Ultraviolet light emission assembly

Abstract

To provide assemblies and methods for disinfecting surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light.SOLUTION: Assemblies and methods for disinfecting surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting assembly (300, 400) comprises a plurality of UV light emitters (320), and first and second UV light emitter supports (322, 323) seating the UV light emitters. A first heat sink (346) is affixed to the first UV light emitter support, and a second heat sink (380) is affixed to the second UV light emitter support. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating plate (370) contacts the first heat sink and the second heat sink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surface sterilization, and more particularly to assemblies and methods for sterilizing surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light.

Background Art

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used to sterilize and disinfect surfaces in some situations. In some examples, multiple UV emitters are provided and operate with a relatively low-power power source such as 12 watts.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] While such UV devices are promising in their ability to inactivate and / or kill certain pathogens, there are challenges in developing devices and systems for delivering such UV radiation more effectively.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one aspect, an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting assembly is provided, the assembly comprising a plurality of UV light emitters, a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, and a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted. The first UV light emitter support is positioned at a gap from the second UV light emitter support. A first heat sink is attached to the first UV light emitter support, and a second heat sink is attached to the second UV light emitter support. A thermally conductive electrical insulating plate contacts the first heat sink and the second heat sink.

[0005] In another embodiment, an ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly is provided, which comprises a plurality of UV light emitters, a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, and a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted. The first UV light emitter support is located a predetermined gap away from the second UV light emitter support. A moving mechanism is configured to change the intensity of UV light emitted from the plurality of UV light emitters by changing the gap between the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support.

[0006] In another embodiment, an ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly is provided, the assembly comprising a plurality of UV light emitters, a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, and a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted. The first UV light emitter support is located apart from the second UV light emitter support. The assembly further includes a heat sink comprising an active cooling plate. The first thermally conductive electrical insulation pad comprises a first upper surface in contact with a first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support and a first lower surface in contact with the active cooling plate. The second thermally conductive electrical insulation pad comprises a second upper surface in contact with a second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support and a second lower surface in contact with the active cooling plate.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method is provided for changing the UV intensity emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters. The method is performed using a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted and a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, wherein the first UV light emitter support is located away from the second UV light emitter support. The method includes the step of energizing the plurality of UV light emitters so that they emit a first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is located a distance of a first gap from the second UV light emitter support. The method includes the step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until the first UV light emitter support is located a distance of a second gap that is greater than the first gap from the second UV light emitter support. The method further includes the step of energizing multiple UV light emitters so that they emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is located a distance of a second gap from the second UV light emitter support. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a sterilization system in a restroom according to an example of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the sterilization system shown in Figure 1 is provided as an example in this disclosure. [Figure 3] An example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly housed in a module according to the examples of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] An example of a UV light emission assembly according to the examples of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the UV light emission assembly. [Figure 6] Another diagram of the UV light emitter support and heat sink shown in Figure 4, an example of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 7] Another example of a UV light emission assembly is shown in the examples of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the UV light emission assembly. [Figure 9]Another example of a UV light emission assembly including a moving mechanism is shown in the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows the UV light emission assembly with the UV light emitter support and heat sink moved closer together. [Figure 11] Another example of a UV light emission assembly including a moving mechanism is shown in the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows the UV light emission assembly with one UV light emitter support and heat sink moved closer to the other. [Figure 13] Another example of a UV light emission assembly including a moving mechanism is shown in the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] A block diagram of an exemplary method for varying the UV light intensity emitted by multiple UV light emitters according to the examples of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 15] This disclosure shows an aircraft environment in which the UV light emission assembly is installed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In view of the considerations described above, Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a system for sterilizing one or more components using the ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly of this disclosure. In some examples, as will be described in more detail below, the system utilizes a UV light emission assembly that incorporates one or more heat sinks providing a heat transfer function so that the assembly can operate at higher power and therefore produce stronger UV irradiation. In some examples described below, the assembly can be mechanically controlled to vary the UV light intensity emitted by the UV light emitter.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a restroom 102 that includes a system 100 for sterilizing one or more components using ultraviolet (UV) light. The system 100 includes a number of UV light emission modules 104, including UV light emission assemblies, as will be further described below.

