Fluid sterilization device
By integrating ultraviolet LEDs within the flow path space of a cylindrical flow channel pipe, the fluid sterilization device improves heat dissipation and prevents damage from continuous use, addressing the issues of size and cost increase in existing devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023185336
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing fluid sterilization devices using ultraviolet LEDs face issues with heat dissipation, leading to potential damage from continuous use and requiring separate cooling devices, which increase size and cost.
The fluid sterilization device incorporates ultraviolet LEDs within the flow path space of a cylindrical flow channel pipe, where the fluid flowing through promotes heat dissipation, eliminating the need for separate cooling devices.
This configuration enhances the cooling effect of the ultraviolet LEDs, prevents damage from continuous use, and avoids the size and cost increases associated with separate cooling devices.
Smart Images
Figure 2025074494000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid sterilization device. [Background technology]
[0002] Sterilization devices that sterilize bacteria and viruses in running water by irradiating them with ultraviolet light are known. Mercury lamps are widely used as the light source. Mercury lamps have the problem that they are highly toxic and have a large environmental impact because they use mercury. In addition, the use of mercury lamps also creates the problem of the sterilization device becoming larger. Therefore, efforts are being made to replace mercury lamps with ultraviolet LEDs.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a water sterilization device using LEDs that emit ultraviolet light, comprising a flow pipe for circulating water, water inlets provided at both ends of the flow pipe, a water outlet provided in the center of the flow pipe, and ultraviolet LEDs that emit ultraviolet light from the outside of both ends of the flow pipe into the flow pipe. In this configuration, the entrance parts of the ultraviolet LEDs are located near each water inlet, making it easier for the ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto the flowing water, improving the sterilization effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-051289 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, sufficient heat dissipation measures for the ultraviolet LEDs are not implemented, and there is a risk that the ultraviolet LEDs will become hot and break if used continuously. In addition, providing a separate cooling device for cooling both ultraviolet LEDs installed outside the flow path pipe leads to an increase in the size and cost of the device.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a fluid sterilizing device which has an improved cooling effect while preventing an increase in size and cost. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a cylindrical flow path pipe having a flow path space therein through which a fluid can flow; a first inlet provided at a first end of the flow path pipe and configured to allow the fluid to flow into the flow path space; a second inlet provided at a second end of the flow path pipe opposite to the first end and configured to allow the fluid to flow into the flow path space; an outlet provided between the first end and the second end of the flow path pipe and through which the fluid flowing through the flow path space flows out; a first light source unit that is disposed at the first end in the flow path space and that radiates ultraviolet light into the flow path space; The fluid sterilization device further comprises a second light source unit that is disposed at the second end in the flow path space and that radiates ultraviolet light into the flow path space. Effect of the Invention
[0008] In the fluid sterilization device of the above embodiment, the first light source unit and the second light source unit are both located in the flow path space, and thus contact with the fluid flowing through the flow path space promotes heat dissipation and improves the cooling effect. Therefore, even if the first light source unit and the second light source unit are used continuously, damage to the first light source unit and the second light source unit is prevented. In addition, since there is no need to separately prepare a cooling device for cooling the first light source unit and the second light source unit, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming large and expensive. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid sterilization device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3]2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIa-IIIa in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb in FIG. 2 , and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIc-IIIc in FIG. [Figure 4] 3A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first light source unit, FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second light source unit, and FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the center part of the flow path pipe in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] In embodiment 2, (a) is a cross-sectional view of a first light source unit and a second light source unit taken on a plane including the axis of the flow path pipe, (b) is an example of a cross-sectional view taken on the Vbc-Vbc line in Figure 5(a), and (c) is another example of a cross-sectional view taken on the Vbc-Vbc line in Figure 5(a). [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a first light source unit and a second light source unit in a plane including an axis of a flow path pipe in the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a first light source unit and a second light source unit in a plane including an axis of a flow path pipe in the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid sterilization device in a plane including the axis of a flow path pipe in variant 1 of embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] It is preferable that the first inlet is provided in a side wall of the flow path pipe at the first end, and a first central axis which is the central axis of the first inlet when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis of the flow path pipe does not intersect with the central axis of the flow path pipe, so that the fluid flowing in from the first inlet forms a first helical flow along the inner circumferential surface of the flow path pipe, and the second inlet is provided in a side wall of the flow path pipe at the second end, and a second central axis which is the central axis of the second inlet when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis of the flow path pipe does not intersect with the central axis of the flow path pipe, so that the fluid flowing in from the second inlet forms a second helical flow in the same swirling direction as the first helical flow along the inner circumferential surface of the flow path pipe.
