Sterilizer

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer with a high degree of freedom in design while ensuring productivity.SOLUTION: A sterilizer configured to perform sterilization treatment on an object to be irradiated by irradiating the object with ultraviolet rays includes: an inner that is made of a silicone resin composition containing an inorganic filler, includes a housing part capable of receiving the object to be irradiated, and reflects ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the housing part; and an outer that accommodates the inner. The inner is flexible so as to be accommodated within the outer by deformation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] It is widely known that ultraviolet light can be used to sterilize fluids such as liquids. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fluid sterilization device that irradiates an axially extending flow path with ultraviolet light in the axial direction to sterilize the fluid flowing through the flow path.

[0003] Specifically, the fluid sterilization device described in Patent Document 1 has a light source including a semiconductor light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light, a housing having a flow path through which the fluid to be sterilized flows in the axial direction, and an opening through which the fluid flows out. The light source is disposed at one end of the housing in the axial direction. At one end of the housing, an opening through which the fluid flows in is disposed, and at the other end of the housing, an opening through which the fluid flows out is disposed.

[0004] The housing of Patent Document 1 has a tapered structure with an inclination that matches the orientation angle of the semiconductor light emitting element, which allows ultraviolet light to reach a position far from the light source, and by irradiating ultraviolet light onto a fluid whose flow has been regulated by a rectifying means, the fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet light evenly, which is said to enhance the sterilization effect. The housing is made of stainless steel or Teflon (registered trademark). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-98055 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If the housing of the sterilization device described in Patent Document 1 is made of, for example, Teflon, it must be manufactured by machining individually and cannot be mass-produced like injection molding, etc. In addition, it is desired to increase the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the housing and the mounting positions of the inlet, outlet, and ultraviolet irradiation window while taking into account sterilization efficiency, while ensuring productivity.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus that ensures productivity and has a high degree of freedom in design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a sterilization device which irradiates an irradiation object with ultraviolet light to sterilize the irradiation object, and is made of a silicone resin composition containing an inorganic filler, and includes a storage section capable of receiving the irradiation object, an inner which reflects ultraviolet light toward the inside of the storage section, and an outer which stores the inner, and the inner is flexible so that it can be stored within the outer by being deformed. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a sterilization apparatus having high design freedom while ensuring productivity can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the configuration of a sterilization device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A to 2D are diagrams showing the configuration of the inner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sterilization device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A to 4D are diagrams showing the configuration of the inner according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of a sterilization device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]6A to 6D are diagrams showing the configuration of the inner according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] (Structure of sterilization device) Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the sterilization device 100, and Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view. Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the first inner body 115, Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the first inner body 115, Fig. 2C is a perspective view of the second inner body 116, and Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the second inner body 116.

[0013] As shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the sterilization device 100 is a sterilization device for sterilizing an irradiation target by irradiating the irradiation target with ultraviolet light. The irradiation target to be sterilized may be a fluid or an object other than a fluid. The fluid is not particularly limited as long as it has flowability, and may be a gas or a liquid. The object other than a fluid includes, for example, an object that may be contaminated by bacteria. In this embodiment, the irradiation target is a fluid. In the following description, the sterilization device 100 in which the irradiation target is a fluid will be described. Note that the configuration of the sterilization device 100 is the same even if the irradiation target is an object other than a fluid. The sterilization device 100 has an inner 110 including a storage section 111a and an outer 120. Note that the sterilization device 100 may further have a light source 150 for irradiating ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the sterilization device 100 further has a light source 150.

[0014] The inner 110 is made of a silicone resin composition, can receive a fluid (irradiation target), and reflects ultraviolet light from the light source 150. The inner 110 has a storage section 111a that can receive a fluid (irradiation target). Here, the storage section 111a means a space partitioned by the inner 110. That is, the inner 110 reflects ultraviolet light into the storage section 111a. The silicone resin composition includes a silicone resin and an inorganic filler. The inner 110 made of the silicone resin composition has flexibility, so that it is placed in the outer 120 by being deformed, and is stored in the outer 120 in a state in which the deformation is released. Here, the state in which the deformation is released includes a state in which the inner 110 is completely released to the state before deformation, and a state in which a part of the inner 110 remains deformed. For example, when the outer 120 is created by a 3D printer or the like and has an undercut shape, it is advantageous to store the inner 110 in the outer 120. It is also advantageous when the insertion opening of the inner 110 into the outer 120 is small.

