Ultraviolet light radiation module and sterilization system

Abstract

To provide modules, systems and methods for disinfecting surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light.SOLUTION: Modules (300), systems (100) and methods (1300, 1400, 1500) for disinfecting surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting module (300) comprises an enclosure (304) comprising a rear wall (308) and a face plate (312) located away from the rear wall and comprising a light-transmitting aperture (316). At least one sidewall (330, 334, 338, 342) extends between the rear wall and the face plate, and at least one UV light emitter (320) is within the enclosure. A ventilation opening (348, 349) is located in one or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at least one sidewall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sterilizing surfaces, and more particularly to modules, systems, and methods for sterilizing surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used in some situations to sterilize and disinfect surfaces. In some instances, multiple UV emitters are provided within an enclosure and operated from a relatively low-power power source, such as 12 watts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] While such UV devices show promise in their ability to inactivate and / or kill certain pathogens, challenges exist in developing devices and systems to more effectively deliver such UV radiation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module is provided, the module comprising: a housing including a rear wall and a faceplate spaced apart from the rear wall and including a light-transmitting opening; at least one sidewall extending between the rear wall and the faceplate; and at least one UV light emitter located within the housing. The module further comprises a vent opening located in one or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at least one sidewall.

[0005] According to another aspect, a system for sterilizing one or more components is provided, the system including a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules. Each of the modules includes a housing including a rear wall and a faceplate spaced from the rear wall, the faceplate including a light-transmitting opening. At least one sidewall extends between the rear wall and the faceplate, and at least one UV light emitter is located within the housing.

[0006] Each of the modules further includes a ventilation opening located in one or more walls selected from (1) a back wall and (2) at least one side wall. The system further includes a housing that houses the plurality of UV light emission modules. The housing includes at least one cooling fan that directs air into the housing and at least one housing ventilation outlet opening that allows the air to escape.

[0007] According to another aspect, a method of assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module for sterilizing one or more components is provided. The method is carried out using an enclosure including a rear wall and a faceplate spaced from the rear wall, the faceplate including a light-transmitting opening. The enclosure further includes four sidewalls extending between the rear wall and the faceplate. Furthermore, the method is carried out using at least one UV light emitter support fabricated from a fluoropolymer; at least one cooling feature selected from (1) a sidewall vent opening in the at least one sidewall and (2) a heat sink feature extending from the rear wall; and an elongated lamp having a first end with a first terminal and an opposite second end with a second terminal.

[0008] The method includes mounting an elongated lamp on at least one fluoropolymer UV light emitter support within a housing, with a first lead secured to a first terminal of the elongated lamp and a second lead secured to a second terminal of the elongated lamp. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a sterilization system in a restroom according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic diagram of the sterilization system of FIG. 1 according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 shows another view of the UV light emission module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 shows an exploded view of the UV light emission module of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 10 illustrates a plurality of triangular inner support surfaces including radiused edges according to examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 shows another view of the multiple triangular inner support surfaces of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 shows another view of the multiple triangular inner support surfaces of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an exploded view of another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module including a circuit board according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module including two sidewall ventilation openings according to examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module including two back-wall vent openings and a side-wall vent opening according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module including a cooling fan according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13 shows another view of the UV light emission module of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module according to an example of the present disclosure that includes a heat sink mechanism. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module including a heat sink mechanism and multiple ventilation openings according to examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an example housing for two ultraviolet (UV) light emission modules according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 17 shows an exploded view of the housing of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 17 shows another exploded view of the housing of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] 17 shows a cutaway view of a portion of the cover panel of the housing of FIG. 16. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitter support according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1 shows three exemplary ultraviolet (UV) light emitter supports according to examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 22]1 illustrates another example of three ultraviolet (UV) light emitter substrates including electrically insulating separators according to examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] 1 shows another example of three ultraviolet (UV) light emitter supports according to examples of the present disclosure, where the UV light emitter supports are coplanar with the UV light emitters. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method for assembling a system for sterilizing one or more components according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method for assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light radiation module for sterilizing one or more components according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of another exemplary method for assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light radiation module for sterilizing one or more components according to examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates an aircraft environment in which a UV light emission module is installed according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the above considerations, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a system for sterilizing one or more components using ultraviolet (UV) light radiation modules. As described in further detail below, the system utilizes UV light radiation modules that incorporate one or more cooling mechanisms to provide heat transfer functionality so that the modules can operate at higher power and therefore provide stronger UV radiation. In some examples described below, multiple modules are contained in a housing that includes one or more cooling fans for circulating air through the modules.

