JP2021041382A - Fluid sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilizer that irradiates a liquid such as water flowing inside with ultraviolet light to sterilize the same and has a structure that allows heat to escape efficiently into the fluid to be sterilized.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilizer 1 is provided with, in one embodiment, a channel tube 20 having a flow path 21 for flowing a liquid to be sterilized, and an ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 that is fitted into an opening 24 provided at one end in the length direction L of the channel tube 20 so that it irradiates the channel 21 with ultraviolet light, wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 has: a base 11 made of metal; light emitting elements 16 that are installed on the base 11 and emit ultraviolet light; a cap 12 made of metal having a light outlet 124 attached to the base 11 to cover the light emitting element 16; and a transparent window 14 covering the light outlet 124. The light emitting element 16 is hermetically sealed, and a part of the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 are exposed in the flow path 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid sterilizer.

Conventionally, a fluid sterilizer that sterilizes a liquid such as water flowing inside by irradiating it with ultraviolet light is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The fluid sterilizer described in Patent Document 1 accommodates a water channel through which a liquid to be sterilized flows and an LED attached to an opening at one end in the length direction of the water channel to irradiate the fluid in the water channel with ultraviolet light. It is equipped with an LED holder. In the LED holder, the LED is covered with a cap-shaped window that transmits ultraviolet light, and the window separates the LED from the space through which the liquid flows in the water channel.

Special Table 2016-511138

However, in the fluid sterilizer described in Patent Document 1, although the liquid in the water channel comes into contact with the window of the LED holder, it is considered that the thermal conductivity of the window made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light is not high. The heat generated in the above cannot be efficiently dissipated to the liquid in the water channel. Therefore, the temperature rise during the operation of the LED may lead to a decrease in the light emission intensity and a shortening of the life.

An object of the present invention is a fluid sterilizer that sterilizes a liquid such as water flowing inside by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, and efficiently releases heat generated in a light emitting element that is an ultraviolet light source to the fluid to be sterilized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid sterilizer having a structure capable of capable.

One aspect of the present invention provides the following fluid sterilizers [1] to [7] in order to achieve the above object.

[1] A flow path tube having a flow path for flowing a liquid to be sterilized, an inflow port for flowing the liquid into the flow path, an outlet for flowing out the liquid from the flow path, and the above. An ultraviolet light irradiation module that is fitted into an opening provided at one end in the length direction of the flow path tube and irradiates ultraviolet rays into the flow path is provided, and the ultraviolet light irradiation module includes a pedestal made of metal and a pedestal made of metal. A cap made of a light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light installed on the pedestal and a metal cap that is attached to the pedestal so as to cover the light emitting element and has an optical outlet for extracting ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting element. A fluid sterilizer having a transparent window covering the light outlet, the light emitting element is airtightly sealed, and a part of the pedestal and the cover are exposed in the flow path.
[2] The fluid sterilizer according to the above [1], wherein there is no step between the side surface of the cap and the side surface of the pedestal with the cap attached to the pedestal.
[3] The fluid sterilizer according to the above [1], wherein there is a high step on the cap side between the side surface of the cap and the side surface of the pedestal with the cap attached to the pedestal.
[4] At least one of a protrusion and a groove for controlling the direction of the flow of the liquid flowing in from the inflow port is provided on at least one of the side surface of the cap and the side surface of the pedestal. The fluid sterilizer according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5] The fluid sterilizer according to the above [4], wherein the protrusion or groove is a linear protrusion or groove having an angle within a range of 40 ° or more and 50 ° or less with the length direction of the flow path. ..
[6] The fluid sterilization according to the above [4], wherein the protrusion or groove is a linear protrusion or groove having an angle within a range of −5 ° or more and 5 ° or less with respect to the length direction of the flow path. apparatus.
[7] The cap is a screw cap having the protrusion or groove, and when the protrusion or groove receives the flow of the liquid flowing from the inflow port, a force in a direction in which the cap is closed is applied to the cap. The fluid sterilizer according to any one of the above [4] to [6], which has a shape to be added.

According to the present invention, it is a fluid sterilizer that sterilizes a liquid such as water flowing inside by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, and efficiently releases heat generated in a light emitting element which is an ultraviolet light source to the fluid to be sterilized. It is possible to provide a fluid sterilizer having a structure capable of capable.

1 (a) and 1 (b) are top views of the fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are partially enlarged views of the ultraviolet light irradiation module of FIG. 1 (b). FIG. 3 is a top view of a modified example of the ultraviolet light irradiation module. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are top views of other modified examples of the ultraviolet light irradiation module. FIG. 5 is a side view of another modified example of the ultraviolet light irradiation module as viewed from the length direction of the flow path.

