JP2024016333A - inactivation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inactivation device with improved usability.

SOLUTION: An inactivation device includes: a light irradiator that includes a light source which emits ultraviolet light to inactivate a pathogen, and an extraction part which extracts ultraviolet light; a support part that supports the light irradiator; and a distribution angle changing part that changes a distribution angle of the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction part.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an inactivation device for inactivating pathogens.

BACKGROUND ART Inactivation devices that inactivate pathogens such as bacteria and viruses with ultraviolet light have been known. There are various types of inactivation devices. In addition to inactivation devices that are fixed to the ceiling and irradiate ultraviolet light to a wide space, there are inactivation devices that are carried by the user and irradiate ultraviolet light to a small area (patented). (See Reference 1).

Special Publication No. 2021-514287

Recently, due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, there is a growing need to inactivate pathogens such as viruses. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inactivation device that is more convenient for inactivating pathogens with ultraviolet light.

The inactivation device of the present invention includes a light source that emits ultraviolet light that inactivates pathogens, and a light irradiator that includes an extraction section that extracts the ultraviolet light.
a support part that supports the light irradiator;
A light distribution angle changing section that changes a light distribution angle of the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction section.

The terms used in this specification will be explained. As used herein, pathogen refers to microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Pathogens exist suspended on the surfaces of the human body (e.g., skin and hair), on objects with which people frequently come in contact (e.g., furniture, office equipment, floors, or walls), or in spaces where people are in close proximity. do. In particular, viruses are often contained in droplets, or aerosols, exhaled, spit, coughed or sneezed from the mouth or nose of a person or animal. Viruses, therefore, in particular, float widely in space and attach to objects such as furniture, floors and walls, as well as to the surfaces of the human body.

As used herein, inactivation, in the case of protists, refers to either killing them by destroying intracellular DNA or enzymes (proteins) or cell membranes, or removing the cell proliferation function. In the case of a virus, inactivation refers to destroying the DNA or RNA to cause the virus to lose its ability to infect cells.

When UV light is applied to pathogens, it inactivates them. Among ultraviolet light, it has been reported that especially ultraviolet light with an emission wavelength of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm not only inactivates pathogens but also hardly causes any adverse effects on the human body. Therefore, ultraviolet light having an emission wavelength of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm can be irradiated toward the human body. Therefore, it is preferable that the inactivation device uses a light source that emits ultraviolet light having an emission wavelength of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm.

The inactivation device includes a light distribution angle changing section that changes the light distribution angle of the ultraviolet light. In particular, when it is desired to intensively inactivate a narrow area, the light distribution angle changing unit is used to narrow the light distribution angle toward the narrow area to be inactivated. If there are people near the inactivation device, it is desirable to weaken the ultraviolet light and inactivate a wide range, so the light distribution angle changing section is used to expand the light distribution angle. In this way, since ultraviolet light can be irradiated at a light distribution angle depending on the scene, the inactivation device has high convenience.

comprising a mount attached to the support part and capable of attaching and detaching the light irradiator;
The mount may be capable of changing the light distribution direction of the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction section.

The mount can change an angle around a first axis and an angle around a second axis,
The first axis and the second axis may each be in a horizontal plane, and the first axis and the second axis may be perpendicular to each other.

The mount includes a plurality of transparent parts that transmit the ultraviolet light and exhibit different diffusion characteristics,
The light distribution angle changing unit is configured such that the mount is configured to move toward the light irradiator so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction unit passes through only a desired light-transmitting part among the plurality of light-transmitting parts. The light irradiator may be configured to rotate so that the light irradiator can be inserted into the mount.

The plurality of light-transmitting parts may include a first light-transmitting part including a diffusion member that diffuses the ultraviolet light, and a second light-transmitting part including an opening or a transmission plate that does not diffuse the ultraviolet light.

The light irradiator may include a diffusion member that can be arranged to cover the extraction section.

The light irradiator may be stored in the storage part of the light irradiator by sliding the diffusion member from the take-out part so that the diffusion member does not cover the take-out part.

