Angled decontamination device

Abstract

Light-emitting device: A device emitting light radiation comprising: - at least one light-emitting device capable of generating light radiation comprising at least part of the radiated energy in a wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm; - at least one reflector which allows the light rays in the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm to be directed in a preferred direction called the optical axis; - at least one adjustable mechanical device capable of interrupting all or part of the radiation in the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm and located in the path of these rays; - at least one grid made up of solid strips covered with an optical treatment absorbing more than 95% of the rays in the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm, these strips being arranged so as to limit the exit angle of the rays;- an adjustment device allowing correction of the horizontal and vertical positioning of the system by the use of more than 2 pressure screws pressing on a movable part located between the device and the support; - the germicidal beam is emitted from top to bottom and is reflected back at an angle; Figure for the abbreviation: figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Angle decontamination device Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a UV-C radiation emitting device allowing the decontamination of air in the presence of people. Prior art

[0002] The germicidal action of UV-C radiation has been known since 1877 by Messrs Downes and Blunt, (Downes, A. and Blunt, T. (1877) The Influence of Light upon the Development of Bacteria. Nature, 16, 218) who demonstrated the germicidal action of UV rays on bacteria, an action that depends on the dose and wavelength used.

[0003] The use of UV-C is an effective means of combating the contamination of surfaces, water or even air and constitutes a chemical-free alternative to other decontamination methods, such as the use of chlorine, ozone, etc.

[0004] The use of germicidal UV radiation (GUV) is an important tool that can reduce both contact spread and airborne transmission of infectious agents (such as bacteria and viruses). GUVs operate in the UV-C wavelength range (200 nm - 280 nm), with common use of the mercury line at 254 nm, and have been applied successfully and safely for over 80 years. However, GUVs must be used with knowledge and with careful attention to doses and safety.

[0005] The danger of UV-C radiation is proven, with the main effects being skin burns (erythema) and eye burns (photokeratitis). The daily doses of exposure for people are set by European directives, transcribed into national law. Thus, the limit value for exposure to artificial UV-C radiation is 30J / m2 / day, corresponding to 0.2pW / cm2 for an occupation of more than 8 hours, at the wavelength of 254nm.

[0006] UV-C radiation has been used effectively for decades to decontaminate the air, particularly to combat tuberculosis. The systems used were devices without optical control which aimed to irradiate high rooms, with ceilings over 3m high. This type of system, as well as other more recent ones sending UV-C in a more directed manner, do not allow the direction or intensity of the UV-C flux delivered to be controlled, which therefore makes them unsuitable for small volumes.

[0007] Other air treatment systems also exist, based on filtration techniques and using, for example, HEPA filters. It is necessary to replace these filters frequently. These types of devices also have the disadvantage of being noisy. Statement of the invention

[0008] In this context, the present invention therefore aims to propose an alternative solution for decontaminating the air in the presence of people using UV-C, free from the drawbacks listed above.

[0009] In particular, the present invention aims to propose a new solution for: - The correct installation of the system: thanks to an element allowing support and adjustment on the application surface - Easy adjustment of the system: Possibility of optical adjustment of the horizontality without dismantling the system. - Adjustment of the radiation power: possibility of adjusting the quantity of UV-C delivered by the device - Use in rooms with low ceiling height, thanks to a special optic. Treat 360° or in certain areas of the room thanks to an optic Having the possibility of emitting only the germicidal UV-C wavelength, without emitting visible light.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention also aims to propose a simple solution whose installation and adjustment are simple, without requiring the device to be re-demonstrated.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to propose a solution that is less bulky, less energy-consuming, quiet, invisible, does not emit ozone and is compatible with installation in a room with a low ceiling height (<2.5m).

[0012] Device for emitting light radiation comprising: - at least one light emitting device (3) capable of generating light radiation comprising at least a portion of the radiated energy in a wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm; - at least one reflector (2) which makes it possible to orient the light rays in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm in a preferential direction called the optical axis - at least one adjustable mechanical device (5) capable of interrupting all or part of the radiation in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm and located on the path of these rays; - at least one grid (8) consisting of solid slats (7) covered with an optical treatment absorbing more than 95% of the rays, these slats being arranged so as to limit the exit angle of the rays; - an adjustment device allowing the horizontal and vertical positioning of the system to be corrected by the use of more than 2 pressure screws pressing on a moving part and located between the device and the support; - the germicidal beam is emitted from top to bottom and the latter is returned at an angle;

[0013] The device may comprise on the optical path a filter making it possible to eliminate all or part of the light radiation outside the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm.

[0014] The device may comprise on the optical path an additional condenser making it possible to reduce the divergence of the radiation in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm.

