Patent ID: 12196450

In the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments, it should be taken into account that the present disclosure of the various aspects is not restricted to the details of the set-up and arrangement of the components such as are presented in the following description and in the figures. The exemplary embodiments can be implemented or embodied in various ways in practice. It should furthermore be taken into account that the mode of expression and terminology used here are used merely for the purpose of concrete description and they should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner as such by the person skilled in the art.

Firstly, various exemplary embodiments in accordance with a first fundamental embodiment illustrated schematically inFIG.1will be explained with reference toFIGS.2A to5B. Referring toFIG.1, an apparatus7, which can be for example a washing machine, a dishwasher or a ventilation and air-conditioning system, in particular an air-conditioning system, a ventilation system, an air circulation system, an air dehumidifier or an air humidifier, has an optical arrangement for disinfection of a liquid or of air with which the apparatus7operates, or of surfaces at sensitive points present therein.

The optical arrangement comprises UV radiation sources1.1and1.2(the number thereof is not limited to the two radiation sources shown inFIG.1—according to one modification, it is also possible for just a single UV radiation source1.1to be provided), which emit radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength range. The UV radiation sources1.1and1.2can also each be a plurality of radiation sources, i.e. groups of radiation sources. The UV radiation sources1.1and1.2can comprise UV LEDs, in particular ones which emit UV radiation in the range—particularly effective vis-à-vis bacteria on biofilms—of 249 nm to 338 nm, preferably in the wavelength range of 292 nm to 306 nm, or else preferably in the range of 245 nm to 285 nm, in particular 255 nm to 275 nm. The UV radiation sources can have different properties, such as e.g. different wavelengths, dimensions, powers, etc. If at least one UV radiation source1.1or1.2etc. comprises a group of radiation sources, then different wavelengths can be provided within the group as well.

Furthermore, the group has a number of beam collecting optical units2.1-2.n(here n denotes an arbitrary number). The latter collect the radiation emitted by the UV radiation sources1.1and1.2. This includes the case where only a portion of the radiation can be collected. The beam collecting optical units2.1-2.nare adapted for the respective tasks in the effect zones to be described below and are respectively assigned to a beam delivering optical unit4.1-4.n,each configured to receive the radiation collected by the respective beam collecting optical unit2.1-2.n.In this embodiment and also in all embodiments described below, the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.nhave the function of making the emitted UV radiation utilizable by virtue of the fact that they collect the largest possible portion thereof and preferably also process it further, for example homogenize, collimate or focus it, in order to deliver it in a suitable manner to the respective beam delivering optical unit4.1-4.n,for example by coupling into an optical waveguide, etc., and/or to bring about a suitable radiation distribution in the effect zone. The beam delivering optical units4.1-4.ncan have a function of providing the radiation received by them across a distance in the apparatus7at the location of use, i.e. in the effect zones5.1-5.n.

The effect zones5.1-5.nare respectively assigned to one of the beam delivering optical units4.1-4.n.In this first fundamental embodiment, they are generally present in the same number as the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.nand the beam delivering optical units4.1-4.n.In this embodiment, the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.n,the beam delivering optical units4.1-4.nand the effect zones5.1-5.nin each case form a beam guiding sequence. The effect zones5.1-5.nare spatially separated from one another in the apparatus. The effect zones5.1-5.ndenote locations, surfaces or spaces in the apparatus7in which a disinfecting effect is brought about. These locations, surfaces or spaces in the apparatus7can be sensitive points with regard to the arising of germs or biofilms.

In the first fundamental embodiment, at least one (preferably all) of the UV radiation sources1.1or1.2etc. is configured as movable, as is indicated schematically inFIG.1. In this case, the UV radiation sources1.1and1.2(etc.) can move between the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.n,or more precisely: they can be moved to the different ports or the input coupling surfaces of the respective beam collecting optical units2.1-2.n,e.g. by translation or rotation. In this case, a port should be understood to mean a position relative to the respective input coupling surface of the relevant beam collecting optical unit2.1-2.nin which an optimum beam collecting yield is achieved, or a position of the radiation source in which a desired homogenization is achieved, such as, for instance, a focal point, etc. If a beam collecting optical unit2.1-2.nis e.g. a TIR lens, then a fitting shape recess for e.g. encapsulated LEDs is regularly provided therein. The corresponding movement position constitutes such a port. The UV radiation sources1.1and1.2can in each case (optionally including substrate on which they can be mounted) be mounted on mounts (not illustrated inFIG.1) configured as movable.