[0015] The silicone resin is not particularly limited as long as it has excellent ultraviolet resistance like fluororesin and can be used as a material for injection molding. The silicone resin is a mixture of vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane and organohydrogenpolysiloxane. The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane is a linear diorganopolysiloxane whose main chain is composed of repeated diorganosiloxane units and whose molecular chain ends are blocked with triorganosiloxy groups. The vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane may have a partially branched structure. The organopolysiloxane is a base polymer of the liquid silicone rubber composition, and contains vinyl groups bonded to silicon atoms at both molecular chain ends or in the molecular side chain. The organohydrogenpolysiloxane is a crosslinking agent for this composition, and contains at least two, preferably three or more hydrogen atoms (SiH groups) bonded to silicon atoms in one molecule.

[0016] The type of inorganic filler is not particularly limited as long as it can be dispersed in the silicone resin and reflects ultraviolet rays. Examples of the inorganic filler include alumina powder, ceramic powder, silica powder, zirconia powder, titania powder, and mixtures thereof. In the present embodiment, the inorganic filler is alumina powder. The content of alumina in the entire inorganic filler is preferably 50% by mass or more, and more preferably 90% by mass or more. If the content of alumina in the entire inorganic filler is within the above range, ultraviolet rays can be effectively reflected. In order to obtain high reflectivity, it is preferable to increase the content of the inorganic filler in the silicone resin composition. However, if the content is too high, the molded product obtained by injection molding becomes brittle and cannot maintain its shape. Therefore, the composition is appropriately set in consideration of the balance between the reflectivity and the handling properties. Specifically, the content of the inorganic filler in the silicone resin composition is preferably within the range of 10 to 70% by mass, and more preferably within the range of 10 to 50% by mass.

[0017] The configuration of the inner tube 110 is not particularly limited as long as it has the storage section 111a and can perform the above-mentioned functions. As shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the inner tube 110 preferably has an inner tube body 111, a supply tube 112, and an extraction tube 113. In this embodiment, the inner tube 110 further has a light guide tube 114.

[0018] The storage section 111a is a space formed by the inner 110, and reflects ultraviolet light. The storage section 111a is a space formed mainly by the inner main body 111. In this embodiment, the storage section 111a is a space formed within the inner main body 111. The shape of the storage section 111a may be the entire shape formed by the inner surfaces of the inner main body 111, the supply pipe 112, the extraction pipe 113, and the light guide pipe 114, or may be a shape formed by a part of these inner surfaces.

[0019] The inner body 111 is hollow, and in this embodiment, temporarily stores the fluid to be sterilized. The shape of the inner body 111 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. In this embodiment, the inner shape (shape of the hollow part) and the outer shape of the inner body 111 are both approximately spherical. The inner body 111 is preferably divided into two or more members. The inner body 111 may be divided into two members, or may be divided into three or more members. In this embodiment, the inner body 111 is divided into two parts, a first inner body 115 and a second inner body 116.

[0020] The inner diameter W1 of the inner body 111 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 20 to 60 mm. By setting the inner diameter W1 of the inner body 111 to about 20 to 60 mm, even when only one UV-C LED is used as the light source 150, the fluid inside the inner body 110 can be sufficiently sterilized.

[0021] The first inner body 115 is located on the upstream side in the fluid flow direction (the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1B) and has a substantially hemispherical shape. In this embodiment, the first inner body 115 is connected to a supply pipe 112.

[0022] The second inner body 116 is located downstream in the fluid flow direction (the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1B) and has a substantially hemispherical shape. In this embodiment, the second inner body 116 is connected to an outlet tube 113 and a light guide tube 114.

[0023] The supply pipe 112 is a pipe for supplying a fluid to the inside of the inner body 111. One end of the supply pipe 112 opens to the inner surface of the inner body 111 (first inner body 115), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, the supply pipe 112 has a circular tube shape of a predetermined length. The supply pipe 112 is housed in the first through hole 131 of the outer 120.

[0024] It is preferable that the supply pipe 112 is disposed so as to smoothly supply the fluid into the inner body 111 along the wall of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, in a cross section along the flow direction of the fluid in the supply pipe 112 (the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1B) and including the center of gravity of the inner body 111, at a first connection part 112a between the inner surface of the supply pipe 112 and the inner surface of the inner body 111, a part of the inner surface of the supply pipe 112 is disposed smoothly and continuously with the inner surface of the inner body 111 so as to coincide with a tangent to the inner surface of the inner body 111 at the first connection part 112a.

