Light sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a light sterilizer that radiates UV-rays and is small in size and excellent in portability.SOLUTION: A light sterilizer 1 has a handle 10 and a housing 30. A battery 45 and a first switch 61 are arranged on a leg 12 of the handle 10, and a second switch 62 and an indicator 70 are arranged on another leg 13. A light source unit 50 composed of a substrate 52 on which an LED module 51 is mounted is installed on a bottom surface portion 31 of the housing 30. When power is supplied by turning on the first switch 61 and the second switch, ultraviolet light is radiated from the light source unit 50 toward a surface portion (target surface) of a display screen of a screen display device applied or coated with a photocatalyst to promote a photocatalytic reaction to light-sterilize the target surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical sterilization device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the importance of sterilization and antiviral measures has been increasing as a means of preventing infectious diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, a device that irradiates an object with ultraviolet light has been proposed as a device that can easily perform sterilization and antiviral measures. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a framed item that has been treated with infection prevention measures using a photocatalytic reaction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-28067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is generally known that ultraviolet rays are harmful to the human body, but ultraviolet rays containing wavelengths in the UV-A region are known to have wavelengths that have less adverse effects on humans (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, although the device in Patent Document 1 uses ultraviolet rays, particularly wavelengths in the UV-A region, the optical sterilization device is attached specifically to framed items, and the optical sterilization device is not portable, so it has the drawback of not being able to be used to sterilize multiple devices.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical sterilization device that is small, highly portable, and capable of sterilizing and antiviral measures for multiple devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the optical sterilization device of the present invention comprises: a handle having a long gripping portion, a pair of legs facing each other at both ends of the gripping portion, and a flat base from which the other ends of the pair of legs stand; a housing disposed on a lower surface of the base; a battery detachably disposed on a side surface of the leg; a light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet light from the bottom side of the housing toward a target surface; Equipped with When the light source unit emits light, a distance between the light source unit and the target surface onto which ultraviolet light is irradiated from the light source unit is maintained constant. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by using a small, portable optical sterilization device that irradiates near-ultraviolet rays, it is possible to carry it around and efficiently perform sterilization and antiviral tasks on screen display devices, etc., while also performing optical sterilization that saves time and labor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an optical sterilization device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the housing of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment, viewed from below. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the housing of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 8]Figure 8(A) is a side view in the short direction of the housing of the optical sterilization device in the embodiment, (B) is a top view of the same, (C) is a side view in the long direction of the same, and (D) is a bottom view of the same. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) is a schematic oblique view of the attachment of the optical sterilization device in the embodiment, seen from above; Figure 9(B) is a top view of the attachment of the optical sterilization device in the embodiment; Figure 9(C) is a bottom view of the attachment; and Figure 9(D) is a front view of the attachment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the lighting state of the indicator in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the present invention, sterilization is not limited to the removal and reduction of microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, but is interpreted in the broadest sense to include sterilization, antibacterial, disinfection, sterilization, bacteriostasis, and the like.

[0010] The present invention provides an optical disinfection device that disinfects a target surface by irradiating it with ultraviolet light to promote a photocatalytic reaction on the target surface that has been coated or applied with a photocatalyst that utilizes the photocatalytic activity of titanium oxide or the like. The target surface can be any surface that has been coated or applied with a photocatalyst, including the surface of a display screen such as an LCD display, touch panel, or LCD tablet, as well as input devices such as keyboards, items such as tables, desks, and mouse pads, and surfaces such as mirrors and picture frames, and is not limited to screen display devices.

[0011] Conventionally, disinfection of surfaces such as the display screen of a screen display device has been performed by manual wiping using disinfectant sprays or mops. However, manual wiping has limited the use of disinfectants such as alcohol, and is time-consuming and difficult to completely disinfect the target surface. The optical disinfection device of the present invention can be used as a substitute for or in combination with manual disinfection, thereby reducing the disinfection effort and improving the disinfection quality of high-touch surfaces (surfaces that are likely to be touched by many people).

