Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for bacterial and virus sterilization, and is more specifically directed to an apparatus for a more reliable radiation operation of surfaces, materials, products and similar objects, in particular relating to UVC radiation operations.

Background

[0002] The transmission of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria in stores, public rooms, hospitals and other places are costly and at times deadly. Research studies report that pathogens can survive on certain surfaces and under certain conditions up to 3 or even 9 days. In some cases, such as that one of hospitals, the bacteria and viruses are known to significantly differ to those found elsewhere and can be resistant to treatments such as antibiotics or conventional disinfectants. In stores and public rooms, where there is a lot of human presence and touching of materials and surfaces, slowing or obstructing the transmission rate of viruses and bacteria requires substantial cleaning, and in cases conventional cleaning does not effectively remove or kill the pathogens.

[0003] Many viruses and bacteria can lead to severe illnesses and death by infections or diseases. These are transmitted by direct and indirect human contact. For example, like many viruses SARS-CoV-2, resulting in the disease COVID-19, are believed to be transmitted by the droplets and fluid when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or touches a surface. Research on related coronaviruses shows that the viruses can live for several days on surfaces and items. Similarly, many bacteria can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with a reservoir of infectious bacteria and they can survive outside of a host and on products and surfaces to remain contagious for extended periods of time.

[0004] Significant costs are associated to infections. The World Health Organization reported numbers suggesting 3.4% of reported COVID-19 patients around the world have died and studies in China reported that 2.3% of 72000 patents have died. The Ebola virus has been reported with fatality rate is up to 50%. [0005] The problem with many viruses and bacteria are that many people do not experience symptoms and move in public spaces. In the COVID-19 example, this means that the contagious effects are problematic. U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 25% of people infected with the virus may exhibit no symptoms at all. Combined with that many of the viruses and bacteria are highly contagious, the risk is epidemical and pandemic outbreaks.

[0006] Efforts to eradicate or remove contaminates such as virus and bacteria from products and materials have varied in applicability and success.

Personal hygiene and washing hands with chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine solutions and distancing from contagious contact points have been advocated, but proven difficult and transmission still occurs. The use of antiseptics in terms of soap, alcohol-based fluid, boric acid, and benzalkonium chloride and iodine are also evident. The problem is that many may be adding to the problem by inducing antibiotic resistance. Moreover, many products and surfaces such as keyboard, touchscreens, or handles are very difficult and almost impossible to sterilize by liquid disinfectants without a negative influence on the electronics that the product is based upon.

[0007] Radiation operations, such as using artificial UVC (ultraviolet C), which is a subgroup of ultraviolet light, and is produced by electric lamps and has previously been used for germicidal applications such as sterilization and disinfection. There have been applications of high frequency wave light UVC for decontaminate water, and there has been UVC applications for air sanitation. There have been UVC bulb sanitation solutions for materials and disinfection spaces such as operation rooms. These, however, have not been used for large-scale commercial purposes and fast frequent and optimized cleaning of materials and surfaces in seconds, such as the sanitation of a product in a store. New technology solutions in the LED field makes it possible to sanitize by customizing the wave length for optimizing sterilization of different types of surfaces. This enables large scale usage that the UVC bulbs could not effectively cover because they failed to optimize and reach important wavelength frequencies for sterilization and the technology is not suitable for fast on-and-off UVC light switching. Fast on-off switching is important to sterilize surfaces such as a payment terminals, door key pads or for consumer products. A human can use one of these surfaces when for example buying and paying a product and UVC sanitation can occur before the next human use the device. In this way, UVC sanitation can determinate bacteria and virus from the surface before usage of next customer. The wide use of UVC LED is so far limited, but the recent COVID-19 pandemic and concerns for highly contagious viruses and bacteria supports a strong societal need for cheap and alternative devices. This requires that the UVC radiation is reliable, e.g. that the result of radiation is accurate and that the UVC radiation procedure produces similar results of sterilization upon a UVC radiation procedure. To date, there is no published efforts to use the UVC LED for reliable disinfection. UVC radiation can be effective for sterilization, but it is dependent upon how clean the surface is when being exposed to UVC radiation. Clean conditions can be defined as absence of disturbing conditions for UVC sterilization and the absence of organic matter on the surface. A recent study shows that UVC does not produce the same reliability when it tries to sanitize bacteria and viruses from a dirty surface.

