Flowing water sterilization device

Abstract

To improve reliability of a flowing water sterilization device.SOLUTION: A flowing water sterilization device 10 comprises: a flow path housing 12 having an inflow port and an outflow port, the flow path housing 12 accommodating water to be treated that flows from the inflow port toward the outflow port; a light source unit 14 disposed inside the flow path housing 12 and configured to irradiate the water to be treated with ultraviolet light 18; at least one support member 50 extending in a prescribed axial direction from an inner surface of the flow path housing 12 and supporting the light source unit; a pedestal 54 protruding in the axial direction from the flow path housing 12 and having an upper surface 56 facing the light source unit 14, with a seal member disposed between the light source unit 14 and the upper surface 56; and a cable guide 62 through which wiring 28 connected to the light source unit 14 is passed. The cable guide 62 extends in the axial direction from the pedestal 54 toward the light source unit 14 and is inserted inside a wiring port 44 provided in the light source unit 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water sterilizer. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known running water sterilization device that sterilizes water to be treated by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. For example, a retention space for the water to be treated is provided in the center of a housing, and ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the water to be treated from LEDs arranged on the central axis inside the housing. Wiring for driving the LEDs is taken out to the outside through a wiring pipe arranged at a position off the central axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-163644 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned prior art does not mention a sealing method between the sealing part that seals the LED and the wiring pipe. For example, if pressure fluctuations in the water being treated apply force to the sealing part that seals the LED, the sealing part may move inside the housing, breaking the seal between the sealing part and the wiring pipe. This could result in the water being treated entering the LED inside the sealing part or leaking out of the housing through the wiring pipe. The intrusion or leakage of water being treated reduces the reliability of the running water sterilizer.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a technique for improving the reliability of a running water sterilizer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flowing water sterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flow path housing having an inlet and an outlet and containing water to be treated that flows from the inlet to the outlet, a light source unit disposed inside the flow path housing and irradiating the water to be treated with ultraviolet light, at least one support member extending in a predetermined axial direction from the inner surface of the flow path housing and supporting the light source unit, a base protruding in the axial direction from the flow path housing and having an upper surface facing the light source unit, with a seal member disposed between the light source unit and the upper surface, and a cable guide through which wiring connected to the light source unit is passed. The cable guide extends in the axial direction from the base toward the light source unit and is inserted into a wiring port provided in the light source unit, or the cable guide extends in the axial direction from the light source unit and is inserted into a wiring port provided in the base. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the reliability of the running water sterilizer can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing the internal structure of the running water sterilizer. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing the internal structure of the running water sterilizer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing the internal structure of the running water sterilizer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a bottom view schematically showing the configuration of the open end of the partition member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate. To facilitate understanding of the description, the dimensional ratios of the components in each drawing do not necessarily correspond to the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a running water sterilization device 10 according to a first embodiment. The running water sterilization device 10 includes a flow path housing 12 and a light source unit 14. The running water sterilization device 10 irradiates the water to be treated flowing through an internal space 16 of the flow path housing 12 with ultraviolet light 18 to sterilize the water.

[0011] The flow path housing 12 has an internal space 16 and accommodates the water to be treated that flows through the internal space 16. The flow path housing 12 has a first flow port 20 and a second flow port 22. The internal space 16 is located between the first flow port 20 and the second flow port 22 and communicates with the first flow port 20 and the second flow port 22. The flow path housing 12 is made of a resin material or a metal material. The flow path housing 12 is made of a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polytetrafluoroethylene, for example.

[0012] 1, the first flow port 20 is an inlet and the second flow port 22 is an outlet. However, the inlet and outlet may be reversed, or the second flow port 22 may be the inlet and the first flow port 20 may be the outlet.

