Photo-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

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[0001] The present invention relates to a photo disinfection device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a measure to prevent infectious diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, the importance of measures such as sterilization and antiviral has been increasing. Therefore, as a device for easily performing sterilization and antiviral measures, a device that irradiates an object with ultraviolet rays has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a forehead-mounted product that uses a photocatalytic reaction for infection prevention.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, it is known that ultraviolet rays are harmful to the human body. However, among ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays including wavelengths in the UV-A region are known as wavelengths with less adverse effects on humans (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, although the device of Patent Document 1 uses wavelengths in the UV-A region among ultraviolet rays, the photo disinfection device is attached only for forehead-mounted products, and the photo disinfection device lacks portability and cannot be used for sterilization of multiple devices.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a photo disinfection device that is small, has excellent portability, and can be used for sterilization and antiviral measures for multiple devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the photo disinfection device of the present invention 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 on which the other ends of the pair of legs stand, A housing positioned on the lower surface of the base, A battery is detachably positioned on the side of the leg portion, A light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet light from the bottom side of the housing toward the target surface, Equipped with, When the light source emits light, the distance between the light source and the target surface irradiated with ultraviolet light from the light source is kept constant. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by using a small, portable photo-sterilization device that irradiates near-ultraviolet light, it is possible to efficiently perform sterilization and antiviral work on screen display devices and the like while carrying it around, and to perform photo-sterilization in a way that saves time and effort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photosterilization device in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the photosterilization device in an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a left side view of the photosterilization device in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a right side view of the photosterilization device in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the photosterilization device in the embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the housing of the photo-sterilization device in the embodiment, viewed from below. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the housing of the photo-sterilization device in the embodiment, viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 8]Figure 8(A) is a side view of the housing of the photosterilization device in the embodiment in the short direction, Figure 8(B) is a top view thereof, Figure 8(C) is a side view in the long direction thereof, and Figure 8(D) is a bottom view thereof. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) is a schematic perspective view of the attachment of the photosterilization device in the embodiment, Figure 9(B) is a top view of the attachment of the photosterilization device in the embodiment, Figure 9(C) is a bottom view, and Figure 9(D) is a front view. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the illumination state of the indicator in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In this invention, sterilization is interpreted in the broadest sense, not limited to removing and reducing microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, but also including sterilization, antibacterial, disinfection, and bacteriostatic processes.

[0010] This invention provides a photo-sterilization device that disinfects a target surface by irradiating it with ultraviolet light to promote a photocatalytic reaction, using photocatalytic activity by titanium dioxide or the like on the target surface that has been coated or attached to it. The target surface can be any surface coated or attached to it with a photocatalyst, including the surface of display devices such as liquid crystal displays, touch panels, and liquid crystal tablets, as well as input devices such as keyboards, tables, desks, mouse pads and other accessories, mirrors, picture frames and the like, and is not limited to display devices.

[0011] Conventionally, disinfection of the surface of display screens and other screen display devices has been carried out by manual wiping using disinfectant sprays or mops. However, manual wiping limits the use of disinfectants such as alcohol, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and makes it difficult to completely disinfect the target surface. The photo-disinfection device of the present invention aims to reduce the amount of work required for disinfection and improve the quality of disinfection on high-touch surfaces (surfaces that are frequently touched by many people) by being used as an alternative to or in combination with manual disinfection.

[0012] Next, the photo disinfection device in the 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, so the arrangement, functions, numerical values, etc. of the components described in the embodiment are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited or interpreted by these.

[0013] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment, FIG. 3 is a left side view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of the photo disinfection device 1 in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of the entire photo disinfection device 1 as seen obliquely from above is shown. The photo disinfection 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 a long grip portion 11 whose axial direction is horizontal, leg portions 12 and 13 that are inclined at a certain angle and face each other at both ends thereof, and a flat base portion 20 on which the other ends of the leg portions 12 and 13 stand.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 10 is formed by vertically combining two substantially symmetrical molds and fixed by fixing means such as screws. Also, the grip portion 11 is set to a length such that an operator performing photo disinfection work does not feel cramped even when holding it with both hands, a diameter that is easy to grip, and a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape is, for example, circular, elliptical, or oval, and the maximum diameter may be about 10 mm to 70 mm, preferably 20 mm to 60 mm, more preferably about 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. Also, not limited to metal materials, other materials such as plastics like epoxy resin and ceramics may also be used.