[0008] EP2174670B1 presents an automated room sterilizer by measuring reflection of UVC from multiple points within an area. The device can calculate the darkest area in the room and can calculate the dose of UVC for sterilization of the room.

[0009] US-A-5891399 describes a device where multiple UVC emitters are used to emit 360-degree radiation and a radiation receiver is sensing the output power of the UVC emitters.

[0010] DE-U-29812427 describes a sensor for calculating the cumulative radiation for sterilizing an item with UVC.

Summary

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved apparatus that increases the reliability of radiation operations, in particular such as UVC and ensures that correct dosage of radiation is given when the performing UVC radiation for sterilization of surfaces and objects.

[0012] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims and in the following description and drawings.

[0013] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus adapted for UVC radiation operations whereby UVC radiation is emitted onto solid objects or a surface, comprising an enclosure, having a handle and an axis around which said enclosure is arranged to pivot between an open and closed state, wherein said apparatus further comprises an electrical driver, a UVC radiation emitting source arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) and a control unit wherein the apparatus further comprises any one or a combination of the following detection components: at least one sensor configured to detect or measure a distance to one or several moving objects, and is further configured to send signals to said control unit, at least one sensor configured to detect or measure a speed of one or several moving objects, and is further configured to send signals to said control unit, at least one sensor configured to detect humidity levels between said solid objects and said sensor and is further configured to send signals to said control unit, at least one optical sensor configured to monitor pollution conditions of said solid objects and is further configured to send signals to said control unit; at least one photo diode configured to measure a level of UVC radiation, and is further configured to send signals to said control unit, at least one phosphorescent label configured to provide a visual indication of UVC radiation; wherein the control unit is configured to control and adapt the level and duration of UVC radiation emitted by said UVC radiation emitter onto said solid objects in response to the signals provided by one or several of the detection components.

[0014] The invention relates to an apparatus provided with number of detection components for increasing the reliability of the radiation process, and these components can be used individually or, more preferably in combination, and ensures that correct dosage of radiation is given when conducting UVC radiation sterilization of surfaces. The components can be incorporated into a UV/UVC radiating product or placed separate outside of the UVC radiation area. The unit may be mobile or stationary, while being incorporated in either the UV radiating products itself or outside of it. The device is placed and associated to UVC radiation products when concern exists of bacteria, viruses or other pathogens or otherwise concerns of treating objects of items with UVC light for sterilization. By utilizing one or several of the described components a more reliable operation of radiation, in particular UVC, of surfaces or objects in public spaces can be achieved. Typical applications or products are payment terminals, keyboards, code locks etc.

[0015] Related to the UVC radiation process, the device can detect different external and internal variations of the conditions when performing UVC radiation. The device can for example with help of a sensor measure the distance to a surface of one or several moving objects to determine the amount of radiation. [0016] Moreover, a sensor detecting that detects speed of one or several moving objects is used to determine the correct dosage for moving objects. [0017] A sensor to measure humidity is present. If humidity is higher than normal conditions, radiation will partly be obstructed. If higher humidity is present between the UVC emitter and the surface, the UVC radiation reaching the target surface will be lower than less humid conditions.

[0018] One or several optical sensors are present to monitor conditions of multiple surfaces. The sensors track changes of pollution on the surfaces to collect information on pollution level.

[0019] Since all of the detection components, or sensors, gather and send relevant data or signals to the control unit. The control unit can combine one or several data or signals to calibrate the radiation dosage. The control unit give signal to the electronic driver to adjust the current to the UVC emitter depending if higher or lower dosage, or longer or shorter time, i.e. duration, is required for that particular surface or object to be treated by radiation.