[0015] The device may comprise a presence or movement detector whose detection zone is limited to the germicidal zone, and making it possible to cut off the emission and / or modulate it in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm in the event of detection.

[0016] The device may comprise a presence or movement detector detecting the presence in the room or part of it, and making it possible to cut off the emission in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm when the room or part of it is unoccupied, this cut-off being able to be delayed on switching on and / or off.

[0017] The device may comprise a dose detector sensitive to the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm and located in a position representative of the exposure of the people present, this detector being able to order the cutting off of the emission in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm when the dose received by the detector exceeds the programmed setpoint during the programmed period of time.

[0018] The invention thus relates to a device emitting visible and / or non-visible light radiation, comprising at least one UV emitting device and a housing installed in a sub-ceiling or on the ceiling. The decontamination device is capable of generating UV-C radiation, comprises adjustment elements as well as an optic making it possible to concentrate the radiation in a particular geometry.

[0019] According to the invention, the adjustment device makes it possible to adjust the position of the system in use without having to dismantle it. This adjustment is made possible by means of pressure screws accessible without dismantling the device which rest on a support and guarantee the correct positioning of the device.

[0020] The invention has an electrical cut-off switch allowing intervention on the device as well as a system for detecting the presence of the germicidal zone. An audible and / or luminous signal warns of the presence in the germicidal zone.

[0021] Thus, the solution of the invention consists of a device allowing the decontamination of the air, in rooms with low ceiling height (<2.50m) and in the presence of people thanks to its particular optical angle return system. The installation and adjustment of this device are facilitated by the use of adjustable pressure screws without dismantling the system. The intensity of the UV-C flow can, if necessary, be modified thanks to a physical element internal to the device, thus allowing fine adjustment of the delivered dose. A tertiary element can provide additional mixing of the air in the room and thus reduce the decontamination time. An infrared barrier type detection system warns of the passage of people in the decontamination zone.Similarly, a presence detection system allows the device to be switched on if one or more people occupy the room and includes a timer that stops the system if no presence is detected, after a certain period of time that can be defined, which increases the lifespan of the UV source as well as being less energy-intensive.

[0022] One of the particularities of the invention is that the UV-C emission is perpendicular (from the top to the bottom of the room) to the ceiling and is reflected by an optical system which returns the germicidal beam at an angle. In the standard position of the system, this angle returns the beam in a controlled manner, parallel to the ceiling. The system is however adjustable which allows, if necessary, to orient the germicidal beam according to the geometry of the area to be treated, such as for example the inclination of the ceiling.... In addition to this angle adjustment relative to the ceiling, the system also allows adjustment of the area of ​​action of the germicidal beam as close as possible to the needs in order to orient the germicidal intensity according to possible obstacles or needs. By default, the device is set to an emission of the germicidal beam at 360° and allows treatment of up to 4 separate areas of 90°.An accessory system can meet higher needs in terms of the number of different areas to be treated. For example, an accessory can treat a room in 8 different zones, each zone covering 45° of the room.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the device comprises: - A light source emitting at least part of its light power in the 200nm to 300nm frequency band - Electronics for controlling the source if necessary, this source being able to be controlled in such a way as to vary the optical power of the device in the 200nm to 300nm frequency band, in the other optical bands or in a combination of the bands. - A reflector to limit the emission angle and to bend the light beams largely in a preferred direction, perpendicular to the ceiling. This reflector can be either metallic or dichroic with reflection in the 200nm to 300nm band, and allowing unwanted wavelengths to pass through. The dichroic reflector has the advantage of concentrating the UV-C beam without increasing the intensity of unwanted wavelengths in the preferred direction. - A movable blade allowing a variable portion of the radiation exiting the reflector to be intercepted. Ideally, the blade has a minimum interception position and several indexed interception positions. The movable blade has a surface treatment capable of absorbing at least 97% of the optical radiation in the 200nm to 300nm band. Ideally, the position of this shutter is adjustable from outside the device. - An optional optical condenser, such as a lens, installed at the output of the reflector and / or the moving blade, allowing the optical beam to be concentrated in the preferred direction. - An optional filter to select only germicidal wavelengths (200nm to 300nm). This filter can be absorbent in an unwanted band, or dichroic, reflecting unwanted wavelengths and transmitting wavelengths in the 200nm to 300nm band. - A grid composed of metal, plastic or any other rigid material blades, capable of receiving a surface treatment capable of absorbing at least 95% of the optical radiation. This grid may be composed of horizontal and / or vertical and / or oriented blades, for example an assembly of horizontal and vertical blades, a honeycomb or any other structure making it possible to angularly limit the light emission cone. - An optional, optically transparent or quasi-transparent blade in the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm, making it possible to create a seal for the device while allowing the exit of germicidal rays. - A housing allowing the mechanical maintenance of all the above elements, light-tightness on all its faces except on one or more faces used for the oriented emission of radiation on the angle return device. This housing also includes more than 2 pressure screws allowing the geometric adjustment of the position of the housing with respect to its support, in order to be able to finely adjust the positioning of the germicidal beam with respect to the desired position with respect to the reference plane. - A specular or dichroic mirror allowing rotation of the optical axis - An optional plate (secondary element) allowing both easy mounting and positioning, as well as adjustment of the horizontality of the device and protection of the support against possible damage by the pressure screws. - A switch allowing the optical emission to be cut off without exposure to the radiation. - An optional indicator light for checking the emission in the 200nm to 300nm band. This indicator light is located on one of the visible parts of the device and allows the emission in the 200nm to 300nm band to be checked without exposure to the rays in this band. This indicator light can be controlled by an electronic system for detecting emission in the 200nm to 300nm band or by a window absorbing the emission in the 200nm to 300nm band and allowing the emission from the source to pass into the visible band if it exists, or by a device absorbing the rays in the 200nm to 300nm band and re-emitting in the visible band.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the preceding device also comprises a device allowing the mixing of air. This mixing can be entirely external (the mixed air does not enter the device) or can allow the air from the room to circulate inside the device.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the preceding device comprises a device for detecting the passage of a warm-blooded being in the germicidal zone and for cutting off the light emission.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the preceding device comprises a presence detector, making it possible to turn on the device in the presence of people under the germicidal zone and to turn it off when the space is unoccupied. This device may include a time delay on switching on and / or off.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the device comprises a sensor making it possible to calculate the dose received at a given point over a programmed period of time, this device being able to be mobile and / or in wireless connection with the device. In the event that the maximum admissible dose is exceeded, the device cuts or adapts the UV emission and can warn the user of the cutting off of the UV source.