[Embodiment]
(Configuration of fluid sterilizer)
1 (a) and 1 (b) are top views of the fluid sterilizer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1B, the flow path pipe 20 is cut horizontally on a paper surface in order to illustrate the inside of the fluid sterilizer 1.

The fluid sterilizer 1 has a flow path 21 for flowing a liquid such as water to be sterilized, an inflow port 22 for allowing the liquid to flow into the flow path 21, and an outflow port 23 for flowing out the liquid from the flow path 21. The flow path tube 20 is provided with an ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 that is fitted into an opening 24 provided at one end of the flow path tube 20 in the length direction L and irradiates the flow path 21 with ultraviolet rays.

The fluid sterilizer 1 emits ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 along the length direction (length direction of the flow path 21) L of the flow path tube 20 to irradiate the liquid (fluid) flowing in the flow path 21. Then, sterilize the liquid and suppress the growth of bacteria. For example, the fluid sterilizer 1 can be used for a water purifier or the like.

It is preferable that the flow path tube 20 is made of a material such as aluminum having a high reflectance to ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10, or the inner surface is coated with such a material. Further, the flow path tube 20 is preferably made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum in order to promote heat dissipation of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10. The shape of the water flow tube 20 is not particularly limited, but is typically. Is cylindrical or rectangular parallelepiped.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are partially enlarged views of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 of FIG. 1 (b). In FIG. 1B, the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 is cut horizontally on a paper surface.

The ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 is emitted from a pedestal 11 made of metal, a light emitting element 16 that emits ultraviolet light installed on the pedestal 11, and a light emitting element 16 attached to the pedestal 11 so as to cover the light emitting element 16. It has a cap 12 made of metal having a light outlet 124 for taking out ultraviolet light, and a transparent window 14 covering the opening 24.

A screw portion 241 is provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the opening 24 of the flow path pipe 20, and a screw portion 111 corresponding to the screw portion 241 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the pedestal 11. That is, the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 is fitted into the opening 24 of the flow path tube 20 as a screw cap that can be opened and closed by a screw.

Further, the seal component mounting portion 113 of the pedestal 11 has an annular shape such as an O-ring or packing for preventing the liquid in the flow path 21 from leaking from the gap between the pedestal 11 and the opening 24 of the flow path pipe 20. The seal component 13 is attached. The seal component mounting portion 113 is provided between the screw portion 111 and the bottom portion 112 of the pedestal 11.

When the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 is fitted into the opening 24 of the flow path tube 20, the seal component 13 is sandwiched between the step 242 on the inner peripheral side surface of the opening 24 and the bottom surface (upper surface of the bottom 112) of the seal component mounting portion 113. It is compressed in the thickness direction, and the sealing function is exhibited.

In the fluid sterilizer 1, the light emitting element 16 can be taken out from the flow path tube 20 by removing the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 from the opening 24 of the flow path tube 20. Therefore, it is easy to replace the light emitting element 16 or a component used for its operation when a defect occurs. The occurrence of a defect in the light emitting element 16 or the like can be detected by, for example, an abnormality detection output such as an open drain output.

The structure for attaching the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 to the opening 24 of the flow path tube 20 is not limited to the one using screws, but from the viewpoint of ease of attachment and detachment, FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) It is preferable to use a screw cap structure as shown in.

On the upper surface of the pedestal 11, an accommodating portion 115 for accommodating the light emitting element 16 and the substrate 17 on which the light emitting element 16 is mounted is provided surrounded by the side wall 116. The transparent window 14 is installed so as to close the opening above the accommodating portion 115 (on the side of the flow path 21). Further, the cap 12 has a frame portion 121 as a frame of the light outlet 124 that overlaps and suppresses the outer peripheral portion of the transparent window 14, and a tubular tubular portion 122 that is fitted with the pedestal 11.

A screw portion 114 is provided above the screw portion 111 on the outer peripheral side surface of the opening 24 of the pedestal 11 (on the flow path 21 side), and a screw corresponding to the screw portion 114 is provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the tubular portion 122 of the cap 12. A unit 123 is provided. That is, the cap 12 is attached to the upper part of the pedestal 11 as a screw cap that can be opened and closed by a screw.

Further, an annular seal component 15 such as an O-ring or packing for preventing liquid from entering the flow path 21 from the gap between the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 is attached to the seal component mounting portion 117 of the pedestal 11. There is. The seal component mounting portion 117 is provided on the outside of the side wall 116 on the upper surface of the pedestal 11.

