Light emitting system for disinfecting a target area

Abstract

A light emitting system (1) for disinfecting a target area (5), the light emitting system (1) comprising a first light emitting device (2) comprising a first light source (21) configured to emit, in operation, a first UV light beam (22) towards the target area (5), and a second light emitting device (3) comprising a second light source (31) configured to emit, in operation, a second UV light beam (32) towards the target area (5), the first light emitting device (2) and the second light emitting device (3) being arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a perpendicular, and the first light source (21) and the second light source (31) being arranged such that, in operation, the first UV light beam (22) and the second UV light beam (32) are emitted in respective directions such that the first UV light beam and the second UV light beam form an exposure overlap at the target area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a light-emitting system for disinfecting a target area. The light-emitting system includes a first luminaire and a second luminaire. The first luminaire includes a first light source configured to emit a first UV beam toward the target area during operation. The second luminaire includes a second light source configured to emit a second UV beam toward the target area during operation.

[0002] As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” and “vertical direction” are intended to refer to the up-down direction aligned with the direction of gravity, as exemplified by, for example, a plumb line. Background Technology

[0003] Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is a method that uses UV light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by damaging their nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, thus preventing them from performing essential cellular functions. UV disinfection is used to disinfect (operating) rooms in hospitals. In light of the recent developments surrounding COVID-19, UV disinfection is being considered for several other applications.

[0004] For example, US 20180193501A1 discloses a solution for disinfection using UV light, which provides a fixed-position hybrid sterilization irradiation apparatus, method, and system for ultraviolet sterilization irradiation. Multiple emitters can be coupled to a generally rectangular housing configured to couple to standard commercial lighting accessories. A second plurality of emitters can be coupled to the generally rectangular housing. The first and second plurality of emitters are operable to emit UV-C radiation at a wavelength of approximately 265 nm and near-UV radiation at a wavelength of approximately 405 nm, respectively. A UV-C sensor is configured to measure the amount of UV-C or near-UV-C light from a target surface. A controller can be configured to engage with the UV-C sensor to determine the amount of UV-C radiation collected by the UV-C sensor.

[0005] However, the solutions proposed in the prior art are vague and may expose people to UV-C radiation. Furthermore, when using known systems, a portion of an object exposed to UV radiation may be in shadow, thus leaving it at least partially unexposed and unsterilized. Therefore, alternative solutions for sterilization using UV radiation remain needed.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a desire to provide a solution for disinfection using UV radiation that improves at least one aspect of safety and performance.

[0007] US 2198867 discloses a device for protecting an object exposed to microbial infection in the lower region of an air-containing room from such infection, the device comprising an ultraviolet light source of 280 nm or less located in the upper region of the room, the ultraviolet light emitted by the source freely irradiating the entire upper region of the room, thereby exposing most microorganisms to the ultraviolet light and killing them almost immediately.

[0008] US 2020 / 331611 discloses an illumination assembly for an aircraft, comprising a visible light source that generates visible light and an ultraviolet light source that generates ultraviolet light. The visible light source is positioned adjacent to the ultraviolet light source. When the illumination assembly operates in a first operating mode, the visible light source illuminates a first illumination area with visible light. When the illumination assembly operates in a second operating mode, the ultraviolet light source illuminates a second illumination area with ultraviolet light. The first illumination area and the second illumination area substantially overlap. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution for UV disinfection, and to provide a disinfection luminescence system with improved safety and performance of UV disinfection.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, this and other objectives are achieved by a light-emitting system configured to emit radiation in a main average emission direction for disinfecting a target area. The light-emitting system includes a first luminaire and a second luminaire. The first luminaire includes a first light source configured to emit a first UV beam toward the target area during operation. The second luminaire includes a second light source configured to emit a second UV beam toward the target area during operation. The first and second luminaires are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the first and second light sources are arranged such that, during operation, the first and second UV beams are emitted in corresponding directions, such that the first and second UV beams form an exposure overlap at the target area.

[0011] Therefore, the exposure overlap between the first and second UV beams at the target area provides improved sterilization of objects placed within the overlap, as two UV beams can be more efficient than one. Furthermore, because the first and second luminaires are spaced apart and the UV beams are directed toward the target area, UV radiation is provided from different locations, which reduces shading on objects placed in the target area and minimizes UV beam exposure on objects within the overlap.

[0012] Therefore, spaced-out luminaires facilitate better disinfection of the side surfaces of objects within the target area and the surfaces of non-planar objects such as tools and hats. UV beams directed at the target area also provide less exposure to UV radiation in the surrounding area, thus limiting UV radiation exposure to objects and / or people in the surrounding area and creating a safer working environment.

[0013] Therefore, a disinfection luminescence system with improved safety and performance for UV disinfection is provided.

[0014] In one embodiment, the exposure overlap between the first UV beam measured in FWHM and the second UV beam measured in FWHM is at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 80%.

