Sterilization device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sterilization device. A sterilization device for irradiating an irradiation object with ultraviolet light to sterilize the irradiation object, the sterilization device being provided with: an inner member which is composed of a silicone resin composition containing an inorganic filler and which includes a housing part capable of housing the irradiation object, and which reflects ultraviolet light into the housing part; and an outer member accommodating the inner member, the inner member having flexibility in such a manner as to be accommodated in the outer member by deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sterilization device. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, ultraviolet rays can be used to sterilize fluids such as liquids. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fluid sterilizing device that sterilizes a fluid flowing in an axially extending flow path by irradiating ultraviolet rays in the axial direction.

[0003] Specifically, the fluid sterilization device described in Patent Document 1 comprises: a light source including a semiconductor light emitting element emitting ultraviolet rays; a housing having a flow path for a fluid to be sterilized to flow along an axial direction; an opening for the fluid to flow in; and an opening for the fluid to flow out. The light source is arranged at one end of the housing in the axial direction. An opening for the fluid to flow in is arranged at one end of the housing, and an opening for the fluid to flow out is arranged at the other end of the housing.

[0004] The housing of Patent Document 1 is believed to have a tapered structure with an inclination matching the orientation angle of the semiconductor light emitting element, so that ultraviolet rays can reach a position far from the light source, and ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the fluid rectified by the rectifying unit, so that the fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet rays without omission, thereby improving the sterilization effect. The housing is made of stainless steel and Teflon (registered trademark).

[0005] When the housing of the sterilizing device described in Patent Document 1 is made of Teflon, for example, it needs to be manufactured by machining separately, and cannot be mass-produced like injection molding, etc. In addition, it is desired to increase the degree of freedom of design in consideration of sterilization efficiency, such as the installation position of the inlet, outlet, and ultraviolet irradiation window or the shape of the housing, while ensuring productivity.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-98055 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that ensures productivity and has a high degree of freedom in design.

[0011] Solutions to the problem

[0012] [1] A sterilization device for sterilizing an irradiation object by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the irradiation object, the sterilization device comprising: an inner member, which is composed of a silicone resin composition containing an inorganic filler and includes a housing portion capable of housing the irradiation object, the inner member reflects ultraviolet rays toward the interior of the housing portion; and an outer member, which houses the inner member, the inner member being flexible in a manner such that it can be housed in the outer member by deformation.

[0013] [2] The sterilization device according to [1], wherein the inner member is configured to be arranged in the outer member by being deformed, and is housed in the outer member in a state where the deformation is released.

[0014] [3] A sterilization device as described in [1] or [2], wherein the irradiation object is a fluid, and the inner part comprises: a hollow inner part body; a supply tube for supplying the fluid to the interior of the inner part body, one end of the supply tube opening on the inner surface of the inner part body and the other end protruding from the outer surface of the inner part body; and a removal tube for removing the fluid from the interior of the inner part body, one end of the removal tube opening on the inner surface of the inner part body and the other end protruding from the outer surface of the inner part body.

[0015] [4] A sterilization device as described in [3], further comprising a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays into the inner part, and the inner part further comprising a light guide tube for guiding ultraviolet rays from the light source into the inner part body, one end of the light guide tube opening on the inner surface of the inner part body and the other end protruding from the outer surface of the inner part body.

[0016] [5] The sterilization device as described in [4], wherein the inner member body is divided into two or more parts.

[0017] [6] The sterilization device as described in [5], wherein at least two of the supply tube, the extraction tube, and the light guide tube open in one of the two or more parts divided by the inner member body.

[0018] [7] The sterilization device according to [6], wherein the at least two tubes among the supply tube, the extraction tube, and the light guide tube that open on the one component are arranged so that their axes are not parallel to each other.

[0019] [8] The sterilization device as described in [3], wherein the other end of the supply pipe and the other end of the extraction pipe are respectively provided with a convex portion extending to the outside of the pipe diameter of the supply pipe and the extraction pipe.

