Ultraviolet sterilization device

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultraviolet sterilization device that can inactivate toxic targets such as viruses and bacteria without scattering large airborne particles and foreign matter to the outside. [Solution] The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus of the present invention is provided with a filter unit for removing foreign matter from a fluid taken in from the outside, an ultraviolet light source and a reflector, an ultraviolet reflection path through which the fluid from which foreign matter has been removed by the filter unit passes, and a high-level UV region within the ultraviolet reflection path through which ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source is repeatedly reflected by the reflector, and in a high-order reflected ultraviolet space, toxic substances contained in the fluid from which foreign matter has been removed are decomposed and / or inactivated and / or sterilized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilization apparatus that reduces and eliminates toxic targets by passing a fluid through an ultraviolet sterilization region.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, ultraviolet sterilization apparatuses are known that irradiate fluids such as air and water with ultraviolet rays to sterilize and disinfect (inactivate) toxic targets. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a virus inactivation apparatus that includes an ultraviolet lamp for irradiating ultraviolet rays to inactivate viruses in gas, and inactivates viruses in the gas that has passed through an air tank.

[0003] This virus inactivation apparatus includes a set of a first fan and an intake valve for drawing gas that may be contaminated into the air tank, and a set of a second fan and an exhaust valve for discharging the gas that has been sterilized in the air tank. The virus inactivation apparatus controls these sets to regulate the time the gas stays in the air tank, thereby controlling the irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays applied to the drawn gas.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] The virus inactivation apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 draws gas into the air tank by rotating the first fan and opening the intake valve toward the inner side of the air tank, and discharges the gas out of the air tank by rotating the second fan and opening the exhaust valve toward the outer side of the air tank.

[0006] In this configuration, when this virus inactivation device draws in a gas containing viruses, etc., into the air tank via the intake valve, it also draws in large suspended particles such as dust, pollen, and general pollutants, as well as harmful chemical substances and / or malodorous odors. After irradiation with ultraviolet light, the large suspended particles, harmful chemical substances and / or malodorous odors are discharged out of the air tank through the discharge valve along with the gas in which the viruses have been sterilized.

[0007] Therefore, this virus inactivation device had the problem of taking in large airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and common pollutants, as well as foreign substances such as harmful chemicals and / or foul odors, and then scattering the taken-in foreign substances into the room.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide an ultraviolet sterilization device that can inactivate, deactivate, and decompose toxic targets such as viruses and bacteria without scattering foreign matter to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a filter unit for removing foreign matter from a fluid taken in from the outside, an ultraviolet light source and a reflector, and includes an ultraviolet reflection path through which the fluid from which the foreign matter has been removed by the filter unit passes, and a high-level UV region within the ultraviolet reflection path through which ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source is repeatedly reflected by the reflector, and in a high-order reflected ultraviolet space, toxic substances contained in the fluid from which the foreign matter has been removed are decomposed and / or inactivated and / or sterilized.

[0010] In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the filter unit includes a first filter that removes suspended particles of a first particle size or larger from the fluid, a second filter that removes suspended particles of a second particle size or larger that are smaller than the first particle size from the fluid that has passed through the first filter, and a third filter that adsorbs and removes harmful chemical substances and / or malodorous odors from the fluid that has passed through the second filter.

[0011] The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention has a cylindrical portion in which the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter are disposed inside.

[0012] The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body having a high-level UV region, a suction unit disposed on the upper part of the main body for drawing the fluid into the main body, and an air purification unit configured to be detachable from the suction unit, wherein the cylindrical portion is disposed within the air purification unit and configured to be detachable from the air purification unit.

[0013] In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the inside of the air purification unit has a sealed structure formed by the cylindrical part, the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter.

[0014] In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter are detachable from and replaceable from the cylindrical portion.

[0015] In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the second filter is a HEPA filter, and the HEPA filter is folded in an accordion shape and arranged in the cylindrical portion.

[0016] In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the third filter has a plurality of pores and at least one activated carbon contained inside the plurality of pores.

[0017] In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the activated carbon is granular activated carbon or granulated activated carbon. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The ultraviolet sterilization device of the present invention can inactivate toxic targets such as viruses and bacteria without scattering foreign matter to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] The perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus in a state where the air purification unit is removed [Figure 3] The front view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus [Figure 4] The cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3 [Figure 5] The exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the air purification unit [Figure 6] The exploded perspective view showing the configurations of the air purification unit and the filter unit [Figure 7] The exploded perspective view of the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus showing the configuration in which the ultraviolet sterilization unit is detachably attachable [Figure 8] The perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit [Figure 9] The exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings based on the embodiments and modified examples in the following description are schematic, the relationship between the thickness and width of each part and the ratio of the thickness of each part may differ from the actual ones, and there are parts where the dimensional relationship and ratio differ between the drawings. In addition, the vertical direction will be described as the vertical direction in a state where the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus is placed.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 1 in a state where the air purification unit is removed, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 1. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 1 which is an air purification apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 includes, in order from the upper side in a placed state, an air purification unit 2 as a filter part, an intake flow unit 3 as an intake part, a base unit 4 as a main body part, and an exhaust unit 5 as an exhaust part.

[0022] The air purification unit 2 includes an outer cover 20, a filter unit 22, and the like. The outer cover 20 has an upper opening 21 in the center when viewed from above. The filter unit 22 is located below the upper opening 21 and is disposed inside the outer cover 20. The detailed configuration of the filter unit 22 will be explained later using Figures 4 to 6.

