Ultraviolet irradiation device

Abstract

To provide a technique for achieving improvement of heat dissipation performance of heat energy generated in a light source used for sterilization of a fluid and inactivation of bacteria and viruses with a simpler structure.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes a light source 10 which is provided on a flow channel 50 flowing a fluid therethrough and irradiates the fluid with ultraviolet light from the downstream side toward the upstream side of the flow channel 50, a substrate 20 for supporting the light source 10 from the downstream side of the flow channel 50, and a heat dissipation member 30 which is mounted on the downstream side of the substrate 20 and dissipates heat energy of the light source 10 through the substrate 20 by heat conduction, wherein the heat dissipation member 30 is configured so that the fluid passing through the own device from the upstream side to the downstream side abuts thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, there is known a technique for sterilizing a fluid and inactivating bacteria and viruses by irradiating the fluid flowing through a flow path with ultraviolet light from a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Furthermore, various cooling structures for light sources such as LEDs have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-79758 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-141785 [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-79758 A [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-141785 [Patent Document 5] JP 2014-83470 A [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-23012 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in order to improve performance, for example, in sterilizing fluids and inactivating bacteria and viruses, light sources such as LEDs are becoming increasingly powerful, and in order to cope with the increase in heat generation that accompanies the higher power output of light sources, there is a demand for improved heat dissipation performance for the heat energy generated by the light sources.

[0006] However, even if a heat sink is provided behind the light source, as in Patent Document 3, the light source must be positioned in a flow path through which the fluid to be sterilized or inactivated, such as bacteria and viruses, flows, and therefore cooling air or the like cannot usually be directed at the heat sink. Furthermore, since the fluid to be sterilized or inactivated, such as bacteria and viruses, flows toward the light source, it is difficult for the fluid to reach the heat sink located behind the light source. Therefore, it may not be possible to sufficiently improve the heat dissipation performance of the thermal energy generated by the light source.

[0007] On the other hand, it is also possible to employ a structure capable of transferring heat from the light source to the outside of the flow path through a heat pipe, and to efficiently dissipate the thermal energy generated by the light source using an external heat exchanger, etc., as in Patent Document 4. It is also possible to efficiently cool the light source by supplying a cooling fluid such as air or water to the light source in a form isolated from the fluid in the flow path, as in Patent Documents 5 and 6.

[0008] However, when the structures described in Patent Documents 4 to 6 are adopted, the heat dissipation structure for dissipating the heat energy generated by the light source may become complicated.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a technology that can improve the heat dissipation performance of thermal energy generated by light sources used for sterilizing fluids, inactivating bacteria and viruses, etc., with a simpler structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a light source provided in a flow path through which a fluid flows and configured to irradiate the fluid with ultraviolet light from a downstream side to an upstream side of the flow path; a support member that supports the light source from a downstream side of the flow path; a heat dissipation member attached to the downstream side of the support member and dissipating thermal energy of the light source through the support member by thermal conduction, the support member is provided with a first hole through which the fluid passes from the upstream side to the downstream side; The heat dissipation member is When viewed from the upstream side along the direction of flow of the fluid, a part of the fluid is exposed from the first hole portion. configured to An ultraviolet irradiation device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation performance of the thermal energy generated by a light source used for sterilizing fluids and inactivating bacteria and viruses, with a simpler structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air purifier. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a water treatment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first example of the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a first example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first example of a heat dissipation member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a second example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a second example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second example of the heat dissipation member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a third example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a third example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third example of the heat dissipation member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a fourth example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a fourth example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the height of the fin portion and the junction temperature of the light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Outline of UV irradiation equipment] An overview of an ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Hereinafter, the upstream side in the direction of fluid flow will be referred to as "front" and the downstream side as "rear," and the explanation will sometimes be made using the directions "front," "rear," "left," "upper," and "lower" shown in Figure 1.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an ultraviolet irradiation device 1. The thick arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of a fluid that is the target of sterilization or inactivation of bacteria and viruses by the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air purifier 100. The white arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of air that is the target of purification by the air purifier 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a water treatment device 200. The white arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of water that is the target of treatment by the water treatment device 200.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes a light source 10, a substrate 20, a heat dissipation member 30, and a flow path 40.