[0015] In one embodiment, the center of exposure overlap between the various UV beams (i.e., the first, second, and, where provided, the third and additional UV beams) measured by FWHM at the target area is at least 90%, 95%, or 98%.

[0016] In one embodiment, the center of exposure overlap between the various UV beams (i.e., the first, second, and, where provided, the third and additional UV beams) measured by FWHM at the target area is in the range of 90% to 100%.

[0017] FWHM is an abbreviation for Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) and is a common measurement of the spectral width of pulsed waveforms and sources used in optical communications. Significant exposure overlap between UV beams can provide a higher success rate in object placement and sterilization because a larger overlap creates a larger area in which the object will be exposed to UV radiation from both UV beams. Furthermore, significant exposure overlap provides particularly high UV light concentration in the overlapping area, thus offering even better performance in sterilization.

[0018] Exposure overlap in the range of 40%–60% (e.g., 50%) facilitates a relatively constant UV light intensity at and around the object within the target area. Exposure overlap in the 40%–60% range also provides a potentially wide sterilization area.

[0019] Exposure overlap in the 60%–90% range (e.g., 70% or 80%) facilitates a relatively constant UV light intensity at and around the object within the target area, as well as high-intensity overlap at the center of the target area. Exposure overlap in the 40%–60% range provides a potentially wide disinfection area when combined with efficient disinfection at the center of the target area.

[0020] Exposure overlap in the 90%–100% range (e.g., 95% or 98%) facilitates potentially narrow, high-intensity UV light exposure at the target area. Exposure overlap in the 90%–100% range provides efficient sterilization at the center of the target area.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first luminaire further includes a third light source configured to emit a first white beam toward a target area during operation, and the second luminaire further includes a fourth light source configured to emit a second white beam toward the target area during operation.

[0022] A white beam of light emitted towards the target area illuminates the target area and a portion of its surroundings, making the target area more visible and thus easier to place and subsequently remove objects from. Furthermore, because white light is visible light, it allows for visual assessment of whether the lighting system is on or off. Therefore, white light can improve system safety and encourage users to turn the system off when not in use.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second and fourth light sources are arranged such that the first and second white beams are emitted in mutually parallel propagation directions during operation.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first white beam is emitted at an intensity different from that of the second white beam.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first white beam is emitted at an intensity similar to or equal to that of the second white beam.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first white beam, the second white beam, or any other light source emitting white light can be emitted in any direction. For example, when mounted on a ceiling, the white beam is emitted in the direction of gravity.

[0027] The main propagation direction should be understood as the propagation direction of the portion of the beam with the highest intensity, and therefore is usually the central part of the beam.

[0028] The emission of a first and a second white beam along mutually parallel emission directions provides uniform illumination of the target area and possibly the surrounding area. If the parallel directions are perpendicular to the mounting surface of the luminaire, the white light will be evenly distributed on the surface opposite the mounting surface. The uniform distribution of white light at and around the target area makes it easier to pinpoint its location, as it will be within the overlap of the white light beams, which improves the safety and usability of the system.

[0029] In one embodiment, the white light overlap at the target region between the first white beam measured by FWHM and the second white beam measured by FWHM is less than 20%, less than 10%, or less than 5%.

[0030] The small overlap between the first and second white beams, measured in FWHM, results in little or no glare at the target area, improving system usability and making it safer to use. This small white beam overlap also causes more of the area surrounding the target area to be illuminated by white light, thus resulting in greater visibility across the entire area.

[0031] In one embodiment, the light-emitting system includes at least one additional luminaire spaced apart from the first luminaire by a second distance D2. The at least one additional luminaire includes a fifth light source configured to emit a third UV beam toward a target area during operation. The at least one additional luminaire is arranged to be spaced apart from the first and second luminaires, and the fifth light source is arranged such that during operation, the third UV beam, the first UV beam, and the second UV beam are emitted in corresponding directions, such that the third UV beam, the first UV beam, and the second UV beam form an exposure overlap at the target area.

[0032] The second distance D2 can be the same as the first distance D1. The second distance D2 can be different from the first distance D1.

[0033] At least three UV beams enhance the performance of the first and second UV beams because the target area can be exposed to more UV radiation, which can improve the disinfection rate of the system and / or reduce shading on objects placed in the target area.

[0034] In one embodiment, the third luminaire may be spaced apart from the second luminaire by a third distance D3, where the third distance D3 is equal to or different from D1.

[0035] In one embodiment, the exposure overlap between the first UV beam, the second UV beam, and the third UV beam (measured in FWHM) is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80%.

[0036] Significant exposure overlap between at least three UV beams provides further improvement in the sterilization of objects on multiple surfaces when placed in the target area.

