JP2022065777A - Sterilization device and sterilization system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sterilization device and a sterilization system that in addition to preventing a user from being infected, are capable of preventing infection expansion from the user to another person.SOLUTION: A sterilization system 10 comprises: a mask part 20 comprising a connection port; a sterilization device 40 that comprises a sterilization chamber and is capable of being carried by a user; and a coupling member 30 that air-tightly connects the connection port with the sterilization chamber. The mask part 20 comprises: a cover part for covering the user's nose and mouth, the cover part comprising the connection port; and a fixation part for fixing the cover part to the user's head. The sterilization device 40 comprises: an air supply/discharge part for performing air supply/air discharge to/from the sterilization chamber; and an ultraviolet radiation emission part for irradiating supply air/discharge air passing through the sterilization chamber with ultraviolet radiation in the sterilization chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilization device for preventing infectious diseases and a sterilization system.

As a sterilization system, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a sanitary mask system utilizing the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays against pathogens. The pathogen here is a bacterium or a virus that causes an infectious disease.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-25430

However, although the sanitary mask system described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a configuration for sterilizing the inspiration of the user, it is not a configuration for sterilizing the exhaled breath of the user.

The sterilization device that solves the above-mentioned problems is a sterilization device that is provided with a sterilization chamber that is airtightly connected to the connection port of the mask portion and can be carried by the user, and supplies air to the sterilization chamber and provides air to the sterilization chamber. It is provided with a supply / exhaust unit for exhausting and an ultraviolet light emitting unit for irradiating the exhaled air and intake air passing through the sterilization chamber with ultraviolet rays in the sterilization chamber.

According to the above sterilization device, when the user inhales while wearing the mask part, the air taken into the sterilization chamber from the air supply / exhaust part is sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitting part, and the user takes in air. Be supplied. Further, when the user exhales while wearing the mask portion, the exhaled air that has reached the sterilizing portion is sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitting portion and then discharged to the outside from the air supply / exhaust portion. In this way, by eradicating the pathogens contained in the exhaled breath and inhalation of the user, it is possible not only to prevent the infection of the user but also to prevent the spread of the infection from the user.

In the sterilization apparatus, it is preferable that the sterilization chamber includes a turbulent flow generating portion for disturbing the air flow in the sterilization chamber. According to the above-mentioned sterilization device, the turbulent flow generation portion disturbs the air flow in the sterilization chamber, so that the residence time of air in the sterilization chamber can be lengthened. As a result, pathogens contained in the air passing through the sterilization chamber can be sterilized more reliably.

The sterilization device further includes a cooling chamber provided with a cooling fan and a heat sink provided with heat radiating fins. The heat sink absorbs heat generated in the ultraviolet light emitting portion, and the heat radiating fins are inside the cooling chamber. It is preferable that it is exposed to. According to the above-mentioned sterilizing device, the heat generated in the ultraviolet light emitting portion can be absorbed by the heat sink, and the heat absorbed by the heat sink can be cooled in the cooling chamber. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the air passing through the sterilization chamber, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort of the user due to inhaling the air whose temperature has increased.

The sterilization system that solves the above-mentioned problems is a mask portion provided with a connection port, a sterilization device provided with a sterilization chamber, the sterilization device configured to be portable to the user, the connection port, and the above. A sterilization system including a connecting member for airtightly connecting to a sterilization chamber, wherein the mask portion is a cover portion that covers the nose and mouth portion of the user, and the cover portion including the connection port. The sterilization device includes a supply / exhaust unit that supplies and exhausts air to the sterilization chamber, and the sterilization chamber, which is provided with a fixing portion for fixing the cover portion to the user's head. It is provided with an ultraviolet light emitting unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the sterilization chamber with respect to exhaled air and intake air passing through the sterilization chamber.

In the sterilization system, the connecting member is preferably a flexible tubular member having an inner diameter of 1.5 cm or more and 3.0 cm or less. According to the above-mentioned sterilization system, since the inner diameter of the connecting member is 1.5 cm or more and 3.0 cm or less, it is possible to make it easier for the user to breathe while suppressing the increase in size of the connecting member.

In the sterilization system, it is preferable that at least a part of the cover portion is composed of a film-shaped transmission portion. According to the above-mentioned sterilization system, since at least a part of the cover portion is composed of a film-shaped transmission portion, it is possible to easily convey the voice of the user even when the mask portion is attached.

