UV sterilization device

Abstract

To improve the usability of a UV sterilization device.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A UV sterilization device according to the present invention comprises: a casing having formed therein a housing space in which an object can be housed, the casing having an opening for insertion of the object; a stage on which the inserted object is placed, the stage configured to move the placed object to the housing space; and a plurality of light sources regularly arranged at prescribed intervals in the housing space, the light sources configured to emit UV light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to UV disinfection devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a need to improve hygiene due to the outbreak of large-scale infectious diseases, some of which can be prevented more effectively by frequently disinfecting personal items. Patent Document 1 describes a UV sterilization device that sterilizes small devices that come into contact with the human body when used. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the small devices are housed in the housing space of the cover main body, and the small devices are sterilized by emitting ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light-emitting diode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-525063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to store the small device in the storage space, and further improvements in convenience are desired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to further improve the convenience of sterilization treatment devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a UV sterilization device that includes a housing having an opening for inserting an object and forming a storage space inside the housing that can hold an object, a stage on which the inserted object is placed and which moves the inserted object into the storage space, and a plurality of light sources that emit ultraviolet light and are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals within the storage space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The UV sterilization device of the present disclosure can further improve the convenience of the UV sterilization device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the XZ plane. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 2 along CC. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stage of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the YZ plane. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the opening and closing unit of the UV sterilizer. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the opening and closing operation of the lid; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilizer in the step of inserting a smartphone. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device in the step of closing the lid of the housing and irradiating ultraviolet rays. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilizer in the step where the smartphone is removed. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the state when a smartphone is inserted into the housing of a UV sterilizer. [Figure 13] This figure shows the process of a smartphone being placed in the housing of a UV sterilizer. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a smartphone housed in the housing of a UV sterilizer. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device in the state shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view of the X-Y plane of the UV sterilization device in a state where ultraviolet rays are being irradiated. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a state where a smartphone is taken out from the housing of the UV sterilization device. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the UV sterilization device according to Modification 1. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the UV sterilization device according to Modification 2.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] <Overview> The UV sterilization device 80 has a function of sterilizing objects carried by a user. Examples of objects sterilized by the UV sterilization device 80 include smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. Note that the UV sterilization device 80 may sterilize other objects. The UV sterilization device 80 can be placed, for example, on a washstand in a toilet, etc., at a place where hands are washed. Also, the UV sterilization device 80 may be placed on a table in a restaurant, etc., at a place where meals are taken. Further, the UV sterilization device 80 may be placed beside a cash register, etc., at a place where a short time occurs.

[0011] <Configuration of UV Sterilization Device 80> The UV sterilization device 80 (sterilization device) has a function of irradiating ultraviolet rays to an object of a user and sterilizing the surface of the object. Examples of the user's carried items include (1) items worn on the user's body such as glasses and watches, (2) items held by the user's hand and used for other items or devices (for example, a key used to lock or unlock a door, a card with a communication chip built-in for communicating with a payment device, etc.), (3) devices operated by the user's hand such as a smartphone, etc. In this embodiment, a smartphone carried by a user will be described as an example of a portable item.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of UV sterilization device 80 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of UV sterilization device 80 according to this embodiment. UV sterilization device 80 shown in Figure 1 includes a control unit 81, a communication unit 82, an irradiation unit 83, an opening / closing unit 84, a lifting unit 85, and a sensor unit 86.

[0013] The control unit 81 controls the UV sterilization device 80. The control unit 81 is realized by the processor reading out a program stored in the storage, expanding the program in the memory, and executing instructions included in the expanded program. A processor is hardware that executes a set of instructions written in a program and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc. Storage is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or a hard disk drive. Memory is a volatile memory, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), that temporarily stores programs and data processed by the programs.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 81 executes a program stored in the memory to realize the functions of a signal receiving unit 81A, a drive command generating unit 81B, and an irradiation command generating unit 81C. The signal receiving unit 81A receives signals from the outside, including signals detected by the sensor unit 86 regarding the insertion or removal of an object (for example, a smartphone).

[0015] Drive command generator 81B generates drive commands for other units in UV sterilization device 80. Specifically, drive command generator 81B generates, for example, a drive command for opening / closing unit 84 to open and close lid 84A. Drive command generator 81B generates, for example, a drive command for lifting unit 85 to lift and lower stage 85A, which guides an object inserted into opening 87A to the vicinity of ultraviolet light source 83A.

[0016] The irradiation command generating section 81C generates a drive command for the irradiation unit 83 to irradiate ultraviolet light.

[0017] The communication unit 82 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the control unit 81 can communicate with external devices.

[0018] The irradiation unit 83 is a device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto portable items inserted into the UV sterilization device 80. The irradiation unit 83 is equipped with a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A. The configuration of the irradiation unit 83 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The opening and closing unit 84 has a function of opening and closing a lid 84A of the UV sterilization device 80. The configuration of the opening and closing unit 84 will be described later.

[0020] The lifting unit 85 is a device that moves the stage 85A up and down. The configuration of the lifting unit 85 will be described later.

[0021] The sensor unit 86 is a device that detects that a portable item has been inserted into the UV sterilization device 80. The sensor unit 86 includes a plurality of optical sensors 86A (sensors). The configuration of the sensor unit 86 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The structure of UV sterilization device 80 will be described. In describing the structure of UV sterilization device 80, the horizontal direction along the long side of UV sterilization device 80 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction X, and the direction along the short side perpendicular to the long side will be referred to as the width direction Y. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y will be referred to as the up-down direction Z. As shown in FIG. 2, UV sterilization device 80 has a housing 87, a cap 88, and a lid 84A. Housing 87 is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped with an interior storage space for storing a smartphone. An opening 87A (see FIG. 8) that opens upward is formed at the upper end of housing 87 in the vertical direction Z. UV sterilizer 80 is disposed at a position where opening 87A connects to a hole formed in top plate 10.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 87 has a generally rectangular shape with long sides extending in the longitudinal direction X and short sides extending in the width direction Y in a plan view seen from above.