[0023] The outer cover 20 constituting the air purification unit 2 is formed from general-purpose plastics, including base materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), urea resin (UF), polyacetal (POM), and polyamide (PA). The base material of the intake flow unit 3 is not limited to general-purpose plastics; it may also be formed from metals including aluminum alloys, iron, stainless steel alloys, copper, titanium, magnesium, or alloys thereof. Furthermore, in the following description, the types of general-purpose plastics and metal base materials will be omitted if they are the same as those exemplified above, and will only be described if they are different.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the intake flow unit 3 includes an outer cover 30, a pressure loss reduction section 32, a surrounding section 33, etc. The upper end of the intake flow unit 3 is fitted and connected to the lower end of the air purification unit 2. The ultraviolet sterilization device 1 is configured to allow for easy attachment of the air purification unit 2 to the intake flow unit 3, and by removing the air purification unit 2 from the intake flow unit 3, the intake flow rate can be increased, allowing the device to be used as a specialized device for reducing toxic targets such as viruses and bacteria.

[0025] The outer cover 30 has an upper opening 31 in the center when viewed from above. The pressure loss reduction section 32 is located below the upper opening 31. The surrounding section 33 surrounds the pressure loss reduction section 32 and is disposed inside the outer cover 30.

[0026] The outer cover 30, pressure loss reduction section 32, and surrounding section 33 that constitute the intake flow unit 3 are formed from a base material made of general-purpose plastic. However, the base materials of the outer cover 30, pressure loss reduction section 32, and surrounding section 33 are not limited to general-purpose plastic and may be formed from metal.

[0027] The intake flow unit 3 has an introduction passage 34 that communicates with the upper opening 31. The introduction passage 34 is formed between the pressure loss reduction section 32 and the surrounding section 33. This introduction passage 34 is a space through which external fluid located above the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is introduced into the base unit 4 from the upper opening 31 via the air purification unit 2.

[0028] The base unit 4 has a roughly cylindrical outer casing 40. The upper end of the base unit 4 is fitted and connected to the lower end of the intake flow unit 3. A UV sterilization unit 41, which will be described later, is housed inside the outer casing 40. The outer casing 40 is formed from a metal base material. However, the base material of the outer casing 40 is not limited to metal and may be formed from general-purpose plastic. If the outer casing 40 is formed from general-purpose plastic, it may be externally colored by internal coloring, which involves mixing colorants such as dyes, pigments, and colorants, or by surface processing such as printing, painting, or plating, which involves depositing a metal film.

[0029] The exhaust unit 5 is located below the base unit 4. The upper end of the exhaust unit 5 is fitted and connected to the lower end of the outer casing 40. The exhaust unit 5 has an exhaust base 50, which is a fluid discharge housing. Multiple exhaust ports 51, in this case three, are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust base 50. The exhaust ports 51 constitute the openings of the discharge passage 52 formed in the exhaust base 50. The exhaust unit 5 has a switch unit 55 on its lower end. The switch unit 55 consists of an ON / OFF button, an airflow switching button for switching between multiple airflow levels, etc.

[0030] Multiple exhaust ports 51 and discharge passages 52 are provided on the exhaust base 50, in this case three of each. The exhaust ports 51 are located on the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust base 50. The three exhaust ports 51 are provided at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the exhaust base 50. The discharge passages 52 guide the air that has passed through the base unit 4 to the exhaust ports 51. The exhaust ports 51 then discharge the fluid guided through the discharge passages 52 to the outside.

[0031] Furthermore, the discharge passage 52 is defined by a plurality of walls erected within the exhaust unit 5. The walls are, for example, provided to curve radially outward from approximately the center of the exhaust unit 5 in a plan view. The walls are inclined or curved with respect to the vertical so that their lower ends connect to the exhaust port 51. The discharge passage 52 is also formed to spiral radially outward from the center of the cross-section of the exhaust unit 5, for example. The spirally spiraled discharge passage 52 guides the fluid flow that has passed through the base unit 4 from the vertical to the radial direction towards the exhaust port 51.

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the air purification unit. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the air purification unit and the filter unit. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the filter unit 22 has a triple (three-layer) structure inside the outer cover 20. Specifically, the filter unit 22 comprises, in order from the top, a pre-filter 23, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter 24, and a deodorizing filter 25.

[0033] The filter unit 22 is equipped with a pre-filter 23, a HEPA filter 24, and a deodorizing filter 25 in that order from top to bottom, but it is not limited to this order and may be in other order. For example, the filter unit 22 may be equipped with a pre-filter 23, a deodorizing filter 25, and a HEPA filter 24 in that order from top to bottom.

[0034] The pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25 are arranged within a substantially cylindrical tubular section 24a. The tubular section 24a has an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cover 20. The pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25 also have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular section 24a. With this configuration, the inside of the outer cover 20 has a sealed structure due to the tubular section 24a and the filter unit 22 arranged within the tubular section 24a.

[0035] An annular packing 27 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cover 20 of the air purification unit 2. The packing 27 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the outer cover 30 of the intake flow unit 3. The packing 27 is made of an elastic material or the like that maintains airtightness / watertightness to prevent the intrusion of dust, water, etc. In other words, the air purification unit 2 is configured to be detachable from the intake flow unit 3 and is kept airtight and / or watertight by the packing 27.