In the sterilization system, it is preferable that the mask portion includes a contact portion of the cover portion that comes into contact with the user, and the contact portion is made of a polyurethane-based foamed resin. According to the above-mentioned sterilization system, the part of the cover that comes into contact with the user is made of polyurethane-based foamed resin, so that the airtightness when the mask part is attached and the comfort when the mask part is attached are used. You can get sex.

According to the above configuration, not only the infection of the user can be prevented, but also the spread of the infection from the user to another person can be prevented.

The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the sterilization system. The front view which shows the structure of the mask part. Side view of the sterilizer. The front view which shows the cross-sectional structure of a sterilizer.

Hereinafter, the sterilization system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
〔overall structure〕
As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization system 10 is a portable sterilization system for infectious disease prevention, and includes a mask portion 20, a connecting member 30, a sterilization device 40, and a power supply device 50. .. The mask portion 20 covers the snout portion of the user of the sterilization system 10 and is fixed to the head of the user. The connecting member 30 is a flexible tubular member, and connects the mask portion 20 and the sterilizing device 40 so as to have airtightness. The sterilization device 40 is a device having a square tubular outer shape, and includes a sterilization chamber for sterilizing pathogens. The pathogen here is a bacterium or a virus that causes an infectious disease. The sterilizer 40 is carried around the user's neck like a necklace by a strap (not shown) or the like. The power supply device 50 includes a power source such as a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery and a primary battery such as a dry battery, and is connected to the sterilization device 40 via a power cord 51. The power supply device 50 is housed in a pocket of a user's clothes or a bag such as a handbag or a waist pouch and carried.

When the user of the sterilization system 10 wears the mask portion 20, the user's exhaled breath is discharged to the outside via the mask portion 20, the connecting member 30, and the sterilization device 40. Further, when the user inhales while wearing the mask portion 20, external air is supplied as the user's inhalation through the sterilizing device 40, the connecting member 30, and the mask portion 20.

[Mask part]
As shown in FIG. 2, the mask portion 20 includes a cover portion 21 that covers the user's snout portion so as to have airtightness, and a fixing portion 22 for fixing the mask portion 20 to the user's head. A first connection port 23 for connecting the connecting member 30 is provided. Further, when the user wears the mask portion 20, the mask space 24 is formed between the user's snout portion and the cover portion 21.

The cover portion 21 includes a main body portion 21a, a transmission portion 21b, and a contact portion 21c. The main body portion 21a is a portion that is not in contact with the user's skin and has a shape corresponding to the snout portion. The main body 21a is made of a non-breathable or non-breathable material. Specifically, the main body 21a is made of a high-strength thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic resin.

The transmission portion 21b is a film-like portion provided so as to close the holes provided on the left and right sides of the main body portion 21a. The connection portion between the main body portion 21a and the transmission portion 21b is configured to have airtightness. The transmission unit 21b is composed of, for example, a vinyl-based resin such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyvinylidene chloride (PVCD), or a resin such as polyethylene-based, polypropylene-based, polyester-based, or polyamide-based resin. By providing the film-shaped transmission portion 21b on the cover portion 21, it is possible to easily convey the voice emitted by the user, which is an elastic wave, so that it becomes easy to have a conversation with the mask portion 20 attached.

Further, the transmission unit 21b is configured to have a thickness of about 0.008 mm or more and 0.011 mm or less. By setting the thickness of the transmission unit 21b in such a range, it is possible to facilitate the transmission of the voice uttered by the user while having the thickness for maintaining the required strength.

The contact portion 21c is a portion continuously provided on the outer peripheral portion of the main body portion 21a and is a portion in contact with the skin of the user. When the mask portion 20 is attached, the contact portion 21c is in close contact with the user's skin so as to have airtightness. The contact portion 21c is made of a material that can achieve both airtightness when the mask portion 20 is attached and comfort when the mask portion 20 is attached. Specifically, the contact portion 21c is made of a polyurethane-based foamed resin. Among them, from the viewpoint of airtightness and comfort, it is preferably composed of a polyurethane-based resin such as ultra-low-resilience urethane. Other examples of the material constituting the contact portion 21c include polystyrene and foamed resins such as polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Further, the contact portion 21c is configured to have a thickness of about 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less. By setting the thickness of the contact portion 21c within such a range, it is possible to maintain the comfort when the mask portion 20 is attached while improving the airtightness.

