KR102602730B1 - Laser sterilization module and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A light sterilization module according to an embodiment includes a housing; a flow tube installed inside the housing and through which external contaminants are sucked in and flowed; a light source unit installed along the flow tube within the housing; And it may include a light reflection part installed to surround the flow tube and having an inner surface formed of a light reflection material.

Description

Light sterilization module and system {LASER STERILIZATION MODULE AND SYSTEM}

The following description relates to the light sterilization module and system.

In general, toxic substances, including toxic substances, bacteria and viruses, are transformed into harmless substances by breaking their chemical bonds through a photochemical reaction using high-power ultraviolet laser diodes and LED rays that oscillate at a wavelength of 300 nm or less.

For example, in the case of CEPS, which is a similar agent to HD, a yellow mustard chemical agent, the Cl atom bond is broken by light and changes into a C12H10S2 substance. In the case of bacteria and viruses, ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, or their synthetic forms destroy the DNA or RNA of the organism, sterilizing or killing it.

Modules for decontamination, decontamination, virus killing, and sterilization using light can be applied to various fields such as marine pollution caused by crude oil leaks or marine waste, agricultural and livestock industries, hospitals, and special fields. Existing decontamination, decontamination, virus killing and sterilization devices are used in various liquid or gaseous states when used in the bio field, medical field, marine pollution, agricultural and livestock industries, hospitals, special fields, etc., resulting in secondary by-products. may cause environmental pollution.

However, most of the conventional light sterilization devices are manufactured in large structures and have high weight and power consumption, so it is difficult to transport them by manpower, and the operating and maintenance costs are also high.
Meanwhile, the background technology related to the present invention is Domestic Patent Publication No. 10-0668597, Domestic Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0108672, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-121592, and Domestic Patent Publication No. 10-2020- It is disclosed in No. 0034232.

The above-mentioned background technology is possessed or acquired by the inventor in the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be known technology disclosed to the general public before the application for the present invention.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide a light sterilization module and system.

According to one embodiment, the light sterilization module includes: a housing; a flow tube installed inside the housing and through which external contaminants are sucked in and flowed; a light source unit installed along the flow tube within the housing; And it may include a light reflection part installed to surround the flow tube and having an inner surface formed of a light reflection material.

The light source unit includes a plurality of light sources installed to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the flow tube, and the plurality of light sources are high-output ultraviolet laser diodes (LD) or LEDs that output light having a wavelength band of 300 nm or less. (LED) may be included.

The light sterilization module includes a coolant inlet through which coolant flows from outside the housing; and a coolant outlet through which coolant flowing into the housing is discharged, wherein the light source unit is installed in the plurality of light sources, and the coolant flows through the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. Additional pins may be included.

The light source unit includes a distribution resistor that distributes current applied to the plurality of light sources; and a printed circuit board on which the plurality of light sources and the distribution resistor are mounted, wherein the light sterilization module further includes a control unit that adjusts the density of light irradiated to the contaminants by adjusting the current applied to the plurality of light sources. It can be included.

The light reflection unit may include a light irradiation opening through which a portion of light rays output from a plurality of light sources of the light source unit passes through a portion of the outer peripheral surface facing the light source unit.

The light source unit may have a plurality of configurations that are radially spaced apart from each other around the flow tube, and the light irradiation opening may be formed in each portion of the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit facing the plurality of light source units.

The plurality of light source units may each include light sources that output light of different wavelength bands.

The plurality of light sources in the plurality of light source units may include a light source that irradiates infrared rays and a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays.

The light reflection portion may have a circular or polygonal cross-section.

The light reflection unit may have a polygonal cross-sectional structure formed of the same number of line segments as the number of the plurality of light source units.

The plurality of light sources may further include a cylindrical lens installed between the plurality of light sources and the light reflection unit to increase the density of light rays emitted from the plurality of light sources.

