Lighting sterilization device

Abstract

The lighting sterilization devices (10, 110, 210, 310) can effectively reduce and / or suppress the activity of a wide range of microorganisms that may be harmful to humans and / or animals. The present invention also includes a lighting device (20) comprising at least one lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an illumination sterilization device capable of reducing and / or suppressing the activity of one or more microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, or molds. The illumination sterilization device functions as a light source that emits visible light having a sterilizing effect on both the irradiated surface and the air, and therefore on the environment. The illumination sterilization device enables controlled emission and uniform diffusion of electromagnetic radiation, which allows for the effective reduction and / or suppression of the activity of a broad group of microorganisms that may be harmful to humans and / or animals. [Background technology]

[0002] Lighting sterilization devices employing LED (light-emitting diode) technology are well-known, equipped with LED light-emitting elements that emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectrum, and this electromagnetic radiation is used for its sterilizing effect in the environment. However, such well-known devices are harmful to humans, do not enable effective sterilization of the environment and surfaces, are often limited to specific bacterial species, and are known to be ineffective against other microorganisms.

[0003] Most microbial species are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation as well as to some wavelengths of visible light, particularly to wavelengths in the 400-420 nm range, which constitutes the so-called Soret band.

[0004] Patent Document 1, representing the applicant, describes an illumination sterilization device comprising three different types of LED light-emitting elements, each consisting of a green LED light-emitting element, a red LED light-emitting element, and a blue-violet LED light-emitting element, spaced apart from each other.

[0005] While this method allows for some reduction and / or suppression of specific microbial loads in the surrounding environment, it has the disadvantage that the radiant flux emitted by various groups of LED light-emitting elements is not uniformly distributed across the entire radiation area of ​​the device. As a result, the irradiation cones overlap at some points and are separated at others, resulting in non-uniformity. Because the irradiation cones are separated, effective removal and / or suppression of microorganisms cannot be achieved even by significantly increasing the intensity of the energy supplied by electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, these devices become an obstacle, preventing effective installation inside small lamp holders or other devices of limited dimensions.

[0006] Another disadvantage is that the presence of green and red LED light-emitting elements shifts the frequency band into the microwave field, which harms not only harmful microorganisms such as bacteria susceptible to the Soret frequency band, but also other microorganisms that are less harmful and whose presence is actually essential for the balance among various species, resulting in a virtually sterile environment. Therefore, the known method is not very versatile for use in various fields. Adding to this is another disadvantage: although the reduction time of the microbial load is much shorter than other known techniques, this reduction time is unsuitable for applications requiring controlled and / or selective sterilization in even shorter periods.

[0007] The following lamp-based method is also known. This lamp comprises three blue-violet LED light-emitting elements that are separated and spaced apart from each other and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation of similar but different wavelengths, sandwiched between white LED light-emitting elements adapted to emit a continuous spectrum at a specific color temperature. However, although this method can also be effective in targeting microorganisms sensitive to Soret-band electromagnetic radiation, it is not possible to obtain uniform radiation because the radiation is provided by the superposition of radiation emitted by each of the LED light-emitting elements. This last known method also exhibits the same problems as those mentioned above.

[0008] Generally, well-known lighting sterilization devices, especially those requiring emission of a light spectrum effective against various microbial species, have the following problems: - In particular, limited precision in controlling light emission to maintain electromagnetic radiation within a specific range of amplitudes less than 20 nm. - The problem of non-uniform distribution of radiation resulting in the concentration or sparse region of radiation. - Problems of interference and energy dispersion between adjacent LED light-emitting elements due to unoptimized mutual distances. - The overall light emission of the lighting sterilization device is not optimized. - Disinfection is time-consuming and not suitable for certain applications. - Faults that are unacceptable for specific uses, - The effect is reduced against some microbial species and excessive against others, resulting in a decrease in the overall efficiency.

[0009] For example, in the case of light sources that emit electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, such as independent light sources or clusters of RGBW chips, and where the light sources are separate types of independent elements, chromatic aberration can occur in both the photometric and colorimetric profiles, typically resulting in colored halos and uneven emission across the entire volume of the illumination solid angle.

[0010] In particular, the need for a suitable, uniform, and homogeneous diffusion of electromagnetic radiation is recognized in certain fields, such as medicine and biology, materials science, and telecommunications, as well as for preventing microbiological contamination of the environment and / or materials.

[0011] There is also a recognized need to achieve effective disinfection of both surfaces and the environment in a short time with low energy consumption.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to develop a lighting sterilization device that has the function of reducing or at least significantly reducing the microbial load in the surrounding environment, and that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of current technology.

[0013] To achieve the above, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of making available an illumination sterilization device that is suitable for emitting a highly focused beam of electromagnetic radiation and has different wavelengths that are combined and uniformly distributed so as to effectively sterilize the environment and / or surfaces without being harmful to humans.

