Mattress with an antibacterial ventilation unit with an integrated light-emitting diode ultraviolet light source and such ventilation unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mattress with an integrated antibacterial ventilation unit (10) that treats air with UVC light, comprising: at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a ducted fan housing (22); and at least one UVC emitting unit (31) including (i) at least one UVC light emitting diode (32) and, optionally, (ii) at least one UVC directing lens (34), wherein the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to enable irradiation of air passing through the antibacterial ventilation unit (10), and wherein the at least one UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the interior of the ducted fan housing (22) with UVC light.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 that treats air with short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for the antimicrobial treatment of an air stream using such an antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 that treats air with UVC light. Additionally, the present invention relates to a mattress including such an antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 that treats air with UVC light. [Background technology]

[0002] background Contamination is a long-standing issue that has received significant attention over the years. Untreated air typically contains bacteria, mold spores, and viruses that can cause health problems if inhaled. This is a particular problem in interior spaces (e.g., elevators and hospital wards) where air may be recirculated through ventilation units. Airborne bacterial infections that can spread through ventilation units include pertussis, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. Airborne bacterial infections that can spread through ventilation units include the common cold, coronavirus (COVID-19), measles virus, chickenpox virus, influenza virus, enterovirus, norovirus, and rare adenovirus. In enclosed spaces (e.g., office spaces, hospital wards, or elevators), recirculated air can increase the residence time of airborne microorganisms and, therefore, the probability that susceptible individuals within the space will become infected with the microorganisms.

[0003] Ventilation systems for beds are known in the art, and the ventilation unit is typically positioned externally adjacent to the mattress of the bed. With regard to such ventilated beds, the same problems as mentioned above may arise if the airflow generated by the ventilation system can release bacteria, mold spores, viruses or microorganisms.

[0004] UVC light is well known to have a very strong bactericidal effect, capable of inactivating a variety of microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, yeast, and algae) through the formation of pyrimidine dimers, a photoproduct of genetic material. Pyrimidine dimerization can interfere with DNA replication and transcription, causing cell death. However, cell death is not necessary for antimicrobial treatment of air, as long as sufficient damage to cells is inflicted to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms necessary for their incorporation into the antimicrobial-treated air. A minimum residence time under UVC illumination is necessary to prevent microorganisms from reproducing. This residence time depends on the wavelength of the light and the intensity of the illumination. To provide a compact ventilation unit, high light intensity is required; state-of-the-art systems use UV bulbs with high wattage (6W).

[0005] Antibacterial air conditioning systems have been proposed that provide antibacterial treatment to air passing through ventilation units. U.S. Patent No. 5,925,230 discloses an air purification system that includes multiple noisy axial fans and ultraviolet (UV) light sources (UV bulbs) within a ventilation housing. One drawback of this type of system is that the airflow must be close to the UV bulbs, which are positioned across the center of a C-shaped airflow duct. This creates large, turbulent airflow and, therefore, noise. Furthermore, this turbulence results in poor energy efficiency. Therefore, this prior art solution is not suitable for compact ventilation units that rely on laminar airflow to reduce noise and energy consumption. Until now, UV irradiation has mostly been performed with conventional low-pressure mercury-vapor UV bulbs (LP bulbs) that emit UV light with a peak wavelength of 254 nm.

[0006] An additional consideration is that UVC light is damaging to people's skin and eyes and can cause cancer in the long term. Therefore, when using UVC light sources in ventilation units, care is taken to ensure that UVC light does not escape such systems. This is achieved in known systems by using a series of baffles or bends in the air duct (typically V-, W-, U-, C-, or S-shaped) to block the light. These blocking elements typically make such ventilation units bulky and louder to operate, and the baffles and / or bends in the air duct cause turbulence, resulting in undesirable noise and energy inefficiency. An example of an S-shaped air duct assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,230.

[0007] Therefore, it remains a challenge to provide an antibacterial ventilation unit that treats air with UVC light, operates quietly, and with higher energy efficiency (lower power per watt), without large shading elements that cause turbulence. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A brief summary of the disclosure According to the present invention, there is provided a mattress comprising an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) for treating the air with UVC light, as claimed in claim 1.

[0009] According to an aspect, there is provided a method for antimicrobial treatment of an air stream, comprising: supplying air containing microorganisms to an antibacterial ventilation unit as described above; causing the microorganism-laden air to flow through a centrifugal fan unit; irradiating the air containing microorganisms with UVC light flowing through a centrifugal fan unit within a duct fan housing of the antibacterial ventilation unit; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0010] Further, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an antibacterial ventilation unit according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of a first embodiment of an antibacterial ventilation unit according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a horizontal top-down cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an antibacterial ventilation unit according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top-down horizontal cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example of a first embodiment of an antibacterial ventilation unit according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows a Ram-type UVC light-emitting diode suitable for use in the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows a chip-type UVC light-emitting diode suitable for use in the present invention. [Figure 7] A UVC radiation unit (31) including nine chip-type light-emitting diodes as shown in Figure 6 is shown suitable for use in the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates the light-blocking properties of a light-blocking baffle assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 9] A non-limiting example is shown in FIG. 4 with a dotted line indicating the direct emission path of UVC photons from the UVC emitting unit (31) that are absorbed by the plate (51) of the light blocking baffle assembly (50). [Figure 10] 1 is a cartoon of the use of an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention for antibacterial treatment of air. [Figure 11] The duct fan housing (22) includes a portion of the mirror inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing. Figure 1 is a cartoon of an example use of an antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention for antimicrobial treatment of air. [Figure 12] A cartoon illustration of antimicrobial air treatment using units such as those shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9. [Figure 13]A cartoon illustration of antimicrobial air treatment using a particularly preferred embodiment unit roughly corresponding to units such as those shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9, in which the duct fan housing (22) has a mirror finish. [Figure 14] 12 is a cartoon illustration of antimicrobial treatment of air using a particularly preferred embodiment unit broadly corresponding to a unit such as that shown in FIG. 2 in combination with FIG. [Figure 15] An embodiment according to FIG. 1 is shown in cartoon form for antimicrobial treatment of air containing microorganisms (shown as rings) and dust particles (pentagons). [Figure 16] A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the unit (10) further comprises a filter unit (80). [Figure 17] A non-limiting example corresponding to the example of Figure 9 is shown in which the duct fan housing (22) has a mirror finish. [Figure 18] 1 shows a schematic representation of a mattress with an antibacterial ventilation unit provided therein according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Detailed Description In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mattress having an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) therein that treats the air with UVC light, - at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); at least one UVC radiation unit (31) including at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32); Including, The at least one UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that a mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode intersects the duct fan housing (22). Regarding mattresses.

[0013] The present invention synergistically (i) move air more energy efficiently; (ii) generate photons with greater energy efficiency; (iii) maximize the probability that the generated photons will strike microorganisms in the moving air; (iv) Maximize the probability that the generated photons, if they strike a microorganism, will prevent the microorganism from reproducing. This achieves the goal of antibacterial treatment of air with greater energy efficiency than prior art.

[0014] A centrifugal fan unit (20) is a mechanical device that moves air or other gases at an angle relative to the incoming air, typically discharging air at a 90-degree angle relative to the incoming air. Centrifugal fan units (20) include fan units sometimes referred to as "crossflow fan" units (120) and "tangential fan" units (220). Centrifugal fan units (20) do not include fan units referred to as "axial fan" units or "axial blower" units. Centrifugal fan units (20) are not positive displacement devices (pumps). A centrifugal fan includes a duct fan housing (22) and an impeller (21) (air moving means). The impeller (21) (air moving means) is typically provided by an axisymmetric rotor impeller (121) or a cylindrical impeller (221) that rotates about an axis of rotation (26). The centrifugal fan unit (20) uses centrifugal force provided by the rotation of an impeller (21) (air moving means) to increase the kinetic energy of air or other gases.

[0015] Optionally, the impeller (21) (air moving means) may be a fan wheel impeller (321) including an impeller hub (23) along an axis of rotation (26) and a number of impeller fan blades (24) mounted around the hub (23).

[0016] The impeller fan blades (24) may be arranged around the impeller (21) in three different ways: (i) forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), (ii) backward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24b), or (iii) straight radial impeller fan blades (24c).

[0017] Optionally, the impeller fan blades 24 may be forward-curved impeller fan blades 24b, i.e., the curvature of the blades is configured in the direction of rotation of the fan wheel. For small diameter fan wheels, the blades may be straight, referred to as forward-curved. In antimicrobial ventilation units 10 including an impeller 21, the impeller 21 includes forward-curved impeller fan blades 24b, which are particularly advantageous in providing laminar airflow with minimal noise generation.

[0018] Optionally, the impeller fan blades 24 may be backward-curved, i.e., the curvature of the blades opposes the direction of rotation of the fan wheel. For smaller diameter fan wheels, the blades may be straight, referred to as backward-inclined. In antibacterial ventilation units 10 including impellers 21, impellers 21 including backward-curved or backward-inclined blades are particularly advantageously energy-efficient air movers. Antibacterial ventilation units 10 including backward-curved or backward-inclined blades are more energy-efficient than comparable ventilation units including forward-curved / inclined impeller fan blades 24a, but suffer from the drawback of operating with slightly greater noise pollution. The noise pollution generated by ventilation units 10 including backward-curved or backward-inclined blades is also advantageously quieter and more energy-efficient than comparable "axial fan" or "axial blower" units. In an antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) including an impeller (21), the impeller (21) includes backward curved / backward angled impeller fan blades (24b) that are advantageously resistant to solids buildup / fouling and advantageously usable for passing gases at moderate to high particulate loads.