[0020] One or several photo diodes are placed somewhere in the UVC radiation to measure absolute radiation. The photo diodes can send back data to the control unit of measured levels of UVC radiation levels. Control unit can then calculate when radiation dosage is enough and can compensate for the different circumstances.

[0021] A phosphorescent label could be attached to the radiated objects. After performed radiation, the label will emit glowing light. This is in order to visualize that the object has been recently radiated.

[0022] By utilizing one or several of the described features reliable operation of radiation of surfaces can thus be achieved.

[0023] According to the first aspect the UVC radiation source may be a LED UVC emitter.

[0024] The PCB may be provided with at least one integrated temperature sensor configured to send signals to said control unit. One or several temperature sensors are used to monitor the temperature of the UVC LED emitters to ensure that during operation limits are not exceeded. If temperatures are above normal due to design of the LED chips they will emit less UV radiation. This will reduce the total radiation of the surface. Therefore, it might not be high enough dosage for disinfection.

[0025] The at least one sensor configured to detect or measure a distance to one or several moving objects may be any one of a laser and optical sensor. [0026] The at least one sensor configured to detect or measure a speed of one or several moving objects may be any one of a laser and optical sensor. [0027] The at least one sensor configured to detect humidity levels may be any one of a capacitive, resistive and thermal sensors.

[0028] The at least one optical sensor configured to monitor pollution conditions may be any one of CCD camera and CMOS camera.

[0029] The at least one temperature sensor may be any one of a NTC thermistor, RTD resistance temperature detector, thermocouple and semiconductor-based sensor.

[0030] The detection components are configured to be in continuous operation.

[0031] According to the first aspect the apparatus may further comprise a NFC/RFID or barcode reader configured to receive signals or images from a NFC/RFID chip or barcode tag arranged on a solid object or in the radiation area.

[0032] According to a second aspect there is provided a method for UVC radiation of at least one solid object or a radiation surface in an apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a control unit is provided to control and adapt UVC radiation emitted from a radiation emitter in response to one or more signals or data obtained from any one of the following detection components, individually or in combination: at least one sensor for detecting or measuring a distance to one or several moving objects; at least one sensor for detecting or measuring a speed of one or several moving objects; at least one sensor for detecting humidity levels between said solid objects and said sensor; at least one optical sensor for monitoring pollution conditions of said solid objects or radiation surface; at least one photo diode for measuring a level of UVC radiation.

[0033] The UVC radiation emitter may comprises a PCB provided with at least one integrated temperature sensor, wherein said temperature sensor sends signals or data to said control unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Embodiments of the present solution will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figure 1 is a side view of one component of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of one component of the present invention. Figure 3 is a 3D view of one component of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side view of one component of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a 3D view of one component of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a 3D view of one component of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a 3D view of one component of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a 3D view of preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0035] As illustrated in Fig. 8 which shows one alternative and preferred embodiment for a of the present invention, a combination of different detection components is mounted or provided to or inside a cover or enclosure 1. Mounting the components on the inside of the cover allows for a way of protecting the components and provides a structure for fasting of mentioned components. On the cover or enclosure, a handle 2 may be provided for opening the cover. A horizontal or vertical axis 3 is located on the backside of the cover. When pulling the handle, the cover will rotate or pivot around the axis and open up to the radiation area 15.

[0036] The enclosure or cover comprises a UVC radiation source 4, which is disclosed in more detail in Fig. 3. The UVC radiation source 4 may preferably be a UVC emitter with built in UVC LEDs 17 emitting UVC radiation and an integrated temperature sensor 18.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 8 the apparatus or system, further comprises an electronic driver 5, and one or more detection components such as a sensor 6 to measure the distance to a surface of one or several moving objects, a sensor 7 detecting speed of one or several moving objects, sensor 8 to measure humidity, one or several optical sensors 9 detection of pollution P (as shown in more detail in Fig. 5), one or several photo diodes 10, control unit 11 and a NFC/RFID reader 12. All these sensor components are connected together with the control unit 11 with electrical cables or with wireless technology.