[0013] In FIG. 1 , the optical axis direction of the ultraviolet light 18 output from the light-emitting element 30 is the z direction, and directions perpendicular to the z direction are the x direction and the y direction. In this specification, the z direction is sometimes referred to as the axial direction, the direction away from the central axis of the light source unit 14 is sometimes referred to as the radial direction, and the direction perpendicular to the axial and radial directions is sometimes referred to as the circumferential direction. The axial direction can be defined, for example, by the direction in which the light-emitting element 30 and the window member 34 face each other, and corresponds to the thickness direction of the substrate 32 and the window member 34. Furthermore, the direction from the first flow port 20 toward the second flow port 22 is sometimes referred to as the upper side, and the direction from the second flow port 22 toward the first flow port 20 is sometimes referred to as the lower side. However, these directions do not in any way limit the orientation of the running water sterilization device 10 during use.

[0014] The flow path housing 12 may include a first housing 24 having a first flow port 20 and a second housing 26 having a second flow port 22. The first housing 24 defines a space in which the light source unit 14 is housed. The first housing 24 may include, for example, a bottom portion 24a in which the first flow port 20 is provided, and a sidewall portion 24b extending in the axial direction from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 24a. The second housing 26 defines a space in which the ultraviolet light 18 from the light source unit 14 is irradiated onto the water to be treated. The second housing 26 may include, for example, a dome portion 26a formed in a hemispherical shape, and the second flow port 22 is formed in the upper part of the dome portion 26a.

[0015] The flow path housing 12 can be formed by joining the first housing 24 and the second housing 26, for example, by joining the side wall portion 24b and the dome portion 26a. There is no particular limitation on the method for joining the first housing 24 and the second housing 26, and they can be joined by, for example, welding, fusing, or screwing.

[0016] The light source unit 14 includes a light emitting element 30, a substrate 32, a window member 34, and a light source housing 36.

[0017] The light emitting element 30 is a semiconductor light emitting element that uses, for example, aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), and is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that outputs ultraviolet light 18. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light 18 is, for example, not less than 200 nm and not more than 320 nm, for example, not less than 240 nm and not more than 280 nm. The light emitting element 30 is mounted on a substrate 32. The light source unit 14 may include a plurality of light emitting elements 30 mounted on the substrate 32.

[0018] The substrate 32 supports the light-emitting element 30. The substrate 32 is connected to wiring 28 for supplying drive current and control signals for the light-emitting element 30 from the outside. The wiring 28 is connected to the substrate 32, for example, via a connector 38 provided on the substrate 32. The substrate 32 is attached inside the light source housing 36 and transfers heat generated when the light-emitting element 30 is turned on to the light source housing 36. The substrate 32 preferably has high thermal conductivity, for example, and is made of a substrate material based on a metal material such as aluminum or copper. A highly thermally conductive material (not shown), such as thermal grease, may be disposed between the substrate 32 and the light source housing 36.

[0019] The window member 34 is disposed so as to face the water to be treated flowing through the internal space 16. The window member 34 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light 18, such as quartz (SiO2), sapphire (Al2O3), or amorphous fluororesin. The window member 34 is provided, for example, so as to close an irradiation port 42 provided in the light source housing 36, and is supported by the light source housing 36. A window seal member 40 such as a gasket can be provided between the window member 34 and the light source housing 36.

[0020] The light source housing 36 houses the substrate 32 on which the light emitting element 30 is mounted. The light source housing 36 has an irradiation port 42 that allows the ultraviolet light 18 output from the light emitting element 30 to pass through. The irradiation port 42 is watertightly sealed by a window member 34 and a window seal member 40. The light source housing 36 has a wiring port 44 for extracting the wiring 28 connected to the substrate 32 to the outside. The wiring port 44 is provided so as to penetrate the light source housing 36 in the axial direction. The light source housing 36 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, copper, or aluminum.

[0021] The light source housing 36 may include, for example, a main body 46 that houses the substrate 32, and a clamp 48 that clamps and fixes the window member 34 and the window seal member 40 to the main body 46. The clamp 48 has an irradiation port 42 and is attached to the outer periphery of the main body 46. The main body 46 has a wiring port 44 and has the substrate 32 attached to it. The main body 46 transfers heat generated when the light-emitting element 30 is turned on to the water to be treated.

