TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a highly adaptable disinfecting lighting device having improved performance in term of efficiency and safety. The present invention further relates to a method for operating such a disinfecting lighting device.

BACKGROUND

In view of the recent development in the world concerning the global pandemic, disinfection has become a topic of renewed interest as the demand for sterilization increases. One way of disinfecting involves the use of UV light. As a response to pathogenic outbreaks involving airborne microorganisms it would be beneficial to employ UV light for disinfecting air and objects at locations where the transmission of such microorganisms is believed to occur.

Disinfecting luminaires are used to flood spaces such as hospital rooms with UV-B (ultra-violet light of 280-315 nanometer (nm)) and UV-C (ultra-violet light of 200-280 nm) radiation for disinfection purposes. Such disinfecting luminaires require a relatively brief time, e.g. several minutes, to achieve adequate disinfection but require the room to be evacuated of people. Another type of disinfecting luminaire uses a fixed 405 nm violet light source to provide disinfection without evacuating people from the room. However, such luminaires may require hours to achieve adequate disinfection since violet light is less effective at killing pathogens compared to UV-B and UV-C radiation, and since the light dispersed over a wide area such that the irradiance level is relatively low.

Normally, disinfection by UV light sources is used under controlled conditions in areas where humans or animals are not present during ongoing disinfection, such as at surgery theaters or the like. However, the increased demand for germicidal activities may involve operating UV light sources in environments with human presence, thus introducing a risk for unintentional irradiation by UV light. Therefore, disinfecting light sources, in particular those involving UV light, should possess reliable safety features in order to avoid potential exposure of humans or animals to the harmful irradiation. Several attempts have been made to increase safety of disinfecting light sources. For instance, US 2019/022263 discloses a luminaire for disinfecting a target surface. The luminaire includes a disinfecting light source, a non-disinfecting light source, a beam angle adjustor, a motion sensor, and a distance sensor. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor then the disinfecting light source is set to ON and the non-disinfecting light source is set to OFF. If motion is detected and a beam intercept is not detected by the distance sensor then the disinfecting light source is set to DIM and the non-disinfecting light source is set to ON. If motion is detected and a beam intercept is detected then the disinfecting light source is set to OFF and the non-disinfecting light source is set to ON.

In US 2020/101183 the invention provides a UV illumination device for sterilizing and disinfecting a desired item or area. The device is having a built-in camera and UV light source in order to disinfect and sterilize the desired item or area. The device automatically detects the human presence and the acts as a normal household light and can be fit inside the conventional light bulb or tube light holder. Further, the device uses an artificial intelligence module, object detection module, machine learning module, localization module, and a plurality of sensors to easily detect the application area and act according to parameters of a particular item. Furthermore, the device can be manually controlled by using a remote device which is having a display where the user can select, identify, prioritize the items and can adjust the time and intensity of the light projection based upon his/her own intellect.

In view of the above, it is desired to obtain a disinfecting lighting device having a higher level of safety and improved efficiency compared to the solutions suggested by the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present invention thus provides such a disinfecting lighting device. The disinfecting lighting device of the present invention may be particularly suitable for disinfecting spaces with high level of activity, such as a waiting room in a hospital or a veterinary clinic, a public space such as a library, an office, a department store or the like, as well as public transportation means, such as busses or trains.

In accordance with the present invention, the disinfecting lighting device comprises at least one disinfecting light source providing disinfecting light.

The disinfecting light source may be any light source configured to emit light having a high germicidal effect. In particular, the light emitted from the disinfecting light source may be within the UV-spectrum. In the context of the present invention, the UV- spectrum comprises any electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 10 nm to 400 nm. Further, the disinfecting light source may emit at least one of: UV-C radiation (100 nm-280 nm), UV-B radiation (280 nm-315 nm), UV-A radiation (315 nm-400 nm), violet light, and blue light.

The disinfecting light source may be adapted for, in operation, emitting UV-C light known to be damaging for microorganisms and virus. Germicidal action of UV-C light is known to be maximized at a wavelength of about 265 nm with reductions on either side of the wavelength spectrum. Using a disinfecting light source emitting UV-C light therefore provides for a disinfecting lighting device being efficient for disinfecting objects and air.

The UV-C light may be a UV-C light in the wavelength range of from 230 nm to 270 nm, preferably from 250 nm to 270 nm.