[0011] In the example shown in Figure 1, three UV light emission modules 104a, 104b, and 104c are shown. The system 100 further includes a power module 106 that is electrically connected to each of the UV light emission modules 104 and supplies power to the UV light emission assemblies inside the modules to generate UV light for sterilizing and / or disinfecting components and their surfaces within the restroom 102.

[0012] In other examples, system 100 utilizes fewer than three or more UV light emission modules 104 electrically connected to a power module 106. In yet other examples, system 100 and / or individually powered UV light emission modules 104 can be used in a variety of environments, including, but not limited to, kitchens, cooking rooms, retail facilities, medical facilities, arenas, religious facilities, 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 can be used in aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles such as buses, trains, and ships.

[0013] In a commercial aircraft, the system 100 can be installed in the cabin, galley, crew rest area, assembly area, cargo area, flight deck, lavatory, and other areas where individuals, passengers, crew, ground staff, and / or maintenance personnel may be located. In the example in Figure 1, the lavatory 102 may be located within the vehicle, such as in the cabin of a commercial aircraft. For example, Figure 15 shows an aircraft environment in which the UV light emission module 104 is installed above a passenger seat 1004 in the cabin 1000 of an aircraft.

[0014] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an example of a module 104 that can house the UV light emission assembly of the present disclosure. Module 104 is merely presented as an example, and any suitable housing or enclosure can be utilized with the UV light emission assembly described herein. In other examples, one or more UV light emission assemblies can be utilized in a portable device, such as a wand configured to be held by a user. In some examples, such a portable device is also configured to be removably attached to a support structure, such as a wall.

[0015] Returning to the example of FIG. 1, the UV light emission module 104 is arranged to emit UV light towards one or more components within the dressing room 102 to sterilize and / or disinfect the components. In the illustrated example, the one or more components include the sink 112 and the toilet 110. In this example, the UV light emission module 104 is arranged to emit UV light towards different components. For example, a first UV light emission module 104a is arranged to emit UV light towards the toilet 110 including the flush actuator 114 (e.g., lever, button, etc.) of the toilet 110. A second UV light emission module 104b is arranged to emit UV light towards the sink 112 and the surrounding area, such as a part of the faucet 116 and the countertop 118. A third UV light emission module 104c is arranged to emit UV light towards a door (not shown) used for entering and exiting the dressing room 102.

[0016] In some examples, two or more UV light emission modules 104 are arranged to emit UV light towards a common component. In some examples, two or more UV light emission modules 104 are physically adjacent to each other and / or mechanically coupled.

[0017] The power supply module 106 is electrically connected to the UV light emission module 104 and supplies power to the internal UV light emission assembly. In some examples, the power supply module 106 includes processing and / or power modulation circuitry within a housing or enclosure. In various examples, the power supply module 106 receives electrical energy from a power source such as a switchboard or battery and distributes the electrical energy to the UV light emission module 104.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, the power supply module 106 is mounted within the dressing room 102 and is electrically connected to the UV light emission module 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.

[0019] FIG. 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 remote from the power supply module 106. In some examples, the power source 202 is a vehicle electrical system mounted on a vehicle, or an electrical system of a building or facility. In other examples, the power source 202 is a battery or generator, etc.

[0020] In this example, the power supply module 106 is electrically connected to the external power source 202 via a power conditioning circuit 204 and power cables 2,06 and 208. In various examples, the power conditioning circuit 204 includes one or more rectifiers, a power factor correction circuit, and / or capacitors for electromagnetic interference filtering. In other examples, the power conditioning circuit 204 is integrated with the power supply module 106 within a common housing such as the housing of the power supply module.

[0021] In this example, the power module 106 receives electrical energy from the power regulating circuit 204 and controls the distribution of electrical energy among the UV light emission modules 104. In this example, the power regulating 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 supplied to the power module 106, which converts the DC electrical energy to AC electrical energy and supplies the AC to the UV light emission modules 104 to generate UV light, as will be described in more detail below. In some examples, the power module 106 also controls one or more operations of the UV light emission modules 104, such as starting and stopping the module and modulating the module's output.

