Ultraviolet light emitting module and sterilization system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to ultraviolet light emitting modules and germicidal systems. Modules (300), systems (100), and methods (1300; 1400; 1500) for germicidal treatment of surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light emitting module (300) includes an enclosure (304) including an aluminum back wall (308) including vents (352; 353) and a faceplate (312) spaced from the back wall and including light transmissive apertures (316). Four aluminum side walls (330; 334; 338; 342) extend between the back wall and the faceplate, at least one of the side walls including vents (348; 349). At least one aluminum UV light emitter support (322; 323; 450) within the enclosure is electrically coupled to a plurality of UV light emitters (320). A thermally conductive and electrically insulative partition (350) is located between the support and the back wall. At least one electrical conductor (354; 356) extends through the back wall and the partition into the support, and an electrically insulative sleeve (361; 363) extends between the conductor and the back wall surface.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used in some environments for surface sterilization and disinfection. In some examples, multiple UV emitters are housed in an enclosure and powered by a relatively low power supply (e.g., 12 watts). While such UV devices promise to inactivate and / or kill some pathogens, challenges remain in developing devices and systems that deliver such UV radiation more efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module is provided, the UV light emitting module including a package, the package including: a rectangular aluminum rear wall including a rear wall vent; and a rectangular panel spaced from the rear wall and including a light-transmitting aperture. Four aluminum sidewalls extend between the rear wall and the panel, wherein at least one sidewall includes a side wall vent. The at least one aluminum UV light emitting device support within the package is electrically connected to a plurality of UV light emitting devices. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating spacer is located between the support and the rear wall. At least one electrical conductor extends through the rear wall and the spacer into the support; and an electrically insulating sleeve extends between the conductor and the surface of the rear wall.

[0004] According to another aspect, a system for sterilizing one or more components is provided, the system comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules. Each of the modules includes: a package comprising: a rectangular aluminum rear wall including a rear wall vent; and a rectangular panel spaced from the rear wall and including a light-transmitting aperture. Four aluminum sidewalls extend between the rear wall and the panel, wherein at least one sidewall includes a side wall vent. The at least one aluminum UV light emitting device support within the package is electrically connected to the plurality of UV light emitting devices. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator is located between the support and the rear wall. At least one electrical conductor extends through the rear wall and the separator into the support; and an electrically insulating sleeve extends between the conductor and the surface of the rear wall.

[0005] The system also includes a housing that encloses the plurality of UV light emitting modules. The housing includes at least one cooling fan and at least one housing ventilation outlet. The at least one cooling fan guides air into the housing and the air escapes through the at least one housing ventilation outlet.

[0006] According to another aspect, a method is provided for assembling a system for sterilizing one or more components. The method is performed using a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules and a housing, wherein each of the UV light emitting modules includes an encapsulation having a rear wall, a panel, and at least one sidewall extending between the rear wall and the panel, the rear wall having a rear wall vent, the panel being spaced apart from the rear wall and having a light-transmitting aperture, and the at least one sidewall having a sidewall vent. Each module also includes at least one UV light emitter within the encapsulation. The housing also includes at least one cooling fan and at least a first housing vent and a second housing vent, the at least one cooling fan being configured to direct air into the housing.

[0007] The method includes: fixing the plurality of UV light emitting modules inside the housing; pneumatically connecting the first housing ventilation outlet to the rear wall ventilation port of the first UV light emitting module among the plurality of UV light emitting modules; and pneumatically connecting the second housing ventilation outlet to the rear wall ventilation port of the second UV light emitting module among the plurality of UV light emitting modules. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a sterilization system in a washroom according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 Examples according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the sterilization system.

[0010] Figure 3 An example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Another view of the UV light emitting module.

[0012] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 An exploded view of the UV light emitting module.

[0013] Figure 6 An example of an internal support surface comprising a plurality of triangular shapes with rounded edges is shown according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Another view of the multiple triangular-shaped internal support surfaces.

[0015] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 Another view of the multiple triangular-shaped internal support surfaces.

[0016] Figure 9 An exploded view of another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module including a circuit board, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0017] Figure 10 Another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module including two sidewall vents is shown according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 11 Another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module comprising two rear wall vents and one side wall vent, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0019] Figure 12 Another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module including a cooling fan, according to an example of the present invention, is shown.

[0020] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 Another view of the UV light emitting module.

[0021] Figure 14 Another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module including a heat sink feature, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0022] Figure 15 Another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module including heat sink features and multiple vents, according to the present disclosure, is shown.

[0023] Figure 16 Examples of housings for two ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules according to this disclosure are shown.

[0024] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 An exploded view of the shell.

[0025] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 Another exploded view of the shell.

[0026] Figure 19 It shows Figure 16 A partial sectional view of the cover plate of the shell.

[0027] Figure 20 Another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitter support according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 21 Examples of three ultraviolet (UV) light emitter supports according to the present disclosure are shown.