[0024] The cap 88 is attached to the top of the housing 87 along the XY plane. An insertion opening 88A that penetrates the cap 88 in the vertical direction Z is formed in the cap 88. The insertion opening 88A has approximately the same size as the opening 87A of the housing 87. The cap 88 is fixed at a position above and spaced apart from the housing 87 so that the insertion opening 88A and the opening 87A of the housing 87 communicate with each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0025] The lid 84A is part of the opening / closing unit 84, and is disposed along the XY plane between the cap 88 and the housing 87. The lid 84A is attached to the housing 87 so as to be slidable in the Y-axis direction relative to the housing 87 and the cap 88 (see FIG. 8). In other words, the cap 88 is fixed to the housing 87 with the lid 84A sandwiched between them.

[0026] 2, a protrusion 88B that protrudes upward (outward) is formed on the periphery of the insertion opening 88A on the upper surface of the cap 88. The protrusion 88B is formed around the entire periphery of the opening periphery of the insertion opening 88A. The protruding portion 88B protrudes gradually upward toward the inside of the insertion opening 88A.

[0027] The housing 87 is made up of two members (a first member 87B and a second member 87C) arranged opposite each other in the width direction Y. The first member 87B and the second member 87C are both substantially square in front view in the width direction Y and are of equal size. A hinge portion 87D that connects the first member 87B and the second member 87C to each other is provided at one end of each of the first member 87B and the second member 87C in the longitudinal direction X.

[0028] The hinge portion 87D has a rotation axis that extends in the up-down direction Z. The first member 87B and the second member 87C are connected to each other so as to move closer to or farther away from each other in the width direction Y around the rotation axis of the hinge portion 87D.

[0029] A snap lock 87E that secures the first member 87B and the second member 87C is provided at the other end of the first member 87B and the second member 87C in the longitudinal direction X. Locking the snap lock 87E secures the first member 87B and the second member 87C. Two snap locks 87E are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction Z.

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 along the XZ plane. Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 shown in Figure 2 taken along line BB, and Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 shown in Figure 2 taken along line AA.

[0031] 3A, a first plate 87F having a plate shape and on which a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged is installed on the first member 87B. The first plate 87F is one of a pair of plates that form the storage space. Grooves 87H extending in the vertical direction Z are formed on the first plate 87F. That is, the first plate 87F has a plurality of grooves 87H on the surface facing the storage space.

[0032] A plurality of grooves 87H are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction X. In the illustrated example, six grooves 87H are formed in the first plate 87F. In the first plate 87F, the six grooves 87H are formed in parallel. Linear peaks 87J extending in the up-down direction Z are formed between adjacent grooves 87H.

[0033] At the bottom of the groove 87H in the Y-axis direction, a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction Z. The plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction Z.

[0034] The ultraviolet light source 83A is a light source that emits ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light source 83A is designed to generate deep ultraviolet light to the extent that it can inactivate almost all viruses, for example, in the time it takes to wash your hands. Specifically, the ultraviolet light source 83A is designed to generate deep ultraviolet light to the extent that it can inactivate approximately 99% of viruses in 20 seconds. Specifically, the intensity of the ultraviolet light generated from the ultraviolet light source 83A is 14 mJ / cm 2 It is preferable that the wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A is 200 to 280 nm.

[0035] 3A, the upper end of groove 87H in the Z-axis direction is formed in an arc shape. The arc shape corresponds to the irradiation range of light emitted from ultraviolet light source 83A. In this embodiment, the upper end of groove 87H is formed in an arc shape with a radius of 14 mm. The same number of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged at the same height for each of the multiple grooves 87H. In the illustrated example, six ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged for one groove 87H. That is, the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals. The multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A are also arranged in a lattice pattern at predetermined intervals. More specifically, the intervals in the vertical direction Z between the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a lattice pattern are shorter than the intervals in the longitudinal direction X. The arrangement of the ultraviolet light sources 83A is not limited to this arrangement structure. For example, it may be an arrangement structure in which two types of lattice arrangements are combined so that the positions in the longitudinal direction X are alternately different along the order of positions in the vertical direction Z. In this case, the shape of the grooves 87H may be changed as appropriate.

[0036] An optical sensor 86A is disposed at the upper end of the first plate 87F, i.e., near the opening 87A of the housing 87. The optical sensors 86A are disposed above the region of the first plate 87F in the vertical direction Z where the grooves 87H are formed, with a plurality of optical sensors 86A spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X, which is the direction in which the grooves 87H are arranged. The distance between the optical sensors 86A is preferably 20 mm to 35 mm. In the illustrated example, five optical sensors 86A are disposed at intervals of 30 mm. The distance between the optical sensors 86A is equal to the distance between the ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a lattice pattern in the longitudinal direction X. The number of optical sensors 86A can be changed as desired. Sensor unit 86 including optical sensors 86A uses optical sensors 86A to detect the insertion of an object into opening 87A of housing 87 and the placement of the inserted object inside UV sterilization device 80.

[0037] A pair of linear guides 85B of the lifting unit 85 are arranged on the outer side of the first plate 87F in the longitudinal direction X. The linear guides 85B are guide devices for use when the stage 85A of the lifting unit 85 is raised and lowered. The linear guide 85B includes a rail extending in the vertical direction Z and a block that slides on the rail. The stage 85A is fixed to the block.

[0038] Of the pair of linear guides 85B, the linear guide 85B on the hinge portion 87D side has a ball screw 85C arranged in parallel with the linear guide 85B at a predetermined interval in the width direction Y. The ball screw 85C includes a shaft that extends in the vertical direction Z, and a nut that moves in the vertical direction Z as the shaft rotates.

