Single dielectric excimer lamp system and method

Abstract

To provide UV lamps for sanitizing which are easy to produce and use.SOLUTION: An excimer lamp 100 includes a dielectric tube 110, an end cap 120, a conductive hollow tube 130, and an electrode grid 140. The dielectric tube 110 has a closed end 112 and an open end 114, and defines a cavity 111. The end cap 120 sealingly covers the open end 114. The conductive hollow tube 130 passes through the end cap 120 and enters the cavity 111 of the dielectric tube 110, with a volume 113 defined between an exterior surface of the conductive hollow tube 130 and an interior surface 116 of the dielectric tube. The volume 113 is configured to hold a gas. The electrode grid 140 is disposed on an exterior surface 118 of the dielectric tube 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to excimer lamps that can be used to disinfect structures and areas within a transporter or other enclosed space (e.g., for a disinfection system), and more particularly to systems and methods for providing lamps with simplified manufacturing and reduced production costs.

Background Art

[0002] Transporters such as commercial aircraft are used to carry passengers between various locations. For example, systems are currently being developed to sterilize or otherwise disinfect surfaces within an aircraft using ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can also be used in other applications in addition to aircraft to sterilize or disinfect surfaces or objects.

[0003] For example, UV light having a wavelength of approximately 222 nanometers can be utilized. However, known lamps that produce such wavelengths generally consist of two concentric quartz tubes, one positioned inside the other. Such lamps operate at relatively high voltages and / or can be costly or complex to manufacture.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a need for systems and methods for providing UV lamps for disinfection that are easy to produce and use.

[0005] In view of these needs, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an excimer lamp that includes a dielectric tube, an end cap, a conductive hollow tube, and an electrode grid. The dielectric tube has a closed end and an open end and defines a cavity. The end cap seals and covers the open end. The conductive hollow tube passes through the end cap and enters the cavity of the dielectric tube, defining a space between the outer surface of the conductive hollow tube and the inner surface of the dielectric tube. The space is configured to hold a gas. The electrode grid is disposed on the outer surface of the dielectric tube.

[0006] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for assembling an excimer lamp. The method includes providing a dielectric tube having a closed end and an open end. The dielectric tube defines a cavity. The method also includes attaching an end cap to cover the open end. Further, the method includes introducing a conductive hollow tube into the cavity. The conductive hollow tube passes through the end cap and enters the cavity of the dielectric tube. A space is defined between the outer surface of the conductive hollow tube and the inner surface of the dielectric tube. The method further includes disposing an electrode grid on the outer surface of the dielectric tube. The method also includes introducing a gas into the space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of specific embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps recited after the singular form and the word "one" (either "a" or "an") should not necessarily be construed as excluding a plurality of such elements or steps. Further, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" one or more elements with specific conditions may include additional elements without such conditions.

[0009] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a 222 nm UV lamp that is easy to manufacture and convenient to use. For example, various embodiments provide a single dielectric excimer lamp that eliminates one of the glass layers of a conventional lamp and seals the open end of the quartz tube with a metal cap (e.g., by soldering). The elimination of the glass layer reduces the voltage required to operate the lamp and also reduces the production cost of the lamp. In various embodiments, the excimer lamp disclosed herein can be utilized in connection with a portable UV wand system, for example, for use inside an aircraft. Various embodiments can be configured for various sizes.

[0010] Various embodiments provide an excimer UV lamp and / or a method for fabricating an excimer UV lamp. The lamp in various embodiments includes a quartz tube closed at one end and having a metal cap or end piece brazed or welded to the other open end to seal the tube (e.g., a hermetic seal). The metal cap or end piece can be made of a material such as kovar or other material that matches the thermal expansion coefficient of quartz. The metal cap or end piece has an opening that allows the stainless steel tube to be inserted into the metal end piece with the stainless steel tube extending into the internal chamber of the quartz tube. The stainless steel tube is welded or brazed to the metal cap or end piece. The stainless steel tube can be supported or held by a spacer (e.g., a donut-shaped spacer). In various embodiments, the stainless steel tube is initially open at both ends during assembly. The stainless steel tube is inserted into the opening of the spacer within the quartz tube with the spacer bearing against or in contact with the inner surface of the quartz tube near the closed end of the quartz tube.

