JP2022028233A - Disinfection case - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a disinfection case that irradiates the entire of a small article with ultraviolet rays to disinfect it, despite being compact.SOLUTION: A disinfection case 1 has a long storage case 2 of a storable size in a pocket P of a garment C, and a light source 4 that is provided in the storage case 2 and applies ultraviolet rays with wavelengths in the UVC region toward the storage space in the storage case. On the inner surface of the storage case 2, an aluminum layer is formed to reflect the ultraviolet rays output from the light source 4 toward the storage space Q.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilization case that can be carried by a user.

There are concerns about health hazards caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses in various countries around the world, such as influenza, norovirus, and coronavirus. Under these circumstances, it has become common practice to wear masks to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and there are a certain number of people who wear masks all year round. However, in daily life, the mask may be temporarily removed for meals, greetings, etc., and the removed mask is often temporarily placed on a pocket, a bag, or a table.

In such cases, if the temporary location is contaminated with bacteria or viruses, re-wearing the mask may put the wearer at further risk of health hazard. Therefore, for example, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1. A containment case has been devised in which a mask is housed and irradiated with UVC wavelength to inactivate bacteria and viruses.

MEDIK Co., Ltd., "[New product] New release of mask sterilization case that can sterilize masks using the latest UV-C LED", [online], December 4, 2019, [July 15, 2020] Search], Internet <URL: https://medik.co.jp/news/20191204_idam_mask.php>

However, the technique of Non-Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is large even though it is portable, and it is not a size that can be stored in a pocket of clothes. For example, when the user carries a sterilization case when going out for lunch, etc., it is necessary to carry the sterilization case directly by hand or carry a bag to put the sterilization case and take it out from the bag at the time of use. .. However, for example, in situations where an epidemic of bacteria, fungi or viruses has not been reported, carrying such products may be ashamed to be exaggerated and refrain from carrying them. Although the sterilization case can be miniaturized, the ultraviolet rays from the light source may not reach the entire mask because the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet rays by the light source is narrow.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization case capable of sterilizing the entire small item such as a mask by irradiating the entire small item with an ultraviolet ray having a wavelength in the UVC region (hereinafter, also referred to as UVC wavelength).

The sterilization case according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a long storage case having a size that can be stored in a pocket of clothes, and an ultraviolet ray having a wavelength in the UVC region, which is provided in the storage case. A light source that irradiates the accommodation space is provided, and an aluminum layer for reflecting ultraviolet rays output from the light source toward the accommodation space is formed on the inner wall surface of the accommodation case.

In the present disclosure, "sterilization" means suppressing the growth of bacteria and fungi, but is not limited to this, and includes suppression of growth by inactivating the virus.

Due to the above configuration of the sterilization case, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source are reflected on the aluminum layer on the inner surface of the storage case, and the small items such as the stored mask are irradiated without waste, even though the size can be stored in the pocket. Will be done. That is, although it is small, it is possible to sterilize all the small items housed in the storage case by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays.

Although the sterilization case according to the present invention is small, it is possible to sterilize the entire small items housed in the storage case by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays.

A diagram showing how a sterilization case is stored in a clothing pocket. Schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a sterilization case The figure which shows the difference of the reflectance of UVC light depending on the material. The figure which shows how the UVC light radiated from LED is reflected on the inner surface of a containment case. Schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the sterilization case

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiment is essentially merely an example and is not intended to limit the present invention, its scope of application or its use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sterilization case 1 of the present embodiment has a long shape that can be held by the user M with one hand and can be stored in the pocket P of the clothes C. The case 2 is provided with a light source 4 provided in the storage case 2 and irradiating ultraviolet rays having a UVC wavelength (hereinafter referred to as “UVC light”) toward the storage space Q described later. The location and size of the pocket P of the clothes C in which the disinfection case 1 is housed are not particularly limited, but for example, a chest pocket such as a shirt or suit, an inner pocket or waist pocket such as a jacket, a back pocket of trousers, or trousers. The side pocket of the skirt is exemplified. FIG. 1 shows a place where the sterilization case 1 is housed in the back pocket P of the trousers.

-Accommodation case-
FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a sterilization case. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the upper and lower sides are defined based on the state in which the storage case 2 is placed on a table or the like, and the closing direction of the lid 27, which will be described later, is the front and the opening direction is the back. In addition, the left and right are defined based on the front view seen from the front side.

As described above, the storage case 2 has a long shape that can be stored in the pocket P of the clothes C, and its external size is, for example, a depth D of 3 cm or more and 7 cm or less, and a height H of 1 cm or more and 6 cm or less. The length L is preferably 10 cm or more and 20 cm or less. More preferably, the shape has a smaller depth dimension and the same or longer longitudinal dimension than a general eyeglass case. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to store it in a chest pocket of a shirt or a suit, a pocket of trousers, or the like. In the present disclosure, "storage in a pocket" is not limited to a state in which the entire storage case 2 is completely stored in the pocket P, for example, while approximately half or more of the storage case 2 is stored in the pocket P. , A state in which a part of the pocket P protrudes outside the pocket P is also included (see FIG. 1).

