UV sterilizer with variable sterilization space function

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function, and more specifically, to an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function that can increase or decrease the fluid movement space using a space increase / decrease means, thereby allowing the sterilization time and sterilization intensity to be appropriately adjusted by controlling the amount of movement according to the state of the fluid to be sterilized. A UV sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the present invention comprises: a light generating unit that emits sterilization light; a chamber body having a receiving space in which the light generating unit is housed, a fluid inlet for a fluid to be sterilized to be introduced, and a fluid outlet for a fluid to be discharged; and a space increasing / decreasing means housed in the chamber body for increasing or decreasing the size of the receiving space; wherein the space increasing / decreasing means comprises a flexible fluid body installed inside the chamber body to surround the light generating unit and having a fluid movement passage formed in the center, and an auxiliary light generating unit installed in the flexible fluid body to irradiate sterilization light toward the fluid movement passage.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function, and more specifically, to an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function that can increase or decrease the fluid movement space using a space increase / decrease means, thereby allowing the sterilization time and sterilization intensity to be appropriately adjusted by controlling the amount of movement according to the state of the fluid to be sterilized. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, the reprocessing of nutrient solutions used in plant cultivation requires a sterilization process to eliminate harmful microorganisms such as viruses and pathogens, and this sterilization process is primarily carried out by physical and chemical methods.

[0004] Physical methods include dry heat sterilization, high-pressure steam sterilization, intermittent sterilization, UV or radiation sterilization, and these physical methods sterilize harmful microorganisms by performing a long-term treatment process under high temperature or high pressure.

[0005] Accordingly, sterilization methods using physical methods have the disadvantage of requiring a long processing time to create high temperature or high pressure conditions, and incurring high costs for manufacturing equipment to form such conditions.

[0006] Furthermore, chemical methods, which eliminate bacteria using specific disinfectants and sterilizing gases, have the disadvantage of causing adverse effects on the human body and environmental pollution due to the use of toxic substances.

[0007] Recently, light-based sterilization devices, such as ultraviolet (UV) sterilization devices, are being widely used as an alternative to solve the problems of conventional physical and chemical sterilization methods as described above.

[0008] For example, as a sterilization device using ultraviolet rays, an ultraviolet irradiation device and an ultraviolet sterilization device including the same are disclosed as disclosed in Korean Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0114584.

[0009] The above-described ultraviolet irradiation device includes an ultraviolet lamp (12), a quartz tube (20) containing the ultraviolet lamp, a holder (30) for fixing the ultraviolet lamp and the quartz tube, a means for supplying power to the ultraviolet lamp, and a rubber packing (22) installed below the top of the ultraviolet lamp.

[0010] In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization device comprises a cylindrical sterilization tube (50) for housing the ultraviolet irradiation device, which has a closed bottom and is equipped with a fluid inlet (52) and outlet (54), and a sterilization tube cap (60) having a hole (62) on the upper surface through which a wire passes and a screw surface on the inner surface of the lower part that is coupled to the upper outer surface (58) of the sterilization tube. At this time, the cylindrical sterilization tube (50) and the sterilization tube cap (60) are made of stainless steel, which is an opaque material to prevent the external leakage of ultraviolet rays for sterilization and is made with consideration for chemical resistance.

[0011] However, the aforementioned conventional ultraviolet sterilization device can perform effective sterilization using ultraviolet rays, but it has the following limitations.

[0012] In a conventional ultraviolet sterilization device, the nutrient solution introduced into the sterilization tube (50) through the inlet (52) flows through the passage between the quartz tubes (20) and is sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp (12). However, since the volume of the passage through which the nutrient solution moves is fixed, only a specific flow rate of the nutrient solution can always be sterilized regardless of the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution, so there is a limitation in that efficient sterilization action cannot be performed.

[0013] To explain more specifically, when supplying nutrient solution by circulating it, such as in hydroponics, the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution is low at the beginning of the supply, so the sterilization time is shortened to sterilize quickly. However, when the degree of contamination is severe, such as when the turbidity of the nutrient solution increases due to prolonged use, it is necessary to increase the residence time to increase the contact time with ultraviolet light. However, conventional ultraviolet sterilization devices have a disadvantage in that they cannot sterilize appropriately according to the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution because the volume of the nutrient solution movement passage of the sterilization tube (50) is fixed.

