UV irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet light irradiation device that efficiently irradiates the drainage area with ultraviolet light.SOLUTION: The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 includes a base part 12 attached to the drainage area 60, a light source 14 provided on the undersurface 20 of the base part 12 and irradiating ultraviolet light 40 in a direction away from the undersurface 20, and a light guide tube 16 provided around the light source 14 and extending in a direction away from the undersurface 20. The light guide tube 16 may be configured so as to transmit, reflect or scatter ultraviolet light 40 at least partially.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet light irradiation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Drains in water facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms are prone to the proliferation of bacteria, and therefore require frequent cleaning and the addition of chemicals to maintain hygiene. As a device for maintaining hygiene in drains, a device that irradiates the drains with ultraviolet light has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-112855 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is preferable that the drainage portion can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and has an object to provide an apparatus capable of efficiently irradiating a drainage section with ultraviolet light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ultraviolet light irradiation device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base that is attached to a drainage section, a light source that is provided on the underside of the base and irradiates ultraviolet light in a direction away from the underside, and a light guide tube that is provided around the light source on the base and extends in a direction away from the underside. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the drainage portion can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet light. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet light irradiation device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device according to a modified example. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the description, the dimensional ratios of the components in each drawing do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 according to a first embodiment. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 is attached to a drain 60 in a kitchen for use. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 irradiates the drain 60 with ultraviolet light 40, thereby killing germs in the drain 60 and decomposing organic matter such as dirt, thereby maintaining hygiene.

[0011] The drain unit 60 includes a drain outlet 64 provided in a bottom plate 62 of the kitchen sink, and a drain unit main body 70 connected to the drain outlet 64. The bottom plate 62 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The drain outlet 64 is a circular opening provided in the bottom plate 62. The drain unit main body 70 is made of a resin material or a metal material. The drain unit main body 70 has an outer housing 72, a water seal cylinder 74, and a bowl trap 76.

[0012] The outer housing 72 is a cylindrical member. The outer housing 72 has an open end 82 connected to the drain outlet 64, and a bottom 86 located on the opposite side to the open end 82. The open end 82 defines an opening that serves as an entrance to the drainage section 60. A step 84 for supporting a waste basket (not shown) is provided on the inside near the open end 82. In the example of FIG. 1, the waste basket has been removed. The bottom 86 is provided with an exhaust port 66 that serves as an exit for the drainage section 60. A drain pipe 78 for draining water into a sewer or the like is connected to the exhaust port 66.

[0013] The water seal cylinder 74 is a cylindrical member. The water seal cylinder 74 is disposed inside the outer housing 72 and extends upward from the bottom 86 of the outer housing 72. Water seal 80 accumulates between the outer housing 72 and the water seal cylinder 74. The bowl trap 76 is a bowl-shaped member. The bowl trap 76 is disposed inside the outer housing 72 and is provided so as to cover the upper side of the water seal cylinder 74. The bowl trap 76 is provided so as to overlap with the water seal cylinder 74 in the vertical direction. The water seal cylinder 74 and the bowl trap 76 prevent bad odors rising from the drain pipe 78 from reaching the drain outlet 64 by being blocked by the water seal 80.

[0014] The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 is provided at the drain outlet 64 which is the inlet of the drainage section 60. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 functions as a drain outlet cover that at least partially blocks the drain outlet 64. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 is configured to completely block the drain outlet 64. Note that the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 may be configured to partially block the drain outlet 64, or may have a notch or a water hole that communicates with the drain outlet 64.

[0015] The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 includes a base 12 , a light source 14 , and a light guide tube 16 .