The outer shape of the storage case 2 is not particularly limited. For example, in the side view seen from one side in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter, simply referred to as side view), the cross section may be a semicircular semicircular shape, or a cloth such as cloth, a resin sheet, or a non-woven fabric may be used. It may have a long bag-like shape formed by sewing (see FIG. 5 described later). Further, for example, the storage case 2 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylindrical shape such as an ellipse or a circle in the side cross-sectional shape, or a polygonal pillar shape having a side cross-sectional shape of a triangle or a pentagon or more. .. In the case of a shape other than the rectangular parallelepiped shape, in the closed state of the storage case 2, for example, for each of the depth D, the height H, and the length L, the portion having the largest dimension is within the above-mentioned numerical range. Is preferable. The closed state and the open state of the storage case 2 will be described later.

The material constituting the storage case 2 is not particularly limited. For example, a metal plate that has been bent, a plastic molded product, a fabric such as cloth sewn, a fabric such as cloth, a resin sheet, or a combination of thick paper or the like is exemplified. Further, in order to improve the design, a sheet or the like made of a known material such as leather, synthetic leather, or a resin sheet may be attached to the surface of the constituent member which is the base of the housing case 2 on the outer surface of the case. Often, the same surface may be printed or embossed.

Inside the storage case 2, a storage space Q for storing a small item G (hereinafter, simply referred to as “small item G”) to be sterilized, such as a mask or a writing instrument, is formed. The size of the storage space Q is set within a range substantially similar to the outer size of the storage case 2 by reducing the wall thickness of the storage case 2. Specifically, the size of the accommodation space Q is, for example, a depth D of 3 cm or more and 7 cm or less, a height H of 1 cm or more and 6 cm or less, and a length L of 10 cm or more and 20 cm or less. The size of the storage space Q may be set to a size that allows the mask for adults to fit in the unfolded state, or may be set to a size that can be stored by folding or rolling the mask a little. .. If the size of the accommodation space Q is narrower than the above lower limit, the accessory G cannot be accommodated, or there is no gap between the accessory G and the inner surface 20 of the accommodation case 2 (see FIG. 4). In addition, there is a possibility that the UVC light from the light source 4 is irradiated only to a part of the accessory G. On the other hand, if the size of the storage space Q is larger than the above upper limit value, the sterilization case 1 does not fit in the pocket P and is bulky and cannot be carried, or the entire storage case 2 cannot be irradiated with a small number of light sources 4. It may be necessary to increase the number of light sources 4.

The storage case 2 of FIG. 2 includes a rectangular bottom plate 21 having a size approximately L × depth D, and a left side plate 22 and a right side plate 23 erected so as to face each other from the left and right ends of the bottom plate 21. A front plate 24 and a back plate 25 are provided at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 21 so as to be continuous with the side plates 22 and 23 and erected so as to face each other. Further, a cylindrical battery 48 (for example, a storage battery) is arranged inside the front plate 24, and an arc-shaped battery cover 28 is provided so as to cover the outside of the battery 48 in a side view.

The case body is composed of a bottom plate 21, both side plates 22, 23, a back plate 25, and a front plate 24. The above-mentioned accommodation space Q is surrounded by the space inside the bottom plate 21, the side plates 22, 23, the lid 27, the back plate 25, and the front plate 24 (battery cover 28), that is, the case body and the lid 27. It is a space that has been removed. Further, the inner surface 20 of the above-mentioned storage case 2 refers to the inner surface (the surface exposed to the storage space Q) of the side plates 22, 23, the lid 27, the back plate 25, and the front plate 24 (battery cover 28). ing.

The upper part of the storage case 2 is opened, and an opening 26 for putting a small item such as a mask in and out of the storage space Q is formed. The storage case 2 is provided with a lid 27 for closing / opening the opening 26 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “opening / closing”).

In the example of FIG. 2, the lid 27 is formed continuously and integrally with the back plate 25 of the storage case 2, and the opening 26 is rotated in the front-rear direction (depth direction) with the upper end of the back plate 25 as a fulcrum. Is configured to be able to be closed / opened. The state in which the opening 26 is closed is referred to as a closed state, and the state in which the opening 26 is opened is referred to as an open state. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the storage case 2 is in an open state.

The lid 27 is preferably configured so that the closed state can be maintained. For example, in FIG. 2, magnets 31 and 32 are provided at positions corresponding to the open end side end of the lid 27 and the upper end of the front plate 24, respectively, and are closed by the attractive force of both magnets 31 and 32 in the closed state. The state is to be maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lid 27 from being inadvertently opened and the small item G stored in the accommodation space Q from falling off and being contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or the like.