[0017] The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment irradiates the fluid flowing through the flow path 50 with ultraviolet light from the light source 10, thereby sterilizing the fluid or inactivating bacteria and viruses. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is disposed, for example, parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions so as to face the fluid flowing through the flow path 50. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 and the flow path 50 both have a substantially rectangular shape, for example, when viewed from the front along the front-to-rear direction, and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 are configured to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the inner surface of the flow path 50. This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to be attached, for example, directly to the inner surface of the flow path 50 or indirectly using a bracket or the like.

[0018] The term "abbreviated" is intended to allow for errors that may occur during manufacturing, and will be used in the same sense hereinafter.

[0019] The light source 10 emits ultraviolet light. The light source 10 is, for example, a deep ultraviolet LED that emits deep ultraviolet light, which has a relatively short wavelength among ultraviolet light and has very high sterilization ability. In this example, a plurality of light sources 10 are provided. For example, the light source 10 is attached on the substrate 20 so as to emit ultraviolet light in a direction (forward) substantially opposite to the direction (backward) in which the fluid in the flow channel 50 flows.

[0020] The substrate 20 (an example of a support member) supports the light source 10. The substrate 20 has a flat plate shape and is provided so as to support the light source 10 from the downstream side in the direction of fluid flow (the rear side in the drawing). For example, a power supply circuit for operating the light source 10 is mounted on the substrate 20.

[0021] The heat dissipation member 30 dissipates thermal energy generated from the light source 10 to the outside, specifically, to the fluid flowing through the flow path 50. The heat dissipation member 30 is made of a material with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. This allows the thermal energy generated by the light source 10 to be efficiently conducted to the heat dissipation member 30. The heat dissipation member 30 includes a base portion 31 and a fin portion 32.

[0022] The base portion 31 has a relatively large heat capacity compared to the substrate 20, and promotes heat conduction from the light source 10 to the heat dissipation member 30 through the substrate 20. The base portion 31 has, for example, substantially the same rectangular shape as the substrate 20 when viewed from the front along the front-rear direction, and has a thickness in the front-rear direction that is sufficiently larger than that of the substrate 20.

[0023] The fin portion 32 relatively increases the surface area in contact with the fluid in the flow path 50, and promotes heat dissipation to the fluid flowing through the flow path 50. The fin portion 32 has, for example, a flat plate shape extending (protruding) rearward from the base portion 31.

[0024] The flow passage 40 allows the fluid in the flow passage 50 to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. This allows the fluid in the flow passage 50 to flow toward the downstream side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 without being blocked by the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the flow passage 40 is a through hole (through hole 21 and through hole 31A described below) that penetrates the substrate 20 and the base part 31 in the front-rear direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is mounted on an air purifier 100, for example.

[0026] In addition to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, the air purifier 100 includes a housing 110, a fan 120, and an electrostatic precipitator .

[0027] The housing 110 houses components of the air purifier 100, including the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, the fan 120, and the electrostatic precipitator 130. The housing 110 includes an inlet 111 and an outlet 112.

[0028] The fan 120 creates an air flow by drawing air from outside the housing 110 into the housing 110 through the inlet 111 and blowing air from inside the housing 110 out of the housing 110 through the outlet 112. The fan 120 may be disposed at any position in the air flow path 50 between the inlet 111 and the outlet 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the fan 120 is disposed at the most downstream position in the air flow path 50 near the outlet 112.

[0029] The electrostatic precipitator 130 charges particles contained in the air drawn into the housing 110 through the suction port 111 by corona discharge and collects the charged particles by electrostatic force. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic precipitator 130 is disposed upstream of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 in the flow path 50. For example, the electrostatic precipitator 130 has the ability to collect particles having a size of 10 nm or more and 100 μm or less. This allows the electrostatic precipitator 130 to collect, for example, small viruses of about 30 nm, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) of about 100 nm, or virus droplets and pathogenic bacteria of several μm in size.

