Fluid sterilizer

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilizer capable of suppressing adhesion of foreign matter to a window.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilizer according to an embodiment comprises a cylindrical part, a light source that applies ultraviolet light through a window to a fluid flowing inside the cylindrical part, a water wheel provided inside the cylindrical part, and a removal part provided on the water wheel, wherein one end of the removal part contacts a surface of the window opposite to the light source side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An embodiment of the present invention relates to a fluid disinfection device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a fluid sterilization device that irradiates a fluid such as water with ultraviolet light to sterilize bacteria or inactivate viruses contained in the fluid. For example, a fluid sterilization device has been proposed that includes a tube through which the fluid flows, a window provided near the end of the tube, and a light source that irradiates the inside of the tube with ultraviolet light through the window. In this case, a portion of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source is directly irradiated onto the fluid flowing inside the tube. In addition, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source and incident on the inner surface of the tube propagates while repeatedly reflecting inside the tube.

[0003] Here, such a fluid sterilization device may be used, for example, to sterilize bacteria or inactivate viruses contained in seawater, groundwater, etc. However, seawater, groundwater, etc. contain foreign matter such as sand, corpses of microorganisms, and inorganic salts. Therefore, when the fluid sterilization device is used for such purposes, the foreign matter may adhere to the window, reducing the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the fluid. If the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the fluid is reduced, the sterilization effect of bacteria or the inactivation effect of viruses will be reduced.

[0004] In this case, disassembling the fluid sterilizing device to remove the foreign matter adhering to the window takes time and effort, and also reduces the operational rate of the fluid sterilizing device. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a fluid sterilization device that can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-069166 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-051290 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilizing device capable of suppressing adhesion of foreign matter to a window. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The fluid sterilization device according to the embodiment comprises a tubular portion; a light source which irradiates ultraviolet light through a window onto the fluid flowing inside the tubular portion; a water wheel provided inside the tubular portion; and a removal part provided on the water wheel, one end of which contacts the surface of the window opposite the light source side. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid sterilizing device that can suppress adhesion of foreign matter to a window can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the fluid sterilization device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid sterilization device according to another embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a foreign matter removal unit. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a water turbine. [Diagram 5] 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a support portion. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a removal portion and a biasing portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. In addition, in this specification, sterilization includes not only sterilization but also inactivation of viruses. Furthermore, sterilization includes not only sterilization but also sterilization.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid sterilizing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a fluid sterilization device 1 includes, for example, a tube portion 2, a supply head 3, a discharge head 4, a light source 5, a window 6, and a foreign matter removal portion 7.

[0012] The tube portion 2 has a cylindrical shape and both ends are open. The tube portion 2 is, for example, a cylindrical tube. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated from a light source 5 into the inside of the tube portion 2. In this case, if a part of the irradiated ultraviolet rays passes through the tube portion 2 and leaks to the outside, the processing capacity of the fluid sterilization device 1 decreases. Therefore, the tube portion 2 can be formed from a material that does not transmit ultraviolet rays and has a high reflectance to ultraviolet rays. In addition, the tube portion 2 is preferably formed from a material that is highly resistant to ultraviolet rays and the fluid 301a to be sterilized. For example, the tube portion 2 can be formed from stainless steel. In this case, if the material of the tube portion 2 is stainless steel containing 8 wt% or more of Ni (nickel), the corrosion resistance to the fluid 301a that is easily corroded, such as seawater, can be improved.

[0013] If the tube portion 2 contains a material with high reflectivity to ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays incident on the inner surface of the tube portion 2 can be easily reflected toward the fluid 301a. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of using the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 5. If the efficiency of using the ultraviolet rays can be improved, it becomes possible to reduce the number of light-emitting elements 5a provided in the light source 5. If the number of light-emitting elements 5a is reduced, the light source 5 can be made smaller, less expensive, and more energy-efficient.

[0014] The inside of the tube portion 2 is a flow path for the fluid 301a to be sterilized. Therefore, the fluid 301a comes into contact with the inner surface of the tube portion 2. Here, the fluid 301a may be seawater or groundwater. Seawater or groundwater contains foreign matter such as sand, corpses of microorganisms, and inorganic salts, so that when seawater or groundwater comes into contact with the inner surface of the tube portion 2, the foreign matter may adhere to the inner surface of the tube portion 2. When the foreign matter adheres to the inner surface of the tube portion 2, the reflectance of the ultraviolet light may decrease. When the reflectance decreases, the intensity of the reflected light (ultraviolet light) irradiated to the fluid 301a decreases, so that the sterilization effect may decrease. In this case, if the fluid sterilization device 1 is disassembled to remove the foreign matter adhered to the inner surface of the tube portion 2, it takes time and effort, and the operation rate of the fluid sterilization device 1 also decreases.

