UV irradiation device

Abstract

To provide a UV-ray irradiation device more improved in safety by surely preventing the UV-rays from being radiated to the outside of the UV-ray irradiation device when a hand wearing a glove is inserted in the UV-ray irradiation device.SOLUTION: A UV-irradiating device comprises: a sterilization chamber housing 100 having a sterilization chamber 110 inside; a first shutter piece 210 and a second shutter piece 220 that become a "shutter closed" state" or a "shutter open" state in conjunction with a predetermined movement of a hand wearing a glove G inserted in the sterilization chamber 110, the first shutter piece and the second shutter piece blocking ultraviolet rays at a wrist of an operator in the "shutter closed" state; and an urging force applying member 230 for applying an urging force to keep the "shutter open state" to at least one of the first shutter piece 210 and the second shutter piece 220.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet irradiation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Sterilization using ultraviolet light is highly effective against a wide range of viruses and bacteria, including norovirus, salmonella, and O157, so ultraviolet irradiation devices using ultraviolet light are attracting attention in the food industry, medical field, and other fields.

[0003] Ultraviolet light is highly effective against a wide range of viruses and bacteria, but it is also known that irradiating an operator and other workers around him with ultraviolet light can have a detrimental effect on the operator and other workers around him. For this reason, it is important that the ultraviolet light irradiated in the sterilization chamber formed in the sterilization chamber housing is a highly safe ultraviolet light irradiator that does not have a detrimental effect on the operator and other workers around him, and a highly safe ultraviolet light irradiator that takes this into consideration has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Fig. 16 is a perspective view for explaining an ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1. As shown in Fig. 16, the ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1 includes a sterilization chamber housing 920 having an insertion opening 910 into which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted, an ultraviolet irradiation lamp 930 that irradiates ultraviolet rays into a sterilization chamber 921 formed in the sterilization chamber housing 920, a sleeve-shaped guide part 940 that extends from the edge of the insertion opening 910 in a direction toward the inside of the sterilization chamber 921, guides the insertion of the gloved hand, and blocks ultraviolet rays, and an ultraviolet ray shielding plate 950 that covers the front and side surfaces of the insertion opening 910.

[0005] The ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1 is a type of ultraviolet irradiation device in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted from top to bottom, but ultraviolet irradiation devices of a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted from bottom to top and ultraviolet irradiation devices of a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted horizontally are also known.

[0006] The ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1 is an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto gloves G worn on the hands of a worker to sterilize the surface of the gloves G. That is, when the worker inserts the hand wearing the gloves G into a sterilization chamber 921 through an insertion port 910, an ultraviolet irradiation lamp 930 in the sterilization chamber 921 turns on and ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the surface of the gloves G. This allows the surface of the gloves G to be sterilized.

[0007] As described above, the ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1 has a sleeve-shaped guide portion 940 and an ultraviolet ray shielding plate 950. This prevents the ultraviolet ray irradiated into the sterilization chamber 921 from being irradiated onto the worker currently performing sterilization and the workers around him. This means that the ultraviolet ray irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1 is a highly safe ultraviolet ray irradiation device in which the ultraviolet ray irradiated into the sterilization chamber 921 does not adversely affect the worker currently performing sterilization and the workers around him. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-63900 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] As described above, the ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1 is a highly safe ultraviolet irradiation device, but there is a demand for the development of an ultraviolet irradiation device with even greater safety. If the ultraviolet light can be reliably blocked so that it does not leak from the insertion port 910, it is possible to reliably prevent the ultraviolet light from being irradiated onto the worker currently performing sterilization and other workers around him. Therefore, in order to create an ultraviolet irradiation device with even greater safety, it is necessary to reliably prevent the ultraviolet light from being irradiated outside the sterilization chamber 921 when the worker inserts the gloves into the ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0010] In particular, depending on the work performed by the worker, there are cases where the worker uses short gloves that only cover the wrist and cannot wear arm covers that cover the area of ​​the arm from the wrist to the elbow. In such a case, the worker inserts the hand wearing the glove G from the insertion port 910 into the sterilization chamber 921 with the worker's arm exposed, that is, with the arm exposed to the bare skin. In such a case, the worker's wrist or arm is located outside the insertion port 910, but if ultraviolet light leaks out from the ultraviolet irradiation device, the leaked ultraviolet light may also be irradiated onto the wrist or arm. In order to deal with such a case, it is important to reliably prevent ultraviolet light from being irradiated outside the ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device that reliably prevents ultraviolet rays from being irradiated outside the ultraviolet irradiation device when a gloved hand is inserted into the ultraviolet irradiation device, thereby further improving safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] [1] The ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention is an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays emitted by an ultraviolet irradiation unit onto a glove made of an ultraviolet-non-transparent material worn on a worker's hand so as to cover from the fingertips to at least the wrist, to sterilize the surface of the glove, and is characterized in that it comprises a sterilization chamber housing made of an ultraviolet ray blocking member that blocks the ultraviolet rays and having a sterilization chamber inside, first and second shutter leaves that change into "shutter closed" or "shutter open" states in response to a predetermined movement of the hand wearing the glove inserted into the sterilization chamber, and in the "shutter closed" state, block the ultraviolet rays at the wrist of the worker, and a biasing force imparting member that imparts a biasing force to at least one of the first and second shutter leaves to maintain the "shutter open" state.

[0013] [2] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, the sterilization chamber housing is divided into a first sterilization chamber housing section located on the back side of the hand when the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber, and a second sterilization chamber housing section located on the palm side, and the opposing surfaces of the first sterilization chamber housing section and the second sterilization chamber housing section each serve as an opening surface, and the opening surface on the side of the first sterilization chamber housing section is fitted with an ultraviolet-transmitting pressure-receiving section that receives a pressure in a direction perpendicular to the palm of the gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber by the gloved hand, and of the respective side surfaces of the first sterilization chamber housing section, the front side located on the side where the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber functions as the first shutter piece, and Of these, it is preferable that the front side surface located on the side where the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber functions as the second shutter piece, and the rear side surface of the first sterilization chamber housing part located opposite the front side surface of the first sterilization chamber housing part is journaled by an opening / closing support part relative to the rear side surface of the second sterilization chamber housing part located opposite the front side surface of the first sterilization chamber housing part, so that the first sterilization chamber housing part can be opened and closed freely with the opening / closing support part as a fulcrum, and that the biasing force imparting member is interposed between the first sterilization chamber housing part and the second sterilization chamber housing part, so that when the pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving part, the "shutter closed" state is achieved, and when the pressing force applied to the pressing force receiving part is released, the "shutter open" state is achieved.

[0014] [3] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first sterilization chamber housing part and the second sterilization chamber housing part are one size larger than the other sterilization chamber housing part, and that when the "shutter closed" state is reached, an overlapping area is formed between each side surface of the one sterilization chamber housing part and each side surface of the other sterilization chamber housing part.

[0015] [4] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, the first shutter leaf has a plate shape describing a nearly semicircle and is rotatably supported by a first support shaft at a midpoint in a direction along the arc of the nearly semicircle, and the second shutter leaf has a plate shape describing a nearly semicircle and is rotatably supported by a second support shaft at a midpoint in a direction along the arc of the nearly semicircle, and the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf, in the "shutter open" state, are rotatably supported by a first support shaft of the first shutter leaf at a portion between the first support shaft of the first shutter leaf and an end portion along the circumferential direction of the first shutter leaf, and a portion between the second support shaft of the second shutter leaf and an end portion along the circumferential direction of the second shutter leaf. It is preferable that, in the "shutter open" state, when a gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber moves in a direction perpendicular to the palm, causing a pressing force from the wrist to be applied to the intersection, the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf rotate about the first support shaft and the second support shaft against the biasing force of the biasing force applying member, so that the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf form a closed loop to enter the "shutter closed" state, and that when the pressing force applied to the intersection is released, the "shutter open" state is entered.

[0016] [5] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the sterilization chamber is provided with a rod-shaped insertion positioning portion which functions as an insertion depth regulating portion for regulating the insertion depth of a gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber.

[0017] [6] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf are each plate-shaped, and the plate-shaped first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf are provided with a link mechanism for reciprocating the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf to the "shutter closed" state or the "shutter open" state, the link mechanism having a first link bar having a first bent portion bent at an obtuse angle at a midpoint between one end and the other end, the first bent portion being rotatably supported about a first support shaft, and a second link bar having a second bent portion bent at an obtuse angle at a midpoint between one end and the other end, the second bent portion being rotatably supported about a second support shaft, the one end of the first link bar being attached to a plate surface of the first shutter leaf, and the other end of the first link bar being It is preferable that the second link bar has one end attached to a plate surface of the second shutter leaf, the other end of the second link bar is a free end and has a second long hole formed on the side of the other end, the first link bar and the second link bar are arranged so that the first long hole and the second long hole have an overlapping portion, and an opening / closing operation part is inserted into the overlapping portion between the first long hole and the second long hole, and when a pressing force in the insertion direction of the gloved hand is applied to the opening / closing operation part, the opening / closing operation part moves in the insertion direction, so that the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf move in a direction approaching each other against the biasing force of the biasing force applying member to reach a "shutter closed" state, and when the pressing force applied to the opening / closing operation part is released, the "shutter open" state is reached.

[0018] [7] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the opening / closing operation unit has a rod-shaped member, and that when the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber, the rod-shaped member is inserted into the overlapping portion of the first long hole and the second long hole so that the rod-shaped member fits into the crotch area between the thumb and index finger of the gloved hand.

[0019] [8] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the rod-shaped member functions as an insertion depth regulating portion that regulates the insertion depth of the gloved hand.

[0020] [9] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the opening / closing operation unit has a frame body having a space inside and a frame body hanging member for hanging the frame body, and when the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber, the frame body hanging member is inserted into the overlapping portion of the first long hole and the second long hole so that the thumb of the gloved hand can be inserted into the space of the frame body.

[0021]

[10] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the frame has a function as an insertion depth regulating portion that regulates the insertion depth of the gloved hand.

[0022]

[11] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, when the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf are in the shutter closed state, the abutment portion between the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf is formed with an inclined surface that faces each other along the insertion direction of the gloved hand, and it is preferable that when the shutter is in the closed state, the inclined surfaces abut against each other.

[0023]

[12] In the ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first shutter leaf is provided with a first wrist portion enclosing member and the second shutter leaf is provided with a second wrist portion enclosing member, and when the "shutter closed" state is reached, the first wrist portion enclosing member and the second wrist portion enclosing member surround the outer peripheral surface of the wrist of the gloved hand in a manner that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the wrist, and when the "shutter open" state is reached, the gloved hand can be inserted into and removed from the sterilization chamber.