[0037] In one embodiment, the at least one additional luminaire further includes a sixth light source configured to emit a third white beam toward a target area during operation, the sixth light source being arranged such that the third white beam, the first white beam, and the second white beam are emitted in mutually parallel emission directions during operation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the third white beam is emitted at a different intensity than the first white beam.

[0039] In one embodiment, the third white beam is emitted at an intensity similar to that of the first white beam.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first luminaire and the second luminaire are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first and second luminaires are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by at least 30cm, 50cm, 100cm, 150cm, 200cm, or 250cm. The spacing between the first and second luminaires can, for example, reduce potential shadows on objects located in the target area.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first white beam, the second white beam, and the third white beam can be emitted in any direction, for example, when installed on a ceiling, the white beam is emitted in the direction of gravity.

[0043] The third white beam emitted toward the target area further improves the visibility of the target area and helps to illuminate the entire target area and some surrounding areas.

[0044] In one embodiment, when measured at the target area using FWHM, the overlap between the first white beam, the second white beam, and the third white beam is less than 20%, less than 10%, or less than 5%.

[0045] The relatively small overlap of white light between the first, second, and third white beams results in a small amount of glare from the white light and generally reduces the reflection of light from objects placed in or near the target area.

[0046] In one embodiment, the light-emitting system further includes a fourth luminaire comprising a seventh light source configured to emit a fourth UV beam toward a target area during operation, wherein at least one additional luminaire is arranged spaced apart from the first, second, and third luminaires, and wherein the seventh light source is arranged such that, during operation, the fourth UV beam, the first UV beam, the second UV beam, and the third UV beam are emitted in corresponding directions, such that the third UV beam, the first UV beam, the second UV beam, and the third UV beam form an exposure overlap at the target area.

[0047] By overlapping four UV beams at the target area, disinfection of objects in the target area becomes even faster and more effective, and shadows on the surface of objects placed in the target area are eliminated.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the light-emitting system may include additional such luminaires in a similar manner.

[0049] In one embodiment, the exposure overlap between the first UV beam, the second UV beam, the third UV beam, and the fourth UV beam (measured in FWHM) is at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 80%.

[0050] Significant exposure overlap between at least three UV beams provides further improvement in the sterilization of objects on multiple surfaces when placed in the target area.

[0051] Therefore, in principle, it is feasible to provide any number of such additional lamps, such as one, two, three or even more such additional lamps.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first luminaire includes a first light-emitting surface and is configured to emit a first UV beam at a first acute angle α during operation, and the second luminaire includes a second light-emitting surface and is configured to emit a second UV beam at a second acute angle β during operation, wherein at least one of the first acute angle α and the second acute angle β is greater than 15° relative to the main emission direction.

[0053] In one embodiment, the angle γ between the emission direction of the first UV beam and the emission direction of the second UV beam is in the range of 10° to 100°, 20° to 90°, or 30° to 80°.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first acute angle is different from 0° relative to a first axis perpendicular to the first light emitting surface, and the second acute angle is different from 0° relative to a second axis perpendicular to the second light emitting surface.

[0055] In one embodiment, α is 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80°.

[0056] In one embodiment, β is -10°, -20°, -30°, -40°, -50°, -60°, -70°, or -80°.

[0057] In one embodiment, the third luminaire includes a third light-emitting surface and is configured to emit a third UV beam at a third acute angle during operation, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third acute angles is greater than 15° relative to the main emission direction.

[0058] In one embodiment, the third acute angle is 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80°.

[0059] In one embodiment, the third acute angle is different from 0° relative to the third axis perpendicular to the third light-emitting surface.

[0060] In one embodiment, the fourth luminaire includes a fourth light-emitting surface and is configured to emit a fourth UV beam at a fourth acute angle during operation, wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth acute angles is greater than 15° relative to the main emission direction.

[0061] By having at least two luminaires angled relative to an axis perpendicular to their respective light-emitting surfaces, UV beams are provided to affect a target area and / or an object within that target area. Besides allowing for desired overlap between the UV beams, the use of angled UV beams reduces shadows on the object and is therefore effective in disinfecting areas of objects that would otherwise be completely or partially in shadow. By making more than two luminaires angled relative to an axis perpendicular to their respective light-emitting surfaces, shadows on the surface of the object exposed to the UV beams are considerably reduced or even eliminated.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first acute angle is equal to the second acute angle.

[0063] In one embodiment, the third acute angle is equal to the first acute angle.

[0064] In one embodiment, the fourth acute angle is equal to the first acute angle.

[0065] Therefore, the UV beams are emitted at the same angle towards the target area, creating uniform UV radiation on the target area of ​​the object, regardless of how the object is placed in the target area. This improves the usability and ease of use of the light-emitting system.

[0066] In one embodiment, a first light source is configured to emit light having a first spectral distribution during operation, and a second light source is configured to emit light having a second spectral distribution different from the first spectral distribution during operation.