[0036] The cylindrical portion 24a is configured to be detachable from the outer cover 20. Furthermore, the filter unit 22 (pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25) is configured to be detachable from and replaceable from the cylindrical portion 24a. This configuration allows the air purification unit 2 to replace the filter unit 22 located within the outer cover 20.

[0037] This filter unit 22 removes large suspended particles such as dust, pollen, and common pollutants, as well as foreign substances such as harmful chemicals and / or malodorous odors, from the intake fluid. The filter unit 22 has a triple (three-layer) structure, but is not limited to this; for example, it may have a quadruple (four or more layers) or double (two or fewer layers) structure. Furthermore, the filter unit 22 is installed within the air purification unit 2, but is not limited to this; for example, it may be installed within the intake air flow unit 3.

[0038] The pre-filter 23 has a circular shape and is disposed within a substantially cylindrical section 24a. The pre-filter 23 removes relatively large suspended particles from the fluid flowing in from the upper opening 21. The pre-filter 23 mainly removes suspended particles with a particle size of 5 μm or larger, such as dust and pollen.

[0039] The HEPA filter 24 is folded in an accordion-like manner and disposed within a substantially cylindrical tubular section 24a. The HEPA filter 24 is a filter that has a particle collection efficiency of 99.97% or more for particles with a particle size of 0.3 μm. The HEPA filter 24 removes suspended particles with a particle size of 0.3 μm or more, such as PM2.5, from the fluid that has passed through the pre-filter 23.

[0040] The deodorizing filter 25 is a deodorizing filter that adsorbs and removes harmful chemical substances and / or malodors from the fluid that has passed through the HEPA filter 24. The deodorizing filter 25 has a circular shape and is disposed within a substantially cylindrical tubular section 24a. The deodorizing filter 25 has a plurality of substantially cylindrical holes 25a that penetrate the upper and lower sides. Mesh sheets are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the deodorizing filter 25, and these mesh sheets contain at least one or more granulated activated carbon 26 inside each of the plurality of holes 25a. The granulated activated carbon 26 is, for example, made by crushing coal and adding a binder to form a predetermined shape, and it adsorbs and removes harmful chemical substances and / or malodors from the fluid.

[0041] Furthermore, while the deodorizing filter 25 uses granulated activated carbon 26 manufactured from coal, it is not limited to this, and other activated carbons such as granular activated carbon manufactured from coconut shells may be used. Also, the shape of the granulated activated carbon 26 is not particularly limited, and various shapes such as cylindrical, fibrous, honeycomb, crushed, granular, and powdered can be used.

[0042] The fluid that has passed through the HEPA filter 24 then passes through the pores 25a of the deodorizing filter 25, which contains granulated activated carbon 26, and harmful chemical substances and / or malodors in the fluid are removed.

[0043] Furthermore, the shapes of the pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25 are not limited to a circular shape, but may be polygonal, elliptical, or other shapes. In particular, it is preferable that the shapes of the pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25 substantially match the shape of the inside of the cylindrical portion 24a disposed in the outer cover 20.

[0044] With this configuration, the fluid flowing in from the upper opening 21 sequentially passes through the pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25, removing suspended particles and malodorous odors before being drawn into the intake air flow unit 3.

[0045] The pressure loss reduction section 32 of the intake flow unit 3 has a bulging section 35 that expands in the middle of the vertical direction along the longitudinal axis X of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1. The outer diameter of the pressure loss reduction section 32 gradually widens from the lower side to the bulging section 35, and then gradually narrows from the bulging section 35 to the tip section 36 which is the top of the upper side. The tip section 36 has a substantially pointed shape that forms an obtuse or acute angle.

[0046] The pressure loss reduction section 32 is roughly conical in shape from the bulging section 35 to the tip section 36. Furthermore, the pressure loss reduction section 32 is roughly frustoconical in shape from the bulging section 35 to the base section. In other words, the pressure loss reduction section 32 here is what is known as a mushroom shape.

[0047] Furthermore, the pressure loss reduction section 32 may have a shape from the bulging section 35 to the tip section 36 that is roughly pyramidal, truncated pyramidal, or truncated cone, or a spiral-shaped inlet passage 34 may be formed on its outer surface. The shape from the bulging section 35 to the base end may also be roughly inverted truncated pyramidal. Moreover, the pressure loss reduction section 32 may be roughly conical in shape, such as a cone shape, as a whole.

[0048] The surrounding portion 33 has an annular shape with different inner diameters along the longitudinal axis X direction. The surrounding portion 33 has a constricted portion 37 and an expanded portion 38. The constricted portion 37 is formed to narrow towards the upper opening 31 located on the upper side. The expanded portion 38 is formed at a position radially opposite to the bulging portion 35.

[0049] The constricted portion 37 has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the bulging portion 35 and larger than the outer diameter near the tip portion 36. The enlarged portion 38 has an inner diameter set such that it has a predetermined radial gap with respect to the opposing bulging portion 35.

[0050] Therefore, the inner diameter of the surrounding portion 33 is set to have a gap of a predetermined amount or more with respect to the pressure loss reduction portion 32. For this reason, the surrounding portion 33 has a shape that does not obstruct the flow of fluid flowing into the intake flow unit 3.

[0051] Furthermore, the constricted portion 37 is not limited to the upper position, but can be set as appropriate as long as it does not obstruct the flow of fluid. For example, the constricted portion 37 may be located downstream of the bulging portion 35 in the direction of fluid flow.

