Light sterilizer

Abstract

To provide a light sterilizer that radiates UV-rays and is small in size and excellent in portability.SOLUTION: A light sterilizer 1 has a handle 10 and a housing 30. A battery 45 and a first switch 61 are arranged on a leg 12 of the handle 10, and a second switch 62 and an indicator 70 are arranged on another leg 13. A light source unit 50 composed of a substrate 52 on which an LED module 51 is mounted is installed on a bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30. When power is supplied by turning on the first switch 61 and the second switch, ultraviolet light is radiated from the light source unit 50 toward a surface portion (target surface) of a display screen of a screen display device applied or coated with a photocatalyst to promote a photocatalytic reaction to light-sterilize the target surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photo sterilization device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a measure for preventing infectious diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, the importance of measures such as sterilization and antiviral has been increasing. Therefore, as a device for easily performing sterilization and antiviral measures, a device that irradiates an object with ultraviolet rays has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a forehead-mounted product that uses a photocatalytic reaction for infection control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, ultraviolet rays are known to be harmful to the human body. However, among ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays including wavelengths in the UV-A region are known as wavelengths with less adverse effects on humans (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, although the device of Patent Document 1 uses wavelengths in the UV-A region among ultraviolet rays, the photo sterilization device is attached only to forehead-mounted products, and the photo sterilization device lacks portability and cannot be used for sterilizing a plurality of devices.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a photo sterilization device that is small, has excellent portability, and can be used for sterilization and antiviral measures for a plurality of devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the photo sterilization device of the present invention A handle having a long grip portion, a pair of legs facing each other at both ends of the grip portion, and a flat base on which the other ends of the pair of legs stand. A housing disposed on the lower surface of the base. A battery detachably disposed on the side surface of the leg. A light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays from the bottom surface side of the housing toward the target surface. And is provided with When the light source unit emits light, the distance between the light source unit and the target surface irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the light source unit is kept constant. It is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, by using a small and portable light sterilization device that irradiates near-ultraviolet rays, it is possible to efficiently carry out sterilization and anti-virus work on a screen display device etc. while carrying it, and it is possible to perform light sterilization that can save time and labor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] In the present invention, sterilization is not limited to removing and reducing microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, but is interpreted in the broadest sense, including sterilization, antibacterial, disinfection, sterilization, and bacteriostasis.

[0010] The present invention provides a photocatalytic sterilization device that disinfects a target surface by irradiating ultraviolet rays to promote a photocatalytic reaction on a target surface coated or coated with a photocatalyst using photocatalytic activity such as titanium oxide. The target surface includes, but is not limited to, the surface of a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, or a liquid crystal tablet, the surface of an input device such as a keyboard, supplies such as a table, a desk, or a mouse pad, and the surface of a mirror or a picture frame. Any surface coated or coated with a photocatalyst can be used for photocatalytic sterilization work.

[0011] Conventionally, the disinfection work on the surface of a display screen of a display device has been performed by manual wiping with a sterilizing spray or a mop. However, in manual wiping, the use of a disinfectant such as alcohol is limited, and it takes time and effort, making it difficult to completely sterilize the target surface. The photocatalytic sterilization device of the present invention aims to reduce the man-hours of disinfection and improve the disinfection quality on high-touch surfaces (surfaces that are easily touched by many people) by being used as an alternative to manual disinfection work or in combination with manual work.

[0012] Next, the photo disinfection device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the arrangement, functions, numerical values, etc. of the components described in the embodiment are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited or interpreted by these.