The diffusion member may be removably inserted into a slot provided in the extraction section.

The slot may include a first slot and a second slot located at a different distance from the light source than the first slot.

The diffusion member may have a function of attenuating the ultraviolet light to a desired light intensity.

Separately from the diffusion member, a light attenuation member may be provided to attenuate the ultraviolet light to a desired light intensity.

The diffusion member may be PTFE, a glass plate with minute irregularities on its surface, a Fresnel lens, or a microlens array.

The light irradiator includes a second light source that emits visible light,
The visible light may indicate a light distribution angle and a light distribution direction of the ultraviolet light.

The visible light may be laser light that is projected onto the irradiated surface as a first straight line and a second straight line that intersects the first straight line. The angle at which the second straight line intersects the first straight line may be approximately 90 degrees (85 degrees to 95 degrees).

The inactivation device may include a control section that sends an instruction signal for changing the light distribution angle to the light distribution angle changing section.

The inactivation device includes a human sensor,
A detection signal indicating whether or not a person or animal is detected by the human sensor may be sent to the control unit.

The inactivation device may be placed on a tabletop.

An inactivation device with improved convenience can be provided. Providing the above-mentioned inactivation device corresponds to Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people at all ages.” , will also make a significant contribution to Target 3.3: “By 2030, eliminate communicable diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, and combat hepatitis, waterborne diseases and other communicable diseases.” It is something.

It is a figure showing an inactivation device of a first embodiment. It is a figure showing the light irradiator in the inactivation device of a first embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the whole mount and a part of support part in the inactivation device of 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage method of an inactivation apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage method of an inactivation apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the irradiated area viewed from the light irradiator side. It is a figure showing the inactivation device of a second embodiment. It is a figure showing the inactivation device of a third embodiment. 8 is a diagram showing a light irradiator of the inactivation device of FIG. 7. FIG. It is a figure which shows the cartridge which can be inserted into the slot provided in the light irradiator. It is a figure which shows the modification of the inactivation apparatus of 3rd embodiment. It is a figure showing the inactivation device of a fourth embodiment. 12 is a diagram showing a light irradiator of the inactivation device of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a light irradiator of the inactivation device of FIG. 11. FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the light irradiator of an inactivation apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification of the inactivation apparatus of 4th embodiment.

Embodiments of the inactivation device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing disclosed in this specification is schematically illustrated. That is, the dimensional ratios on the drawings do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios do not necessarily match between the drawings.

In the following, parts of the drawings will be explained with reference to an XYZ coordinate system. In this specification, when a direction is expressed by distinguishing between positive and negative directions, it is described with positive and negative signs, such as "+X direction" and "-X direction", for example. When expressing a direction without distinguishing between positive and negative directions, it is written without adding a positive or negative sign, such as, for example, "X direction" or "X axis." The same applies to the Y direction and the Z direction. In this specification, the direction of gravity is indicated as the "-Z direction." The X and Y axes lie in a horizontal plane.

<First embodiment>
[Overview of inactivation device]
1 shows a first embodiment of an inactivation device. FIG. 1 shows an inactivation device 100. The inactivation device 100 includes a light irradiator 10, a support section 20 that supports the light irradiator 10, and a mount that is attached to the support section 20 and allows the light irradiator 10 to be attached and detached. The inactivation device 100 further includes a power supply section 41 and a power switch 42. When the power switch 42 is turned on, power can be supplied from the power supply section 41 to the light irradiator 10 via the support section 20 and the mount.

A mount to which the light irradiator 10 can be attached and detached will be described. The mount of this embodiment includes two holding pieces (35a, 35b) arranged in the Z direction, a first base 31, a second base 32, and a third base 33. The third base 33 supports two holding pieces (35a, 35b). In this embodiment, the third base 33 is integrally formed with two holding pieces (35a, 35b). Two holding pieces (35a, 35b) sandwich the light irradiator 10. The light irradiator 10 is attached to the mount by being inserted between the two holding pieces (35a, 35b). Details of the first base 31 and the second base 32 will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows the light irradiator 10. As shown in FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the light irradiator 10 is provided with a light source that emits ultraviolet light capable of inactivating pathogens. Details of the light source will be described later. FIG. 2 shows an extraction section 11 that extracts the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source. The optical axis L1 of the ultraviolet light extracted from the extraction unit 11 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[Light distribution angle change section]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the mount 30 and the support part 20 of the inactivation device 100. The third base 33 is supported by the second base 32 so as to be rotatable around an axis Ry along the Y-axis.