[0014] Furthermore, conventional ultraviolet sterilization devices have a limited volume of the nutrient solution passage, so the residence time (sterilization time) of the nutrient solution to be sterilized cannot be increased, such as when the flow rate of the nutrient solution to be sterilized is significantly increased or when sterilizing waste nutrient solution. This necessitates increasing the number of expensive ultraviolet sterilization devices installed, which has the disadvantage of increasing facility investment costs.

[0015] Meanwhile, when a UV sterilization device is used for a certain period, inorganic materials and foreign substances accumulate on the quartz tube, causing the light transmittance of the UV lamp to decrease and significantly reducing the sterilization effect. Therefore, after a certain period of use, it is necessary to clean the quartz tube by physically removing the deposits on the surface or by acid-cleaning the deposits using chemicals containing nitric acid. Consequently, if the number of installed UV sterilization devices is increased, a long downtime is required for cleaning, which not only causes poor crop growth but also results in high maintenance costs. Prior art literature

[0017] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2364173 "Chamber-type sterilization device using light" Korean Registered Utility Model No. 20-0114584 "Ultraviolet irradiation device and ultraviolet sterilization device including the same" Korean Registered Utility Model No. 20-0435974 "Tube-type ultraviolet sterilization device with non-powered automatic cleaning function" The problem to be solved

[0018] The present invention is proposed based on the above content, and aims to provide an ultraviolet sterilization device equipped with a variable sterilization space function that can perform effective sterilization by increasing or decreasing the fluid movement space according to the state or flow rate of the fluid to be sterilized. means of solving the problem

[0020] To achieve the above objective, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the present invention comprises: a light generating unit that emits light for sterilization; a chamber body having a receiving space in which the light generating unit is housed, a fluid inlet for a fluid to be sterilized to be introduced, and a fluid outlet for a fluid to be discharged to be discharged; and a space increasing / decreasing means housed in the chamber body for increasing or decreasing the size of the receiving space.

[0021] The above-mentioned space increase / decrease means may be configured to include a flexible fluid body installed inside the chamber body to surround the light generating part and having a fluid movement passage formed in the center.

[0022] In addition, the above-mentioned flexible fluid body may further include a spiral protrusion that protrudes in a spiral structure to form a fluid movement groove on the inner surface of the fluid movement passage.

[0023] Preferably, the elastic fluid body is formed of an elastic material and is composed of a hollow column-shaped body having a fluid passage penetrating through the center and an air injection chamber provided inside, wherein the outer surface of the body can be in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the chamber body.

[0024] The above-mentioned space increase / decrease means may further include an auxiliary light generator installed in the above-mentioned flexible fluid body to irradiate sterilizing light toward the above-mentioned fluid movement passage.

[0025] The light generating unit may be configured to include a UV lamp that emits sterilizing light, and a quartz tube into which the UV lamp is inserted.

[0026] Preferably, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the present invention further comprises: an operating fluid supply line connected to the flexible fluid body; an operating fluid supply source connected to supply an operating fluid to the operating fluid supply line; an operating fluid control valve installed in the operating fluid supply line to control the flow of the operating fluid; a contamination detection unit that detects the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution introduced into the chamber body or the nutrient solution to be introduced into the chamber body; and a control unit that detects the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution based on a detection signal applied from the contamination detection unit and controls the opening and closing of the operating fluid control valve to the predetermined degree of contamination of the nutrient solution to adjust the expansion range of the flexible fluid body.