[0025] The extraction pipe 113 is a pipe for extracting the fluid inside the inner body 111. One end of the supply pipe 112 opens to the inner surface of the inner body 111 (second inner body 116), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, the extraction pipe 113 has a circular tube shape of a predetermined length. The extraction pipe 113 is housed in the second through hole 133 of the outer 120.

[0026] The extraction tube 113 is preferably disposed so that the fluid can be smoothly extracted from inside the inner body 111 along the wall of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, in a cross section along the flow direction of the fluid in the extraction tube 113 (the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1B) and including the center of gravity of the inner body 111, at a second connection part 113a between the inner surface of the extraction tube 113 and the inner surface of the inner body 111, a part of the inner surface of the extraction tube 113 is disposed smoothly and continuously with the inner surface of the inner body 111 so as to coincide with a tangent to the inner surface of the inner body 111 at the second connection part 113a.

[0027] At least two of the supply pipe 112, the extraction pipe 113, and the light guide pipe 114 are preferably open to one of the two or more members of the inner body 111. In this embodiment, the extraction pipe 113 and the light guide pipe 114 are open to the second inner body 116.

[0028] Since the inner 110 has the supply pipe 112 and the extraction pipe 113, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 150 is less likely to reach the outer 120 directly, so that deterioration of the outer 120 due to the ultraviolet light is suppressed.

[0029] Furthermore, at least two of the supply pipe 112, the extraction pipe 113, and the light guide pipe 114 opening into one of the members of the inner body 111 divided into two or more members may be arranged so that their respective axes are not parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the extraction pipe 113 and the light guide pipe 114 opening into the second inner body 116 are arranged so that their respective axes are not parallel to each other.

[0030] By eliminating steps at first connection part 112a between the inner surface of supply pipe 112 and the inner surface of inner body 111, and at second connection part 113a between the inner surface of extraction pipe 113 and the inner surface of inner body 111, it is possible to create a flow of fluid along the wall surface of spherical inner body 111, and the fluid can be taken out after being retained while rotating in a certain direction within inner body 111. This allows ultraviolet rays to be uniformly irradiated onto the fluid, thereby enabling the fluid to be sufficiently sterilized.

[0031] The inner diameter W2 of the supply pipe 112 and the inner diameter W3 of the extraction pipe 113 are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing pressure loss of the fluid while maintaining sterilization performance, they are preferably within a range of 25 to 40% of the inner diameter W1 of the inner tube 110. By increasing the inner diameter W2 of the supply pipe 112 and the inner diameter W3 of the extraction pipe 113, it is possible to reduce pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization device 100. On the other hand, by decreasing the inner diameter W2 of the supply pipe 112 and the inner diameter W3 of the extraction pipe 113, the time that the fluid supplied from the supply pipe 112 remains in the inner tube 110 is extended, and sterilization performance can be improved.

[0032] In this embodiment, the portion of the supply pipe 112 near the inner body 111 and the portion of the extraction pipe 113 near the inner body 111 are parallel to each other.

[0033] Light guide tube 114 is a tube for guiding ultraviolet light from light source 150 into inner body 111. One end of light guide tube 114 opens to the inner surface of inner body 111, and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of inner body 111. In this embodiment, light guide tube 114 has a circular tube shape of a predetermined length. A window 139 is arranged at the other end of light guide tube 114.

[0034] The inner diameter W4 of the light guide tube 114 is not particularly limited as long as it can allow the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 150 to reach the inside of the inner body 111. For example, the inner diameter W4 of the light guide tube 114 is preferably 20 to 50% of the inner diameter W1 of the inner body 111. By making the inner diameter W4 of the light guide tube 114 larger, the ultraviolet light can be directly irradiated onto a wide range inside the inner body 111.

[0035] The outer 120 accommodates the inner 110 and prevents the inner 110 from deforming due to the pressure of the fluid within the inner 110 .

[0036] The configuration of the outer 120 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. In this embodiment, the outer 120 preferably has an outer body 121, a supply tube cover 122, and an extraction tube cover 123. In this embodiment, the outer 120 further has a light guide tube cover 124. The material of the outer 120 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the material of the outer 120 include metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper, and resins such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), polyacetal (POM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In this embodiment, the material of the outer 120 is polypropylene.