[0011] The excimer lamp also includes a conductive grid. In various embodiments, the conductive grid is formed as part of the quartz tube or is coupled to or otherwise disposed on the outside or outer surface of the quartz tube. For example, the conductive mesh grid can be made from a woven metal fabric of thin conductive wires printed on the outer surface of the quartz tube. In some embodiments, a bandpass filter can also be applied to the outer surface of the quartz tube.

[0012] The stainless steel tube acts as an electrode. In some embodiments, the stainless steel tube is also used to vacuum fill the interior of the chamber with a gas (e.g., krypton chloride gas). For example, a gas line can be attached to the open end of the stainless steel tube protruding from the quartz tube, and the gas can be introduced into the chamber through the stainless steel tube. When the chamber has the desired amount of gas (e.g., reaches the desired pressure), the open end of the stainless steel tube can be crimped or sealed in some other way to maintain the gas inside the chamber. The electrodes (e.g., the conductive mesh grid and the stainless steel tube) can be connected to a power source to operate the lamp. For example, a ground connector can be connected to the conductive mesh grid, and a high voltage lead from the power source can be soldered or crimped onto the stainless steel tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the stainless steel tube can have small holes through the wall of the portion located inside the quartz tube to facilitate the gas flow within the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the excimer lamp is adapted or configured to allow a flow of cooling fluid through the stainless steel tube.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an excimer lamp 100, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional end view of the excimer lamp 100. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the illustrated exemplary excimer lamp 100 includes a dielectric tube 110, end caps 120, a conductive hollow tube 130, and an electrode grid 140. The illustrated exemplary excimer lamp 100 also includes a spacer 190 that helps position and support the conductive hollow tube 130 inside the dielectric tube 110. Generally, a voltage is applied between the electrode grid 140 and the conductive hollow tube 130 to cause the gas maintained within the dielectric tube 110 to emit UV light.

[0015] The dielectric tube 110 has a closed end 112 and an open end 114 located at opposite ends of the dielectric tube 110. The dielectric tube 110 defines a cavity 111 between the closed end 112 and the open end 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric tube 110 is cylindrical in shape, or has a circular cross-section and extends along an axis 115. The dielectric tube 110 has an inner surface 116 that faces inwardly of the dielectric tube 110 or towards the axis 115. The dielectric tube 110 also has an outer surface 118 that faces outwardly of the dielectric tube 110 or away from the axis 115. The dielectric tubes 110 of various embodiments are made of a transparent material and have sufficient thickness and dielectric properties for the function of the excimer lamp 100. The dielectric tube 110 can be made of, for example, fused quartz, or alternatively, can be made of silica glass with a fuse.

[0016] The end cap 120 is coupled to the dielectric tube 110 in proximity to the open end 114 of the dielectric tube 110. The depicted end cap 120 is coupled to the dielectric tube 110 to seal and cover the open end 114 and maintain the gas within the dielectric tube 110 during operation of the excimer lamp 100. For example, the end cap 120 can be brazed to the dielectric tube for sealing. In an exemplary embodiment, the end cap 120 is disk-shaped to conform to the circular cross-section of the depicted dielectric tube 110. The end cap 120 can be made of metal. In some embodiments, the end cap 120 has a coefficient of thermal expansion that corresponds to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the dielectric tube 110. For example, in some embodiments, the end cap 120 is made of a metal such as kovar to match the coefficient of thermal expansion of a quartz tube.

[0017] The conductive hollow tube 130 passes through the end cap 120 and enters the cavity 111 of the dielectric tube 110. The conductive hollow tube 130 is made of a conductive material such as metal (e.g., stainless steel). The conductive hollow tube 130 has a distal end 132 located inside the dielectric tube 110 (or closer to the closed end 112), and a proximal end 134 located outside the dielectric tube 110 (or closer to the open end 114). A seal is formed between the conductive hollow tube 130 and the end cap 120. For example, the end cap 120 in various embodiments has a pre-formed opening through which the distal end 132 of the conductive hollow tube 130 can pass. When the conductive hollow tube 130 is in the desired position, the hollow tube 130 can be hermetically connected to the end cap 120, for example, by soldering.