The disinfecting light source may be a solid-state light source such as a lightemitting diode, LED, and/or a laser diode. Further, the disinfecting light source may be a low pressure mercury plasma lamp or an excimer light source. The disinfecting light source may comprise a plurality of LEDs each of which emits at least one of: UV-C radiation (100 nm- 280 nm); UV-B radiation (280 nm-315 nm); UV-A radiation (315 nm-400 nm); violet light, and blue light. By the term “plurality” in the context of the present invention is meant two or more.

The term “LED” as used in the context of the present invention implies any type of LED known in the art, such as inorganic LED(s), organic LED(s), polymer/polymeric LEDs, violet LEDs, blue LEDs, optically pumped phosphor coated LEDs, optically pumped nano-crystal LEDs. As used herein, the term “LED” can encompass a bare LED die arranged in a housing, which may be referred to as a LED package. When UV-C light is used, the LED may be mounted in a cavity covered in a non-contact manner by an emission window made from quartz/fused silica.

The plurality of LEDs may comprise at least 10 LEDs, preferably at least 20 LEDs, more preferably at least 30 LEDs.

The disinfecting lighting device according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of disinfecting light sources, each providing disinfecting light. The wavelengths of the light emitted from each disinfecting light source may be same or different. For example, the disinfecting lighting device may comprise three disinfecting light sources, wherein the first one of the disinfecting light sources emits light within the UV-C spectrum, the second one of the disinfecting light sources emits light within the UV-B spectrum, and the third one of the disinfecting light sources emits light within the UV-A spectrum. The various light sources might be used together or might be operated individually depending on the type of microbiological species that needs to be deactivated.

Throughout the description, directions will be addressed as “downward”, “upward”, “lateral”, “upper intermediate” and “lower intermediate”. These terms will be explained in greater detail below.

In the context of the present invention, the term “downward direction” is to be understood as a direction aligned with a vector of gravitational acceleration. The vector of gravitational acceleration may be understood as being a gravitational acceleration vector of a celestial body, e.g. the Earth, on which the disinfecting lighting device is arranged or located. It is intuitively understood that the term “upward direction” is the direction being opposite to the downward direction, i.e. a direction arranged 180° from the downward direction. The term “lateral direction” means any direction arranged in the plane being perpendicular to the upward and the downward directions. The term “upper intermediate direction” describes any direction between the upward direction and the lateral direction. The term “lower intermediate direction” relates to any direction between the downward direction and the lateral direction.

The disinfecting lighting device according to the present invention further comprises at least one beam angle adjustor comprising at least one first optical element. The first optical element is arranged to direct a beam of disinfecting light in a first emission direction, wherein the beam of disinfecting light has a first volume in space. The first emission direction may be any of the directions mentioned above, i.e. downward, upward, lateral, upper intermediate, lower intermediate, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the first emission direction is lateral, upper intermediate, lower intermediate, or combinations thereof.

The first optical element in the context of the present invention may be any beam forming element, such as a lens, a lamella, one or several tubes, or the like. The beam of disinfecting light created by the first optical element normally has a three-dimensional extension in space in the form of a cylinder, a cone, a cuboid, a prism or the like. The longitudinal axis of the beam of disinfecting light may run from the at least one disinfecting light source to the surface towards which the at least one disinfecting light source is directed and that intercepts the first emission direction. Normally, such a surface is a surface that is to be disinfected. Alternatively, it may be desired to disinfect the air in the first volume in space. The longitudinal axis of the beam of disinfecting light normally coincides with the first emission direction. It is further conceivable that the at least one disinfecting light source emits a beam of disinfecting light in the form of a hemisphere. Such a beam may be obtained for instance by means of a diverging lamella. Such an embodiment provides a very efficient disinfection since the disinfecting light is emitted 180° from the disinfecting light source.

The beam angle adjustor may comprise a plurality of first optical elements, such as two, three or four first optical elements. In such an embodiment, each of the first optical elements creates a beam of disinfecting light directed in a first emission direction. The first emission direction of each beam of disinfecting light is different from the first emission directions of the other beams. For instance, one beam may be directed in the lateral direction, while the other beams are directed in upper intermediate direction. Further, each of the beams has a first volume in space, which may be same or different than the first volumes in space of the other beams.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the disinfecting lighting device may comprise a beam angle adjustor comprising four first optical elements thus creating four beams of disinfecting light, each beam being directed in a lateral first emission direction, wherein the angle between the first emission directions of each two adjacent beams is 90°. Further, all of the beams may have equal first volume in space.