[0020] [9] The sterilization device according to [3], wherein the outer member comprises: a first through hole for accommodating the supply tube; and a second through hole for accommodating the removal tube.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sterilization apparatus which ensures productivity and has a high degree of freedom in design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1A , Figure 1B It is a figure which shows the structure of the disinfection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0024] Figure 2A to Figure 2D It is a figure which shows the structure of the inner side material in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of a sterilization device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4A to Figure 4D It is a figure which shows the structure of the inner side material in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

[0027] Figure 5A , Figure 5B It is a figure which shows the structure of the sterilization apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

[0028] Figure 6A to Figure 6D It is a figure which shows the structure of the inner side material in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 100, 200, 300 sterilization devices

[0031] 110, 210, 310 inner parts

[0032] 111, 311 inner body

[0033] 111a Accommodation portion

[0034] 112, 212 supply pipe

[0035] 112a First connection portion

[0036] 113, 213, 313 take-out tube

[0037] 113a Second connection portion

[0038] 114 Light Guide

[0039] 115, 315 first inner member body

[0040] 116, 316 Second inner member body

[0041] 120, 220, 320 outer parts

[0042] 121, 321 Outer body

[0043] 122, 222 Supply pipe cover

[0044] 123, 223, 323 Remove the tube cover

[0045] 124 Light pipe cover

[0046] 125, 325 first outer part

[0047] 126, 326 Second outer part

[0048] 131, 231 first through hole

[0049] 132, 232 First step

[0050] 133, 233 Second through hole

[0051] 134, 234 Second step

[0052] 135 First O-ring

[0053] 136 first annular groove

[0054] 137 Second O-ring

[0055] 138 Second annular groove

[0056] 139 Window

[0057] 150 Light Source

[0058] 151 Fixed parts

[0059] 212a first convex part

[0060] 213a Second convex part DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Hereinafter, a sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0062] [Implementation Method 1]

[0063] (Structure of sterilization device)

[0064] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the sterilization device 100. Figure 1B It is a cross-sectional view. Figure 2A is a three-dimensional view of the first inner member body 115, Figure 2Bis a cross-sectional view of the first inner member body 115, Figure 2C is a perspective view of the second inner member body 116, Figure 2D 2 is a cross-sectional view of the second inner member body 116 .

[0065] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B As shown, the sterilization device 100 is a sterilization device for sterilizing the irradiated object by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the irradiated object. The irradiated object, i.e., the object of sterilization, may be a fluid, or an object other than a fluid. The fluid is not particularly limited as long as it has fluidity, and may be a gas or a liquid. Objects other than fluids include, for example, objects that may be contaminated by bacteria. In the present embodiment, the irradiated object is a fluid. In the following description, the sterilization device 100 in which the irradiated object is a fluid is described. In addition, even if the irradiated object is an object other than a fluid, the structure of the sterilization device 100 is the same. The sterilization device 100 includes an inner part 110 including a accommodating portion 111a, and an outer part 120. In addition, the sterilization device 100 may also include a light source 150 for irradiating ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, the sterilization device 100 also includes a light source 150.

[0066] The inner member 110 is composed of a silicone resin composition, which can accommodate a fluid (irradiation object), and the inner member 110 reflects ultraviolet rays from the light source 150. The inner member 110 has a housing 111a that can accommodate a fluid (irradiation object). Here, the housing 111a refers to a space divided by the inner member 110. That is, the inner member 110 reflects ultraviolet rays into the housing 111a. The silicone resin composition contains a silicone resin and an inorganic filler. The inner member 110 composed of the silicone resin composition has flexibility, whereby it is configured into the outer member 120 by deformation and is accommodated in the outer member 120 in a state where the deformation is released. Here, the state where the deformation is released includes a state where it has been completely released to a state before deformation and a state where a part still remains deformed. For example, in the case where the outer member 120 is made of a 3D printer and has an undercut shape, such a structure is advantageous when the inner member 110 is accommodated in the outer member 120. In addition, this is also advantageous when the insertion opening for inserting the outer member 120 into the inner member 110 is small.

[0067] Similar to fluororesins, silicone resins are not particularly limited as long as they have excellent UV resistance and can be used as materials for injection molding. Silicone resins are mixtures of organohydrogenpolysiloxanes and vinyl-containing organopolysiloxanes. Vinyl-containing organopolysiloxanes are straight-chain diorganopolysiloxanes whose main chain consists of repeating units of diorganosiloxane units and whose molecular chain ends are capped with triorganosiloxy groups. Vinyl-containing organopolysiloxanes may partially have a branched structure. Organopolysiloxanes are base polymers of liquid silicone rubber compositions and contain vinyl groups bonded to silicon atoms at both ends of the molecular chain or in the side chains of the molecules. Organohydrogenpolysiloxanes are crosslinking agents for the composition and contain at least 2, preferably 3 or more hydrogen atoms (SiH groups) bonded to silicon atoms in one molecule.