[0014] One objective of the present invention is to make available an illumination sterilization device that can overcome a common optical problem in a separate, independent light source located beneath a reflector and / or refractive body, the optical problem being the heterogeneous emission with a colored halo that alters the emitted beam, causing discoloration and uneven color rendering in the illuminated object, across the entire radiant solid angle affected by the beam.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to make available a lighting sterilization device adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation precisely centered on a clearly defined value, thereby avoiding undesirable effects such as interference phenomena that reduce the synthesis of electromagnetic radiation.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to realize an illumination sterilization device having controlled energy emission and uniform diffusion of electromagnetic radiation.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to make available a lighting sterilization device that is highly effective in reducing microorganisms sensitive to electromagnetic radiation within a clearly defined frequency band.

[0018] The applicant has conceived, tested, and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the current technology and to obtain these and other objectives and advantageous effects. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0019] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 179082 [Overview of the project]

[0020] The present invention is described and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the present invention or variants of the main inventive concept.

[0021] According to the above object, in order to solve the above technical problem in a novel and unique manner and achieve a very high advantageous effect as compared with the prior art, the illumination sterilization device according to the present invention for reducing the microbial load or other microorganisms in the surrounding environment comprises an electronic substrate provided with at least one group of electromagnetic radiation emitting elements. The at least one group of emitting elements comprises three sets of main emitting elements and five sub-emitting elements configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength longer than the wavelengths of all the main emitting elements.

[0022] Each of the three sets comprises three main emitting elements different from each other, and each is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a specific peak value wavelength different from the other two main emitting elements.

[0023] Here and hereinafter, by way of example and not for the purpose of limitation, the electronic substrate may be a support package for an emitting element, for example, an LED. Advantageously, the electronic substrate may be a package of the SMD, COB, DOB, flip LED, PCB, MPCB type or other similar packages.

[0024] Preferably, the main emitting elements are adapted to emit light radiation in the purple spectrum, illustratively between 380 nm and 435 nm, and the sub-emitting elements are adapted to emit light radiation in the blue spectrum, illustratively between 435 nm and 500 nm.

[0025] Preferably, all the sub-emitting elements are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of the same wavelength.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the three sets of main emitting elements are A first light-emitting element configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at wavelengths in the range of -404nm to 410nm and a selective peak value at 407nm, A second light-emitting element is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at wavelengths in the range of -410nm to 416nm, and a selective peak value at 413nm. A third light-emitting element configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at wavelengths in the range of -418nm to 424nm and a selective peak value at 421nm, It is equipped with.

[0027] The five sub-light-emitting elements are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with peak values ​​at wavelengths between 452 nm and 458 nm, and a selective peak value at 455 nm.

[0028] By combining primary and secondary light-emitting elements of different wavelengths in a ratio of 1:1:1:5, it becomes possible to obtain a substantially uniform overall electromagnetic radiation flux having peak values ​​in the range of 400nm to 470nm, preferably 402nm to 460nm, and more preferably in the range of 404nm to 424nm and centered around 450nm to 460nm. This makes the lighting sterilization device particularly suitable for removing microorganisms that may be harmful to humans, including Gram+, Gram-, viruses, spores, mold, fungi, mites, and yeast.

[0029] In particular, the superposition of irradiation cones emitted by individual light-emitting elements of different wavelengths means the following: the entire cone emitted by the illumination sterilization device, defined by the interference and synthesis of individual cones emitted by eight light-emitting elements in a group, or each multiple thereof, is focused and centered on wavelengths that already have high antibacterial and germicidal effects.

[0030] According to the embodiment, the lighting sterilization device comprises, for example, N groups of light-emitting elements consisting of 2 to 20 elements, with a total of N first light-emitting elements, N second light-emitting elements, N third light-emitting elements, and 5 × N sub-light-emitting elements, thereby maintaining and repeating a ratio of 1:1:1:5 at all times.

[0031] The lighting sterilization device effectively combines multiple monochromatic light sources that can be advantageously encapsulated by a photosensitive coating layer, also known as an activation layer, to obtain a homogeneous single light source capable of emitting visible light with sterilizing properties.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the lighting sterilization device comprises a photosensitive coating layer covering at least one group of light-emitting elements, that is, all light-emitting elements of a given group of light-emitting elements are covered by the same photosensitive coating layer.

[0033] Unlike conventional methods that provide a coating with a narrow photosensitive band in the 460nm to 470nm range, this photosensitive coating layer has a broad photosensitive band in the 380nm to 780nm range.

[0034] By using electromagnetic radiation generated by three primary light-emitting elements or multiples thereof and five secondary light-emitting elements or multiples thereof, the photosensitive coating layer can obtain visible light with wavelengths of 400 nm or greater while maintaining a maximum value centered around the peak values ​​of the three primary light-emitting elements. The photosensitive coating layer is configured to absorb various wavelengths and, upon becoming excited, emit photons that, in addition to the peak wavelength values ​​of the primary light-emitting elements, also contain a spectrum similar to white light, functioning to act on various microorganisms. The photosensitive coating layer is substantially transparent to the wavelength of the peak value of the primary light-emitting elements.

