UV irradiation device for vehicles

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle capable of suppressing radiation of electromagnetic waves and improving environmental resistance.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes: a discharge lamp capable of emitting ultraviolet light; a lighting circuit capable of applying a driving voltage of a predetermined frequency to the discharge lamp; a housing having an internal space for accommodating the discharge lamp and the lighting circuit, and having a hole facing the discharge lamp; a conductive shield provided on at least one of outer and inner walls of the housing; a conductive window facing the hole and having a plurality of openings capable of transmitting the ultraviolet light emitted from the discharge lamp; and a partition facing the hole, separating the internal space of the housing from the outside of the housing, and capable of transmitting the ultraviolet light emitted from the discharge lamp.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is an ultraviolet irradiation device equipped with a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays. Conventionally, such ultraviolet irradiation devices have been used for curing ultraviolet-curable inks, paints, adhesives, etc., surface modification of materials, optical alignment of liquid crystals, etc. In addition, since ultraviolet rays have a sterilizing effect, ultraviolet irradiation devices may also be used for sterilizing bacteria and inactivating viruses attached to the surface of a component. In recent years, reflecting the growing health consciousness, there has been an increasing demand for purification of the atmosphere inside a vehicle and the surfaces of objects inside a relatively small enclosed space such as the interior of an automobile or a railway vehicle.

[0003] Here, when the discharge lamp is turned on, electromagnetic waves may be emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device. In addition, when the ultraviolet irradiation device is a vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device installed in a vehicle such as an automobile or a train, the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device and electronic devices used for operating the vehicle are often installed together in a small space such as the inside of a vehicle. Therefore, the distance between the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device and the electronic devices is short, and the electromagnetic waves emitted from the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device are likely to be incident on the electronic devices. If electromagnetic waves are incident on the electronic devices, they may become electromagnetic noise and cause malfunctions of the electronic devices.

[0004] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation device for vehicles may be installed in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. For example, in the case of an ultraviolet irradiation device for vehicles installed in an automobile, it is necessary to be able to use it in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment where the environmental temperature is 85°C and the humidity is 85%. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of an ultraviolet ray irradiation device for a vehicle that can suppress the radiation of electromagnetic waves and can improve environmental resistance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-195825 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an ultraviolet ray irradiation device for a vehicle that can suppress radiation of electromagnetic waves and can improve environmental resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to the embodiment comprises: a discharge lamp capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays; a lighting circuit capable of applying a drive voltage of a predetermined frequency to the discharge lamp; a housing having an internal space for accommodating the discharge lamp and the lighting circuit and having a hole facing the discharge lamp; a conductive shield provided on at least one of an outer wall of the housing and an inner wall of the housing; a conductive window facing the hole and having a plurality of openings through which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp can pass; and a partition portion facing the hole, separating the internal space of the housing from the outside of the housing and through which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp can pass. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet ray irradiation device for a vehicle that can suppress radiation of electromagnetic waves and improve environmental resistance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an ultraviolet ray irradiation device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet ray irradiation device for a vehicle in FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet ray irradiation device for a vehicle in FIG. 1 taken along the line BB. [Figure 4] 1A to 1D are schematic plan views illustrating the form of the windows. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of part C in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of part D in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The ultraviolet ray irradiation device for vehicles according to the present embodiment can be installed in vehicles such as automobiles and trains. For example, the ultraviolet ray irradiation device for vehicles can be installed in the passenger compartment or trunk of an automobile, or in the passenger compartment of a train. However, the installation location of the ultraviolet ray irradiation device for vehicles is not limited to the example given.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an ultraviolet ray irradiation device 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for a vehicle in FIG. 1 taken along the line AA. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for a vehicle in FIG. 1 taken along the line BB. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an ultraviolet ray irradiation device 1 for a vehicle includes, for example, a housing 2, a substrate 3, a discharge lamp 4, a lamp cover 5, a lighting circuit 6, a window 7, a shield 8, and a partition 9.

[0012] The housing 2 is box-shaped and has a space therein for accommodating, for example, the substrate 3, the discharge lamp 4, the lamp cover 5, the lighting circuit 6, the window 7, and the partition 9. The planar shape of the housing 2 can be, for example, a rectangle. However, the planar shape of the housing 2 can be appropriately changed according to the space in which the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is provided. For example, the planar shape of the housing 2 may be a shape composed of curves such as a circle or an ellipse, or a shape composed of curves and straight lines. The thickness dimension T of the housing 2 can be smaller than the planar dimension of the housing 2. If the thickness dimension T of the housing 2 is made smaller, it becomes easier to provide the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 together with electronic devices used for driving the vehicle.

