UVC STERILIZATION AND LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

Lighting device that provides, in addition to effective LED illumination, controlled UVC treatment of an airflow that provides sterilization of the air without endangering those using the illumination or damaging the environment being illuminated. Some embodiments include variable light and sterilization control, with variables being timing, intensity and light color, for example.

Claims

1. A UVC sterilization and lighting device for use in a room, said device comprising: a frame; a front cover, attachable to the frame; a back cover, wherein a portion of the back cover comprises a portion of an air duct, wherein the air duct further comprises a separator and one or more side baffles; a filter that is placed behind one or more air inlets; a fan portion that comprises a fan, a fan cover attached to the fan on an inward side of the fan portion, and a fan net attached to the fan on an outward side of the fan, the outward side of the fan net placed behind one or more air outlets; a UVC treatment portion that is contained within the air duct, and that comprises one more UV lamps, wherein each of the one or more UV lamps are attached to respective lamp holders, and wherein the respective lamp holders are attached to a lamp bracket; one or more plasma modules that power the UV lamps; a plurality of LED lights that are attached to one or more light boards; one or more diffusers that is disposed outwardly of at least one portion of the plurality of LED lights and that is fixably constrained by the frame and the front cover; a drive module that is electrically connected to the fan, the plasma modules and the plurality of LED lights; an indicator that indicates that the UV lamps are powered; and a lock switch that prevents interior access if the UV lamps are powered;

2. A UVC sterilization and lighting device for use in a room, said device comprising: an LED light including a lighting portion for transmitting illumination, and one or more air inlets that receives untreated air from the room; an air duct; a UVC sterilization portion, located in said air duct, that treats air moving through said air duct with UV radiation to germicidally treat said air, wherein said UVC sterilization portion is not visible to persons in the room; and a fan that transmits treated air through one or more air outlets into the room.

3. The UVC sterilization and lighting device of claim 2, wherein the air duct comprises a portion of a back cover, a separator and one or more side baffles.

4. The UVC sterilization and lighting device of claim 3, wherein the air duct comprises a substrate conducive to UVC treatment for at least one of sterilization, disinfection and decontamination of the received untreated air from the room.

5. The UVC sterilization and lighting device of claim 2, further comprising: a controls unit that varies one of light intensity, light color, or timing duration of the LED light.

6. The UVC sterilization and lighting device of claim 5, wherein the controls unit controls powering of the LED light and the UVC sterilization to operate independently of each other.

7. The UVC sterilization and lighting device of claim 2, further comprising an interlock device that prevents internal access to the device while the UVC sterilization is operating.

8. A combination LED light unit and a UVC sterilization device comprising: a light emitting assembly; a fan box connected to said light emitting body; a fan located in said fan box; an air duct in operative connection with said fan; an air inlet disposed on one side of said light emitting assembly for drawing contaminated air into said UVC sterilization device from a space; an air outlet disposed on a side of said light body on a different side of said light emitting body from the disposition of said air inlet; a germicidal and disinfecting air purifier apparatus for eliminating pathogens from said air and disinfecting said air from said light emitting body; and said air outlet directing air treated with said germicidal and disinfecting air purifier apparatus back into the space.

9. A combination LED light unit and a UVC sterilization device according to claim 8 wherein said UVC light unit and UVC sterilization device comprises a UVC 2×2 direct/indirect troffer.

10. A combination LED light unit and a UVC sterilization device according to claim 8 wherein said LED light unit comprises a correlated color temperature control means for selectively controlling the correlated color temperature of the light emitted by the light emitting assembly.

11. A combination LED light unit and a UVC sterilization device according to claim 8 wherein said UVC sterilization device comprises a UVC sterilization lamp that is within a cavity, and wherein the UVC sterilization lamp comprises a UVC-LED, and one or more walls of the cavity comprise a substrate for sterilizing air flowing through said cavity with an output from the UVC sterilization lamp.