[0011] 1 shows a perspective view of a restroom 102 including a system 100 for sterilizing one or more components using ultraviolet (UV) light. System 100 includes a plurality of UV light emission modules 104 configured to emit UV light. In various examples, UV light emission modules 104 can take the form of UV light emission module 300 shown in FIG. 3 and described in further detail below, or one of the other examples of UV light emission modules described herein.

[0012] 1, three UV light emission modules 104a, 104b, and 104c are shown. The system 100 further includes a power supply module 106 electrically connected to each of the UV light emission modules 104 and configured to power the modules to generate UV light for sterilizing and / or disinfecting components and surfaces within the restroom 102.

[0013] In other examples, system 100 utilizes fewer or more than three UV light emission modules 104 electrically connected to power supply module 106. In still other examples, system 100 and / or individually powered UV light emission modules 104 may be utilized in a variety of environments, such as, but not limited to, kitchens, food preparation rooms, retail facilities, healthcare facilities, arenas, houses of worship, banquet halls, theaters, concert venues, commercial establishments, factories, and other spaces. In some examples, system 100 and / or individually powered UV light emission modules 104 may be utilized in aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles, such as buses, trains, and ships.

[0014] In a commercial aircraft, the system 100 may be located in the passenger cabin, galley, crew rest area, assembly area, cargo area, flight deck, restroom, and other areas where individuals, passengers, crew, ground crew, and / or maintenance personnel may be located. In this example of Figure 1, the restroom 102 may be located within a vehicle, such as within the cabin of a commercial aircraft. For example, Figure 27 illustrates an aircraft environment in which a UV light emission module 104 is installed above passenger seats 1004 within an aircraft cabin 1000.

[0015] In other examples, as described in more detail below, one or more UV light emission modules 104 may be utilized in a portable assembly, such as a wand, configured to be held by a user. In some examples, such a portable assembly may also be configured to be removably mounted to a support structure, such as a wall.

[0016] Returning to the example of FIG. 1 , UV light emission modules 104 are positioned to emit UV light toward one or more components within restroom 102 to sterilize and / or disinfect the components. In the illustrated example, the one or more components include sink 112 and toilet 110. In this example, UV light emission modules 104 are positioned to emit UV light toward different components 108. For example, a first UV light emission module 104a is positioned to emit UV light toward toilet 110, including a flush actuator 114 (e.g., lever, button, etc.) of toilet 110. A second UV light emission module 104b is positioned to emit UV light toward sink 112 and surrounding areas, such as faucet 116 and a portion of countertop 118. A third UV light emission module 104c is positioned to emit UV light toward a door (not shown) used to enter and exit restroom 102.

[0017] In some examples, two or more UV light emission modules 104 are positioned to emit UV light toward a common component, and in some examples, two or more UV light emission modules 104 are physically adjacent to and / or mechanically coupled to one another.

[0018] A power supply module 106 is electrically connected to the UV light emission module 104 and provides power to the module. In some examples, the power supply module 106 includes processing and / or power modulation circuitry within an enclosure or housing. In various examples, the power supply module 106 receives electrical energy from a power source, such as a power distribution board or a battery, and distributes the electrical energy to the UV light emission module 104.

[0019] 1, the power supply modules 106 are mounted within the restroom 102 and electrically connected to the UV light emission modules 104 via respective power leads 120, such as one or more electrical wires or power cables. In other examples, one or more of the UV light emission modules 104 are integrated with the power supply module 106 within a common housing.

[0020] As described in further detail below, in some examples, the UV light emission module 104 utilizes a small form factor to provide aesthetic improvements by occupying less space. A smaller form factor can also enable the UV light emission module 104 to be located closer to the components to be sterilized compared to larger form factor UV light emitters. For example, a smaller UV light emission module 104 can be installed discreetly behind or inside a structure, which may not be possible with larger UV light emitters. In one potential advantage of the present disclosure, placing the UV light emission module 104 closer to the component increases the radiation flux (irradiance) delivered to the surface of the component. In this manner, placing the UV light emission module 104 closer to the component 108 compared to a larger UV light emitter can deliver a specified UV dose to the component using less energy and / or in a shorter time than applying the same dose with a larger UV light emission module.

[0021] 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the power supply module 106 receives electrical energy from a separate, external power source 202 that is remote from the power supply module 106. In some examples, the power supply 202 is a vehicle electrical system onboard a vehicle or an electrical system of a building or facility. In other examples, the power supply 202 is a battery, a generator, or the like.

[0022] In this example, power supply module 106 is electrically connected to external power source 202 via power conditioning circuitry 204 and power cables 206 and 208. In various examples, power conditioning circuitry 204 includes one or more rectifiers, power factor correction circuitry, and / or capacitors for filtering electromagnetic interference. In other examples, power conditioning circuitry 204 is integrated with power supply module 106 within a common enclosure, such as the power supply module housing.