The method of opening and closing the opening 26 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, (1) one end of the left and right (for example, the left side plate 22) may be configured to be opened and closed, and (2) the storage case 2 and the lid 27 are separate and can be attached / detached. It may have a structure (for example, a nested structure or a screw structure), or (3) a part of the storage case 2 and the lid 27 may be connected by a hinge or the like so as to be openable and closable. good. It is preferable that a part of the storage case 2 and the lid 27 are connected to each other so that the opening 26 can be opened and closed because the small item G can be easily stored / taken out.

Further, in the example of FIG. 2, the height of the front plate 24 is lower than that of the back plate 25, and the accessory G accommodated in the accommodation space Q can be seen in the front view when the accommodation case 2 is in the open state. It is easy to take out.

-light source-
The accommodation case 2 is provided with a light source 4 that irradiates UVC light toward the accommodation space Q of the accommodation case 2. The number and types of the light sources 4 are not particularly limited, but for example, the LED 41 can be preferably used. As the LED 41 capable of irradiating UVC light, a conventionally known LED 41 can be used. As the LED 41, one having an irradiation angle of about 120 degrees can be preferably used. However, the irradiation angle of the LED 41 may be larger or smaller than 120 degrees.

The light source 4 is preferably provided on the inner surface 20 of the left side plate 22 and / or the right side plate 23, which is a side wall in the longitudinal direction of the housing case. As a result, UVC light can be distributed to the entire storage space Q of the storage case 2. FIG. 2 shows an example in which one LED 41 (point light source) is provided in each of the left and right side plates 22 and 23. The left side plate 22 and the right side plate 23 are examples of side walls.

More preferably, in addition to the left and right side plates 22 and 23, the LED 41 may be provided near the middle of the back plate 25 and the front plate 24 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, UVC light can be further distributed to the entire storage space Q of the storage case 2. Further, when the mask is housed as the accessory G, the UVC light can be more strongly applied to the portion corresponding to the mouth.

Here, the UVC wavelength refers to a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm. Therefore, it is preferable to use an LED having a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm as the light source 4. Further, as the light source 4, an LED having a peak wavelength of 300 nm or more and capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm may be used. More preferably, the peak wavelength of the light source 4 is in the range of 220 to 276 nm because the energy efficiency for sterilization is good.

UVC light has been reported to damage nucleobases (DNA, RNA) common to bacteria, fungi and viruses, and is expected to prevent their growth. Therefore, it is not specified by the type of bacteria, fungi, or viruses, and can be effective in suppressing various pathogens.

The output level of the light source 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the output of the UVC wavelength in the entire light source of the sterilization case 1 is 0.3 mW or more and 60 mW or less. For example, when two LEDs 41 are used as the light source 4 as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the output of the UVC wavelength of each LED 41 is 0.1 mW or more and 6 mW or less. In particular, LEDs capable of outputting UVC wavelengths generate high heat at an output of UVC wavelength output of 5 mW or more. Therefore, when the battery 48 built in the housing case 2 is used as the power source for the sterilization case 1, power consumption and heat generation are high. In view of the above, it is preferable that the output of the UVC wavelength is 1 mW or more and 5 mW or less.

Further, the number of LEDs 41 is not limited, and even one LED 41 may be provided, but both ends in the elongated direction (both-sided plates 22 in FIG. 2) so that the light of the UVC wavelength reaches the entire inner surface of the elongated case. It is preferable that each of them is provided in 23). In the following description, it is assumed that the LED 41 is used as the light source 4.

-Aluminum layer-
An aluminum layer 29 for reflecting ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 41 toward the accommodation space Q is formed on the inner surface 20 of the accommodation case 2. The form of the aluminum layer 29 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an aluminum foil, an aluminum plate, an aluminum-deposited film, an aluminum pigment, or an aluminum paste. May be good. Aluminum foil is preferable because it has excellent workability, is lightweight, and can make the surface state uniform or flattened by a rolling process or the like.

The material of the aluminum layer 29 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use aluminum having a reflectance of 60% or more at the maximum, and aluminum having a reflectance of 80% or more at the maximum (hereinafter referred to as “highly reflective aluminum”) is used. It is more preferable to use it. Further, as the aluminum layer 29, aluminum having enhanced antibacterial properties (hereinafter referred to as “antibacterial aluminum”) may be used. When using aluminum pigments and aluminum pastes, generally known leafing type aluminum made by grinding or grinding with a grinding aid in the presence of a grinding medium in a ball mill or attritor mill. A pigment and an aluminum paste to which a dispersant, a fatty acid and the like are added can be preferably used. By applying such an aluminum pigment or aluminum paste to the inner surface 20 of the storage case 2 by brushing or spraying and drying it, the aluminum layer can be uniformly provided even if it has a complicated shape.

[Highly reflective aluminum]
The highly reflective aluminum may be any aluminum having a maximum UVC light reflectance of 80% or more, and the composition and composition thereof are not particularly limited. For example, the aluminum foil for an ultraviolet reflective material disclosed in WO2017 / 158989. Can be preferably used. In the aluminum foil for ultraviolet reflector, for example, the total surface area of aluminum particles press-fitted or adhered to a region having a predetermined surface area (hereinafter, simply referred to as “region R”) is 0 with respect to the surface area of region R. It is 0.05% or less, the total surface area of the crystallized material existing in the region R is 2% or less with respect to the surface area of the region R, and the average surface area per crystallized material is 2 μm ² or less. It is characterized in that the surface roughness Ra of the region R is less than 20 nm.

