Antifouling unit and method of applying multiple antifouling units to a surface

Abstract

An anti-fouling unit (1) is configured to be arranged on a surface and comprises at least one circuit (30) comprising a light emitting device (31) configured to emit anti-fouling light. Furthermore, the anti-fouling unit (1) comprises a carrier board (40) carrying the at least one circuit (30), the carrier board (40) comprising at least one active board area (42) where the at least one circuit (30) is located and at least one passive board area (43) outside the active board area (42) configured to allow the anti-fouling unit (1) to be divided into separate segments without deteriorating the anti-fouling function and the light emitting device (31) of the at least one circuit (30) is configured to implement the anti-fouling function at the location of the at least one active board area (42) and at the location of the at least one passive board area (43).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] First, the present invention relates to an anti-fouling unit configured to be disposed on a surface, wherein the anti-fouling unit includes at least one circuit, the at least one circuit including a light-emitting device configured to emit anti-fouling light and a plate-shaped carrier plate carrying the at least one circuit, and wherein the carrier plate has an emitting surface configured to allow light from the light-emitting device of the at least one circuit to be transmitted to the outside of the anti-fouling unit, thereby subjecting the outer side of the emitting surface and its surroundings to anti-fouling action.

[0002] Second, the present invention relates to an object and an assembly of a plurality of anti-fouling units, as mentioned, arranged on the surface of the object.

[0003] Third, the present invention relates to a method for preparing, as mentioned, anti-fouling units for at least partially arranging on a surface.

[0004] Fourth, the present invention relates to a method for applying a plurality of anti-fouling units as mentioned above to a surface. Background Technology

[0005] Generally speaking, this invention relates to the field of surface antifouling. Fouling of surfaces exposed to water is a well-known phenomenon that causes numerous problems in many fields for at least a portion of their lifespan. For example, in the shipping industry, it is known that biological fouling on the hull of ships leads to a significant increase in ship towing and, consequently, increased fuel consumption. In this respect, it is estimated that up to 40% of the increase in fuel consumption can be attributed to biological fouling.

[0006] Generally speaking, biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, small animals, etc., on surfaces. According to some estimates, over 1800 species, comprising more than 4000 organisms, are responsible for biofouling. Therefore, biofouling is caused by a wide variety of organisms and involves far more than just barnacles and algae adhering to surfaces. Biofouling is classified into microfouling, which includes biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion, and macrofouling, which includes the adhesion of larger organisms. Organisms are also classified as hard or soft due to different chemical and biological methods used to determine what prevents them from settling. Hard fouling organisms include calcareous organisms such as barnacles, scale-forming bryozoans, mollusks, polychaetes and other tube worms, as well as zebra mussels. Soft fouling organisms include non-calcareous organisms such as algae, hydra, algae, and biofilm "slime." These organisms together form fouling communities.

[0007] Biofouling can cause mechanical malfunctions and inlet blockages, in addition to the increased towing of ships mentioned above, which are just two other negative consequences. In any case, the subject of biofouling prevention, i.e., the process of removing and / or preventing biofouling, is well-known.

[0008] WO 2020 / 058333 A1 discloses a light-emitting unit configured to be applied to a surface area of ​​a marine object and including at least one light source configured to emit antifouling light.

[0009] US 2020 / 148318 A1 discloses an anti-fouling lighting system configured to prevent or reduce biofouling on a dirt surface of an object by providing anti-fouling light to the dirt surface via an optical medium. The anti-fouling lighting system includes a lighting module comprising a light source configured to generate anti-fouling light.

[0010] EP 3 438 520 A1 discloses a light-emitting device that can be used in various backgrounds, including backgrounds that enable anti-fouling action on a surface. The light-emitting device includes light-emitting units arranged in a planar filling pattern to cover at least a majority of the surface.

[0011] WO 2014 / 188347 A1 discloses a method for preventing fouling of a surface when it is at least partially immersed in a liquid environment (particularly an aqueous or oily environment). The method involves providing an anti-fouling light and providing an optical medium closely adjacent to such a protected surface, the optical medium having a substantially flat emitting surface. At least a portion of the light is distributed through the optical medium in a direction substantially parallel to the protected surface, and the anti-fouling light is emitted from the emitting surface of the optical medium in a direction away from the protected surface. The anti-fouling light may be ultraviolet light, and the optical medium may include ultraviolet-transparent silicone (i.e., silicone substantially transparent to ultraviolet light), and / or ultraviolet-grade fused silica, specifically quartz.

[0012] By applying the method known from WO 2014 / 188347 A1, it is possible to cover the protected surface at least to a large extent with a layer that emits bactericidal light to keep it clean and prevent biofouling. As previously mentioned, the protected surface can be the hull of a ship, but the method is equally applicable to other types of surfaces.

[0013] WO 2014 / 188347 A1 also discloses a lighting module suitable for putting the aforementioned method into practice. Therefore, the lighting module includes: at least one light source for generating anti-fouling light and an optical medium for distributing the anti-fouling light from the light source. At least one light source and / or optical medium may be at least partially arranged in, on, and / or near the protected surface to emit anti-fouling light in a direction away from the protected surface.

[0014] The lighting module known from WO 2014 / 188347A1 can be provided as a foil suitable for application to a protected surface. The foil can be substantially size-limited in two orthogonal directions perpendicular to the foil's thickness direction, thus providing a tile-shaped anti-fouling unit; in another embodiment, the foil is substantially size-limited in only one direction perpendicular to the foil's thickness direction, thus providing elongated stripes of the anti-fouling foil.

