Sterilization device, and sterilization system equipped with the same

Abstract

To provide a sterilization device capable of accurately calculating a sterilized amount, and a sterilization system equipped with the device.SOLUTION: A sterilization device comprises: a housing having an air inflow port into which air flows and an exhaust port which exhausts air; a sterilization part which is arranged inside the housing, and sterilizes microorganisms in air flowing from the air inflow port; a first measurement part which communicates inside the housing, is positioned outside the housing, and into which a part of air upstream the center of the sterilization part is flown; and a second measurement part which is positioned outside the housing, and into which another part of air downstream the center of the sterilization part is flown, where the sterilization part is a light source for sterilization which is housed inside the housing, and irradiates air flowing from the air inflow port with at least ultraviolet light, and each of the first measurement part and the second measurement part has an excitation light source which irradiates excitation light, and a fluorescence detection part which detects fluorescence generated on the basis of irradiation of excitation light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device and a sterilization system including the same, and more particularly to a sterilization device for sterilizing microorganisms and the like present in the air, and a sterilization system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing need to disinfect indoor spaces used by an unspecified number of people. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a disinfection device that irradiates ultraviolet rays to collected microorganisms. This disinfection device acquires first fluorescence data output from the fluorescence detection unit at a first timing and second fluorescence data output from the fluorescence detection unit at a second timing later than the first timing, at least during irradiation with ultraviolet rays, and calculates the amount of bacteria disinfected on the microorganism trapping unit from the first timing to the second timing based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7086427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned sterilization device, it is desired to further improve the accuracy of calculating the sterilization amount.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that can accurately calculate the amount of sterilization, and a sterilization system including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sterilization device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having an air inlet through which air flows in and an outlet through which air is discharged, a sterilization unit arranged inside the housing for sterilizing microorganisms in the air flowing in from the air inlet, a first measurement unit located outside the housing and into which a portion of the air upstream of the center of the sterilization unit is flowed in, and a second measurement unit located outside the housing and into which another portion of the air downstream of the center of the sterilization unit is flowed in, the sterilization unit being contained inside the housing and being a sterilization light source that irradiates at least ultraviolet light onto the air flowing in from the air inlet, and each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit has an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light, and a fluorescence detection unit that detects fluorescence generated based on irradiation with the excitation light.

[0007] This sterilization device includes a first measurement unit located outside the housing, into which a portion of the air upstream of the center of the sterilization unit is introduced, and a second measurement unit located outside the housing, into which another portion of the air downstream of the center of the sterilization unit is introduced. This makes the air flowing into the first measurement unit and the air flowing into the second measurement unit less susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet light irradiated from the sterilization light source, the airflow within the housing, the amount of air, etc. This makes it possible to stably obtain fluorescence data of the air flowing into the first measurement unit and the fluorescence data of the air flowing into the second measurement unit. By using this stable fluorescence data, the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit can be accurately calculated.

[0008] The first measurement section may be located upstream of the air inlet, and the second measurement section may be located downstream of the exhaust port. In this case, only air before it is sterilized by the sterilization section reliably flows into the first measurement section, and only air after it has been sterilized by the sterilization section reliably flows into the second measurement section. This makes it easy to calculate the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization section.

[0009] The first measurement unit may be connected to the housing downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the sterilization unit, and the second measurement unit may be connected to the housing downstream of the sterilization unit and upstream of the exhaust port. In this case, only air before being sterilized by the sterilization unit tends to flow into the first measurement unit, and only air after being sterilized by the sterilization unit tends to flow into the second measurement unit. Therefore, the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit can be easily calculated. In addition, the housing may be provided with a first communication port communicating with the first measurement unit and a second communication port communicating with the second measurement unit, and at least one of the first communication port and the second communication port may be provided with a light-shielding portion. In this case, ultraviolet light generated in the sterilization unit is less likely to enter at least one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. As a result, at least one of the detection results obtained by the fluorescence detection unit of the first measurement unit and the detection results obtained by the fluorescence detection unit of the second measurement unit is less likely to be affected by ultraviolet light.

[0010] The first measurement section may further include a guide member that directs a portion of the air irradiated with the excitation light toward the air inlet. In this case, the guide member is used to calculate the amount of sterilization, and air that has not been completely sterilized is less likely to be discharged directly to the outside of the sterilization device.

[0011] The sterilization device may further include a blower located upstream of the housing and sending air to the air inlet, the air inlet and the exhaust port are disposed on the unidirectional airflow formed inside the housing by the blower, and the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may each communicate with the inside of the housing so as to be out of the unidirectional airflow. In this case, the air flowing into the first measurement unit and the air flowing into the second measurement unit are less likely to be affected by the unidirectional airflow formed by the blower.

[0012] The sterilization device may further include a control unit that controls operation of the sterilization unit, the first measurement unit, and the second measurement unit, and the control unit may acquire first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit and second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit, and calculate an amount of sterilization sterilized by the sterilization unit based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data.

[0013] Each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may further include a scattered light detection unit that detects scattered light generated by irradiating the air with the excitation light. The control unit may acquire the first scattered light data output from the first measurement unit and the second scattered light data output from the second measurement unit, and adjust at least one of the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the first measurement unit, the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the second measurement unit, the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the first measurement unit, and the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the second measurement unit based on the first scattered light data and the second scattered light data. In this case, the amount of fine particles such as dust in the air flowing into the sterilization device can also be quantified using the first scattered light data and the second scattered light data. Furthermore, by acquiring a relative value of the second scattered light data with respect to the first scattered light data, information such as the difference in sensitivity between the fluorescence detection units can be acquired. This allows the sensitivity of each fluorescence detection device to be calibrated.

[0014] The excitation light is a repetitive pulse light or a sinusoidally intensity-modulated light, and the fluorescence detection unit may detect the fluorescence by amplifying the frequency of the excitation light, or may detect the fluorescence by synchronous detection with the excitation light. In this case, the influence of scattered light due to stray light entering the sterilization device can be reduced.

