Fluid sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilizer capable of aiming to downsize, while dissipating heat of an ultraviolet light source to the fluid to be sterilized.SOLUTION: The straight pipes 16a and 16b have flow paths Pa and Pb, respectively, and are coupled in the lateral direction with a circuit board 40 interposed therebetween. LEDs 44a and 44b are mounted on the flow paths Pa and Pb sides of the circuit board 40, respectively, and irradiate the fluids in the flow paths Pa and Pb with ultraviolet light La and Lb, respectively. The heat generated by the LEDs 44a and 44b is dissipated from the heat sinks 46a and 46b located on the back side to the fluids in the flow paths Pb and Pa.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid sterilization device that sterilizes a fluid flowing in a flow path with ultraviolet light.

Background Art

[0002] A fluid sterilization device that irradiates a fluid flowing in a flow path with ultraviolet light to sterilize bacteria contained in the fluid is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a fluid sterilization device including a cylindrical member, a plurality of LEDs that are attached to the circumferential portion of the cylindrical member at regular intervals in the axial direction and the circumferential direction and emit ultraviolet light, and a cylindrical tube that is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical member so as to surround the cylindrical member and forms a flow path on the inner peripheral side through which water to be sterilized flows in the axial direction. In this fluid sterilization device, the heat generated by the LEDs is conducted to the cylindrical portion and released from the surface of the circumferential portion of the cylindrical portion to the flowing water, so that the LEDs can be efficiently cooled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the fluid sterilization device of Patent Document 1, since the flowing water to be sterilized flows over the entire circumference of the cylindrical member, in order to irradiate ultraviolet light without any gaps over the entire circumference, the number of LEDs in the circumferential direction increases and the circumferential length of the cylindrical member also becomes longer. This hinders the miniaturization of the fluid sterilization device.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilization device that can achieve miniaturization while efficiently dissipating the heat generated by the light source of ultraviolet light to the fluid to be sterilized.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The fluid sterilization apparatus of the present invention is A first pipe and a second pipe having a first flow path and a second flow path that extend parallel to each other in a first direction and are connected to each other, A circuit board interposed between the first tube and the second tube, A first group of light sources is disposed along the first channel on the surface of the circuit board facing the first channel, and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the first channel, A first group of heat sinks is disposed on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board at the rear position of each of the first group of light sources, A second group of light sources is disposed on the surface of the circuit board facing the second channel, in a position that does not overlap with the first group of heat sinks in the first direction, and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the second channel, A second group of heat sinks is disposed on the first channel-side surface of the circuit board, and on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board, at the rear position of each of the second group of light sources, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a first channel and a second channel are formed separately on both sides of a circuit board, and a first group and a second group of light sources are arranged on the first channel side and the second channel side of the circuit board, respectively, and ultraviolet light is irradiated toward the first channel and the second channel to sterilize. In addition, a first group and a second group of heat sinks are arranged on the circuit board at the rear position of the first group and the second group of light sources, respectively, to dissipate heat into the fluid in the second channel and the first channel. As a result, a fluid sterilization device that can be miniaturized is provided by devising the arrangement of the light sources, while maintaining a structure that effectively dissipates the heat generated by the light sources into the fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of the fluid sterilization device, which is the first embodiment, disassembled in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view showing the joint of a straight pipe disassembled in the short-side direction. [Figure 3]This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device of the first embodiment, cut along the direction in which the two straight pipes are aligned. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line A4-A4 in Figure 3. [Figure 5A] This figure shows the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet light L in the fluid sterilization device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] This figure shows the ultraviolet light irradiation area when all LEDs are directed towards the first tube and irradiate it with ultraviolet light (La). [Figure 5C] This figure shows the ultraviolet light irradiation area when all LEDs are directed towards the second tube and irradiating with ultraviolet light (La). [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but these may be modified and combined as appropriate. In the following description and accompanying drawings, substantially identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an exploded view of the fluid sterilization device 10u, which is the first embodiment, as it is disassembled in the longitudinal direction. Note that the parts interposed between the straight pipes 16a and 16b are not shown in this exploded view. These parts will be described later in Figure 2.