[0024]

[13] The ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention preferably includes a shutter closed state detection sensor which outputs a shutter closed state detection signal when it detects that the "shutter closed" state has been reached, and a control unit having a function of controlling the turning on and off of the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the control unit preferably controls the turning on of the ultraviolet irradiation unit based on the shutter closed state detection signal output from the shutter closed state detection sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0025] The ultraviolet irradiation device of the present invention is provided with a first shutter leaf and a second shutter leaf that are in a "shutter closed" state or a "shutter open" state in conjunction with a predetermined movement of a gloved hand inserted into a sterilization chamber, and in the "shutter closed" state, the ultraviolet irradiation device is provided with a first shutter leaf and a second shutter leaf that block ultraviolet light at the wrist of the operator. Therefore, when a gloved hand is inserted into the ultraviolet irradiation device, ultraviolet light is reliably prevented from being irradiated outside the ultraviolet irradiation device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device with further improved safety can be provided. In addition, the opening and closing operations of the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf can be performed in conjunction with the movement of the gloved hand G when the operator inserts the gloved hand G into the sterilization chamber. Therefore, a power source such as a motor and its control system can be eliminated as a driving force for opening and closing the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf. This not only enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be manufactured inexpensively, but also enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be made smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and install. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 13 is a diagram for explaining an insertion positioning portion 150. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control system of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a block diagram shown for explaining the operation of the shutters (first shutter leaf 210 and second shutter leaf 220) in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram shown for explaining a first shutter leaf 310 and a second shutter leaf 320 of an ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the ultraviolet irradiating device 2 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first shutter leaf 410 and a second shutter leaf 420 of an ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram shown for explaining the operation of a first shutter leaf 410 and a second shutter leaf 420. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example of the ultraviolet irradiating device 3 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example of the ultraviolet irradiating device 3 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into a sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of a link mechanism for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining an ultraviolet irradiation device 900 described in Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa in FIG. 1. FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 is a type of ultraviolet irradiation device that is inserted into a sterilization chamber of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 with the back of the "hand wearing a glove G" facing up and held substantially horizontally.

[0028] First, glove G will be described. Glove G is a glove made of an ultraviolet-non-transparent material, and is formed, for example, from a rubber material such as nitrile or latex, or a thermoplastic resin containing an ultraviolet blocking substance such as titanium oxide. This glove G is a short glove that covers the worker from the fingertips to the wrist. Therefore, when a worker wears work clothes with short sleeves, when the worker puts on the glove G, the glove G covers the worker up to the wrist, but the area Wa of the worker's arm that is not covered by the glove G is exposed.

[0029] In addition, a portion of glove G that covers the wrist of the worker is referred to as a wrist portion Ga of glove G. Further, an area Wa of the worker's arm that is not covered by glove G is referred to as a bare skin area Wa directly below the wrist portion Ga of glove G or simply as a bare skin area Wa.

[0030] The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a sterilization chamber housing 100 made of an ultraviolet ray shielding member that shields ultraviolet rays and having a sterilization chamber 110 therein, a first shutter leaf 210 and a second shutter leaf 220 that change to a "shutter closed" state or a "shutter open" state in response to a predetermined movement of a hand wearing a glove G inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, and that in the "shutter closed" state shield ultraviolet rays from the wrist of the operator, i.e., the wrist part Ga of the glove G, and a biasing force imparting member 230 that imparts a biasing force to at least one of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 to maintain the "shutter open" state. Note that, for example, an oil spring damper can be used as the biasing force imparting member 230.

[0031] Further, the first shutter leaf 210 is provided with a first wrist portion surrounding member 212, and the second shutter leaf 220 is provided with a second wrist portion surrounding member 222. It is preferable that the first wrist portion surrounding member 212 and the second wrist portion surrounding member 222 have a curved shape at the portion that comes into contact with the wrist portion Ga of the glove G.

[0032] When the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the “shutter closed” state, the first wrist portion enclosing member 212 and the second wrist portion enclosing member 222 surround the outer peripheral surface of the wrist portion Ga of the glove G in a manner that conforms to the outer peripheral surface, and when the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the “shutter open” state, the hand wearing the glove G can be inserted into and removed from the sterilization chamber 110.

[0033] The first wrist enclosing member 212 and the second wrist enclosing member 222 can be, for example, a flexible member made of sponge-like polyurethane, but are not particularly limited as long as they are flexible, can block ultraviolet rays, and do not cause discomfort to the worker when they enclose the wrist. It is preferable that the first wrist enclosing member 212 and the second wrist enclosing member 222 are detachable from the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220, respectively, and are replaceable.

[0034] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are provided in pairs corresponding to the left and right hands. When describing the pair of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 collectively, they may be written as "the pair of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220." In the following description, the components on the left hand side will be mainly described, but the right hand side also has the same components as the components on the left hand side.

[0035] Moreover, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 further includes a pressure receiving portion 130 that receives a pressure force in a direction perpendicular to the palm (z' direction along the z-axis in FIG. 1), that is, a downward pressure force in FIG. 1, from the palm of a hand (hereinafter referred to as "palm") wearing a glove G inserted into the sterilization chamber 110. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the palm (z' direction along the z-axis in FIG. 1) may also be referred to as the "downward pressure direction."

[0036] When the pressing force receiving portion 130 receives a pressing force in the downward direction, it moves a predetermined amount in the downward direction, and when the pressing force is released, it returns to its original position. The pressing force receiving portion 130 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of transmitting ultraviolet light and can receive a pressing force in the downward direction from a hand wearing a glove G. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, it is made of a coarse mesh-like member so that ultraviolet light can pass through efficiently. The mesh-like member may be, for example, a lattice-like member made of thin metal wires, or a lattice-like member made of transparent Teflon (registered trademark) material, and may be any member that does not hinder the passage of ultraviolet light as much as possible.

[0037] Here, the first shutter leaf 210 is a movable shutter leaf that moves in conjunction with the operation of the pressure receiving portion 130, and the second shutter leaf 220 is a fixed shutter leaf that is fixedly provided. When the pressure receiving portion 130 receives a pressure in the downward direction, the first shutter leaf 210 moves a predetermined amount in the downward direction and enters a "shutter closed" state, and when the pressure on the pressure receiving portion 130 is released, the shutter enters a "shutter open" state.

[0038] A specific example for achieving such a configuration will be described below. The sterilization chamber housing 100 is divided into a first sterilization chamber housing part 100A located on the back side of the hand when a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, and a second sterilization chamber housing part 100B located on the palm side, and the opposing surfaces of the first sterilization chamber housing part 100A and the second sterilization chamber housing part 100B each form an opening, and a pressing force receiving part 130 is attached to the opening on the side of the first sterilization chamber housing part 100A.

[0039] Of the side surfaces 101-104 (side surface 104 is not numbered because it is not visible) of the first sterilization chamber casing 100A, the front side surface 101, which is located on the side where a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, functions as the first shutter leaf 210. Also, of the side surfaces 105-108 (side surface 108 is not numbered because it is not visible) of the second sterilization chamber casing 100B, the front side surface 105, which is located on the side where a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, functions as the second shutter leaf 220.

[0040] The first sterilization chamber housing part 100A has a rear side 103 located opposite the front side 101 of the first sterilization chamber housing part 100A, which is pivotally supported by an opening / closing support part 240 (sometimes referred to as hinge 240) relative to a rear side 107 located opposite the front side 105 of the second sterilization chamber housing part 100B, and is capable of being opened and closed (rotated) freely with respect to the second sterilization chamber housing part 100B, using the hinge 240 as a fulcrum.

[0041] Furthermore, the above-mentioned biasing force applying member 230 is interposed between the first sterilization chamber housing part 100A and the second sterilization chamber housing part 100B. When a downward pressure is applied to the pressure force receiving part 130, the first sterilization chamber housing part 100A rotates about the hinge 240 as a fulcrum and enters a "shutter closed" state. When the downward pressure applied to the pressure force receiving part 130 is released, the biasing force of the biasing force applying member 230 enters a "shutter open" state.

[0042] That is, in a state where no pressing force in the downward direction is applied to the pressing force receiving portion 130 (initial state), the first sterilization chamber casing 100A is held in an open state relative to the second sterilization chamber casing 100B, and the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are held in a "shutter open" state. This allows an operator to insert a hand wearing a glove G into the sterilization chamber 110. In this initial state, when an operator inserts a hand wearing a glove G into the sterilization chamber 110, places the hand wearing the glove G on the pressing force receiving portion 130, and presses the pressing force receiving portion 130 in a downward direction with the hand wearing the glove G, the first sterilization chamber casing 100A rotates by a predetermined amount toward the second shutter leaf 220 with the hinge 240 as a fulcrum relative to the second sterilization chamber casing 100B, and the "shutter closed" state is reached.

[0043] When pressing the pressure receiving portion 130 with a hand wearing a glove G, the worker will feel some resistance due to the presence of the gas spring damper (force exerting member 230). However, by setting the gas spring damper to an optimal force, the worker can perform the pressing operation while feeling an appropriate load.

[0044] Furthermore, the first sterilization chamber casing unit 100A is slightly larger in size than the second sterilization chamber casing unit 100B. Specifically, the first sterilization chamber casing unit 100A is sized so that the second sterilization chamber casing unit 100B can fit into the first sterilization chamber casing unit 100A with the inner wall surfaces of the side surfaces 101-104 of the first sterilization chamber casing unit 100A in contact with the outer wall surfaces of the side surfaces 105-108 of the second sterilization chamber casing unit 100A.

[0045] In this way, since the first sterilization chamber housing unit 100A is slightly larger than the second sterilization chamber housing unit 100B, when the "shutter closed" state is reached, a slight overlapping region 145 is formed between each of the side surfaces 101-104 of the first sterilization chamber housing unit 100A and each of the side surfaces 105-108 of the second sterilization chamber housing unit 100B. In the first sterilization chamber housing unit 100A, this overlapping region 145 is a strip-shaped region close to the open surface end of each of the side surfaces 101-104, and in the second sterilization chamber housing unit 100B, this overlapping region 145 is a strip-shaped region close to the open surface end of each of the side surfaces 105-108 (areas shown in light gray in FIG. 1). By forming such overlapping region 145, when the "shutter closed" state is reached and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is turned on, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 from being irradiated to the outside.

[0046] In particular, an overlapping area 145 is formed between the front side surface 101 functioning as the first shutter leaf 210 and the front side surface 105 functioning as the second shutter leaf 220, so that it is possible to reliably prevent ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 from being irradiated toward the front side as viewed from the worker (the side of the worker's bare skin area Wa).

[0047] As described above, the first shutter leaf 210 is provided with the first wrist portion surrounding member 212, and the second shutter leaf 220 is provided with the second wrist portion surrounding member 222. Therefore, when the "shutter closed" state is reached, the wrist portion Ga of the glove G is covered without any gaps by the first wrist portion surrounding member 212 provided on the first shutter leaf 210 and the second wrist portion surrounding member 222 provided on the second shutter leaf 220.