The movability of the UV radiation sources1.1and1.2etc. can be realized by rails and/or arms and joints etc. The drive can be effected by an electric motor, by piezoelements or the like, which is/are part of a control device6indicated inFIG.1, which can itself be a separate component or part of a superordinate control device of the apparatus7, in order to realize the temporal sequence of the disinfection or of the irradiation depending on the operation and state of the apparatus7.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1,FIGS.2A and2Bthen show a first concrete exemplary embodiment.FIG.2Ashows a side view andFIG.2Bthe corresponding plan view of an optical arrangement. The latter has an LED as UV radiation source1, which is mounted on an arm81rotatable about a rotation axis80. The arm81can be or comprise a circuit board, on which the LED is mounted. In this case, the LED (UV radiation source1) is positioned at a distance from the rotation axis80, such that the LED in the case of rotation described a circular movement with the radius of the distance. The orientation of the LED is such that a main emission direction of LED points parallel to the rotation axis80. The rotatable arm81forms a movable or here rotatable mount for the radiation sources.

Furthermore, the optical arrangement inFIGS.2A and2Bcomprises three beam collecting optical units2.1,2.2and2.3embodied as TIR lenses. The spatial position and orientation of the beam collecting optical units2.1,2.2and2.3as well as those of the rotation axis80are fixedly predefined (substantially immovable). The optical axes of the three beam collecting optical units2.1,2.2and2.3are parallel to one another and also parallel to the rotation axis80. The TIR lenses have fitting shape recesses for accommodating the LED, such that the radiation emitted by it can be optimally coupled into the TIR lens in order for example to have a homogenizing effect on the radiation. These positions in the fitting shape recesses constitute ports for the movement of the UV radiation source1. In this case, the beam collecting optical units2.1,2.2and2.3are positioned such that their optical axes lie on the radius of the circular movement of the UV radiation source1. This results in three angular positions which correspond to the beam collecting optical units2.1,2.2and2.3and into which the arm81with the UV radiation source1can be moved by driving by the control device6(seeFIG.1) in order to select one of the beam collecting optical units2.1,2.2and2.3and thus an effect zone5.1,5.2, or5.3assigned to it (seeFIG.1).

In order to be able to accommodate the LED in the context of a movement into the fitting shape recess of a TIR lens, the optical unit or the LED can be moved in an additional step for example such that there is no longer any contact during the translation/rotation, or the optical element itself has a corresponding cutout through which the LED passes without contact during the translation/rotation. In the second case, it may be necessary to accept reductions in terms of the collection efficiency for the radiation, but they may be perfectly acceptable.

Optional beam dividers, delivering optical units (e.g. mirror arrangements such as, for instance, free-space optical units or optical waveguides) and effect zones are not explicitly illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B, but in this regard reference can be made to the analogous set-up of exemplary embodiments described below. It should be noted that an additional beam divider3can also be provided for one or more of the beam collecting optical units2.1to2.3, such that a beam collecting optical unit supplies two or more effect zones with UV radiation. This also applies to the following or previous exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, further LEDs (not illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B) can also be moved to the various ports by means of a corresponding movement. This likewise applies to the subsequent exemplary embodiments as well.

FIG.3shows a second exemplary embodiment, in which an LED as UV radiation source1is mounted on a rotatable mount8. The mount8is configured as rotatable about a rotation axis80and can be moved in rotary fashion between two positions or ports for the UV radiation source1by the control device6(seeFIG.1), such that a first beam collecting optical unit2.1embodied as a TIR lens and respectively a second beam collecting optical unit2.2embodied as a glass rod can optionally receive (at least partly) the UV radiation emitted by it. The TIR lens collimates the radiation, while the glass rod, by means of multiple total internal reflection, mixes the radiation, and in the process homogenizes and transports it. The glass rod can be embodied in quite varied ways: conical or CPC (compound parabolic concentrator), wherein it then also has a collimating function, and/or it has a round, rectangular, hexagonal cross section or the like.

Here, too, the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2are mounted substantially in a stationary manner and have optical axes that are perpendicular to the rotation axis81of the mount and point away from it. The main emission direction of the LED, too, is perpendicular to the rotation axis81, points away from it and is brought in line with the respective optical axis of the beam collecting optical unit2.1or2.2by means of the optional movement to the ports by means of the control device6. The exemplary embodiment is not restricted to two beam collecting optical units; further beam collecting optical units can be provided. As in the first exemplary embodiment, beam delivering optical units such as e.g. mirror arrangements with a free-space optical unit or optical waveguide, effect zones and optionally also beam dividers can be provided.