The rotatable range of the rotation angle of the third base 33 around the axis Ry is preferably at least 180 degrees, and preferably up to 355 degrees. The rotatable range of the rotation angle of the third base 33 around the axis Ry may be 360 degrees, 720 degrees, or 1080 degrees. The third base 33 may be configured to be able to rotate infinitely around the Y-axis.

The two holding pieces (35a, 35b) each have a transparent portion (36a, 36b) that transmits ultraviolet light. The light-transmitting portion 36a and the light-transmitting portion 36b exhibit different diffusion characteristics from each other. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 36a is simply an opening provided in the holding piece 35a. Nothing is inserted into the opening. Alternatively, an ultraviolet light transmitting plate (for example, a quartz glass plate) without diffusion properties may be inserted into the opening. On the other hand, in the light-transmitting portion 36b, a diffusion member that diffuses and transmits ultraviolet light is disposed in an opening provided in the holding piece 35b. The light distribution angle of the ultraviolet light transmitted through the light transmitting portion 36b is expanded by the diffusion member. The light distribution angle is the spread angle of light.

The light irradiator 10 is removed from the mount 30, and the third base 33 is rotated in the M1 direction in FIG. 3 to exchange the positions of the holding pieces 35a and 35b. In contrast to FIG. 3, when the light irradiator 10 is attached to the mount 30 with the positions of the holding pieces (35a, 35b) swapped, the light-transmitting part disposed on the output side of the take-out part 11 of the light irradiator 10 is The light-transmitting portion 36a can be changed to a light-transmitting portion 36b. Thereby, the inactivation device 100 can change the diffusion characteristics of the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction section 11, and as a result, the light distribution angle changes.

Therefore, the inactivation device 100 of this embodiment has a light distribution angle changing section. The light distribution angle changing part is formed integrally with two holding pieces (35a, 35b) each having a plurality of light-transmitting parts exhibiting mutually different diffusion characteristics, and the holding pieces (35a, 35b), and is rotatable. It can be said that it is constituted by the third base portion 33.

[Light distribution direction changing part]
The third base 33, which is rotatable around the axis Ry, changes the light-transmitting part (36a, 36b) arranged on the output side of the take-out part 11 of the light irradiator 10, and also changes the Y-axis of the light irradiator 10. Can be used to change the angular attitude around the Therefore, the inactivation device 100 has a light distribution direction changing section that can change the light distribution direction of ultraviolet light around the Y axis. The light distribution direction is the direction in which a bundle of light rays travels, and a change in the light distribution direction is taken as a change in the direction in which the optical axis of the bundle of light rays travels.

The second base portion 32 is supported by the first base portion 31 so as to be rotatable around the Rx axis along the X axis. Thereby, the light irradiator 10 can change its attitude in the M2 direction in FIG. 3. In other words, the inactivation device 100 includes a light distribution direction changing section that can change the elevation angle attitude or depression angle attitude of the light irradiator 10. The inactivation device 100 can change the rotation angle of the ultraviolet light distribution direction around the Rx axis. In this embodiment, the light distribution direction changing section is configured by a third base 33 that is rotatable around the Y axis and a second base 32 that is rotatable around the X axis. The rotatable range of the rotation angle of the second base 32 around the Rx axis may be ±45 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction, preferably ±65 degrees or more, and more preferably ±90 degrees.