[0067] In one embodiment, the third light source is configured to emit light having a third spectral distribution that differs from the first or second spectral distribution during operation.

[0068] In one embodiment, the fourth light source is configured to emit light in operation having a fourth spectral distribution that is different from the first, second, or third spectral distribution.

[0069] In one embodiment, the UV beam includes UV-C light in a wavelength range of less than or equal to 280 nm, or in the range of 230 nm to 280 nm, or 200 nm to 230 nm, or 190 nm to 220 nm, or 190 nm to 230 nm, or 200 nm to 230 nm, or 215 nm to 225 nm.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first UV beam and the second UV beam are far UVC beams, thus having a spectral distribution between 200 nm and 230 nm.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first UV beam is a far UVC beam with a spectral distribution between 200 nm and 230 nm, and the second UV beam is a deep UVC beam with a spectral distribution between 230 nm and 280 nm.

[0072] A wide range of applications is possible by providing UV beams with different spectral distributions, as different spectral distributions can serve different purposes, uses, or disinfection rates.

[0073] By providing UV beams with the same spectral distribution, efficient and uniform disinfection of objects in the target area can be facilitated.

[0074] In one embodiment, at least one of the UV beams has a UV-A (315 nm to 380 nm), UV-B (280 nm to 315 nm), or UV-C (here, 200 nm to 280 nm) wavelength range.

[0075] In one embodiment, one of the multiple UV beams has a different wavelength range than one or more of the other UV beams.

[0076] UV-A provides a relatively safe UV beam that can kill bacteria.

[0077] UV-C provides a UV beam that can kill bacteria and viruses very efficiently.

[0078] UV-B provides a UV beam that can be considered safe when only small doses are administered. Furthermore, UV-B beams can kill bacteria and viruses.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first UV beam has a first main peak and the second UV beam has a second main peak, wherein the first average peak and the second average peak differ in wavelength by at least 50 nm, 75 nm or 100 nm.

[0080] In one embodiment, the spectral distributions of the first and second main peaks have an overlap of up to 5%, 10%, or 20%.

[0081] UV beams with different dominant peaks provide each UV beam with the ability to serve a different purpose; for example, the first dominant peak is used to kill bacteria, and the second dominant peak is used to kill viruses.

[0082] In one embodiment, the directions of the first UV beam and the second UV beam are adjustable.

[0083] In one embodiment, the directions of the first UV beam and the second UV beam can be adjusted independently of each other. By providing adjustable directions for the UV beams, the emission direction of the UV beams can be adjusted to suit objects of different sizes and locations, thereby providing more efficient disinfection.

[0084] UV-C light with wavelengths below 230 nm, and especially below 220 nm, is considered safe with respect to harm to human eyes and skin. Therefore, a luminaire using a light source emitting UV-C light at such wavelengths is provided that is further safe for disinfecting human skin surfaces such as hands and arms, and even the face.

[0085] For example, multiple light sources suitable for emitting white light during operation can be provided as white LEDs, phosphor-converted UV LEDs and / or blue LEDs or RGB LEDs.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first white beam and the second white beam have the same color temperature (CT) or correlated color temperature (CCT). Alternatively, the first white beam and the second white beam have different color temperatures (CT) or correlated color temperatures (CCT).

[0087] In one embodiment, the first white beam is warm white (<3500K) and the second white beam is cool white (>4000K).

[0088] In one embodiment, the third and fourth white beams have the same CT or CCT as the first or second beam. Alternatively, the third and fourth white beams have a different CT or CCT than the first or second beam.

[0089] In one embodiment, the luminaire includes a housing having a light-emitting window and at least one sidewall, wherein the light-emitting system is arranged within the housing such that the light source of the light-emitting system emits light through the light-emitting window during operation.

[0090] Light fixtures, and especially their housings, can protect parts of the light-emitting system from external influences, reduce the risk of the light source's position being affected by users or objects, and provide easy installation for the light-emitting system.

[0091] Note that this invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the claims.

[0092] In one embodiment, the beam width of the UV beam at the FWHM is narrower than that of the white beam at the FWHM.

[0093] In one embodiment, one of the light sources may be provided with a lens, reflector, TIRS, etc., to provide a desired beam shape or beam width on a surface on which the beam shape is projected.

[0094] In one embodiment, the light emitting surface is subdivided into two, three, four, five, or more than five optical sections.

[0095] In one embodiment, a lens, reflector, TIRS, or a light-emitting surface divided into multiple optical sections is used to manipulate at least one of the UV beam widths to be narrower than at least one of the white beam widths.

[0096] Dividing the light-emitting surface into two, three, four, five, or more optical sections can help manipulate the beam to have the desired beam shape or beam width.