[0015] Therefore, the surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness) Ra of the inner surface of the tube portion 2 is set to 50 nm (nanometers) or less, preferably 3 nm (nanometers) or more and 50 nm (nanometers) or less. In this way, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the inner surface of the tube portion 2 and to improve the reflectance against ultraviolet rays. For example, the inner surface of the tube portion 2 may be buffed so that the surface roughness Ra of the inner surface of the tube portion 2 falls within the above-mentioned range.

[0016] The supply head 3 is provided at one end of the tube portion 2. A seal member 3a such as an O-ring can be provided between the supply head 3 and the end of the tube portion 2. The supply head 3 is, for example, cylindrical, and has a hole 3b penetrating between an end face on the tube portion 2 side and an end face on the opposite side to the tube portion 2 side. The supply head 3 also has a groove 3c surrounding the hole 3b and opening on the end face on the tube portion 2 side. The opening of the groove 3c on the tube portion 2 side is connected to the inside of the tube portion 2. A supply port 3d is provided on the side of the supply head 3. The supply port 3d is connected to the groove 3c. A supply source of the fluid 301a can be connected to the supply port 3d via a pipe. A filter, a straightening plate, or the like can also be provided in the supply port 3d.

[0017] The material of the supply head 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is resistant to the fluid 301a and ultraviolet rays. The material of the supply head 3 can be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel. As described above, when the fluid 301a is a liquid that is prone to corrosion, such as seawater, the supply head 3 is preferably made of stainless steel containing 8 wt % or more of Ni. In this way, even when sterilizing seawater or the like, the occurrence of corrosion in the supply head 3 can be suppressed.

[0018] The discharge head 4 is provided at the other end of the tube portion 2. A seal member 4a such as an O-ring can be provided between the discharge head 4 and the end of the tube portion 2. The discharge head 4 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and has a hole 4b penetrating between an end face on the tube portion 2 side and an end face on the opposite side to the tube portion 2 side. The discharge head 4 also has a groove 4c surrounding the hole 4b and opening on the end face on the tube portion 2 side. The opening of the groove 4c on the tube portion 2 side is connected to the inside of the tube portion 2. A discharge port 4d is provided on the side of the discharge head 4. The discharge port 4d is connected to the groove 4c. A tank or the like in which the sterilized fluid 301b is stored can be connected to the discharge port 4d via a pipe. A filter, a straightening plate, or the like can also be provided at the discharge port 4d. The material of the discharge head 4 can be the same as the material of the supply head 3, for example.

[0019] Furthermore, the configuration of the discharge head 4 may be the same as or different from the configuration of the supply head 3. The configuration of the discharge head 4 illustrated in Fig. 1 is the same as the configuration of the supply head 3. In the following, as an example, a case where the configuration of the supply head 3 and the configuration of the discharge head 4 are the same will be described.

[0020] The light source 5 irradiates the fluid 301a flowing inside the tube part 2 with ultraviolet light through the window 6. The light source 5 can be provided in at least one of the supply head 3 and the discharge head 4. The light source 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided in each of the supply head 3 and the discharge head 4. If the light source 5 is provided in each of the supply head 3 and the discharge head 4, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the fluid 301a flowing inside the tube part 2 can be increased. Therefore, the sterilization effect can be improved. In addition, the area irradiated with ultraviolet light inside the tube part 2 can be increased. Therefore, even if the axial length of the tube part 2 is increased, a predetermined sterilization effect can be maintained, and the processing capacity can be improved.

[0021] If the light source 5 is provided in either the supply head 3 or the discharge head 4, the configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 can be simplified and the manufacturing costs can be reduced. Therefore, the number of light sources 5 can be appropriately changed depending on the required sterilization effect, processing capacity, cost, and the like.