[0023] In this example, the power supply module 106 receives electrical energy from a power conditioning circuit 204 and controls the distribution of electrical energy among the UV light emission modules 104. In this example, the power conditioning circuit 204 receives alternating current (AC) electrical energy from an external power source 202 and converts the AC electrical energy to DC electrical energy. This DC electrical energy is provided to the power supply module 106, which converts the DC electrical energy to AC electrical energy and provides the AC to the UV light emission modules 104 to generate UV light, as described in further detail below. In some examples, the power supply module 106 also controls one or more operations of the UV light emission modules 104, such as activating and deactivating the modules and modulating the output of the modules.

[0024] As described in further detail below, the UV light emission modules of the present disclosure utilize one or more cooling mechanisms to enable the modules to operate at higher power and therefore provide stronger UV illumination than previous UV emitters. Additionally, in some examples described below, multiple modules are housed in a housing that includes one or more cooling fans for circulating air through the modules.

[0025] 3-5, an example UV light emission module 300 according to the present disclosure is shown. In various example use cases, the UV light emission module 104 described above can take the form of the UV light emission module 300 shown in FIGS. 3-5 or one of the other example UV light emission modules described further below. In various use cases, the UV light emission module 300 and other example UV light emission modules described herein can be utilized in a UV disinfection system, such as system 100, and / or can be utilized as a stand-alone device.

[0026] 3-5, UV light emission module 300 includes a housing 304 including a back wall 308 and a face plate 312 positioned away from back wall 308. Face plate 312 includes a light-transmitting opening 316 through which UV light from one or more UV light emitters within the housing passes. In this example, UV light emission module 300 utilizes four UV light emitters 320. In other examples, fewer or more than four UV light emitters can be utilized in UV light emission modules according to the present disclosure.

[0027] In some examples, the UV light emitter 320 may be an excimer lamp that utilizes a krypton-chlorine (Kr—Cl) gas mixture provided within a lamp bulb. Such excimer lamps emit UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm, which can sterilize and disinfect component surfaces through localized antiviral and antibacterial action. Furthermore, the 222 nm UV light can sterilize and disinfect surfaces without the skin-damaging effects associated with traditional germicidal ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In other examples, the UV light emission module 300 can utilize other types of UV emitters and UV lamps. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the UV light emitter 320 is mounted on one or more UV light emitter supports within the housing 304.

[0028] 5, a low pass filter 324 is located adjacent to the light transmissive opening 316 of the faceplate 312. The low pass filter 324 can be used to remove or filter out substantially all of the light radiation generated by the UV light emitter 320 except for ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0029] In this example, the housing 304 has a rectangular shape formed by a first side wall 330, a second side wall 334, a third side wall 338, and a fourth side wall 342. Each of the side walls extends between the rear wall 308 and the face plate 312. In other examples, other housings of the present disclosure can have other shapes and form factors, such as a circular housing formed by a single circular side wall.

[0030] As mentioned above, in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, the housing 304 utilizes one or more cooling mechanisms that enable the module 300 to operate at higher power and therefore provide stronger UV illumination compared to previous UV emitters. In this example, the housing includes cooling mechanisms in the form of sidewall vent openings 348 in the first sidewall 330 and rearwall vent openings 352 in the rear wall 308. In this manner, these vent openings allow airflow through the interior of the housing 304 and across the surface of the UV light emitter 320, thereby transferring heat generated by the emitter out of the housing and cooling the emitter. As described below, in other examples, the vent openings can be provided in other locations on the housing 304.

[0031] In some examples, the rear wall 308 and the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 330, 334, 338, and 342 of the housing 304 are fabricated from a plastic material. In other examples, the rear wall 308 and the first, second, third, third, and fourth side walls 330, 334, 338, and 342 are fabricated from aluminum. Advantageously, in these examples, the aluminum walls have a higher thermal conductivity than plastic, thereby providing greater heat transfer and dissipation from the UV light emitter 320 through the walls of the housing 304.

[0032] In some examples where the back wall 308 and the four side walls 330, 334, 338, 342 are made from aluminum, the face plate 312 is made from plastic. In other examples, the face plate 312 is also made from aluminum to provide greater heat transfer from within the housing 304.

[0033] As described above, in the examples of Figures 3-5, the UV light emitter 320 is seated in a V-shaped groove in the first and second UV light emitter supports 322 and 323, which extend parallel to one another. In some examples where the back wall 308 and the four side walls 330, 334, 338, and 342 are fabricated from aluminum, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are also fabricated from a conductive material, such as aluminum. By seating the UV light emitter 320 on the supports in this manner, the emitter is electrically coupled to the supports. In other examples, as described in more detail below, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are fabricated from a fluoropolymer, and the UV light emitter 320 is electrically coupled to a power source via leads.