[0097] In another embodiment, the light emitting surface is provided with an electrically and / or mechanically controllable optical element, which is arranged to dynamically manipulate a beam having a first spatial light distribution into a beam having a spatial light distribution and beam direction different from the first spatial light distribution, and / or manipulate a beam having a second spatial light distribution into a beam having a spatial light distribution and beam direction different from the second spatial light distribution, wherein the beam direction / spatial light distribution is adjustable such that: during operation, at least partial overlap of the light distributions of the first luminaire and the second luminaire is obtained at the target area, or the adjusted beams are complementary.

[0098] The ability to provide the desired beam shape or beam width allows for a more customizable system, where exposure overlap can be designed to focus on the target area and reduce the portion of the beam around or outside the target area.

[0099] Providing at least one UV beam with a width narrower than at least one white beam allows the entire UV beam to be illuminated with white light and makes it easier to use because it makes the UV beam visible. The white light also alerts the user that the UV beam is active within the white beam, thus helping to avoid placing objects that should not be sterilized within the UV beam.

[0100] Lenses, reflectors, TIRS, or dividing the light-emitting surface into multiple optical sections can be used to manipulate one or more UV beams or manipulate white beams.

[0101] In one embodiment, a lens, reflector, TIRS, or light-emitting surface divided into multiple optical portions is used to manipulate at least one UV beam, and a lens, reflector, TIRS, or light-emitting surface divided into multiple optical portions is used to manipulate at least one white beam.

[0102] In one embodiment, a first collimator (such as a lens) is arranged and configured to collimate a first UV beam and guide the first UV beam onto an optical structure (such as a diffraction grating) provided and arranged to obtain a desired UV light pattern, and a second collimator (such as a reflector) is arranged and configured to collimate a second UV beam.

[0103] Therefore, a light-emitting system can be provided, configured to provide a collimated UV light pattern superimposed on top of or complementary to a UV spot or diffuse UV spot. Such a light-emitting device allows for the irradiation of different portions of an object with high precision using UV light of different wavelengths and / or intensities. Attached Figure Description

[0104] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention.

[0105] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional side view of a light-emitting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0106] Figure 2 A schematic top view of an area illuminated by a light-emitting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0107] As shown in the figures, the dimensions of layers and regions have been exaggerated for illustrative purposes; therefore, these dimensions are provided to illustrate the general structure of embodiments of the invention. Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0108] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0109] First refer to Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a light-emitting system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The light-emitting system 1 includes a first luminaire 2. The first luminaire 2 includes a housing having a first sidewall 2a, a second sidewall 2b, a light-emitting surface 2c extending between the two sidewalls 2a, 2b, and a mounting surface 2d opposite to the light-emitting surface 2c. The mounting surface 2d is mounted to a surface that is a ceiling 4 in the illustrated embodiment, and the light-emitting surface 2d faces downward toward another surface that is a floor 6 in the illustrated embodiment. The light-emitting surface 2c may include an exit window for allowing light to travel through it. The first luminaire 2 has a UV light source 21 that emits a UV beam 22 toward a target area 5. The UV beam 22 is emitted at an emission angle α relative to a vertical axis 26 that extends perpendicular to the main surface of the light-emitting surface 2c of the first luminaire 2. For example, the emission angle α may be 30 degrees. The target area 5 may be a portion of the floor 6. The target area 5 may also be a separate object placed on the floor 6. The first luminaire 2 also includes a white light source 23 that emits a first white beam 24 downward toward the floor 6 parallel to the vertical line, thus emitting the first white beam 24 in a direction along the vertical axis 26 or at an angle perpendicular to the light emitting surface 2c. The white beam 24 and the UV beam 22 partially overlap at the target area 5.

[0110] Still referencing Figure 1 The light-emitting system 1 includes a second luminaire 3 constructed in a manner similar to the first luminaire 2. Therefore, the second luminaire 3 includes a housing having a first sidewall 3a, a second sidewall 3b, a light-emitting surface 3c extending between the two sidewalls 3a and 3b, and a mounting surface 3d opposite the light-emitting surface 3c. The mounting surface 3d is mounted to a surface that is, in the illustrated embodiment, a ceiling 4, and the light-emitting surface 3d faces downward toward another surface that is, in the illustrated embodiment, a floor 6. The light-emitting surface 3c may include an exit window for allowing light to travel through it. The second luminaire 3 is spaced laterally from the first luminaire. The second luminaire 3 includes a UV light source 31 that emits a UV beam 32 toward a target area 5. The UV beam 32 is emitted at an emission angle β relative to a second vertical axis 36 that extends perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 3c of the second luminaire 3. For example, the emission angle β relative to the vertical axis may be 30 degrees. The second luminaire 3 also includes a second white light source 33, which emits a second white beam 34 downward toward the floor 6 parallel to the vertical line. Therefore, the second white beam 34 is emitted in a direction parallel to the first vertical axis 26, and the first white beam 24 is emitted along the first vertical axis 26. The white beam 34 and the UV beam 32 partially overlap at the target area 7.