[0011] In this case, the fluid flowing into the flow path space from the first inlet and the fluid flowing into the flow path space from the second inlet flow through the flow path space along spiral flows in the same swirling direction, which increases the residence time of the fluid flowing through the flow path space while smoothing the flow of the fluid within the flow path space, thereby improving the cooling effect of the first light source unit and the second light source unit, thereby improving the sterilization effect of the fluid and optimizing for continuous use.
[0012] It is preferable that the flow path pipe has a straight tube shape, the first light source unit and the second light source unit are arranged opposite to each other, the first light source unit is located at a position intersecting the first central axis when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the central axis of the flow path pipe and the first central axis of the first inlet, and the second light source unit is located at a position intersecting the second central axis when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the central axis of the flow path pipe and the second central axis of the second inlet. In this case, the fluid can be brought into contact with the first light source unit immediately after flowing into the flow path space from the first inlet, and can be brought into contact with the second light source unit immediately after flowing into the flow path space from the second inlet. This can further improve the cooling effect of the first light source unit and the second light source unit.
[0013] The first light source unit has a light-emitting element that radiates ultraviolet light, a pillar portion that is provided so as to protrude from an end face inside the flow path space at the first end of the flow path tube toward the second end, and a storage portion that is provided at the tip of the pillar portion and houses the light-emitting element, and the storage portion is formed so as to extend radially outward from the tip of the pillar portion around the entire circumference of the tip of the pillar, and it is preferable that the second light source unit has a configuration identical to that of the first light source unit and is configured inverted in the opposing direction to the first light source unit.
[0014] In this case, the storage section is formed in the first light source section and the second light source section around the entire circumference of the tip of the column, extending radially outward from the tip of the column. This allows the fluid to come into contact with the back surface of the storage section (the surface facing the column), thereby efficiently cooling the storage section.
[0015] The storage section in the first light source section and the second light source section may have a peripheral wall formed on the outer surface of the storage section on the column section side, protruding toward the column section, and surrounding at least a part of the tip of the column section. In this case, in the first light source section and the second light source section, the peripheral wall allows the fluid to remain on the back surface (the surface on the column section side) of the storage section, and the storage section can be cooled by the fluid more efficiently.
[0016] The peripheral walls of the first light source unit and the second light source unit may be located outside the light emitting element when viewed from the central axis direction of the column. In this case, in the first light source unit and the second light source unit, a fluid can be retained in an area directly below the light emitting element on the rear surface of the storage unit, and the storage unit can be more efficiently cooled by the fluid.
[0017] The columnar portion of the first light source portion and the second light source portion preferably has a truncated cone portion whose diameter decreases toward the tip in the protruding direction of the columnar portion. In this case, the fluid that enters the flow path space in the flow path pipe from the first inlet and the second inlet hits the inclined side surface of the truncated cone portion of the columnar portion and is reflected in the protruding direction of the columnar portion, forming a flow path toward the storage portion. Therefore, the fluid can be efficiently brought into contact with the storage portion, and the cooling efficiency can be improved. In addition, the heat of the storage portion can be efficiently diffused to the columnar portion, and the columnar portion can be efficiently cooled by the fluid.
[0018] The pillar portions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit may be cylindrical.
[0019] A spiral groove or protrusion may be provided on the column side surface of the storage part in the first light source unit and the second light source unit. Also, a radial groove or protrusion may be provided on the column side surface of the storage part in the first light source unit and the second light source unit.
[0020] (Embodiment 1) 1. Overview of the configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fluid sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the fluid sterilization device 1 in embodiment 1 has a flow path pipe 100 and two light source units 110 (110a, 110b). The light source unit 110 also has an LED package 140, a pillar unit 120, and a storage unit 130.
