Ultraviolet irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet irradiation device capable of executing replacement or maintenance of a light source without moving a device.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet irradiation device irradiates a subject to be conveyed which is conveyed on a conveyance part with ultraviolet light, and is equipped with a housing and light source unit. The housing is installed on an upper side of the conveyance part, and a light source which irradiates ultraviolet light is arranged in the housing. The housing has a first opening which is open downward and through which ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source passes, and a second opening which is open on one side in a width direction crossing a conveyance direction and a vertical direction. The light source unit is installed inside the housing, and supports the light source. The light source unit is constituted to be movable so as to pass through the second opening along the width direction to the outside of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an ultraviolet irradiation device. [Background technology]

[0002] In food factories and sorting facilities, fruits and other items are inspected by conveying them in containers along conveyors and other transport systems. Once installed, the equipment introduced into food factories and sorting facilities, especially large equipment, is rarely relocated or moved. Therefore, moving the entire equipment for maintenance requires a lot of time and space, which can affect the equipment's operating rate. For example, in ultraviolet irradiation equipment designed to maintain food freshness, if the light source is replaced or maintenance is performed on the conveyor line, dust or broken parts may fall onto the conveyor, contaminating the conveyor and potentially adversely affecting the food or other items being transported. Therefore, there is a demand for equipment that allows light source replacement and maintenance to be performed without moving the equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-142076 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that allows replacement of a light source and maintenance to be performed without moving the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device is an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto an object being transported on a transport section, and includes a housing and a light source unit. The housing is installed above the transport section, and a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays is disposed inside. The housing has a first opening that opens downward and through which ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source pass, and a second opening that opens on one side in a width direction that intersects the transport direction and the up-down direction. The light source unit is installed inside the housing and supports the light source. The light source unit is configured to be movable through the second opening along the width direction to the outside of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that allows replacement of a light source and maintenance to be performed without moving the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of an ultraviolet irradiation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment and its vicinity. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an example of the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment and its vicinity, viewed from one side in the width direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment and its vicinity. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the light source housing unit is pulled out in the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an example of the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the second embodiment and its vicinity, viewed from one side in the width direction. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the second embodiment, seen from one side in the width direction, showing a state when a container passes through. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an ultraviolet irradiation device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment and the configuration in the vicinity thereof, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The ultraviolet irradiation device (2) of this embodiment is an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto a transport target (6) transported on a transport section (3), and includes a housing (10) and a light source unit (60). The housing (10) is installed above the transport section (3) and houses a light source (23) that irradiates ultraviolet rays. The housing (10) has a first opening (18) that opens downward and through which ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source (23) pass, and a second opening (19) that opens on one side in a width direction that intersects the transport direction and the up-down direction. The light source unit (60) is installed inside the housing (10) and supports the light source (23). The light source unit (60) is configured to be movable through the second opening (19) along the width direction to the outside of the housing (10). This allows replacement or maintenance of the light source (23) to be performed without moving the ultraviolet irradiation device (2).

[0009] The ultraviolet irradiation device (2) of the embodiment further includes a light-blocking member (70) attached to the light source unit (60) to block ultraviolet rays from reaching the conveying section (3). The provision of the light-blocking member (70) can block ultraviolet rays from reaching the rubber member (9) provided at the end of the conveying section (3), thereby preventing deterioration of the rubber member 9.

[0010] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (2) of the embodiment, the light-blocking member (70) is movable in the height direction relative to the housing (10). By raising the light-blocking member (70) when the object (6) to be transported passes below the light source (23), the light-blocking member (70) can effectively block ultraviolet light without interfering with the transport of the object (6).

[0011] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (2) of this embodiment, the light blocking member (70) includes a brush (76) that comes into contact with the light source (23) when the light blocking member (70) moves upward. The brush (76) provided on the light blocking member (70) comes into contact with the light source (23), thereby removing dust and other particles adhering to the light source (23).

[0012] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (2) of the embodiment, the light blocking member (70) has a contact portion (75) with which the transport object (6) comes into contact, and the transport object (6) moves upward when it comes into contact with the contact portion (75). This allows the light blocking member (70) to automatically rise when the transport object (6) passes below the light source (23).

[0013] The ultraviolet irradiation device (2) of the embodiment further includes a light-shielding member (70) attached inside the housing (10) to block ultraviolet rays from reaching the end of the conveying section (3) in the width direction. The provision of the light-shielding member (70) can block ultraviolet rays from reaching the rubber member (9) provided at the end of the conveying section (3), thereby preventing deterioration of the rubber member 9.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of an ultraviolet irradiation system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultraviolet irradiation system 1 includes an ultraviolet irradiation device 2, a conveying unit 3, a processing unit 4, and a user interface 5. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 and its vicinity. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 and its vicinity shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3. The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is a freshness preservation device. In the conveying unit 3, a container 6 containing fruits such as citrus fruits is conveyed as a conveyance target (object). For example, in the conveying unit 3, a container 6 containing mandarin oranges, a type of citrus fruit, is conveyed as a conveyance target. The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 is installed on the conveying unit 3 from above and irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the conveyance target conveyed by the conveying unit 3.