[0111] The first UV beam 22, measured by FWHM, and the second UV beam 32, measured by FWHM, have approximately 80% UV overlap 7 at the target region 5. In variations of the luminescent system 1, the UV overlap can be smaller or larger.

[0112] The object (specifically, the square object 8 shown in the figure) is located in the target area 5. As can be seen, most of the top surface 8c of the object 8 facing the ceiling 4 is exposed to both the first UV beam 22 and the second UV beam 32, which improves the disinfection rate. The first sidewall 8a and the second sidewall 8b of the object 8, as well as the edges around the first sidewall 8a and the second sidewall 8b, are exposed to one of the first UV beam 22 and the second UV beam 32.

[0113] There may be an overlap between the first white beam 24 and the second white beam 34 at the target region 5. If no object exists in the target region 5, the overlap between the first white beam 24 and the second white beam 34, measured by FWHM, can be less than 5%. Therefore, most of the white light illuminates the surrounding area around the target region 5.

[0114] Now for reference Figure 2 A schematic top view of region 9 illuminated by a light-emitting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The light-emitting system itself is not in... Figure 2 As shown above, but including four lamps, each lamp is constructed similarly to lamps 2 and 3 described above. Therefore, it is used to generate... Figure 2 The illumination system shown in the diagram includes four UV light sources, each providing UV beams of 22, 32, 220, and 230, and four white light sources, each providing white beams of 24, 34, 240, and 340.

[0115] The first UV beam 22, the second UV beam 32, the third UV beam 220, and the fourth UV beam 320 are directed toward the target area 5. Each UV beam 22, 32, 230, and 330 is cone-shaped and projects a circular UV spot onto the floor 6, as shown. Figure 2As shown. A portion of each UV beam is projected onto the target region 5. A portion of each UV beam overlaps with at least one other UV beam around the target region 5. A portion of the UV beam does not overlap with any other UV beam. UV beams 22, 32, 230, and 330 overlap such that the first UV beam 22 and the second UV beam 32 have a UV overlap 71 at the target region 5, the second UV beam 32 and the third UV beam 220 have a UV overlap 72 at the target region 5, the third UV beam 220 and the fourth UV beam 320 have a UV overlap 73 at the target region 5, and the first UV beam 22 and the fourth UV beam 320 have a UV overlap 74 at the target region 5. All UV overlaps 71, 72, 73, and 74 have at least two overlapping UV beams as measured by FWHM. In the center 5a of the target region 5, the first UV beam 22, the second UV beam 32, the third UV beam 220, and the fourth UV beam 320 have a mutual UV center overlap 7. The remaining portion of each UV beam 22, 32, 220, 320, as measured by FWHM, which is not part of the UV center overlap 7 at the target area 5 and does not overlap with at least one other UV beam, exposes the area surrounding the target area to a single UV beam.

[0116] Still referencing Figure 2 A first white beam 24, a second white beam 34, a third white beam 240, and a fourth white beam 340 illuminate a portion of the floor 6 including the UV overlap area. Each white light source projects a circular white beam onto the floor 6, which is uniformly distributed at and around the target area 5, such that only a small portion of each white beam 24, 34, 240, 340 overlaps with at least one other white beam at the target area 5. A portion of each white beam 24, 34, 240, 340 overlaps with at least one other white beam, such that the first white beam 24 and the second white beam 34 have a first white beam overlap 91a, the second white beam 34 and the third white beam 240 have a second white beam overlap 91b, the third white beam 240 and the fourth white beam 340 have a third white beam overlap 91c, and the fourth white beam 340 and the first white beam 24 have a fourth white beam overlap 91d. A portion of each white light overlap 91a, 91b, 91c, and 91d overlaps within target region 5, while a portion of each white light overlap 91a, 91b, 91c, and 91d overlaps outside target region 5. Figure 2 In this configuration, there is no region where all the first white beams 24, second white beams 34, third white beams 240, and fourth white beams 340, as measured by FWHM, do not overlap with each other. Furthermore, most of the white light from white beams 24, 34, 240, and 340 illuminates the floor 6 through non-overlapping white light.

[0117] Used to generate Figure 2The illumination system shown in the diagram can be improved by adding a third and fourth luminaire, such as... Figure 1 The light-emitting system described above is used for construction. The third luminaire may include a UV light source emitting a third UV beam 220 and a white light source emitting a third white beam 240, wherein the third UV beam is angled relative to the vertical axis and directed toward the target area 5, and the third white beam 240 is directed along the vertical axis. Similarly, the fourth luminaire may include a UV light source emitting a fourth UV beam 220 and a white light source emitting a fourth white beam 240, wherein the fourth UV beam is angled relative to the vertical axis and directed toward the target area 5, and the fourth white beam 340 is directed along the vertical axis. The angle at which the first UV beam 22 is directed toward the target area 5 relative to the vertical line may be equal to the angle formed by the second UV beam 32, the third UV beam 220, and the fourth UV beam 320 relative to the vertical line toward the target area 5.