[0030] The electrostatic precipitator 130 may be omitted.

[0031] The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 irradiates ultraviolet light from the light source 10 onto air drawn into the housing 110 through the air inlet 111. This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to sterilize the air and inactivate bacteria and viruses contained in the air.

[0032] In this way, when the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is installed in the air purifier 100, it can perform an air purification function by sterilizing the air and inactivating bacteria and viruses in the air.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is mounted on a water treatment device 200, for example.

[0034] The water treatment device 200 is installed in a water circulation pipe of, for example, a bathtub or a pool, and sterilizes water discharged from the bathtub or pool and inactivates bacteria and viruses.

[0035] The water treatment device 200 includes a housing 210 in addition to the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0036] The housing 210 defines a flow path 50 through which the water to be treated flows. The housing 210 includes an inlet 211 and an outlet 212, through which the water to be treated flows in and from which the treated water flows out.

[0037] The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is provided in the flow path 50 inside the housing 210. The ultraviolet irradiation device 1 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water flowing in from the inlet 211. In this way, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can sterilize the water and inactivate bacteria and viruses contained in the water.

[0038] In this way, when the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 is installed in the water treatment device 200, it can perform a water treatment function by sterilizing water and inactivating bacteria and viruses in the water.

[0039] [First example of the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device] Next, a first example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a front view showing a first example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 5 is a rear view showing the first example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a first example of the heat dissipation member 30.

[0041] 4, in this example, 64 light sources 10 are provided. The 64 light sources 10 are arranged in a grid pattern with eight rows at approximately equal intervals in the vertical direction (an example of a third direction) and eight columns at approximately equal intervals in the horizontal direction (an example of a fourth direction) when viewed from the front.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, through holes 21 are provided in the substrate 20. Each of the through holes 21 (an example of a first hole portion) has a substantially circular shape in a front view from the front. In this example, 49 through holes 21 are provided. The 49 through holes 21 are arranged in a grid pattern with seven rows at substantially equal intervals in the vertical direction and seven columns at substantially equal intervals in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the through holes 21 are provided so as to be positioned approximately at the center of four light sources 10, which are the smallest unit forming the vertices of a rectangle, in a front view from the front. In other words, the light sources 10, excluding the light sources 10 arranged along the outer edge of the substrate 20, are provided so as to be positioned approximately at the center of four through holes 21, which are the smallest unit forming the vertices of a rectangle, in a front view from the front.

[0043] 5 and 6, through holes 31A are provided in the base portion 31. In this example, 49 through holes 31A (an example of a second hole portion) are provided, similar to the through holes 21, and are arranged in approximately the same positions as the through holes 21 and have approximately the same shape and size as the through holes 21 in a front view. This allows the through holes 21 of the substrate 20 and the through holes 31A of the base portion 31 to communicate with each other and function as a flow passage portion 40, allowing the fluid to flow from the upstream side (front side) of the flow path 50 to the downstream side (rear side).

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fin portion 32 includes a plurality of fins 32A.

[0045] The fins 32A (an example of first fins) protrude rearward from the base portion 31. The protrusion amount (height) of the fins 32A may be set arbitrarily, taking into consideration, for example, the size of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1, the required heat dissipation performance, layout constraints, etc. For example, the height of the fins 32A is set to 40 mm or more. The same may be true for the fins 32B and 32C described below.

[0046] The fins 32A have a flat plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the rear surface of the base portion 31, and are provided so as to extend in the vertical direction (an example of a first direction) from the upper end to the lower end of the base portion 31 in a rear view. The multiple fins 32A are arranged at approximately equal intervals between both ends in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of cooling of the light source 10 in the vertical direction.

