Fluid sterilization device

Abstract

The straight tubes (16a, 16b) respectively have flow paths (Pa, Pb), and are joined so that the circuit board (40) is interposed therebetween in the short-side direction. LEDs (44a, 44b) are respectively mounted on the flow path (Pa, Pb) sides of the circuit board (40), and ultraviolet light (La, Lb) is respectively irradiated on the fluid in the flow paths (Pa, Pb). The heat generated by the LEDs (44a, 44b) is dissipated from the heat dissipation fins (46a, 46b) at the rear surface positions to the fluid in the flow paths (Pb, Pa).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid sterilizing device which utilizes ultraviolet light to sterilize fluid flowing in a flow path. Background Art

[0002] There is known a fluid sterilizing device which irradiates ultraviolet light onto a fluid flowing in a flow path to sterilize bacteria contained in the fluid.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a fluid sterilization device, which comprises: a cylindrical part; a plurality of LEDs, which are installed at certain intervals on the circumference of the cylindrical part along the axial direction and the circumferential direction thereof, and emit ultraviolet light; and a cylindrical tube, which is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical part in a manner of surrounding the cylindrical part, and forms a flow path on the inner circumference thereof for the water to be sterilized to flow along the axial direction. In the fluid sterilization device, the heat generated by the LED is conducted to the cylindrical part, and is released from the surface of the circumferential part of the cylindrical part to the flowing water, so that the LED can be effectively cooled.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6180178 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the fluid sterilization device of Patent Document 1, the flowing water to be sterilized flows around the entire circumference of the cylindrical component. Therefore, in order to irradiate the ultraviolet light without shadow on the entire circumference, the number of LEDs in the circumferential direction will increase, and the circumference of the cylindrical component will also increase. This becomes an obstacle to the miniaturization of the fluid sterilization device.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilization device which can efficiently dissipate heat generated by an ultraviolet light source into a fluid to be sterilized and can be miniaturized.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A fluid sterilization device of the present invention comprises:

[0012] A first tube and a second tube, which are combined with each other and have a first flow path and a second flow path extending in parallel with each other in a first direction;

[0013] a circuit board, which is interposed between the first tube and the second tube;

[0014] A first group of light sources is disposed on a surface of the circuit board on the first flow path side along the first flow path and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the first flow path;

[0015] A first group of heat sinks, which are arranged on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side at the back side of each light source of the first group of light sources;

[0016] a second group of light sources, which are arranged on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side along the first direction at a position not overlapping with the first group of heat sinks, and irradiate ultraviolet light to the second flow path; and

[0017] A second group of heat sinks is disposed on a surface of the circuit board on the first flow path side at a position behind each light source of the second group of light sources on a surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side.

[0018] According to the present invention, a first flow path and a second flow path are formed on both sides of a circuit board, and a first group and a second group of light sources are respectively arranged on the surfaces of the first flow path side and the second flow path side of the circuit board, and ultraviolet light is irradiated to the first flow path and the second flow path for sterilization. In addition, a first group and a second group of heat sinks are respectively arranged on the back side of the first group and the second group of light sources on the circuit board, and heat is dissipated from the fluid of the second flow path and the first flow path. Thus, there is a structure that effectively dissipates the heat generated by the light source into the fluid, and miniaturization can be achieved by configuring the light source in a way that the light source is configured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the fluid sterilizing device according to the first embodiment exploded along the longitudinal direction.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the joint of the straight pipe decomposed along the short side direction.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilizing device according to the first embodiment cut along the arrangement direction of the two straight tubes.

[0022] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the A4-A4 line.

[0023] Figure 5A It is a diagram showing the irradiation area of ​​the ultraviolet light L in the fluid sterilization device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light when all LEDs irradiate the ultraviolet light La toward the first tube side.

[0025] Figure 5C This is a diagram showing the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light when all LEDs irradiate the ultraviolet light La toward the second tube side.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid sterilizing device of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid sterilization device of the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid sterilizing device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described, but they may be appropriately changed and combined. In the following description and drawings, substantially the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals for description.