[0028] Overall, the method of manufacturing the UV-C radiation emitting device described above may comprise: - a UV-C source protection box - a UV-C source - programmable or non-programmable control electronics - a specific optical system for controlling the germicidal beam - a system for fine adjustment of the radiation output flux - a filter system to eliminate part of the optical spectrum outside the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm - a sealing blade (optional) - an optical angle return system, allowing the adjustment of the horizontality of the germicidal beam as well as the angular distribution of the germicidal flow - a system positioning system allowing adjustment from the outside - a control and maintenance switch - a reinforced air mixing system (optional) - a presence detection system in the germicidal zone (optional) - a presence detection system in the room (optional) - a dose measuring device allowing the device to be switched off or the flow to be adjusted if there is a risk of overexposure (optional) Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0030] [Fig.l] is a sectional view of a schematic representation of a germicidal device intended to be installed in a ceiling, according to another embodiment of the invention which allows 360° emission;

[0031] [Fig.2] is a sectional view of a schematic representation of a device germicide intended to be installed in a ceiling, according to an embodiment of the invention which allows oriented emission;

[0032] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a grid according to a mode of realization;

[0033] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a grid according to another mode of realization.

[0034] It will be noted that in these figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements and the different structures are not to scale. Furthermore, only the elements essential to the understanding of the invention are represented in these figures for reasons of clarity. Detailed description

[0035] A decontamination system according to certain particular embodiments of the invention will be described below.

[0036] With reference to [Fig.l] the UVC radiation emitting device, in section, according to an embodiment of the invention, in which a wavelength filtering device is inserted in order to eliminate and / or modify the visible spectrum.

[0037] The system of [Fig.l] comprises a light-tight housing (1) except on the front face (8) where it is pierced with an opening allowing the exit of optical and germicidal radiation.

[0038] It also comprises a power supply (4) making it possible to adapt the characteristics of the energy delivered by the electrical network to the operation of the source (3) emitting at least part of the energy radiated in the 200nm to 300nm band.

[0039] This source (3) is placed sufficiently close to the focus of a parabolic reflector (2), made of treated aluminum to guarantee good reflectivity in the band from 200nm to 300nm. In front of this source is placed a metal shutter (5) whose surface is treated to have very low reflectivity in the band from 200nm to 300nm, with an absorption of more than 95% of the incident light, including at grazing incidence. This shutter (5) is movable, in this implementation by a rotation around an axis passing through the middle of the shutter, and has an indexing device which allows it to be held in position.

[0040] If necessary, the beam returned on the optical axis passes through a condenser (6) which can be a lens, a Fresnel lens or any other device making it possible to limit the divergence of the beam in a diffractive or refractive manner. This condenser (6) transmits at least the rays in the band from 200nm to 300nm, and can be treated to absorb, reflect and / or convert the other wavelengths.