The fixing portion 22 is a string-shaped elastic member configured in an annular shape, and is provided at both left and right ends of the main body portion 21a. By putting the fixing portion 22 on the user's ear, the contact portion 21c is in close contact with the user's skin due to the elastic force of the fixing portion 22, and the cover portion 21 is fixed to the user's head so as to have airtightness. To.

The first connection port 23 is an opening provided in the central portion of the main body portion 21a, and the first end portion 31 which is one end of the connecting member 30 is connected so as to have airtightness. The first connection port 23 is provided with a attachment / detachment mechanism for attaching / detaching the first end portion 31, and has a configuration that facilitates maintenance such as repair and replacement. The first connection port 23 is provided with a rubber packing or an O-ring for maintaining airtightness with the first end portion 31 as a detachable mechanism, and the mask portion 20 is press-fitted by the first end portion 31. And the connecting member 30 are connected so as to have airtightness. The attachment / detachment mechanism is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and for example, a joint structure such as a screw-in joint may be used.

[Connecting member]
The connecting member 30 is a flexible cylindrical member. The connecting member 30 includes, as both ends thereof, a first end portion 31 connected to the mask portion 20 and a second end portion 32 (see FIG. 4) connected to the sterilizing device 40. The user's exhaled air and inhaled air move between the mask unit 20 and the sterilizing device 40 via the connecting member 30. Therefore, it is preferable that the connecting member 30 has an inner diameter that does not impair the portability of the sterilization system 10 and that allows the user to easily breathe.

Specifically, the connecting member 30 is configured so that the inner diameter thereof is in the range of 1.5 cm or more and 3.0 cm or less. By setting the inner diameter of the connecting member 30 in such a range, the diameter of the general airway of an adult is about 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm, so that the inner diameter of the connecting member 30 is equivalent to the diameter of the airway in an adult. As described above, it is possible to ensure portability by suppressing the increase in size of the connecting member 30 while making it easier for the user to breathe.

[Sterilizer]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sterilizer 40 includes a housing portion 41 having a square columnar outer shape. The housing portion 41 is made of a lightweight metal such as aluminum or a water-repellent resin. The housing portion 41 has an outer wall 41a constituting the outer shape of the sterilizing device 40, a square tubular inner wall 41b extending in the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing device 40 inside the outer wall 41a, and a longitudinal portion in the housing portion 41. It is one end in the direction and includes an end wall 41c connecting the outer wall 41a and the inner wall 41b. The inner wall 41b is supported by a support portion (not shown) extending from the outer wall 41a in addition to the end wall 41c. Further, the sterilization device 40 includes a sterilization chamber 42 which is a space surrounded by the inner wall 41b and the end wall 41c, and a cooling chamber 43 which is a space surrounded by the outer wall 41a, the inner wall 41b, and the end wall 41c.

The sterilization chamber 42 includes a second connection port 42a located at the end wall 41c, which is one end in the longitudinal direction in the sterilization chamber 42, and an air supply / exhaust portion 42b, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction in the sterilization chamber 42. The second end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is connected to the second connecting port 42a so as to have airtightness. The second connection port 42a is provided with a attachment / detachment mechanism for attaching / detaching the second end portion 32, and has a configuration that facilitates maintenance such as repair and replacement. The second connection port 42a is provided with a rubber packing or an O-ring for maintaining airtightness with the second end portion 32 as a detachable mechanism, and the mask portion 20 is press-fitted by the second end portion 32. And the connecting member 30 are connected so as to have airtightness. The attachment / detachment mechanism of the second connection port 42a is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and for example, a joint structure such as a screw-in joint may be used as in the case of the first connection port 23.

The sterilization chamber 42 includes an ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 inside. The ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is composed of LED elements provided in one row or a plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction in the sterilization chamber 42 on the surface defining the sterilization chamber 42 in the inner wall 41b. In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is provided on two opposing surfaces in the sterilization chamber 42. Each ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is composed of a row of LED elements provided in the longitudinal direction in the sterilization chamber 42.

The ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 emits ultraviolet rays having a wavelength having a sterilizing effect on pathogens. Specifically, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 emits ultraviolet rays classified as UV-C having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less. More preferably, it emits ultraviolet rays of 220 nm or more and 270 nm or less. If it is 265 nm, the sterilizing effect on pathogens can be particularly enhanced, and if it is 222 nm, the harm to the human body can be reduced.

