Sterilization device and hot water device

The sterilization device addresses variations in water sterilization by using a high-reflectance channel member and UV light source configuration to ensure uniform UV exposure, enhancing sterilization uniformity and efficiency.

JP2025006426APending Publication Date: 2025-01-17NORITZ CORP +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023107215
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-29
Publication Date
2025-01-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fluid sterilization devices exhibit variations in the degree of sterilization of water flowing through the flow path.

Method used

A sterilization device with a housing, channel member, and ultraviolet light source, where the channel member has a higher reflectance to ultraviolet rays than the housing, and is divided into multiple sections for uniform exposure to UV light, using a tapered flow path and swirl vanes to ensure even sterilization.

Benefits of technology

The device suppresses variations in sterilization by ensuring uniform exposure to UV light, improving sterilization efficiency and reducing uneven sterilization.

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Abstract

To provide a sterilization device capable of inhibiting variations in sterilization with respect to water flowing through a flow channel.SOLUTION: A sterilization device includes a housing, a flow channel member, and an ultraviolet light source. The flow channel member is stored in the housing. A flow channel is formed in the interior of the flow channel member. The flow channel member includes an inflow port that permits inflow of water that is a sterilization target into the flow channel, and an outflow port that permits outflow of the water from the flow channel. The ultraviolet light source irradiates ultraviolet light from a side of the outflow port to the interior of the flow channel member. A reflectance of the flow channel member with respect to the ultraviolet light is larger than a reflectance of the housing with respect to the ultraviolet light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device and a hot water device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent No. 6080937 (Patent Document 1) describes a fluid sterilization device. The fluid sterilization device described in Patent Document 1 has a flow path pipe and a light source. Inside the flow path pipe, there is a flow path. In the extension direction of the flow path, the flow path pipe has an inlet and an outlet. Water to be sterilized flows into the flow path at the inlet and flows out of the flow path at the outlet. The light source irradiates ultraviolet light onto the water flowing through the flow path from the outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6080937 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fluid sterilization device described in Patent Document 1 may cause variation in the degree of sterilization of the water to be sterilized. The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems of the conventional technology. More specifically, the present invention provides a sterilization device that can suppress variation in sterilization of water flowing through a flow path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sterilization device of the present invention includes a housing, a flow path member, and an ultraviolet light source. The flow path member is housed in the housing. A flow path is formed inside the flow path member. The flow path member has an inlet through which water to be sterilized flows into the flow path, and an outlet through which water flows out of the flow path. The ultraviolet light source irradiates ultraviolet light into the inside of the flow path member from the outlet side. The reflectance of the flow path member to ultraviolet light is greater than the reflectance of the housing to ultraviolet light. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the sterilization device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress variation in sterilization of water flowing through a flow path. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sterilization apparatus 100. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization apparatus 100 taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization apparatus 100 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a flow path member 20. [Diagram 5] 2 is a bottom view of the second member 25. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a bottom view of the first member 24. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water heating device 200. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The details of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference symbols, and redundant explanations will not be repeated. The sterilization device according to the embodiment is referred to as a sterilization device 100.

[0009] (Configuration of sterilization device 100) The configuration of the sterilization apparatus 100 will be described below.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of the sterilization apparatus 100. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization apparatus 100 taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the sterilization apparatus 100 has a housing 10, a flow path member 20, a light-transmitting plate 30, a heat sink 40, an ultraviolet light source 50, and a partition member 60.

[0011] The housing 10 has a first end 10a and a second end 10b in a first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 is a direction along a flow path 21 described later. The housing 10 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. The inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are formed in a side wall of the housing 10. The inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are connected to the internal space of the housing 10. The inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are located on the first end 10a side and the second end 20b side, respectively. The material of the housing 10 is, for example, a resin material. A specific example of the material of the housing 10 is SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene).

[0012] The housing 10 has, for example, a first member 13, a second member 14, and a cover member 15. The first member 13 has an inlet 11, and the second member 14 has an outlet 12. One end of the first member 13 in the first direction DR1 forms a first end 10a. The other end of the first member 13 in the first direction DR1 is open. One end side of the second member 14 in the first direction DR1 is inserted into an opening at the other end of the first member 13 in the first direction DR1. The other end of the second member 14 in the first direction DR1 is open. The cover member 15 closes the opening of the second member 14 in the first direction DR1. The cover member 15 forms a second end 10b.

