Stethoscope sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a stethoscope sterilization device capable of sterilizing a chest piece and an end part of a tube of a stethoscope simultaneously.SOLUTION: A stethoscope sterilization device 10 includes a holding member 67 for holding a chest piece of a stethoscope. The chest piece and the end part of the tube of the stethoscope are held in a floating state in the stethoscope sterilization device 10 by the holding member 67 and a right wall 75 of an outer case 61 of a body unit 60. Three ultraviolet LEDs are provided in the stethoscope sterilization device 10. They are an ultraviolet LED 121 for emitting an ultraviolet ray to the diaphragm of the chest piece of the stethoscope sterilization device 10, an ultraviolet LED 38 for emitting an ultraviolet ray to the end part of the tube of the stethoscope, and an ultraviolet LED 39 for emitting an ultraviolet ray to the bell-shaped part 26 of the chest piece. The stethoscope sterilization device 10 emits ultraviolet rays to the stethoscope for a prescribed time and sterilizes the stethoscope.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stethoscope sterilization device that sterilizes stethoscopes using ultraviolet light. [Background technology]

[0002] A doctor examines a patient using a stethoscope. The stethoscope includes a chest piece, a tube, a pair of ear tubes, and a pair of ear tips. Since the chest piece comes into contact with the patient's body during the examination, it needs to be sterilized before examining another patient.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose devices that sterilize stethoscopes using ultraviolet light.

[0004] The stethoscope sterilization device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a case with an LED attached to the outside that irradiates ultraviolet light (UV-C). When a doctor holds a chest piece over the case, the chest piece is irradiated with ultraviolet light and sterilized.

[0005] The stethoscope sterilization device disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a housing that houses a chest piece and an LED that irradiates ultraviolet light. The LED irradiates the ultraviolet light to the chest piece housed in the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-526402 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2004-525673 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] During a medical examination, a doctor holds the stethoscope's chest piece or the end of the tube and places the chest piece against the patient's body. Meanwhile, the doctor's hands may touch the patient. Therefore, when sterilizing a stethoscope, it is desirable to sterilize not only the chest piece that directly touches the patient's body, but also the end of the tube. However, the stethoscope sterilization devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 sterilize only the chest piece and cannot sterilize the end of the tube.

[0008] The present invention has been made against this background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a stethoscope sterilization device that can sterilize the chest piece and the end of the tube simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) A stethoscope sterilization device according to the present invention comprises a case that can be changed between a closed position in which a storage chamber is defined that surrounds and contains a stethoscope chest piece and the ends of tubes connected to the chest piece, and an open position in which the storage chamber is open, a holding portion provided in the case that holds the chest piece and the ends of the tubes away from the inner wall surface of the storage chamber, and an ultraviolet irradiating member provided in the case that irradiates the storage chamber with ultraviolet light.

[0010] The doctor places the chest piece and tube ends of the stethoscope used in the case (container) in an open position, and then closes the case. The stethoscope is held by the holder at a distance from the inner wall surface of the case, i.e., suspended in mid-air. The chest piece and tube ends held in a suspended state are sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation member. Thus, the stethoscope sterilization device according to the present invention can sterilize the chest piece and tube ends simultaneously.

[0011] (2) The ultraviolet irradiating member may have a first irradiating body that irradiates ultraviolet light onto a diaphragm of a stethoscope held in the holding portion, and a second irradiating body that irradiates ultraviolet light onto an end of a tube of a stethoscope held in the holding portion.

[0012] The first irradiator irradiates the diaphragm of the stethoscope with ultraviolet light. The irradiated ultraviolet light sterilizes the diaphragm. The second irradiator irradiates the end of the tube with ultraviolet light. The irradiated ultraviolet light sterilizes the end of the tube. Since two irradiators are used, the stethoscope sterilization device of the present invention can shorten the time required for sterilization.

[0013] (3) The first irradiator may be disposed opposite a diaphragm of a stethoscope held by the holding part, and the second irradiator may be disposed opposite an end of a tube of the stethoscope held by the holding part. The ultraviolet irradiating member further includes a third irradiator disposed between the first irradiator and the second irradiator.

[0014] The third irradiator disposed between the first and second irradiators irradiates ultraviolet rays to the portions of the chest piece and the end of the tube that are less irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the first and second irradiators. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device according to the present invention can sterilize the chest piece and the end of the tube uniformly.

[0015] (4) A reflecting member having a diffuse reflecting surface that diffusely reflects ultraviolet light may be provided on an inner wall surface of the storage chamber.

[0016] The reflecting member is, for example, a plate material made of an aluminum alloy or other metal, or a mirror body. The diffuse reflection surface is formed by fine irregularities processed on the surface of the reflecting member by, for example, blasting or chemical etching. The reflecting member diffusely reflects ultraviolet light within the storage chamber. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device according to the present invention can uniformly sterilize the chest piece and the end of the tube.

[0017] (5) The reflecting member may be provided on a first surface of the inner wall that faces a diaphragm of a stethoscope held by the holding portion and a second surface that faces the first surface.

[0018] The reflecting members provided on the first and second surfaces facing each other diffuse and reflect the ultraviolet light. The diffused ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the chest piece and the ends of the tubes. In other words, the ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the chest piece and the ends of the tubes from both the first surface side and the second surface side. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device according to the present invention can sterilize the chest piece and the ends of the tubes more uniformly.

[0019] (6) The holding portion may have a fork that is provided in the housing chamber and into which a shaft portion of a chestpiece of a stethoscope is inserted.

[0020] The stethoscope chest piece is held by pinching its shaft with the forks. Therefore, the diaphragm of the chest piece is not covered by the holding part (the forks) and the entire area of ​​the diaphragm is exposed. As a result, the entire diaphragm can be reliably sterilized.

[0021] (7) The case may have a lower case, and an upper case rotatably connected to the lower case to form a closed position that defines the storage chamber or an open position that opens the storage chamber. The holding portion is provided on the lower case and the upper case, and has a recess that forms an insertion hole that surrounds the tube when the case is in the closed position.

[0022] The recesses are provided in the upper case and the lower case rotatably connected to the upper case, and form an insertion hole surrounding the tube when the case is in the closed position, so that the tube is fixed when the upper case is closed and the tube is released when the upper case is opened. Since the tube can be fixed or released by rotating (opening and closing) the upper case, the work of setting and removing the stethoscope in the stethoscope sterilization device is easy.

[0023] (8) The device may further include a first sensor which detects the position of the case, a second sensor which detects the holding state of the stethoscope in the holding portion, and a control device which drives the ultraviolet irradiating member based on the second sensor detecting the holding state of the stethoscope and the first sensor detecting the closed position, and which stops the driving of the ultraviolet irradiating member based on the first sensor detecting the open position.

[0024] When the second sensor detects the stethoscope being held and the first sensor detects the closed position, the ultraviolet ray irradiation member irradiates ultraviolet rays. In other words, even if the stethoscope is set in the case, ultraviolet rays are not irradiated until the case is closed. Therefore, ultraviolet rays are not irradiated by mistake to a doctor or a nurse. Also, even if the case is closed, if the stethoscope is not set, ultraviolet rays are not irradiated. Therefore, if the stethoscope is not to be sterilized, the case can be kept closed. Also, when the first sensor detects the open position, the drive of the ultraviolet ray irradiation member, i.e., the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, is stopped. In other words, if the case is opened by mistake during the sterilization of the stethoscope, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped. Therefore, ultraviolet rays are not irradiated by mistake to a doctor or a nurse.

[0025] (9) An light-emitting body may be further provided, and the control device may have a timer counting function, and the control device may turn on the light-emitting body and start a timer count based on the first sensor detecting the closed position, stop driving the ultraviolet irradiating member and turn off the light-emitting body based on the timer count value reaching a predetermined value, and reset the count value based on the second sensor detecting the open position of the case.

[0026] The control device turns on the light-emitting element when the first sensor detects the case in the closed position. The lighting of the light-emitting element allows a doctor or nurse to recognize that sterilization has started. In addition, the control device starts a timer count when the first sensor detects the case in the closed position, and stops driving the ultraviolet ray irradiation member when the timer count value reaches a predetermined value, so that ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the stethoscope only for a predetermined time indicated by the predetermined value, that is, for a time required to perform sterilization. In addition, the control device stops driving the ultraviolet ray irradiation member and turns off the light-emitting element, so that a doctor or nurse can recognize that sterilization has been completed. Effect of the Invention

[0027] The stethoscope sterilization device of the present invention can sterilize the chest piece and the end of the tube simultaneously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stethoscope sterilization device 10. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 from another viewpoint, showing a state in which the stethoscope 20 is set. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of a stethoscope 20, and FIG. 3(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a chest piece 21. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the stethoscope sterilization device 10. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lid unit 30 as viewed from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the stethoscope 20 set in the main unit 60 and the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main unit 60. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope sterilization device 10. [Figure 9]FIG. 9(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the holding member 67 and the limit switch 68, and FIG. 9(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the lid unit 30 and the limit switch 69. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the stethoscope sterilization device 10. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the stethoscope sterilization device 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation (processing) of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the test results of the evaluation test of the stethoscope sterilization device 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is merely one aspect of the stethoscope sterilization device according to the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment may be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 as viewed from the upper right front side. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 as viewed from the upper left front side, showing a state in which the ear tube part 23 of the stethoscope 20 is placed on the cover unit 30. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the stethoscope 20. Fig. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view of the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20.