The disinfecting lighting device may comprise a plurality of beam angle adjustors, each comprising one or several first optical elements. It is thus possible to provide a disinfecting lighting device emitting a plurality of beams in different directions, such that very efficient yet highly safe disinfection may be achieved.

The disinfecting lighting device of the present invention further comprises at least one first sensor comprising a first viewing direction and a first field of view. The first viewing direction is substantially the same as the first emission direction. In the context of the present invention, the term “substantially the same” in relation to the first viewing direction and the first emission direction is understood as being the same or deviating by not more than 45°. The first field of view has a second volume in space arranged adjacent to the first volume in space being occupied by the beam of disinfecting light. The term “adjacent” as used herein implies that the second volume in space is arranged in proximity of the first volume in space, such that the first field of view and the beam of disinfecting light are neighboring, possibly sharing a common border. Further, the term “adjacent” also covers an embodiment when the second volume in space comprises a portion of the first volume in space, i.e. when the first field of view and the beam of disinfecting light partially overlap. In other words, the first field of view extends beyond the beam of disinfecting light, such that a subject has to enter the first field of view before it can enter the beam of disinfecting light. Such an arrangement ensures that no interception of the beam of disinfecting light may occur without intercepting the first field of view of the first sensor. The at least one first sensor may comprise at least one spatial sensor and a motor. The motor may be arranged for pivoting the first optical element, as will be described in detail below.

Depending on the size of the first volume in space of the beam of disinfecting light, and also on the level of activity in the space that is being disinfected, it may be desirable to provide a plurality of first sensors. Further, when the disinfecting lighting device comprises a plurality of first optical elements such that a plurality of beams of disinfecting light is created, at least one first sensor should be assigned to each one of the beams. This means that the number of the first sensors should be equal to or greater than the number of the first optical elements. In other words, if the disinfecting lighting device comprises four beams of disinfecting light as described above, the disinfecting lighting device should comprise at least four first sensors, wherein the first viewing direction of each of the first sensors is substantially the same as the first emission direction of the respective beam.

According to the present invention, the at least one first sensor is mechanically coupled to the first optical element. The mechanical coupling may be a connection achieved by any method known to a person skilled in the art, such as screw, rivet, glue or the like. If a plurality of first optical elements is present, at least one first sensor is mechanically coupled to each of the first optical elements. This means that each beam of disinfecting light will be within the first field of view of at least one first sensor, thus preventing unintentional interception of the beam and irradiation by the harmful light.

The disinfecting lighting device according to the present invention may further comprise at least one second sensor having a second viewing direction and a second field of view. The second viewing direction may be same as or different from the first viewing direction. Preferably, the second viewing direction is different from the first viewing direction. In particular, the second viewing direction is a downward direction, a lower intermediate direction or combination thereof. The second field of view may be larger than the first field of view.

The second sensor may comprise at least one motion sensor arranged to indicate presence and/or motion in the second field of view. In this case, the field of view of the motion sensor is the same as the second field of view. When a plurality of motion sensors is provided within the same second sensor, the field of view of each of the motion sensors constitute a portion of the second field of view. The disinfecting lighting device may comprise a plurality of second sensors, each comprising one or several motion sensors. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when it is desired to disinfect a large area or space.

The disinfecting lighting device according to the present invention further comprises a processor being arranged to receive a first signal from the at least one first sensor and optionally a second signal from the at least one second sensor. The processor is arranged to perform a first action if the first signal from the at least one first sensor is below a first threshold, and a second action if the first signal is above the first threshold.

Considering the above, the disinfecting lighting device is highly adaptable, thus maximizing disinfection efficiency while maintaining high safety level.

The first signal transmitted by the at least one first sensor may be a speed of interception of the first field of view. In other words, the speed of interception of the first field of view is assessed and compared to a first threshold value, which in turn may be set depending on spatial relation between the second volume in space and the first volume in space, and on the wavelength currently being emitted by the disinfecting light source. For instance, if the second volume in space is sufficiently large, the threshold value may be higher than in the case when the second volume in space is small.