[0048] As a result, when the "shutter closed" state is reached, the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 can be reliably blocked by the wrist portion Ga of the glove G, and the ultraviolet light can be reliably prevented from being irradiated to the front side (the bare skin area Wa side of the worker) as seen from the worker. Furthermore, since the first wrist enclosing member 212 and the second wrist enclosing member 22 are made of a soft material such as a sponge, the worker does not feel any pressure when the "shutter closed" state is reached, and the sterilization work can be performed comfortably.

[0049] Meanwhile, an insertion positioning part 150 (see FIG. 1(b)) for determining the insertion position of a hand wearing a glove G is provided inside the sterilization chamber housing 100. The insertion positioning part 150 has an insertion depth regulating function for regulating the insertion depth of the hand wearing a glove G, and also has a forced finger opening function for forcibly opening the fingers of the hand wearing a glove G. The insertion positioning part 150 is rod-shaped and has a thickness that allows it to enter between the fingers of the hand wearing a glove G when the hand wearing a glove G is inserted, and to create a gap between adjacent fingers. The insertion positioning part 150 is preferably columnar or cylindrical in shape in order to smoothly insert between the fingers.

[0050] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the insertion positioning portion 150. As shown in Fig. 2, the insertion positioning portion 150 has four insertion positioning portions (first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151 to 154): a first insertion positioning portion 151 that fits between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, a second insertion positioning portion 152 that fits between the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3, a third insertion positioning portion 153 that fits between the middle finger F3 and the ring finger F4, and a fourth insertion positioning portion 154 that fits between the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5.

[0051] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151 to 154 are provided so as to protrude vertically or nearly vertically from the inner bottom surface of the second sterilization chamber casing part 100B (see FIG. 1(b)). Here, the protruding length of the first insertion positioning part 151 among the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151 to 154 is set to a length such that it can penetrate the pressing force receiving part 130 even when the first sterilization chamber casing part 100A is open relative to the second sterilization chamber casing part 100B (the "shutter open" state shown in FIG. 1). On the other hand, the second to fourth insertion positioning parts 152 to 154 are set to a length such that they can penetrate the pressing force receiving part 130 when the first sterilization chamber casing part 100A is closed relative to the second sterilization chamber casing part 100B, i.e., in the "shutter closed" state.

[0052] When providing such first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154, if the pressure force receiving portion 130 is, for example, a mesh-like member, the arrangement of the lattices constituting the mesh is set so that the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154 can pass through the spaces in the mesh-like member when the first sterilization chamber casing portion 100A is closed relative to the second sterilization chamber casing portion 100B ("shutter closed" state).

[0053] Moreover, the material constituting the insertion positioning part 150 is preferably made of a material having an ultraviolet ray transmittance of a predetermined value or more, and for example, quartz, transparent Teflon (registered trademark), etc. If the material has such a transmittance, ultraviolet ray sterilization can be reliably performed on each finger when ultraviolet rays are irradiated.

[0054] Among the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151 to 154, the first insertion positioning portion 151 that is inserted between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 has an insertion depth restriction function that restricts the insertion depth. This is because the distance from the human wrist to the crotch between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 is considered to be independent of the size of the hand and unlikely to vary between individuals.

[0055] Therefore, when a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, the position of the crotch between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 is regulated, so that the insertion depth of the hand wearing the glove G can be appropriately regulated. This allows the insertion depth of the hand wearing the glove G to be regulated without being affected by the gender or body size of the worker. In other words, the hand wearing the glove G can be appropriately sterilized by performing sterilization with the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 at a position where the crotch between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 of the hand wearing the glove G abuts against the first insertion positioning portion 151. At this time, the gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 is forcibly opened by the first insertion positioning portion 151.

[0056] In this way, the first insertion positioning portion 151 has an insertion depth restriction function that restricts the insertion depth of the hand wearing the glove G, and also has a forced finger spreading function that forcibly spreads the thumb F1 and index finger F2 apart.

[0057] Meanwhile, the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154 function as forced finger opening portions that forcefully open the gap between the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3, between the middle finger F3 and the ring finger F4, and between the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5. Because the gap between the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3, between the middle finger F3 and the ring finger F4, and between the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 are forced open by the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154, ultraviolet rays are evenly irradiated between the fingers, and appropriate ultraviolet sterilization is performed.

[0058] In FIG. 2, the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154 are depicted as being located near the fingertips of each finger, but this is not limited thereto, and the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154 may be provided at positions that extend into the vicinity of the crotch areas between each finger.

[0059] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a shutter closed state detection sensor S for detecting that the "shutter closed" state has been reached. The mounting position of the shutter closed state detection sensor S is not particularly limited as long as it can reliably detect that the shutter has been brought into the closed state.

[0060] For example, pressure sensors (referred to as first pressure sensor S1 and second pressure sensor S2) serving as shutter closed state detection sensors may be attached to the first wrist surrounding member 212 of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second wrist surrounding member 222 of the second shutter leaf 220, respectively. Then, control is performed such that the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is turned on based on pressure signals output from the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2, respectively. In this way, by turning on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 based on output signals from the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2 provided on the first wrist surrounding member 212 of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second wrist surrounding member 222 of the second shutter leaf 220, respectively, the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 can be turned on reliably when the "shutter closed" state is reached.

[0061] The above mainly describes the operation of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 and the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of embodiment 1, but the overall configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of embodiment 1 will now be described in detail.

[0062] The sterilization chamber housing 100 is formed of an ultraviolet ray shielding material such as a metal plate that shields ultraviolet rays, and two slits 141 are formed at a predetermined distance on the surface of the sterilization chamber housing 100 that is visible to the operator (the top surface in the case of the sterilization chamber housing 100 shown in Figure 1) (see Figure 1). A semi-transparent acrylic plate or the like that has been treated to block ultraviolet rays, such as with a smoke finish, is fitted into these two slits 141.

[0063] This allows an operator to visually check whether or not the hand wearing the glove G has been inserted to a predetermined depth in the sterilization chamber 110 without being affected by ultraviolet light when the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110. Note that "inserted to a predetermined depth in the sterilization chamber 110" means that the hand has been inserted to a depth that allows proper sterilization in the sterilization chamber 110.

[0064] A plurality of ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 are disposed as an ultraviolet irradiation section inside the sterilization chamber housing 100. Since it is said that ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of about 260 nm have a high sterilizing effect, it is preferable to use a low-pressure mercury UV lamp that emits ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 254 nm, which is close to 260 nm, as the ultraviolet irradiation lamp.

[0065] The ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 are installed in the sterilization chamber 110 on the back and palm sides of a hand wearing a glove G, at a predetermined distance from the back and palm of the hand wearing the glove G. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the individual ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined distance and along the width direction (y-axis direction) of the hand wearing the glove G. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 are installed across almost the entire area in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the sterilization chamber 110 inside the sterilization chamber 110. Note that, although a tubular ultraviolet irradiation lamp is shown as the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 in FIG. 1, an ultraviolet irradiation device using a solid-state electronic component such as an LED may be used instead of the tubular ultraviolet irradiation lamp.

[0066] Furthermore, wrinkled aluminum foil (not shown) is attached as a reflector to each inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and reflects and scatters the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 in the direction toward each inner wall surface of the sterilization chamber 110. Also, a protective sheet (not shown) made of an ultraviolet light-transmitting material is provided so as to entirely cover the multiple ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120. Any material that can transmit ultraviolet light to a considerable extent may be used as the protective sheet, and examples of such materials that can be used include quartz and transparent Teflon (registered trademark).

[0067] Fig. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control system of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 3, components necessary for controlling the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 include a first shutter closed state detection sensor (first pressure sensor S1) and a second shutter closed state detection sensor (second pressure sensor S2) as a shutter closed state detection sensor S for detecting that a "shutter closed" state has been reached, a control unit 610, and a display unit 620 for performing various displays.

[0068] The first pressure-sensitive sensor S1 and the second pressure-sensitive sensor S2 each output a pressure-sensitive signal when the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 perform a shutter closing operation. The control unit 610 controls the entire ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but only the on / off control of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 and the control for displaying various information to the operator will be described here. When the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 perform a shutter closing operation, the control unit 610 controls the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 to turn on and off upon receiving a pressure-sensitive signal from the first pressure-sensitive sensor S1 and the second pressure-sensitive sensor S2, and to turn off the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 after turning it on for a predetermined time.

[0069] The display unit 620 displays various information related to the sterilization operation. For example, it can display information such as "Insert your hand", "Start sterilization", "End sterilization", and "Remove your hand", and it can also display various other information (for example, whether the insertion depth is appropriate).

[0070] Next, the operation of each part when sterilization is performed by the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. In the initial state, the first sterilization chamber casing 100A is open relative to the second sterilization chamber casing 100B, and in this initial state, the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the "shutter open" state (see Fig. 1(a)). Therefore, a hand wearing a glove G can be inserted into the sterilization chamber 110.

[0071] In the initial state shown in Fig. 1(a), when an operator inserts a hand wearing a glove G into the sterilization chamber 110, the operator generally inserts the hand wearing the glove G into the sterilization chamber 110 with the hand clenched, but it is also common for the thumb and index finger to be somewhat apart. When the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in this state and placed on the pressing force receiving portion 130, the crotch between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 comes into contact with the first positioning portion 151 (see Fig. 1(b)), and the thumb F1 and index finger F2 are apart.

[0072] In this state, when the operator applies a downward pressure to the pressure force receiving portion 130 with the palm of the hand wearing the glove G, the first sterilization chamber casing portion 100A rotates a predetermined angle around the hinge 240 (counterclockwise in FIG. 1(b)). This causes the first shutter leaf 210 of the first sterilization chamber casing portion 100A and the second shutter leaf 220 of the second sterilization chamber casing portion 100B to perform a shutter closing operation, and at this time, the second positioning portion 152 to the fourth positioning portion 154 penetrate upward from the pressure force receiving portion 130. This forces the operator to spread the fingers from the index finger F2 to the little finger F5, and the second to fourth positioning portions 152 to 154 enter between the fingers of the index finger F2 to the little finger F5 (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0073] Then, when the worker applies further downward pressure to the pressure force receiving portion 130 with the palm of the hand wearing glove G, the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 go into a "shutter closed" state (see Figures 4(a) and 4(b)). At this time, the first to fourth positioning portions 151 to 154 forcibly open the fingers of the hand wearing glove G, from the thumb to the little finger (see Figure 2). In Figure 4(b), the hatched portion indicates a cross section of the worker's wrist.

[0074] When the worker performs such an action, that is, when the worker applies a pressing force in a downward direction to the pressing force receiving portion 130 with the palm of the hand wearing the glove G, the depth of the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G is regulated by the first insertion positioning portion 151. That is, the insertion depth of the hand wearing the glove G is regulated by the crotch portion between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 abutting against the first insertion positioning portion 151. If the position where the crotch portion between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 of the hand wearing the glove G abuts against the first insertion positioning portion 51 is set in advance to be a position where proper sterilization can be performed, the hand wearing the glove G can be properly sterilized by turning on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 when the hand wearing the glove G reaches that position.