[0015] When it comes to making large surfaces (which can be as large as 10,000 m²), 2 When the above-mentioned surfaces undergo antifouling operations, the concept of tile-shaped antifouling units is particularly interesting. It is conceivable that the antifouling units be arranged in a planar filling pattern to cover at least a large portion of the surface. The antifouling units can have any suitable shape and size. For example, square units can be used and arranged in a regular pattern on the hull of a ship to form an antifouling luminous device on the hull, wherein each unit can be determined to be approximately 1m in size covering the hull. 2 In any case, the anti-fouling unit is configured to be arranged on a surface, which may be referred to as the protected surface.

[0016] As indicated above, the present invention relates to an anti-fouling unit comprising i) at least one circuit including a light-emitting device configured to emit anti-fouling light, and ii) a plate-shaped carrier plate carrying the at least one circuit, wherein the carrier plate has an emitting surface configured to allow light from the light-emitting device of the at least one circuit to pass to the exterior of the anti-fouling unit, thereby subjecting the outer side of the emitting surface and its surrounding area to anti-fouling action. Covering flat surface portions with multiple such anti-fouling units is not a major problem, but covering non-flat curved surface portions and surface portions with irregularities (such as welds, markings, and surface interruptions) presents a considerable challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The object of the present invention is to provide a way to reliably cover any part of a surface using at least one anti-fouling unit, even if the surface part is curved and / or has irregularities. In view of this, the present invention provides an anti-fouling unit configured to be arranged on a surface, wherein the anti-fouling unit includes: at least one circuit including a light-emitting device configured to emit anti-fouling light; and a plate-shaped carrier plate carrying the at least one circuit, wherein the carrier plate has an emitting surface configured to allow light from the light-emitting device of the at least one circuit to be transmitted to the outside of the anti-fouling unit, thereby subjecting the outer side and surrounding area of ​​the emitting surface to anti-fouling action, wherein the carrier plate includes at least one active plate area where the at least one circuit is located and at least one passive plate area outside the active plate area, the at least one passive plate area being configured to allow the anti-fouling unit to be divided into separate segments for mounting on a predetermined surface portion while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit, and wherein the light-emitting device of the at least one circuit is configured to subject the outer side and surrounding area of ​​the emitting surface to anti-fouling action at the location of the at least one active plate area and the location of the at least one passive plate area.

[0018] The present invention also relates to an object and an assembly of a plurality of antifouling units, as defined in the preceding paragraphs, arranged on the surface of said object. The object may be a marine object, in which case the term "marine object" should be understood as referring to an object comprising at least one surface intended to be at least partially submerged in a fouling liquid containing biological fouling organisms for at least a portion of the object's lifespan. In the context of this text, the term "marine object" is not limited to objects used in brine, but is to be understood to also include objects used in freshwater. Examples of marine objects include ships and other vessels, marine stations, marine-based oil or gas facilities, buoyancy equipment, support structures for marine wind turbines, structures for harvesting wave / tidal energy, sea tanks, underwater tools, etc.

[0019] According to the present invention, when the design of the anti-fouling unit is adjusted, particularly when the anti-fouling unit is designed such that the carrier plate of the anti-fouling unit includes at least one active plate area where at least one circuit of the anti-fouling unit is located and at least one passive plate area outside the active plate area, the difficulties encountered in covering non-flat and / or non-smooth portions of the protected surface with one or more anti-fouling units are alleviated, wherein the at least one passive plate area is configured to allow the anti-fouling unit to be divided into separate segments while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit. Furthermore, the light-emitting device included in the at least one circuit is configured such that the outer side of the emitting surface of the carrier plate and the surrounding area of ​​the emitting surface undergo anti-fouling action at the locations of the at least one active plate area and the at least one passive plate area, such that the entire anti-fouling unit is under the anti-fouling influence of the light-emitting device of the at least one circuit.

[0020] Based on the design of the anti-fouling unit having at least one active board area and at least one passive board area, it becomes possible to divide the anti-fouling unit into separate segments while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit. Therefore, when the anti-fouling unit needs to be mounted on a non-flat and / or non-smooth surface portion, this can be accomplished by appropriately dividing the anti-fouling unit into two or more separate segments and by arranging at least one such separate segment on the surface at the location of the corresponding portion, preferably at least one separate segment comprising at least one active board area to provide anti-fouling functionality on the surface as desired.

[0021] Within the framework of this invention, the distribution of at least one active plate area and at least one passive plate area in the carrier plate can be freely chosen. For example, it may be practical if the at least one passive plate area extends along a portion of the periphery of the carrier plate or along the entire periphery of the carrier plate. In such a case, it is advantageous if the width of the at least one passive plate area between the at least one active plate area and the periphery of the carrier plate is less than or equal to 10 cm or preferably 9 cm, in this way, taking into account the light absorption characteristics of the currently known available materials of the carrier plate, complete dirt-resistant coverage of the at least one passive plate area can be ensured. On the other hand, in such a case, it is advantageous if the width of the at least one passive plate area between the at least one active plate area and the periphery of the carrier plate is greater than 7 cm or even 8 cm, so as to have greater flexibility in terms of adapting the size of the carrier plate, so as to enable the carrier plate to be mounted on a given surface portion.