[0031] The stethoscope sterilization device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a device that sterilizes a stethoscope 20 (see Figure 3(A)) by ultraviolet light (UV-C). Sterilization means reducing the number of bacteria and viruses attached to the stethoscope 20.

[0032] 3A is a medical device used by doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patient. In this specification, the stethoscope 20 is a general-purpose product that is generally used by doctors and nurses.

[0033] The stethoscope 20 includes a chest piece 21, a tube 22, a pair of ear tubes 23, and a pair of ear tips 24.

[0034] 3(B), chestpiece 21 includes membrane-type portion 25, bell-shaped portion 26, and shaft portion 27. In other words, stethoscope 20 includes two listening portions, membrane-type portion 25 and bell-shaped portion 26, and is a so-called double type.

[0035] The membrane-type portion 25 and the bell-shaped portion 26 are disk-shaped and face each other. The shaft portion 27 is cylindrical and is located between the membrane-type portion 25 and the bell-shaped portion 26. The shaft portion 27 connects the membrane-type portion 25 and the bell-shaped portion 26. The diameter D1 of the shaft portion 27 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the membrane-type portion 25 and the diameter D3 of the bell-shaped portion 26. An end portion 29 of the tube 22 is connected to the shaft portion 27.

[0036] Membrane portion 25 has a diaphragm 28 and mainly captures low-pitched sounds. Bell-shaped portion 26 mainly captures high-pitched sounds. The sound (vibrations) captured by membrane portion 25 and bell-shaped portion 26 is transmitted to tube 22 via shaft portion 27.

[0037] The tube 22 is made of synthetic resin and has elasticity and flexibility. One end 29 of the tube 22 is connected to the shaft portion 27 of the chest piece 21. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the other end of the tube 22 branches into two. Ear tube portions 23 are respectively connected to the branched tips of the tube 22. Ear tips 24 are attached to the tips of the ear tube portions 23.

[0038] The doctor listens to the internal body sounds by holding the end 29 of the chestpiece 21 or the tube 22 with his hand or fingers and placing the membrane-shaped part 25 or the bell-shaped part 26 of the chestpiece 21 against the patient's body. In other words, the end 29 of the tube 22 means the part that the doctor holds or pinches. The end 29 of the tube 22 is, for example, within a range of 15 cm from the chestpiece 21, or within a range of 20 cm from the chestpiece 21, or within a range of 25 cm from the chestpiece 21.

[0039] After using the stethoscope 20 on a patient, the doctor uses the stethoscope sterilization device 10 (see FIG. 1) to sterilize the stethoscope 20. The stethoscope sterilization device 10 sterilizes the stethoscope 20 between the time the doctor examines the next patient.

[0040] [Structure of stethoscope sterilization device 10]

[0041] 1 and 2, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The stethoscope sterilization device 10 has an operation confirmation window 80 for confirming operation. This operation confirmation window 80 is provided on the front surface 6 of the stethoscope sterilization device 10. The stethoscope sterilization device 10 is placed on an examination desk (not shown) with the front surface 6 facing the user, who is a doctor or a nurse.

[0042] In the following, when the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is placed on a desk or the like, the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction 7, and the left and right when the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is viewed from the front 6 side is defined as the left-right direction 8. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 8 is defined as the front-rear direction 9. The front 6 side is the "front", and the side opposite the front 6 is the "rear".

[0043] The length (total length) of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 in the left-right direction 8 is long enough for the stethoscope sterilization device 10 to accommodate the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22. In this embodiment, the total length of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 is 245 mm. Therefore, the tube 22 is sterilized within a range of about 200 mm (20 cm) from the part connected to the chest piece 21. In this specification, this sterilized range is the end 29 of the tube 22, which corresponds to the "end of the tube" described in the claims. However, the total length of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can be appropriately designed and modified depending on the length of the end 29 of the tube 22.

[0044] In this embodiment, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 has a height (total height) of 119 mm and a length (total width) in the front-rear direction 9 of 110 mm. However, the total height and width of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 can be appropriately changed in design.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 includes a cover unit 30 and a main unit 60. Figures 1 and 2 also show a USB cable 11 including USB terminals 12 and 13. The USB cable 11 may be an accessory of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10, or may be a separately sold product (commercially available product).

[0046] The USB terminal 13 of the USB cable 11 is connected to the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10, and the USB terminal 12 is connected to a personal computer, a mobile battery, or an AC adapter (AC / DC converter). That is, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is driven by being supplied with a direct current (direct current voltage). However, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 may be provided with an AC / DC converter inside. In that case, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is driven by being supplied with an alternating current (alternating current voltage). The type of the USB terminal 13 connected to the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 may be another type of terminal, such as type A, type B, or type C.

[0047] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lid unit 30 as viewed from below. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the stethoscope 20 set in the main unit 60 and the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121.

[0048] 4 and 5, the lid unit 30 includes an outer case 31, an inner case 32, a reflective member 101, LED boxes 33, 34, LED board sets 35, 36, and an upper shutter 37. Note that Fig. 4 shows a state in which the LED board sets 35, 36 are removed from the LED boxes 33, 34, and Fig. 5 shows a state in which the LED board sets 35, 36 are housed in the LED boxes 33, 34.

[0049] The outer case 31 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The outer case 31 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the bottom. The outer case 31 has a top wall 41, a front wall 42, a rear wall 43, a left wall 44, and a right wall 45. The outer case 31 is made of synthetic resin. However, the outer case 31 may be made of metal such as stainless steel, general steel material, or aluminum alloy.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, an upper hinge portion 49 is provided at the left end portion of the outer case 31. The upper hinge portion 49 has bearing holes 48 into which a pair of shafts 94 (see Fig. 4) are inserted. The upper hinge portion 49 forms a hinge together with a lower hinge portion 91 (see Fig. 4) described below. The lid unit 30 is rotatable around the shaft 94. The stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is rotated (position changed) by a doctor or nurse between a closed position (see Fig. 1) in which the lid unit 30 is closed and an open position (not shown) in which the lid unit 30 is open.

[0051] The rotation angle of the lid unit 30 from the closed position to the open position is, for example, 120° or more and 135° or less. This rotation angle is the maximum opening angle of the lid unit 30. Although not shown, the lid unit 30 is restricted from rotating beyond the maximum opening angle. For example, a rib is provided on the outer case 31, and the rib abuts against the main body unit 60 to restrict the lid unit 30 from rotating beyond the maximum opening angle. Alternatively, a rib may be provided on the main body unit 60, and the rib may abut against the lid unit 30 to restrict the rotation of the lid unit 30.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer case 31 has a pair of protruding pieces 46, 47. The protruding pieces 46, 47 protrude upward from the top wall 41. A distance L1 (see FIG. 1) between the protruding pieces 46 and 47 in the front-rear direction 9 is slightly shorter than the outer diameter of the tube 22 (see FIG. 2) of the stethoscope 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a doctor or nurse pushes the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 between the protruding pieces 46 and 47. The pair of protruding pieces 46, 47 hold the tube 22 by sandwiching it. When the stethoscope sterilization device 10 is operated, a part of the tube 22 and the ear tube portion 23 are placed on the lid unit 30.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 5, a recess 40 is provided in the outer case 31. This recess 40 is provided in the center of the lower edge of the right wall 45 of the outer case 31 (the center in the front-rear direction 9), and forms a depression upward. The recess 40 has a semicircular shape, and its diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20. The upper edge of the tube 22 fits into the recess 40 (see Fig. 8). The recess 40, together with a recess 81 (see Fig. 4) provided in the main unit 60, forms an insertion hole 79 (see Fig. 1).

[0054] As shown in Fig. 5, the outer case 31 has a rib 99 that protrudes downward from the top wall 41. A lower end 100 of the rib 99 extends downward below the lower end of the front wall 42. When the lid unit 30 changes from the open position to the closed position, the lower end 100 of the rib 99 enters from above into an insertion hole 122 (see Fig. 6) of the main body unit 60. A limit switch 69 is disposed below this insertion hole 122 (see Fig. 9(B)), and the lower end 100 of the rib 99 presses a push button 89 of the limit switch 69. In other words, the rib 99 is used to detect whether the lid unit 30 is open or closed.