According to one embodiment, the light sterilization system includes a housing, a flow tube installed inside the housing and through which external contaminants are sucked in and flows, and are installed radially spaced apart from each other around the flow tube inside the housing. A light sterilization module including a plurality of light source units that irradiate light to contaminants flowing through the flow tube, and a light reflection unit installed to surround the flow tube and having an inner surface formed of a light reflection material; an analysis module that analyzes the type of contaminant through an optical reaction measured by irradiating the light toward the contaminant; and a control unit that adjusts the type, output, or shape of light output from at least one light source among the plurality of light sources based on the type of contaminant determined through the analysis module.

The plurality of light source units include a plurality of light sources installed to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the flow tube, and the plurality of light sources include a high-output ultraviolet laser diode (LD) that outputs light having a wavelength band of 300 nm or less. Alternatively, it may include an LED light source.

The light sterilization system further includes a cooling unit that supplies cooling water to the light sterilization module for cooling the plurality of light sources, the plurality of light source units are installed in the plurality of light sources, and the cooling water is supplied through the cooling unit. It may further include flowing cooling fins.

The light reflection unit may include a light irradiation opening through which a portion of light rays output from the plurality of light sources pass through each portion of the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit facing the plurality of light sources.

The plurality of light source units may further include a cylindrical lens installed between the plurality of light sources and the light reflection unit to increase the density of light rays emitted from the plurality of light sources.

According to the light sterilization robot of one embodiment, the safety and life of workers can be protected by decontamination, sterilization, and death of contaminants using light, leaving almost no secondary by-products.

According to the light sterilization robot of one embodiment, the type of contaminant can be determined in real time by measuring the photochemical reaction according to the irradiation of light, and the light can be selectively irradiated according to the type of contaminant.

1 is a block diagram of a light sterilization system according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a front view of a light sterilization module according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is a plan view of a light reflection unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 9 is a plan view of a light reflection unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing an embodiment, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to impede understanding of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Components included in one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless stated to the contrary, the description given in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a light sterilization system according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a front view of a light sterilization module according to an embodiment, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment, and Figure 4 is an embodiment This is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an example, and Figure 5 is a plan view of a light reflection unit according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the light sterilization system 1 according to an embodiment can determine the type of contaminant through an optical reaction observed by irradiating light toward an external contaminant, and sterilizes the identified contaminant. By selecting and irradiating the type, output, or shape of the light depending on the type, customized sterilization can be performed for each toxic substance, bacteria, and virus.

The light sterilization system 1 according to an embodiment includes a light sterilization module 100 that decontaminates or sterilizes the contaminants by sucking in the contaminants and irradiating the introduced contaminants with light, and circulates internal air contaminated by the contaminants. an air circulation unit 60 for cooling the light sterilization module 100, a cooling unit 30 for cooling the light sterilization module 100, and an analysis module for analyzing the type of contaminants through optical reactions observed by irradiating light toward the contaminants ( 10), a communication module 20 for transmitting and receiving information on contaminants from the outside, and a control unit 40 that controls the light sterilization system 1.

The light sterilization module 100 induces a photochemical reaction by exposing contaminants sucked in from the outside to light, and sterilizes and sterilizes toxic substances, bacteria, and viruses by adjusting the wavelength band, output size, or output mode of the internal high-output LED light. It can be decontaminated.

The light sterilization module 100 according to an embodiment includes a housing 160 having an internal space that accommodates contaminants to pass through and radiates light at the same time, a contaminant inlet 110 through which contaminants flow, and sterilized and decontaminated contaminants. A contaminant discharge port 120, a light irradiation unit 150a for irradiating light to contaminants passing through the inside of the housing 160, a coolant inlet 130 for supplying coolant to the light irradiation unit 150a, and a light irradiation unit 150a for supplying coolant to the light irradiation unit 150a. It may include a coolant outlet 140 through which the coolant circulating in the irradiation unit 150a is discharged.

The light irradiation unit 150a may be fixed inside the housing 160 so that the light source 173 can irradiate light to contaminants at an exact irradiation position.

Refer to FIG. 3 showing a cross-sectional view of the light irradiating portion 150a taken along line A-A' in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 showing a cross-sectional view of the light irradiating portion 150a taken along line B-B' in FIG. 3. Thus, the internal structure and arrangement of the light irradiation unit 150a can be confirmed.