[0022] Depending on practical possibilities, the anti-fouling unit may comprise two circuits of the type containing at least one light-emitting device. In such a case, it is still practical if the anti-fouling unit comprises a passive board area extending between an active board area where one circuit is located and another active board area where another circuit is located, as this allows the anti-fouling unit to be easily divided into two separate segments including the active board area. Given the foregoing note regarding the assumption of applying currently known anti-fouling light sources (such as ultraviolet LEDs) to ensure complete anti-fouling coverage of the at least one passive board area, it is advantageous if the width of the passive board area between the active board area where one circuit is located and another active board area where another circuit is located is less than or equal to 20 cm, or possibly 18 cm. For optimal flexibility in the use of the anti-fouling unit, embodiments of the anti-fouling unit are feasible where the active board area where one circuit is located and another active board area where another circuit is located have different sizes.

[0023] Regarding different embodiments of the anti-fouling unit according to the invention, the size of at least one passive plate region in the emitting surface may differ from the size of at least one active plate region in the emitting surface. In this respect, it should be noted that the invention covers all of the following options: i) the option where the size of at least one passive plate region in the emitting surface is smaller than the size of at least one active plate region in the emitting surface; ii) the option where the size of at least one passive plate region in the emitting surface is the same as the size of at least one active plate region in the emitting surface; and iii) the option where the size of at least one passive plate region in the emitting surface is larger than the size of at least one active plate region in the emitting surface. A suitable range for the ratio of the size of at least one passive plate region in the emitting surface to the size of at least one active plate region in the emitting surface is 0.1 to 10.

[0024] Within the framework of this invention, there are various advantageous options regarding the shape of the periphery of the carrier plate. For example, the periphery of the carrier plate may have a trapezoidal shape or a hexagonal shape.

[0025] It is practical if the at least one circuit includes a power receiving device configured to receive power from outside the anti-fouling unit for powering the light-emitting device. Among other things, it is possible that the power receiving device includes at least two coils configured to operate independently of each other, thus avoiding a situation where only a single predetermined possibility exists regarding the functional position of at least the active plate area of ​​the anti-fouling unit relative to the external power supply. In such a case, it may be practical if the at least two coils are located in rotationally symmetrical positions within the carrier plate. For example, if the outer perimeter of the carrier plate is rectangular, the two coils can be positioned such that the coils are in the same position relative to half a turn of the carrier plate on the surface (i.e., more than 180° of the carrier plate). On the other hand, if the outer perimeter of the carrier plate is rectangular, it may be convenient if one coil is positioned along the short side of the carrier plate and the other along the long side of the carrier plate, allowing the anti-fouling unit to be arranged in one of two different positions relative to the external power supply, the different positions associated with more than 90° of the carrier plate's turns. Furthermore, it is possible to have an electrical coil at each side of a rectangular carrier plate or a carrier plate of another shape that includes multiple or more or fewer straight sides.

[0026] For the same purpose of preventing the positioning of the anti-fouling unit relative to an external power supply from being limited to only one possibility, it is practical if the anti-fouling unit includes a single circuit containing a power receiving device, which comprises an electrical coil centrally arranged in the carrier plate. In this respect, it should be noted that it may be advantageous if the electrical coil is annular and the center of gravity of the carrier plate is in the area surrounded by the electrical coil.

[0027] Regarding the carrier plate, it should be noted that an example of a suitable material for the carrier plate is silicone resin. Furthermore, a configuration is possible in which at least one circuit is embedded in the material of the carrier plate. Regarding the light-emitting device, it should be noted that, for example, the light-emitting device may include at least one LED. Regarding the anti-fouling light, it should be noted that the invention covers the use of any suitable type of anti-fouling light, including the use of ultraviolet light.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing an anti-fouling unit as defined above for at least partially arranging it on a surface. Such a method involves dividing the anti-fouling unit into individual segments at the location of at least one passive board area while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit. This is particularly advantageous if one of the individual segments of the anti-fouling unit is shaped to conform to a predetermined contour of the surface portion and the associated space on the surface to be occupied by the individual segment. The practical manner of dividing the anti-fouling unit into individual segments involves subjecting the anti-fouling unit to a cutting action at the location of the at least one passive board area, wherein any suitable cutting tool can be used. In the case of the anti-fouling unit according to the invention, this implies that it is practical if the at least one passive board area is configured to allow the anti-fouling unit to be divided into individual segments by a cutting action.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method of applying a plurality of anti-fouling units as defined above to a surface. Such a method involves arranging the anti-fouling units in a planar filling pattern on the surface, and dividing at least a plurality of the anti-fouling units into individual segments at the location of at least one passive board area, while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit. In the process, the anti-fouling units can be positioned side-by-side on the surface in a closely adjacent manner. According to practical possibilities consistent with aspects of the invention already described above, the method of applying the plurality of anti-fouling units to the surface can involve realizing the shape of one of the individual segments of each of the divided anti-fouling units, which conforms to a predetermined contour of the surface portion and the associated space on the surface to be occupied by one of the individual segments. Also consistent with aspects of the invention already described above, this is practical if each of the divided anti-fouling units undergoes a cutting action at the location of the at least one passive board area.

[0030] For completeness, it should be noted that the term "planar fill pattern" should be understood in its practical sense, that is, to cover various options that will generally be referred to by a person skilled in the art through the term, including: the option mentioned above, according to which the anti-fouling units are arranged in a closely adjacent manner on the surface, wherein there is virtually no space between the anti-fouling units; and according to which the anti-fouling units are arranged side by side with only a narrow space between them. Generally, the term applies to patterns in which the anti-fouling units are arranged to form a continuous cover of the surface and patterns in which the anti-fouling units are arranged to form a cover providing interruptions to the surface, the interruptions not exceeding a small area between the anti-fouling units, wherein a larger portion of the total area of ​​the pattern is occupied by the anti-fouling units. In any case, it may be particularly convenient to make the mutual distance between the anti-fouling units significantly smaller than the general size of the anti-fouling units.