[0012] The fluid sterilization device 10u has a pressing plate 12, a pair of external connection pipes 14a and 14b, a pair of straight pipes 16a and 16b, a U-shaped pipe 18, and a resin case 20 from one end side (the + side in the Y-axis direction) to the other end side (the - side in the Y-axis direction) in the longitudinal direction (an example of the first direction is the Y-axis direction). The pair of external connection pipes 14a and 14b and the pair of straight pipes 16a and 16b are both arranged in the short hand direction (the X-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] The resin case 20 has one end open and the other end closed in the Y-axis direction. The fluid sterilization device 10u is assembled by inserting the U-shaped pipe 18, the pair of straight pipes 16a and 16b, and the pair of external connection pipes 14a and 14b into the resin case 20 in order from the open side, and then closing the opening of the resin case 20 with the pressing plate 12. Since the pressing plate 12 presses the flange portions of the external connection pipes 14a and 14b against the opening end portion of the resin case 20, the flange portions of the external connection pipes 14a and 14b are hidden inside the resin case 20. On the other hand, the pipe portions of the external connection pipes 14a and 14b pass through the respective through holes of the pressing plate 12 and are exposed outside the resin case 20.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the joint portion of the straight pipes 16a and 16b disassembled in the short hand direction. The straight pipes 16a and 16b have the same structure and dimensions, and only the directions in the short hand direction in the fluid sterilization device 10u are opposite to each other. Hereinafter, when collectively referring to each pair of individual elements in the fluid sterilization device 10u without distinction, they are indicated by the reference numerals omitting the a and b at the end of the reference numerals.

[0015] The straight pipes 16a and 16b are inserted into the resin case 20 with the joint side (the ventral side) as a rectangular plane and the rectangular planes facing each other with the circuit board 40 interposed therebetween, and are thus coupled to each other by the resin case 20. The rectangular circuit board 40 has the same dimension in the longitudinal direction (the Y-axis direction) and the same or slightly smaller dimension in the width direction (the Z-axis direction) as the rectangular plane of the straight pipe 16. On the circuit board 40, screw insertion holes 26, circuit element accommodation holes 28, a plurality of cylindrical recesses 30, and screw insertion holes 26 are drilled in a row from one end side to the other end side in the Y-axis direction.

[0016] In the circuit board 40, through holes 42 are formed at the same positions as the screw insertion holes 26 of the straight pipes 16 in the Y-axis direction. Prior to fixing the circuit board 40 to the straight pipe 16a, the female screw 54 is press-fitted into the screw insertion hole 26 of the straight pipe 16a and fixed thereto. The male screw 52 inserts its shaft portion into the through hole 42 of the circuit board 40 from the side of the straight pipe 16b and screws the shaft portion to the female screw 54. Thereby, the circuit board 40 is fixed to the straight pipe 16a. The head of the male screw 52 is housed in the screw insertion hole 26 of the straight pipe 16b after the straight pipes 16a and 16b are joined.

[0017] Contrary to the example of FIG. 2, the circuit board 40 can also be fixed to the straight pipe 16b. In that case, the female screw 54 is fixed within the screw insertion hole 26 of the straight pipe 16b, and the male screw 52 is inserted into the through hole 42 from the side of the straight pipe 16a and then screwed to the female screw 54 of the straight pipe 16b.

[0018] The LED 44a and the heat sink 46b are mounted on the surface of the circuit board 40 on the side of the straight pipe 16a at the same positions as the recesses 30 of the straight pipe 16a corresponding to the Y-axis direction and in an alternating arrangement in the Y-axis direction. The LED 44b and the heat sink 46a are mounted on the surface of the circuit board 40 on the side of the straight pipe 16b at the same positions as the recesses 30 of the straight pipe 16b corresponding to the Y-axis direction and in an alternating arrangement in the Y-axis direction. Since the recesses 30 of the straight pipe 16a and the recesses 30 of the straight pipe 16b are formed at the same positions in the Y-axis direction, on the circuit board 40, the heat sinks 46a and 46b are located at the back positions of the LEDs 44a and 44b, respectively.