[0015] The sterilization light source has a discharge tube that irradiates ultraviolet light and visible light, and the dimension of the housing along a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing may be 1 m or more and 5 m or less. In this case, even if visible light is irradiated inside the housing and the sterilization device is large, the amount of sterilization can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0016] A sterilization system according to another aspect of the present invention is a sterilization system comprising the sterilization device described above, a processing device that processes data output from the sterilization device, and a display device that displays the amount of sterilization calculated by the processing device, in which the processing device acquires first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit and second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit, calculates the amount of sterilization sterilized in the sterilization unit based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data, and causes the display device to display display data indicating the amount of sterilization.

[0017] According to this sterilization system, the display device displays data indicative of the sterilization amount accurately calculated by the processing device, allowing a user of the sterilization system to easily check the sterilization effect of the sterilization device via the display device. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sterilization device capable of accurately calculating the amount of sterilization, and a sterilization system including the same. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the housing and the first measurement unit are connected to each other. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the housing and the second measurement unit are connected to each other. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration and control unit of the fluorescence detection device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the change over time in the fluorescence intensity detected by each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. [Figure 6] 6(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of a fluorescence detection device in a first measurement unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of a fluorescence detection device in a first measurement unit according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sterilization system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to a first modified example, and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] A preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In this specification, viruses are considered to be included in microorganisms.

[0021] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sterilization device according to a first embodiment. The sterilization device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a device that sterilizes or sterilizes microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses suspended in the air. The microorganisms may be suspended in the air as a single microorganism, or may be attached to fine particles suspended in the air. The fine particles are substances that can be suspended in the air, such as dust, atmospheric aerosol particles, suspended particulate matter, and the like.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization device 1 is a stationary or portable device mainly including a housing 2, a sterilization section 3 arranged inside the housing 2, a blower 4, a first measurement section 5 located outside the housing 2, and a second measurement section 6 located outside the housing 2. In the sterilization device 1, microorganisms in the air sent by the blower 4 and flowing into the housing 2 are sterilized by the sterilization section 3. Then, the sterilized air is discharged from the inside of the housing 2. In the first embodiment, the direction of air flowing through the sterilization device 1 (hereinafter, referred to as the flow direction WD1) corresponds to a unidirectional airflow formed inside the housing 2 by the blower 4. In the first embodiment, the flow direction WD1 is linear, but is not limited thereto. For example, when a bent portion, unevenness, or the like is provided inside the housing 2, the flow direction WD1 may be curved. The sterilization device 1 may include, for example, an alarm capable of generating sound, a display device capable of displaying images, or the like.

[0023] The housing 2 is a hollow main part of the sterilization device 1, and has, for example, a rectangular tubular shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a cylindrical shape. In the first embodiment, the housing 2 has a central axis (not shown) extending along the flow direction WD1, but is not limited thereto. The dimensions of the housing 2 along the flow direction WD1 and the dimensions of the housing 2 along the direction perpendicular to the flow direction WD1 range from 1 m to several meters, for example. In the first embodiment, the dimensions of the housing 2 along the flow direction WD1 and the dimensions of the housing 2 along the direction perpendicular to the flow direction WD1 are 1 m or more and 5 m or less, 1 m or more and 4 m or less, 1 m or more and 3 m or less, or 2 m or more and 4 m or less. The housing 2 has an air inlet 2a through which air flows in, an outlet 2b through which air is discharged, a first communication port 2c communicating with the first measurement unit 5, and a second communication port 2d communicating with the second measurement unit 6.

[0024] The air inlet 2a is an opening provided in one end surface of the housing 2 in the flow direction WD1. The air outlet 2b is an opening provided in the other end surface of the housing 2 in the flow direction WD1. Therefore, inside the housing 2, air flows from the air inlet 2a to the air outlet 2b along the flow direction WD1.

[0025] The first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d are provided on a side surface of the housing 2 located between the one end surface and the other end surface of the housing 2 in the flow direction WD1. The first communication port 2c is an opening that connects the inside of the housing 2 and the inside of the first measurement unit 5, and is located upstream of the second communication port 2d in the flow direction WD1. The first communication port 2c is located at least upstream of the center of the sterilization unit 3. The second communication port 2d is an opening that connects the inside of the housing 2 and the inside of the second measurement unit 6, and is located downstream of the first communication port 2c in the flow direction WD1. The second communication port 2d is located at least downstream of the center of the sterilization unit 3. From the viewpoint of easily calculating the amount of sterilization of microorganisms and the like by the sterilization unit 3, the first communication port 2c may be located upstream of the sterilization unit 3, and the second communication port 2d may be located upstream of the sterilization unit 3. In this case, air that has not been sterilized by the sterilization unit 3 can easily pass through the first communication port 2c, and air that has been sterilized by the sterilization unit 3 can easily pass through the second communication port 2d. In addition, from the viewpoint of accurately calculating the amount of microorganisms and the like sterilized by the sterilization unit 3, at least one of the first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d may be located in an area inside the housing 2 where the sterilization process of the sterilization unit 3 is difficult to perform (for example, an area that is not irradiated with ultraviolet light UV, which will be described later). In this case, ultraviolet light UV, which will be described later, is less likely to invade the first measurement unit 5 and / or the second measurement unit 6.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the housing and the first measurement part are connected, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the housing and the second measurement part are connected. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a light-shielding part BL is provided in each of the first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d. The light-shielding part BL is a member that blocks only a specific wavelength (for example, only ultraviolet light) or light, and is, for example, a light-shielding sheet that allows microorganisms and the like and air to pass through. The light-shielding part BL is, for example, a member for preventing ultraviolet light UV from leaking outside the housing 2. The light-shielding part BL covers a part or the whole of each of the first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d.