[0055] 5, the outer shape of the inner case 32 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The inner case 32 is formed in a box shape with an open bottom. The inner case 32 is placed inside the outer case 31 and attached to the outer case 31 using screws (not shown).

[0056] The inner case 32 is manufactured, for example, by pressing a metal plate. The inner case 32 prevents ultraviolet rays from being irradiated onto the outer case 31. To explain in more detail, the outer case 31, which is made of synthetic resin, deteriorates due to ultraviolet rays. In addition, there is a risk that some of the ultraviolet rays may penetrate the outer case 31. The inner case 32, which is made of metal, reflects ultraviolet rays, thereby preventing deterioration of the outer case 31 and leakage of ultraviolet rays from the stethoscope sterilization device 10.

[0057] A recess 50 is provided in the inner case 32. This recess 50 is provided in the center of the lower edge of the side wall 131 of the inner case 32 (the center in the front-rear direction 9), and is aligned in the left-right direction 8 with the recess 40 provided in the outer case 31. As shown in FIG. 5, the recess 50 forms a depression in the upper part, similar to the recess 40. The recess 50 has a semicircular shape, and its diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20. The upper edge of the tube 22 fits into the recess 50 (see FIG. 8). The recess 50, together with a recess 82 (see FIG. 4) provided in the main unit 60, forms an insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1).

[0058] In this specification, "outer case 31" and "outer case 31 and inner case 32" correspond to the "upper case" described in the claims. Additionally, "lower surface 132 of top wall 41 of outer case 31" and "lower surface 133 of top plate 135 of inner case 32" correspond to the "second surface" described in the claims. Additionally, "recess 40 of outer case 31" and "recess 40 of outer case 31 and recess 50 of inner case 32" correspond to the "recess forming an insertion hole" described in the claims.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner case 32 has an attachment opening 107 for avoiding interference with the LED box 33, and an attachment opening for avoiding interference with the LED box .

[0060] The mounting opening 106 is provided in a rear plate 134 of the inner case 32. The mounting opening 106 is located in the center of the rear plate 134 in the left-right direction 8.

[0061] The mounting opening 107 is provided in a top plate 135 of the inner case 32. The mounting opening 107 is located at the front end and the right end of the top plate 135.

[0062] In this embodiment, the reflecting member 101 is made of an aluminum alloy. The lower surface 103 of the reflecting member 101 is a diffuse reflection surface that diffusely reflects ultraviolet rays. This lower surface 103 (diffuse reflection surface 103) is a surface on which a large number of fine irregularities are formed by blasting. The irregularities diffusely reflect the irradiated light (ultraviolet rays). Diffuse reflection means that ultraviolet rays are reflected over a wide range at various reflection angles different from the angle of incidence of the incident ultraviolet rays. The size of the irregularities formed on the diffuse reflection surface 103 is suitable for diffuse reflection of ultraviolet rays (UV-C). The size of the irregularities is adjusted depending on the size of the metal pieces used in the blasting process, the time for which the blasting process is performed, and the like. In this embodiment, a commercially available product is used as the reflecting member 101.

[0063] The reflecting member 101 has the same rectangular shape as the top plate 135 of the inner case 32. The reflecting member 101 is disposed on the inside of the top plate 135 of the inner case 32 and covers the top plate 135. The reflecting member 101 is fixed to the top plate 135 of the inner case 32 by screws, adhesive, welding, or the like.

[0064] The reflective member 101 has a notch 105. The notch 105 is for avoiding interference between the reflective member 101 and the LED box 34. The notch 105 is formed at the right end and front end of the reflective member 101. The notch 105 is a removed portion at the right end and front end of the reflective member 101.

[0065] The LED box 33 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the LED box 33 is formed in a box shape with an open top. The LED box 33 is attached to the inside of the top wall 41 of the outer case 31 with screws (not shown). The opening of the LED box 33 is closed by the top wall 41 of the outer case 31. In other words, the inside of the LED box 33 is generally sealed to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering.

[0066] The LED box 33 houses the LED board set 35. That is, the LED box 33 has a function of fixing the LED board set 35 to the outer case 31. The LED box 33 is made of synthetic resin. However, the LED box 33 may be made of metal to prevent deterioration.

[0067] The LED box 33 is disposed at a position which is the front right side within the outer case 31. The LED box 33 is located within the outer case 31 and the inner case 32.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom wall 52 of the LED box 33 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to face the end 29 of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 placed in the stethoscope sterilization device 10. The bottom wall 52 is provided with an LED window 51 (see FIG. 5). The ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 38 is irradiated to the end 29 of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 through the LED window 51. That is, the ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 38 is irradiated to the end 29 of the tube 22 from the upper right diagonally. Among the ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 38, the ultraviolet light that is not irradiated to the end 29 of the tube 22 and passes through the side of the end 29 of the tube 22 is diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection surface 104 of the reflecting member 102. The ultraviolet light diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection surface 104 is irradiated to the end 29 of the tube 22 from the lower side. That is, the ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 38 is irradiated to the end 29 of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 from both the upper and lower sides. The ultraviolet LED 38 mainly sterilizes the end 29 of the tube 22. In this specification, the ultraviolet LED 38 corresponds to a "second irradiating body" described in the claims.

[0069] The LED board set 35 shown in FIG. 4 is housed in the LED box 33. The LED board set 35 is fixed to the LED box 33 by snap-fit ​​claws or screws provided on the LED box 33. The LED board set 35 has a circuit board 55, and an ultraviolet LED 38 and a connector (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 55. The connector is electrically connected to a control board unit 66 (described later) by a cable (not shown). The ultraviolet LED 38 is an element that irradiates ultraviolet light (UV-C). The ultraviolet LED 38 is driven by power supplied through the cable, the connector, and the pattern of the circuit board 55. In this embodiment, a commercially available ultraviolet LED 38 is used.

[0070] The LED box 34 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The LED box 34 is formed in a box shape with an opening at the rear. The LED box 34 is attached to the rear wall 43 of the outer case 31 with screws (not shown). The opening of the LED box 34 is closed by the rear wall 43 of the outer case 31. In other words, the inside of the LED box 34 is generally sealed to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering.

[0071] The LED box 34 houses the LED board set 36. That is, the LED box 34 has a function of fixing the LED board set 36 to the outer case 31. The LED box 34 is made of synthetic resin. However, the LED box 34 may be made of metal to prevent deterioration.

[0072] The LED box 34 is located at the center of the outer case 31 in the left-right direction 8. The upper wall 54 of the LED box 34 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to face the portion of the diffuse reflection surface 103 of the reflection member 101 located directly above the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20. The upper wall 54 has an LED window 53. The ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LED 39 is irradiated to the diffuse reflection surface 103 through the LED window 53 and is diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection surface 103. The diffusely reflected ultraviolet light is irradiated from above to the bell-shaped portion 26 of the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 (see FIG. 6). That is, the ultraviolet LED 39 mainly sterilizes the bell-shaped portion 26 of the chest piece 21. Note that a part of the ultraviolet light diffusely reflected by the diffuse reflection surface 103 is also irradiated to the end 29 of the tube 22. In this specification, the ultraviolet LED 39 corresponds to the "third irradiator" described in the claims.

[0073] The LED board set 36 shown in FIG. 4 is housed in the LED box 34. The LED board set 36 is fixed to the LED box 34 by snap-fit ​​claws or screws provided on the LED box 34. The LED board set 36 has a circuit board 56, and an ultraviolet LED 39 and a connector (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 56. The connector is electrically connected to a control board unit 66 (described later) by a cable (not shown). The ultraviolet LED 39 is an element that irradiates ultraviolet light (UV-C). The ultraviolet LED 39 is driven by power supplied through the cable, the connector, and the pattern of the circuit board 56. For example, the ultraviolet LED 39 has the same specifications as the ultraviolet LED 38.

[0074] The upper shutter 37 is in the form of a rectangular plate. The upper shutter 37 is located between the right wall 45 of the outer case 31 and the side wall 131 of the inner case 32. The upper shutter 37 is held by the outer case 31 and the inner case 32 so as to be slidable along the up-down direction 7. The upper shutter 37 is biased downward by a biasing member (not shown). The biasing member is a coil spring, a leaf spring, rubber, or the like. The upper shutter 37, together with the lower shutter 64, fixes the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 by sandwiching it from above and below. In addition, the upper shutter 37, together with the lower shutter 64, closes the insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1) to prevent foreign matter from entering when the stethoscope 20 is not set and is in an unused state.

[0075] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the main unit 60. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 in a state in which the stethoscope 20 is set (in use). Fig. 9(A) is a side view of the holding member 67 and the limit switch 68 (corresponding to the "first sensor" in the claims), and is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the holding member 67 and the limit switch 68. Fig. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10, and is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the lid unit 30 and the limit switch 69 (corresponding to the "second sensor" in the claims).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the main unit 60 includes an outer case 61, an inner case 62, a reflecting member 102, a cover 63, a lower shutter 64, an LED board set 65, a control board unit 66, a holding member 67, a limit switch 68, a limit switch 69 and a window member 70.