[0012] Next, an optical sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below shows a specific example of the present invention, and therefore the arrangement, functions, and numerical values ​​of the components described in the embodiment are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0013] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic oblique view of an optical sterilization device 1 in an embodiment, Figure 2 is a front view of the optical sterilization device 1 in an embodiment, Figure 3 is a left side view of the optical sterilization device 1 in an embodiment, and Figure 4 is a right side view of the optical sterilization device 1 in an embodiment. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the entire optical sterilization device 1 as seen from diagonally above. The optical sterilization device 1 is composed of an upper handle 10 and a flat housing 30 provided below the handle 10. The handle 10 is composed of an elongated gripping portion 11 with its axis direction horizontal, legs 12 and 13 at both ends thereof inclined at a certain angle and facing each other, and a flat base 20 on which the other ends of legs 12 and 13 stand.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 10 is formed by vertically assembling two roughly symmetrical molds and fastening them together with a fixing means such as screws. The grip portion 11 is designed to have a length that allows a worker performing light sterilization work to hold it comfortably with both hands, and a diameter and cross-sectional shape that are easy to grip. The cross-sectional shape may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or oval, with a maximum diameter of 10 mm to 70 mm, preferably 20 mm to 60 mm, and more preferably 25 mm to 35 mm. The handle 10 is cast by aluminum die-casting, but it may also be manufactured by bending an aluminum plate. In addition to aluminum alloys, other metals such as iron, stainless steel, and magnesium alloys may also be used. In addition to metal materials, other materials such as plastics such as epoxy resins and ceramics may also be used.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, both leg 12 and leg 13 are inclined toward grip 11. The inclination angle α of leg 12 and the inclination angle β of leg 13 are inclination angles at the intersection of axis X of elongated grip 11 and line Y along the side of leg 12, 13. The inclination angles α and β are both set within the range of 15° to 90°. Preferably, they are set within the range of 30° to 60°, and may further be set within the range of 45° to 55°. Furthermore, the inclination angles α and β do not necessarily have to be the same value and may be set to different angles.

[0016] 3 shows a state in which the battery 45 is detachably attached to the side of the leg 12. To remove the battery 45 from the leg 12, simply pull it upward along the leg 12. The battery 45 is a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, or the like, and is charged by an external charging device.

[0017] A first switch (main switch) 61 is provided below the battery 45. In this embodiment, the first switch 61 is a seesaw switch that switches ON / OFF by alternately pressing the left and right portions.

[0018] In Figure 4, a second switch (push button switch) 62 is disposed near the top of the other leg 13. An indicator 70 and a strap attachment part 65 are provided at the bottom of the side. The indicator 70 has four LED light-emitting elements 72 arranged in a row.

[0019] The strap attachment portion 65 provided on the lower side of the leg portion 13 has an opening in the center. By inserting the end of a strap (not shown) into the opening in the center and attaching the strap to the optical sterilization device 1, it becomes easier for workers to carry the optical sterilization device 1 and improves work efficiency.

[0020] 5 is a plan view of the optical sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in the figure, the optical sterilization device 1 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, and an indicator 70 is attached near the top surface of the strap attachment part 65. Therefore, the operator can easily see the indicator 70 from the direction of the grip part 11.

[0021] 6 is a plan view of the housing of the optical sterilization device in this embodiment, viewed from below. A recess (spacing member installation portion) 36 is provided in the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30. In this embodiment, rollers (spacing members) 32 are rotatably arranged in the recess 36 at four locations on the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30. Roller shafts 33 support both sides of the rollers 32 so that the rollers 32 are rotatable.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the housing 30 of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment, seen obliquely from above. Fig. 8(A) is a side view in the width direction of the housing 30 of the optical sterilization device according to the embodiment, Fig. 8(B) is a plan view, Fig. 8(C) is a side view in the length direction, and Fig. 8(D) is a bottom view.

[0023] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8(B) to 8(D), the top surface of the housing 30 has ten upwardly protruding recesses 36 formed therein to accommodate the spacing members 32. The housing 30 is made by aluminum die-casting, but it may also be manufactured by bending an aluminum plate. Other metals, such as iron, stainless steel, and magnesium alloys, may also be used in addition to aluminum alloys. Furthermore, other materials, such as plastics like epoxy resins and ceramics, may also be used, instead of metal materials. The housing 30 is fixed to the base 20 of the handle 10 by fixing means 38, such as screws or bolts.