[0075] The first insertion positioning portion 151 also has a function of forcibly opening the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, so that the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 are opened. The spaces between the fingers other than the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, that is, the spaces between the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3, the middle finger F3 and the ring finger F4, and the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 are opened by the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154. This allows the ultraviolet rays to be irradiated evenly onto each finger, so that the hand wearing the glove G can be properly sterilized.

[0076] Furthermore, when the "shutter closed" state is reached, the wrist portion Ga of the glove G is covered without any gaps by the first wrist portion surrounding member 212 provided on the first shutter leaf 210 and the second wrist portion surrounding member 222 provided on the second shutter leaf 220 (see Figure 4(b)).

[0077] In this way, when the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the "shutter closed" state, the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2 serving as shutter closed state detectors each send a pressure-sensitive signal (shutter closed state detection signal) to the control unit 610. When the control unit 610 receives both the pressure-sensitive signal from the first pressure sensor S1 and the pressure-sensitive signal from the second pressure sensor S2, it performs control to turn on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120.

[0078] The ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is turned on to sterilize the hands wearing the gloves G. At this time, as described above, the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the "shutter closed" state, and the wrist portion Ga of the glove G is surrounded without any gaps by the first wrist portion surrounding member 212 provided on the first shutter leaf 210 and the second wrist portion surrounding member 222 provided on the second shutter leaf 220.

[0079] Furthermore, when the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the "shutter closed" state, an overlapping area 145 is formed between the front side 101 functioning as the first shutter leaf 210 and the front side 105 functioning as the second shutter leaf 220, so that it is possible to reliably prevent ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 from being irradiated toward the front side as viewed from the worker (the side toward the worker's bare skin area Wa).

[0080] Furthermore, the other three side surfaces 102-104 of the first sterilization chamber casing part 100A and the other three side surfaces 106-108 of the second sterilization chamber casing part 100B also overlap with each other, forming overlapping regions 145. This reliably prevents ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 from being irradiated to the outside through the joints between the side surfaces of the first sterilization chamber casing part 100A and the second sterilization chamber casing part 100B.

[0081] Then, the control unit 610 turns on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 for a predetermined time, and then turns off the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120. Thereafter, when the operator releases the pressing force of the hand wearing the glove G on the pressing force receiving portion 130, the first sterilization chamber casing 100A returns to its initial state by the biasing force of the biasing force applying member (gas spring damper) 230. This causes the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 to return to the "shutter open" state (initial state). This allows the operator to pull out the hand wearing the glove G from within the sterilization chamber 100.

[0082] As described above, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of the first embodiment, the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 are in the "shutter closed" state, and thus the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is blocked by the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the ultraviolet light from being irradiated to the front side (bare skin area Wa of the worker's left hand) of the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 as viewed from the worker, resulting in an ultraviolet irradiation device with further improved safety.

[0083] Moreover, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of the first embodiment, when an operator inserts a hand wearing a glove G into the sterilization chamber, the opening and closing operation of the shutter can be performed in conjunction with the movement of the hand wearing the glove G. Specifically, when an operator inserts a hand wearing a glove G into the sterilization chamber 110, the shutter can be closed by simply pressing the pressing force receiving portion 130 in the downward direction with the palm of the hand wearing the glove G, and the shutter can be opened by simply releasing the pressing force on the pressing force receiving portion 130. Therefore, a power source such as a motor and its control system can be eliminated as a driving force for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220. This not only enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be manufactured inexpensively, but also enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be made smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and install.

[0084] Furthermore, by making the first wrist portion enclosing member 212 and the second wrist portion enclosing member 222 attached to the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 detachable from the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220, if the first wrist portion enclosing member 212 and the second wrist portion enclosing member 222 deteriorate, the first wrist portion enclosing member 212 and the second wrist portion enclosing member 222 can be replaced, which allows the ultraviolet ray blocking effect to be maintained for a long period of time and is also preferable from a hygienic standpoint.

[0085] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151 to 154 are provided, but the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151 to 154 may not be provided, and a simpler structure may be used. In this case, for example, the operator may determine whether the insertion position is appropriate from the slit 141, or a sensor (not shown) may be provided to detect whether the insertion position is appropriate, and the display unit 620 may notify the operator of the appropriateness based on a signal from the sensor. In addition, when the operator is to spread his / her fingers, it is also possible to display a message such as "Please spread your fingers" on the display unit 620 or to notify the operator by voice.

[0086] [Modification of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1. The modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 is referred to as ultraviolet irradiation device 1A. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1A is a case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 is made into an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, and in Fig. 5, the same components as those of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0087] Moreover, since the components provided in the sterilization chamber 110 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A are almost the same as those in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1, the components provided in the sterilization chamber 110 are not shown in Fig. 5. However, in the case of an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, the length of the sterilization chamber housing 100 in the width direction (direction along the y-axis) of the sterilization chamber housing 100 becomes shorter. For this reason, this can be addressed by using a U-shaped ultraviolet irradiation lamp or by arranging the ultraviolet irradiation lamp in the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G (direction along the x-axis).

[0088] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A, when the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are provided as in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, it is preferable to prepare ultraviolet irradiation devices for left and right hands, but if the type is one that does not have the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154, it can be used as an ultraviolet irradiation device common to both the left and right hands. Also, among the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154, only the first insertion positioning part 151 having an insertion depth regulating function may be provided.

[0089] By making the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, as in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A shown in Fig. 5, it is effective in the case of an industry where only one hand needs to be sterilized. In particular, an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand can be made compact, so there are fewer limitations on the installation location, and it is lightweight and easy to carry. In addition, it is less expensive than an ultraviolet irradiation device for both hands, so it is easy to spread.

[0090] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 1A which is a modified example thereof, a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 in a substantially horizontal state with the back of the hand facing up, but the ultraviolet irradiation device may be a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 in a vertical position. Note that "a vertical position of a hand wearing a glove G" means a position in which the thumb is on top and the width direction of the hand is vertical (direction along the z-axis).

[0091] In such an ultraviolet irradiation device, i.e., in an ultraviolet irradiation device of the type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position, the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 are preferably provided on the inner wall surface of the side surface 102 of the first sterilization chamber casing portion 100A and the inner wall surface of the side surface 106 of the second sterilization chamber casing portion 100B, and on the inner wall surface of the side surface 104 (not shown) of the first sterilization chamber casing portion 100A and the inner wall surface of the side surface 108 (not shown) of the second sterilization chamber casing portion 100B, along the insertion direction (x-axis direction) of the hand wearing the glove G; furthermore, in a two-handed type ultraviolet irradiation device such as the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of embodiment 1, the ultraviolet irradiation lamps 120 are preferably provided also between the palms of the left and right hands.

[0092] Furthermore, in such an ultraviolet irradiation device, that is, an ultraviolet irradiation device of the type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position, when the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are provided, it is preferable that the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are installed in the left-right direction (direction along the y-axis) between the inner wall surface of the side surface 102 and the inner wall surface of the side surface 104 (not shown) of the first sterilization chamber casing 100A. Furthermore, even in such an ultraviolet irradiation device, that is, an ultraviolet irradiation device of the type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position, among the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154, only the first insertion positioning part 151 having an insertion depth regulating function may be provided.

[0093] Incidentally, the ultraviolet irradiation device of the type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted vertically into the sterilization chamber 110 can also be implemented in the other embodiments and their modified examples described below.

[0094] [Embodiment 2] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment. The ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment in the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 and their opening and closing mechanisms. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device, such as the ultraviolet irradiation lamp provided in the sterilization chamber housing 100, is also substantially similar to that of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, in each diagram shown for explaining the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device provided in the sterilization chamber housing 100 is omitted from the illustration.

[0095] Furthermore, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the above-described embodiment 1, the sterilization chamber casing 100 was divided into a first sterilization chamber casing section 100A and a second sterilization chamber casing section 100B, but in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2, the sterilization chamber casing 100 is a single casing. Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2 does not have a pressing force receiving section 130. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2, the first shutter leaf in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2 will be described as the first shutter leaf 310, and the second shutter leaf will be described as the second shutter leaf 320.

[0096] Similarly to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2 also preferably has first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 as shown in Fig. 2 provided within the sterilization chamber housing 100. When such first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are provided, these first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 can be provided so as to protrude vertically or nearly vertically upward from the inner bottom surface of the sterilization chamber housing 100, but in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2, the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are not shown in the drawings.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 7 shows the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 corresponding to one of the left and right hands shown in FIG. 6. Also, FIG. 7(a) shows the "shutter open" state, FIG. 7(b) shows the "shutter closed" state, and FIG. 7(c) shows the "shutter open" state as viewed from the inside of the sterilization chamber housing 100. Note that the two-dot chain line L1 shown in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) typically shows a part of the outline of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and the two-dot chain line L2 typically shows the outline of the insertion port 300. Also, in FIG. 7(b), the hatched portion shows a cross section of the wrist of the operator.

[0098] The first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 and their opening / closing mechanism in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment and their opening / closing mechanism have the first shutter leaf 310 provided with a first wrist portion surrounding member 312, and the second shutter leaf 320 provided with a second wrist portion surrounding member 322.

[0099] The first wrist surrounding member 312 and the second wrist surrounding member 322 may be made of the same material as the first wrist surrounding member 212 and the second wrist surrounding member 222 provided on the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1. The shapes of the first wrist surrounding member 312 and the second wrist surrounding member 322, i.e., the shapes of the portions that come into contact with the wrist portion Ga of the glove G, are preferably curved so as to surround the wrist portion Ga of the glove G.

[0100] The first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 each have a plate shape that describes a nearly semicircle. The first shutter leaf 310 is rotatably supported by a first support shaft 313 at a midpoint in the direction along the arc of the nearly semicircle. On the other hand, the second shutter leaf 320 is rotatably supported by a second support shaft 323 at a midpoint in the direction along the arc of the nearly semicircle.

[0101] Furthermore, in the "shutter open" state, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 are positioned so that an intersection Cr is formed between the first support shaft 313 of the first shutter leaf 310 and the end 315 along the circumferential direction of the first shutter leaf 310, and between the second support shaft 323 of the second shutter leaf 320 and the end 325 along the circumferential direction of the second shutter leaf 320.

[0102] Further, a biasing force applying member 330 is attached to the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320, which applies a biasing force to at least one of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 to maintain the "shutter open" state. In this case, the biasing force applying member 330 is provided on each of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320, and applies a biasing force to each of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 to widen the gap between the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320.

[0103] Here, for example, a torsion spring can be used as the biasing force imparting member 330 (see FIG. 7(c)). Hereinafter, the biasing force imparting member 330 will be referred to as "torsion spring 330." Note that FIG. 7(c) is a view of the back side of FIG. 6(a), i.e., the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 viewed from inside the sterilization chamber housing 100.

[0104] 7(c), the torsion spring 330 is attached to each of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320, and the coil spring portion 331 of the torsion spring 330 is looped around the first support shaft 313 of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second support shaft 323 of the second shutter leaf 320. One end portion 332 of the torsion spring 330 is fixed to each of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320, and the other end portion 333 of the torsion spring 330 is fixed to a predetermined location of the sterilization chamber housing 100 (for example, a predetermined location on the inner wall surface of the front side surface 101).