[0077] The outer case 61 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The outer case 61 is formed in a box shape with an open top. The outer case 61 has a bottom wall 71, a front wall 72, a rear wall 73, a left wall 74, and a right wall 75. An upper surface 136 of the bottom wall 71 of the outer case 61 has the same shape (rectangle) as a lower surface 132 of the top wall 41 of the outer case 31 of the lid unit 30. The upper surface 136 and the lower surface 132 face each other in the closed position.

[0078] The outer case 61 is made of synthetic resin. However, the outer case 61 may be made of metal. The outer case 61 forms a case together with the outer case 31 of the lid unit 30.

[0079] The outer case 61 has an operation confirmation window 80 on the front wall 72. A doctor or nurse can visually confirm through the operation confirmation window 80 whether the LED 113 of the control board unit 66 is on (blinking) or off, that is, whether the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is operating or not.

[0080] The outer case 61 has a plurality of bosses 76 and LED support ribs 77, 78 that protrude upward from the bottom wall 71.

[0081] Each of the bosses 76 has a screw hole 141. The control board unit 66 is placed on the boss 76. A screw (not shown) is inserted into the insertion hole 124 of the control board unit 66 and then screwed into the screw hole 141 of the boss 76. In other words, the control board unit 66 is attached onto the bottom wall 71 of the outer case 61.

[0082] The LED support ribs 77, 78 are located below the fork 87 of the holding member 67. The LED support rib 77 and the LED support rib 78 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction 9. The LED board set 65 is placed on the LED support ribs 77, 78.

[0083] The outer case 61 has a terminal opening 98, through which the USB terminal 13 (see FIG. 2) of the USB cable 11 is inserted, in the lower part of the left wall 74. The USB terminal 13 of the USB cable 11 is connected to a USB connector 111 of the control board unit 66 through the terminal opening 98.

[0084] A recess 81 is provided in the outer case 61. This recess 81 is provided in the center of the upper edge of the right wall 75 of the outer case 61 (the center in the front-rear direction 9), and forms a depression downward. The recess 81 is semicircular, and its diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower edge of the tube 22 fits into the recess 81. The recess 81, together with the recess 40 (see FIG. 4) provided in the lid unit 30, forms an insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1).

[0085] 4, the inner case 62 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The inner case 62 is formed in a box shape with an open upper surface. The inner case 62 is disposed inside the outer case 61 and attached to the outer case 61 using screws (not shown).

[0086] An upper surface 138 of the bottom plate 137 of the inner case 62 has the same shape (rectangle) as a lower surface 133 of a top plate 135 of the inner case 32 of the lid unit 30. The upper surface 138 and the lower surface 133 face each other in the closed position. In the closed position, the inner case 62 and the inner case 32 form a hollow inner case that houses the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22.

[0087] The inner case 62 is manufactured, for example, by pressing a metal plate. The inner case 62 prevents ultraviolet rays from being irradiated onto the outer case 61. To explain in more detail, the outer case 61 made of synthetic resin is deteriorated by ultraviolet rays. In addition, there is a risk that some of the ultraviolet rays will transmit through the outer case 61. The inner case 62 made of metal reflects ultraviolet rays, thereby preventing deterioration of the outer case 61 and leakage of ultraviolet rays from the stethoscope sterilization device 10.

[0088] A recess 82 is provided in the inner case 62. This recess 82 is provided in the center of the upper edge of the side wall 139 of the inner case 62 (the center in the front-rear direction 9), and as shown in FIG. 7, is aligned in the left-right direction 8 with the recess 81 provided in the outer case 61. The recess 82, like the recess 81, forms a depression downward. The recess 82 has a semicircular shape, and its diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower edge of the tube 22 fits into the recess 82. The recess 82, together with the recess 50 (see FIG. 4) provided in the lid unit 30, forms an insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1).

[0089] 4, the inner case 62 has a pair of front and rear bearing holes 88. The front bearing hole 88 is provided in the front plate 142 of the inner case 62, and the rear bearing hole 88 is provided in the rear plate 143 of the inner case 62. The pair of bearing holes 88 are located on the left side of the inner case 62. A rotating shaft 85 of a holding member 67, which will be described later, is inserted into the bearing holes 88.

[0090] The inner case 62 has an LED window 83 in the bottom plate 137. The LED window 83 is provided in a position directly above the ultraviolet LEDs 121 of the LED board set 65 and directly below the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 when it is set.

[0091] The reflecting member 102 has the same specifications as the reflecting member 101. The upper surface 104 of the reflecting member 102 is a diffuse reflecting surface 104 that diffusely reflects ultraviolet light.

[0092] The reflecting member 102 has the same rectangular shape as the bottom plate 137 of the inner case 62. The reflecting member 102 is disposed so as to overlap the bottom plate 137 of the inner case 62. The reflecting member 102 is fixed to the bottom plate 137 of the inner case 62 by screws, adhesive, welding, or the like.

[0093] The reflective member 102 has an LED window 84. The LED window 84 is located directly above the LED window 83 of the inner case 62.

[0094] The cover 63 has a rectangular frame shape and is made of synthetic resin. However, the cover 63 may also be made of metal.

[0095] The cover 63 is located on the outer case 61. The cover 63 is fixed to the outer case 61 by screws or snap fits.

[0096] The cover 63 has a lower hinge portion 91. The lower hinge portion 91 forms a hinge together with the upper hinge portion 49 of the lid unit 30. To explain in detail, the lower hinge portion 91 has a pair of front and rear bearing bosses 93. The bearing bosses 93 protrude from a side wall 144 of the cover 63. The bearing bosses 93 each have a bearing hole 92 through which a shaft 94 is inserted.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 7, the cover 63 has an insertion hole 122. The insertion hole 122 is located at the front and right part of the cover 63. As shown in Fig. 9(B), when the lid unit 30 is closed, the rib 99 of the outer case 31 of the lid unit 30 enters the insertion hole 122.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 4, a recess 123 is provided in the cover 63. This recess 123 is provided in the center of the upper edge of the side wall 145 of the cover 63 (the center in the front-rear direction 9), and as shown in FIG. 7, it is aligned in the left-right direction 8 with the recess 81 provided in the outer case 61. The recess 123 forms a depression downward, similar to the recess 81. The recess 123 has a semicircular shape, and its diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower edge of the tube 22 fits into the recess 123. The recess 123 forms an insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1) together with a recess 50 (see FIG. 4) provided in the lid unit 30.

[0099] The recess 40 of the outer case 31 and the recess 50 of the inner case 32 of the lid unit 30, the recess 81 of the outer case 61, the recess 82 of the inner case 62, and the recess 123 of the cover 63 of the main body unit 60 form an insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1). In the closed position, the insertion hole 79 surrounds the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 (see FIG. 8). In other words, the end 29 of the tube 22 is sandwiched between the main body unit 60 and the lid unit 30 from above and below, and is thereby held suspended in the air within the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10.

[0100] In this specification, "outer case 61," "outer case 61 and inner case 62," and "outer case 61, inner case 62, and cover 63" correspond to the "lower case" described in the claims. Also, "outer case 31 and outer case 61," "outer case 31, outer case 61, inner case 32, and inner case 62," and "outer case 31, outer case 61, inner case 32, inner case 62, and cover 63" correspond to the "case" described in the claims.

[0101] In this specification, the "space (internal space) defined by the outer cases 31, 61" and the "space (internal space) defined by the inner cases 32, 62" correspond to the "accommodation chamber" described in the claims.

[0102] In this specification, "upper surface 136 of bottom wall 71 of outer case 61" and "upper surface 138 of bottom plate 137 of inner case 62" correspond to the "first surface" described in the claims.

[0103] In this specification, "recess 81 of outer case 61," "recess 81 of outer case 61 and recess 82 of inner case 62," and "recess 81 of outer case 61, recess 82 of inner case 62, and recess 123 of cover 63" correspond to "recesses forming insertion holes" described in the claims.

[0104] A shaft 94 (see FIG. 4) is inserted into a bearing hole 48 (see FIG. 5) of the upper hinge portion 49 of the lid unit 30 and a bearing hole 92 (see FIG. 4) of the lower hinge portion 91 of the cover 63. The lid unit 30 rotates around the shaft 94.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 63 has a notch 95 into which the window member 70 is fitted.

[0106] The window member 70 has an attachment body 96 and a transparent cover 97. The attachment body 96 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The attachment body 96 is attached to the cover 63 by screws, snap-fit, or adhesive. The transparent cover 97 is made of a translucent synthetic resin. The transparent cover 97 transmits light emitted by the lighting LED 113 of the control board unit 66. In other words, a doctor or nurse can visually confirm the light of the lighting LED 113 through the operation confirmation window 80 and the transparent cover 97.

