System for irradiating objects with ultraviolet light

Abstract

A system (100) for ultraviolet irradiation of an object (9) and a method of using the system (100) are disclosed. The system (100) comprises: a lighting device (1) located in a central part (3) of an octagonal base area (5) and comprising one or more elongated light sources (13), each of which emits ultraviolet light given by short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) and extends parallel to a normal on the base area (5); a set of rotatable grids (7) arranged around the base area (5) so that the grids (7) surround the lighting device (1) and are configured to equip the object (9); and a set of reflectors, including a set of movable side reflectors (11), wherein the reflectors are configured to be arranged so that they form a resonator around the grids (7) surrounding the lighting device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for irradiating an object with short wavelength ultraviolet light and a method of using the system. Background Art

[0002] The coronavirus, or Covid-19 disease, has led to an unprecedented shortage of personal protective equipment for medical professionals, patients, and others. Specifically, the demand for masks, especially those that meet the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's air filtration classification of N95 (filtering at least 95% of airborne particles), has driven the need for the ability to adequately sterilize masks to allow each mask to be used multiple times. Multiple uses could result in a significant increase in the supply of masks for medical professionals, patients, and communities facing respiratory illnesses.

[0003] Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation using short-wavelength ultraviolet light (e.g., UV-C light) provided by a light source is a method that can be used to disinfect, decontaminate, and in some cases even sterilize surfaces. This method is based on the ability of short-wavelength ultraviolet light to destroy the biochemical structure of viruses, bacteria, and mold.

[0004] Due to the minimum exposure time of the surface to short-wavelength UV light required to ensure an adequate degree of disinfection, decontamination or even sterilization, UV germicidal irradiation of a single surface can constitute a very time-consuming process, especially when larger quantities of objects (e.g., large numbers of masks) need to be disinfected, decontaminated and / or sterilized.

[0005] Although this method can be effectively applied to essentially flat surfaces, the irradiation of three-dimensional objects may constitute a more difficult task. This is especially true when objects with different geometric shapes (such as masks of various different shapes) are to be disinfected, decontaminated or even sterilized. One of the reasons for this difficulty is that three-dimensional objects usually include many surface areas facing in different directions. Therefore, depending on the shape of the object to be irradiated and the position of the UV light source, there is always a possibility that one or more surface areas of the object are shielded by at least a part of the object itself with respect to the UV light provided by the UV light source. The shadowed surface areas will not be fully illuminated, which in turn may lead to insufficient disinfection, decontamination and / or sterilization of the object.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of ​​the art.For example, there is a need for a system for ultraviolet irradiation of objects that enables irradiation of a large number of objects in a time-efficient manner.

[0007] As another example, a system is needed that enables sufficient disinfection, decontamination or even sterilization of multiple or all surface areas of an object to be processed (particularly with respect to at least one of the following: three-dimensional objects, objects presented by masks, and objects presented by medical protective equipment). Summary of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure discloses a system for ultraviolet irradiation of an object, the system comprising: a lighting device, located in a central portion of an octagonal base area and comprising one or more elongated light sources, wherein each elongated light source is configured to transmit ultraviolet light given by short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) along its length and has a substantially cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution, and wherein each light source extends parallel to a normal on the base area; a set of rotatable grids, which are arranged around the base area so that the grids surround the lighting device and are configured to be equipped with the object; and, a set of reflectors, including a set of movable side reflectors, wherein the reflectors are configured to be arranged so that they form resonators around the grids surrounding the lighting device.

[0009] The system provides the advantage that it allows a large number of objects housed on the grid to be simultaneously irradiated with UV light provided by the lighting device located in the central part of the base area. Thus, the system enables a large number of objects to be irradiated to be irradiated in a very time-saving manner.

[0010] Furthermore, the combination of each elongated light source providing UV light along its height and having a substantially cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution and the movable side reflectors reflecting incident UV light back into the interior of the resonator surrounded by the movable side reflectors provides the advantage of a substantially omnidirectional beam distribution inside the resonator. This provides the advantage that it prevents a large or total amount of the surface area of ​​the object forming the front face of the object facing the lighting device from being obscured by other surfaces of the object, regardless of their orientation and position. At the same time, at least some of the UV light is reflected in a plurality of different directions to the surface area of ​​the object forming the back face of the object facing away from the lighting device.

[0011] In particular, in applications where the reflected UV light irradiating the back of an object may not be sufficient to ensure the desired degree of disinfection, the open structure of the grid provides the advantage that it enables the continuous irradiation of multiple sides of the object, such as the front and back. In this respect, the rotatable grid provides the advantage that the continuous irradiation of different sides of the object can be performed in a time-efficient manner, in particular without the need to release individual objects from the grid. In addition, the open grid structure of the grid provides the advantage that the object can be accommodated on the grid so that substantially all sides of the object are exposed.

[0012] Another advantage of the system is that the movable side reflectors enable easy access to the grid for mounting and dismounting of the object, and when they are arranged around the grid during illumination of the object they protect people and the environment from exposure to UV light.

