JP2013166132A - Ultraviolet light source apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a user recognize the emission of ultraviolet without using an electrical detector.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet irradiation apparatus 1 includes an ultraviolet light source 2 that emits ultraviolet light, and a handle 4 as a wavelength conversion member that converts ultraviolet light into visible light. In a relative positional relation that a user can check the visible light visually, the ultraviolet light does not reach the user's eyes.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating ultraviolet rays.

  As a characteristic of light, visible light and infrared rays having a long wavelength work as electromagnetic waves having a thermal action, whereas ultraviolet rays work as electromagnetic waves having a photochemical action. Irradiation with ultraviolet rays causes molecules to undergo chemical changes such as activation, ionization, and dissociation, and promotes biochemical changes according to the energy.

  For this reason, ultraviolet light sources intended for use of ultraviolet rays are utilized in a wide range of fields such as sterilization, medical use, measurement, analysis, and industrial use.

  By the way, as shown in Table 1 below, there is a problem that ultraviolet rays have a great influence on human eyes and skin.

  For this reason, it is necessary to avoid excessively irradiating human eyes and skin with ultraviolet rays as much as possible. In addition to the irradiation to the human body, there are many scenes where the energy and characteristics of ultraviolet rays are used industrially. Therefore, it is important to confirm whether ultraviolet rays are emitted, but since the ultraviolet rays themselves are not visible, techniques for detecting ultraviolet rays have been studied so far.

  As a technique for detecting ultraviolet rays, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultraviolet detection device including a phosphor filter and a visible light sensor. In this ultraviolet detection device, the phosphor filter emits visible light when excited by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp. The visible light is detected by a visible light sensor, and the duty ratio of the driving pulse for the ultraviolet lamp is adjusted based on the detection signal, so that the light quantity is kept constant. By incorporating this ultraviolet detection device into a color thermal printer, it is possible to carry out stable light fixing with a constant amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the color thermal recording material.

  Patent Document 2 includes a fluorescent material that emits fluorescence corresponding to the amount of ultraviolet irradiation, an optical fiber that transmits the emitted fluorescence, and a light receiver that measures the intensity of the fluorescence transmitted through the optical fiber. An ultraviolet detection device is disclosed.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an ultraviolet detector including a wavelength conversion element whose length in the incident direction of ultraviolet light is longer than a length orthogonal thereto and a light receiving element provided on a side surface thereof.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-180250 (published on June 28, 1994) JP-A-8-292091 (published on November 5, 1996) International Publication No. 2000/11440 pamphlet (published March 2, 2000)

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, ultraviolet rays are indirectly detected by detecting fluorescence using a detection device that detects fluorescence such as a visible light sensor. This causes a problem that it cannot be detected. Also, electrical energy is required to operate the detection device.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultraviolet light source that allows a user to recognize that ultraviolet rays are emitted without using an electrical detection device. To provide an apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, an ultraviolet light source device according to the present invention is provided.
An ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light;
A wavelength conversion member that converts part of the ultraviolet light into visible light,
The visible light is emitted to the outside of the device, and the visible light can be visually recognized by the user. In the relative positional relationship between the user and the device, the ultraviolet light does not reach the user's eyes. It is characterized by.

  According to said structure, the ultraviolet light radiate | emitted from the ultraviolet light source is converted into visible light by the wavelength conversion member, and the visible light is radiate | emitted outside the own apparatus (ultraviolet light source device). Then, in the relative positional relationship between the user and the user's own device where the user can visually recognize the visible light, the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source does not reach the user's eyes.

  Therefore, it is possible to allow the user to safely recognize that the ultraviolet rays are emitted without using an electrical detection device.

  Note that a plurality of relative positional relationships in which the user can visually recognize visible light can be assumed, but it is not always necessary that ultraviolet light does not reach the eyes of the user in all the relative positional relationships. In at least some of the relative positional relationships that can be assumed, it is sufficient that ultraviolet light does not reach the eyes of the user.

  In addition, the user does not include those who irradiate their eyes with ultraviolet light for treatment, and means those who do not intend the ultraviolet light to reach their eyes.

  Moreover, it is preferable to further include a structure that limits the propagation range of the ultraviolet light.

  With the configuration described above, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source can be emitted within a desired solid angle, or the ultraviolet light can be prevented from leaking out from a predetermined space.

Further, the structure forms a space for irradiating the object disposed inside the structure with ultraviolet light,
It is preferable that the wavelength conversion member is disposed at or near an opening formed in the structure.