[0021] The fluid sterilization device 1 in the first embodiment is a device that flows a fluid from a first inlet 101 and a second inlet 102 of a flow path pipe 100 into a flow path space inside the flow path pipe 100, sterilizes the fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet light from a light source unit 110, and discharges the sterilized fluid from an outlet 103. The fluid to be sterilized may be a gas or a liquid, and may be a mixture of gas and liquid, a mixture of gas and powdery solid, etc., as long as it has fluidity. In the case of a liquid, examples include water, oil, alcohol, and solutions using these as solvents.
[0022] 2. Details of each component of the fluid sterilization device 1 Next, each component of the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described in detail.
[0023] 2-1. Configuration of the flow passage pipe 100 The flow path tube 100 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical space therein. This space is a flow path space through which the fluid to be sterilized flows. In the first embodiment, the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path tube 100 is the longitudinal direction X, one of the radial directions of the flow path tube 100 is the width direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y is the height direction Z. A light source unit 110 is provided at each end of the flow path tube 100 in the longitudinal direction X. A first inlet 101 is provided on a side wall of a first end 100a in the longitudinal direction X of the flow path tube 100, a second inlet 102 is provided on a side wall of a second end 100b in the longitudinal direction X of the flow path tube 100, and an outlet 103 is provided on a side wall of a central portion 100c between the first end 100a and the second end 100b in the longitudinal direction X of the flow path tube 100.
[0024] The material of the flow passage pipe 100 is SUS, titanium, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), etc. The inner wall surface of a resin material resistant to ultraviolet light may be covered with a material having a high reflectance to ultraviolet light. An example of the resin material resistant to ultraviolet light is polyvinyl chloride. Also, an example of the material having a high reflectance to ultraviolet light is aluminum or PTFE. Also, the outer wall surface of a material that transmits ultraviolet light may be covered with a material having a high reflectance to ultraviolet light. Examples of the material that transmits ultraviolet light are sapphire, ultraviolet transmitting glass, fluororesin, acrylic resin, etc. The inner wall surface of the flow passage pipe 100 preferably has an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 0.2 nm to 10 μm. This reduces the resistance of the inner wall surface, making it easier to maintain the flow.
[0025] 1, 2, and 3(a), the first inlet 101 is provided in a side wall of a first end 100a of the flow path pipe 100. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the first inlet 101 is disposed such that a first central axis L1, which is the central axis of the first inlet 101, does not intersect with the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 when viewed in the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 and is shifted in the Y1 direction from the central axis O. In other words, the first inlet 101 is disposed such that the inflow direction of the fluid flowing in from the first inlet 101 is offset in the Y1 direction with respect to the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100.
[0026] 1, 2, and 3(b), the second inlet 102 is provided on a side wall of the second end 100b of the flow path pipe 100. As shown in Fig. 3(b), the second inlet 102 is disposed such that a second central axis L2, which is the central axis of the second inlet 102, does not intersect with the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 and is shifted in the Y1 direction from the central axis O. That is, like the first inlet 101, the second inlet 102 is disposed such that the inflow direction of the fluid flowing in from the second inlet 102 is offset in the Y1 direction with respect to the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100.
[0027] 1, 2, and 3(c), the outlet 103 is provided on a side wall of the central portion 100c between the first inlet 101 and the second inlet 102. As shown in Fig. 3(c), the outlet 103 is disposed such that a third central axis L3, which is the central axis of the outlet 103, does not intersect with the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 and is shifted from the central axis O in the Y2 direction opposite to the Y1 direction. In other words, the outlet 103 is disposed such that the outflow direction of the fluid flowing out of the outlet 103 is offset in the Y2 direction with respect to the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100.
[0028] 2-2. Configuration of light source unit 110 The light source unit 110 includes a first light source unit 110a provided at a first end 100a of the flow path pipe 100 and a second light source unit 110b provided at a second end 100b. As shown in Fig. 2, the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b are arranged opposite to each other, and the first light source unit 110a is located at a position intersecting with the first central axis L1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 and the first central axis L1 of the first inlet 101. The second light source unit 110b is located at a position intersecting with the second central axis L2 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 and the second central axis L2 of the second inlet 102.