[0035] The photosensitive coating layer alters the wavelength of emitted radiation, but without substantially altering the radiation emitted in the vicinity of the Soret band, so that its wavelength falls outside the specific wavelength range of each light-emitting element group.

[0036] This makes it possible to obtain white light emission with a high color rendering index (CRI), preferably higher than 80, and more preferably higher than 90, and therefore centered on a Planck curve close to that of natural light, resulting in controlled and precise energy emission.

[0037] Therefore, the photosensitive coating layer, in combination with the radiation emitted by the main and sub-light-emitting elements, enables the emission of virtually uniform light with no chromatic aberration, thereby ensuring that the emission beam is uniform across the entire solid angle of emission and eliminating discoloration.

[0038] According to the embodiment, the photosensitive coating layer may be phosphorus-based and may be at least partially doped. If doped, a substance may be used that is adapted to give red color to compensate for the blue color of the radiation emitted by the secondary light-emitting element.

[0039] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting elements of at least one group of light-emitting elements are distributed on the surface of the electronic substrate such that the overlapping volume of the cones of each light-emitting element comprises the light cone of the main light-emitting element and at least one of the light cones of the sub-light-emitting elements.

[0040] According to the embodiment, the main light-emitting elements are arranged and positioned on the electronic substrate along at least a first direction, and there are no adjacent first light-emitting elements, adjacent second light-emitting elements, and adjacent third light-emitting elements along the above at least first direction.

[0041] According to the embodiment, the distance between the main light-emitting elements and / or the first nearby sub-light-emitting elements, i.e., between adjacent sub-light-emitting elements, is reduced to a minimum value in order to optimize the synthesis of the light emission of the individual light-emitting elements.

[0042] According to the embodiment, the distance between adjacent light-emitting elements is 0.001 mm to 1.10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0043] This configuration minimizes interference and electrical dispersion between adjacent light-emitting elements, while simultaneously enabling optimal synthesis and overlap of individual cones emitted by each light-emitting element, resulting in uniform and well-adjusted propagation of electromagnetic radiation.

[0044] In fact, a single cone of light, formed by the combination of cones emitted by individual light-emitting elements, is emitted from the electronic substrate.

[0045] According to the embodiment, the main light-emitting element is more concentrated in a central region or band-shaped area and is at least partially surrounded by the secondary light-emitting element to further optimize light emission uniformity.

[0046] According to the embodiment, the main light-emitting element and / or the sub-light-emitting element are LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting elements.

[0047] According to other embodiments, the main light-emitting element and / or the sub-light-emitting element is an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0048] According to other possible modifications, the main light-emitting element and / or part of the secondary light-emitting element are partially LED light-emitting elements and partially OLED light-emitting elements.

[0049] Preferably, the light-emitting element has uniform dimensions and shape, for example, a rectangular, square, or circular shape. However, other shapes are not excluded.

[0050] According to the embodiment, each of the main light-emitting element and the sub-light-emitting element has a substantially rectangular shape and has its respective long sides oriented on parallel longitudinal axes.

[0051] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting elements are preferably arranged in the same direction, or some are arranged in a first direction and some in a second direction that crosses the first direction.

[0052] According to the embodiment, at least the main light-emitting elements are all oriented in the same direction.

[0053] According to the embodiment, when at least two groups of light-emitting elements are present, all primary and secondary light-emitting elements are arranged in parallel on axes.

[0054] According to the embodiment, the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element are arranged on their respective transverse rows that alternate with the rows of sub-light-emitting elements.

[0055] According to the embodiment, each light-emitting element comprises a chip preferably made of an indium gallium nitride-based semiconductor material, each of which is suitable for emitting light radiation of substantially a single frequency, i.e., having a peak of a desired, highly focused wavelength.

[0056] The lighting sterilization device may include an array of multiple light-emitting elements, for example, DIEs each covered with a photosensitive coating layer, preferably the array being of a high light-efficiency type, preferably 120 to 200 lm / W, and more preferably 140 to 180 lm / W.

[0057] According to the embodiment, the main light-emitting element and the sub-light-emitting element within each group G are connected by gold wiring, preferably gold with a purity higher than 99%, more preferably gold with a purity higher than 99.95%. The gold connections ensure excellent conductivity and high resistance to strong chemicals. Furthermore, since the gold connections are not affected by volatile chlorine compounds or other substances, they prevent undesirable discoloration of the light-emitting elements that can occur with silver connections.