[0018] The conductive hollow tube 130 has an outer surface 133 and an inner surface 135. The space 113 is defined between the outer surface 133 of the conductive hollow tube 130 and the inner surface 116 of the dielectric tube 110. The space 113 is configured to hold a gas (e.g., krypton chloride gas). In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive hollow tube 130 has a circular cross-section like the dielectric tube 110, allowing for a uniform spacing between the conductive hollow tube 130 and the electrode grid 140 disposed on the dielectric tube 110.

[0019] In various embodiments, the conductive hollow tube 130 is closed at at least one end. For example, the conductive hollow tube 130 can be open at both ends at the initial point of assembly. After the conductive hollow tube 130 is coupled to the end cap 120, the conductive hollow tube 130 can be used as a filling tube to supply gas to the space 113. When gas is supplied to the space, the conductive hollow tube 130 can be closed at the proximal end 134 (e.g., by crimping) to prevent gas leakage from the space 113.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conductive hollow tube 130 includes a body 136. The body 136 includes a circulation hole 138 passing through the body 136 (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis 115). The circulation hole 138 allows gas to pass through the conductive hollow tube 130 during the operation of the excimer lamp 100.

[0021] In some embodiments, as described herein (e.g., in connection with FIGS. 3 - 5), the conductive hollow tube 130 can be closed at the distal end 132 (e.g., to facilitate the use of a cooling fluid flowing through the conductive hollow tube 130 while preventing mixing of the cooling fluid within the conductive hollow tube 130 and the gas within the space 113). In such embodiments, a separate fill tube (not shown) can be used to fill the space 113 with gas.

[0022] In some embodiments, the conductive hollow tube 130 is configured to allow passage of a cooling fluid. For example, the conductive hollow tube 130 can be connected to a cooling source that supplies fluid to and removes fluid from the conductive hollow tube 130. The cooling fluid can be a liquid or, as another example, air (e.g., ambient air). In some embodiments, tubes can be used to assist in providing and / or directing the flow of the cooling fluid within the conductive hollow tube into the conductive hollow tube 130. The use of cooling within the conductive hollow tube 130 (and thus within the dielectric tube 110) allows for cooling of the excimer lamp 100 without interference or blockage of the light emitted from the excimer lamp 100 that can occur when an external cooling configuration is utilized.

[0023] FIG. 3 provides an end cross - sectional view of a cooling tube 150 disposed within an exemplary conductive hollow tube 130, and FIG. 4 provides a side cross - sectional view of the cooling tube 150. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cooling tube 150 is disposed within the conductive hollow tube 130. The distal end 132 of the conductive hollow tube 130 is closed to prevent mixing of the cooling fluid within the conductive hollow tube 130 and the gas within the space 113. The proximal end 134 of the conductive hollow tube 130 is open to allow for the placement of the cooling tube 150 and for the flow of the cooling fluid into and out of the conductive hollow tube 130.

[0024] As best shown in FIG. 4, the cooling tube 150 has a distal end 152 and a proximal end 154. In an exemplary embodiment, both the distal end 152 and the proximal end 154 are open to allow the flow of a cooling fluid. For example, the cooling fluid is introduced into the cooling tube 150 through the proximal end 154 of the cooling tube 150, passes through the distal end 152 of the cooling tube 150 and flows into the distal portion of the conductive hollow tube 130, and along path 199, it can flow out of the conductive hollow tube 130 through the proximal end 134 of the conductive hollow tube 130. In other embodiments, the flow can be counter to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0025] In other embodiments, the distal end 154 of the cooling tube 150 can be closed. For example, FIG. 5 provides a side view of an exemplary cooling tube 150 having a closed end. The illustrated cooling tube 150 of FIG. 5 includes a cooling sleeve 156. The cooling sleeve 156 defines the body of the cooling tube 150 and includes a coolant opening 158 through which the coolant passes. The coolant opening allows the cooling fluid to pass from the interior of the cooling tube 150 into the space defined between the cooling tube and the inner surface of the conductive hollow tube 130.