[0013] Furthermore, the practical design of the system makes it very easy to use and well suited for operation by users such as medical technicians working in hospitals.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more elongated light sources of the lighting device: is or includes an ultraviolet lamp, a fluorescent lamp or a linear light source; or includes a linear array of ultraviolet light sources, a linear array of semiconductor light sources, a linear array of solid-state light sources, a linear array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or a linear array of laser diodes.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the one or more slender light sources of the lighting device include: a single slender light source located at the center of the base area; or a group of four slender light sources arranged in a square array; or a group of eight slender light sources arranged in an octagonal array; or a first group of four slender light sources arranged in a first square array and a second group of four slender light sources arranged in a second square array; or a group of four slender light sources arranged in a square array and a group of eight slender light sources arranged in an octagonal array.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first embodiment:

[0017] The four elongated light sources included in the group of four elongated light sources or the four elongated light sources included in the first group of four elongated light sources are positioned so that: a) the distance between each of these elongated light sources and the center of the base area is the same, b) they are separated from each other by a distance or 30 centimeters, wherein the distance corresponds to the side length of the square formed by the array in which they are arranged; and / or c) the square array is oriented so that each side of the square defined by the square array extends parallel to one of the sides of the octagon of the octagonal base area; and / or:

[0018] The eight elongated light sources included in the group of eight elongated light sources are positioned such that: a) each of the eight elongated light sources is spaced apart from the center of the base area by a distance or a distance of 40 cm to 60 cm, wherein the distance corresponds to half the distance between the center of the base area and the grid, and / or b) the octagonal array is oriented such that each side of the octagon defined by the octagonal array extends parallel to a side of the octagon of the octagonal base area.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the first embodiment comprising a first set of four elongated light sources arranged in a first square array and a second set of four elongated light sources arranged in a second square array:

[0020] the elongated light sources belonging to the second group of four elongated light sources are positioned such that a distance between each elongated light source of the second group of four elongated light sources and a center of the base area is the same and is greater than a distance between each elongated light source of the first group of four elongated light sources and the center of the base area;

[0021] the elongated light sources of the second set of four elongated light sources being spaced apart from one another by a distance corresponding to a side length of a square defined by the second square array, wherein the side length of the second square array is substantially equal to a width of the grid and / or a side length of an octagon of the octagonal base area;

[0022] Each of the first and second square arrays is oriented such that each side of a respective square extends parallel to a side of the octagonal base region; and / or

[0023] Each of the first and second square arrays is oriented such that an orientation of a square described by the first array deviates from an orientation of a second square described by the second array by a rotation angle of 45° about an axis of rotation extending through a center of the base region.

[0024] In some embodiments, the distance between the objects mounted on the grid and the center of the base area is 80 cm to 100 cm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the grid is rotatably mounted on a frame surrounding the base area, the frame comprising: a set of columns, wherein each column is placed at a position corresponding to one of the corners of the octagon of the base area and parallel to each extension of one or more slender light sources; and, a set of connecting elements connecting the upper ends of the columns to each other, so that each connecting element connects the upper ends of two columns adjacent to each other; and, each grid either comprises a first extension rotatably fixed to the middle part of one of the connecting elements, or comprises a first extension rotatably fixed to the middle part of one of the connecting elements and a second extension located opposite the first extension and rotatably fixed to the base plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the grid comprises fixtures for mounting objects in the grid field of the grid such that the objects are substantially fully exposed to their surroundings on all sides.

[0027] In some embodiments, the grid is configured to: rotate through a rotation angle of 180° so that both the front and back sides of each object mounted on the grid can be illuminated; rotate in steps of 30° of rotation angle to cover the entire rotation; or rotate continuously during illumination of the object.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the lighting device is configured to emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm; or, the one or more elongated light sources are line light sources configured to emit an ultraviolet light spectrum given by or including a wavelength of 254 nm.

[0029] In another embodiment, the system is configured to perform at least one of the following: subjecting the objects mounted on the grid to 6 mJ / cm 2 Up to 60J / cm 2 and irradiating the object on the grid during an exposure time of 1 minute to 15 minutes.

[0030] In a further embodiment, one or more slender light sources of the lighting device are each mechanically mounted between a mounting base arranged in a central portion of the base area and a light source support suspended above the base area or suspended above the base area by at least one frame member attached to a frame surrounding the base area, wherein at least one frame member extends through a cross-sectional area spanned by the frame at a certain height above the base area.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the set of reflectors includes at least one of: a top reflector that reflects ultraviolet light and is configured to be positioned opposite the base area above the one or more elongated light sources; and a bottom reflector that reflects ultraviolet light and covers at least a portion of the base area.

[0032] In another embodiment, each movable side reflector comprises a reflective panel mounted on a set of wheels; and each reflector panel: reflects incident UV light, is a metal panel, is or includes an aluminum sheet, is composed of UV reflective material, and / or includes a micro-photonic structure for enhancing back reflection.

[0033] In another embodiment, the system further comprises a substrate having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the base area, wherein: the lighting device is mounted on a central portion of the substrate; and wherein: the substrate is mounted on a frame surrounding the base area or the frame surrounding the base area is mounted on the substrate; and / or, the substrate is located at a height greater than or equal to the height of the bottom edge of the reflector panel of the movable side reflector.

[0034] The present disclosure further discloses a method of using the system disclosed herein, the method comprising the following steps: using the system to disinfect, decontaminate and / or sterilize an object, an object given by a mask, or an object given by a medical device by irradiating it with short wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C light) provided by a lighting device.