[0027] The sterilization unit 3 is a member that sterilizes microorganisms in the air and is housed in the housing 2. In the first embodiment, the sterilization unit 3 sterilizes microorganisms in the air flowing into the housing 2 from the air inlet 2a. In this specification, the term "microorganisms" is a concept that includes at least microorganisms. In the first embodiment, the term "microorganisms" is a concept that includes not only microorganisms but also fine particles. The sterilization unit 3 is a sterilization light source that irradiates at least ultraviolet light UV to the air flowing in from the air inlet 2a, and has, for example, a germicidal lamp including a discharge tube, a light-emitting diode (LED), or the like. From the viewpoint of cost, etc., the sterilization light source may have a germicidal lamp. The germicidal lamp is a member that irradiates not only ultraviolet light but also visible light. By using such a germicidal lamp, the user of the sterilization device 1 can easily visually check whether the sterilization unit 3 is operating or not. The sterilization unit 3 is placed on the side surface of the housing 2. The sterilization unit 3 is disposed at a position where it irradiates ultraviolet light UV in a direction intersecting the flow direction WD1, but is not limited thereto. The sterilization unit 3 has a wavelength of, for example, 180 nm or more and 400 nm or less, and an intensity of 10 mW / cm 2 The ultraviolet rays UV having an intensity of about 100 nm are irradiated. This allows the microorganisms present in the housing 2 to be effectively sterilized. The ultraviolet rays UV may include a plurality of ultraviolet rays having different wavelengths. Note that FIG. 1 shows the area in the housing 2 where the ultraviolet rays UV are irradiated.

[0028] The blower 4 is located upstream of the housing 2 and sends the air A outside the sterilization apparatus 1 to the air inlet 2a. The blower 4 is attached to the one end of the housing 2 in the flow direction WD1. The blower 4 has a blower such as a fan. The operation of the blower 4 causes the air A outside the sterilization apparatus 1 to flow into the inside of the housing 2 through the air inlet 2a. At this time, the blower 4 forms a unidirectional airflow of the air inside the housing 2. The unidirectional airflow corresponds to the air flow along the same direction as the arrow indicating the flow direction WD1 shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, it can be said that the air inlet 2a and the exhaust port 2b are arranged on the unidirectional airflow. On the other hand, it can be said that the first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d are not arranged on the unidirectional airflow. In other words, it can be said that the first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d are arranged at positions outside the unidirectional airflow. Therefore, the flow speed of the air flowing from inside the housing 2 to the first communication port 2c and the flow speed of the air flowing from inside the housing 2 to the second communication port 2d tend to be slower than the flow speed of the air flowing from the air inlet 2a to the outlet 2b by the blower 4. Although not shown, the blower 4 may be provided with an external light shielding part or the like for preventing external light from entering the inside of the housing 2. The external light shielding part is, for example, a light shielding sheet through which microorganisms and the like and air can pass.

[0029] The first measurement unit 5 is a member that measures the amount of microorganisms and the like contained in a portion of the air inside the housing 2, and is located outside the housing 2. Here, the portion of the air is air before being sterilized by the sterilization unit 3, or air that has not been substantially sterilized by the sterilization unit 3. The first measurement unit 5 is located upstream of the center of the sterilization unit 3, and communicates with the first communication port 2c of the housing 2, for example, downstream of the air inlet 2a and upstream of the sterilization unit 3. As described above, it can be said that the first communication port 2c is disposed at a position outside the one-way airflow. Therefore, it can be said that the first measurement unit 5 that communicates with the first communication port 2c also communicates with the inside of the housing 2 so as to be outside the one-way airflow. The first measurement unit 5 has a housing 11, a guide member 12, and a fluorescence detection device 13.

[0030] The housing 11 is a hollow member that houses the fluorescence detection device 13, and has, for example, a tubular shape. One end of the housing 11 communicates with the first communication port 2c of the housing 2, so that part of the air inside the housing 2 flows into the housing 11. This part of the air flows toward the other end of the housing 11 as if being pushed out. Therefore, inside the housing 11, air flows along the flow direction WD2. The other end of the housing 11 communicates with the guide member 12. Although not shown, a light shielding portion for blocking external light, etc. may be provided inside the housing 11 as necessary.

[0031] Guide member 12 is a hollow member that directs a portion of the air that has passed through housing 11 toward air inlet 2a, and is, for example, a duct having a tubular shape. As shown in Fig. 1, outlet end 12a of guide member 12 is provided near the inlet of blower 4, but is not limited to this. Although not shown, a blower or the like may be provided inside guide member 12.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration and the control unit of the fluorescence detection device. As shown in FIG. 4, the fluorescence detection device 13 has an excitation light source 13a and a fluorescence detection unit 13b. The excitation light source 13a is a member that irradiates excitation light L1 to generate fluorescence FL1 on microorganisms in the air, and is, for example, a laser or an LED (light-emitting diode). The excitation light source 13a is disposed at a position where it irradiates the excitation light L1 in a direction intersecting the flow direction WD2, but is not limited to this. The excitation light source 13a is controlled by, for example, the control unit 7. The excitation light source 13a may irradiate the excitation light L1 continuously or intermittently. The control unit 7 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The wavelength of the excitation light L1 is different from that of ultraviolet light UV and may be shorter than that of the fluorescence FL1. Therefore, the excitation light L1 may be ultraviolet light or visible light. The wavelength of the excitation light L1 is, for example, 300 nm or more and 450 nm or less. In the first embodiment, the wavelength of the excitation light L1 is about 375 nm to about 405 nm.

[0034] The fluorescence detection unit 13b is a member that detects the fluorescence FL1 generated by irradiation with the excitation light L1, and is, for example, a visible light sensor. The fluorescence detection unit 13b detects, for example, the fluorescence FL1 (for example, light with a wavelength of about 500 nm) generated from microorganisms in the air. Detection information (first fluorescence data) indicating the detection result of the fluorescence FL1 by the fluorescence detection unit 13b is output to the control unit 7. The first fluorescence data is the detection result of the fluorescence obtained by irradiating the excitation light L1 to the air before it is sterilized by the sterilization unit 3, or the air that has been slightly sterilized by the sterilization unit 3. The fluorescence detection unit 13b has an optical filter that transmits only the wavelength of the fluorescence FL1 and its vicinity. Therefore, the intensity of the light acquired by the fluorescence detection unit 13b does not completely or substantially include the intensity of the excitation light L1. Therefore, the noise output from the fluorescence detection unit 13b can be reduced.

[0035] From the viewpoint of reducing the influence of stray light in the housing 11, temperature drift of the fluorescence detection unit 13b, etc., when the excitation light source 13a irradiates, as the excitation light L1, repetitive pulse light or light whose intensity is changed sinusoidally, the fluorescence detection unit 13b may detect the fluorescence FL1 by synchronous detection with the waveform of the excitation light L1. Specifically, the fluorescence detection unit 13b detects the fluorescence at the same period as the frequency of the repetitive pulse light.