[0107] The lower shutter 64 is in the form of a rectangular plate. The lower shutter 64 is located between the right wall 75 of the outer case 61 and the side wall 139 of the inner case 62. The lower shutter 64 is held by the outer case 61 and the inner case 62 so as to be slidable along the up-down direction 7. The lower shutter 64 is biased upward by a biasing member (not shown). The biasing member is a coil spring, a leaf spring, rubber, or the like. The lower shutter 64, together with the upper shutter 37, fixes the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 by sandwiching it from above and below. In addition, the lower shutter 64, together with the upper shutter 37, closes the insertion hole 79 (see FIG. 1) to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter when the stethoscope 20 is not set and is in an unused state.

[0108] The holding member 67 has a function of holding the chestpiece 21 of the stethoscope 20. To explain in detail, the holding member 67 has a main body 86 having a fork 87, and a pair of rotating shafts 85 fixed to the main body 86.

[0109] Fork 87 has a pair of pieces spaced apart from each other in front-rear direction 9. Distance L2 (see FIG. 7) between the pair of pieces is slightly longer than diameter D1 (see FIG. 3(B)) of shaft portion 27 of chest piece 21 of stethoscope 20, and shorter than diameter D2 of membrane-type portion 25 and diameter D3 of bell-shaped portion 26 of chest piece 21 (see FIG. 3(B)).

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6, a doctor or nurse inserts the shaft portion 27 of the chest piece 21 between the pair of pieces of the fork 87. The pair of pieces of the fork 87 abut against the shaft portion 27, thereby restricting the movement of the chest piece 21 in the front-rear direction 9. The pair of pieces of the fork 87 abut against the bell-shaped portion 26, thereby supporting the chest piece 21 on the holding member 67. That is, the holding member 67 holds the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 in a state in which the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is suspended in the air and the membrane-type portion 25 and the bell-shaped portion 26 are entirely exposed. The holding member 67 holds the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 in a position in which the diaphragm 28 of the membrane-type portion 25 faces the diffuse reflection surface 104 of the reflecting member 102, and the bell-shaped portion 26 faces the diffuse reflection surface 103 of the reflecting member 101. In this specification, the holding member 67 corresponds to the "holding portion" described in the claims.

[0111] 4, one rotation shaft 85 of the holding member 67 protrudes forward from the main body 86, and the other rotation shaft 85 protrudes rearward from the main body 86. The front rotation shaft 85 is inserted into a front bearing hole 88 of the inner case 62, and the rear rotation shaft 85 is inserted into a rear bearing hole 88 of the inner case 62. In other words, the holding member 67 is held by the inner case 62 in a rotatable manner.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 9(A), the limit switch 68 has a push button 89 and a rotating push plate 90. The limit switch 68 is turned on only when the push button 89 is pressed, and is turned off in a normal state where the push button 89 is not pressed. In other words, the limit switch 68 is a so-called normally-off switch. For example, a microswitch or a tact switch is used as the limit switch 68. The limit switch 68 is electrically connected to the control board unit 66 by a cable (not shown).

[0113] The limit switch 68 is located to the left of the holding member 67 and is fixed to the inner case 62 using a screw or the like. The rotating pressure plate 90 of the limit switch 68 is pushed to the left by the holding member 67, which has been rotated clockwise in FIG. 9(A) with the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 set therein. The rotating pressure plate 90 pushed by the holding member 67 presses the push button 89. That is, when the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67, the limit switch 68 is turned on. When the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is removed from the holding member 67, the push button 89 pushes the holding member 67 to the right via the rotating pressure plate 90, causing the holding member 67 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 9(A). That is, the state (on state / off state) of the limit switch 68 changes depending on whether the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67 or not. The limit switch 68 functions as a sensor that detects whether or not the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67. In this specification, the state in which the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67 corresponds to the "held state of the stethoscope" described in the claims.

[0114] 9(B), the limit switch 69 has a push button 89 and a rotating pressure plate 90, similar to the limit switch 68. The limit switch 69 is electrically connected to the control board unit 66 by a cable (not shown). The limit switch 69 is fixed to the inner case 62 using screws or the like, with the push button 89 and the rotating pressure plate 90 facing upward.

[0115] The limit switch 69 has the same specifications as the limit switch 68 and is a normally-off switch. The limit switch 69 is located below the insertion hole 122 of the cover 63. The rotating pressure plate 90 of the limit switch 69 is pressed from above by the lower end 100 of the rib 99 of the lid unit 30. The push button 89 of the limit switch 69 is pressed by the lower end 100 of the rib 99 via the rotating pressure plate 90. In other words, the state (on state / off state) of the limit switch 69 changes depending on whether the lid unit 30 is closed or open. The limit switch 69 functions as a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the lid unit 30.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 4, the LED board set 65 has a circuit board 120, and an ultraviolet LED 121 and a connector (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 120. The circuit board 120 is placed on the LED support ribs 77, 78 of the outer case 61, and is fixed to the outer case 61 using, for example, screws. In addition, as shown in Fig. 8, the LED board set 65 is located above the control board unit 66.

[0117] A connector (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 120 is electrically connected to the control board unit 66 via a cable (not shown). The ultraviolet LED 121 has the same specifications as the ultraviolet LEDs 38 and 39, and irradiates ultraviolet light (UV-C). The ultraviolet LED 121 is driven by a direct current supplied through the cable, the connector, and the pattern of the circuit board 120.

[0118] The ultraviolet LED 121 is located directly below the LED window 83 of the outer case 61 and the LED window 84 of the reflecting member 102. The ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet LED 121 is irradiated through the LED windows 83 and 84 to the membrane type portion 25 of the chest piece 21 located above the LED windows 83 and 84. In other words, the ultraviolet LED 121 mainly sterilizes the membrane type portion 25 (diaphragm 28) of the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20. In this specification, the ultraviolet LED 121 corresponds to the "first irradiating body" described in the claims. The ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 correspond to the "ultraviolet irradiating member" described in the claims.

[0119] Fig. 10 is a circuit diagram of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the process (operation) executed by the control board unit 66.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 4, the control board unit 66 includes a circuit board 110 and various electronic components mounted on the circuit board 110. As shown in Fig. 10, the various electronic components include a USB connector 111, three connection connectors 112, six LEDs 113, timer ICs 114 and 115, switching elements 116 and 117, a capacitor, and a resistor. Note that the timer ICs 114 and 115, the switching elements 116 and 117, the capacitor, and the resistor are not shown in Fig. 4. In this specification, the control board unit 66 corresponds to a "control device" described in the claims.

[0121] The circuit board 110 has a plurality of insertion holes 124 through which screws (not shown) are inserted. The circuit board 110 also has insertion holes 125 through which the LED support ribs 78 of the outer case 61 are inserted. The circuit board 110 is placed on the bosses 76 of the outer case 61, and then fixed to the outer case 61 by screws (not shown) that are screwed into the screw holes 141 of the bosses 76.

[0122] 4, the USB connector 111 is located to the right of the terminal opening 98 of the outer case 61. More specifically, the USB connector 111 is mounted on the left end of the circuit board 110.

[0123] The six lighting LEDs 113 are located behind the transparent cover 97 of the window member 70. Specifically, the six lighting LEDs 113 are located at the front end of the circuit board 110. The six lighting LEDs 113 are lined up at equal intervals in the left-right direction 8. The lighting LEDs 113 irradiate visible light such as blue, red, or green. In this embodiment, an LED that irradiates blue light is used as the lighting LED 113. In this specification, the lighting LED 113 corresponds to the "light-emitting body" described in the claims.

[0124] One of the three connectors 112 is connected to the limit switch 68 by a cable (not shown). The other of the three connectors 112 is connected to the limit switch 69 by a cable (not shown). Yet another of the three connectors 112 is connected to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 by a cable (not shown). In other words, the control board unit 66 is electrically connected to the limit switch 68, the limit switch 69, and the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121.

[0125] 10 and 11, the switching element 116 and the switching element 117 are disposed on a DC current supply line to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121. When the switching element 116 and the switching element 117 are both on, the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 are supplied with DC current and driven. In this embodiment, commercially available switching elements 116 and 117 are used.

[0126] The gate of the switching element 116 is connected to the limit switch 69. When the lid unit 30 is closed and the limit switch 69 is turned on, the switching element 116 is also turned on. In other words, ultraviolet light is irradiated only when the lid unit 30 is closed.

[0127] The gate of the switching element 117 is connected to the timer IC 114 via a signal amplifier circuit. That is, the driving (on / off) of the switching element 117 is controlled by the timer IC 114.