[0031] Depending on practical possibilities, dividing at least a plurality of anti-fouling units into separate segments involves the following actions: positioning two of the anti-fouling units relative to each other, wherein the passive plate areas of the respective anti-fouling units are in an overlapping arrangement, and making a single cut through the overlapping passive plate areas. In this way, an accurate way to achieve a configuration in which one anti-fouling unit is closely adjacent to another is obtained without taking complex measures, because it is simply a matter of placing the anti-fouling units relative to each other in an appropriate position, wherein the passive plate areas of the anti-fouling units are in an overlapping arrangement, and the remaining portions of the anti-fouling units extend on different sides of the area where the overlapping passive plate areas exist, the different sides being more or less opposite sides of the area, and making a single cut through the combined passive plate areas, after which the shapes of the edges of the resulting anti-fouling units are precisely adapted to each other, so that those edges can immediately present a closely adjacent arrangement.

[0032] The aspects and other aspects of the present invention described above will become apparent from and be set forth with reference to the following detailed description of actual embodiments of an anti-fouling unit configured to be arranged on a surface and the actual manner of handling the anti-fouling unit. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 The anti-fouling unit according to a first practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure.

[0035] Figure 2The illustration shows a plurality of anti-fouling units according to a second practical embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates how the anti-fouling units can be used to cover a conical surface.

[0036] Figure 3 The illustration shows a pattern of an anti-fouling unit according to a second practical embodiment of the present invention, and how the anti-fouling unit can be divided into individual segments.

[0037] Figure 4 The illustration shows a plurality of anti-fouling units according to a third practical embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates how the anti-fouling units can be used to cover a spherical surface.

[0038] Figure 5 A portion of the anti-fouling unit and power supply strip according to a fourth practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0039] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustration shows how multiple anti-fouling units according to a fifth practical embodiment of the present invention can be used to cover surface portions located between welds on a surface.

[0040] Figure 8 The illustrations show two different ways in which the anti-fouling unit according to a sixth practical embodiment of the present invention can be positioned relative to the power supply band.

[0041] Figure 9 The illustration shows a possible pattern for an anti-fouling unit according to a seventh practical embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 The illustration shows how the anti-fouling unit can be positioned relative to the power supply band according to a seventh practical embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 The anti-fouling unit according to the eighth practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure.

[0044] Figure 12 The anti-fouling unit according to the ninth practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure.

[0045] Figure 13 The anti-fouling unit according to the tenth practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure.

[0046] Figure 14 The anti-fouling unit according to the eleventh practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure.

[0047] Figure 15 The anti-fouling unit according to the twelfth practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure.

[0048] Figure 16 and Figure 17 The diagram illustrates the actual options for configuring the circuitry of the anti-fouling unit.

[0049] Figure 18 The side view of the carrier plate of the anti-fouling unit is illustrated.

[0050] Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 The diagram illustrates how the anti-fouling unit can be divided into individual segments, and

[0051] Figure 22 The illustration shows how two anti-fouling units can be cut to achieve a close proximity arrangement of the edges of the anti-fouling units. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1 The anti-fouling unit 1 according to a first practical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The anti-fouling unit 1 is configured to be disposed on the surface 20 and is operable to perform an anti-fouling action by emitting anti-fouling light. Figure 2 An example of surface 20 is illustrated in the diagram. For example, surface 20 could be the outer surface of a marine object. Figure 2 The surface 20 shown has a conical shape and is just one example of many types of surfaces on which at least one anti-fouling unit according to the invention can be arranged.

[0053] Generally, the anti-fouling unit according to the invention comprises: at least one circuit 30, which includes a light-emitting device 31 configured to emit anti-fouling light; and a plate-shaped carrier plate 40 carrying at least one circuit 30. In this respect, it is possible if at least one circuit 30 is embedded in the material of the carrier plate 40. The carrier plate 40 has an emitting surface 41 configured to allow light from the light-emitting device 31 of at least one circuit 30 to be transmitted to the outside of the anti-fouling unit, thereby subjecting the outer side of the emitting surface 41 and its surrounding area to anti-fouling action. For integrity reasons, it should be noted that when the anti-fouling unit is arranged on the surface 20, the anti-fouling unit contacts the surface 20 through another surface of the carrier plate 40 rather than the emitting surface 41. It is possible if the material of the carrier plate 40 is flexible so that the anti-fouling unit can conform to the shape of the non-flat portion of the surface 20. Furthermore, if the material of the carrier plate 40 is transparent to anti-fouling light, for example, the anti-fouling light can be ultraviolet light, then this is practical, wherein the carrier plate 40 can be configured to distribute anti-fouling light.