[0022] The light source 5 includes, for example, a light emitting element 5a, a substrate 5b, and a base 5c. The light-emitting element 5a is provided on the surface of the substrate 5b facing the window 6. The light-emitting element 5a irradiates ultraviolet light toward the window 6. At least one light-emitting element 5a can be provided. The number of light-emitting elements 5a can be changed appropriately depending on the processing capacity required of the fluid sterilization device 1. When multiple light-emitting elements 5a are provided, the multiple light-emitting elements 5a can be connected in series.

[0023] The light emitting element 5a is not particularly limited as long as it is an element that generates ultraviolet light. The light emitting element 5a may be, for example, a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0024] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 5a is not particularly limited as long as it has a sterilizing effect. However, if the peak wavelength is 300 nm or less, the ultraviolet light can be easily absorbed by the DNA or RNA of bacteria or viruses. For example, the light-emitting element 5a can be a light-emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 300 nm.

[0025] The substrate 5b is plate-shaped and is provided on the end surface of the base 5c on the side of the tube portion 2. A wiring pattern can be provided on the substrate 5b. The material of the substrate 5b is preferably one that is resistant to ultraviolet rays. The material of the substrate 5b can be, for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide. The substrate 5b can also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an inorganic material. If the material of the substrate 5b is ceramics or the like, or the substrate 5b is a metal core substrate, it is possible to obtain resistance to ultraviolet rays and high heat dissipation properties.

[0026] The base 5c can be provided in each of the holes 3b of the supply head 3 and the holes 4b of the discharge head 4. For example, the base 5c can be detachably provided in each of the supply head 3 and the discharge head 4 using a fastening member such as a screw. Although the light-emitting element 5a has a long life compared to a discharge lamp, the light-emitting efficiency decreases as the lighting time becomes longer. In addition, the light-emitting element 5a may break down and not light up. If the base 5c is detachably provided in each of the supply head 3 and the discharge head 4, the light-emitting element 5a can be easily replaced.

[0027] The base 5c has a function of holding the substrate 5b on which the light emitting element 5a is mounted, and a function of dissipating heat generated in the light emitting element 5a to the outside. Therefore, the base 5c is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The base 5c can be made of a metal such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. In addition, a heat dissipation fin can be provided on the end surface of the base 5c opposite to the cylindrical portion 2 side.

[0028] In the above, the light source 5 including the light emitting element 5a that irradiates ultraviolet light has been described, but the light source 5 is not limited to this. For example, the light source 5 may include a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, the light source 5 may include a low-pressure mercury lamp or a barrier discharge lamp. In this case, for example, the light source 5 may be a low-pressure mercury lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 254 nm, or a low-pressure mercury lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with peak wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm.

[0029] The window 6 has a plate shape and is provided between the light source 5 and the inside of the tube portion 2. For example, one window 6 can be provided for each light source 5. For example, when the light source 5 is provided in the supply head 3, the window 6 can be provided so as to cover the opening of the hole 3b of the supply head 3. For example, when the light source 5 is provided in the discharge head 4, the window 6 can be provided so as to cover the opening of the hole 4b of the discharge head 4.

[0030] The window 6 faces the light source 5. A space may be provided between the window 6 and the light source 5. The window 6 is made of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light and has resistance to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a. The window 6 is made of, for example, quartz glass or a fluororesin that transmits ultraviolet light.

[0031] The ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 5 is irradiated through the window 6 to the fluid 301a flowing inside the tube portion 2. A part of the ultraviolet light irradiated to the inside of the tube portion 2 is reflected by the inner surface of the tube portion 2, and the reflected ultraviolet light is irradiated to the fluid 301a. Therefore, the fluid 301a flowing inside the tube portion 2 is sterilized by the ultraviolet light.

[0032] In this case, an anti-reflection film can be provided on the surface of the window 6 on the side of the light source 5 (light-emitting element 5a). If an anti-reflection film is provided, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 5a from being reflected by the window 6 and becoming difficult to irradiate to the fluid 301a. In other words, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 5a.

[0033] In addition, an anti-soiling film may be provided on the surface of the window 6 facing the inside of the tube portion 2. As described above, the fluid 301a may contain foreign matter. If foreign matter adheres to the window 6, it becomes difficult for the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 5a to pass through the window 6. If an anti-soiling film is provided, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the window 6.

