JP7193019B2 - Inactivation device and method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an inactivation device and an inactivation method for inactivating harmful microorganisms and viruses.

Facilities where people gather frequently, such as medical facilities, schools, and government offices, are environments where harmful microorganisms (bacteria, mold, etc.) and viruses can easily propagate. These harmful microorganisms and viruses are particularly prone to breeding in narrow spaces (closed spaces such as hospital rooms, toilets, and elevators) in the above facilities.

Harmful microorganisms such as those described above proliferate on surfaces such as floors and walls in the space, inside humans (animals in some cases) entering and exiting the space, or float in the space.
This trend is particularly noticeable within medical facilities. That is, patient-derived infectious microorganisms are dispersed in narrow spaces such as hospital rooms for inpatients, toilets in hospital rooms, and toilets adjacent to an outpatient reception. Then, the dispersed infectious microorganisms adhere to surfaces (floors, walls, etc.) forming this narrow space, or float in the space. As a result, the next person (other patients, visitors, etc.) who enters the space (toilet, etc.) is infected, and in some cases, the infectious disease may spread within the medical facility.

In order to improve the above situation, in facilities (especially medical facilities) where humans (or animals in some cases) gather, decontaminate (sterilize) the above harmful microorganisms (e.g. infectious microorganisms). Action required.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a decontamination apparatus that irradiates a space to be decontaminated with ultraviolet rays (UVC light) to decontaminate the space. This decontamination apparatus emits ultraviolet rays into the space when detecting the absence of a person in the space to be decontaminated.
In addition, in Patent Document 2, a human sensor and a door sensor are installed in the elevator, and when the sensor detects that there is no person in the elevator and the door is closed, ultraviolet rays for sterilization are emitted into the elevator. A system is disclosed. Here, the wavelength of the emitted ultraviolet rays is between about 240 nm and about 280 nm.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-528258 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0032859

The breeding and floating of harmful microorganisms in a narrow space of a facility is often caused by the entry and exit of humans (patients) and animals carrying harmful microorganisms into and out of the space. Therefore, originally, decontamination in such a facility is efficient not only for the surfaces and spaces within the facility, but also for the surfaces of humans (patients) and animals existing in the area.

However, irradiation of ultraviolet rays having wavelengths suitable for decontamination adversely affects humans and animals. Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, in a decontamination system that decontaminates using ultraviolet irradiation, in consideration of the safety of humans and animals, if humans are present in the irradiation area It is configured to stop the emission of ultraviolet light.
Therefore, the conventional decontamination system described above cannot efficiently decontaminate facilities. In addition, since the surfaces of humans (patients) and animals cannot be decontaminated, it is necessary to widen the area to be decontaminated in consideration of the movement range of humans (patients) and animals.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an inactivation device and an inactivation method capable of efficiently inactivating harmful microorganisms and viruses.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the inactivation device according to the present invention is an inactivation device for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body. An ultraviolet irradiation unit that emits light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body, a sensor that detects the location of the person in the space, and a detection signal from the sensor. and a control unit that controls irradiation and non-irradiation of the light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit transmits light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, and transmits light in a wavelength range other than that. A wavelength selection filter for blocking transmission is provided, and the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation section are light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, and the control section detects a person in the space based on a detection signal from the sensor. is determined to exist, the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates the space containing the person with the light for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light so as not to exceed the allowable integrated light amount of the ultraviolet light on the human body. and controlling to stop the irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit after the irradiation of the light.

In this way, by intentionally irradiating a person with light containing ultraviolet rays for a predetermined period of time, at least one harmful microorganism or virus existing on the surface of the human body (skin or clothing surface) can be inactivated. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of harmful microorganisms and viruses from people into the space. In addition, it is possible to prevent harmful microorganisms and viruses from spreading out of the space by a person who has left the space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area to be decontaminated in the facility, and to efficiently decontaminate the facility. Moreover, since it emits ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, it is possible to appropriately suppress adverse effects on the human body due to ultraviolet irradiation.
Furthermore, the time for irradiating the person with the ultraviolet rays is set according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays. The degree of influence of ultraviolet irradiation on the human body differs depending on the wavelength of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, by irradiating the human body with ultraviolet light only for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light so as not to exceed the permissible integrated light amount of ultraviolet light on the human body, there is no adverse effect on the human body. Decontamination can be done.

In addition, one aspect of the inactivation device according to the present invention is an inactivation device for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body, wherein the microorganisms harmful to the human body are placed in a space that can be entered and exited by a person. and/or an ultraviolet irradiation unit that emits light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength that inactivates viruses; a sensor that detects the location of the person in the space; and a control unit that controls irradiation and non-irradiation of the light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit is light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, and the control unit receives a detection signal from the sensor When it is determined that a person exists in the space based on the After irradiating the light for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light, controlling the light irradiation from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit to stop, and based on the detection signal from the sensor, a person is placed in the space. When it is determined that the person does not exist, control is performed so that the ultraviolet irradiation unit starts irradiating the light to the space where the person is not present.
In this way, by intentionally irradiating a person with light containing ultraviolet rays for a predetermined period of time, at least one harmful microorganism or virus existing on the surface of the human body (skin or clothing surface) can be inactivated. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of harmful microorganisms and viruses from people into the space. In addition, it is possible to prevent harmful microorganisms and viruses from spreading out of the space by a person who has left the space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area to be decontaminated in the facility, and to efficiently decontaminate the facility. Moreover, since it emits ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, it is possible to appropriately suppress adverse effects on the human body due to ultraviolet irradiation.
Furthermore, the time for irradiating the person with the ultraviolet rays is set according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays. The degree of influence of ultraviolet irradiation on the human body differs depending on the wavelength of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, by irradiating the human body with ultraviolet light only for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light so as not to exceed the permissible integrated light amount of ultraviolet light on the human body, there is no adverse effect on the human body. Decontamination can be done.
In addition, by irradiating light containing ultraviolet rays in a space where people are not present, harmful microorganisms and viruses that originally existed in the space, and people who entered the space, diffused into the space and partially covered the surface of the space. It is possible to effectively inactivate at least a portion of harmful microorganisms and viruses that come in contact with people, and harmful microorganisms and viruses floating in the air that flow into the space when people enter. can.