FIGS.4A and4Bshow a third exemplary embodiment of an optical arrangement based onFIG.1. The set-up is very similar to that in the second exemplary embodiment. However, in the third exemplary embodiment, the mount8, on which the LED as UV radiation source1is mounted, is embodied as a rod-like element, the longitudinal axis of which defines a rotation axis. In the present case, the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2are also provided once again as TIR lens and glass rod, respectively, but modifications are likewise possible. Furthermore, the ports or positions of the two beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2are rotated by 180°; the mount8is as it were “flipped over” by the control device (seeFIG.1) in order to move to the two ports.FIG.4Ashows a first state, in which the radiation source(s) face(s) one beam collecting optical unit2.1, whileFIG.4Bshows a second state, in which the UV radiation source faces the other beam collecting optical unit2.2. For the rest, the same explanations as for the second exemplary embodiment are applicable.

FIGS.5A and5Bshow an optical arrangement in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment, wherein the UV radiation source1embodied as an LED is mounted on a linearly or translationally movable mount8. Here, too, the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2are once again provided purely by way of example as TIR lens and glass rod, respectively, but modifications are likewise possible. The optical axes of the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2and also the main radiation direction of the LED are parallel to one another.FIG.5Ashows a first state, in which the UV radiation source1has moved to the port of one beam collecting optical unit2.1(TIR lens) as a result of driving by the control device6(seeFIG.1), whileFIG.5Bshows a second state, in which the UV radiation source1has moved to the port of the other beam collecting optical unit2.2(glass rod) as a result of driving by the control device6(seeFIG.1). As in the previous exemplary embodiments, beam delivering optical units such as e.g. mirror arrangements with a free-space optical unit or optical waveguide, effect zones and optionally also beam dividers can be provided.

A second fundamental embodiment will be explained next with reference toFIG.6. Only differences with respect to the first fundamental embodiment will be described. InFIG.6, the apparatus7has an optical arrangement comprising a mount8, which is movable by the control device6and which accommodates both the UV radiation source(s)1and a beam collecting optical unit2. Both are thus provided with fixed positioning relative to one another on the mount8. In this exemplary embodiment, the mount8can be moved relative to the multiplicity of beam delivering optical units4.1-4.n,to each of which an effect zone5.1-5.nis respectively assigned as in the case of the first embodiment. By means of the selection of one of the beam delivering optical units4.1-4.nby means of the control device and subsequent movement of the mount such that the beam collecting optical unit2delivers its received and preferably homogenized radiation to the corresponding beam delivering optical unit or couples it into the latter, a desired effect zone5.1-5.ncan thus be supplied with disinfecting UV radiation. With regard to the constitution of the UV radiation sources and also the beam collecting optical unit, the beam delivering optical units and the effect zones, reference can be made to the first embodiment.

FIG.7shows a third fundamental embodiment. In this case, provision is made for the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.2to be provided on a common mount8, which can be moved by the control device6(and a motor or drive, not shown). Alternatively, the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.2can also be provided on a respective dedicated mount and be moved individually. The Fig. shows a stationary UV radiation source1and also in each case one beam delivering optical unit4and one effect zone5in order to illustrate the application. By means of movement of the mount8, it is possible for the UV radiation source1to be assigned to the port of a selected one of the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.n(that is to say that they can be moved in each case in front of the UV source). Preferably, the beam collecting optical units2.1-2.nhave mutually different optical properties such as, for instance, focal length, etc. In the one effect zone5, from the one UV radiation source1provided it is thereby possible to bring about a desired radiation distribution, for instance in order to vary the intensity distribution in different spatial regions in the effect zone5, i.e. to be able to effectively disinfect further spatial regions.

FIG.8shows a fourth fundamental embodiment. In contrast to the fundamental embodiment shown inFIG.7, here multiplicities of beam delivering optical units4.1-4.nand effect zones5.1-5.nare provided, and the beam collecting optical units2.1to2.nare now adapted for the respective tasks of the effect zones and can each be moved in front of the UV radiation source1.