[0034] However, even if an antifouling film is provided on the window 6, in cases where there is a relatively large amount of foreign matter, the foreign matter may adhere to the window 6. Moreover, over time, the foreign matter may adhere to the window 6. When the foreign matter adheres to the window 6, disassembling the fluid sterilization device 1 to remove the foreign matter adhered to the window 6 takes time and effort, and the operational rate of the fluid sterilization device 1 also decreases.

[0035] Therefore, the fluid sterilization device 1 is provided with a foreign matter removal section 7. 1, the foreign matter removal section 7 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 2. One foreign matter removal section 7 can be provided for each window 6. The foreign matter removal section 7 faces the window 6. The foreign matter removal unit 7 includes, for example, a water wheel 7a, a rotating shaft 7b, a support unit 7c, a rotating arm 7d, and a removal unit 7e.

[0036] The water turbine 7a rotates by a reaction force generated when the fluid 301a passes through the multiple blades 7a2 of the water turbine 7a. The water turbine 7a is a reaction water turbine. The water turbine 7a illustrated in Fig. 1 is a propeller water turbine, which is an example of a reaction water turbine. The water turbine 7a has, for example, a boss 7a1 and multiple blades 7a2 provided on the side surface of the boss 7a1.

[0037] The rotating shaft 7b is, for example, rod-shaped and is provided substantially coaxially with the central axis of the tubular portion 2. The rotating shaft 7b extends inside the tubular portion 2 in a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2. The boss 7a1 of the water wheel 7a is provided with a through hole extending in a direction along the central axis of the boss 7a1. The rotating shaft 7b is fixed to the through hole of the boss 7a1. Therefore, the water wheel 7a and the rotating shaft 7b can rotate together.

[0038] The support portion 7c has a plurality of pillars 7c1 and a plurality of beams 7c2. The multiple support columns 7c1 extend in a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2. The multiple support columns 7c1 are provided, for example, near the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2. If the multiple support columns 7c1 are provided near the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 5 from being blocked by the multiple support columns 7c1, thereby preventing a decrease in the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the fluid 301a flowing inside the cylindrical portion 2. The ends of the multiple support columns 7c1 on the window 6 side can be provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2, near the opening of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0039] The beams 7c2 are arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction along the central axis of the tube portion 2. The beams 7c2 are, for example, elongated plate-like and extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the tube portion 2. If the beams 7c2 are elongated plate-like, the fluid 301a flowing inside the tube portion 2 can flow along the side surfaces of the beams 7c2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of the fluid 301a from being impeded.

[0040] Bearings such as ball bearings are provided on the beams 7c2 at the position of the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2. The bearings are provided with a rotating shaft 7b. Therefore, the water wheel 7a and the rotating shaft 7b can be rotatably supported inside the cylindrical portion 2.

[0041] The rotating arm 7d is provided near the end of the rotating shaft 7b on the window 6 side. The rotating arm 7d is rod-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0042] The remover 7e is provided on the water wheel 7a, and one end of the remover 7e is in contact with the surface of the window 6 opposite the light source 5 side. For example, the remover 7e is provided on the rotating arm 7d. The remover 7e is, for example, plate-shaped. The end of the remover 7e opposite the rotating arm 7d side is in contact with the surface of the window 6 opposite the light source 5 side. The remover 7e is, for example, formed from a material that is resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a and has a certain degree of elasticity so as to conform to the surface of the window 6. The material of the remover 7e can be, for example, fluororesin.