[0019] Optionally, the impeller fan blades 24 may be straight radial impeller fan blades 24c that extend straight from the center of the hub. In antimicrobial ventilation units 10 including impellers 21, the impellers 21 include straight radial blades that are least susceptible to solids buildup and are particularly advantageous for ventilation at high to very high particulate loads (such as those encountered during unfiltered operation in dusty conditions, such as in grain bins or kitchen environments).

[0020] Preferably, the impeller (21) (air moving means) is a hollow cylindrical impeller (421) having a hollow portion (25) aligned along the axis of rotation (26). The ends of the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) may be capped with solid end walls (27), as is typically the case with tangential fan units (220). Ends refer to the end regions, including the last 10% of the impeller's length along the axis of rotation at both ends of the impeller. The hollow cylindrical impeller (421) features impeller fan blades (24), which can be (i) forward-curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), (ii) backward-curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24b), or (iii) straight-radial impeller fan blades (24c). Depending on the length of the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) along the axis of rotation (26), there may optionally be impeller fan blade support disks (28) to ensure the rigidity and dimensional integrity of the impeller fan blades (24). These impeller fan blade support disks (28) may be positioned so that their walls (29) are perpendicular to the axis of rotation (26), so that they do not impede the tangential flow of air.

[0021] In the absence of a duct fan housing 22, rotating a hollow cylindrical impeller 421 or fan wheel impeller 321 creates equilibrium. Air is agitated in concentric circles throughout the cross section of the impeller 21, with a stable vortex located at the center of the impeller 21. In the absence of a duct fan housing 22, only a small amount of air passes through such a supposed fan, resulting in minimal effective ventilation work.

[0022] To do work, the air must travel through an impeller (21) (air moving means), such as a hollow cylindrical impeller (421) or a fan wheel impeller (321). This is accomplished by the interaction of the impeller (21) with a duct fan housing (22), which is configured to provide a laminar flow of air through the centrifugal fan unit (20).

[0023] For an impeller (21) containing multiple impeller fan blades (24), the duct fan housing (22) is configured so that as the impeller fan blades (24) rotate about the rotation axis (26), gas particles near the impeller fan blades (24) are displaced radially outward and move toward the duct fan housing (22). As a result, the kinetic energy of the gas causes an increase in pressure near the duct fan housing (22) due to the system resistance provided by the duct fan housing (22). The gas is then rotationally displaced within the duct fan housing (22) to the second (outlet) side (20b) of the centrifugal fan unit, where it exits the centrifugal fan unit (20). As the gas is radially displaced by the impeller fan blades (24), the gas pressure near the rotation axis decreases. External gas from the first (inlet) side (20a) of the centrifugal fan unit enters the centrifugal fan unit (20) and normalizes the pressure. This cycle repeats, thus allowing gas to be continuously transported through the centrifugal fan unit (20).

[0024] In the case of a tangential centrifugal fan unit (220), this means that air must enter from at least one first (inlet) side (220a) of the tangential centrifugal fan unit, which can overcome various tangent angles to the second (outlet) side (220b) of the crossflow centrifugal fan unit, where "tangential" is what is meant. In the case of a tangential centrifugal fan unit (220), this works by shifting the location of the vortex from the axis of rotation to create a pressure imbalance. Shifting the location of the vortex is achieved by a non-axisymmetric duct fan housing (22a) (with respect to the axis of rotation of the impeller (21)). This can be achieved by configuring the duct fan housing (23a) to form an obstruction (22b) near the outer diameter of the impeller (21), which prevents the gas (e.g., air) from rotating around the outside of the impeller (21).

[0025] The obstruction 22b in the duct fan housing 22a is commonly known as a "vortex tongue," and the shape and location of the obstruction 22b determine the performance characteristics of the tangential centrifugal fan unit 220 and the change in airflow direction. This shift in vortex causes high gas velocity at the center of the impeller, increasing dynamic pressure and decreasing static pressure. This causes suction at the first (inlet) side 220a of the tangential centrifugal fan unit. As the air exits through the second (outlet) side 220b of the tangential centrifugal fan unit, the gas velocity slows, decreasing dynamic pressure and increasing static pressure. This causes the gas to exit the tangential centrifugal fan unit 220 through the second (outlet) side 220b of the tangential centrifugal fan unit. This establishes a high-speed, smooth, laminar flow exiting the tangential centrifugal fan unit 220, particularly at high speeds advantageous for a given motor speed. Advantageously, the laminar airflow generated by a tangential centrifugal fan unit typically exhibits a low noise ratio at relatively high airflow velocities.

[0026] In the case of a cross-flow centrifugal fan unit (120), this means that air must enter from at least one first (inlet) side (120a) of the cross-flow centrifugal fan unit that is appropriately perpendicular to a second (outlet) side (120b) of the cross-flow centrifugal fan unit. This is what is meant by "cross-flow."

[0027] The size and shape of the centrifugal fan unit 20 and the size and shape of the fan housing are interdependent and are preferably configured to provide a laminar airflow during use.

[0028] A first aspect of the present invention requires that an antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) for treating air with UVC light comprises at least one UVC radiation unit (31) comprising (i) at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32) and, optionally, (ii) at least one UVC lens (34).

[0029] A suitable UVC radiation unit (31) can generate light having one or more wavelengths in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm, more preferably in the range of 225 nm to 280 nm, even more preferably in the range of 255 nm to 270 nm, and most preferably a wavelength of 265 (±0.5) nm. Using a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm maximizes the probability that photons generated at this wavelength will prevent microorganisms from multiplying when they strike the microorganisms. The more preferred wavelength ranges are particularly advantageous as they are most harmful to bacterial and viral DNA and / or RNA and are therefore most effective in antimicrobial treatment of air.

[0030] The UVC radiation unit (31) including the UVC light emitting diode (32) is more energy efficient in generating photons having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm than conventional low-pressure mercury UV lamps (LP lamps), thereby generating photons with higher energy efficiency.

[0031] Furthermore, the UVC radiation unit (31) including UVC light emitting diodes (32) is very fast at generating sufficient UVC radiation within seconds, compared to the minutes required by conventional low pressure mercury UV lamps (LP lamps) to "warm up." This provides the benefit that the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to the present invention does not unnecessarily circulate air for up to 15 minutes before antibacterial treatment of the air, and is therefore more energy efficient.

[0032] The UVC radiation unit (31), which includes UVC light emitting diodes (32), generates directionally focused light rather than the randomly directional light generated by gas discharge in conventional mercury vapor lamps. This provides the benefit that the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of the present invention can direct the directionally focused light over the path of moving air, maximizing the probability that the generated photons will strike microorganisms in the moving air.

[0033] The UVC radiation unit (31) including the UVC light-emitting diodes (32) is smaller than a conventional mercury vapor lamp capable of outputting the same amount of UVC radiation. The effect of this difference is that the smaller UVC radiation unit (31) can be installed within the duct fan housing (22) without significantly interfering with the air flow path. This results in a device that (i) moves air more energy efficiently and (ii) can move air more quietly than a device with a conventional mercury vapor lamp installed within the duct fan housing (22).

[0034] The UVC radiation unit (31) including the UVC light emitting diodes (32) is believed to have a longer lifespan of approximately 25,000 hours compared to the shorter lifespan of 5,000 hours for a typical low-pressure mercury lamp, which advantageously means that the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) according to the present invention can be operated for a longer period without maintenance than known antimicrobial UVC ventilation units.

[0035] Suitable UVC light-emitting diodes (32) can generate light having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm, more preferably in the range of 225 nm to 280 nm, even more preferably in the range of 255 nm to 270 nm, and most preferably at a wavelength of 265 (±0.5) nm. For example, optionally, a suitable UVC light-emitting diode can be the NCSU334B light-emitting diode light source commercially available from Nichia (2021). UVC light-emitting diodes are particularly advantageous in generating a high luminous flux having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm in an energy-efficient manner.

[0036] Preferably, the UVC light emitting diodes (32) have a peak wavelength (λ) of 250 nm to 280 nm. P More preferably, UVC light emitting diodes (32) emit light having a peak wavelength (λ) of 225 nm to 270 nm, which is considered particularly lethal to most microorganisms and is referred to herein as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). PMost preferably, the UVC light emitting diode (32) has a peak wavelength (λ) of 265 (±0.5) nm. P ) This wavelength is particularly advantageous as it is the most detrimental to bacterial and viral DNA.