[0030] (First Embodiment)

[0031] Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of the fluid sterilizing device 10u of the first embodiment decomposed along the longitudinal direction. In addition, in this exploded view, the components between the straight tube 16a and the straight tube 16b are omitted. These components will be described later. Figure 2 is described in.

[0032] The fluid sterilization device 10u has a pressing plate 12, a pair of external connection tubes 14a, 14b, a pair of straight tubes 16a, 16b, a U-shaped tube 18, and a resin housing 20 along the length direction (Y-axis direction as an example of the first direction) from one end side (Y-axis direction + side) to the other end side (Y-axis direction - side). The pair of external connection tubes 14a, 14b and the pair of straight tubes 16a, 16b are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the long side direction, that is, the short side direction (X-axis direction).

[0033] The resin shell 20 is open at one end in the Y-axis direction and sealed at the other end. The fluid sterilization device 10u is assembled in the following manner: the U-shaped tube 18, the pair of straight tubes 16a, 16b and the pair of external connecting tubes 14a, 14b are inserted into the resin shell 20 from the open side in sequence, and then the opening of the resin shell 20 is closed by the pressing plate 12. The pressing plate 12 presses the flange portions of the external connecting tubes 14a, 14b to the open ends of the resin shell 20, so that the flange portions of the external connecting tubes 14a, 14b are hidden in the resin shell 20. In contrast, the tube portions of the external connecting tubes 14a, 14b pass through the through holes of the pressing plate 12 and are exposed to the outside of the resin shell 20.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the joint of the straight tubes 16a and 16b exploded along the short side direction. The straight tubes 16a and 16b have the same structure and size, but the short side directions are opposite to each other in the fluid sterilization device 10u. Hereinafter, in the fluid sterilization device 10u, when the individual components in each pair of components are collectively referred to without distinguishing them, they are indicated by the reference numerals a and b at the end of the reference numerals are omitted.

[0035] The straight tubes 16a and 16b are arranged such that the joining side (ventral side) is a rectangular plane, the circuit board 40 is interposed therebetween and the rectangular planes are aligned with each other, and the straight tubes 16a and 16b are inserted into the resin housing 20, so that the straight tubes 16a and 16b are joined to each other through the resin housing 20. The rectangular circuit board 40 has the same size in the length direction (Y-axis direction) and the same or slightly smaller size in the width direction (Z-axis direction) as the rectangular plane of the straight tube 16. On the rectangular plane of the straight tube 16, screw insertion holes 26, circuit element receiving holes 28, a plurality of cylindrical recesses 30, and screw insertion holes 26 are arranged in a row from one end to the other end along the Y-axis direction.

[0036] The circuit board 40 is provided with a through hole 42 at the same position as the screw insertion holes 26 of the straight tube 16 along the Y-axis direction. The nut 54 is pressed into and fixed to the screw insertion hole 26 of the straight tube 16a before the circuit board 40 is fixed to the straight tube 16a. The screw 52 inserts the shaft portion into the through hole 42 of the circuit board 40 from the straight tube 16b side, and the shaft portion is screwed to the nut 54. Thus, the circuit board 40 is fixed to the straight tube 16a. After the straight tubes 16a and 16b are connected, the head of the screw 52 is received in the screw insertion hole 26 of the straight tube 16b.

[0037] Can also be used with Figure 2 In contrast to the example of , the circuit board 40 is fixed to the straight tube 16b. In this case, the nut 54 is fixed to the screw insertion hole 26 of the straight tube 16b, and the screw 52 is inserted into the through hole 42 from the straight tube 16a side and then screwed to the nut 54 of the straight tube 16b.

[0038] The LEDs 44a and the heat sinks 46b are mounted in the following manner: on the surface of the circuit board 40 on the side of the straight tube 16a, they are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction at the same position as the corresponding recessed portions 30 of the straight tube 16a. The LEDs 44b and the heat sinks 46a are mounted in the following manner: on the surface of the circuit board 40 on the side of the straight tube 16b, they are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction at the same position as the corresponding recessed portions 30 of the straight tube 16b. The recessed portions 30 of the straight tube 16a and the recessed portions 30 of the straight tube 16b are formed at the same position in the Y-axis direction, so that on the circuit board 40, the heat sinks 46a and 46b are located at the back of the LEDs 44a and 44b, respectively.

