Ultraviolet irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet irradiation device capable of lightening a labor of removing the device from a conveyor.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet irradiation device is equipped with a light shielding part and a light source . The light shielding part is detachably arranged so as to cover objects to be conveyed on the conveyor, and has a three-dimensional shape having an opening on a bottom face. The light source is housed in the light shielding part, and irradiates the opening with ultraviolet light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Generally, when a process of irradiating ultraviolet rays onto an article such as food transported by a conveyor is performed, an ultraviolet irradiation device fixed to the conveyor is used. Furthermore, when a process other than irradiation is performed on this type of article that does not require ultraviolet irradiation, the ultraviolet irradiation device is removed from the conveyor to secure a working space, and the process other than irradiation is performed in this working space.

[0003] Although the ultraviolet irradiation device described above usually poses no particular problems, the inventors have found that there is room for improvement in the fact that it takes a lot of time and effort to remove the ultraviolet irradiation device from the conveyor. Furthermore, when a process other than irradiation is to be performed, it is necessary to remove the ultraviolet irradiation device from the conveyor to ensure a working space for that process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-142076 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that can reduce the effort required for removing it from a conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes a light source and a shading unit. The shading unit is detachably disposed on the conveyor so as to cover the object to be conveyed and has a three-dimensional shape with an opening on its bottom. The light source is housed in the shading unit and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an ultraviolet irradiation device is provided that can reduce the effort required for removal from a conveyor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 from an oblique direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a processing device in the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view schematically showing a modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the ultraviolet irradiation device according to this embodiment, ultraviolet light is applied to a transported object (for example, an object having at least one or more bacteria, viruses, etc. attached thereto) to sterilize, disinfect, or remove bacteria from the transported object. In the following embodiments, sterilization is used as an example, but the term "sterilization" can be replaced with "sterilization" or "sterilization." Furthermore, the "transported object" may also be called the "object" or the "object to be irradiated."

[0010] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of this embodiment includes a light-shielding portion (212) and a light source (211). The light-shielding portion (212) is removably disposed so as to cover the object (31) on the conveyor (11) and has a three-dimensional shape with an opening (212a) on its bottom surface. The light source (211) is housed in the light-shielding portion (212) and irradiates ultraviolet light (213) toward the opening (212a). Therefore, because the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) is removably disposed so as to cover the object (31), the effort required to remove the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) from the conveyor (11) can be reduced compared to a conventional structure in which the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) is fixedly installed on the conveyor.

[0011] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment, the light source (211) may irradiate the ultraviolet light (213) while the object is being conveyed by the conveyor (11). In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) can irradiate the object being conveyed continuously with ultraviolet light without stopping the conveyor (11).

[0012] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment may further include a circulation means (14, 14A, 14B). The circulation means (14, 14A, 14B) vertically circulates one or more light-shielding sections (212) along a circulation path that includes the conveying direction (D1) of the conveyor (11). This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) to irradiate one or more continuously conveyed objects with ultraviolet light from the light sources (211) in the one or more light-shielding sections (212) without stopping the conveyor (11).

[0013] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of this embodiment may further include a reciprocating means (14C) and a first elevating means (13). The reciprocating means (14C) reciprocates the light-shielding portion (212) along the conveying direction (D1) of the conveyor (11). The first elevating means (13) elevates the light-shielding portion (212) so that the light-shielding portion approaches or moves away from the conveyor (11). This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) to circulate the light-shielding portion (212) housing the light source (211) by moving it from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the conveyor (11), then lifting it, moving it upstream after lifting, and then lowering it. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) can circulate the light-shielding portion by alternately using the reciprocating means (14C) and the first elevating means (13) to irradiate ultraviolet light onto continuously conveyed objects without stopping the conveyor (11).

[0014] In the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of the embodiment, the light source (211) may irradiate ultraviolet rays (213) while the conveyor (11) is stopped. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) can irradiate the transported object with ultraviolet rays while the transport is stopped by alternately stopping and continuing the transport.

[0015] The ultraviolet irradiation device (1) of this embodiment further includes a second lifting / lowering unit (13), a transport control unit (304b), and an irradiation control unit (304a). The second lifting / lowering unit (13) lifts / lowers the light-shielding unit (212) so that it approaches or moves away from the conveyor (11). The transport control unit (304b) stops the conveyor (11) when an operation signal is input. When the conveyor (11) stops, the irradiation control unit (304a) causes the second lifting / lowering unit (13) to lower the light-shielding unit (212) so that it approaches the conveyor (11), and then causes the light source (211) to irradiate ultraviolet light (213). Thus, the ultraviolet irradiation device (1) can perform a series of operations, such as stopping the conveyor (11), lowering the light-shielding unit (212), and irradiating ultraviolet light (213), in response to input of the operation signal.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (First embodiment) 1 and 2 are a front view and a side view showing an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an oblique cross section taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is a device arranged so as to be freely detachable from a conveyor 11, and includes an operating unit 12, a shaft 13, an irradiation unit 21, and a processing device 30. "Freely detachable" here means a state in which the device is provided without being fixed to the conveyor 11, or a state in which the device is provided independently of the conveyor 11.

