Irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an irradiation device having a simple circuit configuration.SOLUTION: An irradiation device 1 includes a connection member 9 for receiving power from a fixture body 51, an LED module 35 for irradiating with ultraviolet light, and a rectifier circuit 11 provided on a conductive path connecting the connection member 9 and the LED module 35, but does not include a smoothing circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an irradiation device using an LED as a light source.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a circuit for causing an LED to emit light, an LED lighting device including a rectifier circuit, a smoothing capacitor, etc. has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above LED lighting device, there is a problem that the circuit becomes complicated. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an irradiation device with a simple circuit configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention includes a connection member for receiving power from an appliance body, an LED module for irradiating ultraviolet rays, and a rectifier circuit provided on a conductive path connecting the connection member and the LED module, and does not include a smoothing circuit.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, an irradiation device with a simple circuit configuration can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <Overview> A first irradiation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an LED module including one or more LEDs that irradiate ultraviolet light, and a light-transmissive cover member that covers at least one of the one or more LEDs, and the light-transmissive cover member is a tubular resin tube that can be deformed without cracking. A second irradiation device is such that, in the first irradiation device, the LED module is mounted on a base member, and the LED module and the base member are arranged within the resin tube. A third irradiation device is such that, in the first irradiation device, the LED module is mounted on a base member in a state where the LED module is housed within the resin tube.

[0009] <Embodiment> <First Embodiment> 1. Overall Configuration The irradiation device 1 includes an LED module 3 including an LED element (hereinafter referred to as an LED) 13 that irradiates ultraviolet light, a base member 5 for mounting the LED module 3, a light-transmissive cover member 7 that covers the LED module 3, a base member 9 for receiving power from a socket of an appliance body, and a rectifying circuit 11 (see FIG. 3) provided in a conductive path that electrically connects the base member 9 and the LED module 3. Here, the light-transmissive cover member 7 transmits the light emitted from the LED module 3 and can be deformed without cracking. As shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation device 1 is detachably attached to an appliance body 51 and used.

[0010] 2. Irradiation Device (1) LED module As shown in Fig. 2, the LED module 35 includes a substrate 15 and a plurality of LEDs 13. Here, the LED module 3 is long. That is, the irradiation device 1 is also long. The substrate 15 has connection terminals and conductive paths (wiring patterns). As the substrate 15, a composite material plate such as glass epoxy can be used. The LED 13 irradiates ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 100 nm or more and 280 nm or less (so-called ultraviolet C wave (UV-C)), ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of more than 280 nm and 315 nm or less (so-called ultraviolet B wave (UV-B)), and ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of more than 315 nm and 405 nm or less (so-called ultraviolet A wave (UV-A)). In the case of the ultraviolet C wave, it is used for applications such as sterilization and light sources for image inspection. In the case of the ultraviolet B wave, it has effects such as preventing diseases of fruits. In the case of the ultraviolet A wave, it is used for applications such as resin curing, photocatalysis, and image inspection. Note that these are just examples. The rated power of the LED 13 is 1 W or more and less than 5 W, and a current lower than the rated current value is supplied. The LEDs 13 are mounted at intervals (including equal intervals and different intervals) in the longitudinal direction. The interval is preferably in the range of 10 mm or more and 120 mm or less. The interval is preferably in the range of 3 times or more and 40 times or less with respect to the length of one side (the average value of the short side and the long side in the case of a rectangular shape) when the LEDs 13 are viewed in plan. Thereby, the interval between the LEDs 13 becomes larger, and the temperature rise of the LEDs 13 can be suppressed.

[0011] (2) Base member The base member 5 is long. Both ends of the base member 5 are fixed to the base member 9. For the connection with the base member 9, for example, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, engagement structures, etc. can be used. Here, screws (not shown) are used. The base member 5 is made of a resin material or a metal material (for example, aluminum, steel, iron, etc.). Also, in the case of a metal material, extruded products or drawn products can be used. When releasing the heat of the LED 13, a metal material is preferable, and it will have a heat sink function. The base member 5 has a flat surface, and the LED module 3 is mounted on the flat surface. The LED module 3 is fixed to the flat surface by screws, adhesives, double-sided tapes, etc. The base member 5 has a protruding portion 19 that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the plate-like portion 17 having a flat surface on the front surface. The protruding portion 19 extends in the longitudinal direction. There are a plurality of protruding portions 19, which are provided at intervals in the short direction. The protruding portion 19 has a rib shape. When heat dissipation is not considered, the protruding portion 19 may not be provided. As shown in Fig. 2(b), the outer peripheral surface of the base member 5 has the same shape as the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 27 of the base member 9. Thereby, the rattling between the base member 5 and the base member 9 can be reduced.