Although not shown in the drawings, the light irradiator 10 may be fixed to the mount 30 using an anti-slip element to prevent the light irradiator 10 attached to the mount 30 from sliding off. Various aspects of the anti-slip element are possible. The slip-off prevention element is, for example, provided with a recess on the casing surface of the light irradiator 10 that is in contact with the mount 30, and provided with a convex part on the holding piece (35a, 35b) of the mount 30 that is in contact with the light irradiator 10. It may be an engagement element to be engaged. The light irradiator 10 is slidably inserted between the two holding pieces (35a, 35b), and is an engagement element that engages the concave portion of the light irradiator 10 and the convex portion of the holding piece (35a, 35b). I don't mind. As another example, the anti-slip element may be a screw and a screw hole. As a further example, the anti-slip element may be a fixing band of the light irradiator 10 that is wrapped around two holding pieces (35, 35b) that sandwich the light irradiator 10.

[Height change section]
The support portion 20 has a plurality of grooves that sandwich the protrusions of the first base portion 31 . Each groove extends in the Z direction. Thereby, the first base portion 31 is configured to be slidable in the Z direction (direction M3 in FIG. 3) with respect to the support portion 20. Thereby, the height of the mount 30 and the light irradiator 10 attached to the mount 30 can be changed. When it is desired to intensively inactivate a narrow area, the height changing unit is used to move the light irradiator 10 closer to the irradiated area. Thereby, a narrow area can be irradiated with relatively high illuminance. Conversely, when it is desired to inactivate a wide area, the light irradiator 10 is moved away from the irradiated area. Thereby, a wide area can be irradiated with relatively low illuminance.

[Transparent part]
Examples of the diffusion member disposed in the opening of the light-transmitting portion include a resin sheet, an optical lens, and a light-transmitting plate having minute irregularities on its surface. A PTFE sheet is exemplified as the resin sheet. Examples of optical lenses include Fresnel lenses and microlens arrays. The light transmitting plate having minute irregularities on its surface may be made of frosted glass, for example.

The light-transmitting portion in which the diffusion member with low transmittance is disposed reduces the amount of transmitted ultraviolet light. By setting the thickness of the diffusing member to have a desired transmittance, it is possible to provide the diffusing member with a function of reducing ultraviolet light to a desired light intensity. Furthermore, any one of the plurality of light-transmitting parts may be constituted by a light-reducing member without a diffusion function, that is, a simple light-reducing filter.

[how to use]
An example of how to use the inactivation device 100 of this embodiment will be explained. The inactivation device 100 of this embodiment can be placed on a tabletop. FIG. 4A shows how the inactivation device 100 is used when a person P1 is doing office work using OA equipment at a desk. Since the person P1 scatters pathogens into the space, it is preferable to inactivate a wide area including the person P1.

Therefore, the area La to be irradiated with ultraviolet light is expanded using the light distribution angle changing section and the light distribution direction changing section described above. Specifically, the light irradiator 10 is removed, the mount 30 is rotated so that the holding pieces (35a, 35b) are switched upside down, and the light irradiator 10 is attached to the mount 30. Thereby, the light-transmitting part 36b with the diffusion member is placed in front of the take-out part 11 of the light irradiator 10. In addition, the mount 30 is rotated in the elevation direction. A height changing section may be used as appropriate.

The light output of the light irradiator 10 when the person P1 is near the inactivation device 100 will be described. Although the ultraviolet light with an emission wavelength of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm used in the inactivation device 100 can be irradiated toward the human body, it is necessary to suppress the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the environment including humans. There are cases. For example, according to ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) or JIS Z 8812 (method for measuring harmful ultraviolet radiation), the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the human body per day (8 hours) is: It is specified that each wavelength is below a threshold limit value (TLV). Therefore, when the person P1 is near the inactivation device 100, the light output of the light irradiator 10 is set to be equal to or lower than the TLV.

The light irradiator 10 of this embodiment has a human sensor 18 (see FIG. 2). When the human sensor 18 detects infrared rays emitted by a person or an animal, the light output of the light irradiator 10 is reduced to below the TLV. The light output may be set to zero (ie, turned off). When the human sensor 18 does not detect infrared light emitted by a person or animal, the light output of the light irradiator 10 is set to be equal to or higher than the TLV. Note that there is a confirmation indicator light 14 next to the human sensor 18. The confirmation indicator light 14 is turned on to notify the state of the inactivation device 100, such as when ultraviolet light is irradiated, when the human sensor 18 detects the motion, or when the main power is turned on.