[0038] In Fig. 8 one preferred embodiment is shown where substantially all components are arranged on an inside of the cover. In alternative embodiments some of the components may be arranged outside the cover or even remotely from said cover. For instance, a control unit 11, and electrical driver 5 may be arranged outside of the cover. The control unit 11 is in its turn connected to the electronic driver 5 which is connected with the radiation source 4. The control unit 11 and the electronic driver delivers power to the reliability enhancing device detection components and the UVC radiation source or emitter 4. The detection components, or sensors are preferably continuously active, to provide reliable information to the control unit. Once they have been activated, they will continuously send signals and data to the control unit 11 who will either regulate the time, duration, level or intensity of the radiation emitted from the UVC radiation source 4. The control unit 11 , is also provided to start and stop UVC radiation operation, or to provide indication of warnings for deviation to a user using the apparatus. This further means that if any one of the detection components is faulty or has broken down the UVC radiation process will be interrupted or will not be able to start. [0039] The UVC LEDs 17 on the printed circuit board (PCB) or chip 20 and the detection components are also interconnected or arranged in series on an electrical circuit.

[0040] NFC/RFID or barcode components 12 may be used to position and identify objects going to be radiated. If NFC/RFID or barcode tagged 14 objects come close to the NFC/RFID or barcode reader it will read the data from the chip and convey it to the control unit. The control unit 11 will analyze the data and signals provided by the detection components and give appropriate commands to the UVC emitter 4. Different type of commands can be given depending upon desired functionality. Typical examples can be increase of dosage, pulsation, duration or on or/and off.

[0041 ] As illustrated in Figs 6 and 8, on the object to be radiated 16 or in the radiation area 15, also a phosphorescent label 13 may be present. The label 13 will react when receiving UV/UVC radiation and emit a visible light or color giving indication to users that radiation has been executed.

[0042] Some of the detection components, like the NFC/RFID or barcode reader 12, optical sensor 9, distance sensor 6 has in reality a small physical size and can be placed on a printed circuit board (PCB) or integrated on the inside of the cover or arranged in the radiation area. They have however been drawn larger in principal figure for easier understanding of the various embodiments.

[0043] As illustrated in Fig. 8 and Fig. 3 the UVC emitter 17 emits UVC radiation towards the surface 15 being disinfected. The radiation is originating from one or several LED PCBs 20 and could be controlled by one or several optical lenses 9 (shown in Fig. 5) to adjust the area 15 being radiated. [0044] As shown in Figs 1 and 8 a distance sensor 6 is arranged to measure one or several moving objects to determine the amount of radiation necessary.

[0045] As shown in Figs 2 and 8 a sensor 7 that detects speed of one or several moving objects is used to determine the correct dosage for radiating the objects.

[0046] As illustrated in Figs 3 and 8, one or several temperature sensors 18 may be used to monitor the temperature of the UVC LED emitters 17. The temperature sensor are arranged to provide a control unit 11 with signals, and if any temperature deviation from normal emergency is detected a shutdown to protect the equipment may be performed by the control unit 11 , and/or an alarm indication is given by the control unit to alert a user of the apparatus of abnormal conditions.

[0047] As illustrated in Figs 4 and 8, the apparatus is further provided with a humidity sensor 8. Continuously measuring or detecting humidity H can provide for a way of compensating for the amount of absorbed radiation by the humidity itself. The sensor can give the humidity data, or signals, to the control unit 11 which is configured to calculate if such a correction is needed. [0048] As illustrated in Figs 5 and 8, optical sensors 9 are provided to track changes of pollution P on the surfaces 15 to collect information on pollution level and will communicate this data, or signals, to the control unit 11 which will calculate and adjust or compensate the radiation dosage provided by the UVC radiation source 4 if necessary. The optical sensors 9 may be any type of sensor such as a digital or analogue camera or video. On one alternative the optical sensor is a charged coupled device (CCD) used in digital cameras and video cameras. The CCD captures light and converts it to digital data. This means that when the pollution is irradiated it will emit light which could be converted into signals sent to the control unit 11. The optical sensor 9 may alternatively be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip which provides the control unit 11 with data or signals.