[0047] 4, of the multiple fins 32A, the fins 32A arranged at the left and right positions where the through holes 21 and 31A are provided are exposed through the through holes 21 and 31A in a front view from the front. As a result, the fluid flowing from the front to the rear through the through holes 21 and 31A flows while reliably hitting the fins 32A. This improves the efficiency of heat dissipation from the fins 32A to the fluid flowing through the flow path 50, thereby improving the cooling performance of the light source 10 and further suppressing imbalances in the degree of cooling of the light source 10 in the vertical direction.

[0048] [Second example of the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device] Next, a second example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The following description will focus on the parts that are different from the first example described above, and descriptions of the same or corresponding content as the first example described above may be omitted.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a front view showing a second example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 8 is a rear view showing the second example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a second example of the heat dissipation member 30.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fin section 32 includes a plurality of fins 32A and a plurality of fins 32B that are arranged in a lattice pattern so as to intersect with each other.

[0051] The plurality of fins 32A have a larger left-right distance between adjacent fins 32A than in the first example.

[0052] The fins 32B (an example of a second fin) protrude rearward from the base portion 31. The fins 32B have a flat plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the rear surface of the base portion 31, and are provided so as to extend in the left-right direction (an example of a second direction) from the left end to the right end of the base portion 31 in a rear view. In this example, the thickness of the fins 32B in the up-down direction is set to be approximately the same as the thickness of the fins 32A in the left-right direction. The multiple fins 32B are arranged at approximately equal intervals between both ends in the up-down direction. This makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of cooling of the multiple light sources 10 in the left-right direction. In this example, the interval between adjacent fins 32A in the left-right direction and the interval between adjacent fins 32B in the up-down direction are set to be approximately the same. This makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of cooling of the multiple light sources 10 as a whole.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7 , among the multiple fins 32B, the fins 32B arranged at the upper and lower positions where the through holes 21 and 31A are provided are exposed through the through holes 21 and 31A in a front view. As a result, the fluid flowing from the front to the rear through the through holes 21 and 31A reliably hits the fins 32B as it flows. This improves the heat dissipation efficiency from the fins 32B to the fluid flowing through the flow path 50, thereby improving the cooling performance of the light source 10. Furthermore, in a front view, both the fins 32A and 32B are exposed through the through holes 21 and 31A. This makes it possible to uniformize the degree of cooling of the multiple light sources 10 in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0054] 7 and 8, among the multiple fins 32A, the fins 32A arranged in left and right positions where the through holes 21 and 31A are not provided may be arranged in approximately the same left and right positions as the light sources 10 arranged in the vertical direction. This makes it easier for the thermal energy of the light sources 10 to be conducted to the fins 32A, and the thermal energy conducted to the fins 32A is promoted to dissipate through the fins 32B that intersect with the fins 32A and that are hit by the fluid flowing through the through holes 21 and 31A. This further improves the cooling efficiency of the light sources 10.

[0055] 7 and 8, among the multiple fins 32B, the fins 32B arranged in vertical positions where the through holes 21 and 31A are not provided may be arranged in approximately the same vertical positions as the light sources 10 arranged in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the thermal energy of the light sources 10 to be conducted to the fins 32B, and the thermal energy conducted to the fins 32B is dissipated more efficiently through the fins 32A that intersect with the fins 32B and that are hit by the fluid flowing through the through holes 21 and 31A. This further improves the cooling efficiency of the light sources 10.

[0056] [Third example of the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device] Next, a third example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The following description will focus on the parts that are different from the first and second examples described above, and may omit descriptions of the same or corresponding content as the first and second examples described above.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a front view showing a third example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 11 is a rear view showing the third example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a third example of the heat dissipation member 30.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fin section 32 includes a plurality of fins 32A and a plurality of fins 32C that are arranged in a lattice pattern so as to intersect with each other.

[0059] The plurality of fins 32A are arranged in the same manner as in the first example described above.