A fifth exemplary embodiment, which corresponds to the fundamental embodiments shown inFIG.7or8, is illustrated inFIG.9. Two beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2are provided here, purely by way of example, which are mounted on a common mount8or are mechanically fixedly connected to one another by said mount. The mount is configured as translationally (or alternatively rotatably etc.) movable relative to the UV radiation source1or the LED corresponding to the radiation source and provided on a substrate11(e.g. a printed circuit board, etc.). By means of the control device (seeFIG.7or8), the port of any of the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2can thus be moved in front of the UV LED. As is indicated schematically, the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2are two TIR lenses having different characteristics with regard to homogenization or collimation. The optical axes of the beam collecting optical units2.1and2.2and also the main radiation direction of the UV radiation source are parallel to one another in this exemplary embodiment.

A fifth fundamental embodiment is illustrated in a schematic illustration inFIG.10.FIGS.11to13Bshow exemplary embodiments based thereon. InFIG.10, an optical arrangement in which e.g. only merely one UV radiation source1and one beam collecting optical unit2are provided in a stationary fashion is provided in the apparatus7. The beam delivering optical units4.1-4.ndisposed upstream of the effect zones5.1-5.nalso preferably remain stationary. In this embodiment, a beam divider3is provided instead, which is configured to divide the UV radiation collected by the beam collecting optical unit2and delivered to it into different radiation portions. Alternatively, instead of the beam divider3a beam distributor can be provided, which distributes the received UV radiation temporally successively among the individual selected beam delivering optical units4.1-4.n.The two alternatives, simultaneous division and sequential distribution among the respectively selected beam delivering optical units4.1-4.n,can merge into one another if e.g. a deflection mirror oscillates back and forth with high frequency between two setting angles corresponding to the deflection or delivery of the UV radiation to two of the beam delivering optical units4.1-4.n.The beam divider3or its UV radiation-distributing alternative can be operated by the control device6via a motor. The remaining features correspond here, too, to what has been described with reference to the embodiments above.

FIG.11shows a sixth exemplary embodiment based on the embodiment inFIG.10. The UV radiation source1provided on a substrate11is configured in a stationary fashion in a port (fitting shape recess) of a TIR lens as beam collecting optical unit2. A mirror tilted by 45° relative to the optical axis of the beam collecting optical unit2serves as a beam divider3and is translationally movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the beam collecting optical unit2into the beam path thereof, which can be adjusted by the control device6. Depending on the degree of spatial overlap with the region of the collimated UV radiation emitted by the beam collecting optical unit2, as a result a first portion of the UV radiation is transmitted to a first beam delivering optical unit4.1or first effect zone5.1and a second portion of the UV radiation is deflected toward a second beam delivering optical unit4.2or second effect zone5.2. According to very specific exemplary embodiments, the mirror can also be semitransparent and optionally have filter properties vis-à-vis specific wavelengths. Furthermore, it is also possible, instead of a translation of the beam divider, to displace the unit comprising UV radiation source1with substrate11and beam collecting optical unit2, as is indicated schematically by a corresponding arrow inFIG.11. In the present exemplary embodiment, the radiation portions are very accurately adjustable, and different effect zones can be supplied with UV radiation simultaneously.

FIG.12shows a seventh exemplary embodiment. In this case, UV radiation from the UV radiation source1, for example an LED or a laser, is collected via the beam collecting optical unit2, illustrated here as a collimation lens, and is reshaped into a parallel beam. The parallelized or collimated beam is subsequently incident on the tiltable or rotatable mirror32as one example of a beam distributor. Optionally, beam homogenizing components such as e.g. diffusing elements can also be introduced into the light collecting path. In a first tilt direction, after the reflection at the mirror32the radiation is guided to the effect zone5.1by a converging lens and an optical fiber, which together form the beam delivering optical unit4.1. Optionally, further beam shaping optical elements such as e.g. lenses, a microlens array, diffusing plates or the like can be situated at the output of the optical fiber, which moreover is also applicable to all exemplary embodiments described herein. In a second tilt direction, after the reflection at the mirror32the radiation is guided via the beam delivering optical unit4.2, which is of structurally identical construction, for example, to the effect zone5.2spatially at a distance from the effect zone5.1. The control device6controlling this via a motor, in particular for example piezoelements, etc., is not illustrated inFIG.12for the sake of simplicity.