  According to the above configuration, the object disposed inside the structure is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and a part of the ultraviolet light is a wavelength conversion member disposed at or near the opening formed in the structure. Is converted into visible light. This visible light is emitted to the outside through the opening or from the wavelength conversion member exposed to the outside.

  Therefore, the structure can prevent the ultraviolet light from leaking out from the predetermined space, and can emit visible light to the outside of the space, and the ultraviolet light is emitted inside the structure. It is possible to make the user recognize that it is safe.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the one end part of the said wavelength conversion member protrudes outside the said structure from the said opening part.

  With the above configuration, the angle range in which the visible light emitted from the wavelength conversion member propagates can be widened, and the angle range in which the user can visually recognize the visible light can be widened.

Further, the structure is a member for emitting the ultraviolet light to the outside,
The emission direction of the visible light to the outside is preferably different from the emission direction of the ultraviolet light.

  With the above configuration, visible light can be emitted in a direction different from the outgoing direction of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source, and in the state where the user can visually recognize the visible light, the user's eyes It is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from reaching.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said ultraviolet light source device is further equipped with the light guide member which guides the said ultraviolet light to the said wavelength conversion member.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently guide the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source to the wavelength conversion member, and the efficiency of converting the ultraviolet light into visible light can be increased.

The ultraviolet light source device further includes a structure that limits a propagation range of the ultraviolet light,
The light guide member penetrates the structure,
It is preferable that the wavelength conversion member is disposed on an end portion of the light guide member located outside the structure.

  According to said structure, the outer edge part of the light guide member which penetrated the structure and the wavelength conversion member are connected. Therefore, the wavelength conversion member receives the ultraviolet light guided by the light guide member and emits light outside the structure.

  Therefore, the angle range in which the visible light emitted from the wavelength conversion member propagates can be expanded, and the angle range in which the user can visually recognize the visible light can be expanded.

  The ultraviolet light source device preferably further includes a wavelength selective blocking unit that transmits the visible light and blocks the ultraviolet light.

  With the above configuration, visible light can be emitted to the outside while preventing ultraviolet light from leaking to the outside.

The ultraviolet light source device further includes a structure that limits a propagation range of the ultraviolet light,
At least a part of the structure is formed by the wavelength selective blocking unit,
The wavelength conversion member is preferably disposed inside the structure.

  According to said structure, at least one part of the structure which restrict | limits the propagation range of ultraviolet light is produced | generated by the function which interrupts | blocks the ultraviolet light radiate | emitted from the ultraviolet light source, and the wavelength conversion member arrange | positioned inside the structure It has a function of transmitting visible light.

  Therefore, when ultraviolet light is emitted from the ultraviolet light source, visible light converted from the ultraviolet light can be emitted from a part or all of the structure, and the ultraviolet light is prevented from leaking to the outside. However, the visible light can be visually recognized by the user.

  In addition, the said wavelength conversion member may be distribute | arranged to the inner surface of a structure, and may be arrange | positioned in the internal space of a structure.

  The wavelength conversion member preferably includes a phosphor that emits fluorescence upon receiving the ultraviolet light and a diffusing material that diffuses the ultraviolet light.

  According to the above configuration, the ultraviolet light is diffused inside the wavelength conversion member by the diffusing substance. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ultraviolet light will pass through the wavelength conversion member without hitting the phosphor, and the conversion efficiency of the ultraviolet light to visible light can be increased. Further, it is possible to reduce the possibility that ultraviolet light passes through the wavelength conversion member and leaks outside.

  As described above, the ultraviolet light source device according to the present invention includes the ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light and the wavelength conversion member that converts the ultraviolet light into visible light, and the visible light is emitted to the outside of the device. In the relative positional relationship between the user and the user's own device where the user can visually recognize the visible light, the ultraviolet light does not reach the user's eyes.

  Therefore, there is an effect that the user can recognize that ultraviolet rays are emitted without using an electrical detection device.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the said ultraviolet irradiation device. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the wavelength of an ultraviolet-ray, and a bactericidal effect. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) has shown the wavelength dependence of the light transmittance of quartz, (c) has shown the wavelength dependency of the light transmittance of an acrylic resin. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The ultraviolet light source device of the present invention may be realized as an ultraviolet light source device for sterilization, medical use, measurement, or analysis, or may be realized as another ultraviolet light source device. Other examples of the ultraviolet light source device include industrial ultraviolet light source devices such as an ultraviolet light source device for exposure that cures a resin or cures ink.

  In this embodiment, as an example of the ultraviolet light source device, a box-type ultraviolet irradiation device 1 that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto an irradiation object disposed therein will be described.