[0029] 2, the first light source unit 110a has a pillar portion 120, an LED package 140, and a storage portion 130 that stores the LED package 140. The light source unit 110 provided at the first end portion 100a will be described below, but the second light source unit 110b provided at the second end portion 100b also has a similar configuration and is disposed in an inverted state in the longitudinal direction Y of the flow path pipe 100.
[0030] 2, the pillar portion 120 protrudes from the first end portion 100a toward the second end portion 100b of the flow path pipe 100, and has a truncated cone-shaped portion. The central axis of the pillar portion 120 coincides with the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100. The inclination angle of the side surface of the truncated cone (angle with respect to the bottom surface) is, for example, 30 to 70°. One end of the pillar portion 120 on the larger diameter side is connected to the end wall of the first end portion 100a of the flow path pipe 100, and one end on the smaller diameter side is connected to the storage portion 130.
[0031] The shape of the columnar section 120 is not limited to a truncated cone shape, and may be any shape that tapers toward the storage section 130. A stepwise tapering shape is acceptable, but a continuous tapering shape is preferable. For example, a truncated pyramid shape is acceptable. However, a truncated cone shape is preferable to form a spiral flow. Also, the entire columnar section 120 does not have to be a truncated cone, and one part may be a truncated cone and the other part may be a cylinder. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tip side connected to the storage section 130 may be cylindrical, and the other part may be a truncated cone.
[0032] The storage section 130 is connected to the tip of the column section 120. The storage section 130 stores the LED package 140. The storage section 130 has a glass plate 132, a base section 133, and a substrate 135.
[0033] The base 133 is a cylindrical box with an open top, and the outer bottom surface is connected to the tip of the column 120. A substrate 135 is disposed on the bottom surface inside the box, and an LED package 140 is mounted on the substrate 135. A glass plate 132 is provided on the top surface of the box, sealing the inside of the box. The glass plate 132 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light from the LED package 140, such as quartz or sapphire. A photocatalytic film that transmits ultraviolet light may be provided on the surface of the glass plate 132 to suppress the growth of bacteria on the glass plate 132 and prevent organic matter from staining the glass plate 132. The glass plate 132 is not limited to a flat plate, and may be lenticular. For example, it may be a TIR lens, a fly's eye lens, a Fresnel lens, or the like.
[0034] 2, the seat portion 133 is formed so as to extend from the tip of the column portion 120 to the radially outer side of the column portion 120 around the entire circumference of the tip of the column portion 120. Therefore, the back surface of the seat portion 133 contacts the flow path space except for the region connected to the column portion 120.
[0035] The base portion 133 has a peripheral wall 136 protruding toward the first end portion 100a in the outer peripheral region of the back surface of the base portion 133, and has a recess 134 surrounded by the back surface of the base portion 133 and the peripheral wall 136. The peripheral wall 136 does not need to be provided around the entire circumference, and it is preferable to provide it partially. If it is provided around the entire circumference, air will accumulate in the recess 134, and the cooling efficiency will deteriorate. In addition, the peripheral wall 136 is preferably provided outside the LED package 140 when viewed from the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100. In other words, it is preferable that the LED package 140 is located within the region of the recess 134. The base portion 133 can be cooled more efficiently.
[0036] In the first embodiment, the base 133 is in the shape of a cylindrical box, but any shape may be used as long as it is in the shape of a box. For example, it may be in the shape of a square prism box (square). However, in terms of generating a spiral flow, it is preferable to use the cylindrical box shape as in the first embodiment.
[0037] The material of the column 120 and the base 133 is preferably a metal material with high thermal conductivity such as SUS or aluminum. Titanium may also be used and its surface oxidized to form a photocatalytic film. This can prevent the growth of bacteria on the column 120 and the base 133.
[0038] The LED package 140 is mounted on the substrate 135. A plurality of LED packages 140 may be mounted, and two are mounted in Fig. 2. The LED package 140 has an LED, a substrate on which the LED is mounted, and a lens that seals the LED.
[0039] The LED is a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light is preferably 250 to 285 nm, which is a wavelength with high sterilization efficiency. One LED package 140 may be provided with a plurality of LEDs.
[0040] When viewed from the extending direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100, the LED package 140 is preferably mounted in an area outside the column portion 120. Since the fluid can be brought into contact with the area of the back surface of the base portion 133 directly below the LED package 140, the storage portion 130 can be cooled efficiently.