[0060] The fins 32C (an example of a second fin) protrude rearward from the base portion 31. Like the fins 32B of the second example described above, the fins 32C have a flat plate shape that is substantially perpendicular to the rear surface of the base portion 31 and are provided so as to extend in the left-right direction from the left end to the right end of the base portion 31 in a rear view. The multiple fins 32C are arranged at substantially equal intervals between both ends in the vertical direction so that their vertical positions are substantially the same as the vertical positions of the light sources 10 lined up in the horizontal direction. This facilitates conduction of thermal energy from the light source 10 to the fins 32C, and heat dissipation of the thermal energy conducted to the fins 32C is promoted through the fins 32A that intersect with the fins 32C and are hit by the fluid flowing through the through holes 21 and 31A. This improves the cooling efficiency of the light source 10.

[0061] In this example, the vertical thickness of the fin 32C is set to be larger than the left-right thickness of the fin 32A and the vertical thickness of the fin 32B (for example, twice the left-right thickness of the fin 32A and the vertical thickness of the fin 32B). For example, the multiple fins 32C are configured so that each of them includes the light sources 10 lined up in the left-right direction within its range when viewed from the front. This makes it easier for the thermal energy of the light source 10 to be conducted to the fin 32C, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the light source 10 can be further improved.

[0062] 10, as in the first example described above, of the multiple fins 32A, the fins 32A arranged at the left and right positions where the through holes 21 and 31A are provided are exposed through the through holes 21 and 31A in a front view from the front. As a result, the fluid flowing from the front to the rear through the through holes 21 and 31A flows while reliably hitting the fins 32A. This improves the efficiency of heat dissipation from the fins 32A to the fluid flowing through the flow path 50, improves the cooling performance of the light source 10, and suppresses imbalances in the degree of cooling of the light source 10 in the vertical direction.

[0063] Furthermore, in this example, as described above, the fins 32C, which are thicker than the fins 32A, are provided on the backside of the light sources 10 arranged at approximately the same vertical position so as to extend in the left-right direction. This facilitates the conduction of thermal energy from the fins 32C to the fins 32A that intersect with the fins 32C, thereby improving the cooling performance of the light sources 10 and suppressing unevenness in the degree of cooling of the light sources 10 in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to uniform the degree of cooling of the multiple light sources 10 in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0064] [Fourth example of the structure of an ultraviolet irradiation device] Next, a fourth example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The following description will focus on the parts that are different from the first to third examples described above, and descriptions of the same or corresponding content as the first to third examples described above may be omitted.

[0065] Fig. 13 is a front view showing a fourth example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. Fig. 14 is a rear view showing the fourth example of the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1.

[0066] 13, unlike the first example and the like, 81 through holes 21 are provided in the substrate 20. The 81 through holes 21 are arranged in a lattice pattern with 9 rows at approximately equal intervals in the vertical direction and 9 columns at approximately equal intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0067] The light source 10 is provided so as to be disposed approximately in the center of the four through-holes 21, which are the minimum units forming the vertices of a rectangle, when viewed from the front.

[0068] 14, like the through holes 21, 81 through holes 31A are provided, and in front view, they have substantially the same shape and size as the through holes 21 and are arranged at substantially the same positions as the through holes 21. This allows the through holes 21 of the substrate 20 and the through holes 31A of the base portion 31 to communicate with each other and function as the flow passage portion 40, allowing the fluid to flow from the upstream side (front side) of the flow path 50 to the downstream side (rear side).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 14, the fin section 32 includes a plurality of fins 32A and a plurality of fins 32C arranged in a lattice pattern so as to intersect with each other, similar to the case of the third example described above.

[0070] The plurality of fins 32A and the plurality of fins 32C are arranged in the same manner as in the third example described above.

[0071] 13, in this example, no light source 10 is present on the outer edge side of the through holes 21 provided along the outer edge portions of both ends in the vertical direction and both ends in the horizontal direction of the substrate 20. As a result, the temperature rise at the outer edge portions of the substrate 20 and the heat dissipation member 30 (base portion 31) can be suppressed by the action of the fins 32A and the fins 32C that intersect with the fins 32A and come into contact with the fluid flowing through the through holes 21 and 31A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress thermal deterioration of the members (e.g., housings 110, 210) that constitute the flow path 50 and that are connected to the outer edge portions of the substrate 20 and the heat dissipation member 30 directly or indirectly via a bracket or the like.