[0016] 1 to 4, the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 defines a conveying direction (direction indicated by arrow X1) in which the container 6 to be conveyed is conveyed in the conveying section 3. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 2, the conveying direction is also referred to as the "downstream side," and the direction opposite to the conveying direction (direction indicated by arrow X2) is also referred to as the "upstream side."

[0017] The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 also defines a width direction (indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2) that intersects (orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to) the conveyance direction, and a height direction (indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2) that intersects (orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to) both the conveyance direction and the width direction. The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 defines one side in the height direction as the upper side (arrow Z1 side), and the opposite side of the upper side in the height direction as the lower side (arrow Z2 side). Figure 3 shows a view from one side in the width direction (arrow Y1 side). Figure 4 shows a cross section that intersects (orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to) the conveyance direction as viewed from one side in the conveyance direction (arrow X1 side).

[0018] In the conveying section 3, a conveying surface facing upward in the height direction is formed. In the conveying section 3, the containers 6 are placed on the conveying surface and conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side. In one example, the conveying surface is formed horizontally or approximately horizontally, and the conveying direction of the containers 6 on the conveying surface is parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. In this case, the height direction in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 coincides or approximately coincides with the vertical direction. In another example, the conveying surface is extended so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The height direction in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In this case, the conveying surface may be inclined so as to be positioned vertically higher as it approaches the downstream side, or so as to be positioned vertically lower as it approaches the downstream side.

[0019] In one example shown in FIG. 2 etc., the conveying unit 3 includes a plurality of rollers 8. The plurality of rollers 8 are arranged side by side in the conveying direction. Each of the plurality of rollers 8 is arranged with a gap between adjacent rollers 8. Each of the plurality of rollers 8 also has a central axis (not shown). The central axis of each of the plurality of rollers 8 is aligned with the width direction of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2.

[0020] In one example such as FIG. 2, when the object to be conveyed is being conveyed, each of the rollers 8 rotates around its central axis. As each of the rollers 8 rotates around its central axis, the container 6 placed on the conveying surface is conveyed downstream. The ultraviolet irradiation system 1 is also provided with a drive source (not shown) that rotates each of the rollers 8 around its central axis. The rollers 8 may include rollers 8 connected to the drive source (drive rotation rollers) and rollers 8 not connected to the drive source (free rotation rollers).

[0021] In one example, the conveying unit 3 includes an upper portion that forms a conveying surface and a lower portion that is provided below the upper portion. A plurality of rollers 8 are arranged in each of the upper and lower portions. Each of the plurality of rollers 8 does not rotate around a central axis, but moves from upstream to downstream in the upper portion, and circulates in the lower portion so as to move in the opposite direction to the movement direction in the upper portion. As each of the rollers 8 in the upper portion moves downstream, an object to be conveyed, such as a container 6, placed on the conveying surface is conveyed downstream.

[0022] In one example, the conveying section 3 is provided with a conveyor belt (not shown) instead of the plurality of rollers 8. In this case, the conveyor belt moves from the upstream side to the downstream side on the surface forming the conveying surface. In this example, the movement of the conveying surface formed by the conveyor belt toward the downstream side causes the container 6 or other object to be conveyed placed on the conveying surface to be conveyed downstream.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 includes a housing 10 and a light-shielding unit 50. The light-shielding unit 50 prevents light (mainly ultraviolet light) generated inside the housing 10 from leaking outside the housing 10. The light-shielding unit 50 is installed on the conveying unit 3 from above in the height direction and supports the housing 10 from below in the height direction. The housing 10 is attached to the light-shielding unit 50 from above in the height direction. In other words, the housing 10 is installed on the conveying unit 3 via the light-shielding unit 50. The housing 10 and the light-shielding unit 50 are made of a material that does not transmit ultraviolet light or that transmits very little ultraviolet light. The housing 10 and the light-shielding unit 50 are made of, for example, metal or resin. The housing 10 and the light-shielding unit 50 are installed on the conveying surface between the upstream end and the downstream end.

[0024] The housing 10 includes a top wall 12, a front wall 13, a rear wall 15, and a pair of side walls 16 and 17. The top wall 12 has a surface facing upward in the height direction and is located at the uppermost position of the housing 10. The front wall 13 has a surface facing upstream in the conveying direction and is located at the uppermost position of the housing 10. The rear wall 15 has a surface facing downstream in the conveying direction and is located at the lowermost position of the housing 10. The side wall 16 has a surface facing one side in the width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y1) and is located at an end of the housing 10 in the width direction. The side wall 17 has a surface facing one side in the width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y2) and is located at an end of the housing 10 in the width direction.

[0025] An internal cavity 11 is formed inside the housing 10. The cavity surrounded by the top wall 12, front wall 13, rear wall 15, and pair of side walls 16, 17 of the housing 10, and the conveying surface of the conveying section 3 is defined as the internal cavity 11.