[0128] The timer IC 114 is connected to the limit switch 68. The timer IC 114 detects the on / off state of the limit switch 68. That is, the timer IC 114 receives information (on signal / off signal) indicating whether the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67 or not. When the timer IC 114 detects that the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67, it turns on the switching element 117. That is, ultraviolet light is emitted only when the stethoscope 20 is set in the stethoscope sterilization device 10.

[0129] The timer IC 114 has a timer counter 118 that measures time. The timer IC 114 starts counting up the timer counter 118 based on detecting the ON state (the closed position) of the limit switch 68, or starts counting down from a predetermined value. The timer IC 114 turns off the switching element 117 based on the count value of the timer counter 118 reaching a predetermined value, or based on the count value reaching zero from the predetermined value. When the switching element 117 turns off, the supply of direct current to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 stops. That is, the irradiation of ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 stops. That is, after the stethoscope 20 is set and the lid unit 30 is closed, the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 irradiate ultraviolet light for the time indicated by the predetermined value (hereinafter, referred to as the "predetermined time").

[0130] The above-mentioned predetermined value can be changed by changing the resistance value of variable resistor VR2 (see FIG. 10). The above-mentioned predetermined time (sterilization time) is set to a time that allows sufficient sterilization of the stethoscope 20. Sufficient sterilization means that the reduction rate of bacteria or viruses attached to the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22 is equal to or less than a specified value (target value), such as 99% or less, 99.9% or less, or 99.99% or less.

[0131] When the timer IC 114 detects that the limit switch 69 has been turned off (the above-mentioned open position), it resets the count value of the timer counter 118. Note that resetting the count value includes not only returning the count value stored in the memory of the timer IC 114 to the initial value, but also making it possible to start timing the above-mentioned predetermined value anew.

[0132] The six lighting LEDs 113 are connected to a switching element 117, and are driven in synchronization with the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121. In other words, the six lighting LEDs 113 are driven only when the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 are driven.

[0133] The timer IC 115 is connected to the six lighting LEDs 113. The timer IC 115 drives the six lighting LEDs 113 to blink. Note that "blinking" is intermittent "lighting" and is included in "lighting." In this embodiment, commercially available products are used as the timer ICs 114 and 115.

[0134] [Operation (processing) of stethoscope sterilization device 10]

[0135] The operation (processing) of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0136] A doctor or nurse connects the USB terminal 13 of the USB cable 11 (see FIG. 2) to the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10, connects the USB terminal 12 to an AC adapter (not shown), and turns on the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10.

[0137] The control board unit 66 determines whether the lid unit 30 is closed or not (S11) based on the fact that the power is turned on. This determination (S11) is made based on the state (on state / off state) of the limit switch 69.

[0138] Furthermore, the control board unit 66 determines whether or not the chestpiece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set in the holding member 67 (S12). This determination (S12) is made based on the state (on state / off state) of the limit switch 68.

[0139] To sterilize the stethoscope 20 that has been used on a patient, a doctor or nurse opens the lid unit 30, sets the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 in the holding member 67, and then closes the lid unit 30. When the chest piece 21 is set in the holding member 67, the limit switch 68 turns on. When the lid unit 30 is closed, the limit switch 69 turns on.

[0140] The control board unit 66 continues to perform the processes of steps S11 and S12 until it determines that the lid unit 30 is closed and the chestpiece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set (S11: No, S12: No).

[0141] When the control board unit 66 determines that the cover unit 30 is closed (S11: Yes) and that the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set (S12: Yes), it turns on the switching element 117 to supply direct current to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121, and drives the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121 and the light LED 113 (S13). Specifically, when the cover unit 30 is closed, the switching element 116 is turned on, and when the chest piece 21 is set in the holding member 67, the switching element 117 is turned on by the timer IC 114. When both the switching elements 116 and 117 are turned on, direct current is supplied to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121 and the light LED 113. The light LED 113 is driven to flash by the timer IC 115.

[0142] Furthermore, the control board unit 66 (timer IC 114) starts counting (timekeeping) the above-mentioned predetermined value by the timer counter 118 (S14).

[0143] Next, the control board unit 66 determines whether the lid unit 30 has been opened (S15), whether the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 has been removed from the holding member 67 (S16), and whether the above-mentioned predetermined time has elapsed since the lid unit 30 was closed and ultraviolet light was irradiated (S17).

[0144] If the doctor or nurse opens the lid unit 30 before the predetermined time has elapsed since the lid unit 30 was closed and the ultraviolet rays were irradiated, the result is determined as "Yes" in step S15. If the doctor or nurse tilts the stethoscope sterilization device 10 before the predetermined time has elapsed since the ultraviolet rays were irradiated, and the chest piece 21 is removed from the holding member 67 without the lid unit 30 being opened, the result is determined as "Yes" in step S16. If the control board unit 66 determines as "Yes" in steps S15 and S16, or if the control board unit 66 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the lid unit 30 was closed and the ultraviolet rays were irradiated (S17: Yes), it stops driving the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121 and the lighted LED 113 (S18). Specifically, when the lid unit 30 is opened, the limit switch 69 is turned off and the switching element 116 is turned off, and the supply of direct current to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121 and the lighted LED 113 is stopped. Alternatively, when the chestpiece 21 is removed from the holding member 67, the limit switch 68 is turned off, and the timer IC 114, upon detecting that the limit switch 68 has been turned off, turns off the switching element 117 to stop the supply of DC current to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121 and the lighted LED 113. Alternatively, when the above-mentioned predetermined time has elapsed since the lid unit 30 was closed, the timer IC 114 turns off the switching element 117 to stop the supply of DC current to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121 and the lighted LED 113.

[0145] The doctor or nurse recognizes that sterilization of the stethoscope 20 is complete when the blinking LED 113 goes out. The doctor or nurse opens the lid unit 30 and removes the sterilized stethoscope 20 from the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. The doctor uses the sterilized stethoscope 20 to examine the next patient. The doctor then sets the used stethoscope 20 back into the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 and closes the lid unit 30.

[0146] The control board unit 66 repeatedly executes the processes from step S11 to step S19 while power is being supplied through the USB cable 11 (S19: No). That is, every time the stethoscope 20 is set in the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 and the lid unit 30 is closed, the processes from step S11 to step S19 are executed. When the USB cable 11 is unplugged from the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 and the supply of power is stopped (S19: Yes), the control board unit 66 ends the process (END).

[0147] [Evaluation test]

[0148] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the results of an evaluation test for evaluating the sterilization performance of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10.

[0149] The sterilization performance of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 is evaluated by inoculating (attaching) the stethoscope 20 with test bacteria, measuring the number of bacteria before sterilization with the stethoscope sterilization device 10 (initial number of bacteria) and the number of bacteria after sterilization (number of test bacteria), and calculating the reduction rate of the test bacteria from the measurement results.

[0150] The evaluation tests were carried out by the Biotechnology Section of the Microbiology Department of the Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science, a general incorporated foundation.

[0151] [Evaluation site (site of stethoscope 20 inoculated with the test bacteria)]

[0152] Evaluation site A: Bell-shaped portion 26 of chest piece 21 (see FIG. 6) Evaluation site B: membrane-type portion 25 of chest piece 21 (see FIG. 6) Evaluation site C: Upper side of the end 29 of the tube 22 on the chest piece 21 side (see FIG. 6) Evaluation site D: Upper side of the opposite side of the chest piece 21 from the end 29 of the tube 22 (see FIG. 6) Evaluation site E: The lower center of the end 29 of the tube 22 (see FIG. 6)

[0153] [Test temperature, medium, reagents, equipment]

[0154] Test temperature (room temperature): 22°C to 28°C

[0155] Media used in evaluation tests: (1) Tryptic Soy Agar (BD-Difco) (hereinafter referred to as "TSA medium") (2) Nutrient Broth (BD-Difco) (hereinafter referred to as “NB medium”) (3) SCDLP bouillon medium (manufactured by Eiken Scientific Co., Ltd.) (hereinafter referred to as "SCDLP medium")

[0156] Reagent: 0.85% saline solution prepared with sodium chloride (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

[0157] Equipment: (1) Cotton swab: Texwipe TX761 (2) Centrifuge tube: WATSON (50 ml capacity) (3) Sterile polystyrene petri dish (diameter 90 mm): manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "petri dish") (4) Ultrasonic cleaner: BRANSON CPX2800H-J, 110W

[0158] Test organisms: Staphylococcus aureusIID1677 (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) (hereinafter referred to as "MRSA")

[0159] [Test bacteria culture method]

[0160] The frozen and preserved strain was inoculated into TSA medium and cultured at 34°C to 38°C for 18 hours, and the cultured bacteria was transferred to a new TSA medium and cultured at 34°C to 38°C for 24 hours. The grown colonies were scraped off and suspended in NB medium with a concentration of 1 / 20 to adjust the concentration to about 10 to the power of 8 CFU / ml, which was used as a test bacterial solution. In other words, the scraped grown colonies were placed into NB medium diluted 20 times, and diluted with NB medium so that the number of bacteria contained therein was about 10 to the power of 8 CFU / ml, which was used as a test bacterial solution. Note that CFU stands for colony forming unit.