[0029] Figure 22Another example of a support for three ultraviolet (UV) light emitters, including electrically insulating separators, is shown according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 23 Another example of three ultraviolet (UV) light emitter supports according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein the UV light emitter supports are flush with the UV light emitters.

[0031] Figure 24 A block diagram illustrating an example method for assembling a system for sterilizing one or more components according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 25 A block diagram is shown of an example method for assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module for sterilizing one or more components according to an example of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 26 A block diagram is shown of another example method for assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module for sterilizing one or more components according to an example of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 27 An aircraft environment equipped with a UV light emitting module, according to an example of this disclosure, is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In light of the above discussion, Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a system for sterilizing one or more components using ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules is shown. As described in more detail below, the system utilizes UV light emitting modules incorporating one or more cooling features that provide heat transfer capabilities, enabling the modules to operate at higher power and correspondingly provide higher UV irradiation. In some examples described below, multiple modules are enclosed in a housing that includes one or more cooling fans for circulating air through the modules.

[0036] Figure 1 A perspective view of a washroom 102 is illustrated, which includes a system 100 that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to sterilize one or more components. The system 100 includes a plurality of UV light emitting modules 104 configured to emit UV light. In various examples, the UV light emitting modules 104 may be employed in… Figure 3 The UV light emitting module 300 shown and described in more detail below, or one of the other examples of UV light emitting modules described herein.

[0037] exist Figure 1In 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 of the UV light emitting modules 104 and providing power to these modules to generate UV light for sterilizing and / or disinfecting components and their surfaces in the washroom 102.

[0038] In other examples, system 100 utilizes fewer or more than three UV light emitting modules 104 electrically connected to power module 106. In still other examples, system 100 and / or the individually powered UV light emitting modules 104 can be used in a variety of environments, including but not limited to kitchens, kitchen rooms, retail establishments, medical facilities, arenas, places of worship, banquet halls, theaters, concert venues, commercial enterprises, factories, and other spaces. In some examples, system 100 and / or the individually powered UV light emitting modules 104 can be used in aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles such as buses, trains, and ships.

[0039] In commercial aircraft, System 100 can be located in cabins, galleys, crew rest areas, assembly areas, cargo areas, flight decks, lavatories, and other areas where individuals, passengers, crew members, ground staff, and / or maintenance personnel may reside. Figure 1 In this example, the lavatory 102 may be located inside the vehicle (e.g., inside the cabin of a commercial aircraft). For example, Figure 27 An aircraft environment is depicted, in which a UV light emitting module 104 is mounted above a passenger seat 1004 in the cabin 1000 of the aircraft.

[0040] In other examples, and as described in more detail below, one or more UV light emitting modules 104 may be used in portable components (e.g., sticks configured to be held by a user). In some examples, such portable components are also configured to be removably mounted to a supporting structure (e.g., a wall).

[0041] Back Figure 1For example, UV light emitting module 104 is positioned to emit UV light toward one or more components within washroom 102 to sterilize and / or disinfect the components. In the illustrated example, one or more components include a sink 112 and a toilet 110. In this example, UV light emitting module 104 is positioned to emit UV light toward different components 108. For example, a first UV light emitting module 104a is positioned to emit UV light toward the toilet 110, which includes a flush actuator 114 (e.g., lever, button, etc.). A second UV light emitting module 104b is positioned to emit UV light toward the sink 112 and surrounding areas (e.g., faucet 116 and portions of countertop 118). A third UV light emitting module 104c is positioned to emit UV light toward a door (not shown) for access to washroom 102.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Power module 106 is electrically connected to UV light emitting modules 104 to provide power to these modules. In some examples, power module 106 includes processing and / or power modulation circuitry within a package or housing. In different examples, power module 106 receives electrical energy from a power source such as a power distribution board or battery and distributes the electrical energy among the UV light emitting modules 104.

[0044] 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 of the UV light emitting modules 104 are integrated together with the power module 106 in a common housing.

[0045] As described in more detail below, in some examples, the UV light emitting module 104 utilizes a small form factor to provide improved aesthetics by occupying less space. The smaller form factor also allows the UV light emitting module 104 to be positioned closer to the part to be sterilized compared to a UV light emitter with a larger form factor. For example, the smaller UV light emitting module 104 can be discreetly mounted behind or inside a structure that would be impossible with a larger UV light emitter. One potential advantage of this disclosure is that positioning the UV light emitting module 104 closer to the part increases the radiant flux (irradiance) provided to the surface of that part. In this way, by positioning the UV light emitting module 104 closer to the part 108 compared to a larger UV light emitter, a specified UV dose can be delivered to the part using less energy and / or in a shorter time period (compared to a larger UV light emitting module applying the same dose).

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of this disclosure is illustrated. 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 an electrical system of a building or facility. In other examples, the power source 202 is a battery, a generator, etc.