[0013] In addition, the housing 2 can be divided into a plurality of parts. In the case of the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the housing 2 is divided into two parts in the thickness direction of the housing 2. If the housing 2 is divided into two parts in the thickness direction of the housing 2, it becomes easy to attach the board 3, the discharge lamp 4, the lamp cover 5, and the lighting circuit 6 inside the housing 2, and to attach the window 7 and the partition part 9 to the inner wall of the housing 2, etc.

[0014] For example, the housing 2 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 . The first portion 21 serves as a base on which the substrate 3, the discharge lamp 4, the lamp cover 5, and the lighting circuit 6 are attached, for example.

[0015] The second portion 22 serves as, for example, a cover that covers the opening side of the first portion 21. For example, a window 7 and a partition portion 9 are attached to the second portion 22. The second portion 22 may also be provided with a hole 22a for emitting ultraviolet rays. The hole 22a is provided, for example, at a position facing the discharge lamp 4.

[0016] The second part 22 can be detachably provided on the first part 21. For example, the second part 22 is detachably provided on the first part 21 by using an elastic force. For example, the second part 22 can also be detachably provided on the first part 21 by using a fastening member such as a screw. The first part 21 and the second part 22 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 are detachably connected by an elastic force generated by fitting the opening parts together.

[0017] The second portion 22 can also be fixed to the first portion 21 using an adhesive or the like. However, if the second portion 22 is provided detachably to the first portion 21, maintenance such as replacement of the discharge lamp 4 becomes easier.

[0018] Here, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the substrate 3, the discharge lamp 4, and the lighting circuit 6 are provided inside the housing 2. Therefore, if the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, there is a risk of electric leakage or short circuit. Therefore, it is preferable to form the housing 2 from an insulating resin. Furthermore, if the housing 2 is formed from an insulating resin, it is possible to reduce the weight and manufacturing costs of the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1. The material of the second portion 22 may be the same as or different from the material of the first portion 21.

[0019] The substrate 3 has a plate shape. The substrate 3 is provided on the first portion 21 via, for example, a spacer 31 or the like. Note that instead of the spacer 31, a convex portion may be provided on the first portion 21, and the substrate 3 may be provided on the convex portion. There is no particular limitation on the material of the substrate 3. The substrate 3 may be formed from, for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, or organic materials such as paper phenol or glass epoxy. The substrate 3 may also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an insulating material.

[0020] The discharge lamp 4 is located between the substrate 3 and the second portion 22. The discharge lamp 4 is provided at a position facing the hole 22a of the second portion 22. The discharge lamp 4 can be detachably provided on a pair of terminal holders 41. The pair of terminal holders 41 are provided on the substrate 3, for example. Although the case where one discharge lamp 4 is provided is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, a plurality of discharge lamps 4 may be provided. It is sufficient that at least one discharge lamp 4 is provided.

[0021] The discharge lamp 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can irradiate ultraviolet rays. The discharge lamp 4 can be, for example, a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a dielectric barrier discharge lamp, or the like. The discharge lamp 4 has, for example, a shape that extends in one direction. If the discharge lamp 4 has a shape that extends in one direction, it is easy to reduce the thickness dimension T of the housing 2.

[0022] The lamp cover 5 is located between the substrate 3 and the second part 22. The lamp cover 5 can be provided on the substrate 3, for example. The lamp cover 5 is box-shaped and has an opening at the end opposite to the substrate 3. The opening 5a of the lamp cover 5 faces the hole 22a of the second part 22. The discharge lamp 4 and a pair of terminal holders 41 can be provided inside the lamp cover 5. For example, the lamp cover 5 is formed from a resin having insulating properties. The material of the lamp cover 5 can be the same as the material of the housing 2, for example. Since the lamp cover 5 is exposed to ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp 4, it is preferable to use a material that is more resistant to ultraviolet rays than the material of the housing 2. If the lamp cover 5 is provided, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp 4 from entering the inner wall of the housing 2, the substrate 3, and the lighting circuit 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent these from being deteriorated by ultraviolet rays.