[0052] The introduction passage 34 is formed by the pressure loss reduction section 32 and the surrounding section 33. Therefore, the introduction passage 34 has a substantially annular cross-sectional spatial shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the introduction passage 34 has a shape that is at least partially curved along the direction of fluid flow. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the introduction passage 34 has a cross-sectional spatial shape in which a part of the introduction passage 34 defined between the bulging section 35 and the enlarged diameter section 38 is curved in a substantially C shape.

[0053] Furthermore, the exhaust base 50 incorporates a blower, specifically a motor 53 acting as a rotor, and a flow generation unit 54 above the exhaust port 51 and the discharge passage 52. The flow generation unit 54 is a so-called rotating blade (propeller) and is composed of a hub that rotates around an axis and a plurality of blades formed on the outer surface of the hub.

[0054] The type and shape of the flow generation unit 54 are not particularly limited, and for example, axial flow fans (propeller fans), mixed flow fans, centrifugal fans (multi-blade fans, sirocco fans, radial fans, plate fans, turbo fans, limit load fans, airfoil fans, etc.), centrifugal axial flow fans, vortex flow fans, cross-flow fans, etc. can be applied.

[0055] Furthermore, the motor 53 and the fluid generation unit 54 may be arranged, for example, at the upper and lower ends in the longitudinal axis X direction of the base unit 4, inside the intake flow unit 3, or on the base unit 4 side near the exhaust unit 5. In addition, the motor 53 and the fluid generation unit 54 may be configured in multiple units to generate the fluid flow of the fluid drawn in from the intake flow unit 3.

[0056] The flow generation unit 54 has a plurality of radially projecting blades connected to the radially outward side of the outer circumferential surface of the hub. The hub of the flow generation unit 54 is connected to the motor 53. In addition, a plurality of dimples may be formed on the surface of the blades of the flow generation unit 54.

[0057] The fluid generation unit 54 rotates when power is transmitted from the motor 53. As the fluid generation unit 54 rotates, a fluid is formed inside the exhaust base 50. That is, the fluid generation unit 54 causes fluid to flow into the base unit 4 through the intake flow unit 3. The fluid generation unit 54 then forms a fluid that passes through the base unit 4 and is discharged from the exhaust port 51.

[0058] Furthermore, the rotation direction of the flow generation unit 54 is set to follow the radially outward spiral of the discharge passage 52. For example, if the flow generation unit 54 rotates clockwise, the spiral direction of the discharge passage 52 is set to a shape that curves to the right.

[0059] The configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 will be explained in detail below. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 showing the configuration in which the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 is detachable, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, and Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 is configured to be easily inserted and removed from the upper opening of the outer casing 40 from which the air purification unit 2 and the intake flow unit 3 have been removed. In other words, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 is configured to be easily attached to and removed from the base unit 4.

[0061] The ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 receives fluid drawn in through the introduction passage 34 of the intake flow unit 3 and flows downward. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 includes a first UV blocking holder 42A as an upper frame, a second UV blocking holder 42B as a lower frame, a support column 43 as a support frame, a reflector 44 as a reflector, etc. The support column 43 connects the upper first UV blocking holder 42A and the lower second UV blocking holder 42B. The support column 43 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0062] The ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 has multiple support columns 43, in this case three, and reflectors 44. Furthermore, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 has an enclosed ultraviolet reflection path 47 (see Figure 4) within its internal space, surrounded by the first UV blocking holder 42A, the second UV blocking holder 42B, the reflectors 44, etc. The ultraviolet reflection path 47 forms a high-level UV region for sterilizing and disinfecting fluids.

[0063] A roughly U-shaped (roughly U-shaped) handle 48 is positioned approximately in the center of the first UV-blocking holder 42A. The handle 48 is a gripping part that the user holds when attaching or detaching the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 to the outer casing 40.

[0064] Furthermore, multiple UV-blocking filters 46, which are electromagnetic wave shielding filters that act as ultraviolet light leakage suppression units, are attached to the first UV-blocking holder 42A and the second UV-blocking holder 42B, respectively.

[0065] The UV-blocking filter 46 has a structure through which fluid can pass. The UV-blocking filter 46 prevents ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light source 45, which is the ultraviolet radiation part described later, from leaking out of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 to the outside. The UV-blocking filter 46 is composed of a structure (honeycomb core) in which multiple cells, which are polygonal three-dimensional shapes such as squares and hexagons, are arranged neatly without gaps.

[0066] The UV-blocking filter 46 is formed from glass fiber, synthetic resin, metal, rubber, ceramic, or composite materials thereof. For example, the UV-blocking filter 46 may be formed from a UV-resistant material such as a glass fiber sheet, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum or their alloys, or other silicone resin or urea resin.

[0067] Sockets 49 (see Figure 4) are positioned opposite each other approximately in the center of the inside of the first UV blocking holder 42A and the second UV blocking holder 42B. The terminals of the ultraviolet light sources 45 are electrically connected to the sockets 49. Multiple ultraviolet light sources 45 are provided, corresponding to the number of sockets 49; in this case, three are provided. The three ultraviolet light sources 45 are arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light over approximately the entire area of ​​the ultraviolet reflection path 47. That is, each ultraviolet light source 45 is erected within the ultraviolet reflection path 47, sandwiched between the sockets 49 of the first UV blocking holder 42A and the second UV blocking holder 42B.