[0039] The ultraviolet transmission window 48 (for example, made of quartz glass) and the cylinder 50 are inserted into the recess 30 at the bottom side and the opening side of the recess 30, respectively. The inner circumference of the cylinder 50 is formed by a truncated cone-shaped side surface whose diameter increases along the light emission direction of the light emitted from the LED 44. The cylinder 50 surrounds the LED 44 when inserted into the recess 30, and the ultraviolet transmission window 48 is exposed to the through hole 31 on the bottom side of the recess 30, and the recess 30 is closed from the through hole 31 side. The truncated cone-shaped inner circumference of the cylinder 50 is a mirror surface.

[0040] Figure 2 In the figure, the ultraviolet light transmission window 48 is in the form of a flat plate, but may also be in the form of a lens for achieving a desired light distribution.

[0041] Although in Figure 2 The circuit board 40 is not shown, but in addition to the LED 44 and the heat sink 46, circuit elements (not shown) such as the driving element of the LED 44 are also mounted on the circuit board 40. These circuit elements are accommodated in the circuit element accommodating hole 28 in the assembled state of the fluid sterilizing device 10u.

[0042] An example of the material of each component is as follows.

[0043] Platen 12: ABS resin or polypropylene

[0044] External connection pipes 14a, 14b: resin or fluororesin

[0045] Straight tubes 16a, 16b: Fluorine resin or metal (such as stainless steel)

[0046] U-shaped tube 18: resin or fluororesin

[0047] Resin housing 20: ABS resin or polypropylene

[0048] Heat sink 46a, 46b: metal (such as stainless steel) or ceramic

[0049] Cylinder 50: Fluorine resin

[0050] Screw 52: Stainless steel

[0051] Nut 54: Brass

[0052] Figure 3 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilizing device 10u cut along the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the two straight tubes 16. Figure 3 The fluid sterilization device 10u is oriented horizontally with the Y-axis direction being horizontal, but a typical fluid sterilization device 10u can be configured such that the external connection tube 14 and the U-shaped tube 18 are vertically oriented with the upper and lower parts being vertical, respectively.

[0053] Figure 3 In the figure, the white arrows show the direction in which the fluid to be sterilized flows in the fluid sterilization device 10u. The fluid is not limited to liquids such as water, but may also be gases such as air. In the fluid sterilization device 10u, the external connecting pipes 14a and 14b are connected to external equipment (such as a pump, a liquid source, and a water tank) in a manner of forming an inlet and an outlet, respectively. Conversely, the external connecting pipes 14a and 14b may be connected to external equipment in a manner of forming an outlet and an inlet, respectively.

[0054] The straight tubes 16a and 16b have flow paths Pa and Pb inside. The U-shaped tube 18 has a flow path Pf inside. The fluid to be sterilized flows into the fluid sterilization device 10u from the external connecting tube 14a, then flows in the order of flow path Pa→flow path Pf→flow path Pb, and flows out of the fluid sterilization device 10u from the external connecting tube 14b.

[0055] The recess 30 is formed in the thick wall portion of the straight tube 16, and is opened in the rectangular plane of the straight tube 16 to form a cylindrical hole of a predetermined depth. The through hole 31 extends between the bottom surface of the recess 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the straight tube 16 in the radial direction of the straight tube 16 and connects the two. The diameter and depth of the recess 30 are substantially equal to the diameter and thickness of the heat sink 46. The diameter of the through hole 31 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess 30, and is a size that prevents the heat sink 46, the ultraviolet transmission window 48 and the cylinder 50 in the recess 30 from escaping from the recess 30 to the inner peripheral side of the straight tube 16.

[0056] The recesses 30 are arranged in a row along the axial direction on the straight tube 16. In the recesses 30 of the straight tube 16a, LEDs 44a and heat sinks 46b are alternately accommodated along the row direction. The LEDs 44a and heat sinks 46a, which are in a back-to-back positional relationship, are in the same position along the axial direction and are mounted on the surfaces of the flow path Pa side and the flow path Pb side of the circuit board 40. The LEDs 44b and heat sinks 46b, which are in a back-to-back positional relationship, are in the same position along the axial direction and are mounted on the surfaces of the flow path Pb side and the flow path Pa side of the circuit board 40, respectively.