[0068] There is no particular limitation on the type of inorganic filler, as long as it can be dispersed in the silicone resin and reflect ultraviolet rays. Examples of inorganic fillers include alumina powder, ceramic powder, silica powder, zirconium oxide powder, titanium dioxide powder, and mixtures thereof. In the present embodiment, the inorganic filler is alumina powder. The content of alumina in the overall inorganic filler is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more. If the content of alumina in the overall inorganic filler is within the above range, ultraviolet rays can be effectively reflected. In the silicone resin composition, in order to obtain high reflective properties, it is preferred to increase the content of the inorganic filler. However, if there are too many inorganic fillers, the molded product obtained by injection molding becomes brittle and cannot maintain its shape. Therefore, the formula is appropriately set based on the balance between the two properties of reflectivity and operability. Specifically, the content of the inorganic filler in the silicone resin composition is preferably in the range of 10% to 70% by mass, more preferably in the range of 10% to 50% by mass.

[0069] The structure of the inner member 110 is not particularly limited, as long as it has the accommodation portion 111a and can perform the above-mentioned functions. Figure 2A to Figure 2D As shown, preferably, the inner member 110 includes an inner member body 111, a supply pipe 112, and a take-out pipe 113. In addition, in this embodiment, the inner member 110 further includes a light guide pipe 114.

[0070] The storage part 111a is a space formed by the inner part 110, and ultraviolet rays are reflected by the storage part 111a. The storage part 111a is a space mainly formed by the inner part body 111. In the present embodiment, the storage part 111a is a space formed inside the inner part body 111. In addition, the shape of the storage part 111a may be the shape formed by the inner surfaces of the inner part body 111, the supply tube 112, the extraction tube 113, and the light guide tube 114 as a whole, or may be the shape formed by a part of these inner surfaces.

[0071] The inner part body 111 is hollow, and in the present embodiment, the inner part body 111 temporarily stores the fluid that is the object of the sterilization treatment. There is no particular limitation on the shape of the inner part body 111, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned function. In the present embodiment, the inner shape of the inner part body 111 (the shape of the hollow part) and the outer shape of the inner part body 111 are both roughly spherical. Preferably, the inner part body 111 is divided into two or more parts. The inner part body 111 can be divided into two parts, or it can be divided into three or more parts. In the present embodiment, the inner part body 111 is divided into two parts, namely a first inner part body 115 and a second inner part body 116.

[0072] The inner diameter W1 of the inner body 111 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, about 20 mm to 60 mm. By setting the inner diameter W1 of the inner body 111 to about 20 mm to 60 mm, even when only one UV-C LED is used as the light source 150, the fluid in the inner body 110 can be sufficiently sterilized.

[0073] The first inner body 115 is located in the flow direction of the fluid ( Figure 1B In the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 , the supply pipe 112 is connected to the first inner member body 115.

[0074] The second inner body 116 is located in the flow direction of the fluid ( Figure 1B In the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 , the second inner member body 116 is located on the downstream side and has a substantially hemispherical shape. In the present embodiment, the extraction tube 113 and the light guide tube 114 are connected to the second inner member body 116.

[0075] The supply pipe 112 is a pipe for supplying a fluid to the inside of the inner member body 111. One end of the supply pipe 112 opens on the inner surface of the inner member body 111 (first inner member body 115), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner member body 111. In the present embodiment, the supply pipe 112 is in the shape of a circular tube of a predetermined length. The supply pipe 112 is accommodated in the first through hole 131 of the outer member 120.

[0076] Preferably, the supply pipe 112 is configured to smoothly supply the fluid into the inner body 111 along the wall of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, the supply pipe 112 is configured to smoothly supply the fluid into the inner body 111 along the wall of the inner body 111. Figure 1BIn a cross-section (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 ) and including the center of gravity of the inner part body 111, at a first connection portion 112a between the inner surface of the supply tube 112 and the inner surface of the inner part body 111, a portion of the inner surface of the supply tube 112 is arranged to be smoothly continuous with the inner surface of the inner part body 111 in a manner consistent with a tangent line of the inner surface of the inner part body 111 at the first connection portion 112a.

[0077] The extraction tube 113 is a tube for extracting the fluid inside the inner member body 111. One end of the supply tube 112 opens on the inner surface of the inner member body 111 (the second inner member body 116), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner member body 111. In this embodiment, the extraction tube 113 is in the shape of a circular tube of a predetermined length. The extraction tube 113 is accommodated in the second through hole 133 of the outer member 120.