[0036] The second measurement unit 6 is a member that measures the amount of microorganisms and the like contained in another part of the air inside the housing 2, and is located outside the housing 2. Here, the other part of the air is air sterilized by the sterilization unit 3. The second measurement unit 6 is located downstream of the center of the sterilization unit 3, and communicates with the second communication port 2d of the housing 2, for example, downstream of the first measurement unit 5 and the sterilization unit 3 and upstream of the exhaust port 2b. As described above, it can be said that the second communication port 2d is located at a position outside the one-way airflow. Therefore, it can be said that the second measurement unit 6 that communicates with the second communication port 2d also communicates with the inside of the housing 2 so as to be outside the one-way airflow. As shown in FIG. 3, the second measurement unit 6 has a housing 21 and a fluorescence detection device 22.

[0037] The housing 21 is a hollow member that houses the fluorescence detection device 22, and has, for example, a tubular shape. One end of the housing 21 is connected to the second communication port 2d of the housing 2. Therefore, another part of the air inside the housing 2 flows into the housing 21. The other part of the air flows toward the other end of the housing 21 as if being pushed out. Therefore, inside the housing 21, the air flows along the flow direction WD3. From the other end of the housing 21, the other part of the air is simply discharged, but is not limited to this. A guide member similar to the guide member 12 of the first measurement unit 5 may also be attached to the other end of the housing 21. In addition, although not shown, a light shielding unit that shields the external light shielding unit, a blower, and the like may be provided inside the housing 21 as necessary.

[0038] The fluorescence detection device 22, like the fluorescence detection device 13, has an excitation light source (not shown) that irradiates the microorganisms and the like in the housing 21 with excitation light L2 to generate fluorescence, and a fluorescence detection unit (not shown) that detects the fluorescence. Detection information (second fluorescence data) indicating the detection result of the fluorescence by the fluorescence detection unit is output to the control unit 7. The second fluorescence data is the detection result of the fluorescence obtained by irradiating the air discharged from the sterilization unit 3 (i.e., the air after sterilization) with the excitation light L2. In the first embodiment, the fluorescence detection devices 13 and 22 have the same configuration and performance. Therefore, the wavelengths and intensities of the excitation light L1 and L2 are the same or substantially the same. When the fluorescence detection device 22 irradiates, as the excitation light, a pulsed light or a light whose intensity changes sinusoidally, the fluorescence detection unit of the fluorescence detection device 22 may detect the fluorescence by synchronous detection with the waveform of the excitation light.

[0039] The control unit 7 is a controller that controls the operations of the sterilization unit 3, the air blower 4, the first measurement unit 5, and the second measurement unit 6 included in the sterilization apparatus 1. Although not shown, the control unit 7 is provided, for example, inside the housing 2. The control unit 7 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 7 outputs, for example, operation signals specified via an operation unit (not shown) to the sterilization unit 3, the fluorescence detection devices 13, 22, the air blower 4, etc.

[0040] The control unit 7 is a processing unit that not only controls each component included in the sterilization apparatus 1, but also receives / calculates / transmits various signals and records / reads out various signals. Examples of calculations of various signals by the control unit 7 include obtaining detection information (first fluorescence data) of the fluorescence FL1 output from the fluorescence detection device 13 of the first measurement unit 5 and detection information (second fluorescence data) of the fluorescence output from the fluorescence detection device 22 of the second measurement unit 6, and calculating the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit 3 based on this detection information. For this reason, the control unit 7 has, for example, a portion for outputting a control signal for the sterilization light source included in the sterilization unit 3, a portion for outputting a control signal for the fluorescence detection devices 13, 22, a portion for outputting a control signal for the blower unit 4, a portion for obtaining detection information (first fluorescence data and second fluorescence data) of the fluorescence detection devices 13, 22, a portion for calculating the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit 3 based on the detection information, and a portion (storage unit) for storing each signal and each piece of information.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the time change of the fluorescence intensity detected by each of the first and second measurement units. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis indicates the fluorescence intensity, and the horizontal axis indicates the time. Plot P1 is data showing the time change of the fluorescence intensity detected by the first measurement unit 5, and is obtained based on the first fluorescence data output from the fluorescence detection device 13. Therefore, the plot P1 shows the time change of the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the microorganisms contained in the air in the first measurement unit 5. Plot P2 is data showing the time change of the fluorescence intensity detected by the second measurement unit 6, and is obtained based on the second fluorescence data output from the fluorescence detection device 22. Therefore, the plot P2 shows the time change of the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the microorganisms contained in the air in the second measurement unit 6. When the excitation light is amplitude-modulated with an AC waveform such as a pulse waveform or a sine waveform, the intensities of the plots P1 and P2 may be considered to correspond to the amplitude of the AC waveform. In FIG. 5, the control unit 7 may perform a time shift correction on the plots P1 and P2 in advance. This makes it easy to compare the fluorescence intensity obtained by irradiating the air present in the first measurement unit 5 with the excitation light L1 at a predetermined timing with the fluorescence intensity obtained by irradiating the air with the excitation light L2 when the air is present in the second measurement unit 6. The above correction is set based on the air flow (wind speed) inside the sterilization apparatus 1. The slower the wind speed, the stronger the correction. The wind speed is set based on the operation of the blower unit 4.

[0042] The time change in the fluorescence intensity shown in plot P1 and the time change in the fluorescence intensity shown in plot P2 show similar trends. Specifically, the increase and decrease in the fluorescence intensity at a given time is almost the same for plots P1 and P2. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity of plot P1 is higher than that of plot P2. The difference between these fluorescence intensities occurs depending on whether or not the sterilization unit 3 sterilizes microorganisms. Therefore, it can be said that the difference corresponds to the amount of sterilization sterilized by the sterilization unit 3. Note that, if it is assumed that the sterilization unit 3 sterilizes all microorganisms and the like in the air, the plot P2 corresponds to the time change in the fluorescence intensity generated by fine particles in the air. Therefore, the progress of the amount of sterilization of microorganisms and the like sterilized by the sterilization unit 3 can be obtained by using the plots P1 and P2.