If the first field of view of the first sensor is intercepted at a low speed, meaning that the subject is moving slowly, the interception of the beam itself is unlikely to occur, the first signal is below the first threshold, and a first action will be performed by the processor. The first action may be directing the beam of disinfecting light originating from the first optical element being mechanically coupled to the first sensor that has transmitted the first signal in a second emission direction by means of the at least one beam angle adjustor. Put differently, the beam of disinfecting light that may be subjected to interception as indicated by the first sensor is re-directed from the first to the second emission direction by amending the position of the first optical element. The re-direction may for example be from a downward to the lower intermediate direction, or from lateral to upward direction. For instance, when the first optical element is in the form of a lamellae, the re-direction of the beam of disinfecting light may be accomplished by pivoting the lamellae. It should be noted that re-direction should of course be performed in a direction away from the interception point. Further, if the first action cannot be performed, e.g. due to the fact that the first optical element has reached its endpoint, the second action is performed by the processor. The first action performed by the processor may further be accompanied by an alert signal to the subject that has intercepted the first field of view. Such a signal may be a visually or an audibly perceivable signal, e.g. flashing light or a siren.

The first action performed by the processor may further be dimming of the disinfecting light source, i.e. reducing irradiation energy of the disinfecting light source. Also, the first action may be a combination of re-direction and dimming.

If the first field of view is intercepted at a high speed, meaning that the subject is moving fast, the interception of the beam itself is likely to occur, the first signal is above the first threshold, and a second action will be performed by the processor. The second action may be de-powering the disinfecting light source by switching off the power supply or dimming the disinfecting light source by decreasing the irradiation energy. The second action may be accompanied by an alert signal to the subject that has intercepted the first field of view, as described above. The alert signal accompanying the second action may be same or different from the alert signal accompanying the first action. In case LEDs are used, the processor may control the power supply to selectively power and de-power individual LEDs in the plurality of LEDs of the disinfecting light source.

In analogy to the above, the first signal may be a distance from the interception point to the beam of disinfecting light. The threshold of the first signal in this case may be how close the subject is allowed to be to the beam of disinfecting light, i.e. how far into the first field of view a subject is allowed to enter. Further, the first signal may be a combination of the speed and the distance of interception.

Further, the first signal may be a duration of interception of the first field of view. The threshold value in this case may be the time period during which a subject is allowed to stay within the first field of view.

The first signal may be a combination of any of the speed of interception, the distance of interception and the duration of interception.

Preferably, the first signal is a combination of the speed of interception and the duration of interception. Thus, if a subject intercepts the first field of view at a high speed, while the duration of the interception is short, being below a first threshold, e.g. the subject waves his/her hand into the first field of view, the first action may be to continue operating the disinfecting lighting device at the current set-up. The term “set-up” means operation parameters of the disinfecting lighting device, such as wavelength, irradiation intensity, position of the first optical element and the like. If a subject intercepts the first field of view at a high speed, and the duration of the interception is above the first threshold, e.g. if the hand remains for a certain time in the first field of view, the second action will be performed. The second action may be directing the beam of disinfecting light originating from the first optical element being mechanically coupled to the first sensor that has transmitted the first signal in a second emission direction by means of the at least one beam angle adjustor. Using the example above, the beam of disinfecting light that is about to be intercepted is re-directed away from the hand. If redirection is not possible, the second action is de-powering or dimming the disinfecting light source.

The first signal may further be a combination of the speed of interception, the distance of interception and the duration of interception. Thus, if a subject enters the first field of view at a high speed and keeps moving within the first field of view towards the beam of disinfecting light for a certain period of time, the processor may not be able to redirect the beam of disinfecting light before it is intercepted. The second action will thus be performed, wherein the disinfecting light source is de-powered or dimmed.

Since the first sensor is mechanically coupled to the first optical element that will now direct the beam of disinfecting light in a second emission direction, the first sensor will have an amended first viewing direction that will be substantially the same as the second emission direction, as well as an amended first field of view having a second volume in space positioned adjacent to the first volume in space of the beam of disinfecting light that has been re-directed.

It should be noted that the first action is different from the second action performed as a response to the same first signal. Thus, the first action may be re-directing the beam of disinfecting light from the first to the second emission direction, and the second action may be dimming or de-powering the disinfecting light source. Alternatively, the first action may be to continue operating the disinfecting lighting device at the current set-up, and the second action may be re-directing the beam of disinfecting light from the first to the second emission direction.

One of the advantage of adapting the action performed by the processor to the threshold value of the first signal is that the first optical element may re-direct the beam of disinfecting light if the probability of interception of the beam of disinfecting light is low, rather than switching off the disinfecting light source, or that the disinfecting lighting device may continue operating at a current set-up, rather than re-directing the beam of disinfecting light, or dimming or depowering the disinfecting light source. Since unnecessary actions are avoided, the longevity of the disinfecting light source will be increased, and the disinfection time will be maximized.