[0034] 3-5, where the UV light radiator supports 322, 323 and back wall 308 are aluminum, a thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator 350 is disposed between the UV light radiator supports and the back wall to electrically insulate the UV light radiator supports from the aluminum back wall. In some examples, the thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator 350 has a thermal conductivity of approximately 15 International British Thermal Units per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit (BTU) / (°F·Hr.·Ft. 2 ) or greater. In one example, the thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator 350 is made from an alumina-based ceramic. For example, the thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator 350 can be made from Cotronics Durapot 810, a castable ceramic cement manufactured by Cotronics Corporation. Thus, in these examples, the higher thermal conductivity of the separator 350 further facilitates heat transfer from the housing, cooling the UV light emitter 320.

[0035] 4 and 5, first UV light emitter support 322 and second UV light emitter support 323 receive power via first and second electrical conductors 354 and 356, respectively, which extend through rear wall 308 to the UV light emitter supports. In this example, first and second electrical conductors 354 and 356 further extend through openings in thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator 350.

[0036] The first conductor 354 and the second conductor 356 are electrically coupled to a power source via wires 360, 362. In some examples, the power source is the power supply module 106 of the system 100. The first conductor 354 is electrically isolated from the rear wall 308 by a first electrically insulating bushing 361 between the first conductor and the rear wall. Similarly, the second conductor 356 is electrically isolated from the rear wall 308 by a second electrically insulating bushing 363 between the second conductor and the rear wall.

[0037] In some examples, the housing 304 includes mounting tabs 366, 368 configured to receive fasteners to secure the housing to a surface.

[0038] 5-8, the first UV light emitter support 322 includes a plurality of first triangular inner support surfaces 372 that face corresponding second triangular inner support surfaces 376 of the second UV light emitter support 323. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, each of the first triangular inner support surfaces 372 includes a first rounded edge 380 along one or both upwardly extending sides and an apex. Similarly, each of the second triangular inner support surfaces 376 includes a second rounded edge 384 along one or both upwardly extending sides and an apex. In some examples, these rounded edges can have a radius of between about 0.05 inches and 0.10 inches. Advantageously, in these examples, the provision of rounded edges on the first and second triangular inner support surfaces 372, 376 facing each other reduces the possibility of electrical arcing between the first inner support surface 372 and the second inner support surface 376.

[0039] 9 , in some examples, the UV light emission module 300 further includes a circuit board 400 with UV LEDs configured to pre-ionize the gas within the UV light emitter 320. In some examples where the first sidewall 330 is a conductive material such as aluminum, an electrical insulator panel 404 is provided between the circuit board 400 and the first sidewall 330.

[0040] As mentioned above, in other examples, one or more vent openings can be provided in two or more of the four side walls of the housing 304. For example, referring to FIG. 10 , in this example, the housing includes a first side wall vent opening 348 in the first side wall 330 and a second side wall vent opening 349 in the third side wall 338. In a similar manner, in various examples, the rear wall 308 can include two or more vent openings. For example, referring to FIG. 11 , in this example, the housing includes a first rear wall vent opening 352 and a second rear wall vent opening 353 in the rear wall 308. Additionally, in this example, a side wall vent opening 348 is provided in the third side wall 338.

[0041] In other examples of enclosures according to the present disclosure, any suitable combination, amount, size and / or shape of vent openings can be provided in one or more of the side walls and the rear wall 308 .

[0042] In some examples, the module 300 can include a cooling fan configured to provide forced air through either the sidewall vent openings or the rearwall vent openings. For example, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 , a cooling fan 410 is mounted to the third sidewall 338 adjacent to a duct 414 that directs air from the fan to a vent opening 349 in the third sidewall 338. The air passes past the UV light emitter 320 and other components inside the enclosure 304 and exits through a rearwall vent opening 352 in the rearwall 308. In this example, a mount 420 is attached to the rearwall vent opening 352 to direct the exit airflow away from the module.

[0043] 14, in some examples, the housing 304 is sealed from the air to contain any off-gassing that may be generated by the UV light emitter 320. In this example, the housing does not include any vent openings and is sealed from the air so that the off-gassing does not escape to the atmosphere.

[0044] In some examples, the UV light emission modules of the present disclosure include one or more cooling mechanisms in the form of a heat sink mechanism. Continuing to refer to FIG. 14 , in this example, the module includes a heat sink mechanism in the form of a plurality of fins 428 extending from the rear wall 308. In various examples, the fins can have a variety of sizes and shapes, such as thin, elongated plates positioned adjacent to one another. The number and arrangement of fins on the housing can also vary depending on the application and use environment. For example, heat sink fins can additionally or alternatively be positioned on one or more side walls of the housing.