[0018] Here, conveyor 11 is a conveyor such as a belt conveyor or roller conveyor, and conveys the object by stopping it intermittently below irradiation unit 21 of ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Specifically, conveyor 11 is controlled by processing device 30, and conveys the object, such as food, along a conveying direction that is substantially horizontal. The stopping time of conveyor 11 can be changed according to the predetermined ultraviolet irradiation time under the control of processing device 30.

[0019] The operating unit 12 includes a plurality of rollers 12a that enable the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to move. Specifically, the operating unit 12 is a base unit that rotatably holds a plurality of rollers 12a and is movable on a floor surface via the rollers 12a. The size of the operating unit 12 and the number and arrangement of the rollers 12a can be any size, number, and arrangement that can support the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Note that the operating unit 12 is not limited to rollers 12a, and may be movable on a floor surface via other members such as caterpillars or gears. The name of the operating unit 12 may be changed to any name such as a "moving device," "support base," or "base" as appropriate. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 equipped with the operating unit 12 may also be referred to as a movable ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0020] The shaft 13 is a member that holds the irradiation unit 21 so that it can move up and down, and enables the height of the irradiation unit 21 to be adjusted. More specifically, the shaft 13 is a support part that is erected on the top of the operating unit 12, and holds the irradiation unit 21 so that it can be raised and lowered along the longitudinal direction on a vertical line. For example, the shaft 13 raises and lowers the light-shielding unit 212 (irradiation unit 21) so that it approaches or moves away from the conveyor 11. The shaft 13 is an example of a second lifting means.

[0021] The irradiation unit 21 is disposed so as to cover the transported object on the conveyor 11, and irradiates the transported object with ultraviolet light. Specifically, the irradiation unit 21 is controlled by the processing device 30, and irradiates the transported object with ultraviolet light while covering the transported object. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation unit 21 includes a light source 211 and a light-shielding unit 212. The light-shielding unit 212 of the irradiation unit 21 is formed so as to surround the entire object except for the bottom surface that is detachably installed on the conveyor 11, has a size that allows it to cover the transported object to be irradiated at one time, and blocks the ultraviolet light 213 irradiated from the light source 211. The irradiation unit 21 may also be called an irradiator or an irradiator.

[0022] The light source 211 is housed in the light-shielding portion 212 and irradiates ultraviolet light 213 toward the opening 212a of the light-shielding portion 212. For example, the light source 211 may irradiate ultraviolet light 213 while the conveyor 11 is stopped. For example, the light source 211 irradiates ultraviolet light 213 that is UV-C and has at least a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less as sterilizing ultraviolet light. The peak wavelength is the wavelength with the highest emission intensity in the spectral spectrum of the light irradiated by the light source 211. The light source 211 may also include multiple light-emitting units corresponding to multiple lights. The light source 211 is arranged within the three-dimensional light-shielding portion 212 so as to irradiate light at least downward (toward the opening 212a). The light source 211 includes at least one of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a lamp (for example, a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, an excimer lamp, etc.). The light source 211 may be, for example, a lamp that emits UV-C with a relatively strong sterilizing effect, for example, a peak wavelength of 254 nm, or an LED that emits UV-C with a relatively long LED life, for example, a peak wavelength of 280 nm. Furthermore, by turning on the light source 211, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can illuminate (light) the target object (for example, a transported object). The light source 211 is preferably lightweight.

