includes a second plurality of fins 384 extending from a second base 386 of the second heat sink. The second base 386 is attached to a second bottom surface 388 of the second UV light emitter support 323.

[0042] In this example, the UV light emitter support and the heat sink are separate components attached to each other. In other examples where the heat sink is "attached" to the UV light emitter support, the heat sink and the UV light emitter support are produced from a single material source or material, for example, via metalworking or additive manufacturing.

[0043] Also refer to Figure 6Each fin 350 in the first plurality of fins includes a first distal end 352 opposite to the first base 354, and these first distal ends contact the thermally conductive insulating plate 370. Similarly, each fin 384 in the second plurality of fins includes a second distal end 390 opposite to the second base 386, and these second distal ends also contact the thermally conductive insulating plate 370. In some examples, the thermally conductive insulating plate 370 is made of a fluoropolymer material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Thus, in these examples, the thermal conductivity of the plate 370 further facilitates heat transfer from the UV light emitter supports 322, 323 via the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380 to cool the UV light emitter 320. Additionally, the fluoropolymer material has the property of reflecting 222nm UV light. Therefore, this configuration also provides a 222nm UV light reflective material with a larger surface area from which the UV light emitted by the UV light emitter 320 is reflected.

[0044] Additionally, the gap 377 between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 (and between the corresponding first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380) can be widened to maximize the amount of excited gas mixture in the light emitter bulb, thereby increasing the emitted UV light. In one example, refer to... Figure 4 The first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 (as well as the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380) are positioned with a gap 377, such that the two ends of each UV light emitter 320 are substantially flush with the first outer side 357 and the second outer side 359 of the UV light emitter support 322 and 323, respectively.

[0045] In some examples, the gap 377 between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 can be significantly wider compared to existing configurations. In one example, the gap 377 is approximately 17 mm. In this example, and with a power supplied to the UV light emitting assembly 300 of 100 W, the assembly is approximately 29.4 cm... 2 Approximately 9mW / cm² is generated. 2 In comparison, the area irradiated by UV light in this example is approximately 29% larger than the area irradiated by the same component with a 6 mm gap between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323. Advantageously, the increased gap, combined with the heat dissipation function of this configuration, allows these configurations to utilize an increased power supply to provide more efficient delivery of UV radiation to a wider surface area. In other examples and in other configurations, the gap between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 may be greater than 17 mm.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first UV light emitter support 322 includes a first inner support surface 360 ​​facing the second inner support surface 392 of the second UV light emitter support 323. Similarly, the first heat sink 346 includes a first inner heat sink surface 362 (including the inner surface of the fins 350) facing the second inner heat sink surface 394 (including the inner surface of the fins 384) of the second heat sink 380. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first inner support surface 360 ​​is substantially flush with the first inner heat sink surface 362, and the second inner support surface 392 is substantially flush with the second inner heat sink surface 394. Advantageously, especially as the power supplied to the UV light emitter supports 322, 323 increases, this configuration prevents arcing between the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380.

[0047] In examples where the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are made of a conductive material such as aluminum, the supports are electrically connected to a power source via leads 365 and 395, respectively. In some examples, the power source is the power module 106 of system 100.

[0048] In other examples, the UV light emitter supports 322, 323 may be made of a fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In these examples, the UV light emitter 320 is directly connected to a power source via leads connected to terminals at each end of the emitter.

[0049] Now refer to Figures 7 to 9 In some examples, the UV light emitting assembly 400 of this disclosure uses a heat sink in the form of an actively-cooled plate 404. In one example, the active cooling plate 404 is made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum and includes embedded pipes 408 through which a liquid coolant circulates. In different examples, various materials, heat exchange technologies, and configurations can be used for the active cooling plate 404.

[0050] In these examples, a thermally conductive insulating pad is located between the UV light emitting support and the active cooling plate 404. For example... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first thermally conductive insulating pad 410 includes a first upper surface 414 that contacts and is attached to a first bottom surface 356 of the first UV light emitting support 322. The first thermally conductive insulating pad 410 also includes a first lower surface 418 that contacts the upper surface 406 of the active cooling plate 404. Similarly, the second thermally conductive insulating pad 430 includes a second upper surface 434 that contacts and is attached to a second bottom surface 388 of the second UV light emitting support 322 and a second lower surface 438 that contacts the upper surface 406 of the active cooling plate 404.