[0039] The nut is connected to a block of linear guide 85B. When the shaft of ball screw 85C rotates in accordance with the rotation of motor 85D connected to the lower end of ball screw 85C, the nut moves in the vertical direction Z. Accordingly, the block of linear guide 85B to which the nut is connected slides on the rail, causing stage 85A to rise and fall in the vertical direction Z.

[0040] A stopper sensor 85E is provided at the lower end of the first plate 87F. The stopper sensor 85E is provided between the fifth groove 87H and the sixth groove 87H from the hinge portion 87D side. The stopper sensor 85E detects that the stage 85A is positioned at the lower end.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3B, the second member 87C has a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged thereon, similar to the first member 87B. The second member 87C includes a second plate 87G on which a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged. The second plate 87G is the other of a pair of plates that form the storage space. The second plate 87G has six grooves 87H formed therein, similar to the first plate 87F. That is, the second plate 87G has a plurality of grooves 87H on the surface facing the storage space. Linear peaks 87J extending in the vertical direction Z are formed between adjacent grooves 87H.

[0042] The grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G have the same structure. The grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G are formed so as to face each other in the width direction Y when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed. Note that the grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G do not necessarily have to face each other in the width direction Y when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed. For example, the positions where the grooves 87H are formed may be offset between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G.

[0043] The plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A on the second plate 87G are arranged at the bottom of the groove 87H at intervals in the vertical direction Z. The number of ultraviolet light sources 83A on the first plate 87F and the number of ultraviolet light sources 83A on the second plate 87G are the same.

[0044] The multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged on the first plate 87F and the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged on the second plate 87G are arranged in positions facing each other in the width direction Y when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed.

[0045] Similar to the first plate 87F, the second plate 87G is provided with an optical sensor 86A and a stopper sensor 85E. The stopper sensor 85E is provided between the first groove 87H and the second groove 87H from the hinge portion 87D side. The stopper sensor 85E is a sensor that limits the descent of the stage 85A.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC of the UV sterilization device 80 shown in FIG.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed, the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G are arranged in the housing 87 so that the grooves 87H face each other in the width direction Y.

[0048] In a cross-sectional view, a wall surface 87I of the groove 87H of the first plate 87F is inclined along the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 83A. Specifically, the wall surface 87I is formed so as to widen in the longitudinal direction X from the bottom portion where the ultraviolet light source 83A is provided along the width direction Y toward the second plate 87G. The inclination of the wall surface 87I is formed at an angle so as not to block the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A. Such an angle so as not to block the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A is preferably, for example, 100° or more. Therefore, the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A reaches the second plate 87G without being blocked by the wall surface 87I of the groove 87H.

[0049] Furthermore, wall surfaces 87I of groove 87H of second plate 87G are formed so as to widen in longitudinal direction X from the bottom where ultraviolet light source 83A is provided toward first plate 87F along width direction Y. Wall surfaces 87I are inclined at an angle so as not to block the light emitted from ultraviolet light source 83A. Therefore, the light emitted from ultraviolet light source 83A reaches first plate 87F without being blocked by wall surfaces 87I of groove 87H.

[0050] 4, a stage 85A is disposed between a first plate 87F and a second plate 87G. The stage 85A is raised and lowered in the vertical direction Z by an elevation unit 85. The distance in the width direction Y from the stage 85A to the ultraviolet light source 83A is approximately 22 mm. The mounting plate 85G of the stage 85A is formed to follow the shape of the inner walls of the grooves 87H so as to minimize gaps between the mounting plate 85G and the grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G. In other words, the stage 85A is formed to match the shape of the walls of the grooves 87H. This makes the gaps between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A constant regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction X of the stage 85A.

[0051] This makes it possible to prevent the gap in the width direction Y between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A from becoming larger in parts, even when the grooves 87H are formed in the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G. Furthermore, by raising and lowering the stage 85A, which is formed to match the wall shape of the grooves 87H, in the direction in which the grooves 87H are formed, accessories such as straps attached to the smartphone can be prevented from becoming caught in the gap in the width direction Y between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A.

[0052] 5 is a perspective view of the stage 85A. As shown in FIG. 5, the stage 85A includes a mounting plate 85G having its front and back surfaces facing in the vertical direction Z, and a support plate 85H having its front and back surfaces facing in the width direction Y.

[0053] The mounting plate 85G has a protruding portion 85I that protrudes in the width direction Y to match the shape of the grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G. A groove portion 85J that is recessed downward in the up-down direction Z is formed in the center of the mounting plate 85G in the width direction Y. A smartphone, which is a portable item, is placed on the mounting plate 85G so that the bottom end of the smartphone comes into contact with the groove portion 85J.

[0054] The support plate 85H supports the placement plate 85G. Both ends of the support plate 85H in the longitudinal direction X are connected to blocks of the linear guide 85B in the lifting unit 85. When the ball screw 85C is driven in the vertical direction Z by the driving of the motor 85D, the stage 85A moves up and down while being guided in the vertical direction Z by the linear guide 85B.

[0055] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the YZ plane of UV sterilization device 80. Figure 6A shows a DD cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 shown in Figure 2, and Figure 6B shows an EE cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 shown in Figure 2. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the size of a mounting plate 85G of a stage 85A in the width direction Y varies depending on the position in the longitudinal direction X.

[0056] That is, the portion of the mounting plate 85G where the protruding portion 85I is formed is formed larger in the width direction Y than the portion where the protruding portion 85I is not formed. As a result, as described above, the gap between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A is constant regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction X of the stage 85A.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the main components of the opening / closing unit 84 that drives the lid 84A. As shown in FIG. 7, the opening / closing unit 84 includes a cover 84A, a connecting plate 84B, a linear guide 84C, a rack 84D, a pinion 84E, a motor 84F, and a driver (not shown).