The composition of the highly reflective aluminum is not particularly limited, but the Fe content is preferably 0.001% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less. Since Fe has a small solid solubility in aluminum, intermetallic compounds such as FeAl ₃ are likely to crystallize during casting of aluminum. These crystallized products have a lower reflectance of ultraviolet rays than the aluminum substrate, which causes a decrease in the reflectance of ultraviolet rays as an aluminum foil. When the Fe content is 0.5% by mass or more, the crystallization amount of FeAl ₃ as an Al-Fe-based intermetallic compound exceeds 1.2% by mass when all the added Fe is crystallized. It will be present and the total reflection of UV light from 250 nm to 400 nm tends to be lower than 85%. Therefore, it is desirable that the Fe content is 0.5% by mass or less. Further, when the Fe content is less than 0.001% by mass, the strength of the aluminum foil tends to decrease.

Further, the content of Mn in the aluminum foil according to the present embodiment is preferably 0.5% by mass or less. Like Fe, Mn also has a small solid solubility in aluminum, so that Al-Fe-Mn-based compounds and the like are likely to crystallize during casting of aluminum. Al-Fe-Mn-based crystallization is finer than Al-Fe-based crystallization, but these crystallization have a lower reflectance of ultraviolet light than the aluminum substrate, and ultraviolet light as an aluminum foil. It causes a decrease in reflectance. When the manganese content is 0.5% by mass or more, when all the added Mn is crystallized, the Al-Fe-Mn-based intermetallic compound is present in excess of 1.5% by mass. Total internal reflectance of 250 nm to 400 nm tends to be lower than 85%. Therefore, it is desirable that the Mn content is 0.5% by mass or less.

Further, the content of Si in the aluminum foil according to the present embodiment is preferably 0.001% by mass or more and 0.3% by mass or less. Since Si has a high solid solubility in aluminum and is difficult to form crystallization, the reflectance of ultraviolet rays will not be lowered if the content of Si is such that the crystallization does not occur in the aluminum foil. Further, when Si is contained, the mechanical strength of the aluminum foil can be improved by solid solution strengthening, so that the rolling of a thin foil can be facilitated. If the Si content is less than 0.001% by mass, the above-mentioned effects tend not to be sufficiently obtained. When the Si content exceeds 0.3% by mass, coarse crystallized substances are likely to be generated, and not only the reflection characteristics are deteriorated, but also the effect of refining the crystal grains is impaired, so that the strength and workability are also improved. It tends to decrease.

The content of Mg in the aluminum foil according to the present embodiment is preferably 3% by mass or less. Mg has a large solid solubility in aluminum of 18% by mass at the maximum, and the generation of crystallization is extremely small. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the mechanical strength of the aluminum foil without significantly affecting the reflection characteristics of the aluminum foil. Can be done. However, when the Mg content exceeds 3% by mass, the mechanical strength of the aluminum foil becomes too high, and the rollability of the aluminum foil tends to decrease. In order to combine the preferable reflection characteristics and the mechanical strength of the aluminum foil, it is more preferable that the Mg content is 2% by mass or less.

Highly reflective aluminum has a content that does not affect the above characteristics and effects, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Ni). It may contain elements such as Cr), zirconium (Zr), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and bismuth (Bi).

With the above configuration, the aluminum layer 29 can reflect light having a UVC wavelength by up to 80% or more, and can efficiently irradiate the accessory G with light having a UVC wavelength.

[Antibacterial aluminum]
The antibacterial aluminum may be any aluminum having higher antibacterial properties than ordinary aluminum, and the composition and composition thereof are not particularly limited. For example, the Cu content is 0.05% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less. Aluminum in the range of can be used. As a result, the antibacterial action of the aluminum layer 29 is also exerted, so that the sterilizing effect of the accommodation space Q can be enhanced. Further, the above configuration is preferable because it can reflect light having a UVC wavelength by up to 60% or more.

Further, as antibacterial aluminum, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-7629, 0 <Si ≦ 0.20% by mass of Si, 1.0 ≦ Fe ≦ 1.7% by mass of Fe, 0.05 ≦ Cu ≤ 0.30 mass% Cu, 0 <Mn ≤ 0.20 mass% Mn, 0 <Mg ≤ 0.20 mass% Mg, 0 <Zn ≤ 0.03 mass% Zn, and 0 <Ti. An aluminum alloy containing ≦ 0.03% by mass of Ti, the balance of which is Al and an unavoidable impurity may be used. It is preferable that this aluminum alloy is expanded by a known method to form an aluminum foil, and 1.0% by mass or more of Fe is concentrated within 2 μm of the surface layer in the thickness direction of the aluminum foil. It has been confirmed that this aluminum foil exhibits an antibacterial activity value of 3.0 or more in an antibacterial activity test specified in JIS Z2801. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the inner surface 20 of the storage case 2 from being contaminated by the contaminated small items G such as the mask stored in the storage space Q. In particular, in a place where the accessory G and the aluminum layer 29 made of antibacterial aluminum are in contact with each other, a higher antibacterial / bactericidal effect can be obtained by the synergistic effect with the irradiated UVC light.