[0024] Furthermore, the rollers 32 are arranged so that they move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 30 while remaining horizontal. The locations at which the rollers 32 are arranged are not limited to four, and they may be installed in a range of three to ten locations depending on the size, weight, use, etc. of the light sterilization device 1. The recess cover 35 is a cover that covers the recesses 36 in which no rollers 32 are installed, but when adding or replacing rollers 32, the recess cover 35 can be removed and the rollers 32 can be installed.

[0025] On the other hand, when the roller 32 that was placed is no longer needed, the recess 36 can be covered with the recess cover 35, which allows work to proceed smoothly without causing any problems due to the recess 36 being blocked. Furthermore, the roller 32 is fixed by one-touch engagement of the roller shaft 33 into a pair of notches 37 formed in the recess 36, so that it can be easily removed when no longer needed, or replaced if the roller 32 has trouble rotating due to wear or a malfunction.

[0026] The spacing member 32 disposed on the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30 is a member for maintaining a constant distance between the light source unit 50 and the target surface to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. Maintaining the distance between the light source unit 50 and the target surface to be irradiated with ultraviolet light within 20 mm can achieve an efficient light sterilization effect without uneven sterilization. For example, if the light source unit 50 is an LED module 51 that emits UV-A wavelength light, it is recommended that the distance between the light source unit 50 and the target surface to be irradiated with ultraviolet light be within 10 mm.

[0027] In addition, in the embodiment, rollers 32 are used as spacing members, but the spacing members 32 are not limited to rollers 32. For example, spacing members 32 having a semicircular or sled shape that can move smoothly on the target surface, i.e., sliding members whose surface that comes into contact with the target surface has a low coefficient of friction, may be used.

[0028] Furthermore, one or more recesses 36 provided on the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30 may be used to attach accessories such as a brush or paintbrush for cleaning the target surface. By attaching a cleaning tool such as a brush or paintbrush, dust present on the target surface can be removed before light sterilization, thereby improving the efficiency of light sterilization. Various other tools may also be attached to the recesses 36 in the necessary locations as appropriate.

[0029] 9 shows a substantially U-shaped attachment 22 attached to both ends of the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30 of the optical sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment. As also shown in Fig. 6, part of the attachment 22 serves as a recess cover 35 to cover the recess 36 where the roller 32 is not installed, and also to cover both ends (both tip ends) of the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30, thereby ensuring smooth movement of the optical sterilization device 1 and protecting both ends of the bottom surface 31.

[0030] Fig. 9(A) is a schematic perspective view of the attachment 22 of the optical sterilization device 1 in this embodiment, seen from above. Fig. 9(B) is a top view of the attachment 22, Fig. 9(C) is a bottom view, and Fig. 9(D) is a front view.

[0031] As shown in Figures 9(A) to 9(D), the attachment 22 has a front surface 25 with arc-shaped corners, and a recess cover portion 26 that functions as a recess cover 35 for covering a recess 36 formed in the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30. The recess cover portion 26 is integrally connected to the front surface 25 by a relay portion 27. The front surface 25 of the attachment 22 is formed of an elastic material with shock-absorbing properties so as not to damage the edges of the screen display device. Furthermore, in order to obtain shock-absorbing properties, locking holes 23 may be formed in each corner of the front surface 25 of the attachment 22, and bullet-shaped protective members 24 may be fitted into the locking holes 23 for locking.

[0032] The attachment 22 is made of an elastic material such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, or silicone rubber, which has elasticity that prevents damage when it comes into contact with the target surface or edge of the screen display device. Other materials, such as nonwoven fabric, foam plastic, cardboard, or thick paper sheets, may also be used depending on the application. Furthermore, it is effective to use a material with low static and dynamic friction coefficients on the surface that comes into contact with the target surface to ensure smooth movement without damaging the target surface. Alternatively, the surface of the elastic material may be coated or affixed with a plastic sheet with excellent lubricity, such as a fluororesin sheet, a high-density polyethylene sheet, or a PTFE sheet, to impart lubricity and elasticity to the attachment 22. Similar materials and structures may also be used for the roller 32, recess cover 35, and protective member 24 described above.

[0033] Furthermore, the attachment 22 may be colored depending on the application. Also, by thickening the bottom side of the attachment 22, it is possible to maintain a constant distance between the light source unit 50 and the target surface without using a spacing member such as the roller 32.