[0043] The following describes the effects achieved by the sterilization apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] The present inventors conducted intensive research, focusing on the fact that when a sample having microorganisms attached to a predetermined amount of fine particles is sterilized or disinfected by ultraviolet light, the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the sample changes over time even though the amount of fine particles does not change. As a result, it was found that the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the sample changes according to the change in the amount of microorganisms before and after ultraviolet irradiation, while the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the fine particles themselves, such as dust and fibers, does not change substantially. In addition, some fine particles may not emit fluorescence in the first place. Based on this knowledge, the present inventors have found a sterilization device that can easily calculate the amount of sterilization by adding a configuration for acquiring the fluorescence intensity of the air before and after ultraviolet irradiation to a configuration for sterilizing microorganisms, etc. by irradiating ultraviolet light onto air flowing in a predetermined direction.

[0045] Here, the inventors have found that when the size of the sterilization device is increased or the amount of sterilization per unit time is increased in order to improve the sterilization capacity of the sterilization device, the fluorescence intensity of the acquired air may vary with an increase in the amount of air flowing through the sterilization device, an increase in the air flow rate, etc., and as a result, the accuracy of calculating the amount of sterilization may decrease. In light of this possibility, the inventors have investigated a method for accurately calculating the amount of sterilization regardless of the size of the sterilization device by appropriately adjusting the sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit in accordance with spatial differences.

[0046] The sterilization device 1 according to the first embodiment based on the above findings includes a first measurement unit 5 that communicates with the inside of the housing 2 and receives part of the air in the housing 2, and a second measurement unit 6 that is located downstream of the first measurement unit 5 and communicates with the inside of the housing 2 and receives another part of the air in the housing 2. This makes the air that flows into the first measurement unit 5 and the air that flows into the second measurement unit 6 less susceptible to the influence of ultraviolet light UV irradiated from the sterilization light source of the sterilization unit 3, the air flow in the housing 2, the air volume, and the like. Therefore, the first fluorescence data of the air that flows from the housing 2 into the first measurement unit 5 and the second fluorescence data of the air that flows from the housing 2 into the second measurement unit 6 can be stably acquired. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, by using these stable fluorescence data, the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit 3 can be accurately calculated even if the sterilization device 1 is enlarged.

[0047] Here, the sterilization device 1 includes a control unit 7 that controls the operations of the sterilization unit 3, first measurement unit 5, and second measurement unit 6, and the control unit 7 acquires the first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit 5 and the second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit 6, and calculates the amount of sterilization sterilized by the sterilization unit 3 based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data. By comparing the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data in this manner, the amount of sterilization of the air flowing into the inside of the sterilization unit 3 can be calculated easily and accurately.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the first measurement unit 5 may communicate with the housing 2 downstream of the air inlet 2a and upstream of the sterilization unit 3, and the second measurement unit 6 may communicate with the housing 2 downstream of the sterilization unit 3 and upstream of the outlet 2b. In this case, only air before it is sterilized by the sterilization unit 3 tends to flow into the first measurement unit 5, and only air after it has been sterilized by the sterilization unit 3 tends to flow into the second measurement unit 6. This makes it easier to calculate the amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit 3.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the first measurement section 5 further includes a guide member 12 that directs a portion of the air irradiated with the excitation light L1 toward the air inlet 2a. This allows the guide member 12 to be used in calculating the sterilization amount and prevents incompletely sterilized air from being discharged outside the sterilization device 1.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the sterilization apparatus 1 is provided with a blower 4 located upstream of the housing 2 and sending air to the air inlet 2a, the air inlet 2a and the outlet 2b are arranged on the unidirectional airflow formed inside the housing 2 by the blower 4, and the first measurement unit 5 and the second measurement unit 6 are each connected to the inside of the housing 2 so as to be out of the unidirectional airflow. Therefore, the air flowing into the first measurement unit 5 and the air flowing into the second measurement unit 6 are less likely to be affected by the unidirectional airflow formed by the blower 4. Therefore, stable fluorescence data can be obtained from each of the first measurement unit 5 and the second measurement unit 6.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with a first communication port 2c communicating with the first measurement unit 5 and a second communication port 2d communicating with the second measurement unit 6, and at least one of the first communication port 2c and the second communication port 2d is provided with a light-shielding section BL. This makes it difficult for ultraviolet light UV irradiated from the sterilization section 3 to penetrate into at least one of the first measurement unit 5 and the second measurement unit 6. As a result, at least one of the detection results obtained by the fluorescence detection device 13 of the first measurement unit 5 and the detection results obtained by the fluorescence detection device 22 of the second measurement unit 6 is less susceptible to the influence of ultraviolet light UV.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the excitation light L1 is a repetitive pulse light or sinusoidally intensity-modulated light, and the fluorescence detection unit 13b may detect the fluorescence by amplifying the frequency of the excitation light L1, or may detect the fluorescence by synchronous detection with the excitation light L1. In this case, the influence of scattered light due to stray light entering the first measurement unit 5 can be reduced.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the sterilization light source of the sterilization unit 3 has a discharge tube that irradiates ultraviolet light and visible light, and the maximum dimension of the housing 2 may be 1 m or more and 5 m or less. In this case, even if visible light is irradiated inside the housing 2 and the sterilization device 1 is large, the amount of sterilization can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the sterilization unit 3 may irradiate strong ultraviolet light UV such that microorganisms are completely (100%) sterilized by passing through the housing 2 only once. In this case, for example, the first measurement unit 5 can detect the amount of microorganisms that have entered the housing 2, and the second measurement unit 6 can detect that the microorganisms have not been discharged from the housing 2. If 70% of the microorganisms that have flowed into the housing 2 are sterilized while passing through the housing 2, the second measurement unit 6 will detect a value that is 30% of the amount of microorganisms detected by the first measurement unit 5.

[0055] Second embodiment The following describes a sterilization device according to the second embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described. In other words, the descriptions of the first embodiment may be used appropriately in the second embodiment to the extent technically possible.