[0078] Preferably, the extraction tube 113 is configured so as to be able to smoothly extract the fluid from the inner member body 111 along the wall of the inner member body 111. In this embodiment, the fluid in the extraction tube 113 is removed in the direction of flow ( Figure 1B In a cross-section (in the direction of arrow A in the figure) and including the center of gravity of the inner piece body 111, at the second connecting portion 113a between the inner surface of the removal tube 113 and the inner surface of the inner piece body 111, a portion of the inner surface of the removal tube 113 is smoothly and continuously arranged with the inner surface of the inner piece body 111 in a manner consistent with the tangent of the inner surface of the inner piece body 111 at the second connecting portion 113a.

[0079] Preferably, at least two of the supply tube 112, extraction tube 113 and light guide tube 114 open in one of the two or more parts divided from the inner body 111. In this embodiment, the extraction tube 113 and light guide tube 114 open in the second inner body 116.

[0080] The inner member 110 includes the supply pipe 112 and the extraction pipe 113 , so that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 are unlikely to directly reach the outer member 120 , thereby suppressing the degradation of the outer member 120 caused by the ultraviolet rays.

[0081] In addition, at least two of the supply tube 112, the extraction tube 113, and the light guide tube 114 may be arranged so that their axes are not parallel to each other, and the at least two tubes may be at least two tubes opened in one of the two or more parts divided from the inner member body 111. In the present embodiment, the extraction tube 113 and the light guide tube 114 opened in the second inner member body 116 are arranged so that their axes are not parallel to each other.

[0082] By eliminating the step at the first connection portion 112a between the inner surface of the supply tube 112 and the inner surface of the inner member body 111, and the second connection portion 113a between the inner surface of the extraction tube 113 and the inner surface of the inner member body 111, the fluid can flow along the wall surface of the spherical inner member body 111, and the fluid can be extracted after the fluid is caused to flow in a circle in a certain direction and stay in the inner member body 111. Thus, the fluid is evenly irradiated with ultraviolet rays, so that the fluid can be fully sterilized.

[0083] There is no particular limitation on the inner diameter W2 of the supply tube 112 and the inner diameter W3 of the extraction tube 113, but from the viewpoint of reducing the pressure loss of the fluid while maintaining the sterilization performance, preferably, the inner diameter W2 and the inner diameter W3 are in the range of 25% to 40% relative to the inner diameter W1 of the inner member body 111. By increasing the inner diameter W2 of the supply tube 112 and the inner diameter W3 of the extraction tube 113, the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization device 100 can be reduced. On the other hand, by reducing the inner diameter W2 of the supply tube 112 and the inner diameter W3 of the extraction tube 113, the time that the fluid supplied from the supply tube 112 stays in the inner member 110 becomes longer, and the sterilization performance can be improved.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment, a portion of the supply tube 112 near the inner material body 111 and a portion of the removal tube 113 near the inner material body 111 are parallel to each other.

[0085] The light guide tube 114 is a tube for introducing ultraviolet rays from the light source 150 into the inner body 111. One end of the light guide tube 114 opens on the inner surface of the inner body 111, and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, the light guide tube 114 is in the shape of a circular tube of a predetermined length. A window 139 is arranged at the other end of the light guide tube 114.

[0086] The inner diameter W4 of the light guide tube 114 is not particularly limited as long as the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 can reach the inner body 111. For example, preferably, the inner diameter W4 of the light guide tube 114 is 20% to 50% of the inner diameter W1 of the inner body 111. By increasing the inner diameter W4 of the light guide tube 114, ultraviolet rays can be directly irradiated to a larger range in the inner body 111.

[0087] The outer member 120 accommodates the inner member 110 and suppresses deformation of the inner member 110 caused by the pressure of the fluid in the inner member 110 .

[0088] There is no particular limitation on the structure of the outer member 120, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. In the present embodiment, preferably, the outer member 120 has an outer member body 121, a supply tube cover 122 and a removal tube cover 123. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer member 120 also has a light guide tube cover 124. There is no particular limitation on the material of the outer member 120, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the material of the outer member 120 include metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper, and resins such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), polyacetal (POM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the present embodiment, the material of the outer member 120 is polypropylene.

[0089] There is no particular limitation on the method for manufacturing the outer member 120. The method for manufacturing the outer member 120 is appropriately set according to the material of the outer member 120. Examples of the method for manufacturing the outer member 120 include injection molding and molding using a 3D printer.