[0026] The upper wall 12 covers the internal cavity 11 from above in the height direction and is adjacent to the internal cavity 11 from above in the height direction. The conveying surface of the conveying section 3 is adjacent to the internal cavity 11 from below in the height direction. The front wall 13 covers the internal cavity 11 from the upstream side and is adjacent to the internal cavity 11 from the upstream side. The rear wall 15 covers the internal cavity 11 from the downstream side and is adjacent to the internal cavity 11 from the downstream side. The pair of side walls 16, 17 cover the internal cavity 11 from opposite sides to each other in the width direction and are adjacent to the internal cavity 11 from opposite sides to each other in the width direction.

[0027] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 2, a light source 23 is attached inside the housing 10. The light source 23 is disposed in the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10 and is capable of irradiating ultraviolet light in the internal cavity 11. The light source 23 includes one or more light-emitting elements 25 that emit ultraviolet light. In an example such as FIG. 4 , the light source 23 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 25. The light-emitting elements 25 are, for example, ultraviolet LEDs. The light-emitting elements 25 are, for example, light-emitting substrates using UV-LEDs. Ultraviolet light having a wavelength of at least 380 nm or less is irradiated from the light-emitting elements 25. Alternatively, only ultraviolet light may be irradiated from the light source 23, or visible light having a wavelength longer than 380 nm may be irradiated from the light source 23 together with ultraviolet light. When ultraviolet light and visible light are irradiated, the light source 23 can be turned on to illuminate (light) the object. Alternatively, instead of the light-emitting elements 25, lamps other than LEDs, such as mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, fluorescent ultraviolet lamps, and excimer lamps, may be used as the light source 23. In this embodiment, the housing 10 and the light source 23 form an ultraviolet irradiating unit.

[0028] The housing 10 is formed with a lower opening 18 through which ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 23 passes. The lower opening 18 is an example of a first opening that opens downward. At the lower opening 18, the internal cavity 11 opens downward.

[0029] The light-shielding portion 50 includes an upper wall 52 and a pair of side walls 56, 57. The upper wall 52 has a surface facing upward in the height direction and is located at the uppermost part of the light-shielding portion 50. The side wall 56 has a surface facing one side in the width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y1) and is located at an end of the light-shielding portion 50 in the width direction. The side wall 57 has a surface facing one side in the width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y2) and is located at an end of the light-shielding portion 50 in the width direction.

[0030] Further, a support 58 is attached to the light blocking section 50 to support the light blocking section 50 and the housing 10. One end of the support 58 is attached to the side walls 56 and 57, and the other end is placed on the floor.

[0031] An internal cavity 51 is formed inside the light-shielding portion 50 and is surrounded by an upper wall 52 and side walls 56 and 57. In the light-shielding portion 50, the internal cavity 51 is open toward the upstream side, downstream side, and downward side.

[0032] 1 to 4, the dimension of the light-shielding portion 50 in the width direction is formed to be, for example, approximately the same as the dimension of the housing 10 in the width direction. Also, in the example of Figures 1 to 4, the dimension of the light-shielding portion 50 in the conveying direction is formed to be larger than the dimension of the housing 10 in the conveying direction. The light-shielding portion 50 is provided upstream of the front wall 13 of the housing 10 and downstream of the rear wall 15 of the housing 10.

[0033] In the light-shielding section 50, an inlet 21 is formed at the upstream end, and an outlet 22 is formed at the downstream end. At the inlet 21, an internal cavity 51 opens toward the upstream side, and at the outlet 22, the internal cavity 51 opens toward the downstream side. An object to be transported, such as a container 6, being transported toward the downstream side on the transport surface is carried into the internal cavity 51 of the light-shielding section 50 from the inlet 21. Then, the object to be transported carried into the internal cavity 51 is carried out to the outside of the light-shielding section 50 from the outlet 22.

[0034] The upper wall 52 of the light blocking unit 50 supports the housing 10 from below. The upper wall 52 is located between the internal cavity 51 of the light blocking unit 50 and the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10. An upper opening 54 is formed in the upper wall 52 of the light blocking unit 50. At the upper opening 54, the internal cavity 51 opens upward. The upper opening 54 connects the internal cavity 51 of the light blocking unit 50 with the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10.

[0035] The light source 23 is positioned at a position above the upper opening 54 of the light-shielding unit 50 in the height direction and away from the conveying surface. The light source 23 then irradiates ultraviolet light downward in the height direction, and then irradiates ultraviolet light toward the upper opening 54 of the light-shielding unit 50 and the conveying surface. The ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 23 passes through the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10 and the upper opening 54 of the light-shielding unit 50 and reaches the internal cavity 51 of the light-shielding unit 50. As a result, in the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10, the ultraviolet light from the light source 23 irradiates the fruit and the like contained in the container 6 being conveyed downstream on the conveying surface. Irradiating the fruit with ultraviolet light has the effect of maintaining the freshness of the fruit. The light source 23 irradiates ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less. In an example such as FIG. 4, multiple light sources 23 are arranged side by side in the conveying direction of the conveying unit 3.