[0058] To identify suitable technical features for obtaining a uniform and homogeneous diffusion of electromagnetic radiation, lighting sterilization devices were prototyped and tested under different conditions. For example, it was identified that: the dimensions of the light-emitting elements are proportional; the elements are arranged at specific distances from each other; a photosensitive coating layer acting as a conversion shield is applicable to the light-emitting elements; and finally, the light-emitting elements generate a luminous flux of a specific value and within a specific range. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0059] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a lighting sterilization device according to a first modified example of the present invention, where different light-emitting elements are indicated by the letters "A", "B", "C", and "X". [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a lighting sterilization device according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a lighting sterilization device according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a lighting sterilization device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 5] This graph shows the emission spectra of individual main light-emitting elements and the spectrum obtained as a result of their combination. [Figure 6] This graph shows the emission spectra of the main light-emitting element and each of the sub-light-emitting elements of one or more light-emitting element groups of the lighting sterilization device according to the present invention, both individually and in combination with a photosensitive coating layer. [Figure 7] This graph shows the emission spectrum of the lighting sterilization device according to the present invention, which is obtained by the synthesis of radiation emitted by a group of light-emitting elements having a photosensitive coating layer. [Figure 8] This graph shows the emission spectrum of a conventional lighting-based sterilization device. [Figure 9] This graph shows the trend of photon energy as wavelength increases. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a lighting device that integrates a lighting sterilization device according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a lighting device that integrates a lighting sterilization device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0060] These and other aspects, features and advantageous effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] In this description, the wording, technical terms, and figures in the accompanying drawings used for further explanation serve only to illustrate and explain the present invention in a clearer manner, and since the scope of protection is defined by the claims, it should be noted that these functions are not limiting to the present invention itself.

[0062] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify identical common elements where possible. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be combined with or incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate without further specification.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1-4, the lighting sterilization device 10 according to the present invention will be described. The lighting sterilization device 10 has the function of lighting and simultaneously reduces the microbial load in the surrounding environment of both surfaces and air, and can be integrated into a lighting device 20, for example, a light bulb or spotlight of the type shown in Figure 10 or 11, a lamp, a light strip, etc.

[0064] The lighting sterilization device 10 includes an electronic substrate 11 on which at least one electromagnetic emission light-emitting group G is installed, the group comprising three sets of main light-emitting elements 12 (12A, 12B, 12C) and five sub-light-emitting elements 13.

[0065] The electronic substrate 11 may be a substrate on which at least one group of light-emitting elements G is installed.

[0066] The electronic substrate 11 may be a support package, such as a PCB, on which at least one group of light-emitting elements G is installed.

[0067] According to the embodiment in Figure 1, a single light-emitting element group G is provided, while the embodiments in Figures 2 to 4 show examples that include 3, 6, and 12 light-emitting element groups G1 to G12, respectively.

[0068] The number of light-emitting elements G can vary, for example, from 2 to 20, such as 2, 3, 5, 8, 15, or 17, but may be more depending on the overall dimensions of the lighting sterilization device 10.

[0069] According to the present invention, the or each group of light-emitting elements G comprises three sets of main light-emitting elements 12, designated as 12A, 12B, and 12C, each configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths centered around specific peak values ​​that differ from one another, and five sub-light-emitting elements 13 configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of the main light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0070] Preferably, each light-emitting element group G consists of eight light-emitting elements, comprising three sets of main light-emitting elements 12 and five sub-light-emitting elements 13.

[0071] In the drawings, to simplify identification, the main light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, and 12C are indicated by the letters "A," "B," and "C," respectively, while the secondary light-emitting element is indicated by the letter "X."

[0072] Preferably, all sub-light-emitting elements 13 are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having the same wavelength.

[0073] The three sets of main light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, and 12C are: A first light-emitting element 12A is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a first wavelength λ1 in the range of -404nm to 410nm and a selective peak value at 407nm, A second light-emitting element 12B is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a second wavelength λ2 in the range of -410nm to 416nm, and a selective peak value at 413nm. A third light-emitting element 12C is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a third wavelength λ3 in the range of -418nm to 424nm, and a selective peak value at 421nm. It is equipped with.

[0074] The five sub-light-emitting elements 13 are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a fourth wavelength λ4 in the range of 452 nm to 458 nm, and a selective peak value at 455 nm.

[0075] For example, other components not shown, such as one or more temperature sensing sensors, a power supply, a conversion system, and a microcontroller, may be provided on the electronic circuit board 11.

[0076] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the main light-emitting element 12 and the sub-light-emitting element 13 each include a chip 14 in a sector commonly referred to as a DIE, the chip 14 being made of a semiconductor material and configured to emit highly focused radiation of substantially a single frequency of a desired wavelength. For example, this can be achieved by doping the semiconductor material.

[0077] Preferably, both the main light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, 12C and the sub-light-emitting elements 13 are configured to emit radiation within a very narrow and precise wavelength range of approximately 4 to 8 nm, for example, centered on their respective peak values. Preferably, the wavelength range near each peak value is ±3 nm.

[0078] In the lighting sterilization device 10, if there are N groups of light-emitting elements G, G1 to G12, each having a total of 8 light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 13, then N first light-emitting elements 12A, N second light-emitting elements 12B, N third light-emitting elements 12C, and 5 × N sub-light-emitting elements 13 are arranged in such a manner that the ratio 12A:12B:12C:13 = 1:1:1:5 is always maintained.