Furthermore, when the person P1 is near the inactivation device 100, a neutral density filter may be placed in front of the extraction section 11 to reduce the illuminance. Alternatively, a diffusion member (for example, a PTFE sheet) having a light reduction function may be placed in front of the take-out portion 11.

FIG. 4B shows how the inactivation device 100 is used when no one is around the inactivation device 100. Since there are no people around the inactivation device 100, priority is given to inactivating the surface of an object where pathogens are particularly abundant, rather than pathogens floating in space. In this embodiment, the surface of the keyboard 51 is inactivated by intensively irradiating the vicinity of the keyboard 51 of the OA device with ultraviolet light, which is frequently touched by people. The person uses the light distribution angle changing section and the light distribution direction changing section to reduce the area La to be irradiated with ultraviolet light and change the light distribution direction to near the keyboard 51, and then leaves the seat (inactivation device 100). When the person P1 leaves the seat, a high light output exceeding the TLV can be set, so the surface of the keyboard 51 may be designed to have a high light output when the human sensor 18 no longer detects the person P1. Note that an actuator and its control unit may be arranged in the inactivation device 100 to automate changes in the light distribution angle, light distribution direction, or height.

In the case of this embodiment, since the inactivation device 100 is on a tabletop, the distance from the light irradiator 10 to the keyboard 51, which is the object to be irradiated, is short, so attenuation of ultraviolet light is small and higher illuminance can be ensured.

In this way, the inactivation target can be changed depending on the scene where a person is near the inactivation device 100 and the scene where a person is not near the inactivation device 100, and the irradiation target area can be set according to the inactivation target. . Therefore, the inactivation device is highly convenient.

The purpose of changing the irradiated area and illuminance is not limited to responding to the presence or absence of a person or animal. As a modification of the method of use, in order to prevent the high-output ultraviolet light of the light irradiator 10 from hitting articles that are sensitive to ultraviolet light, and to prevent deterioration of articles that are sensitive to ultraviolet light, the irradiated area of the inactivation device 100 and You can also set the illuminance. Examples of articles that are sensitive to ultraviolet light include resin products, cloth products, and plants. If resin products or cloth products are continuously exposed to large amounts of ultraviolet light, they may suffer from deterioration such as discoloration. If plants are continuously exposed to large amounts of ultraviolet light, they may wither or weaken. The light distribution angle and light distribution direction may be changed so that the irradiated area does not include articles that are sensitive to ultraviolet light. Further, for the purpose of preventing deterioration of articles that are sensitive to ultraviolet light, a diffusion member or a light attenuation filter having a light attenuation function may be disposed in the light transmitting portion.

[Irradiated area guide light]
The area irradiated with ultraviolet light cannot be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, in the inactivation device 100 of this embodiment, in order to easily adjust the light distribution angle and light distribution direction of the light irradiator 10, visible light (irradiation area guide irradiate the irradiated surface with light). The first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly in FIG. 1 are projected images of the irradiated area guide light.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the irradiated area viewed from the light irradiator 10 side. A broken line La indicates an area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. The area inside the broken line La is the area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. The broken line La cannot be confirmed with the naked eye. However, the first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly, which are the irradiated area guide lights, can be confirmed with the naked eye. The first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly are both located in the area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly intersect at the center of the area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the second straight line Ly is generally orthogonal to the first straight line Lx. That is, the angle at which the second straight line Ly intersects the first straight line Lx is approximately 90 degrees (specifically, 85 degrees to 95 degrees). The dimensions of the first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly match the dimensions of the area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. Therefore, the area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light can be known from the positions and dimensions of the first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly. Using the first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly, the light distribution angle and light distribution direction of the ultraviolet light can be adjusted.