FIG. 3 is a diagram comparing the reflectances of ultraviolet rays between an aluminum foil and a stainless steel foil (described as SUS in FIG. 3) or a copper foil (described as Cu in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the aluminum foil has higher reflectivity to UVC light as compared with the stainless steel foil and the copper foil. Therefore, by using the aluminum layer 29, the efficiently reflected UVC light is irradiated to a wide range of the accessory G accommodated in the accommodation space Q.

The aluminum layer 29 is a storage space of the storage case 2 so that the UVC light can be easily reflected from the viewpoint of irradiating a wide range of the accessory G with UVC light to more efficiently perform sterilization and antibacterial treatment. It is preferably formed on all surfaces exposed to Q. Specifically, in the configuration of FIG. 2, the aluminum layer 29 is uniformly formed on all the inner surfaces 20 of the side plates 22, 23, the lid 27, the back plate 25, and the front plate 24 (battery cover 28). Is preferable. The aluminum layer 29 may not be formed on all the inner surfaces 20 of the storage case 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the LED 41 is provided on the left and right side plates 22 and 23, the aluminum layer is formed only on the wall surface extending in the direction along the optical axis of the LED 41 (longitudinal direction in FIG. 2). 29 may be formed. In this case, in the example of FIG. 2, the aluminum layer 29 is formed on the inner surface 20 of the lid 27, the back plate 25, and the front plate 24 (battery cover 28). With such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the UVC light emitted from the LED 41 is reflected by the inner surface 20 of the housing case 2, and the UVC light can be irradiated to a wide range of the accessory G. It is assumed that the aluminum layer 29 is uniformly formed on the inner surface 20 of the storage case 2, but a part of the aluminum layer 29 is missing or has a striped shape due to manufacturing reasons or the like. The aluminum layer 29 and layers of other materials may be mixed.

The surface of the aluminum layer 29 may be formed with an anodic oxide film such as a resin coating, a paint coating, or a glass coating in order to suppress damage caused by the small items G accommodated in the accommodation space Q. In particular, it is preferable to apply a glass coating and / or an anodized film treatment from the viewpoint of high translucency of UVC light while ensuring the strength for suppressing scratches and the like.

Further, if the accessory G is a metal key or a writing tool having a sharp tip, it may be strongly hit against the aluminum layer 29 when it is stored, which may cause scratches, and the design may have a finger fingerprint. Since the property and the reflectivity of UVC light may be reduced, a convex protective portion containing at least one of materials such as silicone rubber, synthetic resin, glass, and metal is provided on a part of the surface of the aluminum layer. May be good. For example, such a material is provided on the surface of the aluminum layer 29 in a predetermined convex shape such as a regular or irregular dot pattern, a straight line or curved pattern, a pattern exhibiting characters or patterns, or a geometric pattern. This is preferable because an object such as a small item G or a finger does not easily come into contact with the aluminum layer and get scratched. Further, when such a protective portion is provided, the ratio of the area where the protective portion is provided to the surface area of the aluminum layer 29 is within the range of 20% or less because the protective portion may hinder the reflection of UVC light. Is preferable. Not only is the aluminum layer 29 protected by such a protective portion, but also a gap is created between the accessory G and the aluminum layer 29 by the protective portion, so that the UVC light is reflected and becomes an optical path that spreads, and the accessory G becomes more. UVC light can reach the entire surface.

-Light source on / off switching-
The method of switching the LED 41 on / off is not particularly limited.

For example, when the storage case 2 is provided with a detection unit such as a sensor or a switch for detecting that the storage case 2 is in the closed state, and the detection unit detects that the storage case 2 is in the closed state. , The LED 41 may be turned on. With such a configuration, it is not necessary for the user to bother to switch the LED 41 on and off, and when the accessory G is accommodated, UVC light is automatically irradiated to the accessory G. Further, the LED 41 may be automatically turned off when the blocked state of the housing case 2 is released. As a result, if a child or the like carelessly opens the lid 27 of the storage case 2, there is no risk of touching the LED being lit or irradiating the eyes with UVC light, and the case can be used safely.

Further, the lighting time may be controlled by providing a timer for measuring the lighting time and turning off the LED 41 when a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, when the closed state of the accommodation case 2 is released and the closed state is reached again, the LED 41 is configured to be turned on again.

As a switch for detecting whether or not the housing case 2 is in the closed state, a known switch such as a tact switch or an alternate switch can be used, or a capacitance switch, a reed switch, or the like can be used.