In addition, one aspect of the inactivation device according to the present invention is an inactivation device for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body, wherein the microorganisms harmful to the human body are placed in a space that can be entered and exited by a person. and/or an ultraviolet irradiation unit that emits light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength that inactivates viruses; a sensor that detects the location of the person in the space; and a control unit that controls irradiation and non-irradiation of the light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit is light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, and the control unit receives a detection signal from the sensor When it is determined that a person exists in the space based on, the light is irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit to the space containing the person, and after the irradiation of the ultraviolet light is stopped, a detection signal from the sensor When it is determined that a person does not exist in the space based on the above, control is performed so that the irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit to the space where the person is absent is started.

In this way, when it is determined that a person exists in the space, at least one harmful substance present on the surface of the human body (the surface of the skin or clothing) can be removed by irradiating the space where the person exists with light containing ultraviolet rays. can inactivate harmful microorganisms and viruses. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of harmful microorganisms and viruses from people into the space. In addition, it is possible to prevent harmful microorganisms and viruses from spreading out of the space by a person who has left the space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area to be decontaminated in the facility, and to efficiently decontaminate the facility. Moreover, since it emits ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, it is possible to appropriately suppress adverse effects on the human body due to ultraviolet irradiation.
Furthermore, when it is determined that there are no people in the space, by irradiating the space without people with light containing ultraviolet rays, harmful microorganisms, viruses, and people that originally existed in the space may enter the space. Harmful microorganisms and viruses that spread inside the space, that people come in contact with and adhere to some surfaces in the space, and harmful microorganisms and viruses floating in the air that flow into the space when people enter At least part of the virus can be effectively inactivated.

Furthermore, one aspect of the inactivation method according to the present invention is an inactivation method for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body, wherein a sensor detects the location of a person in a space that can be entered and exited by a person. and when it is determined that a person is present in the space, the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body. After irradiating a space containing a person with the light and irradiating the light with the light for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light so as not to exceed the allowable integrated light amount of the ultraviolet light on the human body, the ultraviolet irradiation unit and ceasing the irradiation of said light from.
Further, one aspect of the inactivation method according to the present invention is an inactivation method for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body, in which a sensor detects the location of a person in a space that can be entered and exited by a person. and when it is determined that a person is present in the space, the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body. a step of irradiating a space containing a person with the light; a step of stopping the irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit; and initiating illumination of the light into the space in which the person is absent.

In the present invention, harmful microorganisms and viruses can be efficiently inactivated by intentionally irradiating humans with light containing ultraviolet rays.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the inactivation system in this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment; 4 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment; 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the modified example of the first embodiment; 9 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the modified example of the first embodiment; 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment; It is a time chart explaining the operation of the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the modified example of the second embodiment; It is a time chart explaining the operation of the modification of the second embodiment. It is a time chart explaining the operation of the modification of the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, an inactivation system that inactivates harmful microorganisms and viruses by irradiating ultraviolet rays in particularly narrow spaces (closed spaces such as hospital rooms, toilets, and elevators) in facilities where people frequently gather will be described. The inactivation system in this embodiment dares to irradiate living organisms such as humans (patients) and animals with ultraviolet rays for a predetermined period of time to inactivate harmful microorganisms and viruses. .

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an inactivation system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, an example of an inactivation system for inactivating harmful microorganisms and viruses present in a private toilet will be described as an inactivation system.
This inactivation system comprises an inactivation device 100 . The inactivation device 100 includes at least one of ultraviolet irradiation units (UV irradiation units) 10A and 10B that emit ultraviolet rays into an enclosed space (private toilet) 200 . Here, the wavelength range of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the UV irradiation units 10A and 10B is, for example, 200 nm to 320 nm.

The UV irradiation unit 10A is provided on the ceiling 201 inside the private toilet 200. As shown in FIG. In addition, the UV irradiation unit 10A may be provided in the upper part of the private toilet 200, and may be provided in the upper part of the wall part 202 in the private toilet 200, for example.
Ultraviolet rays are emitted downward from the UV irradiation section 10A, and the ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the space of the private toilet 200, the wall portion 202, the floor, and the like. In addition, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation unit 10A are irradiated from above the person (for example, a patient) 300 who has entered the private restroom 200 .

The UV irradiation section 10B is provided on the wall section 202 inside the private toilet 200 . Ultraviolet rays are emitted from the UV irradiator 10B mainly downward from the mounting position. The UV irradiator 10B is arranged at a position in the private restroom 200 assuming that the person 300 in a predetermined position and in a predetermined posture is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

Specifically, the UV irradiator 10B is installed on the wall 202 of the private toilet 200 on the assumption that the person 300 will be irradiated with ultraviolet rays when the person 300 takes a sitting posture on the toilet bowl 211. . More specifically, the UV irradiation unit 10B is installed on the wall part 202 facing the back of the head of the person 300 when the person 300 sits on the toilet bowl 211 .
By installing the UV irradiation unit 10B in this way, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation unit 10B are irradiated to the person 300 from above the back of the head of the person 200 sitting on the toilet bowl 211, and the eyes of the person 300 Not directly irradiated.

Inactivation device 100 can also include at least one of human sensor 11 , pressure sensor 12 , and door sensor 13 as a sensor for detecting the location of human 300 in private toilet 200 .
The human sensor 11 and the door sensor 13 are sensors that detect the entry and exit of a person into and out of the private toilet 200 , and the pressure sensor 12 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person at a predetermined position inside the private toilet 200 .

The human sensor 11 is installed, for example, on the ceiling 201 as shown in FIG.
The pressure sensor 12 is installed, for example, inside the toilet seat 212 as shown in FIG.
The door sensor 13 is installed, for example, on the door 203 as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, the inactivation device 100 includes a control section 20 . The control unit 20 receives detection signals from the sensors 11 to 13, and controls irradiation and non-irradiation of ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation units 10A and 10B based on the detection signals.
Specifically, the control unit 20 controls at least one of the UV irradiation units 10A and 10B during a period in which it is determined that the human 300 is present in the private toilet 200 based on the detection signals of at least one of the sensors 11 to 13. Therefore, the ultraviolet ray is controlled to irradiate the inside of the private toilet 200 including the person 300 for a predetermined time corresponding to the wavelength of the ultraviolet ray.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the control unit 20 controls the irradiation of ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10A based on the detection signal of the human sensor 11 . In addition, in the present embodiment, when the human 300 is absent in the private toilet 200, in principle, the UV irradiation unit 10A continuously irradiates the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays.