By providing the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 in the sterilization chamber 42, the exhaled breath of the user wearing the mask portion 20 reaches the sterilization device 40 via the mask portion 20 and the connecting member 30, and the sterilization chamber 42 In, the pathogen contained in the exhaled breath is sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 and then discharged to the outside. Further, when the user inhales while wearing the mask portion 20, air is taken into the sterilization chamber 42 from the outside, and after being sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44, the connecting member 30 and the mask portion are used. It is supplied as a user's intake air via 20.

Each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42 is composed of a mirror surface which is a flat surface having a high reflectance to the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44. For example, when the housing portion 41 is made of aluminum, the reflectance of aluminum to ultraviolet rays is as high as about 90%, so that each surface of the inner wall 41b and the end wall 41c defining the sterilization chamber 42 becomes a mirror surface. .. Further, when the housing portion 41 is made of a resin material, each surface of the inner wall 41b and the end wall 41c defining the sterilization chamber 42 is coated with a material having high reflectance to ultraviolet rays such as aluminum and magnesium oxide. , Each coated surface becomes a mirror surface.

By forming each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42 with a mirror surface, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 are reflected by the mirror surface, so that the intensity of the ultraviolet rays in the sterilization chamber 42 can be increased. Since the sterilizing effect of the pathogen by ultraviolet rays depends on the intensity of ultraviolet rays, by increasing the intensity of ultraviolet rays in the sterilizing chamber 42 in this way, the pathogens contained in the exhaled breath and inhalation of the user are more reliably eliminated. Can be fungus. Further, when the housing portion 41 is made of a resin material, the damage to the resin material due to the ultraviolet rays can be reduced by coating each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42 with a material having a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays.

Further, the intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 decreases as the distance from the light source increases. Therefore, while the cross-sectional area of the sterilization chamber 42 is made larger than that of the connecting member 30 so as not to interfere with breathing, the cross-sectional area of the sterilization chamber 42 is made as small as possible to exhale in a state where the intensity of ultraviolet rays is strong. And it is possible to irradiate the intake air. As a result, pathogens contained in the user's exhaled breath and inhaled air can be sterilized more reliably.

Inside, the sterilization chamber 42 includes a turbulence generation unit 45a located in the vicinity of the second connection port 42a and a turbulence generation unit 45b located in the vicinity of the air supply / exhaust unit 42b. The turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b are columnar portions spanning the facing surfaces in which the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 is not provided in the sterilization chamber 42. The turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b may be integrated with the housing portion 41, or may have a configuration in which a member different from the housing portion 41 is fixed. Further, the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b are made of a metal having a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays such as aluminum or a resin material whose surface is coated with a material having a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays from the viewpoint of resistance to ultraviolet rays. Ru.

When the user of the sterilization system 10 exhales, the exhaled air of the user who has reached the sterilization chamber 42 via the mask portion 20 and the connecting member 30 is disturbed by the turbulent flow generation portion 45a. It passes through the sterilization chamber 42 and is discharged from the air supply / exhaust unit 42b. Therefore, by providing the turbulent flow generation unit 45a in the sterilization chamber 42, it is possible to prolong the time for the exhaled breath of the user to stay in the sterilization chamber 42. Similarly, when the user of the sterilization system 10 inhales, external air is taken in from the air supply / exhaust unit 42b and passes through the sterilization chamber 42 in a state where the air flow is disturbed by the turbulent flow generation unit 45b. After that, the air is taken in by the user via the connecting member 30 and the mask portion 20.

The sterilizing effect of pathogens by ultraviolet rays depends not only on the intensity of ultraviolet rays but also on the irradiation time. Therefore, by providing the turbulent flow generation unit 45b in the sterilization chamber 42, it is possible to prolong the time that the exhaled air and the inspiratory air of the user stay in the sterilization chamber 42, so that the exhaled air and the inspiratory air of the user can be more reliably taken. Can sterilize the pathogens contained in.

Further, by disturbing the flow of exhaled air and intake air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 by the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b, for example, even if the ultraviolet intensity varies depending on the position in the sterilization chamber 42, the sterilization chamber 42 The exhaled air and inhaled air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 pass not only the region where the ultraviolet intensity is relatively low but also the region where the ultraviolet intensity is relatively high in the sterilization chamber 42. Therefore, the pathogen contained in the exhaled breath and inhalation of the user can be sterilized more reliably.