[0043] The removal unit 7e may be, for example, a brush. When the removal unit 7e is a brush, the bristles of the brush are made to contact the surface of the window 6. However, when a brush is used, there is a risk that the bristles of the brush may get mixed into the sterilized fluid 301b. The bristles of the brush mixed into the fluid 301b can be removed by a filter or the like provided at the discharge port 4d of the discharge head 4. In this case, if the removal unit 7e is a plate-shaped member, there is almost no contamination of the elements of the removal unit 7e, and the quality of the sterilized fluid 301b can be improved. Also, there is no need to provide a filter or the like in the discharge head 4, so the configuration of the discharge head 4 can be simplified and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0044] Next, the function and effect of the foreign matter removal unit 7 will be described. The fluid 301a supplied to the inside of the tube 2 through the supply port 3d of the supply head 3 flows through the inside of the tube 2 toward the discharge head 4. At this time, the fluid 301a is supplied to the multiple blades 7a2 of the water wheel 7a. The water wheel 7a rotates due to the reaction force generated when the fluid 301a passes through the multiple blades 7a2 of the water wheel 7a. The rotation force of the water wheel 7a is transmitted to the rotating arm 7d through the rotating shaft 7b. Therefore, the removal part 7e provided on the rotating arm 7d rotates in one direction on the surface of the window 6. Since the end of the removal part 7e is in contact with the surface of the window 6, it is possible to peel off foreign matter adhering to the surface of the window 6. In addition, since the foreign matter in the vicinity of the surface of the window 6 can be discharged to the outside of the window 6, it is possible to suppress the foreign matter from adhering to the surface of the window 6 and the peeled foreign matter from adhering again to the surface of the window 6. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of times the fluid sterilization device 1 is disassembled and cleaned. Furthermore, by providing the foreign matter removal unit 7, the anti-soiling film of the window 6 described above can be omitted. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the window 6. However, by providing the foreign matter removal unit 7 and the anti-soiling film of the window 6, adhesion of foreign matter to the surface of the window 6 can be further suppressed.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid sterilization device 11 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid sterilization device 11 has, for example, a tube portion 12, a light source 15, a window 6, and a foreign matter removal portion 17.

[0046] The tubular portion 12 is tubular and has open ends on both sides. The tubular portion 12 is, for example, a cylindrical tube. The tubular portion 12 can be the same as the tubular portion 2 described above. However, a supply port 12a is provided on a side surface on one end side of the tubular portion 12. A supply source of the fluid 301a can be connected to the supply port 12a via a pipe. A filter, a straightening plate, or the like can also be provided on the supply port 12a. An exhaust port 12b is provided on a side surface on the other end side of the tubular portion 12. A tank in which the sterilized fluid 301b is stored can be connected to the exhaust port 12b via a pipe. A filter, a straightening plate, or the like can also be provided on the exhaust port 12b.

[0047] The openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion 12 are closed by lids 12c. The lids 12c can be detachably attached to a flange 12d provided on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 12 using fastening members such as screws. A sealing member 12e such as an O-ring can be provided between the lid 12c and the flange 12d.

[0048] The light source 15 irradiates the fluid 301a flowing inside the tube portion 12 with ultraviolet light through the window 6. The light source 15 is provided inside the tube portion 12. As with the light source 5 described above, the light source 15 can be provided at least on the supply port 12a side of the tube portion 12 and the exhaust port 12b side of the tube portion 12. The light source 15 illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided on each of the supply port 12a side of the tube portion 12 and the exhaust port 12b side of the tube portion 12. As with the light source 5 described above, the number of light sources 15 can be appropriately changed depending on the required sterilization effect, processing capacity, cost, etc.

[0049] The light source 15 includes, for example, a light emitting element 5a, a substrate 5b, and a base 15c. The base 15c has a plate-like shape and a recess 15c1 that opens on one end surface. A substrate 5b on which a light-emitting element 5a is mounted is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 15c1. The opening of the recess 15c1 is closed by a window 6 so as to be liquid-tight. A seal member such as an O-ring can be provided between the base 15c and the window 6. The window 6 is sandwiched between the base 15c and the lid 15c4. The lid 15c4 has a plate-like shape. A hole 15c4a that penetrates the thickness direction is provided in the central portion of the lid 15c4. The window 6 is exposed inside the hole 15c4a. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tube portion 12, the shape of the base 15c and the lid 15c4 is, for example, circular.

[0050] The base 15c and the lid 15c4 are provided with a plurality of holes 15c2 penetrating in the thickness direction. The plurality of holes 15c2 are arranged along the periphery of the base 15c and the lid 15c4. The central axis of each of the plurality of holes 15c2 may be substantially parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 12. The plurality of holes 15c2 serve as a flow path for the fluid 301a. The plurality of holes 15c2 also function as a nozzle for increasing the flow rate of the fluid 301a supplied to the blades 17a2 of the water wheel 17a of the foreign matter removal unit 17, which will be described later.

[0051] The base 15c is provided on the lid 12c via a rod-shaped stand 15c3. When the light source 15 is provided on the supply port 12a side of the tube portion 12, the light source 15 is supported downstream of the supply port 12a by the stand 15c3. When the light source 15 is provided on the discharge port 12b side of the tube portion 12, the light source 15 is supported upstream of the discharge port 12b by the stand 15c3.