[0013] The flow path member 20 is housed in the housing 10. That is, the flow path member 20 is disposed inside the housing 10. A flow path 21 is formed inside the flow path member 20. The flow path 21 is along the first direction DR1. The flow path member 20 has a first end 20a and a second end 20b in the first direction DR1. The flow path member 20 has an inlet 22 and an outlet 23. The inlet 22 is formed in a side wall of the flow path member 20 on the first end 20a side. The outlet 23 is formed in the second end 20b. The inlet 22 and the outlet 23 are connected to the flow path 21. The inlet 22 is connected to the inlet 11. The outlet 23 is connected to the outlet 12 via the internal space of the second member 14.

[0014] The constituent material of the flow path member 20 is, for example, a resin material. The reflectance of the constituent material of the flow path member 20 is higher than the reflectance of the constituent material of the housing 10. The reflectance of the constituent material of the housing 10 and the reflectance of the constituent material of the flow path member 20 are measured using a spectroreflectometer. A specific example of the constituent material of the flow path member 20 is a fluororesin.

[0015] The flow path member 20 is divided into a first member 24, a second member 25, and a third member 26 in the first direction DR1. The first member 24 and the second member 25 each have an inlet 22 and an outlet 23. The third member 26 is between the first member 24 and the second member 25 in the first direction DR1. One end of the first member 24 in the first direction DR1 forms a first end 20a. The other end of the first member 24 in the first direction DR1 contacts one end of the third member 26 in the first direction DR1. The other end of the third member 26 in the first direction DR1 contacts one end of the second member 25 in the first direction DR1. The other end of the second member 25 in the first direction DR1 forms a second end 20b.

[0016] The flow path 21 in the first member 24 has a flow path area (the area of ​​the flow path 21 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1) that decreases toward the outlet 23. That is, the flow path 21 has a tapered portion in which the flow path area decreases toward the outlet 23.

[0017] A plurality of swirl vanes 27 are formed on the inner wall surface of the flow path 21. More specifically, the swirl vanes 27 are formed on the inner wall surface of the flow path 21 in the third member 26. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization device 100 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of swirl vanes 27 are arranged in the circumferential direction. Here, the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the flow path 21 along the first direction DR1 when viewed along the first direction DR1. The swirl vane 27 has a first end 27a and a second end 27b in the circumferential direction. The swirl vane 27 is inclined so that the height position of the first end 27a is higher than the height position of the second end 27b. Here, the height position is a position in the first direction DR1, and the height position is higher as it is farther from the first end 10a.

[0018] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path member 20. As shown in Fig. 4, a recess 24a is formed at the other end in the first direction DR1 of the first member 24. A protrusion 26a is formed at one end in the first direction DR1 of the third member 26. The first member 24 and the third member 26 are fitted together by arranging the protrusion 26a in the recess 24a.

[0019] One of the rotation directions along the circumferential direction is referred to as the second direction DR2. The other of the rotation directions along the circumferential direction is referred to as the third direction DR3. In the illustrated example, the second direction DR2 is the counterclockwise direction, and the third direction DR3 is the clockwise direction.

[0020] A recess 26b is formed at the other end of the third member 26 in the first direction DR1. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the second member 25. As shown in Fig. 5, a protrusion 25a is formed at one end of the second member 25 in the first direction DR1. The second member 25 is fitted into the third member 26 by disposing the protrusion 25a in the recess 26b.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the first member 24. As shown in FIG. 6, a recess 24b is formed on the outer wall surface of the first member 24. The recess 24b is located at a corner where the bottom wall and side wall of the first member 24 are connected. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first member 13. As shown in FIG. 7, a protrusion 13a is formed on the inner wall surface of the first member 13 at the first end 10a. The protrusion 13a is located at a corner where the bottom wall and side wall of the first member 13 are connected. The protrusion 13a faces the second direction DR2. The first member 24 is fitted into the first member 13 (housing 10) by arranging the protrusion 13a in the recess 24b.

[0022] The housing 10 (first member 13) and the flow path member 20 are assembled by the following method. First, the first member 24, the third member 26, and the second member 25 are dropped into the first member 13 in this order. Second, the second member 25 is rotated in the second direction DR2. As a result, the convex portion 25a is inserted into the concave portion 24b, and the second member 25 is fitted into the third member 26. Note that even if the second member 25 is rotated in the third direction DR3, the second member 25 is similarly fitted into the third member 26.