[0027] In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the present invention may further include a pressure sensing unit for detecting the pressure of a fluid injected into the flexible fluid body; and a sterilization target fluid control valve for controlling the flow of a nutrient solution flowing into the chamber body. Effects of the invention

[0029] According to the ultraviolet sterilization device equipped with a variable sterilization space function according to the present invention, the fluid movement space can be increased or decreased using a space increase / decrease means, thereby allowing the sterilization time and sterilization intensity to be appropriately adjusted according to the state or flow rate of the fluid to be sterilized, thus enabling effective sterilization. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the technical configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the light generating unit, chamber body, and space increase / decrease means of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a means for increasing or decreasing space of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the light generating unit, chamber body, and space increase / decrease means of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a means for increasing or decreasing space of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, and identical components will be described by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0033] Meanwhile, detailed descriptions of configurations and their functions and effects that can be easily understood by a person of ordinary knowledge in the art from general technology in each drawing are simplified or omitted. In addition, since the present invention is characterized by an ultraviolet sterilization device equipped with a variable sterilization space function, the parts related thereto are illustrated and described, and the description of the remaining parts is simplified or omitted.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the technical configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the main components in a simplified manner. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the light generating unit, chamber body, and space expansion / decrease means of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a simplified cross-sectional structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the space expansion / decrease means of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is configured to increase or decrease the fluid retention space according to the state or flow rate of the fluid to be sterilized, such as a nutrient solution, and comprises a chamber body (1), a light generating unit (2), and a space increase / decrease means (3).

[0036] The chamber body (1) is a component that forms a passageway, which is a retention space where a liquid to be sterilized is introduced and a sterilization process is performed by a light generating unit (2), and is configured to have a receiving space in which a light generating unit (2) is built, and to be discharged after the liquid to be sterilized is introduced.

[0037] To explain more specifically, the chamber body (1) can be configured in various shapes and structures without special limitations as long as it is a component into which a light generating part (2) is inserted and accommodated, and a flow path (15) through which the fluid to be sterilized flows is formed.

[0038] For example, the chamber body (1) is provided with a main body (11) formed in the shape of a pipe, a fluid inlet (12) formed on one side (lower side) of the main body (11) for fluid to flow in, and a fluid outlet (13) formed on the other side (upper side) of the main body (11) for fluid to be discharged.

[0039] The light generating unit (2) is a component that emits sterilizing light and is configured to be placed inside the chamber body (1) to generate sterilizing light and irradiate it to the outside.

[0040] To explain more specifically, the light generating unit (2) is composed of a UV lamp (21) that emits sterilizing light and a quartz tube (22) inserted into the UV lamp (21).

[0041] The ultraviolet lamp (21) is composed of a UV lamp that emits ultraviolet rays in the wavelength range of 100 to 280 nm.

[0043] And the ultraviolet lamp (21) is protected by a quartz tube (22) that surrounds it, and is electrically connected to a socket (24) that is embedded in a socket holder (23) that seals the upper surface of the chamber body (1) to receive power.

[0044] The space increase / decrease means (3) is a component built into the chamber body (1) to increase or decrease the size of the receiving space, and can be configured in various ways without special restrictions on shape or structure as long as it is a structure that can increase or decrease the size of the receiving space of the chamber body as needed.

[0045] And the means for increasing or decreasing the size of the space (3) can expand the size of the space so that, when the contamination level of the nutrient solution to be sterilized is low, the flow rate is relatively high or the flow velocity is fast (meaning the contact time with the sterilizing light is short or the contact intensity is relatively low) and appropriate sterilization action is achieved, and conversely, when the contamination level of the nutrient solution is high (when turbidity, etc. increases), the size of the space is formed smaller so that the contact time with the sterilizing light is increased or the contact intensity is increased.

[0046] For example, the above-mentioned space increase / decrease means (3) is composed of an elastic fluid body (31) installed inside the chamber body (1) to surround the light generating part (2) and having a fluid movement passage formed in the center.

[0047] The elastic fluid body (31) is formed by an elastic synthetic resin material, and can be formed by an elastic synthetic resin, typically referred to as silicone rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] And the flexible fluid body (31) is formed of a flexible material as shown in FIG. 3 and is composed of a hollow column-shaped body (311) having a fluid passage (312) penetrating through the center and an air injection chamber (313) provided inside, wherein the outer surface of the body (311) is in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the chamber body (1).

