Fluid sterilization device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilization device that can be made compact even if a heat dissipation structure such as a heat sink or a substrate for mounting electronic components other than a light-emitting element is provided. This fluid sterilization device is characterized by being provided with: a cylindrical flow path pipe provided with a side peripheral wall and a flow path formed on the inside of the side peripheral wall; a light source unit including a light-emitting element, an electronic component different from the light-emitting element, and a substrate on which the light-emitting element and the electronic component are mounted and which extends in the longitudinal direction of the flow path tube; and a heat sink in thermal contact with the outer surface of the substrate, the flow path tube further includes a substrate mounting table portion on which the substrate is mounted, and the substrate mounting table portion includes: a first through-hole that accommodates the light-emitting element and penetrates toward the flow path; and a first recess for accommodating the electronic component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid sterilizing device. Background Art

[0002] Various products have been provided for sterilizing fluids (e.g., liquid for beverages or food raw material water, or various cooling water / washing water for factories) by irradiating ultraviolet light. As a related invention, for example, the following patent document 1 discloses a fluid sterilizing device arranged in a flow path of the fluid.

[0003] The fluid sterilization device disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises: a flow tube having a flow path for the flow of a fluid to be sterilized; an ultraviolet generating device disposed on the outside of the flow tube to irradiate the above-mentioned fluid with ultraviolet rays; and a sealing component that blocks the gap between the flow tube and the ultraviolet generating device. Here, the ultraviolet generating device comprises a housing fixed to the flow tube and a light-emitting element (light source) disposed in the housing and emitting ultraviolet rays. In addition, the housing comprises a convex portion located around the light-emitting element and protruding toward the inside of the flow tube and located between the light source and the sealing component. Furthermore, the flow tube comprises a side wall portion located between the flow path and the sealing component and protruding toward the convex portion. Furthermore, the convex portion and the side wall portion are formed of a material that shields ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the sealing component is separated from the space and the flow path where the light-emitting element is arranged by the convex portion and the side wall portion.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-122516 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, when using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light emitting element as in the fluid sterilizing device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set various electronic components for driving the LED via a predetermined (circuit) substrate. However, if the fluid sterilizing device of Patent Document 1 directly sets a substrate for mounting the LED and the electronic components without any effort, the device may become larger.

[0009] In addition, from the perspective of ensuring stable driving of the light-emitting element and preventing the temperature of the fluid flowing in the flow tube from rising, it is preferred to provide a heat sink that dissipates the heat generated when the light-emitting element (LED, etc.) is driven to the outside of the flow tube. However, if a heat dissipation structure including a heat sink is directly provided in the fluid sterilization device of Patent Document 1 without any effort, it may lead to a large-scale device, as in the case of installing the above-mentioned substrate.

[0010] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilizing device that can achieve compactness of the device even if a heat dissipation structure such as a substrate and a heat sink for mounting electronic components other than light-emitting elements is provided.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the fluid sterilization device of the present invention comprises:

[0013] A cylindrical flow channel tube having a side peripheral wall and a flow channel formed inside the side peripheral wall;

[0014] a light source unit including a light emitting element, an electronic component different from the light emitting element, and a substrate, the substrate being provided with the light emitting element and the electronic component and extending along the length direction of the flow tube; and

[0015] a heat sink in thermal contact with an outer surface of the substrate,

[0016] The flow pipe further includes a substrate mounting table for mounting the substrate.

[0017] The substrate mounting table portion comprises:

[0018] a first through hole that accommodates the light emitting element and penetrates toward the flow path; and

[0019] The first recess is used to receive the electronic components.

[0020] In this aspect of the present invention, a substrate (and a heat sink in thermal contact with the outer surface of the substrate) on which a light-emitting element and electronic components other than the light-emitting element are mounted is placed on a substrate mounting platform portion of the flow tube. In addition, when the substrate is placed on the substrate mounting platform portion, the light-emitting element faces a first through hole that passes through the flow path from the substrate mounting platform portion toward the flow tube, and the electronic components other than the light-emitting element are accommodated in a first recess of the substrate mounting platform portion. Thus, according to this aspect of the present invention, when the substrate and the substrate mounting platform portion are overlapped, interference between the light-emitting element and the electronic components mounted on the substrate and the substrate mounting platform portion (the side peripheral wall of the flow tube) can be avoided. As a result, the device can be made compact.