[0023] Thirdly, the second member 25 is further rotated in the second direction DR2. Since the second member 25 and the third member 26 are fitted together as described above, the third member 26 also rotates in the second direction DR2 together with the second member 25, so that the convex portion 26a is inserted into the concave portion 24a and the third member 26 is fitted into the first member 24. Fourthly, the second member 25 is further rotated in the second direction DR2. Since the second member 25, the third member 26 and the first member 24 are fitted together as described above, the first member 24 also rotates in the second direction DR2. As a result, the convex portion 13a is inserted into the concave portion 24b and the first member 24 is fitted into the first member 13. In this way, the second member 25 is rotated in the second direction DR2, thereby completing the assembly of the first member 13 and the flow path member 20.

[0024] If the flow path member 20 is not assembled correctly as described above, the flow path member 20 will excessively protrude from the first member 13, making it impossible to attach the second member 14 to the first member 13.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the light-transmitting plate 30 is housed in the housing 10 so as to face the second end 20b (outlet 23) with a gap in the first direction DR1. More specifically, the light-transmitting plate 30 is disposed inside the second member 14. The light-transmitting plate 30 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. The heat sink 40 is housed in the housing 10. More specifically, the heat sink 40 is disposed inside the second member 14. The heat sink 40 has a recess 40a formed therein. The heat sink 40 holds the light-transmitting plate 30 so as to close the recess 40a. The heat sink 40 is made of a material such as a metal material. An example of the material of the heat sink 40 is an aluminum alloy.

[0026] The ultraviolet light source 50 has, for example, a plurality of light-emitting units 51. The light-emitting units 51 are composed of, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that generate ultraviolet light. The number of LEDs constituting the light-emitting units 51 may be a plurality of units. The ultraviolet light source 50 is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess 40a so that the light-emitting units 51 face the light-transmitting plate 30 with a gap therebetween. The ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet light source 50 passes through the light-transmitting plate 30 and is irradiated from the outlet 23 to the water flowing through the flow path 21. Although not shown, a harness connected to the ultraviolet light source 50 is drawn to the outside of the sterilization apparatus 100 through a through-hole formed in the heat sink 40 and is connected to a power source.

[0027] Fig. 8 is a plan view of the second member 25. As shown in Fig. 8, the opening edge of the outlet 23 is aligned along the outer shape of the opening 61 (see Fig. 9) in a plan view (when viewed along the first direction DR1). Here, when there are a plurality of light-emitting sections 51, the outer shape of the opening 61 is the outer shape of the entire plurality of openings 61.

[0028] The partition member 60 is disposed between the light-transmitting plate 30 and the ultraviolet light source 50. In FIG. 9, the ultraviolet light source 50 is also shown. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the partition member 60. As shown in FIG. 9, the partition member 60 has a plurality of openings 61 formed therein. The number of the openings 61 is equal to the number of the light-emitting units 51. The openings 61 are disposed opposite the light-emitting units 51. The partition member 60 has a first surface 60a and a second surface 60b. The first surface 60a faces the outlet 23 (light-transmitting plate 30) with a gap therebetween. The second surface 60b is the opposite surface to the first surface 60a. The openings 61 penetrate the partition member 60 in a direction from the first surface 60a toward the second surface 60b.

[0029] The light emitting section 51 is inserted into the opening 61 from the second surface 60b side. The light emitting section 51 may protrude from the first surface 60a. The reflectance of the constituent material of the partition member 60 is higher than the reflectance of the constituent material of the housing 10, for example. The reflectance of the constituent material of the partition member 60 is measured in the same manner as the reflectance of the constituent material of the housing 10 and the reflectance of the constituent material of the flow path member 20. The constituent material of the partition member 60 is, for example, a resin material. A specific example of the constituent material of the partition member 60 is a fluororesin.

[0030] <Variation 1> In the above, an example has been shown in which the flow path member 20 is divided into three in the first direction DR1, but the number of divisions of the flow path member 20 is not limited to three. The number of divisions of the flow path member 20 may be two, or may be four or more. In this case as well, one of the members constituting the flow path member 20 is rotated in the second direction DR2 to be fitted from below into another of the members constituting the flow path member 20 adjacent thereto. Moreover, the lowest one of the members constituting the flow path member 20 is rotated in the second direction DR2 to be fitted into the first member 13.

[0031] <Variation 2> A first contact surface and a second contact surface may be formed at the other end of the third member 26 in the first direction DR1 instead of the recess 26b. The first contact surface and the second contact surface face the third direction DR3. From another perspective, the height position of the other end of the third member 26 in the first direction DR1 becomes higher from the first contact surface to the second contact surface along the third direction DR3, and also becomes higher from the second contact surface to the first contact surface along the third direction DR3.