[0037] Preferably, the UVC light emitting diode (32) has an output of 0.5 mW / cm at a distance of 50 mm from the UVC light emitting diode. 2 to 50mW / cm 2 , more preferably 1.0 mW / cm 2 to 25mW / cm 2 , and even more preferably 1.5 mW / cm 2 to 15mW / cm 2 has a maximum irradiance flux density of

[0038] Preferably, the UVC radiation unit (31) has a beam angle 2θ of 180 degrees to 5 degrees, more preferably 160 degrees to 10 degrees, even more preferably 140 degrees to 20 degrees, even more preferably 120 degrees to 30 degrees, and most preferably 70 degrees to 50 degrees. 1 / 2 A directivity angle that is too small (less than 5 degrees) is less favorable because most of the air being moved through the duct fan housing (22) is not illuminated by the single UVC light-emitting diode, resulting in lower energy efficiency. A directivity angle that is too large (greater than 180 degrees) is less favorable because a significant portion of the radiant flux of UVC light strikes the duct fan housing (22) before passing through the air to be treated being moved through the centrifugal fan unit (20), resulting in lower energy efficiency.

[0039] If the UVC radiation unit (31) does not include at least one UVC converging lens, preferably, the UVC light emitting diodes (32) have a directivity angle 2θ of 180 degrees to 5 degrees, more preferably 160 degrees to 10 degrees, even more preferably 140 degrees to 20 degrees, and most preferably 120 degrees to 30 degrees. 1 / 2 A preferred pointing angle can maximize the probability that the generated photons will strike microorganisms in the moving air.

[0040] Preferably, the UVC radiation unit (31) further comprises at least one UVC lens. The UVC lens is made of a material that is optically transparent to light having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm, which is resistant to photodegradation at this wavelength. Suitable materials include UV-resistant plastics and quartz glass. The function of the UVC lens (34) is to reduce the beam angle 2θ of the light emitted by the UVC light-emitting diode (32). 1 / 2 The UVC lens 34 and the UVC light emitting diode 32 are arranged so that the UVC radiation emitted by each UVC light emitting diode strikes the UVC lens 34 and has a directivity angle 2θ 1 / 2 The UVC lens (34) may be a converging lens or a diverging lens, more preferably a converging lens. A particularly preferred UVC emitting unit (31) includes a combination of a converging UVC lens and a UVC light emitting diode (32), and has a beam angle 2θ of 180 degrees to 5 degrees, more preferably 160 degrees to 10 degrees, even more preferably 140 degrees to 20 degrees, even more preferably 120 degrees to 30 degrees, and most preferably 70 degrees to 50 degrees. 1 / 2 The present invention provides a UVC radiation unit (31) having a wavelength of 1000 nm. Preferably, the UVC radiation unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light so that the optical axis of the UVC radiation unit (31) is approximately coaxial with the impeller's rotation axis (26). Approximately coaxial means that the axis is within 25 degrees of the coaxial axis. The advantage of this configuration is that the light from the UVC radiation unit (31) can travel along the length of the duct fan housing (22L) approximately perpendicular to the airflow (within 25 degrees of perpendicular). This allows UVC photons to travel the longest distance through air containing microorganisms, increasing the probability that any one photon of UVC light will strike a microorganism traveling through the duct fan housing. The effect is that a lower irradiance flux, and therefore less energy, is required to achieve the same level of antimicrobial treatment. This arrangement is referred to in this patent application as longitudinal UVC illumination.

[0041] More preferably, the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the optical axis of the UVC emitting unit (31) is substantially coaxial with the impeller's axis of rotation (26), where substantially coaxial means that the axis is within 15 degrees of the axis, even more preferably that the axis is within 10 degrees of the axis, and most preferably that the axis is within 5 degrees of the axis.

[0042] Most preferably, the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light so that all air flowing through the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) is exposed to UVC radiation.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light so that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light-emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the impeller's rotational axis (26). Approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 25 degrees of each other. The advantage of this configuration is that the light from the UVC light-emitting diode can travel along the length of the duct fan housing (22L), increasing the probability that any one photon of UVC light will strike a microorganism traveling through the duct fan housing, thus requiring a lower irradiance flux and less energy to achieve antimicrobial treatment. This is considered longitudinal UVC illumination of laminar airflow.

[0044] More preferably, the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the axis of rotation (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axis is within 15 degrees of the coaxial, even more preferably that the axis is within 10 degrees of the coaxial, and most preferably that the axis is within 5 degrees of the coaxial.

[0045] Most preferably, the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light so that all air flowing through the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) is exposed to UVC radiation.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) that treats air with UVC light comprises: - at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); at least two UVC radiation units (31) each containing at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32); Including, At least two UVC emitting units (31) are configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axes (33) of the UVC light emitting diodes intersect the duct fan housing (22).

[0047] Preferably, at least two UVC emitting units (31) are mounted on or on opposite sides of the duct fan housing (22) and configured to simultaneously illuminate a volume (22K) of the duct fan housing. This simultaneously illuminated volume of the duct fan housing is referred to as the duct fan housing's longitudinal microbial lethality zone (22K). An advantage of this configuration is that a higher radiant flux of UVC light can be achieved at a lower energy cost than other configurations, allowing for energy-efficient antimicrobial treatment of air moved through the duct fan housing (22) during use.

[0048] Most preferably, at least two UVC emitting units (21) are mounted on or on opposite sides of the duct fan housing (22) and configured to simultaneously illuminate the duct fan housing volume (22K), with the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diodes (21) being approximately coaxial with the impeller axis of rotation (26). Approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 45 degrees of each other. The advantage of this configuration is that light from the UVC light emitting diodes (21) can travel along the length of the duct fan housing (22L) from two directions, increasing the probability that any one photon of UVC light will strike a microorganism traveling through the duct fan housing, thereby requiring a lower irradiance flux and less energy to achieve antimicrobial treatment. This means that a higher UVC photon flux can be achieved in the duct fan housing's longitudinal microbial lethality zone (22K), and therefore, higher flow rates can be achieved without the need for antimicrobial treatment. Even more preferably, the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially coaxial with the impeller axis of rotation (26), where substantially coaxial means that the axis is within 30 degrees of the coaxial axis, even more preferably that the axis is within 10 degrees of the coaxial axis, and most preferably that the axis is within 5 degrees of the coaxial axis. The closer the light emitting diode axis (33) is to the impeller axis of rotation, the higher the UVC photon flux in the duct fan housing's enfilade microbial lethality zone (22K) that can be achieved for the same light emitting diode (32).

[0049] In an alternative embodiment that is also preferred, the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) that treats the air with UVC light comprises: - at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); at least one UVC radiation unit (31) including at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32); - at least one mirror inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing; Including, At least one UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode intersects with the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing.

[0050] Advantageously, this embodiment can achieve a higher UVC photon flux within the duct fan housing (22) than a comparable antimicrobial ventilation unit without at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, or can be configured such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode intersects with the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing.

[0051] The mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing refers to a surface that reflects at least 15% of incident light radiation having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm. Suitable mirrored inner surfaces are stainless steel plate, which reflects approximately 20% to 30% of incident UVC light having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm, untreated aluminum, which reflects approximately 40% to 60% of incident UVC light having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm, chrome plating, which reflects approximately 39% of incident UVC light having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm, or aluminum paint, which reflects approximately 10% to 75% of incident UVC light having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm. Preferably, the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing reflects at least 70% of incident light radiation having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm. Such a surface may suitably be formed of aluminum foil, which reflects approximately 73% of incident radiation having wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm, or magnesium oxide, which reflects approximately 75% to 88% of incident radiation having wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm. More preferably, the duct fan housing's inner mirrored surface (22M) reflects at least 75% of incident radiation having wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm. Such a surface may suitably be formed of polished aluminum plate (alzak), which reflects approximately 80% of incident radiation having wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm. Even more preferably, the duct fan housing's inner mirrored surface (22M) reflects at least 90% of incident radiation having wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm. Such a surface may suitably be formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), which reflects approximately 95% of incident radiation having wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm.

[0052] Preferably, at least one UVC emitting unit (31) and at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing are mounted on or opposite sides of the duct fan housing (22), and are configured so that unreflected light from the at least one UVC emitting unit (31) and reflected light from the at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing simultaneously illuminate a volume (22K) within the duct fan housing. This simultaneously illuminated volume of the duct fan housing is referred to as the duct fan housing's (reflected) microbial lethality zone (22KR). An advantage of this configuration is that a higher radiant flux of UVC light can be achieved at a lower energy cost than other configurations, enabling energy-efficient antimicrobial treatment of air moved through the duct fan housing (22) during use (particularly air moved through the duct fan housing's (reflected) microbial lethality zone (22KR).

[0053] More preferably, the at least one UVC emitting unit (31) and at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing are configured to simultaneously illuminate the volume (22KR) of the duct fan housing, and the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diodes is configured to be approximately coaxial with the impeller's axis of rotation (26) and substantially orthogonal to the at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing. Approximately coaxial means that the axis is within 45 degrees of the coaxial axis. Substantially orthogonal means that the axis is within 20 degrees of normal incidence. An advantage of this configuration is that light from the UVC light emitting diodes can travel along the length (22L) of the duct fan housing from two directions, increasing the probability that any one photon of UVC light will strike a microorganism traveling through the duct fan housing, thus requiring a lower irradiance flux and less energy to achieve antimicrobial treatment. This means that a higher UVC photon flux can be achieved in the (reflected) vertical microbial lethal zone (22KR) of the duct fan housing, and therefore a higher flow rate can be achieved without including antimicrobial treatment.