[0058] A through-hole 84G penetrating the lid 84A in the up-down direction Z is formed in the lid 84A (see FIG. 8). The lid 84A is connected to a connecting plate 84B. The lid 84A is provided so as to be movable in the width direction Y, and when the through-hole 84G is positioned over an opening 87A of the housing 87, the opening 87A is in an open state, and when an area of ​​the housing 87 other than the through-hole 84G is positioned over the opening 87A, the opening 87A is in a closed state and blocked.

[0059] The connecting plate 84B is further connected to a block of a linear guide 84C and a rack 84D. The rails of the linear guide 84C extend in the width direction Y. Therefore, the linear guide 84C guides the connecting plate 84B connected to the block in the width direction Y.

[0060] The rack 84D has teeth formed on its lower end along the width direction Y. The teeth of the rack 84D mesh with the pinion 84E, which is a gear. Therefore, the rack 84D moves in the width direction Y as the pinion 84E rotates.

[0061] The motor 84F is driven by electric power from a driver to drive the pinion 84E. The rotation axes of the motor 84F and the pinion 84E extend along the longitudinal direction X. The driver supplies the necessary power to the motor 84F based on a drive command from the control unit 81.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing operation of lid 84A. Fig. 8A is a diagram illustrating a state in which opening 87A of housing 87 is closed, and Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating a state in which opening 87A of housing 87 is opened by lid 84A. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the area other than the through-hole 84G of the lid 84A is positioned between the opening 87A of the housing 87 and the insertion opening 88A of the cap 88 in the vertical direction Z, the opening 87A is closed.

[0063] On the other hand, when the pinion 84E rotates as the motor 84F is driven based on a drive command, the rack 84D moves in the width direction Y. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, the connecting plate 84B connected to the rack 84D moves in the width direction Y while being guided by the linear guide 84C. As a result, the lid 84A moves toward the second member 87C in the width direction Y, and the through hole 84G formed in the lid 84A is positioned between the opening 87A of the housing 87 and the insertion opening 88A of the cap 88 in the vertical direction Z, thereby opening the opening 87A of the cap 88.

[0064] (Control process of UV sterilizer 80) Next, the control process of the UV sterilization device 80 will be described. 12 to 18 used in the following description, the internal structure of the housing 87 is illustrated in order to explain the internal structure.

[0065] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of UV sterilization device 80 in the step of inserting smartphone 100. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of UV sterilization device 80 in the step of closing lid 84A of housing 87 and irradiating ultraviolet rays. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of UV sterilization device 80 in the step where smartphone 100 is removed.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the state when the smartphone 100 is inserted into the UV sterilization device 80. As shown in FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 12, the user inserts the smartphone 100 into the opening 87A of the UV sterilizer 80 via the cap 88.

[0067] 9, the sensor unit 86 uses the optical sensor 86A to detect insertion of the smartphone 100 into the opening 87A (step S101). Specifically, light emitted from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor 86A is reflected by the smartphone 100, causing a change in the amount of light incident on the light-receiving element. The optical sensor 86A detects this change and thereby detects the entry of the smartphone 100.

[0068] After step S101, the sensor unit 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81 (step S102).

[0069] After step S102, the control unit 81 receives a detection signal (step S201). After step S201, the control unit 81 generates a drive signal and transmits it to the lifting unit 85 (step S202).

[0070] After step S202, the lifting unit 85 receives a drive signal (step S301). After step S301, the lifting unit 85 drives the motor 85D in accordance with the received drive signal to lower the stage 85A and guide the smartphone 100 into the housing 87 (step S302). Specifically, the controller of the lifting unit 85 causes the driver to generate a current to be supplied to the motor 85D based on the drive signal. When the driver supplies a current to the motor 85D, the motor 85D is driven and the stage 85A lowers.

[0071] 13 is a diagram showing the process of smartphone 100 being accommodated in housing 87 of UV sterilizer 80. As shown in Fig. 13, smartphone 100 placed on stage 85A is accommodated in the accommodation space of housing 87 as stage 85A descends. In this way, stage 85A moves the placed object into the accommodation space of housing 87 when it detects that an object has been inserted into opening 87A.

[0072] 9, after step S302, the sensor unit 86 determines that the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the housing 87 (step S103). The smartphone 100 being completely accommodated in the housing 87 can be expressed in other words as the smartphone 100 being moved closer to the ultraviolet light source 83A. Specifically, the position of the upper end of the smartphone 100 is lower than the optical sensor 86A, so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor 86A that is reflected onto the smartphone 100 changes. This change is detected by the light-receiving element of the optical sensor 86A, and the optical sensor 86A detects that the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the housing 87.

[0073] After step S103, the sensor unit 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81 (step S104). After step S104, the control unit 81 receives a detection signal from the sensor unit 86 (step S203).

[0074] After step S203, the control unit 81 transmits a drive signal to the lifting unit 85 (step S204). Specifically, the control unit 81 transmits a drive signal to the lifting unit 85 to stop the descent of the stage 85A. When the stopper sensor 85E detects the stage 85A, the control unit 81 may transmit a drive signal to the lifting unit 85 to stop the descent of the stage 85A.

[0075] After step S204, the lifting unit 85 receives the drive signal transmitted from the control unit 81 (step S303). After step S303, the lifting unit 85 controls the motor 85D to stop the lowering of the stage 85A.

[0076] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the state in which smartphone 100 is housed in UV sterilization device 80. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 in the state shown in Figure 14. Figure 15A shows a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 in the YZ plane, and Figure 15B shows a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 in the XY plane.