[0022] The flow path housing 12 includes at least one support member 50 extending in the axial direction from the inner surface of the flow path housing 12. The support member 50 extends in the axial direction, for example, from the bottom 24a of the first housing 24. The support member 50 supports the light source unit 14 by abutting against the light source unit 14. An upper end 52 of the support member 50 contacts, for example, the main body 46 of the light source housing 36 to support the light source housing 36. The at least one support member 50 may include three or more support members 50, for example, four support members 50. The upper ends 52 of the three or more support members 50 form a support surface perpendicular to the axial direction for supporting the light source unit 14. The three or more support members 50 have a common height h1.

[0023] The flow path housing 12 includes a pedestal 54 that protrudes in the axial direction from the flow path housing 12. The pedestal 54 protrudes in the axial direction from, for example, the bottom 24a of the first housing 24. The pedestal 54 has a flat upper surface 56 that faces the light source unit 14. A wiring port seal member 58, such as an O-ring, is provided between the light source unit 14 and the upper surface 56 of the pedestal 54. The wiring port seal member 58 prevents the water to be treated from entering the wiring port 44 provided in the light source housing 36. The wiring port seal member 58 is disposed around the outer periphery of the wiring port 44. The upper surface 56 of the pedestal 54 provides a ring-shaped flat surface for supporting the wiring port seal member 58, allowing the wiring port seal member 58 to be uniformly crushed between the light source unit 14 and the pedestal 54. This ensures that the wiring port 44 is properly sealed by the wiring port seal member 58.

[0024] The axial height h2 of the base 54 is set so that the cable port seal member 58 has an appropriate thickness when crushed. For example, if the thickness of the cable port seal member 58 when crushed appropriately is ts, the axial height h2 of the base 54 can be set to the height h1 of the support member 50 minus the thickness ts (i.e., h2 = h1 - ts). In this case, the axial height positions of the three or more support members 50 are a predetermined distance above the top surface 56 of the base 54, and the predetermined distance corresponds to the thickness ts of the cable port seal member 58 when crushed appropriately.

[0025] A washer 60 may be provided on the upper surface 56 of the base 54. The washer 60 is sandwiched between the upper surface 56 of the base 54 and the cable port seal member 58. The washer 60 is made of, for example, a metal material, and is made of the same material as the portion of the light source unit 14 that comes into contact with the cable port seal member 58, i.e., the main body 46 of the light source housing 36. By providing the washer 60 made of the same material as the main body 46 of the light source housing 36, the top and bottom of the cable port seal member 58 can be sandwiched using the same material, thereby improving the sealing performance of the cable port seal member 58. When the washer 60 is provided, it is preferable that the axial height h2 of the base 54 be reduced by the thickness tw of the washer 60 (i.e., h2 = h1 - ts - tw). In this case, the axial height positions of the three or more support members 50 are a predetermined distance above the upper surface 56 of the base 54, and the predetermined distance corresponds to the sum (ts + tw) of the thickness ts of the wiring port sealing member 58 when properly crushed and the thickness tw of the washer 60.

[0026] A cable guide 62 is provided inside the base 54, extending axially from an upper surface 56 of the base 54 toward the light source unit 14. The cable guide 62 is cylindrical and has a through hole 64 extending axially for passing the wiring 28 through it. The cable guide 62 extends axially through the inside of the wiring port seal member 58 and is inserted into the inside of the wiring port 44 of the light source housing 36. An upper end 66 of the cable guide 62 is located inside the light source unit 14 and protrudes, for example, above the mounting surface of the circuit board 32. The outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62 faces radially against the inner peripheral surface of the wiring port 44. When the light source unit 14 moves radially, the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the wiring port 44, restricting radial displacement of the light source unit 14. A radial clearance d1 between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the wiring port 44 is set taking into account manufacturing tolerances and the like, and is set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0027] The flow path housing 12 includes at least one regulating member 70 disposed on the outer periphery of the light source unit 14. The regulating member 70 is provided at a position radially outward of the light source unit 14 and regulates radial displacement of the light source unit 14 relative to the flow path housing 12. The regulating member 70 may extend axially from the inner surface of the flow path housing 12, or may extend radially inward from the inner surface of the flow path housing 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the regulating member 70 extends axially from the bottom 24a of the first housing 24 and is coupled to the side wall 24b of the first housing 24. A radial clearance d2 between the regulating member 70 and the light source unit 14 is set in consideration of manufacturing tolerances and the like, and is set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0028] The radial width w of the upper surface 56 of the base 54 is set to be larger than the clearances d1 and d2. As a result, even if the light source units 14 are displaced in the radial direction by the clearances d1 and d2, the space between the light source units 14 on the base 54 can be reliably sealed by the wiring port seal member 58. The radial width w of the upper surface 56 of the base 54 is set to be, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0029] The running water sterilizer 10 may further include a holding member 72. The holding member 72 presses the light source unit 14 toward at least one support member 50 and restricts axial displacement of the light source unit 14 relative to the flow path housing 12. The holding member 72 may be fixed to the flow path housing 12 using a fastening member 74 such as a screw. The holding member 72 may be formed of, for example, a plate-shaped member made of a metal material. The holding member 72 may be fixed using, for example, a screw hole provided in the restricting member 70.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a top view schematically showing the internal structure of the running water sterilizer 10, showing a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 1 as seen from above. Fig. 1 corresponds to the cross section taken along line BB in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the light source unit 14 has been removed, and shows the arrangement of the first flow port 20, support member 50, pedestal 54, and restriction member 70 provided on the bottom 24a of the first housing 24.