[0012] (3) Translucent cover member The translucent cover member 7 is composed of a resin tube formed of a resin material having ultraviolet translucency. Thereby, as the translucent cover member, the weight can be reduced as compared with the case of using a glass tube (quartz or borosilicate) or a resin tube such as acrylic. When a load such as a three-point bending is applied to the resin tube with respect to the central axis of the tube, when a load is applied such that the central axis bends by 90 degrees, or when a load is applied to crush the tube from a direction (radial direction) orthogonal to the central axis, the resin tube deforms without cracking. Thereby, even when an object hits the irradiation device 1, it is possible to prevent the translucent cover member 7 from cracking.

[0013] When the light irradiated by the LED is ultraviolet (UV-A, B, C) or visible light, fluororesin, PET resin, etc. can be used for the resin tube. The thickness of the resin tube is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm or more and less than 2.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm or more and less than 1.0 mm, and still more preferably in the range of 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the light extraction efficiency when extracting the light emitted from the LED 13 to the outside of the irradiation device 1. If the thickness is 0.2 mm or more, even when an object hits the internal LED 13 through the resin tube, it is possible to suppress the LED 13 from being damaged. Further, when it becomes 2.0 mm or more, it becomes heavy and the light extraction efficiency deteriorates. The diameter of the resin tube is preferably in the range of 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and more preferably in the range of 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less. In particular, a lamp (for example, an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp) provided with a pair of filament electrodes replaced by the product of the present invention has a diameter of 15.5 mm to 32.5 mm, so that it is easier to replace.

[0014] The resin used for the resin tube is preferably a material that does not break in the impact test (Izod) of ASTM test D256A. Thereby, even if an object collides with the resin tube, it is difficult to break. The flexural modulus (ASTM test D790) is preferably 0.3 to 0.9 GPa. Thereby, the workability when inserting the LED module 3 or the like into the resin tube can be improved. The specific gravity (ASTM test D792) is preferably 2.0 to 2.3. Thereby, weight reduction can be achieved.

[0015] (4) Base member The base member 9 has a mounting function for detachably mounting the irradiation device 1 to the appliance main body 51 and a power receiving function for receiving power from the appliance main body 51. In consideration of the base member 9 having a mounting function and a power receiving function, it can be said that it is a connecting member (the form is not particularly limited) that is electrically and mechanically connected. Here, the base member 9 is a so-called G type, and has a pair of conductive pins 23, a main body portion 25 that holds the conductive pins 23, and a holding portion 27 that holds the base member 5 by coupling to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base member 5. That is, the conductive pin 23 penetrates the main body portion 25. The holding portion 27 is cylindrical, here it is cylindrical, and the end portion of the base member 5 is inserted therein. The screw for coupling the base member 5 and the base member 9 is inserted through the through hole 25a of the main body portion 25 in the longitudinal direction and screwed between a pair of protruding portions 19 of the base member 5.

[0016] A light-transmissive cover member 7 is fixed to the outer circumference (or inner circumference) of the holding portion 27. Specifically, the end portion of the resin tube is fixed to the outer circumferential surface (or inner circumferential surface) of the holding portion 27 with an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc. When the resin tube is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 27, a rubber band can be used. The adhesive is preferably provided over the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface (or inner circumferential surface) of the holding portion 27. Thereby, the airtightness inside the tube can be improved, and a waterproof and dustproof function such as preventing the intrusion of insects can be provided.

[0017] (5) Rectifier circuit As shown in FIG. 3, the rectifier circuit 11 connects the base member 9 and the LED module 3. The rectifier circuit 11 is constituted by a bridge diode 29 here. The bridge diode 29 is connected to the conductive pins 23 of a pair of base members 9 and the connection terminals of the LED module 3. Note that the pair of conductive pins 23 of one base member 9 are connected (shorted).

[0018] 3. Appliance main body As shown in FIG. 3, the appliance main body 51 includes a pair of mounting members 53 to which the base member 9 of the irradiation device 1 is mounted, a ballast 55 connected to one connection terminal 53a of the pair of mounting members 53, and a glow lamp 57 connected to the other connection terminal 53b of the mounting members 53. The appliance main body 51 here is an appliance main body capable of mounting a conventional fluorescent lamp, black light, etc., and a copper-iron type starter form is used as the ballast 55. The mounting member 53 is a socket having connection terminals 53a and 53b in an insertion groove into which a pair of conductive pins 23 are inserted. The ballast 55 is connected to a commercial power supply.