[0047] 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 package (e.g., the housing of the power module).

[0048] In this example, power module 106 receives electrical energy from power conditioning circuit 204 and controls the distribution of electrical energy 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 that AC energy into DC energy. This DC energy is supplied to power module 106, which converts the DC energy back to AC energy and supplies the AC energy to the UV light emitting modules 104 to provide power for UV light generation, 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 modulating the power output of the modules.

[0049] As described in more detail below, the UV light emitting module of this disclosure utilizes one or more cooling features that enable the module to operate at higher power and correspondingly provide higher UV irradiation than existing UV emitters. Furthermore, in some examples described below, multiple modules are encapsulated in a housing that includes one or more cooling fans that circulate air through the modules.

[0050] Now for reference Figures 3 to 5 An example of a UV light emitting module 300 according to this disclosure is illustrated. In different use case examples, the above-described UV light emitting module 104 may employ... Figures 3 to 5 The UV light emitting module 300 shown herein is in the form of one of the other examples of UV light emitting modules further described below. In various use cases, the UV light emitting module 300 and the other examples of UV light emitting modules described herein can be used in UV sterilization systems, such as system 100 and / or stand-alone devices.

[0051] exist Figures 3 to 5 In one example, the UV light emitting module 300 includes a package 304, which includes a rear wall 308 and a panel 312 spaced apart from the rear wall 308. The panel 312 includes a light-transmitting aperture 316 through which UV light from one or more UV light emitters within the package is transmitted. In this example, the UV light emitting module 300 utilizes four UV light emitters 320. In other examples, fewer or more than four UV light emitters may be used in the UV light emitting module according to this disclosure.

[0052] In some examples, the UV light emitter 320 may be an excimer lamp utilizing a krypton-chlorine (Kr-Cl) gas mixture disposed within a bulb. This excimer lamp emits UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm, which can sterilize and disinfect component surfaces through localized antiviral and antibacterial effects. Furthermore, the 222 nm UV light can sterilize and disinfect surfaces without the skin damage associated with conventional germicidal ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In other examples, the UV light emitting module 300 may utilize other types of UV emitters and UV lamps. Additionally, and as described in more detail below, the UV light emitter 320 is housed within one or more UV light emitter supports within a package 304.

[0053] In this example and as Figure 5 As shown, the low-pass filter 324 is located near the light-transmitting aperture 316 of the panel 312. The low-pass filter 324 can be used to remove or filter out virtually all light emission generated by the UV light emitter 320 (except for ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm).

[0054] In this example, package 304 has a rectangular shape formed by a first sidewall 330, a second sidewall 334, a third sidewall 338, and a fourth sidewall 342. Each of these sidewalls extends between the rear wall 308 and the panel 312. Other packages of this disclosure may have other shapes and form factors, such as circular packages formed by a single circular sidewall.

[0055] As described above and in one of the potential advantages of this disclosure, package 304 utilizes one or more cooling features that enable module 300 to operate at higher power and correspondingly provide higher UV irradiation than existing UV emitters. In this example, the package includes cooling features in the form of sidewall vents 348 in the first sidewall 330 and rear wall vents 352 in the rear wall 308. In this way, these vents allow airflow to pass through the interior of package 304 and over the surface of UV light emitter 320, thereby cooling the emitter by transferring heat generated by the emitter from the package. As described below, in other examples, the vents may be located at other locations on package 304.

[0056] In some examples, the rear wall 308 of the package 304, as well as the first sidewalls 330, 334, 338, and 342, are made of plastic. In other examples, the rear wall 308, as well as the first sidewalls 330, 334, 338, and 342, are made of aluminum. Advantageously, and in these examples, the aluminum walls have a higher thermal conductivity than plastic, thereby providing greater heat transfer and dissipation from the UV light emitter 320 through the walls of the package 304.

[0057] In some examples where the rear wall 308 and the four side walls 330, 334, 338, and 342 are made of aluminum, the panel 312 is made of plastic. In other examples, the panel 312 is also made of aluminum to provide even greater heat transfer from within the package 304.

[0058] As mentioned above, in Figures 3 to 5 In some examples, the UV light emitter 320 is housed in a V-shaped recess within a first UV light emitter support 322 and a second UV light emitter support 323 that extend parallel to each other. In some examples where the rear wall 308 and the four side walls 330, 334, 338, and 342 are made of aluminum, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are also made of a conductive material such as aluminum. In this manner, and by placing the UV light emitter 320 within the support, the emitter is electrically connected to the support. In other examples, and as described in more detail below, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are made of a fluoropolymer, and the UV light emitter 320 is electrically connected to a power source via a lead wire.