[0056] 6(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the fluorescence detection device of the first measurement unit according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6(a) and (b), the excitation light source 13Aa and the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab of the fluorescence detection device 13A are arranged in the housing 11 of the first measurement unit 5A. In addition, FIG. 6(a) and (b) show the irradiation range R1 of the excitation light L1A irradiated from the excitation light source 13Aa and the fluorescence detection range R2 of the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab. In the second embodiment, the excitation light source 13Aa and the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab are arranged in the housing 11 so that the irradiation range R1 and the fluorescence detection range R2 are mutually orthogonal. In addition, the irradiation range R1 and the fluorescence detection range R2 are also orthogonal to the flow direction WD2, but are not limited thereto. Although not shown, the excitation light source and the fluorescence detection unit of the fluorescence detection device included in the second measurement unit are also arranged in the same manner. In the second embodiment, the housing 11 has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] The sterilization apparatus including the first measurement unit 5A according to the second embodiment described above also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the excitation light L1A reflected by the wall surface of the housing 11 of the first measurement unit 5A is less likely to enter the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab. This improves the fluorescence detection accuracy of the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab.

[0058] 7(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the fluorescence detection device of the first measurement unit according to the modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7(a) and (b), in addition to the excitation light source 13Aa and the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab, the scattered light detection unit 30 is arranged in the housing 11 of the first measurement unit 5B. In addition to the irradiation range R1 and the fluorescence detection range R2, FIG. 7(a) and (b) show the scattered light detection range R3 of the scattered light detection unit 30. In this modified example, in order to suppress the incidence of the excitation light L1A into the scattered light detection unit 30, the excitation light source 13Aa and the scattered light detection unit 30 are arranged in the first measurement unit 5B so that the irradiation range R1 and the scattered light detection range R3 are mutually orthogonal. In addition, the irradiation range R1 and the scattered light detection range R3 are also orthogonal to the flow direction WD2, but are not limited thereto.

[0059] The scattered light detection unit 30 is a member that detects scattered light (not shown) generated by irradiating the air (more specifically, particles in the air, etc.) with the excitation light L1A, and is, for example, a visible light sensor or an ultraviolet sensor. The wavelength of the scattered light is the same as the wavelength of the excitation light L1A. Therefore, the scattered light detection unit 30 may have an optical filter that only projects the wavelength of the scattered light and its vicinity. In this case, the noise output from the scattered light detection unit 30 can be reduced. Detection information (first scattered light data) indicating the detection result of the scattered light by the scattered light detection unit 30 is output to the control unit 7 (see FIG. 4). The first scattered light data is, for example, the detection result of the scattered light obtained by irradiating the excitation light L1A to the air before sterilization. When irradiating the excitation light L1A with a repetitive pulse light or light whose intensity is changed sinusoidally, the scattered light detection unit 30 may amplify and detect the scattered light having the same frequency component as the excitation light L1A, or may detect the signal of the scattered light by synchronous detection with the frequency of the excitation light.

[0060] Although not shown, the second measurement unit has a scattered light detection unit (not shown) similar to the first measurement unit 5B. Detection information (second scattered light data) indicating the detection result of the scattered light by this scattered light detection unit is output to the control unit 7 (see FIG. 4). The second scattered light data is, for example, the detection result of the scattered light obtained by irradiating the sterilized air with excitation light. Furthermore, the excitation light source and scattered light detection unit included in the second measurement unit are arranged, for example, in the same position as the first measurement unit 5B.

[0061] In this modification, the control unit 7 acquires the first scattered light data output from the first measurement unit 5B and the second scattered light data output from the second measurement unit. Then, based on the first scattered light data and the second scattered light data, the control unit 7 adjusts at least one of the light intensity of the excitation light L1A irradiated from the excitation light source 13Aa, the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the second measurement unit, the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit 13Ab, and the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the second measurement unit.

[0062] The above-described modified example of the second embodiment also provides the same advantageous effects as those of the above-described second embodiment. In addition, by utilizing the first scattered light data and the second scattered light data, it is possible to perform calibration of each fluorescence detection unit during sterilization, as will be described below.

[0063] The difference in fluorescence intensity between the first and second measurement units in the sterilization device is proportional to the amount of live bacteria sterilized. On the other hand, the intensity of fluorescence caused by particles such as dust that are different from live bacteria does not change, or does not change substantially, between the first and second measurement units. Therefore, by obtaining the scattered light intensity of the first measurement unit and the scattered light intensity of the second measurement unit, the amount of particles in the air flowing into the sterilization device can be quantified. Then, information regarding the difference in sensitivity of each detection unit can be obtained from the data on the quantified amount of particles. This makes it possible to calibrate the sensitivity of each fluorescence detection device. For example, calibration may be performed by flowing a fluorescent material such as fiber that contains almost no bacteria into the sterilization device.

[0064] Next, a sterilization system including a sterilization device according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the sterilization system. The sterilization system 100 shown in Fig. 8 includes a sterilization device 200, a processing device 300 that processes data output from the sterilization device 200, and a display device 400 that displays the amount of sterilization calculated by the processing device 300. The sterilization device 200 is a device similar to the sterilization devices 1 and 1A according to the above embodiments. However, a control unit (not shown) of the sterilization device 200 does not calculate the amount of sterilization. In addition, the sterilization device 200 has a communication unit (not shown) that can communicate various data with the processing device 300 and the like.

[0065] The processing device 300 is a device that calculates the amount of sterilization of microorganisms and the like by the sterilization device 200 based on each fluorescence data output from the sterilization device 200, and is configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). For example, the processing device 300 acquires first fluorescence data output from a first measurement unit (not shown) of the sterilization device 200 and second fluorescence data output from a second measurement unit (not shown), calculates the amount of sterilization sterilized by the sterilization unit based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data, and displays display data indicating the amount of sterilization on the display device 400. The processing device 300 outputs display data (image signals) indicating the calculated amount of sterilization to the display device 400 via, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or the like. For this reason, the processing device 300 has a communication unit (not shown) capable of communicating various data. The display data may include, for example, not only data showing the measurement results of the amount of sterilization of microorganisms and the like by the sterilization device 200, but also data showing the time until the measurement results of the amount of sterilization are updated, and data showing the temperature, humidity, etc. of the exhaled air. The data showing the measurement results of the amount of sterilization is, for example, numerical data, graph data showing the amount of sterilization over time, etc.