12. A combination LED light unit and a UVC sterilization device according to claim 8 and further including a night light.

13. A combination LED light unit and a UVC sterilization device according to claim 8 and further comprising a control assembly for instituting and completing one or more the following functions: air sterilization combined with LED lighting; separate LED lighting; night lighting; ventilation in combination with at least one additional function consisting of the group of air sterilization, air sterilization with LED lighting, LED lighting, and night lighting; wherein the control assembly comprises one or more of a variety of switching devices including wall switches, remote control switches, automatic temperature control switches, motion switches, humidity switches and time switches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the innovation disclosed herein.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a view into the interior.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a separate side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a view into the interior.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view with partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 1 that highlights an air path through the embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, from a viewpoint of a user below the embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view with perspective similar to FIG. 4, but without a cut-away.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view similar to FIG. 4 with another embodiment without a ballast configuration.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the innovation disclosed herein.

[0051] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, with a view into the interior.

[0052] FIG. 10 shows a separate side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, with a view into the interior.

[0053] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view with partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 8 that highlights an air path through the embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, from a viewpoint of a user below the embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view with perspective similar to FIG. 8, but without a cut-away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Now turning to the figures, it is to be appreciated that the various embodiments may use one or more of the aspects of the innovation as will be disclosed. It is to be further appreciated that explicit form factors may vary as is known in the art, and that the disclosed innovation may be comprised of items discussed in one or more embodiments without being explicitly mentioned in a single embodiment.

[0057] In an embodiment, one or more LED lighting assemblies may be configured such that a completed assembly provides a predetermined amount of LED illumination while also within the same unit provides for UVC processing of an induced air flow. The configuration includes applying the UVC processing to the air flow in a manner in which use of the installed assembly does not allow the UVC to be in “line of sight” of any user in a room in which one or more of the assemblies may be installed. It is to be appreciated that with keeping the UVC light from being “line-of-sight,” not only is safety towards persons and animals being maintained, but also objects in the room that receive illumination can avoid suffering UVC degradation. Controls of the various embodiments for both light as illumination and light as sterilization/disinfection/decontamination are provided. It is to be appreciated that while sterilization may be a term that is used, it is contemplated that other embodiments can employ one or more of sterilization, disinfection and decontamination. For example (not shown), a traditional light switch with binary operation may enable both illumination and sterilization. For another example (not shown), a dimmer style switch may be configured to allow variable illumination, variable sterilization or both. For yet another example (not shown), a keypad type of wall control may provide for further detailed control operation. While for simplicity sake, the discussion will focus on a ceiling-installed configuration, it is to be appreciated that other configurations can employ aspects of the innovation and are considered within the scope herein. For example, stand alone or wall mounted units (with appropriate versions of the description) are additional embodiments.

[0058] Turning now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of an embodiment of the UVC Sterilization and Lighting Device 1000 of the invention disclosed herein is shown. Embodiment 1000 may be known as model 2×2. Model 2×2 may have a frame 1020. Frame 1020 may be manufactured as may be known in the art for light fixtures. Frame 1020 also may be configured to support one or more illumination areas, as well as airflow features as described herein. Front cover 1040 can attach to frame 1020 and aid in support of the components for sterilization as described herein. An additional structural element is an air duct 1060. Air duct 1060 may also be known as a back cover, and it is to be appreciated that air duct 1060 may have a selected portion that serves—with other components that will be described—as a portion of a total air duct, whole other selected portions of air duct 1060 may serve as a structural cover of various other components and can serve to add structural stability to the overall light fixture of, for example, model 2×2.