[0031] The first flow port 20 and the through hole 64 are disposed at positions radially offset from the central axis C of the flow path housing 12 and are disposed side by side in the x direction. The multiple support members 50 are disposed equidistant from the central axis C and are disposed symmetrically with respect to the central axis C. By symmetrically disposing the multiple support members 50, the light source unit 14 can be stably supported. The first flow port 20 and the through hole 64 are disposed inside the multiple support members 50, for example, disposed between the multiple support members 50. The multiple regulating members 70 are disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction along the side wall portion 24b. The multiple regulating members 70 are disposed equidistant from the central axis C and are disposed symmetrically with respect to the central axis C. Each of the multiple regulating members 70 is provided with a screw hole 76 extending in the axial direction.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a top view schematically illustrating the internal structure of the running water sterilizer 10, showing the light source unit 14 disposed in the first housing 24 shown in FIG. 2. The light source unit 14 is disposed on a plurality of support members 50. A cable guide 62 is inserted into the wiring port 44 of the light source unit 14. The wiring 28 connected to the connector 38 is passed through the through-hole 64 of the cable guide 62. Only a small clearance d1 exists between the wiring port 44 and the cable guide 62, and only a small clearance d2 exists between the light source unit 14 and the restricting member 70. As a result, radial displacement of the light source unit 14 relative to the flow path housing 12 can be suitably suppressed. Furthermore, by reducing the clearance d2 between the light source unit 14 and the restricting member 70, rotation of the light source unit 14 relative to the cable guide 62 can be suitably suppressed.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a top view schematically illustrating the internal structure of the running water sterilization device 10, showing the light source unit 14 shown in FIG. 3 fixed using a holding member 72. The holding member 72 has a ring shape corresponding to the upper surface of the light source housing 36 and has an opening 78 for passing the ultraviolet light 18 passing through the irradiation port 42. The holding member 72 has multiple protrusions 80 extending radially outward, and each of the multiple protrusions 80 is fixed to a corresponding regulating member 70 by a fastening member 74. The holding member 72 is positioned so as to overlap at least one support member 50 in the axial direction and presses the light source unit 14 axially toward the support member 50. The area where the multiple protrusions 80 are not provided forms a flow path for the water to be treated from the first flow port 20 to the second flow port 22.

[0034] After attaching the light source unit 14 and the holding member 72 as shown in FIG. 4, the first housing 24 and the second housing 26 are joined together to complete the running water sterilizer 10 shown in FIG.

[0035] Next, the operation of the running water sterilization device 10 will be described. The water to be treated that flows into the flow path housing 12 from the first flow port 20 flows toward the bottom of the light source unit 14 (or the main body 46 of the light source housing 36). As a result, the light source unit 14 can be efficiently cooled by the water to be treated that flows toward the light source unit 14. The water to be treated passes through the gap between the flow path housing 12 and the light source unit 14 toward the internal space 16. The water to be treated flowing through the internal space 16 is irradiated with ultraviolet light 18 from the light source unit 14 and is sterilized. The water to be treated that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light 18 flows out from the second flow port 22.