[0021] In addition, preferably, in the fluid sterilization device of the present invention,

[0022] The fluid sterilizing device further includes a metal screw or a pin for fixing the heat sink and the substrate to the substrate mounting table.

[0023] The heat sink is provided with a second through hole,

[0024] A third through hole is provided on the substrate at a position overlapping with the second through hole.

[0025] A second recess is provided at a position of the substrate mounting table portion that overlaps with the second through hole and the third through hole.

[0026] The screw or the pin is inserted into the second through hole, the third through hole, and the second recess.

[0027] According to this aspect of the present invention, the heat sink and the substrate are fixed to the substrate mounting platform via metal screws or pins, thereby effectively preventing the heat sink and the substrate from being separated from the substrate mounting platform. In addition, the heat generated in the substrate when the light emitting element is driven (when current is applied) can be appropriately dissipated via the metal screws or pins.

[0028] Further, preferably, in the fluid sterilization device of the present invention,

[0029] The metal screw includes: a metal fixing screw portion that passes through the second through hole and the third through hole; and a metal insert screw hole portion that is disposed in the second recess and is screwed into the fixing screw portion.

[0030] According to this aspect of the present invention, by providing the metal screw with a metal fixing screw portion inserted into the second through hole of the heat sink and the third through hole of the substrate and a metal embedding screw hole portion disposed in the second recess of the substrate mounting platform portion, the heat sink and the substrate can be more firmly fixed to the substrate mounting platform portion. In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, heat dissipation can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, preferably, the fluid sterilization device of the present invention further comprises a housing,

[0032] The housing includes: a base portion having a hollow interior and having an opening at least on a top side; and a cover portion covering at least a portion of the opening.

[0033] The flow tube is housed in the base.

[0034] The outer surface of the heat sink faces the opening of the base and contacts the cover.

[0035] According to this aspect of the present invention, the flow tube is stored in the base of the housing, and the outer surface of the heat sink contacts the cover of the housing, thereby preventing the heat sink and the substrate from being separated. In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to use a large heat sink or fan with blades, and the device can be made compact.

[0036] Furthermore, preferably, in the fluid sterilization device of the present invention, the flow path pipe includes a main pipe portion and an inlet pipe portion having an inner diameter smaller than that of the main pipe portion.

[0037] According to this method of the present invention, by making the inner diameter of the main pipe part larger than the inner diameter of the inlet pipe part of the flow path pipe, the flow velocity of the fluid flowing in the flow path can be slowed down. As a result, the amount of ultraviolet light from the light emitting element irradiating the fluid flowing in the main pipe part can be increased. As a result, the sterilization function can be further improved.

[0038] Further, preferably, in the fluid sterilization device of the present invention, the substrate is in thermal contact with the outer surface of the flow tube.

[0039] According to this aspect of the present invention, heat generated by the light source or the electronic component mounted on the substrate can be conducted to the flow pipe, thereby improving heat dissipation.

[0040] Effects of the Invention

[0041] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid sterilizing device that can achieve compactness of the device even if a heat dissipation structure such as a substrate for mounting electronic components other than light-emitting elements and a heat sink is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a fluid sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the fluid sterilizing device according to this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the fluid sterilizing device according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a fluid sterilizing device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, a fluid sterilizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 , the fluid sterilizing device 1 of this embodiment is described. Here, Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 1. In addition, Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the fluid sterilizing device 1 as viewed from the oblique lower side. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the fluid sterilizing device 1 as viewed from obliquely above.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the fluid sterilizing device 1 of this embodiment includes a flow tube 10 for fluid flow, a light source unit 20, a reflector 30, an ultraviolet light transmission window (eg, quartz glass) 40, a heat sink 50, a metal screw 60, a housing 70, and the like.