[0016] The base 12 is a disk-shaped member that corresponds to the shape of the drain port 64. The base 12 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The base 12 is thermally connected to the light source 14, and dissipates heat generated when the light source 14 is turned on. The base 12 has an upper surface 18 and a lower surface 20. The upper surface 18 of the base 12 is provided with heat dissipation fins 22. The lower surface 20 of the base 12 is a thermally conductive member that contacts the bottom plate 62, and transmits heat generated when the light source 14 is turned on to the bottom plate 62, which is a metal member. The lower surface 20 of the base 12 is provided with a fixing ring 24. The fixing ring 24 engages with the light guide tube 16 to fix the light guide tube 16 to the base 12. The base 12 is provided with a power source and a circuit (not shown) for driving the light source 14.

[0017] The light source 14 is provided on the lower surface 20 of the base 12. The light source 14 irradiates ultraviolet light 40 in a direction away from the lower surface 20 of the base 12. The light source 14 has an LED (light emitting diode) that outputs the ultraviolet light 40. In the example of FIG. 1, the light source 14 has one LED arranged in the center of the lower surface 20 of the base 12. The light source 14 may have multiple LEDs, or multiple LEDs may be arranged near the center of the lower surface 20 of the base 12. The light source 14 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light 40 with a large light distribution angle, for example, irradiates ultraviolet light 40 with a light distribution angle of 120 degrees or more or 150 degrees or more.

[0018] The light guide tube 16 is attached to the lower surface 20 of the base 12. The light guide tube 16 is a cylindrical member and extends in a direction away from the lower surface 20 of the base 12 (downward). The light guide tube 16 is provided around the light source 14. The light guide tube 16 is arranged, for example, so that the light source 14 is located on the central axis of the light guide tube 16. The light guide tube 16 is configured to at least partially transmit, reflect, or scatter the ultraviolet light 40 irradiated from the light source 14. The light guide tube 16 allows the ultraviolet light 40 to be irradiated over a wide range inside the drainage body 70. The light guide tube 16 allows the intensity distribution of the ultraviolet light 40 irradiated inside the drainage body 70 to be uniform.

[0019] The light guide tube 16 may be made of a material that transmits the ultraviolet light 40, and may be made of a glass material such as quartz, or a fluororesin material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The light guide tube 16 may be configured to scatter the ultraviolet light 40, and the surface of the light guide tube 16 may be roughened. The light guide tube 16 may be made of a material that reflects the ultraviolet light 40, and may be made of a metal material such as aluminum. When the light guide tube 16 is made of a metal material, the light guide tube 16 may be configured to reflect and scatter the ultraviolet light without transmitting it. The light guide tube 16 may be configured to transmit, reflect, and scatter the ultraviolet light 40, and may be, for example, a roughened quartz glass tube provided with a partially reflective film such as an Al thin film, or a PTFE tube with a thickness of about 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0020] The light guide tube 16 has a fixed end 26 attached to the underside 20 of the base 12 and a tip 28 opposite the fixed end 26. The fixed end 26 of the light guide tube 16 has a flange 30 that protrudes radially outward. The flange 30 engages with the fixing ring 24. The flange 30 is configured to releasably engage with the fixing ring 24. For example, by rotating the light guide tube 16 in the circumferential direction, the fixing ring 24 and the flange 30 are switched between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The tip 28 of the light guide tube 16 is open.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 1 corresponds to the cross section taken along line AA of Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the outer periphery of the base 12 is circular. Note that the outer periphery of the base 12 does not have to be circular, and may have any shape corresponding to the opening shape of the drain outlet 64.

[0022] The fixing ring 24 has a plurality of notches 32. The plurality of notches 32 are circumferentially spaced apart. The light guide tube 16 has a plurality of flanges 30. The plurality of flanges 30 are circumferentially spaced apart. FIG. 2 shows the light guide tube 16 attached to the base 12, with the plurality of flanges 30 sandwiched between the lower surface 20 of the base 12 and the fixing ring 24. When the light guide tube 16 is rotated clockwise as indicated by the arrow R1, each of the plurality of flanges 30 can be positioned in the corresponding notch 32 of the fixing ring 24. This allows the light guide tube 16 to be removed from the base 12. Conversely, after each of the plurality of flanges 30 is positioned in the corresponding notch 32 of the fixing ring 24, the light guide tube 16 can be attached to the base 12 by rotating the light guide tube 16 counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow R2. In this manner, the light guide tube 16 is detachably attached to the base 12.