[0051] In this example, the active cooling plate 404 operates in combination with the first thermally conductive insulating pad 410 and the second thermally conductive insulating pad 430 to transfer heat from the first UV light emitting support 322 and the second UV light emitting support 323. Additionally, as described above, the gap between the first UV light emitting support 322 and the second UV light emitting support 323 can be widened to maximize the amount of excited gas mixture in the light emitting bulb, thereby increasing the emitted UV light. In this respect, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 are spaced apart to create a gap such that the two ends of each UV light emitter 320 are substantially flush with the first outer side 357 and the second outer side 359 of the UV light emitter support 322, 323, respectively.

[0052] The aluminum UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 can be electrically connected to a power source in any suitable manner. In other examples, the UV light emitter 320 is directly connected to a power source via leads connected to terminals at each end of the emitter.

[0053] In other examples, the UV light emitter supports 322, 323 may be made of a fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In these examples, the UV light emitter 320 is directly connected to a power source via leads connected to terminals at each end of the emitter.

[0054] In some examples, the components of this disclosure are also configured to allow the gap between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 to change in real time, thereby changing the UV light intensity of the UV light emitted from the UV light emitter. Referring now to... Figure 9 In this example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The UV light emitting assembly 300 also includes a movement mechanism in the form of a first actuator 450 and a second actuator 460. In this example movement mechanism, as described in more detail below, the first actuator 450 and the second actuator 460 are configured to translate the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380 relative to the thermally conductive insulating plate 370, respectively.

[0055] In this example, the first actuator 450 includes a first rod 452 coupled to the first light emitter support 322. The first actuator 450 is controlled to translate the first light emitter support 322 and the attached first heat sink 346 in the positive and negative x-axis directions. Similarly, the second actuator 460 includes a second rod 462 coupled to the second light emitter support 323. The second actuator 460 is also controlled to translate the second light emitter support 323 and the attached second heat sink 380 in the positive and negative x-axis directions.

[0056] Thus, in Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one example shown, a first actuator 450 is controlled to translate the first UV light emitter support 322 and the first heat sink 346 in the positive x-axis direction, and a second actuator 460 is controlled to translate the second UV light emitter support 323 and the second heat sink 380 in the negative x-axis direction, thereby narrowing the gap 377 between the two UV light emitter supports and the heat sink. As the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 move, they slide beneath the UV light emitter 320 such that the ends of the emitter protrude beyond the first outer side 357 and the second outer side 359 of the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323, respectively. Figure 10 As shown.

[0057] As the gap 377 between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 narrows, the distance between the electrical connection points on each UV light emitter 320 also narrows. Thus, with Figure 9 Compared to the wider gap 377, less gas mixture is excited in the light emitter bulb, and the emitted UV light is reduced. The frequency, voltage, and / or other characteristics of the power supplied to the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 can be adjusted to change the intensity of the emitted UV light. In other examples and under different usage conditions, the first actuator 450 and / or the second actuator 460 can be controlled to widen or narrow the gap between the two UV light emitter supports and the heat sink, thereby changing the UV light intensity emitted from the UV light emitter as needed.

[0058] In some examples, the moving mechanism is configured to translate only the first UV light emitter support 322 or the second UV light emitter support 323. Now refer to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 In this example, a single actuator 464 is configured to extend and retract a rod 466 to translate the second UV light emitter support 323 toward and away from the first UV light emitter support 322 to change the gap 377 as needed.

[0059] In various examples, the actuators described herein can be any suitable type of motion control component, including but not limited to servo motors, stepper motors, and solenoids. In other examples, any other suitable motion control or motion-imparting components can be used to translate one or more UV light emitter supports, including but not limited to gear mechanisms, chain drives, and belt drives.

[0060] In another example, now refer to Figure 13 In this example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The UV light emitting assembly 400 also includes a movement mechanism in the form of a first actuator 450 and a second actuator 460. In this example, the first actuator 450 is configured to translate the first UV light emitting support 322 and the first thermally conductive insulating pad 410 relative to the active cooling plate 404, and the second actuator 460 is configured to translate the second UV light emitting support 323 and the second thermally conductive insulating pad 430 relative to the active cooling plate. (Refer to the above...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As described, moving the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 below the UV light emitter 320 changes the distance between the electrical connection positions on each UV light emitter 320, and correspondingly changes the intensity of the emitted UV light.

[0061] In the various examples of the UV light emitting components disclosed herein, the components may use any suitable combination of the features described herein, including but not limited to heat sink features, component materials, and moving mechanisms.