Preferably, it is preferable that the reed switch can detect whether or not the housing case 2 is in the closed state so that the switch is not inadvertently pressed by a finger or other articles. In the example of FIG. 2, a reed switch 34 is provided at the upper end of the front plate 24, and a magnet 33 is provided at a position corresponding to the reed switch 34 of the lid 27. As a result, when the lid 27 is closed, the reed switch 34 is turned on (conducting) by the action of the magnet 33, so that the lighting of the LED 41 can be controlled. Further, when the lid 27 is opened, the reed switch 34 is turned off (blocked), so that the LED 41 can be turned off. The reed switch 34 is an example of a detection unit that detects that the lid 27 as a closing member is in the closing position.

The above function may be realized by using the microcomputer 45. In this case, the microcomputer 45 is an example of a control unit that irradiates a light source with ultraviolet rays when the detection unit detects that the lid 27 (closed member) is in the closed position. The microcomputer 45 is mounted on, for example, a substrate 43 attached to the housing case 2. For example, the microcomputer 45 and the LED 41 are connected by wiring 42, and the microcomputer 45 and the reed switch 34 are connected by wiring 44.

The power supply method is not particularly limited, but for example, from the viewpoint of portability, a battery 48 (including a dry battery, a capacitor, etc.) is provided in the housing case 2, and power is supplied from the battery 48 to the LED 41 and the microcomputer 45.

The lighting time of the LED 41 varies depending on the UVC output of the LED 41 and is not particularly limited. For example, in the range where the total output of the UVC of the LED 41 is 1 mW or more and 10 mW or less, the LED 41 is preset in the range of 30 seconds or more and 20 minutes or less. Is preferable. It is generally known that most bacteria and viruses are inactivated by irradiation with UVC light for 30 seconds. Further, even if the LED 41 is irradiated for more than 10 minutes, the bacteria and viruses are not always completely inactivated, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy efficiency and heat generation. More preferably, when it is 1 minute or more and 10 minutes or less, 99% or more of bacteria, fungi and viruses can be inactivated. The lighting time (predetermined time) of the LED 41 may be changed by the setting of the user M.

The microcomputer 45 is programmed to turn on the LED 41 when the lid 27 is closed and to turn off the LED 41 after a lapse of a predetermined time, regardless of whether the accessory G is housed or not. preferable. After the LED 41 is turned off, the microcomputer 45 itself may be put into a sleep state. After that, the sleep state (including the OFF state of the LED 41) is continued until it is detected that the lid 27 is opened (leaving the closed position) and closed again. Then, when it is detected that the lid 27 is closed again, the microcomputer 45 turns on the LED 41 for a predetermined time.

With such a configuration, it is possible not only to prevent forgetting to turn off the LED 41, but also to save wasted energy and prevent excessive heat generation by the LED 41. Further, it is preferable to turn on the LED 41 for a predetermined time even if the small item G is not stored in order to keep the inside of the storage case 2 clean at all times. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses may be suspended in the air as droplets, and such suspended substances may enter each time the storage case 2 is opened. Then, the next time the small item G is stored in the storage case 2, it may adhere to the small item. Further, when the small item G is taken out by the user M without waiting for a predetermined time, there is a risk that the inside of the storage case 2 is contaminated as compared with before the small item G is stored. Therefore, it is preferable that the LED 41 is turned on every time the lid 27 of the storage case 2 is closed even if the small item G is not stored. Further, by controlling the lighting / extinguishing of the LED 41 according to the opening / closing of the lid 27, for example, when the accessory G is a thick material such as a mask that easily absorbs light, the user folds the mask to obtain a plurality of masks. It can also be used by accommodating it once and irradiating the entire surface of the mask with light of UVC wavelength.

In addition to the LED 41 that irradiates UVC light, a visible light LED (not shown) that emits light toward the outside of the housing case 2 may be provided. In this case, for example, the microcomputer 45 turns on the visible light LED provided on the outside of the housing case 2 in accordance with the lighting timing of the LED 41. By doing so, the irradiation of the LED 41 in the case can be transmitted to the user. Further, by turning off the visible light LED in accordance with the turn-off timing of the LED 41, it is possible to inform the user M that the LED 41 is turned off in the housing case 2.

Such a visible light LED 41 is provided inside the storage case so as to emit light toward the inside of the storage case 2, and is housed in at least a part of the storage case 2 from the outside of the storage case 2 by a light-transmitting resin. A viewing window may be provided so that the inside of the case can be visually recognized. As a result, it is possible to simulate that the accessory G is irradiated with UVC in the storage case, and it is possible to visually confirm whether the LED 41 is on or off.

If the viewing window is a light transmitting resin, part of the long wavelength region such as UVA light is transmitted from the visible light and the light emitted from the UVC light source, but the light of the UVC wavelength having an extremely short wavelength is absorbed. Therefore, UVC light does not leak to the outside of the case, and the inside of the housing case can be safely visually recognized.

The type of such a light-transmitting resin is not particularly limited, but a polyolefin-based resin (including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and a copolymer thereof) and an acrylic-based resin can be preferably used.