[0032] A third contact surface and a fourth contact surface may be formed at one end of the second member 25 in the first direction DR1 instead of the convex portion 25a. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface face the second direction DR2. From another perspective, the height position of the other end of the second member 25 in the first direction DR1 becomes higher from the third contact surface to the fourth contact surface along the third direction DR3, and becomes higher from the fourth contact surface to the third contact surface along the third direction DR3. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface come into contact with the first contact surface and the second contact surface, respectively, so that the second member 25 is fitted into the third member 26. In this case, if the second member 25 is rotated in the second direction DR2, the second member 25 is fitted into the third member 26. However, even if the second member 25 is rotated in the third direction DR3, the second member 25 is not fitted into the third member 26.

[0033] (Operation of the sterilization device 100) The operation of the sterilization apparatus 100 will now be described.

[0034] Water to be sterilized is supplied from the inlet 11. Since the inlet 11 is connected to the inlet 22, the water to be sterilized flows into the flow path 21 through the inlet 11 and the inlet 22. The water that flows into the flow path 21 flows through the flow path 21 toward the outlet 23. The water that flows through the flow path 21 flows out from the outlet 23. The water that flows out from the outlet 23 flows around the internal space of the second member 14, more specifically, the heat sink 40. The water flows around the heat sink 40, thereby cooling the heat sink 40 and, ultimately, the ultraviolet light source 50. The water that flows through the internal space of the second member 14 flows out from the outlet 12.

[0035] Because ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet light source 50 is irradiated from the inlet 22 into the inside of the flow path 21, the water to be sterilized is exposed to ultraviolet light as it flows through the flow path 21. By exposing the water to ultraviolet light in this manner, the sterilization device 100 can sterilize the water that flows in from the inlet 11 and flows out from the outlet 12.

[0036] (Water heater using sterilization device 100) The following describes a hot water apparatus using the sterilization apparatus 100. This hot water apparatus is referred to as a hot water apparatus 200.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a hot water device 200. As shown in FIG. 10, the hot water device 200 has a hot water supply pipe 201, a circulation pipe 202, and a hot water supply pipe 203. The hot water supply pipe 201 is connected to a water supply system at one end. The hot water supply pipe 201 is connected to a hot water tap at the other end. A heat exchanger 201a is located on the hot water supply pipe 201. The circulation pipe 202 is connected to a circulation adaptor 202a at one end and the other end. The circulation adaptor 202a is attached to a bathtub 204. A pump 202b, a heat exchanger 202c, and a sterilization device 100 are located on the circulation pipe 202. The hot water supply pipe 203 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 201 at one end and to the circulation pipe 202 at the other end. A valve 203a is located on the hot water supply pipe 203.

[0038] In the hot water supply operation, water is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 201 from a water supply system connected to one end of the hot water supply pipe 201. The water passes through the heat exchanger 201a. When passing through the heat exchanger 201a, the water is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas generated by the burner 201b. The heated water is then dispensed from a hot water tap connected to the other end of the hot water supply pipe 201.

[0039] In the reheating operation, the pump 202b circulates the water stored in the bathtub 204 from one end of the circulation pipe 202 to the other end of the circulation pipe 202 via the circulation adapter 202a. Since the sterilization device 100 is present on the path of the circulation pipe 202, the water circulating through the circulation pipe 202 is sterilized by passing through the sterilization device 100. In addition, when the water circulating through the circulation pipe 202 passes through the heat exchanger 202c, the water is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas generated by the burner 202d. The heated water reaches the other end of the circulation pipe 202 and is returned to the bathtub 204 from the circulation adapter 202a.

[0040] In the pouring operation, the valve 203a is opened. Therefore, the water that has passed through the heat exchanger 201a and has been heated flows through the pouring pipe 203 and reaches the circulation pipe 202, and is poured from one end of the circulation pipe 202 into the bathtub 204 via the circulation adapter 202a.

[0041] (Effects of the sterilization device 100) The effects of the sterilization apparatus 100 will be described below.

[0042] In the sterilization device 100, the flow path member 20 is made of a material having a higher reflectance than the housing 10. Therefore, when the ultraviolet light source 50 irradiates the flow path 21 with ultraviolet light from the inlet 22, the ultraviolet light is diffusely reflected by the inner wall surface of the flow path 21. Therefore, the water flowing through the flow path 21 is evenly exposed to the ultraviolet light, and it is possible to suppress variation in sterilization of the water flowing through the flow path 21.