[0079] According to the embodiment, the electronic substrate 11, or at least a portion thereof on which the light-emitting elements 12, 13 are installed, has a shape that is approximately circular, approximately rectangular, or approximately square, depending on the application, in order to enable the emission of the entire ray of light within a clearly defined cone.

[0080] According to the embodiment, as shown in Figures 2-4, when there are at least two groups of light-emitting elements G, the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 of one and the other group G are distributed substantially homogeneously on the surface of the electronic substrate 11.

[0081] Preferably, the main light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, and 12C are at least partially surrounded by the sub-light-emitting elements 13 so that they are more concentrated in the central region or band-shaped region and better uniformity of light emission is obtained.

[0082] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 are preferably arranged in the same direction, or some in a first direction F1 and some in a second direction F2 that crosses the first direction F1.

[0083] According to the embodiment, at least the main light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, and 12C are all oriented in the same direction (Figures 1-4). In the case of multiple groups G, all the main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13 can all be oriented in the same direction.

[0084] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 are positioned such that in at least one direction F1, F2, the first light-emitting element 12A, the second light-emitting element 12B, and the third light-emitting element 12C, i.e., the main light-emitting elements 12 having the same wavelength / frequency, are not directly adjacent to each other.

[0085] In particular, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, two identical first light-emitting elements 12A, second light-emitting elements 12B, or third light-emitting elements 12C are not provided adjacent to each other in the first direction indicated by arrow F1, that is, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of most of the light-emitting elements 12 and 13.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present invention, the chips 14 of the main light-emitting element 12 and / or the sub-light-emitting element 13 have homogeneous dimensions and shapes, for example, rectangular, square, circular or otherwise.

[0087] According to the embodiment, all the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 have substantially the same shape and dimensions.

[0088] According to this embodiment, both the main light-emitting element 12 and the sub-light-emitting element 13 have a circular shape.

[0089] According to the embodiment, the main light-emitting element 12 and the sub-light-emitting element 13 all have a rectangular shape, and the ratio of the long side to the short side may be 1.5 to 1.6.

[0090] According to the embodiment, each chip 14 has a short side of 0.5 to 0.6 mm and a long side of 0.8 to 0.9 mm.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first main light-emitting element 12A, the second main light-emitting element 12B, the third main light-emitting element 12C, and one sub-light-emitting element 13 are arranged with their respective longitudinal axes parallel to the first direction F1, while the remaining four sub-light-emitting elements 13 are arranged along the second direction F2, on one side and the other side, in such a manner that they substantially homogeneously occupy the circular surface of the electronic substrate 11.

[0092] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the lighting sterilization device 110 comprises three light-emitting element groups G1, G2, and G3, where the main light-emitting element 12 and the sub-light-emitting element 13 are distributed in rows arranged on parallel axes along the first direction. The light-emitting element groups G1, G2, and G3 can effectively be positioned adjacent to each other in the second transverse direction F2.

[0093] Figure 3 shows an illumination sterilization device 210 comprising six groups of light-emitting elements G1 to G6. The main light-emitting element 12 and the sub-light-emitting element 13 are distributed in rows arranged along axes parallel to a first direction F1, and groups G1 to G6 are positioned substantially adjacent to each other in a second direction F2.

[0094] Figure 4 shows an illumination sterilization device 310 comprising 12 light-emitting element groups G1 to G12. The main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13 are distributed in columns arranged along axes that are at least partially parallel to each other.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 12A, the second light-emitting element 12B, and the third light-emitting element 12C are generally arranged on a transverse row extending in the second direction F2 with respect to their respective longitudinal axes arranged in the first direction F1, following a substantially matrix-like method.

[0096] A row of sub-light-emitting elements 13 is provided between one row of main light-emitting elements 12A and 12B and the other row, and between one row of main light-emitting elements 12B and 12C and the other row.

[0097] According to the embodiment, the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 are connected by gold connection wiring 16, preferably gold with a purity higher than 99%, more preferably gold with a purity higher than 99.95%.

[0098] Preferably, the light-emitting element groups G, G1 to G12 are connected in parallel to each other between the positive electrode 17 and the negative electrode 18 of the electrical circuit.

[0099] This method makes it possible to maintain the aforementioned ratio of 1:1:1:5 between the light-emitting elements even if there are defects in a given group G, G1 to G12.

[0100] According to the embodiment, the distances D1 and D2 between adjacent light-emitting elements 12 and 13 chips 14 are 0.001 mm to 1.1 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.9 mm.

[0101] According to the embodiment, the "horizontal" distance D1 between adjacent chips 14 in the second direction F2 may be equal to or different from the "vertical" distance D2 in the first direction F1.

[0102] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the "horizontal" distance D1 may be approximately half of the "vertical" distance D2.