[0161] [Test Method]

[0162] The chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22 were held by clamps and suspended in the air, and 10 μml of the test bacteria liquid was inoculated into five separate locations per evaluation site. This was air-dried in a safety cabinet until the test bacteria liquid was completely dry, and then used for the sterilization test. The time required for the test bacteria liquid to dry was 20 minutes.

[0163] The chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 inoculated with the test bacteria liquid and the end 29 of the tube 22 were set in the stethoscope sterilization device 10, the cover unit 30 was closed, and the stethoscope sterilization device 10 was operated for 3 minutes (sterilization time). After the operation was completed, the evaluation site was wiped with a cotton swab previously moistened with SCDLP medium, and the head of the cotton swab was collected in a centrifuge tube containing 10 ml of SCDLP medium. The evaluation site was wiped again with a dry cotton swab, and the head of the cotton swab was collected in the same centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube containing the head of the cotton swab was treated in an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes to wash out the test bacteria, and this was used as a sample liquid for measuring the number of bacteria. The evaluation test was performed with the number of measurements "2".

[0164] The sample solution for measuring the number of bacteria was used as the stock solution, and a 10-fold serial dilution series was prepared with physiological saline. 1 ml of each of the stock sample solution and the diluted solution was transferred to a petri dish, mixed with approximately 20 ml of TSA medium, solidified, and cultured at 34 to 38°C for 45 hours. The number of grown colonies after culture was counted to determine the number of test bacteria per evaluation site (lower limit of quantification: 10 CFU / evaluation site). The test bacteria solution was collected immediately after drying, and the initial number of bacteria before sterilization was determined.

[0165] [Calculation of the reduction rate]

[0166] LRV (log reduction value of bacteria count) was calculated as follows: LRV = "log average of initial viable bacteria count" - "log average of viable bacteria count after sterilization with stethoscope sterilization device 10". Reduction rate (%) = (1 - (1 / 10) to the power of LRV) x 100.

[0167] [Evaluation test results]

[0168] 13, the reduction rate of bacteria (MRSA) was 99.99% in all five evaluation sites A to E of stethoscope 20. In other words, the evaluation test confirmed that stethoscope sterilization device 10 can sterilize 99.99% of bacteria attached to membrane portion 25 (diaphragm 28) and bell-shaped portion 26 of chest piece 21 of stethoscope 20 and end portion 29 of tube 22.

[0169] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0170] The chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22 are held by the holding member 67 and the right wall 75 of the outer case 61 of the main unit 60, spaced apart from the inner cases 32, 62, i.e., suspended in the air. The chest piece 21 and the end 29 of the tube 22 held in a suspended state are sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can sterilize the chest piece 21 and the end 29 of the tube 22 simultaneously.

[0171] The ultraviolet LED 121 irradiates the diaphragm 28 of the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 with ultraviolet light, sterilizing the diaphragm 28. Meanwhile, the ultraviolet LED 38 irradiates the end 29 of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 with ultraviolet light, sterilizing the end 29. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can sterilize the chest piece 21 and the end 29 of the tube 22 of the stethoscope 20 in a shorter time than when sterilizing with a single ultraviolet LED.

[0172] The ultraviolet LED 39 is disposed between the ultraviolet LED 121 and the ultraviolet LED 38, and irradiates ultraviolet light onto the portions irradiated with less ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet LED 121 and the ultraviolet LED 38, i.e., the bell-shaped portion 26 of the chest piece 21 and the portion of the end 29 of the tube 22 on the chest piece 21 side. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can sterilize the chest piece 21 and the end 29 of the tube 22 uniformly.

[0173] Since the stethoscope sterilization device 10 is provided with the reflective members 101, 102 having the diffuse reflective surfaces 103, 104 that diffusely reflect ultraviolet light, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can sterilize the chestpiece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22 more uniformly.

[0174] The two diffuse reflecting surfaces 103, 104 are provided facing each other above and below. Therefore, compared to a case in which the two diffuse reflecting surfaces 103, 104 do not face each other, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can sterilize the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the end 29 of the tube 22 more uniformly.

[0175] The holding member 67 (fork 87) holds the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 in a suspended state, so that the membrane-type portion 25 (diaphragm 28) and the bell-shaped portion 26 of the chest piece 21 are entirely exposed. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 can reliably sterilize the entire diaphragm 28 and the bell-shaped portion 26.

[0176] When the lid unit 30 is closed, the tube 22 is sandwiched and fixed between the lid unit 30 and the main body unit 60. When the lid unit 30 is opened, the tube 22 is released from the fixed state. In other words, a doctor or nurse can fix and release the tube 22 simply by opening and closing the lid unit 30. As a result, it becomes easy for a doctor or nurse to set and remove the stethoscope 20 from the stethoscope sterilization device 10.

[0177] The stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 irradiates the stethoscope 20 with ultraviolet light (S13) based on the fact that the lid unit 30 is closed (S11: Yes) and the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set (S12: Yes). When the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 detects that the lid unit 30 is opened by the limit switch 68 (S15: Yes), it stops irradiating the ultraviolet light (S18). This prevents doctors, nurses, and patients from being irradiated with ultraviolet light by mistake.

[0178] The stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 does not irradiate ultraviolet light even if the lid unit 30 is closed without the stethoscope 20 set in the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. Therefore, the lid unit 30 of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 can be closed while the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is not in use. For example, after removing the sterilized stethoscope 20 from the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10, a doctor closes the lid unit 30 and examines the next patient. While examining a patient, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 does not irradiate ultraviolet light.

[0179] The stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 drives (blinks) the LED 113 when irradiation of ultraviolet light begins. The doctor recognizes that sterilization has started and is in progress by the blinking of the LED 113. When the above-mentioned predetermined time has elapsed since the start of sterilization, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 stops driving the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 and turns off the LED 113. The doctor, nurse, or patient recognizes that the stethoscope 20 has been sterilized by the LED 113 being turned off. Therefore, the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 can easily allow the doctor, nurse, or patient to recognize that sterilization of the stethoscope 20 has started, is in progress, and has been completed.

[0180] The stethoscope sterilization device 10 includes the USB connector 111, and therefore can be used not only indoors where a commercial AC power source is installed, but also outdoors.

[0181] [Variations]

[0182] In the evaluation test, it was confirmed that a reduction rate of 99.99% was obtained when the stethoscope sterilization device 10 was driven for 3 minutes. If the reduction rate could reach the specified value (target value), the drive time of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may be shorter than 3 minutes. For example, the reduction rate can be made equal to or less than the specified value in a drive time shorter than 3 minutes by adopting ultraviolet LEDs with a high ultraviolet irradiation amount as the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121, reducing the size of the inner case 32, 62, adopting a type of metal with a high ultraviolet reflection efficiency or an aluminum alloy with a mirror finish as the material of the inner case 32, 62, or adjusting the mounting position or mounting direction of the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, 121. The drive time (sterilization time) is preferably 2 minutes or less, 1.5 minutes or less (90 seconds) or less, or 1 minute or less.

[0183] In the embodiment, an example in which the stethoscope sterilization device 10 is driven by two timer ICs 114 and 115 has been described. However, instead of the two timer ICs 114 and 115, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may be driven by a microcomputer that implements a control program. In that case, the microcomputer is mounted on the circuit board 110 and executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Also, instead of the two timer ICs 114 and 115, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may be driven by a personal computer in which a control program (application program) is installed. In that case, the USB terminal 12 of the USB cable 11 is connected to a personal computer. Then, the application program executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. When a personal computer is used, the personal computer is a part of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 and corresponds to the "control device" described in the claims. Also, when a personal computer is used, the driving history of the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may be stored in the memory of the personal computer as history information. The history information is, for example, the date and time when the operation of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 started and the date and time when the operation ended.

[0184] In the embodiment, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 used for the double-type stethoscope 20 having the membrane-type portion 25 and the bell-type portion 26 has been described. However, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may be used for a single-type stethoscope having only the membrane-type portion 25. In that case, instead of the holding member 67, a holding member for holding a single-type chest piece, or a holding member capable of holding both the double-type chest piece 21 and the single-type chest piece (not shown) is provided in the stethoscope sterilization device 10. The holding member may be, for example, a glass support base. The glass support base (holding member) supports the chest piece while transmitting ultraviolet light. The glass support base (holding member) corresponds to the "holding portion" described in the claims. In addition, when sterilizing only the single-type stethoscope 20, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may not have an ultraviolet LED 39 for sterilizing the bell-type portion 26.