[0019] The ultraviolet transmission window 48 (for example, made of quartz glass) and the cylindrical body 50 are inserted into the recess 30 in the positional relationship of the bottom surface side and the opening side of the recess 30, respectively. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 50 is formed by the side surface of a frustum of a cone that widens in diameter in the light emission direction from the LED 44. The cylindrical body 50 surrounds the LED 44 in the inserted state into the recess 30, and the ultraviolet transmission window 48 is exposed in the through hole 31 on the bottom surface side of the recess 30 and blocks the recess 30 from the side of the through hole 31. The tapered inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 50 serves as a mirror.

[0020] In Figure 2, the ultraviolet-transmitting window 48 is flat, but it may take the shape of a lens to achieve the desired light distribution.

[0021] Although not shown, the circuit board 40 in Figure 2 has circuit elements (not shown) mounted on it, including LEDs 44 and a heat sink 46, as well as LED 44 drive elements and other circuit elements. In the assembled state of the fluid sterilization device 10u, these circuit elements are housed in the circuit element housing holes 28.

[0022] Examples of materials used for each component are as follows: Pressing plate 12: ABS resin or polypropylene External connecting pipes 14a, 14b: Resin or fluororesin Straight pipes 16a, 16b: Fluororesin or metal (e.g., stainless steel) U-shaped tube 18: Resin or fluororesin Resin case 20: ABS resin or polypropylene Heat sinks 46a, 46b: Metal (e.g., stainless steel) or ceramic Cylindrical body 50: Fluororesin Male screw 52: Stainless steel Female thread 54: Brass

[0023] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10u cut along the direction of alignment of the two straight pipes 16 (X-axis direction). The orientation of the fluid sterilization device 10u in Figure 3 is horizontal, with the Y-axis direction being horizontal. However, a typical fluid sterilization device 10u is arranged vertically, with the external connecting pipe 14 and U-shaped pipe 18 positioned at the top and bottom, respectively, in the vertical direction.

[0024] In Figure 3, the white arrows indicate the direction in which the fluid to be sterilized flows within the fluid sterilization device 10u. The fluid is not limited to liquids such as water, but may also be a gas such as air. In the fluid sterilization device 10u, the external connection pipes 14a and 14b are connected to external equipment (e.g., a pump, liquid source, and storage tank) so that they become the inlet and outlet, respectively. However, the opposite is also possible; that is, the external connection pipes 14a and 14b can be connected to external equipment so that they become the outlet and inlet, respectively.

[0025] The straight pipes 16a and 16b have internal flow paths Pa and Pb. The U-shaped pipe 18 has internal flow path Pf. The fluid to be sterilized flows into the fluid sterilization device 10u from the external connecting pipe 14a, then flows in the order of flow path Pa → flow path Pf → flow path Pb, and flows out of the fluid sterilization device 10u from the external connecting pipe 14b.

[0026] The recess 30 is formed in the thickened part of the pipe wall of the straight pipe 16, opens into the rectangular plane of the straight pipe 16, and is a cylindrical hole of a predetermined depth. The through hole 31 extends radially along the straight pipe 16 between the bottom surface of the recess 30 and the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe 16, connecting the two. The diameter and depth of the recess 30 are approximately equal to the diameter and thickness of the heat sink 46. The diameter of the through hole 31 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess 30, and is sized to prevent the heat sink 46, ultraviolet-transmitting window 48, and cylindrical body 50 inside the recess 30 from detaching from the recess 30 towards the inner circumferential side of the straight pipe 16.

[0027] The recesses 30 are arranged in a single row along the axial direction in the straight tube 16. LEDs 44a and heat sinks 46b are alternately housed in the recesses 30 of the straight tube 16a in the row direction. The LEDs 44a and heat sinks 46a, which are located on the back of each other, are mounted at the same position along the axial direction on the flow path Pa side and the flow path Pb side of the circuit board 40, respectively. The LEDs 44b and heat sinks 46b, which are located on the back of each other, are mounted at the same position along the axial direction on the flow path Pb side and the flow path Pa side of the circuit board 40, respectively.