[0057] The annular cylinder 50 is embedded in the recess 30 where the LED 44 is arranged, and surrounds the LED 44. The ultraviolet transmission window 48 is inserted into the through hole 31 from the recess 30 side and closes the flow path Pa or Pb side of the cylinder 50. The O-ring 49 keeps the circumference of the ultraviolet transmission window 48 and the peripheral wall of the recess 30 tightly. The ultraviolet light L emitted by the LED 44 passes through the ultraviolet transmission window 48 and irradiates the fluid in the flow path Pa or the flow path Pb.

[0058] Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , D1 represents the total length of the pressing plate 12 and the length of the resin case 20 in the Y-axis direction. D2 represents the protrusion of the external connection tube 14 from the pressing plate 12 in the Y-axis direction. D1 is, for example, 150 mm. D2 is, for example, 17 mm.

[0059] Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , α1 and α2 respectively represent the diameters of the straight tube 16 and the external connection tube 14. α1 is, for example, φ10 mm, and α2 is, for example, φ7 mm.

[0060] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A4-A4 cross-sectional view of the line. Figure 4It can be seen that the straight tubes 16a and 16b are inserted into the resin case 20 with the circuit board 40 interposed therebetween along the X-axis direction, and thus the straight tubes 16a and 16b and the circuit board 40 are held in a clamped state in the X-axis direction by the inner periphery of the resin case 20. Therefore, even if the circuit board 40 is not fixed to the straight tube 16 by the screw 52, ​​the circuit board 40 can be fixed to the straight tube 16 smoothly, and therefore the screw 52 and the nut 54 can also be omitted.

[0061] The O-ring 47 is embedded between the peripheral wall of the recess 30 and the circumference of the heat sink 46 to maintain fluid tightness therebetween.

[0062] The circumferential portion of the heat sink 46 is in contact with the circumferential surface of the recess 30 of the straight tube 16. Therefore, the heat generated by the light emitted by the LED 44 is dissipated to the fluid in the flow path Pa or the flow path Pb through the first heat transfer path, and as an additional method, the heat can also be dissipated to the fluid in the flow path Pa or the flow path Pb through the second heat transfer path. The first heat transfer path is that the intruding fluid from the bottom surface of the heat sink 46 reaches the flow path Pa or the flow path Pb through the through hole 31, and the second heat transfer path is that the heat is conducted from the circumferential portion of the heat sink 46 to the straight tube 16, and is conducted in the circumferential direction in the straight tube 16, and further reaches the flow path Pa or the flow path Pb from the inner circumferential surface of the straight tube 16.

[0063] Furthermore, since the circuit board 40 is in contact with the rectangular plane of the straight tube 16 , heat generated by the operation of the LED 44 and a separately mounted drive circuit is conducted to the straight tube 16 and then to the second heat transfer path.

[0064] The function of the fluid sterilizing device 10u is described below. The fluid to be sterilized (e.g., water) is pumped by a pump (not shown) and flows into the fluid sterilizing device 10u from the external connecting pipe 14a. Figure 3 As shown by the white arrow, the fluid flows (travels to) the other end side in the axial direction in the flow path Pa, then turns in the flow path Pf, and then flows from the other end side in the axial direction to one end side in the flow path Pb, and flows out from the external connecting tube 14b to the outside of the fluid sterilization device 10u.

[0065] Each LED 44 of the straight tube 16 irradiates ultraviolet light to the fluid in the flow path Pa or the flow path Pb, and sterilizes the bacteria in the fluid with ultraviolet light. The LED 44 generates heat as it emits light. As described above, the heat is conducted through both the first heat transfer path and the second heat transfer path and dissipated to the fluid in the flow paths Pa and Pb. Although the amount of heat transferred in the second heat transfer path is smaller than that in the first heat transfer path, the heat can be dissipated from the entire inner circumference of the tube wall of the straight tube 16 to the fluid flowing in the flow paths Pa and Pb, thereby increasing the heat dissipation area.