The light irradiator 10 includes a second light source (not shown) that emits visible laser light into the interior, and a laser exit port 13 (see FIG. 2) that emits the visible laser light to the outside of the light irradiator 10. In this embodiment, visible laser light emitted from the laser emission port 13 passes through openings provided in the holding pieces (35a, 35b) and is irradiated onto the irradiated surface.

The lengths of the first straight line Lx and the second straight line Ly of the visible laser beam can be changed by blocking a portion of the laser beam or deflecting it with a micromirror array or the like inside the light irradiator 10. Alternatively, an opening exclusively for visible laser light may be provided in the holding pieces (35a, 35b), and the size of the opening may be formed to match the size of the area to be irradiated with ultraviolet light. .

The projected image of the irradiated area guide light is not limited to two orthogonal straight lines. The projected image may be composed of a curved line or may be a frame line that overlaps the outer edge of the irradiated area. Further, the projected image may not only be a line, but also a scale may be attached to the line.

[light source]
In this embodiment, a light source that emits ultraviolet light having an emission wavelength of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm is used. An excimer lamp, LED or LD is used as a light source. An example of an excimer lamp is a KrCl excimer lamp in which a luminescent gas containing KrCl is sealed inside an arc tube. The KrCl excimer lamp emits ultraviolet light whose main peak wavelength is around 222 nm. As mentioned above, ultraviolet light with an emission wavelength of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm is said to be less likely to have an adverse effect on the human body.

In addition to the KrCl excimer lamp, a KrBr excimer lamp in which a luminescent gas containing KrBr is sealed inside the arc tube may be used. Since the KrBr excimer lamp emits ultraviolet light whose main peak wavelength is around 207 nm, it is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the human body.

If the light source also emits light in a harmful wavelength band (240 nm or more and less than 280 nm), an optical filter may be placed inside the light irradiator 10 to suppress transmission of light in the harmful wavelength band. This suppresses the emission of light in the harmful wavelength band from the light irradiator 10. The optical filter includes a dielectric multilayer film formed by laminating a plurality of layers having different refractive indexes. The optical filter may be placed apart from the light source, or may be formed integrally with the light source.

<Second embodiment>
The inactivation device of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The matters described below will be mainly described regarding points different from the first embodiment. Therefore, matters other than those described below have the same configuration as the first embodiment described above, and can be implemented in the same manner. Further, the same applies to the explanations after the third embodiment.

The mount 30 of the inactivation device 200 has two holding pieces (35c, 35d) arranged in the X direction in addition to two holding pieces (35a, 35b) arranged in the Z direction. ). The four holding pieces (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d) are arranged in contact with each side of the third base 33, respectively. In this embodiment, the third base 33 is integrally formed with four holding pieces (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d). The light irradiator 10 is attached to the mount 30 by inserting the light irradiator 10 into the space between the four holding pieces (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d).

The light-transmitting portions (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) of the four holding pieces (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d) exhibit different diffusion characteristics from each other. The mount 30 is rotated around the axis Ry so that the light-transmitting part exhibiting the desired diffusion characteristics is placed in front of the take-out part 11 of the light irradiator 10.

<Third embodiment>
An inactivation device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the inactivation device 300, the light irradiator 10 is fixed to the third base 33 without using the mount 30.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the light irradiator 10 of the inactivation device 300 of FIG. 7. The light irradiator 10 is provided with a slot S1 on the light output side of the extraction section 11 into which a cartridge can be inserted. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the cartridge 38 that can be inserted into the slot S1. The cartridge 38 includes a transparent portion 38b. The light transmitting portion 38b includes a diffusing member whose light distribution angle can be adjusted. By sliding the cartridge 38 in the direction indicated by D1 in FIG. 8, the cartridge 38 is housed in the slot S1.