[0036] According to the present embodiment, the cable guide 62 is inserted inside the wiring port 44 of the light source unit 14, and thus the radial displacement of the light source unit 14 can be restricted by the cable guide 62. Furthermore, the restricting member 70 is provided on the outer periphery of the light source unit 14, and thus the radial displacement of the light source unit 14 can be restricted by the restricting member 70. As a result, even when a force is applied to the light source unit 14 due to pressure fluctuations in the water to be treated or the like, displacement of the light source unit 14 can be suitably suppressed.

[0037] According to the present embodiment, since light source unit 14 is supported by support member 50, the axial position of light source unit 14 can be determined with high precision. Furthermore, by using holding member 72, light source unit 14 can be sandwiched and fixed between support member 50 and holding member 72, and light source unit 14 can be firmly fixed. Furthermore, by arranging cable port seal member 58 on upper surface 56 of base 54, the amount of axial crushing of cable port seal member 58 can be made uniform, and the sealing performance of cable port seal member 58 can be improved.

[0038] (Second embodiment) 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer 10A according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cable guide 62A is configured to extend from the light source unit 14 toward the base 54 of the flow path housing 12. Below, the running water sterilizer 10A according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the commonalities will be omitted as appropriate.

[0039] The flow path casing 12A has a wiring port 44A. The wiring port 44A extends in the axial direction inside the base 54 and penetrates the bottom 24a of the first casing 24. The flow path casing 12A does not include a cable guide extending in the axial direction from the base 54.

[0040] A cable guide 62A is provided in the main body 46 of the light source housing 36, extending axially toward the base 54. The cable guide 62A is cylindrical and has a through-hole 64A extending axially for passing the wires 28 through. The cable guide 62A extends axially through the inside of the cable port seal member 58 and is inserted into the inside of the cable port 44A of the flow path housing 12A. A lower end 66A of the cable guide 62A is located inside the cable port 44A. The outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A faces radially against the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44A. When the light source unit 14 moves radially, the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44A, restricting radial displacement of the light source unit 14. A radial clearance d3 between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A and the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44A is set in consideration of manufacturing tolerances, etc., and is set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0041] According to the present embodiment, the cable guide 62A provided in the light source unit 14 is inserted into the inside of the wiring port 44A of the flow path housing 12A, and therefore the cable guide 62A can restrict radial displacement of the light source unit 14 relative to the flow path housing 12A. As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0042] (Third embodiment) 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a running water sterilizer 10B according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a wiring port grommet 82 is provided as a sealing member instead of the wiring port sealing member 58. The following description of the running water sterilizer 10B according to the third embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and will omit a description of the commonalities as appropriate.

[0043] The cable port grommet 82 has a first portion 84 disposed between the light source unit 14 and the base 54. The first portion 84 may be configured similarly to the cable port seal member 58, for example. The cable port grommet 82 may further have a second portion 86 extending in the axial direction along the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62. The second portion 86 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44. The cable port grommet 82 may further have a third portion 88 extending in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface of the cable guide 62. The first portion 84, the second portion 86, and the third portion 88 of the cable port grommet 82 may be formed to be connected to one another and extend continuously.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the sealing performance at the cable port 44 can be further improved by disposing the cable port grommet 82 between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44. In addition, by extending the cable port grommet 82 along the inner peripheral surface of the cable guide 62, displacement of the cable port grommet 82 with respect to the cable guide 62 can be prevented, and the sealing performance at the cable port 44 can be further improved.

[0045] (Fourth embodiment) 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer 10C according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is obtained by applying the wiring port grommet 82 according to the third embodiment to the second embodiment. That is, a cable guide 62A extending from a light source unit 14 is inserted into the inside of a wiring port 44A of a flow path housing 12A, and a wiring port grommet 82 is provided at the wiring port 44A as a sealing member. The following description of the running water sterilizer 10A according to the fourth embodiment will focus on differences from the above-mentioned embodiments, and will omit a description of commonalities as appropriate.