[0066] (contrast)

[0067] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CThis is a diagram for explaining the significance of alternately arranging LEDs 44 and heat sinks 46 on both surfaces of a circuit board 40 . FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C In the figure, the isosceles triangle area with oblique hatching indicates the irradiation area of ​​the ultraviolet light La or Lb.

[0068] Figure 5A In the fluid sterilization device 10u, LEDs 44 and heat sinks 46 are arranged alternately on both sides of the circuit board 40. Figure 5B Fluid sterilization device 100u and Figure 5C In the fluid sterilization device 200u, all LEDs 44 or all heat sinks 46 are arranged on only one side of the circuit board 40. The total number of LEDs is the same in the fluid sterilization devices 10u, 100u, and 200u. In addition, the intervals of the LEDs 44 in the Y-axis direction of the two sides of the circuit board 40 are also the same in the fluid sterilization devices 10u, 100u, and 200u, so as to compare the fluid sterilization devices 10u, 100u, and 200u.

[0069] Figure 5A FIG. 1 shows the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light in the fluid sterilization device 10u. Ultraviolet light La and Lb are ultraviolet light from heat sinks 46a and 46b, respectively. Heat sinks 46a and 46b irradiate ultraviolet light La and Lb to flow paths Pa and Pb, respectively, on the circuit board 40, so that ultraviolet light from LEDs 44 adjacent to each other along the Y-axis direction irradiates the fluid without overlapping. That is, in the fluid sterilization device 10u, it is possible to ensure that the flow path area irradiated with ultraviolet light with an intensity above a predetermined value is larger.

[0070] Figure 5B FIG. 2 shows the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light when all LEDs 144 irradiate ultraviolet light La toward the straight tube 16a side. Figure 5C The irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light when all LEDs 244 irradiate ultraviolet light Lb toward the straight tube 16b side is shown. Figure 5B In the embodiment, all the heat sinks 146 are mounted only on the straight tube 16b side of the circuit board 40, so the heat of the heat sink 146 is dissipated to the fluid flowing in the flow path Pb. Figure 5C In the embodiment, all the heat sinks 246 are mounted only on the straight tube 16a side of the circuit board 40, so the heat of the heat sink 246 is dissipated into the fluid of the straight tube 16a.

[0071] according to Figure 5B , Figure 5C The embodiment can miniaturize the fluid sterilization device similarly to the fluid sterilization device 10u, and unify the installation direction of the light source, so it is easy to produce.

[0072] (Second Embodiment)

[0073] Figure 6It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10v of the second embodiment. Figure 6 The longitudinal section is a section cut along the arrangement direction of the straight tubes 16a and 16b. Figure 3 The structure of the fluid sterilization device 10u after the external connection pipes 14a and 14b are removed. The structure of the fluid sterilization device 10v is: two sterilization pipeline units 60 are arranged along the X-axis direction and connected in series through the U-shaped pipe 18v.

[0074] Specifically, the external connection pipe 14a is connected to the straight pipe 16a of the sterilization pipe unit 60 on the lower side (-side in the X-axis direction), and the external connection pipe 14b is connected to the straight pipe 16b on the upper side (+side in the X-axis direction). Then, the U-shaped pipe 18v connects the straight pipe 16b of the sterilization pipe unit 60 on the lower side and the straight pipe 16a of the sterilization pipe unit 60 on the upper side.

[0075] In the fluid sterilization device 10v, the fluid flows from the external connecting tube 14a into the sterilization piping unit 60 on the lower side, flows into the U-shaped tube 18v through the flow path Pa → flow path Pf → flow path Pb of the sterilization piping unit 60 on the lower side, flows into the sterilization piping unit 60 on the upper side through the flow path Pf of the U-shaped tube 18v, and flows out from the external connecting tube 14b through the flow path Pa → flow path Pf → flow path Pb of the sterilization piping unit 60 on the upper side.