The cooling chamber 43 includes an air supply port 43a located on the outer wall 41a and an exhaust port 43b located at the end opposite to the end wall 41c in the longitudinal direction. The air supply port 43a is provided with a cooling fan 46 for taking in air into the cooling chamber 43. The exhaust port 43b discharges the air taken in from the cooling fan 46 of the air supply port 43a.

The cooling chamber 43 includes a heat sink 47 for cooling the heat generated from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44. The heat sink 47 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper having good thermal conductivity. The heat sink 47 is installed on the inner wall 41b in the cooling chamber 43. Further, a substrate (not shown) on which the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 is mounted is attached to the surface of the inner wall 41b opposite to the surface on which the heat sink 47 is provided. The heat sink 47 is provided with heat radiation fins 47a on a surface opposite to the surface in contact with the inner wall 41b. The heat radiation fins 47a are exposed inside the cooling chamber 43.

The heat sink 47 absorbs heat generated from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 via the inner wall 41b. Then, the heat sink 47 that has absorbed the heat generated from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is cooled by the air flowing inside the cooling chamber 43. As a result, the heat generated from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 can be effectively cooled. Further, for example, when a heat sink 47 is provided in the disinfection chamber 42 and the heat sink 47 is cooled by using the flow of air passing through the disinfection chamber 42, the air that is the exhaled air of the user is also used for cooling the heat sink 47. Therefore, the air whose temperature has risen is supplied to the user as exhaled air. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, by cooling the heat sink 47 in the cooling chamber 43, which is a space partitioned from the sterilization chamber 42, the temperature of the air that is the exhaled air of the user rises. Can be suppressed.

The heat radiation fins 47a are preferably provided along the flow of air in the cooling chamber 43. For example, in the present embodiment, the heat radiation fin 47a extends so that one end is located near the air supply port 43a and the cooling fan 46 and the other end is located near the exhaust port 43b. As a result, the air in the cooling chamber 43 flows along the heat radiation fins 47a, so that the heat sink 47 can be suitably cooled.

Further, by providing the cooling chamber 43 so as to surround the sterilization chamber 42, it becomes difficult for the heat generated from the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 to be transferred to the outer wall 41a which is the surface of the housing portion 41, so that it is used in the sterilization device 40. It is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the part that touches the human hand.

The sterilization device 40 further includes a control unit (not shown), an operation unit, and a display unit. The control unit includes a drive circuit for the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44, a drive circuit for the cooling fan 46, and a power supply circuit for supplying power to these from the power supply device 50. The operation unit is a button for switching the power on / off in the sterilization system 10, and is provided on the surface of the outer wall 41a of the housing unit 41. The display unit is a monitor or an indicator lamp that displays an operating status, a charging / non-charging display, a remaining amount display, and the like, and is provided on the surface of the outer wall 41a of the housing unit 41. The display unit and the operation unit may be provided not in the sterilization device 40 but in the power supply device 50, or may be provided in both the sterilization device 40 and the power supply device 50.

Further, the sterilization system 10 is configured so that the air supply / exhaust unit 42b is not provided with a filter such as a non-woven fabric, which makes it easier for the user to breathe. In addition, since the structure is simplified, manufacturing cost, manufacturability, and repairability are improved.

According to the sterilization system 10 configured as described above, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) By providing the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 in the sterilization chamber 42, the exhaled breath of the user wearing the mask unit 20 reaches the sterilization device 40 via the mask unit 20 and the connecting member 30 to disinfect. In the fungus chamber 42, the pathogen contained in the exhaled breath is sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 and then discharged to the outside. Further, when the user inhales while wearing the mask portion 20, the air sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 in the sterilization chamber 42 of the sterilization device 40 is sterilized by the connecting member 30 and the mask portion. It is supplied as a user's intake air via 20. In this way, by eradicating the pathogens contained in the exhaled breath and inhalation of the user, it is possible not only to prevent the infection of the user but also to prevent the spread of the infection from the user.