[0048] Here, the flow tube 10 of the present embodiment is a cylindrical component having a side wall 11. A flow path 111 for the flow of a fluid (e.g., water) to be sterilized is formed on the inner side of the side wall 11. In addition, the flow tube 10 is in the form of a straight tube (I-shaped), and has open ends (inlet end 12, outlet end 13) at both opposite ends in the length direction. Thus, the fluid flows into the flow tube 10 from the inlet end 12, circulates in the side wall 11, and flows out from the outlet end 13. However, the form of the flow tube 10 is not limited to this. As an example of other forms of the flow tube 10, an L-shaped form and the like can be cited.

[0049] In addition, the flow tube 10 of this embodiment is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, the material of the flow tube 10 is not limited thereto. Other materials for the flow tube 10 include resins such as perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), or metals such as stainless steel.

[0050] Moreover, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the flow tube 10 of this embodiment further includes a substrate mounting platform 14, which protrudes radially outward from the side peripheral wall 11 and mounts a substrate 23 described later in the light source unit 20. Figure 3 As shown, the substrate mounting table 14 is a long strip extending along the longitudinal direction of the flow tube 10. In addition, it is preferable that the substrate mounting surface 141 of the substrate mounting table 14 is flat. In this embodiment, the substrate mounting surface 141 contacts the inner surface 231 of the substrate 23.

[0051] In addition, the substrate mounting table 14 further includes a first through hole 142 that penetrates toward the flow path 111. Figure 1 As shown, the light emitting element 21 of the light source unit 20 faces the first through hole 142. In addition, the reflector 30 surrounding the light emitting element 21 and the ultraviolet light transmission window 40 are disposed in the first through hole 142.

[0052] Furthermore, the substrate mounting table 14 has a first recess 143 for accommodating the electronic components 22 described later in the light source unit 20 (for example, various electronic components constituting the driving circuit of the light emitting element 21, a connector connecting the light emitting element 21 and a power source (not shown), etc.). Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, two first recesses 143 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate mounting table 14. However, the number and position of the first recesses 143 are not limited thereto.

[0053] Next, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the light source unit 20 includes a light-emitting element 21 that emits ultraviolet light (for example, light having a peak wavelength in the range of 100 nm to 400 nm), an electronic component 22 different from the light-emitting element 21 (various electronic components and connectors that constitute a driving circuit of the above-mentioned light-emitting element 21), and a (circuit) substrate 23 on which the light-emitting element 21 and the electronic component 22 are mounted.

[0054] The type of the light emitting element 21 is not particularly limited, and for example, semiconductor light emitting elements such as LED (Light emitting diode) and laser diode can be listed. In addition, the number of the light emitting element 21 in this embodiment is one, but it is not limited to this. Moreover, in this embodiment, one light emitting element 21 faces one first through hole 142, but multiple light emitting elements 21 may face one first through hole 142.

[0055] The substrate 23 of the present embodiment is in a flat shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the flow tube 10. In addition, the light emitting element 21 and the electronic component 22 are mounted on the inner surface 231 of the substrate 23. Furthermore, as described above, the inner surface 231 of the substrate 23 is in contact with the substrate mounting surface 141 of the substrate mounting table portion 14. Moreover, when the substrate 23 is mounted on the substrate mounting table portion 14, the light emitting element 21 is accommodated in the first through hole 142, and the electronic component 22 is accommodated in the first recess 143. Thus, when the substrate 23 is overlapped with the substrate mounting table portion 14, the light emitting element 21 and the electronic component 22 mounted on the substrate 23 can be prevented from interfering with the substrate mounting table portion 14 (the side wall 11 of the flow tube 10). As a result, the two sides can be overlapped without a gap, so that the device can be made compact.

[0056] Next, the reflector 30 is a ring-shaped component surrounding the light emitting element 21. According to the present embodiment, by providing the reflector 30, light distribution can be performed so that the ultraviolet light from the light emitting element 21 is irradiated to a desired range. As a result, the illumination of the ultraviolet light within the light distribution range can be increased, and as a result, the sterilization function can be further improved. After the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light emitting element 21 is reflected (light distribution) in a predetermined direction by the reflector 30, it passes through the ultraviolet light transmission window 40 and reaches the flow path 111 of the flow path tube 10.