[0026] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the excimer lamp 100 includes a spacer 190 that fits around the outer surface 133 of the conductive hollow tube 130 and within the inner surface 116 of the dielectric tube. The illustrated spacer 190 is an annular ring (or donut-shaped) to fit the cross-sections of the dielectric tube 110 and the conductive hollow tube 130. The spacer, which can be made of, for example, Teflon, helps to position and support the conductive hollow tube 130 inside the dielectric tube 110.

[0027] The electrode grid 140 is disposed on the outer surface 118 of the dielectric tube 110, and the body of the dielectric tube 110 and the gas are within the space 113 sandwiched between the electrode grid 140 and the conductive hollow tube 130. The conductive hollow tube 130 and the electrode grid 140 are connected to a power supply and act as electrodes for emitting UV light to the gas within the space 113. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrode grid 140 is connected to the ground conductor 160, and the conductive hollow tube 130 is connected to the positive conductor 162.

[0028] The electrode grid 140 can be integral with the dielectric tube 110, formed on the dielectric tube 110, or added to the dielectric tube 110, and can be a separate physical component in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the electrode grid 140 includes printed wiring 144 that is added to the outer surface 118 of the dielectric tube 110 (only a part of the printed wiring 144 is shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity of depicting the interior of the excimer lamp 100).

[0029] As another example, a separate physical structure can be used to provide the electrode grid 140. For example, FIG. 6 provides an end view of an exemplary excimer lamp 100 that includes an electrode grid 140 including a sleeve 170. The sleeve 170 fits around the dielectric tube 110 to position the electrode grid 140 in proximity to the outer surface 118 of the dielectric tube 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the excimer lamp 100 of FIG. 6 includes a bandpass filter 180 that is disposed in proximity to the electrode grid 140 and that acts to limit the wavelength emitted by the excimer lamp 100. In some embodiments, for example, the bandpass filter 180 can be printed on or otherwise formed on the outer surface 118 of the dielectric tube 110 before the sleeve 170 is disposed in a predetermined position.

[0030] FIG. 7 provides a flowchart of a method 700 for assembling an excimer lamp (e.g., excimer lamp 100). The method 700 in various embodiments utilizes and / or provides one or more aspects described above in connection with the exemplary excimer lamp 100 described herein. It may be noted that steps may be added or omitted in various embodiments, and / or various steps may be performed in an order different from that shown in FIG. 7.

[0031] At 702, a dielectric tube (e.g., dielectric tube 110) is provided. The dielectric tube has a closed end and an open end and defines a cavity. For example, the dielectric tube can be formed of quartz glass or other transparent dielectric material.

[0032] At 704, an end cap (e.g., end cap 120) is attached to the open end of the dielectric tube. For example, the end cap can be brazed to the dielectric tube for sealing.

[0033] At 706, a conductive hollow tube (e.g., conductive hollow tube 130) is introduced into the cavity. The conductive hollow tube passes through the end cap and enters the cavity of the dielectric tube. For example, the conductive hollow tube is inserted through the opening of the end cap and can be brazed to the end cap for sealing when the conductive hollow tube reaches the desired position. In some embodiments, a spacer (e.g., spacer 190) is used to position and / or support the conductive hollow tube. After the conductive hollow tube is positioned in the cavity, a space is defined between the outer surface of the conductive hollow tube and the inner surface of the dielectric tube. During operation of the excimer lamp, the space is used to hold the gas.

[0034] In 708 of the exemplary embodiment, a bandpass filter (e.g., bandpass filter 180) is disposed proximate to the outer surface of the dielectric tube. For example, the bandpass filter can be printed on the outer surface.

[0035] At 710, an electrode grid (e.g., electrode grid 140) is disposed proximate to (e.g., on the surface of) the outer surface of the dielectric tube. The electrode grid may be provided by printing wires on the outer surface or, as another example, by positioning a sleeve around at least a portion of the outer surface of the dielectric tube. For example, in embodiments utilizing a bandpass filter, the bandpass filter can be printed on the outer surface and then a sleeve including the electrode grid can be positioned over the outer surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, cooling of the excimer lamp can be provided. For example, in some embodiments, at 712, a cooling tube (e.g., cooling tube 150) is positioned within the conductive hollow tube.

[0037] At 714, a gas (e.g., krypton chloride gas) is introduced into the space. For example, the gas can be introduced into the space through a conductive hollow tube.

