KR102706693B1 - Sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilizing device comprising: a flow path including a first end, a second end positioned opposite the first end, and a flow path extending in an axial direction; a first light source unit emitting light from the first end toward the inside of the flow path in an axial direction; and a second light source unit emitting light from the second end toward the inside of the flow path in an axial direction; wherein the first light sensor detects light emitted from the second light source, and the second light sensor detects light emitted from the first light source.

Description

STERILIZER

The present invention relates to a sterilizing device, and more specifically, to a sterilizing device capable of monitoring light output.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Figure 1 is a drawing showing an example of a UV filter presented in Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1721249, and the drawing symbols have been changed for convenience of explanation.

The UV filter includes an outer housing (11) and an inner housing (12). The outer housing (11) includes a raw water inlet (11-1), and the inner housing (12) includes a filtration space (X) and a sterilization space (Y). The filtration space (X) is filled with a filter medium (11-2), and an ultraviolet lamp (12-2) is installed in the sterilization space (Y). Raw water introduced from the raw water inlet (11-1) can form a descending vortex while swirling along the inner wall of the outer housing (11). A porous plate (12-1) is formed between the filtration space (X) and the sterilization space (Y) to prevent loss of the filter medium.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a water pipe sterilization device applied to a dental unit chair presented in Korean Patent No. 10-1685321, and the drawing symbols have been changed for convenience of explanation.

The water pipe sterilization device is provided in a dental unit chair and is installed in the middle of a water pipe (20) for supplying dental water, and relates to a sterilization device capable of effective sterilization.

The water pipe sterilization device includes a body part (21), an inlet (22), a sterilization part (23), a disinfectant injection part (24), an outlet (25), and a battery receiving part (26).

The body part (21) forms a receiving space and includes a cover part (21-1) that can be opened and closed at the upper end. Water from a water pipe (20) flows into the inlet (22). A sterilizing part (23) is provided inside the body part (21) and includes a plurality of UV LED lamps. A disinfectant injection part (24) is provided in the cover part (21-1) and can inject a disinfectant. An outlet (25) is provided at the other end of the body part (21) and water is discharged. A battery receiving part (26) accommodates a battery that supplies power to the sterilizing part (23).

As shown in Fig. 1, water flowing through an external housing (11) is sterilized and purified by an ultraviolet lamp (12-2). Recently, water purifiers are becoming smaller, and the size of the ultraviolet lamp (12-2) is large, so it is being replaced by a small-sized ultraviolet semiconductor light-emitting element.

As shown in Fig. 2, the UV LED lamp is installed in water. When the UV LED lamp is installed in water, there is a problem that the LED lamp or the substrate equipped with the LED lamp may come into direct contact with the water, causing chemicals to flow into the water.

On the other hand, if the fluid to be sterilized is large in volume due to an increase in flow rate, the sterilizer must have a longer length of the flow pipe to secure the sterilization time. However, if the length of the flow pipe is longer, it is necessary to monitor the illuminance inside the flow pipe to check whether the illuminance is decreasing.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1721249 (2017.03.23.) Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1685321 (2016.12.05.)

The present invention aims to provide a sterilizing device capable of monitoring the illuminance inside the sterilizing device in one aspect to determine whether the illuminance has decreased.

In another aspect, the present invention aims to provide a sterilizing device capable of checking the degree of contamination of an object to be sterilized inside the sterilizing device.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

The present invention, in one aspect, provides a sterilizing device including a flow path including a first end, a second end located opposite the first end, and a flow path extending in an axial direction; a first light source unit emitting light axially toward the interior of the flow path from the first end; and a second light source unit emitting light axially toward the interior of the flow path from the second end; wherein the first light source unit includes a first light sensor, a first shielding unit, and a first light source, wherein the first shielding unit is configured to shield the first light sensor so that light emitted from the first light source does not reach the first light sensor; and the second light source unit includes a second light sensor, a second shielding unit, and a second light source, wherein the second shielding unit is configured to shield the second light sensor so that light emitted from the second light source does not reach the second light sensor, and the first light sensor detects light emitted from the second light source, and the second light sensor detects light emitted from the first light source.

A sterilizing device according to one aspect of the present invention can monitor the illuminance inside the sterilizing device to determine whether the illuminance has decreased.

A sterilizing device according to another aspect of the present invention can check the degree of contamination of an object to be sterilized inside the sterilizing device.

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a UV filter presented in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1721249.
Figure 2 is a drawing showing an example of a water pipe sterilization device applied to a dental unit chair presented in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1685321.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a drawing schematically showing a first light source unit of a sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing a second light source unit of a sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which light emitted from a first light source and a second light source is detected by a first light sensor and a second light sensor.