[0046] The cable port grommet 82 has a first portion 84 disposed between the light source unit 14 and the base 54. The first portion 84 may be configured similarly to the cable port seal member 58, for example. The cable port grommet 82 may further have a second portion 86 extending in the axial direction along the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A. The second portion 86 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A and the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44A. The cable port grommet 82 may further have a third portion 88 extending in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A. The first portion 84, the second portion 86, and the third portion 88 of the cable port grommet 82 may be formed to be connected to one another and extend continuously.

[0047] According to the present embodiment, the sealing performance of the cable port 44A can be further improved by disposing the cable port grommet 82 between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A and the inner peripheral surface of the cable port 44A. In addition, by extending the cable port grommet 82 along the inner peripheral surface of the cable guide 62A, it is possible to prevent the cable port grommet 82 from being displaced relative to the cable guide 62A, and the sealing performance of the cable port 44A can be further improved.

[0048] (Fifth embodiment) 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilizer 10D according to a fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a partition member 90 is further provided inside the flow path housing 12. Below, the running water sterilizer 10B according to the fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the commonalities will be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] The partition member 90 is disposed between the light source unit 14 and the second flow port 22. The partition member 90 has an open end 92 facing the light source unit 14. The partition member 90 has an inner surface 94 extending hemispherically from the open end 92 toward the second flow port 22. The open end 92 of the partition member 90 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 96 that protrude axially toward the light source unit 14 and press the light source unit 14 in the axial direction. The plurality of protrusions 96 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction, and gaps 98 are provided between the plurality of protrusions 96. The water to be treated flowing in from the first flow port 20 passes through the gaps 98 and flows into the treatment flow path 100 inside the partition member 90. A third flow port 102 that communicates with the second flow port 22 is provided at the top of the partition member 90. The water to be treated in the treatment flow path 100 passes through the third flow port 102 and then flows out from the second flow port 22 to the outside.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a bottom view schematically illustrating the configuration of the open end 92 of the partition member 90. The multiple protrusions 96 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction at the open end 92. The multiple protrusions 96 are arranged equidistantly about the central axis C, for example, symmetrically about the central axis C. The multiple protrusions 96 are provided at positions that overlap with the multiple support members 50 in the axial direction for supporting the light source unit 14. In FIG. 9, the positions of the multiple support members 50 are indicated by dashed lines. This allows the light source unit 14 to be sandwiched and firmly fixed between the multiple support members 50 and the multiple protrusions 96.

[0051] The partition member 90 is made of a material that has a high reflectivity for the ultraviolet light 18, for example, a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene. By providing the partition member 90, the ultraviolet light 18 is reflected by the inner surface 94 of the partition member 90, improving the amount of ultraviolet light 18 acting on the water to be treated flowing through the treatment flow path 100. Furthermore, by providing the partition member 90, the water to be treated can be guided to the center of the treatment flow path 100, where the irradiation dose of ultraviolet light 18 is relatively high. This improves the sterilization performance of the flowing water sterilization device 10D.

[0052] In this embodiment, the water to be treated that flows into the flow path housing 12 from the first flow port 20 passes through the gap between the flow path housing 12 and the light source unit 14 and heads toward the outside of the partition member 90. The water to be treated that flows outside the partition member 90 flows into the treatment flow path 100 through the gap 98 provided in the open end 92, and is irradiated with ultraviolet light 18 from the light source unit 14 in the treatment flow path 100. The water to be treated that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light 18 in the treatment flow path 100 passes through the third flow port 102 and flows out from the second flow port 22.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the sterilization performance can be improved by providing a partition member 90 inside the flow path casing 12. According to this embodiment, the light source unit 14 can be fixed using the partition member 90 instead of the holding member 72. The partition member 90 can press the light source unit 14 toward at least one support member 50 and function as a holding member that restricts axial displacement of the light source unit 14 relative to the flow path casing 12. Note that the holding member 72 and the partition member 90 may be used in combination.

[0054] The partition member 90 according to the fifth embodiment may be applied to the second, third or fourth embodiment.