(Configuration of ultraviolet irradiation device 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 irradiates the irradiation target 9 disposed inside the housing 8 with ultraviolet rays. For example, the irradiation target 9 performs sterilization, analysis, processing, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes an ultraviolet light source 2, a mirror (light guide member) 3, a handle (wavelength conversion member) 4, a hinge 5, an opening / closing part 6, a switch 7, and a housing (structure). Body) 8 and a stage (structure) 8a.

(UV light source 2)
The ultraviolet light source 2 is a light source that emits ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light), and is, for example, an ultraviolet lamp. The type of the ultraviolet lamp is not limited, and any ultraviolet lamp such as a kinocene lamp, a metal halide lamp, or a mercury xenon lamp can be used. Further, as the ultraviolet light source 2, an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a semiconductor laser may be used.

  The ultraviolet light source 2 is disposed on the upper surface inside the housing 8, and irradiates the irradiation object 9 placed on the stage 8 a corresponding to the bottom surface of the housing 8 with ultraviolet light. The arrangement of the ultraviolet light source 2 is not particularly limited, and may be arranged on the side surface of the housing 8. Further, the ultraviolet light source 2 may be disposed outside the housing 8, and the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 may be guided into the housing 8 by a light guide member such as an optical fiber.

  The wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 is a wavelength included in the ultraviolet region, and the ultraviolet light source 2 emits light having a peak wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm, for example.

  The optimum wavelength range for sterilization is about 220 nm to 300 nm. This is because ultraviolet rays of about 220 nm to 300 nm are absorbed very efficiently by microbial nucleic acids [DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) / RNA (ribonucleic acid)], and by absorbing ultraviolet rays, dimers are formed in the nucleic acids. This is because the normal growth function is inhibited and the bacteria are killed by the life span.

  Among 220 nm to 300 nm, the wavelength having a particularly high bactericidal effect is a wavelength around 260 nm. This is because the wavelength characteristic of the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on fungi has a bactericidal effect peak at a wavelength near 260 nm as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the wavelength of ultraviolet rays and the bactericidal effect.

For example, the amount of UV irradiation at the time of surface sterilization depends on the type of bacteria, but when using light having a wavelength of 254 nm, the UV intensity is about 100 mW / cm ² and the irradiation time is about 100 seconds. good. The ultraviolet intensity is not limited to 100 mW / cm ² , and if it is approximately 1 mW / cm ² or more, the sterilizing effect can be obtained by increasing the irradiation time. However, in the case of ultraviolet rays with a small amount of irradiation intensity, the phenomenon of “light recovery” that regains activity when intensely irradiated with visible light can be seen depending on the species of bacteria. It is preferable.

(Mirror 3)
The mirror 3 is a light guide member that guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 to the handle 4. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 is reflected by the reflecting surface of the mirror 3 and is applied to the handle 4. The mirror 3 only needs to have a reflecting surface that reflects ultraviolet light, and is, for example, a resin substrate having a metal thin film applied to the surface.

  At this time, if an Al (aluminum) film is used as the metal thin film, the reflectance of ultraviolet rays can be increased. In addition, it is preferable that the metal thin film for this reflection is provided in the surface of a base material (The resin-made board | substrate mentioned above, a glass-made board | substrate etc.). This is because when a reflective film is formed on the back side of a resin or glass, ultraviolet rays are absorbed by the resin or glass, and it may be difficult to obtain sufficient reflectance.

  Note that the mirror 3 can be omitted when the amount of ultraviolet light directly irradiated onto the handle 4 from the ultraviolet light source 2 is large and the handle 4 emits sufficient light only with the directly irradiated ultraviolet light.

(Handle 4)
The handle 4 is a protrusion that is pinched by the user when the opening / closing part 6 is opened and closed, and a wavelength conversion member that converts ultraviolet light into visible light. The handle 4 is obtained by dispersing a phosphor (fluorescent substance) that emits fluorescence in response to ultraviolet light in a sealing material. The handle 4 is fitted in an opening formed in the plate-like opening / closing part 6, one end 4 a projects from the opening to the outside of the housing 8, and the other end 4 b is formed in the housing 8. Located inside.

  Part of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 is reflected directly or reflected on the mirror 3 and applied to the end portion 4b. As a result, the fluorescent material contained in the handle 4 emits fluorescence. That is, the ultraviolet light is converted into fluorescence and emitted to the outside of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

  Although the ultraviolet light of the ultraviolet light source 2 is invisible, the user can recognize that the ultraviolet light is emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 when the handle 4 shines.