The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing(s).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a sterilizing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a sterilizing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sterilizing device (100) may include a flow pipe (110), a first light source unit (130), and a second light source unit (140). The sterilizing device (100) may be used to sterilize a fluid, such as water, a beverage, or air, flowing inside the flow pipe (110) by irradiating it with ultraviolet rays.

The euro pipe (110) may include a first end (111), a second end (112) located on the opposite side of the first end (111), and a euro (113) extending in the axial direction.

The pipe (110) may be a straight pipe (tube) formed with a cylindrical side wall, but is not limited thereto. The pipe (110) includes a first end (111) and a second end (112) located on the opposite side of the first end (111), and extends axially from the first end (111) toward the second end (112). The first end (111) and the second end (112) are open.

The euro pipe (110) may include a euro (113) extending axially from the first end (111) toward the second end (112).

In this specification, the “axial direction” means a direction parallel to the central axis (A) shown in Fig. 4. In addition, based on the positions of both ends (the first end (111) and the second end (112)) of the flow pipe (110), the direction toward the inside of the flow pipe (110) is referred to as “inner”, and the direction toward the outside of the flow pipe (110) is referred to as “outer”.

The flow path (110) may be composed of a material that reflects light emitted from the first light source unit (130) and the second light source unit (140), and may be composed of, for example, a metal material or a resin material. Preferably, the flow path (110) may be composed of a material having a high reflectivity of ultraviolet light, and most preferably, may be formed by curing PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), which is a perfluorinated resin. Since the flow path (110) is formed of such a material, the ultraviolet light emitted from the first light source unit (130) and the second light source unit (140) may be reflected toward the inner surface of the flow path (110) and transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the flow path (110). In particular, since PTFE is a chemically stable material and a material having a high reflectivity of ultraviolet light, it is preferable as a material of the flow path (110) forming the flow path (113).

The first light source unit (130) can be configured to emit light axially from the first end unit (111) toward the inside of the path (113).

The second light source unit (140) can be configured to emit light axially from the second end unit (112) toward the inside of the path (113).

The first light source unit (130) and the second light source unit (140) are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

A sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a first closing portion (121) and a second closing portion (122).

The first closing portion (121) can be fastened to the duct (110) at the first end (111). The first closing portion (121) can be fastened to the duct (110) while surrounding the first light source portion (130) to seal the first light source portion (130).

The second closing portion (122) can be fastened to the duct (110) at the second end (112). The second closing portion (122) can be fastened to the duct (110) while surrounding the second light source portion (140) to seal the second light source portion (140).

In order to seal the first light source unit (130) and the second light source unit (140), a sealing member (136) may be used between the first light-emitting plate (135) and the flow pipe (110), and between the second light-emitting plate (145) and the flow pipe (110). Accordingly, the sterilizing device may be configured so that the fluid passing through the flow pipe (113) does not leak toward the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit.

A sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a first nipple (114) and a second nipple (115).

The first nipple (114) may be formed perpendicular to the axial direction by penetrating the flow path (113) pipe on the inside of the first light source unit (130). The second nipple (115) may be formed perpendicular to the axial direction by penetrating the flow path (113) pipe on the inside of the second light source unit (140).

The nipple (114, 115) may be formed in a hollow shape so that a fluid may flow through the inner hollow portion of the nipple. The nipple (114, 115) is preferably formed of a material with excellent thermal conductivity so that it can perform a heat dissipation function, and may be formed of, for example, stainless steel.

Accordingly, the fluid can be supplied and discharged into the flow path (113) of the flow path (113) pipe via the first nipple (114) and the second nipple (115). That is, the fluid can be supplied from the outside into the flow path (113) pipe via the first nipple (114) and discharged to the outside through the second nipple (115) via the flow path (113), or the fluid can be supplied from the outside into the flow path (113) pipe via the second nipple (115) and discharged to the outside through the flow path (113) via the first nipple (114).

FIG. 5 is a drawing schematically showing a first light source unit (130) of a sterilizing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the first light source unit (130), and FIG. 5B is a plan view of the first light source unit (130).

The first light source unit (130) includes a first light sensor (131), a first shielding unit (132), and a first light source (133), wherein the first shielding unit (132) may be configured to shield the first light sensor (131) so that light emitted from the first light source (133) does not reach the first light sensor (131).