[0028] The annular cylindrical body 50 is fitted into the recess 30 where the LED 44 is located, surrounding the LED 44. The ultraviolet-transmitting window 48 is inserted into the through hole 31 from the recess 30 side and seals the flow path Pa or Pb side of the cylindrical body 50. The O-ring 49 maintains a tight seal between the periphery of the ultraviolet-transmitting window 48 and the peripheral wall of the recess 30. The ultraviolet light L emitted from the LED 44 passes through the ultraviolet-transmitting window 48 and irradiates the fluid in the flow path Pa or flow path Pb.

[0029] In Figure 3, D1 represents the sum of the length of the retaining plate 12 and the length of the resin case 20 in the Y-axis direction. D2 represents the projection dimension of the external connecting pipe 14 from the retaining plate 12 in the Y-axis direction. D1 is, for example, 150 mm. D2 is, for example, 17 mm.

[0030] In Figure 3, α1 and α2 represent the diameters of the straight pipe 16 and the external connecting pipe 14, respectively. α1 is, for example, φ10 mm. α2 is, for example, φ7 mm.

[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line A4-A4 in Figure 3. As can be seen from Figure 4, the straight pipes 16a and 16b are fitted into the resin case 20 with the circuit board 40 interposed between them in the X-axis direction. As a result, the three components, the straight pipes 16a and 16b and the circuit board 40, are held in a state of compression in the X-axis direction by the inner circumference of the resin case 20. Therefore, the circuit board 40 can be smoothly fixed to the straight pipe 16 without fixing it to the straight pipe 16 with the male screw 52, ​​and thus the male screw 52 and female screw 54 can be omitted.

[0032] The O-ring 47 is fitted between the peripheral wall of the recess 30 and the peripheral portion of the heat sink 46, maintaining a liquid-tight seal between them.

[0033] The periphery of the heat sink 46 is in circumferential contact with the recess 30 of the straight tube 16. Therefore, the heat generated by the light emission of the LED 44 is dissipated to the fluid in the flow path Pa or flow path Pb via a first heat transfer path that reaches the flow path Pa or flow path Pb from the bottom surface of the heat sink 46 through the fluid entering through the through hole 31. In addition, heat is also dissipated to the fluid in the flow path Pa or flow path Pb via a second heat transfer path that conducts from the periphery of the heat sink 46 to the straight tube 16, conducts circumferentially through the straight tube 16, and further reaches the flow path Pa or flow path Pb from the inner circumferential surface of the straight tube 16.

[0034] In addition, since the circuit board 40 is in contact with the rectangular plane of the straight tube 16, the heat generated by the operation of the LED 44 and other mounted drive circuits is conducted to the straight tube 16 and then to the second heat transfer path.

[0035] The operation of the fluid sterilization device 10u will now be explained. The fluid to be sterilized (e.g., water) is pumped from a pump (not shown) and flows into the fluid sterilization device 10u from the external connecting pipe 14a. As shown by the white arrows in Figure 3, the fluid flows (progresses) through the flow path Pa from one end to the other in the axial direction, then makes a U-turn in the flow path Pf, then flows through the flow path Pb from the other end to the one end in the axial direction, and flows out of the fluid sterilization device 10u from the external connecting pipe 14b.

[0036] Each LED 44 in the straight tube 16 irradiates the fluid in the channel Pa or channel Pb with ultraviolet light to sterilize bacteria in the fluid with ultraviolet light. The LED 44 generates heat when it emits light. As mentioned above, this heat is conducted through both the first and second heat transfer paths and dissipated into the fluid in the channels Pa and Pb. Although the amount of heat transferred in the second heat transfer path is smaller than that transferred in the first heat transfer path, the heat can be dissipated from the entire inner circumference of the tube wall of the straight tube 16 into the fluid flowing through the channels Pa and Pb, thus increasing the heat dissipation area.