[0049] The flexible fluid body (31) has a connection port (314) attached to the body (311) to which the working fluid supply line (41), described later, is connected. Here, the connection port (314) is composed of a connection sleeve (314a) to which one side is fastened to the chamber body and the working fluid supply line (41) is fitted to the other side, and a fixing nut (314b) fastened to the connection sleeve, and the inner side of the connection sleeve (314a) is bonded to the flexible fluid body (31) by a bonding method.

[0050] Additionally, the flexible fluid body (31) is configured with an exhaust port (315) for discharging compressed air injected into the air injection chamber (313). The exhaust port (315) is composed of a connecting sleeve (315a) with one side connected to the chamber body, a fixing nut (315b) connected to the connecting sleeve, and a plug (315c) connected to the connecting sleeve (314a). The inner side of the connecting sleeve (315a) is bonded to the flexible fluid body (31) by a bonding method.

[0051] Meanwhile, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises an operating fluid supply line (41), an operating fluid supply source (42), an operating fluid control valve (5), a contamination detection unit (6), and a control unit (7).

[0052] The working fluid supply line (41) is a component that supplies working fluid to the flexible fluid body (31) and is composed of a pipe having one end connected to the working fluid supply source (42) and the other end connected to the flexible fluid body. Here, the pipe may be composed of a metal pipe or a hose.

[0053] The working fluid supply source (42) is a component connected to supply working fluid to the working fluid supply line (41). Although a liquid such as water may be supplied as the working fluid and injected into the flexible fluid body, in this embodiment, the method of supplying compressed air as the working fluid is described as an example.

[0054] For example, if the working fluid supply source (42) is a place where a working fluid pipe (not shown) that supplies working fluid has already been constructed, this working fluid pipe is used as the working fluid supply source, and if the working fluid pipe is not provided, a compressed air generating means such as a small compressor (not shown) that generates working fluid can be configured as the working fluid supply source.

[0055] The control valve (5) is configured as a pneumatic directional control valve installed in the working fluid supply line (41) to control the flow of the working fluid. Here, the pneumatic directional control valve is configured as a solenoid valve, which is commonly used in the field of pneumatic control.

[0056] Additionally, it is preferable that the control valve (5) be configured as a pneumatic directional control valve configured to enable the exhaust operation of compressed air injected into the flexible fluid body (31) among pneumatic directional control valves.

[0057] The contamination detection unit (6) is a component that detects the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution introduced into the chamber body (1) or the nutrient solution to be introduced into the chamber body, and can be configured by applying any detection means capable of detecting the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution without special limitations.

[0058] For example, the contamination detection unit (6) is typically composed of a turbidity detection sensor that detects the turbidity of the nutrient solution, but it can be configured by applying a CCD camera. Here, the turbidity detection sensor can be selected from known products and installed in the chamber body (1) as shown in FIG. 1, but it is not limited thereto and can also be installed in the working fluid supply line (41).

[0059] The control unit (7) is configured to detect the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution based on a detection signal applied from the contamination detection unit (6), and to control the degree of opening and closing of the control valve (5) set according to the degree of contamination to control the expansion range of the flexible fluid body (31). Here, when the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution gradually increases, the control valve (5) supplies compressed air to reduce the inner diameter of the fluid passage (312), thereby increasing the contact intensity with the sterilizing light irradiated onto the nutrient solution, which can improve sterilization efficiency. Conversely, when the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution is low, the supply of compressed air is stopped to increase the inner diameter of the fluid passage (312), and compressed air is exhausted from the flexible fluid body through an exhaust operation using the exhaust port (35) or an exhaust operation using the control valve (5), and then sterilization can be performed relatively quickly while increasing the flow rate of the nutrient solution.

[0060] In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a pressure sensing unit (81) that detects the pressure of the fluid injected into the flexible fluid body (31), and a sterilization target fluid control valve (82) that controls the flow of the fluid flowing into the chamber body (1).

[0061] The pressure sensing unit (81) may be composed of a pressure sensor installed in the flexible fluid body (31). For example, although the pressure sensing unit (81) is shown installed in the chamber body (1) in FIG. 1, it may also be installed in the working fluid supply line (41).