Referring to FIG. 5A, as indicated by the arrow, the first light source unit (130) is configured so that light emitted from the first light source (133) is shielded by the first shield unit (132) and does not reach the first light sensor (131).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first light source unit (130) may further include a first light sensor (131), a first shield unit (132), and a first substrate (134) on which the first light source (133) is mounted.

In addition, the first light source unit (130) may further include a first light projection plate (135) that is placed inside the first light source (133) and projects light emitted from the first light source (133).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding member (132) is arranged to surround the first light sensor (131) so as to shield the first light sensor (131) from the first light source (133).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first light source unit (130) may be configured such that the height of the top of the first shielding unit (132) from the first substrate (134) is higher than the height of the top of the first light sensor (131) from the first substrate (134) and the height of the top of the first light source (133) from the first substrate (134). With this configuration, the first shielding unit (132) can effectively shield the first light sensor (131) from light emitted from the first light source (133).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first light sensor (131) is arranged in the center of a first substrate (134), a first shielding member (132) is arranged in a cylindrical shape to surround the perimeter of the first light sensor (131), and four first light sources (133) are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the first light sensor (131) on the outer side of the first shielding member (132).

Since the first light sensor (131) is placed at the center of the first substrate (134), the first light sensor (131) can effectively detect light emitted from the second light source (143).

In addition, since the first light source (133) is configured to be placed in four positions on the upper, lower, left, and right sides based on the center of the first substrate (134), light can be effectively emitted toward the inside of the guiding tube (113).

FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing a second light source unit (140) of a sterilizing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the second light source unit (140), and FIG. 6B is a plan view of the second light source unit (140).

The second light source unit (140) includes a second light sensor (141), a second shielding unit (142), and a second light source (143), wherein the second shielding unit (142) may be configured to shield the second light sensor (141) so that light emitted from the second light source (143) does not reach the second light sensor (141).

Referring to FIG. 6A, as indicated by the arrow, the second light source unit (140) is configured so that light emitted from the second light source (143) is shielded by the second shield unit (142) and prevented from reaching the second light sensor (141).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second light source unit (140) may further include a second light sensor (141), a second shielding unit (142), and a second substrate (144) on which the second light source (143) is mounted. In addition, the second light source unit (140) may further include a second light-emitting plate (145) that is disposed inside the second light source (143) and projects light emitted from the second light source (143).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second shielding member (142) is arranged to surround a second light sensor (141) so as to shield the second light sensor (141) from a second light source (143).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second light source unit (140) may be configured such that the height of the top of the second shielding unit (142) from the second substrate (144) is higher than the height of the top of the second light sensor (141) from the second substrate (144) and the height of the top of the second light source (143) from the second substrate (144). With this configuration, the second shielding unit (142) can effectively shield the second light sensor (141) from light emitted from the second light source (143).

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second light sensor (141) is arranged in the center of a second substrate (144), a second shielding member (142) is arranged in a cylindrical shape to surround the perimeter of the second light sensor (141), and four second light sources (143) are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the second light sensor (141) on the outer side of the second shielding member (142).

Since the second light sensor (141) is placed at the center of the second substrate (144), the second light sensor (141) can effectively detect light emitted from the first light source (133).

In addition, the second light source (143) is configured so that four are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides based on the center of the second substrate (144), so that light can be effectively emitted toward the inside of the guiding tube (113).

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which light emitted from a first light source (133) and a second light source (143) is detected by a first light sensor (131) and a second light sensor (141), indicated by arrows.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first light sensor (131) may be configured to detect light emitted from the second light source (143), and the second light sensor (141) may be configured to detect light emitted from the first light source (133).

Accordingly, the sterilizing device can effectively emit light inside the channel (113) by using the first light source (133) and the second light source (143) arranged on the opposite side thereof even when the length of the channel (113) becomes longer, thereby preventing a decrease in the illuminance inside the channel (113). In addition, by using the second light sensor (141) arranged on the opposite side of the first light source (133) and detecting light emitted from the first light source (133), and the first light sensor (131) arranged on the opposite side of the second light source (143) and detecting light emitted from the second light source (143), the illuminance inside the long channel (113) can be monitored to determine whether or not the illuminance decreases.

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first light source (133) and the second light source (143) are semiconductor light-emitting elements that emit ultraviolet rays, the first light-emitting plate (135) and the second light-emitting plate (15) are made of a material that emits ultraviolet rays, and the first light sensor (131) and the second light sensor (141) may be UV sensors.