[0052] The materials of the base 15c, the stand 15c3, and the lid 15c4 are not particularly limited as long as they have high resistance to ultraviolet rays and the fluid 301a. The base 15c, the stand 15c3, and the lid 15c4 can be made of, for example, stainless steel containing 8 wt % or more of Ni.

[0053] 2, the foreign matter removal portion 17 is provided inside the tube portion 12. One foreign matter removal portion 17 can be provided for one window 6. The foreign matter removal portion 17 faces the window 6.

[0054] In the above, the light source 15 including the light emitting element 5a that irradiates ultraviolet light has been described, but the light source 15 is not limited to this. For example, like the light source 5 described above, the light source 15 may include a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the foreign matter removal unit 17. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the foreign matter removal unit 17 includes, for example, a water wheel 17a, a support unit 17b, a removal unit 17c, and a biasing unit 17d. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the water wheel 17a. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating the support portion 17b. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the remover 17c and the biasing portion 17d.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the water wheel 17a is provided inside the cylindrical portion 12. 2 and 3, the water wheel 17a is rotatable around the central axis of the tubular portion 12. The water wheel 17a may be a reaction water wheel that rotates by a reaction force generated when the fluid 301a passes through a plurality of blades 17a2 of the water wheel 17a.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water wheel 17a has, for example, a frame 17a1, a plurality of blades 17a2, and spokes 17a3. The frame portion 17a1 has a frame shape. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tube portion 12, the shape of the frame portion 17a1 is, for example, a ring. The frame portion 17a1 is located inside or outside the multiple holes 15c2 provided in the base 15c and the lid 15c4. The frame portion 17a1 illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is located inside the multiple holes 15c2.

[0058] When viewed from the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 12, the blades 17a2 of the water wheel 17a can pass through a position overlapping with the holes 15c2 when the water wheel 17a rotates. Therefore, when the frame portion 17a1 is located inside the holes 15c2, the blades 17a2 are provided on the outer surface of the frame portion 17a1. When the frame portion 17a1 is located outside the holes 15c2, the blades 17a2 are provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 17a1. The blades 17a2 can be provided at equal intervals on the outer surface or inner surface of the frame portion 17a1. There is no particular limit to the number of the blades 17a2. For example, the number of the blades 17a2 can be equal to or greater than the number of the holes 15c2.

[0059] 3, the blade 17a2 is inclined with respect to the central axis of the hole 15c2. The inclination angle of the blade 17a2 can be set appropriately depending on the flow rate and flow velocity of the fluid 301a. The inclination angle of the blade 17a2 may be appropriately determined by performing an experiment or a simulation.

[0060] As described above, the holes 15c2 function as a flow path for the fluid 301a and as nozzles for increasing the flow rate of the fluid 301a supplied to the blades 17a2. In this case, if the diameter of the holes 15c2 is increased, the flow resistance is reduced, making it easier to increase the flow rate. On the other hand, if the diameter of the holes 15c2 is decreased, the flow rate of the fluid 301a is increased, making it possible to increase the rotation speed of the water turbine 17a (removal section 17c), and thus making it easier to remove foreign matter. According to the findings of the present inventors, if the flow velocity of the fluid 301a flowing through the holes 15c2 is 1 m / s or more, the foreign matter can be easily removed. The diameter and number of the holes 15c2 can be appropriately determined by performing experiments and simulations based on the required processing flow rate and flow velocity.

[0061] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the spokes 17a3 are rod-shaped and extend between the inner surfaces of the frame portion 17a1. At least one spoke 17a3 may be provided. However, if the number of spokes 17a3 increases, the amount of ultraviolet light blocked by the spokes 17a3 increases. Therefore, it is preferable to provide only one spoke 17a3.

[0062] The spokes 17a3 have a boss 17a3a and multiple bosses 17a3b. The boss 17a3a is provided at the center of the spokes 17a3. The boss 17a3a has a hole penetrating in a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 12. The boss 17a3a serves as a bearing for the water wheel 17a. A pair of bosses 17a3b may be provided for each removed portion 17c. The boss 17a3b has a hole penetrating in a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 12. A guide 17d2 for the biasing portion 17d is provided in the hole of the pair of bosses 17a3b.