[0045] In some examples, a module according to the present disclosure can include one or more vent openings and one or more heat sink features. For example, referring to Figure 15, in this example, the module includes a plurality of fins 428 extending from rear wall 308, first and second rear-wall vent openings 352, 353 in rear wall 308, and sidewall vent opening 348 in third sidewall 338.

[0046] In some examples, one or more UV light emission modules 300 are contained in a housing that provides forced ventilation via at least one cooling fan that directs air into the housing and at least one housing ventilation outlet opening that allows the air to escape. Referring now to Figures 16-19, in one example, a housing 500 includes a container portion 504 in which two UV light emission modules 300 according to the present disclosure are disposed. Both UV light emission modules 300 include a single sidewall ventilation opening 349 and a single backwall ventilation opening to which a mounting fixture 420 is attached.

[0047] 18 , the canister portion 504 includes two intake cooling fans 510 configured to draw and pressurize air into the housing 500. Each of the cooling fans 510 is seated in a respective housing vent intake opening 512 of the housing 500 and is pneumatically coupled to the housing vent intake openings 512. The bottom panel 514 of the canister portion 504 includes module cutouts 520, 524 in which two UV light emission modules 300 are seated. The light-transmitting opening 316 of each of the modules 300 faces downward through the cutouts 520, 524 to direct UV light downward from the housing 500.

[0048] 13 , each of the UV light emission modules 300 includes a sidewall vent opening 349 through which pressurized air within the housing 500 enters. The air passes past the UV light emitters 320 and other components inside the enclosure of the module 300 and exits through a rearwall vent opening 352 in the rear wall 308. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 , the mounting fixtures 420 attached to the rearwall vent openings extend through and are pneumatically coupled to the respective housing vent outlet openings 530, 534 in the cover panel 538, directing the exit airflow from the module through these openings to the atmosphere.

[0049] Two housing vent outlet openings 530, 534 are located above respective module cutouts 520, 524 in bottom panel 514 and are positioned to receive fittings 420 to extend therethrough. In this manner, housing vent outlet openings 530, 534 allow pressurized air within housing 500 and UV light emission module 300 to escape.

[0050] In various examples, the housing 500 can be mounted to a ceiling, wall, or other support structure and can be used with stationary structures or in mobile applications such as passenger or commercial vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, etc. In some examples, the housing 500 can be mounted to an autonomous mobile device such as a robot.

[0051] With reference to the above description, in some examples, each of the UV light emission modules 300 within the housing 500 receives power from a common power source, such as the external power source 202 of the system 100 shown in FIG.

[0052] 20-23, additional examples of UV light emitter supports are shown. As described further below, one or more of these UV light emitter supports can be utilized in any of the examples of UV light emission modules described herein. Referring now to FIG. 20, in some examples, the UV light emitter support 450 is fabricated from a fluoropolymer as a single, monolithic block of material. In one example, the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0053] The UV light emitter support 450 has a first side 454 and an opposite second side 456. In this example, each of the UV light emitters 320 mounted on the UV light emitter support 450 is an elongated lamp having a first end 328 and an opposite second end 329. The first end 328 of each lamp extends past the first side 454 of the UV light emitter support 450, and the second end of each lamp extends past the second side 456 of the UV light emitter support.

[0054] A first terminal 332 is attached to a first end 328 of each elongated lamp, and a second terminal 336 is attached to a second end 329 of each lamp. A first lead 340 electrically couples each of the first terminals 332 to a power source, and a second lead 344 electrically couples each of the second terminals 336 to a power source. Advantageously, this configuration, utilizing a UV light emitter support made from a fluoropolymer, places the electrodes (terminals 332, 336) further apart than the two aluminum UV light emitter supports described in the previous example. Therefore, this configuration allows for a higher voltage, and therefore a higher UV output, before arcing between the terminals.

[0055] Additionally, the fluoropolymer material has dielectric properties and reflects 222 nm UV light. Therefore, this configuration also provides a larger surface area of ​​222 nm UV light-reflective material to reflect UV light emitted by the UV light emitter 320. Furthermore, in some examples, the fluoropolymer UV light emitter support can be attached directly to the conductive back wall 308 of the UV light emission module 300, thereby avoiding the need for an electrically insulating separator between such a support and the back wall. Furthermore, because the fluoropolymer UV light emitter support in these examples is dielectric, the inner support surface of the support can have angular or sharp edges, as opposed to rounded edges, without increasing the likelihood of arcing. Therefore, these configurations can simplify manufacturing and / or reduce associated manufacturing costs.