Semiconductor light-emitting elements emit light, and it is desirable that the light be UVC ultraviolet light. Among UVC ultraviolet light, deep ultraviolet light can be used, and it is desirable that the deep ultraviolet light has a wavelength of 200 nm to 300 nm. When deep ultraviolet light is irradiated on microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and fungi, it is absorbed by the proteins and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) of the microorganisms. Thymine, the basic substance of nucleic acid, forms a thymine dimer and inactivates DNA. Inactivation of DNA blocks the proliferation and regeneration of DNA, thereby suspending the life activities of microorganisms. The wavelength of ultraviolet light that has a sterilizing effect by DNA absorption is in the range of 100 to 310 nm, and the peak absorption value is 265 nm. Use is restricted because ozone is generated by ultraviolet light below 200 nm of the wavelength of ultraviolet light.

The substrate (134, 144) may be a typical PCB substrate on which a semiconductor light-emitting element is mounted. The substrate (134, 144) may be formed of a metal such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or a ceramic such as alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or aluminum nitride (AlN).

The light plate (135, 145) can be formed of quartz, sapphire, or a fluororesin series material that transmits deep ultraviolet rays. The fluororesin series material that transmits deep ultraviolet rays can be PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene), etc.

The light sensor (131, 141) may be a UV sensor. Specifically, the light sensor (131, 141) may be a photodiode for UVC, but is not limited thereto.

The shielding member (132, 142) may be composed of a material that is not damaged by light emitted from the light source (133, 143), and specifically, may be composed of PTFE or metal that is not damaged by UVC.

In a sterilizing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing device may further include a control unit (not shown) that adjusts the intensity of light output of the first light source (133) and the second light source (143).

The control unit may be configured to monitor the intensity of light emitted from the second light source (143) detected by the first light sensor (131) and the intensity of light emitted from the first light source (133) detected by the second light sensor (141) so as to adjust the intensity of light output of the first light source (133) and the second light source (143) so that the sterilizing device maintains a predetermined sterilizing ability.

The sterilizing device according to the present invention can effectively monitor the illuminance inside a long path (113) by preventing the first light sensor (131) from detecting light from a first light source (133) and preventing the second light sensor (141) from detecting light from a second light source (143).

In addition, the sterilizing device (100) can monitor the illumination of the first light sensor (131) and the second light sensor (141) to check the degree of contamination of the sterilizing target inside the sterilizing device (100).

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below.

(1) A sterilizing device comprising: a flow path including a first end, a second end located opposite the first end, and a flow path extending in an axial direction; a first light source unit emitting light axially toward the interior of the flow path from the first end; and a second light source unit emitting light axially toward the interior of the flow path from the second end; wherein the first light source unit includes a first light sensor, a first shielding unit, and a first light source, wherein the first shielding unit is configured to shield the first light sensor so that light emitted from the first light source does not reach the first light sensor; and the second light source unit includes a second light sensor, a second shielding unit, and a second light source, wherein the second shielding unit is configured to shield the second light sensor so that light emitted from the second light source does not reach the second light sensor; and the first light sensor detects light emitted from the second light source, and the second light sensor detects light emitted from the first light source.

(2) A sterilizing device, wherein the first light source unit further includes a first substrate on which a first light sensor, a first shielding unit, and a first light source are mounted; and a first light-emitting panel positioned inside the first light source and projecting light emitted from the first light source; and the second light source unit further includes a second substrate on which a second light sensor, a second shielding unit, and a second light source are mounted; and a second light-emitting panel positioned inside the second light source and projecting light emitted from the second light source.

(3) A sterilizing device further comprising a first end portion connected to the duct at the first end; and a second end portion connected to the duct at the second end; wherein the first end portion is connected to the duct while surrounding the first light source portion to seal the first light source portion, and the second end portion is connected to the duct while surrounding the second light source portion to seal the second light source portion.

(4) A sterilizing device further comprising a first nipple formed perpendicularly to the axial direction through the flow pipe on the inside of the first light source unit; and a second nipple formed perpendicularly to the axial direction through the flow pipe on the inside of the second light source unit; wherein a fluid is supplied and discharged to the flow path of the flow pipe through the first nipple and the second nipple.

(5) A sterilizing device, wherein the first shielding member is arranged to surround the perimeter of the first light sensor to shield the first light sensor from the first light source, and the second shielding member is arranged to surround the perimeter of the second light sensor to shield the second light sensor from the second light source.

(6) A sterilizing device, wherein the height of the top of the first shield from the first substrate is higher than the height of the top of the first light sensor from the first substrate and the height of the top of the first light source from the first substrate, and the height of the top of the second shield from the second substrate is higher than the height of the top of the second light sensor from the second substrate and the height of the top of the second light source from the second substrate.