[0041] On the optical path, a grid (8) is placed, consisting of slats (7) made of rigid material, in this implementation made of aluminum. This grid is treated so as to have a very low reflectivity in the band from 200nm to 300nm, with an absorption of more than 97% of the incident light, including at grazing incidence.

[0042] The housing (1) is open only on its face located on the optical path, in front of the grid. A filter (9) absorbing rays between 350nm and 800nm ​​is located between the grid (8) and the opening of the housing (1). This filter (9) makes it possible to eliminate the visible light component, which, in certain circumstances (cinemas, performance halls, etc.) may be unwanted.

[0043] The beam coming out of the box (1) is reflected by a mirror cone (11). This cone returns the beam at an adjustable angle so as to be as parallel as possible to the ceiling. The holding piece (12) is adjustable so as to move the beam away from the ceiling if necessary.

[0044] [Fig.2] illustrates in section a UVC radiation emitting device according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the optical axis is bent so as to hide the greater part of the device in a ceiling.

[0045] The system of [Fig.2] comprises a light-tight housing (14) except on the lower face (23) where it is pierced with an opening allowing the exit of optical and germicidal radiation.

[0046] It also comprises a power supply (15) making it possible to adapt the characteristics of the energy delivered by the electrical network to the operation of the source (19) emitting at least part of the energy radiated in the band of 200nm to 300nm. This power supply can be dimmable if the device does not have a transmission power adjustment shutter or if the installation requires it.

[0047] This source (19) is placed close to the focus of a reflector (18) with hemispherical, dichroic geometry, treated on its inner face to guarantee good reflectivity in the band from 200nm to 300nm and to transmit wavelengths greater than 300nm.

[0048] The beam returned on the optical axis passes through a condenser (21) which can be a lens, a Fresnel lens or any other device making it possible to limit the divergence of the beam in a diffractive or refractive manner. This condenser (21) transmits at least the rays in the band from 200nm to 300nm, and can be treated to absorb, reflect and / or convert the other wavelengths.

[0049] The beam then passes through a grid (17) comprising several slats (21) making it possible to reduce the divergence of the beam.

[0050] In this implementation the beam is directed downwards, and encounters a mirror (24) inclined on the optical axis. This mirror (24) is held by a system which consists of rods, two of which, (25) and (22) are shown. A pivot connection on the rod (22) allows rotation of the mirror, rotation which is controlled by the screw (20) located on the rod (25). Alternatively, the connection can be carried by the rod (22) and the adjustment can be made by the rod (22).

[0051] [Fig.3] illustrates a possible implementation of a grid according to one embodiment;

[0052] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a grid according to another embodiment.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for decontaminating the air of a room by emitting light radiation into said room, comprising a housing, one face of which is provided with an opening through which said light radiation exits, the housing integrating: - at least one light-emitting device (3) configured to generate light radiation comprising at least a portion of the radiated energy in a wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm; - at least one reflector (2) configured to orient the light rays generated by the light-emitting device (3) towards the opening of the housing in a preferential direction called the optical axis - at least one adjustable mechanical device (5) located on the path of these oriented rays and configured to interrupt all or part of the radiation in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm;- at least one grid (8) consisting of solid slats (7) covered with an optical treatment absorbing more than 95% of the rays, these slats being arranged so as to angularly limit the emission cone of the 200nm to 300nm light rays emerging from the opening of the housing; - an adjustment device making it possible to correct the horizontal and vertical positioning of the housing by the use of more than two pressure screws pressing on a moving part and located between the device and a support; the decontamination device further comprising an optical system for returning the light rays emerging from the opening parallel to the ceiling of the room.;

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising on the optical path a filter (9) configured to eliminate all or part of the light radiation outside the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm.

3. Device according to claim 1, comprising on the optical path an optical condenser (6) configured to reduce the divergence of the radiation in the wavelength range of 200nm to 300nm.

4. Device according to claim 1, comprising a presence or movement detector whose detection zone is limited to the germicidal zone, and making it possible to cut off the emission and / or modulate it in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm in the event of detection.

5. Device according to claim 1, comprising a presence or movement detector detecting the presence in the room or part of it, and making it possible to cut off the emission in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm when the room or part of it is unoccupied, this cut-off being able to be delayed on switching on and / or off.

6. Device according to claim 1, comprising a dose detector sensitive to the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm and located in a position representative of the exposure of the people present, this detector being able to order the cutting off of the emission in the wavelength range from 200nm to 300nm when the dose received by the detector exceeds the programmed setpoint during the programmed period of time.

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