The light irradiation unit 150a according to one embodiment is connected between the contaminant inlet 110 and the contaminant outlet 120 and is installed around the flow tube 190 through which contaminants are transferred, and the flow tube 190. A plurality of light source units 170 that radiate light to contaminants passing through the inside of the tube 190, and a light source unit 170 installed to surround the flow tube 190 and adjusting the intensity and distribution of the light irradiated from the light source unit 170. It may include a reflector 180.

The flow tube 190 may be a straight, light-transmissive tube extending between the contaminant inlet 110 and the contaminant outlet 120.

For example, the flow tube 190 may include CaF2, Fused Silica, and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)-based materials and materials that pass through ultraviolet rays well and have good durability, but various materials that well transmit a wavelength of 300 nm or less can be used. It may be possible.

For example, the flow tube 190 may have various cross-sectional structures such as circular, triangular, or square.

For example, the flow tube 190 can apply an anti-reflection coating on the outer part where light passes, and a total reflection coating on the part where reflection is needed, and the surface of the total reflection part can be roughened and applied with a total reflection coating to achieve a diffuse reflection function. It can be given and used.

For example, the flow tube 190 may include a heating resistor 191 installed along an internal path through which contaminants pass.

Heating resistance 191 can increase the absorption of ultraviolet rays by destroying or vaporizing viruses and toxic substances with heat.

For example, the heating resistance 191 may be in the form of a string or a coil.

The plurality of light source units 170 may be formed as a pair spaced apart to face each other with the flow tube 190 in between, as shown in FIG. 3 .

However, this is only one embodiment, and as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, which will be described later, two or more light source units 170 are radially spaced apart from each other based on the flow tube 190. Please note that the installed configuration is also possible.

Each light source unit 170 includes a plurality of light sources 173 arranged to be spaced apart along the flow tube 190, a distribution resistor 171 that distributes the current applied to the plurality of light sources 173, and a plurality of light sources 173. It may include a printed circuit board 172 that connects the light source 173 and the distribution resistor 171 to a power source, and a cooling fin 174 installed to cool the light source 173.

The plurality of light sources 173 may include high-output ultraviolet laser diodes (LDs) or LEDs. For example, the plurality of light sources 173 may output light having a wavelength of 300 nm or less.

For example, the plurality of light sources 173 may be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the flow tube 190.

For example, the distance at which the plurality of light sources 173 are spaced apart from each other may be appropriately adjusted depending on the intensity or exposure degree of light irradiated to the contaminant.

For example, the plurality of light sources 173 may have at least one optical characteristic, such as wavelength band, output size, output method (e.g., pulse oscillation or continuous oscillation), or beam shape, in order to respond to various types of contaminants. It may include a light source 173 that outputs different light rays.

For example, in order to respond to cases where contaminants include viruses or bacteria, the plurality of light sources 173 may include a light source 173 that outputs ultraviolet rays or infrared rays.

For example, each light source 173 of the plurality of light source units 170 has at least one optical characteristic relative to the light source 173 of other light source units 170, such as wavelength band, output size, output method, or beam shape. Different light rays can be output.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that a configuration in which all light sources 173 of the plurality of light source units 170 output the same type of light is also possible.

The cooling fin 174 may be a pipe member through which coolant circulating inside flows through the coolant inlet 130 and the coolant outlet 140.

Referring to FIG. 5 , which shows the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit 180 facing each light source unit 170, the light reflection unit 180 is formed in the shape of a tube surrounding the flow tube 190, and the flow A portion of the outer peripheral surface may have an open shape so that at least a portion of the light output from the plurality of light source units 170 installed around the tube 190 can be irradiated toward the flow tube 190.

For example, the light reflection unit 180 has a light irradiation opening 181 through which a portion of the light output from the plurality of light sources 173 of the light source unit 170 passes, among the portions of the outer peripheral surface facing the light source unit 170. It can be included.

For example, a light irradiation opening may be formed in each portion of the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit 180 facing the plurality of light source units 170.

For example, the inner surface of the light reflection unit 180 may be formed of a reflective material so that a portion of the light irradiated inside through the light irradiation opening 181 is reflected. Through this, the concentration of light irradiated inside the light reflection unit 180 can be increased, and contaminants passing through the flow tube 190 can be effectively exposed to the light beam.