[0076] In the fluid sterilizing device 10v, the total length of the flow path is twice that of the fluid sterilizing device 10u, and the total amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the fluid is twice that of the fluid sterilizing device 10u. Thus, the sterilizing power can be enhanced.

[0077] In the fluid sterilization device 10v, two sterilization pipe units 60 are connected, but by connecting three or more sterilization pipe units 60, the flow path length can be increased, and the sterilization power can be further enhanced.

[0078] (Third Embodiment)

[0079] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10w of the third embodiment. Figure 7 The longitudinal section is a section parallel to the arrangement direction of the straight tubes 16a and 16b. Regarding the fluid sterilization device 10w, the difference between it and the fluid sterilization device 10u of the first embodiment is described. The fluid sterilization device 10w omits the U-shaped tube 18 of the fluid sterilization device 10u, and instead has external connection tubes 14a and 14b connected to the other end side of the straight tubes 16a and 16b in the Y-axis direction.

[0080] The external connection tubes 14a, 14a connected to one end and the other end of the straight tube 16a as the first tube of the present invention correspond to the first connection tube and the third connection tube of the present invention, respectively. The external connection tubes 14b, 14b connected to one end and the other end of the straight tube 16b as the second tube of the present invention correspond to the second connection tube and the fourth connection tube of the present invention, respectively.

[0081] Assume that the fluids to be sterilized flowing into the straight tubes 16a and 16b are Fa and Fb, respectively. The fluids Fa and Fb flow straightly from one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction in the flow path Pa and the flow path Pb of the straight tube 16b, respectively. While flowing in the flow paths Pa and Pb, the fluids Fa and Fb are irradiated with ultraviolet light from the LEDs 44a and 44b, respectively, for sterilization.

[0082] Fluids Fa and Fb can be the same fluid or different fluids. When fluids Fa and Fb are the same fluid, the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid sterilization device 10w can be connected to branch pipes and confluence pipes, respectively. Thus, the flow rate of the fluid to be sterilized can be doubled.

[0083] The temperatures of the fluids Fa and Fb may be different. That is, the fluids Fa and Fb may be, for example, hot water and cold water, respectively, and the fluid sterilizing device 10w may be used to sterilize both the hot water and the cold water at the same time.

[0084] exist Figure 7 In the example, fluids Fa and Fb both flow in the same direction along the Y-axis direction, but they can also flow in opposite directions.

[0085] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0086] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10t according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 8 The longitudinal section is a section parallel to the arrangement direction of the straight tubes 16a and the straight tubes 16b. Regarding the fluid sterilization device 10t, the differences between it and the fluid sterilization device 10u of the first embodiment are described. The fluid sterilization device 10t does not have a through hole 31 connected to the recess 30 in which the heat sink 46 is inserted. Therefore, the bottom surface of the heat sink 46 is not exposed to the flow paths Pa and Pb, so the heat of the heat sink 46 is not directly released to the fluid in the flow paths Pa and Pb, but the heat of the heat sink 46 is only dissipated through the aforementioned second heat transfer path.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the bottom surface of the heat sink 46 is not exposed to the flow paths Pa and Pb, so the heat sink 46, the circuit board 40 and its mounting components are not easily in contact with the fluid. In addition to improving reliability, the sealing component can be omitted and the cost can be reduced.

[0088] (Variation Example)

[0089] The straight tubes 16a and 16b correspond to the first tube and the second tube of the present invention, respectively. Similarly, the heat sinks 46a and 46b correspond to the first group of heat sinks and the second group of heat sinks of the present invention, respectively. The straight tubes 16a and 16b have the same shape and diameter, and the heat sinks 46a and 46b also have the same shape and diameter. However, the first tube and the second tube of the present invention may have different shapes and diameters, or the heat sinks 46a and 46b may also have different shapes and diameters. For example, the flow path Pa of the straight tube 16a as the first flow path may be made thicker or thinner than the flow path Pb of the straight tube 16b as the second flow path.