[0036] The light-shielding portion 50 prevents ultraviolet rays from leaking outside the ultraviolet irradiation device 2. By appropriately preventing ultraviolet rays from leaking outside the ultraviolet irradiation device 2, the effects of ultraviolet rays on workers and others who use the ultraviolet irradiation system 1 are appropriately reduced. JISC7550 specifies the conditions for the safety of ultraviolet rays from ultraviolet irradiation devices to people and others based on the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act. JISC7550 specifies that the illuminance of ultraviolet rays must be 1 mW / m at a position 200 mm away from the ultraviolet irradiation device (for example, a housing, etc.). 2 The following are specified as safety conditions (assuming operation for 8 hours per day using a wavelength of 254 nm (mercury lamp)):

[0037] In the housing 10, a side opening 19 is formed in the side wall 16. The side opening 19 is an example of a second opening that opens in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction. In the side opening 19, the internal cavity 11 opens toward one side in the width direction.

[0038] A light source storage section 60 that supports the light source 23 is attached to the housing 10. The light source storage section (light source unit) 60 is attached inside the housing 10. The light source storage section 60 is made of a material that does not transmit ultraviolet light or that transmits very little ultraviolet light. The light source storage section 60 is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the light source storage unit 60. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light source storage unit 60 is formed in a hollow box shape with openings on the top and bottom. The light source storage unit 60 includes a front wall 63, a rear wall 65, and a pair of side walls 66 and 67. The front wall 63 has a surface facing upstream in the conveyance direction when the light source storage unit 60 is attached to the housing 10 as shown in FIG. 4, and is located at the most upstream side of the light source storage unit 60. The rear wall 65 has a surface facing downstream in the conveyance direction when the light source storage unit 60 is attached to the housing 10 as shown in FIG. 4, and is located at the most downstream side of the light source storage unit 60. The side wall 66 has a surface facing one side in the width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y1) when the light source storage unit 60 is attached to the housing 10 as shown in FIG. 4, and is located at an end of the light source storage unit 60 in the width direction. When the light source storage section 60 is attached to the housing 10 as shown in Figure 4, the side wall 67 has a surface facing one side in the width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y2), and is located at the end of the light source storage section 60 in the width direction.

[0040] An internal cavity 61 is formed in the light source storage section 60. A cavity surrounded by a front wall 63, a rear wall 65, and a pair of side walls 66, 67 of the light source storage section 60 is defined as the internal cavity 61. The internal cavity 61 is open toward the upper and lower sides of the light source storage section 60.

[0041] The light source storage section 60 is disposed above the upper wall 52 of the light blocking section 50 and is supported from below by the upper wall 52. Therefore, the internal cavity 61 of the light source storage section 60 is adjacent to and communicates with the internal cavity 51 of the light blocking section 50. The internal cavity 61 of the light source storage section 60 is also adjacent to and communicates with the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10. The light source storage section 60 may be supported from below by the housing 10.

[0042] The light source storage unit 60 is attached to the inside of the housing 10 so as to be movable relative to the housing 10 and the light blocking unit 50 along the width direction and removable from the housing 10 through a side opening 19 of the housing 10. The light source storage unit 60 is an example of a light source unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the light source storage unit 60 is pulled out of the housing 10. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates a state viewed from one side in the width direction (the arrow Y1 side). FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction as viewed from one side in the conveyance direction (the arrow X1 side). The light source storage unit 60 is movable between a state in which it is stored inside the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and a state in which it is pulled out from the inside of the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, a guide may be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall 52 of the light blocking unit 50 along the width direction, and wheels (rollers) that can run along the guides may be provided on the bottom surfaces of the side walls 66, 67 of the light source storage unit 60. The light source storage section 60 may be formed in a configuration that allows it to move from the side opening 19 to the outside of the housing 10 in the width direction, and may be attached to the housing 10 by other methods.

[0043] The light source 23 is detachably installed in the internal cavity 61. The light source 23 is attached between a pair of side walls 66, 67 and is supported by the light source storage section 60 from both sides in the width direction. The multiple light sources 23 extend along the width direction. Within the internal cavity 61, no structure is placed above the light source 23, and a gap is formed above the light source 23. Therefore, the internal cavity 61 opens upward to the outside of the light source storage section 60. Furthermore, within the internal cavity 61, no structure is placed below the light source 23. Therefore, the internal cavity 61 opens downward to the outside of the light source storage section 60. In other words, the light source 23 is exposed from the top and bottom to the outside of the light source storage section 60.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , when the light source storage unit 60 is stored in the housing 10, a side wall 66 of the light source storage unit 60 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10 through a lateral opening 19 of the side wall 16. A handle 68 is attached to the surface facing outward of the side wall 66. An operator can pull the light source storage unit 60, which houses the light source 23, out of the housing 10 by grasping the handle 68 and pulling it outward in the width direction. The handle 68 may be formed in a shape that allows the operator to hold and pull out the light source storage unit 60. Alternatively, a groove or the like that can be held by the operator may be provided instead of the handle 68. The handle 68 is an example of a holder provided for pulling out the light source storage unit 60.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the light source storage unit 60 is pulled out from the housing 10, the light source 23 stored in the light source storage unit 60 is transported to a position above the conveyor unit 3 and away from the position directly above the conveyor unit 3. That is, the light source 23 moves to a position above the conveyor unit 3 and away from the conveyor path (conveyor line). Because no structures are disposed above the light source 23 in the internal cavity 61 of the light source storage unit 60, when the light source storage unit 60 is pulled out from the housing 10, there are no obstacles above the light source 23 that can obstruct the worker's work. This allows the worker to easily access the light source 23 stored in the pulled-out light source storage unit 60 from above, facilitating replacement or maintenance of the light source 23. Furthermore, because replacement or maintenance of the light source 23 can be performed above the conveyor unit 3 and away from the conveyor path, replacement or maintenance of the light source 23 can be performed without dust or broken parts generated during the work falling onto the conveyor unit 3.