[0118] As mentioned, target area 5 may form part of floor 6. Target area 5 may also be formed by objects placed on floor 6, such as tables or chairs. More generally, target area 5 forms part of surface 6, and surface 6 may be the surface of any feasible object that is to be disinfected, such as a piece of furniture, tool, or electronic equipment.

[0119] Figure 1 The illustrated light-emitting system 1 can also be configured to provide a collimated UV light pattern superimposed on top of or complementary to a UV spot or diffuse UV spot. Such a light-emitting system 1 includes a first luminaire 2 and a second luminaire 3. The first luminaire 2 includes a UV light source 21 that emits a first UV beam 22 having a first spectral distribution. The second luminaire 3 includes a UV light source 31 that emits a second UV beam 32 having a second spectral distribution different from the first spectral distribution. The first UV beam 22 is collimated by a collimator such as a lens and directed onto an optical structure such as a diffraction grating to obtain a desired UV light pattern. The second UV beam 32 is collimated by a collimator such as a reflector to obtain a UV spot. The UV light pattern obtained from the first UV beam 22 is superimposed on top of the UV spot obtained from the second UV beam 32. In this way, the edges of one or more objects (e.g., a table and chairs around it) can be irradiated with higher UV intensity and / or with UV light having a shorter UV wavelength range compared to other areas (e.g., the central area of ​​an object, particularly a table). Therefore, areas requiring more disinfection are irradiated with stronger disinfecting light. Collimation of the first UV beam 22 and the second UV beam 32 also provides improved targeting accuracy.

[0120] Due to the aforementioned effects, such a light-emitting system 1, configured to provide a collimated UV light pattern superimposed on top of or complementary to a UV spot or diffused UV spot, is also useful in rooms containing different materials with varying sensitivities to different types of UV radiation. It is then necessary that materials sensitive to a specific UV radiation are not exposed to that specific UV radiation. However, it should still be possible to sterilize all materials so that they remain virus-free, and therefore all materials should be irradiated with suitable sterilization lighting. Such a light-emitting device enables the provision of specific patterns of specific UV radiation, such that materials are exposed only to sterilization lighting to which they can withstand. For example, the entire room and all materials are exposed to diffused low-intensity long-wavelength UV light to keep the room largely sterilized, while only materials capable of withstanding high-intensity short-wavelength UV light are exposed to that high-intensity short-wavelength UV light. Alternatively or additionally, it is contemplated to use multiple laser UV sources to provide accurately collimated complementary patterns of different types of UV radiation for the aforementioned purposes.

[0121] For such a light-emitting system 1, which is configured to provide a collimated UV light pattern superimposed on top of or complementary to a UV spot or diffuse UV spot, one or more of the following may be additionally provided.

[0122] The intensity difference between the UV light pattern obtained from the first UV beam 22 and the UV light spot obtained from the second UV beam 32 can be at least a factor of 3, so as to obtain improved disinfection when needed.

[0123] The wavelength difference between the UV light pattern obtained from the first UV beam 22 and the UV light spot obtained from the second UV beam 32 can be at least 50 nm in order to obtain improved disinfection effectiveness.

[0124] The first UV beam 22 and the second UV beam 32 may include different types of UV light, including violet light (380-420nm), UV-A (315-380nm), UV-B (280-315nm), long-wavelength UV-C (230-280nm) and far UV (190-230nm).

[0125] The first UV beam 22 can be a laser with a narrow wavelength distribution or line emission, while the second UV beam 32 can be LED light with a wider wavelength distribution. Since a UV laser is more effective at generating the first UV pattern than a UV LED, better collimation is achieved.

[0126] The UV light pattern obtained from the first UV beam 22 can have higher resolution than the UV spot obtained from the second UV beam 32. This allows for improved targeted disinfection.

[0127] The area of ​​the UV spot obtained from the second UV beam 32 can be at least three times the area of ​​the UV pattern obtained from the first UV beam 22.

[0128] The UV spot obtained from the second UV beam 32 can also be a UV light pattern. In such a configuration, the two UV light patterns can also be complementary.

[0129] Sensors and controllers may be provided, wherein the controller controls the first luminaire 2 and, in particular, the first UV beam 22 based on the sensor input. The sensors may be, for example, occupancy sensors or motion sensors.

[0130] Sensors can be provided, and these sensors can also be used to detect the sensitivity of materials to different types of UV light, for example, by using a camera, or more advancedly by using materials analysis such as spectroscopy.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0132] For example, it is also feasible to include another number (such as three, five or more) of luminaires constructed as described above.