[0059] Along with air duct 1060, one or more side baffles 1080, and a separator 1100 can form the remainder of the total air duct. It is to be appreciated that these components may be especially formulated for both UVC application (as photocatalysis is known in the art), and for airflow. For example (not shown), internal portions of these components can preferably (or advantageously be formed in a serpentine manner, or may be fabricated with wave or other features that cause a predetermined level of turbulence to the air flow. Such turbulence may be advantageous in that germs and other material in the air flow that could be subject to sterilization, would be exposed to the UVC as opposed to what could happen in a laminar flow. The level of turbulence can be controlled so as to maintain a low level of noise. It is to be appreciated that the structure is fabricated to alleviate most any noise that may arise from vibration, of either the air in the air flow or in the components in the embodiment.

[0060] In an embodiment, a filter 1140 (that may be germicidal treated as is known in the art) can be located at the entrance of the total air duct. This is advantageous to assist in reducing dust or other airborne particles that may block the UVC treatment. A fan 1160 may advantageously be located at the other end of the total air duct, and may be operated to draw air through the duct and return the treated air back into the room. In an embodiment, a fan cover 1180 and a fan net 1200 (also known as wind cover and wind net) can be used to cover and protect the fan. In embodiments, these can also serve to ensure that no UVC obtains a line-of-sight path from a treatment zone within the total air duct by blocking a visual path inward, verifying that no UVC escapes the interior of the unit. UVC treatment can be provided with lamp bracket 1220 fastening lamp holder 1240 that holds one or more UV lamps 1260. One or more plasma modules 1280 provide energy to UV lamps 1260. It is to be appreciated that air duct 1060 may also have a photocatalyst coating. It is also to be appreciated that additional baffles may be configured into the total air duct. While the present discussion calls these side baffles, it is to be understood that configurations are limited to use of these on the side of the total air duct. It is also to be appreciated that the number of UV lights (or plasma modules or both) may be configured for different expected concentrations of items in the air flow to which UVC treatment is applied. For example, a different configuration for a busy hospital than for an area expecting light traffic can provide different embodiments. Further, configuration of one or more air inlets and exits may be modified in various embodiments.

[0061] Also configured in an embodiment, a plurality of LED lighting modules 1360 can be attached to a light board 1380. Diffuser 1120 can provide a desired distribution for various illumination effects from light from the LED lighting modules 1360. It is to be appreciated that control of the UVC treatment (including airflow) and illumination by way of the LED lighting modules 1360 may be configured with a large variety—while the embodiment shown in the figure is one such configuration.

[0062] Continuing with model 2×2, a driver box 1400 can contain a drive module 1420, and a ballast box 1440 can contain a ballast 1460. It is to be appreciated that as known in the art, the use or removal of a ballast box 1440 and ballast 1460 may reflect a chosen manner of electrically connecting one or more model 2×2's in a room. Further embodiments can include an indicator 1480 that can indicate that UVC treatment is active. An embodiment can also include a lock switch 1500 that can be configured for safety in that if UVC treatment is active, then the lock switch 1500 prevents access to the inner portion of model 2×2, thereby preventing accidental exposure. It is to be appreciated that other controls (not shown) may also be employed. For example (not shown), a unit may be equipped with a nightlight or emergency light that may be used in addition to the LED illumination lights (or the LED illumination lights may be additionally controlled to provide these types of illumination). An embodiment may be equipped with presence monitor or motion sensors. Programmed controls may employ a more vigorous action of UVC with reduced LED illumination, for example, if a lack of presence or motion is detected. In another embodiment, a filter sensor may be configured to indicate when a filter change would be beneficial, or when a more vigorous application of UVC treatment may be desired.