[0063] The frame 17a1, the wings 17a2, and the spokes 17a3 can be integrally formed. There is no particular limitation on the materials of the frame 17a1, the wings 17a2, and the spokes 17a3 as long as they are highly resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a. The frame 17a1, the wings 17a2, and the spokes 17a3 can be formed from, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel containing 8 wt% or more of Ni, or a resin such as a fluororesin.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the support portion 17b includes, for example, an arm 17b1, a stand 17b2, and a shaft 17b3. Arm 17b1 is rod-shaped and extends in a direction intersecting the central axis of tube portion 12. A boss 17b1a may be provided at the center of arm 17b1. Boss 17b1a has a hole penetrating in a direction along the central axis of tube portion 12. Shaft 17b3 is provided in the hole of boss 17b1a. A boss 17b1b may be provided at each of both ends of arm 17b1. Boss 17b1b has a hole penetrating in a direction along the central axis of tube portion 12. Stand 17b2 is provided in the hole of boss 17b1b.

[0065] At least one arm 17b1 may be provided. However, as with the spokes 17a3 described above, if the number of arms 17b1 increases, the amount of ultraviolet light blocked by the arms 17b1 increases. For this reason, it is preferable to provide only one arm 17b1.

[0066] Moreover, the arm 17b1 has a shape that is bent around the boss 17b1a. In this case, the distance between the boss 17b1a and the light source 15 can be made shorter than the distance between the boss 17b1b and the light source 15 in the direction along the central axis of the tube portion 12. In this way, the distance between the end side of the arm 17b1 and the light source 15 is increased, so that the amount of ultraviolet light incident on the end side of the arm 17b1 can be reduced, and thus the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the fluid 301a can be prevented from decreasing. Furthermore, if the distance between the boss 17b1a and the light source 15 is shortened, the distance between the boss 17b1a and the water wheel 17a is shortened, so that the attitude of the water wheel 17a can be stabilized, and thus the rotation of the water wheel 17a becomes smooth.

[0067] A pair of stands 17b2 may be provided. One end of the stand 17b2 is provided on the cover 15c4. The other end of the stand 17b2 is provided in a hole in the boss 17b1b of the arm 17b1.

[0068] The shaft 17b3 is provided in a hole in the boss 17b1a of the arm 17b1. The shaft 17b3 protrudes from the end of the boss 17b1a on the window 6 side. The water wheel 17a (the boss 17a3a of the spoke 17a3) is rotatably held on the portion of the shaft 17b3 protruding from the boss 17b1a.

[0069] The material of the stand 17b2 and the shaft 17b3 is not particularly limited as long as it is resistant to the fluid 301a and ultraviolet rays, and may be, for example, stainless steel containing 8 wt % or more of Ni.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the removal portion 17c is provided on the water wheel 17a via the biasing portion 17d. At least one removal portion 17c can be provided. The foreign body removal portion 17 illustrated in FIG. 3 is provided with a pair of removal portions 17c. Similarly to the above-mentioned removal portion 7e, the end of the removal portion 17c opposite to the spoke 17a3 side is in contact with the surface of the window 6 opposite to the light source 5 side. The removal portion 17c is formed of a material that is resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a, and has a certain degree of elasticity so as to conform to the surface of the window 6. The material of the removal portion 17c can be, for example, fluororesin.

[0071] The urging portion 17d is provided between the water wheel 17a and the removal portion 17c. One urging portion 17d can be provided for each removal portion 17c. The urging portion 17d presses the removal portion 17c against the surface of the window 6 by elastic force. Therefore, if the urging portion 17d is provided, it is possible to improve the adhesion between the end of the urging portion 17d and the surface of the window 6, and it becomes easier to peel off foreign matter attached to the surface of the window 6.

[0072] 6, the biasing portion 17d has a leaf spring 17d1 and a pair of guides 17d2. The center portion of the leaf spring 17d1 is attached to a spoke 17a3 of the water wheel 17a. Both ends of the leaf spring 17d1 are attached to the guides 17d2. Each of the pair of guides 17d2 is rod-shaped and is provided in a hole in the boss 17a3b of the spoke 17a3. In this case, the guide 17d2 is movable inside the hole in the boss 17a3b. Therefore, the removal portion 17c provided on the biasing portion 17d is pressed so as to follow the surface of the window 6 by the elastic force of the leaf spring 17d1.