[0023] The light-shielding portion 212 blocks ultraviolet light 213. Specifically, the light-shielding portion 212 is detachably disposed so as to cover the object on the conveyor 11, and has a three-dimensional shape with an opening 212a on the bottom surface. The three-dimensional shape may be any hollow shape, such as a housing shape (a flat three-dimensional shape with five flat surfaces), a substantially dome shape (a curved three-dimensional shape), or a substantially semi-cylindrical shape (a three-dimensional shape combining flat and curved surfaces). The bottom surface of the light-shielding portion 212 is the surface that contacts or is closest to the conveyor 11 when the light-shielding portion 212 covers the object. The light-shielding portion 212 is formed of, for example, a metal or resin material, and blocks or almost completely blocks ultraviolet light 213. The light-shielding portion 212 may be an absorptive material that absorbs ultraviolet light 213, or a reflective material that reflects ultraviolet light 213. When an absorbing member is used for the light-shielding section 212, the ultraviolet rays 213 cannot be irradiated onto the back surface of the transported object that does not face the light source 211, but it is possible to reduce light leakage from below the conveyor 11. On the other hand, when a reflective member is used for the light-shielding section 212, the reflected light of the ultraviolet rays 213 can be irradiated onto the back surface of the transported object that does not face the light source 211, but it is difficult to reduce light leakage from below the conveyor 11.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the processing device 30 includes a memory 301, a user interface 302, a communication interface 303, and a processor 304.

[0025] The memory 301 is configured with storage devices such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory (NVM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). The memory 301 includes a system memory used by the processor 304 to execute processes. The system memory in the memory 301 stores, for example, programs executed by the processor 304 or setting data. The memory 301 also includes a data memory configured with a rewritable non-volatile storage device that holds various types of data. The data memory in the memory 301 stores, for example, processing results by the processor 304 or setting information.

[0026] The user interface 302 functions as an input interface and an output interface with the user. When the user interface 302 is an input interface, it has any of buttons, switches, a touch panel, a remote control, etc. as operation members. The user interface 302 inputs operation signals related to the operation of the conveyor 11 and operation signals related to the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to the processor 304 in response to the operation of the operation members by the user. When the user interface 302 is an output interface, it has an LED lamp, a display, a speaker, etc. as a notification unit. The user interface 302 notifies the user of various information output from the processor 304 by screen display, audio output, etc.

[0027] The communication interface 303 is an interface for communicating with an external device such as the conveyor 11 or a controller. The communication interface 303 includes, for example, a communication interface for communicating with the conveyor 11 and a communication interface for communicating with a controller (not shown). The controller here is, for example, an external device that inputs operation signals related to the operation of the conveyor 11 or the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. However, the controller is omitted when operation signals are input from the user interface 302. In other words, the controller is an optional additional item and may be omitted.

[0028] The processor 304 controls the entire irradiation system including the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and the transport device 11. The processor 304 executes programs stored in the memory 301 to realize various processes such as an irradiation control unit 304a and a transport control unit 304b. The processor 304 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The number of processors 304 may be one or more. That is, various processes may be realized by a single processor 304, or various processes may be shared and realized by multiple processors 304.

[0029] Here, the irradiation control unit 304a executes processes related to the control of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, such as controlling the irradiation of ultraviolet light by the light source 211 (irradiation start, integrated light amount, irradiation stop) and controlling the elevation of the irradiation unit 21 by the shaft 13. For example, when the conveyor 11 stops, the irradiation control unit 304a may lower the light blocking unit 212 (irradiation unit 21) by the shaft 13 so as to approach the conveyor 11, and then cause the light source 211 to irradiate ultraviolet light 213. Note that the integrated light amount [mJ / cm 2 ] is, for example, 50 to 100 [mJ / cm 2 ] and ultraviolet irradiance [mW / cm2 The integrated light amount varies depending on the distance [s] between the object and the light source 211 and the ultraviolet irradiation time [s]. The ultraviolet illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the object and the light source 211. The ultraviolet irradiation time [s] may be, for example, within a range of 5 to 10 [s]. The integrated light amount is the value obtained by multiplying the ultraviolet illuminance by the ultraviolet irradiation time (ultraviolet illuminance x ultraviolet irradiation time). In other words, the integrated light amount is proportional to both the ultraviolet illuminance and the ultraviolet irradiation time. The integrated light amount may also be called ultraviolet intensity.

[0030] The conveyance control unit 304b executes processes related to control of the conveyance device 11, such as starting conveyance of the object by the conveyance device 11, the conveyance speed, and stopping conveyance. For example, the conveyance control unit 304b may stop the conveyance device 11 when an operation signal is input from the user interface 302 or the communication interface 303.

[0031] When the conveyor 11 is stopped by the transport control unit 304b, the irradiation control unit 304a may lower the irradiation unit 21 along the axis 13. Furthermore, when the irradiation control unit 304a causes the irradiation unit 21 to rise along the axis 13, the transport control unit 304b may operate the conveyor 11 to transport the next object to a position directly below the irradiation unit 21. Furthermore, the irradiation control unit 304a and the transport control unit 304b may work together to ensure that the stop time [s] of the conveyor 11 controlled by the transport control unit 304b is ensured to include the ultraviolet irradiation time [s] controlled by the irradiation control unit 304a.