[0019] 4. Regarding the use of the irradiation device The irradiation device 1 is attached to the appliance main body 51 by attaching the base member 9 to the attachment member (socket) 53. When the power switch of the appliance main body 51 is turned on, power is supplied to the base member 9 via the attachment member 53. Although a current also flows through the glow lamp only immediately after being turned on, there is no problem with the lighting of the irradiation device 1. In the irradiation device 1 that irradiates ultraviolet rays, the length of time from when the switch is turned on to when it lights up does not pose a problem in actual use. The supplied AC power is converted into DC power by the rectifier circuit 11, and the DC power is supplied to the LED module 3.

[0020] The irradiation device 1 does not include a smoothing circuit that smooths the DC current rectified by the rectifier circuit 11 or a circuit or electronic component (electrical component) having a corresponding function (hereinafter, these are referred to as "circuit etc."). For this reason, even if the irradiation device 1 has a very simple circuit configuration, it can irradiate ultraviolet rays. Since it does not have a smoothing circuit, flicker occurs, but this flicker is a problem in general lighting applications, but it does not pose a problem in actual use in a device that irradiates ultraviolet rays. For example, since the irradiation device 1 irradiates an object with ultraviolet rays inside the box and does not irradiate objects that people can see, the flicker of light does not pose a problem.

[0021] <Second Embodiment> The irradiation device 1 of the first embodiment is assumed to be used by being attached to the appliance main body 51 provided with the starter type ballast 55. For this reason, the irradiation device 1 includes only the rectifier circuit 11. The irradiation device 101 of the second embodiment is a device that can be used even when attached to an appliance main body provided with an inverter ballast other than the starter type ballast 55. The irradiation device 101 includes the rectifier circuit 11, but does not include a smoothing circuit or a circuit etc. having a corresponding function.

[0022] The irradiation device 101 includes a high-speed diode 111. This can prevent heat generation of the low-speed bridge diode 29 and enables it to be used also for the apparatus main body of the inverter ballast. The high-speed diode 111 is provided between the output terminal of the rectifier circuit 11 and the input-side terminal of the LED module 3. If the LED module 3 (when there are a plurality of LED modules) or the LEDs 13 are connected in series, the high-speed diode 111 may be connected at an arbitrary position from the output-side terminal (positive side) of the bridge diode 29 through the LED module 3 to the input-side terminal (negative side). Also, if the LED module 3 (when there are a plurality of LED modules) or the LEDs 13 are connected in parallel, it may be connected at an arbitrary position before or after the LED module 3 or the LEDs 13 (however, when installed inside the LED module 3, it is preferable to provide the high-speed diode 111 for each parallel section).

[0023] When the ballast of the apparatus main body detects the load of the irradiation device 101, the irradiation device 101 includes a load 113 for the ballast. The load 113 is, for example, a resistor (e.g., a filament resistor) connected between one conductive pin 23 of the base member 9 and the rectifier circuit 11.

[0024] The irradiation device 101 may include a resettable fuse 115 for preventing a short circuit in a single-sided power supply appliance. The resettable fuse 115 is connected between the other conductive pin 23 and the rectifier circuit 11. Note that for a fine tube G5 base type in which the resettable fuse 115 does not incorporate a power supply between the conductive pins on both sides, a total of three are installed assuming a case where 100 V is applied to both ends, and for a power supply-incorporated type (G13 base type), two are installed on both sides.

[0025] The irradiation device 101 may include a noise-preventing capacitor 117. Here, the capacitor 117 is provided between the outputs of the bridge diode 29. More specifically, it is connected on both sides of the input / output of the high-speed diode 111. The irradiation device 101 may include a protection element 119 when 100V is directly applied to the base member 9. The protection element 119 is provided between at least one of the base members 9 and the rectifying circuit 11. Note that at least one of the resettable fuse 115, the noise prevention capacitor 117, and the protection element 119 may be provided in the irradiation device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0026] <Example> 1. Example 1 The irradiation device 1 has a diameter of 15.5 mm and an overall length of 210.5 mm, and is equivalent to a 6W product of a germicidal lamp (in the case of UV-C) or a black light (in the case of UV-A). The overall length excludes the conductive pins 33 extending from the main body 25. The number of LEDs is 6. The LED 13 has a square shape with a side length of 3 mm in plan view. The rated power of the LED 13 is 2W and the rated current is 350 mA. The input current is 175 mA, which is 50% of the rated current. The pitch of the LED 13 is 27 mm. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light is 280 nm. The lifespan of the irradiation device 1 is 12,000 hours. The light-transmissive cover member 7 is a cylindrical (circular cylinder) tube of fluororesin (PTFE or PFA). The thickness is 0.5 mm.