[0059] The UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 and the rear wall 308 are made of aluminum. Figures 3 to 5 In some examples, a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator 350 is positioned between the UV light emitter support and the rear wall to electrically isolate the UV light emitter support from the aluminum rear wall. In some examples, the thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator 350 has approximately 15 International British Thermal Units per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit (BTU) / (°F Hr.Ft). 2 Or higher thermal conductivity. In one example, the thermally conductive and electrically insulating spacer 350 is made of alumina-based ceramic. For example, the thermally conductive and electrically insulating spacer 350 can be made of Cotronics Durapot 810 castable ceramic cement manufactured by Cotronics Corporation. Thus, in these examples, the higher thermal conductivity of the spacer 350 further facilitates heat transfer from the encapsulation to cool the UV light emitter 320.

[0060] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 receive power via a first electrical conductor 354 and a second electrical conductor 356, respectively, which extend through the rear wall 308 into the UV light emitter support. In this example, the first electrical conductor 354 and the second electrical conductor 356 also extend through holes in a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator 350.

[0061] The first conductor 354 and the second conductor 356 are electrically connected to a power source via lines 360 and 362. In some examples, the power source is the power module 106 of system 100. The first conductor 354 is electrically insulated from the rear wall 308 via a first electrically insulating sleeve 361 between the first conductor and the rear wall. Similarly, the second conductor 356 is electrically insulated from the rear wall 308 via a second electrically insulating sleeve 363 between the first conductor and the rear wall.

[0062] In some examples, package 304 includes attachment tabs 366 and 368, which are configured to accommodate fasteners for securing the package to a surface.

[0063] Now for reference Figures 5 to 8 The first UV light emitter support 322 includes a plurality of first triangular-shaped inner support surfaces 372, which face the corresponding second triangular-shaped inner support surfaces 376 of the second UV light emitter support 323. In some examples and as shown Figures 6 to 8As shown, each of the first triangular-shaped inner support surfaces 372 includes a first rounded corner edge 380 extending upward along one or both sides and the top. Similarly, each of the second triangular-shaped inner support surfaces 376 includes a second rounded corner edge 384 extending upward along one or both sides and the top. In some examples, these rounded corner edges may have a radius between approximately 0.05 inches and 0.10 inches. Advantageously, in these examples, by providing rounded corner edges on the first triangular-shaped inner support surfaces 372 and the second triangular-shaped inner support surfaces 376 facing each other, the possibility of arcing between the first inner support surfaces 372 and the second inner support surfaces 376 is reduced.

[0064] Now for reference Figure 9 In some examples, the UV light emitting module 300 also includes a circuit board 400 that includes a UV LED configured to pre-ionize the gas in the UV light emitting unit 320. In some examples where the first sidewall 330 is a conductive material (e.g., aluminum), an electrically insulating plate 404 is provided between the circuit board 400 and the first sidewall 330.

[0065] As described above, in other examples, one or more vents may be provided in two or more of the four sidewalls of the package 304. For example, and refer to Figure 10 In this example, the package includes a first sidewall vent 348 in the first sidewall 330 and a second sidewall vent 349 in the third sidewall 338. Similarly, and in various examples, the rear wall 308 may include two or more vents. See, for example, and reference... Figure 11 In this example, the package includes a first rear wall vent 352 and a second rear wall vent 353 in the rear wall 308. Additionally, in this example, a side wall vent 348 is provided in the third side wall 338.

[0066] In other examples of packages according to this disclosure, vents of any suitable combination, number, size and / or shape may be provided in one or more sidewalls and rear wall 308.

[0067] In some examples, module 300 may include a cooling fan configured to deliver forced air through a side wall vent or a rear wall vent. See, for example, and reference. Figure 12 and Figure 13A cooling fan 410 is mounted to a third sidewall 338, which is adjacent to a duct 414 that directs air from the fan to a vent 349 within the third sidewall 338. The air passes through the UV light emitter 320 and other components within the package and is exhausted through a rear wall vent 352 in the rear wall 308. In this example, fitting 420 is secured to the rear wall vent 352 to direct the exhausted airflow away from the module.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 14 In some examples, the package 304 is pneumatically sealed to contain exhaust gases that may be generated by the UV light emitter 320. In this example, the package does not contain a vent and is pneumatically sealed to prevent any exhaust gases from escaping into the atmosphere.

[0069] In some examples, the UV light emitting module of this disclosure includes one or more cooling features in the form of a heat sink. (Continue to reference) Figure 14 In this example, the module includes a heat sink feature in the form of multiple fins 428 extending from the rear wall 308. In different examples, the fins may have different sizes and shapes, such as thin, elongated plates arranged adjacent to each other. The number and location of the fins on the package can also vary depending on the application and usage environment. For example, the heat sink may be additionally or alternatively located on one or more sidewalls of the package.

[0070] In some examples, a module according to this disclosure may include one or more vents and one or more heat sink features. For example, and referring to... Figure 15 In this example, the module includes a plurality of fins 428 extending from the rear wall 308, a first rear wall vent 352 and a second rear wall vent 353 in the rear wall 308, and a side wall vent 348 in the third side wall 338.