After the processor has performed the first or the second action, the first sensor may transmit a new first signal to the processor. The processor assesses the new first signal and compares it with a second threshold value. If the first signal is below the second threshold value, e.g. if no interception of the first field of view is detected, the processor may reset the disinfecting lighting device to the set-up used before the first or the second action was performed. Such a reset may be to re-direct the beam of disinfecting light from the second emission direction back to the first emission direction, or to resume the power supply to the disinfecting light source.

The first field of view may comprise a first zone and a second zone extending in the first viewing direction, wherein the second zone may be arranged closer to the beam of disinfecting light than the first zone. In this case, the first threshold may have a first value in the first zone, and a second value in the second zone. The first value of the first threshold may be higher than the second value of the first threshold. In other words, the second zone of the first field of view may have a higher interception sensitivity in order to increase the safety of the disinfecting lighting device even further.

According to the present invention, if a second sensor is present, it transmits a second signal to the processor. Such a second signal may be presence or motion of a subject in the second field of view. The processor may communicate a command to the at least one first sensor as a response to the second signal from the at least one second sensor. Such a command may pre-warn the first sensor that a subject is present in proximity of the first field of view and might be moving towards and into the first field of view, such that the first sensor gets ready to detect a possible upcoming interception of the first field of view.

The second sensor may further be used to create a 3D map of the space that is being disinfected, such that the processor is aware of any elevated surfaces or the like that may be relevant when assessing the first signal received from the first sensor.

The second sensor according to the present invention may further be used for transmitting a new second signal once the processor has performed the first or the second action. Such a new second signal may be used by the processor in order to evaluate whether the situation has changed, e.g. whether there is still presence and/or motion in the second field of view. If the new second signal indicates absence of presence and/or motion in the second field of view, the processor and the first sensor is notified accordingly. The disinfecting lighting device may further comprise a housing comprising a light exit window. In the context of the invention a light exit window is to be interpreted as any area, volume, or material which allow light to pass through it. The housing may be a hermetic housing. The at least one disinfecting light source and the at least one beam angle adjustor may be arranged inside the housing. The first and second sensor may be arranged on the surface of the housing.

The housing may have any geometrical shape. The housing may be formed as a cuboid, where at least one face of the cuboid may act as a light exit window from where disinfecting light can be emitted. Preferably, the housing comprises four light exit windows, such that the disinfecting light can be emitted in four different directions, as described above. The housing may further comprise an attachment surface arranged to be positioned on the surface to which the housing is to be attached, such as a ceiling, a floor, a wall, a table or another suitable surface in a room.

The housing may further comprise a second optical element arranged to direct light emitted from the disinfecting light source towards the light exit window. The second optical element may be a reflector. The reflector may comprise a specular reflective surface, which may be made of metal. The metal may be or may comprise aluminum, silver or combinations thereof. The reflector provides excellent beam shaping properties, such that the intensity of and the exposure time to the disinfecting light is maximized.

The disinfecting lighting device of the present invention may further comprise at least one non-disinfecting light source. The non-disinfecting light source may be adapted for, in operation, emitting visible light, such as for instance white light.

The disinfecting light source and the non-disinfecting light source may be arranged as a single light source, such as e.g. a lamp such as a TL tube or a LED TL tube.

Alternatively, the non-disinfecting light source may be a separate light source and may be arranged next to the disinfecting light source. The non-disinfecting light source may be used for general lighting, or for providing a visual alert signal to the user according to the above, e.g. by starting to emit visible light of different color, in particular red color, or by flashing the visible light.

The non-disinfecting light source adapted for, in operation, emitting visible light may for instance be provided as white LEDs, as phosphor converted UV LEDs and/or blue LEDs or as RGB LEDs. The non-disinfecting light source may comprise a plurality of LEDs that emit white light.

The disinfecting lighting device of the present invention may be a luminaire. The disinfecting lighting device may be configured to suspend from a ceiling of a room by a suspension arrangement or may be attached to the ceiling. Further, the disinfecting lighting device may be arranged at any other surface within the room, such as on a wall, on the floor or on a surface of a piece of furniture.

The disinfecting lighting device may further comprise a UV light sensor arranged for determining the intensity of output UV light and its distribution within the room. This should not be considered as excluding other sensor types as presented in this disclosure.