[0035] An embodiment of the method includes at least one of the following steps: irradiating an object using the system, the object comprising at least one of the following: a three-dimensional object, a medical device, and a mask; and irradiating the object mounted on the grid so as to achieve a logarithmic reduction of at least one of the following: coronavirus, Covid-19, products from bacteria, fungi, mold, and at least one other pathogen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The described embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein and the manner in which they are achieved will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A plan view of a system for irradiating an object with ultraviolet light according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 An elongated light source is shown;

[0039] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a grid mounted on an open frame structure;

[0040] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a rotatable grid surrounding a lighting device;

[0041] Figure 5 A detailed view of a portion of a grid is shown;

[0042] Figure 6 A movable side reflector is shown;

[0043] Figure 7 An octagon in a circle is shown;

[0044] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a system according to the present disclosure, the system comprising a rotatably mounted grid;

[0045] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 Partial view of the system shown in Figure 1. For clarity, one of the meshes is rotated to match the Figure 8 Different positions shown;

[0046] Fig.10 shows a plan view of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprising elongated light sources arranged in a square array;

[0047] Fig.11 shows a plan view of a system of the present disclosure comprising elongated light sources arranged in an octagonal array;

[0048] Fig.12shows a plan view of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprising a first set of elongated light sources arranged in a first square array and a second set of elongated light sources arranged in a second square array;

[0049] Fig.13 shows a plan view of a system of the present disclosure including a set of four elongated light sources arranged in a square array and a set of eight elongated light sources arranged in an octagonal array;

[0050] Fig.14 shows a perspective view of an elongated light source mounted between a mounting base and a light source support suspended from above;

[0051] Fig.15A showing a perspective view of a top reflector covering the area spanned by the frame; and

[0052] Fig. 15B A plan view of a top reflector covering the area spanned by the frame is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present disclosure includes a system 100 for applying ultraviolet radiation to an object. An example is shown in Figure 1 The system 100 comprises a lighting device 1 positioned in a central part 3 of a base area 5, a set of grids 7 configured to be provided with an object 9 to be illuminated and a set of reflectors comprising or consisting of a set of movable side reflectors 11.

[0054] The lighting device 1 comprises at least one elongated light source 13. Figure 2 Examples of elongated light sources 13 are shown in . Each elongated light source 13 extends parallel to a normal on the base region 5 and is configured to emit ultraviolet light given by short wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C light) along its length and has a substantially cylindrically symmetric beam distribution.

[0055] Elongated light sources 13 suitable for this purpose include, for example, UV tubes (e.g., fluorescent tubes) and elongated light sources including the following parts: a linear array of UV light sources, such as a linear array of semiconductor light sources, a linear array of solid-state light sources, a linear array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or a linear array of laser diodes. As an alternative, other types of elongated light sources may be used, for example, an elongated light source including a linear array of other types of UV light sources and / or an elongated light source including a nonlinear optical device, which is configured to emit UV light along its length and has a substantially cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution. In some embodiments, the elongated light source 13 may be implemented as a line light source emitting an UV spectrum (e.g., a line spectrum given by or including a wavelength of 254 nanometers).

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, the grids 7 are configured to be arranged along the perimeter of the base area 5 such that they surround the lighting device 1 . Figure 3 A side view of an embodiment is shown, in which the grids 7 are each mounted in a part of an open frame structure, such as a frame 20 , surrounding the lighting device 1 , and in which one of the grids 7 is provided with an object 9 . Figure 4 An example of a perspective view of a set of grids 7 rotatably mounted on a frame 20 surrounding the lighting device 1 is shown.

[0057] Figure 5 An embodiment of a detailed portion of one of the grids 7 is shown in . Each grid 7 may include an array of grid fields configured to be equipped with objects 9 to be irradiated. As shown, the grid 7 may include horizontal and vertical grid bars forming an open grid structure such as a metal frame, which is used to accommodate the objects 9 and define multiple grid fields. In some embodiments, the grid 7 may include a fixture 15 for mounting the objects 9 in the grid field. As an example, the fixture 15 can be implemented in the form of a clip for clamping the objects 9 on the grid 7 so that each object 9 is suspended from one grid bar. Exemplary objects 9 (here given by masks) are shown in Figure 5 The mask is suspended from one of the grid bars by one of its straps secured by one of the securing devices 15. Those having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that other types of suitable securing devices may be used, including but not limited to hooks, clips, fasteners and / or retainers configured to enable objects 9 to be irradiated to be attached to the grid 7 so that the objects 9 are substantially fully exposed on all sides to their surroundings.

[0058] The set of reflectors including the set of movable side reflectors 11 is configured to be arranged such that the reflectors 11 form a resonator around the grid 7 surrounding the lighting device 1. To this extent, the movable side reflectors 11 are configured to be arranged outside the grid 7 surrounding the lighting device 1 (e.g. opposite to the lighting device 1). In this regard, the side reflectors 11 are implemented, for example, are dimensioned, such that they can be arranged to form side walls around the interior of the resonator. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the set of reflectors consists of four movable side reflectors 11 which are configured to be arranged approximately in a square so that they form the four side walls of a generally tubular resonator, although not purely cylindrical, which surrounds the grid 7 surrounding the lighting device 1.

[0059] exist Figure 6 Examples of movable side reflectors 11 are shown in FIG. Each movable side reflector 11 may include a reflective panel 17 adapted to reflect incident ultraviolet light. Figure 6As shown, the movability of the side reflectors 11 can be facilitated by a set of wheels 19 on which the reflective panels 17 can be mounted to enable each side reflector 11 to be rolled into place. In some embodiments, the set of wheels 19 can be rollers, ball casters, bearings, tracks, or other suitable structures to enable the reflective panels 17 to be movable.

[0060] The reflective panel 17 may be a metal panel. As an example, the reflective panel 17 is or includes an aluminum sheet. The aluminum sheet has the advantage of being thin and light, which in turn enables the advantage that the movable side reflector 11 can be easily moved.