[0054] Even more preferably, the at least one UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially coaxial with the impeller axis of rotation (26), where substantially coaxial means that the axis is within 30 degrees of the coaxial axis, even more preferably that the axis is within 10 degrees of the coaxial axis, and most preferably that the axis is within 5 degrees of the coaxial axis. The closer the light emitting diode axis (33) is to the impeller axis of rotation, the higher the UVC photon flux in the (reflected) microbial lethality zone (22KR) of the duct fan housing that can be achieved for the same number of light emitting diodes (32).

[0055] Even more preferably, the at least one UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially perpendicular to the at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, where substantially perpendicular means that the axis is within 10 degrees of normal incidence, even more preferably within 5 degrees of normal incidence, and most preferably within 2 degrees of normal incidence.

[0056] A preferred combination of features is the antibacterial ventilation unit according to this embodiment as follows: - the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing reflects at least 20% of incident optical radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm; the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the rotational axis (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 45 degrees of the coaxial; The mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially perpendicular to at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, where substantially perpendicular means that the axis is within 20 degrees of normal incidence.

[0057] Another particularly preferred combination of features is the antibacterial ventilation unit according to this embodiment as described below. - the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing reflects at least 70% of incident optical radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm; the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the rotational axis (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 30 degrees of the coaxial; The mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially perpendicular to at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, where substantially perpendicular means that the axis is within 10 degrees of normal incidence.

[0058] Another particularly preferred combination of features is the antibacterial ventilation unit according to this embodiment as described below. - the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing reflects at least 75% of incident optical radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm; the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the rotational axis (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 5 degrees of the coaxial; The mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially perpendicular to at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, where substantially perpendicular means that the axis is within 10 degrees of normal incidence.

[0059] Another particularly even more preferred combination of features is the antibacterial ventilation unit according to this embodiment as described below. - the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing reflects at least 80% of incident optical radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm; the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the rotational axis (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 10 degrees of the coaxial; The mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially perpendicular to at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, where substantially perpendicular means that the axis is within 5 degrees of normal incidence.

[0060] Another most preferred combination of features is the antibacterial ventilation unit according to this embodiment as follows: - the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing reflects at least 90% of incident optical radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm; the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the rotational axis (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axes are within 5 degrees of the coaxial; The mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially perpendicular to at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, where substantially perpendicular means that the axis is within 2 degrees of normal incidence.

[0061] The more the duct fan housing's inner mirror surface (22M) reflects at least 90% of the incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm, the higher the UVC photon flux in the duct fan housing's (reflected) vertical microbial lethality zone (22KR) that can be achieved relative to alternative configurations that make less use of the duct fan housing's inner mirror surface (22M).

[0062] The closer the axis (33) of the light-emitting diode is to the axis of rotation of the impeller, the higher the UVC photon flux in the (reflected) vertical microbial lethality zone (22KR) of the duct fan housing that can be achieved for alternative configurations utilizing the same light-emitting diode (32).

[0063] The closer the axis (33) of the light emitting diode is to normal incidence with at least one mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing, the higher the UVC photon flux in the (reflected) vertical microbial lethality zone (22KR) of the duct fan housing that can be achieved for alternative configurations utilizing the same light emitting diode (32).

[0064] Optionally, the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to the first aspect of the present invention as described in any of the above embodiments may further comprise a ventilation housing (40).

[0065] Preferably, the ventilation housing 40 is configured to enclose the at least one centrifugal fan unit 20 and the UVC emission unit 31, while still allowing fluid communication of air from outside the antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 to the first (inlet) side 20a of the at least one centrifugal fan unit and the second (outlet) side of the at least one centrifugal fan unit 20. Advantageously, the ventilation housing 40 protects the antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 from accidental damage and external environmental factors.

[0066] Optionally, the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to the first aspect of the present invention as described in any of the above-described embodiments may further comprise a light-tight baffle assembly (50) comprising a plurality of light-tight baffle assembly slits (51).

[0067] If present, the light blocking baffle assembly (50) is configured to fit onto the second (outlet) side (20b) of at least one centrifugal fan unit. Advantageously, the light blocking baffle assembly protects the centrifugal fan unit from the accidental ingress of large objects into the duct fan housing (22).

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the light blocking baffle assembly (50) comprises: a plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly slits (51); a plurality of light blocking baffle assembly plates (52); Including, The plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly slits (51) and the plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly plates (52) are configured and oriented to visually block the UVC emission unit (31) while still allowing free fluid communication of air from the interior of the centrifugal fan unit (20) with the exterior of the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) through the second (outlet) side of the at least one centrifugal fan unit (20). Visually blocking the UVC emission unit (31) means that the UVC light emitted by the UVC emission unit (31) does not have a direct path to the exterior of the antibacterial ventilation unit (10).

[0069] A suitable shading baffle assembly (50) configured in this manner may be one in which the plurality of shading baffle assembly plates (52) are arranged substantially perpendicular to the impeller rotation axis (26) (and thus substantially parallel to the direction of airflow exiting the second (outlet) side of the at least one centrifugal fan unit (20)).

[0070] An advantage of this embodiment is that little to no UVC light exits the antibacterial ventilation unit (10), which has the advantage of being safer (no to low exposure to harmful radiation). Another advantage is that it eliminates the need for additional shading elements (e.g., a series of baffles in the air duct (typically V-, W-, U-, C-, or S-shaped) or bends in the air duct). These shading elements typically make such ventilation units larger and louder to operate, and therefore, advantageously, a more compact antibacterial ventilation unit can be provided.

[0071] Preferably, the plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly plates (52) are coated with a material that reflects less than 30% of incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. A suitable surface is polished steel, which reflects approximately 20% to 28% of incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. More preferably, the plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly plates (52) are coated with a material that reflects less than 10% of incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. Even more preferably, the plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly plates (52) are coated with a material that reflects less than 2% of incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. Most preferably, the plurality of light-shielding baffle assembly plates (52) are coated with a material that reflects less than 2% of incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm.

[0072] The less incident light radiation having wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm that is reflected by the plurality of shading baffle assembly plates (52), the less potentially harmful UVC light that can escape the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) by reflecting off the shading baffle assembly plates (52), and therefore the safer the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) is during use.

[0073] Optionally, the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to the first aspect of the present invention as described in any of the above-described embodiments may further comprise a filtration unit (80). Preferably, the optional filtration unit (80) is adjacent to the first (inlet) side (20a) of the at least one centrifugal fan unit. The filtration unit (80) may be selected from a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (80a).

[0074] Preferably, the HEPA filter (80a) is configured to remove at least 99.95% of particles having a diameter equal to 0.3 μm from the air passing through the HEPA filter, as measured according to the method described in European Standard EN 1822-1:2019 and the documents cited therein.

[0075] A second aspect of the invention is a method for antimicrobial treatment of air, comprising: i. supplying air containing microorganisms to an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to any of the embodiments according to the first aspect of the present invention; ii. moving the air containing the microorganisms through a centrifugal fan unit (20); iii. irradiating the moving air containing microorganisms with UVC light within the duct fan housing (22) of the antibacterial ventilation unit (10); The present invention relates to a method comprising:

[0076] In the context of the present invention, antimicrobial treatment is the reduction in active microbial concentration, which can be quantified by the inactivation rate, which is a measure of the reduction in active microbial concentration expressed as N / N (%) or log(N / N). -N0 is the original active microbial concentration, -N is the active microbial concentration after microbial treatment.

[0077] Another useful parameter is 1-N t / N0 is the fractional kill after time t. -N0 is the original active microbial concentration, -N t is the active microbial concentration after time t.

[0078] The method according to the second aspect of the present invention is advantageous in that it provides an almost instantaneous UVC emission time compared to methods using conventional mercury vapor lamps, which typically require a warm-up time of up to 15 minutes.

[0079] Preferably, the method is for antimicrobial treatment of air, selecting microorganisms from fungal spores, bacterial spores, mycobacteria, vegetative bacteria, and viruses. More preferably, the method is for antimicrobial treatment of air, selecting microorganisms from bacterial spores, mycobacteria, vegetative bacteria, and viruses. Even more preferably, the method is for antimicrobial treatment of air, selecting microorganisms from mycobacteria, vegetative bacteria, and viruses. Even more preferably, the method is for antimicrobial treatment of air, selecting microorganisms from vegetative bacteria and viruses. Most preferably, the method is for antiviral treatment of air.

[0080] Preferably, the method comprises: 3 / s through the centrifugal fan unit (20).

[0081] Preferably, the method comprises: (iv) filtering the microorganism-laden air using a filter unit (80) before allowing the microorganism-laden air to travel through the centrifugal fan unit (20); Includes additional steps.

[0082] A third aspect of the present invention is a method for antimicrobial treatment of air, comprising: i. supplying air containing microorganisms to an antibacterial ventilation unit according to any of the above embodiments; ii. moving the air containing the microorganisms through a centrifugal fan unit; iii. irradiating the moving air containing the microorganisms with UVC light within the duct fan housing of the antimicrobial ventilation unit; The present invention relates to a method comprising:

[0083] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to any of the embodiments according to the first aspect for controlling the air quality of an interior space, preferably a room or vehicle cabin space, most preferably a room.