[0056] In other examples, two or more UV light emitter supports 450 made from fluoropolymer can be combined to mount the UV light emitter 320. In one example, referring now to Figure 21, three fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports 452, 455, 457 are placed side by side to form a square UV light emitter support. In various examples, the UV light emitter supports can have different lengths and widths and can be combined to form a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0057] In some examples, various combinations of UV light emitter supports made from conductive materials and UV light emitter supports made from fluoropolymers can be utilized. With continued reference to FIG. 21 , in one alternative example, the UV light emitter support 455 is made from a conductive material such as aluminum, while the opposing UV light emitter supports 452, 457 are made from fluoropolymers. In some examples where the rear wall 308 of the UV light emission module 300 is made from a conductive material such as aluminum, with reference to FIG. 22 , a thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator 350 is provided between the UV light emitter supports 452, 455, 457 and the rear wall.

[0058] In the example of Figure 21, leads 340, 344 electrically couple the terminals of the elongated lamp to a power source, similar to the example described in Figure 20. In another example where two UV light emitter supports are fabricated from an electrically conductive material and are used in conjunction with one or more fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports, see the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, electrical conductors extend through the rear wall of the UV light emission module to each of the aluminum UV light emitter supports to provide power to the light emitters as described above.

[0059] 23, in some examples, the first end 328 and the second end 329 of each UV light emitter 320 are substantially flush with the first side 454 and the second side 456, respectively, of the UV light emitter support. In the example of FIG. 23, the end terminals 332, 336 of the UV light emitter 320 are substantially flush with the first side 454 and the second side 456, respectively.

[0060] In various examples of UV light emission modules and related systems for sterilizing one or more components of the present disclosure, the modules may utilize any suitable combination of features described herein, including, but not limited to, ventilation openings, heat sink mechanisms, and component materials.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 24 , a method 1300 of assembling a system for sterilizing one or more components is shown. Method 1300 is performed using a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emission modules and a housing, each of the UV light emission modules including a housing having a rear wall with a rear wall vent opening and a faceplate spaced apart from the rear wall and having a light-transmitting opening. At least one sidewall extends between the rear wall and the faceplate, the at least one sidewall having a vent opening. Each module further includes at least one UV light emitter within the housing. The housing includes at least one cooling fan configured to direct air into the housing, and at least a first housing vent outlet opening and a second housing vent outlet opening.

[0062] In step 1302, method 1300 includes mounting a plurality of UV light emission modules within a housing. In step 1306, method 1300 includes pneumatically coupling a first housing vent outlet opening to a rear-wall vent opening of a first UV light emission module of the plurality of UV light emission modules. In step 1310, method 1300 includes pneumatically coupling a second housing vent outlet opening to a rear-wall vent opening of a second UV light emission module of the plurality of UV light emission modules.

[0063] 25, a method 1400 of assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module for sterilizing one or more components is shown. Method 1400 is performed using a housing including a back wall and a face plate spaced apart from the back wall and including a light-transmitting opening. The housing further includes four side walls extending between the back wall and the face plate. Additionally, method 1400 is performed using a first UV light emitter support and a second UV light emitter support, and at least one cooling feature selected from: (1) a side wall vent opening in at least one side wall; and (2) a heat sink feature extending from the back wall.

[0064] In step 1402, method 1400 includes inserting a first electrical conductor through the rear wall, through a thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator, and into a first UV light emitter support. In step 1406, method 1400 includes inserting a second electrical conductor through the rear wall, through a thermally conductive, electrically insulating separator, and into a second UV light emitter support. In step 1410, method 1400 includes securing a plurality of UV light emitters to the first aluminum UV light emitter support and the second aluminum UV light emitter support within the enclosure.

[0065] 26, a method 1500 of assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light emission module for sterilizing one or more components is shown. Method 1500 is performed using at least one UV light emitter comprising: a housing including a back wall, a face plate spaced from the back wall and having a light-transmitting opening, and four side walls extending between the back wall and the face plate; at least one UV light emitter support fabricated from a fluoropolymer; at least one cooling mechanism selected from (1) a side wall vent opening in the at least one side wall and (2) a heat sink mechanism extending from the back wall; and an elongated lamp having a first end with a first terminal and an opposite second end with a second terminal.

[0066] In step 1502, method 1500 includes mounting an elongated lamp on at least one fluoropolymer UV light emitter support within a housing. In step 1506, method 1500 includes securing a first lead to a first terminal of the elongated lamp. In step 1510, method 1500 includes securing a second lead to a second terminal of the elongated lamp.

[0067] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes configurations according to the following appended claims.