(2) By providing the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b in the sterilization chamber 42, the air flow is disturbed in the sterilization chamber 42. As a result, the residence time of exhaled air and inhaled air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 can be lengthened. Further, for example, even if the ultraviolet intensity varies depending on the position in the sterilization chamber 42, the exhaled air and the inspiratory air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 are not only in the region where the ultraviolet intensity is relatively low in the sterilization chamber 42. It will also pass through areas with relatively high UV intensity. Therefore, pathogens contained in the user's exhaled breath and inhaled air can be sterilized more reliably.

(3) By making the connecting member 30 a tubular member having an inner diameter of 1.5 cm or more and 3.0 cm or less, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the connecting member 30 and ensure portability while making it easier for the user to breathe. be able to.

(4) By providing the heat sink 47, the heat generated in the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 can be absorbed by the heat sink 47. Further, by exposing the heat radiation fins 47a to the cooling chamber 43, the heat absorbed by the heat sink 47 can be cooled in the cooling chamber 43. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the air passing through the sterilization chamber 42, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the user inhaling the air whose temperature has risen.

(5) By providing the film-shaped transmission portion 21b on the cover portion 21, it is possible to easily convey the voice emitted by the user, which is an elastic wave, so that it becomes easy to have a conversation with the mask portion 20 attached. ..

(6) Since the contact portion 21c is made of a polyurethane-based foamed resin, high airtightness can be obtained when the mask portion 20 is attached, and comfort when the mask portion 20 is attached can be obtained. be able to.

(7) Since each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42 is composed of a mirror surface having a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 are reflected by each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42. Therefore, the intensity of ultraviolet rays in the sterilization chamber 42 can be increased. As a result, pathogens contained in the user's exhaled breath and inhaled air can be sterilized more reliably.

(8) The sterilization system 10 is configured not to be provided with a filter such as a non-woven fabric, so that the user can easily breathe. Moreover, since the structure is simplified, cost, manufacturability, and repairability can be improved.

In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment can be changed as appropriate and carried out as follows.
Although the configuration in which the contact portion 21c is a polyurethane-based foamed resin is exemplified, the material is not limited to this as long as it is a material that can obtain high airtightness and comfort when the mask portion 20 is attached, for example. In addition to various foamed resins, silicon rubber or the like may be used.

The configuration in which the transmission unit 21b is a vinyl-based resin is exemplified, but the material is not limited to this as long as it is a material that can easily convey the voice emitted by the user. Alternatively, it may be a material configured to have poor breathability.

Although the configuration in which the transmission unit 21b is provided at one location on each of the left and right sides is illustrated, the number, position, and size of the transmission unit 21b are not limited as long as the strength of the main body unit 21a can be sufficiently maintained. For example, a configuration may be configured in which a large number of minute transmission portions 21b are provided on the entire main body portion 21a. Further, the configuration may be such that the transmission unit 21b is not provided. In this case, the strength of the main body 21a can be improved, although the degree to which the voice emitted by the user is attenuated when passing through the main body 21a is increased.

The film constituting the transmission unit 21b may be replaceable with respect to the main body unit 21a. In this case, the transmission portion 21b may be made of a film slightly larger than the hole portion provided in the main body portion 21a, and a peelable adhesive material may be provided in the portion protruding from the hole portion.

A configuration in which a heat sink 47 is provided in the cooling chamber 43 and the heat of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is absorbed through the inner wall 41b has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, if the heat generation amount of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is small, cooling is performed. It is not necessary to provide the chamber 43 and the heat sink 47.

Although the configuration in which the heat sink 47 is provided in the cooling chamber 43 and the heat of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is absorbed through the inner wall 41b is exemplified, the configuration of the heat sink 47 is not limited to this. For example, a part of the inner wall 41b is composed of a substrate on which the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 is mounted, the surface on which the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 is mounted is exposed in the sterilization chamber 42, and heat radiation fins 47a are provided. The surface may be exposed to the cooling chamber 43.

-The configuration in which the inner diameter of the connecting member 30 is 1.5 cm or more and 3.0 cm or less is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the sterilization system is assumed to be used for children or in situations where the amount of exercise is small, for example. If so, the inner diameter of the connecting member 30 may be smaller than 1.5 cm. Further, the inner diameter of the connecting member 30 may be larger than 3.0 cm. In this case, although the connecting member 30 becomes large, the ease of breathing by the user can be further improved. The configuration in which the connecting member 30 is a cylindrical member has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a square tube member may be used. Further, the connecting member 30 may be a bellows-shaped hose.