[0013] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment, FIG. 3 is a left side view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the entire photo disinfection device 1 as seen from obliquely above. The photo disinfection device 1 is composed of an upper handle 10 and a flat housing 30 provided below the handle 10. The handle 10 is composed of a long grip portion 11 with a horizontal axis direction, legs 12 and 13 that are inclined at a certain angle and face each other at both ends thereof, and a flat base portion 20 on which the other ends of the legs 12 and 13 stand.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 10 is formed by vertically combining two substantially symmetric molds and fixed by fixing means such as screws. In addition, the grip portion 11 is set to a length such that an operator performing photo disinfection work does not feel cramped even when holding it with both hands, and a diameter and cross-sectional shape that are easy to grip. The cross-sectional shape is, for example, circular, elliptical, or oval, and the maximum diameter may be about 10 mm to 70 mm, preferably 20 mm to 60 mm, and more preferably 25 mm to 35 mm. The handle 10 is cast by aluminum die casting, but it may also be manufactured by bending an aluminum plate. In addition to aluminum alloys, other metals such as iron, stainless steel, and magnesium alloys may be used. Further, not limited to metal materials, other materials such as plastics such as epoxy resin and ceramics may be used.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, both the leg portion 12 and the leg portion 13 are inclined toward the gripping portion 11 side. The inclination angle α of the leg portion 12 and the inclination angle β of the leg portion 13 are the inclination angles at the intersection of the axis X of the long gripping portion 11 and the straight line Y along the side surfaces of the leg portions 12 and 13. Both the inclination angles α and β are set within the range of 15° to 90°. Preferably, they may be set within the range of 30° to 60°, and more preferably within the range of 45° to 55°. Also, the inclination angles α and β do not necessarily have to be the same value and may be set at different angles.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a state in which the battery 45 is detachably attached to the side surface of the leg portion 12. To remove the battery 45 from the leg portion 12, it may be pulled upward along the leg portion 12. The battery 45 is a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, etc., and is charged by an external charging device.

[0017] Also, a first switch (main switch) 61 is provided at the lower part of the battery 45. In the embodiment, as the first switch 61, a toggle switch that switches ON / OFF by alternately pressing the left and right parts is used.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows that a second switch (push button switch) 62 is disposed near the top of the other leg portion 13. And an indicator 70 and a strap attachment portion 65 are provided at the lower part of the side surface. The indicator 70 has four LED light-emitting elements 72 arranged in a row.

[0019] The strap attachment portion 65 provided at the lower part of the side surface of the leg portion 13 has an opening at the center. By inserting the end of a strap (not shown) into the central opening and attaching the strap to the light sterilization device 1, it contributes to improving the convenience of carrying the light sterilization device 1 by the operator and the work efficiency.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the photo-sterilizing device 1 in the embodiment as viewed from above. As shown in the figure, the photo-sterilizing device 1 is generally rectangular as a whole in plan view, and an indicator 70 is attached near the upper surface of the strap attachment portion 65. Therefore, an operator can easily visually recognize the indicator 70 from the direction of the gripping portion 11.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the housing of the photo-sterilizing device in the embodiment as viewed from below. A concave portion (spacing holding member installation portion) 36 is provided on the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30. In the embodiment, rollers (spacing holding members) 32 are rotatably arranged at four locations on the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30 in the concave portion 36. The roller shafts 33 support both sides of the roller 32 so that the roller 32 can rotate freely.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the housing 30 of the photo-sterilizing device in the embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 8(A) is a side view of the housing 30 of the photo-sterilizing device in the embodiment in the short side direction, FIG. 8(B) is a plan view thereof, FIG. 8(C) is a side view in the longitudinal direction thereof, and FIG. 8(D) is a bottom view thereof.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8(B) to 8(D), ten upwardly convex concave portions 36 for housing the spacing holding members 32 are formed on the upper surface of the housing 30. The housing 30 is cast by aluminum die casting, but it may be manufactured by bending an aluminum plate. In addition to the aluminum alloy, other metals such as iron, stainless steel, and magnesium alloy may be used. Further, not limited to the metal material, other materials such as plastics such as epoxy resin and ceramics may be used. The housing 30 is fixed to the base portion 20 of the handle 10 by fixing means 38 such as screws and bolts.

[0024] Further, the roller 32 is arranged to move in a direction perpendicular to the major axis direction of the housing 30 while maintaining a horizontal position. The placement location of the roller 32 is not limited to four places, and it may be installed within a range of three to ten places according to the size, weight, usage, etc. of the light sterilization device 1. The recess cover 35 is a cover that covers the recess 36 where the roller 32 is not installed. However, when adding or rearranging the roller 32, the recess cover 35 can be removed to arrange the roller 32.