[0068] Each ultraviolet light source 45 is, for example, a straight-tube-shaped ultraviolet irradiation unit. The ultraviolet light source 45 emits ultraviolet light that reduces toxic substances through decomposition, inactivation, disinfection, sterilization, and other similar processes. Various light sources such as mercury lamps, xenon lamps, excimer lamps, metal halide lamps, neon lamps, and LEDs can be used as the ultraviolet light source 45.

[0069] Furthermore, the shape of each ultraviolet light source 45 is not limited to a straight tube shape, but may be, for example, U-shaped, spiral, spherical, or balloon-shaped. Also, the number of ultraviolet light sources 45 is not limited to three, and the placement location and number can be set as appropriate, as long as it is possible to irradiate the fluid flowing in the ultraviolet reflection path 47 with ultraviolet light. By using multiple ultraviolet light sources 45, the amount of ultraviolet light increases accordingly, which can improve the efficiency of detoxifying toxic substances.

[0070] The ultraviolet light sources 45 are positioned within the ultraviolet reflection path 47 through which the air inside the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 passes. The three ultraviolet light sources 45 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, and they are positioned around the central axis (longitudinal axis X) of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41. Therefore, each ultraviolet light source 45 is surrounded by a reflector 44. As a result, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light sources 45 is reflected by the reflector 44 into the ultraviolet reflection path 47, forming a high-level UV region.

[0071] The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 45 preferably has a wavelength of about 200-300 nm, and more preferably is set to around 250-270 nm. Of course, the ultraviolet light may also be near-ultraviolet (UV-C), far-ultraviolet (wavelength 10-200 nm), or extreme ultraviolet (wavelength 10-121 nm), etc., with a wavelength of less than 260 nm, as long as it can at least neutralize the toxic substance. Near-ultraviolet (UV-A, UV-B) with a wavelength exceeding 300 nm may also be used, or these may be used in combination. It is preferable to exclude the 185 nm wavelength of ultraviolet light, which converts oxygen in the air into ozone, but this wavelength may also be used if necessary.

[0072] Furthermore, when using an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) as the ultraviolet light source 45, for example, one may use aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN). The ultraviolet LEDs can be arranged in a nearly linear manner, or in a plane aligned vertically and / or horizontally to form the ultraviolet radiation section. Of course, the ultraviolet light source 45 may be single rather than multiple.

[0073] The first and second UV-blocking holders 42A and 42B engage with the upper and lower edges of the reflector 44. The reflector 44 is a plate with a substantially arc-shaped cross-section, formed from a metal such as aluminum. The reflector 44 has folded edges 44a on both sides that are bent outward.

[0074] The reflector 44 is installed so that its folded edge 44a abuts against the surface of the support column 43 on the side of the ultraviolet reflection path 47 (the inner diameter side of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41).

[0075] The reflector 44 has a reflective surface 44b on the side facing the ultraviolet reflection path 47. The reflective surface 44b has an ultraviolet reflective material that repeatedly reflects ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 45 in a high order. Preferably, the ultraviolet reflective material has a diffuse transmittance of 1% / 1mm or more and 20% / 1mm or less, and a total reflectance in the high-level UV region of 60% / 1mm or more and 99.9% / 1mm or less, and the sum of the diffuse transmittance and the total reflectance in the ultraviolet region is 90% / 1mm or more.

[0076] As ultraviolet reflective materials, materials containing at least one of the following can be used: silver, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone resin, quartz glass containing internal bubbles of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, partially crystallized quartz glass containing internal crystal grains of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, alumina sintered bodies with crystal grains of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, mullite sintered bodies with crystal grains of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, magnesium carbonate, barium, hafnium, zirconium, and other oxides.

[0077] The reflective surface 44b may be formed by providing a thin film of metal (silver, aluminum, nickel, copper, etc.) on the inner surface of the reflector 44. Alternatively, the reflector 44 may be formed by depositing an ultraviolet reflective material onto the substrate surface of the reflective surface 44b by vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.

[0078] Furthermore, when using silver or aluminum as the ultraviolet reflective material for the reflective surface 44b, a protective film that functions as a coating may be applied to the surface to prevent oxidation. In this case, the protective film can be made of a material that does not reduce the reflectivity of the reflective surface 44b, such as acrylic resin, quartz glass, or PTFE. Methods for forming the PTFE protective film include vapor deposition and sputtering.

[0079] Furthermore, the reflective surface 44b may be formed by layering thin films on the surface of the reflector 44. For example, it may be formed by layering thin films of metal, thin films of alloys mainly composed of metal, or films of oxides (aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, etc.). The thickness of each layer of the multilayer film is set, for example, to an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of ultraviolet light (i.e., an odd or even multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength).

[0080] Specifically, if the main ultraviolet wavelength to be reflected is set to 253.7 nm, the thickness of one layer of the multilayer film can be set to 63.4 nm, 126.8 nm, 190.3 nm, etc. Of course, the thickness of each layer of the multilayer film can be set as appropriate, and it may be a so-called thick film with a thickness of several tens of micrometers, a so-called thin film with a thickness of several micrometers, or a so-called ultrathin film with a thickness of a few nanometers or less.

[0081] Furthermore, when forming a multilayer film, the surface of the substrate (base material) may be pre-polished to a mirror-like state, and layers with different refractive indices and / or dielectric constants may be formed alternately. In addition, a region with a film of a photocatalytically active substance may be formed on the inner surface of the reflector 44. That is, by generating an active surface through irradiation with ultraviolet light, sterilization, antiviral effects, deodorization, and reduction of toxic substances such as organochlorine compounds and formaldehyde can be achieved. Titanium dioxide and tungsten oxide can be used as photocatalytically active substances.