[0022] In addition, as will be described in more detail below, some examples of the UV light emission assemblies of this disclosure utilize one or more heat sinks so that the module can operate at higher power and therefore produce stronger UV irradiation compared to previous UV emitters. Furthermore, in some examples described below, one or more moving mechanisms are used to change the UV light intensity emitted by the UV light emitter of the assembly.

[0023] Referring here to Figures 3 to 6, an example of the UV light emission assembly 300 according to this disclosure is shown. In various use cases, the UV light emission assembly 300 can be housed in the module 104 shown above and in Figure 3, or in various other housings, enclosures, or portable devices. In various use cases, the UV light emission assembly 300 and other examples of UV light emission assemblies described herein can be used in UV sterilization systems and / or standalone devices such as system 100.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, in this example, the UV light emission assembly 300 is housed in a module 104 having a panel 312 with a light-transmitting opening 316 that transmits UV light from one or more UV light emitters within the housing. In various examples, the walls of the module 104 can be made from a plastic material or a conductive material such as aluminum. In this example, the UV light emission assembly 300 utilizes four UV light emitters 320. In other examples, fewer than four or more UV light emitters can be used in the UV light emission assembly according to this disclosure.

[0025] Multiple UV light emitters 320 are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm. In some examples, the UV light emitter 320 may be an excimer lamp utilizing a krypton-chlorine (Kr-Cl) gas mixture provided in a lamp bulb. Such an excimer lamp emits UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm, which can sterilize and disinfect the surface of components through localized antiviral and antibacterial action. Furthermore, UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm can sterilize and disinfect surfaces without the skin damage associated with conventional germicidal ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In other examples, the UV light emission assembly 300 may utilize other types of UV emitters and UV lamps. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the UV light emitter 320 is mounted on one or more UV light emitter supports within module 104.

[0026] As described above, in the examples shown in Figures 3 to 6, the UV light emitter 320 is placed in V-shaped grooves of a first UV light emitter support 322 and a second UV light emitter support 323 that extend parallel to each other. In some examples, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are made from a conductive material such as aluminum. By placing the UV light emitter 320 on the supports in this way, the emitter is electrically coupled to the supports.

[0027] Referring to Figures 4–6 showing the light emission assembly 300, in one potential advantage of this disclosure, in this example, a first heatsink 346 is attached to the first UV light emitter support 322, and a second heatsink 380 is attached to the second UV light emitter support 323. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, the heatsinks 346 and 380 provide a heat transfer function that enables the assembly 300 to operate at higher power and therefore result in stronger UV irradiation. In some examples, such higher power enabled by the heatsinks 346 and 380, in combination with an increased gap between the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323, produces a significantly improved UV light intensity and a larger irradiance area compared to previous configurations. In this way, a given area can be sterilized using fewer UV light assemblies.

[0028] In this example, the first heatsink 346 comprises a plurality of first fins 350 extending from a first base portion 354 of the first heatsink. The first base portion is attached to the first bottom surface 356 of the first UV light emitter support 322. Similarly, the second heatsink 380 comprises a plurality of second fins 384 extending from a second base portion 386 of the second heatsink. The second base portion 386 is attached to the second bottom surface 388 of the second UV light emitter support 323.

[0029] In this example, the UV light emitter support and the heat sink are separate components attached to each other. In other examples of heat sinks "attached" to a UV light emitter support, the heat sink and the UV light emitter support are manufactured from a single material source or material, such as by metalworking or additive manufacturing.

[0030] See also Figure 6, each fin 350 of the plurality of first fins has a first distal end 352 opposite to the first base portion 354, and these first distal ends are in contact with the thermally conductive electrical insulation plate 370. Similarly, each fin 384 of the plurality of second fins has a second distal end 390 opposite to the second base portion 386, and these second distal ends are also in contact with the thermally conductive electrical insulation plate 370. In some examples, the thermally conductive electrical insulation plate 370 is made from a fluoropolymer material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Thus, in these examples, the thermal conductivity of the plate 370 further facilitates heat transfer from the UV light emitter supports 322, 323 via the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380 to cool the UV light emitter 320. Furthermore, the fluoropolymer material has the property of reflecting 222 nm UV light. Therefore, this configuration also provides a larger surface area for the 222nm UV light reflecting material that reflects the UV light emitted by the UV light emitter 320.