[0023] The configuration for detachably attaching the light guide tube 16 to the base 12 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2, and any mechanism can be used. For example, the flange 30 provided at the fixed end 26 of the light guide tube 16 may protrude radially inward instead of radially outward. Also, the fixed end 26 of the light guide tube 16 may be provided with a deformable claw that engages with the fixing ring 24. The light guide tube 16 does not have to be detachable from the base 12, and may be configured so as to remain fixed to the base 12 and not be removed.

[0024] A plurality of types of light guide tubes 16 may be prepared depending on the application. For example, a plurality of types of light guide tubes 16 having different lengths may be prepared, and an appropriate light guide tube 16 may be selected depending on the shape and size of the drainage section 60. In addition, a plurality of types of light guide tubes 16 having at least one different optical property, such as transmittance, reflectance, and scattering, may be prepared. For example, when the transmittance of the light guide tube 16 is relatively high, it is easy to irradiate the ultraviolet light 40 with a relatively high intensity on the front side of the drainage section 60, for example, near the drain outlet 64. When the reflectance of the light guide tube 16 is relatively high, it is easy to irradiate the ultraviolet light 40 with a relatively high intensity on the back side of the drainage section 60, for example, near the bowl trap 76. In addition, when the scattering property of the light guide tube 16 is relatively high, it is possible to irradiate the ultraviolet light 40 with a uniform intensity over the entire drainage section 60. The optical characteristics of the light guide tube 16 can be adjusted as appropriate by changing the material used for the light guide tube 16, the length of the light guide tube 16, the thickness of the light guide tube 16, the surface roughness of the light guide tube 16, and the thickness of the reflective film provided on the surface of the light guide tube 16.

[0025] According to this embodiment, simply by installing the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 at the drain outlet 64, the inside of the drainage section 60 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light to clean the inside of the drainage section 60. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by providing the light guide tube 16 around the light source 14, the inside of the drainage section 60 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light 40 more efficiently than in the case where the light guide tube 16 is not provided. In particular, even if the number of LEDs used as the light source 14 is small, the inside of the drainage section 60 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light 40 efficiently. This can improve the sterilization performance and organic matter decomposition performance by irradiation of the ultraviolet light 40.

[0026] (Modification) Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device 10a according to a modified example. In Fig. 3, a dust basket 88 is installed on a step portion 84. In such a case, the length of the light guide tube 16a used in the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10a is made shorter than that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, so that the light guide tube 16a can be accommodated inside the dust basket 88. According to this modified example, the dust basket 88 can be efficiently irradiated with ultraviolet light and cleaned.

[0027] (Second embodiment) 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device 110 according to a second embodiment. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 110 according to this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in that it further includes a reflecting member 134 arranged to cover the tip 28 of the light guide tube 16. The present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, and descriptions of contents common to the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0028] The ultraviolet light irradiation device 110 includes a base 12, a light source 14, a light guide tube 16, and a reflecting member 134. The base 12, the light source 14, and the light guide tube 16 can be configured similarly to the embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0029] The reflecting member 134 is a circular flat plate, and is provided at the tip 28 of the light guide tube 16. The reflecting member 134 is made of a material that at least partially reflects the ultraviolet light 40. The reflecting member 134 includes, for example, at least one of quartz glass, a fluororesin material such as PTFE, and a metal material such as aluminum. The reflecting member 134 may be configured to partially transmit or scatter the ultraviolet light 40. The reflecting member 134 may be made of the same material as the light guide tube 16. The reflecting member 134 may be molded integrally with the light guide tube 16, or may be a separate body from the light guide tube 16.

[0030] According to this embodiment, by providing a reflecting member 134 at the tip 28 of the light guide tube 16, the ultraviolet light 142 reflected upward from the reflecting member 134 can be irradiated onto the drainage section 60. This allows the ultraviolet light 142 to be irradiated onto the underside 20 of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 110 and the vicinity of the drainage outlet 64 for cleaning.