[0032] The irradiation control unit 304a and the transport control unit 304b may be linked to each other. For example, when an operation signal is input in response to a user's operation of a button or the like, the irradiation control unit 304a and the transport control unit 304b may sequentially perform the following operations (1) to (4) in cooperation with each other. (1) An operation in which the transport control unit 304b causes the transport device 11 to transport the transported object below the irradiation unit 21, and stops the transport device 11. (2) An operation in which the irradiation control unit 304a causes the shaft 13 to lower the irradiation unit 21, and stops the lowering of the irradiation unit 21 when the irradiation unit 21 covers the transported object. (3) An operation in which the irradiation control unit 304a causes the light source 211 to irradiate ultraviolet light, and stops the irradiation after a predetermined irradiation time. (4) An operation in which the irradiation control unit 304a causes the shaft 13 to raise the irradiation unit 21, and stops the raising of the irradiation unit 21 at a predetermined height. However, without being limited to this, the irradiation control unit 304a and the transport control unit 304b can execute any operation in conjunction with each other, such as any two or three of the operations (1) to (4) above, or an operation repeating the operations (1) to (4) above.

[0033] Next, the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device configured as above will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 5 and the schematic diagrams in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Note that the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is installed by manual operation by a user, but this is not limiting, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 may also be installed by self-propelling the operating unit 12. Furthermore, bread, which is a food item, will be described as an example of the transported object, but the transported object is not limited to bread or food items.

[0034] In step ST1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is held by a user and the shaft 13 is pushed, causing the roller 12a to rotate in the pushed direction and the operating part 12 to move, thereby installing the shaft 13 next to the conveyor 11.

[0035] After step ST1, in step ST2, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, an operation signal related to the lifting and lowering operation of the irradiation unit 21 is input to the processor 304 by the user operating the user interface 302. In response to the operation signal, the irradiation control unit 304a of the processor 304 controls the shaft 13 to lift and lower the irradiation unit 21, thereby adjusting the height of the irradiation unit 21 so that it is above the transported object.

[0036] After step ST2, in step ST3, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, an operation signal related to a series of operations by the conveyance device 11 and the irradiation unit 21 is input to the processor 304 by the user operating the user interface 302. When the operation signal is input, the processor 304 stops the conveyance device 11, which conveys the object. More specifically, the processor 304 controls the conveyance device 11 to convey the object and stop the conveyance device 11 when the object is positioned below the irradiation unit 21. For example, the processor 304 conveys the object placed on the conveyance device 11 at predetermined intervals by a predetermined distance, and then stops the conveyance device 11 after positioning the next object below the irradiation unit 21.

[0037] After step ST3, in step ST4, the processor 304 uses the shaft 13 to lower the irradiation unit 21 so that it approaches the conveyor 11. At this time, from the viewpoint of completely blocking light, it is preferable that the processor 304 lowers the irradiation unit 21 until the light-shielding unit 212 abuts against the conveyor 11. However, this is not limiting, and there may be a gap between the light-shielding unit 212 and the conveyor 11.

[0038] After step ST4, in step ST5, the processor 304 causes the light source 211 of the irradiation unit 21 to irradiate the transported object 31 with ultraviolet light 213 while the conveyor 11 is stopped, as shown in Fig. 6. This sterilizes the surface (irradiated surface) of the transported object 31. Note that in Fig. 6, the next transported object 32 is scheduled to be transported along the transport direction D1 after the irradiation process of the transported object 31 is completed.

[0039] After step ST5, in step ST6, the processor 304 causes the shaft 13 to raise the irradiation unit 21 so as to separate from the conveyor 11 after the ultraviolet irradiation is completed, as shown in FIG.

[0040] After step ST6, in step ST7, processor 304 repeatedly executes steps ST3 to ST6 until the irradiation process is completed for all of the transported objects 32. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 7, after the irradiation unit 21 is raised in step ST6, the irradiated transported object 31 advances in the transport direction D1, and in step ST3 again, the next transported object 32 requiring irradiation is transported below the irradiator 21. However, in the second and subsequent executions of step ST3, input of the operation signal may be omitted.