[0023] Also, the lamp cover 5 can be given a reflector function. For example, the lamp cover 5 can be made of a resin such as white, a reflective film can be formed on the inner wall of the lamp cover 5, or the inner wall of the lamp cover 5 can be curved. If the lamp cover 5 is given a reflector function, the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the discharge lamp 4 can be improved.

[0024] The lighting circuit 6 is provided, for example, on the surface of the substrate 3 on which the discharge lamp 4 is provided. If the discharge lamp 4 and the lighting circuit 6 are provided on the same surface of the substrate 3, it is easy to reduce the thickness dimension T of the housing 2. The lighting circuit 6 is electrically connected to the pair of terminal holders 41 via wiring members such as a wiring cord or a metal plate. Therefore, by mounting the discharge lamp 4 on the pair of terminal holders 41, the lighting circuit 6 and the discharge lamp 4 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0025] The lighting circuit 6 applies a drive voltage of a predetermined frequency to the discharge lamp 4. When the drive voltage is applied to the discharge lamp 4, for example, a discharge occurs between a pair of electrodes provided in the discharge lamp 4, and ultraviolet rays are emitted from the discharge lamp 4.

[0026] The lighting circuit 6 is composed of circuit components such as a switching element, a step-up transformer, and a capacitor. For example, the switching element converts the DC voltage from the vehicle battery into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency, such as a sine wave voltage. The sine wave voltage can reduce the amount of electromagnetic noise generated. The frequency of the sine wave voltage is preferably, for example, about 100 kHz to 300 kHz. For example, the step-up transformer boosts the voltage from the vehicle battery to a predetermined voltage for lighting the discharge lamp 4.

[0027] The lighting circuit 6 may be any circuit capable of generating a drive voltage of a predetermined frequency, and may be, for example, any of various types of resonant type inverters.

[0028] The lighting circuit 6 is electrically connected to, for example, a wiring 61. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, one end of the wiring 61 is drawn out to the outside of the housing 2. The wiring 61 can be a so-called three-core cable. For example, the electric wire 61a of the wiring 61 electrically connects the positive side of the lighting circuit 6 to the positive side of the vehicle battery. For example, the electric wire 61b of the wiring 61 electrically connects the negative side of the lighting circuit 6 to the negative side of the vehicle battery. The electric wire 61b can be a common wire. The electric wire 61c of the wiring 61 electrically connects the shield 8 to the ground of the vehicle (for example, the vehicle body frame). The shield 8 may be in direct contact with the ground of the vehicle. In this case, the electric wire 61c can be omitted.

[0029] The window 7 faces the hole 22a of the housing 2 (second portion 22). For example, the window 7 is provided on the inner wall of the second portion 22 and covers the hole 22a. The window 7 has a plurality of openings that can transmit the ultraviolet light irradiated from the discharge lamp 4. If the window 7 is provided, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the discharge lamp 4 can be irradiated to the outside of the housing 2, and the intrusion of a human finger, a foreign object, or the like into the housing 2 can be prevented.

[0030] 4(a) to (d) are schematic plan views illustrating the forms of the windows. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the window 7a may be formed by arranging a plurality of linear members in a lattice pattern. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the window 7b may be formed by arranging a plurality of linear members in a mesh pattern. The windows 7a and 7b can be formed, for example, by etching or by weaving together a plurality of wires. When the windows 7a and 7b are formed by etching, a frame that surrounds the plurality of wire members can be provided.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4(c), the window 7c can be a plurality of linear members arranged in one direction. The window 7c can be formed by, for example, etching. When the window 7c is formed by etching, a frame portion can be provided to surround the plurality of linear members. 4(d), the window 7d may be a plate having a plurality of openings (holes) and may be formed by, for example, etching or pressing.

[0032] Here, when the discharge lamp 4 is turned on, electromagnetic waves may be emitted together with ultraviolet rays if a discharge occurs between the electrodes of the discharge lamp 4. Furthermore, when the discharge lamp 4 is turned on, electromagnetic waves may be emitted from the switching element provided in the lighting circuit 6 and the wiring electrically connected to the switching element.

[0033] In addition to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles, the vehicle is also provided with electronic devices used for driving the vehicle. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles and the electronic devices are provided in a small space such as the inside of a vehicle, so the distance between the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles and the electronic devices is likely to be short. Therefore, when electromagnetic waves generated in the discharge lamp 4, the lighting circuit 6, and the like provided inside the housing 2 are radiated to the outside of the housing 2, the electromagnetic waves may be incident on the electronic devices provided near the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles. When the electromagnetic waves are incident on the electronic devices, they may become electromagnetic noise and cause malfunctions of the electronic devices. Therefore, the ultraviolet ray irradiation device 1 for a vehicle according to this embodiment is provided with a shield 8. As shown in FIG.