[0055] (Sixth embodiment) 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a running water sterilization apparatus 10E according to a sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, a partition member 90E is provided inside a flow path housing 12, and the water to be treated flows into the treatment flow path 100 through a fourth flow port 104 provided at the top of the partition member 90E. The following description of the running water sterilization apparatus 10E according to the sixth embodiment will focus on the differences from the above-described fifth embodiment, and will omit a description of the commonalities as appropriate.

[0056] The partition member 90E is disposed between the light source unit 14 and the second flow port 22. The partition member 90E has an opening end 92 facing the light source unit 14. The partition member 90E has an inner surface 94 that extends hemispherically from the opening end 92 toward the second flow port 22. The opening end 92 of the partition member 90E contacts the light source unit 14 over the entire periphery. The opening end 92 of the partition member 90E does not have a protrusion 96 or a gap 98.

[0057] A third flow port 102 and a fourth flow port 104 are provided in the upper part of the partition member 90E. The third flow port 102 is provided at a position communicating with the second flow port 22. The fourth flow port 104 is provided at a position radially shifted from the third flow port 102 and at a position not communicating with the second flow port 22. The fourth flow port 104 is provided to guide the water to be treated flowing outside the partition member 90E to the treatment flow path 100 inside the partition member 90E.

[0058] In this embodiment, the water to be treated that flows into the flow path housing 12 from the first flow port 20 passes through the gap between the flow path housing 12 and the light source unit 14 and heads toward the outside of the partition member 90E. The water to be treated that flows outside the partition member 90E flows into the treatment flow path 100 through the fourth flow port 104, and is irradiated with ultraviolet light 18 from the light source unit 14 in the treatment flow path 100. The water to be treated that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light 18 in the treatment flow path 100 passes through the third flow port 102 and flows out from the second flow port 22.

[0059] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment. The partition member 90E according to the sixth embodiment may be applied to the second, third, or fourth embodiment.

[0060] The present invention has been described above based on examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various design changes and modifications are possible, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Several aspects of the present invention will now be described.

[0062] A first aspect of the present invention is a flowing water sterilization device comprising: a flow path housing having an inlet and an outlet and containing water to be treated that flows from the inlet to the outlet; a light source unit disposed inside the flow path housing and irradiating the water to be treated with ultraviolet light; at least one support member extending in a predetermined axial direction from an inner surface of the flow path housing and supporting the light source unit; a base protruding in the axial direction from the flow path housing and having an upper surface facing the light source unit, with a seal member disposed between the light source unit and the upper surface; and a cable guide through which wiring connected to the light source unit is passed, wherein the cable guide extends in the axial direction from the base toward the light source unit and is inserted into a wiring port provided in the light source unit, or the cable guide extends in the axial direction from the light source unit and is inserted into a wiring port provided in the base. According to the first aspect, by providing a cable guide inserted into the wiring port, radial displacement of the light source unit relative to the flow path housing can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the intrusion and leakage of the water to be treated at the wiring port, and the reliability of the running water sterilizer can be improved.

[0063] A second aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to the first aspect, wherein the at least one support member includes three or more support members, and the axial height position of the upper end of each of the three or more support members is a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the base. According to the second aspect, by supporting the light source unit with three or more support members, the light source unit can be stably supported. Furthermore, by setting the axial height position of the upper end of each of the three or more support members to be a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the base, the amount of crushing of the seal member provided on the upper surface of the base can be appropriately set, thereby improving the sealing performance of the seal member.

[0064] A third aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to the second aspect, wherein the three or more support members are arranged equidistant from the center of the light source unit. According to the third aspect, by arranging the three or more support members equidistant from the center of the light source unit, the light source unit can be stably supported.

[0065] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a washer disposed between the sealing member and the base and made of the same material as a portion of the light source unit that comes into contact with the sealing member. According to the fourth aspect, by using the same material on both sides that sandwich the sealing member, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be improved.

[0066] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilization device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a plurality of regulating members arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the light source unit and regulating radial displacement of the light source unit relative to the flow path housing. According to the fifth aspect, by arranging a plurality of regulating members on the outer periphery of the light source unit, radial displacement and rotation of the light source unit can be suppressed. As a result, intrusion and leakage of the water to be treated at the wiring port can be suppressed, and the reliability of the running water sterilization device can be improved.