[0041] Step ST7 ends when the irradiation process for all of the transported objects 32 is completed, thereby completing the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0042] Subsequently, when the conveyor 11 is to be used for a process other than the irradiation process, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is retracted from the conveyor 11 by the user holding the conveyor and pushing the shaft 13, which rotates the roller 12a in the pushing direction and moves the operating unit 12. This allows a workspace for a process other than the irradiation process to be secured around the conveyor 11, allowing a single conveyor 11 to be used for a process other than the irradiation process. Examples of processes other than the irradiation process include, but are not limited to, a topping process for placing ingredients such as butter or toppings on bread, which is a food product. In other words, processes other than the irradiation process can be appropriately used, for example, when various products are transported using the same conveyor, such as in small-lot, high-mix production, for example, any process other than irradiation performed on products that do not require irradiation. The secured workspace may be used by the user or by any device, such as a mobile industrial robot.

[0043] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes the light-shielding unit 212 and the light source 211. The light-shielding unit 212 is removably disposed on the conveyor 11 so as to cover the object 31, and has a three-dimensional shape with an opening 212a on its bottom surface. The light source 211 is housed in the light-shielding unit 212 and irradiates ultraviolet light 213 toward the opening 212a. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is removably disposed on the conveyor 11 so that the light-shielding unit 212 housing the light source 211 covers the object 31. This reduces the effort required to remove the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 from the conveyor 11 compared to a conventional structure in which the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is fixed to the conveyor 11. Furthermore, since the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is not fixed to the conveyor 11 but is installed independently from the conveyor 11, the user can easily and freely move the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. This allows the same conveyor to be used for processes that require ultraviolet irradiation depending on the object, as well as processes that require a task other than ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, since the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is provided independently from the conveyor 11, the ultraviolet irradiation device can be made smaller than conventional devices.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, as described above, the light source 211 may irradiate ultraviolet rays 213 while the conveyor 11 is stopped. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can irradiate ultraviolet rays onto the conveyed object while the conveyance is stopped by alternately stopping and continuing the conveyance.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 further includes the shaft 13, the transport control unit 304b, and the irradiation control unit 304a, as described above. The shaft 13 raises and lowers the light blocking unit 212 so that it approaches or moves away from the conveyor 11. The transport control unit 304b stops the conveyor 11 when an operation signal is input. When the conveyor 11 stops, the irradiation control unit 304a causes the shaft 13 to lower the light blocking unit 212 so that it approaches the conveyor 11, and then causes the light source 211 to irradiate ultraviolet light 213. As a result, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can perform a series of operations, such as stopping the conveyor 11, lowering the light blocking unit 212, and irradiating ultraviolet light 213, in response to input of an operation signal.

[0046] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the user grasps and pushes the shaft 13 to move the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to the side of the conveyor 11 and install it there. However, this is not limiting. That is, in the first modified example, an installation position beside the conveyor 11 and a retreat position away from the conveyor 11 are pre-set in the memory 301. As a result, for example, when an operation signal is input by a user's operation, the irradiation control unit 304a controls the operating unit 12 to move independently toward the installation position stored in the memory 301. According to this first modified example, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the effort required by the user to install the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can be reduced. Note that the first modified example can be similarly realized not only for installation but also for retraction. That is, the irradiation control unit 304a of the first modified example may, for example, control the operating unit 12 to move independently toward the retraction position stored in the memory 301 when an operation signal is input by a user's operation. According to the first modified example, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the effort required by the user to retract the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can be reduced.

[0047] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, an operation signal for a series of operations by the conveyance device 11 and the irradiation unit 21 may be input in the first step ST3, and the input of the operation signal may be omitted in the second and subsequent steps ST3, but this is not limited to this. That is, the series of operations is not limited to the operations from the first steps ST3 to ST6 until the completion of steps ST3 to ST6 for all conveyed objects after the first steps ST3 to ST6, but may be the operations of the first steps ST3 to ST6. In this second modified example, an operation signal is input in each step ST3. According to the second modified example, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even for conveyed objects placed on the conveyance device 11 at irregular intervals, the conveyance device 11 can be conveyed by a user's operation for the required interval, and after the next conveyed object is positioned below the irradiation unit 21, the conveyance device 11 can be stopped. Note that the series of operations by the conveyance device 11 and the irradiation unit 21 is not limited to the operations of steps ST3 to ST6, but may be the operations of steps ST3 to ST5 or steps ST3 to ST4. Even with this modification, the effort required to input an operation signal can be reduced compared to when an operation signal is input for each step.

[0048] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below. Note that in the second embodiment below, only the changes from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0049] In the second embodiment, generally speaking, a three-dimensional irradiation unit 21 is placed on the upstream side of an object 32 being conveyed, and the object 32 is collected on the downstream side.