[0077] 14, the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 86A changes when the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 87. The lifting unit 85 stops when the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 87. 15A, the smartphone 100 is placed so that its lower edge fits into a groove 85J in a mounting plate 85G of the stage 85A. Therefore, the smartphone 100 is in an inclined state so that its upper end contacts a top 87J of a wall surface 87I of either the first plate 87F or the second plate 87G and leans against the wall surface 87I. In this state, the distance in the width direction Y from the ultraviolet light source 83A to the smartphone 100 is approximately 12 mm.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 15B, in a top cross-sectional view, a gap corresponding to the space of the groove 87H is formed between the smartphone 100 and the wall surface 87I. Therefore, a certain gap is secured between the ultraviolet light sources 83A located on both sides in the width direction Y and the surface of the smartphone 100. This prevents the surface of the smartphone 100 from coming into contact with the ultraviolet light sources 83A located at the bottom of the groove 87H. Furthermore, at this time, the smartphone 100 is supported at points by the tops 87J between the grooves 87H provided on the wall surface 87I. This minimizes the supported area, so there is almost no area where light does not reach. In other words, the smartphone 100 is sterilized without any gaps.

[0079] 10, after step S304, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to the opening / closing unit 84. Specifically, when the control unit 81 determines that the smartphone 100 has been moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A (step S205).

[0080] After step S205, the opening / closing unit 84 receives a drive command from the control unit 81 (step S105). After step S105, opening / closing unit 84 drives motor 84F to close lid 84A (step S106). That is, when smartphone 100 reaches the accommodation space, lid 84A closes opening 87A.

[0081] After step S205, the control unit 81 transmits an irradiation command to the irradiation unit 83 (step S206). After step S206, the irradiation unit 83 receives an irradiation command (step S305).

[0082] After step S305, the irradiation unit 83 causes the ultraviolet light source 83A to emit light and irradiate ultraviolet light toward the smartphone 100 (step S306). Specifically, ultraviolet light is emitted simultaneously from the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A toward the smartphone 100. At this time, the ultraviolet light source 83A is caused to emit light for a predetermined period of time, that is, a period of time that is expected to take for hand washing. In other words, when the smartphone 100 placed on the stage 85A reaches the accommodation space, the ultraviolet light source 83A emits ultraviolet light for a predetermined period of time.

[0083] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device 80 in the XY plane while irradiating ultraviolet rays. As shown in FIG. 16, ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A are emitted radially from the light source 83A along the shape of the wall surface 87I. As described above, the surface of the smartphone 100 is not in contact with the ultraviolet light source 83A disposed at the bottom of the groove 87H. Therefore, the irradiation range is not limited by the surface of the smartphone 100 contacting the ultraviolet light source 83A. Therefore, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated over a wide area of ​​the surface of the smartphone 100. Furthermore, because the wall surface 87I is formed to expand inward in the width direction Y from the bottom of the groove 87H, ultraviolet rays emitted from adjacent ultraviolet light sources 83A overlap each other near the top 87J. The distance from the ultraviolet light source 83A to the smartphone 100 located near the top 87J is longer than the distance to the smartphone 100 located directly in front of the ultraviolet light source 83A. Therefore, the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the surface of the smartphone 100 located near the top 87J is weaker than the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the surface of the smartphone 100 located directly in front of the ultraviolet light source 83A. The ultraviolet light from adjacent ultraviolet light sources 83A overlaps near the top 87J, increasing the intensity of the ultraviolet light, so that the entire surface of the smartphone 100 is irradiated with ultraviolet light evenly and effectively.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, after step S306, when the irradiation unit 83 stops the emission of the ultraviolet light source 83A, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to each of the opening / closing unit 84 and the lifting / lowering unit 85 (step S207).

[0085] After step S207, the opening / closing unit 84 receives the drive command transmitted from the control unit 81 (step S107). After step S107, the opening / closing unit 84 drives the motor 84F to open the cover 84A (S108).

[0086] After step S207, the lifting unit 85 receives a drive command from the control unit 81 (step S307). After step S307, the lifting unit 85 drives the motor 84F to raise the slide and take the smartphone 100 out of the housing 2 (S308). Specifically, for example, the lifting unit 85 drives the motor 84F to raise the stage 85A to a predetermined height. The predetermined height is, for example, a height such that the upper part of the smartphone 100 protrudes from the top board 10 by an area that can be held by a user. That is, when the emission of the ultraviolet light source 83A ends, the stage 85A moves the object placed on it to the opening 87A.

[0087] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the smartphone 100 is removed from the UV sterilization device 80. As shown in FIG. 17, as stage 85A rises, a portion of smartphone 100 protrudes upward from opening 87A of housing 87. The user grasps the portion of smartphone 100 protruding from top panel 10 through opening 87A and removes smartphone 100 from UV sterilizer 80, thereby completing the UV sterilization process.

[0088] As described above, UV sterilization device 80 according to this embodiment includes stage 85A, which moves an object inserted into opening 87A into the storage space. This allows UV sterilization device 80 to automatically move the object into the storage space where the sterilization process will be performed. This further improves the convenience of UV sterilization device 80.

[0089] Furthermore, the UV sterilizer 80 detects the insertion of the smartphone 100, automatically stores the smartphone 100 inside, and sterilizes the smartphone 100. After sterilization is complete, the smartphone 100 is automatically ejected to the outside. This allows the user to insert and remove the smartphone 100 while sterilizing the smartphone 100 without touching the UV sterilizer 80. This makes it possible to prevent the UV sterilizer 80 from becoming soiled, even when the UV sterilizer 80 is installed in a public place. Furthermore, even when the UV sterilizer 80 is installed in a public place, the user can use the UV sterilizer 80 with ease.

[0090] Furthermore, UV sterilization device 80 sandwiches smartphone 100 between regularly arranged ultraviolet light sources 83A and irradiates smartphone 100 with ultraviolet light. This allows UV sterilization device 80 to sterilize smartphone 100 evenly across both the front and back surfaces.