[0072] [Other examples of UV irradiation device structures] The structures of the first to fourth examples described above may be combined as appropriate.

[0073] For example, in the second example described above, the distance between adjacent fins 32A in the left-right direction may be the same as in the first example described above.

[0074] For example, in the second example described above, the fins 32A arranged at substantially the same left-right positions as the light sources 10 arranged in the vertical direction may be configured to include the light sources 10 arranged in the vertical direction in their range of existence in a front view, similar to the fins 32C in the third example described above. This makes it easier for the thermal energy of the light sources 10 to be conducted to the fins 32A, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the light sources 10 can be further improved.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, in the second example described above, the fins 32B among the plurality of fins 32B that are arranged at approximately the same left-right positions as the light sources 10 that are lined up in the left-right direction may be replaced with the fins 32C of the third example described above. This makes it easier for the thermal energy of the light sources 10 to be conducted to these fins 32C, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the light sources 10 can be further improved.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described fourth example, the fin portion 32 may be configured to include only a plurality of fins 32A, similar to the above-described first example.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described fourth example, the fin portion 32 may be configured to include a plurality of fins 32B instead of the plurality of fins 32C, as in the above-described second example.

[0078] Furthermore, the structures of the first to fourth examples described above may be modified or changed as appropriate.

[0079] For example, in the first to fourth examples described above, there may be one through hole (i.e., through hole 21 and through hole 31A) corresponding to flow passage portion 40. Specifically, the plurality of through holes 21A and the plurality of through holes 31A in the first to fourth examples described above may each be provided so as to be connected as a single through hole.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described first to fourth examples, the through holes corresponding to the flow passage portion 40 (i.e., the through holes 21 and 31A) may have a shape other than a circle when viewed from the front. Specifically, the through holes 21 and 31A may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, or may have a slit shape extending in the up-down or left-right direction.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, in the first to fourth examples described above, the thickness of the base 31 in the front-rear direction may be increased. In this case, the thickness, height, or number of the fins 32A to 32C may be relatively reduced depending on the cooling performance required for the ultraviolet irradiation device 1. For example, in the third example described above, the thickness of the base 31 in the front-rear direction may be relatively increased, while the thickness of the fin 32C may be relatively reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, in the first to fourth examples described above, instead of exposing the fins 32A and 32B from the through holes 21 and 31A in front view, a member that changes the flow of fluid passing through the through holes 21 and 31A may be provided. By appropriately arranging this member, the fluid can be applied to the fin portion 32 that is hidden by the substrate 20 and the base portion 31 in front view.

[0083] [How to determine the fin height] Next, a specific example of a method for determining the height (protrusion amount) of the fin portion 32 (fins 32A to 32C) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the height H of the fin portion 32 and the estimated value Tj of the junction temperature of the light source 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "estimated junction temperature"). Specifically, the graph shows the results of a simulation of the junction temperature of the light source 10 (estimated junction temperature Tj) for four cases in which the height H of the fin portion 32 is set to predetermined values ​​H1 to H4, assuming the structure of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 of the second example described above.

[0085] The predetermined value H2 is set to be larger than the predetermined value H1, the predetermined value H3 is set to be larger than the predetermined value H2, and the predetermined value H4 is set to be larger than the predetermined value H3.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 15, as the height H of the fin portion 32 increases from a predetermined value H1 toward a predetermined value H4, the estimated junction temperature Tj also decreases.

[0087] In this example, when the height H of the fin portion 32 is a predetermined value H2 to H4, the estimated junction temperature Tj is suppressed to be equal to or less than the maximum allowable value Tj_max of the junction temperature of the light source 10. Therefore, using the simulation results of Fig. 15, a designer or the like can determine the height H of the fin portion 32 to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value H2.