[0050] Specifically, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 does not include the operating unit 12 and the shaft 13 shown in Fig. 1 etc., but includes the irradiation unit 21 and the processing device 30 described above. However, in the processing device 30, due to the omission of the operating unit 12 and the shaft 13, the transport control unit 304b and the communication interface 303 are omitted from the configuration shown in Fig. 4. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 from which the operating unit 12 and the shaft 13 are omitted may also be called a portable ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0051] The irradiation unit 21 includes the light source 211 and the light blocking unit 212 described above, and the processing device 30 can control the irradiation of ultraviolet light by the light source 211 (irradiation start, integrated light amount, irradiation stop).

[0052] According to the above configuration, as shown in chronological order from right to left in Fig. 8, the conveyor 11 is started to convey the object 32 placed on the conveyor 11. A first user (not shown) arranged upstream of the conveyor 11 lowers the irradiation unit 21 that he or she is holding in the downward direction 41, and operates the user interface 302.

[0053] The lowered irradiation unit 21 is detachably placed on the conveyor 11 so that the three-dimensional light-shielding portion 212 covers the transported object 32, and the light source 211 starts irradiating the ultraviolet light 213 in response to an operation of the user interface 302. Furthermore, while being transported by the conveyor 11, the irradiation unit 21 irradiates the ultraviolet light 213 for a predetermined irradiation time, and then stops irradiating the ultraviolet light 213.

[0054] After irradiation is completed, a second user (not shown) disposed downstream of the conveyor 11 stops the conveyor 11 and grasps the conveyed irradiation unit 21 and lifts it up along the upward direction 42. As a result, the irradiation unit 21 is collected by the second user and returned to the first user upstream via a third user (not shown).

[0055] Thereafter, the ultraviolet irradiation step is carried out on all the transported objects 32 in the same manner.

[0056] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the operating unit 12 and the shaft 13 are omitted, the configuration including the irradiation unit 21 that is detachably disposed on the conveyor 11 can reduce the effort required for removing the ultraviolet irradiation device from the conveyor 11, as described above. Furthermore, since the configuration does not require the operating unit 12 and the shaft 13, the ultraviolet irradiation device can be made smaller than in the first embodiment.

[0057] (First modified example of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, one irradiation unit 21 is used, but this is not limiting. That is, in the first modified example, a plurality of irradiation units 21 are used, and the plurality of irradiation units 21 are moved in a circulating manner between the upstream side and the downstream side of the conveyor 11. Here, any number of irradiation units 21 can be used as long as they can sequentially cover all of the conveyed objects 32. For example, the number of irradiation units 21 is set to 50 to 100 [mJ / cm2] for the conveyed objects 32 being conveyed. 2 ] can be satisfied. The integrated light amount is the value obtained by multiplying the ultraviolet irradiance by the ultraviolet irradiation time. A shorter ultraviolet irradiation time results in a higher ultraviolet irradiance, and a longer ultraviolet irradiation time results in a lower ultraviolet irradiance. A shorter ultraviolet irradiation time results in a shorter forward distance along which the irradiating unit 21 is transported downstream, while a longer ultraviolet irradiation time results in a longer forward distance. Therefore, the number of irradiating units 21 may be determined based on the forward distance obtained by multiplying the ultraviolet irradiation time and the transport speed after determining conditions such as the ultraviolet irradiance, ultraviolet irradiation time, size of the irradiating unit 21 along the transport direction D1, and the transport speed of the transport device 11 within a range that satisfies the integrated light amount. For example, the number of irradiating units 21 can be determined by adding the number required for the forward path corresponding to the result of dividing the forward path distance by the size of the irradiating unit 21 along the transport direction D1 and the number required for the return path along which the irradiating unit 21 returns upstream. Furthermore, the number of particles required for the return trip can be any number that is equal to or greater than one and equal to or less than the number required for the outgoing trip. According to the first modification, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, the ultraviolet rays 213 can be continuously irradiated onto the transported object 32 without stopping the transport machine 11.

[0058] (Second Modification of the Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the movable unit 12 and the shaft 13 are omitted, but this is not limiting. That is, in the second modified example, the movable unit 12, which can reciprocate along the conveying direction D1, and the shaft 13 described above are used to reciprocate the entire ultraviolet irradiation device 1 so that the irradiation unit 21 circulates between the upstream side and the downstream side of the conveyor 11. For the reciprocating movement, for example, a first installation position on the upstream side of the conveyor 11 and a second installation position on the downstream side of the conveyor 11 are set in advance in the memory 301. Thus, when an operation signal is input by, for example, a user's operation, the irradiation control unit 304a controls the movable unit 12 to reciprocate between the first installation position and the second installation position in the memory 301. In parallel with this, the irradiation control unit 304a controls the shaft 13 and the irradiation unit 21 to start descending just before the first installation position, start irradiation from the irradiation unit 21 that has descended to the first installation position, and stop irradiation at the second installation position and raise the irradiation unit 21. According to the second modification, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the ultraviolet light 213 can be continuously irradiated onto the transported object 32 without stopping the transport machine 11.