[0038] At 716, the conductive hollow tube is closed at at least one end. For example, after filling the cavity with gas, the proximal end of the conductive hollow tube can be closed to seal and maintain the gas in the cavity of the dielectric tube. In embodiments using a cooling tube, the conductive hollow tube can have a closed distal end, and the gas is introduced through a separate filling tube that is crimped or otherwise sealed after the desired amount of gas has entered the cavity.

[0039] The electrode grid and the conductive hollow tube can then be connected to a power source. In an exemplary embodiment, at 718, the electrode grid is connected to a ground conductor, and at 720, the conductive hollow tube is connected to a positive conductor. A voltage can be applied to the conductive hollow tube and the electrode grid that act as the electrodes of the excimer lamp, causing the gas to emit UV light.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an aircraft 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 210 includes, for example, a propulsion system 212 that includes engines 214. Optionally, the propulsion system 212 can include more engines 214 than shown. The engines 214 are carried by the wings 216 of the aircraft 210. In other embodiments, the engines 214 can be carried by the fuselage 218 and / or the tail section 220. The tail section 220 can also support a horizontal stabilizer 222 and a vertical stabilizer 224.

[0041] The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 210 defines an interior cabin 230 that includes a flight deck, or cockpit, one or more work sections (e.g., a galley, a crew baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger sections (e.g., first class, business class, and economy class), one or more toilets, etc. The interior cabin 230 includes one or more toilet systems, toilet units, or toilets as described herein.

[0042] Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for various other transport vehicles such as automobiles, buses, locomotives, trains, ships, etc. instead of aircraft. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for fixed structures such as, for example, commercial and residential buildings.

[0043] FIG. 9A is a top view of an interior cabin 230 of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 230 may be within a fuselage 232 of an aircraft, such as the fuselage 218 of FIG. 8. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the interior cabin 230. The interior cabin 230 includes a plurality of sections including a front section 233, a first-class section 234, a business-class section 236, a front galley station 238, an extended economy (or coach) class section 240, a standard economy section 242, and a rear section 244 that may include a plurality of toilets and galley stations. It should be understood that the interior cabin 230 may include more or fewer sections than shown. For example, the interior cabin 230 may not include a first-class section and may include more or fewer galley stations than shown. Each of the sections may be separated by a cabin transition area 246 that may include a class partition assembly between aisles 248.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 9A, the interior cabin 230 includes two aisles 250 and 252 that lead to the rear section 244. Optionally, the interior cabin 230 may have fewer or more aisles than shown. For example, the interior cabin 230 may include a single aisle that extends through the center of the interior cabin 230 leading to the rear section 244.

[0045] Passages 248, 250, and 252 extend to an exit path or door passage 260. An exit door 262 is located at the end of the exit path 260. The exit path 260 may be perpendicular to passages 248, 250, and 252. The interior cabin 230 may include a greater number of exit paths 260 in locations different from those shown. The portable disinfection system 100 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1 - 18 may be used to disinfect various structures within the interior cabin 230 such as passenger seats, monuments, storage shelf assemblies, components within toilets, galley facilities, and components.

[0046] FIG. 9B is a top view of an interior cabin 280 of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 280 is an example of the interior cabin 230 shown in FIG. 8. The interior cabin 280 may be within the fuselage 281 of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the interior cabin 280. The interior cabin 280 includes a plurality of sections including a main cabin 282 having passenger seats 283 and a rear section 285 behind the main cabin 282. It should be understood that the interior cabin 280 may include more or fewer sections than those shown.

[0047] The interior cabin 280 may include a single passage 284 that connects to the rear section 285. The single passage 284 may extend through the center of the interior cabin 280 that connects to the rear section 285. For example, the single passage 284 may be aligned coaxially with the central longitudinal section of the interior cabin 280.

[0048] The passage 284 extends to an exit path or door passage 290. An exit door 292 is located at the end of the exit path 290. The exit path 290 may be perpendicular to the passage 284. The interior cabin 280 may include a greater number of exit paths than those shown. The portable disinfection system 100 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1 - 18 may be used to disinfect various structures within the interior cabin 230 such as passenger seats, monuments, storage shelf assemblies, components within toilets, galley facilities, and components.