[0063] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, two side views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are portrayed to show some interior placement of components. In FIG. 2, frame 1020 and front cover 1040 mate with air duct 1060. An internal view, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, reveals separator 1100, filter 1140, fan 1160, fan cover 1180, and fan net 1200. Also shown are lamp bracket 1220, lamp holder 1240, UV lamp 1260, and plasma module 1280. Also shown is light board 1380 and indicator 1480. In FIG. 3, a view rotated approximately ninety degrees for model 2×2, the placement of the frame 1020, front cover 1040 and air duct 1060 (seen on edge) form the structural shell of model 2×2. In this view, side baffle 1080, separator 1100 and diffuser 1120 can be seen, as well as UV lamp 1260. LED lighting module 1360 and light board 1380 are pictured. Also pictured are drive module 1420 and in this embodiment ballast 1460. It is to be appreciated that other components (in various quantities) may be present in other embodiments, and that these figures provide an example.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 4, an isometric view is shown with partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 1 highlights an air path, indicated by a set of schematic arrows, through the embodiment. It is to be appreciated that air flow 1300 is within the device after entering at air inlet 1320 (through a filter), and drawn by a fan passes through a UVC treatment zone. The fan expels the treated air at air outlet 1340 back into the room.

[0065] FIGS. 5 and 6 provide additional isometric views of an example embodiment of model 2×2. It is to be appreciated from these views that no line-of-sight path of UVC treatment can reach a person in a room that is being treated with one or more model 2×2's, and that an indicator is easily visible along with a lockout switch. In FIG. 6, it is to be appreciated that power connections and fastening areas can be provided or attached to frame 1020 or air duct 1060 as may be known in the art.

[0066] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view similar to FIG. 4 with another embodiment without a ballast configuration. As has been disclosed, whether or not an embodiment is provided with a ballast may be a configuration choice. It is to be appreciated that air flow 1300 is within the device after entering at air inlet 1320 (through filter 1140), and drawn by fan 1160 passes through a UVC treatment zone. The fan expels the treated air at air outlet 1340 back into the room.

[0067] Turning to FIG. 8, an exploded view of another embodiment of the UVC Sterilization and Lighting Device 8000 of the invention disclosed herein is shown. Embodiment 8000 may be known as model 2×4. Model 2×4 may have a frame 8020. Frame 8020 may be manufactured as may be known in the art for light fixtures. Frame 8020 also may be configured to support one or more illumination areas, as well as airflow features as described herein. Front cover 8040 can attach to frame 8020 and aid in support of the components for sterilization as described herein. An additional structural element is air duct 8060. Air duct 8060 may also be known as a back cover, and it is to be appreciated that air duct 8060 may have a selected portion that serves—with other components that will be described—as a portion of a total air duct, whole other selected portions of air duct 8060 may serve as a structural cover of various other components and can serve to add structural stability to the overall light fixture of, for example, model 2×4.

[0068] Along with air duct 8060, one or more side baffles 8080, and separator 8100 can form the remainder of the total air duct. It is to be appreciated that these components may be especially formulated for both UVC application (as photocatalysis is known in the art), and for airflow. For example (not shown), internal portions of these components may be formed in a serpentine manner, or may be fabricated with wave or other features that cause a predetermined level of turbulence to the air flow. Such turbulence may be advantageous in that germs and other material in the air flow to be subject to sterilization would be exposed to the UVC as opposed to what can happen in a laminar flow. The level of turbulence can be controlled so as to maintain a low level of noise. It is to be appreciated that the structure is fabricated to alleviate most any noise that may arise from vibration, of either the air in the air flow or in the components in the embodiment.

[0069] In an embodiment, a filter 8140 (that may be germicidal treated as is known in the art) can be located at the entrance of the total air duct. This is advantageous to assist in reducing dust or other airborne particles that may block the UVC treatment. A fan 8160 may be located at the other end of the total air duct, and may be operated to draw air through the duct and return the treated air back into the room. In an embodiment, fan cover 8180 and fan net 8200 (also known as wind cover and wind net) can be used to cover and protect the fan. In addition, fixed board 8350 may be provided. It is to be appreciated that in embodiments, these can also serve to ensure that no UVC obtains a line-of-sight path from a treatment zone within the total air duct. UVC treatment can be provided with lamp bracket 8220 fastening lamp holder 8240 that holds one or more UV lamps 8260. One or more plasma modules 8280 provide energy to UV lamps 8260. It is to be appreciated that air duct 8060 may also have a photocatalyst coating. It is also to be appreciated that additional baffles may be configured into the total air duct. While the discussion calls these side baffles, it is to be understood that configurations are limited to use of these on the side of the total air duct. It is also to be appreciated that the number of UV lights (or plasma modules or both) may be configured for different expected concentrations of items in the air flow to which UVC treatment is applied. For example, a different configuration for a busy hospital than for an area expecting light traffic can provide different embodiments. Further, configuration of air inlet and exits may be modified in various embodiments.