[0088] [Effect] Next, the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0089] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 includes a light source 10, a substrate 20, and a heat dissipation member 30. Specifically, the light source 10 is provided in a flow path 50 through which a fluid flows, and irradiates the fluid with ultraviolet light from the downstream side to the upstream side of the flow path 50. The substrate 20 supports the light source 10 from the downstream side of the flow path 50. The heat dissipation member 30 is attached to the downstream side of the substrate 20, and dissipates thermal energy of the light source 10 through the substrate 20 by thermal conduction. The heat dissipation member 30 is configured so that it is exposed to the fluid flowing through the device (ultraviolet irradiation device 1) from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0090] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to improve the efficiency of heat dissipation from the heat dissipation member 30 to the fluid in the flow path 50. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can achieve, with a simpler structure, improved heat dissipation performance of the thermal energy generated by the light source 10 used for sterilizing fluids and inactivating bacteria and viruses.

[0091] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation member 30 may be disposed so that at least a portion of the heat dissipation member 30 is not hidden by the light source 10 and the substrate 20 when viewed along the direction in which the fluid in the flow channel 50 flows.

[0092] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to reliably apply the fluid in the flow path 50 to the heat dissipation member 30.

[0093] In this embodiment, the substrate 20 may be provided with a through-hole 21 through which the fluid passes from the upstream side to the downstream side. The heat dissipation member 30 may be configured so that a portion of the heat dissipation member 30 is exposed through the through-hole 21 when viewed from the upstream side along the direction of the fluid flow.

[0094] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to ensure that the fluid flowing through the through-holes 21 hits the heat dissipation member 30.

[0095] In this embodiment, there are multiple light sources 10, and the multiple light sources 10 may be attached in a dispersed manner on the upstream surface of the substrate 20. The multiple through holes 21 may be provided in a dispersed manner so as not to overlap with the portions of the substrate 20 where the multiple light sources 10 are attached.

[0096] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to cause the fluid in the flow path 50 to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side through the through-holes 21 in the region where the light source 10 is not present.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation member 30 may include a base portion 31 and a plurality of fins 32A. Specifically, the base portion 31 may be attached to the downstream side of the substrate 20 and may have through holes 31A that communicate with the through holes 21 and through which the fluid passes from the upstream side to the downstream side. The plurality of fins 32A may be provided so as to protrude from the base portion 31 toward the downstream side of the flow path 50 and extend in a first direction (for example, the up-down direction) along the surface of the downstream side of the base portion 31.

[0098] As a result, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can promote heat dissipation from the plurality of fins 32A and can suppress unevenness in the degree of cooling of the light source 10 in the first direction.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation member 30 protrudes downstream from the base portion 31 and extends in a second direction (e.g., left-right direction) different from the first direction along the downstream surface of the base portion 31, and may include multiple fins 32B or multiple fins 32C that intersect and are connected to the fin 32A.

[0100] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to promote heat dissipation from the plurality of fins 32B and the plurality of fins 32C, and also to suppress imbalance in the degree of cooling of the light source 10 in the second direction.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, at least one of the fins 32A and 32B or 32C may be arranged so as to be exposed from the through holes 21 and 31A when viewed from the upstream side along the direction in which the fluid flows in the flow path 50.

[0102] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to further improve the efficiency of heat dissipation to the fluid in the flow path 50 through the fins 32A and 32B or 32C.

[0103] In this embodiment, the light sources 10 may be arranged in a grid pattern along a first direction (vertical direction) and a second direction (horizontal direction). At least one of the fins 32A and 32C may be arranged so as to include the light sources 10 arranged along the first direction or the second direction within its range when viewed from the upstream side along the direction of fluid flow in the flow channel 50.

[0104] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to easily conduct heat energy from the light source 10 to the fins 32A and 32C, and the cooling performance of the light source 10 can be further improved.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the plurality of through holes 21 may include through holes 21 provided along the outer edge of the substrate 20. The plurality of light sources 10 may be provided further inward of the substrate 20 than the through holes 21 provided along the outer edge of the substrate 20, as viewed from the outer edge.