[0082] Furthermore, the support column 43 has a groove 43a with a concave cross-section formed along its longitudinal direction in the center of its outer surface. Electrical cords, etc. (not shown), for supplying power to the ultraviolet light source 45 via each socket 49 are housed in the groove 43a.

[0083] The ultraviolet sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, removes airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and dirt, as well as malodorous odors, using the filter unit 22 of the air purification unit 2. It then has the function of reducing toxic substances in the fluid, i.e., toxic substances inhaled along with the fluid, within the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41. Here, "fluid" refers to gases such as air as an example. "Toxic substances" include pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, as well as harmful molecules such as formaldehyde VOCs containing harmful molecules. These are substances that are toxic or harmful to living organisms, the environment, etc., and are transported within the fluid. The reduction of toxic substances means that the toxicity is eliminated or reduced through decomposition, inactivation, sterilization, etc.

[0084] First, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is installed in a designated space such as a room. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is activated by selectively pressing one of the ON / OFF buttons on the switch unit 55, or by pressing an airflow switching button that switches between multiple airflow levels. The motor 53 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is driven at a predetermined number of rotations per unit time based on the selected airflow. The flow generation unit 54 then rotates at a predetermined rotational speed.

[0085] As a result, fluid flow is generated inside the ultraviolet sterilizer 1. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1 draws in air as a fluid from the air purification unit 2, removes relatively large suspended particles and malodorous odors, and then discharges the air, which has had toxic substances reduced in the base unit 4, from the exhaust unit 5. When the fluid generation unit 54 rotates, the air, which is the fluid in the predetermined space in which it is installed, is drawn into the device via the air purification unit 2.

[0086] The ultraviolet sterilizer 1 then reduces the toxic substances and discharges the air from the exhaust unit 5. The air is drawn into the base unit 4 from the top of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 via the air purification unit 2 and the intake flow unit 3. The air then flows down the inside of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 and is discharged from the bottom.

[0087] Specifically, the air taken into the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 passes through the filter unit 22 of the air purification unit 2 and flows down toward the intake flow unit 3. That is, the air taken into the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 flows down in the order of pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25 and is supplied to the intake flow unit 3.

[0088] As a result, the pre-filter 23 removes suspended particles with a particle size of 5 μm or larger, and the HEPA filter 24 removes suspended particles with a particle size of 0.3 μm or larger. Subsequently, the granulated activated carbon 26 of the deodorizing filter 25 adsorbs and removes harmful chemical substances and / or malodorous odors from the air (fluid). As a result, air from which suspended particles and malodorous odors have been removed is taken into the intake flow unit 3.

[0089] The air taken into the intake flow unit 3 flows down along the outer surface of the pressure loss reduction section 32 of the intake flow unit 3. That is, the air enters the introduction passage 34, which is the gap between the pressure loss reduction section 32 and the surrounding section 33. The air then flows from the introduction passage 34 through the UV blocking filter 46, etc., attached to the first UV blocking holder 42A of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, and into the ultraviolet reflection passage 47.

[0090] Furthermore, the intake flow unit 3 is provided with the tip 36 of the pressure loss reduction section 32 at a position radially opposite to the constricted section 37, and the enlarged diameter section 38 of the surrounding section 33 at a position radially opposite to the bulging section 35. As a result, the intake flow unit 3 has an introduction passage 34 that secures space for the inhaled air to pass through. Therefore, the intake flow unit 3 reduces the effect of pressure loss on the air as it passes through the introduction passage 34, and suppresses a decrease in air flow rate and velocity.

[0091] The air that flows into the ultraviolet reflection path 47 passes through the high-level UV region formed by ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 45 within the ultraviolet reflection path 47 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 and flows down toward the exhaust unit 5.

[0092] Furthermore, in the high-level UV region, ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 45 is repeatedly reflected by the reflective surface 44b of the reflector 44, that is, higher-order reflection increases the overall ultraviolet dose in the ultraviolet reflection path 47. In other words, a high-level UV region is formed inside the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, creating a high-density, high-dose ultraviolet region.

[0093] Therefore, in the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, toxic substances in the air flowing down from top to bottom pass through the high-level UV region and are exposed to high-density and high-dose ultraviolet light, which neutralizes them. That is, within the high-level UV region formed in the ultraviolet reflection path 47, toxic substances are exposed to high-density and high-dose ultraviolet light, and are instantly decomposed and / or inactivated and / or sterilized, thus neutralizing them.

[0094] The air that flows down the ultraviolet reflection path 47 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 passes through the ultraviolet blocking filter 46 provided in the second UV blocking holder 42B and enters the exhaust unit 5. The air then moves along the discharge path 52 of the exhaust unit 5 and is discharged to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 from the exhaust port 51.

[0095] Furthermore, the discharge passage 52 is curved in a spiral radial shape to match the airflow generated by the flow generation section 54. As a result, the pressure loss of the air discharged from the exhaust port 51 is reduced, and the decrease in flow rate and flow velocity is suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, the UV-blocking filters 46 provided in the first and second UV-blocking holders 42A and 42B are formed from an assembly of multiple neatly arranged cells and are honeycomb cores having a predetermined thickness. Therefore, air passes through the UV-blocking filter 46 along the axial direction of the pores of each cell. In other words, the UV-blocking filter 46 straightens the airflow in a certain direction through the pores of the cells. Moreover, the UV-blocking filter 46 does not obstruct the airflow through the pores of each cell and hardly reduces the airflow velocity.