[0061] Other types of reflective panels 17 may be used instead, for example, reflective panels 17 composed of or including other types of UV reflective materials (e.g., highly reflective materials); and / or reflective panels 17 with different surface structures, for example, reflective panels with or including microphotonic structures for enhancing back reflection. In at least one embodiment, the reflective panel 17 includes a surface finish or treatment to promote and / or enhance the reflective properties of the reflective panel 17, such as UV-C reflective properties, and the surface finish or treatment includes but is not limited to anodizing, vapor deposition, or reflective paint or coating.

[0062] Based on the system 100 disclosed herein, the method of using the system 100 includes using the system 100 to disinfect, decontaminate or even sterilize the object 9 by irradiating the object 9 with ultraviolet light provided by the lighting device 1. In this regard, the object 9 may include at least one of the following: a three-dimensional object, a medical device, and a mask.

[0063] The method disclosed herein may include the following steps: mounting an object 9 to be irradiated on a grid 7 surrounding the lighting device 1; arranging a movable side reflector 11 around the outside of the grid 7 so that the side reflector 11 forms a side wall of a resonator around the grid 7, which surrounds the lighting device 1 on all sides; and irradiating the object 9 at least once with ultraviolet light emitted by the lighting device 1.

[0064] The method of using system 100 may include irradiating an object 9, particularly a medical device and / or a mask, so as to obtain a sufficient log reduction of coronavirus, Covid-19, products from bacteria, fungi, mold, and / or at least one other pathogen.

[0065] The systems and methods of the present disclosure enable the above advantages to be achieved. Various embodiments of the individual components of the system 100 may be applied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Several embodiments are described in detail herein that may be applied alone and / or in combination.

[0066] exist Figure 1 , 3In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base area 5 has a polygonal shape, such as an octagonal shape. In this case, the group of grids 7 may include a plurality of grids 7 corresponding to the number of sides of the polygon of the base area 5. In the embodiment shown, the group of grids 7 includes eight grids 7 arranged in an octagon around the lighting device 1 (e.g., along the perimeter of each base area 5).

[0067] As shown in the figure of the octagon in the circle Figure 7 As shown, the octagonal arrangement of the grid 7 applied during illumination offers the advantage that it relatively closely reproduces the substantially cylindrically symmetrical illumination distribution of the UV light provided by the elongated light source 13 of the illumination device 1. This is particularly advantageous for the complete illumination of a three-dimensional object 9, since it leads to a significant reduction or even complete elimination of a surface area of ​​the object 9 forming the front face of the object 9 facing the illumination device 1, which surface area might otherwise be shaded by other surface areas of the object 9 and would therefore only be illuminated by the UV light reflected by the reflector forming the resonator.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, each grid 7 has a width w corresponding to or complementary to the length of the sides of the polygonal base area 5 and a height h corresponding to or complementary to the length of the elongated light source 13 of the lighting device 1. The rectangular shape of the grids 7 provides the advantage that a relatively large number of objects 9 can be accommodated on each grid 7.

[0069] Furthermore, the grid field of the grid 7 offers the advantage that all sides of the object 9 can be illuminated. Various embodiments can be applied for this purpose.

[0070] Depending on the characteristics of the objects 9, such as their shape, their material and / or their thickness and their intended use, irradiation of the back side of the objects 9 obtained by ultraviolet light reflected onto the objects 9 by a set of reflectors including a movable side reflector 11 may be sufficient to achieve an acceptable degree of disinfection, decontamination or even sterilization of the objects 9.

[0071] In certain embodiments, additional measures may be taken or foreseen to obtain a higher and / or more uniform degree of disinfection, decontamination or even sterilization over all surface areas of the object 9. By way of example, each grid 7 may be implemented in the form of a rotatable grid 7, for example in the form of a grid 7 rotatable about an axis of rotation, for example extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lighting device 1, parallel to the longitudinal axis of each elongated light source 13. By way of example, each grid 7 may be rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through its center parallel to its height h.

[0072] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a frame 20 surrounding the base area 5. In this case, each grid 7 is rotatably mounted on the frame 20. Figure 4, 8 Such an embodiment is shown in and 9 , each showing a side view of an exemplary grid 7 rotatably mounted to a frame 20 surrounding a lighting device 1 including some movable side reflectors 11 .

[0073] exist Figure 4 and Figure 8 In , the grid 7 is rotated to a position so as to form the side walls of an octagon defined by the octagonal shape of the base area 5. Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, one of the rotatable grids 7 is rotated to different positions to illustrate the rotatability of the grid 7. In the embodiment shown, each grid 7 is rotatably mounted to a different frame portion of the frame 20.

[0074] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a substrate 21 having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the base area 5. In such embodiments, the substrate 21 may be mounted to the frame 20 or vice versa, and the lighting device 1 may be mounted on a central portion of the substrate 21. In addition, the substrate 21 may be positioned at a height greater than or equal to the height of the bottom edge of the reflector panel 17 of the movable side reflector 11. Figure 8 As shown, the substrate 21 may be mounted on feet 23 such that the substrate 21 is at a desired height relative to the reflector panel 17 .

[0075] As shown, the frame 20 may include a set of posts 25 that are evenly distributed along the outer contour of the base region 5. The posts 25 may each be disposed at a position corresponding to one of the corners of the polygonal (e.g., octagonal) shape of the base region 5 or substrate 21, and each post 25 may extend parallel to the elongated light source 13.