[0084] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to an air conditioning unit comprising an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to any of the embodiments according to the first aspect.

[0085] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a mattress comprising an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to any of the embodiments according to the first aspect.

[0086] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to an elevator comprising an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to any of the embodiments according to the first aspect.

[0087] definition In the context of the present invention, the following definitions are used: UVC: Ultraviolet C, light with wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. This specification complies with ISO standard ISO-21348:2007. LED: A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when an electric current passes through it.

[0088] Irradiance flux density is the radiant flux (power) received by a surface per unit area. The SI unit of irradiance is watts per square meter (W m -2 ) A point source produces a spherical wavefront if the irradiance flux density varies inversely as the square of the distance from the point source.

[0089] The beam angle, expressed in degrees, indicates the range over which the light emitted from an LED is emitted. Directivity is determined by observing the change in light output as the package is rotated, measuring from the peak output to the angle at which the light is still visible. Numerically, directivity is usually symmetrical, including both the left and right sides when viewed from the front, so directivity can be expressed as 2θ 1 / 2 The angle is indicated by 2 times the angle (±) at which the light output is half of the maximum output.

[0090] LED Front Edge: The LED front edge is the center point of the LED light-emitting surface on the exterior surface of the emitter.

[0091] LED optical axis. This is the axis passing through the front end of the LED emitter toward the center of gravity of the optical radiation pattern.

[0092] LED peak intensity axis. This is the axis passing through the front end of the LED emitter in the direction of maximum intensity.

[0093] The LED mechanical axis. This is the axis passing through the front end of the LED emitter in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the emitter body for Ram-type LEDs. For chip-type LEDs, the mechanical axis corresponds to the axis along which the lens element (i) has the highest rotational symmetry, or (ii) if two or more axes have the same rotational symmetry, select the axis with the highest rotational symmetry.

[0094] Peak wavelength (λ P ) is defined as the single wavelength at which the radiation emission spectrum of a light source reaches a maximum.

[0095] Normal incidence to a face is at 90 degrees to the face.

[0096] The optical axis is a line about which there is some degree of rotational symmetry in an optical system.

[0097] UV sensitivity is the degree to which a microorganism is sensitive to UVC light, or how easily a microorganism can be inactivated by UV irradiation. UV sensitivity depends on the species and characteristics of the microorganism. UV sensitivity can be measured by 2It can be described by a UV sensitivity constant (k) which has units of / J.

[0098] UV dose (D) is expressed in millijoules per square centimeter (mJ / cm 2 UV dose is the product of UV irradiance and specific exposure time for a given microorganism (denoted as UV irradiance). The longer a microorganism is exposed to UV light, the higher the UV dose it receives. For devices with evenly distributed UV irradiation and airflow, UV dose can be calculated based on the above definition.

[0099] Average UV Dose (AD): In the present invention, the average UV dose is determined by the inactivation rate and known microbial susceptibility.

[0100] Inactivation rate: The reduction in the concentration of viable microorganisms expressed as N / N (%) or log(N / N). -N0 is the original active microbial concentration, -N is the active microbial concentration after antimicrobial treatment.

[0101] A UV dose-response curve is a quantified relationship between the inactivation rate of a particular microorganism and the average UV dose (AD) received by that microorganism.

[0102] The quantification relationship follows the formula below: (1)In(N0 / N)=k AD where AD, k, and In(N / N) are as described above. In equation (1), N / N or AD can be calculated with other known parameters. In other cases, N / N or AD can be determined according to a particular curve, although the relationship may not strictly follow equation (1).

[0103] ISO 15714:2019(en) "Method of evaluating the UV dose to airborne microorganisms transiting in-duct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices" provides a method by which this inactivation rate can be determined from a UV dose-response curve.

[0104] Description of the embodiment FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) according to the present invention, including a light-blocking baffle assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) is suitable for treating air with UVC light. The antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) includes a centrifugal fan unit (20), which itself includes an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) includes at least one UVC emission unit (31) (not shown) configured to reside within the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10). The UVC emission unit (31) includes at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32). Furthermore, the UVC emission unit may optionally include at least one UVC directing lens. Optionally, such a UVC directing lens can be used to achieve a narrower directing angle 2θ from commercially available UVC light-emitting diodes. 1 / 2 The UVC light source may have a UVC light source having .... The UVC light source may have a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source. The UVC light source may have a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source having a UVC light source. The UVC light

[0105] FIG. 1 further illustrates an optional feature according to the present invention. Optionally, the illustrated embodiment may feature a light-shielding baffle assembly (50). The optional light-shielding baffle assembly is configured to allow air to flow through the light-shielding baffle assembly and block direct rays of UVC light emitted by the UVC light-emitting diode unit (31). Thus, the optional light-shielding baffle assembly (50) prevents direct emission of UVC light generated by the UVC light-emitting diode unit to the exterior of the antibacterial ventilation unit (10). In a particularly preferred configuration, the light-shielding baffle assembly (50) is configured to allow air to pass through without generating a sound level exceeding 40 decibels, more preferably less than 30 decibels, even more preferably less than 20 decibels, and most preferably less than 10 decibels. In a particularly preferred configuration, the light-shielding baffle assembly (50) includes a series of light-shielding baffle plates, preferably substantially perpendicular to the impeller's rotation axis (26). By substantially orthogonal, it is meant that the axis of rotation is within 20 degrees of normal incidence. In an even more preferred configuration, the light blocking baffle assembly (50) includes a series of light blocking baffle plates that are substantially orthogonal to the impeller's axis of rotation (26). By substantially orthogonal, it is meant that the axis of rotation is within 10 degrees of normal incidence, even more preferably within 5 degrees of normal incidence, and most preferably within 2 degrees of normal incidence.

[0106] Additionally, Figure 1 illustrates an optional feature of the ventilation housing (40). Additionally, Figure 1 illustrates an optional feature of an integrated motor within the motor housing (71). Means for moving the impeller may be provided externally to the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10), for example, by a chain drive or gear mechanism. An advantage of incorporating the optional motor within the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) is that no external means of movement is required, making installation of the completed unit easier.

[0107] FIG. 2 shows a cutaway view of an antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, with both the optional ventilation housing (40) and the required duct fan housing (22) partially cut away. As a non-limiting example, the centrifugal fan unit (20) includes a tangential cross-flow centrifugal fan. As a non-limiting example, the tangential cross-flow centrifugal fan includes a hollow cylindrical impeller (421). In this non-limiting example, the tangential cross-flow centrifugal fan is installed within a duct fan housing (22), which is configured to form an obstruction (22b) near the outer diameter of the impeller (21), which prevents gas (e.g., air) from rotating around the outside of the impeller (21, 421). The obstruction (22b) near the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) is typically referred to as a "vortex tongue." In the case of a tangential crossflow centrifugal fan, the ducted fan housing (22) must be axially asymmetric (non-axisymmetric) with respect to the axis of rotation of the impeller.

[0108] In this non-limiting example, the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) features two solid end walls (27) defined radially from the impeller hub (23), with the impeller fan blades (24) attached to the solid end walls (27) proximal to the impeller hub (23). In this example, the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) further features two optional impeller fan blade support disks (28) attached to the impeller fan blades (24), each including an impeller fan blade support disk wall (29). The optional feature of the impeller fan blade support disks provides additional structural rigidity, which can beneficially extend operational life. As a non-limiting example, the blades are arranged rotationally symmetrically about the impeller's axis of rotation. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that slight deviations from rotational symmetry, such as by omitting blades, or minor structural modifications to the blades, do not diminish the effectiveness of the impeller. In this particular example, the impeller blades (24) are configured to block direct rays of UVC light emitted by the UVC light-emitting diode unit (31) that pass through the impeller (21). This feature of the blades being configured in a light-blocking configuration is not limiting, and those skilled in the art can readily envision alternative configurations. One advantage of the light-blocking configuration of the impeller blades (24) is that UVC light is not emitted from the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) through the impeller (21), eliminating the need for an additional light-blocking baffle assembly. An embodiment is illustrated using the optional feature of the light-blocking baffle assembly (50). By way of non-limiting example, the light blocking baffle assembly (50) may consist of parallel plates (51) configured substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the impeller and oriented relative to the light path from the UVC light emitting diode unit to block light from the light emitting diode unit from exiting the ventilation unit. Additionally, Figure 2 illustrates an optional feature of the integrated motor and ventilation housing (40) within a motor housing (71).

[0109] FIG. 2 shows a UVC radiation unit 31 including UVC light-emitting diodes 32. As a non-limiting example, the UVC radiation unit 31 is mounted on an interior wall of the antibacterial ventilation unit 10 and configured to emit UVC radiation substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the impeller 21. In this non-limiting example, the UVC radiation unit 31 is configured to illuminate (i) the space defined by the duct fan housing 22 and (ii) the space between the impeller 21 and (iii) the shading baffle assembly 50, as described above, particularly the space "downwind" from the impeller when the antibacterial ventilation unit 10 is in use. This has the advantage that most of the UVC light generated cannot directly exit the antibacterial ventilation unit 10, eliminating the need for any additional shading / swirling in the duct fan housing. This beneficially results in a more compact antibacterial ventilation unit 10 that operates with less noise pollution due to turbulence. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the UVC emitting unit (31) can be configured to illuminate (i) the space defined by the duct fan housing (22) and (ii) the space between the impeller (21) and (iii) the light-blocking baffle assembly (50) as described above, and to illuminate the space "upwind" or "downwind" from the impeller when the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) is in use, with substantially the same results.