When the cap 12 is fitted onto the upper part of the pedestal 11, the seal component 15 is sandwiched between the transparent window 14 and the bottom surface of the seal component mounting portion 117 (upper surface of the pedestal 11) and compressed in the thickness direction to exhibit the sealing function. .. Further, the transparent window 14 is sandwiched and fixed between the frame portion 121 of the cap 12, the side wall 116 of the pedestal 11, and the seal component 15. As a result, the light emitting element 16 is hermetically sealed in the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10.

The structure for attaching the cap 12 to the pedestal 11 is not limited to the one using screws, but it is preferable to use the screw cap structure as shown in FIG. 2B from the viewpoint of ease of attachment and detachment. ..

The light emitting element 16 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) chip or an LD (Laser Diode) chip. The ultraviolet light emitted by the light emitting element 16 is, for example, ultraviolet light in a wavelength range called UV-A (400 to 315 nm), ultraviolet light in a wavelength range called UV-B (315 to 280 nm), and a wavelength range called UV-C. Ultraviolet light (less than 280 nm), preferably UV-C having the highest bactericidal effect.

The number and arrangement of the light emitting elements 16 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the diameter of the flow path tube 20 and the size of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10. It is preferable that the plurality of light emitting elements 16 are arranged at equal intervals so that the ultraviolet light can be uniformly irradiated in the flow path 21.

The metal used as the material of the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 is preferably a metal having a particularly high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. Further, a metal having excellent corrosion resistance such as stainless steel is also preferable as a material for the pedestal 11 and the cap 12. The metal used as the material for the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 can be appropriately selected depending on the application and usage environment of the fluid sterilizer 1.

The transparent window 14 is a film made of fluororesin or the like, or a plate-shaped component made of quartz glass, fluororesin or the like, which transmits light emitted from the light emitting element 16.

Although not shown, a power supply line for supplying power to the light emitting element 16 penetrates through the pedestal 11 via the substrate 17.

The shapes of the pedestal 11, the cap 12, and the transparent window 14 and the structure for hermetically sealing the light emitting element 16 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2 (b).

(Radiation structure of ultraviolet light irradiation module)
In the fluid sterilizer 1, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a part of the pedestal 11 of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 and the cap 12 are exposed in the flow path 21. Further, as described above, the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 are made of a metal having high conductivity.

Therefore, the heat generated by the light emitting element 16 is transferred from the pedestal 11 or the flow path 21 to the liquid to be sterilized flowing in the flow path 21 via the substrate 17, and is efficiently dissipated. Further, when the flow path pipe 20 is made of metal, heat can be released from the pedestal 11 to the liquid flowing in the flow path 21 via the flow path pipe 20.

In the structure of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the diameter W2 of the cap 12 is larger than the diameter W1 of the portion 118 between the cap 12 of the pedestal 11 and the screw portion 111. .. Therefore, with the cap 12 attached to the pedestal 11, there is a high step on the cap 12 side between the side surface of the cap 12 and the side surface of the pedestal 11.

By providing a high step on the cap 12 side on the side surface of the cap 12 and the side surface of the pedestal 11, the surface area of the metal portion of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 is increased, and the heat generated by the light emitting element 16 is more efficiently transferred to the flow path 21. It can escape to the liquid flowing inside.

(Modification example)
FIG. 3 is a top view of a modified example of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10. In this modification, the diameter W2 of the cap 12 is equal to the diameter W1 of the portion 118 between the cap 12 of the pedestal 11 and the threaded portion 111. Therefore, when the cap 12 is attached to the pedestal 11, there is no step between the side surface of the cap 12 and the side surface of the pedestal 11.

When no step is provided between the side surface of the cap 12 and the side surface of the pedestal 11, the resistance when the liquid flowing from the inflow port 22 of the flow path tube 20 collides with the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 is lowered, and the liquid in the flow path 21 is reduced. The flow can be smoothed.

4 (a) and 4 (b) are top views of another modified example of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10. In this modification, on the side surface of the cap 12 and the side surface of the portion 118 between the cap 12 of the pedestal 11 and the screw portion 111, a protrusion 125 and a protrusion for controlling the direction of the flow of the liquid flowing from the inflow port 22 119 is provided.