The operation of the inactivation device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart explaining the operation of the inactivation device 100 in this embodiment.
First, in step S<b>1 , based on the detection signal from the human sensor 11 , the control unit 20 determines whether or not the location of the human 300 in the private toilet 200 is detected. If the controller 20 determines that the location of the person 300 is not detected, it waits until the location of the person 300 is detected, and when the location of the person 300 is detected, the process proceeds to step S2.

At step S2, the controller 20 starts counting the timer 1, which is a counter.
Next, in step S3, based on the count value of timer 1, the control unit 20 detects whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of counting by the timer 1, that is, detects the location of the person 300 in the private toilet 200. After that, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T1 has passed. If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed, the control unit 20 waits until the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, and when determining that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S4.
Here, the predetermined time T1 is a time corresponding to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation section 10A, and is set to be shorter than the maximum irradiation time to the living body according to safety standards. The predetermined time T1 will be detailed later.

In step S<b>4 , the control unit 20 terminates counting by the timer 1 and resets the count value of the timer 1 .
In step S5, the control section 20 stops the emission of ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation section 10A.
In step S<b>6 , the control unit 20 determines whether or not the human 300 has left the private toilet 200 based on the detection signal from the human sensor 11 . If the control unit 20 determines that the human 300 has not left, it stands by, and if it determines that the human 300 has left, the process proceeds to step S7.
In step S7, the control section 20 starts emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation section 10A, and returns to step S1.

FIG. 3 is a time chart explaining the operation of the inactivation device 100 in this embodiment.
Before the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, that is, while the human 300 is not in the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation unit 10A continuously irradiates the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays.
When the human 300 enters the private toilet 200 from this state, the presence of the human 300 is detected by the human sensor 11 at time A, and the timer 1 starts counting. Then, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from time point A, irradiation of ultraviolet rays to the inside of private toilet 200 and human 300 is stopped.

In this manner, even after the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, the ultraviolet rays are emitted from the UV irradiation unit 10A into the private toilet 200 until the predetermined time T1 elapses, and the human 300 in the private toilet 200 is is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
After that, when the human 300 leaves the private toilet 200, the human detection sensor 11 detects that the human 300 has left at the point B, and irradiation of the UV rays into the private toilet 200 is resumed.

The irradiation time (predetermined time T1) for irradiating the human 300 with ultraviolet rays will be described below.
The ultraviolet rays in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 320 nm emitted from the UV irradiation units 10A and 10B include ultraviolet rays that adversely affect the human body. For example, irradiation with ultraviolet rays in the above wavelength range may induce erythema, cancer due to DNA damage in the skin, and eye disorders (eye pain, hyperemia, corneal inflammation, etc.).

However, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays in the above wavelength range does not adversely affect the living body unless the integrated amount of light (dose amount) to the living body, which is the irradiated object, exceeds a predetermined amount. Focusing on this point, the present inventors set the irradiation time (predetermined time T1) for human beings, and dared to irradiate human beings with ultraviolet rays.

Let D (mJ/cm ² ) be the daily UV exposure received by a person who uses a closed space (private toilet). W (mW/cm ² ) is the illuminance on the UV-irradiated surface of a person, N is the number of times a person enters the closed space (private toilet) per day, and T1 is the UV irradiation time during one stay in the private toilet. Then, the ultraviolet exposure dose D for one day is expressed as follows.
D (mJ/cm ² )=W (mW/cm ² )×N (times)×T1 (sec) (1)

Assuming that D _max (mJ/cm ² ) is the maximum permissible UV exposure per day for a person using a closed space (private toilet), D _max ≧ It should be D.
That is, the ultraviolet irradiation time T1 during one stay in the private toilet is expressed as follows.
T1≦D _max /(W×N) (2)

For example, consider the case of using a low-pressure mercury lamp that emits ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm as the ultraviolet light source. In this case, the daily maximum permissible ultraviolet exposure dose of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nm is D _max =6 (mJ/cm ² ) according to safety standards. This numerical value is a value determined by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists).
Assuming that the illuminance on the irradiated surface of a human being irradiated with ultraviolet rays is 0.022 (mW/cm ² ), and the number of times the private toilet attached to the hospital room is used per day (the number of times the person enters the private toilet) N is 10 times. , from the above formula (2), the ultraviolet irradiation time T1 during one stay in the private toilet is 30 (sec) or less.

That is, when the ultraviolet light source of the UV irradiation unit 10A is a low-pressure mercury lamp that emits ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, if the predetermined time T1 set in FIGS. It follows that there is no adverse effect on the human 300 due to irradiation. Therefore, in this case, the predetermined time T1 is set to 30 (sec), which is the maximum time, for example.
In addition, the illuminance on the irradiation surface of the person irradiated with the above ultraviolet rays is determined by setting the head (top) of the person 300 standing in the closed space (private room toilet) 200 as the ultraviolet irradiation surface. ) 200 to the head of the person 300 standing on the floor is set as the ultraviolet irradiation distance.

In addition, the number of times N that a person enters the closed space (private toilet) is the number of times the private toilet attached to the hospital room is used per day, and N=10 times. However, in the case of private toilets attached to hospital outpatient clinics, the number of times N' each of the multiple people waiting in the waiting room uses the private toilets in a day is considered to be less than the number of times N of use of the private toilets attached to the hospital room. . Therefore, in this case, for example, N'=2 to 3 times and the ultraviolet irradiation time T1 may be set.
In addition, it is preferable to set the number of times N that a person enters the closed space in one day to be on the safe side.