[0027] 2. Example 2 The irradiation device 1 has a diameter of 32.5 mm and an overall length of 580 mm, and is equivalent to a 20W product of a germicidal lamp (in the case of UV-C) or a black light (in the case of UV-A). The overall length excludes the conductive pins 33 extending from the main body 25. The number of LEDs is 9. The LED 13 has a square shape with a side length of 3 mm in plan view. The rated power of the LED 13 is 2W and the rated current is 350 mA. The input current is 200 mA, which is 57% of the rated current. The pitch of the LED 13 is 56 mm. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light is 280 nm. The lifespan of the irradiation device 1 is 12,000 hours. The light-transmissive cover member 7 is a cylindrical (circular cylinder) tube of fluororesin (PTFE or PFA). The thickness is 0.2 mm.

[0028] <Modification Example> Although the irradiation device according to the embodiment has been described, it is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the following modification examples may be applicable. Also, combinations of the embodiment and modification examples, or combinations of modification examples themselves, may be used. Further, any design changes that do not deviate from the examples and gist not described in the embodiment or modification examples are also included in the present invention.

[0029] 1. Irradiation Device (1) The irradiation device 1 according to the embodiment can replace the current blacklight fluorescent lamp or germicidal lamp by appropriately setting the wavelength irradiated by the LED 13. That is, the irradiation device 1 can be detachably attached to and used with the appliance body 51 by providing a base member (connecting member) corresponding to the appliance body 51 to which the current blacklight fluorescent lamp or germicidal lamp is attached. Examples of the base member include the G13 type, G5 type, etc., but other types may also be used.

[0030] (2) Although the irradiation device 1 of the embodiment is assumed to be detachably attached to the appliance body 51, the irradiation device may be incorporated in a non-detachable state with the appliance body. That is, the lighting device may include at least an LED (the wavelength range includes ultraviolet, white, blue, green, red, infrared, etc.) module, a base member on which the LED module is arranged, and a cylindrical translucent cover member (resin tube) that houses the LED module and the base member inside, and may also include a support member that supports the base member in a fixed state and a circuit unit for supplying power to the LED module. The circuit unit may include at least a rectifier circuit (diode bridge) as in the embodiment. Note that if the flicker when the output of the rectifier circuit becomes 0 does not cause problems in actual use, the circuit unit may not include a smoothing circuit or a circuit having a function equivalent to a smoothing circuit. Conversely, if problems occur (for example, when the application is general lighting), a smoothing circuit or a circuit having an equivalent function may be included.

[0031] (3) The irradiation device 1 has a straight tubular shape that facilitates the insertion and arrangement of the LED module 3 and the base member 5 within the resin tube. However, for example, it may have a "U" shape, an "L" shape, an annular shape with a part removed, a polygonal ring shape, or the like.

[0032] 2. LED Module The LED 13 is a so-called power LED with a rated power of 1 W or more. However, LED elements with a power less than 1 W may also be used. The current of the LED 13 preferably ranges from 40% to 60% of the rated current. This can enhance the luminous efficiency and achieve a long lifespan of 12,000 hours or more. The plurality of LEDs 13 may have one type of light wavelength or two or more types. For example, by having two types, namely ultraviolet C wave and ultraviolet A wave, the sterilization function can be enhanced by doubling as a sterilization by UV-C and a photocatalyst light source of UV-A. The LED module 3 may be one or a plurality. The LED 13 may be one or a plurality in one LED module 3. When there are a plurality of LED modules 3, at least one or more LEDs in at least one LED module 3 may be covered by the resin tube.

[0033] 3. Resin Tube The rigidity of the resin tube is not particularly limited, but it is preferably having shape retention. The shape retention here means that in the state where the irradiation device 1 is used (in the embodiment, the state of being mounted on the appliance body), the peripheral surface does not indent or sink. The thickness of the resin tube is preferably thin from the perspective of light extraction efficiency in order to absorb the light from the LED 13. When the thickness becomes thin, the shape retention deteriorates, so the shape retention depends on the diameter of the tube. Also, the attachability to the appliance is easier with a thicker thickness. Therefore, the thickness of the resin tube is preferably not less than the thickness that can maintain a tubular shape and not more than the thickness obtained by adding 2 mm to the said thickness. The cross-sectional shape of the resin tube may be circular, elliptical, oval, or polygonal. By using the resin tube, it is possible to easily insert the base member or the like.