[0103] For example, distance D1 could be approximately 0.15 mm, while distance D2 could be approximately 0.28 mm.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, distances D1 and D2 may be substantially the same or very similar to each other. For example, distance D1 may be approximately 0.70 mm and distance D2 may be approximately 0.71 mm.

[0105] For example, distance D1 could be approximately 0.15 mm, while distance D2 could be approximately 0.28 mm.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the distance D1 between the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 and adjacent elements in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis can vary, for example, between a minimum value of approximately 0.3 mm (D1min) and a maximum value of approximately 0.5 mm. On the other hand, the distance D2 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis can be approximately constant at about 0.5 mm.

[0107] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the distance D1 between the light-emitting elements 12 and 13 and adjacent elements in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis can vary, for example, between a minimum value of approximately 0.3 mm (D1min) and a maximum value of approximately 0.48 mm. On the other hand, the distance D2 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis can vary between a minimum value of approximately 0.80 mm (D2min) and a maximum value of 1.02 mm.

[0108] However, it is clear that the distance between different main light-emitting elements 12 and / or sub-light-emitting elements 13 on the electronic substrate 11 is determined by both the dimensions of the electronic substrate 11 itself and the dimensions, shape, and number of the main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13 installed thereon.

[0109] According to the embodiment, the chip 14 is made of an indium gallium nitride (InGaN) semiconductor material, and each has an indium-to-gallium ratio suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation of a desired peak wavelength.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the lighting sterilization device 10 includes a photosensitive coating layer 15 arranged to enclose at least one group of light-emitting elements G, G1 to G12, and configured to modify the entire electromagnetic spectrum emitted by at least one group of light-emitting elements G, G1 to G12.

[0111] According to the embodiment, the photosensitive coating layer 15 is configured to emit a spectrum of wavelengths in the 400 nm to 700 nm range, where the peak values ​​of wavelengths λ1, λ2, and λ3 of the main light-emitting element 12 and, optionally, the peak value of wavelength λ4 of the sub-light-emitting element 13 exist, in combination with each main light-emitting element 12 and sub-light-emitting element 13.

[0112] According to the embodiment, the photosensitive coating layer 15 is configured to change the frequency, i.e., the wavelength of the emitted radiation, so that it is at least partially outside the specific frequencies / wavelengths of each light-emitting group G, G1 to G12, but without substantially altering them, i.e., without significantly affecting them, it allows radiation of wavelengths λ1, λ2, and λ3 emitted by the main light-emitting element 12 to pass through. As a result, the photosensitive coating layer 15 has a high bactericidal effect against microorganisms sensitive in this band.

[0113] According to the embodiment, the photosensitive coating layer 15 may be phosphorus-based and may be appropriately doped with a substance suitable for obtaining a white light spectrum. For example, the photosensitive coating layer 15 may be partially doped with a substance adapted to give red light to compensate for blue light.

[0114] This makes it possible to obtain white light emission with a high color rendering index (CRI), preferably higher than 80, and more preferably higher than 90, and therefore centered on a Planck curve close to that of natural light, resulting in controlled and precise energy emission.

[0115] The photosensitive coating layer 15 may be provided in all embodiments described and illustrated in the attached drawings, regardless of the number of light-emitting element groups G.

[0116] According to one embodiment, there is a single photosensitive coating layer 15 that commonly covers all the light-emitting elements G of the lighting sterilization device 10, i.e., the entire area occupied by them.

[0117] According to possible modifications, when there are multiple groups of light-emitting elements G, each of them may be provided with a photosensitive coating layer 15 that covers all the light-emitting elements 12, 13 belonging to a particular group of light-emitting elements G. In this case, the photosensitive coating layers 15 corresponding to one or more groups of light-emitting elements G are preferably substantially equal to each other.

[0118] In a further modification, each of the main light-emitting element 12 and the sub-light-emitting element 13 may be provided with its own photosensitive coating layer 15, and it may be specified that the various photosensitive coating layers 15 are preferably substantially equivalent to one another.

[0119] According to possible modifications not shown, the photosensitive coating layer 15 may preferably be applied separately to only a portion of the light-emitting elements 12, 13 of the light-emitting element group G or to each of the individual light-emitting elements 12, 13, and may be differentiated with respect to the type of light-emitting elements 12, 13, i.e., with respect to a specific wavelength of radiation emitted.

[0120] According to the embodiment, in addition to the photosensitive coating layer 15, further photosensitive coating layers that are superimposed on each other may be specified, and these may be the same or different depending on the effect to be obtained.

[0121] The light-emitting elements 12 and 13 are preferably of the high-efficiency type, preferably having an output of 120 to 200 lm / W, and more preferably 140 to 180 lm / W.

[0122] Figures 5-7 show the spectra of electromagnetic radiation emitted by three sets of main light-emitting elements 12, by one or more groups of light-emitting elements G comprising three sets of main light-emitting elements 12 and five sub-light-emitting elements 13 or multiples thereof, and by one or more groups of light-emitting elements G combined with a photosensitive coating layer 15.