[0034] The attachment 22 and the spacing member 32 may be produced using a 3D printer, and may be quickly assembled as components that can be adapted to various shapes and uses.

[0035] 6 shows a configuration in which two bullet-shaped protective members 24 are attached to each corner of the attachment 22. As described above, the protective members 24 are used to prevent damage to the edges of the screen display device, and can be replaced with protective members 24 of different shapes, colors, materials, etc. depending on the application. Furthermore, when the protective members 24 become unusable due to wear or deterioration over time, they can be easily replaced.

[0036] It is important for the optical sterilization device 1 to always maintain uniform sterilization quality, and for this reason, it is necessary to always maintain a constant intensity of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 50. Rollers 32 serving as spacing members are arranged on the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30, and by always maintaining a constant distance from the target surface, such as a screen display device, on which optical sterilization is performed, the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation on the target surface is kept uniform.

[0037] The rollers 32 maintain a constant distance between the light source unit 50 and the screen display device (not shown), which has the advantage that there is no need to lift the light sterilization device 1 during work, and the strain on the arms is reduced.

[0038] The light source unit 50 has a substrate 52 on which a plurality of LED modules 51 are mounted in a row. The light source unit 50 is installed so as to be removable from the housing 30, and can be replaced with a substrate 52 having a different arrangement or number of mounted LED modules 51 depending on the application.

[0039] The cover member 55 is provided on the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30 so as to cover the entire light source unit 50 including the LED module 51 and the substrate 52. In this embodiment, the cover member 55 is formed of a transparent sheet with a low coefficient of friction, and has the effect of transmitting ultraviolet light.

[0040] The irradiation range of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 50 of the optical sterilization device 1 in this embodiment will be described. When the screen size of the target surface of a screen display device or the like is 20 inches or 32 inches, an operator can scan the entire screen by moving the optical sterilization device 1 in one direction once while holding the handle 10. Furthermore, when the screen size of the target surface of a screen display device or the like is 42 inches, the entire screen can be scanned by moving the device twice.

[0041] That is, the optical sterilization device 1 of the embodiment Taking into consideration portability and work efficiency, the irradiation range is limited for target surfaces such as screen display devices with a screen size of 32 inches or less, based on the standard of optical sterilization with a single movement operation.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the lit state of the indicator 70 in the optical sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment. The indicator 70 visually indicates the operating status of the optical sterilization device 1 to the operator. In the embodiment, the indicator 70 has four LED light-emitting elements 72 arranged in a row. While red light-emitting elements are used as the LED light-emitting elements 72, this is not limiting, and blue, green, white, or other LED light-emitting elements may be used, or LED light-emitting elements of multiple colors may be appropriately arranged. Furthermore, the number of light-emitting elements in the indicator 70 is not limited to four, and one to ten may be used, and the arrangement is not limited to a single row, and multiple rows may be arranged in a straight or curved shape, or in an appropriate shape such as a circle or a rectangle.

[0043] When the first switch 61 is turned ON (power supply starts), power supply from the battery 45 to a control unit (not shown) located inside the handle 10 begins, and all four LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned on in response to a command signal from the control unit. The operator recognizes that the light sterilization device 1 has entered standby mode when the indicator 70 lights up. Next, when the second switch 62 is turned ON, power supply to the light source unit 50 begins, the LED module 51 mounted on the board 52 emits light, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30 toward the outside, commencing light sterilization.

[0044] The control unit sends a signal to the LED light-emitting element 72 of the indicator 70 to repeatedly flash every second, and then turn it off 15 seconds after lighting. Next, the control unit sends a signal to the adjacent LED light-emitting element 72 to repeatedly flash every second, and then turn it off 15 seconds after lighting. The remaining LED light-emitting elements 72 repeat the same display, and when 60 seconds have passed since the first second switch 62 was turned on, all of the LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned off. When all of the LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned off, the worker knows that 60 seconds have passed since starting work. Thereafter, the indicator 70 repeats the above display.

[0045] In addition, in order to ensure the safety of workers against exposure to ultraviolet rays, when 60 seconds have passed since the first second switch 62 was turned ON, all of the LED light-emitting elements 72 are turned OFF, and at the same time, the light source unit 50 is turned OFF and placed in a standby state, and ultraviolet irradiation can be resumed by turning the second switch 62 ON again.