[0076] The frame 20 further includes a set of connecting elements 27 that connect the upper ends of the columns 25 to each other, such that each connecting element 27 connects the upper ends of two columns 25 adjacent to each other.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, each grid 7 comprises a first extension 29 rotatably fixed to the middle portion of one of the connecting elements 27. In an embodiment of the system 100 comprising a base plate 21, each grid 7 may comprise a second extension 31, which is located opposite the first extension 29 and is rotatably fixed to the base plate 21. In such an embodiment, the rotation axis of each grid 7 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the respective grid 7 extending through the center of the respective grid 7 and the first and second extensions 29, 31.

[0078] The rotatable grid 7 enables all objects 9 mounted on the same grid 7 to be rotated simultaneously by correspondingly rotating the respective grids 7. In such embodiments comprising a rotatable grid 7, the method of using the system 100 may comprise the additional step of rotating the grid 7 at least once during the irradiation of the objects 9 or between consecutive irradiations of the objects 9.

[0079] As an example, the grids 7 can each be rotated by a rotation angle of 180° between consecutive illuminations of the objects 9. The rotation angle of 180° makes it necessary to expose opposite sides of each object 9, such as the front side and the back side, only two illuminations are required to expose the illumination from the lighting device 1, while the other side is exposed to the UV light reflected from the set of reflectors.

[0080] As another example, the grids 7 may each be rotated in steps of smaller rotation angles (eg, rotation angles of 30°) that are applied incrementally to cover the entire rotation.

[0081] In some embodiments, the method of using the system 100 may include the step of continuously rotating the grid 7 during illumination of the object 9 .

[0082] Rotating the grid 7 at least once or continuously offers the advantage that a more uniform degree of disinfection, decontamination or even sterilization is obtained over all surface areas of the objects 9 .

[0083] With regard to the function of irradiating to disinfect, decontaminate or sterilize the object 9, the lighting device 1 is configured to emit short wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C light). In some embodiments, the lighting device 1 can be configured to emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nanometers to 280 nanometers. In embodiments in which the elongated light source 13 comprises or consists of at least one line light source, each line light source can be configured to emit an ultraviolet spectrum given by or including a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

[0084] The system 100, in particular the lighting device 1, can be configured to generate UV light such that the object 9 is exposed to 6 mJ / cm 2 Up to 60J / cm 2 of radiation dose.

[0085] This dose range ensures that the dose applied is high enough to cause a relatively high degree of disinfection, decontamination or sterilization. At the same time, the dose range is low enough to avoid damage to the irradiated object 9, such as damage to the filtering capacity of the mask that may be caused by irradiation.

[0086] In certain embodiments, object 9 may be exposed to ultraviolet light emitted by lighting device 1 during an exposure time of 1 minute to 15 minutes.

[0087] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured so that objects 9 mounted on the grid 7 are Figure 1 The distance d between the centers of the base areas 5 indicated by “X” in FIG. 1 is greater than or equal to 80 centimeters and less than or equal to 100 centimeters.

[0088] As described herein, the lighting device 1 includes one or more elongated light sources 13 located in the central portion 3 of the base region 5. Figure 1 , 3 The lighting devices 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 each comprise a single elongated light source 13 located in the center of the base area 5. Such an embodiment may be particularly suitable when the object 9 has a substantially flat shape.

[0089] In a further embodiment, a lighting device 1 comprising more than one elongated light source 13 may be used. Having more than one elongated light source 13 enables each elongated light source 13 to project UV light directly onto respective surface areas of an object 9 mounted on a grid 7 surrounding the lighting device 1 at different ranges of incidence angles. Thus, surface areas of the object 9 which may be shielded by another surface area with respect to some or all angles of incidence of the UV light emitted by one of the light sources 13 are exposed to direct UV light emitted by at least one of the other elongated light sources 13. Figures 10 to 13 An embodiment of a system 100 is shown in which the lighting device 1 comprises at least one group of elongated light sources 13 arranged in an array.

[0090] Figure 8 , 9 and 10 show Figure 1 A modification of the system 100 shown, in which the lighting device 1 includes four elongated light sources 13 arranged in a square array. In such an embodiment, the elongated light sources 13 can all be positioned so that the distance between each of the elongated light sources 13 and the center of the base area 5 is the same. As an example, the elongated light sources 13 can be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a side length of 30 centimeters of the square array centered on the center of the base area 5. In addition, the square array can be oriented so that each side of the square defined by the square array extends parallel to one of the sides of the polygonal or octagonal base area 5.

[0091] Fig.11An alternative embodiment is shown in which the lighting device 1 comprises eight elongated light sources 13 arranged in an octagonal array. Similar to the previous embodiment, the elongated light sources 13 may be individually positioned so that the distance between each of the elongated light sources 13 and the center of the base area 5 is the same. As shown, the octagonal array may be oriented so that each side of the octagon defined by the octagonal array extends parallel to one of the sides of the octagonal base area 5. As an example, the eight elongated light sources may each be spaced apart from the center of the base area 5 by a distance corresponding to half the distance between the center of the base area 5 and the grid 7. As an example, the elongated light sources may be disposed at a distance of 40 to 60 centimeters from the center of the base area 5.

[0092] In some embodiments, the lighting device 1 may comprise two or more groups of elongated light sources 13, wherein the elongated light sources 13 belonging to the same group are arranged in an array.