[0034] The shield 8 prevents electromagnetic waves generated inside the housing 2 from being radiated to the outside of the housing 2. The shielding effect is related to reflection loss, absorption loss, and multiple reflection loss in the shield 8, but the shielding effect when shielding electromagnetic waves is dominated by reflection loss.

[0035] That is, by increasing the reflection loss in the shield 8, it is possible to effectively prevent electromagnetic waves generated inside the housing 2 from being emitted to the outside of the housing 2. In this case, in order to increase the reflection loss, it is necessary to increase the reflection coefficient of the shield 8. In order to increase the reflection coefficient of the shield 8, it is necessary to lower the impedance of the shield 8.

[0036] For example, a conductive shield 8 may be used. In this case, if the shield 8 is made of a material with high conductivity such as a metal, the reflection loss in the shield 8 can be increased, and thus the radiation of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the housing 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0037] The shield 8 can be, for example, a plate or film containing a conductive material, a conductive paint containing a conductive filler, a conductive plating layer or a vapor deposition layer, etc. The plate or film containing a conductive material can be bonded to the housing 2 using, for example, an adhesive or double-sided tape. The plate containing a conductive material can also be integrally molded with the housing 2 using, for example, an insert molding method. The conductive paint can be applied to the housing 2, for example. The conductive plating layer can be provided on the surface of the housing 2 by, for example, an electroless plating method. The conductive vapor deposition layer can be provided on the surface of the housing 2 by, for example, a sputtering method. The conductive material may be, for example, a metal such as aluminum, copper, nickel, carbon steel, etc. In this case, it is more preferable to use a metal with high conductivity such as aluminum or copper.

[0038] The shield 8 can be provided, for example, on at least one of the outer wall and the inner wall of the housing 2. In this case, providing the shield 8 on the outer wall and the inner wall of the housing 2 can improve the shielding effect.

[0039] However, the discharge lamp 4, the terminal holder 41, the lighting circuit 6, and the like are provided inside the housing 2. Therefore, if a conductive shield 8 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 2, it is necessary to ensure insulation between the shield 8 and the discharge lamp 4, etc. For example, it is possible to ensure an insulation distance between the shield 8 provided on the inner wall of the housing 2 and the discharge lamp 4, etc., or to insert an insulating member such as an insulating sheet between the shield 8 provided on the inner wall of the housing 2 and the discharge lamp 4, etc.

[0040] However, doing so would increase the thickness dimension T of the housing 2 and the weight of the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1. As described above, the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is often installed in a small space such as the inside of a vehicle together with electronic devices used for driving the vehicle. Therefore, if the thickness dimension T of the housing 2 becomes large or the weight of the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 increases, it may become difficult to install the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0041] 2 and 3, it is preferable to provide the shield 8 on the outer wall of the housing 2. In this way, the distance between the inner wall of the housing 2 having insulating properties and the discharge lamp 4, the terminal holder 41, the lighting circuit 6, etc. can be shortened, which makes it easier to reduce the thickness dimension T of the housing 2. The shield 8 provided on the outer wall of the housing 2 is electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle via, for example, the electric wire 61c of the wiring 61.

[0042] Here, when the housing 2 is divided, a shield is provided for each of the multiple parts of the housing 2. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, when the housing 2 has a first part 21 and a second part 22, a shield 8a is provided on the outer wall of the first part 21, and a shield 8b is provided on the outer wall of the second part 22.

[0043] In this case, the shielding effect of the shield is reduced unless any of the shields provided in each of the multiple parts of the housing 2 is electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle. However, if the electric wire 61c of the wiring 61 is electrically connected to all of the multiple shields, the wiring work may become complicated and disassembly of the housing 2 may become difficult.

[0044] Therefore, when the housing 2 is divided, the shields provided in each of the divided parts of the housing 2 are electrically connected to each other at the connection parts between the divided parts of the housing 2.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged view of part C in FIG. 5, when the housing 2 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22, a shield 8a provided on the outer wall of the first portion 21 and a shield 8b provided on the outer wall of the second portion 22 are in contact with each other at a connection portion 2a between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. For example, a shield 8a can be provided on the end portion on the opening side of the first portion 21, and a shield 8b can be provided on the end portion on the opening side of the second portion 22.