[0037] (Contrast) Figures 5A-5C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the significance of arranging the LEDs 44 and heat sinks 46 alternately on both sides of the circuit board 40. In Figures 5A-5C, the isosceles triangular regions with hatched lines indicate the irradiation areas of ultraviolet light La or Lb.

[0038] In the fluid sterilization device 10u shown in Figure 5A, LEDs 44 and heat sinks 46 are arranged alternately on both sides of the circuit board 40. In contrast, in the fluid sterilization device 100u shown in Figure 5B and the fluid sterilization device 200u shown in Figure 5C, all LEDs 44 or all heat sinks 46 are arranged on only one side of the circuit board 40. The total number of LEDs is the same for all three fluid sterilization devices 10u, 100u, and 200u. Furthermore, the spacing of the LEDs 44 in the Y-axis direction, combining both sides of the circuit board 40, is also the same for all three fluid sterilization devices 10u, 100u, and 200u to allow for comparison between them.

[0039] Figure 5A shows the ultraviolet light irradiation area in the fluid sterilization device 10u. The ultraviolet light La and Lb are from the heat sinks 46a and 46b, respectively. Since the heat sinks 46a and 46b irradiate the flow channels Pa and Pb, respectively, on the circuit board 40 with ultraviolet light La and Lb, the ultraviolet light from adjacent LEDs 44 in the Y-axis direction does not overlap and is irradiated onto the fluid. In other words, in the fluid sterilization device 10u, a large flow channel area irradiated with ultraviolet light of an intensity above a predetermined value can be secured.

[0040] Figure 5B shows the ultraviolet light irradiation area when all LEDs 144 are directed toward the straight tube 16a side and irradiate with ultraviolet light La, and Figure 5C shows the ultraviolet light irradiation area when all LEDs 244 are directed toward the straight tube 16b side and irradiate with ultraviolet light Lb. Note that in Figure 5B, all heatsinks 146 are mounted only on the straight tube 16b side of the circuit board 40, so the heat from the heatsinks 146 is dissipated into the fluid flowing through the channel Pb. In Figure 5C, all heatsinks 246 are mounted only on the straight tube 16a side of the circuit board 40, so the heat from the heatsinks 246 is dissipated into the fluid in the straight tube 16a.

[0041] Depending on the configuration shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the fluid sterilization device can be miniaturized, similar to the fluid sterilization device 10u, and the mounting direction of the light source is standardized, making production easier.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10v of the second embodiment. The longitudinal cross-section in Figure 6 is a cross-section cut in the direction of the alignment of the straight pipes 16a and 16b. The sterilization pipeline unit 60 refers to the structure obtained by removing the external connecting pipes 14a and 14b from the fluid sterilization device 10u of Figure 3. The fluid sterilization device 10v has a structure in which two sterilization pipeline units 60 are aligned in the X-axis direction and connected in series with a U-shaped pipe 18v.

[0043] In detail, the straight pipe 16a of the lower (X-axis direction - side) sterilization piping unit 60 is connected to the external connecting pipe 14a, and the straight pipe 16b of the upper (X-axis direction + side) is connected to the external connecting pipe 14b. The U-shaped pipe 18v connects the straight pipe 16b of the lower sterilization piping unit 60 to the straight pipe 16a of the upper sterilization piping unit 60.

[0044] In the fluid sterilization device 10v, the fluid flows from the external connecting pipe 14a into the lower sterilization piping unit 60, through the flow path Pa → flow path Pf → flow path Pb in the lower sterilization piping unit 60, into the U-shaped pipe 18v, through the flow path Pf in the U-shaped pipe 18v, into the upper sterilization piping unit 60, and out through the flow path Pa → flow path Pf → flow path Pb in the upper sterilization piping unit 60, and then out through the external connecting pipe 14b.

[0045] In the fluid sterilization device 10v, the total flow path length is twice that of the fluid sterilization device 10u, and the total amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid is also twice that of the fluid sterilization device 10u. This allows for enhanced sterilization power.