[0025] On the other hand, when the roller 32 that was arranged becomes unnecessary, by covering the recess 36 with the recess cover 35, the recess 36 is blocked without causing any problems, and the work can proceed smoothly. Also, the roller 32 is fixed by fitting the roller shaft 33 into a pair of cut portions 37 formed in the recess 36 with one touch. Therefore, it can be easily replaced when it is removed when not needed, or when rotation malfunctions due to wear or failure of the roller 32.

[0026] The spacing member 32 arranged on the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30 is a member for keeping the distance between the light source portion 50 and the surface to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays constant. By keeping the distance between the light source portion 50 and the surface to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays within 20 mm, an efficient light sterilization effect without uneven sterilization can be achieved. For example, when the light source portion 50 is an LED module 51 that emits UV-A wavelength, the distance between the light source portion 50 and the surface to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays is preferably within 10 mm.

[0027] Also, in the embodiment, the roller 32 is used as the spacing member. However, not limited to the roller 32, a spacing member 32 such as a semi-circular shape or a curved shape that can move smoothly on the target surface, that is, a sliding member having a low friction coefficient on the surface in contact with the target surface may be used.

[0028] Furthermore, one or more recesses 36 provided on the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30 may be used to attach accessories such as a brush or bristles for cleaning the target surface. By attaching cleaning tools such as a brush or bristles, the dust present on the target surface can be removed before photo-sterilization, thereby improving the efficiency of photo-sterilization. In addition, various instruments may be appropriately attached to the recesses 36 at the necessary parts.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a substantially U-shaped attachment 22 attached to both ends of the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30 of the photo-sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, a part of the attachment 22 serves as a recess cover 35 to cover the recess 36 where the roller 32 is not installed and both ends (both tip portions) of the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30, thereby achieving smooth movement of the photo-sterilization device 1 and protecting both ends at the bottom surface portion 31.

[0030] FIG. 9(A) is a schematic perspective view of the attachment 22 of the photo-sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 9(B) is a top view of the attachment 22, FIG. 9(C) is a bottom view thereof, and FIG. 9(D) is a front view thereof.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 9(A) to 9(D), the attachment 22 has a front surface portion 25 having an arcuate corner portion and a recess cover portion 26 having the function of a recess cover 35 for closing the recess 36 formed in the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30. The recess cover portion 26 is integrally connected to the front surface portion 25 by a relay portion 27. The front surface portion 25 of the attachment 22 is formed of an elastic body having buffering properties so as not to damage the edge of the screen display device or the like. Further, in order to obtain buffering properties and the like, locking holes 23 may be formed in each corner portion of the front surface portion 25 of the attachment 22, and a bullet-shaped protection member 24 may be inserted into and locked to the locking holes 23.

[0032] As the material of the attachment 22, elastic bodies such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, and silicone rubber having elasticity so as not to cause damage or the like even when hitting the target surface or the edge of the screen display device are used. In addition, depending on the application, non-woven fabric, foamed plastic, cardboard, thick paper sheet, etc. may be used. Furthermore, in order to be able to move smoothly without damaging the target surface, it is also effective to use a material with a low static friction coefficient and a low dynamic friction coefficient on the surface that contacts the target surface. Also, by attaching or coating a plastic sheet with excellent lubricity such as a fluororesin sheet, a high-density polyethylene sheet, or a PTFE sheet on the surface of the elastic body, lubricity and elasticity may be imparted to the attachment 22. The same materials and structures may be used for the above-described roller 32, recess cover 35, protective member 24, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, the attachment 22 may be colored according to the application. Also, by thickening the bottom surface side of the attachment 22, the distance between the light source unit 50 and the target surface may be kept constant without using a spacing member such as the roller 32.

[0034] The attachment 22 and the spacing member 32 may be manufactured using a 3D printer and prepared as members that can quickly respond according to various shapes and applications.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which two bullet-shaped protective members 24 are attached to each corner of the attachment 22. As described above, the protective member 24 is used to prevent damage to the edge of the screen display device or the like, and can be appropriately exchanged with a protective member 24 having different shapes, colors, materials, etc. according to the application. Also, when the protective member 24 becomes unusable due to wear or change over time, it can be easily replaced.