[0041] In the first embodiment, the packaged LED package 140 is mounted on the substrate 135, but the LED may be mounted directly on the substrate 135.
[0042] A continuous hole 111 is provided through the center of the column portion 120 and the storage portion 130. This hole 111 is a hole through which a wiring cable that supplies power to the LED package 140 and circuit components on the mounting board passes. The wiring cable is drawn through this hole to the mounting board.
[0043] 3. Fluid flow path Next, the flow path of the fluid in the flow path space will be described. Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flow path of the fluid in the vicinity of the first end 100a of the flow path pipe 100, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flow path of the fluid in the vicinity of the second end 100b of the flow path pipe 100. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the fluid that enters the flow path space in the flow path pipe 100 from the first inlet 101 hits the side surface of the truncated cone part of the column part 120, but since the side surface is inclined, it is reflected in the axial direction of the column part 120, and a flow path toward the storage part 130 indicated by the arrow F0 is formed. Therefore, the fluid can be efficiently brought into contact with the storage part 130, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.
[0044] In addition, since the pedestal portion 133 is formed so as to spread from the tip of the column portion 120 to the radially outward side of the column portion 120 around the entire circumference of the tip of the column portion 120, the fluid can come into contact with the back surface of the pedestal portion 133. In particular, the fluid comes into contact with the region of the back surface of the pedestal portion 133 that is directly below the LED package 140. Therefore, the pedestal portion 133 can be efficiently cooled.
[0045] In addition, since peripheral wall 136 is provided on the rear surface of pedestal portion 133 and recess 134 surrounded by peripheral wall 136 is present, fluid tends to accumulate on the rear surface of pedestal portion 133. Therefore, heat can be efficiently conducted from the rear surface of pedestal portion 133 to the fluid, and cooling efficiency can be improved.
[0046] Moreover, since the first inlet 101 is offset with respect to the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 as shown in Fig. 3(a), a flow path is formed that goes around the pillar portion 120 as shown in Fig. 4(a). Furthermore, since the pillar portion 120 has a shape that becomes thinner toward the second end portion 100b, the fluid goes in the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 while going around the pillar portion 120. Therefore, a first spiral flow F1 is formed in the flow path space. Since the first spiral flow F1 flows in a spiral manner, the residence time of the fluid in the flow path space is extended, and the irradiation time of the fluid with ultraviolet light is extended, so that the sterilization efficiency can be improved.
[0047] Moreover, since the second inlet 102 is offset with respect to the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 as shown in Fig. 3(b), a flow path is formed that goes around the periphery of the pillar portion 120 as shown in Fig. 4(b). Furthermore, since the pillar portion 120 has a shape that becomes thinner toward the first end portion 100a, the fluid goes around the periphery of the pillar portion 120 and goes in the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100. Therefore, a second spiral flow F2 is formed in the flow path space. Since the second spiral flow F2 also flows in a spiral manner, the residence time of the fluid in the flow path space is extended, and the irradiation time of the fluid with ultraviolet light is extended, so that the sterilization efficiency can be improved.
[0048] 3(a) and 3(b), the Y1 direction, which is the deviation direction of the first central axis L1 of the first inlet 101 relative to the central axis O of the flow passage pipe 100, and the Y1 direction, which is the deviation direction of the second central axis L2 of the second inlet 102, are mutually identical. As a result, the first helical flow F1 and the second helical flow F2 have the same swirling direction, and travel in opposite directions.
[0049] Then, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the first helical flow F1 and the second helical flow F2 merge near the center 100c of the flow path pipe 100 and are discharged from an outlet 103 (see FIG. 3(c)) offset in the Y2 direction with respect to the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100.
[0050] 4. Effects As described above, according to the fluid sterilization device 1 in the first embodiment, the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b are both located in the flow path space, and thus contact with the fluid flowing through the flow path space promotes heat dissipation and improves the cooling effect. Therefore, even if the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b are used continuously, damage to the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b is prevented. In addition, since there is no need to separately prepare a cooling device for cooling the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming large and expensive.