[0043] In the sterilization apparatus 100, the light-emitting unit 51 is inserted into the opening 61 from the second surface 60b side, so that ultraviolet light generated by the light-emitting unit 51 is unlikely to be irradiated toward the second surface 60b side, i.e., the side where the ultraviolet light source 50 is arranged. In addition, because the partition member 60 is made of a material with high reflectivity, ultraviolet light that is not directly irradiated to the flow path 21 is reflected by the partition member 60 (first surface 60a) and directed toward the flow path 21. This increases the efficiency of use of ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet light source 50 in sterilization, improving the sterilization ability of the sterilization apparatus 100.

[0044] In the sterilization device 100, the flow path 21 has a tapered portion. Also, the opening edge of the outlet 23 follows the outer shape of the opening 61. Therefore, the water flowing through the flow path 21 is unlikely to flow out of the flow path 21 without being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In this way, in the sterilization device 100, water that is not sterilized by ultraviolet rays is unlikely to be generated, and the occurrence of uneven sterilization can be suppressed. In the sterilization device 100, the water flowing through the flow path 21 is swirled around the central axis (rotation axis) of the flow path 21 parallel to the first direction DR1 by passing through the multiple swirling blades 27. Therefore, in the sterilization device 100, the water flows evenly through the flow path 21, so that the amount of exposure to ultraviolet rays is uniformed, and the occurrence of uneven sterilization can be suppressed.

[0045] In the sterilization device 100, the flow path member 20 is divided into a plurality of members in the first direction DR1, and one of the plurality of members is rotated in the second direction DR2 to be fitted into another of the plurality of adjacent members from below. In addition, the lowest one of the plurality of members is rotated in the second direction DR2 to be fitted into the first member 13. Therefore, by continuing to rotate the uppermost one of the plurality of members, more specifically the second member 25, in the second direction DR2, the assembly of the flow path member 20 and the first member 13 can be completed. Note that if the second member 25 is rotated in the third direction DR3 and is not fitted into the third member 26, the flow path member 20 will excessively protrude and the second member 14 will not be able to be attached, so the correct assembly procedure is structurally guaranteed.

[0046] In the sterilization apparatus 100, an LED is used for the ultraviolet light source 50, so it is possible to reduce the power required to generate ultraviolet light.

[0047] (Additional Note) The components included in this embodiment are described below.

[0048] <Appendix 1> A housing and A flow path member; an ultraviolet light source; The flow path member is housed in the housing, A flow path is formed inside the flow path member, The flow path member has an inlet through which water to be sterilized flows into the flow path, and an outlet through which the water flows out of the flow path, the ultraviolet light source irradiates an inside of the flow path member with ultraviolet light from the outlet side, A sterilization apparatus, wherein a reflectance of the flow path member with respect to the ultraviolet rays is greater than a reflectance of the housing with respect to the ultraviolet rays.

[0049] <Appendix 2> Further comprising a partition member, The partition member has a first surface facing the outlet and a second surface opposite the first surface, The partition member has an opening formed therein, the opening passing through the partition member along a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, the ultraviolet light source has a light emitting portion inserted into the opening from the second surface side, 2. The sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein the partition member has a reflectance to the ultraviolet rays that is greater than a reflectance to the ultraviolet rays of the housing.

[0050] <Appendix 3> 3. The sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein, in a plan view, a shape of an opening edge of the outlet follows an outline of the opening.

[0051] <Appendix 4> The sterilization apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the flow path has a tapered portion at the outlet side, in which a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path becomes smaller toward the outlet side.

[0052] <Appendix 5> the flow path member is composed of a first member having the inlet, a second member having the outlet, and a third member between the first member and the second member, 5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tapered portion is the flow path in the second member.

[0053] <Appendix 6> A sterilization device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, wherein an inner wall surface of the flow path is formed with a plurality of swirling blades that swirl the water passing through the flow path around a swirl axis along the extension direction of the flow path within the flow path.

[0054] <Appendix 7> the flow path member is composed of a first member having the inlet, a second member having the outlet, and a third member between the first member and the second member, The sterilization device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of swirl vanes are formed on an inner wall surface of the flow path in the third member.