Furthermore, in the case of a low-pressure mercury lamp, it does not turn on immediately after power is supplied, and it takes some time to turn on. Therefore, when a low-pressure mercury lamp is used as an ultraviolet light source, irradiation and non-irradiation of ultraviolet rays cannot be repeated at relatively short intervals by power supply control. Therefore, in this case, a shutter for blocking light may be provided, and irradiation and non-irradiation of ultraviolet rays may be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the shutter while the low-pressure mercury lamp is in the lighting state.

As the ultraviolet light source, for example, a KrCl excimer lamp that emits ultraviolet rays with a center wavelength of 222 nm can be used.
In the case of an excimer lamp, it lights up immediately after power is supplied. Therefore, unlike the case where a low-pressure mercury lamp is used as a light source, there is no need to provide a light shielding shutter. In other words, when irradiation and non-irradiation of ultraviolet rays are repeated at relatively short intervals, power supply to the excimer lamp may be controlled.

Ultraviolet light with a center wavelength of 222 nm kills bacteria and the like, but has little adverse effect on human cells.
UV radiation is less penetrating at lower wavelengths. For example, low wavelength UV radiation, such as about 200 nm, passes through water very efficiently, but is highly absorbed by the outer part (cytoplasm) of human cells, sufficient to reach the cell nucleus, which contains radiation-sensitive DNA. May have no energy. As such, the low wavelength UV radiation described above typically has less adverse effects on human cells, ie humans.

In contrast, bacteria are typically physically much smaller than human cells. Specifically, while typical bacterial cells are less than about 1 μm in diameter, human cells are typically about 10-30 μm in diameter, depending on the type and site.
Therefore, the above-mentioned low wavelength UV radiation can easily penetrate and kill bacteria.

According to current safety standards, the maximum permissible daily UV exposure for UV light with a wavelength of 222 nm is D _max =21 (mJ/cm ² ), which is higher than that for UV light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm. In other words, it can be seen from the safety standard that ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 222 nm are less harmful to humans than ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nm.

As in the case of using the low-pressure mercury lamp that emits ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, the illuminance on the irradiated surface of the person irradiated with ultraviolet rays is 0.022 (mW/cm ² ), and the private toilet attached to the hospital room is used. Assuming that the number of times N is used per day (the number of times the toilet is entered into the private room) is 10 times, the above formula (2) is used to calculate the number of single private rooms when using a KrCl excimer lamp that emits ultraviolet rays with a central wavelength of 222 nm. The ultraviolet irradiation time T1 during stay in the toilet is 95 (sec) or less.
As described above, when the ultraviolet light source of the UV irradiation section 10A is a KrCl excimer lamp that emits ultraviolet rays with a center wavelength of 222 nm, the predetermined time T1 set in FIGS. ) can be set.

The KrCl excimer lamp emits light having a central wavelength of 222 nm, but also emits light in other wavelength ranges, albeit slightly. Therefore, in actual use, it is preferable to use a wavelength selection filter that transmits only light in the wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm, which has little adverse effect on the human body, and cuts light in other wavelength ranges.
As the wavelength selection filter, for example, an optical filter having a dielectric multilayer film of HfO ₂ layers and SiO ₂ layers can be used. Specifically, the optical filter has a dielectric multilayer film in which HfO ₂ layers and SiO ₂ layers are alternately laminated on one surface of a substrate made of synthetic quartz glass, and HfO ₂ layers and SiO 2 layers on the other surface of the substrate. It can be configured with an AR coating with a SiO ₂ layer. For example, the thickness of the HfO ₂ layer in the dielectric multilayer film is about 240 nm, the thickness of the SiO ₂ layer is about 1460 nm, and the total number of HfO ₂ layers and SiO ₂ layers can be 33 layers.

As the wavelength selection filter, an optical filter having a dielectric multilayer film of SiO ₂ layers and Al ₂ O ₃ layers can also be used.
However, when an optical filter having a dielectric multilayer film of HfO ₂ layer and SiO ₂ layer is used as a wavelength selection filter, an optical filter having a dielectric multilayer film of SiO ₂ layer and Al ₂ O ₃ layer is used. The total number of layers can be reduced compared to the case. Therefore, the transmittance of ultraviolet rays when the incident angle is 0° can be increased, and the light intensity of ultraviolet rays in a desired wavelength range of 190 to 235 nm can be secured. In addition, since the total number of layers is reduced, the cost can be reduced accordingly.

As described above, the inactivation device 100 in the present embodiment contains ultraviolet light having a wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body in a closed space (private toilet 200) that can be entered and exited by a person. An ultraviolet irradiating section (UV irradiating section) 10A for irradiating light is provided. The deactivation device 100 also includes a human sensor 11 that detects the presence or absence of a person in the private toilet 200 as a sensor that detects the presence of a person in the private toilet 200 . Then, the control unit 20 controls the control unit 20 for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation unit 10A within the period in which it is determined that a person exists in the private toilet 200 based on the detection signal from the human detection sensor 11. (T1), control is performed to irradiate ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10A to a space containing a person.

In this way, by intentionally irradiating a person with light containing ultraviolet rays for a predetermined time T1, it is possible to inactivate at least one harmful microorganism or virus present on the surface of the human body (the surface of the skin or clothing). can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress diffusion of harmful microorganisms and viruses from people into the closed space (private toilet 200).
In addition, the person who left the closed space (private toilet 200) was exposed to ultraviolet rays, and the harmful microorganisms and viruses adhering to the skin and clothing surface were reduced or removed. 200), it is possible to suppress the spread of harmful microorganisms and viruses to other areas from a person who has left. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area to be decontaminated in the facility, and to efficiently decontaminate the facility.

Furthermore, the predetermined time T1 for irradiating a person with ultraviolet rays can be set to a time corresponding to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays. Since the degree of effect of ultraviolet irradiation on the human body differs depending on the wavelength of ultraviolet light, by setting the predetermined time T1 according to the wavelength of ultraviolet light, the wavelength suitable for decontamination within the light amount range that does not adversely affect the human body. can irradiate people with UV rays.
Specifically, the predetermined time T1 is the time T1 that satisfies the above formula (2). In this manner, the ultraviolet irradiation time is set for each wavelength of ultraviolet rays to be irradiated based on safety standards, so that adverse effects on the human body due to ultraviolet irradiation can be appropriately suppressed.