[0054] The carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit 1 according to a first practical embodiment of the present invention has a square perimeter. Besides the surface 20, Figure 2A plurality of anti-fouling units 2 according to a second practical embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit 2 according to the second practical embodiment of the present invention has a trapezoidal periphery. Generally, within the framework of the present invention, many shapes of the periphery of the carrier plate 40 are possible. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The square shape of the outer perimeter of the carrier plate 40 can also be seen. Figure 12 and Figure 13 These relate to an anti-fouling unit 9 according to a ninth practical embodiment of the present invention and an anti-fouling unit 10 according to a tenth practical embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The trapezoidal shape of the outer periphery of the carrier plate 40 can also be seen. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This relates to the anti-fouling unit 7 according to a seventh practical embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 The anti-fouling unit 8 relates to an eighth practical embodiment of the present invention. Other examples of the shape of the periphery of the carrier plate 40 include: as in Figure 4 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The hexagonal shape that can be seen in it Figure 4 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 This relates to the anti-fouling unit 3 of the third practical embodiment of the present invention, the anti-fouling unit 11 of the eleventh practical embodiment of the present invention, and the anti-fouling unit 12 of the twelfth practical embodiment of the present invention; and as in Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The rectangular shape that can be seen in the image. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 These relate to the anti-fouling unit 4 according to the fourth practical embodiment of the present invention, the anti-fouling unit 5 according to the fifth practical embodiment of the present invention, and the anti-fouling unit 6 according to the sixth practical embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3It should be noted that difficulties arise when anti-fouling units designed to cover a non-flat surface 20 using a planar fill pattern while avoiding overlap of the carrier plates 40 of the corresponding anti-fouling units. Due to the shape of the surface 20, the anti-fouling units cannot be well assembled together. According to the invention, to mitigate this problem, the anti-fouling units are designed such that the carrier plate 40 includes at least one active board region 42 where at least one circuit 30 is located and at least one passive board region 43 outside the active board region 42. Based on the presence of at least one passive board region 43, the possibility of dividing the anti-fouling unit into separate segments while maintaining the functional integrity of at least one circuit 30 is obtained. In fact, the anti-fouling unit can be subjected to cutting actions, etc., at the location of the passive board region 43, and given the fact that the circuit 30 exists in the anti-fouling unit at a location outside the passive board region 43, at least one circuit 30 is not contacted during the process. Advantageously, the process of dividing the anti-fouling unit into individual segments is accomplished in such a way that at least one segment is obtained and installed on a predetermined portion of the surface 20 to be covered. This predetermined portion may be, in particular, a portion of a predetermined outline and associated space on the surface 20 defined by adjacent anti-fouling units or their segments. This segment is preferably a segment comprising at least one active plate area 42, which does not change the fact that it is also possible, if desired, to use a segment comprising only the material of the front passive plate area 43 of the anti-fouling unit, for example, when it is necessary to cover a relatively small and / or narrow surface portion.

[0056] Figure 3 An example is shown of how the anti-fouling unit can be divided into three segments 51, 52, 53 for mounting on a predetermined surface portion. The two segments 52, 53, indicated in dark, are not intended for use on surface 20 and are separate from each other and from the larger remaining segment 51, which can be accomplished without problems assuming the two segments 52, 53 are within the passive plate area 43. This is practical if at least one passive plate area 43 extends at least partially along the periphery of the carrier plate 40, making it possible to shape / cut the large remaining segment 51 to be measured by removing one or more peripheral segments 52, 53 from the carrier plate 40.

[0057] Figure 4 The illustration shows how, in the case of using the anti-fouling unit 3 (where the periphery of the carrier plate 40 has a hexagonal shape on the spherical surface 20), it may be advantageous to remove the annular peripheral segment 54 from the larger and central remaining segment 55 of at least some of the anti-fouling units 3 to obtain a planar-filled pattern covering of the surface 20 using the anti-fouling unit 3. It should be noted that if the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit 3 includes a passive plate region 43 extending along the periphery of the carrier plate 40, this can be done without any impairment to the light-emitting function of the anti-fouling unit 3.

[0058] According to the invention, in order to achieve complete anti-fouling coverage of the anti-fouling unit, particularly when it is not necessary to divide the anti-fouling unit into segments, the light-emitting device 31 of at least one circuit 30 of the anti-fouling unit is configured to subject the outer side and surrounding area of ​​the emitting surface 41 to anti-fouling action at the location of at least one active plate area and at the location of at least one passive plate area. Given the general light-emitting performance of common light generators / sources such as ultraviolet LEDs, and assuming the practical option of at least one passive plate area extending at least partially along the periphery of the carrier plate 40, it is safe to have a width of at least one passive plate area between the periphery of the carrier plate 40 and at least one active plate area of ​​less than or equal to 10 cm, or possibly 9 cm.

[0059] As mentioned above, in the anti-fouling unit 1 according to the first practical embodiment of the present invention, the carrier plate 40 has a square perimeter. Furthermore, the anti-fouling unit 1 includes a single circuit 30. Figure 1 In the circuit 30, the light source 32 included in the light-emitting device 31 is schematically depicted as a rectangle. The circuit 30 also includes a power receiving device 33 configured to receive power from outside the anti-fouling unit 1 for powering the light-emitting device 31. The power receiving device 33 includes two coils 34, which... Figure 1 The diagram shows an ellipse.

[0060] In the case where the circuit 30 of the anti-fouling unit according to the invention includes a power receiving device 33 and the power receiving device 33 relies on the power receiving function of the coil, the number of coils 34 in the power receiving device 33 can be one or more. When the power receiving device 33 includes at least two coils 34, the at least two coils 34 can be configured to operate independently of each other, so that the circuit 30 can be powered by any one of the coils 34. This allows for an enhanced degree of freedom in positioning the anti-fouling unit on the surface 20, assuming that power can be picked up only at certain predetermined locations on the surface 20 (which is the case when the power supply strip 21, etc., are present on the surface 20). Figure 5 An example of a power supply strip 21 is illustrated in the diagram. It should be noted that this may be practical if the power supply strip 21 includes multiple coils 22 arranged in a row.