[0091] Furthermore, wall surface 87I of groove 87H formed inside UV sterilization device 80 has a shape that does not block the ultraviolet rays generated from ultraviolet light source 83A. This allows ultraviolet rays to be delivered to smartphone 100 efficiently.

[0092] Additionally, ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged in a grid pattern at regular intervals on the surfaces of plates 87F and 87G that form the storage space, facing the storage space. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated from all directions onto smartphone 100 stored in the storage space. This makes it possible to sterilize all areas of smartphone 100 with a single UV sterilization, improving the convenience of UV sterilizer 80. Furthermore, since the spacing between the ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a grid pattern in the vertical direction Z is shorter than the spacing between them in the longitudinal direction X, ultraviolet rays can be expected to overlap even at the position farthest from the ultraviolet light sources 83A (for example, the central region of a rectangle with four ultraviolet light sources 83A as vertices), thereby enabling ultraviolet rays to be uniformly irradiated onto the surface of the smartphone 100. Furthermore, the intervals between the multiple optical sensors 86A are equal to the intervals between the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a grid pattern in the longitudinal direction X. This makes it easy to identify the ultraviolet light source 83A that corresponds to the position in the longitudinal direction A where the smartphone 100 is placed. This allows the ultraviolet light source 83A to effectively irradiate the smartphone 100 according to its position.

[0093] <Variation 1> Next, Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a UV sterilization device 80 according to the first modification.

[0094] Fig. 18A is a diagram showing a state in which the smartphone 100 is inserted in a landscape orientation, and Fig. 18B is a diagram showing a state in which the smartphone 100 is inserted with the case attached.

[0095] 18A, smartphone 100 may be stored sideways in the storage space of housing 87 so that the long sides extend horizontally. In this case, smartphone 100 is completely stored in the storage space before stage 85A reaches the bottom end.

[0096] 18B, when the smartphone 100 is housed in a case that is generally called a notebook-style case and has a cover that covers the display screen side, the smartphone 100 can be housed in the housing space with the cover unfolded. This allows the front and back surfaces of the cover to be sterilized at the same time.

[0097] Furthermore, in the case of a user who uses a plurality of smartphones 100, two smartphones 100 can be placed in parallel on the stage 85A, and two smartphones 100 can be sterilized simultaneously.

[0098] <Variation 2> Next, a second modification will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a UV sterilization device 80 according to the second modification. 19, UV sterilization device 80 may be built into case 200, which is indicated by the dashed line. A hole is formed in the top surface of case 200, and UV sterilization device 80 is disposed inside case 200 at a position where insertion opening 88A of cap 88 is connected to the hole in case 200 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the position of the hole in case 200 is not limited to the top surface, and it may be formed on another outer surface, for example, a surface facing diagonally or horizontally.

[0099] <Other variations> The UV sterilization device 80 according to the above embodiment may have a function to detect things other than the smartphone 100, that is, foreign objects.

[0100] Specifically, for example, unless multiple optical sensors 86A detect an object, sensor unit 86 does not transmit a detection signal to control unit 81. For example, even if one optical sensor 86A detects an object, sensor unit 86 does not generate a detection signal. As a result, even if a finger is inserted into opening 87A, no detection signal is generated, so stage 85A does not descend and lid 84A does not close.

[0101] Furthermore, when an object that has been detected by the multiple optical sensors 86A is no longer detected, the sensor unit 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81. The control unit 81 grasps the height of the stage 85A based on the drive signal transmitted to the lifting unit 85. If the height of the stage 85A when the control unit 81 receives the detection signal is higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 81 controls the lifting unit 85 to return the stage 85A to its original height. As a result, if an object that can be detected by the multiple optical sensors 86A, such as a hand, is inserted into the opening 87A and then immediately removed from the opening 87A, the stage 85A is returned to its original position. In other words, the lid 84A does not close.

[0102] Furthermore, the UV sterilization device 80 may be configured to open the lid 84A and raise the stage 85A when the lid 84A hits an object while closed. For example, the opening / closing unit 84 detects contact between the lid 84A and the object by detecting fluctuations in the power consumption of the motor 84F. When the opening / closing unit 84 detects contact between the lid 84A and the object, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81. When the control unit 81 receives the detection signal, it causes the opening / closing unit 84 to open the lid 84A and the lifting unit 85 to raise the stage 85A. This prevents, for example, a smartphone or tablet exceeding a specified size from being caught in the lid 84A and being damaged when placed on the stage 85A. This also prevents breakdowns of the UV sterilization device 80.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the housing 87 of the UV sterilization device 80 is described as being formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the housing 87 is not limited to a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shape can be changed as desired as long as a storage space capable of storing a smartphone is formed inside.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 83A emits ultraviolet rays simultaneously (uniformly), but the ultraviolet light source 83A does not have to emit ultraviolet rays uniformly. The ultraviolet light source 83A may irradiate ultraviolet rays in a direction toward a predetermined area of ​​the smartphone 100 that is likely to be particularly dirty, such as the vicinity of the home button or the center area of ​​the display. The predetermined position may be set statistically based on typical operation examples of the smartphone 100.

[0105] The predetermined position may also be set based on the operation log of the inserted smartphone 100. In this way, by concentrating ultraviolet light on a particularly dirty area, it is possible to shorten the time required for sterilization.

[0106] For example, UV sterilization device 80 may communicate with a user's carried item (for example, a device with a communication function such as smartphone 100) to obtain information about the carried item or information about the user.

[0107] Specifically, (1) when UV sterilization device 80 is provided with a communication unit that communicates with smartphone 100 or the like via short-range wireless communication (NFC (Near Field Communication) using an IC chip or the like, a high-speed wireless communication standard, etc.), before the user sterilizes smartphone 100 with UV sterilization device 80, the user first places smartphone 100 in a predetermined position relative to UV sterilization device 80. This causes smartphone 100 to send predetermined information to UV sterilization device 80.