[0071] In some examples, one or more UV light emitting modules 300 are enclosed in a housing that provides forced ventilation via at least one cooling fan and at least one housing ventilation outlet, the at least one cooling fan directing air into the housing and the air escaping through the at least one housing ventilation outlet. Now refer to Figures 16 to 19 In one example, housing 500 includes container portion 504 in which two UV light emitting modules 300 according to the present disclosure are located. Both UV light emitting modules 300 include a single rear wall vent and a single side wall vent 349 to which fittings 420 are attached.

[0072] like Figure 18As shown, the container portion 504 includes two intake cooling fans 510 configured to draw air into the housing 500 and pressurize it. Each of the cooling fans 510 is housed within and pneumatically connected to a corresponding housing ventilation inlet 512 in the housing 500. The base plate 514 of the container portion 504 includes module cutouts 520, 524 in which two UV light emitting modules 300 are housed. A light-transmitting aperture 316 in each module 300 faces downward through the cutouts 520, 524 to guide UV light downward from the housing 500.

[0073] Also refer to Figure 13 The example UV light emitting modules shown each include a sidewall vent 349 into which pressurized air within the housing 500 enters. The air passes through the UV light emitter 320 and other components within the package of the module 300, and exits through a rear wall vent 352 in the rear wall 308. In this example and as... Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, the fitting 420, which is fixed to the rear wall vent, extends through and is pneumatically connected to the corresponding housing vent 530, 534 in the cover plate 538, and guides the airflow discharged from the module through these vents and into the atmosphere.

[0074] Two housing ventilation outlets 530 and 534 are located above module cutouts 520 and 524 in the base plate 514, respectively, and are positioned to receive and allow accessory 420 to extend through the outlets. In this way, housing ventilation outlets 530 and 534 allow pressurized air within the housing 500 and the UV light emitting module 300 to escape.

[0075] In various examples, the housing 500 can be mounted in a ceiling, wall, or other supporting structure and can be used with fixed structures or in mobile applications, such as in passenger or commercial vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, etc. In some examples, the housing 500 can be mounted on autonomous mobile devices such as robots.

[0076] Referring to the above description, in some examples, each of the UV light emitting modules 300 within the housing 500 is powered by a common power source (e.g., Figure 2 The external power supply 202 of the system 100 shown receives power.

[0077] Now for reference Figures 20 to 23 Additional examples of UV light emitter supports are illustrated below. One or more of these UV light emitter supports can be used with any of the examples of UV light emitting modules described herein, as further described below. Now refer to Figure 20In some examples, the UV light emitter support 450 is made of a fluoropolymer as a single, monolithic material block. In one example, the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0078] The UV light emitter support 450 has a first side 454 and an opposite second side 456. In this example, each UV light emitter 320 disposed in the UV light emitter support 450 is an elongated lamp having a first end 328 and an opposite second end 329. The first end 328 of each lamp extends beyond the first side 454 of the UV light emitter support 450, and the second end of each lamp extends beyond the second side 456 of the UV light emitter support.

[0079] A first terminal 332 is fixed to a first end 328 of each elongated lamp, and a second terminal 336 is fixed to a second end 329 of each lamp. A first lead 340 electrically connects each first terminal 332 to a power source, and a second lead 344 electrically connects each second terminal 336 to a power source. Advantageously, in this configuration utilizing a UV light emitter support made of a fluoropolymer, the electrodes (terminals 332, 336) can be moved further compared to using two aluminum UV light emitter supports as described in the example above. Therefore, this configuration enables higher voltage and a correspondingly higher UV output before an arc occurs between the terminals.

[0080] Furthermore, the fluoropolymer material possesses dielectric properties and reflects 222nm UV light. Therefore, this configuration also provides a larger surface area of ​​222nm UV light reflective material from which the UV light emitted by the UV light emitter 320 is reflected. Additionally, in some examples, the fluoropolymer UV light emitter support can be directly fixed to the conductive rear wall 308 of the UV light emitting module 300, thereby avoiding the need for an electrically insulating separator between such a support and the rear wall. Moreover, because the fluoropolymer UV light emitter support in these examples is dielectric, the internal support surface of the support can have beveled or sharp edges instead of rounded edges without increasing the possibility of arcing. Therefore, these configurations can simplify manufacturing and / or reduce associated production costs.

[0081] In other examples, two or more UV light emitter supports 450 made of fluoropolymers can be combined to house the UV light emitter 320. In one example, and now referring to... Figure 21 Three fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports 452, 455, and 457 are placed side by side to form a square-shaped UV light emitter support. In different examples, the UV light emitter supports may have different lengths and widths, and may be combined to form various shapes and sizes.