[0037] There is no particular limitation on the manufacturing method of the outer 120. The manufacturing method of the outer 120 is appropriately set depending on the material of the outer 120. Examples of the manufacturing method of the outer 120 include injection molding and modeling using a 3D printer.

[0038] The outer body 121 is hollow and accommodates the inner body 111. The inner surface of the outer body 121 is preferably in contact with the outer surface of the inner body 111 without any gap. The shape of the outer body 121 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. In this embodiment, the hollow shape of the outer body 121 is substantially spherical. The outer body 121 is preferably divided into two or more members to accommodate the inner body 111. The inner body 111 may be divided into two members, or may be divided into three or more members. In this embodiment, the outer body 121 is divided into two, a first outer 125 and a second outer 126.

[0039] The first outer 125 is located upstream in the direction of fluid flow (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1B) and has a substantially hemispherical shape. A first annular groove 136 in which a first O-ring 135 is disposed is formed on the outer surface of the first outer 125. A supply pipe cover 122 is connected to the first outer 125.

[0040] The second outer 126 is located downstream in the flow direction of the fluid (the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1B) and has a substantially hemispherical shape. To the second outer 126, an extraction tube cover 123 and a light guide tube cover 124 are connected.

[0041] The first outer 125 and the second outer 126 are configured to be fixed to each other. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the inner body 111 due to the pressure of the fluid in the inner body 111. In addition, by fixing the first outer 125 and the second outer 126, the inner body 111, which is divided into two or more parts, comes into contact with each other without any gaps. In this embodiment, the first outer 125 and the second outer 126 are arranged so as to partially overlap each other. The method of fixing the first outer 125 and the second outer 126 is not particularly limited. The method of fixing the first outer 125 and the second outer 126 may be screw fastening, or may be configured so as to hook a nail into a hole. In this embodiment, the method of fixing the first outer 125 and the second outer 126 is configured so as to hook a nail into a hole.

[0042] Supply pipe cover 122 accommodates supply pipe 112. Supply pipe cover 122 has a first through hole 131 for accommodating a portion of supply pipe 112. First through hole 131 has a first step 132. The first through hole 131 is disposed so as to be wider downstream in the fluid flow direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1B) than the first step 132 upstream in the fluid flow direction. When supply pipe 112 is accommodated in first through hole 131, the inner surface of supply pipe 112 and the inner surface of first through hole 131 upstream of first step 132 are located on the same plane.

[0043] The extraction pipe cover 123 accommodates the extraction pipe 113. The extraction pipe cover 123 has a second through hole 133 for accommodating a portion of the extraction pipe 113. The second through hole 133 has a second step 134. The second through hole 133 is disposed so as to be wider upstream of the second step 134 in the fluid flow direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1B) than the first step 132 downstream in the fluid flow direction. When the extraction pipe 113 is accommodated in the second through hole 133, the inner surface of the extraction pipe 113 and the inner surface of the second through hole 133 downstream of the second step 134 are located on the same plane.

[0044] The light guide tube cover 124 accommodates the light guide tube 114. When the light guide tube 114 is accommodated in the light guide tube cover 124, the end of the light guide tube cover 124 is configured to be flush with the end of the light guide tube 114. This prevents ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 150 from reaching the light guide tube cover 124 and being reflected by the light guide tube 114, thereby preventing deterioration of the light guide tube cover 124 due to ultraviolet rays. A second annular groove 138 in which a second O-ring 137 is disposed is formed on the end face of the light guide tube cover 124. A window 139 is disposed with the second O-ring 137 disposed in the second annular groove 138. By suppressing deterioration of the light guide tube cover 124 near the second O-ring 137, the opening of the light guide tube 114 can be kept firmly sealed by the window 139, and leakage of the fluid in the inner 110 can be suppressed.

[0045] The window 139 transmits the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 150 into the inner 110. The material of the window 139 is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit the ultraviolet light and has the necessary strength. From the viewpoint of improving the sterilization performance, the material of the window 139 is preferably a material that transmits ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 350 nm or less, and more preferably a material that transmits ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less. Examples of the material of the window 139 include quartz (SiO2), sapphire (Al2O3), and amorphous fluorine-based resin.

