Fluid sterilizer

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilizer aiming at improved sterilization efficiency.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilizer includes a sterilization chamber 60 with a wall surface formed in a sunken spherical shape; a sterilization chamber main body 10 with a light source opening 14, a chamber inflow port 12 and a chamber outflow port 13 formed so as to open to the sterilization chamber 60; a light source part 20 configured to block the light source opening 14 and irradiate the sterilization chamber 60 with ultraviolet light from the light source opening 14; and a housing 30 arranged to cover an outer surface of a main body of the sterilization chamber 60, and including a housing supply port 31A configured to allow supplied fluid to flow to the chamber inflow port 12 and a housing discharge port 32A configured to allow fluid flowing out from the chamber outflow port 13 to flow. A relation between a supply flow rate being a flow rate per unit time period of the fluid supplied to the housing supply port 31A and pressure loss from the housing supply port 31A to the housing discharge port 32A is set so that a divisional value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of supply flow rate is included within a prescribed range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, Patent Document 1 has disclosed a sterilization device capable of effectively irradiating a fluid with ultraviolet rays. This conventional sterilization device includes an irradiation chamber and a UV radiation source. A fluid to be sterilized flows through the irradiation chamber. The irradiation chamber has an inlet port for allowing the fluid to flow in and an outlet port for allowing the fluid to flow out. The UV radiation source emits ultraviolet light inside the irradiation chamber. The fluid flowing through the irradiation chamber is sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation chamber.

[0003] In this prior art, the wall surface of the irradiation chamber has a concave rectangular parallelepiped shape. In other words, the side surface shape of the irradiation chamber is formed by a plane.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above prior art, since the side surface shape of the irradiation chamber is formed by a plane, the flow of the fluid in the inner space of the irradiation chamber has a large turbulence. Therefore, it is difficult to control the flow of the fluid in the inner space of the irradiation chamber in consideration of the sterilization efficiency, and there is room for improvement in terms of improving the sterilization efficiency.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and aims to provide a fluid sterilization device in which the sterilization efficiency is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a sterilization chamber having a wall surface formed in a concave spherical shape, a light source opening for allowing ultraviolet light to enter the sterilization chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber, and a chamber outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber, and a sterilization chamber body formed such that the chamber outlet opens into the sterilization chamber; a light source unit configured to block the light source opening and emit the ultraviolet light from the light source opening into the sterilization chamber; a housing disposed so as to cover the outer surface of the sterilization chamber body, having a housing supply port configured such that the supplied fluid can flow to the chamber inlet, and a housing discharge port configured such that the fluid flowing out from the chamber outlet can flow; in a fluid sterilization device, the relationship between the supply flow rate, which is the flow rate per unit time of the fluid supplied to the housing supply port, and the pressure loss from the housing supply port to the housing discharge port is set such that the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate is included in a predetermined range.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the above aspect, since the wall surface of the sterilization chamber is formed in a concave spherical shape, the turbulence of the fluid flow in the sterilization chamber is suppressed, so that the pressure loss of the fluid from the housing supply port to the housing discharge port can be reduced. And, since the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid from the housing supply port to the housing discharge port by the square of the supply flow rate, which is the flow rate per unit time of the fluid supplied to the housing supply port, is included in a predetermined range, the turbulence of the fluid flow can be suppressed so that the fluid is sterilized as uniformly as possible in the sterilization chamber. As a result, the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0009] As described above, according to the above aspect, a fluid sterilization device capable of improving the sterilization efficiency can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The fluid sterilization device has a sterilization chamber whose wall surface is formed in a concave spherical shape, a light source opening for allowing ultraviolet light to enter the sterilization chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber, and a chamber outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber, and is formed such that the sterilization chamber main body is opened, a light source unit configured to close the light source opening and emit the ultraviolet light from the light source opening into the sterilization chamber, and is disposed so as to cover the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body, and a housing supply port is formed so that the supplied fluid can flow to the chamber inlet, and a housing discharge port is formed so that the fluid flowing out from the chamber outlet can flow, and a relationship between a supply flow rate which is a flow rate per unit time of the fluid supplied to the housing supply port and a pressure loss from the housing supply port to the housing discharge port is set such that a division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate is included in a predetermined range.

[0012] The division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate may be set to be included within ±20% of the division value at the reference flow rate. Since the turbulence of the fluid flow in the sterilization chamber is reliably suppressed, the sterilization efficiency can be surely improved.

[0013] The division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate may be set to be included within ±10% of the division value at the reference flow rate. Since the turbulence of the fluid flow in the sterilization chamber is more reliably suppressed, the sterilization efficiency can be more surely improved.