[0110] 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a first embodiment of an antibacterial ventilation unit according to the present invention. In this non-limiting example, the cross-section of a hollow cylindrical impeller (421) shows the impeller fan blades (24) as curved fan blades arranged rotationally symmetrically around the impeller's axis of rotation (26). The hollow space (25) defined by the end wall (27, not shown) and the impeller fan blades (24) is rotationally symmetric about the impeller's axis of rotation (26). By way of non-limiting example, in this example, the UVC emission unit (31) includes both (i) the required UVC light-emitting diodes (32) and (ii) the optional UVC directing lens (34).

[0111] During use, air containing microorganisms enters the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) from below (vertical arrow, 90). The air is moved through the unit (10) by the rotation of the impeller (21, 421) around the impeller's axis of rotation (26). In conjunction with the "vortex junction" formed by the obstruction (22b), the impeller (21) induces a substantially laminar flow of air through / past the impeller, substantially perpendicular to the impeller's axis of rotation. This is advantageously quieter than rotary fan units known in the art for moving air in ventilation systems. As the air exits the impeller, a significant amount of the laminar airflow passes through a volume illuminated by UVC radiation emitted by the UVC emission unit (31). For each photon of UVC light that strikes a microorganism within the moving laminar air column, there is a probability that the UVC will travel to the microorganism, preventing it from reproducing. The antimicrobial-treated laminar air column then exits the unit (10), as indicated by the horizontal arrow (90). Optionally, the air may pass through a light blocking baffle assembly (i) before passing through / past the impeller (21) and / or (ii) after passing through / past the impeller (21).

[0112] FIG. 4 is a top-down horizontal cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example of a first embodiment of an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to the present invention. In this example, two UVC emitting units (31), each including a UVC light-emitting diode (32) and a UVC directing lens (34), are mounted on opposite sides of the duct fan housing (22). By way of non-limiting example, the optical axes of both UVC emitting units are substantially parallel to the impeller's rotation axis (26, not shown). The two UVC emitting units (31) are configured to allow for illumination of substantially all of the air passing through the unit (10) during use, enabling more rapid antibacterial treatment of enclosed spaces (e.g., elevators or hospital rooms) ventilated by the unit (10). One possible configuration of a light-shielding baffle assembly (50) is shown, including a set of substantially parallel plates (51) configured substantially perpendicular to the impeller's rotation axis (21). In use, air containing microorganisms exits the impeller (21), and substantially the entire laminar airflow passes through a volume illuminated by UVC radiation emitted by two UVC-emitting units (not labeled here, 31). For each photon of UVC light that strikes a microorganism within the moving laminar air column, there is a probability that the UVC will travel to the microorganism in a manner that prevents the microorganism from multiplying. The antimicrobial-treated laminar air column then exits the unit (10), as indicated by arrow (90).

[0113] Figures 5-7 show three typical types of suitable UVC emitting units. Figure 5 shows a UVC emitting unit (31) consisting of a typical Lamb-type UVC light-emitting diode. The unit includes two conductive lines (38) and a light-emitting diode emitter (32). The mechanical axis (33) of the light-emitting diode is an axis passing through the right side of the light-emitting diode emitter front end (32) in the direction of the emitter's axis of symmetry (in this illustration, the axis of infinite rotation, C∞) for a Lamb-type light-emitting diode. The mechanical axis (33) of the light-emitting diode is the optical axis / peak intensity axis (θ MAX ) from the mechanical axis. The peak intensity axis is the axis corresponding to the maximum light output at a given distance from the light emitting diode emitter (32). Ram-type light emitting diodes typically have the peak intensity axis (θ ) at a range of 0 to 15 degrees from the mechanical axis. MAX) and the (peak intensity axis, θ MAX a first angle (36) at which the light output is half of the maximum output (relative to the peak intensity axis, θ MAX (relative to the peak intensity axis, θ ) indicates the second angle (37) at which the light output is half of the maximum output. MAX a peak intensity axis, θ , to indicate the first angle (36) at which the light output is half of the maximum output; MAX ) defines θ. Numerically, directivity is usually symmetrical and includes both left and right sides when viewed from the front, so directivity can be expressed as 2θ 1 / 2 The angle is indicated by 2 times the angle (±) at which the light output is half of the maximum output.

[0114] FIG. 6 shows a UVC radiation unit (31) consisting of a chip-type light-emitting diode. A chip-type light-emitting diode typically includes a light-emitting diode emitter (32) mounted on a circuit board. In this case, the light-emitting diode emitter (32) is housed in a housing (35). A lens (34) is mounted in the housing (35). The lens (34) may be suitably selected from glass or plastic that is resistant to UVC radiation degradation. The mechanical axis (33) of the light-emitting diode is the axis about which the lens element (34) has the highest rotational symmetry (in this illustration, the infinite rotation axis, C∞). The mechanical axis (33) of the light-emitting diode is the optical axis / peak intensity axis (θ MAX ) The peak intensity axis is the axis corresponding to the maximum light output at a given distance from the light emitting diode emitter (32). Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows the (peak intensity axis, θ MAX a first angle (36) at which the light output is half of the maximum output (relative to the peak intensity axis, θ MAX (relative to the peak intensity axis, θ ) indicates the second angle at which the light output is half of the maximum output. MAX (relative to the first angle 36) at which the light output is half of the maximum output, plus the peak intensity axis, θ MAX The angle from also defines θ. Numerically, directivity is usually symmetrical and includes both left and right sides when viewed from the front, so directivity can be expressed as 2θ 1 / 2The UVC radiation unit (31) is configured such that, when in use, UVC radiation is emitted by a light emitting diode emitter (32), which is then focused by a lens (34) and illuminated at an angle 2θ ranging from 0.05 degrees to 10 degrees. 1 / 2 It is configured to provide a value.

[0115] Figure 7 shows a UVC radiation unit (31) consisting of nine chip-type light-emitting diodes as shown in Figure 6. This is a non-limiting, typical example of a UVC radiation unit (31) that includes a plurality of (i) Lamb-type light-emitting diodes, (ii) chip-type light-emitting diodes, or (iii) a mixture of Lamb-type and chip-type light-emitting diodes. The left side of Figure 7 shows a cross section of the UVC radiation unit (31). The right side shows a front view of the UVC radiation unit (31).

[0116] Figure 8 shows the arrow "θ MAX The optical axis of the two UVC radiation units (31 is not labeled, but includes 32 and 34) is shown as θ MAX a first angle (36) at which the light output is half of the maximum output (relative to the peak intensity axis, θ MAX 2θ for each UVC radiation unit shown between the second angle (37) where the light output is half of the maximum output. 1 / 2 Corresponds to Figure 4 with a cone.

[0117] FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 4 with the dotted line indicating the direct emission path of UVC photons from the UVC emitting unit (31) that are absorbed by the plate (51) of the light blocking baffle assembly (50).

[0118] FIG. 10 is a cartoon illustrating the use of an antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention to antimicrobially treat air. Air containing microorganisms, depicted in cartoon form as rings, enters the unit (10) with a UVC radiation unit (31) mounted on a duct fan housing (22). The direction of airflow is from bottom to top, as indicated by arrow (90). As the microorganism-containing air passes through a volume illuminated by UVC radiation emitted by the UVC radiation unit (31), photons of UVC light impinge on at least a portion of the microorganisms present in the air column. For each photon of UVC light that impinges on a microorganism within the moving laminar air column, there is a probability that the UVC will travel to the microorganism, preventing it from reproducing. The destruction of the microorganisms is illustrated by the cartoon "illumination attack." The antimicrobially treated laminar air column then exits the unit (10), as indicated by the horizontal arrow (90), containing a lower concentration of microorganisms.

[0119] FIG. 11 roughly corresponds to FIG. 10 , but the duct fan housing (22) includes a portion of the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing positioned such that at least a portion of the UVC light from the at least one UVC-emitting unit (31) can be incident on the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing during use. By way of non-limiting example, the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the at least one UVC-emitting unit (31). Such a configuration can reflect a significant portion of the incident UVC photons, increasing the path length of the UVC photons and increasing the probability that any one UVC photon will strike a microorganism. This increases the probability that any one microorganism will be impaled by the UVC photon, thereby preventing the microorganism from multiplying. An additional benefit of such a configuration is that substantially all of the air passing through such a unit (10) can be antimicrobially treated using only one UVC-emitting unit.

[0120] FIG. 12 shows in cartoon form the antimicrobial treatment of air using a unit such as that shown in FIGS.

[0121] Figure 13 shows in cartoon form the antimicrobial treatment of air using a particularly preferred embodiment unit roughly corresponding to units such as those shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9, in which the duct fan housing (22) has a mirrored finish. Such a configuration can reflect a significant portion of the UVC photons incident on the duct fan housing (22), increasing the path length of the UVC photons and increasing the probability that any one UVC photon will strike a microorganism. This increases the probability that any one microorganism will be struck by the UVC photon, thereby preventing the microorganism from multiplying.