[0046] The base 20 may also be provided with a sensor (not shown) that detects the load of the rollers 32. When the sensor detects the load of the rollers 32, it issues a command to the control unit to supply power to the light source unit 50, and when it does not detect the load of the rollers 32, it issues a command to the control unit not to supply power to the light source unit 50. This makes it easy to switch between emitting and extinguishing ultraviolet light by the light source unit 50 depending on whether the rollers 32 are close to or separate from the display surface of the screen display device. Furthermore, the optical sterilization device 1 may also be provided with a control device equipped with a human sensor that automatically stops ultraviolet light emission when it detects a person in the direction of ultraviolet light emission.

[0047] Ultraviolet light is known to be harmful to the human body, but because it is not visible light, it may have adverse effects on the human body. The present invention targets electromagnetic waves ranging from approximately 10 to 405 nm, including ultraviolet light and visible light, as the irradiation light used for photo-sterilization. Among ultraviolet light, the wavelength band of 315 to 380 nm (UV-A), which has a dominant wavelength of 365 nm and is considered to be near ultraviolet, is a relatively safe range for the human body. Although the photo-sterilization device 1 of the present invention uses ultraviolet light in the UV-A range, this does not prevent photo-sterilization using visible light in the 405 nm wavelength band, the UV-B range (280 to 315 nm), or the UV-C range (200 to 280 nm; deep ultraviolet).

[0048] The light source unit 50 includes a substrate 52 on which a plurality of LED modules 51 are mounted, and the LED modules 51 are used as a light source for emitting ultraviolet light. Alternatively, a fluorescent lamp, organic EL, xenon lamp, halogen lamp, or the like that emits ultraviolet light may be used as the light source.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0050] According to the present invention, by using a compact optical sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet rays, it is possible to perform optical sterilization that is highly portable, efficiently performs sterilization and antiviral tasks on screen display devices, etc., and saves time and labor.

[0051] 1 Optical sterilization device 10 Handle 11 Gripping part 12 Legs 13 Legs 20 base 22 Attachment 23 Locking hole 24 Protective materials 25 Front part 26 Recess cover 27 Relay Section 30 Case 31 Bottom part 32 Roller (spacing member) 33 Roller shaft 35 Recess cover 36 Recess (spacing member installation portion) 37 Cutout 38 Screws (fixing means) 45 Battery 50 Light source section 51 LED modules 52 PCB 55 Cover member 61 First switch (main switch) 62 Second switch (push button switch) 65 Strap attachment point 70 indicators 72 LED light emitting element

Claims

1. a handle having a long gripping portion, a pair of legs facing each other at both ends of the gripping portion, and a flat base from which the other ends of the pair of legs stand; a housing disposed on a lower surface of the base; a battery detachably disposed on a side surface of the leg; a light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet light from the bottom side of the housing toward a target surface; Equipped with a plurality of recesses for mounting spacing members are provided along the periphery of the bottom surface of the housing; the spacing member is a roller and includes a roller shaft supporting both sides of the roller so that the roller is rotatable; The rollers are fixed by one-touch engagement of the roller shafts with a pair of notches formed in the recess, and are arranged at least at three locations in the recess so as to keep the housing horizontal and move at least in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, When the light source unit emits light, a distance between the light source unit and the target surface onto which ultraviolet light is irradiated from the light source unit is maintained constant. A light sterilization device characterized by:

2. The optical sterilization device described in claim 1, characterized in that the light source unit has a substrate on which multiple LED modules are mounted, and a cover member is provided on the bottom surface of the housing so as to cover the light source unit.

3. A first switch and a second switch are installed on the leg, The power supply from the battery to the control unit is started by operating the first switch, and the power supply is stopped by operating the first switch again. The optical sterilization device described in claim 1, characterized in that when power is supplied to the control unit, operating the second switch starts power supply to the light source unit, and when the second switch is operated again, power supply to the light source unit is stopped.

4. The optical sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the housing has attachments at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the attachments are made of an elastic material.

5. The optical sterilization device according to claim 4, wherein the attachment has locking holes at two corners for detachably attaching protective members.

6. The handle has an indicator, The optical sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of LED light-emitting elements and indicates the emission state of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit.

7. The optical sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit irradiates ultraviolet light in the UV-A wavelength range.

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