[0014] The reference flow rate may be the supply flow rate at which the integrated dose is 40 mJ / cm 2 By being able to appropriately set the reference flow rate, the sterilization efficiency can be effectively improved.

[0015] The chamber inlet is arranged such that the opening of the chamber inlet faces the surface on the sterilization chamber side among the planes including the opening for the light source, and at least a part of the opening of the chamber inlet does not overlap the opening for the light source when viewed from the central axis direction of the opening for the light source. In this configuration, not all of the fluid flowing in from the chamber inlet proceeds toward the opening for the light source, and at least a part of the flowing-in fluid hits the concave spherical wall surface in the sterilization chamber. In this way, by having at least a part of the flowing-in fluid hit the concave spherical wall surface, a spiral flow can be generated in the sterilization chamber. And by generating a spiral flow immediately after flowing into the sterilization chamber, the spiral flow can be maintained in all regions of the concave spherical sterilization chamber. As a result, the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber can be reduced, and the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0016] Also, the edge line of the opening for the light source is formed in a circular shape, and the ratio D / d of the diameter D of the sterilization chamber to the diameter d of the opening for the light source may be set in the range of 1.8 to 2.2. With this configuration, the fluid flowing in from the chamber inlet surely hits the concave spherical wall surface, and a spiral flow can be effectively generated. As a result, the pressure loss can be reduced, and the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0017] Further, when the flow rate per unit time of the fluid flowing through the sterilization chamber is 0.5 to 50 L / sec, the sterilization chamber body may be configured such that the residence time of the fluid in the sterilization chamber is 0.02 to 2 sec. Thereby, a desired integrated irradiation dose can be ensured, and a desired sterilization performance can be ensured.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) 1. Basic configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 The basic configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid sterilization device 1 mainly includes a sterilization chamber body 10 having a sterilization chamber 60, a light source unit 20 that emits ultraviolet light into the sterilization chamber 60, and a housing 30 that encloses the sterilization chamber body 10 and the light source unit 20.

[0019] A space is formed between the sterilization chamber body 10 and the housing 30. Since the space is located outside the sterilization chamber body 10, this space will be referred to as the outer region 70. Further, the fluid sterilization device 1 includes a first seal member 40 and a second seal member 50. However, the first seal member 40 and the second seal member 50 will be described later.

[0020] The fluid sterilization device 1 is a device that allows fluid to flow from the outside into the sterilization chamber 60 through the outer region 70 and irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 with ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20 to sterilize the fluid. The fluid to be sterilized may be a gas or a liquid, and may be a mixture of gas and liquid, a mixture of gas and powdered solid, etc., as long as it has fluidity. In the case of a liquid, for example, water, oil, alcohol, a solution using these as a solvent, etc.

[0021] The sterilization chamber body 10 has the sterilization chamber 60 inside. The sterilization chamber 60 is a space for irradiating the flowing fluid with ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 20. The wall surface of the sterilization chamber 60 is formed in a concave spherical shape. By making the sterilization chamber 60 in a concave spherical shape, ultraviolet light can be efficiently reflected by the concave spherical surface, and the illuminance of ultraviolet light in the sterilization chamber 60 can be increased, so that the sterilization efficiency of the fluid can be improved.

[0022] The sterilization chamber main body 10 is made of a material with a high reflectivity of ultraviolet light. The sterilization chamber main body 10 is entirely formed of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), for example. By using PTFE, the reflectivity of ultraviolet light can be increased, and the sterilization efficiency can be improved. Any material with a high reflectivity to the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20 may be used other than PTFE. In particular, the material of the sterilization chamber main body 10 is preferably a material with a reflectivity of 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more with respect to the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20. Also, the sterilization chamber main body 10 may be formed such that only the surface layer forming the concave spherical surface is made of a material with a reflectivity of 80% or more to ultraviolet light, such as PTFE or aluminum.

[0023] A light source opening 14 is formed in the sterilization chamber main body 10 so as to open into the sterilization chamber 60. The light source opening 14 is an opening for allowing the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 20 to enter the sterilization chamber 60.

[0024] A chamber inlet 12 is further formed in the sterilization chamber main body 10 so as to open into the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber inlet 12 connects the sterilization chamber 60 and the outer region 70. The chamber inlet 12 is an inlet for allowing fluid to flow from the outer region 70 into the sterilization chamber 60.

[0025] A chamber outlet 13 is further formed in the sterilization chamber main body 10 so as to open into the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber outlet 13 connects the sterilization chamber 60 and the outside. The chamber outlet 13 is an outlet for allowing fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber 60 to the outside.