[0057] Next, the heat sink 50 is in thermal contact with the outer surface 232 of the substrate 23 to dissipate the heat generated when the light emitting element 21 is driven (when current is applied). Figure 1 As shown, the heat sink 50 of this embodiment extends along the length direction of the flow tube 10 and overlaps with the substrate 23. In this way, by stacking the substrate mounting table 14, the substrate 23, and the heat sink 50 toward the radially outer side of the flow tube 10, it is possible to ensure the corresponding heat dissipation and realize the compactness of the device.

[0058] Next, the metal screws 60 are used to fix the heat sink 50 and the substrate 23 to the substrate mounting table 14. Screws The heat sink 50 includes a fixing screw portion 61 and an embedding screw hole portion 62. Here, the heat sink 50 is provided with a second through hole 51 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 ), a third through hole 233 is provided at a position in the substrate 23 that overlaps with the second through hole 51 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 ). In addition, Figure 1 As shown, the fixing screw portion 61 of the present embodiment is inserted through the second through hole 51 and the third through hole 233 .

[0059] In addition, a second recess 144 is provided at a position in the substrate mounting table 14 that overlaps with the second through hole 51 and the third through hole 233. Figure 1 As shown, the insertion screw hole portion 62 of the present embodiment is disposed in the second recess 144. More specifically, the insertion screw hole portion 62 is screwed with the fixing screw portion 61 that passes through the second through hole 51 and the third through hole 233.

[0060] In this way, the heat sink 50 and the substrate 23 are fixed to the substrate mounting platform 14 by inserting the metal fixing screw portion 61 into the second through hole 51 of the heat sink 50 and the third through hole 233 of the substrate 23, and the metal embedded screw hole portion 62 arranged in the second recess 144 of the substrate mounting platform 14, so that the two can be fixed more firmly.

[0061] Furthermore, the fixing screw portion 61 and the embedding screw hole portion 62 are preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or other metals). The fixing screw portion 61 and the embedding screw hole portion 62 are made of a material with high thermal conductivity, so that the heat generated when the light emitting element 21 is driven can be dissipated more efficiently.

[0062] In addition, the fixing mechanism of the heat sink 50 and the substrate 23 is described as a metal screw 60, but the method of the above-mentioned fixing mechanism is not limited to this. As an example of other methods, pin-shaped (rod-shaped) components inserted into the second through hole 51, the third through hole 233, and the second recess 144 can be cited. In addition, from the perspective of properly dissipating the heat generated when the light-emitting element 21 is driven, the pin-shaped components are preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity (for example, various metals such as brass, aluminum, and stainless steel). In addition, the fluid sterilization device 1 of this embodiment is preferably equipped with a metal screw 60, but even if the metal screw 60 is removed, the heat sink 50 and the substrate 23 can be fixed by a housing 70 described later.

[0063] Next, the housing 70 is a cylindrical component provided on the radially outer side of the flow tube 10 (the side peripheral wall 11). The housing 70 of this embodiment is made of resin such as ABS or polypropylene (PP), but is not limited thereto. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 70 of the present embodiment includes: a base portion 71 which is hollow inside and has an opening 711 on the top side; and a cover portion 72 which covers at least a part of the opening 711 .

[0064] The base 71 of this embodiment is substantially U-shaped in a cross-sectional view. However, the shape of the base 71 is not limited thereto. In addition, the cover 72 of this embodiment includes a first sheet 721 disposed on the side of the opening 711 on the top side and a second sheet 722 substantially perpendicular to the first sheet 721 and joined to the end edge 712 of the base 71.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the flow tube 10 is accommodated in the base 71 of the housing 70. In addition, the outer surface 52 of the heat sink 50 faces the opening 711 of the base 71 and contacts (overlaps) the cover 72 (first sheet 721). According to this embodiment, the flow tube 10 is accommodated in the base 71 of the housing 70, and the outer surface 52 of the heat sink 50 contacts the cover 72 (first sheet 721) of the housing 70, thereby preventing the heat sink 50 and the substrate 23 from being separated. In addition, the device can be made compact.

[0066] Above, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail. However, the above description is for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not for limiting the present invention. In the present invention, without departing from its main purpose, it is possible to include contents that can be changed and improved. In addition, the present invention includes its equivalent.