[0070] Also configured in an embodiment, a plurality of LED lighting modules 8360 can be attached to a light board 8380. Diffuser 8120 can provide a desired distribution for various illumination effects from light from the LED lighting modules 8360. It is to be appreciated that control of the UVC treatment (including airflow) and illumination by way of the LED lighting modules 8360 may be configured with a large amount of variety—while the embodiment shown in the figure is one such configuration.

[0071] Continuing with model 2×4, a driver box 8400 can contain a drive module 8420 and a ballast box 8440 can contain a ballast 8460. It is to be appreciated that as known in the art, the use or removal of a ballast box 8440 and ballast 8460 may reflect a chosen manner of electrically connecting one or more model 2×4's in a room. It is also to be appreciated that ballast box 8440 may be configured to secure more than a ballast 8460, and may serve as an electrical box or support for the unit. Further embodiments can include an indicator 8480 that can indicate that UVC treatment is active. An embodiment can also include a lock switch 8500 that can be configured for safety in that if UVC treatment is active, then the lock switch 8500 prevents access to the inner portion of model 2×4, thereby preventing accidental exposure. It is to be appreciated that other controls (not shown) may also be employed. For example (not shown), a unit may be equipped with a nightlight or emergency light that may be used in addition to the LED illumination lights (or the LED illumination lights may be additionally controlled to provide these types of illumination). An embodiment may be equipped with presence monitor or motion sensors. Programmed controls may employ a more vigorous action of UVC with reduced LED illumination, for example, if a lack of presence or motion is detected. In another embodiment, a filter sensor may be configured to indicate when a filter change would be beneficial, or when a more vigorous application of UVC treatment may be desired.

[0072] Turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, two side views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are portrayed to show some interior placement of components. In FIG. 9, frame 8020 and front cover 8040 mate with air duct 8060. Internal view reveals filter 8140, fan 8160, fan cover 8180, and fan net 8200. Also shown are lamp bracket 8220, lamp holder 8240, UV lamp 8260, and plasma module 8280. Also shown is light board 8380 and indicator 8480. In FIG. 10, a view rotated approximately ninety degrees for model 2×4, the placement of the frame 8020, front cover 8040 and air duct 8060 (seen on edge) form the structural shell of model 2×4. In this view, diffuser 8120 can be seen, as well as UV lamp 8260. LED lighting module 8360 and light board 8380 are pictured. Also pictured are drive module 8420. It is to be appreciated that other components (in various quantities) may be present in other embodiments, and that these figures provide an example.

[0073] Turning to FIG. 11, an isometric view with partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 8 that highlights an air path through the embodiment is shown. It is to be appreciated that air flow 8300 is within the device after entering at air inlet 8320 (through a filter), and drawn by a fan passes through a UVC treatment zone. The fan expels the treated air at air outlet 8340 back into the room.

[0074] FIGS. 12 and 13 provide additional isometric views of an example embodiment of model 2×4. It is to be appreciated from these views that no line-of-sight path of UVC treatment can reach a person in a room that is being treated with one or more model 2×4's, and that an indicator is easily visible along with a lockout switch. In FIG. 13, it is to be appreciated that power connections and fastening areas can be provided or attached to frame 8020 or air duct 8060 as may be known in the art.

[0075] The invention has been described in detail, with particular emphasis based on the significant portions thereof. Variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and from the following claims.