Although the configuration in which the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b are provided in the sterilization chamber 42 is exemplified, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which only one of the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b may be provided may be used. Further, for example, if the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 have sufficient intensity to sterilize the pathogen, and the ultraviolet rays are sufficiently irradiated to the exhaled breath and the inspiratory in the sterilization chamber 42. , It is not necessary to provide the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b.

Although the configuration in which the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b are columnar is illustrated, if the flow of exhaled air and inspiratory air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 can be disturbed and the breathing of the user is not hindered. The shape is not limited, and may be, for example, a square prism or a triangular prism.

The configuration in which the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b are laid across the facing surfaces of the sterilization chamber 42 in which the ultraviolet light emitting portion 44 is not provided is illustrated. However, the configuration is not limited as long as it can disturb the flow of exhaled air and inhaled air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 and does not interfere with the breathing of the user, and for example, an ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is provided. It may be configured to be bridged over the opposing surfaces. Further, two or more of the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b may be provided. For example, two or more turbulent flow generating portions 45a may be provided in parallel, or may be configured to intersect each other in a cross or an X shape. Further, the turbulent flow generating portions 45a and 45b may be configured so as to protrude from one of the opposing surfaces and not be supported by the other surface.

The configuration in which each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42 is a mirror surface as a flat surface having a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 sterilize the pathogen. It is not necessary to configure each surface constituting the sterilization chamber 42 with a mirror surface as long as it has sufficient strength to prevent the sterilization chamber 42. For example, among the surfaces constituting the sterilization chamber 42, only the opposite surface provided with the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 may be a mirror surface, or only one of the surfaces may be a mirror surface. There may be. Further, the mirror surface may be a curved surface instead of a flat surface. For example, if any of the surfaces constituting the sterilization chamber 42 is a mirror surface as a curved surface having a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays, the curvature of the curved surface may be adjusted according to the arrangement of the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 or the like. Therefore, the unevenness of the ultraviolet intensity in the sterilization chamber 42 can be reduced and the ultraviolet intensity in the sterilization chamber 42 can be made more uniform.

The configuration in which the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is provided on two opposing surfaces in the sterilization chamber 42 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the exhaled air and the inspiratory air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 are provided to such an extent that they can be sufficiently sterilized. It should be done. For example, the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 is provided on only one surface of the sterilization chamber 42 according to the intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED element constituting the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 and the size of the sterilization chamber 42. You may. Further, the number of LED elements constituting the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 may be appropriately determined according to the intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED elements constituting the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 and the size of the sterilization chamber 42. The configuration in which the LED elements constituting the ultraviolet light emitting unit 44 are provided in one row or a plurality of rows is exemplified, but the configuration is limited as long as the exhaled air and the inspiratory air passing through the sterilization chamber 42 can be sufficiently sterilized. However, for example, the configuration may be arranged in a zigzag pattern.

-In the cooling chamber 43, the positions where the air supply port 43a and the exhaust port 43b are provided are not limited. Specifically, the positional relationship may be such that the air taken in from the cooling fan 46 provided in the air supply port 43a passes near the heat sink 47 and is discharged from the exhaust port 43b. For example, the air supply port 43a and the cooling fan 46 may be provided in the center of the sterilizing device 40 in the longitudinal direction, and the exhaust port 43b may be provided at both ends of the sterilizing device 40 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the air supply port 43a and the cooling fan 46 may be provided in the vicinity of the air supply / exhaust unit 42b, and the exhaust port 43b may be provided in the vicinity of the second connection port 42a. In this case, even if the air used for cooling the heat sink 47 and whose temperature has risen is discharged from the exhaust port 43b, it is difficult to be taken into the sterilization chamber 42. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the discomfort of the user due to the supply of air having an increased temperature as the intake air of the user.

The fixing portion 22 is not limited to a configuration in which the fixing portion 22 is fixed by hanging it on the ear. For example, the fixing portion 22 is composed of a string-shaped elastic member connecting the left and right ends of the main body portion 21a and a belt member whose length can be adjusted. May be placed on the back of the head of the user and fixed to the head.

The mask portion 20 may be covered with a non-woven fabric mask (disposable mask), a cloth mask, or the like. The design can be improved by covering the mask portion 20 with a non-woven fabric mask, a cloth mask, or the like. In particular, a cloth mask or the like having a design on the outer surface can more preferably improve the design.