[0090] The outer piece body 121 is hollow and accommodates the inner piece body 111. Preferably, the inner surface of the outer piece body 121 contacts the outer surface of the inner piece body 111 without a gap. There is no particular limitation on the shape of the outer piece body 121 as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. In the present embodiment, the shape of the hollow portion of the outer piece body 121 is roughly spherical. In order to accommodate the inner piece body 111, preferably, the outer piece body 121 is divided into two or more parts. The inner piece body 111 can be divided into two parts, or it can be divided into three or more parts. In the present embodiment, the outer piece body 121 is divided into two parts, namely a first outer piece 125 and a second outer piece 126.

[0091] The first outer member 125 is disposed in the flow direction of the fluid ( Figure 1B The first outer member 125 is located on the upstream side in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 and has a substantially hemispherical shape. A first annular groove 136 for arranging a first O-ring 135 is formed on the outer surface of the first outer member 125. The supply pipe cover 122 is connected to the first outer member 125.

[0092] The second outer member 126 is located in the flow direction of the fluid ( Figure 1B The second outer member 126 is located on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 and has a substantially hemispherical shape. The take-out pipe cover 123 and the light guide pipe cover 124 are connected to the second outer member 126.

[0093] The first outer member 125 and the second outer member 126 are configured so as to be fixed to each other. Thus, deformation of the inner member body 111 caused by the pressure of the fluid in the inner member body 111 can be suppressed. In addition, by fixing the first outer member 125 and the second outer member 126 together, the two or more parts divided from the inner member body 111 are in contact with each other without a gap. In the present embodiment, the first outer member 125 and the second outer member 126 are configured so as to partially overlap. There is no particular limitation on the method for fixing the first outer member 125 and the second outer member 126. The method for fixing the first outer member 125 and the second outer member 126 may be threaded fastening, or may be configured so as to hang the claw hook in the hole. In the present embodiment, the method for fixing the first outer member 125 and the second outer member 126 is configured so as to hang the claw hook in the hole.

[0094] The supply pipe cover 122 accommodates the supply pipe 112. The supply pipe cover 122 has a first through hole 131 for accommodating a portion of the supply pipe 112. The first through hole 131 has a first step portion 132. Figure 1B The downstream of the first step portion 132 in the direction of the fluid flow (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 ) is configured to be wider than the upstream of the first step portion 132 in the fluid flow direction. When the supply pipe 112 is accommodated in the first through hole 131, the inner surface of the supply pipe 112 and the inner surface of the first through hole 131 on the upstream side of the first step portion 132 are located on the same plane.

[0095] The extraction tube cover 123 accommodates the extraction tube 113. The extraction tube cover 123 has a second through hole 133 for accommodating a portion of the extraction tube 113. The second through hole 133 has a second step portion 134. Figure 1B The second through hole 133 is configured such that the width upstream of the second step portion 134 in the direction of the arrow A in the figure is wider than the width downstream of the second step portion 134 in the flow direction of the fluid. When the extraction tube 113 is accommodated in the second through hole 133, the inner surface of the extraction tube 113 and the inner surface of the second through hole 133 on the downstream side of the second step portion 134 are located on the same plane.

[0096] The light guide cover 124 accommodates the light guide 114, and is configured such that, when the light guide 114 is accommodated in the light guide cover 124, the end of the light guide cover 124 is on the same plane as the end of the light guide 114. Thus, ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 are reflected by the light guide 114 without reaching the light guide cover 124, so that deterioration of the light guide cover 124 due to ultraviolet rays can be prevented. A second annular groove 138 for arranging the second O-ring 137 is formed on the end surface of the light guide cover 124. The window 139 is arranged in a state where the second O-ring 137 is arranged in the second annular groove 138. By suppressing the deterioration of the vicinity of the second O-ring 137 in the light guide cover 124, the opening of the light guide 114 can be kept firmly sealed by the window 139, and leakage of the fluid in the inner member 110 can be suppressed.

[0097] The window 139 allows the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 to pass through the inside of the inner member 110. The material of the window 139 is not particularly limited as long as it can pass through the ultraviolet rays and has the necessary strength. From the viewpoint of improving the sterilization performance, the material of the window 139 is preferably a material that allows ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of more than 200nm and less than 350nm to pass through, and more preferably a material that allows ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of more than 200nm and less than 280nm to pass through. Examples of the material of the window 139 include quartz (SiO2), sapphire (Al2O3), and amorphous fluorine resins.

[0098] The shape of the window 139 is not particularly limited as long as the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 can reach the inner member 110. The window 139 may be a flat plate, a convex plate, or a concave plate. In the present embodiment, the window 139 is a flat plate.