[0034] <Invention> The following inventions are included in the embodiments and modifications. <Invention 1> 1. Prior Art Conventionally, there has been a black light fluorescent lamp that emits ultraviolet rays. In recent years, as an alternative to conventional ultraviolet lamps, irradiation devices using LEDs that irradiate ultraviolet rays have been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-167589). This irradiation device includes a housing having a cylindrical outer shape, which is composed of a translucent cover having a "C" - shaped cross section and an arcuate base member that closes the opening of the translucent cover, an LED module in which a plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet rays are mounted on a mounting substrate and housed in the housing, a base member mounted at an end of the housing, and a lighting circuit for receiving power from the base member and lighting the LED module. 2. Problems In the above irradiation device, the resin - made translucent cover may crack. The problem that Invention 1 aims to solve is to provide an irradiation device in which the possibility of the translucent cover member cracking is low. 3. Means for Solving the Problems The irradiation device according to Invention 1 includes an LED module having one or more LEDs that irradiate ultraviolet rays, and a translucent cover member that covers at least one of the one or more LEDs, wherein the translucent cover member is a tubular resin tube that can be deformed without cracking. Thereby, an irradiation device in which the possibility of the translucent cover member cracking is low can be obtained. Also, by using a resin tube, the wall thickness can be reduced, and thereby, the transmission of UV - C can be enabled. 4. Others (1) The problem of cracking of the translucent cover member is particularly prominent in lighting devices used as general lighting in factories such as food, precision machinery, and semiconductors, and Invention 1 can also be applied to general lighting. That is, the irradiation device of the invention corresponding to Invention 1 includes an LED module including one or more LEDs that irradiate visible light, and a translucent cover member that covers the LED module, and the translucent cover member is a tubular resin tube that can be deformed without breaking. (2) Conventionally, quartz or borosilicate glass has been required to transmit UV-C, but by using a thin resin tube, it becomes possible to transmit UV-C. As a result, a novel UV-C irradiation device that does not use quartz or borosilicate glass can be obtained in an irradiation device that irradiates UV-C.

[0035] <Invention 2> 1. Prior Art Conventionally, as a lighting fixture that prevents damage to a light source due to an impact from the outside, for example, a light source protection cover including a cover member that covers a light source (lamp) and a cover fixing member for fixing the cover member has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-204203). A light source such as a fluorescent lamp having a glass tube is housed and protected inside the light source protection cover. 2. Problems Since a glass tube that may be damaged by an impact is protected by the light source protection cover, there is a problem that the lighting fixture becomes heavy. This problem can also be applied to a light source for general lighting that emits white light. The problem to be solved by Invention 2 is to provide an irradiation device that is difficult to break and can be lightweight. 3. Means for Solving the Problems The irradiation device according to Invention 2 includes a tubular translucent cover member that can be deformed without breaking, and an LED module including one or more LEDs, and the LED module is disposed inside the translucent cover. Thereby, an irradiation device that is difficult to break and can be lightweight can be obtained. It is preferable that there is no object other than air or an object having a light transmittance of 80% or more between the LED module and the translucent cover member. In the irradiation device according to Invention 2, the wavelength of the light irradiated by the LED is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, ultraviolet light (including A, B, and C), visible light, or the like.

[0036] <Invention 3> 1. Prior Art Conventionally, as a circuit for causing an LED to emit light, an LED lighting device including a rectifying circuit, a smoothing capacitor, etc. has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-011868). 2. Problems The above LED lighting device has a problem that the circuit becomes complicated. The problem that Invention 3 attempts to solve is to provide an irradiation device with a simple circuit configuration. 3. Means for Solving the Problems The irradiation device according to Invention 3 includes a connection member for receiving power from an appliance main body, an LED module that irradiates ultraviolet light, and a rectifying circuit provided on a conductive path connecting the connection member and the LED module, and does not include a smoothing circuit. Thereby, an irradiation device with a simple circuit configuration can be obtained. Note that in the case of visible light, flicker occurs in an irradiation device for general lighting, and the original lighting purpose cannot be achieved. Also, due to the regulations of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE) for preventing this, a configuration without a smoothing circuit cannot be adopted.

[0037] <Others> Inventions 1 to 3 may include the configurations described in the embodiments, or the configurations of Inventions 1 to 3 may be combined. Further, the irradiation device of each invention may be an irradiation device that is detachably attached to a so-called appliance main body, or may be an irradiation device integrated (incorporated) with the appliance main body.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0038] 1 Irradiation device 3 LED module 5 Base member 7 Translucent cover member 9 Base member 11 Rectifying circuit 13 LEDs

Claims

[Claim 1] A connection member for receiving power from the appliance body; An LED module that irradiates ultraviolet light; a rectifier circuit provided on a conductive path connecting the connection member and the LED module; Equipped with No smoothing circuit, Irradiation device.

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