[0061] In the anti-fouling unit 1 according to a first practical embodiment of the present invention, the carrier plate 40 includes an active plate region 42 and two passive plate regions 43, wherein the passive plate regions 43 extend on opposite sides of the active plate regions 42. Figure 1 In the middle, the boundary between the active board area 42 and the corresponding passive board area 43 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0062] like Figure 5As illustrated, the anti-fouling unit 4 according to a fourth practical embodiment of the present invention is an example of an anti-fouling unit, comprising: two or more circuits 30, each including at least one light-emitting device 31; and a passive board region 43 extending between an active board region 42 where one circuit 30 is located and an active board region 42 where at least one other circuit 30 is located. Specifically, the anti-fouling unit 4 according to the fourth practical embodiment of the present invention comprises up to three circuits 30, each including at least one light-emitting device 31, wherein the first and second circuits 30, respectively, are located in different active board regions 42 separated by a passive board region 43, and wherein the second and third circuits 30, respectively, are located in different active board regions 42 separated by another passive board region 43. The different active board regions 42 can have any size, wherein it should be noted that if each of the active board regions 42 has another size, as in the example shown, such that various appearances can be obtained as individual segments can be created based on the anti-fouling unit 4, this may be practical. For the sake of integrity, it should be noted that the anti-fouling unit 4 can be divided into two or three separate segments by performing cutting actions at one or both of the locations in the passive plate area 43.

[0063] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustration shows how a plurality of anti-fouling units 5 according to a fifth practical embodiment of the present invention can be used to cover the surface portion 23 located between welds 24 on surface 20. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates how the anti-fouling unit 5 would need to be arranged on the surface portion 23 if it were impossible to divide the anti-fouling unit 5 into separate segments without compromising its light-emitting function. It can be seen that this is not an optimal arrangement, where the two segments of the anti-fouling unit 5 shown on the right are sized such that the entire arrangement is mounted on the surface portion 23 at the cost of no longer being operable for achieving the anti-fouling function. Figure 6 The document also indicates how, according to the invention, the anti-fouling unit 5 can provide peripheral passive plate areas 43 on two opposite sides of the central active plate area 42, and... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates how multiple segments 56 of the anti-fouling unit 5, obtained after dividing the anti-fouling unit 51 into segments and including the central active plate region 42 of the anti-fouling unit 5, can be used to cover the surface portion 23. Each of the segments 56 is effective in performing the anti-fouling function as desired. Furthermore, Figure 7 The illustration shows a possible arrangement of power supply strips 21 on surface portion 23, wherein each power supply strip 21 extends behind segment 56 at a position relative to the center of segment 56, which is effective when it is assumed that the circuit 30 included in segment 56 includes a power receiving device such as an electric coil at more or less the center position.

[0064] Figure 8 The illustration shows two different ways in which the anti-fouling unit 6 according to a sixth practical embodiment of the present invention can be positioned relative to the power supply strip 21. As previously mentioned, the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit 6 according to the sixth practical embodiment of the present invention has a rectangular shape on its periphery. To allow for the arrangement of the anti-fouling unit 6 having its long axis extending in the direction of the power supply strip 21, as... Figure 8 As shown on the left, and the option to arrange an anti-fouling unit 6 having its short axis extending in the direction of the power supply strip 21, as shown. Figure 8 As shown on the left, advantageously, the power receiving device 33 includes an electrical coil 34 centrally arranged in the carrier plate 40. Specifically, as shown, the electrical coil 34 can be annular, wherein the center of gravity of the carrier plate 40 is located in the area surrounded by the electrical coil 34. Alternatively, it is feasible to equip the anti-fouling unit 6 with at least two coils 34, wherein one electrical coil 34 is arranged to extend along the short side of the carrier plate 40, and the other electrical coil 34 is arranged to extend along the long side of the carrier plate.

[0065] Figure 9 The illustration shows how the anti-fouling units 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention can be arranged in a row. As previously mentioned, the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit 7 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has a trapezoidal shape on its periphery. The trapezoidal shape of the carrier plate 40 is such that the anti-fouling units 7 can be arranged in a straight row by alternatingly rotating the anti-fouling units 7 180° on the surface 20, assuming a symmetrical trapezoidal shape, as shown in the figure. Based on the trapezoidal shape of the carrier plate 40, the anti-fouling units 7 are also well-suited for covering the convex curved surface 20, as already referenced... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The suggested or concave surface 20. Therefore, the anti-fouling unit including the carrier plate 40 with a trapezoidal periphery can be widely used, especially since the carrier plate 40 can be cut to a certain size to take into account different radii of curvature of the surface 20.

[0066] Figure 10 The illustration shows that the anti-fouling unit 7 according to a seventh practical embodiment of the invention can be equipped with two independent power receiving coils 34 in a single circuit 30, and one of the coils 34 can be arranged along the base of the trapezoidal shape of the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit 7, while the other coil 34 can be arranged along the top of the trapezoidal shape. In this way, the anti-fouling unit 7 can be positioned relative to the power supply strip 21 in two different ways, and can still operate in exactly the same way.