[0051] In the first embodiment, the first inlet 101 is provided on the side wall of the flow path pipe 100 at the first end 100a, and a first central axis L1, which is the central axis of the first inlet 101, does not intersect with the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 when viewed from the extending direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100. This allows the fluid flowing in from the first inlet 101 to form a first spiral flow F1 along the inner circumferential surface of the flow path pipe 100. The second inlet 102 is provided on the side wall of the flow path pipe 100 at the second end 100b, and a second central axis L2, which is the central axis of the second inlet 102, does not intersect with the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100 when viewed from the extending direction of the central axis O of the flow path pipe 100. This allows the fluid flowing in from the second inlet 102 to form a second spiral flow F2 in the same swirling direction as the first spiral flow F1 along the inner circumferential surface of the flow path pipe 100.
[0052] By forming such a first spiral flow F1 and a second spiral flow F2, the fluid flowing into the flow path space from the first inlet 101 and the fluid flowing into the flow path space from the second inlet 102 flow through the flow path space along spiral flows in the same swirling direction, thereby extending the residence time of the fluid flowing through the flow path space while smoothing the flow of the fluid within the flow path space, thereby improving the cooling effect of the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b, thereby improving the sterilization effect of the fluid and optimizing for continuous use.
[0053] In the first embodiment, the flow path tube 100 has a straight tube shape, the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b are arranged opposite to each other, and the first light source unit 110a is located at a position intersecting the first central axis L1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the central axis O of the flow path tube 100 and the first central axis L1 of the first inlet 101. The second light source unit 110b is located at a position intersecting the second central axis L2 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flow path tube 100 and the second central axis L2 of the second inlet 101. This allows the fluid to come into contact with the first light source unit 110a immediately after flowing from the first inlet 101 into the flow path space, and also to come into contact with the second light source unit 110b immediately after flowing from the second inlet 102 into the flow path space, thereby further improving the cooling effect of the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b.
[0054] In the first embodiment, the first light source unit 110a includes an LED package 140 including a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light, a column portion 120 provided so as to protrude from an end face inside the flow path space at the first end portion 100a of the flow path pipe 100 toward the second end portion 100b, and a storage portion 130 provided at the tip of the column portion 120 and accommodating the LED package 140 including the light-emitting element. The storage portion 130 is formed so as to extend from the tip of the column portion 120 to the radially outer side of the column portion 120 over the entire circumference of the tip of the column portion 120. The second light source unit 110b also has the same configuration as the first light source unit 110a, and has a configuration inverted in the opposing direction (longitudinal direction X) to the first light source unit 110a.
[0055] With this configuration, in the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b, the storage unit 130 is formed so as to extend radially outward from the tip of the pillar portion 120 around the entire circumference of the tip of the pillar portion 120. This allows the fluid to come into contact with the back surface of the storage unit 130 (the surface facing the pillar portion 120), thereby enabling the storage unit 130 to be cooled efficiently.
[0056] In the first embodiment, the storage section 130 in the first light source section 110a and the second light source section 110b has a peripheral wall 136 that is formed on the outer surface of the storage section 130 on the column section 120 side, protrudes toward the column section 120 side, and surrounds at least a part of the tip of the column section 120. As a result, in the first light source section 110a and the second light source section 110b, the peripheral wall 136 can cause the fluid to remain on the back surface (the surface on the column section 120 side) of the storage section 130, and the storage section 130 can be more efficiently cooled by the fluid.
[0057] In the first embodiment, the peripheral walls 136 in the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b are located outside the LED package 140 when viewed from the central axis direction of the column unit 120. This allows the fluid to be retained in the area directly below the LED package 140 on the back surface of the storage unit 130 in the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b, and allows the storage unit 130 to be cooled more efficiently by the fluid.
[0058] In the first embodiment, the columnar portion 120 in the first light source portion 110a and the second light source portion 110b has a truncated cone-shaped portion whose diameter decreases toward the tip in the protruding direction of the columnar portion 120 (i.e., the longitudinal direction X). As a result, the fluid that enters the flow path space in the flow path pipe 100 from the first inlet 101 and the second inlet 102 hits the inclined side surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion of the columnar portion 120 and is reflected toward the protruding direction of the columnar portion 120, forming a flow path toward the storage portion 130. Therefore, the fluid can be efficiently brought into contact with the storage portion 130, and the cooling efficiency can be improved. In addition, the heat of the storage portion 130 can be efficiently diffused to the columnar portion 120, and the columnar portion 120 can be efficiently cooled by the fluid.