Either one of the protrusion 125 on the side surface of the cap 12 and the protrusion 119 on the side surface of the pedestal 11 may be provided, but both are provided in order to more effectively control the direction of the liquid flow. It is good that it is done. Further, a groove having a similar planar shape may be provided instead of the protrusion 125 and the protrusion 119, or the protrusion 125 and the protrusion 119 and the groove may be mixed.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the protrusion 125 and the protrusion 119 are linear grooves forming an angle θ within a range of 40 ° or more and 50 ° or less with the length direction L of the flow path 21. In this case, the flow of the liquid flowing from the inflow port 22 of the flow path tube 20 and colliding with the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 from the side is guided in the length direction L of the flow path 21, and the flow of the liquid in the flow path 21 is guided. Can be rectified.

In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the protrusion 125 and the protrusion 119 are linear grooves forming an angle θ within a range of −5 ° or more and 5 ° or less with the length direction L of the flow path 21. In this case, by blocking the flow of the liquid that flows in from the inflow port 22 of the flow path tube 20 and collides with the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 from the side, the flow velocity distribution of the liquid in the flow path 21 is made uniform and ultraviolet. The irradiation time of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light irradiation module 10 can be made evenly close to each other.

FIG. 5 is a side view of another modified example of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 as viewed from the length direction L of the flow path 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 125, the protrusion 119, or the groove provided in place of the protrusion 125 receives the flow of the liquid flowing in from the inflow port 22, and the force in the direction in which the cap 12 which is the screw cap is closed is capped. It may have a shape that adds to 12. In this case, it is possible to effectively prevent the cap 12 from being detached from the pedestal 11 due to the collision of the liquid flowing in from the inflow port 22.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the liquid flowing to the lower side of the cap 12 collides with the cap 12 and flows to the lower side of the cap 12 rather than the resistance force received from the protrusion 125 (projection 119). The resistance received from is greater. Therefore, due to the collision of the liquid, a force in the clockwise direction, which is the direction in which the cap 12 is closed, is applied to the cap 12.

(Effect of embodiment)
According to the fluid sterilizer 1 according to the above embodiment, the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 of the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 are made of a metal having high thermal conductivity, and a part of the pedestal 11 and the cap 12 are in the flow path 21. The heat generated by the light emitting element 16 can be efficiently dissipated to the liquid to be sterilized in the flow path 21 via the pedestal 11 and the cap 12.

Further, since the fluid sterilizer 1 has a structure in which the ultraviolet light irradiation module 10 having the light emitting element 16 is fitted into the opening 24 of the flow path tube 20, the light emitting element 16 and the parts used for its operation are attached to the flow path tube 20. It can be easily taken out from the inside and replaced.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be carried out within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the invention. In addition, the components of the above-described embodiment can be arbitrarily combined within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

Moreover, the above-described embodiment does not limit the invention according to the claims. It should also be noted that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention.

1 Fluid sterilizer 10 Ultraviolet light irradiation module 11 Pedestal 111 Threaded part 114 Threaded part 119 Protrusion 12 Cap 123 Screw part 125 Protrusion 14 Transparent window 16 Light emitting element 20 Flow tube 21 Flow path 22 Inflow port 23 Outlet 24 Opening 241 Screw Department

Claims (7)

A flow path having a flow path for flowing a liquid to be sterilized, an inflow port for allowing the liquid to flow into the flow path, and a flow path tube for allowing the liquid to flow out of the flow path.
An ultraviolet light irradiation module that is fitted into an opening provided at one end in the length direction of the flow path tube and irradiates the inside of the flow path with ultraviolet rays.
With
The ultraviolet light irradiation module includes a pedestal made of metal, a light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light installed on the pedestal, and ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting element attached to the pedestal so as to cover the light emitting element. It has a cap made of metal having a light outlet for taking out the light, and a transparent window covering the light outlet.
The light emitting element is hermetically sealed.
A part of the pedestal and the cap are exposed in the flow path.
Fluid sterilizer. With the cap attached to the pedestal, there is no step between the side surface of the cap and the side surface of the pedestal.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1. With the cap attached to the pedestal, there is a high step on the cap side between the side surface of the cap and the side surface of the pedestal.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1. At least one of a protrusion and a groove for controlling the direction of the flow of the liquid flowing in from the inflow port is provided on at least one of the side surface of the cap and the side surface of the pedestal.
The fluid sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The protrusion or groove is a linear protrusion or groove having an angle within a range of 40 ° or more and 50 ° or less with the length direction of the flow path.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 4. The protrusion or groove is a linear protrusion or groove having an angle within a range of −5 ° or more and 5 ° or less with respect to the length direction of the flow path.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 4. The cap is a screw cap having the protrusion or groove.
The protrusion or groove has a shape such that a force in a direction in which the cap is closed is applied to the cap by receiving the flow of the liquid flowing from the inlet.
The fluid sterilizer according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

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