[0062] The sterilization target fluid control valve (82) may be composed of an electric automatic control valve installed in a pipe connected to the fluid inlet (12) of the chamber body (1).

[0063] Meanwhile, the unexplained reference numerals 18 and 19 of FIG. 2 are an upper cover flange and a lower cover flange coupled to the upper and lower parts of the main body (11), and are hermetically assembled by bolts (181, 191) with a sealing member such as a gasket (not shown) interposed to prevent leakage.

[0064] The operation of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention is briefly explained below.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the portion indicated by the dotted line represents the state before expansion of the space increase / decrease means.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the first embodiment of the present invention connects the fluid inlet port (12) to the inlet side pipe (not shown) of the nutrient solution and connects the fluid outlet port (13) to the discharge side pipe (not shown) of the nutrient solution, and when the nutrient solution is supplied, it moves in the order of the fluid inlet port (12), the flow path (15), and the fluid outlet port (13).

[0067] And, as the nutrient solution flows through the flow path (15) of the main body (11), light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp (21) passes through the quartz tube (22) and is irradiated onto the flow path (15), thereby sterilizing harmful microorganisms such as viruses contained in the nutrient solution.

[0068] In the sterilization process of the nutrient solution as described above, when the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution detected by the detection signal applied from the contamination detection unit (6) reaches a set range, the control valve (5) is opened under the control of the control unit (7), and compressed air is supplied to the flexible fluid body (31) through the operating fluid supply line (41).

[0069] In this way, when compressed air is introduced into the flexible fluid body (31) and expands (meaning the inner side of the flexible fluid body expands from a dotted line state to a solid line state), the inner diameter of the fluid passage (312) becomes smaller, so the flow rate of the fluid moving inside decreases and flows in close proximity to the light generating part (2), thereby increasing the contact intensity with the sterilizing light and improving the sterilization efficiency.

[0070] Conversely, if the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution detected by the detection signal from the contamination detection unit (6) is lower than the set range, the control valve (5) is closed under the control of the control unit (7), and compressed air is exhausted from the flexible fluid injection body (31) to contract it, thereby increasing the inner diameter of the fluid passage (312), so that the flow rate of the nutrient solution can be increased and sterilized relatively quickly.

[0071] Hereinafter, other embodiments according to the present invention will be described. However, specific descriptions of components similar to those shown in the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and the description will focus on components having differences. Furthermore, in the other embodiments below, specific descriptions or drawings are omitted as long as the structures that can be adopted from the components shown in the first embodiment or the components shown in other embodiments may be selectively applied.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the light generating unit, chamber body, and space expansion / decrease means of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and briefly illustrates the cross-sectional structure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the space expansion / decrease means of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a chamber body (1), a light generating unit (2), a space increase / decrease means (3), an operating fluid supply line (41), an operating fluid supply source (42), an operating fluid control valve (5), a contamination detection unit (6), and a control unit (7) having the same structure as the first embodiment described above, wherein the space increase / decrease means (3) further comprises an auxiliary light generating unit (35) installed in a flexible fluid body (31) to irradiate sterilization light toward a fluid movement passage (314).

[0074] The auxiliary light generating unit (35) can be configured in various structures so that, in addition to the sterilizing light irradiated from the light generating unit (2), it can irradiate sterilizing light in an auxiliary manner toward the fluid moving through the fluid movement passage (312) of the flexible fluid body (31).

[0075] For example, the auxiliary light generating unit (35) is configured by installing and fixing an LED module, in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged at regular intervals on a strip-shaped printed circuit board, on the inner surface of a flexible fluid body (31). At this time, the LEDs are selected to emit light in the ultraviolet wavelength range.

[0076] The auxiliary light generating unit (35) can be installed by insert injection molding during the molding of the flexible fluid body (31). Additionally, the power used by the auxiliary light generating unit (35) can be supplied by inserting and installing a power cable hermetically through the exhaust port (35) or the connection port (314).

[0077] Additionally, the flexible fluid body (31) can be formed with a structure having an opening at the top for inserting an auxiliary light generating part (35), and then the auxiliary light generating part (35) is inserted and fixed, and then a separate cover pad for a plug is attached in a bonding manner to seal the opening.