(7) A sterilizing device, wherein the first light sensor is arranged at the center of the first substrate, the first shield is arranged in a circular shape to surround the periphery of the first light sensor, four first light sources are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the first light sensor on the periphery of the first shield, the second light sensor is arranged at the center of the second substrate, the second shield is arranged in a circular shape to surround the periphery of the second light sensor, and four second light sources are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the second light sensor on the periphery of the second shield.

(8) A sterilizing device, wherein the first light source and the second light source are semiconductor light-emitting elements that emit ultraviolet rays, the first light-emitting panel and the second light-emitting panel are made of a material that emits ultraviolet rays, and the first light sensor and the second light sensor are UV sensors.

(9) A sterilizing device further comprising a control unit for controlling the intensity of light output of the first light source and the second light source, wherein the control unit monitors the intensity of light emitted from the second light source detected by the first light sensor and the intensity of light emitted from the first light source detected by the second light sensor, and controls the intensity of light output of the first light source and the second light source so that the sterilizing device maintains a predetermined sterilizing ability.

100: Sterilizer
110: Euro pipe
121, 122: 1st and 2nd closing sections
130, 140: 1st and 2nd light source

Claims (9)

A conduit comprising a first end, a second end located opposite the first end, and a conduit extending axially;
A first light source section emitting light axially toward the inside of the filament from the first end; and
A second light source section that emits light axially toward the interior of the tube from the second end;
Including,
The first light source unit includes a first light sensor, a first shielding unit, and a first light source, wherein the first shielding unit is configured to shield the first light sensor so that light emitted from the first light source does not reach the first light sensor.
The second light source unit includes a second light sensor, a second shielding unit, and a second light source, wherein the second shielding unit is configured to shield the second light sensor so that light emitted from the second light source does not reach the second light sensor.
The first light sensor detects light emitted from the second light source,
The second light sensor detects light emitted from the first light source,
The first light source
A first substrate on which a first light sensor, a first shield, and a first light source are mounted; and
It further includes a first light-emitting plate arranged inside the first light source and projecting light emitted from the first light source;
The first shielding member is arranged to surround the first light sensor and shield the first light sensor from the first light source.
The height of the top of the first shield from the first substrate is higher than the height of the top of the first light sensor from the first substrate and the height of the top of the first light source from the first substrate.
A sterilizing device, wherein the first light sensor is arranged at the center of the first substrate, the first shield is arranged in a circular shape to surround the periphery of the first light sensor, and a plurality of first light sources are arranged on the periphery of the first shield. In claim 1,
The second light source
A second substrate on which a second light sensor, a second shield, and a second light source are mounted; and
A sterilizing device further comprising a second light-emitting plate disposed inside the second light source and projecting light emitted from the second light source. In claim 2,
A first end portion connected to the euro pipe at the first end; and
A second end connected to the euro pipe at the second end;
Including more,
The first closing part is connected to the euro pipe while surrounding the first light source part, thereby sealing the first light source part.
A sterilizing device in which the second closing part is connected to the euro pipe while surrounding the second light source part to seal the second light source part. In claim 2,
A first nipple formed perpendicular to the axial direction through the inner side of the first light source section; and
A second nipple formed perpendicular to the axial direction through the inner side of the second light source section;
Including more,
A sterilizing device in which a fluid is supplied and discharged into a passage of a pipe through a first nipple and a second nipple. In claim 2,
A sterilizing device, wherein the second shield is arranged to surround the periphery of the second light sensor and shields the second light sensor from the second light source. In claim 5,
A sterilizing device, wherein the height of the top of the second shield from the second substrate is higher than the height of the top of the second light sensor from the second substrate and the height of the top of the second light source from the second substrate. In claim 6,
The first light source is placed in four places on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the first light sensor on the outside of the first shield.
A sterilizing device, wherein the second light sensor is arranged at the center of the second substrate, the second shield is arranged in a circular shape to surround the periphery of the second light sensor, and four second light sources are arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the second light sensor on the periphery of the second shield. In any one of claims 2 to 7,
The first and second light sources are semiconductor light-emitting elements that emit ultraviolet light.
The first and second light panels are made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays.
A sterilizing device, wherein the first light sensor and the second light sensor are UV sensors. In any one of claims 2 to 7,
It further includes a control unit for controlling the intensity of light output of the first light source and the second light source,
A sterilizing device, wherein the control unit monitors the intensity of light emitted from the second light source detected by the first light sensor and the intensity of light emitted from the first light source detected by the second light sensor, and adjusts the intensity of light output of the first light source and the second light source so that the sterilizing device maintains a predetermined sterilizing ability.