[0059] As described above, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a fluid sterilization device 1 that improves the cooling effect while preventing an increase in size and cost.
[0060] (Embodiment 2) 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first light source unit 210a and the second light source unit 210b of the fluid sterilization device 1 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first light source unit 210a and the second light source unit 210b have a pillar unit 220 and a storage unit 230. The pillar unit 220 is cone-shaped in the entire protruding direction, the diameter of which decreases toward the tip (the connection part with the storage unit 230). The storage unit 230 is configured by replacing the base unit 133 of the storage unit 130 in the first embodiment with a base unit 233, and is otherwise similar to the storage unit 130. The base unit 233 is configured by removing the peripheral wall 136 from the base unit 133, and the outer peripheral area of the back surface of the base unit 233 is flat.
[0061] In the second embodiment, the peripheral wall 136 does not provide the effect of retaining the fluid on the back surface of the storage section 230, but other effects are obtained similarly to those of the first embodiment. In addition, since the entire column section 220 is conical, it is easier to form a flow path toward the storage section 230. Therefore, the fluid can be efficiently brought into contact with the storage section 230, and the cooling efficiency can be further improved.
[0062] In the second embodiment, in the first light source unit 210a and the second light source unit 210b, a groove 237 may be provided on the back surface of the storage unit 230 (the back surface of the base unit 233) to guide the fluid from the center side to the outer periphery side of the back surface of the storage unit. Alternatively, a wall-shaped protrusion may be provided instead of the groove 237.
[0063] 5(b) and (c) are cross-sectional views showing a cross section at Vbc-Vbc in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 5(b) shows a case where a spiral groove 237 is provided on the back surface of the base portion 233. The center of the spiral is the center of the column portion 220. By providing such a spiral groove 237, the contact time between the fluid and the storage portion 230 is increased, so that efficient cooling can be achieved. In addition, a flow path that spirals toward the outer periphery of the back surface of the storage portion 230 can be formed, and the fluid passing between the inner wall of the flow path pipe 100 and the storage portion 230 is likely to form a spiral flow.
[0064] 5(c) shows a case where radial grooves 237 are provided on the back surface of the base portion 233. By providing such grooves 237, the fluid can be guided to the outer periphery, and the fluid can smoothly pass between the inner wall of the flow path pipe 100 and the storage portion 230. In addition, the contact time between the fluid and the storage portion 230 is increased, allowing efficient cooling.
[0065] (Embodiment 3) 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first light source unit 310a and the second light source unit 310b of the fluid sterilization device 1 in embodiment 3. The first light source unit 310a and the second light source unit 310b have a pillar unit 320 and a storage unit 130. The pillar unit 320 is cylindrical as shown in FIG. 6. The other configurations are the same as the pillar unit 120 in embodiment 1. The storage unit 130 is the same as embodiment 1.
[0066] In the third embodiment, since the pillar portion 320 is a cylinder, there is no effect of directing the fluid toward the storage portion 130 side, but other effects can be obtained similarly to the first embodiment.
[0067] (Embodiment 4) 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first light source unit 410a and the second light source unit 410b of the fluid sterilization device 1 in embodiment 4. The first light source unit 410a and the second light source unit 410b have a pillar unit 320 and a storage unit 230. The pillar unit 320 is cylindrical, similar to the pillar unit 320 in embodiment 3. The storage unit 230 has a configuration similar to the storage unit 230 in embodiment 2, and does not have a peripheral wall 136 in the outer circumferential region on the back surface of the base unit 233.
[0068] In the fourth embodiment, there is no effect of directing the fluid toward the storage section 230 side or of causing the fluid to accumulate on the back surface of the storage section 230, but other effects can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0069] In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), a groove may be provided on the rear surface of the storage section 230 to guide the fluid from the center to the outer periphery of the rear surface of the storage section.
[0070] (Variation 1 of embodiment 1) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fluid sterilization device 1 in a first modified embodiment of the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the fluid sterilization device 1 in the first modified embodiment has a light intensity sensor 600 in the central portion 100c of the flow path pipe 100. The other configuration is the same as that of the fluid sterilization device 1 in the first embodiment.