[0049] FIG. 10 is an interior perspective view of an aircraft interior cabin 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 300 includes an outboard wall 302 connected to a ceiling 304. A window 306 may be formed within the outboard wall 302. A floor 308 supports a row of seats 310. As shown in FIG. 10, row 312 may include two seats 310 on either side of an aisle 313. However, row 312 may include more or fewer seats 310 than illustrated. Further, the interior cabin 300 may include more aisles than illustrated.

[0050] On either side of the aisle 313, a passenger service unit (PSU) 314 is secured between the outboard wall 302 and the ceiling 304. The PSU 314 extends between the front and rear ends of the interior cabin 300. For example, the PSU 314 may be positioned above each seat 310 within row 312. Each PSU 314 may generally include a housing 316 containing vents, reading lights, an oxygen mask drop panel, a flight attendant call button, and other such controls above each seat 310 (or group of seats) within row 312.

[0051] An overhead storage bin assembly 318 is secured to the ceiling 304 and / or the outboard wall 302 on the inboard side above the PSU 314 on both sides of the aisle 313. The overhead storage bin assembly 318 is secured above the seats 310. The overhead storage bin assembly 318 extends between the front and rear ends of the interior cabin 300. Each storage bin assembly 318 may include a pivot bin or pivot bucket 320 pivotally secured to a strongback (hidden and not visible in FIG. 10). The overhead storage bin assembly 318 may be positioned above and on the inboard side of the lower surface of the PSU 314. The overhead storage bin assembly 318 is configured to pivot open, for example, to receive a passenger's carry-on luggage and personal items.

[0052] As used herein, the term "outboard" means a position further away from the central longitudinal plane 322 of the internal cabin 300 as compared to another component. The term "inboard" means a position closer to the central longitudinal plane 322 of the central cabin 300 as compared to another component. For example, the lower surface of the PSU 314 may be outboard with respect to the storage shelf assembly 318.

[0053] The excimer lamp described herein can be used to disinfect various structures shown within the internal cabin 300.

[0054] FIG. 11 is an internal perspective view of a toilet 330 within an internal cabin of a transporter, such as any of the internal cabins described herein. The toilet 330 is an example of an enclosed space, monument, or chamber, such as within an internal cabin of a transporter. The toilet 330 can be mounted on an aircraft as described above. Optionally, the toilet 330 can be mounted on various other transporters. In other embodiments, the toilet 330 can be within a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. The toilet 330 includes a toilet 332, a shelf 334, and a sink 336, or a base floor 331 that supports a washbasin. The toilet 330 may be arranged differently than that shown. The toilet 330 can include more or fewer components than those shown. The excimer lamp described herein can be used to disinfect various structures, components, and surfaces within the toilet 330.

[0055] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes examples according to the following clauses.

[0056] Clause 1. An excimer lamp (100), comprising: a dielectric tube (110) having a closed end (112) and an open end (114) and defining a cavity; an end cap (120) sealing and covering the open end (114); A conductive hollow tube (130) that passes through the end cap (120) and enters the cavity of the dielectric tube (110), which is a space defined between the outer surface (118) of the conductive hollow tube (130) and the inner surface of the dielectric tube (110) and is configured to hold gas. An excimer lamp (100) comprising an electrode grid (140) disposed on the outer surface (118) of the dielectric tube (110).

[0057] Clause 2. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 1, wherein the dielectric tube (110) is made of a quartz material.

[0058] Clause 3. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the end cap (120) is brazed to the dielectric tube (110).

[0059] Clause 4. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the end cap (120) has a coefficient of thermal expansion corresponding to that of the dielectric tube (110).

[0060] Clause 5. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) is made of stainless steel.

[0061] Clause 6. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) is closed at at least one end.

[0062] Clause 7. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 6, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) comprises a sleeve, and the sleeve includes a circulation hole (138) through which a fluid passes.

[0063] Clause 8. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 7, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) is configured to allow the passage of a cooling fluid.

[0064] Clause 9. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 8, further comprising a cooling pipe (150) disposed within the conductive hollow tube (130).

[0065] Clause 10. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 9, wherein the cooling pipe (150) has an open distal end (132).