[0097] In particular, the UV-blocking filter 46 provided in the first UV-blocking holder 42A straightens the air from the intake flow unit 3 to a laminar flow. As a result, the laminar flowing air flows almost linearly down the ultraviolet reflection path 47 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41. This also reduces the pressure loss of the air passing through the ultraviolet reflection path 47 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, and suppresses the decrease in flow rate and flow velocity.

[0098] In the ultraviolet sterilization device 1, the UV blocking filter 46 is arranged so that its pores extend radially inward at a predetermined angle θ from the ultraviolet reflection path 47 side toward the intake flow unit 3 (or exhaust unit 5) side, thereby blocking ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 45. In other words, in the ultraviolet sterilization device 1, the UV blocking filter 46 blocks ultraviolet rays with the inner walls that form the pores of each cell, preventing ultraviolet rays from leaking to the outside.

[0099] Furthermore, the UV-blocking filter 46 may be provided with low-reflection areas on the cylindrical inner wall surface that forms the pores of each cell to suppress the reflection of ultraviolet rays. For surface treatments such as preventing reflection of ultraviolet rays and absorbing ultraviolet rays, the low-reflection areas can be subjected to, for example, film formation by hot-dip plating, vacuum plating, electroless plating, electrolytic plating, anodizing, or coating with acrylic paints, pure acrylic paints, urethane paints, silicone paints, fluorine paints, inorganic paints, glass coatings, etc.

[0100] In particular, the UV-blocking filter 46 may have an extremely low reflectivity surface by providing the cylindrical inner wall surface that forms the pores of each cell with a large number of fine irregularities, dendritic structures, etc. Furthermore, if the inner wall surface of the pores of each cell of the UV-blocking filter 46 is treated with a black surface, it can absorb ultraviolet rays and further improve the anti-reflection effect of ultraviolet rays.

[0101] As described above, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 prevents ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source 45 from leaking out of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 by blocking them with the UV blocking filter 46. In other words, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 reflects the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 45 into the ultraviolet reflection path 47 by the reflective surface 44b of the reflector 44, and the UV blocking filter 46 prevents these ultraviolet rays from leaking out of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41.

[0102] Furthermore, even if ultraviolet light were to pass through the UV-blocking filter 46, the bulging portion 35 and / or constricting portion 37 of the intake flow unit 3 would block the ultraviolet light that had passed through the UV-blocking filter 46, reliably preventing it from leaking outside the device. As a result, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 can prevent users from accidentally looking directly at the ultraviolet light source.

[0103] Incidentally, in the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, at least the surface of the substrate of each component exposed within the ultraviolet reflection path 47 is formed from inorganic material and / or inorganic compound. Specifically, in the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, the first and second UV blocking holders 42A and 42B, the support column 43, the reflector 44, and the UV blocking filter 46, which form the ultraviolet reflection path 47, are made of resin with a surface treatment of metal and / or inorganic material and / or inorganic compound.

[0104] If the components of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 are, for example, a resin substrate, a surface treatment is performed by plating, which deposits a metal film to form an inorganic and / or inorganic compound film. Examples of metals that can be used to form a film on the surface of the resin substrate include, but are not particularly limited to, chromium, nickel, chromate, tin, zinc, aluminum, iron, gold, silver, copper, titanium, or alloys thereof. Of course, the entire surface of the resin substrate may be surface-treated by plating.

[0105] Furthermore, the resin substrate, which has been surface-treated by plating, may have a mirror-finished surface to create a highly reflective area that enhances the reflectivity of ultraviolet rays. As for the mirror finish treatment, a highly reflective area can be formed by polishing the surface of the resin substrate and applying chrome plating over a bright nickel plating base, or by depositing a film of aluminum, iron, gold, silver, copper, titanium, etc., onto the surface of the resin substrate by vapor deposition, sputtering, etc.

[0106] Furthermore, the resin substrate may have a low-reflectance area on its surface to reduce the reflectivity of ultraviolet rays. The low-reflectance area can be treated with a black surface treatment, and electrolytic methods such as black electrolytic chromium plating, black electrolytic nickel plating, black electrolytic tin alloy plating, and black electrodeposition coating can be applied. For black film formation using electroless plating, for example, there is black electroless nickel plating, in which the black film can be obtained in the electroless nickel plating state or by oxidation treatment. Methods for obtaining a black film in the electroless nickel plating state include black electroless nickel-phosphorus-zinc alloy plating, black electroless pure nickel plating using hydrazine as a reducing agent, and black electroless Ni-Sn plating.

[0107] Furthermore, the resin substrate may be made by attaching films of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), urea resin (UF), polyacetal (POM), polyamide (PA), etc., to a surface treated with inorganic materials or inorganic compounds to provide a low-reflectance area, or the above films may be attached in layers to the low-reflectance area.

[0108] Furthermore, black surface treatments may include blackening using alkaline coloring methods, sulfide treatment, chemical conversion treatments such as black chromate, and dyeing of anodized coatings. In addition, the above-mentioned high-reflectivity and low-reflectivity areas are not limited to resin substrates but can also be applied to metal substrates.