[0082] In some examples, different combinations of UV light emitter supports made of conductive materials and fluoropolymers can be used. (Continue to reference...) Figure 21 In an alternative example, the UV light emitter support 455 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, while the UV light emitter supports 452 and 457 on either side are made of a fluoropolymer. See also some examples and references. Figure 22 The rear wall 308 of the UV light emitting module 300 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, and a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator 350 is provided between the UV light emitting support members 452, 455 and 457 and the rear wall.

[0083] exist Figure 21 In the example and similar to Figure 20 In the example described, leads 340 and 344 electrically connect the terminals of the elongated lamp to a power source. In other examples, both UV light emitter supports are made of conductive material and used in conjunction with one or more fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports, and in reference to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, an electrical conductor extends through the rear wall of the UV light emitting module into each aluminum UV light emitting support to power the light emitting unit, as described above.

[0084] Now for reference Figure 23 In some examples, the first end 328 and the second end 329 of each UV light emitter 320 are substantially flush with the first side 454 and the second side 456 of the UV light emitter support, respectively. Figure 23 In the example, terminals 332 and 336 at the end of the UV light emitter 320 are substantially flush with the first side 454 and the second side 456, respectively.

[0085] In various examples of UV light emitting modules and related systems for sterilizing one or more components of this disclosure, the module may utilize any suitable combination of the features described herein, including but not limited to vents, radiator features, and component materials.

[0086] Turn now Figure 24 This illustrates a method 1300 for assembling a system for sterilizing one or more components. Method 1300 is performed using a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules and a housing, wherein each of the UV light emitting modules includes an encapsulation having a rear wall with a rear wall vent and a panel spaced apart from the rear wall and having a light-transmitting aperture. At least one sidewall extends between the rear wall and the panel, wherein the at least one sidewall has a side wall vent. Each module also includes at least one UV light emitter within the encapsulation. The housing includes at least one cooling fan and at least a first housing vent and a second housing vent, the at least one cooling fan being configured to direct air into the housing.

[0087] At 1302, method 1300 includes the step of securing a plurality of UV light emitting modules within a housing. At 1306, method 1300 includes the step of atomizing a first housing ventilation outlet to a rear wall ventilation port of a first UV light emitting module among the plurality of UV light emitting modules. At 1310, method 1300 includes atomizing a second housing ventilation outlet to a rear wall ventilation port of a second UV light emitting module among the plurality of UV light emitting modules.

[0088] Turn now Figure 25 This illustrates a method 1400 for assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module for sterilizing one or more components. Method 1400 is performed using a package comprising a rear wall and a panel spaced apart from the rear wall and having light-transmitting holes. The package also includes four sidewalls extending between the rear wall and the panel. Method 1400 is further performed using a first UV light emitting support and a second UV light emitting support, and at least one cooling feature selected from (1) a sidewall vent in at least one sidewall and (2) a heat sink feature extending from the rear wall.

[0089] At 1402, method 1400 includes the step of inserting a first electrical conductor through a rear wall and into a first UV light emitter support via a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator. At 1406, method 1400 includes the step of inserting a second electrical conductor through a rear wall and into a second UV light emitter support via a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator. At 1410, method 1400 includes the step of securing a plurality of UV light emitters to a first aluminum UV light emitter support and a second aluminum UV light emitter support within a package.

[0090] Turn now Figure 26 This illustrates a method 1500 for assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting module for sterilizing one or more components. Method 1500 is performed using the following components: a package comprising: a rear wall and a panel spaced apart from the rear wall and having light-transmitting holes, and four side walls extending between the rear wall and the panel; at least one UV light emitting support made of a fluoropolymer; at least one cooling feature selected from (1) side wall vents in at least one side wall and (2) a heat sink feature extending from the rear wall; and at least one UV light emitting device including an elongated lamp having a first end having a first terminal and an opposite second end having a second terminal.

[0091] In method 1502, method 1500 includes the step of placing an elongated lamp in at least one fluoropolymer UV light emitter support within a package. In method 1506, method 1500 includes the step of securing a first lead to a first terminal of the elongated lamp. In method 1510, method 1400 includes the step of securing a second lead to a second terminal of the elongated lamp.

[0092] In addition, this disclosure includes configurations in accordance with the following terms.

[0093] Clause 1. A UV light emitting module for sterilizing one or more components, the UV light emitting module comprising: a package including: a rectangular aluminum rear wall including a rear wall vent; a rectangular panel spaced from the rear wall and including a light-transmitting aperture; and four aluminum sidewalls extending between the rear wall and the panel, wherein at least one of the four aluminum sidewalls includes a side wall vent; a plurality of UV light emitters within the package; and at least one aluminum UV light emitter support. The package includes: at least one aluminum UV light emitter support within the package, the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support being electrically connected to the plurality of UV light emitters; a thermally conductive and electrically insulating spacer between the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support and the rear wall; at least one electrical conductor extending through the rear wall and the thermally conductive and electrically insulating spacer into the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support; and an electrically insulating sleeve extending between the at least one electrical conductor and the surface of the rear wall.