[0046] In this way, the shield 8a and the shield 8b can be electrically connected. Therefore, the shield 8a and the shield 8b can be electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the shielding effect from being reduced. In addition, since it is only necessary to electrically connect the electric wire 61c of the wiring 61 to either the shield 8a or the shield 8b, it is possible to prevent the wiring work from becoming complicated and the housing 2 from becoming difficult to disassemble.

[0047] The first portion 21 is provided with the substrate 3, the pair of terminal holders 41, the lighting circuit 6, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to electrically connect the electric wire 61c of the wiring 61 to the shield 8a provided in the first portion 21. In this way, the second portion 22 can be easily attached and detached.

[0048] As described above, the window 7 has a plurality of openings that transmit the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp 4. Therefore, there is a risk that electromagnetic waves may be radiated to the outside of the housing 2 through the plurality of openings provided in the window 7. In this case, if a shield 8 is provided on the outer surface of the window 7, the ultraviolet rays will not be irradiated to the outside of the housing 2.

[0049] Therefore, the window 7 is made to have electrical conductivity. For example, the window 7 is made of a conductive material. The conductive material can be, for example, the same as the conductive material used for the shield 8. In this case, if the conductive material is a metal, it is possible to increase the resistance to ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp 4.

[0050] If the window 7 is conductive, the reflection loss at the window 7 can be increased, as in the case of the shield 8 described above, and thus the radiation of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the housing 2 through the window 7 can be suppressed.

[0051] Here, if the aperture ratio of the multiple openings provided in the window 7 is reduced, the effect of shielding electromagnetic waves is increased, but ultraviolet rays are less likely to pass through the window 7. If the aperture ratio of the multiple openings provided in the window 7 is increased, ultraviolet rays are more likely to pass through the window 7, but the effect of shielding electromagnetic waves is reduced.

[0052] In this case, the aperture ratio of the multiple openings provided in the window 7 can be appropriately selected within a range of 10% or more and 90% or less. For example, the aperture ratio of the multiple openings can be changed depending on the distance between the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and the electronic device used for driving the vehicle. For example, when the distance between the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and the electronic device is long, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation can be increased by increasing the aperture ratio of the multiple openings. For example, when the distance between the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and the electronic device is short or the electronic device has low noise resistance, the aperture ratio of the multiple openings can be reduced. The aperture ratio of the plurality of openings provided in the window 7 is "(total area of ​​the plurality of openings / area of ​​the window 7)×100".

[0053] Furthermore, similarly to the case of the shield 8 described above, if the window 7 is not electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle, the shielding effect of the window 7 will be reduced. In this case, if the electric wire 61c of the wiring 61 is electrically connected to the shield 8 and the window 7, the wiring work may become complicated and disassembly of the housing 2 may become difficult. Therefore, the window 7 is electrically connected to the shield 8 provided on the housing 2.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of part D in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, a shield 8 (shield 8b) may also be provided on the inner wall of the housing 2 (second portion 22) around the hole 22a for emitting ultraviolet light.

[0055] In this way, it is possible to electrically connect the shield 8 (shields 8b, 8a) and the window 7. Therefore, it is possible to electrically connect the window 7 to the ground of the vehicle via the shield 8 (shields 8b, 8a). As a result, it is possible to prevent the shielding effect of the window 7 from being reduced.

[0056] Also, the window 7 and the shield 8 (shield 8b) can be connected using fastening members such as screws, conductive tape, etc. In this way, the connection between the window 7 and the shield 8 (shield 8b) becomes stronger, so that it is possible to prevent the connection between the window 7 and the shield 8 (shield 8b) from coming loose due to vibrations caused by driving, etc.

[0057] Here, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles may be installed in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles installed in an automobile must be usable in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment where the environmental temperature is 85° C. and the humidity is 85%. However, since the window 7 has a plurality of openings for transmitting ultraviolet light, there is a risk that water vapor or gas may enter the inside of the housing 2 through the plurality of openings. If water vapor or gas enters the inside of the housing 2, migration, corrosion, dirt, etc. may occur in the substrate 3, the discharge lamp 4, the lighting circuit 6, etc. Therefore, the ultraviolet ray irradiation device 1 for a vehicle is provided with a partition portion 9 that separates the internal space of the housing 2 from the outside of the housing 2.