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 1 has at least the surface of the substrate of each component exposed to the ultraviolet reflection path 47 by the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 made of inorganic material and / or inorganic compound. Therefore, even when the substrate (base material) of each component forming the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 is exposed to high-level UV radiation under high density and high dose ultraviolet light that sterilizes and disinfects the fluid passing through the ultraviolet reflection path 47, it does not deteriorate in terms of UV resistance, and no decrease in physical properties, changes in appearance, etc., are prevented.

[0110] Furthermore, the various components exposed to the ultraviolet reflection path 47 are surface-treated by plating, which deposits metal to form a film, thereby providing ultraviolet resistance. Therefore, they can be formed from inexpensive, general-purpose plastics. Consequently, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41. Of course, the various components of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 are not limited to general-purpose plastics; they may also be formed from metals, engineering plastics, etc.

[0111] Therefore, the UV sterilizer 1 can reduce maintenance costs because it eliminates the need to replace UV-degraded parts of the UV sterilization unit 41. Furthermore, the UV sterilizer 1 can prevent the shortening of product lifespan due to embrittlement and decreased mechanical durability of the parts of the UV sterilization unit 41.

[0112] As described above, in the ultraviolet sterilization device 1, airborne particles and malodorous odors are removed by the pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25 of the air purification unit 2, and the air from which airborne particles and malodorous odors have been removed is supplied to the base unit 4 via the intake flow unit 3. That is, the air supplied to the base unit 4 contains relatively small-particle toxic targets such as viruses and bacteria that are not captured by the filter unit 22, which includes the pre-filter 23, HEPA filter 24, and deodorizing filter 25.

[0113] As the air supplied to the base unit 4 flows from top to bottom inside the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41, it is exposed to high-density and high-dose ultraviolet light in the high-level UV region formed in the ultraviolet reflection path 47. As a result, toxic substances contained in the air are instantly decomposed and / or inactivated and / or sterilized, reducing their presence.

[0114] The air that flows down the ultraviolet reflection path 47 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 41 then moves along the discharge path 52 of the exhaust unit 5 and is discharged to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 from the exhaust port 51. As a result, the air discharged to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 is free of suspended particles and malodorous substances, and toxic substances have been reduced, preventing large suspended particles and foreign substances such as harmful chemicals and / or malodorous substances from being scattered to the outside.

[0115] Therefore, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 of this embodiment can inactivate toxic targets such as viruses and bacteria without scattering foreign matter to the outside.

[0116] The components of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other insofar as they do not contradict each other, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions of various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple components disclosed.

[0117] For example, if the problem described can be solved and the effects described can be obtained even if some of the constituent elements shown in the embodiment are deleted, then the configuration with the deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1... UV sterilization device, 2... Air purification unit, 3... Intake flow unit, 4... Base unit, 5... Exhaust unit, 20... Outer cover, 21... Upper opening, 22... Filter unit, 23... Pre-filter, 24... HEPA filter, 24a... Cylindrical part, 25... Deodorizing filter, 25a... Perforated part, 26... Granulated activated carbon, 27... Packing, 30... Outer cover, 31... Upper opening, 32... Pressure loss reduction part, 33... Surrounding part, 34... Inlet passage, 35... Bulging part, 36... 37...Tip, 38...Narrowing section, 40...Outer casing, 41...UV sterilization unit, 42A...First UV blocking holder, 42B...Second UV blocking holder, 43...Support column, 43a...Groove section, 44...Reflector, 44a...Folding edge section, 44b...Reflective surface, 45...UV light source, 46...UV blocking filter, 47...UV reflection path, 48...Handle, 49...Socket, 50...Exhaust base, 51...Exhaust port, 52...Discharge path, 53...Motor, 54...Flow generation section, 55...Switch unit

Claims

1. A filter unit that removes foreign matter from fluids taken in from the outside. An ultraviolet light source and a reflector are provided, and an ultraviolet reflection path through which the fluid, from which the foreign matter has been removed by the filter unit, passes. Within the above ultraviolet reflection path, ultraviolet light irradiated from the above ultraviolet light source is repeatedly reflected by the above reflector, and a high-level UV region is formed in which the foreign matter removed by the higher-order reflected ultraviolet space decomposes and / or inactivates and / or sterilizes the toxic substances contained in the above fluid. An ultraviolet sterilization device characterized by having the following features.

2. The filter unit includes a first filter that removes suspended particles of a first particle size or larger from the fluid, A second filter removes suspended particles from the fluid that has passed through the first filter, which have a second particle size or larger that is smaller than the first particle size. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a third filter that adsorbs and removes harmful chemical substances and / or malodorous odors from the fluid that has passed through the second filter.

3. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a cylindrical portion in which the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter are disposed inside.

4. The main body having the aforementioned high-level UV region, Displaced at the upper part of the main body, the main body has a suction section for drawing the fluid into it, The air purification unit is detachably configured to be attached to the suction section, The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the cylindrical portion is disposed within the air purification unit and is configured to be detachable from the air purification unit.

5. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the inside of the air purification unit has a sealed structure formed by the cylindrical part, the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter.

6. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter are detachable from and replaceable from the cylindrical portion.

7. The second filter is a HEPA filter, The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the HEPA filter is folded in an accordion shape and disposed in the cylindrical portion.

8. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the third filter has a plurality of pores and at least one activated carbon contained inside the plurality of pores.

9. The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the activated carbon is granular activated carbon or granulated activated carbon.

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