[0122] FIG. 14 depicts, in cartoon form, antimicrobial treatment of air using a particularly preferred embodiment unit, roughly corresponding to the unit shown in FIG. 2 combined with FIG. 12. Such a configuration allows a significant portion of UVC photons incident on the duct fan housing (22) to be reflected, increasing the path length of the UVC photons and increasing the probability that any one UVC photon will strike a microorganism. This increases the probability that any one microorganism will be impaled by the UVC photon and thereby prevent the microorganism from multiplying. This particularly preferred embodiment has the advantage that most of the UVC light generated cannot directly exit the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10), eliminating the need for any additional shielding / swirling in the duct fan housing. This beneficially results in less noise pollution due to turbulence and a more compact antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) that operates at maximum energy efficiency.

[0123] Figure 15 shows in cartoon form the antimicrobial treatment of air containing microorganisms (shown as rings) and dust particles (pentagons) in an embodiment according to Figure 1. UVC photons that strike dust particles may be absorbed, reducing the probability that any one UVC photon will strike a microorganism. This reduces the probability that any one microorganism will be impaled by a UVC photon, thereby preventing the microorganism from multiplying. The more dust present, the less energy-efficient the antimicrobial treatment.

[0124] Figure 16 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the unit (10) further comprises a filter unit (80). Preferably, the filter unit is a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (80a). The drawing cartoonishly illustrates the effect of the filter (80) in removing dust particles (pentagons) from the air to be antimicrobially treated, thereby increasing the probability that any one UVC photon will strike a microorganism and sufficiently damage it, preventing its reproduction. This increases the probability that any one microorganism will be prevented from reproducing, thus increasing the efficiency of the device for antimicrobially treating air.

[0125] Figure 18 shows a cross section of a mattress 100 having an antibacterial ventilation unit provided therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drawing in Figure 18 is merely schematic and is not to scale.

[0126] Within the body of the mattress 100 is disposed an antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 as described above with reference to the previous figures. The mattress has a substantially rectangular structure created by the stacking of a number of parallel layers 105, 107, 109, 112, 114, each layer having a respective predetermined air permeability.

[0127] The mattress 100 has a substantially full cover layer 105 of fabric that encases the other layers 107, 109, 112, 114 of the stack.

[0128] At the bottom surface 116 of the mattress, the lower support layer 107 is placed over the full cover layer 105 .

[0129] A support layer 109 is positioned above the lower support layer 107, which is the substantially empty volume between the sidewalls of the mattress and the lower support layer 107 and upper support layer 112 of the mattress. A plurality of springs 110 (preferably steel Bonnell springs) are disposed within the support layer 109, with the foot 110a of each spring positioned in the lower support layer 107. Additionally, an antimicrobial ventilation unit 10, as described above, is positioned between the springs 110.

[0130] An upper support layer 112 is seated on the head 110b of each spring 110 in the support layer 109, i.e., the end of the spring facing away from the lower support layer 107. A second upper support or comfort layer 114 is placed on the side of the upper support layer 112 facing away from the support layer 109. Finally, the second upper support layer 114 is covered by a full cover layer 105 on the side of the second upper support layer facing away from the upper support layer 112.

[0131] The antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 has an air inlet that is in fluid communication with the air at the bottom side 116 of the mattress by way of the air intake 103. Alternatively, the mattress has a lower support layer that is air permeable in a manner that allows the antimicrobial ventilation unit to receive air through the lower support layer.

[0132] The air outlet from the antimicrobial ventilation unit 10 exits into the support layer 109, which is essentially an empty space that simply houses a plurality of springs 110. As a result, the support layer 109 has low air resistance that allows air pressure to be substantially constant throughout the volume of the support layer 109.

[0133] The air flow path through the mattress is determined by the air permeability of each of the multiple layers in the stack. The air permeability of the upper support layer 112 and the second upper support layer 114 is relatively higher than that of the lower support layer 107. The lower support layer 107 has a lower permeability that actually reduces airflow through that layer 107. The full cover layer 105, the upper support layer 112, and the second upper support layer 114 are made of permeable materials that allow airflow through those layers 112, 114. This arrangement of layers with different resistances to air flow allows air from the antimicrobial ventilation unit to flow through the mattress such that air discharged from the outlet of the antimicrobial ventilation unit passes through the layers according to the layer's permeability and substantially exits the mattress through the upper surface 118 (i.e., the surface configured for a person to lie on during use). The arrangement of the multiple layers in the stack is configured to allow air outflow to be substantially evenly distributed across the upper surface.

[0134] The antimicrobial ventilation unit is configured to draw air through intake ports 103 within the mattress, typically located on the bottom surface 116 opposite the top surface 118. Air flows from intake ports 103 to the inlet of the antimicrobial ventilation unit 10. As noted above, intake ports 103 may alternatively be omitted and air drawn through the lower support layer 107.

[0135] Within the antimicrobial ventilation unit, the intake air is exposed to UVC radiation generated by UVC light emitting diodes within the antimicrobial ventilation unit. After UVC exposure of the air in the antimicrobial ventilation unit, the air exiting the ventilation unit flows through the upper layers 112, 114 of the mattress toward the upper surface 118.

[0136] In addition to exposure to UV radiation, the ventilation unit may heat the air passing through it with an integrated heating unit. The heating unit typically includes one or more temperature sensors (not shown) within the mattress and is controlled by a temperature control unit (not shown) connected to the temperature sensors. In embodiments, the temperature sensors are positioned on or near the upper surface 118 of the mattress.

[0137] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mattress may include additional layers such as a felt layer for support of the spring feet 110a, and a sidewall layer forming a sidewall surrounding the periphery of the support layer 109 between the lower support layer 107 and the upper support layer 112, which may be an airtight or low-permeability layer to prevent air leakage around the periphery of the support layer 109.

[0138] Throughout this description and the claims, the terms "comprise" and "contain," and variations thereof, mean "including but not limited to," and are not intended to exclude (and do not exclude) other moieties, adjuncts, components, integers, or steps. Throughout this description and the claims, the singular includes the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when using the indefinite article, the specification contemplates both the plural and the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

[0139] Any feature, integer, property, compound, chemical moiety, or group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention shall be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless inconsistent. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein, may be combined in any combination, except where combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the above-described embodiments. The invention extends to any novel inventive or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel inventive or any novel combination of steps of any method or process disclosed herein.

[0140] The reader's attention is directed to all documents and publications related to this application, filed contemporaneously with or prior to this application, and published in this specification, the contents of all such documents and publications being incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] List of Reference Numbers Like reference numerals used in the specification to indicate like elements (but with many mere differences) are implicitly included. 10 Antibacterial ventilation unit 20 Centrifugal fan unit 20a: the first (inlet) side of at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) 20b the second (outlet) side of at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) 21 Impeller 21L impeller length 21D Impeller diameter 22 Duct fan housing 22a Duct fan housing asymmetrical with respect to the impeller rotation axis (26) 22b Deformation of duct fan housing (22a) 22H Height of duct fan housing (22) 22K Duct Fan Housing (22) Vertical Microbial Killing Zone 22KR Duct Fan Housing (22) (Reflected) Indirect Microbial Killing Zone 22L Duct Fan Housing (22) Length 22M Duct fan housing (22) mirror inner surface 22W Duct Fan Housing (22) Width 23 Impeller hub 24 impeller fan blades 24a forward curved / inclined impeller fan blade 24b Backward Curved / Backward Inclined Impeller Fan Blades 24c Straight Radial Impeller Fan Blade 25 Hollow space 26 Rotation shaft of impeller (21, 121, 221, 321) 27 Solid End Wall 28 Impeller fan blade support disk 29 Impeller fan blade support disk wall 31 UVC radiation units 32 UVC light-emitting diodes 33 Mechanical axis of light-emitting diode 34 UVC directing lenses 35 Light-emitting diode housing 36 The first angle at which the light output is half of the maximum output 37 The second angle at which the light output is half of the maximum output 40 Ventilated Housing 50 Light-shielding baffle assembly 51 Light-shielding baffle assembly slit 52 Light-shielding baffle assembly plate 80 filter unit 80a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter 90 Air flow direction 100 mattresses 103 Air intake 105 Full Coverage Layer 107 Lower support layer 109 Support layer 110 Spring 110a Spring foot 110b Spring head 112 Upper support layer 114 Second Support Group 116 bottom 118 Top surface 120 Crossflow centrifugal fan unit 120a First (inlet) side of the cross-flow centrifugal fan unit (120) 120b Second (outlet) side of the cross-flow centrifugal fan unit (120) 121 Axisymmetric Rotor Impeller 220 Tangential centrifugal fan unit 220a First (inlet) side of the tangential centrifugal fan unit (200) 220b Second (outlet) side of tangential centrifugal fan unit (200) 221 Cylindrical impeller 321 Fan Wheel Impeller 421 Hollow cylindrical impeller