[0123] As can be seen in Figure 5, the presence of three electromagnetic radiation sources with wavelengths λ1, λ2, and λ3, each with relatively close peak values, makes it possible to obtain spectral emission S that effectively covers virtually the entire Soret band, making it highly effective against specific microorganisms.

[0124] Figure 6 shows the radiation emitted by the three sets of main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13, respectively, the spectral emission S1 of the light-emitting elements given by the combination of the radiation from the main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13, and the resulting spectral emission S2 given by the combination of the radiation from the main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13 and the photosensitive coating layer 15.

[0125] Finally, Figure 7 shows the resulting spectral emission S2 on a different scale than Figure 6, allowing for a detailed examination of its overall trend.

[0126] It was found that the peak value of the sub-light-emitting element 13 at 455 nm is the optimal value for exciting the phosphorus present in the photosensitive coating layer 15, appropriately compensating for the spectral emission of the illumination sterilization device 10, and optimizing the overall energy emission by returning the color rendering value, expressed as a color rendering index (CRI or TM-30), to the Planck curve.

[0127] As can be seen from the graph in Figure 6, the photosensitive coating layer 15 has a significant effect on the radiation emitted by the sub-light-emitting element 13, specifically at wavelengths around 450 nm to 460 nm, where a decrease of approximately 90% in radiance is observed. This is because the energy is converted to obtain continuous spectral emission S2 as white light. On the other hand, the decrease in radiance is very small at wavelengths of 400 nm to 420 nm, at 60% to 65%.

[0128] As a result, the resulting spectral emission S2 of the lighting sterilization device 10 according to the present invention has a bell-shaped tendency with a first peak value centered in the Soret band, a second peak value centered near the peak value of the sub-light-emitting element 13, and a further peak around the wavelength of 620 nm to 640 nm.

[0129] The configuration of the lighting sterilization device 10 of the present invention provides better sterilization performance than known devices equipped with three mutually separated blue-violet type LED light-emitting elements and white LED light-emitting elements, depending on the ratio of various types of main light-emitting elements 12 and sub-light-emitting elements 13.

[0130] Figure 8 shows the resulting spectral emission of this well-known device. As can be seen from the figure, in this case, the spectral emission does not have a peak value near the Soret band, and therefore it is not very effective against microorganisms sensitive to this band, requiring long exposure times to achieve a certain level of disinfection.

[0131] According to the lighting sterilization device 10 of the present invention, if the geometric shape of the lighting device 20 into which the lighting sterilization device 10 is inserted is the same as that of a known device, and the power absorbed by the lighting sterilization device 10 is the same, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in the reduction time required to achieve a specific level of reduction in microorganisms.

[0132] This is also achieved because photon energy tends to be high at low wavelengths and decreases as the wavelength increases. Therefore, by obtaining spectral emission with peak values ​​at relatively low frequencies in the Soret band, it becomes possible to obtain high-energy photons that enable more powerful and shorter-duration interference with microorganisms.

[0133] Below are four tables of relevant examples, in which the characteristics and results obtained with a well-known device comprising three independent blue-violet LEDs are compared with those obtained with the lighting sterilization device 10 according to the present invention.

[0134] The examples reported below concern bacteria (a group of species that normally exist under real-world conditions) and viruses (SARS-COVID-2), but are extendable to other microorganisms.

[0135] For each example, in order to obtain reduction levels equal to 90% (1-Log) and 99% (2-Log) respectively (expressed as logarithmic reduction), the minimum energy dose (joules / cm²) supplied by each device that is thought to reduce viruses and bacteria, respectively, is determined. 2 (represented by) is reported.

[0136] Example 1 [Table 1]

[0137] Example 2 [Table 2]

[0138] Example 3 [Table 3]

[0139] Example 4 [Table 4]

[0140] As can be seen from the table reported here, the lighting sterilization device 10 of the present invention can reduce the time by at least 35-40% compared to well-known devices with the same dose and aperture angle of the supplied light beam.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Example 4, if an illumination device with a narrower light beam aperture is used, the time is further reduced, resulting in an overall reduction of 77-78%.

[0142] Note that the color temperature difference in Example 4 falls within the allowable range (about ±150 K) defined by the ANSI standard for the lighting category, within which the light sources can be regarded as emitting substantially the same color tone light. It should also be noted that the removal time of the device according to the present invention is shorter than that of well-known devices, regardless of whether the luminous flux is high (Example 4), low (Example 3), or substantially equal (Examples 1 and 2).

[0143] According to an embodiment, each of the light emitting elements 12, 13 has dimensions such that its width W E has a predetermined ratio to its length L E such that the relationship between them is an index R from 0 to 1 excluding zero E =W E / L E which is expressed as.

[0144] Specifically, the measured values of W E , L E can respectively correspond to the width and length of each chip 14 (or DIE) of the light emitting elements 12, 13 (FIG. 1).