[0031] Furthermore, the amount of UV light emitted can be increased by widening the gap 377 between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 (and thus between the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380) to maximize the amount of gas mixture in the excited light emitter valve. In one example, referring to Figure 4, the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 (as well as the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380) are positioned with a gap 377 that positions both ends of each UV light emitter 320 substantially coplanar with the first outer side surface 357 and the second outer side surface 359 of the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323, respectively.

[0032] In some examples, the gap 377 between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 can be made significantly wider than in conventional configurations. In one example, the gap 377 is approximately 17 mm. In this example, if the power supplied to the UV light emission assembly 300 is 100 W, the assembly is approximately 29.4 cm². 2 Approximately 9 mW / cm² over a certain period 2 This generates UV radiation. By comparison, the area irradiated by UV light in this example is approximately 29% larger than the area irradiated by the same component configured such that the gap between the first UV light emitting support 322 and the second UV light emitting support 323 is 6 mm. Conveniently, by utilizing such a large gap in combination with the heat dissipation function of this configuration, these configurations can utilize a higher power supply to deliver UV radiation more effectively to a larger surface area. In other examples, in some other configurations, the gap between the first UV light emitting support 322 and the second UV light emitting support 323 can be larger than 17 mm.

[0033] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first UV light emitter support 322 includes a first inner support surface 360 ​​facing the second inner support surface 392 of the second UV light emitter support 323. Similarly, the first heat sink 346 includes a first inner heat sink surface 362 (including the inner surface of the fins 350) facing the second inner heat sink surface 394 (including the inner surface of the fins 384) of the second heat sink 380. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first inner support surface 360 ​​is substantially coplanar with the first inner heat sink surface 362, and the second inner support surface 392 is substantially coplanar with the second inner heat sink surface 394. Conveniently, especially when the power to the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 is high, this configuration prevents electric arc discharge between the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380.

[0034] In examples where the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 are manufactured from a conductive material such as aluminum, the supports are electrically coupled to a power supply via lead wires 365 and 395, respectively. In some examples, the power supply is the power module 106 of the system 100.

[0035] In other examples, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 can be manufactured from a fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In these examples, the UV light emitter 320 is directly coupled to a power source via lead wires connected to terminals at each end of the emitter.

[0036] Referring here to Figures 7-9, in several examples, the UV light emission assembly 400 of the present disclosure utilizes a heat sink in the form of an active cooling plate 404. In one example, the active cooling plate 404 is manufactured from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum and includes embedded piping 408 for circulating a liquid coolant. In various examples, a variety of materials, heat exchange techniques, and configurations can be used for the active cooling plate 404.

[0037] In these examples, a thermally conductive electrical insulation pad is positioned between the UV light emitter support and the active cooling plate 404. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 410 includes a first upper surface 414 that is attached in contact with the first bottom surface 356 of the first UV light emitter support 322. Furthermore, the first thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 410 includes a first lower surface 418 that is in contact with the upper surface 406 of the active cooling plate 404. Similarly, the second thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 430 includes a second upper surface 434 that is attached in contact with the second bottom surface 388 of the second UV light emitter support 323, and a second lower surface 438 that is in contact with the upper surface 406 of the active cooling plate 404.

[0038] In this example, the active cooling plate 404, in combination with the first thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 410 and the second thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 430, operates to transfer heat from the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323. Furthermore, as described above, the amount of emitted UV light can be increased by widening the gap between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 to maximize the amount of gas mixture in the excited light emitter valve. Referring to Figure 7 in this regard, the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 are separated to create a gap that positions both ends of each UV light emitter 320 substantially coplanar with the first outer side surface 357 and the second outer side surface 359 of the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323, respectively.

[0039] The aluminum UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 can be electrically coupled to a power supply in any suitable manner. In another example, the UV light emitter 320 is directly coupled to the power supply via lead wires connected to terminals at each end of the emitter.