[0046] The shape of the window 139 is not particularly limited as long as it can allow the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 150 to reach the inside of the inner 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.

[0047] The light source 150 irradiates the fluid in the inner 110 with ultraviolet light. The light source 150 may irradiate the fluid in the inner 110 with ultraviolet light directly, or may irradiate the fluid in the inner 110 with ultraviolet light via another member such as a window or a mirror. In this embodiment, the light source 150 irradiates the inner 110 with ultraviolet light through the window 139. The type of the light source 150 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit ultraviolet light. Examples of the light source 150 include a light-emitting diode (LED), a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, and a laser diode (LD). In this embodiment, the light source 150 is a light-emitting diode (LED). The wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source 150 is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of effective sterilization, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source 150 is preferably 200 nm or more and 350 nm or less, and more preferably 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less. That is, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 150 is preferably ultraviolet C wave (UVC). Examples of commercially available light sources 150 include NCSU334A (Nichia Corporation), which is an ultraviolet light emitting diode 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.).

[0048] The position of the light source 150 is not particularly limited as long as it can irradiate the fluid in the inner 110 with ultraviolet light, but by arranging the light source 150 in the second inner body 116, the sterilization performance can be further improved. In this embodiment, the light source 150 is arranged in the second inner body 116. More specifically, the light source 150 is arranged inside a recess provided in the fixing member 151 such that the optical axis of the light source 150 does not intersect with either the axis of the supply pipe 112 or the axis of the extraction pipe 113.

[0049] The fixing member 151 fixes the light source 150. In this embodiment, the fixing member 151 is screwed to the second outer 126. The material of the fixing member 151 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the material of the fixing member 151 include metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper, and resins such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), polyacetal (POM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In this embodiment, the material of the fixing member 151 is polypropylene.

[0050] In this embodiment, the light source 150 is disposed outside the inner 110, but may be disposed inside the inner 110. In this case, the sterilization device 100 does not have the light guide tube 114, the light guide tube cover 124, and the fixing member 151.

[0051] (How to use the sterilizer) Next, a method of using the sterilization apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0052] In the sterilization device 100 of this embodiment, the first inner body 115 is accommodated in the first outer 125. At this time, the supply pipe 112 is inserted into the first through hole 131 of the supply pipe cover 122. Also, the second inner body 116 is accommodated in the second outer 126. At this time, the extraction pipe 113 is inserted into the second through hole 133 of the extraction pipe cover 123, and the light guide pipe 114 is inserted into the light guide pipe cover 124. As described above, since the axis of the extraction pipe 113 and the axis of the light guide pipe 114 are arranged so as not to be parallel, the second inner body 116 is deformed and accommodated in the second outer 126. Next, with the first O-ring 135 arranged in the first annular groove 136, the second outer 126 is placed over the first outer 125. At this time, the claw portion of the first outer 125 is engaged with the hole of the second outer 126. This fixes the first inner body 115 and the second inner body 116 in contact with each other without any gaps. Next, with the second O-ring 137 placed in the second annular groove 138, the fixing member 151 for the second outer 126 in which the window 139 and the light source 150 are placed is fixed. Through the above steps, the sterilization device 100 is assembled.

[0053] The light source 150 emits ultraviolet light, and while the inner 110 reflects the ultraviolet light toward the storage section 111a, the fluid to be sterilized (e.g., water) is introduced into the inner body 111 from the supply pipe 112, and the fluid in the inner body 111 is taken out from the take-out pipe 113. At this time, the fluid may be moved by applying pressure to the take-out pipe 113 side, or the fluid may be moved by applying pressure to the supply pipe 112 side. The fluid to be sterilized is taken out from the take-out pipe 113 while rotating inside the inner body 111. At this time, the fluid in the storage section 111a is directly irradiated with ultraviolet light, and by reflecting the ultraviolet light to the storage section 111a by the inner 110, the fluid (irradiation target) passing through the storage section 111a is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the fluid is guided to the take-out pipe 113 in a sufficiently sterilized state.