[0066] Clause 11. The excimer lamp (100) according to clause 9 or 10, wherein the cooling pipe (150) comprises a coolant opening passing through a cooling sleeve (156), and the cooling sleeve (156) is provided.

[0067] Clause 12. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the electrode grid (140) is connected to a ground conductor, and the conductive hollow tube (130) is connected to a positive conductor.

[0068] Clause 13. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the electrode grid (140) includes a printed wiring (144) applied to the outer surface (118) of the dielectric tube (110).

[0069] Clause 14. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the electrode grid (140) comprises a sleeve disposed around at least a part of the outer surface (118) of the dielectric tube (110).

[0070] Clause 15. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, further comprising a band - pass filter disposed adjacent to the electrode grid (140).

[0071] Clause 16. A method for providing an excimer lamp (100), comprising: providing a dielectric tube (110) having a closed end (112) and an open end (114) and defining a cavity; attaching an end cap (120) to cover the open end (114); Introducing the conductive hollow tube (130) that passes through the end cap (120) and enters the cavity of the dielectric tube (110), which is a space defined between the outer surface (118) of the conductive hollow tube (130) and the inner surface of the dielectric tube (110), into the cavity; Disposing an electrode grid (140) on the outer surface (118) of the dielectric tube (110); Introducing a gas into the space; A method comprising the above.

[0072] Clause 17. The method according to clause 16, wherein the gas is introduced into the space through the conductive hollow tube (130).

[0073] Clause 18. The method according to clause 16 or 17, further comprising closing the conductive hollow tube (130) at at least one end.

[0074] Clause 19. The method according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, further comprising positioning a cooling tube (150) inside the conductive hollow tube (130).

[0075] Clause 20. The method according to any one of clauses 16 to 19, further comprising connecting the electrode grid (140) to a ground conductor and connecting the conductive hollow tube (130) to a positive conductor.

[0076] For the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, various terms related to space and direction such as upper, bottom, lower, central, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. may be used, but it should be understood that such terms are only used with respect to the directions shown in the drawings. The direction can be changed by inversion, rotation, or other methods such that the upper becomes the lower, vice versa, the horizontal becomes the vertical, etc.

[0077] As used herein, a structure, constraint, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally formed, configured, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For the sake of clarity and to avoid misunderstanding, an object that can only be modified to perform a task or operation is not what is "configured" in this specification to perform the task or operation.

[0078] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, numerous modifications can be made to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure to adapt them to a particular situation or material without departing from their scope. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, but these embodiments are in no way limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Considering the above, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the embodiments for carrying out the invention described herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as clear synonyms of the terms "comprising" and "wherein", respectively. Further, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those objects. Furthermore, the limitations in the following claims are not described in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the limitations in such claims explicitly use the phrase "means for" followed by a description of a function lacking further structure.

[0079] In this specification, various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, are disclosed using examples, and enable those skilled in the art to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the fabrication and use of any device or system and the implementation of any integrated method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements that have only a slight difference from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An excimer lamp (100) comprising: a dielectric tube (110) having a closed end (112) and an open end (114) and defining a cavity; an end cap (120) sealingly covering the open end (114); a conductive hollow tube (130) passing through the end cap (120) and entering the cavity of the dielectric tube (110), wherein a space configured to hold a gas is defined between an outer surface (133) of the conductive hollow tube (130) and an inner surface of the dielectric tube (110); and an electrode grid (140) disposed on an outer surface (118) of the dielectric tube (110).

2. The excimer lamp (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric tube (110) is made of a quartz material.

3. The excimer lamp (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end cap (120) is brazed to the dielectric tube (110).

4. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end cap (120) has a coefficient of thermal expansion that matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the dielectric tube (110).

5. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) is made of stainless steel.

6. The excimer lamp (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) is closed at at least one end.

7. The excimer lamp (100) according to claim 6, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) comprises a body (136), and the body (136) includes a circulation hole (138) passing through the body (136).

8. The excimer lamp (100) according to claim 7, wherein the conductive hollow tube (130) is configured to allow passage of a cooling fluid.

9. The excimer lamp (100) according to claim 8, further comprising a cooling tube (150) disposed within the conductive hollow tube (130).

10. The excimer lamp (100) according to claim 9, wherein the cooling tube (150) has an open distal end (132).

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