[0036] In the light sterilization device 1, it is important to always maintain uniform sterilization quality. For this purpose, the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source unit 50 needs to be always constant. On the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30, rollers 32 are arranged as a distance maintaining member, and by always maintaining a constant distance from the target surface such as a screen display device that performs light sterilization, the ultraviolet ray irradiation intensity on the target surface is uniformly maintained.

[0037] Since the roller 32 keeps the distance between the light source unit 50 and the screen display device (not shown) constant, in the operation, there is no need to lift the light sterilization device 1, and it has the effect of reducing the burden on the arm.

[0038] The light source unit 50 has a substrate 52 on which a plurality of LED modules 51 are mounted in a row. Further, the light source unit 50 is detachably installed from the housing 30, and can be replaced with a substrate 52 having a different arrangement or number of mounted LED modules 51 according to the application.

[0039] The cover member 55 is provided on the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30 so as to cover the entire light source unit 50 including the LED module 51 and the substrate 52. In the embodiment, the cover member 55 is formed of a transparent sheet with a low coefficient of friction and has the function of transmitting ultraviolet rays.

[0040] The irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source unit 50 of the light sterilization device 1 in the embodiment will be described. When the screen size of the target surface such as a screen display device is 20 inches and 32 inches, while the operator holds the handle 10 of the light sterilization device 1, the entire screen can be scanned by a single movement operation in one direction. Also, when the screen size of the target surface such as a screen display device is 42 inches, the entire screen can be operated by two movement operations.

[0041] That is, in the light sterilization device 1 of the embodiment, considering portability and work efficiency, etc., for the target surface such as a screen display device within a screen size of 32 inches, the irradiation range is limited based on the criterion of performing light sterilization by a single movement operation.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the lighting state of the indicator 70 in the optical sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment. The indicator 70 visually displays the operating state of the optical sterilization device 1 to the operator. In the embodiment, the indicator 70 has four LED light-emitting elements 72 arranged in a row. The LED light-emitting element 72 uses a red light-emitting element, but is not limited thereto, and LED light-emitting elements such as blue, green, and white may be used, or a plurality of color LED light-emitting elements may be appropriately arranged. Further, the number of light-emitting elements of the indicator 70 is not limited to four, and 1 to 10 light-emitting elements may be used, and the arrangement is not limited to a single row, and may be arranged in a plurality of rows in a straight line or a curved shape, or arranged in an appropriate shape such as a circle or a square.

[0043] When the first switch 61 is turned ON (power supply start), power supply from the battery 45 to a control unit (not shown) arranged in the handle 10 is started, and all four LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned on by an instruction signal from the control unit. The operator recognizes that the optical sterilization device 1 has entered the standby state by the lighting of the indicator 70. Next, when the second switch 62 is turned ON, power supply to the light source unit 50 is started, the LED module 51 mounted on the substrate 52 emits light, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30 to the outside, starting optical sterilization.

[0044] The control unit sends a signal to the LED light-emitting element 72 of the indicator 70 to repeat blinking at 1 second intervals and turns off the light 15 seconds after lighting. Next, the control unit sends a signal to the adjacent LED light-emitting element 72 to repeat blinking at 1 second intervals and turns off the light 15 seconds after lighting. The remaining LED light-emitting elements 72 also repeat the same display, and when 60 seconds have elapsed since the first second switch 62 was turned ON, all the LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned off. By the fact that all the LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned off, the operator can know that 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the operation. After that, the indicator 70 repeats the above display.

[0045] In order to ensure the safety of the operator from ultraviolet exposure, 60 seconds after the first secondary switch 62 is turned on, all the LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned off, and at the same time, the light source unit 50 is turned off, putting the light source unit 50 in a standby state. By turning on the secondary switch 62 again, ultraviolet irradiation may be resumed.