The cartridge 38 has an opening 39 that shields the visible laser beam emitted from the laser exit port 13 from light. The size of the aperture 39 is set so that the laser light passing through the aperture 39 matches the light distribution angle of the ultraviolet light of the light-transmitting portion 38b. Thereby, the laser light transmitted through the aperture 39 can be used as a guide light for the irradiated area. The unused cartridge 38 is stored in a cartridge storage section 27 provided in the support section 20 (see FIG. 7).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the inactivation device of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view of the light irradiator 10 viewed from the insertion direction (D1 direction) of the cartridge 38 in FIG. In this modification, the light irradiator 10 includes three slots (S1, S2, S3) along the Z direction into which the cartridge 38 can be inserted. Even if the cartridges 38 have the same diffusion characteristics, the light distribution angle changes depending on which slot (S1, S2, S3) the cartridge 38 is accommodated in. This is because when the accommodation slots (S1, S2, S3) are different, the distance between the light source and the light-transmitting portion 38b of the cartridge is different, and as a result, the light distribution angle of the light transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 38b is different. That is, by selecting the slot (S1, S2, S3) that accommodates the cartridge 38, the light distribution angle can be changed.

<Fourth embodiment>
The inactivation device of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The inactivation device 400 is placed on the floor, not on the table. Therefore, the support portion 20 of the inactivation device 400 is longer than the support portion 20 of the tabletop inactivation device 100 of the first embodiment. The length of the support part 20 of the fourth embodiment may be, for example, 2 m or more, or 2.5 m or more. The light irradiator 10 is installed above a person of average height, and ultraviolet light can be emitted over a wide range.

The light irradiator 10 of the inactivation device 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the light irradiator 10 has storage portions 45 at both ends of the extraction portion 11, each of which stores a diffuser plate. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the diffuser plate is stored in the storage section 45. Since the diffusion plate does not cover the extraction portion 11, the light distribution angle is small, and a particularly narrow area can be intensively inactivated. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the diffuser plates are pulled out from the two storage sections 45 toward the center of the take-out section 11 in the direction indicated by D2. Since the diffusion plate covers the extraction portion 11, the light distribution angle is large and a wide area can be irradiated with ultraviolet light.

The work of storing or pulling out the diffuser plate 44 in the storage section 45 may be performed by moving the diffuser plate 44 manually. In addition, this work involves providing the light irradiator 10 with an actuator that stores or pulls out the diffuser plate 44 and a control section for the actuator, and a person instructing the control section to store or pull out the diffuser plate 44. It may be done by giving . If the light irradiator 10 is placed in a location that is difficult for people to reach, a wired or wireless remote controller may be used to give the control unit an instruction signal to retract or pull out the diffuser plate 44. .

The control unit that controls storage or withdrawal of the diffuser plate 44 is not based on human instructions; when a predetermined time has elapsed using a timer, an instruction signal is automatically sent to the control unit, and the control unit controls the retraction of the diffuser plate 44. It is also possible to drive an actuator that moves the . For example, after a period of time determined by the TLV has elapsed, the state may be switched from irradiating a wide area to irradiating a narrow area. Furthermore, when the human sensor 18 detects a person or an animal, the diffuser plate 44 may be pulled out and switched to a state in which ultraviolet light is irradiated over a wide area.

The light distribution angle and light distribution direction of the light irradiator 10 may be changed manually. For example, the support portion 20 is configured to be expandable and contractible. Then, the support part 20 may be shortened to change the light distribution angle or orientation direction of the light irradiator 10, and the support part 20 may be lengthened again to use the light irradiator 10.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the light irradiator 10 of the inactivation device 400. The light irradiator 10 has a single storage section 45 at one end of the extraction section 11 that stores a diffusion plate 44 . A plurality of diffusion plates 44 are stored in the storage section 45 . In FIG. 13, the plurality of diffusion plates 44 are pulled out in stages from the storage part 45 in the direction labeled D3 so that the plurality of diffusion plates 44 cover the entire extraction part 11.

FIG. 14 shows a modification of the inactivation device of the fourth embodiment. The light irradiator 10 of the inactivation device 500 is equipped with a handle 25. The handle 25 is attached to a mount supported by the support section 20. The support section 20 includes a support stand 23. The support stand 23 is fixed to a ceiling 55 (hatched area in FIG. 14). Thereby, the light irradiator 10 is placed near the ceiling.