[0046] In the 10V fluid sterilization device, two sterilization pipeline units 60 were connected, but by connecting three or more sterilization pipeline units 60, the flow path length can be increased, further enhancing the sterilization power.

[0047] (Third embodiment) Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10w of the third embodiment. The longitudinal cross-section in Figure 7 is parallel to the direction in which the straight pipes 16a and 16b are aligned. The differences between the fluid sterilization device 10w and the fluid sterilization device 10u of the first embodiment will be described. In the fluid sterilization device 10w, the U-shaped pipe 18 of the fluid sterilization device 10u is omitted, and instead, external connecting pipes 14a and 14b are connected to the other ends in the Y-axis direction of the straight pipes 16a and 16b, respectively.

[0048] The external connecting pipes 14a, 14a connected to one end and the other end of the straight pipe 16a, which is the first pipe of the present invention, correspond to the first connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe of the present invention, respectively. The external connecting pipes 14b, 14b connected to one end and the other end of the straight pipe 16b, which is the second pipe of the present invention, correspond to the second connecting pipe and the fourth connecting pipe of the present invention, respectively.

[0049] Let Fa and Fb be the fluids to be sterilized flowing through the straight pipes 16a and 16b, respectively. Fluids Fa and Fb flow linearly from one end to the other in the Y-axis direction through channel Pa and channel Pb of the straight pipe 16b, respectively. Fluids Fa and Fb are sterilized by exposure to ultraviolet light from LEDs 44a and 44b while flowing through channels Pa and Pb, respectively.

[0050] The fluids Fa and Fb may be the same fluid or different fluids. When the fluids Fa and Fb are the same fluid, branch pipes and merging pipes can be connected to the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid sterilization device 10w, respectively. This allows the flow rate of the fluid to be sterilized to be doubled.

[0051] The temperatures of fluids Fa and Fb can also be different. That is, fluids Fa and Fb can be, for example, hot water and cold water, respectively, and both hot and cold water can be sterilized simultaneously using the fluid sterilization device 10w.

[0052] In the example in Figure 7, fluids Fa and Fb both flow in the same direction along the Y axis, but they can also flow in opposite directions.

[0053] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 10t of the fourth embodiment. The longitudinal cross-section in Figure 8 is parallel to the direction in which the straight pipes 16a and 16b are aligned. The differences between the fluid sterilization device 10t and the fluid sterilization device 10u of the first embodiment will be described. In the fluid sterilization device 10t, the through hole 31 does not communicate with the recess 30 into which the heat sink 46 is fitted. Therefore, the bottom surface of the heat sink 46 is not exposed to the flow paths Pa and Pb, so the heat from the heat sink 46 is not directly released into the fluid in the flow paths Pa and Pb, and the heat from the heat sink 46 is dissipated only by the second heat transfer path described above.

[0054] In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the heat sink 46 is not exposed to the fluid channels Pa and Pb, so the heat sink 46, the circuit board 40 and its mounted components are less likely to come into contact with the fluid, thereby improving reliability and reducing costs by eliminating the need for sealing members.

[0055] (modified version) The straight tubes 16a and 16b correspond to the first and second tubes of the present invention, respectively. Similarly, the heat sinks 46a and 46b correspond to the heat sinks of the first group and the heat sinks of the second group of the present invention, respectively. The straight tubes 16a and 16b have the same shape and diameter, and the heat sinks 46a and 46b also have the same shape and diameter. However, the first and second tubes of the present invention may have different shapes and diameters, and the heat sinks 46a and 46b may also have different shapes and diameters. For example, the flow path Pa of the straight tube 16a as the first flow path may be wider or narrower than the flow path Pb of the straight tube 16b as the second flow path.

[0056] Multiple LEDs 44a constitute a first group of light sources, and multiple LEDs 44b constitute a second group of light sources. In the fluid sterilization device 10u, etc., the straight tubes 16a and 16b are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction on the circuit board 40. However, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources are mounted in the longitudinal direction of the circuit board and on each surface of the circuit board, and they do not have to be arranged alternately. However, as explained in Figures 5B and 5C, when multiple light sources of the same group are mounted consecutively on the circuit board, if the spacing is short, the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet light may decrease. Also, the number of light sources in the first group and the number of light sources in the second group do not have to be equal.