[0142] Further, various aspects of the present invention are defined by the following clauses. Clause 1 An antibacterial ventilation unit (10) that treats air with UVC light, At least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); at least one UVC radiation unit (31) including (i) at least one UVC light emitting diode (32) and, optionally, (ii) at least one UVC directing lens (34); Including, the UVC radiation unit (31) is configured to enable irradiation of air passing through the antibacterial ventilation unit (10); The at least one UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light. Antibacterial ventilation unit (10). Clause 2 2. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of claim 1, wherein the at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) is selected from a cross-flow centrifugal fan unit (120) or a tangential centrifugal fan unit (220), and more preferably, the at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) is a tangential centrifugal fan unit (220). Clause 3 3. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of clause 1 or 2, wherein the impeller (21) is an axisymmetric rotor impeller (121), a cylindrical impeller (221), a fan wheel impeller (321) and / or a hollow cylindrical impeller (421). Clause 4 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the impeller (21) is a fan wheel impeller (321), preferably the fan wheel impeller (321) comprises impeller fan blades (24) selected from forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), backward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24b) or straight radial impeller fan blades (24c), more preferably the fan wheel impeller (321) comprises forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), and most preferably the fan wheel impeller (321) comprises forward curved impeller fan blades (24a). Clause 5 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the impeller (21) is a hollow cylindrical impeller (421), preferably the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) comprises impeller fan blades (24) selected from forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), backward curved / backward inclined impeller fan blades (24b) or straight radial impeller fan blades (24c), more preferably the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) comprises forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), and most preferably the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) comprises forward curved impeller fan blades (24a). Clause 6 An antibacterial ventilation unit (10) as described in clause 5, wherein at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) is a tangential centrifugal fan unit (220), the impeller (21) is a hollow cylindrical impeller (421), and the end of the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) is covered with a solid end wall (27). Clause 7 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the UVC radiation unit (31) is capable of generating light having one or more wavelengths in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm, more preferably in the range of 225 nm to 280 nm, even more preferably in the range of 255 nm to 270 nm, and most preferably a wavelength of 265 (±0.5) nm. Article 8 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the UVC light emitting diodes (32) are capable of generating light having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm, more preferably in the range of 225 nm to 280 nm, even more preferably in the range of 255 nm to 270 nm, and most preferably a wavelength of 265 (±0.5) nm. Article 9 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the UVC light emitting diodes (32) emit light having a peak wavelength (λP) of 250 nm to 280 nm, more preferably the UVC light emitting diodes (32) have a peak wavelength (λP) of 225 nm to 270 nm, and most preferably the UVC light emitting diodes (32) have a peak wavelength (λP) of 265 (±0.5) nm. Article 10 10. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the UVC light emitting diodes (32) have a maximum irradiance flux density of 0.5 mW / cm to 50 mW / cm, more preferably 1.0 mW / cm to 25 mW / cm, and even more preferably 1.5 mW / cm to 15 mW / cm at a distance of 50 mm from the UVC light emitting diode. Article 11 11. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the UVC light emitting diodes (32) have a beam angle 2θ1 / 2 of 180 degrees to 5 degrees, more preferably 160 degrees to 10 degrees, even more preferably 140 degrees to 20 degrees, and most preferably 120 degrees to 30 degrees. Article 12 An antibacterial ventilation unit (10) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the UVC emission unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is approximately coaxial with the rotational axis (26) of the impeller, where approximately coaxial means that the axis is within 45 degrees of the coaxial, preferably means that the axis is within 30 degrees of the coaxial, even more preferably means that the axis is within 10 degrees of the coaxial, and most preferably means that the axis is within 5 degrees of the coaxial. Article 13 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) At least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); At least two UVC radiation units (31) each including at least one UVC light emitting diode (32); Including, An antibacterial ventilation unit (10) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein at least two UVC radiation units (31) are configured to illuminate UVC light inside the duct fan housing (22) such that the mechanical axes (33) of the UVC light-emitting diodes intersect with the duct fan housing (22). Article 14 14. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) further comprises a light-tight baffle assembly. Article 15 The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) treats the air with UVC light. At least one centrifugal fan unit (20) including an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); at least one UVC radiation unit (31) including at least one UVC light emitting diode (32); At least one mirror inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing; Including, An antibacterial ventilation unit (10) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein at least one UVC radiation unit (31) is configured to illuminate UVC light inside the duct fan housing (22) such that the mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light-emitting diode intersects the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing. Article 16 1. A method for antimicrobial treatment of air, comprising: supplying air containing microorganisms to an antibacterial ventilation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 15; moving the microorganism-laden air through a centrifugal fan unit; irradiating the moving air containing microorganisms with UVC light within a duct fan housing of the antibacterial ventilation unit; A method comprising: Article 17 16. Use of a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 15 for controlling the air quality of an interior space, preferably a room or a vehicle cabin space, most preferably a room. Article 18 16. An air conditioning unit comprising a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 15. Article 19 A mattress comprising a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 15.

Claims

1. A mattress (100) having a substantially rectangular volume created by stacking a number of parallel layers (105, 107, 109, 112, 114) including a carrier layer (109) consisting of empty spaces in which a plurality of support springs (110) are arranged, the mattress including an antibacterial ventilation unit (10) for treating air with UVC light, the antibacterial ventilation unit being arranged in the layer having the plurality of support springs in the volume of the mattress; - at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) comprising an impeller (21) and a duct fan housing (22); at least one UVC radiation unit (31) comprising (i) at least one UVC light emitting diode (32) and, optionally, (ii) at least one UVC directing lens (34); Including, - said UVC radiation unit (31) is configured to allow irradiation of the air passing through said antibacterial ventilation unit (10); the at least one UVC radiation unit (31) is configured to illuminate at least a portion of an interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light; Mattress (100).

2. 10. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) is a cross-flow tangential centrifugal fan unit (220).

3. 3. The mattress according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the impeller (21) is a cylindrical impeller (221) or a hollow cylindrical impeller (421).

4. 3. The mattress of claim 1 or 2, wherein the impeller (21) is a hollow cylindrical impeller (421), preferably comprising impeller fan blades (24) selected from forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), backward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24b) or straight radial impeller fan blades (24c), more preferably comprising forward curved / inclined impeller fan blades (24a), and most preferably comprising forward curved impeller fan blades (24a).

5. 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the at least one centrifugal fan unit (20) is a tangential centrifugal fan unit (220), the impeller (21) is a hollow cylindrical impeller (421), and ends of the hollow cylindrical impeller (421) are covered with solid end walls (27).

6. 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the UVC radiation unit (31) or the UVC light-emitting diode is capable of generating light having one or more wavelengths in the range of 100 nm to 280 nm, more preferably in the range of 225 nm to 280 nm, even more preferably in the range of 255 nm to 270 nm, and most preferably a wavelength of 265 (±0.5) nm.

7. The UVC light emitting diode (32) has an output of 0.5 mW / cm at a distance of 50 mm from the UVC light emitting diode. ２ to 50 mW / cm ２ 10. The mattress of claim 1, having a maximum irradiance flux density of

8. The UVC light emitting diode (32) has a beam angle 2θ of 180 to 5 degrees, more preferably 160 to 10 degrees, even more preferably 140 to 20 degrees, and most preferably 120 to 30 degrees. １／２ The mattress of claim 1 , comprising:

9. 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that a mechanical axis (33) of the UVC light emitting diode is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation (26) of the impeller, the axis being within 45 degrees of coaxiality, preferably the axis being within 30 degrees of coaxiality, even more preferably the axis being within 10 degrees of coaxiality, and most preferably the axis being within 5 degrees of coaxiality.

10. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) comprises: at least two UVC radiation units (31), each UVC radiation unit comprising at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32); Including, 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the at least two UVC emitting units (31) are configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axes (33) of the UVC light emitting diodes intersect the duct fan housing (22).

11. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial ventilation unit (10) further comprises a light-blocking baffle assembly.

12. The antibacterial ventilation unit (10) for treating air with UVC light comprises: at least one UVC radiation unit (31) comprising at least one UVC light-emitting diode (32); - at least one mirror inner surface (22M) of said duct fan housing; Including, 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the at least two UVC emitting units (31) are configured to illuminate the interior of the duct fan housing (22) with UVC light such that the mechanical axes (33) of the UVC light emitting diodes intersect the mirrored inner surface (22M) of the duct fan housing.

13. 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the UVC emitting unit (31) is configured to (i) illuminate the space defined by the duct fan housing (22), in particular the space "downwind" from the impeller when the antibacterial ventilation unit (10) is in use.

14. 2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the antibacterial ventilation unit is configured to draw air through an intake port (103) in the mattress at a first surface (116) or through a permeable lower support layer (105, 107), and the drawn air enters the ventilation unit.

15. 15. The mattress of claim 14, wherein each of the multiple parallel layers in the mattress is configured with a respective predetermined air permeability for controlling the flow of air from the ventilation unit through the mattress such that air discharged from the ventilation unit passes through the layers in accordance with the respective permeabilities of the layers and exits the mattress substantially evenly distributed from a second surface (118) opposite the first surface (116).

16. A method for antimicrobial treatment of airflow in a mattress (100), comprising: i. supplying air containing microorganisms to an antibacterial ventilation unit in the mattress of any one of claims 1 to 15; ii. causing the air containing the microorganisms to flow through a centrifugal fan unit; iii. irradiating the air containing microorganisms with UVC light flowing through the centrifugal fan unit within a duct fan housing of the antibacterial ventilation unit; A method comprising:

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