[0093] Fig.12 An embodiment is shown in which the lighting device 1 comprises a first group of four elongated light sources 13 and a second group of four elongated light sources 13. The elongated light sources 13 belonging to the first group may be arranged in a first square array and may be positioned so that the distance between each elongated light source 13 of the first group and the center of the base area 5 is the same. As an example, the elongated light sources 13 of the first group may be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the side length of the square array of 30 centimeters. The elongated light sources 13 of the second group are arranged in a second square array and may be positioned so that the distance between each of the elongated light sources 13 of the second group and the center of the base area 5 is the same and greater than the distance between each of the elongated light sources 13 of the first group and the center of the base area 5. The elongated light sources 13 of the second group may be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the side length of the square defined by the second square array. The side length of the square defined by the second square array may be at least approximately equal to the width w of the grid 7 and / or the side length of the octagon of the octagonal base area 5. In such an embodiment, each of the first and second square arrays can be oriented such that each side of the square defined by the first and second square arrays extends parallel to one side of the polygonal base area 5 and / or such that the orientation of the square defined by the first array deviates from the orientation of the square defined by the second array by an angle of rotation of approximately 45° about a rotation axis extending through the center of the base area 5.

[0094] Fig.13 An alternative embodiment is shown, in which the lighting device 1 comprises a group of four elongated light sources 13 and a group of eight elongated light sources 13. In such an embodiment, the elongated light sources 13 in the group of four elongated light sources 13 may be as described with respect to Fig.10 Additionally or alternatively, the elongated light sources 13 in the set of eight elongated light sources 13 may be positioned and arranged as described above with respect to Fig.11The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is positioned and arranged as described.

[0095] Regardless of the number of elongated light sources 13 included in the lighting device 1, each elongated light source 13 can be mechanically mounted between a mounting base 33 and a light source support 35 suspended above the base area 5, such as Figure 8 , 9 and 14. The mounting base 33 and the light source support 35 enable the elongated light source 13 to be mounted such that an area surrounding the elongated light source 13 along the entire length of the elongated light source 13 is free of mounting devices that would otherwise intersect at least some of the emission path of the cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution of ultraviolet light transmitted by the elongated light source 13.

[0096] Fig.14 An embodiment of a lighting device 1 comprising four elongated light sources 13 is shown, wherein each elongated light source 13 is clamped between a mounting base 33 and a light source support 35 configured to be suspended from above.

[0097] In such an embodiment, the light source support 35 may comprise a plate 37 and a fastening device 39 mounted on a side of the plate 37 facing away from the elongated light source 13 and configured to enable the light source support 35 to be suspended therefrom.

[0098] Figure 4 , 8 9 shows an example of a light source support 35 suspended from above. In the example shown, the light source support 35 is suspended by mounting it to the frame 20 via a fastening device 39. In this case, for example Figure 4 As shown, the frame 20 may include one or more frame members 41, such as beams, extending through the cross-sectional area spanned by the frame 20 at a height corresponding to where the light source support 35 will be suspended above the base area 5. In this case, the light source support 35 may be attached to the frame members 41 extending above the light source support 35 by fastening devices 39. In alternative embodiments, other mechanical means for suspending the light source support 35 may be used.

[0099] Suspending the light source support 35 from above (e.g., by mounting it to the frame 20) enables the weight of the light source support 35 to be supported by the frame 20. This configuration provides the advantage that the elongated light sources 13 can be connected between the mounting base 33 and the light source support 35 without any of the elongated light sources 13 having to bear any of the weight of the light source support 35.

[0100] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment shown, each elongated light source 13 is mounted on a mounting block 43 foreseen on the mounting base 33 .

[0101] As described herein, during illumination of the object 9, the ultraviolet light emitted by the lighting device 1 is reflected by the movable side reflectors 11 arranged around the grid 7. Figure 1 As shown in the circled portion of , during illumination, the movable side reflectors 11 may be positioned so that the lateral side of each movable side reflector 11 faces the outer edge of the front surface of the adjacent movable side reflector 11. This arrangement provides the advantage that it minimizes the leakage of ultraviolet light out of the inner volume of the tubular resonator defined by the movable side reflectors 11.

[0102] Each elongated light source 13 of the lighting device 1 emits UV light having a substantially cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution. Considering a single spatial direction covered by the cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution, the UV light emitted in this spatial direction comprises rays emitted along a propagation path covering a range of inclination angles relative to the horizontal plane. Figure 1 In the illustrated system 100, where the movable side reflector 11 is arranged to define the side walls of the tubular resonator, most of the ultraviolet light emitted by the lighting device 1 will be contained within the tubular resonator. Nevertheless, the transmission path may include: a transmission path extending along a straight line that intersects the position of the movable side reflector 11 at a height exceeding the height of the movable side reflector 11; and a transmission path extending along a straight line directed toward the base area 5 of the system 100.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the illumination efficiency of the object 9 can be further improved and / or an increasingly omnidirectional beam distribution of the ultraviolet light illuminating the object 9 can be obtained by a set of reflectors configured to form a resonator, which additionally includes at least one of the following: a top reflector 45 that reflects ultraviolet light and is configured to be located opposite the base area 5 above the elongated light source 13; and, a bottom reflector 47 that reflects ultraviolet light and covers at least a portion of the base area 5. In such an embodiment, the top reflector 45 and / or the bottom reflector 47 can be implemented as a metal reflector. In alternative embodiments, another type of reflector configured to reflect ultraviolet light can be used as the top reflector 45 and / or as the bottom reflector 47 instead.

[0104] exist Fig.15A and 15B , an embodiment of a top reflector 45 is shown, which is configured to cover the area spanned by the grid 7 surrounding the lighting device 1 and mounted on the frame 20. As shown, the top reflector 45 can be implemented as a top cover that is configured to be positioned or mounted on the frame 20 at a position opposite to the base area 5 and at a height exceeding the height of the elongated light source 13, so that the top reflector 45 covers at least a portion or all of the base area 5.