Since such a viewing window becomes a factor that hinders the reflection of UVC light inside the storage case, the size is preferably 10 cm ² or less, and more preferably 3 cm ² or less. The position of the viewing window is not particularly limited, but is a side surface of the lid 27 or the main body of the housing case 2 in the vicinity of the UVC light source (LED41), which is a blind spot of the UVC light source (a region outside the irradiation angle of the UVC light source). ) Is preferably provided. At this position, the direct UVC light output from the UVC light source is efficiently reflected and used in the housing case, while the UVC light that reaches the viewing window after multiple reflections is already correspondingly appropriate. Since it is attenuated, UVC light can be used more efficiently.

Further, the microcomputer 45 may monitor the voltage of the battery 48. Then, for example, in the microcomputer 45, when the voltage of the battery 48 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value and the battery is estimated to be dead, the visible light LED may be turned on or blinked to notify the user M that the battery is dead. good.

In the following, one embodiment will be shown to further clarify the features of the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

<Embodiment>
A commercially available pocketable eyeglass case (width 16 cm, height 3 cm, depth 5 cm, side cross section shaped like a semi-cylindrical shape) made of resin, the lid and the container are joined by a hinge, and the closed state is held by a magnet. I prepared. The total surface area of the aluminum particles that are press-fitted or adhered to the area of the predetermined surface area (hereinafter, simply referred to as "region R") by peeling off the felt on the inner surface of the glasses case is 0.05 with respect to the surface area of the region R. % Or less, the total surface area of the crystallized material existing in the region R is 2% or less with respect to the surface area of the region R, the average surface area per crystallized material is 2 μm2 or less, and the surface area of the region R is An aluminum foil (highly reflective foil made of Toyo Aluminum, thickness 20 μm) having a surface roughness Ra of less than 20 nm was attached to the entire inner surface of the glasses case with a commercially available double-sided tape. The spectacle case corresponds to the storage case 2, and the aluminum foil corresponds to the aluminum layer 29.

Next, two surface-mounted LEDs (257 nm peak wavelength, UVC output 3 mW) configured to be capable of irradiating a commercially available UVC wavelength were prepared. The surface mount type LED was attached near the center of both side walls on the long side so that UVC light was emitted toward the inner accommodation space. That is, the two surface mount type LEDs are arranged so as to face each other so that their optical axes are aligned on a straight line. The surface mount type LED corresponds to the LED 41.

Next, a commercially available PIC microcomputer was prepared, and a commercially available reed switch and two surface mount LEDs were connected. The power supply was installed by attaching three AAA batteries (AAA size) battery boxes to the outside of the glasses case with an adhesive. The reed switch was installed at the edge of the glasses case so that it could be turned on by being close to the magnet of the lid when the lid was closed. The microcomputer was programmed to turn on the LED for 60 seconds when the reed switch was turned on, and then sleep. In addition, when the reed switch is turned off, the power of the microcomputer is turned off. The PIC microcomputer corresponds to the microcomputer 45.

Next, in order to evaluate the performance of the sterilization case created using this glasses case, a battery was put in a battery box, and a ballpoint pen having a length of about 15 cm and a thickness of about 1 cm, which is commonly used, was housed in the battery box. After irradiating with UVC wavelength light for a second, the pen was rubbed against a commercially available agarose gel medium and incubated for 1 day in an incubator at 37 ° C. The pen rubbed the central part and the one end part on different agarose gel media, and two kinds of samples were prepared for each experiment. The ballpoint pen corresponds to the accessory G.

For the evaluation of the verification experiment results, colonies such as Staphylococcus aureus were observed by visually observing the medium. In both samples, bacteria were found on the entire surface of the medium, ×, small colonies were visible in one of the samples, △, and both samples were confirmed to have few colonies. Those in which no colonies were found in the sample were marked with ◎.

Next, the aluminum foil is peeled off, and a commercially available general aluminum foil (manufactured by Toyo Aluminum Co., Ltd., 1N30, thickness 20 μm) is attached to the entire inner surface of the eyeglass case with a commercially available double-sided tape, and the LED is attached in the same manner as above. The colonies of the bacteria were observed by irradiating for 1 minute.

Next, the colonies of the bacteria were observed in the same manner with another pen placed in the sterilization case for 1 minute without inserting the battery. Next, the aluminum foil on the inner surface of the case was peeled off to expose the resin, the battery was placed in the battery box, and the LED was irradiated for 1 minute to observe the colonies of the bacteria.

The results of the above verification experiment are shown in Table 1 below.

As a result of the above verification experiment, it was found that the sterilization case of the present invention can be sterilized by irradiating the entire small item G with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength in the UVC region, although it is small in size.

<Other embodiments>
FIG. 5 shows a modified example of the sterilization case 1. In FIG. 5, common reference numerals are given to the configurations corresponding to those in FIG. Further, in the following description of the modified example, the difference from the configuration of FIG. 2 will be mainly described, and the description of the common or similar configuration may be omitted.