[0105] By attaching such a torsion spring 330 to each of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320, a biasing force is constantly applied to the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 to increase the distance between the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320. A first stopper 314 is provided on the side of the first shutter leaf 310 to limit the amount by which the biasing force of the torsion spring 330 pushes the first shutter leaf 310 apart. A second stopper 324 is also provided on the side of the second shutter leaf 320 to limit the amount by which the biasing force of the torsion spring 330 pushes the second shutter leaf 320 apart.

[0106] Also in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the embodiment 2, a shutter closed state detection sensor for detecting that the "shutter closed" state has been reached is provided, similarly to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the embodiment 1. The mounting position of the shutter closed state detection sensor is not particularly limited, but it is mounted at a position where it can reliably detect that the shutter has been brought into the closed state.

[0107] Here, for example, pressure sensors (referred to as first pressure sensor S1 and second pressure sensor S2) can be attached to the first wrist surrounding member 312 of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second wrist surrounding member 322 of the second shutter leaf 320, respectively. Then, control is performed such as turning on the ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp 120 based on pressure signals output from the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2, respectively. Such control can be performed by the control unit 610 shown in FIG. 3.

[0108] Incidentally, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 are attached to the inside of an insertion port 300 (the inner wall surface side of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100) for inserting a hand wearing a glove G into the sterilization chamber 110 in the sterilization chamber housing 100. Specifically, a first support shaft 313 of the first shutter leaf 310 is attached to the inner wall surface side of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and a second support shaft 323 of the second shutter leaf 320 is also attached to the inner wall surface side of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100. Moreover, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 are arranged with a "shift" from each other on the front side and the back side as viewed from the operator in the insertion direction of a hand wearing a glove G.

[0109] When the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 thus constructed are in the "shutter open" state (see Figs. 6 and 7(a)), and a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 (see Fig. 6) through the insertion opening 300, the insertion depth is regulated by the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151 to 154 (see Fig. 2) not shown in Figs. 6 and 7(a), and the fingers are spread apart. In particular, the first insertion positioning portion 151 regulates the insertion depth and spreads the thumb F1 and index finger F2, and the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154 spread the other fingers apart.

[0110] In this manner, when the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, the hand wearing the glove G is moved in a direction perpendicular to the palm, i.e., downward (z' direction), and the "shutter closed" state is achieved in conjunction with the movement of the hand wearing the glove G. Specifically, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment, the wrist part Ga (the wrist part of the operator) of the glove G presses the intersection part Cr in the downward direction by moving the hand wearing the glove G in a direction perpendicular to the palm, i.e., downward (z' direction). As a result, the first shutter leaf 310 rotates clockwise around the first support shaft 313 as a fulcrum, and the second shutter 320 rotates counterclockwise around the second support shaft 323 as a fulcrum, and the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 form a closed loop to achieve the "shutter closed" state (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0111] Here, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 are arranged with a "shift" on the front side and the back side as seen from the operator in the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G, so that when the "shutter closed" state is reached, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 have an overlapping area (see dashed frame B in FIG. 7(b)). Therefore, in the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G, no gap is formed between the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 in the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G, and the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 can reliably block ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet irradiation lamp (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) provided in the sterilization chamber 110.

[0112] In this way, when the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 are in the "shutter closed" state, the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2 output pressure signals, and the pressure signals are input to the control unit 610 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the control unit 610 turns on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 for a predetermined time. Then, the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is turned on to sterilize the hand wearing the glove G, and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is turned off after the predetermined time. After the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is turned off, when the worker releases the pressure on the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 in the direction perpendicular to the palm, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 return to their initial state by the biasing force of the biasing force imparting member 230 (see FIG. 7(a)). This allows the worker to take the hand wearing the glove G out of the sterilization chamber 110.

[0113] The on / off control of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment can be performed in the same manner as the on / off control of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 3, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0114] As described above, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 of embodiment 2, by setting the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 to the "shutter closed" state, it is possible to reliably prevent ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 from being irradiated toward the front side (bare skin area Wa of the operator's left hand) of the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 as viewed from the operator, thereby providing an ultraviolet irradiation device with even further improved safety.

[0115] Similarly to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the shutter can be performed in conjunction with the movement of the hand wearing the glove G when the worker inserts the hand wearing the glove G into the sterilization chamber. Specifically, when the worker inserts the hand wearing the glove G into the sterilization chamber 110, the shutter can be closed by simply pressing the intersection Cr between the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 with the wrist part Ga (the wrist part of the worker) of the glove G, and the shutter can be closed by simply releasing the pressing force on the intersection Cr. Therefore, a power source such as a motor and its control system can be eliminated as a driving force for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320. This not only enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be manufactured inexpensively, but also enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be made smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and install.

[0116] Furthermore, the first wrist enclosing member 312 and the second wrist enclosing member 322 attached to the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 can also be made easily detachable from the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320. This makes it possible to easily replace the first wrist enclosing member 312 and the second wrist enclosing member 322 when they deteriorate, allowing the ultraviolet ray blocking effect to be maintained for a long period of time and also being preferable from a hygienic standpoint.

[0117] Furthermore, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 can be made detachable from the sterilization chamber housing 100. This allows the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 themselves to be replaced, so that when the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 become dirty or damaged, the first shutter leaf 310 and the second shutter leaf 320 themselves can be replaced.

[0118] Although not shown, the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment is also provided with the first to fourth insertion positioning units 151 to 154, as in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but a simpler structure can be used without providing the first to fourth insertion positioning units 151 to 154. Also, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet irradiation device of a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position, as in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0119] [Modification of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the embodiment 2. The modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the embodiment 2 is referred to as an ultraviolet irradiation device 2A. The ultraviolet irradiation device 2A is a case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the embodiment 2 is made into an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, and in Fig. 8, the same components as those of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals.

[0120] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 2A as well, the components provided in the sterilization chamber housing 110 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 2A are omitted from the illustration. When the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment is configured as an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, the length of the sterilization chamber housing 100 in the width direction (direction along the y-axis) of the sterilization chamber housing 100 becomes shorter. For this reason, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2A, this can be addressed by using a U-shaped ultraviolet irradiation lamp or by arranging the ultraviolet irradiation lamp in the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G (direction along the x-axis).

[0121] Furthermore, in the case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 2A is provided with the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154, it is preferable to prepare them separately for left and right hands depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154; however, if the type is not provided with the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154, it can be used as a common ultraviolet irradiation device for both the left and right hands.

[0122] By making the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, like the ultraviolet irradiation device 2A shown in Fig. 8, it is effective in the case of an industry where only one hand needs to be sterilized. In particular, since it can be made compact, there are fewer limitations on the installation location, and since it is lightweight, it is easy to carry. In addition, since it is less expensive than an ultraviolet irradiation device for both hands, it is easy to spread.

[0123] [Embodiment 3] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment. The ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment in the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf and their opening and closing mechanism. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, the basic configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device, such as the ultraviolet irradiation lamp provided in the sterilization chamber housing 100, is also substantially similar to that of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, in each diagram shown for explaining the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, the basic configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device provided in the sterilization chamber housing 100 is omitted from the illustration.

[0124] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3, the sterilization chamber housing 100 is a single housing, similar to the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2. Here, the first shutter leaf in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3 will be described as the first shutter leaf 410, and the second shutter leaf will be described as the second shutter leaf 420.

[0125] Similarly to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3 also preferably has first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 as shown in Fig. 2 provided within the sterilization chamber housing 100. When such first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are provided, these first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 can be provided so as to protrude vertically or nearly vertically upward from the inner bottom surface of the sterilization chamber housing 100, but in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3, the first to fourth insertion positioning parts 151-154 are not shown in the drawings.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 and the link mechanism 500 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment as viewed from above along the z-axis, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram of FIG. 10(a) as viewed from the front side (the operator's side) along the x-axis. Here, FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) show the shutter leaf (the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420) corresponding to one hand of the pair of shutter leaves corresponding to the left and right hands shown in FIG. 9. Also, FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) show the "shutter open" state. Also, the two-dot chain line L1 shown in FIG. 10(b) typically shows a part of the outline of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and the two-dot chain line L2 typically shows the outline of the insertion port 400.

[0127] The first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 and their opening / closing mechanism in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 and their opening / closing mechanism in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment are provided with the plate-shaped first shutter leaf 410, the second shutter leaf 420 also having a plate shape, and a link mechanism 500 as an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420. In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 are provided so as to be capable of reciprocating along a linearly arranged guide rail 550.

[0128] Moreover, a first wrist-enclosing member 412 is provided on the first shutter leaf 410, and a second wrist-enclosing member 422 is provided on the second shutter leaf 420. The first wrist-enclosing member 412 and the second wrist-enclosing member 422 can be made of the same material as the first wrist-enclosing member 212 and the second wrist-enclosing member 222 provided on the first shutter leaf 210 and the second shutter leaf 220 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1. Moreover, the shapes of the portions of the first wrist-enclosing member 412 and the second wrist-enclosing member 422 that come into contact with the wrist are preferably curved so as to enclose the wrist.

[0129] Next, the link mechanism 500 will be described. The link mechanism 500 has a first link bar 510 in which a first bent portion 511 bent at an obtuse angle is formed in a middle portion between one end 512 and the other end 514, and the first bent portion 511 is rotatably supported about a first support shaft 516 as a fulcrum, and a second link bar 520 in which a second bent portion 521 bent at an obtuse angle is formed in a middle portion between one end 522 and the other end 524, and the second bent portion 522 is rotatably supported about a second support shaft 526 as a fulcrum. The first support shaft 516 and the second support shaft 526 are attached to pedestals 517, 527 provided at predetermined positions of the sterilization chamber housing 100, respectively.

[0130] Moreover, the first link bar 510 has one end 512 attached to the plate surface of the first shutter leaf 410, the other end 514 of the first link bar 510 being a free end, and a first long hole 515 formed on the side of the other end 514. On the other hand, the second link bar 520 has one end 522 attached to the plate surface of the second shutter leaf 420, the other end 524 of the second link bar 520 being a free end, and a second long hole 525 formed on the side of the other end 524.

[0131] The first link bar 510 and the second link bar 520 are arranged such that the first long hole 515 and the second long hole 525 have an overlapping portion, and the opening / closing operation part 530 is inserted into the overlapping portion of the first long hole 515 and the second long hole 525. When a pressing force in the insertion direction of a gloved hand is applied to the opening / closing operation part 530, the opening / closing operation part 530 moves in the insertion direction, and the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 move in a direction approaching each other against the biasing force of a biasing force applying member (assumed to be a torsion spring) to enter a "shutter closed" state, and when the pressing force applied to the opening / closing operation part 530 is released, the "shutter open" state is entered.