[0090] A plurality of LEDs 44a constitute a first light source group, and a plurality of LEDs 44b constitute a second light source group. In the fluid sterilization device 10u, etc., the straight tubes 16a and the straight tubes 16b are alternately arranged along the Y-axis direction on the circuit board 40, but in the present invention, it is only necessary to install the first light source group and the second light source group along the length direction of the circuit board and on each surface of the circuit board, and they may not be alternately arranged. Figure 5B and Figure 5C As described above, when multiple light sources of the same group are continuously mounted on the circuit board, if the interval is short, the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet light may be reduced. In addition, the number of the first group of light sources may be unequal to the number of the second group of light sources.

[0091] The U-shaped pipes 18 and 18v correspond to the connecting pipes of the present invention. The external connecting pipes 14a and 14b correspond to the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe of the present invention, respectively.

[0092] The fluid sterilizing device of the present invention can be used to sterilize water in a water tank of an ice maker, water in a water pipe, hot water in a water heater, water in a water dispenser, cooling water in a circulation device (cold air device), or water in a beverage server.

[0093] Explanation of symbols

[0094] 10...fluid sterilization device, 14a...external connecting tube (first connecting tube or third connecting tube), 14b...external connecting tube (second connecting tube or fourth connecting tube), 16a...straight tube (first tube), 16b...straight tube (second tube), 18, 18v...U-shaped tube (connecting tube), 30...recess, 31...through hole, 40...circuit board, 44a, 44b...LED (light source), 46a, 46b...heat sink, 60...sterilization pipeline unit.

Claims

1. A fluid sterilization device, characterized in that: have: A first tube and a second tube, which are combined with each other and have a first flow path and a second flow path extending in parallel with each other in a first direction; a circuit board, which is interposed between the first tube and the second tube; A first group of light sources is disposed on a surface of the circuit board on the first flow path side along the first flow path and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the first flow path; A first group of heat sinks, which are arranged on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side at the back side of each light source of the first group of light sources; a second group of light sources, which are arranged on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side along the first direction at a position not overlapping with the first group of heat sinks, and irradiate ultraviolet light to the second flow path; as well as A second group of heat sinks is disposed on a surface of the circuit board on the first flow path side at a position behind each light source of the second group of light sources on a surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side.

2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first group of light sources and the second group of light sources are alternately arranged along the first direction.

3. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surfaces of the first group of heat sinks and the second group of heat sinks on the second flow path side and the surfaces of the first flow path side are exposed to the second flow path and the first flow path, respectively.

4. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first group of heat sinks and the second group of heat sinks are fitted into respectively formed recesses, and the second flow path side surface and the first flow path side surface are exposed to the second flow path and the first flow path respectively through the through holes of the bottom surface of the recess.

5. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further possesses: a first connecting pipe connected to one end of the first pipe; a second connecting pipe connected to one end of the second pipe; and A connecting pipe connects the other end of the first pipe and the other end of the second pipe to each other.

6. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further possesses: a first connecting pipe connected to one end of the first pipe; and a third connecting pipe connected to the other end of the first pipe; a second connecting pipe connected to one end of the second pipe; and a fourth connecting pipe connected to the other end of the second pipe.

7. A fluid sterilization device, characterized in that: A plurality of sterilization pipe units and at least one connecting pipe connecting the plurality of sterilization pipe units in series are provided. Each sterilization pipeline unit has: A first tube and a second tube, which are combined with each other and respectively have a first flow path and a second flow path extending in parallel with each other in a first direction and communicating with each other at the other end portions in the first direction; a circuit board, which is interposed between the first tube and the second tube; A first group of light sources is arranged in a row along the first flow path on a surface of the circuit board at the first flow path side, irradiating ultraviolet light to the first flow path; A first group of heat sinks, which are arranged on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side at the back side of each light source of the first group of light sources; A second group of light sources is arranged in a row along the first direction on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side at a position not overlapping with the first group of heat sinks, irradiating ultraviolet light to the second flow path; as well as a second group of heat sinks disposed on the surface of the circuit board on the first flow path side at the back side of each light source of the second group of light sources on the surface of the circuit board on the second flow path side, For two of the plurality of sterilization line units, the connection pipe connects the second pipe of one of the sterilization line units and the first pipe of the other of the sterilization line units at one end side in the first direction.

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