[0057] The U-shaped tubes 18 and 18v correspond to the connecting tubes and the external connecting tubes 14a and 14b, respectively, correspond to the first and second connecting tubes and the external connecting tubes of the present invention.

[0058] The fluid sterilization device of the present invention is used, for example, to sterilize water in water storage tanks such as ice makers, water in water supply pipes, hot water in water heaters, water in water dispensers, cooling water in circulation devices (chillers), or water in beverage dispensers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10... Fluid sterilization device, 14a... External connecting pipe (first or third connecting pipe), 14b... External connecting pipe (second or fourth connecting pipe), 16a... Straight pipe (first pipe), 16b... Straight pipe (second pipe), 18, 18v... U-shaped pipe (connecting pipe), 30... Recess, 31... Through hole, 40... Circuit board, 44a, 44b... LED (light source), 46a, 46b... Heat sink, 60... Sterilization piping unit.

Claims

1. A first pipe and a second pipe having a first flow path and a second flow path that extend parallel to each other in a first direction and are connected to each other, A circuit board interposed between the first tube and the second tube, A first group of light sources is disposed along the first channel on the surface of the circuit board facing the first channel, and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the first channel, A first group of heat sinks is disposed on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board at the rear position of each of the first group of light sources, A second group of light sources is disposed on the surface of the circuit board facing the second channel, in a position that does not overlap with the first group of heat sinks in the first direction, and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the second channel, A second group of heat sinks is disposed on the first channel-side surface of the circuit board, and on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board, at the rear position of each of the second group of light sources, A fluid sterilization device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, A fluid sterilization apparatus characterized in that the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources are arranged alternately in the first direction.

3. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, A fluid sterilization apparatus characterized in that the first group of heat sinks and the second group of heat sinks have surfaces facing the second flow path and surfaces facing the first flow path, respectively, that are exposed to the second flow path and the first flow path.

4. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 3, A fluid sterilization apparatus characterized in that the first group of heat sinks and the second group of heat sinks are fitted into recesses formed in each of them, and the surfaces facing the second flow path and the surfaces facing the first flow path are exposed to the second flow path and the first flow path, respectively, through through holes in the bottom surface of the recesses.

5. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, moreover, A first connecting pipe connected to one end of the first pipe, A second connecting pipe connected to one end of the second pipe, A connecting pipe that connects the other end of the first pipe and the other end of the second pipe, A fluid sterilization device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

6. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, moreover, A first connecting pipe connected to one end of the first pipe and a third connecting pipe connected to the other end of the first pipe, A second connecting pipe connected to one end of the second pipe and a fourth connecting pipe connected to the other end of the second pipe, A fluid sterilization device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

7. The system comprises multiple sterilization pipeline units and at least one connecting pipe that connects the multiple sterilization pipeline units in series. Each sterilization pipeline unit is: A first pipe and a second pipe, each having a first flow path and a second flow path that extend parallel to each other in a first direction and communicate with each other at the other end in the first direction, are connected to each other. A circuit board interposed between the first tube and the second tube, A first group of light sources is arranged in a line along the first channel on the surface of the circuit board facing the first channel, and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the first channel, A first group of heat sinks is disposed on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board at the rear position of each of the first group of light sources, A second group of light sources is arranged in a row on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board in a position that does not overlap with the first group of heat sinks in the first direction, and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the second channel, A second group of heat sinks is disposed on the first channel-side surface of the circuit board, and on the second channel-side surface of the circuit board, at the rear position of each of the second group of light sources, Equipped with, The fluid sterilization apparatus is characterized in that the connecting pipe connects the second pipe of one of the sterilization pipeline units and the first pipe of the other sterilization pipeline unit at one end in the first direction to two of the plurality of sterilization pipeline units.

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