[0132] The link mechanism 500 will be further described. First, the mounting structure of the first link bar 510 to the first shutter leaf 420 will be specifically described. An elongated hole 512a is formed in one end 512 of the first link bar 510, and a first link bar mounting base 518 protrudes from the plate surface of the first shutter leaf 410. A pin 513 protrudes from the first link bar mounting base 518, and the pin 513 is inserted into the elongated hole 512a.

[0133] One end 522 of the second link bar 520 has a similar configuration. That is, a long hole 522a is formed in one end 522 of the second link bar 520, and a second link bar mounting base 528 protrudes from the plate surface of the second shutter leaf 420. A pin 523 protrudes from the second link bar mounting base 528, and the pin 523 is inserted into the long hole 522a.

[0134] Next, the biasing force generating member in the link mechanism 500 will be described. In this case, a torsion spring (not shown in FIG. 10) can be used as the biasing force generating member, as in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to the second embodiment. A first stopper 519 is provided on the side of the first shutter leaf 420 to regulate the amount by which the first shutter leaf 410 is pushed apart by the biasing force of the biasing force applying member (torsion spring). A second stopper 529 is provided on the side of the second shutter leaf 420 to regulate the amount by which the second shutter leaf 420 is pushed apart by the biasing force of the biasing force applying member. The first stopper 519 and the second stopper 529 can be provided on the guide rail 550, for example.

[0135] The torsion spring can be attached to the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 in substantially the same manner as that shown in Fig. 7(c) described in the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 of embodiment 2. That is, a coil spring portion 331 of a torsion spring 330 shown in Fig. 7(c) is fitted around a first support shaft 516 of a first link bar 510, one end portion 332 of the torsion spring 330 is fixed near a long hole 515 on the other end side of the first link bar 510, and the other end portion 333 of the torsion spring 300 is fixed to a predetermined position of the sterilization chamber housing 100.

[0136] Because the torsion spring 330 is attached to the first link bar 510 in this manner, a force is applied to the first link bar 510 that tends to rotate the first link bar 510 in a clockwise direction about the first support shaft 516 as a fulcrum. The second link bar 520 has a similar configuration, and a force is applied to the second link bar 520 that tends to rotate the second link bar 520 in a counterclockwise direction about the second support shaft 526 as a fulcrum. As a result, a biasing force is applied to the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 that tends to maintain the "shutter open" state.

[0137] As described above, the first long hole 515 formed in the first link bar 510 and the second long hole 525 formed in the second link bar 520 are arranged so that the respective long holes overlap in the direction along the z-axis (the direction perpendicular to the palm in the third embodiment), and the opening / closing operation part 530 is inserted in the direction along the z-axis into the overlapping part of the first long hole 515 and the second long hole 525. This opening / closing operation part 530 will be described.

[0138] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, the opening / closing operation unit 530 has a rod-shaped member 531 (see FIG. 10(b)), and the rod-shaped member 531 is inserted in the direction along the z-axis into the overlapping portion of the first long hole 515 and the second long hole 525. The rod-shaped member 531 is movable through the overlapping first long hole 515 and the second long hole 525. The rod-shaped member 531 is provided at a position such that when a hand wearing a glove G is inserted through the insertion opening 400, the rod-shaped member 531 fits into the crotch between the thumb and index finger of the hand wearing a glove G.

[0139] When the rod-shaped member 531 is pushed in the insertion direction (direction along the y-axis) between the fingers of a hand wearing a glove G (the crotch between the thumb F1 and the index finger), the first link bar 510 rotates counterclockwise around the first support shaft 516, and the second link bar 520 rotates clockwise around the second support shaft 526. When the first link bar 510 rotates counterclockwise around the first support shaft 516, the pin 513 moves relatively within the long hole 512a, moving the first shutter leaf 410 to the right as shown in the figure. On the other hand, when the second link bar 520 rotates clockwise around the second support shaft 526, the pin 523 moves relatively within the long hole 522a, moving the second shutter leaf 420 to the left as shown in the figure. By performing such a shutter closing operation, the "shutter closed" state is achieved.

[0140] When performing such a shutter closing operation, the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 move in a direction (left and right direction along the x-axis) that crosses the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G. That is, when the first shutter leaf 410 performs a closing operation, it moves from left to right of the hand wearing the glove G, and when the second shutter leaf 420 performs a closing operation, it moves from right to left of the hand wearing the glove G, operating to pinch the wrist portion Ga of the glove G from the left and right.

[0141] The rod-shaped member 531 has a function as an insertion depth regulating section that regulates the insertion depth of the hand wearing the glove G. That is, by pushing the rod-shaped member 531 in at the crotch portion between the hands wearing the glove G, the position of the hand wearing the glove G can be preset to a position where proper sterilization can be performed, so that proper sterilization can always be performed in the "shutter closed" state.

[0142] In addition, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 of embodiment 3, similar to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of embodiment 1, a first pressure sensor S1 and a second pressure sensor S2 are provided as shutter closed state detection sensors for detecting that the "shutter closed" state has been reached.

[0143] The mounting positions of the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2 are not particularly limited, but they are mounted at positions where they can reliably detect the "shutter closed" state. For example, the first pressure sensor S1 can be mounted on the first wrist surrounding member 412 of the first shutter leaf 410, and the second pressure sensor S2 can be mounted on the second wrist surrounding member 422 of the second shutter leaf 320. Then, the control unit 610 (see FIG. 3) performs control such as turning on the ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp 120 (see FIG. 1(b)), which is not shown in the figures according to the third embodiment, based on the pressure signals output from the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2.

[0144] In this way, by turning on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (not shown in Figs. 9 and 10) based on the output signals from the first pressure sensor S1 and the second pressure sensor S2 provided on the first wrist surrounding member 412 of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second wrist surrounding member 422 of the second shutter leaf 420, respectively, it is possible to reliably turn on the ultraviolet irradiation lamp when the "shutter closed" state is achieved. The turning on and off of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp can be controlled by the control system shown in Fig. 3.

[0145] Furthermore, when the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 are in the shutter-closed state, an inclined surface is formed on each of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 at the contact portion between them so as to face each other along the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G. In the "shutter-closed" state, the inclined surfaces contact each other.

[0146] Specifically, the abutment portion between the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 is a portion where the first wrist portion enclosing member 412 and the second shutter leaf 420 are not provided, and as shown in a dashed frame C in FIG. 11(c) described later, inclined surfaces 410a and 420a are formed along the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G. In the "shutter closed" state, the inclined surfaces 410a and 420a are in abutment. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light irradiation lamp from being irradiated to the front side (the bare skin area Wa side of the worker) as viewed from the worker.

[0147] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420. Note that, like FIG. 10(a), FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) are diagrams showing the first shutter leaf 410, the second shutter leaf 420, and the link mechanism 500 as viewed from above along the z-axis, but in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b), the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 are shown as cross sections (cross sections viewed along the arrow cc in FIG. 10(b)). Also, FIG. 11(c) is a diagram showing FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) as viewed from the front side (the operator's side) along the x-axis. Also, the two-dot chain line L1 shown in FIG. 11(c) typically represents a part of the outline of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and the two-dot chain line L2 typically represents the outline of the insertion port 400. Hereinafter, the operation of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and the above-mentioned FIGS.

[0148] First, in the shutter open state (initial state) shown in Figures 9 and 10, when a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, the crotch area between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 of the hand wearing the glove G comes into contact with the rod-shaped member 531 (see Figure 10(b)) of the opening / closing operation unit 530 (see Figure 11(a)). In Figure 11, the rod-shaped member 531 is in a position that cannot be seen with the naked eye. In this state, when the hand wearing the glove G is pushed further in the insertion direction, the rod-shaped member 531 moves backward (towards the back in the insertion direction) (see Figure 11(b)).

[0149] As the rod-shaped member 531 moves rearward (toward the back in the insertion direction), the link mechanism 500 consisting of the first link bar 510 and the second link bar 520 etc. operates, and the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 move toward each other along the guide rail 550 against the biasing force of the biasing force imparting member (torsion spring), thereby achieving the "shutter closed" state (see Figure 11 (c)).

[0150] It is assumed that the amount of movement of rod-shaped member 531 is preset so that the position of the hand wearing glove G (the position of the hand wearing glove G in sterilization chamber 100) when the "shutter closed" state is reached as shown in Fig. 11(c) is inserted to a predetermined depth (depth at which proper sterilization is possible) in sterilization chamber 110. As a result, when the "shutter closed" state is reached as shown in Fig. 11(c), if an ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp not shown in each figure according to embodiment 3 is turned on, the hand wearing glove G can be properly sterilized. Note that the lighting control of the ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp can be performed in the same manner as in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0151] Thereafter, when the hand wearing glove G releases the pressing force against rod-shaped member 531 and pulls the hand wearing glove G back toward the user, the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 return to the "shutter open" state (initial state) shown in Fig. 11(a) by the biasing force of the biasing force imparting member (torsion spring). In this initial state, the hand wearing glove G can be removed from the sterilization chamber 110.

[0152] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, since the rod-shaped member 531 performs an insertion depth restriction function and a forced finger opening function for forcibly opening the thumb F1 and index finger F2, it is not necessary to provide the first insertion positioning portion 151 described in the first and second embodiments, but it is preferable to provide the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. It is preferable to provide the second to fourth insertion positioning portions 152 to 154 at positions where they can enter between each finger (between the index finger F2 and middle finger F3, between the middle finger F3 and ring finger F4, and between the ring finger F4 and little finger F5) when the hand wearing the glove G is in the state shown in FIG. 11(b). In this way, when sterilization is performed using an ultraviolet irradiation lamp, all the fingers are in an open state, and appropriate sterilization can be performed.

[0153] As described above, according to the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 of embodiment 3, by setting the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 to the "shutter closed" state, it is possible to reliably prevent ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp from being irradiated to the front side (bare skin area Wa of the operator's left hand) of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 as viewed from the operator, thereby providing an ultraviolet irradiation device with even further improved safety.

[0154] Similarly to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the shutter can be performed in conjunction with the movement of the hand wearing the glove G when the operator inserts the hand wearing the glove G into the sterilization chamber. Specifically, when the operator inserts the hand wearing the glove G into the sterilization chamber 110, the shutter can be closed by simply pushing the rod-shaped member 531 in the insertion direction (toward the back of the sterilization chamber housing) with the crotch between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 of the hand wearing the glove G. Furthermore, after pushing the hand wearing the glove G in the insertion direction (toward the back of the sterilization chamber housing), the shutter can be opened by simply pulling the hand wearing the glove G toward the operator.

[0155] For this reason, as with the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to embodiment 1 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 2 according to embodiment 2, a power source such as a motor and its control system are not required as the driving force for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420. This not only enables the ultraviolet irradiation device to be manufactured at low cost, but also makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the ultraviolet irradiation device, making it easier to transport and install.