  The entire handle 4 does not need to function as a wavelength conversion member, and the wavelength conversion member may be included in a part of the handle 4.

  As the phosphor included in the wavelength conversion member, a phosphor that emits fluorescence in the visible light region when irradiated with light of 100 nm to 400 nm (ultraviolet region) may be used. In other words, the phosphor is a phosphor having light having a wavelength included in at least a part of the wavelength region of the ultraviolet region as an excitation spectrum.

  A phosphor that can be used more suitably is a phosphor that is efficiently excited by light having an absorption peak wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm (ultraviolet region). This is because the phosphor has higher excitation efficiency than a phosphor that does not have an absorption peak wavelength in the ultraviolet region.

  As the phosphor, for example, an oxynitride phosphor, a nitride phosphor, or a semiconductor nanoparticle phosphor using nanometer-sized particles of a III-V compound semiconductor can be used.

As an example of the oxynitride phosphor, a so-called sialon (SiAlON) phosphor can be used. A sialon phosphor is a substance in which part of silicon atoms in silicon nitride is replaced with aluminum atoms and part of nitrogen atoms is replaced with oxygen atoms. It can be made by dissolving alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), silica (SiO ₂ ), rare earth elements and the like in silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ).

  For example, a Caα-SiAlON: Eu phosphor that is preferably excited by ultraviolet light can be used as the yellow phosphor.

  Oxynitride phosphors and nitride phosphors have higher heat stability than other phosphors. Therefore, even when a glass powder and a phosphor are mixed and heat-treated when producing a wavelength conversion member, the composition is stably present in the glass without changing. As a result, a wavelength conversion member with high luminous efficiency can be obtained.

  As another suitable example of the phosphor, a semiconductor nanoparticle phosphor using nanometer-sized particles of a III-V compound semiconductor can be exemplified.

  One of the features of semiconductor nanoparticle phosphors is that even if the same compound semiconductor (eg, GaN) is used, the emission color can be changed by the quantum size effect by changing the particle diameter in the order of nanometers. This is a possible point.

  In addition, since this semiconductor nanoparticle phosphor is semiconductor-based, it has a short fluorescence lifetime and can emit the excitation light power as fluorescence quickly, so that it is highly resistant to high-power excitation light. This is because the emission lifetime of the semiconductor nanoparticle phosphor is about 10 nanoseconds, which is five orders of magnitude smaller than that of a normal phosphor material having a rare earth as the emission center.

  Furthermore, as described above, since the light emission lifetime is short, the absorption of high-power excitation light and the light emission of the phosphor can be quickly repeated. As a result, high efficiency can be maintained even when strong excitation light is irradiated, and heat generation from the phosphor can be reduced.

  Further, the emission color of the phosphor may be a color that allows the user to visually recognize that visible light is emitted from the handle 4, and may be monochromatic light having an arbitrary hue such as blue, yellow, green, red, or a plurality of colors. It may be light of mixed colors such as (pseudo) white mixed with monochromatic light having the following hue. When the emission color is (pseudo) white, a blue phosphor and a yellow phosphor, or a mixture of a blue phosphor, a green phosphor, and a red phosphor may be used.

As a sealing material for dispersing the phosphor, for example, a silicone resin or a glass material can be used. The resin or glass material used preferably has a high transmittance in the ultraviolet region. For example, inorganic glass can be used as the glass material. Among inorganic glasses, SiO ₂ (quartz glass) is particularly suitable as a sealing material because it has higher transmittance for ultraviolet rays than other inorganic glasses.

  The thickness of the wavelength conversion member included in the handle 4 is preferably sufficient to convert all the ultraviolet light incident on the wavelength conversion member into fluorescence.

  Further, the wavelength conversion member may contain diffusing particles (diffusion substance). This configuration increases the probability that the ultraviolet light irradiated to the wavelength conversion member is diffused by the diffusing particles inside the wavelength conversion member and absorbed by the phosphor, so that the ultraviolet light passes through without exciting the phosphor. Thus, the possibility of being emitted to the outside can be reduced.

  Zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide, diamond, or the like can be used as a substance constituting the diffusing particles.

  In addition, in order to prevent ultraviolet light from leaking from the handle 4, a member (wavelength selective blocking portion) that transmits visible light and blocks ultraviolet light is formed on the surface of the handle 4, that is, the surface on the user side. May be.