[0046] It is preferable that a stopper be provided on the housing 10 or the light source storage unit 60 to prevent the light source storage unit 60 from coming off and falling from the housing 10. The stopper is provided to prevent the light source storage unit 60 from being further pulled out when the entire light source 23 has been carried out outside the housing 10. Preferably, the movable range of the light source storage unit 60 in the width direction is equal to or greater than the length of the light source 23 in the width direction, but is smaller than the overall length of the light source storage unit 60 in the width direction. For example, the light source storage unit 60 is prevented from coming off and falling from the housing 10 by providing a protrusion on the side wall 67 of the light source storage unit 60 to prevent the side wall 67 of the light source storage unit 60 from passing through the lateral opening 19. The stopper may be provided on the housing 10 side as long as it prevents the side wall 67 of the light source storage unit 60 from passing through the lateral opening 19 of the side wall 16.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3 , a power supply 26 that supplies power to the light source 23 is provided in the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10. The power supply 26 is fixed above the light source storage section 60 in the internal cavity 11. For example, the side walls 66 and 67 are provided with insertion holes (not shown) into which the ends of the light source 23 are inserted. The light source 23 is attached to the light source storage section 60 by inserting the light source 23 through the insertion holes. The light source 23 may be attached to the light source storage section 60 by inserting it through the internal cavity 61. As shown in FIG. 5 , an electrical wiring 27 that electrically connects the power supply 26 and the light source 23 is connected to the end of the light source 23. The electrical wiring 27 extending from the light source 23 is bundled outside the side wall 67 of the light source storage section 60 and connected to the power supply 26. The electrical wiring 27 has a length that allows the power supply 26 and the light source 23 to be connected even when the light source storage section 60 is pulled out of the housing 10. The power supply 26 and the light source 23 may be electrically connected by means other than the electrical wiring 27. For example, an electrically conductive portion may be provided on each of the inward facing surface of the side wall 17 of the housing 10 and the outward facing surface of the side wall 67 of the light source storage section 60 so that they are in contact when the light source storage section 60 is stored inside the housing 10.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 1, the processing unit 4 is composed of a processor or an integrated circuit and a storage medium such as a memory. The processor or integrated circuit constituting the processing unit 4 includes any of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processing unit 4 may include only one integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The processing unit 4 may also include only one storage medium or multiple storage media. In the processing unit 4, the processor or integrated circuit performs the processing described below.

[0049] In one example, the processing unit 4 is composed of multiple computers, and processors or integrated circuits of the multiple computers constituting the processing unit 4 cooperate to perform the processing described below. In another example, the processing unit 4 may be composed of a server in a cloud environment. The infrastructure of a cloud environment is composed of a virtual processor such as a virtual CPU and cloud memory. In the server in the cloud environment that serves as the processing unit 4, the virtual processor or the like performs the processing described below, and data necessary for the processing or the like is stored in the cloud memory.

[0050] The processing unit 4 controls the operation of the transport unit 3 and the operation of the light source 23 and power supply 26 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2. For example, the processing unit 4 controls the supply of power from the power supply 26 to the light source 23, thereby switching the light source 23 between a state in which it is turned on and a state in which it is not turned on. Furthermore, if the intensity of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 23 is variable, the processing unit 4 adjusts the intensity of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 23 by adjusting the amount of power output from the power supply 26 to the light source 23. Furthermore, the processing unit 4 adjusts the operation of the transport unit 3, for example, by adjusting the rotation state and rotation speed of the rollers 8, thereby adjusting the transport state of the transport object, such as the container 6.

[0051] The user interface 5 includes operation members such as buttons, switches, a touch panel, and a remote control. The operation members are operated by a user of the ultraviolet irradiation system 1 to input operation commands related to the operation of the transport unit 3 and the operation of the light source 23. The processing unit 4 controls the operations of the transport unit 3 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 based on the operation commands from the operation members.