[0094] Clause 2. The UV light emitting module according to Clause 1, wherein the at least one aluminum UV light emitting support includes a first aluminum UV light emitting support and a second aluminum UV light emitting support extending parallel to the first aluminum UV light emitting support, the first aluminum UV light emitting support including a plurality of first inner support surfaces, the second aluminum UV light emitting support including a plurality of second inner support surfaces, each second inner support surface facing a corresponding first inner support surface of the first aluminum UV light emitting support, wherein each of the first inner support surface and the second inner support surface includes a rounded edge, the rounded edge reducing the possibility of arcing between the first inner support surface and the second inner support surface.

[0095] Clause 3. The UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, the UV light emitting module further comprising at least one UV light emitting support made of a fluoropolymer within the package.

[0096] Clause 4. The UV light emitting module according to Clause 3, wherein the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0097] Clause 5. The UV light emitting module according to Clause 3, wherein the at least one fluoropolymer UV light emitting support comprises two or more UV light emitting supports made of a fluoropolymer.

[0098] Clause 6. The UV light emitting module according to Clause 5, wherein the at least one aluminum UV light emitting support is located between the first fluoropolymer UV light emitting support and the second fluoropolymer UV light emitting support.

[0099] Clause 7. A UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least one aluminum UV light emitting support includes a first side and an opposite second side, and each of the plurality of UV light emitting devices includes an elongated lamp having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end extends beyond the first side and the second end extends beyond the second side.

[0100] Clause 8. A UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the at least one aluminum UV light emitting support includes a first side and an opposite second side, and each of the plurality of UV light emitting devices includes an elongated lamp having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end is substantially flush with the first side and the second end is substantially flush with the second side.

[0101] Clause 9. The UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the panel is made of aluminum.

[0102] Clause 10. The UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, the UV light emitting module further comprising a cooling fan configured to deliver air through the side wall vent or the rear wall vent.

[0103] Clause 11. The UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein two or more of the four aluminum sidewalls include sidewall vents.

[0104] Clause 12. The UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the rear wall further includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins extending from the rear wall.

[0105] Clause 13. A UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0106] Clause 14. The UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, the UV light emitting module further comprising a low-pass filter near the light-transmitting hole in the panel.

[0107] Clause 15. A UV light emitting module according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of UV light emitters includes an excimer lamp, and the UV light emitting module further includes a circuit board comprising a UV LED configured to pre-ionize the gas in the excimer lamp.

[0108] Clause 16. A system for sterilizing one or more components, the system comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules, wherein each of the UV light emitting modules comprises: a package, the package comprising: a rectangular aluminum rear wall including a rear wall vent; a rectangular panel spaced from the rear wall and including a light-transmitting aperture; and four aluminum sidewalls extending between the rear wall and the panel, wherein at least one of the four aluminum sidewalls includes a side wall vent; a plurality of UV light emitters within the package; and at least one aluminum UV light emitter support within the package, the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support being within the package. A UV light emitter support is electrically connected to the plurality of UV light emitters; a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator is provided between the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support and the rear wall; at least one electrical conductor extends through the rear wall and the thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator into the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support; an electrically insulating sleeve extends between the at least one electrical conductor and the surface of the rear wall; and a housing encapsulates the plurality of UV light emitting modules, the housing including at least one cooling fan and at least one housing ventilation outlet, the at least one cooling fan directing air into the housing and the air escaping through the at least one housing ventilation outlet.

[0109] Clause 17. The system according to Clause 16, wherein each of the UV light emitting modules receives power from a common power source.

[0110] Clause 18. The system according to any one of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein the housing includes a plurality of housing vents through which air escapes, wherein each of the housing vents is pneumatically connected to a rear wall vent in one of the UV light emitting modules.

[0111] Clause 19. The system according to Clause 18, wherein the at least one cooling fan is aerodynamically coupled to a housing ventilation inlet in the housing.

[0112] Clause 20. A method of assembling a system for sterilizing one or more components, the method being performed using a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules and a housing, wherein each of the UV light emitting modules includes an encapsulation having a rear wall, a panel, and at least one side wall extending between the rear wall and the panel, the rear wall having a rear wall vent, the panel being spaced apart from the rear wall and having a light-transmitting aperture, the at least one side wall having a side wall vent, each UV light emitting module further including at least one UV light emitter within the encapsulation, and wherein the housing includes at least one cooling fan and at least a first housing vent and a second housing vent, the at least one cooling fan being configured to direct air into the housing, the method comprising the steps of: securing the plurality of UV light emitting modules within the housing; pneumatically connecting the first housing vent to the rear wall vent of the first UV light emitting module of the plurality of UV light emitting modules; and pneumatically connecting the second housing vent to the rear wall vent of the second UV light emitting module of the plurality of UV light emitting modules.