[0059] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below.

[0060] The third embodiment differs from the first modified example of the second embodiment in that one or more irradiation units 21 are automatically circulated.

[0061] 1 and 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 further includes a rail 14 that vertically circulates one or more irradiation units 21 along a circulation path including the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 11, and a camera 50 that photographs the next conveyed object 32, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Accordingly, the size of the operating unit 12 and the number and arrangement of the rollers 12a have been changed to a size, number and arrangement that can support the rail 14.

[0062] Here, the rail 14 forms, for example, a substantially oval-shaped circulation path including a pair of longitudinal directions substantially parallel to the conveying direction D1 and a pair of arc directions intersecting the conveying direction D1, and holds one or more irradiation units 21 in a circulatory manner along the moving direction D2. The rail 14 also holds the irradiation units 21 in a vertically circulatory manner by forming a circulation path on a vertical plane on the conveyor 11. While the rail 14 holds five irradiation units 21 in FIG. 9 , this is not a limitation and any configuration that holds one or more irradiation units 21 may be used. The moving direction D2 along the longitudinal direction of the rail 14 coincides with the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 11. The rail 14 is not limited to a substantially oval-shaped circulation path, and may form any closed linear circulation path as long as only the longitudinal direction of the rail 14 is linear. For example, rail 14 may form a circulation path having a substantially partial circular shape (D-cut shape) that includes a lower straight section having a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to conveying direction D1 and an upper substantially arc-shaped section connecting both ends of the straight section.

[0063] The rail 14 is held by a shaft 13 so that it can be raised and lowered. In other words, the shaft 13 holds the rail 14 so that it can be raised and lowered to move toward or away from the conveyor 11. As shown in FIG. 11 , the rail 14 is driven by a drive unit (not shown) and holds an endless belt 14A that circulates along the rail 14. The belt 14A rotatably holds a light-shielding portion 212 via a holding member 14B that can rotate around a central axis. The light-shielding portion 212 is held by the holding member 14B in a Ferris wheel-like manner, in which, for example, a weight (not shown) is provided near an opening 212a located directly below the holding member 14B, and the light source 211 is always positioned above due to weight balance. The rail 14, the belt 14A, and the holding member 14B are an example of a circulation means.

[0064] On the other hand, the camera 50 is provided at a position where it can photograph the upstream side of the conveyor 11, photographs the next object 32, and outputs the photographed results to the processing device 30. The camera 50 is not limited to being located above the conveyor 11 as shown in the figure, but can be located at any position as long as it can identify the next object 32. For example, the camera 50 may be located at a position facing the upstream side of the conveyor 11, at approximately the same height as the conveying surface of the conveyor 11.

[0065] The processor 304 of the processing device 30 controls the conveyance control unit 304b to control the conveyance speed of the conveyor 11 based on the output of the camera 50 so that the circulating unit 11 circulates at the timing when the light blocking unit 212 covers the next conveyed object 32. However, this is not limited to this, and the processor 304 may also control the circulation speed of the irradiating unit 21 based on the output of the camera 50 so that the circulating unit 11 circulates at the timing when the light blocking unit 212 covers the next conveyed object 32. Alternatively, the irradiation control unit 304a and the conveyance control unit 304b may cooperate to perform control.

[0066] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0067] Next, the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0068] Now, steps ST11 and ST12 are executed in the same manner as steps ST1 and ST2 described above.

[0069] After step ST12, in step ST13, the processor 304 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 uses image analysis by the camera 50 to detect the next transported object 32. For example, the processor 304 analyzes the image output from the camera 50 and detects the next transported object 32 on the transport machine 11 according to the transported object 32 in the image.

[0070] After step ST13, in step ST14, the processor 304 lowers the irradiation unit 21 by circulating the belt 14A so as to cover the conveyed object 32. At this time, it is preferable to have a gap between the irradiation unit 21 and the conveyor 11 from the viewpoint of absorbing the difference between the conveying speed of the conveyor 11 and the moving speed of the irradiation unit 21. However, this is not limiting, and from the viewpoint of completely blocking light, there may be no gap between the light-shielding unit 212 and the conveyor 11.

[0071] After step ST14, in step ST15, the processor 304 causes the light source 211 to irradiate the transported object 31 with ultraviolet light 213, and also causes the belt 14A to circulate to move the irradiation unit 21 downstream at the same speed as the transported object 31.