[0106] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to suppress temperature rises in the outer peripheral portions of the substrate 20 and the base portion 31. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can suppress deterioration due to heat of the members (e.g., the housings 110, 210, etc.) that constitute the flow path 50 and that are connected to the substrate 20 and the base portion 31 directly or indirectly via a bracket or the like.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 21 may be arranged in a grid pattern along a third direction (e.g., the up-down direction) and a fourth direction (e.g., the left-right direction) perpendicular to the third direction when viewed along the direction of fluid flow in the flow path 50. The plurality of light sources 10 may be arranged in a grid pattern along the third direction and the fourth direction so as to be positioned approximately at the centers of four hole portions, which are the smallest units forming the vertices of a rectangle.

[0108] This allows the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 to dispose the plurality of through holes 21 so as to be evenly dispersed along the third direction and the fourth direction. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 1 can suppress the influence on the fluid flow in the flow path 50, for example, by preventing the fluid flow from being biased to one part.

[0109] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Ultraviolet irradiation device 10 light source 20 substrate (support member) 21 through hole (first hole portion) 30 Heat dissipation material 31 Base 31A through hole (second hole portion) 32 Fin section 32A Fin (first fin) 32B, 32C fins (second fins) 40 Flow section 50 flow paths 100 Air Purifier 110 Case 111 Intake port 112 Air Outlet 120 fans 130 Electrostatic precipitator 200 Water Treatment Equipment 210 cabinet 211 Inlet 212 Outlet

Claims

1. a light source provided in a flow path through which a fluid flows and configured to irradiate the fluid with ultraviolet light from a downstream side to an upstream side of the flow path; a support member that supports the light source from a downstream side of the flow path; a heat dissipation member attached to the downstream side of the support member and dissipating thermal energy of the light source through the support member by thermal conduction, the support member is provided with a first hole portion through which the fluid passes from the upstream side to the downstream side, the heat dissipation member is configured so that a portion thereof is exposed from the first hole portion when viewed from the upstream side along the direction of flow of the fluid. Ultraviolet irradiation device.

2. The light source is a plurality of light sources, a plurality of the light sources are attached to the upstream surface of the support member in a distributed manner; the plurality of first hole portions are provided in a dispersed manner so as not to overlap with portions of the support member to which the plurality of light sources are attached; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 1 .

3. The heat dissipation member includes a base portion attached to the downstream side of the support member and having a second hole portion communicating with the first hole portion and through which the fluid passes from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a plurality of first fins protruding from the base portion toward the downstream side and extending in a first direction along the surface of the downstream side of the base portion. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 2 .

4. the heat dissipation member includes a plurality of second fins that protrude from the base portion toward the downstream side, extend along the surface of the base portion on the downstream side in a second direction different from the first direction, and intersect with and are connected to the first fins; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 3 .

5. At least one of the first fin and the second fin is provided so as to be exposed from the first hole and the second hole when viewed from the upstream side along the fluid flow direction. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 4.

6. the plurality of light sources are arranged in a grid pattern along the first direction and the second direction, At least one of the first fin and the second fin is arranged so as to include, in its range of existence, the light sources arranged along the first direction or the second direction when viewed from the upstream side along the direction of flow of the fluid. The ultraviolet irradiation device according to claim 5 .

7. the plurality of first holes include the first holes provided along an outer edge of the support member; the plurality of light sources are provided on an inner side of the support member than the first hole portions provided along the outer edge portion among the plurality of first hole portions, as viewed from the outer edge portion; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. the plurality of first holes are arranged in a grid pattern along a third direction and a fourth direction orthogonal to the third direction when viewed along the direction of flow of the fluid, the plurality of light sources are arranged in a grid pattern along the third direction and the fourth direction so as to be positioned approximately at the centers of four of the first hole portions, which are minimum units forming vertices of a rectangle; The ultraviolet irradiation device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

Images