FIGS.13A and13Bshow an eighth exemplary embodiment based on the embodiment shown inFIG.10. This involves a specific application of an embodiment to a set-up of an air-conditioning system with a UV radiation source for disinfection and sterilization such as is already known from the document DE 10 2017 220 338, see therein in particular FIG. 4a. In FIGS.13A and13B—and also similarly in FIGS. 4a and 4b of DE 10 2017 220 338—an internal module12with housing12aof the air-conditioning system is illustrated, which receives a hot air flow26and feeds it to heat exchangers17in its interior, said air flow being cooled by said heat exchangers and being blown out of the internal module again as a cooled air flow28via a fan18. A UV radiation source1on a mounting plate10is fitted between the heat exchangers17. The UV radiation source1is a rod-shaped low-pressure mercury discharge lamp in the present case. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to configure LED-based UV radiation sources in a rod-shaped or other arrangement.

In the case of a rod-shaped UV radiation source1emitting in all directions, it is then possible to form a simple embodiment of a beam distributor, as illustrated schematically inFIGS.13A and13B, for example, from a hollow-cylindrical reflector33, which however in its cross section does not form a full cylinder but rather only a segment of a cylinder and thus only partially surrounds the UV radiation source1. The longitudinal axes of the UV radiation source1and of the hollow-cylindrical reflector33coincide. The reflector33is configured as rotatable about its longitudinal axis. By means of a rotation of the reflector33controlled by the control device6(seeFIG.10) for example (drive not illustrated inFIGS.13A and13B), the UV radiation can be guided into different regions of the internal module in a targeted manner, such that a higher radiation intensity is available there if required. The reflector33is a specific configuration of a UV radiation-deflecting mirror32. Types of mirror other than the hollow-cylinder-segment-shaped reflector33can also be used.

The reflector33for the UV radiation can be configured as completely reflective, such that, depending on the rotational position of the reflector33, the radiation can optionally be directed completely toward the target region selected. Alternatively, the reflector32can also be configured as partly UV-transmitting in order furthermore to be able to emit part of the UV radiation into rear regions as well.

In a first time window, as shown inFIG.13A, the hollow-cylindrical reflector is situated in a position which directs the majority of the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source1(discharge lamp) in the direction of the two upper heat exchangers17arranged in a roof-shaped fashion. In a second time window, as shown inFIG.13B, in a second position of the reflector33, the UV radiation is directed principally in the direction of the fan18and the third, lower heat exchanger17. The surfaces of the heat exchangers17and of the fan18typically form sensitive points for germ formation in an air-conditioning system and thus constitute effect zones5spatially separated or at a distance in accordance with the embodiments described.

It should be noted that, in the eighth exemplary embodiment, the hollow-cylinder-segment-shaped reflector32not only performs the function of the beam distributor, but also simultaneously forms beam collecting optical unit2and beam delivering optical unit4. In the embodiments described above, however, the elements are preferably provided as separate components in each case.

Further modifications or alterations are possible in so far as there is no departure from the scope defined in the appended claims. In the exemplary embodiments above, for example, UV LEDs or UV radiation-emitting low-pressure gas discharge lamps were mentioned as UV radiation sources. However, modifications of the exemplary embodiments and of the embodiments can also use other UV radiation-emitting lamp types, including e.g. UV laser diodes. Moreover, the wavelength of the emitted radiation in the exemplary embodiments is not restricted and can lie in the wavelength intervals of the UV radiation as described in the introduction above.

Furthermore, in so far as the beam collecting optical units, radiation dividers and beam delivering optical units are interpreted as separate components, individual elements from among these can be omitted if the function is concomitantly performed by a respective other element, as is shown by way of example inFIGS.13A and13B.

Furthermore, the apparatuses in which the optical arrangement can find application are not restricted to enumerations above. Consideration is furthermore given for instance to systems for water or liquid treatment, or circulation systems in sanitary facilities, swimming pools, saunas, etc., or for instance life support systems in space-based orbiters, etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1,1.1-1.nUV radiation source, LED2,2-1-2.nBeam collecting optical unit, TIR lens, glass rod3Beam divider, mirror4,4.1-4.nBeam delivering optical unit, optical waveguide, mirror and/or lens arrangement5,5.1-5.nEffect zones6Control device7Apparatus8Mount10Mounting plate11Substrate12Internal module12aHousing17Heat exchanger18Fan24Sensor26Hot air flow28Cooled air flow32Mirror33Hollow-cylinder-segment-shaped reflector80Rotation axis81Rotary arm, optionally with printed circuit board