[0108] Here, the specified information may include information about the model of smartphone 100, information about the attributes of the user of smartphone 100 (for example, an employee code if the user is an employee, etc., an age range of the user if the user is a general consumer, membership number information if the user is registered for a service provided by a store, etc., information used when processing payments (user identification information for the payment application, credit card information, etc.), and an operation log of the user's operation of smartphone 100 (coordinates of touch on the touch screen, application operation history, etc.). In this way, the user may be able to set the range of information provided from smartphone 100 to UV sterilization device 80), etc., and UV sterilization device 80 may be allowed to read such information.

[0109] Furthermore, (2) assume that UV sterilization device 80 is managed by an external server or the like and can communicate with the external server or the like. A two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) containing information that identifies UV sterilization device 80 (for example, a URL containing identification information for UV sterilization device 80) is attached to UV sterilization device 80 or displayed on the screen. The two-dimensional code is read by the user's smartphone 100, and the smartphone 100 communicates information including the identification information for UV sterilization device 80 with the external server or the like, and the external server or the like transmits information such as the model of smartphone 100 to UV sterilization device 80.

[0110] Also, (3) if UV sterilization device 80 has a reading unit (such as an optical scanner) that reads a two-dimensional code (including information about the model of smartphone 100) displayed on smartphone 100 or the like, the user may display the two-dimensional code on the screen of smartphone 100 and have UV sterilization device 80 read it.

[0111] Although the above describes an example in which UV sterilization device 80 and smartphone 100 communicate wirelessly, (4) UV sterilization device 80 and smartphone 100 or the like may also be directly connected. The UV sterilizer 80 may determine the range of the smartphone 100 to be irradiated with ultraviolet light based on information about the model of the smartphone 100. For example, the UV sterilizer 80 may preferentially irradiate ultraviolet light onto the position where the home button is located on the smartphone 100 (the size of the smartphone 100 and the position of the home button are determined depending on the model of the smartphone 100), the area from the bottom to the center of the screen when the user operates the smartphone 100 while holding it vertically (the area frequently touched by the user's fingers when operating the smartphone 100 while holding it vertically), and the areas near the left and right sides of the screen when the user operates the smartphone 100 while holding it horizontally, compared to other areas.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the sensor unit 86 uses the optical sensor 86A to detect insertion of the smartphone 100 into the opening 87A. At this time, the sensor unit 86 may acquire which of the five installed optical sensors 86A has detected the entry of the smartphone 100. The irradiation unit 83 causes the ultraviolet light source 83A at a position corresponding to the optical sensor 86A that detected the smartphone 100 to emit light. In other words, when at least one of the multiple optical sensors 86A detects insertion of an object, the ultraviolet light source 83A installed in the groove 87H located near the optical sensor 86A may emit ultraviolet light.

[0113] Specifically, for example, the sensor unit 86 detects the smartphone 100 using the three optical sensors 86A located in the center. At this time, for example, the irradiation unit 83 causes the 48 ultraviolet light sources 83A installed at the bottoms of the four grooves 87H located in the center to emit light.

[0114] In the above embodiment, all of the ultraviolet light sources 83A are made to emit light regardless of the lowered position of the stage 85A. However, the irradiation unit 83 may change the number of ultraviolet light sources 83A that emit light depending on the position of the stage 85A. Specifically, for example, when the smartphone 100 is inserted sideways, the irradiation unit 83 makes the ultraviolet light sources 83A in the top four rows emit light.

[0115] In this way, by controlling the number of ultraviolet light sources 83A that emit light, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A when the smartphone 100 is moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A. However, the timing when the control unit 81 causes the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A is not limited to when the stage 85A is moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A. The control unit 81 may also cause the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A when the user washes their hands without sterilizing their belongings.

[0117] Specifically, for example, control unit 81 may cause opening / closing unit 84 to close lid 84A when an infrared sensor of a dispenser that ejects a chemical detects a hand. This makes it possible to prevent water used when washing hands from flowing into UV sterilizer 80. Also, by causing opening / closing unit 84 to close lid 84A in response to the operation of the dispenser, rather than in response to the discharge of wash water from the faucet, it becomes possible to accurately detect the action of washing hands and close lid 84A.

[0118] UV sterilization device 80 may also have an indicator that indicates that sterilization is in progress. The indicator operates, for example, when lid 84A is closed, and indicates that UV sterilization device 80 is performing a sterilization process. The indicator is realized, for example, by an LED. The indicator is installed so as to illuminate lid 84A from diagonally above when it is closed. The indicator may also be embedded in lid 84A.

[0119] While the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and includes the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, the device configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0120] The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0121] (Appendix 1) A UV sterilization device 80 includes a housing 87 having an opening 87A for inserting an object, which is formed with a storage space capable of storing an object inside, a stage 85A on which the inserted object is placed and which moves the placed object into the storage space, and a plurality of light sources 83A that are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals within the storage space and emit ultraviolet light.

[0122] (Appendix 2) A UV sterilization device 80 as described in Appendix 1, which has a pair of plates 87F, 87G that form a storage space, the plates 87F, 87G having multiple grooves 87H on the surfaces facing the storage space, and the light source 83A being installed at the bottom of the grooves 87H.

[0123] (Appendix 3) Wall surface 87I of groove 87H is inclined along the irradiation direction of ultraviolet light emitted by light source 83A (UV sterilization device 80 described in appendix 2).

[0124] (Appendix 4) In the plates 87F and 87G, the grooves 87H are formed parallel to each other, and a linear peak 87J is formed between the grooves 87H. This UV sterilization device 80 is described in (Appendix 2) or (Appendix 3).

[0125] (Appendix 5) The ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 83A overlap near the top 87J (Supplementary Note 4).