For example, the light reflection unit 180 may be a total reflection type, a diffuse reflection type, or a variable reflection type that can adjust the intensity distribution of light in space using the advantages of total reflection and diffuse reflection.

For example, the light reflection unit 180 may have a polygonal cross-sectional structure formed by the same number of line segments as the number of the plurality of light source units 170 (i.e., the number of radially spaced points).

For example, as the flow tube 190 may have various cross-sectional structures such as circular, triangular, or square, the light reflection unit 180 installed to surround the flow tube 190 may also have various cross-sectional shapes. It can have a structure.

For example, the light sterilization module 100 may include a control unit 40 that adjusts the density of light irradiated to the contaminants by adjusting the current applied to the plurality of light sources 173.

For example, in order to keep the energy density, spatial distribution, and diameter of the light irradiated to the contaminants constant, a light reflection unit 180 having a mirror surface is generally installed on the outer surface of the flow tube 190 through which the contaminants pass. A diffuse reflection type reflector (spectraron) installed so that the light reflection part 180 of a highly reflective material such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), BaSO4, and PTFE treated under medium pressure surrounds the total reflector coating and the flow tube 190; It includes a diffusely reflective reflector surrounding the same high-reflective material, and the flow tube 190 is made of CaF-based, Fused Silica, and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)-based materials that allow ultraviolet rays to pass through well and have good durability, as well as wavelengths of 300 nm or less. It can be formed from a transparent material.

For example, the control unit 40 may adjust the type, output, or shape of light output from at least one light source 173 among the plurality of light sources 173 based on the type of contaminant.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the light irradiation unit 150b has a different configuration and arrangement from the light irradiation unit 150a of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

The light irradiation unit 150b according to one embodiment includes a flow tube 190 and a light reflection unit 180 each having a square cross-section, and four light irradiation units arranged to face each of the square outer peripheral surfaces of the light reflection unit 180 ( It may include the configuration of 150a).

As the four light reflection units 180 are installed radially spaced around the flow tube 190 and the light reflection unit 180, the four light reflection units 180 on the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit 180 face each other. A light irradiation opening 181 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of each beam.

According to the light sterilization module 100 according to an embodiment, the plurality of light sources 173 are arranged continuously along the flow path of the contaminants and has an advantageous structure for simultaneously irradiating different types of light rays, so that the various types of contaminants Accordingly, it can respond to various types of contaminants such as toxic substances, bacteria, or viruses, and at the same time provides the structural advantage of being able to decontaminate or sterilize heterogeneous contaminants.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light irradiation unit according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a top view of a light reflection unit according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, it can be seen that the light irradiation unit 250a has a different configuration from the light irradiation units 150a and 150b of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, and FIG. 8 shows the line of FIG. 7. A cross-sectional view of the light irradiation portion 250a taken along C-C' is shown.

The light irradiation unit 250a according to one embodiment is installed along the flow tube 290 through which contaminants are transported and has a heating resistance 291 therein, and around the flow tube 290 to provide an inside of the flow tube 290. A plurality of light source units 270 that radiate light to passing contaminants, and a light reflection unit 280 that is installed to surround the flow tube 290 and adjusts the intensity and distribution of the light irradiated from the light source unit 270. It can be included.

Each of the plurality of light source units 270 includes a plurality of light sources 273 arranged to be spaced apart along the flow tube 290, a distribution resistor 271 that distributes the current applied to the plurality of light sources 273, and a plurality of light sources 273 arranged to be spaced apart along the flow tube 290. A printed circuit board 272 connecting the light source 273 and the distribution resistor 271 to the power supply, a cooling fin 274 installed to cool the light source 273, and a light source 273 and a light reflection unit ( It may include a cylindrical lens 275 installed between 280).

A cylindrical lens (274) may be a light control optical system that increases the density of light output from the light source (273). For example, the cylindrical lens 275 may have an integrated configuration capable of covering all of the plurality of light sources 273 along the longitudinal direction of the flow tube 290.