[0105] In some embodiments, the top reflector 45 may include or consist of more than one individual reflector element 49, 51. Fig.15A and 15B In the embodiment shown, the top reflector 45 comprises two disk-shaped reflector elements 49, 51, each having a semicircular disk area.

[0106] The separate reflector elements 49, 51 can facilitate mounting the top reflector 45 in place. In addition, the separate reflector elements 49, 51 can facilitate accommodating components of the system 100, such as components of the frame 20 extending through the base area 5 and / or components required for mounting and / or for wiring the elongated light source 13, such as a light source support 35 attached to the frame 20 and / or connecting wires that can be guided through the openings 53 between the individual reflector elements 49, 51.

[0107] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the top reflector 45 is implemented to rest on the frame 20 or to be attached to the ceiling of the frame 20 .

[0108] The bottom reflector 47 may be implemented as a bottom cover that is configured to be positioned opposite to the top reflector 45 on the base area 5. Figure 4 , 8 In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 9 , the bottom reflector 47 is implemented as a bottom cover covering the substrate 21 .

[0109] The system including at least one of the top reflector 45 and the bottom reflector 47 enables UV light reflected by the respective reflector back to the resonator during illumination to increase the efficiency of the resonator and produce a more omnidirectional beam distribution of UV light to which the object 9 is exposed during illumination.

[0110] Although various embodiments of systems for ultraviolet irradiation of objects and methods of using and constructing the systems have been described in considerable detail herein, these embodiments are provided only as non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It should therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and elements thereof may be substituted with equivalents, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to exhaust or limit the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0111] In addition, when describing representative embodiments, the present disclosure may have presented methods and / or processes as specific sequence of steps. However, insofar as the method or process does not rely on the specific sequence of steps given herein, the method or process should not be limited to the described specific sequence of steps. Other sequence of steps may be possible, and therefore still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] Reference numerals list

[0113] 1 Lighting equipment

[0114] 3. Central part

[0115] 5 Base area

[0116] 7 Grid

[0117] 9 Objects

[0118] 11 Movable side reflectors

[0119] 13 Slim Light Source

[0120] 15 Fixtures

[0121] 17 Reflective Panel

[0122] 19 Wheels

[0123] 20 Framework

[0124] 21 substrate

[0125] 23 feet

[0126] 25 columns

[0127] 27 Connecting elements

[0128] 29 First extension

[0129] 31 Second extension

[0130] 33 Mounting base

[0131] 35 Light source support

[0132] 37 Plates

[0133] 39 Fastening equipment

[0134] 41 Frame member

[0135] 43 Mounting Block

[0136] 45 Top reflector

[0137] 47 Bottom reflector

[0138] 49 reflector element

[0139] 51 reflector element

[0140] 53 Opening

[0141] 100 Systems

Claims

1. A system (100) for irradiating a plurality of objects (9) with ultraviolet light, the system (100) comprising: A lighting device (1) arranged in a central portion (3) of an octagonal base region (5) and comprising one or more elongated light sources (13), wherein each elongated light source (13) is configured to emit short wavelength ultraviolet light along the length of the respective elongated light source (13) and has a substantially cylindrically symmetrical beam distribution, and wherein each elongated light source (13) extends parallel to a normal to the base region (5); a rotatable set of grids (7) arranged around the base area (5) such that the grids (7) surround the lighting device (1), each grid (7) being configured to be equipped with at least some of the plurality of objects (9), wherein each grid (7) comprises an array of grid fields configured to be equipped with objects (9) to be illuminated, wherein each grid field of the grids (7) comprises a fixture (15) configured to enable one of the plurality of objects (9) to be mounted in the grid field such that each of the plurality of objects (9) is substantially fully exposed to the surrounding environment on all sides; and A set of reflectors, comprising a set of movable side reflectors (11), wherein the reflectors are configured to be arranged during illumination of the object (9) so as to form a resonator around the set of grids (7) and provide access to the grids (7) for mounting and dismounting the object (9), the set of grids (7) surrounding the lighting device (1).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the one or more elongated light sources (13) of the lighting device (1): is or includes an ultraviolet lamp, a fluorescent lamp or a linear light source; or Included are linear arrays of ultraviolet light sources, linear arrays of semiconductor light sources, linear arrays of solid-state light sources, linear arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs), or linear arrays of laser diodes.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more elongated light sources (13) of the lighting device (1) comprise: a single elongated light source (13) arranged in the centre of the base region (5); or a set of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in a square array; or a set of eight elongated light sources (13) arranged in an octagonal array; or a first group of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in a first square array and a second group of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in a second square array; or A set of four elongated light sources (13) are arranged in a square array and a set of eight elongated light sources (13) are arranged in an octagonal array.

4. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The four elongated light sources (13) included in the group of four elongated light sources (13) or the four elongated light sources (13) included in the first group of four elongated light sources (13) are positioned such that: a) each of the four elongated light sources (13) is located at the same distance from the center of the base area (5); b) the four elongated light sources (13) are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance or a distance of 30 cm, wherein the distance corresponds to the side length of the square formed by the square array in which they are arranged; and / or c) the square array is oriented so that each side of the square defined by the square array extends parallel to a side of the octagon of the octagonal base area (5); and / or Wherein, the eight elongated light sources (13) included in the group of eight elongated light sources (13) are positioned such that: a) each of the eight elongated light sources (13) is spaced apart from the center of the base area (5) by a distance of 40 cm to 60 cm, wherein the distance corresponds to half the distance between the center of the base area (5) and the grid (7); and / or b) the octagonal array is oriented so that each side of an octagon defined by the octagonal array extends parallel to a side of the octagon of the octagonal base region (5).