[0067] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilization device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the radial width of the upper surface of the base is larger than the radial clearance between the plurality of restriction members and the light source unit. According to the sixth aspect, by increasing the radial width of the upper surface of the base, even when the light source unit is displaced radially within the clearance range, the sealing performance of the seal member can be suitably maintained, and the reliability of the running water sterilization device can be improved.

[0068] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the radial width of the upper surface of the base is larger than the radial clearance between the cable guide and the wiring port. According to the seventh aspect, by increasing the radial width of the upper surface of the base, even when the light source unit is displaced radially within the clearance, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be suitably maintained, thereby improving the reliability of the running water sterilizer.

[0069] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the sealing member has a first portion disposed between the light source unit and the base and a second portion extending between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide and the inner peripheral surface of the wiring port. According to the eighth aspect, by configuring the sealing member to extend between the outer peripheral surface of the cable guide and the inner peripheral surface of the wiring port, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be improved.

[0070] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to the eighth aspect, wherein the sealing member further has a third portion extending along the inner circumferential surface of the cable guide. According to the ninth aspect, by configuring the sealing member to further extend along the inner circumferential surface of the cable guide, displacement of the sealing member relative to the cable guide can be suppressed, and the sealing performance of the sealing member can be improved.

[0071] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the running water sterilizer according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a holding member that presses the light source unit toward the at least one support member and restricts displacement of the light source unit in the axial direction relative to the flow path casing. According to the tenth aspect, by fixing the light source unit using the holding member, displacement of the light source unit relative to the light source casing can be restricted and sealing by the sealing member can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10...flowing water sterilization device, 12...flow path housing, 14...light source unit, 18...ultraviolet light, 20...first flow port, 22...second flow port, 30...light emitting element, 32...substrate, 34...window member, 36...light source housing, 44...wiring port, 50...support member, 52...upper end, 54...base, 56...upper surface, 58...wiring port sealing member, 60...washer, 62...cable guide, 64...through hole, 66...upper end, 70...regulating member, 72...holding member, 82...wiring port grommet.

Claims

1. a flow path housing having an inlet and an outlet and containing water to be treated flowing from the inlet toward the outlet; a light source unit disposed inside the flow path housing and configured to irradiate the water to be treated with ultraviolet light; at least one support member extending from an inner surface of the flow path housing in a predetermined axial direction and supporting the light source unit; a base that protrudes from the flow path housing in the axial direction and has an upper surface that faces the light source unit, and a seal member is disposed between the light source unit and the upper surface; a cable guide through which wiring connected to the light source unit is passed, The cable guide extends in the axial direction from the base toward the light source unit and is inserted into a wiring port provided in the light source unit, or The cable guide extends from the light source unit in the axial direction and is inserted into a wiring port provided in the base. Running water sterilizer.

2. the at least one support member includes three or more support members; a height position of the upper end of each of the three or more support members in the axial direction is located above the upper surface of the base by a predetermined distance; The running water sterilizer according to claim 1.

3. the three or more support members are arranged equidistant from the center of the light source unit; The running water sterilizer according to claim 2.

4. The running water sterilizer according to claim 1 , further comprising a washer disposed between the sealing member and the base, the washer being made of the same material as a portion of the light source unit that comes into contact with the sealing member.

5. The optical fiber further includes a plurality of restricting members that are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction along an outer periphery of the light source unit and restrict radial displacement of the light source unit relative to the flow path housing. The running water sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a radial width of the upper surface of the base is larger than a radial clearance between the plurality of regulating members and the light source unit; The running water sterilizer according to claim 5.

7. a radial width of the upper surface of the base being larger than a radial clearance between the cable guide and the wiring port; The running water sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The sealing member has a first portion disposed between the light source unit and the base, and a second portion extending between an outer peripheral surface of the cable guide and an inner peripheral surface of the wiring port. The running water sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The sealing member further includes a third portion extending along an inner circumferential surface of the cable guide. The running water sterilizer according to claim 8.

10. a holding member that presses the light source unit toward the at least one support member and restricts displacement of the light source unit in the axial direction relative to the flow path housing; The running water sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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