[0062] Turn now Figure 14 The present invention illustrates a method 500 for changing the intensity of UV light emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters. The method 500 is performed using a first UV light emitter support for accommodating the plurality of UV light emitters and a second UV light emitter support for accommodating the plurality of UV light emitters, wherein the first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support.

[0063] At 502, method 500 includes the step of energizing a plurality of UV light emitters to emit a first UV light intensity when a first UV light emitter support is separated from a second UV light emitter support by a first gap. At 506, method 500 includes the step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until a second gap larger than the first gap exists between the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support. At 510, method 500 includes the step of energizing a plurality of UV light emitters to emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is separated from the second UV light emitter support by a second gap. At 514, method 500 includes the step of translating the first UV light emitter support in a first direction and translating the second UV light emitter support in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At 518, method 500 includes translating only the first UV light emitter support.

[0064] In addition, this disclosure includes configurations in accordance with the following terms.

[0065] Clause 1. An ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly for sterilizing one or more components, the assembly comprising: a plurality of UV light emitters; a first UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters; a second UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters, wherein the first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support; a first heat sink attached to the first UV light emitter support; a second heat sink attached to the second UV light emitter support; and a thermally conductive insulating plate in contact with the first heat sink and the second heat sink.

[0066] Clause 2. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the first heat sink includes a first plurality of fins extending from a first base of the first heat sink, and the second heat sink includes a second plurality of fins extending from a second base of the second heat sink.

[0067] Clause 3. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 2, wherein a first base is attached to a first bottom surface of a first UV light emitting support, and a second base is attached to a second bottom surface of a second UV light emitting support.

[0068] Clause 4. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 3, wherein each of the first plurality of fins includes a first distal end opposite to the first base, and the first distal end of the first plurality of fins contacts a thermally conductive insulating plate, and wherein each of the second plurality of fins includes a second distal end opposite to the second base, and the second distal end of the second plurality of fins contacts a thermally conductive insulating plate.

[0069] Clause 5. A UV light emitting assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first UV light emitting support includes a first inner support surface facing a second inner support surface of the second UV light emitting support, and the first heat sink includes a first inner heat sink surface facing a second inner heat sink surface of the second heat sink, wherein the first inner support surface is substantially flush with the first inner heat sink surface, and the second inner support surface is substantially flush with the second inner heat sink surface.

[0070] Clause 6. A UV light emitting assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0071] Clause 7. An ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly for sterilizing one or more components, the assembly comprising: a plurality of UV light emitters; a first UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters; a second UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters, wherein the first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support; a heat sink including an active cooling plate; a first thermally conductive insulating pad including a first upper surface contacting a first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support and a first lower surface contacting the active cooling plate; and a second thermally conductive insulating pad including a second upper surface contacting a second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support and a second lower surface contacting the active cooling plate.

[0072] Clause 8. The UV light emitting assembly as described in Clause 7, wherein the plurality of UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light at a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0073] Clause 9. An ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly for changing the intensity of UV light emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters, the assembly comprising: a plurality of UV light emitters; a first UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters; a second UV light emitter support for housing the plurality of UV light emitters, wherein the first UV light emitter support is spaced apart from the second UV light emitter support by a gap; and a moving mechanism configured to change the gap between the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support to change the UV light intensity of the UV light emitted from the plurality of UV light emitters.

[0074] Clause 10. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 9, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to translate the first UV light emitting support in a first direction and to translate the second UV light emitting support in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0075] Clause 11. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 9 or 10, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to translate only the first UV light emitting support or the second UV light emitting support.

[0076] Clause 12. The UV light emitting assembly according to any one of Clauses 9 to 11, the assembly further comprising a first heat sink attached to a first UV light emitting support and a second heat sink attached to a second UV light emitting support.

[0077] Clause 13. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 12, wherein the first heat sink includes a first plurality of fins extending from a first base, and the second heat sink includes a second plurality of fins extending from a second base.

[0078] Clause 14. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 13, wherein a first base is attached to a first bottom surface of a first UV light emitting support, and a second base is attached to a second bottom surface of a second UV light emitting support.

[0079] Clause 15. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 13 or 14, wherein each of the first plurality of fins includes a first distal end opposite to the first base, each of the second plurality of fins includes a second distal end opposite to the second base, and the UV light assembly further includes a thermally conductive insulating plate 370 that contacts the first plurality of fins at its first distal end and contacts the second plurality of fins at its second distal end.

[0080] Clause 16. The UV light emitting assembly according to Clause 15, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to translate the first heat sink relative to the thermally conductive insulating plate and to translate the second heat sink relative to the thermally conductive insulating plate.