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

[0016] Fig. 3 shows a state in which the battery 45 is detachably attached to the side surface of the leg portion 12. To remove the battery 45 from the leg portion 12, it may be pulled upward along the leg portion 12. The battery 45 is a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, etc., and is charged by an external charging device.

[0017] Also, a first switch (main switch) 61 is provided at the lower part of the battery 45. In the embodiment, as the first switch 61, a seesaw switch that switches ON / OFF by alternately pressing the left and right parts is used.

[0018] Fig. 4 shows that a second switch (push button switch) 62 is arranged near the top of the other leg portion 13. And an indicator 70 and a strap attachment portion 65 are provided at the lower part of the side surface. The indicator 70 has four LED light-emitting elements 72 arranged in a row.

[0019] The strap attachment portion 65 provided at the lower part of the side surface of the leg portion 13 has an opening at the center. By inserting the end portion of a strap (not shown) into the central opening and attaching the strap to the light sterilization device 1, it contributes to improving the convenience of carrying the light sterilization device 1 by an operator and the working efficiency.

[0020] Figure 5 is a plan view of the photo-sterilization device 1 in the embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in the figure, the photo-sterilization device 1 has a roughly rectangular shape overall in plan view, and an indicator 70 is attached near the top surface of the strap attachment portion 65. Therefore, the operator can easily see the indicator 70 from the direction of the gripping portion 11.

[0021] Figure 6 is a plan view of the housing of the photosterilization device in the embodiment, viewed from below. The bottom surface 31 of the housing 30 is provided with recesses (space-holding member installation areas) 36. In this embodiment, rollers (space-holding members) 32 are rotatably arranged in the recesses 36 at four locations on the bottom surface 31 of the housing 30. The roller shaft 33 supports both sides of the rollers 32 so that the rollers 32 can rotate.

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the housing 30 of the photosterilization device in the embodiment, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 8(A) is a side view of the housing 30 of the photosterilization device in the embodiment in the short direction, Figure 8(B) is a plan view thereof, Figure 8(C) is a side view in the long direction thereof, and Figure 8(D) is a bottom view thereof.

[0023] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8(B)-(D), the upper surface of the housing 30 has 10 upward-convex recesses 36 that house the spacing members 32. The housing 30 is cast by aluminum die-casting, but may also be manufactured by bending aluminum sheets. In addition to aluminum alloy, other metals such as iron, stainless steel, and magnesium alloy may be used. Furthermore, materials other than metals, such as epoxy resin or other plastics, or ceramics, may also be used. The housing 30 is fixed to the base 20 of the handle 10 by fastening means 38 such as screws and bolts.

[0024] Furthermore, the rollers 32 are positioned to move perpendicular to the long axis of the housing 30 while maintaining a horizontal position. The rollers 32 are not limited to four locations, but may be installed in a range of three to ten locations, depending on the size, weight, and application of the photosterilization device 1. The recess cover 35 is a cover that covers recesses 36 where rollers 32 are not installed, but when adding or rearranging 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 previously in place is no longer needed, the recess 36 can be covered with the recess cover 35, so that the recess 36 is blocked and no problems occur, allowing the work to proceed smoothly. In addition, since the roller shaft 33 is fitted into a pair of notches 37 formed in the recess 36 with a single touch and fixed in place, the roller 32 can be easily removed when not needed or replaced when the roller 32 is worn out or malfunctions and causes problems with rotation.

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

[0027] Furthermore, although a roller 32 was used as the spacing member in this embodiment, the spacing member 32 is not limited to a roller 32. It may also be a semi-circular or curved shape that can move smoothly on the target surface, i.e., a sliding member whose contact surface with the target surface has a low coefficient of friction.