[0067] Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15Different options are used to illustrate the outer shape of the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit and the number and positioning of the power receiving coils 34 in the anti-fouling unit. Figure 11 The illustration shows that the carrier plate 40 is trapezoidal in shape, the number of power receiving coils 34 is two, and the power receiving coils 34 are positioned near each of the inclined sides of the trapezoidal shape, aligned with the mirror axis of symmetry of the trapezoidal shape. Thus, the positioning of the power receiving coils 34 is... Figure 10 The positions shown are different. Figure 12 The illustration shows that the carrier plate 40 is square in shape, the number of power receiving coils 34 is two, and the power receiving coils 34 are positioned on two opposite sides of the square shape. Figure 13 The illustration shows that the carrier plate 40 is square in shape, the number of power receiving coils 34 is four, and the power receiving coils 34 are positioned at each of the sides of the square shape, which provides an option for increased freedom in arranging the anti-fouling unit 10 relative to one or two power supply bands 21. Figure 14 The illustration shows that the carrier plate 40 is hexagonal in shape, the number of power receiving coils 34 is six, and the options for positioning the power receiving coils 34 at each of the sides of the hexagonal shape. Figure 15 The illustration shows that the carrier plate 40 has a six-variant shape, the number of power receiving coils 34 is one, and the power receiving coils 34 are positioned at the center of the carrier plate 40.

[0068] Within the framework of this invention, many other options are feasible in addition to those mentioned above. For example, a triangular or parallelepiped shape of the carrier plate 40 may be practical, wherein a power receiving coil 34 is present at each of the sides of the carrier plate 40 or a single centrally arranged power receiving coil 34 may also be practical.

[0069] Figure 16 The illustration shows a first practical option for the configuration of circuit 30, wherein the circuit 30 shown includes two light sources 32 as LEDs and two power receiving coils 34. Figure 17 The illustration shows a second practical option for the configuration of circuit 30, wherein the circuit 30 shown includes two light sources 32 as LEDs and four power receiving coils 34.

[0070] As can be seen from the foregoing description of a practical example of an anti-fouling unit according to the invention, the invention provides an anti-fouling unit that can be divided into two or more separate segments at the location of the passive plate area 43, such that at least one segment can be mounted to the surface portion 23, and assuming that at least one segment includes at least one active plate area 42 of the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit, the segment can still be operated to perform the anti-fouling function by emitting light. Therefore, when intending to arrange multiple anti-fouling units according to the invention on the surface 20, the invention allows for the customization of at least multiple anti-fouling units according to the details of the surface portion 23 to be occupied by dividing the anti-fouling unit into two or more separate segments on one or more passive plate areas 43.

[0071] Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 The basic aspects of the invention are also illustrated. Figure 18 A side view of the carrier plate 40 of the anti-fouling unit is illustrated. In the figure, a central active plate area 42 and two passive plate areas 43 can be seen, located on the periphery of the carrier plate 40, opposite to the active plate area 42. At the location of the active plate area 42, a circuit 30, including a light-emitting device 31 and a power-receiving device 33, is present in the carrier plate 40. In the example shown, the circuit 30 includes a plurality of UV-C LEDs 32 arranged on a printed circuit board 35, a power-receiving coil 34 located on one side of the printed circuit board 35, and wires 36 interconnecting the coil 34 and the printed circuit board 35. The emission of UV-C light from the UVC LEDs is illustrated by arrows.

[0072] Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 Different configurations of circuitry 30, such as those that can be embedded in a material of carrier plate 40, are illustrated. In each figure, some of the possible cut lines are shown in dashed form. Figure 19 This relates to a case where a single circuit 30 is located at the center and one or more peripheral segments can be cut off along the periphery of the carrier plate 40, i.e., where the central active board area 42 is surrounded by a peripheral passive board area 43 and where the corresponding anti-fouling unit can be divided into a larger segment including the circuit 30 and at least one smaller peripheral segment, wherein the latter may be strip-shaped. Figure 20 This involves a situation where there are two similar circuits 30, and where cutting is possible not only near the periphery but also at the location of a passive board area 43 extending between the active board areas 42 where the circuits 30 are located. Figure 21It is also possible that there are two different circuits 30, and that a cut is made at the location of a passive board area 43 extending between the active board areas 42 where the circuits 30 are located.

[0073] For clarity's sake, it should be noted that Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 Each of these may appear to depict something resembling a wiring scheme; however, it should never be interpreted as representing an actual, complete wiring scheme. Similarly, it should be noted that... Figure 18 The representation only has illustrative characters.

[0074] Figure 22 The illustration shows how two anti-fouling units can be cut to achieve a close proximity arrangement of the edges of the anti-fouling units. As an example, the figure shows two anti-fouling units 1 according to a first practical embodiment of the invention. To prepare the anti-fouling units 1 for cutting, the anti-fouling units 1 are positioned relative to each other in an overlapping arrangement with the passive plate area 43 of the anti-fouling units 1, as can be seen in the figure. Possible cutting lines are depicted in dashed lines in the figure. It is readily understood from the figure that once a cut has been made along the cutting lines through the overlapping passive plate area 43 of the anti-fouling units 1, the two anti-fouling units 1 are provided with complementary edges at once, thereby immediately achieving a close proximity arrangement of the edges of the anti-fouling units 1.

[0075] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the scope of this invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. This invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and alterations, provided they fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details not required for understanding the invention may have been omitted and are not necessarily to scale.