[0099] The light source 150 irradiates ultraviolet rays to the fluid in the inner part 110. The light source 150 can directly irradiate ultraviolet rays to the fluid in the inner part 110, or can irradiate ultraviolet rays to the fluid in the inner part 110 via other components such as windows or reflectors. In the present embodiment, the light source 150 irradiates ultraviolet rays into the inner part 110 through the window 139. There is no particular limitation on the type of the light source 150, as long as it can emit ultraviolet rays. Examples of the light source 150 include light emitting diodes (LEDs), mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, xenon lamps, and laser diodes (LDs). In the present embodiment, the light source 150 is a light emitting diode (LED). There is no particular limitation on the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source 150. From the viewpoint of effective sterilization, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source 150 is preferably greater than 200nm and less than 350nm, and more preferably greater than 200nm and less than 280nm. That is, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 are preferably ultraviolet C waves (UVC). Examples of commercially available light sources 150 include NCSU334A (Nichia Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) with a peak wavelength of 280 nm. Other examples of ultraviolet light emitting diodes with a peak wavelength of 280 nm include KLARAN (Asahi Kasei Corporation) and ZEU110BEAE (Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.).

[0100] The position of the light source 150 is not particularly limited as long as it can irradiate the fluid in the inner member 110 with ultraviolet rays, but the sterilization performance can be further improved by arranging the light source 150 on the second inner member body 116. In the present embodiment, the light source 150 is arranged on the second inner member body 116. More specifically, the light source 150 is arranged inside the recess provided on the fixing member 151, and is arranged in such a manner that the optical axis of the light source 150 does not intersect with the axis of the supply tube 112 nor the axis of the extraction tube 113.

[0101] The fixing component 151 fixes the light source 150. In the present embodiment, the fixing component 151 is fixed to the second outer member 126 by screwing. There is no particular limitation on the material of the fixing component 151, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the material of the fixing component 151 include metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper, and resins such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), polyacetal (POM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the present embodiment, the material of the fixing component 151 is polypropylene.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the light source 150 is disposed outside the inner member 110, but the light source 150 may be disposed inside the inner member 110. In this case, the sterilization device 100 does not include the light guide 114, the light guide cover 124, and the fixing member 151.

[0103] (How to use the sterilization device)

[0104] Next, a method of using the sterilization device 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0105] In the sterilization device 100 of the present embodiment, the first inner member body 115 is accommodated in the first outer member 125. At this time, the supply tube 112 is inserted into the first through hole 131 of the supply tube cover 122. In addition, the second inner member body 116 is accommodated in the second outer member 126. At this time, the extraction tube 113 is inserted into the second through hole 133 of the extraction tube cover 123, and the light guide tube 114 is inserted into the light guide tube cover 124. As described above, the axis of the extraction tube 113 and the axis of the light guide tube 114 are arranged in a non-parallel manner, so the second inner member body 116 is deformed and accommodated in the second outer member 126. Next, in a state where the first O-ring 135 is arranged in the first annular groove 136, the second outer member 126 covers the first outer member 125. At this time, the claw of the first outer member 125 is engaged with the hole of the second outer member 126. Thus, the first inner member body 115 and the second inner member body 116 are fixed together in a state of contact without a gap. Next, the second outer member 126 provided with the window 139 and the light source 150 is fixed together with the fixing member 151 while the second O-ring 137 is arranged in the second annular groove 138. The sterilization device 100 is assembled through the above steps.

[0106] Ultraviolet rays are emitted from the light source 150, and in a state where the ultraviolet rays are reflected toward the receiving portion 111a by the inner member 110, a fluid (e.g., water) to be sterilized is introduced into the inner member body 111 from the supply pipe 112, and the fluid in the inner member body 111 is taken out from the extraction pipe 113. At this time, the fluid can be moved by pressurizing the side of the extraction pipe 113, or by depressurizing the side of the supply pipe 112. The fluid to be sterilized flows in a circle in the inner member body 111, and is taken out from the extraction pipe 113. At this time, in addition to being directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the fluid (irradiation object) flowing through the receiving portion 111a is also irradiated with ultraviolet rays due to the reflection of ultraviolet rays toward the receiving portion 111a by the inner member 110, and is thus guided to the extraction pipe 113 in a fully sterilized state.

[0107] (Effect)

[0108] As described above, according to the sterilization device 100 of this embodiment, the inner member 110 can be accommodated in the outer member 120 by deformation even when the axes of at least two of the supply tube 112, the extraction tube 113, and the light guide tube 114 are not parallel to each other, so the sterilization device 100 has a high degree of freedom in design. In addition, since the inner member 110 is composed of a silicone resin composition, it can be manufactured by injection molding instead of machining (cutting), and the productivity is high.