[0078] In addition, the flexible fluid body (31) according to the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured with a spiral protrusion (36) that protrudes in a spiral structure so as to provide a fluid movement groove on the inner circumference of the fluid movement passage.

[0079] Meanwhile, since the process of performing the sterilization action of the ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the second embodiment of the present invention is identical or similar to the first embodiment described above, a detailed explanation is omitted and only the parts that differ are described.

[0080] The ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of improving sterilization efficiency compared to a method of sterilizing the nutrient solution only with sterilization light applied from the light generating unit (2) by irradiating auxiliary sterilization light three-dimensionally from the outside towards the fluid movement passage (312) of the flexible fluid body (31) from the auxiliary light generating unit (35).

[0081] In addition, as the sterilization process is performed, the moving liquid flows spirally through the spiral groove formed between the spiral protrusions (36), so the distance traveled (the distance traveled) is increased, and since a vortex is formed by the action of the spiral protrusions (36), the exposure characteristics to ultraviolet rays are significantly improved, so the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0082] Terms such as "include," "compose," or "have" as described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; therefore, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0083] Although the configuration and operation of an ultraviolet sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to one embodiment of the present invention described above have been explained, this is illustrative and those skilled in the art will understand that it is possible to substitute and modify parts of the aforementioned embodiment without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0084] Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be understood to extend to the invention described in the patent claims and its equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0086] 1: Chamber body 2: Light generator 21: UV lamp 22:Quartz tube 3: Means of increasing or decreasing space 31: Stretchable fluid stereotype 35: Auxiliary light generator 36: Spiral protrusion 41: Working fluid supply line 42: Working fluid supply source 5: Working fluid control valve 6: Pollution detection unit 7: Control unit 81: Pressure sensing unit 82: Sterilization target fluid control valve

Claims

Claim 1 A UV sterilization device comprising: a light generating unit that emits light for sterilization; a chamber body having a receiving space in which the light generating unit is housed, a fluid inlet for a fluid to be sterilized to be introduced, and a fluid outlet for a fluid to be discharged to be discharged; and a space increasing / decreasing means housed in the chamber body for increasing or decreasing the size of the receiving space; wherein the space increasing / decreasing means comprises a flexible fluid body installed inside the chamber body to surround the light generating unit and having a fluid movement passage formed in the center, and an auxiliary light generating unit installed in the flexible fluid body to irradiate light for sterilization toward the fluid movement passage. Claim 2 A UV sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function, characterized in that, in claim 1, the elastic fluid body includes a spiral protrusion that protrudes in a spiral structure so as to provide a fluid movement groove on the inner surface of the fluid movement passage. Claim 3 A UV sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function, wherein, in claim 1, the elastic fluid body is formed of an elastic material and is composed of a hollow column-shaped body having a fluid movement passage penetrating through the center and an air injection chamber provided inside, and the outer surface of the body is in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the chamber body. Claim 4 A UV sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function according to claim 1, comprising: an operating fluid supply line connected to the flexible fluid body; an operating fluid supply source connected to supply operating fluid to the operating fluid supply line; an operating fluid control valve installed in the operating fluid supply line to control the flow of operating fluid; a contamination detection unit that detects the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution introduced into the chamber body or the nutrient solution to be introduced into the chamber body; and a control unit that detects the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution based on a detection signal applied from the contamination detection unit and controls the opening and closing of the operating fluid control valve to control the expansion range of the flexible fluid body according to a preset degree of contamination of the nutrient solution, wherein the control unit controls the opening and closing of the operating fluid control valve so that the supply of compressed air is stopped to increase the inner diameter of the fluid passage when the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution gradually increases, and when the degree of contamination of the nutrient solution is low. Claim 5 A UV sterilization device having a variable sterilization space function, characterized in that, in claim 4, it includes: a pressure sensing unit for sensing the pressure of a fluid injected into the flexible fluid body; and a sterilization target fluid control valve for controlling the flow of a nutrient solution flowing into the chamber body.

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