[0040] In other examples, the UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 can be manufactured from a fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In these examples, the UV light emitter 320 is directly coupled to a power source via lead wires connected to terminals at each end of the emitter.

[0041] In some examples, the assemblies of the present disclosure are also configured to change the UV light intensity of the UV light emitted from the UV light emitters by changing the gap between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 in real time. Referring now to Figure 9, in this example, the UV light emission assembly 300 of Figures 4 and 5 further comprises a moving mechanism in the form of a first actuator 450 and a second actuator 460. In this exemplary moving mechanism, as will be described in more detail below, the first actuator 450 and the second actuator 460 are configured to move the first heat sink 346 and the second heat sink 380 in parallel with respect to the thermally conductive electrical insulating plate 370, respectively.

[0042] In this example, the first actuator 450 includes a first rod 452 coupled to the first light emitter support 322. The first actuator 450 is controlled to move the first light emitter support 322 and the attached first heat sink 346 in the positive and negative x-axis directions. Similarly, the second actuator 460 includes a second rod 462 coupled to the second light emitter support 323. The second actuator 460 is also controlled to move the second light emitter support 323 and the attached second heat sink 380 in the positive and negative x-axis directions.

[0043] In this way, in one example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first actuator 450 is controlled to move the first UV light emitter support 322 and the first heat sink 346 in the positive x-axis direction to narrow the gap 377 between the two UV light emitter supports and the heat sink, and the second actuator 460 is controlled to move the second UV light emitter support 323 and the second heat sink 380 in the negative x-axis direction. As the first and second UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 move, they slide below the UV light emitter 320 such that the ends of the emitters protrude past the first outer side surface 357 and the second outer side surface 359 of the respective UV light emitter supports 322 and 323, as shown in Figure 10.

[0044] As the gap 377 between the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323 narrows, the distance between the electrical coupling points on each UV light emitter 320 also narrows. In this way, compared to the wider gap 377 in Figure 9, less gas mixture is excited in the light emitter valve, and the amount of emitted UV light decreases. It is also possible to change the intensity of the emitted UV light by adjusting the frequency, voltage, and / or other characteristics of the power supplied to the first UV light emitter support 322 and the second UV light emitter support 323. In other examples and different use cases, the first actuator 450 and / or the second actuator 460 can be controlled to widen or narrow the gap between the two UV light emitter supports and the heat sink in order to change the UV light intensity of the UV light emitted from the UV light emitters as desired.

[0045] In some examples, the movement mechanism is configured to move only the first UV light emitter support 322 or the second UV light emitter support 323. Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, in this example, a single actuator 464 is configured to extend or retract a rod 466 to move the second UV light emitter support 323 closer to or further away from the first UV light emitter support 322, thereby changing the gap 377 as desired.

[0046] In various examples, the actuators described herein may be any suitable type of motion control component, including, but not limited to, servo motors, stepper motors, and solenoids. In other examples, any other suitable motion control or motion-generating component, including, but not limited to, gear mechanisms, chain drives, and belt drives, may be used to translate one or more of the UV light emitting support structures.

[0047] In another example, referring here to Figure 13, the UV light emission assembly 400 of Figures 7 and 8 further comprises a moving mechanism in the form of a first actuator 450 and a second actuator 460. In this example, the first actuator 450 is configured to move the first UV light emitter support 322 and the first thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 410 in parallel with respect to the active cooling plate 404, and the second actuator 460 is configured to move the second UV light emitter support 323 and the second thermally conductive electrical insulation pad 430 in parallel with respect to the active cooling plate. As described above with respect to Figures 9 and 10, moving the first and second UV light emitter supports 322 and 323 below the UV light emitter 320 changes the distance between the electrical coupling positions on each UV light emitter 320, and consequently changes the intensity of the emitted UV light.

[0048] In various examples of UV light emission assemblies of this disclosure, the assemblies may utilize any suitable combination of the features described herein, including, but not limited to, heat sink mechanisms, component materials, and transfer mechanisms.

[0049] Referring here to Figure 14, a method 500 for varying the UV light intensity emitted by multiple UV light emitters is shown. Method 500 is performed using a first UV light emitter support on which multiple UV light emitters are mounted and a second UV light emitter support on which multiple UV light emitters are mounted, the first UV light emitter support being located away from the second UV light emitter support.