[0031] (Third embodiment) 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet light irradiation device 210 according to a third embodiment. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 210 according to this embodiment is not provided at the inlet of the drainage section 60, but is used in place of the bowl trap 76 of the drainage section 60. This embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, and descriptions of contents in common with the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0032] The ultraviolet light irradiation device 210 includes a base 212 , a light source 214 , and a light guide tube 216 .

[0033] The base 212 is a circular flat plate, and has a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the outer housing 72 of the drainage unit main body 70. The base 212 is disposed above the water seal cylinder 74 and attached to the outer housing 72. A power source and a circuit (not shown) for driving the light source 214 are provided on the base 212. The base 212 has an upper surface 218, a lower surface 220, a water passage hole 234, and a packing 236. The water passage hole 234 is provided at a position radially outward from the light guide tube 216. The water passage hole 234 extends from the upper surface 218 to the lower surface 220 so as to penetrate the base 212. The packing 236 is provided on the outer periphery of the base 212, and fixes the base 212 inside the drainage unit 60 by friction with the inner surface of the outer housing 72. A heat dissipation fin 222 is provided on the upper surface 218 of the base 212. A fixing ring 224 is provided on the lower surface 220 of the base 212. The fixing ring 224 can be configured similarly to the fixing ring 24 in Figures 1 and 2. A cover 238 is provided on the lower surface 220 of the base 212. The cover 238 covers and protects the light source 214. The cover 238 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light 240 output by the light source 214, and is made of quartz glass, amorphous fluororesin, or the like.

[0034] The light source 214 is provided on the lower surface 220 of the base 212. In the example of FIG. 5, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 210 has a plurality of light sources 214. Each light source 214 has an LED that outputs ultraviolet light 240. The plurality of light sources 214 are provided at a position facing the water seal cylinder 74, and are arranged so that the ultraviolet light 240 can be irradiated to both the inside and outside of the water seal cylinder 74. Each light source 214 irradiates the ultraviolet light 240 having a light distribution angle of, for example, 120 degrees or more or 150 degrees or more. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 210 may have only one light source 214, or one light source 214 may be provided near the center of the lower surface 220 of the base 212.

[0035] The light guide tube 216 is attached to the lower surface 220 of the base 212. The light guide tube 216 can be configured in the same manner as the light guide tube 16 of FIG. 1. The light guide tube 216 is provided so that the range in the vertical direction overlaps with the water seal tube 74. The tip 228 of the light guide tube 216 extends to the vicinity of the bottom 86 of the drainage unit main body 70. A flange 230 is provided at the fixed end 226 of the light guide tube 216. A seal member 232 such as an O-ring is provided between the lower surface 220 of the base 212 and the flange 230. By providing the seal member 232, the space inside the light guide tube 216 can be sealed. This allows the base 212 and the light guide tube 216 to function as the bowl trap 76. If the light guide tube 216 is not removable, the light guide tube 216 and the base 212 may be molded integrally.

[0036] According to this embodiment, by installing an ultraviolet light irradiation device 210 in place of the bowl trap 76 of the drainage section 60, the sealing water 80 and the members around the sealing water 80 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light to clean them. According to this embodiment, the light guide tube 216 is in contact with the sealing water 80, so that the ultraviolet light transmitted through the light guide tube 216 can be directly irradiated onto the sealing water 80. In addition, the ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the bad odor coming up from the drainage pipe 78, and the organic matter causing the bad odor can be decomposed and removed.

[0037] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, that various design changes are possible, that various modifications are possible, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, the ultraviolet light irradiation devices 10, 110, 210 are used in the kitchen drain 60. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet light irradiation devices 10, 110, 210 may be used in a drain other than a kitchen, or may be used in a drain in any water facility such as a bathroom.

[0039] Several aspects of the present invention will now be described.