[0055] <Appendix 8> The flow path is along a first direction, the flow path member is divided into a plurality of members in the first direction, one of the plurality of members is rotated in a second direction about a rotation axis along the first direction, and thereby engaged with another of the plurality of members adjacent thereto from below in the first direction; 8. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the plurality of members that is located at the bottom in the first direction is engaged with the housing by being rotated in the second direction.

[0056] <Appendix 9> the plurality of members are composed of a first member having the inlet, a second member having the inlet, and a third member sandwiched between the first member and the second member, the first member is rotated in the second direction to be fitted into the housing, the second member is rotated in the second direction to be fitted into the third member, 9. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the third member is rotated in the second direction to be fitted into the first member.

[0057] <Appendix 10> 10. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second member is fitted into the third member only when rotated in the second direction.

[0058] <Appendix 11> The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a constituent material of the flow path member is a fluororesin.

[0059] <Appendix 12> The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ultraviolet light source is an LED that generates the ultraviolet light.

[0060] <Appendix 13> A hot water device comprising the sterilization device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 12.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 sterilization device, 10 housing, 10a first end, 10b second end, 11 inlet, 12 outlet, 13 first member, 13a convex portion, 14 second member, 15 cover member, 20 flow path member, 20a first end, 20b second end, 21 flow path, 22 inlet, 23 outlet, 24 first member, 24a recess, 24b recess, 25 second member, 25a convex portion, 26 third member, 26a convex portion, 26b recess, 27 swirl vane, 27a first end, 27b second end, 30 light-transmitting plate, 40 heat sink, 40a recess, 50 ultraviolet light source, 51 light-emitting portion, 60 partition member, 60a first surface, 60b second surface, 61 opening, DR1 first direction, DR2 second direction, DR3 Third direction, 200 hot water device, 201 hot water supply pipe, 201a heat exchanger, 201b burner, 202 circulation pipe, 202a circulation adapter, 202b pump, 202c heat exchanger, 202d burner, 203 hot water supply pipe, 203a valve, 204 bathtub.

Claims

1. A housing and A flow path member; an ultraviolet light source; The flow path member is housed in the housing, A flow path is formed inside the flow path member, The flow path member has an inlet through which water to be sterilized flows into the flow path, and an outlet through which the water flows out of the flow path, the ultraviolet light source irradiates an inside of the flow path member with ultraviolet light from the outlet side, A sterilization apparatus, wherein a reflectance of the flow path member with respect to the ultraviolet rays is greater than a reflectance of the housing with respect to the ultraviolet rays.

2. Further comprising a partition member, The partition member has a first surface facing the outlet and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an opening is formed in the partition member and passes through the partition member along a direction from the first surface to the second surface; the ultraviolet light source has a light emitting portion inserted into the opening from the second surface side, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a reflectance of the partition member with respect to the ultraviolet light is greater than a reflectance of the housing with respect to the ultraviolet light.

3. The sterilization device according to claim 2 , wherein a shape of an opening edge of the outlet follows an outline of the opening in a plan view.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path has a tapered portion on the outlet side, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path decreasing toward the outlet side.

5. the flow path member is composed of a first member having the inlet, a second member having the outlet, and a third member located between the first member and the second member, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the tapered portion is the flow path in the second member.

6. The sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein an inner wall surface of the flow passage is provided with a plurality of swirling blades that swirl the water passing through the flow passage within the flow passage around a swirl axis along an extension direction of the flow passage.

7. the flow path member is composed of a first member having the inlet, a second member having the outlet, and a third member located between the first member and the second member, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of swirl vanes are formed on an inner wall surface of the flow path in the third member.

8. The flow path is along a first direction, The flow path member is divided into a plurality of members in the first direction, one of the plurality of members is rotated in a second direction about a rotation axis along the first direction, and is fitted into another of the plurality of members adjacent to the one of the plurality of members from below in the first direction; The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein one of the plurality of members that is located at the bottom in the first direction is fitted into the housing by being rotated in the second direction.

9. the plurality of members are composed of a first member having the inlet, a second member having the inlet, and a third member sandwiched between the first member and the second member, the first member is rotated in the second direction to be fitted into the housing, the second member is rotated in the second direction to be fitted into the third member, The sterilization apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the third member is rotated in the second direction to be fitted into the first member.

10. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the second member is fitted into the third member only when rotated in the second direction.

11. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path member is made of a fluororesin.

12. The sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the ultraviolet light source is an LED that generates the ultraviolet light.

13. A hot water device comprising the sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Multiple illumination lighting device

    JP1985080937A