[0126] (Appendix 6) The UV sterilization device 80 described in any one of (Supplementary Note 2) to (Supplementary Note 5) has groove 87H formed along the direction of movement of stage 85A.

[0127] (Appendix 7) The stage 85A is formed to fit the shape of the wall surface 87I of the groove 87H (UV sterilization device 80 described in Appendix 6).

[0128] (Appendix 8) A UV sterilization device 80 as described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7), which is provided with a sensor 86A that detects the insertion of an object into an opening 87A, and a stage 85A that moves an object placed on it when the insertion of the object is detected.

[0129] (Appendix 9) A UV sterilization device 80 described in (Appendix 2) to (Appendix 8) in which multiple sensors 86A are installed near the opening 87A, and the multiple sensors 86A are arranged at intervals in the direction in which the multiple grooves 87H are aligned, and when at least one of the multiple sensors 86A detects the insertion of an object, a light source 83A installed in a groove 87H located near the sensor 86A emits ultraviolet light.

[0130] (Appendix 10) UV sterilization device 80 according to (Supplementary Note 9), wherein the spacing between sensors 86A is equal to the spacing between light sources 83A in the direction in which grooves 87H are arranged.

[0131] (Appendix 11) UV sterilization device 80 according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 10), wherein light source 83A emits ultraviolet light for a preset period when an object placed on stage 85A reaches the storage space.

[0132] (Appendix 12) Stage 85A moves the object placed thereon to opening 87A when light source 83A finishes emitting light (UV sterilization device 80 described in appendix 11).

[0133] (Appendix 13) UV sterilization device 80 according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 12), wherein light source 83A emits ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 to 280 nm.

[0134] (Appendix 14) A UV sterilization device 80 as described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 13), which includes a lid 84A that closes the opening 87A, and the lid 84A closes the opening 87A when an object reaches the storage space.

[0135] (Appendix 15) A UV sterilization device 80 as described in (Appendix 14), comprising a cap 88 that is fixed to the housing 87 with the lid 84A sandwiched therebetween and has an insertion opening 88A formed therein that communicates with the opening 87A.

[0136] (Appendix 16) UV sterilization device 80 according to (Appendix 15), wherein cap 88 has a protrusion 88B formed on the periphery of insertion opening 88A, protruding outward.

[0137] (Appendix 17) A UV sterilization device 80 includes a housing 87 having a storage space formed therein capable of storing objects, a pair of plates 87F, 87G forming the storage space, and a plurality of light sources 83A that emit ultraviolet light and are arranged in a grid pattern at predetermined intervals on the surfaces of the pair of plates facing the storage space.

[0138] (Appendix 18) UV sterilization device 80 according to (Supplementary Note 17), wherein the spacing between light sources 83A arranged in a grid pattern in the vertical direction Z is shorter than the spacing between light sources 83A in the horizontal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 80 UV sterilizer, 81 control unit, 83 irradiation unit, 83A ultraviolet light source (light source), 84 opening / closing unit, 84A lid, 85 lifting unit, 85A stage, 86 sensor unit, 86A optical sensor, 87 housing, 87A opening, 87F first plate, 87G second plate, 87H groove, 87I wall, 87J top, 88 cap, 88B protrusion

Claims

1. a housing having an opening for inserting an object, the housing having an accommodation space formed therein for accommodating the object; a stage on which the inserted object is placed and which moves the placed object into the storage space; a pair of plates that form the storage space, each plate having a plurality of grooves formed along the movement direction of the object on a surface facing the storage space; A UV sterilization device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged at the bottoms of the plurality of grooves, each of which directly irradiates ultraviolet light onto an object contained in the storage space.

2. The UV sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the wall surfaces of the groove are inclined along the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source.

3. The UV sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grooves are formed in parallel on the plate, and linear peaks are formed between the grooves.

4. The UV sterilization device of claim 3 , wherein the ultraviolet rays generated by the light sources overlap near the top.

5. The UV sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the stage is formed to match the shape of the wall surface of the groove.

6. a sensor for detecting the insertion of the object into the opening; The UV sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the stage moves the placed object when insertion of the object is detected.

7. a plurality of the sensors are installed near the opening, the plurality of sensors are arranged at intervals in a direction in which the plurality of grooves are arranged, The UV sterilization device according to claim 6, wherein when at least one of the plurality of sensors detects the insertion of the object, a light source installed in a groove located near the sensor emits ultraviolet light.

8. The UV sterilization device of claim 7 , wherein the spacing between the plurality of sensors is equal to the spacing between the plurality of light sources in the direction in which the grooves are arranged.

9. The UV sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light source emits ultraviolet light for a preset period when the object placed on the stage reaches the storage space.

10. The UV sterilization device according to claim 9 , wherein the stage moves the placed object to the opening when the light source stops emitting light.

11. The UV sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light source emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 to 280 nm.

12. a lid that closes the opening, The UV sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the lid closes the opening when the object reaches the storage space.

13. The UV sterilization device according to claim 12 , further comprising: a cap fixed to the housing with the lid sandwiched therebetween, the cap having an insertion opening formed therein that communicates with the opening.

14. The UV sterilizer according to claim 13 , wherein a protrusion that protrudes outward is formed on a peripheral edge of the insertion opening of the cap.

15. a housing formed with a storage space capable of storing an object therein, the housing storing the object moved through the opening in the storage space; a pair of plates that form the storage space, each plate having a plurality of grooves formed along the movement direction of the object on a surface facing the storage space; A UV sterilization device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged at the bottoms of the plurality of grooves, each of which directly irradiates ultraviolet light onto the object contained in the storage space.

16. The UV sterilization device of claim 15 , wherein the intervals between the light sources arranged along the groove are shorter than the intervals between the light sources arranged in adjacent grooves.

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