[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 brushes or paintbrushes for cleaning the target surface. By attaching cleaning tools such as brushes or paintbrushes, dust present on the target surface can be removed before photosterilization, thereby improving the efficiency of photosterilization. In addition, various other devices may be attached to the recesses 36 in the necessary areas as appropriate.

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

[0030] Figure 9(A) is a schematic perspective view of the attachment 22 of the photosterilization device 1 in the embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 9(B) is a top view of the same attachment 22, Figure 9(C) is a bottom view, and Figure 9(D) is a front view.

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

[0032] As the material for the attachment 22, an elastic material such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, or silicone rubber is used, which has elasticity that prevents damage even when it comes into contact with the target surface or edges of the screen display device. In addition, depending on the application, nonwoven fabric, foamed plastic, corrugated cardboard, or cardboard sheets may also be used. Furthermore, it is effective to use a material with a low coefficient of static friction and a low coefficient of dynamic friction on the surface that comes into contact with the target surface, so that it can move smoothly without damaging the target surface. Also, lubricity and elasticity may be imparted to the attachment 22 by attaching or coating a plastic sheet with excellent lubricity, such as a fluororesin sheet, a high-density polyethylene sheet, or a PTFE sheet, to the surface of the elastic material. The same materials and structures may 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 making the bottom side of the attachment 22 thicker, the distance between the light source 50 and the target surface can be kept constant without using spacing members such as rollers 32.

[0034] The attachment 22 and the spacing member 32 may be manufactured using a 3D printer and provided as readily available components that can be quickly adapted to various shapes and applications.

[0035] Figure 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, etc., and can be appropriately 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] In the photo-sterilization device 1, it is important to maintain a consistently uniform sterilization quality, and for this purpose, the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 50 must always be constant. A roller 32, which serves as a spacing member, is 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 to be photo-sterilized, the ultraviolet irradiation intensity to the target surface is maintained uniformly.

[0037] The roller 32 maintains a constant distance between the light source unit 50 and the screen display device (not shown), so there is no need to lift the photo-sterilization device 1 during operation, which has the effect of reducing strain on the arm.

[0038] The light source unit 50 has a circuit board 52 on which multiple LED modules 51 are mounted in a row. The light source unit 50 is also removable from the housing 30, and can be replaced with circuit boards 52 with different arrangements and numbers of 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 made of a transparent sheet with a low coefficient of friction and has the property of transmitting ultraviolet light.

[0040] The irradiation range of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 50 of the photosterilization device 1 in this embodiment will be described. When the screen size of the target surface, such as a screen display device, is 20 inches or 32 inches, the operator can scan the entire screen with a single movement in one direction while holding the handle 10 of the photosterilization device 1. Furthermore, when the screen size of the target surface, such as a screen display device, is 42 inches, the entire screen can be scanned with two movements.

[0041] In other words, in the photo-sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, considering portability and work efficiency, the irradiation range is limited based on the criterion that photo-sterilization can be performed in a single movement operation for target surfaces such as screen display devices with a screen size of 32 inches or less.

[0042] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the lighting state of the indicator 70 in the photosterilization device 1 in the embodiment. The indicator 70 visually displays the operating status of the photosterilization device 1 to the operator. In the embodiment, the indicator 70 has four LED light-emitting elements 72 arranged in a row. The LED light-emitting elements 72 use red light-emitting elements, but are not limited to this, and blue, green, white, or other LED light-emitting elements may be used, or multiple colors of LED light-emitting elements may be arranged as appropriate. In addition, the number of light-emitting elements in the indicator 70 is not limited to four, but may be one to ten, and the arrangement is not limited to one row, but may be multiple rows arranged in a straight or curved shape, or in an appropriate shape such as a circle or square.

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

[0044] The control unit sends a signal to the LED light-emitting element 72 of the indicator 70 that blinks repeatedly every 1 second, and turns it off 15 seconds after it turns on. Next, the control unit sends a signal to the adjacent LED light-emitting element 72 that blinks repeatedly every 1 second, and turns it off 15 seconds after it turns on. The remaining LED light-emitting elements 72 repeat the same display, and 60 seconds after the first second switch 62 is turned ON, all LED light-emitting elements 72 turn off. When all the LED light-emitting elements 72 turn off, the worker knows that 60 seconds have passed since they started working. After that, the indicator 70 repeats the above display.