[0050] In step 502, method 500 includes energizing a plurality of UV light emitters so that they emit a first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is located a distance of a first gap from the second UV light emitter support. In step 506, method 500 includes moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until the first UV light emitter support is located a distance of a second gap greater than the first gap from the second UV light emitter support. In step 510, method 500 includes energizing a plurality of UV light emitters so that they emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is located a distance of a second gap from the second UV light emitter support. In step 514, method 500 includes the step of translating the first UV light emitter support in a first direction and translating the second UV light emitter support in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In step 518, method 500 includes the step of translating only the first UV light emitter support.

[0051] Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following additional provisions.

[0052] An ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly for sterilizing components as described in Appendix 1.1 or above, comprising: a plurality of UV light emitters; a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted; a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, wherein the first UV light emitter support is positioned away from the second UV light emitter support; a first heat sink attached to the first UV light emitter support; a second heat sink attached to the second UV light emitter support; and a thermally conductive electrical insulating plate in contact with the first and second heat sinks.

[0053] Appendix 2. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 1, wherein the first heatsink comprises a plurality of first fins extending from a first base portion of the first heatsink, and the second heatsink comprises a plurality of second fins extending from a second base portion of the second heatsink.

[0054] Appendix 3. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 2, wherein the first base portion is attached to the first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support, and the second base portion is attached to the second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support.

[0055] Appendix 4. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 3, wherein each fin of the plurality of first fins has a first distal end opposite to the first base portion, and the first distal end of the plurality of first fins is in contact with a thermally conductive electrical insulating plate, and each fin of the plurality of second fins has a second distal end opposite to the second base portion, and the second distal end of the plurality of second fins is in contact with a thermally conductive electrical insulating plate.

[0056] Appendix 5. The UV light emission assembly according to any one of Appendix 1 to 4, wherein the first UV light emitter support comprises a first inner support surface facing the second inner support surface of the second UV light emitter support, and the first heat sink comprises a first inner heat sink surface facing the second inner heat sink surface of the second heat sink, the first inner support surface being substantially coplanar with the first inner heat sink surface, and the second inner support surface being substantially coplanar with the second inner heat sink surface.

[0057] Appendix 6. A UV light emission assembly as described in any of Appendix 1 to 5, wherein multiple UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0058] A UV light emission assembly for sterilizing components specified in Appendix 7.1 or higher, comprising: a plurality of UV light emitters; a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted; a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, wherein the first UV light emitter support is located away from the second UV light emitter support; a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted; a heat sink equipped with an active cooling plate; a first thermally conductive electrical insulating pad having a first upper surface in contact with the first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support and a first lower surface in contact with the active cooling plate; and a second thermally conductive electrical insulating pad having a second upper surface in contact with the second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support and a second lower surface in contact with the active cooling plate.

[0059] Appendix 8. The UV light emission assembly described in Appendix 7, wherein multiple UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0060] Appendix 9. An ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly for changing the intensity of UV light emitted by a plurality of UV light emitters, the assembly comprising: a plurality of UV light emitters; a first UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted; a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted, wherein the first UV light emitter support is located a gap away from the second UV light emitter support; a second UV light emitter support on which the plurality of UV light emitters are mounted; and a moving mechanism for changing the intensity of UV light emitted from the plurality of UV light emitters by changing the gap between the first UV light emitter support and the second UV light emitter support.

[0061] Appendix 10. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 9, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to move the first UV light emitter support in a first direction and the second UV light emitter support in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0062] Appendix 11. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 9 or 10, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to move only the first UV light emitter support or the second UV light emitter support in parallel.

[0063] Appendix 12. A UV light emission assembly according to any one of Appendix 9 to 11, further comprising a first heat sink attached to a first UV light emitter support, and a second heat sink attached to a second UV light emitter support.

[0064] Appendix 13. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 12, wherein the first heat sink comprises a plurality of first fins extending from a first base, and the second heat sink comprises a plurality of second fins extending from a second base.

[0065] Appendix 14. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 13, wherein the first base portion is attached to the first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support, and the second base portion is attached to the second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support.