[0109] [Implementation Method 2]

[0110] Next, the sterilization device 200 of Embodiment 2 is described. The sterilization device 200 of this embodiment is different from the sterilization device 100 of Embodiment 1 only in the shapes of the supply pipe 212 and the extraction pipe 213 of the inner member 210 and the first through hole 231 and the second through hole 233 of the outer member 220. Therefore, for the same structure as the sterilization device 100 of Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are attached and the description thereof is omitted.

[0111] (Structure of sterilization device)

[0112] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the sterilization device 200 . Figure 4A is a three-dimensional view of the first inner member body 115, Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the first inner member body 115, Figure 4C is a perspective view of the second inner member body 116, Figure 4D 2 is a cross-sectional view of the second inner member body 116 .

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, the sterilization device 200 includes an outer member 220 and an inner member 210 including a housing portion 111a. In addition, in this embodiment, the sterilization device 200 may further include a light source 150 for irradiating ultraviolet rays. In this embodiment, the sterilization device 200 includes the light source 150.

[0114] like Figure 4A to Figure 4D As shown, in this embodiment, preferably, the inner member 210 includes an inner member body 111, a supply pipe 212, and a take-out pipe 213. In addition, in this embodiment, the inner member 210 further includes a light guide pipe 114.

[0115] In this embodiment, the inner body 111 is divided into two parts, namely, a first inner body 115 and a second inner body 116. In this embodiment, the first inner body 115 is connected to the supply pipe 212, and the second inner body 116 is connected to the extraction pipe 213 and the light guide pipe 114.

[0116] One end of the supply pipe 212 opens on the inner surface of the inner part body 111 (first inner part body 115), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner part body 111. At the other end of the supply pipe 212, there is a first convex portion (convex portion) 212a that extends to the outer side of the tube diameter of the supply pipe 212. The first convex portion 212a can prevent the supply pipe 212 from detaching from the supply pipe cover 222, and can also suppress deformation of the supply pipe 212 caused by the fluid. There is no particular limitation on the structure of the first convex portion 212a, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned function. Examples of the structure of the first convex portion 212a include flanges and protrusions. In the present embodiment, the first convex portion 212a is a flange.

[0117] One end of the removal tube 213 opens on the inner surface of the inner part body 111 (the second inner part body 116), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner part body 111. At the other end of the removal tube 213, there is a second convex portion (convex portion) 213a that extends to the outer side of the tube diameter of the removal tube 213. The second convex portion 213a can prevent the removal tube 213 from detaching from the removal tube cover 223, and can also suppress deformation of the supply tube 212 caused by the fluid. There is no particular limitation on the structure of the second convex portion 213a, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned function. Examples of the structure of the second convex portion 213a include flanges and protrusions. In the present embodiment, the second convex portion 213a is a flange.

[0118] The outer member 220 preferably includes an outer member body 121, a supply pipe cover 222, and a take-out pipe cover 223. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer member 220 further includes a light guide pipe cover 124. The outer member body 121 is divided into two parts, namely, a first outer member 125 and a second outer member 126. The supply pipe cover 222 is connected to the first outer member 125, and the take-out pipe cover 223 and the light guide pipe cover 124 are connected to the second outer member 126.

[0119] The supply pipe cover 222 accommodates the supply pipe 212. The supply pipe cover 222 has a first through hole 231 for accommodating a portion of the supply pipe 212. The first through hole 231 has a first step portion 232. The first step portion 232 of the first through hole 231 is formed in a shape complementary to the first protrusion 212a.

[0120] The extraction tube cover 223 accommodates the extraction tube 213. The extraction tube cover 223 has a second through hole 233 for accommodating a portion of the extraction tube 213. The second through hole 233 has a second step portion 234. The second step portion 234 of the second through hole 233 is formed in a shape complementary to the second protrusion 213a.

[0121] (Effect)

[0122] As described above, the sterilization device 200 of this embodiment can prevent the inner member 210 from being separated from the outer member 120 and can suppress deformation of the inner member 210 (supply tube 212 and extraction tube 213) caused by the pressure of the fluid in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0123] [Implementation method 3]

[0124] Next, the sterilization device 300 of Embodiment 3 is described. The connection position of the removal tube 313 of the sterilization device 300 of this embodiment is different from that of the sterilization device 100 of Embodiment 1, and the structure of the outer member 320 is different from that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of the sterilization device 100 of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0125] (Structure of sterilization device)

[0126] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the sterilization device 300. Figure 5B It is a stereogram. Fig. 6A is a three-dimensional view of the first inner member body 315, Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the first inner member body 315, Figure 6C is a perspective view of the second inner member body 316, Fig.6D is a cross-sectional view of the second inner member body 316 .