[0066] A larger value displayed on the display device 400 indicates a larger amount of sterilization. Therefore, a larger value may indicate a larger amount of microorganisms and the like in the vicinity of the sterilization device 200. Therefore, when the value displayed on the display device 400 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processing device 300 may perform a notification process (for example, an alarm notification process using a speaker (not shown), or a light notification process using a lamp (not shown), etc.).

[0067] The processing device 300 also functions as a controller that controls each component included in the sterilization device 200. The processing device 300 may be a processing unit that not only controls each component included in the sterilization device 200, but also receives / calculates / transmits various signals and records / reads out various signals. The processing device 300 may have a portion (storage unit) that stores each signal and each piece of information.

[0068] The display device 400 is a member that displays an image based on the display data output from the processing device 300. The display device 400 may display an image corresponding to one piece of display data, or may display images corresponding to multiple pieces of display data. As described above, the display device 400 is capable of wireless communication with the processing device 300. Therefore, a user of the display device 400 can easily check an image indicating the amount of sterilization even from a remote location. The display device 400 may be a device dedicated to the sterilization system 100, or may not be a device dedicated to the sterilization system 100. In the former case, the display device 400 includes, for example, one or more liquid crystal displays and a user interface such as a touch panel. In the latter case, the display device 400 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that can run an application for operating the sterilization system 100. For example, when the display device 400 accepts an input from an operator (user), input information indicating the input content may be output to the processing device 300. In this case, a user of the display device 400 can easily control the operation of the sterilization device 200 and / or the processing device 300 even from a remote location. The input information is, for example, data related to an instruction to start, stop, or change the operation of the sterilization apparatus 200.

[0069] The sterilization system 100 described above also achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiment. In addition, according to the sterilization system 100, the display device 400 displays display data indicating the sterilization amount calculated by the processing device 300. This allows the user of the sterilization system 100 to easily check the sterilization effect of the sterilization device 200 via the display device 400.

[0070] In the sterilization system 100, the sterilization device 200, the processing device 300, and the display device 400 are separate devices, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the processing device may be provided in the display device, or the display device may be provided in the sterilization device.

[0071] A sterilization apparatus and a sterilization system including the same according to one aspect of the present invention are as described in [1] to

[11] below, and have been described in detail based on the above embodiment and the above modified examples. [1] a housing having an air inlet through which air flows in and an outlet through which the air is discharged; a sterilization unit disposed inside the housing and configured to sterilize microorganisms in the air flowing in through the air inlet; a first measurement unit located outside the housing and into which a portion of the air upstream of the center of the sterilization unit is introduced; A second measurement unit located outside the housing and into which another portion of the air downstream of the center of the sterilization unit is introduced; Equipped with the sterilization unit is a sterilization light source that is housed inside the housing and irradiates the air flowing in through the air inlet with at least ultraviolet light, Each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit has an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light, and a fluorescence detection unit that detects fluorescence generated based on the irradiation of the excitation light. Sterilization device. [2] The first measurement section is located upstream of the air inlet, The sterilization apparatus according to [1], wherein the second measurement unit is located downstream of the outlet. [3] The first measurement unit is in communication with the housing downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the sterilization unit, The sterilization device according to [1], wherein the second measurement unit is in communication with the housing downstream of the sterilization unit and upstream of the outlet. [4] The housing is provided with a first communication port communicating with the first measurement unit and a second communication port communicating with the second measurement unit, The sterilization apparatus according to any one of [3], wherein at least one of the first communication port and the second communication port is provided with a light-shielding part. [5] The sterilization apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first measurement section further includes a guide member that directs a part of the air irradiated with the excitation light toward the air inlet. [6] a blower unit located upstream of the housing and blowing the air to the air inlet, the air inlet and the air outlet are disposed on the unidirectional airflow of the air formed inside the housing by the air blower, The sterilization apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit communicates with the inside of the housing so as to be out of the unidirectional airflow. [7] A control unit that controls operations of the sterilization unit, the first measurement unit, and the second measurement unit, The control unit is acquiring first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit and second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit; The sterilization device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein an amount of sterilization performed in the sterilization unit is calculated based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data. [8] The sterilization device according to [7], wherein each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit further has a scattered light detection unit that detects scattered light generated when the excitation light is irradiated to the air. [9] The control unit is Acquire first scattered light data output from the first measurement unit and second scattered light data output from the second measurement unit; A sterilization device as described in [8], which adjusts at least one of the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the first measurement unit, the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the second measurement unit, the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the first measurement unit, and the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the second measurement unit based on the first scattered light data and the second scattered light data.

[10] the excitation light is a repetitive pulse light or a sinusoidally intensity-modulated light, The sterilization device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the fluorescence detection unit detects the fluorescence by amplifying a frequency of the excitation light, or detects the fluorescence by synchronous detection with the excitation light.

[11] The sterilization light source has a discharge tube that irradiates ultraviolet light and visible light, The sterilization apparatus according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the dimension of the housing along a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing is between 1 m and 5 m.

[12] [1] -

[11] The sterilization device according to any one of the above, A processing device that processes data output from the sterilization device; A display device that displays the sterilization amount calculated by the processing device; A sterilization system comprising: The processing device includes: acquiring first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit and second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit; Calculating an amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit based on the first fluorescent light data and the second fluorescent light data; displaying display data indicating the sterilization amount on the display device; Disinfection system.

[0072] However, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, the above modification, and the above [1] to

[12] . One aspect of the present invention can be further modified without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiment and the above modification may be appropriately combined. For example, the first embodiment may be provided with a scattered light detection unit or the like.