Referring to FIG. 9 , which shows the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit 280 facing each light source unit 270, the light irradiated from the light source 273 through the cylindrical lens 275 toward the light reflection unit 280 As the density of light increases and the luminous flux decreases, the light irradiation opening 281 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit 280 may also be formed to have a narrower width than the light irradiation opening 181 in the above-described embodiment.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light sterilization module according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , it can be seen that the light irradiation unit 250b has a different configuration and arrangement from the light irradiation units 150a, 150b, and 250a of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

The light irradiation unit 250b according to an embodiment includes a flow tube 290 and a light reflection unit 280 each having a hexagonal cross-section, and six light irradiation units arranged to face each of the hexagonal outer peripheral surfaces of the light reflection unit 280. It may include the configuration of (250a).

As the six light reflection units 280 are installed to be radially spaced around the flow tube 290 and the light reflection unit 280, the six light reflection units 280 face each other on the outer peripheral surface of the light reflection unit 280. A light irradiation opening 281 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of each beam.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings, various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art from the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described structure, device, etc. may be combined or combined in a form different from the described method, or may be used with other components or equivalents. Appropriate results can be achieved even if replaced or substituted by .

Claims (16)

housing;
a flow tube installed inside the housing and through which external contaminants are sucked in and flowed;
a light source unit installed inside the housing to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the flow tube and at the same time being radially spaced apart from each other about the flow tube and including a plurality of light sources that irradiate light rays into the flow tube; and
It is installed to surround the flow tube, the inner surface is formed of a light reflective material so that a portion of the light irradiated into the flow tube can be reflected, and the plurality of light sources are output from each portion of the outer peripheral surface where the plurality of light sources are installed. A light reflection unit having a plurality of light irradiation openings that guide a portion of the light rays into the flow tube along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
A light sterilization module, wherein the plurality of light sources include light sources that output light in different wavelength bands.
According to claim 1,
The light source unit,
A light sterilization module including a high-output ultraviolet laser diode (LD) or LED that outputs light having a wavelength band of 300 nm or less.
According to claim 2,
a coolant inlet through which coolant flows from outside the housing; and
It further includes a coolant outlet through which the coolant introduced into the housing is discharged,
The light source unit,
The light sterilization module is installed on the plurality of light sources and further includes cooling fins through which coolant circulates inside the housing through the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.
According to claim 3,
The light source unit,
a distribution resistor that distributes current applied to the plurality of light sources; and
Further comprising a printed circuit board on which the plurality of light sources and distribution resistors are mounted,
The light sterilization module is,
A light sterilization module further comprising a control unit that adjusts the density of light irradiated to the contaminants by controlling the current applied to the plurality of light sources.
delete delete delete According to claim 1,
The plurality of light sources in the plurality of light source units are:
A light sterilization module including a light source that irradiates infrared light and a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light.
According to claim 1,
The light reflection unit,
A light sterilization module characterized by having a circular or polygonal cross-section.
According to claim 1,
The light reflection unit,
A light sterilization module, characterized in that it has a polygonal cross-sectional structure formed by the same number of line segments as the number of the plurality of light source units.
According to claim 1,
The plurality of light sources,
A light sterilization module further comprising a cylindrical lens installed between the plurality of light sources and the light reflection unit to increase the density of light irradiated from the plurality of light sources.
The light sterilization module according to claim 1;
an analysis module that analyzes the type of contaminant through an optical reaction measured by irradiating the light toward the contaminant; and
A light sterilization system comprising a control unit that adjusts the type, output, or shape of light output from at least one light source among the plurality of light sources based on the type of contaminant determined through the analysis module.
According to claim 12,
The plurality of light sources are,
A light sterilization system including a high-output ultraviolet laser diode (LD) or LED light source that outputs light having a wavelength band of 300 nm or less.
According to claim 13,
Further comprising a cooling unit supplying cooling water to the light sterilization module for cooling the plurality of light sources,
The plurality of light sources,
A light sterilization system installed on the plurality of light sources and further comprising cooling fins through which coolant supplied through the cooling unit flows.
delete According to claim 12,
The plurality of light sources,
A light sterilization system further comprising a cylindrical lens installed between the plurality of light sources and the light reflection unit to increase the density of light irradiated from the plurality of light sources.

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