[0066] Appendix 15. The UV light emission assembly according to Appendix 13 or 14, wherein each fin of a plurality of first fins has a first distal end opposite to the first base portion, and each fin of a plurality of second fins has a second distal end opposite to the second base portion, and the UV light assembly further comprises a thermally conductive electrical insulating plate that contacts the plurality of first fins at the first distal ends and the plurality of second fins at the second distal ends.

[0067] Appendix 16. The UV light emission assembly as described in Appendix 15, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to move the first heat sink in parallel with respect to the thermally conductive electrical insulating plate and the second heat sink in parallel with respect to the thermally conductive electrical insulating plate.

[0068] Appendix 17. The UV light emission assembly according to any one of Appendix 12 to 16, wherein the first UV light emitter support comprises a first inner support surface facing the second inner support surface of the second UV light emitter support, and the first heat sink comprises a first inner heat sink surface facing the second inner heat sink surface of the second heat sink, the first inner support surface being substantially coplanar with the first inner heat sink surface, and the second inner support surface being substantially coplanar with the second inner heat sink surface.

[0069] Appendix 18. A UV light emission assembly according to any one of Appendix 9 to 11, further comprising: a heat sink having an active cooling plate; a first thermally conductive electrical insulating pad having a first lower surface in contact with the active cooling plate and a first upper surface in contact with the first bottom surface of the first UV light emitter support; and a second thermally conductive electrical insulating pad having a second lower surface in contact with the active cooling plate and a second upper surface in contact with the second bottom surface of the second UV light emitter support.

[0070] Appendix 19. A UV light emission assembly as described in any of Appendix 9 to 18, wherein multiple UV light emitters are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

[0071] Appendix 20. A method for changing the UV light intensity emitted by multiple UV light emitters, the method being performed using a first UV light emitter support on which multiple UV light emitters are mounted and a second UV light emitter support on which multiple UV light emitters are mounted, the first UV light emitter support being located away from the second UV light emitter support, and the method being performed by multiple UV light emitters such that the first UV light emitter support emits a first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is located away from the second UV light emitter support by a first gap. A method comprising the steps of: energizing a light emitter; moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support until the first UV light emitter support is located by a second gap greater than the first gap; and energizing a plurality of UV light emitters so that they emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support is located by a second gap.

[0072] Appendix 21. The method according to Appendix 20, wherein the step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support includes the steps of translating the first UV light emitter support in a first direction and translating the second UV light emitter support in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0073] Appendix 22. The method according to Appendix 21, wherein the step of moving the first UV light emitter support away from the second UV light emitter support includes the step of translating only the first UV light emitter support.

[0074] This disclosure includes any novel, non-obvious, and partial combinations of the various features and techniques disclosed herein. The various features and techniques disclosed herein are not necessarily required in all examples of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various features and techniques disclosed herein may define patentable subject matter other than that disclosed in the examples and may be useful in other embodiments not expressly disclosed herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 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 Components, 110 Toilet, 112 Sink, 114 Flush actuator, 116 Faucet, 118 Countertop, 120 Power lead wires, 202 External power supply, 204 Power regulation circuit, 206 Power cable, 208 Power cable, 300 UV light emission assembly, 312 Panel, 316 Light transmission opening, 320 UV light emitter, 322 First UV light emitter support, 323 Second UV light emitter support, 346 First heat sink, 350 First fin, 352 First distal end, 354 First base, 356 First bottom surface, 357 359 First outer side surface, 360 Second outer side surface, 360 First inner support surface, 362 First inner heat sink surface, 365 Lead wire, 370 Thermal conductive electrical insulation plate, 377 Gap, 380 Second heat sink, 384 Second fin, 386 Second base section, 388 Second bottom surface, 390 Second distal end, 392 Second inner support surface, 394 Second inner heat sink surface, 395 Lead wire, 400 UV light emission assembly, 404 Active cooling plate, 406 Top surface, 408 Embedded piping, 410 First thermal conductive electrical insulation pad, 414 First top surface, 418 First bottom surface, 430 Second thermal conductive electrical insulation pad, 434 Second top surface, 438 Second bottom surface, 450 First actuator, 452 First rod, 460 Second actuator, 462; Second rod, 464; Actuator, 466; Rod, 1000; Cabin, 1004 seats