[0076] By studying the accompanying drawings, description, and claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0077] The elements and aspects discussed with respect to a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless otherwise expressly stated. Therefore, although specific measures are recited in dissimilar dependent claims, this does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.

[0078] As used in this text, the terms “comprising” and “including” will be understood by those skilled in the art to encompass the term “consisting of”. Thus, the terms “comprising” or “including” may mean “consisting of” in relation to an embodiment, but may mean “comprising / having / equipped with at least one defined class and optionally one or more other classes” in another embodiment.

[0079] In the context of the examples described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is suggested that the anti-fouling unit may provide one or more electrical coils 34 for receiving power from an external power supply device, which may also include an electrical coil 22. This does not change the fact that the invention covers other methods of supplying and receiving power and the use of their associated components.

[0080] The significant aspects of the present invention are summarized below. An anti-fouling unit is configured to be disposed on a surface 20 and includes at least one circuit 30, which includes a light-emitting device 31 configured to emit anti-fouling light. Furthermore, the anti-fouling unit includes a plate-shaped carrier plate 40 carrying at least one circuit 30. The carrier plate 40 encloses at least one active plate region 42 where at least one circuit 30 is located and at least one passive plate region 43 outside the active plate region 42. The at least one passive plate region 43 is configured to allow the anti-fouling unit to be divided into separate segments without compromising the anti-fouling function, and the light-emitting device 31 of at least one circuit 30 is configured to perform the anti-fouling function at the location of at least one active plate region 42 and at the location of at least one passive plate region 43.

[0081] When the aim is to cover a surface 20 with irregularities such as weld seams 24 on which multiple anti-fouling units are present, the present invention provides the possibility of arranging the anti-fouling units next to the irregularities without needing to at least partially overlap with them. In fact, the anti-fouling units to be located near the irregularities can be cut to a size for mounting on the surface portion 23 next to the irregularities, wherein the cuts can be made in the passive plate area 43 of the anti-fouling unit, such that the anti-fouling unit may still be able to perform its anti-fouling function.

Claims

1. An anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) configured to be arranged on a surface (20), wherein the anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) comprising at least one circuit (30) including a light emitting device (31) configured to emit anti-fouling light, and a plate-shaped carrier plate (40) carrying the at least one circuit (30), wherein the carrier plate (40) has an emission surface (41) configured to allow light from the light emitting device (31) of the at least one circuit (30) to pass to the outside of the anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) and thereby subject the outside of the emission surface (41) and the surroundings of the emission surface to an anti-fouling action, wherein the carrier plate (40) comprises at least one active plate region (42) in which the at least one circuit (30) is located and at least one passive plate region (43) outside the active plate region (42) configured to allow the anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) to be divided into separate segments (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) for mounting on predetermined surface portions (23) while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit (30), and wherein the light emitting device (31) of the at least one circuit (30) is configured to subject the outside of the emission surface (41) and the surroundings of the emission surface to an anti-fouling action at the location of the at least one active plate region (42) and at the location of the at least one passive plate region (43).

2. The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one passive plate region (43) extends along at least part of the periphery of the carrier plate (40).

3. The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: two circuits (30) including at least one light emitting device (31), and a passive plate region (43) extending between an active plate region (42) in which one circuit (30) is located and another active plate region (42) in which the other circuit (30) is located.

4. The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The ratio of the size of the at least one passive plate region (43) in the emission surface (41) to the size of the at least one active plate region (42) in the emission surface (41) is in the range of 0.1 to 10.

5. The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The at least one circuit (30) further comprises a power receiving device (33) configured to receive power from the outside of the anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for powering the light emitting device (31), and wherein the power receiving device (33) comprises at least two electric coils (34) configured to operate independently of each other.

6. The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a single circuit (30), wherein, The single circuit (30) further comprises a power receiving device (33) configured to receive power from outside of the anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for powering the light emitting device (31), and wherein the power receiving device (33) comprises an electrical coil (34) centrally arranged in the carrier plate (40).

7. The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The at least one circuit (30) is embedded in the material of the carrier plate (40).

8. An assembly of objects and a plurality of anti-fouling units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1-7 arranged on a surface (20) of the objects.

9. A method of manufacturing a dirt repellent unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1-7 for arranging it at least partially on a surface (20), wherein, The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is divided into separate segments (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) at the location of the at least one passive plate area (43) while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit (30).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, One of the separate segments (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) of the anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is mounted on a predetermined surface portion (23) of a predetermined contour and associated space on the surface (20) delineated by its adjacent segments.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The anti-fouling unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is subjected to a cutting action at the location of the at least one passive plate area (43).

12. A method of applying a plurality of anti-fouling units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1-7 to a surface, wherein, The anti-fouling units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) are arranged in a plane-filling pattern on the surface (20), and wherein at least a plurality of the anti-fouling units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) are divided into separate segments (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) at the location of the at least one passive plate area (43) while maintaining the functional integrity of the at least one circuit (30).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The anti-fouling units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) are positioned side-by-side in close proximity to each other on the surface (20).

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein, Each of the anti-fouling units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is divided into separate segments (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56), one of which is mounted on a predetermined surface portion (23) of a predetermined contour and associated space on the surface (20) delineated by its adjacent segments.

15. The method of any one of claims 12-14, wherein, Dividing at least a plurality of said dirt protection units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) into separate segments (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) involves the following actions: positioning two of said dirt protection units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) relative to each other, wherein the passive plate areas (43) of the respective dirt protection units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) are in an overlapping arrangement; and making a single cut through the overlapping passive plate areas (43).

Images