[0072] After step ST15, in step ST16, the processor 304 ends the irradiation of the ultraviolet light 213, and then moves the belt 14A in a circular movement to raise the irradiation unit 21 away from the conveyor 11 and return it to the upstream side.

[0073] After step ST16, in step ST17, the processor 304 repeatedly executes steps ST13 to ST16 until the irradiation process is completed for all of the transported objects 32. When the irradiation process is completed for all of the transported objects 32, step ST17 ends. This completes the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0074] Thereafter, when the conveyor 11 is to be used for a process other than the irradiation process, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is retracted from the conveyor 11 by the user holding the device and pushing the shaft 13 to move the operating part 12. This allows one conveyor 11 to be used for a process other than the irradiation process.

[0075] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 further includes the rail 14, the belt 14A, and the holding member 14B. The rail 14, the belt 14A, and the holding member 14B vertically circulate one or more light-shielding units 212 along a circulation path including the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 11. This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to irradiate one or more continuously conveyed objects with ultraviolet light 213 from the light sources 211 in one or more light-shielding units 212 without stopping the conveyor 11. However, if there is only one irradiation unit 21 and the long side of the rail 14 is long, the conveying speed of the conveyor 11 needs to be slowed down while returning the irradiation unit 21 from the downstream side to the upstream side. Alternatively, in this case, the conveyor 11 may be stopped while returning the irradiation unit 21 from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0076] (Modification of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, one or more irradiation units 21 are circulated along the rail 14, but this is not limiting. That is, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 13, one irradiation unit 21 is moved so as to reciprocate and rise and fall along the movement direction D2 between the upstream side and downstream side of the conveyor 11. Supplementally, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes a reciprocating shaft 14C and a shaft 13 that holds the reciprocating shaft 14C so that it can be raised and lowered. Note that, for example, an orthogonal robot can be used as the reciprocating shaft 14C and the shaft 13, as appropriate. The shaft 13 is an example of a first elevating means.

[0077] The reciprocating shaft 14C, for example, forms a reciprocating path and reciprocates the light-shielding unit 212 along the conveying direction D1 of the conveyor 11. The shaft 13 raises and lowers the light-shielding unit 212 to approach or move away from the conveyor 11. In this modification, the light-shielding unit 212 housing the light source 211 can be moved from the upstream side of the conveyor 11 to the downstream side, then raised, then moved upstream, and then lowered, thereby circulating along a substantially rectangular circuit. Therefore, according to this modification, the irradiation unit 21 is rotated by alternately using the reciprocating means 14C and the shaft 13, thereby enabling ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto continuously conveyed objects without stopping the conveyor 11. However, if the longitudinal length of the reciprocating shaft 14C is large, the conveying speed of the conveyor 11 must be slowed down while the irradiation unit 21 is returning from the downstream side to the upstream side. Similarly, in this case, the conveyor 11 may be stopped while the irradiation unit 21 is returning from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0078] According to at least one of the above embodiments, an ultraviolet irradiation device is provided that can reduce the effort required for removal from a conveyor.

[0079] 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]

[0080] 1...ultraviolet irradiation device, 11...conveyor, 12...moving part, 12a...roller, 13...axis, 14...rail, 14A...belt, 14B...holding member, 14C...reciprocating axis, 21...irradiation part, 211...light source, 212...light-shielding part, 212a...opening, 30...processing device, 31, 32...transported object, 301...memory, 302...user interface, 303...communication interface, 304...processor, 304a...irradiation control part, 304b...transport control part, 50...camera

Claims

1. a three-dimensional light-shielding part that is detachably arranged to cover the object on the conveyor and has an opening on its bottom surface; a light source housed in the light-shielding portion and configured to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the opening; An ultraviolet irradiation device equipped with:

2. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source irradiates the ultraviolet light while the substrate is being transported by the transporter.

3. a circulation means for vertically circulating one or more of the light-shielding units along a circulation path including the conveying direction of the conveyor; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. a reciprocating means for reciprocating the light blocking portion along the conveying direction of the conveyor; a first lifting means for lifting the reciprocating means so as to approach or move away from the conveyor; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

5. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source irradiates the ultraviolet light while the conveyor is stopped.

6. a second lifting means for lifting the light-shielding unit so that the light-shielding unit approaches or moves away from the conveyor; a conveyance control unit that stops the conveyance device when an operation signal is input; an irradiation control unit that, when the conveyor stops, causes the second lifting means to lower the light-shielding unit so that the light-shielding unit approaches the conveyor, and then causes the light source to irradiate the ultraviolet light; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 5 , further comprising:

Images