[0052] As described above, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 of the present embodiment, a side opening 19 (second opening) that opens toward a direction intersecting the conveyance direction is formed in the housing 10, and the light source storage section 60 (light source unit) that supports the light source 23 is configured to be movable from the side opening 19 (second opening) of the housing 10 along the width direction to the outside of the housing 10. With the above configuration, by pulling out the light source storage section 60 (light source unit) from inside the housing 10, replacement or maintenance of the light source 23 can be performed without moving the ultraviolet irradiation device 2. In other words, by configuring the light source storage section 60 (light source unit) that houses the light source 23 to be pullable from inside the housing 10 in a direction away from the conveyance line, replacement or maintenance of the light source 23 can be performed without removing the entire ultraviolet irradiation device 2 and in a state in which dust or broken parts generated during the work are prevented from falling onto the conveyance section 3.

[0053] Furthermore, since the light source storage section 60 (light source unit) is configured to be able to be pulled out from the housing 10 along the width direction, when the light source storage section 60 (light source unit) is pulled out, the light source 23 supported by the light source storage section 60 (light source unit) moves in a direction away from the conveyor line above the conveyor section 3. This allows replacement or maintenance of the light source 23 to be performed at a position away from the conveyor line. This prevents dust, broken parts, etc. from falling onto the conveyor section 3, and prevents contamination of the conveyor section 3 due to replacement or maintenance of the light source 23.

[0054] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described as an example of an embodiment. Description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultraviolet irradiation device 2 and its vicinity according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a state viewed from one side in the width direction (arrow Y1 side). Fig. 9 shows a state where a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction is viewed from one side in the conveying direction (arrow X1 side).

[0055] The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 of this embodiment further includes a light-shielding member 70. If the conveying unit 3 is made of a resin material such as rubber, exposure to ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 23 may cause deterioration of the conveying unit 3. Therefore, the light-shielding member 70 prevents ultraviolet light from being irradiated onto the resin material of the conveying unit 3. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , multiple light-shielding members 70 are arranged along the conveying direction. Each light-shielding member 70 extends along the height direction between the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10 and the internal cavity 51 of the light-shielding unit 50, between the light source 23 disposed in the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10 and the conveying surface of the conveying unit 3. The light-shielding member 70 is positioned to cover from above the rubber members 9 attached to both ends of the roller 8. The rubber members 9 are attached near both ends of the roller 8 in the width direction. Therefore, one light-shielding member 70 is provided at each end in the width direction.

[0056] The light-shielding member 70 is made of a material that does not transmit ultraviolet light or that transmits very little ultraviolet light. The light-shielding member 70 is made of, for example, metal. The light-shielding member 70 may also be made of a resin such as a Teflon (registered trademark) resin. By providing the light-shielding member 70, it becomes possible to block ultraviolet light irradiated onto the rubber member 9 attached to the end of the roller 8, and to prevent deterioration of the rubber member 9 due to ultraviolet light.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the light-blocking member 70 is formed in an L-shape having a first plate-shaped member 73 extending in the width direction and a second plate-shaped member 74 extending in the height direction. One end of the first plate-shaped member 73 is attached to the light source housing section 60, and extends toward the inside of the light source housing section 60 in the width direction. The upper end of the second plate-shaped member 74 is connected to the first plate-shaped member 73, and extends downward in the height direction. The second plate-shaped member 74 is located more inward in the width direction than the rubber member 9 of the roller 8. Therefore, ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 23 is blocked by the first plate-shaped member 73 and the second plate-shaped member 74, and does not reach the rubber member 9.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 9, the light-blocking member 70 is formed in an L-shape, but the light-blocking member 70 only needs to be able to block light between the rubber member 9 provided at the end of the roller 8 and the light source 23, and may also be a flat plate extending from the side walls 16, 17 of the housing 10 toward the center and lower side in the width direction.

[0059] The light-blocking member 70 is attached to the inside of the housing 10 in a state where it can move in the height direction relative to the housing 10 and the light-blocking unit 50. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , a connecting unit 30 for attaching the light-blocking member 70 is fixed to the surfaces of the side walls 66, 67 of the light source housing 60 facing the internal cavity 61. The connecting unit 30 supports the light-blocking member 70 in a state where it can move up and down in the height direction relative to the side walls 66, 67. The connecting unit 30 is, for example, a rail or a groove formed in a shape into which the light-blocking member 70 can engage. The light-blocking member 70 is attached to the housing 10 via the connecting unit 30 in a state where it can move in the height direction relative to the side walls 16, 17 of the housing 10. Note that the connecting unit 30 may support the light-blocking member 70 in a state where it can move up and down in the height direction relative to the side walls 16, 17 of the housing 10.

[0060] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a state in which the light blocking members 70 are positioned on the lower side. For example, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a state in which the light blocking members 70 are positioned at the lowest side. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which one of the light blocking members 70 is positioned on the upper side. For example, FIG. 10 shows a state in which one of the light blocking members 70 is positioned at the uppermost side. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a state viewed from one side in the width direction (arrow Y1 side). FIG. 11 shows a state in which a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction is viewed from one side in the conveying direction (arrow X1 side).