[0156] Furthermore, the first wrist surrounding member 412 and the second wrist surrounding member 422 attached to the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 can also be made detachable from the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420. This makes it possible to replace the first wrist surrounding member 412 and the second wrist surrounding member 422 when they deteriorate, and the ultraviolet ray blocking effect can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0157] Furthermore, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 can be made detachable from the sterilization chamber housing 100. This allows the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 themselves to be replaced, so that when the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 become dirty or damaged, the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 themselves can be replaced.

[0158] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment described above, the rod-shaped member 531 of the opening / closing operation unit 530 is positioned at approximately the center in the left-right direction (direction along the y-axis) of the insertion opening 400 when the insertion opening 400 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 10) is viewed, but the position is not necessarily limited to the center. In other words, the rod-shaped member 531 may be positioned such that when a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110, the crotch between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 of the hand wearing the glove G comes into contact with the rod-shaped member 531 of the opening / closing operation unit 530 without the operator being aware of it.

[0159] This is because when a hand wearing a glove G is inserted almost horizontally into the sterilization chamber 110 with the back of the hand facing up, the position of the crotch between the thumb F1 and index finger F2 of the hand wearing the glove G is slightly shifted to the left or right of the center for each hand. For example, it is preferable that the rod-shaped member 531 and the frame body hanging member 532 are positioned to the right to accommodate a left hand, and that the rod-shaped member 531 and the frame body hanging member 532 are positioned to the left to accommodate a right hand. This also applies to the "first modified example of the ultraviolet irradiating device 3 according to the third embodiment" described below.

[0160] [First Modification of Ultraviolet Irradiation Device 3 According to Third Embodiment] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3. The first modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3 is set as an ultraviolet irradiation device 3A according to embodiment 3. The ultraviolet irradiation device 3A is a case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3 is configured as an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, and in Fig. 12, the same components as those of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3 are given the same reference numerals.

[0161] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3A as well, the basic configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device provided in the sterilization chamber housing 100 is omitted from the illustration. When used as an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, the length of the sterilization chamber housing 100 in the width direction (direction along the y-axis) of the sterilization chamber housing 100 becomes shorter. For this reason, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3A, this can be addressed by using a U-shaped ultraviolet irradiation lamp or by arranging the ultraviolet irradiation lamp in the insertion direction of the hand wearing the glove G (direction along the x-axis).

[0162] Also, in the case where the ultraviolet irradiation device 3A is provided with the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154, it is preferable to prepare them separately for left and right hands depending on the arrangement of the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154; however, if the type does not have the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151-154, it can be used as a common ultraviolet irradiation device for both the left and right hands.

[0163] By making the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, like the ultraviolet irradiation device 3A shown in Fig. 12, it is effective in the case of an industry where only one hand needs to be sterilized. In particular, since it can be made compact, there are fewer limitations on the installation location, and since it is lightweight, it is easy to carry. In addition, since it is less expensive than an ultraviolet irradiation device for both hands, it is easy to spread.

[0164] [Second Modification of Ultraviolet Irradiation Device 3 According to Embodiment 3] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment. The second modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment is referred to as an ultraviolet irradiation device 3B. Fig. 13 corresponds to Fig. 10(b). That is, Fig. 13 shows the shutter leaf (the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420) corresponding to one hand of the pair of shutter leaves corresponding to the left and right hands shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 13 also shows the "shutter open" state, similar to Fig. 10(b).

[0165] The ultraviolet irradiation device 3B differs from the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10 in that the opening / closing operation unit 530 for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 has a frame body 540 having a space therein and a frame body hanging member 532 for hanging the frame body 540. The other configurations are almost the same as those in Fig. 10(b). Therefore, in Fig. 13, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping parts is omitted. The two-dot chain line L1 shown in Fig. 13 typically represents a part of the outline of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and the two-dot chain line L2 typically represents the outline of the insertion port 400.

[0166] Here, the frame body 540 is rectangular in the ultraviolet irradiation device 3B and has four frames 541, 542, 543, and 544. Of these four frames 541 to 544, the frames 541 and 543 are vertical frames, and the frames 542 and 544 are horizontal frames. The frame body hanging member 532 is rod-shaped and is inserted into the overlapping portion of the first long hole 515 and the second long hole 525 shown in FIG. 10(a). The horizontal frame 544 of the frame body 540 is attached to the tip (lower end) of the frame body hanging member 532. It is preferable that the frame body 540 is positioned so that the thumb F1 of the hand wearing the glove G can be inserted into the space of the frame body 540 when the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110. It is also preferable that the position of the frame body 540 in the vertical direction (direction along the z-axis) is variable.

[0167] Since the opening / closing operation unit 530 has such a frame body 540 and frame body hanging member 532, the ultraviolet irradiation device 3B can be an ultraviolet irradiation device of a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position.

[0168] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position. Here, a case in which the ultraviolet irradiation device is a one-handed ultraviolet irradiation device, similar to the ultraviolet irradiation device 3A which is a first modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9, will be explained. Note that the opening / closing operation unit 530 has a configuration including a frame body 540 and a frame body hanging member 532, as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing a state in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a position in which the thumb F1 is on top, and FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow dd in FIG. 13.

[0169] In the ultraviolet irradiation device 3B, which is a second modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 14(a). At this time, when the thumb F1 of the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the space of the frame body 540 (see FIG. 14(b)), the crotch between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 comes into contact with the horizontal frame 542 of the frame body 540. When the hand wearing the glove G is further pushed in the insertion direction in this state, the frame body 540 moves backward (toward the back side in the insertion direction). As a result, the link mechanism 500 consisting of the first link bar 510 and the second link bar 520 and the like operates, and the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 operate to approach each other against the biasing force of the biasing force imparting member (torsion spring), and enter the "shutter closed" state (see FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 11(c)).

[0170] In an ultraviolet irradiation device of the type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position, the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is preferably disposed within the sterilization chamber housing 100 so as to be aligned along the inner wall surfaces of the side surfaces 102, 104 of the sterilization chamber housing 100. In addition, in Fig. 13, a cross section (indicated by a broken line) of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 120 is shown typically. In this way, the ultraviolet irradiation device 3B can be an ultraviolet irradiation device of the type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 in a vertical position.

[0171] Furthermore, when inserting the thumb F1 of the left hand into the space of the frame body 540, the crotch portion between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 is abutted against the vertical frame 541 of the frame body 540, and the frame body 540 is pushed in the insertion direction, so that the ultraviolet irradiation device can be of a type in which the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 with the back of the hand facing up and held almost horizontally. Also, the thumb F1 of the right hand can be inserted into the space of the frame body 540, and the crotch portion between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 is abutted against the vertical frame 543 of the frame body 540, and the frame body 540 is pushed in the insertion direction. In the case of an ultraviolet irradiation device of a type in which the hand wearing the glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 with the back of the hand facing up and held almost horizontally, it is preferable to arrange the ultraviolet irradiation lamps on the inner wall surface on the upper surface side and the inner wall surface on the lower surface side of the sterilization chamber housing 100 as shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0172] Incidentally, while Fig. 14 has been described as an ultraviolet irradiation device for one hand, it can also be applied to an ultraviolet irradiation device for both hands (ultraviolet irradiation device 3 according to embodiment 3) as shown in Fig. 9. Also, although frame body 540 is rectangular in Fig. 13, it is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be circular or polygonal, such as triangular.

[0173] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0174] (1) In the above embodiments and their modifications, the ultraviolet irradiation device is of a horizontal type placed on a desk surface or the like, and a hand wearing a glove G is inserted into the sterilization chamber 110 from the front side of the ultraviolet irradiation device so as to be approximately parallel to the desk surface (approximately horizontal), but the ultraviolet irradiation device is not limited to this and may be of a vertical type or an oblique type. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device can be applied to various types of ultraviolet irradiation devices, such as a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted vertically from above into the sterilization chamber, a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted vertically from below into the sterilization chamber, a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted diagonally downward from above into the sterilization chamber, and a type in which a hand wearing a glove G is inserted diagonally upward from below into the sterilization chamber.

[0175] (2) In the above embodiment 1 and its modified examples, an oil spring damper is used as the force-applying member, and in the above embodiments 2 and 3, a torsion spring is used as the force-applying member. However, these are merely examples, and various other members can be used as long as they can apply a force to at least one of the first and second shutter leaves to maintain the “shutter open” state.

[0176] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiments and their modified examples, a pressure sensor is used as the shutter closed state detection unit for detecting the "shutter closed" state, but the present invention is not limited to the pressure sensor. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the pressure sensor is attached to both the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf, and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp is turned on based on the signal from both the pressure sensor S1 on the first shutter leaf side and the pressure sensor S2 on the second shutter leaf side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pressure sensor may be attached to one of the shutter leaf sides where the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf come into contact with each other, and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp may be turned on when the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf come into contact with each other.

[0177] (4) In the above embodiment 1 and its modified examples, a mesh member is used as the pressing force receiving portion 130, but the pressing force receiving portion 130 is not limited to a mesh member. For example, the pressing force receiving portion 130 may be a plate made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays (quartz, transparent Teflon (registered trademark), etc.). In this case, when the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151 to 154 are provided, if holes are provided in the plate so that the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151 to 154 can pass through, the first to fourth insertion positioning portions 151 to 154 can fulfill their respective functions.

[0178] (5) In the above embodiment 3 and its modified examples, the link mechanism for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 is a link mechanism that reciprocates linearly on the guide rail 550. However, this is not limited to this.

[0179] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example (referred to as a link mechanism 500') of the link mechanism 500 for opening and closing the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420. FIG. 15 corresponds to FIG. 11, and is a diagram of the first shutter leaf 410, the second shutter leaf 420, and the link mechanism 500' seen from above along the z-axis. However, in FIG. 15(a) and FIG. 15(b), the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 are shown as cross sections (cross sections seen along the arrow cc in FIG. 10(b)) as in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b). FIG. 15(c) is a diagram of FIG. 15(a) and FIG. 15(b) seen from the front side (the operator's side) along the x-axis. In addition, the two-dot chain line L1 shown in Figure 15(c) typically represents a portion of the outline of the front side surface 101 of the sterilization chamber housing 100, and the two-dot chain line L2 typically represents the outline of the insertion port 400. In Figure 15, the same components as in Figure 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the operation of the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 in the link mechanism 500' will be described with reference to Figure 15.

[0180] The link mechanism 500' shown in Figure 15 differs from the link mechanism 500 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 of embodiment 3 in that one end 512 of the first link bar 510 is attached in a fixed state to the plate surface of the first shutter leaf 410, one end 522 of the second link bar 520 is attached in a fixed state to the plate surface of the second shutter leaf 420, and in that there is no guide rail 550.

[0181] In link mechanism 500' thus configured, when opening / closing operating section 530 is pushed in by a hand wearing glove G, first link bar 510 rotates in an arc in the counterclockwise direction (in the direction of arrow a) around first support shaft 516 as a fulcrum against the force of a force generating member (torsion spring) not shown, and second link bar 520 rotates in an arc in the clockwise direction (in the direction of arrow b) around second support shaft 526 as a fulcrum against the force of a force generating member (torsion spring) not shown.