[0045] Furthermore, in order to ensure the safety of workers from ultraviolet exposure, after 60 seconds have elapsed since the first second switch 62 was turned ON, all LED light-emitting elements 72 will turn off, and at the same time, the light source unit 50 will be turned off, putting the light source unit 50 into standby mode. Ultraviolet irradiation may then be resumed by turning the second switch 62 ON again.

[0046] Furthermore, a sensor (not shown) for sensing the load on the roller 32 may be provided on the base 20. When the sensor senses a load on the roller 32, it issues a command to the control unit to supply power to the light source unit 50, and when it does not sense a load on the roller 32, it issues a command to the control unit to stop supplying power to the light source unit 50. This allows for easy switching between ultraviolet irradiation and turning off by the light source unit 50 depending on the movement of the roller 32 toward and from the display surface of the screen display device. In addition, the device may be equipped with a control device that includes a motion sensor that automatically stops the ultraviolet irradiation of the photo-sterilization device 1 when it detects a person in the direction of ultraviolet irradiation.

[0047] Ultraviolet light is known to be harmful to the human body, and because it is not visible light, it can have adverse effects on the human body. This invention targets electromagnetic waves from approximately 10 to 405 nm, including ultraviolet and visible light, as irradiation light for photosterilization. Among ultraviolet rays, the wavelength band of 315 to 380 nm (UV-A), with a dominant wavelength of 365 nm, is a relatively safe range for the human body. Although the photosterilization device 1 of this invention uses ultraviolet light in the UV-A region, this does not preclude photosterilization using visible light in the 405 nm wavelength band, or the UV-B region (280 to 315 nm) or the UV-C region (200 to 280 nm; deep ultraviolet).

[0048] The light source unit 50 includes a substrate 52 on which multiple LED modules 51 are mounted, and uses the LED modules 51 as a light source that emits ultraviolet light. However, instead, fluorescent lamps, organic ELs, xenon lamps, halogen lamps, etc. that emit ultraviolet light may be used as the light source.

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

[0050] According to the present invention, by using a compact photosterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light, it is possible to perform photosterilization that is highly portable, efficiently performs sterilization and antiviral work 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 Attachments 23 Locking hole 24 Protective components 25 Front part 26 Recessed cover portion 27 Relay section 30 cabinets 31 Bottom part 32 Rollers (spacing members) 33 Roller shaft 35 Recessed cover 36 Recess (part for installing spacing retention member) 37 Cut section 38. Screws (for fastening) 45 batteries 50 Light source section 51 LED modules 52 circuit boards 55 Cover component 61. First switch (main switch) 62 Second switch (push-button switch) 65 Strap attachment point 70 Indicators 72 LED light-emitting elements

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 on which the other ends of the pair of legs stand, A housing is provided on the lower surface of the base, with a plurality of recesses on the bottom surface that allow rollers, which serve as spacing members, to be rotatably positioned. A battery is detachably positioned on the side of the leg portion, A light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet light from the bottom side of the housing toward the target surface, This includes attachments that are mounted on both ends of the bottom surface of the housing, The photo-sterilization device is characterized in that the attachment has a thickened bottom surface so that the distance between the light source and the target surface can be kept constant when the roller is removed.

2. The photo-sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit has a circuit board on which a plurality of LED modules are mounted, and the cover member is provided on the bottom surface of the housing so as to cover the light source unit.

3. The aforementioned leg is equipped with a first switch and a second switch. The operation of the first switch starts the power supply from the battery to the control unit, and the operation of the first switch again stops the power supply. The photosterilization device according to claim 1, wherein power supply to the light source unit is started by operating the second switch while power is being supplied to the control unit, and power supply to the light source unit is stopped by operating the second switch again.

4. The handle has an indicator, The photo-sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator consists of a plurality of LED light-emitting elements and displays the emission state of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source.

5. The photosterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the light source irradiates ultraviolet light in the UV-A wavelength range.

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