5. The system (100) according to claim 3, comprising the first group of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in the first square array and the second group of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in the second square array, wherein: The elongated light sources (13) of the second group of four elongated light sources (13) are arranged such that the distance between each elongated light source (13) of the second group of four elongated light sources (13) and the center of the base area (5) is the same and greater than the distance between each elongated light source (13) of the first group of four elongated light sources (13) and the center of the base area (5); the elongated light sources (13) of the second group of four elongated light sources (13) being spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a side length of a square defined by the second square array, wherein the side length of the second square array is substantially equal to a width (w) of the grid (7) and / or a side length of the octagon of the octagonal base area (5); The first square array and the second square array are each oriented so that each side of each respective square extends parallel to a side of the octagonal base area (5); and / or The first square array and the second square array are each oriented so that the orientation of the squares described by the first square array deviates from the orientation of the second squares described by the second square array by a rotation angle of 45° about a rotation axis extending through the center of the base area (5).

6. The system (100) of claim 4, comprising the first set of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in the first square array and the second set of four elongated light sources (13) arranged in the second square array, wherein: The elongated light sources (13) of the second group of four elongated light sources (13) are arranged such that the distance between each elongated light source (13) of the second group of four elongated light sources (13) and the center of the base area (5) is the same and greater than the distance between each elongated light source (13) of the first group of four elongated light sources (13) and the center of the base area (5); the elongated light sources (13) of the second group of four elongated light sources (13) being spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a side length of a square defined by the second square array, wherein the side length of the second square array is substantially equal to a width (w) of the grid (7) and / or a side length of the octagon of the octagonal base area (5); The first square array and the second square array are each oriented so that each side of each respective square extends parallel to a side of the octagonal base area (5); and / or The first square array and the second square array are each oriented so that the orientation of the squares described by the first square array deviates from the orientation of the second squares described by the second square array by a rotation angle of 45° about a rotation axis extending through the center of the base area (5).

7. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The distance (d) between any one of the plurality of objects (9) mounted on the grid (7) and the center of the base area (5) is 80 cm to 100 cm.

8. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The grid (7) is rotatably mounted on a frame (20) surrounding the base area (5), the frame (20) comprising: a set of posts (25), wherein each post (25) is placed at a position corresponding to one of the corners of the octagon of the base area (5) and parallel to each extension of the one or more elongated light sources (13); a set of connecting elements (27) connecting the upper ends of the columns (25) to each other, such that each connecting element (27) connects the upper ends of two adjacent columns 25; and Each grid (7) either comprises a first extension (29) rotatably fixed to the middle part of one of the connecting elements (27), or comprises a first extension (29) rotatably fixed to the middle part of one of the connecting elements (27) and a second extension (31) located opposite to the first extension (29) and rotatably fixed to the base plate (21).

9. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The grid (7) is configured as follows: Rotating through a rotation angle of 180° so as to enable illumination of the front and back sides of each object (9) mounted on the grid (7); Rotate through a complete rotation in steps of 30°; or The rotation continues during the irradiation of the object (9).

10. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lighting device (1) is configured to emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nanometers to 280 nanometers; or The one or more elongated light sources (13) are line light sources configured to emit a spectrum of ultraviolet light given by or including a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

11. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system (100) is configured to perform at least one of the following: The object (9) mounted on the grid (7) is subjected to 6 mJ / cm during exposure to the ultraviolet light emitted by the lighting device (1). 2 Up to 60J / cm 2 radiation dose; as well as The object (9) on the grid (7) is irradiated during an exposure time of 1 minute to 15 minutes.

12. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more slender light sources (13) of the lighting device (1) are each mechanically mounted between a mounting base (33) arranged in a central part of the base area (5) and a light source support (35) suspended above the base area (5) or suspended above the base area (5) by at least one frame member (41) attached to a frame (20) surrounding the base area (5), wherein the at least one frame member (41) extends through a cross-sectional area spanned by the frame (20) at a certain height above the base area (5).

13. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The set of reflectors includes at least one of: a top reflector (45) adapted to reflect ultraviolet light and configured to be located opposite the base region (5) above the one or more elongated light sources (13); as well as A bottom reflector (47) adapted to reflect ultraviolet light and configured to cover at least a portion of the base area (5).

14. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each movable side reflector (11) comprises a reflective panel (17) mounted on a set of wheels (19); and Each reflector panel (17) is suitable for reflecting incident ultraviolet light, is a metal panel, is or includes an aluminum sheet composed of ultraviolet light reflecting material and / or includes a micro-photonic structure for enhancing back reflection.

15. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a substrate (21) having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the base area (5), wherein: The lighting device (1) is mounted on the central portion of the substrate (21); and in: The substrate (21) is mounted on a frame (20) surrounding the base area (5), or the frame (20) surrounding the base area (5) is mounted on the substrate (21); and / or The base plate (21) is disposed at a height higher than or equal to the height of the bottom edge of the reflector panel (17) of the movable side reflector (11).

16. A method of using the system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the following steps: Using the system, an object (9), an object (9) presented by a mask or an object (9) presented by a medical device is disinfected, decontaminated and / or sterilized by irradiating with short-wavelength ultraviolet light provided by the lighting device (1).

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising at least one of the following steps: Using the system (100) to illuminate an object (9), the object (9) comprising at least one of: a three-dimensional object, a medical device, and a mask; and The objects (9) mounted on the grid (7) are irradiated to achieve a logarithmic reduction of at least one of: coronavirus, Covid-19, products from bacteria, fungi, mold, and at least one other pathogen.

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