  In addition, the handle 4 does not include a phosphor, and another wavelength conversion member may be disposed in the opening formed in the housing 8 or in the vicinity thereof (position adjacent to the opening). In this case, the wavelength conversion member does not necessarily have to protrude from the outer surface of the housing 8, but it is preferable that the wavelength conversion member protrudes because the visibility by the user is increased.

(Other parts)
The housing 8 is a structure that forms a space for irradiating the irradiation object (object) 9 disposed inside the structure with ultraviolet light, and is a substance that does not transmit ultraviolet light (for example, iron , Metal such as aluminum). That is, the housing 8 is a structure that limits the propagation range of ultraviolet light.

  The opening / closing part 6 constitutes a part of the housing 8 and serves as a lid that covers the opening for putting the irradiation object 9 into the housing 8 or taking out the irradiation object 9 from the inside of the housing 8. Play a role. The opening / closing part 6 is fixed to the main body of the housing 8 by a hinge 5 so as to be opened and closed.

  The switch 7 is an operation unit for the user to control on / off of the ultraviolet light source 2.

(Operational effect of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1)
First, the user opens the opening / closing part 6 and places the irradiation object 9 on the stage 8a. Then, the opening / closing part 6 is closed and the switch 7 is turned on. By this operation, ultraviolet light is emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 and applied to the irradiation object 9. Since the ultraviolet light is confined inside the housing 8, the user does not receive the ultraviolet light.

  At this time, a part of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 is applied to the handle 4 directly or after being reflected by the mirror 3. As a result, the phosphor contained in the handle 4 emits fluorescence (visible light). Therefore, the user can recognize that the ultraviolet light is actually emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2.

  Thus, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 2 is visible to the user's eyes in a situation where the user can visually recognize visible light (relative positional relationship between the user and the ultraviolet irradiation device 1). Will not reach. Therefore, the user can confirm safely whether the ultraviolet light is radiate | emitted.

  Moreover, in the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, the user can visually recognize the fluorescence emitted by the handle 4. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a detection device that detects the fluorescence. Moreover, the fluorescent substance can be used semipermanently. Therefore, a situation in which it becomes difficult to detect fluorescence due to a failure of the detection device does not occur. Further, no power is required to operate the detection device, and energy can be saved.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. In addition, about the member similar to Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 10 according to the present embodiment. The ultraviolet irradiation device 10 includes a handle 41 corresponding to the handle 4, but the handle 41 does not include a phosphor. Instead, the ultraviolet irradiation device 10 includes a wavelength conversion member 42 that converts ultraviolet light into visible light inside the housing 8. In FIG. 4, the wavelength conversion member 42 is disposed on the stage 8 a, but may be disposed on the side surface of the housing 8, and receives ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 2 inside the housing 8. I can do it. For example, the wavelength conversion member 42 may be disposed on the inner surface of the opening / closing part 61.

  In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation device 10 includes an opening / closing part 61 corresponding to the opening / closing part 6 as a part of the housing 8. The opening / closing unit 61 functions as a wavelength selective blocking unit that transmits visible light and blocks ultraviolet light. That is, the fluorescence emitted from the wavelength conversion member 42 passes through the opening / closing part 61, but the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 2 is blocked by the opening / closing part 61.

  As the opening / closing part 61, for example, a normal glass other than quartz glass, a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin, or the like can be used.

When the intensity of ultraviolet rays is high, a TiO ₂ film is further formed on the surface of the above-described normal glass or transparent resin (in this case, either inside or outside of the housing 8), or other ultraviolet absorption By applying the agent, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from being transmitted through the opening / closing part 61. Furthermore, especially when the above-described TiO2 film and other ultraviolet absorbers are formed and applied to the inner surface of the opening / closing part 61, it is possible to prevent the resin material forming the opening / closing part 61 from being aged due to ultraviolet light. .

  It should be noted that at least a part of the housing 8 only needs to have wavelength selective blocking properties. For example, a window portion having wavelength selective blocking properties may be provided on the side surface or the upper surface of the housing 8. Further, the entire housing 8 may be formed of a wavelength selective blocking member so that fluorescence can be emitted from the entire housing 8 when ultraviolet light is emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2.

  Further, a mirror that intensively guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 2 to the wavelength conversion member 42 may be provided.

(Effect of ultraviolet irradiation device 10)
In the ultraviolet irradiation device 10, ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source 2 is blocked by the housing 8 and does not reach the user's eyes, but a part of the ultraviolet light is converted into visible light by the wavelength conversion member 42. Then, the light passes through the opening / closing part 61 and reaches the eyes of the user.

  Therefore, the user can safely recognize whether or not ultraviolet light is emitted without using a detection device that detects fluorescence.