[0058] 1 to 3 and 6, the partition 9 has a plate shape and faces the hole 22a. The partition 9 can be provided, for example, in the housing 2 or in the lamp cover 5. The partition 9 can be attached to the housing 2 or the lamp cover 5 using, for example, a fastening member such as a screw, an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like.

[0059] The partition 9 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light irradiated from the discharge lamp 4. For example, the partition 9 can be made of a glass material such as fused quartz glass, synthetic quartz glass, or borosilicate glass, or a resin that transmits ultraviolet light. The resin that transmits ultraviolet light can be, for example, a transparent plastic such as silicone or cycloolefin polymer.

[0060] There is no particular limitation on the thickness of the partition 9. The thickness of the partition 9 can be appropriately determined in consideration of, for example, rigidity, ultraviolet light transmittance, etc. The planar dimensions of the partition 9 can be larger than the planar dimensions of the hole 22a of the housing 2, for example.

[0061] The partition 9 can be provided on the side of the window 7 opposite to the side of the discharge lamp 4. Here, since the discharge lamp 4 and the partition 9 are made of glass material, the discharge lamp 4 and the partition 9 may be damaged by impact or the like. If the discharge lamp 4 and the partition 9 are damaged and the partition 9 is provided on the side of the window 7 opposite to the side of the discharge lamp 4, there is a risk that fragments will scatter around the periphery of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 for vehicles.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, if the partition portion 9 is provided on the side of the window 7 facing the discharge lamp 4, the window 7 can prevent fragments from scattering around the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0063] 2, 3, and 6, it is preferable to provide a gap 9a between the partition 9 and the window 7. If the partition 9 and the window 7 are in contact with each other, thermal stress may occur between the partition 9 and the window 7 as the discharge lamp 4 is turned on and off. If thermal stress occurs between the partition 9 and the window 7, the partition 9 and the window 7 may be deformed, damaged, or worn. If a gap 9a is provided between the partition 9 and the window 7, the occurrence of thermal stress can be suppressed, and therefore deformation of the partition 9 and the window 7 can be suppressed.

[0064] As shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 6, the partition 9 can be attached via an elastic member 91. The elastic member 91 is, for example, frame-shaped and located near the periphery of the window 7. If the elastic member 91 is provided, it is possible to reduce vibrations and impacts caused by traveling and improve sealing performance. The elastic member 91 can be made of, for example, fluororubber. If the elastic member 91 contains fluororubber, it is possible to improve resistance to ultraviolet rays irradiated from the discharge lamp 4.

[0065] Although the partition 9 and the window 7 are provided separately, the partition 9 and the window 7 may be provided integrally. For example, a resin that transmits ultraviolet light can be filled into a plurality of openings provided in the window 7. For example, the window 7 can be provided inside the partition 9 by using an insert molding method or the like. In this case, a part of the window 7 can be exposed from the partition 9 and electrically connected to the shield 8.

[0066] As described above, the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is provided with the window 7 and the shield 8, so that it is possible to suppress radiation of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the housing 2. In addition, the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is provided with the partition section 9, so that it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water vapor and gas into the inside of the housing 2. In other words, the vehicle ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment can suppress radiation of electromagnetic waves and can improve environmental resistance.

[0067] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 UV irradiation device for vehicle, 2 housing, 2a connection portion, 3 board, 4 discharge lamp, 5 lamp cover, 6 lighting circuit, 7 window, 8 shield, 8a shield, 8b shield, 21 first portion, 22 second portion, 22a hole, 9 partition portion

Claims

1. A discharge lamp capable of emitting ultraviolet light; a lighting circuit capable of applying a drive voltage of a predetermined frequency to the discharge lamp; a housing having an internal space for accommodating the discharge lamp and the lighting circuit, the housing having a hole facing the discharge lamp; a shield provided on at least one of an outer wall of the housing and an inner wall of the housing and having electrical conductivity; a window having electrical conductivity, facing the hole, and having a plurality of openings through which the ultraviolet light irradiated from the discharge lamp can pass; a partition portion that faces the hole, separates the internal space of the housing from the outside of the housing, and is capable of transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the discharge lamp; An ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle equipped with the above.

2. 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the partition is provided on a side of the window facing the discharge lamp.

3. 3. The ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the partition and the window.

4. 4. The ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a frame-shaped elastic member located in the vicinity of a periphery of the window.

5. 5. The ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member includes fluororubber.

6. 2. The ultraviolet irradiation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the partition portion is provided integrally with the window.

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