[0081] Clause 17. A UV light emitting assembly according to any one of Clauses 12 to 16, wherein the first UV light emitting support includes a first inner support surface facing a second inner support surface of the second UV light emitting support, the first heat sink includes a first inner heat sink surface facing a second inner heat sink surface of the second heat sink, the first inner support surface is substantially flush with the first inner heat sink surface, and the second inner support surface is substantially flush with the second inner heat sink surface.

[0082] Clause 18. The UV light emitting assembly according to any one of Clauses 9 to 11, the assembly further comprising: a heat sink including an active cooling plate; a first thermally conductive insulating pad including a first lower surface contacting the active cooling plate and a first upper surface contacting a first bottom surface of a first UV light emitting support; and a second thermally conductive insulating pad including a second lower surface contacting the active cooling plate and a second upper surface contacting a second bottom surface of a second UV light emitting support.

[0083] Clause 19. A UV light emitting assembly according to any one of Clauses 9 to 18, wherein the plurality of UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light at a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0084] Clause 20. A method for changing the intensity of UV light emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters, the method being performed using a first UV light emitter support and a second UV light emitter support for arranging the plurality of UV light emitters, wherein the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are spaced apart, the method comprising the steps of: energizing the plurality of UV light emitters to emit a first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by a first gap; moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by a second gap greater than the first gap; and energizing the plurality of UV light emitters to emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by the second gap.

[0085] Clause 21. The method according to Clause 20, wherein the step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support comprises: translating the first UV light emitter support in a first direction and translating the second UV light emitter support in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0086] Clause 22. The method according to Clause 21, wherein the step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support comprises: translating only the first UV light emitter support.

[0087] This subject matter disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various features and techniques disclosed herein. The various features and techniques disclosed herein may not be necessary for all examples disclosed herein. Furthermore, the various features and techniques disclosed herein may define patentable subject matter beyond the disclosed examples, and utility may be found in other implementations not expressly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly for sterilizing one or more components, the assembly comprising: Includes multiple UV light emitters (320) of an excimer lamp; A first UV light emitter support (322) made of conductive material; A second UV light emitter support (323) made of conductive material and spaced apart from the first UV light emitter support, wherein each of the plurality of UV light emitters (320) is disposed in the first UV light emitter support (322) and the second UV light emitter support (323); A first heat sink (346) is attached to the first UV light emitter support; A second heat sink (380) is attached to the second UV light emitter support; A thermally conductive insulating plate (370) in contact with the first and second heat sinks; and A moving mechanism configured to change the gap (377) between the first UV light emitter support (322) and the second UV light emitter support (323).

2. The UV light emitting component according to claim 1, wherein, The first radiator includes a first plurality of fins (350) extending from a first base (354) of the first radiator, and the second radiator includes a second plurality of fins (384) extending from a second base (386) of the second radiator.

3. The UV light emitting component according to claim 2, wherein, The first base is attached to the first bottom surface (356) of the first UV light emitter support, and the second base is attached to the second bottom surface (388) of the second UV light emitter support.

4. The UV light emitting component according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the first plurality of fins includes a first distal end (352) opposite to the first base, and the first distal end of the first plurality of fins contacts the thermally conductive insulating plate, and wherein each of the second plurality of fins includes a second distal end (390) opposite to the second base, and the second distal end of the second plurality of fins contacts the thermally conductive insulating plate.

5. The UV light emitting component according to claim 1, wherein, The first UV light emitter support includes a first inner support surface (360) facing the second inner support surface (392) of the second UV light emitter support, and the first heat sink includes a first inner heat sink surface (362) facing the second heat sink surface (394), wherein the first inner support surface is flush with the first inner heat sink surface, and the second inner support surface is flush with the second inner heat sink surface.

6. The UV light emitting component according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222nm.

7. A method for changing the intensity of UV light emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters including an excimer lamp, the method being performed using a first UV light emitter support made of a conductive material and a second UV light emitter support made of a conductive material and spaced apart from the first UV light emitter support, wherein, Each of the plurality of UV light emitters (320) is disposed in the first UV light emitter support (322) and the second UV light emitter support (323), the method comprising the following steps: When the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by a first gap (377), the plurality of UV light emitters are energized to emit a first UV light intensity; Move the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by a second gap greater than the first gap; and When the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support are separated by the second gap, the plurality of UV light emitters are energized to emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support includes: translating the first UV light emitter support in a first direction and translating the second UV light emitter support in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support includes: translating only the first UV light emitter support.

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