[0061] As shown in Fig. 9, when the light-blocking member 70 is in the lower position, the lower end of the second plate-shaped member 74 is located above the conveying surface of the conveying unit 3, and the rubber member 9 is covered by the light-blocking member 70. As shown in Fig. 11, when the light-blocking member 70 is in the upper position, the lower end of the second plate-shaped member 74 rises above the height of the container 6 being conveyed, and a gap is created between the light-blocking member 70 and the conveying surface of the conveying unit 3. In this state, the container 6 being conveyed by the conveying unit 3 can pass under the light-blocking member 70.

[0062] 9 and 11, a brush 76 extending upward is attached to the surface of the light blocking member 70 facing upward toward the first plate-shaped member 73. The brush 76 is disposed on the end side and lower side in the width direction of the light source 23. The end side of the light source 23 is the coldest part where the temperature drops the most and is prone to dust and other particles adhering thereto. As shown in FIG. 11, the brush 76 comes into contact with the end of the light source 23 from below when the light blocking member 70 is positioned on the upper side, and removes dust and other particles adhering to the light source 23. A general brush that can remove dust and other particles by contacting the light source 23 can be used as the brush 76.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , an inclined surface 75 is formed at the lower end of each light-blocking member 70 as a contact portion with which the container 6 comes into contact. The inclined surface 75 is a flat surface facing upstream and downward in the conveying direction. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , when a container 6 conveyed along the conveying direction passes a position where the light-blocking member 70 is provided, the leading edge of the container 6 comes into contact with the inclined surface 75, and the inclined surface 75 pushes the light-blocking member 70 downstream and upward, automatically pushing the light-blocking member 70 upward. While the container 6 passes below the light-blocking member 70, the container 6 maintains the state of pushing the light-blocking member 70 upward, and dust is removed by the brush 76. When the container 6 passes below the light-blocking member 70, the light-blocking member 70 automatically descends. The inclined surface 75 is an example of a contact portion provided on the light-blocking member.

[0064] The length of time the brush 76 contacts the light-emitting element 25 varies depending on the time the container 6 passes under the light-shielding member 70. Furthermore, the time the container 6 passes under the light-shielding member 70 varies depending on the length of the light-shielding member 70 in the conveyance direction. Therefore, the length of time the brush 76 contacts the light source 23 varies depending on the length of the light-shielding member 70 in the conveyance direction. If the light-shielding member 70 in the conveyance direction is too short, the brush 76 may not be able to sufficiently remove dust. On the other hand, if the light-shielding member 70 in the conveyance direction is too long, the brush 76 may be in contact with the light source 23 for a long time, which may cause the temperature of the light source 23 to rise. Therefore, the length of each light-shielding member 70 in the conveyance direction and the number of light-shielding members 70 to be provided should be designed depending on the physical properties of the brush 76 and the performance of the light source 23. For example, one light-shielding member 70 may be provided for one light source 23, or one light-shielding member 70 may be provided for two light sources 23. If the brush 76 is not provided, one light blocking member 70 may be provided that extends over the range in which the light source 23 is provided in the transport direction.

[0065] In order to ensure the removal performance due to the up and down movement of the light blocking member 70, it is preferable that the length of the bristle members of the brush 76 is greater than the distance between the light source 23 and the first plate-like member 73 when the light blocking member 70 is at its uppermost position. Furthermore, a further brush may be provided that contacts the light source 23 from above in conjunction with the rise of the light blocking member 70. In this case, the performance of removing dust and the like from the light source 23 can be further improved.

[0066] In this embodiment, the light source storage section 60 is provided so as to be movable to the outside of the housing 10, and therefore the same actions and effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. Note that, in order to make it easier to pull out the light source storage section 60, it is preferable to move the light blocking member 70 to the uppermost position and store it in the internal cavity 11 of the housing 10 when the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 is not in use. Furthermore, depending on the position of the light blocking member 70, the light source storage section 60 may be configured to be removable or non-removable.

[0067] The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 of this embodiment also includes a light-blocking member 70. The light-blocking member 70 is disposed between the light source 23 and the conveying unit 3 so as to cover the rubber member 9 provided at the end of the conveying unit 3 in the width direction. The light-blocking member 70 blocks the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 23, preventing the ultraviolet light from reaching the rubber member 9. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the rubber member 9 due to ultraviolet light.

[0068] Furthermore, the light-shielding member 70 of this embodiment is attached inside the light source storage section 60 in a state in which it can move in the height direction, and has an inclined surface 75 (contact portion) with which the transported container 6 comes into contact. The inclined surface 75 faces downward and upstream in the transport direction. With the above configuration, the light-shielding member 70 moves downward when the container 6 to be transported does not pass under the light source 23. When the container 6 does not pass under the light source 23, the light-shielding member 70 blocks ultraviolet light directed toward the rubber member 9. On the other hand, when the container 6 to be transported passes under the light source 23, the leading edge of the container 6 comes into contact with the inclined surface 75, and the light-shielding member 70 is pushed by the container 6 and automatically pushed upward. At this time, the rubber member 9 is shielded from light by the container 6 passing above, so light shielding by the light-shielding member 70 is unnecessary. Even when a container 6 having a large width dimension is being transported, the light-shielding member 70 effectively shields the rubber member 9 from light, and the container 6 can be transported downstream without being obstructed by the light-shielding member 70. When the inclined surface 75 is provided as the contact portion, the light-shielding member 70 is preferably made of a resin material such as Teflon-based resin.