[0073] In the above embodiment and the above modified example, each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is directly connected to the inside of the housing, but this is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may be indirectly connected to the inside of the housing. In this case, for example, the first measurement unit may be connected to the inside of the blower unit. FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sterilization device according to a first modified example, FIG. 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sterilization device according to a second modified example, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sterilization device according to a third modified example. In the first modified example and the second modified example, the first measurement unit is indirectly connected to the inside of the housing and is located upstream of the sterilization unit. On the other hand, in the third modified example, the second measurement unit is indirectly connected to the inside of the housing and is located downstream of the sterilization unit. Specifically, in the sterilization apparatus 1B shown in FIG. 9(a), the first measurement unit 5 is in communication with the inside of the blower 4 located upstream of the air inlet 2a, and therefore the first measurement unit 5 is indirectly in communication with the inside of the housing 2 via the blower 4. In the sterilization apparatus 1C shown in FIG. 9(b), the first measurement unit 5 is in communication with the inside of a hollow cover member 50 (hollow member) located upstream of the blower 4 and in communication with the blower 4, and therefore the first measurement unit 5 is indirectly in communication with the inside of the housing 2 via the blower 4 and the cover member 50. In the sterilization apparatus 1D shown in FIG. 10, the second measurement unit 6 is in communication with the inside of a hollow cover member 60 (hollow member) located downstream of the exhaust port 2b of the housing 2 and in communication with the exhaust port 2b, and therefore the second measurement unit 6 is indirectly in communication with the inside of the housing 2 via the cover member 60. In these cases, the fluorescence intensity of the air can be measured without being affected by ultraviolet light UV or the like by the first measurement unit 5 or the second measurement unit 6. The first to third examples may be combined with each other, or may be combined with the embodiment and the modified example. For example, the first embodiment may be combined with the first and third examples.

[0074] In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the sterilization apparatus has only the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, but is not limited to this. For example, the sterilization apparatus may have one or more measurement units between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. That is, the sterilization apparatus may have three or more measurement units. This can further improve the accuracy of the sterilization amount of microorganisms and the like calculated by the sterilization apparatus. The third measurement unit may be provided so as to overlap the sterilization unit in the flow direction, for example.

[0075] In the above embodiment and the above modified example, an ultraviolet reflector may be provided inside the housing. By providing the ultraviolet reflector, ultraviolet rays may be multiple-reflected inside the housing. From the viewpoint of optimizing the air flow inside the housing by the ultraviolet reflector, the ultraviolet reflector may be provided with an opening or the like.

[0076] In the above embodiment and modified example, the sterilization unit is provided on a side surface of the housing, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sterilization light source included in the sterilization unit may be disposed on one end surface of the housing in the flow direction.

[0077] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the sterilization apparatus does not have to include a light blocking unit. Also, the air blowing unit may be provided downstream of the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1, 1A to 1D... sterilization device, 2... housing, 2a... air inlet, 2b... exhaust port, 2c... first communication port, 2d... second communication port, 3... sterilization section, 4... air blower section, 5, 5A, 5B... first measurement section, 6... second measurement section, 7... control section, 11... housing, 12... guide member, 12a... outlet end, 13, 13A... fluorescence detection device, 13a, 13Aa... excitation light source, 13b, 13Ab... fluorescence detection section, 21... housing, 22... fluorescence detection device, 30... scattered light detection section, 50, 60... cover member, 100... sterilization system, 200... sterilization device, 300... processing device, 400... display device, A... air, BL... light shielding section, FL1... fluorescence, L1, L1A, L2... excitation light, UV... ultraviolet light, WD1... flow direction, WD2... flow direction, WD3... flow direction.

Claims

1. a housing having an air inlet through which air flows in and an outlet through which the air is discharged; a sterilization unit disposed inside the housing and configured to sterilize microorganisms in the air flowing in through the air inlet; a first measurement unit located outside the housing and into which a portion of the air upstream of a center of the sterilization unit is introduced; A second measurement unit located outside the housing and into which another portion of the air downstream of the center of the sterilization unit is introduced; Equipped with the sterilization unit is a sterilization light source that is housed inside the housing and irradiates the air flowing in through the air inlet with at least ultraviolet light, Each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit has an excitation light source that irradiates excitation light, and a fluorescence detection unit that detects fluorescence generated based on the irradiation of the excitation light. Sterilization device.

2. The first measurement unit is located upstream of the air inlet, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second measurement unit is located downstream of the outlet.

3. The first measurement unit is in communication with the housing downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the sterilization unit, The sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the second measurement section communicates with the housing downstream of the sterilization section and upstream of the outlet.

4. The housing is provided with a first communication port communicating with the first measurement unit and a second communication port communicating with the second measurement unit, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first communication port and the second communication port is provided with a light-shielding portion.

5. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first measurement unit further includes a guide member that directs a portion of the air irradiated with the excitation light toward the air inlet.

6. a blower unit located upstream of the housing and blowing the air to the air inlet, the air inlet and the air outlet are disposed on the unidirectional airflow of the air formed inside the housing by the air blower, The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is provided so as to be out of the unidirectional airflow.

7. A control unit that controls operations of the sterilization unit, the first measurement unit, and the second measurement unit, The control unit is acquiring first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit and second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit; The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a sterilization amount sterilized in the sterilization unit calculated based on the first fluorescence data and the second fluorescence data.

8. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit further includes a scattered light detection unit that detects scattered light generated when the excitation light is irradiated onto the air.

9. The control unit is Acquire first scattered light data output from the first measurement unit and second scattered light data output from the second measurement unit; 9. The sterilization device according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the first measurement unit, the light intensity of the excitation light irradiated from the excitation light source of the second measurement unit, the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the first measurement unit, and the detection sensitivity of the fluorescence detection unit of the second measurement unit is adjusted based on the first scattered light data and the second scattered light data.

10. the excitation light is a repetitive pulse light or a sinusoidally intensity-modulated light, The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluorescence detection section detects the fluorescence by amplifying a frequency of the excitation light, or detects the fluorescence by synchronous detection with the excitation light.

11. The sterilization light source has a discharge tube that irradiates ultraviolet light and visible light, The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a dimension of the housing along a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing is 1 m or more and 5 m or less.

12. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A processing device that processes data output from the sterilization device; A display device that displays the sterilization amount calculated by the processing device; A sterilization system comprising: The processing device includes: acquiring first fluorescence data output from the first measurement unit and second fluorescence data output from the second measurement unit; Calculating an amount of sterilization performed by the sterilization unit based on the first fluorescent light data and the second fluorescent light data; displaying display data indicating the sterilization amount on the display device; Disinfection system.

Images