[0113] 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 are not necessarily necessary for all examples of this subject matter disclosure. Furthermore, the various features and techniques disclosed herein can define patentable subject matter beyond the disclosed examples and may find utility in other implementations not explicitly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A UV light emitting module (300) for sterilizing one or more components, the UV light emitting module comprising: Package (304), the package comprising: A rectangular aluminum rear wall (308) includes at least one rear wall vent (352; 353). A rectangular panel (312), spaced apart from the rear wall and including a light-transmitting hole (316); and Four aluminum sidewalls (330; 334; 338; 342) extending between the rear wall and the panel, wherein at least one of the four aluminum sidewalls includes a sidewall vent (348; 349). Multiple UV light emitters (320) are located within the package. At least one aluminum UV light emitter support (322; 323; 450) is located within the package and electrically connected to the plurality of UV light emitters. The at least one aluminum UV light emitter support includes a first aluminum UV light emitter support (322) and a second aluminum UV light emitter support (323) extending parallel to the first aluminum UV light emitter support. The first aluminum UV light emitter support includes a plurality of triangular first inner support surfaces (372), and the second aluminum UV light emitter support includes a plurality of triangular second inner support surfaces (376). Each second inner support surface faces a corresponding first inner support surface of the first aluminum UV light emitter support. Each of the triangular first inner support surfaces and the triangular second inner support surfaces includes rounded edges extending upward along one or two sides and a top. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating partition (350) is provided between the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support and the rear wall. At least one electrical conductor (354; 356) extending through the rear wall and the thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator into the at least one aluminum UV light emitter support; and An electrically insulating sleeve (361; 363) extends between the at least one electrical conductor and the surface of the rear wall.

2. The UV light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein the UV light emitting module further comprises at least one UV light emitting support made of a fluoropolymer within the package.

3. The UV light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one aluminum UV light emitter support includes a first side (454) and an opposite second side (456), and each of the plurality of UV light emitters includes an elongated lamp having a first end (328) and an opposite second end (329), wherein the first end extends beyond the first side and the second end extends beyond the second side.

4. The UV light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one aluminum UV light emitter support includes a first side (454) and an opposite second side (456), and each of the plurality of UV light emitters includes an elongated lamp having a first end (328) and an opposite second end (329), wherein the first end is substantially flush with the first side and the second end is substantially flush with the second side.

5. The UV light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein, The panel is made of aluminum.

6. The UV light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein the UV light emitting module further comprises a cooling fan (410; 510) configured to deliver air through the side wall vent or the rear wall vent.

7. A system (100) for sterilizing one or more components, said system comprising: Multiple ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules (104), wherein the UV light emitting module is the UV light emitting module according to claim 1; and A housing (500) encapsulates the plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules. The housing includes at least one cooling fan (410; 510) and at least one housing ventilation outlet (530; 534). The at least one cooling fan guides air into the housing, and the air escapes through the at least one housing ventilation outlet.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The housing includes a plurality of housing ventilation outlets (530; 534) through which air escapes, wherein each of the plurality of housing ventilation outlets is pneumatically connected to one of the rear wall vents of one of the UV light emitting modules.

9. A method (1300) for assembling a system (100) for sterilizing one or more components, the method being performed using a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules (104) and a housing (500), wherein, Each of the UV light emitting modules includes a package (304) having a rear wall (308), a panel (312), and at least one side wall (330; 334; 338; 342) extending between the rear wall and the panel. The rear wall (308) has at least one rear wall vent (352; 353). The panel is spaced apart from the rear wall and has a light-transmitting hole (316). The at least one side wall has a side wall vent (348; 349). Each UV light emitting module also includes at least one UV light emitter (320) connected within the package to at least one aluminum UV light emitter support. The at least one aluminum UV light emitter support includes a first aluminum UV light emitter support (322) and a second aluminum UV light emitter extending parallel to the first aluminum UV light emitter support. The support member (323), the first aluminum UV light emitter support member including a plurality of triangular first inner support surfaces (372), the second aluminum UV light emitter support member including a plurality of triangular second inner support surfaces (376), each second inner support surface facing the corresponding first inner support surface of the first aluminum UV light emitter support member, wherein each of the triangular first inner support surfaces and the triangular second inner support surfaces includes rounded edges extending along one or two upward sides and top, and wherein the housing includes at least one cooling fan (410; 510) and at least a first housing ventilation outlet (530) and a second housing ventilation outlet (534), the at least one cooling fan being configured to direct air into the housing, the method comprising the following steps: The plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules are fixed (1302) inside the housing; The first housing ventilation outlet is pneumatically connected (1306) to the rear wall ventilation port of the first UV light emitting module among the plurality of UV light emitting modules; and The second housing ventilation outlet is pneumatically connected (1310) to the rear wall ventilation port of the second UV light emitting module among the plurality of UV light emitting modules.

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