[0067] Furthermore, as a modification of the above-mentioned embodiment, there can be cited Figure 4 The fluid sterilization device 2 shown. Here, Figure 4 2 is a perspective view of a fluid sterilizing device 2 according to a modified example as viewed from above. Figure 4 As shown, the flow tube 10 of the fluid sterilizing device 2 of the modified example includes a main pipe section 81, an inlet pipe section 82 attached to the inlet end side of the main pipe section 81, and an outlet pipe section 83 attached to the outlet end side of the main pipe section 81.

[0068] It is preferred that the inner diameter R2 of the main pipe section 81 is larger than the inner diameter R1 of the inlet pipe section 82. By setting such a structure, the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the flow path 111 can be slowed down. As a result, the amount of ultraviolet light from the light emitting element 21 irradiating the fluid flowing in the main pipe section 81 can be increased. As a result, the sterilization function can be further improved. Similarly, it is preferred that the inner diameter R2 of the main pipe section 81 is larger than the inner diameter R3 of the outlet pipe section 83.

[0069] Possibility of industrial application

[0070] The fluid sterilizing device of the present invention is used, for example, in ultraviolet sterilizing devices, water purifiers, water heaters, water pipes, cooling water circulation devices, water dispensers, beverage servers, etc. However, its use is not limited thereto.

[0071] Description of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1…Fluid sterilization device

[0073] 10...Flow path tube

[0074] 11…Side wall

[0075] 111…Flow path

[0076] 12…Entrance

[0077] 13…Export port

[0078] 14…Substrate mounting table

[0079] 141...Board mounting surface

[0080] 142…First through hole

[0081] 143…First concave

[0082] 144…Second concave

[0083] 20…Light source unit

[0084] 21…Light-emitting element

[0085] 22…Electronic components

[0086] 23...Substrate

[0087] 231…Inner surface of substrate

[0088] 233…Third through hole

[0089] 30…Reflector

[0090] 40…Ultraviolet light passes through the window

[0091] 50…Radiator

[0092] 51…Second through hole

[0093] 52…External surface of radiator

[0094] 60…Metal screws

[0095] 61…Fixing screw

[0096] 62…Embedded in the screw hole

[0097] 70…Housing

[0098] 71…base

[0099] 711···Opening on the top side

[0100] 72…Cover

[0101] 81…Department

[0102] 82…Inlet pipe

[0103] 83…Export pipe

Claims

1. A fluid sterilization device, characterized in that: have: A cylindrical flow channel tube having a side peripheral wall and a flow channel formed inside the side peripheral wall; a light source unit including a light emitting element, an electronic component different from the light emitting element, and a substrate, wherein the substrate is mounted with the light emitting element and the electronic component and extends along the length direction of the flow tube; as well as a heat sink in thermal contact with an outer surface of the substrate, The flow pipe further includes a substrate mounting table for mounting the substrate. The substrate mounting table portion comprises: a first through hole, which accommodates the light emitting element and penetrates toward the flow path; as well as The first recess is used for receiving the electronic component.

2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid sterilizing device further includes a metal screw or a pin for fixing the heat sink and the substrate to the substrate mounting table. The heat sink is provided with a second through hole, A third through hole is provided at a position of the substrate that overlaps with the second through hole. A second recess is provided at a position of the substrate mounting table portion that overlaps with the second through hole and the third through hole. The screw or the pin is inserted into the second through hole, the third through hole, and the second recess.

3. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein: The metal screw includes: a metal fixing screw portion inserted into the second through hole and the third through hole; and a metal insert screw hole portion disposed in the second recess and screwed with the fixing screw portion.

4. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid sterilization device further comprises a housing, The housing includes: a base portion having a hollow interior and having an opening at least on a top side; and a cover portion covering at least a portion of the opening. The flow tube is housed in the base. The outer surface of the heat sink faces the opening of the base and contacts the cover.

5. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channel pipe includes a main pipe portion and an inlet pipe portion having an inner diameter smaller than that of the main pipe portion.

6. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate is in thermal contact with the flow tube.

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