The disinfecting lighting device of the present invention may further comprise an artificial intelligence device being in communication with the processor, such that the artificial intelligence device may register the actions performed by the processor and improve the performance of the processor using this information.

Finally, a plurality of disinfecting lighting devices may be arranged at different locations within the same room and may further be in communication with each other. In particular, if the processor of one of the disinfecting lighting devices has performed the first or the second action, a signal may be transmitted to the processor of the nearest disinfecting lighting device in order to prepare this device for a possible or upcoming interception. The function of coordinating the multiple co-acting disinfecting lighting devices might also be performed by means of a control unit being arranged as additional element or embedded in at least one of the disinfecting lighting devices.

The present invention further provides a method for operating a disinfecting lighting device comprising at least one disinfecting light source providing disinfecting light; at least one beam angle adjustor comprising at least one first optical element, wherein the at least one first optical element is arranged to direct a beam of the disinfecting light in a first emission direction, wherein the beam of the disinfecting light has a first volume in space; at least one first sensor comprising a first viewing direction and a first field of view, the first viewing direction being substantially the same as the first emission direction, the first field of view having a second volume in space arranged adjacent to the first volume in space; wherein the at least one first sensor is mechanically coupled to the first optical element; a processor being arranged to receive a first signal from the at least one first sensor. The components of the disinfecting lighting device have been described in detail above.

The method for the present invention comprises the steps of: a) operating the at least one disinfecting light source and the at least one beam angle adjustor to emit the beam of disinfecting light in the first emission direction; b) receiving a first signal from the at least one first sensor by the processor; c) performing a first action if the first signal is below a first threshold, and a second action if the first signal is above the first threshold.

If at least one second sensor having a second viewing direction and a second field of view is present, the method according to the present invention may further comprise the steps of: d) receiving a second signal from said second sensor; e) creating a 3D map of the second field of view by means of the at least one second sensor; f) correlating the first signal and/or the second signal with the 3D map of the second field of view.

The second sensor may thus be used for detection of presence and/or motion within the second field of view, such that the first sensor receives a notification about possible or upcoming interception of the first field of view. Further, the second sensor may assess position and height of the objects in the room that is to be disinfected, thus creating a 3D map of the room. This map may be used for correlation of the first and/or the second signal to the objects in the room. For instance, if the room comprises a ladder, the first sensor having the first field of view arranged in proximity of the ladder should receive a command to be prepared for a possible or an upcoming interception when motion and/or presence is detected by the second sensor.

The method according to the present invention may further comprise the steps of: g) receiving a new first signal from the first sensor; h) operating the at least one disinfecting light source and the at least one beam angle adjustor to emit the beam of disinfecting light in the first emission direction if said new first signal received from the first sensor is below a second threshold.

Thus, the method of the present invention may be used for continuous assessment of the situation in the area to be disinfected, such that the intended set-up of the disinfecting lighting device is resumed once the disinfection may be performed safely.

Considering the above, the present invention provides a highly adaptable disinfecting lighting device and a method for operating such a lighting device. The disinfecting lighting device provides high safety level, allowing ongoing disinfection even when humans and/or animals are present in the area that is being disinfected. Moreover, the safety level of the disinfecting lighting device allows positioning the device anywhere in the room, such as a wall or a table, which in turn provides an efficient disinfection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a disinfecting lighting device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the disinfecting lighting device;

Figs. 3-7 depict various embodiments of the disinfecting lighting device arranged in a space to be disinfected;

Fig. 8 illustrates arrangement of the disinfecting lighting device on a table surface;

Fig. 9 depicts a space where several disinfecting lighting devices are arranged.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate embodiments of the present invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components having a same or similar function, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the disinfecting lighting device 1 according to the present invention. The disinfecting lighting device 1 comprises a disinfecting light source 2 arranged to emit light having a high germicidal effect, e.g. UV-C light.

The disinfecting lighting device 1 further comprises a beam angle adjustor 3 comprising a first optical element 4. The first optical element 4 is arranged to direct a beam of disinfecting light 5 in a first emission direction A. As may be seen in Fig. 1, the beam of disinfecting light 5 has a first volume in space. The first emission direction A is upper intermediate emission direction.

The first optical element 4 is in the form of a lamellae, forming a rectangular beam of disinfecting light 5.