[0182] In this manner, when the opening / closing operation unit 530 is pressed by the hand wearing the glove G, the first shutter leaf 410 rotates in an arc in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of the arrow a), and the second shutter leaf 420 rotates in an arc in the clockwise direction (the direction of the arrow b) (see FIG. 15(a)). As a result, the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 42 come into contact with each other, resulting in a "shutter closed" state (see FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c)). Thereafter, when the pressing of the opening / closing operation unit 530 by the hand wearing the glove G is released and the hand wearing the glove G is pulled out, the first shutter leaf 410 rotates in an arc in the clockwise direction due to the biasing force of the biasing force generating member, and the second shutter leaf 420 rotates in an arc in the counterclockwise direction, resulting in a "shutter open" state.

[0183] Even with such a link mechanism 500', the first shutter leaf 410 and the second shutter leaf 420 can be opened and closed in the same manner as the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 of embodiment 3, and the same effects as those of the ultraviolet irradiation device 3 of embodiment 3 can be obtained.

[0184] (6) In the above embodiments and their modifications, the gloves G are described as short gloves that cover the worker's fingertips to the wrist, but are not limited to this. For example, the gloves may be long gloves that cover the worker's fingertips to the elbow.

[0185] (7) In each of the above embodiments and their variations, a depressing or pushing force by a hand wearing glove G is applied to the shutter (first shutter leaf and second shutter leaf) itself to bring the shutter into a “shutter closed” state, and by releasing the depressing or pushing force in the “shutter closed” state, the shutter is returned to an “open” state; however, this is not limited to the above.

[0186] For example, a configuration is possible in which a predetermined movement of a hand wearing a glove G is detected by a sensor, a shutter drive mechanism is operated based on a detection signal from the sensor, and the state is set to a "shutter closed" state, and the state is returned to an "open shutter" state after a predetermined time (after the time required for sterilization) from the "shutter closed" state. Also, a configuration is possible in which image data obtained by imaging a predetermined movement of a hand wearing a glove G is processed, and the shutter drive mechanism is operated based on image processing data obtained by the image processing, and the state is set to a "shutter closed" state, and the state is returned to an "open shutter" state after a predetermined time (after the time required for sterilization) from the "shutter closed" state. Note that various drive mechanisms can be adopted as the shutter drive mechanism for setting the state to the "shutter closed" state or the "shutter open" state based on the detection signal or image processing data from the sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 1, 2, 3... ultraviolet irradiation device, 1A, 2A, 3A, 3B... modified example of the ultraviolet irradiation device of each embodiment, 100... sterilization chamber housing, 100A... first sterilization chamber housing part, 100B... second sterilization chamber housing part, 101, 105... front side surface, 103, 107... rear side surface, 110... sterilization chamber, 120... ultraviolet irradiation lamp (ultraviolet irradiation part), 130... pressing force receiving part, 141... slit, 145... overlapping area, 150... insertion Insertion positioning portion, 151...first insertion positioning portion (insertion depth regulating portion), 152, 153, 154...second to fourth insertion positioning portions (forced finger opening portion), 210, 310, 410...first shutter leaf, 220, 320, 420...second shutter leaf, 212, 312, 412...first wrist portion surrounding member, 222, 322, 422...second wrist portion surrounding member, 230...biasing force imparting member (oil spring damper), 240...opening / closing support portion ( 3, 511, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 10, 515...long hole of first link bar, 516...first support shaft, 526...second support shaft, 522...one end of second link bar 520, 524...free end of second link bar 520, 525...long hole of second link bar, 517, 527...base portion, 518, 528...base portion, 519, 529...stopper, 530...opening / closing operation portion, 531...rod-shaped member, 540...frame body, 541, 543...vertical frame, 542,544: Horizontal frame, 550: Guide rail, Cr: Intersection, F1: Thumb, F2: Index finger, F3: Middle finger, F4: Ring finger, F5: Little finger, G: Glove, Ga: Wrist part of glove G, L1: Part of the outline of sterilization chamber housing 100, L2: Outline of insertion port, S: Shutter closed state detection unit, S1: First shutter closed state detection unit (first pressure sensor), S2: Second shutter closed state detection unit (second pressure sensor), Wa: Bare skin area,

Claims

1. An ultraviolet irradiation device for sterilizing a surface of a glove made of an ultraviolet non-transmissive material and worn by a worker so as to cover the fingertips to at least the wrist of the worker, by irradiating ultraviolet rays emitted from an ultraviolet irradiation unit to the glove, a sterilization chamber housing having a sterilization chamber therein, the sterilization chamber housing being made of an ultraviolet ray shielding member that shields the ultraviolet ray; a first shutter leaf and a second shutter leaf that are in a "shutter closed" or "shutter open" state in response to a predetermined movement of the gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber and that, in the "shutter closed" state, block the ultraviolet light at the wrist of the worker; a biasing force applying member that applies a biasing force to at least one of the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf to maintain the "shutter open" state; An ultraviolet irradiation device comprising:

2. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, The sterilization chamber housing is divided into a first sterilization chamber housing section located on the back side of the hand when the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber, and a second sterilization chamber housing section located on the palm side, and the opposing surfaces of the first sterilization chamber housing section and the second sterilization chamber housing section each form an opening, and an ultraviolet light transmitting pressure receiving section is attached to the opening section on the side of the first sterilization chamber housing section, which receives a pressure force in a direction perpendicular to the palm of the gloved hand by the gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber, Among the side surfaces of the first sterilization chamber housing part, the front side surface located on the side where the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber functions as the first shutter leaf, and among the side surfaces of the second sterilization chamber housing part, the front side surface located on the side where the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber functions as the second shutter leaf, The first sterilization chamber housing portion includes: a rear side surface of the first sterilization chamber housing part opposite to the front side surface is pivotally supported by an opening / closing support part relative to a rear side surface of the second sterilization chamber housing part opposite to the front side surface, and the first sterilization chamber housing part is freely opened and closed with the opening / closing support part as a fulcrum, The ultraviolet irradiation device is characterized in that the force-applying member is interposed between the first sterilization chamber housing portion and the second sterilization chamber housing portion, and when the pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving portion, the device enters the "shutter closed" state, and when the pressing force applied to the pressing force receiving portion is released, the device enters the "shutter open" state.

3. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2, The ultraviolet irradiation device is characterized in that one of the first sterilization chamber housing unit and the second sterilization chamber housing unit is one size larger than the other sterilization chamber housing unit, and when the ``shutter closed'' state is reached, an overlapping area is formed between each side of the one sterilization chamber housing unit and each side of the other sterilization chamber housing unit.

4. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, the first shutter leaf has a plate shape that describes a substantial semicircle, and is rotatably supported by a first support shaft at a midpoint in a direction along the arc of the substantial semicircle, and the second shutter leaf has a plate shape that describes a substantial semicircle, and is rotatably supported by a second support shaft at a midpoint in a direction along the arc of the substantial semicircle, the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf are arranged such that, in the "shutter open" state, an intersection portion is formed between the first support shaft of the first shutter leaf and an end portion along the circumferential direction of the first shutter leaf, and between the second support shaft of the second shutter leaf and an end portion along the circumferential direction of the second shutter leaf, where the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf intersect with each other; In the "shutter open" state, when a gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber moves in a direction perpendicular to the palm, a pressing force is applied to the wrist portion at the intersection, and the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf rotate about the first support shaft and the second support shaft against the biasing force of the biasing force applying member, so that the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf form a closed loop to enter the "shutter closed" state, and when the pressing force applied to the intersection is released, the "shutter open" state is entered.

5. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An ultraviolet irradiation device characterized in that the sterilization chamber is provided with a rod-shaped insertion positioning portion that functions as an insertion depth regulating portion that regulates the insertion depth of the gloved hand inserted into the sterilization chamber.

6. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf are each plate-shaped, and a link mechanism is provided on the plate-shaped first shutter leaf and the plate-shaped second shutter leaf for reciprocating the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf to be in the "shutter closed" state or the "shutter open" state; The link mechanism includes: a first link bar having a first bent portion bent at an obtuse angle in a middle portion between one end and the other end, the first bent portion being supported rotatably around a first support shaft; a second link bar having a second bent portion bent at an obtuse angle in a middle portion between the one end and the other end, the second bent portion being supported rotatably with a second support shaft as a fulcrum; having the first link bar has one end attached to a plate surface of the first shutter piece, and the other end of the first link bar is a free end, and a first long hole is formed on the side of the other end; the second link bar has one end attached to a plate surface of the second shutter piece, and the other end of the second link bar is a free end, and a second long hole is formed on the side of the other end; the first link bar and the second link bar are arranged such that the first long hole and the second long hole have an overlapping portion, and an opening / closing operation part is inserted into the overlapping portion between the first long hole and the second long hole, When a pressure force in the insertion direction of the gloved hand is applied to the opening / closing operation part, the opening / closing operation part moves in the insertion direction, causing the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf to move in a direction approaching each other against the biasing force of the biasing force applying member, thereby achieving a ``shutter closed'' state, and when the pressure force applied to the opening / closing operation part is released, the ``shutter open'' state is achieved.

7. 7. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 6, The opening / closing operation unit has a rod-shaped member, and when the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber, the rod-shaped member is inserted into the overlapping portion of the first long hole and the second long hole so that the rod-shaped member fits into the crotch area between the thumb and index finger of the gloved hand.

8. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 7, The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped member functions as an insertion depth regulating portion that regulates the insertion depth of the gloved hand.

9. 7. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 6, The opening / closing operation unit has a frame body having a space inside, and a frame body hanging member that suspends the frame body, and when the gloved hand is inserted into the sterilization chamber, the frame body hanging member is inserted into the overlapping portion of the first long hole and the second long hole so that the thumb of the gloved hand can be inserted into the space of the frame body.

10. 10. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 9, The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a function as an insertion depth regulating portion that regulates the insertion depth of the gloved hand.

11. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, An ultraviolet irradiation device characterized in that when the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf are in the shutter closed state, the abutment portion between the first shutter leaf and the second shutter leaf is formed with an inclined surface that faces each other along the insertion direction of the gloved hand, and when the shutter is in the closed state, the respective inclined surfaces abut against each other.

12. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, an ultraviolet irradiation device comprising: a first wrist-enclosing member provided on the first shutter leaf; and a second wrist-enclosing member provided on the second shutter leaf; and when in the "shutter closed" state, the first wrist-enclosing member and the second wrist-enclosing member surround the outer peripheral surface of the wrist of the gloved hand in a manner that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the wrist; and when in the "shutter open" state, the gloved hand can be inserted into and removed from the sterilization chamber.

13. In the ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a shutter closed state detection sensor that outputs a shutter closed state detection signal when it detects that the shutter is in the "shutter closed" state; A control unit having a function of controlling turning on and off the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit, The ultraviolet irradiating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to turn on the ultraviolet irradiating unit based on a shutter closed state detection signal output from the shutter closed state detection sensor.

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