[0185] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the reflective member 101 is attached to the inner case 32, and the reflective member 102 is attached to the inner case 62. That is, an example has been described in which the inner case 32 and the reflective member 101 are separate members, and the inner case 62 and the reflective member 102 are separate members. However, the inner case 32 and the reflective member 101 may be integral, and the inner case 62 and the reflective member 102 may be integral. For example, the inner case 32 is manufactured by processing a plate material having a diffuse reflection surface 103, so that the inner case 32 and the reflective member 101 are integrated, and the inner case 62 is manufactured by processing a plate material having a diffuse reflection surface 104, so that the inner case 62 and the reflective member 102 are integrated. In that case, the inner cases 32 and 62 correspond to the "reflective members" described in the claims.

[0186] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the stethoscope sterilization device 10 does not include a secondary battery and is driven by a direct current supplied from an external source. However, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may further include a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. In that case, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may be driven by a direct current voltage supplied from an external source or by a direct current voltage supplied from the secondary battery.

[0187] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 are used as the ultraviolet irradiation members that irradiate ultraviolet rays. However, instead of the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121, a lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, such as a xenon lamp, may be used as the ultraviolet irradiation member.

[0188] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the limit switch 68 that detects whether the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 is set and the limit switch 69 that detects the opening and closing of the lid unit 30 are used. However, other sensors such as a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor (photo interrupter) may be used instead of the limit switch 68 and the limit switch 69. In other words, any sensor may be used as long as it can detect the setting of the chest piece 21 of the stethoscope 20 and the opening and closing of the lid unit 30.

[0189] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the blinking and extinguishing of the LED 113 allows a doctor, nurse, or patient to recognize whether the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is in an operating state or not. However, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a 7-segment display, a speaker, or the like may be used to allow a doctor, nurse, or patient to recognize whether the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is in an operating state (sterilization in progress). In this case, a display is displayed indicating whether the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 is in an operating state or not, or a notification sound is output from the speaker indicating that the operation of the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10 has been completed.

[0190] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the diffuse reflection surfaces 103, 104 of the reflecting members 101, 102 are formed by blasting. However, the diffuse reflection surfaces 103, 104 may be formed by any method as long as they can form a large number of fine irregularities. For example, the diffuse reflection surfaces 103, 104 may be formed by chemical etching or laser processing. The fine irregularities forming the diffuse reflection surfaces 103, 104 may be formed by attaching metal powder such as aluminum alloy to the surface of a plate material by deposition or the like. The reflecting members 101, 102 may be mirror bodies made of metal foil and glass, in which a large number of fine irregularities are formed on the surface of the metal foil or on the surface of the glass plate that is in close contact with the metal foil. In other words, any material may be used as the reflecting member as long as it can diffusely reflect ultraviolet rays.

[0191] The lid unit 30 may be divided into two parts, each of which may be rotatably supported by the main body unit 60. In other words, the lid unit 30 may be a so-called "double door" type.

[0192] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the lid unit 30 is rotatable. However, the lid unit 30 may be detachable from the main body unit 60. In that case, the lid unit 30 is engaged (fixed) to the main body unit 60 by, for example, a snap fit. The position in which the lid unit 30 is attached to the main body unit 60 corresponds to the "closed position" recited in the claims, and the position in which the lid unit 30 is detached from the main body unit 60 corresponds to the "open position" recited in the claims.

[0193] The lid unit 30 may be slidably held on the main unit 60. For example, the lid unit 30 is opened or closed by sliding it on the cover 63 of the main unit 60 in the left-right direction 8.

[0194] In the embodiment, the lighting LED 113 has been described as an example of the light emitter. However, instead of the lighting LED 113, a lamp such as a neon lamp may be used as the light emitter.

[0195] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the two diffuse reflection surfaces 103, 104 that diffusely reflect ultraviolet light constitute the upper and lower surfaces of the case formed by the inner cases 32, 62. However, only one surface of the inner case may be a diffuse reflection surface, or three or more surfaces may be diffuse reflection surfaces. In addition, the two diffuse reflection surfaces may be provided opposite each other in the left-right direction 8 or the front-rear direction 9.

[0196] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of irradiation of ultraviolet rays. However, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when the lid unit 30 is opened, regardless of the time elapsed since the start of irradiation of ultraviolet rays. In that case, for example, a minimum time required for sterilization is set, and the doctor or nurse is notified by turning off the lit LED 113, by voice or display, etc., that the minimum time has elapsed since the start of irradiation of ultraviolet rays.

[0197] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which ultraviolet irradiation is started when the lid unit 30 is closed, and ultraviolet irradiation is stopped when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of ultraviolet irradiation or when the lid unit 30 is opened. However, a switch that turns on and off the supply of direct current to the ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121 and is operated by a doctor or nurse may be provided in the stethoscope sterilization apparatus 10. In that case, for example, a minimum time required for sterilization is set, and the doctor or nurse is notified by turning off the lit LED 113, by a sound or a display, or the like, that the minimum time has elapsed since ultraviolet irradiation.

[0198] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the outer cases 31, 61 are made of synthetic resin, and the inner cases 32, 62 are provided to prevent transmission of ultraviolet rays and to prevent deterioration of the outer cases 31, 61. However, if the outer cases 31, 61 are made of metal, the inner cases 32, 62 do not have to be provided.

[0199] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the stethoscope sterilization device 10 includes three ultraviolet LEDs 38, 39, and 121. However, the stethoscope sterilization device 10 may include one or two ultraviolet LEDs. In that case, the irradiation time of ultraviolet light is longer than when three ultraviolet LEDs are used. The stethoscope sterilization device 10 may also include four or more ultraviolet LEDs. In that case, the irradiation time of ultraviolet light is shorter than when three ultraviolet LEDs are used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 10 Stethoscope sterilization device 20. Stethoscope 21 Chest piece 25... Membrane mold part 26 Bell-shaped section 27 Shaft 28 Diaphragm 29 End 30 Lid unit 31...Outer case 32 Inner case 38, 39, 121...UV LED 40, 50, 81, 82, 123...recess 46, 47...Protruding piece 60 Main unit 61...Outer case 62...Inner case 63...Cover 66 Control board unit 67... Holding member 68 Limit switch 69 Limit switch 79... Through hole 87···Fork 101, 102...Reflective member 103, 104... Diffuse reflection surface 113....LED light 114, 115 Timer IC 116, 117...Switching element 118 Timer counter

Claims

1. a case that can change its position between a closed position in which a storage chamber that surrounds and stores a chest piece of the stethoscope and an end of a tube connected to the chest piece is defined, and an open position in which the storage chamber is opened; a holding portion provided in the case and configured to hold the chest piece and the end of the tube in a state spaced apart from an inner wall surface of the storage chamber; A stethoscope sterilization device comprising: an ultraviolet ray irradiation member provided in the case and irradiating the storage chamber with ultraviolet rays.

2. The ultraviolet irradiation member is a first irradiator that irradiates ultraviolet light onto a diaphragm of the stethoscope held by the holding portion; 2. The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second irradiator for irradiating an end of a tube of the stethoscope held in the holder with ultraviolet light.

3. the first irradiator is disposed opposite to a diaphragm of a stethoscope held by the holding portion, The second irradiator is disposed opposite to an end of a tube of a stethoscope held by the holding portion, The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 2 , wherein the ultraviolet irradiating member further comprises a third irradiating body disposed between the first irradiating body and the second irradiating body.

4. 4. The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein an inner wall surface of the storage chamber is provided with a reflective member having a diffuse reflective surface that diffusely reflects ultraviolet light.

5. 5. The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 4, wherein the reflective member is provided on a first surface of the inner wall surface that faces a diaphragm of a stethoscope held in the holding portion and a second surface that faces the first surface.

6. The holding portion is 4. A stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 1, further comprising a fork provided in the storage chamber into which a shaft of a chestpiece of a stethoscope is inserted.

7. The above case is The lower case and an upper case that is rotatably connected to the lower case to form a closed position that defines the storage chamber or an open position that opens the storage chamber, The holding portion is 4. The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the lower case and the upper case have recesses each forming an insertion hole surrounding the tube when the case is in a closed position.

8. A first sensor that detects the attitude of the case; A second sensor that detects the holding state of the stethoscope in the holding portion; 3. The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 1, further comprising a control device which drives the ultraviolet ray irradiation member when the second sensor detects the holding state of the stethoscope and the first sensor detects the closed position, and stops driving the ultraviolet ray irradiation member when the first sensor detects the open position.

9. Further comprising a light emitter, The control device has a timer count function, The control device includes:

9. The stethoscope sterilization device according to claim 8, wherein the light-emitting element is turned on and a timer count is started when the first sensor detects the closed position, the driving of the ultraviolet irradiating member is stopped and the light-emitting element is turned off when the timer count value reaches a predetermined value, and the count value is reset when the second sensor detects the open position of the case.

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