The mount includes a first base part 59 that can change the elevation angle attitude or depression angle attitude of the light irradiator 10, and a second base part 61 supported by the first base part 59. The second base 61 is fixed to the handle 25 of the light irradiator 10.

The embodiments of the inactivation device and their modifications have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and their modifications, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined or variously modified from the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. changes or improvements may be made.

For example, the light irradiator 10 may be attached to a pillar or a wall. The support part 20 and the desk, floor, wall, pillar, or ceiling may be integrated so that the support part 20 constitutes a part of the desk, floor, wall, pillar, or ceiling. The inactivation device may be placed not only indoors but also outdoors.

10: Light irradiator 11: Takeout section 13: Laser emission port 14: Confirmation indicator light 18: Human sensor 20: Support section 23: Support stand 25: Handle 27: Cartridge storage section 30: Mount 31, 59: First base 32, 61: Second base 33: Third base 35a, 35b: Holding pieces 36a, 36b: Transparent part 36b: Transparent part 38: Cartridge 38b: Transparent part 39: Opening 41 (for visible laser light) : Power supply part 42 : Power switch 44 : Diffusion plate 45 : Storage part 51 : Keyboard 54 : First base part 55 : Ceiling 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 : Inactivation device

Claims (17)

a light source that emits ultraviolet light that inactivates pathogens, and a light irradiator that includes an extraction section that extracts the ultraviolet light;
a support part that supports the light irradiator;
An inactivation device comprising: a light distribution angle changing section that changes a light distribution angle of the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction section. comprising a mount attached to the support part and capable of attaching and detaching the light irradiator;
The inactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the mount is capable of changing the direction of distribution of the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction section. The mount can change an angle around a first axis and an angle around a second axis,
The inactivation device according to claim 2, wherein the first axis and the second axis are each in a horizontal plane, and the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal to each other. The mount includes a plurality of transparent parts that transmit the ultraviolet light and exhibit different diffusion characteristics,
The light distribution angle changing unit is configured such that the mount is configured to move toward the light irradiator so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the extraction unit passes through only a desired light-transmitting part among the plurality of light-transmitting parts. 4. The inactivation device of claim 3, wherein the inactivation device is configured to rotate and allow the light irradiator to be inserted into the mount. The plurality of light-transmitting parts are characterized in that they include a first light-transmitting part that includes a diffusion member that diffuses the ultraviolet light, and a second light-transmitting part that includes an opening or a transmission plate that does not diffuse the ultraviolet light. , The inactivation device according to claim 4. The inactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiator includes a diffusion member that can be arranged to cover the extraction section. The light irradiator is characterized in that the diffusion member slides from the take-out portion and is stored in the storage portion of the light irradiator so that the diffusion member does not cover the take-out portion. 6. The inactivation device according to 6. The inactivation device according to claim 6, wherein the diffusion member is removably inserted into a slot provided in the extraction section. 9. The inactivation device according to claim 8, wherein the slot includes a first slot and a second slot located at a different distance from the light source than the first slot. The inactivation device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the diffusion member has a function of attenuating the ultraviolet light to a desired light intensity. The inactivation device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a light attenuation member that attenuates the ultraviolet light to a desired light intensity, separate from the diffusion member. The inactivation device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the diffusion member is PTFE, a glass plate with minute irregularities on its surface, a Fresnel lens, or a microlens array. The light irradiator includes a second light source that emits visible light,
The inactivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the visible light indicates a light distribution angle and a light distribution direction of the ultraviolet light. 14. The inactivation device according to claim 13, wherein the visible light is laser light that is projected onto the irradiated surface as a first straight line and a second straight line that intersects the first straight line. The inactivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inactivation device has a control unit that sends an instruction signal to change the light distribution angle to the light distribution angle change unit. Device. The inactivation device includes a human sensor,
The inactivation device according to claim 15, characterized in that a detection signal indicating whether a person or animal is detected or not detected by the human sensor is sent to the control unit. The inactivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inactivation device can be placed on a tabletop.