[0054] (effect) As described above, according to the sterilization device 100 of this embodiment, the inner 110 can be deformed to accommodate at least two of the supply pipe 112, the extraction pipe 113, and the light guide pipe 114 in the outer 120 even if their axes are not parallel, so there is a high degree of freedom in designing the sterilization device 100. Also, since the inner 110 is made of a silicone resin composition, it can be manufactured by injection molding rather than machining (cutting), resulting in high productivity.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] Next, a sterilization apparatus 200 of embodiment 2 will be described. The sterilization apparatus 200 of this embodiment differs from the sterilization apparatus 100 of embodiment 1 only in the shapes of the supply pipe 212 and the extraction pipe 213 of the inner 210, and the first through hole 231 and the second through hole 233 of the outer 220. Therefore, the same components as those of the sterilization apparatus 100 of embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. (Structure of sterilization device) Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the sterilization device 200. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the first inner body 115, Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the first inner body 115, Fig. 4C is a perspective view of the second inner body 116, and Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the second inner body 116.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the sterilization apparatus 200 has an inner 210 including a storage section 111a, and an outer 220. In this embodiment, the sterilization apparatus 200 may further have a light source 150 for irradiating ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the sterilization apparatus 200 has the light source 150.

[0057] 4A to 4D, in this embodiment, the inner 210 preferably has an inner main body 111, a supply pipe 212, and an outlet pipe 213. In this embodiment, the inner 210 further has a light guide pipe 114.

[0058] In this embodiment, the inner body 111 is divided into two parts: a first inner body 115 and a second inner body 116. In this embodiment, a supply pipe 212 is connected to the first inner body 115, and an extraction pipe 213 and a light guide pipe 114 are connected to the second inner body 116.

[0059] One end of the supply pipe 212 opens to the inner surface of the inner body 111 (first inner body 115), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner body 111. A first protrusion (protrusion) 212a formed to protrude outward from the pipe diameter of the supply pipe 212 is disposed at the other end of the supply pipe 212. The first protrusion 212a prevents the supply pipe 212 from coming off the supply pipe cover 222, and can also suppress deformation of the supply pipe 212 due to the fluid. The configuration of the first protrusion 212a is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the configuration of the first protrusion 212a include a flange and a protrusion. In this embodiment, the first protrusion 212a is a flange.

[0060] One end of the extraction tube 213 opens to the inner surface of the inner body 111 (second inner body 116), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner body 111. A second protrusion (protrusion) 213a formed to protrude outward from the pipe diameter of the extraction tube 213 is disposed at the other end of the extraction tube 213. The second protrusion 213a prevents the extraction tube 213 from coming off the extraction tube cover 223, and can also suppress deformation of the supply tube 212 caused by the fluid. The configuration of the second protrusion 213a is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions. Examples of the configuration of the second protrusion 213a include a flange and a protrusion. In this embodiment, the second protrusion 213a is a flange.

[0061] The outer 220 preferably has an outer main body 121, a supply tube cover 222, and an extraction tube cover 223. In this embodiment, the outer 220 further has a light guide tube cover 124. The outer main body 121 is divided into two parts, a first outer 125 and a second outer 126. The supply tube cover 222 is connected to the first outer 125, and the extraction tube cover 223 and the light guide tube cover 124 are connected to the second outer 126.

[0062] Supply pipe cover 222 accommodates supply pipe 212. Supply pipe cover 222 has a first through hole 231 for accommodating a portion of supply pipe 212. First through hole 231 has a first step portion 232. First step portion 232 of first through hole 231 is formed in a shape complementary to first protrusion 212a.

[0063] 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.

[0064] (effect) As described above, the sterilization apparatus 200 according to this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment, and in addition, can prevent the inner 210 from coming off the outer 120, and can suppress deformation of the inner 210 (the supply pipe 212 and the extraction pipe 213) due to fluid pressure.

[0065] [Embodiment 3] Next, a sterilizer 300 of embodiment 3 will be described. In the sterilizer 300 of this embodiment, the connection position of the extraction pipe 313 is different from that of the sterilizer 100 of embodiment 1, and the configuration of the outer 320 is different from that of embodiment 1. Therefore, the same components as those of the sterilizer 100 of embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. (Structure of sterilization device) Fig. 5A is a perspective view of sterilization device 300, Fig. 5B is a perspective view, Fig. 6A is a perspective view of first inner body 315, Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of first inner body 315, Fig. 6C is a perspective view of second inner body 316, and Fig. 6D is a cross-sectional view of second inner body 316.

[0066] 5A and 5B, sterilization apparatus 300 has an inner 310 including a storage section 111a, and an outer 320. Sterilization apparatus 300 may further have a light source 150 for irradiating ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, sterilization apparatus 300 has light source 150.