[Embodiment 3]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 according to the present embodiment. The ultraviolet irradiation device 20 is a device that projects ultraviolet light to the outside. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 can be used as an ultraviolet light source device for sterilization, medical use, measurement, analysis, exposure, or the like.

(Configuration of ultraviolet irradiation device 20)
As shown in FIG. 5, the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 includes a semiconductor laser element (ultraviolet light source) 21, a lens 22, a light guide part (light guide member) 23, a light emitting part (wavelength conversion member) 24, a reflecting mirror (structure, A light projecting member) 25 and a transparent plate 26.

(Semiconductor laser element 21)
The semiconductor laser element 21 is an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light (indicated by an arrow 27). For example, the semiconductor laser element 21 oscillates laser light having a peak wavelength of 100 nm to 400 nm (ultraviolet region). When 5 V and the injection current are 0.7 A, the optical output is 0.2 W.

  As the semiconductor laser element 21, a semiconductor laser chip having one light emitting point per chip may be used, or a semiconductor laser chip having a plurality of light emitting points may be used. A semiconductor laser module in which a plurality of semiconductor laser elements are arranged may be used. In this embodiment, a semiconductor laser chip having one light emitting point (one stripe) per chip is used alone.

(Lens 22)
The lens 22 is a lens for controlling the directivity of ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21. As the lens 22, for example, FLKN1 405 manufactured by Alps Electric can be used. If it is a lens which has the above-mentioned function, the shape and material of the lens 22 are not particularly limited. However, the lens 22 has a high transmittance near the wavelength of ultraviolet light (in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm) and has good heat resistance. Is preferred. An example of such a material is quartz glass.

(Light guide unit 23)
The light guide unit 23 is a light guide member that guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21 to the light emitting unit 24. The light guide 23 is fitted into an opening formed in the reflecting mirror 25, one end 23 a exists inside the reflecting mirror 25, and the other end 23 b is outside the reflecting mirror 25. Protruding to A light emitting unit 24 is provided at the end 23b. That is, the light guide part 23 penetrates the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 25, and the light emitting part 24 is arranged on the end part 23 b of the light guiding part 23 located outside the reflecting mirror 25.

  Therefore, the light guide 23 holds (or supports) the light emitting unit 24 outside the reflecting mirror 25 and functions as a holding member and a light guiding member that guides the ultraviolet light to the light emitting unit 24.

  The ultraviolet light from the semiconductor laser element 21 enters the light guide 23 directly or after being reflected by the reflecting mirror 25 or the transparent plate 26, and the incident ultraviolet light guides the inside of the light guide 23 and ends. The phosphor contained in the light emitting unit 24 arranged in the unit 23b is excited to cause the light emitting unit 24 to emit light.

The light guide 23 may be flexible (for example, an optical fiber whose core is made of quartz), or may be a plate (for example, a quartz plate) or a rod (for example, a quartz bar). Also good. The material of the light guide unit 23 may be any material that transmits ultraviolet light, and is, for example, quartz (SiO ₂ ), and its refractive index is 1.45. In addition, BK (borosilicate crown) 7 or the like can be preferably used.

  Next, the reason why quartz is preferable as a constituent material of the light guide 23 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A and 6B show the wavelength dependence of the (light) transmittance of quartz, and FIG. 6C shows the wavelength dependence of the transmittance of acrylic resin. FIG. 6A shows the transmittance when the thickness is 1 mm, 10 mm, and 30 mm. FIG. 6B shows the transmittance of two types of commercially available optical quartz when the thickness is 10 mm.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), quartz glass has a feature that the light transmittance is very high over all wavelengths compared to ordinary glasses, and ultraviolet light (100 nm to 400 nm). Transmits most wavelengths in the wavelength range.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, the resin-based material has a problem that the transmittance of ultraviolet rays is very low compared to quartz, and it is colored yellow due to ultraviolet rays and deteriorates. As a material of the optical part 23, it is not so preferable.

(Light Emitting Unit 24)
The light emitting unit 24 is a wavelength conversion member that converts part of the ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21 into visible light (indicated by an arrow 28). The light emitting unit 24 is provided at the end 23b of the light guide unit 23, and converts the ultraviolet light guided by the light guide unit 23 into fluorescence that is visible light.

  Since the end 23 b protrudes from the side surface of the reflecting mirror 25, the emitting direction of the ultraviolet light emitted from the emitting port (the opening where the transparent plate 26 is disposed) of the reflecting mirror 25 and the light emitting unit 24 are emitted. This is different from the emitted direction of fluorescence.