Note that the control unit 20 acquires information about the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation unit 10A, sets the predetermined time T1 based on safety standards based on the acquired information, and determines the amount of light emitted from the UV irradiation unit 10A. Irradiation and non-irradiation may be controlled. That is, the predetermined time T1 may be configured to be variably set according to the light source used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the UV irradiation unit 10A is controlled to irradiate the space containing the person with ultraviolet light for a predetermined time T1 after the human detection sensor 11 detects that a person has entered the private toilet 200. can be done. In this manner, the person can be irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after entering the private toilet 200 . Therefore, the diffusion of harmful microorganisms and viruses from people into the private toilet 200 can be suppressed more efficiently.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined by the human detection sensor 11 that no person exists in the private toilet 200 (the person has left the private toilet 200), the UV irradiation unit 10A detects the presence of the person in the private toilet 200. It can be controlled to irradiate ultraviolet rays.
In this way, by irradiating the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays, harmful microorganisms and viruses that originally existed in the private toilet 200 and harmful microorganisms that have diffused inside the private toilet 200 due to the entry of people into the private toilet 200. , viruses, and at least part of harmful microorganisms and viruses floating in the air that flow into the private toilet 200 when a person enters. In addition, when no one is in the private toilet 200, by continuously irradiating the inside of the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays, the deactivation can be performed more effectively.

Further, the UV irradiation unit 10A can be arranged at a position where light is emitted downward from the top of the private toilet 200, specifically, on the ceiling 201 of the private toilet 200. FIG. Therefore, the UV irradiation unit 10A can irradiate the entire private toilet 200 with light containing ultraviolet rays. Therefore, for example, harmful microorganisms and viruses adhering to the wall 202, the door 203, the floor, etc. of the private toilet 200 can be appropriately inactivated.

In the present embodiment, the case of using the human sensor 11 for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the private toilet 200 as a sensor for detecting the entry and exit of a person in the private toilet 200 has been described. Any sensor can be used as long as it can detect the entry of a person into the toilet 200 and the exit of a person from the private toilet 200 .

(Modified example of the first embodiment)
In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the UV irradiation unit 10A continuously irradiates the interior of the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays when the person 300 is absent in the private toilet 200 has been described. However, when there is no person in the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation into the private toilet 200 may be performed for a predetermined time T2.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart explaining the operation of the inactivation device 100 in this modified example. In FIG. 4, the same step numbers are given to the portions that perform the same processing as in FIG.
When the control unit 20 detects the location of the human 300 in the private toilet 200 in step S1, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S11, starts emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10A, and proceeds to step S2.

Also, after starting the emission of ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation section 10A in step S7, the control section 20 proceeds to step S12 and starts counting the timer 2, which is a counter.
Next, in step S13, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the timer 2 started counting based on the count value of the timer 2, that is, after the person 300 leaves the private toilet 200. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. If the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed, the control unit 20 waits until the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, and when determining that the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S14.
Here, the predetermined time T2 is set to a time sufficient to inactivate at least a portion of harmful microorganisms and viruses present in the private toilet 200 from which the human 300 has left.
In step S14, the control unit 20 stops emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10A, and returns to step S1.

FIG. 5 is a time chart explaining the operation of the deactivation device 100 in this modified example.
Here, it is assumed that before the person 300 enters the private toilet 200, the ultraviolet irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10A into the private toilet 200 is stopped.
When the human 300 enters the private toilet 200 in this state, the location of the human 300 is detected by the human sensor 11 at time A, the timer 1 starts counting, and the private toilet 200 and the human 300 enter. UV irradiation starts. Then, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from time point A, irradiation of ultraviolet rays to the inside of private toilet 200 and human 300 is stopped.

As described above, even when the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10A is stopped before the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, once the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation unit 10A UV irradiation from is started. Then, during the period from that point until the predetermined time T1 elapses, the person 300 in the private toilet 200 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation section 10A.
After that, when the human 300 leaves the private toilet 200, at time B, the human sensor 11 detects that the human 300 has left, the timer 2 starts counting, and ultraviolet rays enter the private toilet 200. irradiation is resumed.
Then, when a predetermined time T2 elapses from time B when the person 300 leaves the private toilet 200, at time C, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 stops.

In this way, when the human sensor 11 determines that no person exists in the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation unit 10A irradiates ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 where no person is present, and the ultraviolet irradiation is continued for a certain period of time (predetermined time). After time T2), the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10A may be stopped. By irradiating the private toilet 200 in which no person is present with ultraviolet rays for a certain period of time, it is possible to set the downtime of the ultraviolet light source of the UV irradiation part 10A, thereby extending the life of the ultraviolet light source. be able to.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described.
In the above-described first embodiment, the human sensor 11 detects that the human 300 has entered the closed space (private toilet) 200, and based on the detection signal of the human sensor 11, the ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10A are detected. The case of controlling the irradiation of . In the second embodiment, the pressure sensor 12 detects the state in which the person 300 is seated on the toilet seat 212 in the private toilet 200, and the ultraviolet irradiation is controlled based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor 12. do.

In this embodiment, when the human 300 is absent in the private toilet 200, in principle, the UV irradiation into the private toilet 200 is continuously performed.
Further, it is assumed that the ultraviolet irradiation is performed using the UV irradiation section 10B.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart explaining the operation of the inactivation device 100 in this embodiment.
First, in step S<b>21 , the control unit 20 determines whether or not the location of the human 300 in the private toilet 200 is detected based on the detection signal from the human sensor 11 . If the controller 20 determines that the location of the person 300 is not detected, it waits until the location of the person 300 is detected, and when the location of the person 300 is detected, the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the control unit 20 stops emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10B, and proceeds to step S23.
At step S<b>23 , the control unit 20 determines based on the detection signal from the pressure sensor 12 whether or not the seating of the human 300 on the toilet seat 212 has been detected. If the control unit 20 determines that the seating of the person 300 is not detected, it waits until the seating of the person 300 is detected, and when the seating of the person 300 is detected, the process proceeds to step S24.
In step S24, the control unit 20 starts emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10B, and proceeds to step S25.