[0040] A first aspect of the present invention is an ultraviolet light irradiation device including a base attached to a drainage section, a light source provided on the underside of the base and irradiating ultraviolet light in a direction away from the underside, and a light guide tube provided around the light source and extending in a direction away from the underside. According to the first aspect, by providing the light guide tube around the light source, the ultraviolet light can be irradiated to the drainage section more efficiently than in the case where the light guide tube is not provided.

[0041] A second aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to the first aspect, wherein the light guide is configured to transmit the ultraviolet light at least partially. According to the second aspect, by configuring the light guide to transmit the ultraviolet light, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the ultraviolet light to a member located outside the light guide.

[0042] A third aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the light guide is configured to at least partially reflect the ultraviolet light. According to the third aspect, by configuring the light guide to reflect the ultraviolet light, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the ultraviolet light to a member located away from the light source in the extension direction of the light guide.

[0043] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the light guide is configured to at least partially scatter the ultraviolet light. According to the fourth aspect, the light guide is configured to scatter the ultraviolet light, so that the ultraviolet light can be more uniformly irradiated onto members surrounding the light guide.

[0044] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the light guide tube is detachably attached to the lower surface. According to the fifth aspect, the ultraviolet light irradiation device can be used by appropriately replacing the light guide tube suitable for the shape and size of the drainage section in which the ultraviolet light irradiation device is used. In addition, since the light guide tube can be removed from the base, maintenance such as cleaning the light guide tube with water, detergent, etc. is easy.

[0045] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the base has a heat conductive member in contact with the metal member constituting the drainage part. According to the sixth aspect, by bringing the heat conductive member into contact with the metal member constituting the drainage part, heat generated when the light source is turned on can be transferred to the metal member, thereby efficiently cooling the light source.

[0046] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a reflecting member arranged to close the tip of the light guide tube and reflecting the ultraviolet light. According to the seventh aspect, by providing a reflecting member at the tip of the light guide tube, the ultraviolet light from the light source can be reflected upward by the reflecting member. This allows the ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto the lower surface of the base.

[0047] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the base is attached to the inlet of the drainage section, and the light guide tube extends toward the outlet of the drainage section. According to the eighth aspect, the light guide tube extends toward the outlet of the drainage section, so that the ultraviolet light can be efficiently irradiated to the back side of the drainage section.

[0048] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the base and the light guide are attached to the drain as a bowl trap of the drain, and the base has a water passage hole provided radially outward from the light guide. According to the ninth aspect, the ultraviolet light can be efficiently irradiated to the seal water of the drain and the members around the seal water. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10...ultraviolet light irradiation device, 12...base, 14...light source, 16...light guide tube, 60...drainage section, 64...drainage port.

Claims

1. a base attached to the drain; a light source provided on a lower surface of the base and configured to irradiate ultraviolet light in a direction away from the lower surface; a light guide tube provided around the light source and extending in a direction away from the lower surface, The light guide tube is an ultraviolet light irradiation device made of a material that transmits the ultraviolet light.

2. A base attached to a drainage section; a light source provided on a lower surface of the base and configured to irradiate ultraviolet light in a direction away from the lower surface; a light guide tube disposed around the light source and extending in a direction away from the lower surface; a reflecting member provided to close the tip of the light guide tube and reflecting the ultraviolet light.

3. The ultraviolet light irradiation device of claim 2 , wherein the light guide is configured to at least partially transmit the ultraviolet light.

4. The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the light guide is configured to at least partially reflect the ultraviolet light.

5. The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the light guide is configured to at least partially scatter the ultraviolet light.

6. The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the light guide is detachably attached to the lower surface.

7. The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the base portion has a heat conductive member in contact with a metal member constituting the drainage portion.

8. The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the base is attached to an inlet of the drainage section, and the light guide extends toward an outlet of the drainage section.

9. the base and the light guide are attached to the drain as a bowl trap for the drain; The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the base portion has a water passage hole provided radially outward from the light guide tube.

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