In FIG. 5, the storage case 5 includes a case body 51 and a fastener 52 attached to the case body 51. The case body 51 is made of a material having flexibility and elasticity, such as synthetic leather and elastomer. The case body 51 has a flat flat portion 511 near the center, and is folded from both sides to the inside of the flat portion so that one side and the other side overlap each other. A fastener 52 is sewn on the side portion of the case body 51 configured to overlap with each other.

The fastener 52 includes a service tooth 54 provided on the entire peripheral edge portion in the longitudinal direction, and a slider 53 for engaging and disengaging the opposing service teeth 54 with each other. Then, as the slider 53 moves, the opposing teeth 54 engage with each other and the engagement is released, so that the fastener 52 opens and closes. A storage space Q is formed inside the case body 51, and when the fastener 52 is closed, the sterilization case 1 is closed.

A reed switch 34 is provided in the vicinity of the closed end position (right end in the drawing), which is the position of the slider 53 when the fastener 52 is closed. Then, when the slider 53 reaches the closed end position, the reed switch 34 is turned on. The on structure of the reed switch by the slider 53 is not particularly limited, but for example, the slider 53 itself may be formed of a magnet, or a magnet may be attached to the slider 53.

An aluminum layer 29 is formed on the inner surface of the case body 51. Further, on the side wall in the longitudinal direction of the case body 51, an LED 41 for irradiating UVC light toward the accommodation space Q inside the case body 51 is provided. Further, the flat portion 511 is provided with a substrate 43 on which the microcomputer 45 is mounted and a battery 48 for supplying power to each component of the sterilization case 1. In FIG. 5, the aluminum layer 29, the LED 41, the substrate 43, the microcomputer 45, and the battery 48 can be the same as those in the above embodiment, and the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained in the configuration of FIG. Be done.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is extremely useful because it is possible to sterilize all the small items housed in the storage case by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays even though they are small in size.

1 Sterilization case 2 Storage case 5 Storage case 22 Left side plate (side wall)
23 Right side plate (side wall)
27 Closure body (blocking member)
29 Aluminum layer 34 Reed switch (detector)
41 LED (light source)
45 Microcomputer (control unit)

Claims (10)

A long storage case large enough to fit in your clothes pocket,
A light source provided in the storage case and irradiating ultraviolet rays having a wavelength in the UVC region toward the storage space in the storage case is provided.
A sterilization case, characterized in that an aluminum layer for reflecting ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source toward the storage space is formed on the inner surface of the storage case. The sterilization case according to claim 1, wherein the aluminum layer is an aluminum foil and / or an aluminum-deposited film, and is formed on all surfaces of the storage case. The sterilization case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source is provided on a side wall in the longitudinal direction of the storage case. The sterilization case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface of the aluminum layer is coated with glass. The sterilization case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an anodic oxide film is applied to the surface of the aluminum layer. The aluminum layer is
Aluminum foil with a Cu content in the range of 0.05% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less and a reflectance of 60% or more, and / or
0 <Si ≤ 0.20 mass% Si, 1.0 ≤ Fe ≤ 1.7 mass% Fe, 0.05 ≤ Cu ≤ 0.30 mass% Cu, 0 <Mn ≤ 0.20 mass% It contains Mn, 0 <Mg ≤ 0.20 mass% Mg, 0 <Zn ≤ 0.03 mass% Zn, and 0 <Ti ≤ 0.03 mass% Ti, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities. The aluminum alloy foil is characterized in that Fe of 1.0% by mass or more is concentrated within 2 μm of the surface layer in the thickness direction, and has an antibacterial activity value of 3.0 in the antibacterial activity test specified in JIS Z2801. The sterilization case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aluminum alloy foil is the above-mentioned. In the aluminum layer, the total surface area of the aluminum particles press-fitted or adhered to the region having a predetermined surface area is 0.05% or less with respect to the surface area of the region, and the crystallized material existing in the region is present. An ultraviolet reflector having a total surface area of 2% or less with respect to the surface area of the region, an average surface area of 2 μm ² or less per crystallized product, and a surface roughness Ra of the region of less than 20 nm. The sterilization case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aluminum foil is used. One of claims 1 to 7, wherein a part of the surface of the aluminum layer is provided with a convex protective portion containing at least one of silicone rubber, synthetic resin, glass, and metal. The sterilization case described in. The storage case includes a case body forming the storage space and a case body.
A closing member for closing the case body and
A detection unit that detects that the closing member is in the closing position where the opening of the case body is closed.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a control unit for irradiating the light source with ultraviolet rays when the detection unit detects that the obstruction member is in the obstruction position. The described sterilization case. The control unit irradiates the light source with ultraviolet rays until a predetermined time elapses after the detection unit detects that the obstruction member is in the obstruction position, and then the obstruction member leaves the obstruction position. The sterilization case according to claim 9, further comprising a sleep state in which ultraviolet rays are not irradiated from the light source until it is detected that the block has returned to the closed position again.

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