[0068] An ultraviolet (UV) light radiation module for sterilizing components according to claim 1.1 or above, the module comprising: a housing including a back wall, a face plate positioned away from the back wall and including a light-transmitting opening, and at least one side wall extending between the back wall and the face plate; and at least one UV light emitter within the housing, wherein a vent opening is located in one or more walls selected from (1) the back wall and (2) the at least one side wall.

[0069] Appendix 2. The UV light emission module according to Appendix 1, wherein the back wall and at least one side wall are aluminum.

[0070] Appendix 3. The UV light emitting module according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the faceplate is made of aluminum.

[0071] Appendix 4. The UV light emission module according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of ventilation openings are located in the rear wall.

[0072] Appendix 5. A UV light radiation module according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a cooling fan that directs air through ventilation openings in the rear wall and / or at least one side wall.

[0073] Appendix 6. A UV light emission module according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the at least one side wall includes four side walls, and two or more of the four side walls have side wall ventilation openings.

[0074] Appendix 7. The UV light emission module of any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a plurality of fins extending from the rear wall.

[0075] Addendum 8. A UV light radiation module according to any one of Addendums 1 to 7, wherein at least one UV light radiator is configured to emit UV light at a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0076] Appendix 9. The UV light emission module of any one of appendices 1 to 8, further comprising a low pass filter adjacent the light transmitting opening of the faceplate.

[0077] Addendum 10. A UV light radiation module according to any one of Addendums 1 to 9, wherein at least one UV light radiator comprises an excimer lamp, and the module further comprises a circuit board having a UV_LED configured to pre-ionize gas within the excimer lamp.

[0078] A system for sterilizing components according to appended clause 11.1 or above, the system comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emission modules, each of the UV light emission modules comprising: a housing having a back wall, a face plate located away from the back wall and having a light-transmitting opening, and at least one side wall extending between the back wall and the face plate; at least one UV light emitter within the housing, the vent opening being located in one or more walls selected from (1) the back wall and (2) the at least one side wall; and a housing that accommodates the plurality of UV light emission modules, the housing comprising at least one cooling fan that directs air into the housing and at least one housing vent outlet opening that allows the air to escape.

[0079] Item 12. The system of item 11, wherein each of the UV light emission modules receives power from a common power source.

[0080] Addendum 13. A system described in Addendum 11 or 12, wherein each of the UV light emission modules has at least one side wall ventilation opening in the side wall and a rear wall ventilation opening in the rear wall, and the housing ventilation outlet opening is pneumatically coupled to the rear wall ventilation opening.

[0081] Addendum 14. The system of Addendum 13, wherein at least one cooling fan is pneumatically coupled to a housing ventilation intake opening of the housing.

[0082] Addendum 15. The system of any one of Addendums 11 to 14, further comprising at least one UV light radiator support within the housing, wherein the at least one UV light radiator support is made from a fluoropolymer.

[0083] Appendix 16. The system according to appended item 15, wherein the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0084] Addendum 17. The system of Addendum 15, wherein at least one UV light radiator support is a single UV light radiator support.

[0085] Appendix 18. The system of appendix 15, wherein the at least one UV light radiator support includes two or more UV light radiator supports.

[0086] Appendix 19. The system described in Appendix 11, further comprising three or more UV light radiator supports within the housing, the three or more UV light radiator supports including an aluminum UV light radiator support positioned between a first fluoropolymer UV light radiator support and a second fluoropolymer UV light radiator support.

[0087] A method of assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light radiation module for sterilizing components according to claim 20.1 or higher, the method being carried out using a housing including a back wall, a face plate spaced apart from the back wall and having a light-transmitting opening, and four side walls extending between the back wall and the face plate, at least one UV light emitter support made of a fluoropolymer, at least one cooling mechanism selected from (1) a side wall vent opening in the at least one side wall and (2) a heat sink mechanism extending from the back wall, and at least one UV light emitter including an elongated lamp having a first end with a first terminal and an opposite second end with a second terminal, the method including the steps of: mounting the elongated lamp on the at least one fluoropolymer UV light emitter support within the housing; securing a first lead wire to the first terminal of the elongated lamp; and securing a second lead wire to the second terminal of the elongated lamp.