[0069] The light-blocking member 70 may be attached to the side walls 56, 57 of the light-blocking section 50. The light-blocking member 70 may also be provided at a position in the conveying direction where the light source 23 is not located. In this case, the light-blocking member 70 is also provided upstream or downstream of the position where the light source 23 is located. Even in this case, ultraviolet light irradiated obliquely from the light source 23 toward the rubber member 9 is blocked.

[0070] Furthermore, the light blocking member 70 is provided with a brush 76 that comes into contact with the end of the light source 23 when the light blocking member 70 moves upward, so that dust adhering to the coldest part of the end of the light source 23 can be removed when the container 6 passes. Furthermore, by adjusting the length of the light blocking member 70 to an appropriate length, it is possible to adjust the time for which the light blocking member 70 rises when the container 6 passes, and to adjust the time for which the brush 76 comes into contact with the light source 23. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the light source 23 due to prolonged contact with the brush 76.

[0071] (First modified example of the second embodiment) In addition, in the second embodiment, the light-blocking member 70 is provided with an inclined surface 75 so that the light-blocking member 70 automatically rises when a container 6 passes, but in the first variant, the processing unit 4 controls the vertical movement of the light-blocking member 70.

[0072] In this modification, a drive mechanism is connected to the connection part 30, and operation of the drive mechanism moves the light blocking member 70 in the height direction at the connection part 30. The processing part 4 controls the operation of the drive mechanism to control the position of the light blocking member 70 in the height direction.

[0073] In this modification, the ultraviolet irradiation system 1 is provided with a detection unit that detects the transport state of the container 6. The detection unit is configured, for example, with a camera that can capture images on the transport unit 3. In this case, the processing unit 4 detects the position of the container 6 on the transport unit 3 by processing the image captured by the camera, and raises the light-shielding member 70 at the corresponding position in time with the passage of the container 6.

[0074] In this modification, the light-blocking member 70 is driven under the control of the processing unit 4, thereby appropriately blocking ultraviolet light when the container 6 is not passing through, and preventing contact between the container 6 and the light-blocking member 70 when the container 6 passes through. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the container 6 and the light-blocking member 70 due to contact.

[0075] (Second Modification of the Second Embodiment) In a second modified example shown in Fig. 12, no light source storage section is provided, and a light blocking member 70 is attached inside the housing 10. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultraviolet irradiation device 2 and its vicinity according to this modified example. Fig. 12 shows a state viewed from one side in the width direction (the side indicated by the arrow Y1).

[0076] 12, in the second modified example, the connection portions 30 are provided on the inside of each of the side walls 16, 17 of the housing 10, and the first plate-like member 73 of the light-blocking member 70 is attached to the housing 10 via the connection portions 30. The light-blocking member 70 is attached to the housing 10 in a state in which it is movable in the height direction relative to the housing 10. This modified example also achieves the same effects and advantages as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, in this modified example, light can be blocked by the light-blocking member 70 without providing a light source storage section, which allows for simplification of the device.

[0077] According to at least one of these embodiments, the housing has a first opening that opens downward and a second opening that opens in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, and the light source unit is configured to be movable from inside to outside the housing through the second opening, thereby providing an ultraviolet irradiation device that allows replacement of the light source and maintenance to be performed without moving the device.

[0078] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1...ultraviolet irradiation system, 2...ultraviolet irradiation device, 3...transport section, 6...container, 9...rubber member, 10...casing, 18...bottom opening, 19...side opening, 23...light source, 50...light-shielding section, 60...light source storage section, 68...handle, 70...light-shielding member, 75...inclined surface, 76...brush.

Claims

1. An ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates an object being transported on a transport unit with ultraviolet rays; a housing that is installed above the conveying unit, has a light source disposed therein that irradiates ultraviolet light, and has a first opening that opens downward and through which the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source passes, and a second opening that opens to one side in a width direction that intersects with the conveying direction and the up-down direction; a light source unit that is installed inside the housing, supports the light source, and is movable to the outside of the housing along the width direction through the second opening; An ultraviolet irradiation device comprising:

2. a light-shielding member attached to the light source unit and blocking ultraviolet light from reaching the transport section; Further provided with The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1 .

3. the light-blocking member blocks ultraviolet light from reaching a rubber member provided at an end of the conveying section; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2 .

4. The light blocking member is movable relative to the housing in a height direction. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The light blocking member includes a brush that contacts the light source when moved upward. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4.

6. the light blocking member has a contact portion with which the object to be conveyed comes into contact, and the object to be conveyed moves upward by coming into contact with the contact portion. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4.

Images