[0133] Furthermore, by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended 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 elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.

Claims

1. A luminescent system (1) configured to emit radiation in a main average emission direction for disinfecting a target area (5), said luminescent system comprising: A first luminaire (2) includes a first light source (21) configured to emit a first UV beam (22) toward the target area during operation, and The second luminaire (3) includes a second light source (31) configured to emit a second UV beam (32) toward the target area during operation. The first and second lamps are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first distance in a direction perpendicular to the vertical line, and The first light source and the second light source are arranged such that the first UV beam and the second UV beam are emitted in corresponding directions during operation, such that the first UV beam and the second UV beam form an exposure overlap at the target area (71). The first luminaire further includes a third light source (23), which is configured to emit a first white beam (24) toward the target area during operation. The second luminaire also includes a fourth light source (33) configured to emit a second white beam toward the target area during operation, and The exposure overlap between the first UV beam and the second UV beam, as measured by FWHM at the target area, is at least 50%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95%.

2. The light-emitting system according to claim 1, wherein the third light source (23) and the fourth light source (33) are arranged such that the first white beam and the second white beam are emitted in parallel main propagation directions during operation.

3. The light-emitting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first UV light has a first main peak and the second UV light has a second main peak, wherein the first main peak and the second main peak differ in wavelength by at least 50 nm.

4. The luminescent system according to claim 3, wherein the spectral distributions of the first main peak and the second main peak have an overlap of up to 20% but not more than 20%.

5. The light-emitting system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one additional luminaire spaced apart from the first luminaire by a second distance, said at least one additional luminaire comprising: The fifth light source is configured to emit a third UV beam (220) toward the target area during operation. The at least one additional luminaire is arranged to be spaced apart from the first luminaire and the second luminaire, and The fifth light source is arranged such that, during operation, the third UV beam, the first UV beam, and the second UV beam are emitted in corresponding directions, such that the third UV beam, the first UV beam, and the second UV beam form an exposure overlap at the target area.

6. The light-emitting system of claim 5, wherein the at least one additional luminaire further comprises a sixth light source configured to emit a third white beam (240) toward the target area in operation, the sixth light source being arranged such that the third white beam, the first white beam, and the second white beam are emitted in mutually parallel main propagation directions in operation.

7. The light-emitting system of claim 6, wherein the overlap between the first white beam, the second white beam, and the third white beam (if provided) at the target region, measured in FWHM, is less than 50%, less than 25%, or less than 10%.

8. The light-emitting system according to claim 1 or 2, The first luminaire (2) includes a first light-emitting surface (2c), and the first luminaire is configured to emit the first UV beam at a first acute angle (α) during operation. The second luminaire (3) includes a second light emitting surface (3c), and the second luminaire is configured to emit the second UV beam at a second acute angle (β) in operation, at least one of α and β being greater than 15° relative to the main average emission direction.

9. The light-emitting system according to claim 8, wherein α is equal to -β.

10. The light-emitting system according to claim 5, The first luminaire (2) includes a first light-emitting surface (2c), and the first luminaire is configured to emit the first UV beam at a first acute angle (α) during operation. The second luminaire (3) includes a second light-emitting surface (3c), and the second luminaire is configured to emit the second UV beam at a second acute angle (β) during operation. The additional luminaire includes a third light-emitting surface and is configured to emit the third UV beam at a third acute angle during operation, wherein at least one of the first acute angle, the second acute angle, and the third acute angle is greater than 15° relative to the main average emission direction.

11. The light-emitting system according to claim 10, wherein the third acute angle is equal to -α.

12. The light-emitting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light source is configured to emit light having a first spectral distribution in operation, and the second light source is configured to emit light having a second spectral distribution different from the first spectral distribution in operation.

13. The light-emitting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beam width of the first UV beam and the second UV beam at the FWHM is narrower than the beam width of the first white beam and the second white beam at the FWHM.

14. The light-emitting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first luminaire (2) includes a first light-emitting surface (2c) and has a first spatial light distribution, and the second luminaire (3) includes a second light-emitting surface (3c) and has a second spatial light distribution. The first light emitting surface is provided with an electrically and / or mechanically controllable optical element, which is arranged to dynamically manipulate a beam having the first spatial light distribution into a beam having a spatial light distribution and beam direction different from the first spatial light distribution; and / or the second light emitting surface is provided with an electrically and / or mechanically controllable optical element, which is arranged to dynamically manipulate a beam having the second spatial light distribution into a beam having a spatial light distribution and beam direction different from the second spatial light distribution.

15. The light-emitting system of claim 14, wherein the beam direction / spatial light distribution is adjustable such that: during operation, at least a partial overlap is obtained between the spatial light distribution of the first luminaire and the spatial light distribution of the second luminaire at the target area, or the adjusted beam is complementary.

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