At step S25, the controller 20 starts counting the timer 1, which is a counter.
Next, in step S26, the control unit 20 detects whether or not a predetermined time T1 has passed since the timer 1 started counting, that is, whether or not the person 300 is seated on the toilet seat 212 based on the count value of the timer 1. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T1 has passed. If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed, the control unit 20 waits until the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, and when determining that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S27.

Here, the predetermined time T1 is a time corresponding to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation section 10B, and is set to be shorter than the maximum irradiation time to the living body according to safety standards. The predetermined time T1 can be, for example, the same time as in the first embodiment.
The UV irradiation part 10B is installed on the wall part 202 of the private toilet 200 on the assumption that the ultraviolet rays are irradiated from above the occipital region of the human 300 when the human 300 takes the posture of sitting on the toilet bowl 211. . Therefore, the illuminance on the irradiation surface (head) of the person 30 in this case is the same as the illuminance when the standing person 300 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays using the UV irradiation unit 10A as in the first embodiment described above. May be the same value. In other words, the illuminance on the irradiated surface of a person irradiated with ultraviolet rays can be 0.092 (mW/cm ² ).

In step S27, the control unit 20 terminates the counting of the timer 1 and resets the count value of the timer 1.
At step S28, the control unit 20 stops the emission of ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10B.
In step S<b>29 , the control unit 20 determines whether or not the human 300 has left the private toilet 200 based on the detection signal from the human sensor 11 . If the control unit 20 determines that the human 300 has not left, it stands by, and if it determines that the human 300 has left, the process proceeds to step S30.
In step S30, the control unit 20 starts emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10B, and returns to step S21.

FIG. 7 is a time chart explaining the operation of the inactivation device 100 in this embodiment.
Before the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, that is, while the human 300 is absent from the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation unit 10B continuously irradiates the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays.
When the human 300 enters the private toilet 200 from this state, the presence of the human 300 is detected by the human sensor 11 at the time point P, and irradiation of the ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 is stopped.

After that, when the human 300 in the private toilet 200 sits down on the toilet seat 212, the seating of the human 300 is detected by the pressure sensor 12 at the time point Q, the timer 1 starts counting, and the UV light enters the private toilet 200. irradiation is started. Then, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the time point Q, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays to the inside of the private toilet 200 and the human 300 is stopped.

In this way, when the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10B is temporarily stopped. , ultraviolet rays are emitted into the private toilet 200, and the person 300 in the private toilet 200 is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays.
After that, when the human 300 leaves the private toilet 200, the human detection sensor 11 detects that the human 300 has left, and irradiation of the UV rays into the private toilet 200 is resumed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 20 receives the detection signal from the pressure sensor 12 during a period in which it is determined that a person is present in the private toilet 200 based on the detection signal from the human sensor 11. for a predetermined time (T1) after it is detected that the person is seated on the toilet seat 212 based on , the UV irradiation unit 10B is controlled to irradiate the space containing the person with ultraviolet rays.
In this way, by irradiating a person present at a predetermined position in a closed space with light containing ultraviolet rays, it is possible to effectively irradiate ultraviolet rays onto an intended portion of the surface of the human body. In addition, the movement of a person sitting on the toilet seat 212 in the private toilet 200 is relatively small. Therefore, by irradiating a person sitting on the toilet seat 212 with ultraviolet rays, it is possible to effectively inactivate harmful microorganisms and viruses existing on the surface of the human body (the surface of the skin and clothes).

Further, when the human sensor 11 detects that a person has entered the private toilet 200, the control unit 20 stops the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10B, and the pressure sensor 12 detects that a person is seated on the toilet seat 212. After that, for a predetermined time (T1), the UV irradiation unit 10B is controlled to irradiate the space containing the person with ultraviolet rays.
As a result, when the individual toilet 200 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays before a person enters, the ultraviolet irradiation is temporarily stopped when the person enters the private toilet 200, and the person seated on the toilet seat 212 is exposed to the ultraviolet rays. It can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays for a predetermined time (T1). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately irradiate the inside of the private restroom 200 where no person is present and the person who has entered the private restroom 200 with ultraviolet rays.

Furthermore, the UV irradiation unit 10B is installed on the wall part 202 of the private toilet 200 on the assumption that the human 300 will be irradiated with ultraviolet rays when the human 300 takes a sitting posture on the toilet bowl 211. By performing ultraviolet irradiation using the UV irradiation section 10B, the dose amount on the floor surface can be increased as compared with the case of using the UV irradiation section 10A. In other words, harmful microorganisms and viruses adhering to the floor can be effectively inactivated.

Further, the UV irradiation unit 10B is arranged at a position where the human 300 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the occipital side of the human 300 when the human 300 assumes the posture of sitting on the toilet bowl 211 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the eyes of the human 300 from being directly irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV irradiation section 10B. Therefore, the occurrence of eye disorders (eye pain, hyperemia, corneal inflammation, etc.) can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, the UV irradiation unit 10B is used to irradiate ultraviolet rays, but the UV irradiation unit 10A provided on the ceiling 201 of the private toilet 200 can also be used.
When the UV irradiation unit 10A is used, the illuminance on the UV irradiation surface of the person 300 sitting on the toilet seat 212 is smaller than the illuminance on the UV irradiation surface of the person 300 standing on the floor, for example 0.010 (mW /cm ² ).

Therefore, when the light source of the UV irradiation unit 10A is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the number of times the private toilet attached to the hospital room is used per day (the number of times the private toilet is entered) N is 10 times, the above ( 2) According to the formula, the ultraviolet irradiation time (predetermined time T1) during one stay in the private toilet is 60 (sec).
In addition, when the light source of the UV irradiation unit 10A is a KrCl excimer lamp, the number of times the private toilet attached to the hospital room is used per day (the number of times the private toilet is entered) N is 10 times, the above ( 2) According to the formula, the ultraviolet irradiation time (predetermined time T1) during one stay in the private toilet is 210 (sec).
Thus, when the UV irradiation section 10A is used, the ultraviolet irradiation time (predetermined time T1) can be made longer than when the UV irradiation section 10B is used.