  The light emitting unit 24 includes a phosphor and a sealing material similar to those of the handle 4 and the wavelength conversion member 42 described above. Further, the light emitting unit 24 may include diffusing particles (diffusing substances). By diffusing the ultraviolet light by the diffusing particles, the ratio of the ultraviolet light transmitted through the light emitting part 24 can be reduced, and conversely the ratio absorbed by the wavelength conversion member 42 can be improved. As a result, the light emitting part 24 can be made thinner.

  Further, since the light emitting unit 24 is supported by the light guide unit 23 and protrudes to the outside of the reflecting mirror 25, the user can easily see the light emitting unit 24. As a result, it becomes easy to visually recognize the light emitting part 24 at an angle at which the ultraviolet light emitted from the exit of the reflecting mirror 25 does not reach the eyes of the user, and an angle at which the oscillation state of the semiconductor laser element 21 can be safely confirmed. The range becomes wider.

  In addition, the said user is a person who operates the ultraviolet irradiation device 20, and is not a person who does not intend to make the ultraviolet light radiate | emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 enter into his eyes. Irradiated patients who actively enter ultraviolet light for their treatment are not included in the user herein.

  In order to prevent ultraviolet light from leaking from the light emitting unit 24, a member (wavelength selective blocking unit) that transmits visible light and blocks ultraviolet light may be formed on the surface of the light emitting unit 24.

  Further, a combination of the light guide unit 23 and the light emitting unit 24 may be applied to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of the first embodiment.

(Reflector 25)
The reflecting mirror 25 is a light projecting member that forms a light bundle that travels within a predetermined solid angle by reflecting the ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21. That is, the reflecting mirror 25 has a reflecting surface for emitting ultraviolet light to the outside, and controls the light distribution of the ultraviolet light by the reflecting surface, thereby forming a light beam traveling forward of the ultraviolet irradiation device 20. The reflecting mirror 25 can also be expressed as a structure that limits the propagation range of ultraviolet light.

  The reflecting mirror 25 is, for example, a curved (cup-shaped) member having a metal thin film formed on the surface thereof, and opens in the traveling direction of the reflected light.

  The shape of the reflecting mirror 25 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a partial paraboloid or a hemispherical surface of a rotating paraboloid or a rotating ellipsoid. In other words, the reflecting mirror 25 only needs to include at least a part of a curved surface formed by rotating about the axis of symmetry of a parabola, an ellipse, and a circle on the reflecting surface. Furthermore, the shape of the reflecting mirror 25 may be a dome shape formed by a plurality of polygonal planes.

  Further, the light projecting member may be constituted by a combination of a reflecting mirror and a light projecting lens. In this case, the ultraviolet light from the semiconductor laser element 21 is guided to the light projecting lens by the reflecting mirror, and the light distribution control of the ultraviolet light is performed by the light projecting lens.

(Transparent plate 26)
The transparent plate 26 is a transparent plate that covers the exit (opening) of the reflecting mirror 25. As the material of the transparent plate 26, resin, inorganic glass, or the like can be used. However, it is preferable that the transparent plate 26 be formed of a material such as quartz (SiO ₂ ) having high transmittance of ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21. .

  Further, the shape of the transparent plate 26 is not limited to a flat plate. In order to further control the light distribution of the light beam formed by the reflecting mirror 25, the transparent plate 26 may have a lens shape.

(Application example of ultraviolet irradiation device 20)
Examples of diseases targeted when the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 is used for medical purposes include skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis, palmoplantar pustulosis, alopecia areata, etc. Can do.

  For psoriasis vulgaris, vitiligo vulgaris, palmoplantar pustulosis, and alopecia areata, the effect of improvement can be achieved by repeating irradiation for several seconds to several tens of seconds with light having a wavelength of about 308 nm (healing of psoriasis, disappearance of vitiligo) , Improvement of symptoms of atopic dermatitis, hair growth, etc.).

  Moreover, the ultraviolet irradiation apparatus 20 can be used for the use (use which monitors water quality) which measures the organic pollution in the waste_water | drain from a factory or a household.

  For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 can be used as a light source of an analyzer for measuring organic pollution in waste water by applying ultraviolet absorption at a specific wavelength (253.7 nm). This analyzer is used as a COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) correlation device in the total volume regulation regarding the water quality of public waters.

  Further, it can be used as a light source for a detection apparatus and an analysis apparatus that detect the presence or absence of a substance and analyze the composition of the substance by measuring fluorescence and phosphorescence emitted from the irradiated substance.