[0046] Further, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the load of the roller 32 may be provided on the base 20. When the sensor detects the load of the roller 32, it issues a command to supply power to the light source unit 50 to the control unit, and when it does not detect the load of the roller 32, it issues a command not to supply power to the light source unit 50 to the control unit. Thus, the ultraviolet irradiation and turning off by the light source unit 50 can be easily switched according to the contact and separation of the roller 32 with the display surface of the screen display device. Furthermore, a control device equipped with a human sensor that automatically stops the ultraviolet irradiation of the optical sterilization device 1 when a person is detected in the direction of ultraviolet irradiation may be provided.

[0047] Although ultraviolet rays are known to be harmful to the human body, since they are not visible light, they may have an adverse effect on the human body. The present invention targets electromagnetic waves in the range of about 10 to 405 nm, including ultraviolet rays and visible light as the irradiation light used for optical sterilization. Among ultraviolet rays, the wavelength band of 315 to 380 nm (UV-A) with a main wavelength of 365 nm, which is near ultraviolet, is a relatively safe region for the human body. The optical sterilization device 1 of the present invention uses ultraviolet rays in the UV-A region, but does not prevent optical sterilization using visible light in the wavelength band of 405 nm, the UV-B region (280 to 315 nm), or the UV-C region (200 to 280 nm; deep ultraviolet).

[0048] The light source unit 50 includes a substrate 52 on which a plurality of LED modules 51 are mounted, and the LED modules 51 are used as the light source for emitting ultraviolet rays. Instead, a fluorescent lamp, an organic EL, a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, etc. that emit ultraviolet rays may be used as the light source.

[0049] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0050] According to the present invention, by using a compact light sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet rays, it is possible to efficiently perform sterilization, anti-virus, etc. operations on a screen display device, etc., with excellent portability, and it is also possible to perform light sterilization that can save time, labor, etc.

[0051] 1 Light sterilization device 10 Handle 11 Gripping part 12 Leg 13 Leg 20 Base 22 Attachment 23 Locking hole 24 Protection member 25 Front part 26 Concave cover part 27 Relay part 30 Housing 31 Bottom surface part 32 Roller (spacing holding member) 33 Roller shaft 35 Concave cover 36 Concave part (spacing holding member installation part) 37 Notch 38 Screw (fixing means) 45 Battery 50 Light source part 51 LED module 52 Substrate 55 Cover member 61 First switch (main switch) 62 Second switch (push button switch) 65 Strap attachment part 70 Indicator 72 LED light emitting element

Claims

1. A handle having a long gripping portion, a pair of legs facing each other at both ends of the gripping portion, and a flat base from which the other ends of the pair of legs stand; A housing disposed on a lower surface of the base; A battery detachably disposed on a side surface of the leg; a light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet light from a bottom surface side of the housing toward a target surface; a rotatable roller having a roller shaft attached to a bottom surface of the housing, The housing has a locking hole at a longitudinal end for removably mounting an attachment, An optical sterilization device, characterized in that the attachment is formed from an elastic material and fixed to the engagement hole so as to cover the end.

2. The optical sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source unit has a substrate on which a plurality of LED modules are mounted, and a cover member is provided on a bottom surface of the housing so as to cover the light source unit.

3. A first switch and a second switch are provided on the leg, The power supply from the battery to the control unit is started by operating the first switch, and the power supply is stopped by operating the first switch again. The optical sterilization device described in claim 1, wherein power supply to the light source unit is started by operating the second switch while power is being supplied to the control unit, and power supply to the light source unit is stopped by operating the second switch again.

4. The optical sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface of the housing has recesses in which the rollers having roller shafts are attached, the recesses being provided at a plurality of locations along the periphery of the bottom surface.

5. The rollers are arranged at least at three positions in the recess so as to keep the housing horizontal and move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing; The optical sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the light source unit and the target surface onto which ultraviolet light is irradiated from the light source unit is maintained constant when the light source unit is emitting light.

6. The handle has an indicator, The optical sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the indicator is composed of a plurality of LED light-emitting elements and displays the emission state of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source unit.

7. The optical sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source unit irradiates ultraviolet light in the UV-A wavelength range.

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