[0088] The present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various features and techniques disclosed herein. The various features and techniques disclosed herein are not necessarily required for every example of the present disclosure. Moreover, the various features and techniques disclosed herein may define patentable subject matter separate from the disclosed examples and may be useful in other embodiments not expressly disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 system, 102 restroom, 104 ultraviolet (UV) light emission module, 104a UV light emission module, 104b UV light emission module, 104c UV light emission module, 106 power module, 108 component, 110 toilet, 112 sink, 114 flush actuator, 116 faucet, 118 countertop, 120 power lead, 202 external power supply, 204 power conditioning circuit, 206 power cable, 208 power cable, 300 UV light emission module, 304 housing, 308 back wall, 312 faceplate, 316 light-transmitting opening, 320 UV light emitter, 322 first UV light emitter support, 323 second UV light emitter support, 324 low-pass filter, 328 first end, 329 second end, 330 first side wall, 332 First terminal, 334 Second side wall, 336 Second terminal, 338 Third side wall, 340 First lead, 342 Fourth side wall, 344 Second lead, 348 First side wall vent opening, 349 Second side wall vent opening, 350 Separator, 352 First rear wall vent opening, 353 Second rear wall vent opening, 354 First conductor, 356 Second conductor, 360 Wire, 361 First electrical insulating bushing, 362 Wire, 363 Second electrical insulating bushing, 366 Mounting tab, 368 Mounting tab, 372 First inner support surface, 376 Second inner support surface, 380 First rounded edge, 384 Second rounded edge, 400 Circuit board, 404 Electrical insulator panel, 410 Cooling fan, 414 Duct, 420 Mounting fixture, 428 Fin, 450 UV light radiator support, 452 Fluoropolymer UV light radiator support, 454 First side, 455 Fluoropolymer UV light radiator support, 456 Second side, 457 Fluoropolymer UV light radiator support, 500 Housing, 504 Enclosure portion, 510 Intake cooling fan, 512 Housing vent intake opening, 514 Lower panel, 520 Cutout, 524 Cutout, 530 Housing vent exit opening, 534 Housing vent exit opening, 538 Cover panel, 1000 Cabin, 1004 Seat

Claims

1. 1. An ultraviolet (UV) light radiation module (300) for sterilizing one or more components, the UV light radiation module comprising: A housing (304), a rear wall (308); a face plate (312) positioned away from the rear wall and having a light-transmitting opening; at least one side wall (330, 334, 338, 342) extending between said rear wall and said face plate; a housing (304) comprising: at least one UV light emitter (320) within said housing; Equipped with vent openings (348, 349, 352, 353) located in one or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) at least one of the side walls; the UV light emission module (300) comprises three or more UV light emitter supports (452, 455, 457) within the housing (304); A UV light radiation module, wherein the three or more UV light radiator supports (452, 455, 457) have an aluminum UV light radiator support (455) located between a first fluoropolymer UV light radiator support (452, 457) and a second fluoropolymer UV light radiator support (452, 457).

2. The UV light emission module of claim 1 , wherein the back wall and at least one of the side walls are aluminum.

3. 3. The UV light emission module of claim 1, wherein the faceplate is aluminum.

4. 4. The UV light emission module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ventilation openings are located in the rear wall.

5. 5. The UV light radiation module according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling fan (410, 510) for bringing air through the ventilation openings in the rear wall and / or at least one of the side walls.

6. 6. A UV light emission module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one side wall comprises four side walls, and two or more of the four side walls are provided with side wall ventilation openings (348, 349).

7. The UV light emission module of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fins (428) extending from the rear wall.

8. A system (100) for sterilizing one or more components, the system comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting modules (300) according to claim 1; a housing (500) for housing a plurality of said UV light emission modules, said housing (500) comprising at least one cooling fan (410, 510) for directing air into said housing and at least one housing ventilation outlet opening (530, 534) for escaping air; A system comprising:

9. each of the UV light emission modules comprises at least one side wall ventilation opening (348, 349) in the side wall and a rear wall ventilation opening (352, 353) in the rear wall; The system of claim 8 , wherein the housing vent outlet opening pneumatically couples to the rear wall vent opening.

10. 1. A method (1500) of assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light radiation module (300) for sterilizing one or more components, comprising: The method is carried out using an enclosure (304) and at least one UV light emitter; the housing includes a rear wall (308), a face plate (312) spaced apart from the rear wall and having a light-transmitting opening (316), and four side walls (330, 334, 338, 342) extending between the rear wall and the face plate; the UV light radiator comprises: three or more UV light radiator supports (452, 455, 457) within the housing (304), the three or more UV light radiator supports (452, 455, 457) having an aluminum UV light radiator support (455) located between a first fluoropolymer UV light radiator support (452, 457) and a second fluoropolymer UV light radiator support (452, 457); at least one cooling feature selected from (1) side wall vent openings (348, 349) in at least one side wall; and (2) a heat sink feature (428) extending from the rear wall; and an elongated lamp comprising a first end (328) having a first terminal (332) and an opposite second end (329) having a second terminal (336); The method comprises: Mounting the elongated lamp on the first and second fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports fabricated from fluoropolymer within the housing (1502); Securing (1506) a first lead (340) to the first terminal of the elongated lamp; Securing (1510) a second lead (344) to the second terminal of the elongated lamp; A method comprising:

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