[0073] In addition, like the above-mentioned removal unit 7e, the removal unit 17c may be, for example, a brush. When the removal unit 17c is a brush, the bristles of the brush are made to contact the surface of the window 6. Since the bristles of the brush are easily elastically deformed, when the removal unit 17c is a brush, the biasing unit 17d can be omitted. Therefore, the configuration of the foreign matter removal unit 17 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. However, when a brush is used, there is a risk that the bristles of the brush will be mixed into the sterilized fluid 301b. The bristles of the brush mixed into the fluid 301b can be removed by a filter or the like provided at the discharge port 4d of the discharge head 4. However, if the removal unit 17c is a plate-shaped member, there is almost no mixing of the elements of the removal unit 17c, and the quality of the sterilized fluid 301b can be improved. In addition, since there is no need to provide a filter or the like in the discharge head 4, the configuration of the discharge head 4 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0074] Next, the function and effect of the foreign matter removal section 17 will be described. The fluid 301a supplied to the inside of the tube portion 12 through the supply port 12a flows through the inside of the tube portion 12 toward the discharge port 12b. At this time, the fluid 301a is supplied to the plurality of blades 17a2 of the water wheel 17a through the plurality of holes 15c2 provided in the base 15c and the lid 15c4. The water wheel 17a rotates due to the reaction force generated when the fluid 301a passes through the plurality of blades 17a2 of the water wheel 17a. The rotation force of the water wheel 17a is transmitted to the removal part 17c through the biasing part 17d. Therefore, the removal part 17c provided on the water wheel 17a rotates in one direction on the surface of the window 6. Since the end of the removal part 17c is pressed against the surface of the window 6 by the biasing part 17d, foreign matter attached to the surface of the window 6 can be peeled off. Furthermore, since foreign matter near the surface of the window 6 can be discharged to the outside of the window 6, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the surface of the window 6 and to prevent peeled off foreign matter from adhering again to the surface of the window 6. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of times the fluid sterilization device 11 needs to be disassembled and cleaned. Furthermore, by providing the foreign matter removal section 17, the anti-soiling film of the window 6 described above can be omitted. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the window 6. However, by providing the foreign matter removal section 17 and the anti-soiling film of the window 6, adhesion of foreign matter to the surface of the window 6 can be further suppressed.

[0075] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0076] Below, additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment are given.

[0077] (Appendix 1) The tubular part; a light source that irradiates the fluid flowing inside the cylindrical portion with ultraviolet light through a window; A water wheel provided inside the cylindrical portion; a removal portion provided on the water wheel, one end of which contacts a surface of the window opposite to the light source; A fluid sterilization device comprising:

[0078] (Appendix 2) 2. The fluid sterilization device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing portion provided between the water wheel and the removal portion, the biasing portion pressing the removal portion against the surface of the window by elastic force.

[0079] (Appendix 3) the remover is a brush, 2. The fluid disinfection device of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the brush contact the surface of the window.

[0080] (Appendix 4) The base is provided inside the cylindrical portion and has a plurality of holes passing through in a thickness direction. 4. A fluid sterilization device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion, the blades of the water wheel pass through a position that overlaps with the plurality of holes when the water wheel rotates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Fluid sterilizer, 2 cylinder part, 5 light source, 5a light emitting element, 6 window, 7 foreign matter removal part, 7a water wheel, 7a2 blade, 7e removal part, 11 fluid sterilizer, 12 cylinder part, 15 light source, 15c base, 15c2 hole, 17 foreign material removal part, 17a water turbine, 17a2 blade, 17c removal part, 17d Force unit, 301a fluid, 301b fluid

Claims

1. A cylindrical portion; a light source that irradiates the fluid flowing inside the cylindrical portion with ultraviolet light through a window; A water wheel provided inside the cylindrical portion; a removal portion provided on the water wheel, one end of which contacts a surface of the window opposite to the light source; A fluid sterilization device comprising:

2. 2. The fluid sterilizing device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing portion provided between the water wheel and the removal portion, the biasing portion pressing the removal portion against the surface of the window by elastic force.

3. the remover is a brush, 2. The fluid disinfection device of claim 1, wherein said brush bristles contact said surface of said window.

4. The base is provided inside the cylindrical portion and has a plurality of holes passing through in a thickness direction.

3. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion, the blades of the water wheel pass through a position overlapping with the plurality of holes when the water wheel rotates.

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