[0067] 6A to 6D, in this embodiment, the inner 310 preferably has an inner body 311, a supply pipe 112, and an outlet pipe 213. The inner 310 may further have a light guide pipe 114. In this embodiment, the inner 310 further has a light guide pipe 114.

[0068] In this embodiment, the inner body 311 is divided into two parts: 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.

[0069] One end of the extraction pipe 313 opens to the inner surface of the inner body 311 (first inner body 315 ), and the other end protrudes from the outer surface of the inner body 311 .

[0070] In this embodiment, the angle between the axis of supply pipe 112 and the axis of extraction pipe 313 is 90° (the directions of arrows A and B in FIG. 5B). However, since first inner body 315 is flexible, inner 310 can be housed in outer 320 even if the angle between the axis of supply pipe 112 and the axis of extraction pipe 313 is 90°.

[0071] The outer 320 preferably has an outer main body 321, a supply tube cover 122, and an extraction tube cover 323. In this embodiment, the outer 320 further has a light guide tube cover 124. The outer main body 321 is divided into two parts, a first outer 325 and a second outer 326. The supply tube cover 122 and the extraction tube cover 323 are connected to the first outer 325, and the light guide tube cover 124 is connected to the second outer 326. In this embodiment, the first outer 325 and the second outer 326 are fixed together by screws (not shown).

[0072] The extraction pipe cover 323 has a second through hole 133 for accommodating a part of the extraction pipe 313. The second through hole 133 has a second step portion .

[0073] (effect) As described above, the sterilization apparatus 300 according to this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The sterilization device according to the present embodiment is useful for sterilizing, for example, purified water, agricultural water, food cleaning water, various cleaning water, bath water, pool water, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100, 200, 300 sterilizer 110, 210, 310 Inner 111, 311 Inner body 111a Storage unit 112, 212 supply pipe 112a First connection part 113, 213, 313 Take-out pipe 113a Second connection part 114 Light guide tube 115, 315 First inner body 116, 316 Second inner body 120, 220, 320 Outer 121, 321 Outer body 122, 222 Supply pipe cover 123, 223, 323 Extraction pipe cover 124 Light guide tube cover 125, 325 1st outer 126, 326 2nd outer 131, 231 First through hole 132, 232 1st stage 133, 233 Second through hole 134, 234 Second stage 135 1st O-ring 136 First annular groove 137 2nd O-ring 138 Second annular groove 139 Windows 150 light source 151 Fixing member 212a First protrusion 213a Second convex part

Claims

1. A sterilization device that irradiates an irradiation object with ultraviolet light to sterilize the irradiation object, an inner layer that is made of a silicone resin composition containing an inorganic filler, includes a storage section that can receive the irradiation target, and reflects ultraviolet light toward the inside of the storage section; an outer that accommodates the inner; having The inner is flexible so that it can be deformed to be accommodated within the outer. Sterilizer.

2. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the inner is configured to be placed in the outer by being deformed, and to be accommodated in the outer in a state where the deformation is released.

3. The irradiation target is a fluid, The inner layer is A hollow inner body; a supply pipe for supplying the fluid to the inside of the inner body, the supply pipe having one end opening to the inner surface of the inner body and the other end protruding from the outer surface of the inner body; a withdrawal tube for withdrawing the fluid from inside the inner body, the withdrawal tube having one end opening to the inner surface of the inner body and the other end protruding from the outer surface of the inner body; having The sterilization device according to claim 1.

4. Further comprising a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light into the inner layer, The inner further includes a light guide tube having one end opening to the inner surface of the inner body and the other end protruding from the outer surface of the inner body, for guiding ultraviolet light from the light source into the inner body. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The sterilizer according to claim 4 , wherein the inner body is divided into two or more members.

6. 6. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least two of the supply pipe, the outlet pipe and the light guide pipe open into one member of the inner body which is divided into two or more members.

7. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least two of the supply pipe, the extraction pipe and the light guide pipe opening into the one member are arranged such that their respective axes are not parallel to each other.

8. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the other end of the supply pipe and the other end of the take-out pipe are provided with convex portions formed to protrude outward beyond the pipe diameters of the supply pipe and the take-out pipe, respectively.

9. The outer layer is A first through hole for accommodating the supply pipe; A second through hole for accommodating the extraction tube; The sterilization device according to claim 3 .

Images