The disinfecting lighting device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 further comprises a first sensor 6 comprising a first viewing direction B and a first field of view 7. The first viewing direction B is the same as the first emission direction A. The first field of view 7 has a second volume in space arranged adjacent to the first volume in space. As may be seen in Fig. 1, the first field of view extends beyond the beam of disinfecting light, such that a subject has to enter the first field of view 7 before it can enter the beam of disinfecting light 5. Such an arrangement ensures that no interception of the beam of disinfecting light 5 may occur without intercepting the first field of view 7 of the first sensor 6. The first sensor 6 comprises at least one spatial sensor and a motor 6'. The motor 6' is arranged for pivoting the first optical element 4. The first sensor 6 is mechanically coupled to the first optical element 4.

The disinfecting lighting device 1 according to the present invention further comprises a second sensor 8 having a second viewing direction C and a second field of view 9. The second viewing direction C is a downward direction.

The second sensor 8 is arranged to indicate presence and/or motion in the second field of view 9.

The disinfecting lighting device 1 further comprises a housing 11 having a cuboid shape and comprising a light exit window 11 '. As may be seen in Fig. 1, the disinfecting light source 2 is arranged inside the housing 11, and the beam angle adjustor 3 is partially arranged inside the housing 11.

The housing 11 comprises a second optical element 10 arranged to direct light emitted from the disinfecting light source 2 towards the light exit window 11 '. The second optical element 10 depicted in Fig. 1 is a reflector.

Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the disinfecting lighting device 101 according to the present invention. The disinfecting lighting device 101 comprises a disinfecting light source 102, two beam angle adjustors 103 and 103', each comprising a first optical element 104 and 104'. The first optical element 104 and 104' are arranged to direct a respective beam of disinfecting light 105 and 105' in two different first emission directions A and A'. As may be seen in Fig. 2, the beams of disinfecting light 105 and 105' have equal first volumes in space. The first emission directions A and A' are upper intermediate emission directions.

The disinfecting lighting device 101 illustrated in Fig. 2 further comprises two first sensors 106 and 106', each being associated with a respective first optical element 104 and 104'. The first sensors 106 and 106' comprise a first viewing direction B and B' and a first field of view 107 and 107', respectively. The first viewing direction B is the same as the first emission direction A and the first viewing direction B' is the same as the first emission direction A'. The first sensor 106 is mechanically coupled to the first optical element 104, while the first sensor 106' is mechanically coupled to the first optical element 104'.

The disinfecting lighting device 101 depicted in Fig. 2 further comprises a second sensor 108 having a second viewing direction C and a second field of view 109. The second viewing direction C is a downward direction. The second sensor 108 is arranged to indicate presence and/or motion in the second field of view 109.

The disinfecting lighting device 101 further comprises a housing 111 having a cuboid shape and comprising two light exit window 111 '. As may be seen in Fig. 2, the disinfecting lighting device 101 provides a larger disinfection area and/or space compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates a room 215 comprising a ceiling 214, a floor 216 and walls 217. Further, the room 215 comprises a subject 212 climbing the stairs 213. A disinfecting lighting device 201 is arranged such that is suspends from the ceiling 214. The disinfecting lighting device 201 comprises a disinfecting light source 202, two beam angle adjustors 203 and 203', each comprising a first optical element 204 and 204'. The first optical element 204 and 204' are arranged to direct a respective beam of disinfecting light 205 and 205' in two different first emission directions A and A'. The first emission directions A and A' are lateral emission directions.

The disinfecting lighting device 201 illustrated in Fig. 3 further comprises two first sensors 206 and 206', each being associated with a respective first optical element 204 and 204'. The first sensors 206 and 206' comprise a first viewing direction B and B' (not shown) and a first field of view 207 and 207', respectively. The first viewing direction B is substantially the same as the first emission direction A and the first viewing direction B' is substantially the same as the first emission direction A'. As may be seen in Fig. 3, the deviation between the first viewing direction B and the first emission direction A, and between the first viewing direction B' and the first emission direction A' is approximately 20°. The first sensor 206 is mechanically coupled to the first optical element 204, while the first sensor 206' is mechanically coupled to the first optical element 204'.

The disinfecting lighting device 201 depicted in Fig. 3 further comprises a second sensor 208 having a second viewing direction C (not shown) and a second field of view 209. The second viewing direction C is a downward direction. The second sensor 208 is arranged to indicate presence and/or motion in the second field of view 209. Further, in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the second sensor 208 is arranged to create a 3D map of the room 215, such that the processor is aware of the presence of stairs 213. The second sensor 208 will in this case indicate motion of the subject 212 upwards the stairs, whereupon the processor will be prepared for the upcoming interception of the first field of view 207, and will perform a first action if the first signal transmitted by the first sensor 206 is below a first threshold, and a second action if the first signal transmitted by the first sensor 206 is above a first threshold.

Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The components of the disinfecting lighting device 301 are analogous to the components of the lighting device 201. The subject 312 is moving across the floor 316 of the room 315 in a walking pace, i.e. a pace that generates a signal that is construed as being below the first threshold by the first sensor 306'. As may be seen in Fig. 4, the first action has been performed by the processor, and the beam of disinfecting light 305' has been re-directed from lower intermediate to lateral direction, since the subject 312 has intercepted the first field of view 307' of the first sensor 306'. The beam of light 305 is still in lower intermediate direction until the first sensor 306 indicates interception of the first field of view 307.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment being substantially analogous to the one depicted in Fig. 4, with the difference that the second action has been performed by the processor, redirecting the beam of disinfecting light 405' from lower intermediate to upper intermediate direction when interception of the first field of view 407' has occurred. The second action has been performed since the subject 412 is moving in running pace, i.e. a pace that generates a signal that is construed as being above the first threshold by the first sensor 406'.

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein the disinfecting lighting device 501 is arranged in a room 515 that is free from subjects such as humans or animals. In order to maximize the disinfecting efficiency, the beams of disinfecting light 505 and 505' are directed in lower intermediate direction, thus irradiating almost the entire volume of the room 515. The components of the disinfecting lighting device are analogous to the embodiments depicted in Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment wherein the disinfecting lighting device depicted in Fig. 1 is arranged in a room 615. In this case, the interception of the first field of view 607 is unlikely to occur, and disinfection may be ongoing despite the fact that a subject 612 is moving across the floor 616 of the room 615.

In the embodiments depicted in Figs. 3-7 the disinfecting lighting device is arranged such that is suspends from the ceiling. However, given the extremely high safety level of the disinfecting lighting device of the present invention, it is conceivable to arrange the disinfecting lighting device elsewhere in the room, such as on a table, as shown in Fig. 8.

The disinfecting lighting device 701 is analogous to the one depicted in Fig. 1 and comprises a disinfecting light source 702 and a beam angle adjustor 703 comprising a first optical element 704. The first optical element 704 is arranged to direct a beam of disinfecting light 705 in a first emission direction, in this case being an upper intermediate direction.

The disinfecting lighting device 701 illustrated in Fig. 8 further comprises a first sensor 706 comprising a first viewing direction (not shown) and a first field of view 707. The first viewing direction is substantially the same as the first emission direction. The first sensor 706 is mechanically coupled to the first optical element 704.

The disinfecting lighting device 701 according to the present invention further comprises a second sensor 708 having a second viewing direction, in this case being the upward direction, and a second field of view 709. The second sensor 708 is arranged to indicate presence and/or motion in the second field of view 709.

The disinfecting lighting device 701 further comprises a housing 711 having a cuboid shape and comprising a light exit window. The housing 711 comprises a second optical element 710 arranged to direct light emitted from the disinfecting light source 702 towards the light exit window. The second optical element 710 depicted in Fig. 8 is a reflector.

As may be seen in Fig. 8, the disinfecting lighting device may safely perform irradiation of a portion of the room 715, although a subject 712 is present in the room. Should the subject 712 start moving around the room 715, the second sensor 708 and the first sensor 706 will notify the processor accordingly and will prepare it for performing the first or the second action should the interception of the first field of view 707 occur.

Finally, Fig. 9 depicts an embodiment wherein a plurality of disinfecting lighting devices 801, 801 ', 801" and 801 '" is arranged in a room 815. As described above, the processors of each of the disinfecting lighting devices 801, 801 ', 801" and 801 '" will perform the first or the second action as the subjects 812 and 812' move around the room 815, such that irradiation of the subjects 812 and 812' is avoided. The disinfecting lighting devices 801, 801 ', 801" and 801"' may be in communication with each other.

Considering the above, the disinfecting lighting device is highly adaptable, thus maximizing disinfection efficiency while maintaining high safety level.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the detailed description be regarded as illustrative and that the appended claims including all the equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. While the present invention has been illustrated in the appended drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration is to be considered illustrative or exemplifying and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the appended claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article ”a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.