-The sterilization system 10 exemplifies a configuration in which a filter such as a non-woven fabric is not provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which a filter is provided in the air supply / exhaust section 42b or the like may be used. With such a configuration, the sterilization system 10 can be provided with functions such as dustproofing and measures against pollinosis.

Although the configuration in which the sterilizing device 40 is carried around the user's neck like a necklace by a strap (not shown) is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the housing portion 41 of the sterilizing device 40 may be used. A clip or the like may be provided and fixed to the user's chest pocket or the belt of the trousers. Further, depending on these uses, a plurality of types of connecting members 30 having different lengths may be prepared and exchanged.

Although the configuration in which the cooling chamber 43 is provided so as to surround the sterilization chamber 42 is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cooling chamber 43 includes a space for providing the heat sink 47 and air for cooling the heat sink 47. The configuration is not limited as long as there is a space through which the air can pass. For example, when two heat sinks 47 are provided as in the above embodiment, the cooling chamber 43 may be divided into two. As a result, the air taken in from the cooling fan 46 provided in the air supply port 43a passes in the vicinity of the heat sink 47 more reliably, so that the heat sink 47 can be suitably cooled.

Although the configuration in which the housing portion 41 has a square tubular outer shape is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a shape such as an elliptical cross-sectional view. Further, the outer surface of the outer wall 41a may be provided with a highly designed design in order to enhance the design. Further, the decorative cover covering the surface of the housing portion 41 may be removable.

Although the configuration in which the first connection port 23 is provided in the central portion of the main body portion 21a is exemplified, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the first connection port 23 may be provided in the lower portion of the main body portion 21a. In this case, since the first connection port 23 is provided at the lower part of the main body portion 21a, the connecting member 30 hangs straight from the first connection port 23 toward the sterilizing device 40. As a result, the total length of the connecting member 30 can be shortened, and the attenuation of the flow velocity in the inspiratory and exhaled air passing through the connecting member 30 can be reduced.

The configuration in which the power supply device 50 is connected to the sterilization device 40 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the sterilization device 40 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery without providing the power supply device 50. It may be configured to include a power source such as a primary battery such as a dry battery. In this case, although the size of the sterilization device 40 becomes large, the number of parts can be reduced.

10 ... Sterilization system 20 ... Mask part 21 ... Cover part 21a ... Main body part 21b ... Transmission part 21c ... Contact part 22 ... Fixed part 23 ... First connection port 30 ... Connecting member 31 ... First end part 32 ... Second end Part 40 ... Sterilization device 41 ... Housing part 41a ... Outer wall 41b ... Inner wall 41c ... End wall 42 ... Sterilization chamber 42a ... Second connection port 42b ... Supply / exhaust part 43 ... Cooling room 44 ... Ultraviolet light emitting part 45a, 45b ... Turbulent flow generator 46 ... Cooling fan 47 ... Heat sink 47a ... Radiation fin 50 ... Power supply device 51 ... Power cord

Claims (7)

It is a sterilization device that can be carried by the user, equipped with a sterilization room that is airtightly connected to the connection port of the mask.
An air supply / exhaust unit that supplies and exhausts air to the sterilization chamber,
A sterilization device including an ultraviolet light emitting unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the sterilization chamber for exhaled breath and inspiration passing through the sterilization chamber. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization chamber includes a turbulent flow generation unit for disturbing the air flow in the sterilization chamber. Further equipped with a cooling chamber equipped with a cooling fan and a heat sink equipped with radiating fins,
The heat sink absorbs heat generated in the ultraviolet light emitting portion, and the heat sink absorbs heat.
The sterilizing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat radiation fin is exposed inside the cooling chamber. A cover portion that covers the snout portion of the user, the cover portion having the connection port, and the mask portion provided with a fixing portion for fixing the cover portion to the user's head.
The sterilizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and
A sterilization system including a connecting member that airtightly connects the connection port and the sterilization chamber. The sterilization system according to claim 4, wherein the connecting member is a flexible tubular member having an inner diameter of 1.5 cm or more and 3.0 cm or less. The sterilization system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cover portion is composed of at least a film-shaped transmission portion. The mask portion includes a contact portion of the cover portion that comes into contact with the user.
The sterilization system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the contact portion is made of a polyurethane-based foamed resin.

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