Claims

1. An ultraviolet (UV) light emission assembly (300, 400) for sterilizing one or more components, Multiple UV light emitters (320), A first UV light emitter support (322) is formed of a conductive material and on which a plurality of the UV light emitters are mounted, and the UV light emitters are electrically coupled to a power source, A second UV light emitter support (323) formed of a conductive material and on which a plurality of the UV light emitters are mounted, and which electrically couples the UV light emitters to a power source, wherein the first UV light emitter support (323) is located away from the second UV light emitter support, A first heat sink (346) is attached to the first UV light emitter support (322) at a distance from the UV light emitter (320), A second heat sink (380) is attached to the second UV light emitter support (323) at a distance from the UV light emitter (320), A thermally conductive electrical insulating plate (370) that contacts the first heat sink and the second heat sink, A moving mechanism configured to change the gap (377) between the first UV light emitter support (322) and the second UV light emitter support (323), A UV light emission assembly equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The first heat sink (346) comprises a plurality of first fins (350) extending from the first base portion (354) of the first heat sink (346), The UV light emission assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second heat sink (380) comprises a plurality of second fins (384) extending from a second base portion (386) of the second heat sink (380).

3. The first base portion (354) is attached to the first bottom surface (356) of the first UV light emitter support (322). The UV light emission assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second base portion (386) is attached to the second bottom surface (388) of the second UV light emitter support (323).

4. Each of the plurality of first fins (350) has a first distal end (352) opposite to the first base portion (354), The first distal ends (352) of the plurality of first fins (350) are in contact with the thermally conductive electrical insulating plate (370), Each of the plurality of second fins (384) has a second distal end (390) opposite to the second base portion (386), The UV light emission assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second distal ends (390) of the plurality of second fins (384) are in contact with the thermally conductive electrical insulating plate (370).

5. The first UV light emitter support (322) comprises a first inner support surface (360) facing the second inner support surface (392) of the second UV light emitter support (323), The first heat sink (346) has a first inner heat sink surface (362) that faces the second inner heat sink surface (394) of the second heat sink (380), The first inner support surface (360) is substantially coplanar with the first inner heat sink surface (362), The UV light emission assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second inner support surface (392) is substantially coplanar with the second inner heat sink surface (394).

6. The UV light emission assembly according to claim 1, 2, or 5, wherein the plurality of UV light emitters (320) are configured to emit UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm.

7. A method for changing the UV light intensity emitted by multiple UV light emitters (320), The method is carried out using a first UV light emitter support (322) made of a conductive material and on which a plurality of the UV light emitters (320) are mounted, and a second UV light emitter support (323) made of a conductive material and on which a plurality of the UV light emitters (320) are mounted, wherein the first UV light emitter support (322) is located away from the second UV light emitter support (323), and a first heat sink (346) is attached to the first UV light emitter support (322) at a distance from the UV light emitters (320), and a second heat sink (380) is attached to the second UV light emitter support (323) at a distance from the UV light emitters (320). The aforementioned method, The steps include energizing a plurality of UV light emitters (320) such that they emit a first UV light intensity when the first UV light emitter support (322) is located a distance of a first gap (377) from the second UV light emitter support (323), The steps include moving the first UV light emitter support (322) away from the second UV light emitter support (323) until the first UV light emitter support (322) is located at a distance from the second UV light emitter support (323) by a second gap (377) that is larger than the first gap (377), The steps include energizing a plurality of UV light emitters (320) such that when the first UV light emitter support (322) is located at a distance of the second gap (377) from the second UV light emitter support (323), the UV light emitters emit a second UV light intensity greater than the first UV light intensity, Methods that include...

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of moving the first UV light emitter support (322) away from the second UV light emitter support (323) includes the steps of translating the first UV light emitter support (322) in a first direction and translating the second UV light emitter support (323) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of moving the first UV light emitter support (322) away from the second UV light emitter support (323) includes the step of translating only the first UV light emitter support (322).

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