In this embodiment, the case where the pressure sensor 12 provided on the toilet seat 212 is used as a sensor for detecting a state in which a person sits on the toilet seat 212 in the private toilet 200 has been described. Any sensor can be used as long as it can detect the state of

(Modification (1) of the second embodiment)
In the above-described second embodiment, the case where the UV irradiation unit 10A continuously irradiates the interior of the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays when the person 300 is absent in the private toilet 200 has been described. However, when there is no person in the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation into the private toilet 200 may be performed for a predetermined time T2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the inactivation device 100 in this modified example. In FIG. 8, the same step numbers are assigned to the portions that perform the same processing as in FIG. 6, and the portions with different processing will be mainly described below.
When the controller 20 detects the location of the person 300 in the private toilet 200 in step S21, the process proceeds to step S23.

Also, after starting the emission of ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation section 10B in step S30, the control section 20 proceeds to step S31 and starts counting the timer 2, which is a counter.
Next, in step S31, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the start of counting by the timer 2 based on the count value of the timer 2, that is, after the person 300 leaves the private toilet 200. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. If the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed, the control unit 20 waits until the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, and when determining that the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S32.
Here, the predetermined time T2 is set to a time sufficient to inactivate at least a portion of harmful microorganisms and viruses present in the private toilet 200 from which the human 300 has left.
In step S33, the control unit 20 stops emitting ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation unit 10B, and returns to step S21.

FIG. 9 is a time chart explaining the operation of the deactivation device 100 in this modified example.
Here, it is assumed that before the person 300 enters the private toilet 200, the ultraviolet irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10B into the private toilet 200 is stopped.
When the person 300 enters the private toilet 200 in this state, the location of the person 300 is detected by the human sensor 11 at the time P. After that, when the human 300 sits down on the toilet seat 212, the seating of the human 300 is detected by the pressure sensor 12 at the time point Q, the counting of the timer 1 is started, and the inside of the private toilet 200 and the human 300 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. starts. Then, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the time point Q, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays to the inside of the private toilet 200 and the human 300 is stopped.

In this manner, even if the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10A is stopped before the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, the human 300 enters the private toilet 200 and sits on the toilet seat 212. Then, ultraviolet irradiation from the UV irradiation section 10B is started. Then, during the period from that point until the predetermined time T1 has passed, the person 300 in the private toilet 200 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the UV irradiation section 10B.
After that, when the human 300 leaves the private toilet 200, the human detection sensor 11 detects that the human 300 has left the private toilet 200 at the time point R, the timer 2 starts counting, and the ultraviolet ray enters the private toilet 200. irradiation is resumed.
Then, when a predetermined time T2 elapses from the time point R when the person 300 leaves the private toilet room 200, at the time point S, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays into the private toilet room 200 stops.

In this manner, when the human sensor 11 determines that no person exists in the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation unit 10B irradiates ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 where no person is present, and the ultraviolet irradiation is continued for a certain period of time (predetermined time). After performing time T2), the ultraviolet irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10B may be stopped. By irradiating the private toilet 200 in which no person is present with ultraviolet rays for a certain period of time, it is possible to set the downtime of the ultraviolet light source of the UV irradiation part 10B, thereby extending the life of the ultraviolet light source. be able to.

(Modification (2) of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment described above, the human sensor 11 is used to detect the location of the human 300 in the private toilet 200. You may make it detect.
FIG. 10 is a time chart explaining the operation of the deactivation device 100 in this modified example.
Before the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, that is, while the human 300 is absent from the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation unit 10B continuously irradiates the private toilet 200 with ultraviolet rays.

When the door 203 is opened by the person 300 to enter the private toilet 200 from this state, the opening of the door 203 is detected by the door sensor 13 at the point P1, and the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 is stopped. . Subsequently, at time P2 when the person 300 enters the private toilet 200 and the door 203 is closed, the door sensor 13 detects that the door 203 is closed.
Then, at this time point P2, timer 0 starts counting. The timer 0 is set so as to end counting when a predetermined time T0 has elapsed from the start of operation, transmit a count end signal to the control unit 20, and be reset. Timer 0 is set to be reset by control unit 20 when pressure sensor 12 detects that person 300 has sat on toilet seat 212 even during counting.
Here, the predetermined time T0 is set to be sufficiently longer than the time required for the person 300 to sit on the toilet seat 212 after the person 300 enters the private toilet 200 .

After that, when the human 300 in the private toilet 200 sits down on the toilet seat 212, the seating of the human 300 is detected by the pressure sensor 12 at the time point Q, the timer 1 starts counting, and the UV light enters the private toilet 200. irradiation is started. At this time, the counting of timer 0 ends. Then, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the time point Q, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays to the inside of the private toilet 200 and the human 300 is stopped.

In this way, when the human 300 enters the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 10B is temporarily stopped. , ultraviolet rays are emitted into the private toilet 200, and the person 300 in the private toilet 200 is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays.
Thereafter, when the person 300 opens the door 203 to leave the private toilet 200, the door sensor 13 detects that the door 203 has been opened at time R1. Subsequently, at time R2 when the person 300 leaves the private toilet 200 and the door 203 is closed, the door sensor 13 detects that the door 203 is closed.

Then, at this time point R2, timer 0 starts counting. Human 300 has left private toilet 200, and seating on toilet seat 212 is not detected by pressure sensor 12 even after predetermined time T0 has elapsed from time R2. Therefore, at time R3 when the predetermined time T0 has elapsed from time R2, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 is resumed.

As described above, even when the door sensor 13 is used instead of the human sensor 11, the same effect as in the above-described second embodiment can be obtained by using the count of the timer 0. FIG. Further, since the opening and closing of the door 203 can be detected by the door sensor 13, it is possible to irradiate the closed space (the private toilet 200) with ultraviolet rays while the door 203 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an object outside the closed space from being unintentionally irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

Here, the case where the control unit 20 starts counting the timer 0 when the door sensor 13 detects that the door 203 is closed has been described. However, if the pressure sensor 12 does not detect that the person 300 is seated when the door sensor 13 detects that the door 203 is closed, the controller 20 starts counting the timer 0. good too.