[0145] In the case of circular or square light emitting elements 12, 13, the values of the width W E and the length L E can be substantially equal. On the other hand, in the case of rectangular light emitting elements 12, 13, the index R E is between 0 and 1 excluding the endpoints.

[0146] Furthermore, between each of the light emitting elements 12, 13, that is, between each chip 14, there is a minimum distance D of 1 μm, that is, 0.001 mm or more E (D E ≧1 μm). Therefore, the exemplary distances D1, D2, D1min, D2min, D1max, D2max shown in the accompanying drawings are all D E or more.

[0147] Specifically, the lighting sterilization device 10 has light emitting elements 12, 13 with dimensions spaced apart from each other in such a manner as to ensure a homogeneous and uniform distribution of electromagnetic radiation across the incident space.

[0148] According to possible embodiments, at least one lighting sterilization device 10 may be included in the lighting device 20. For example, the lighting device 20 may comprise one or more lighting sterilization devices 10, 110, 210, 310 according to any of the possible embodiments.

[0149] According to a possible exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 20 may include a projection screen having a COB, or other systems for the use of a COB, the system may include one or more lighting sterilization devices 10, 110, 210, 310.

[0150] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 20 may comprise a panel on which one or more lighting sterilization devices 10, 110, 210, 310, which may also be of different types, are installed. In this exemplary case, the lighting device 20 may comprise one or more light diffusers and / or high reflectivity panels adapted to collect light emitted in directions other than desired.

[0151] Figures 10 and 11 show a lighting device 20 equipped with a conventional and standard type of connection mounting section 21. The lighting device 20 comprises a power supply 22, a cap 23 for emitting a light cone, and a heat sink 24.

[0152] The lighting sterilization device 10 according to the present invention is placed inside the cap 23.

[0153] It is clear that modifications and / or additions to each part can be made to the aforementioned lighting sterilization device 10 without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0154] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several specific examples, it is also clear to those skilled in the art that other equivalent forms of lighting sterilization devices having the features described in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined thereby can certainly be achieved.

[0155] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the symbols in parentheses is to make them legible, and they should not be considered as limiting elements relating to the area of ​​protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) comprising an electronic substrate (11) having at least one group of electromagnetic radiation light-emitting elements (G, G1 to G12), The at least one electromagnetic emission light-emitting group (G, G1 to G12) comprises three sets of main light-emitting elements (12A, 12B, 12C) and five sub-light-emitting elements (13), and the three sets of main light-emitting elements (12A, 12B, 12C) are A first light-emitting element (12A) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a wavelength (λ1) in the range of 404 nm to 410 nm, A second light-emitting element (12B) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a wavelength (λ2) in the range of 410 nm to 416 nm, A third light-emitting element (12C) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a wavelength (λ3) in the range of 418 nm to 424 nm, A lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) comprising the five sub-light-emitting elements (13) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak value at a wavelength (λ4) in the range of 452 nm to 458 nm.

2. The lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, comprising a photosensitive coating layer (15) arranged to encompass the at least one electromagnetic emission light-emitting group (G, G1 to G12) and configured to modify the entire electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the at least one electromagnetic emission light-emitting group (G, G1 to G12) to emit a visible electromagnetic spectrum in the 400 nm to 700 nm range where the peak values ​​of the main light-emitting elements (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) are located.

3. The lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising N groups of light-emitting elements (G, G1 to GN) consisting of 2 to 20 elements, and having N first light-emitting elements (12A), N second light-emitting elements (12B), N third light-emitting elements (12C), and 5 × N sub-light-emitting elements (13).

4. The lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light-emitting elements (12, 13) of the at least one electromagnetic radiation light-emitting element group (G, G1 to G12) are distributed on the surface of the electronic substrate (11) such that the overlapping volume of the light cones emitted by each of them comprises at least one of the light cones of the main light-emitting elements (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) and the light cone of the sub-light-emitting element (13).

5. The lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the main light-emitting elements (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) are positioned on the electronic substrate (11) along at least a first direction (F1), and there are no mutually adjacent first light-emitting elements (12A), mutually adjacent second light-emitting elements (12B), and mutually adjacent third light-emitting elements (12C) along at least the first direction (F1).

6. The illumination sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distance (D1, D2) between the main light-emitting elements (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) and / or the first nearby sub-light-emitting elements (13) is 0.001 mm to 1.10 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.9 mm.

7. The illumination sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main light-emitting elements (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) are more concentrated in a central region or band-shaped region of the electronic substrate (11) and are at least partially surrounded by the secondary light-emitting elements (13).

8. The lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main light-emitting element (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) and / or the sub-light-emitting element (13) are LED light-emitting elements.

9. The lighting sterilization device (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the main light-emitting elements (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) and / or each of the sub-light-emitting elements (13) is substantially circular in shape.

10. A lighting device (20) comprising one or more lighting sterilization devices (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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