[0127] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 2B , the sterilization device 300 includes an outer member 320 and an inner member 310 including a housing portion 111 a. Alternatively, the sterilization device 300 may further include a light source 150 for irradiating ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, the sterilization device 300 includes the light source 150 .

[0128] like Figure 6A to Figure 6D As shown, in this embodiment, preferably, the inner member 310 has an inner member body 311, a supply tube 112 and a removal tube 213. The inner member 310 may also have a light guide tube 114. In this embodiment, the inner member 310 also has a light guide tube 114.

[0129] In this embodiment, the inner body 311 is divided into two parts, namely, a first inner body 315 and a second inner body 316. In this embodiment, the first inner body 315 is connected to the supply pipe 112 and the extraction pipe 313, and the second inner body 316 is connected to the light guide pipe 114.

[0130] One end of the removal tube 313 opens on the inner surface of the inner material body 311 (first inner material body 315 ), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner material body 311 .

[0131] In this embodiment, the angle between the axis of the supply pipe 112 and the axis of the extraction pipe 313 is 90° ( Figure 5B However, since the first inner member body 315 is flexible, the inner member 310 can be accommodated on the outer member 320 even if the angle between the axis of the supply tube 112 and the axis of the extraction tube 313 is 90°.

[0132] Preferably, the outer member 320 includes an outer member body 321, a supply pipe cover 122, and a take-out pipe cover 323. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer member 320 further includes a light guide pipe cover 124. The outer member body 321 is divided into two parts, namely, a first outer member 325 and a second outer member 326. The supply pipe cover 122 and the take-out pipe cover 323 are connected to the first outer member 325, and the light guide pipe cover 124 is connected to the second outer member 326. In the present embodiment, the first outer member 325 and the second outer member 326 are fixed together by screws not shown.

[0133] The extraction tube cover 323 has a second through hole 133 for receiving a portion of the extraction tube 313. The second through hole 133 has a second step portion 134.

[0134] (Effect)

[0135] As described above, the sterilization device 300 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0136] Industrial Applicability

[0137] The sterilizing device of the present embodiment is useful for sterilizing, for example, purified water, agricultural water, food washing water, various washing waters, bathing water, swimming pool water, and the like.

Claims

1. A sterilization device for sterilizing an object by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the object, wherein the sterilization device comprises: an inner member, which is composed of a silicone resin composition containing an inorganic filler and includes a receiving portion capable of receiving the irradiation object, wherein the inner member reflects ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the receiving portion; and an outer member accommodating the inner member, The inner member has flexibility so as to be accommodated in the outer member by being deformed.

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein: The inner member is configured so as to be arranged in the outer member by being deformed, and to be accommodated in the outer member in a state where the deformation is released.

3. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein: The irradiated object is a fluid, The inner member comprises: a hollow inner member body; a supply pipe for supplying the fluid to the interior of the inner member body, wherein one end of the supply pipe opens on the inner surface of the inner member body and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner member body; as well as A take-out tube is used to take out the fluid inside the inner member body, one end of the take-out tube opens on the inner surface of the inner member body, and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner member body.

4. The sterilization device according to claim 3, wherein: It also has a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays into the inner part, The inner piece further includes a light guide tube for guiding ultraviolet rays from the light source into the inner piece body, one end of the light guide tube opens on the inner surface of the inner piece body, and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner piece body.

5. The sterilization device according to claim 4, wherein: The inner member main body is divided into two or more parts.

6. The sterilization device according to claim 5, wherein: At least two of the supply pipe, the extraction pipe, and the light guide pipe open in one of the two or more parts formed by dividing the inner member main body.

7. The sterilization device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least two tubes among the supply tube, the extraction tube, and the light guide tube that open in the one member are arranged so that their axes are not parallel to each other.

8. The sterilization device according to claim 3, wherein: The other end of the supply pipe and the other end of the extraction pipe are provided with convex portions extending outwardly beyond the pipe diameters of the supply pipe and the extraction pipe, respectively.

9. The sterilization device according to claim 3, wherein: The outer member comprises: a first through hole, for accommodating the supply pipe; and The second through hole is used to accommodate the removal tube.

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