In this case, when the door 203 is undesirably opened or closed due to a reason such as forgetting to lock the door 203 or malfunction of the door 203 while the person 300 is sitting on the toilet seat 212, timer 0 starts counting. You can prevent it from happening.
In other words, when a detection signal indicating that the person 300 is seated is received from the pressure sensor 12, the door 203 is closed by the door sensor 13 unless a detection signal indicating that the person 300 is leaving is received from the pressure sensor 12. Even if the detection signal indicating that the timer 0 is received, the counting of the timer 0 can be prevented from starting.
By confirming both the detection signal from the door sensor 13 and the detection signal from the pressure sensor 12 in this manner, it can be appropriately determined that no one is present in the private toilet 200 .

Further, as in the modified example (1) of the second embodiment, when there is no person in the private toilet 200, the UV irradiation into the private toilet 200 may be performed for a predetermined time T2. That is, the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays into the private toilet 200 may be terminated when the predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the time R3 in FIG.

(Modification)
In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the inactivation device 100 is installed in a private toilet has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above. The inactivation device 100 can be installed in particularly narrow spaces in facilities where people frequently gather, such as hospital rooms, elevators, and conference rooms.
Also, the timing of irradiating the human with ultraviolet rays from the inactivation device 100 may be any timing during the period when the human is present in the closed space. However, if it is possible to detect the timing at which harmful microorganisms and viruses are likely to scatter during the period when a person exists in the closed space, it is preferable to irradiate the ultraviolet rays at that timing.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the inactivation device 100 is installed in a closed space that a person can enter and exit has been described. good.

In each of the above embodiments, the person or the space containing the person is irradiated with ultraviolet light for a predetermined time T1. It may be time T1.
For example, when power supply to the excimer lamp is controlled to set the light emission operation time of the excimer lamp to 10 ms to 1000 ms and the subsequent pause time to 10 ms to 10 seconds, the light emission operation and the pause are repeated. The time T1 is the total sum of light emission operation times.
Specifically, for example, when the light emission operation time of the KrCl excimer lamp is 100 ms, the pause time is 100 ms, and the predetermined time T1 is 30 seconds, the number of light emission operations of KrCl is 300 times, and the operation time of the Kr excimer lamp is It becomes 60 sec including the pause time.

That is, when the operation of the light source is a continuous operation, the ultraviolet irradiation period for the person or the space containing the person is a predetermined time T1, but when the operation of the light source is an intermittent operation including a pause time, the ultraviolet irradiation period is , is longer than the predetermined time T1.
For example, when the space containing people is a toilet, by controlling the operation of the light source to be intermittent and setting the ultraviolet irradiation period to be longer, the ultraviolet rays can be prevented even when bacteria, viruses, etc. are scattered due to defecation or splashing. The likelihood of being able to perform irradiation can be increased.

When the light emission operation time is set to 10 ms to 1000 ms and the pause time is set to 10 ms to 10 seconds as described above, the opening and closing of the light shielding shutter is controlled as described above in the case of the low-pressure mercury lamp. In some cases, it is necessary to open and close the shutter at high speed, which is difficult to handle.
Therefore, as the ultraviolet light source, a light source capable of repeating the ultraviolet light emission operation and the pause time by power supply control is suitable.
As such a light source, for example, an excimer lamp (KeCl excimer lamp) as described above, a solid-state light source (light emitting diode (LED), laser diode (LD)), or the like can be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10A, 10B... UV irradiation part, 11... Human sensor, 12... Pressure sensor, 13... Door sensor, 20... Control part, 100... Inactivation apparatus, 200... Closed space (private toilet), 201... Ceiling, 202... Wall Section 203 Door 300 Human

Claims (5)

An inactivation device for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body,
an ultraviolet irradiating unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body into a space that a person can enter and exit;
a sensor that detects the location of the person in the space;
a control unit that controls irradiation and non-irradiation of the light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit based on a detection signal from the sensor;
The ultraviolet irradiation unit includes a wavelength selection filter that transmits light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm and blocks transmission of light in other wavelength ranges,
The ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit are light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm,
The control unit
When it is determined that a person exists in the space based on the detection signal from the sensor, the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates the space containing the person with the light, and the allowable integrated light amount of the ultraviolet light to the human body is applied. after irradiating the light for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light so as not to exceed the irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit. An inactivation device for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body,
an ultraviolet irradiating unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body into a space that a person can enter and exit;
a sensor that detects the location of the person in the space;
a control unit that controls irradiation and non-irradiation of the light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit based on a detection signal from the sensor;
The ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit are light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm,
The control unit
When it is determined that a person exists in the space based on the detection signal from the sensor, the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates the space containing the person with the light, and the allowable integrated light amount of the ultraviolet light to the human body is applied. After irradiating the light for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays so as not to exceed, controlling to stop the irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit,
When it is determined that there is no person in the space based on the detection signal from the sensor, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is controlled to start irradiating the light to the space where the person is absent. and inactivation device. An inactivation device for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body,
an ultraviolet irradiating unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body into a space that a person can enter and exit;
a sensor that detects the location of the person in the space;
a control unit that controls irradiation and non-irradiation of the light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit based on a detection signal from the sensor;
The ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit are light in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm,
The control unit
When it is determined that a person exists in the space based on the detection signal from the sensor, the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates the space containing the person with the light,
When it is determined that no person exists in the space based on the detection signal from the sensor after the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays is stopped, the irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit to the space where the person is absent is stopped. An inactivation device characterized by controlling to start. An inactivation method for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body,
a step of detecting the location of a person in a space in which a person can enter and exit using a sensor;
When it is determined that a person exists in the space, a space containing the person from an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body. and after irradiating the light for a predetermined time according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays so as not to exceed the allowable integrated light amount of the ultraviolet rays to the human body, the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit and ceasing the irradiation of. An inactivation method for inactivating microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body,
a step of detecting the location of a person in a space in which a person can enter and exit using a sensor;
When it is determined that a person exists in the space, a space containing the person from an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of 190 nm to 235 nm that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses harmful to the human body. a step of irradiating the light to
a step of stopping irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit;
A deactivation method, comprising: when it is determined that no person exists in the space, the step of starting irradiation of the light from the ultraviolet irradiation unit to the space where the person does not exist.

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