(Effect of ultraviolet irradiation device 20)
In the ultraviolet irradiation device 20, when ultraviolet light is emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21, a part of the ultraviolet light is guided to the light emitting unit 24 and converted into fluorescence in the light emitting unit 24. This fluorescence is emitted in a direction different from the emission direction of the ultraviolet light emitted from the emission port of the reflecting mirror 25. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the fluorescence of the light emitting unit 24, but the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device 20 does not reach the eyes of the user (the position between the user and the ultraviolet irradiation device 20). Relationship).
In other words, the fluorescence (visible light) reaches the user's eyes in some of the relative positions of the plurality of users and the ultraviolet irradiation device 20, but the ultraviolet light Can realize a situation that does not reach the eyes of the user.

  Thereby, even if it does not use an electrical detection apparatus, a user can be made to recognize safely that ultraviolet light is radiate | emitted.

[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals are given to the same members as those in the third embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 30 according to the present embodiment.

  In the ultraviolet irradiation device 30 of the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 24 is formed on the inner surface of the reflecting mirror 25 so as to cover the translucent member 26a fitted in the opening formed in the vicinity of the exit of the reflecting mirror 25. Has been placed.

  Most of the ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser element 21 is projected from the exit of the reflecting mirror 25 to the outside, and a part of the ultraviolet light is converted into fluorescence by the light emitting unit 24, and the translucent member 26a. And is emitted to the outside.

  The translucent member 26a is preferably made of a material (for example, quartz) having high permeability of fluorescence emitted from the light emitting unit 24. In addition, a filter that transmits visible light and blocks ultraviolet light may be used as the translucent member 26a.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the light emitting unit 24 may be fitted into an opening formed in the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 25. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ultraviolet irradiation device 40 that is a modified example of the present embodiment.

  The light emitting unit 24 and the translucent member 26a may be disposed on the apex side of the reflecting mirror 25. Since the light emitting unit 24 is disposed at a position far from the exit of the reflecting mirror 25, when the user visually recognizes the fluorescence from the light emitting unit 24, the ultraviolet light emitted from the exit is not affected by the user. Less likely to reach the eyes.

(Additional notes)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention relates to an ultraviolet light source device that emits light in the ultraviolet region, and is used for various purposes such as industrial ultraviolet light sources including sterilization, medical use, measurement, analysis, or exposure. It can be widely applied to light source devices.

1 UV irradiation device (UV light source device)
2 Ultraviolet light source 2 Semiconductor laser element 3 Mirror (light guide member)
8 Case (structure)
8a stage (structure)
10 UV irradiation device (UV light source device)
20 UV irradiation device (UV light source device)
21 Semiconductor laser element (ultraviolet light source)
23 Light guide part 24 Light emission part (wavelength conversion member)
25 Reflector (light projecting member, structure)
30 UV irradiation device (UV light source device)
40 UV irradiation device (UV light source device)
42 Wavelength conversion member 61 Opening / closing part (structure)

Claims (10)

An ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light;
A wavelength conversion member that converts part of the ultraviolet light into visible light,
The visible light is emitted to the outside of the device, and the visible light can be visually recognized by the user. In the relative positional relationship between the user and the device, the ultraviolet light does not reach the user's eyes. Ultraviolet light source device characterized by.   The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 1, further comprising a structure that limits a propagation range of the ultraviolet light. The above structure forms a space for irradiating ultraviolet light to an object disposed inside the structure,
The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 2, wherein the wavelength conversion member is disposed at or near an opening formed in the structure.   The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 3, wherein one end of the wavelength conversion member protrudes from the opening to the outside of the structure. The structure is a member for emitting the ultraviolet light to the outside,
The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 2, wherein an emission direction of the visible light to the outside is different from an emission direction of the ultraviolet light.   The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide member that guides the ultraviolet light to the wavelength conversion member. Further comprising a structure for limiting the propagation range of the ultraviolet light,
The light guide member penetrates the structure,
The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 6, wherein the wavelength conversion member is disposed at an end portion of the light guide member located outside the structure.   The ultraviolet light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a wavelength selective blocking unit that transmits the visible light and blocks the ultraviolet light. Further comprising a structure for limiting the propagation range of the ultraviolet light,
At least a part of the structure is formed by the wavelength selective blocking unit,
The ultraviolet light source device according to claim 8, wherein the wavelength conversion member is disposed inside the structure.   The ultraviolet light source according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength conversion member includes a phosphor that emits fluorescence when receiving the ultraviolet light, and a diffusing material that diffuses the ultraviolet light. apparatus.

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