[0071] The light intensity sensor 600 is a sensor that detects the intensity of ultraviolet light in the central portion 100c in the flow path pipe 100. For example, the output of the first light source unit 110a and the second light source unit 110b is controlled so that the intensity of ultraviolet light in the central portion 100c becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
[0072] The light intensity sensor 600 also serves as a straightening plate. The light intensity sensor 600 is provided on the inner wall of the flow path pipe 100, and is a wall-like protrusion protruding toward the central axis of the flow path pipe 100. The light intensity sensor 600 is wall-like along the directions of the first helical flow F1 and the second helical flow F2, so that both helical flows are maintained near the central portion 100c of the flow path pipe 100.
[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0074] 1 Fluid sterilizer 100 Flow pipe 100a First end 100b 2nd end 101 1st inlet 102 2nd inlet 103 Outlet 110a, 210a, 310a, 410a 1st light source section 110b, 210b, 310b, 410b 2nd light source section 120, 220, 320 Column section 130, 230 Storage section 132 Glass Plate 133, 233 Pedestal 136 Peripheral wall 140 LED packages
Claims
1. a cylindrical flow path pipe having a flow path space therein through which a fluid can flow; a first inlet provided at a first end of the flow path pipe and configured to allow the fluid to flow into the flow path space; a second inlet provided at a second end of the flow path pipe opposite to the first end and configured to allow the fluid to flow into the flow path space; an outlet provided between the first end and the second end of the flow path pipe and through which the fluid flowing through the flow path space flows out; a first light source unit that is disposed at the first end in the flow path space and that radiates ultraviolet light into the flow path space; a second light source unit that is disposed at the second end in the flow path space and that emits ultraviolet light into the flow path space.
2. the first inlet is provided in a side wall of the flow passage pipe at the first end, and a first central axis which is a central axis of the first inlet when viewed from an extension direction of a central axis of the flow passage pipe does not intersect with a central axis of the flow passage pipe, so that the fluid flowing in from the first inlet forms a first spiral flow along an inner circumferential surface of the flow passage pipe, 2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the second inlet is provided in a side wall of the flow path pipe at the second end, and a second central axis which is a central axis of the second inlet when viewed in a direction in which the central axis of the flow path pipe extends does not intersect with the central axis of the flow path pipe, so that the fluid flowing in from the second inlet forms a second helical flow in the same swirling direction as the first helical flow along an inner circumferential surface of the flow path pipe.
3. The flow path pipe has a straight pipe shape, The first light source unit and the second light source unit are disposed opposite to each other, the first light source unit is located at a position intersecting the first central axis when viewed from an extension direction of the central axis of the flow path pipe and a direction perpendicular to the first central axis of the first inlet, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein the second light source unit is located at a position intersecting the second central axis when viewed from an extension direction of the central axis of the flow path pipe and a direction perpendicular to the second central axis of the second inlet.
4. The first light source unit is A light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light; a column portion provided so as to protrude from an end surface of the first end portion on an inner side of the flow passage space toward the second end portion; a storage portion provided at a tip of the column portion and configured to store the light emitting element; The storage portion is formed so as to extend from the tip of the column portion to the outside in the radial direction of the column portion around the entire circumference of the tip of the column portion, The second light source unit has the same configuration as the first light source unit and has a configuration inverted in a facing direction relative to the first light source unit. The fluid sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The storage unit in the first light source unit and the second light source unit has a peripheral wall formed on an outer surface of the column side of the storage unit, protruding toward the column side, and surrounding at least a portion of the tip of the column. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 4.
6. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 5 , wherein the peripheral walls of the first light source unit and the second light source unit are positioned outer than the light-emitting element when viewed from the central axial direction of the column portion.
7. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 4 , wherein the columnar portions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit have a truncated cone-shaped portion whose diameter decreases toward a tip in a protruding direction of the columnar portion.
8. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 4 , wherein the columnar portions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit are cylindrical.
9. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 4 , wherein a spiral groove or a protrusion is provided on a surface of the first light source unit and the second light source unit facing the column portion of the storage unit.
10. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 4 , wherein radial grooves or protrusions are provided on surfaces of the first light source unit and the second light source unit facing the column portion of the storage unit.
Citation Information
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