[0026] The light source unit 20 is arranged to close the light source opening 14. The light source unit 20 is configured to emit ultraviolet light from the light source opening 14 into the sterilization chamber 60. A part of the light source unit 20 that is exposed at the light source opening 14, that is, the emission surface 20A of the light source unit 20 from which the ultraviolet light is emitted, constitutes a part of the wall surface of the sterilization chamber 60. Therefore, the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 comes into contact with the emission surface 20A of the light source unit 20. Accordingly, the light source unit 20 is cooled by the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60. As a result, the luminous efficiency of the light source unit 20 can be increased.

[0027] The housing 30 is provided so as to enclose the sterilization chamber main body 10 and the light source unit 20. That is, the housing 30 is arranged to cover the sterilization chamber main body 10 and the light source unit 20. Specifically, the inner surface of the housing 30 faces the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10. Also, the inner surface of the housing 30 faces the outer surface of the light source unit 20. That is, the inner surface of the housing 30 faces the outer back surface 20B and the outer peripheral surface 20C that constitute the outer surface of the light source unit 20.

[0028] Then, an outer region 70 is formed by the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10, and the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the light source unit 20. A part of the outer region 70 is a region that faces the inner surface of the housing 30 and also faces the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10. Another part of the outer region 70 is a region that faces the inner surface of the housing 30 and also faces the outer surface of the light source unit 20.

[0029] A housing supply port 31A through which fluid is supplied is formed in the housing 30. The housing supply port 31A communicates with the outer region 70. That is, the fluid supplied from the housing supply port 31A passes through the outer region 70 and flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12.

[0030] Furthermore, a housing discharge port 32A for discharging fluid is formed in the housing 30. The housing discharge port 32A communicates with the chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization chamber main body 10. Therefore, the fluid sterilized in the sterilization chamber 60 is discharged to the outside from the housing discharge port 32A through the chamber outlet 13.

[0031] 2. Flow path of the fluid in the fluid sterilization device 1 The flow path of the fluid in the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid is supplied from the housing supply port 31A to the outer region 70.

[0032] First, the fluid supplied from the housing supply port 31A flows into the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer back surface 20B of the light source unit 20 in the outer region 70. At this time, the fluid contacts the outer back surface 20B of the light source unit 20 and cools the light source unit 20. Subsequently, the fluid flows into the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer peripheral surface 20C of the light source unit 20 in the outer region 70. At this time, the fluid contacts the outer peripheral surface 20C of the light source unit 20 and cools the light source unit 20. Subsequently, the fluid flows into the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10 in the outer region 70.

[0033] In this way, the fluid supplied from the housing supply port 31A first contacts the outer back surface 20B and the outer peripheral surface 20C which are the outer surfaces of the light source unit 20. Therefore, the light source unit 20 is efficiently cooled by the fluid supplied from the housing supply port 31A. As a result, the luminous efficiency of the light source unit 20 can be increased.

[0034] Subsequently, the fluid in the outer region 70 flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 of the sterilization chamber main body 10. The fluid that has flowed into the sterilization chamber 60 advances toward the chamber outlet 13 while maintaining a spiral flow. The fluid flows from the chamber outlet 13 to the housing discharge port 32A and is discharged to the outside.

[0035] Here, since the sterilization chamber 60 has a concave spherical wall surface, the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 forms a spiral flow. Further, the chamber inlet 12 and the chamber outlet 13 are configured such that the direction of the central axis of the spiral flow changes as the spiral flow generated along the concave spherical wall surface in the sterilization chamber 60 by the fluid flowing in from the chamber inlet 12 advances from near the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the central axis direction of the spiral flow in the sterilization chamber 60 is configured to change from the chamber inlet 12 toward the chamber outlet 13. Due to the positional relationship between the chamber inlet 12 and the chamber outlet 13, the central axis direction of the spiral flow of the fluid flowing into the sterilization chamber 60 is configured to change so as to approach the direction of the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13.

[0037] In this embodiment, since the central axis direction of the spiral flow generated immediately after flowing in from the chamber inlet 12 has an angle with respect to the direction of the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13, the central axis direction of the spiral flow changes. In particular, since the angle formed by the central axis direction of the spiral flow and the direction of the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 is a large angle (an angle close to 90°), the angle by which the central axis direction of the spiral flow changes becomes large. By being configured in this way, in the sterilization chamber 60, the stagnant portion of the fluid can be eliminated and the flow can be made good. In particular, the flow of the fluid in the vicinity of the chamber outlet 13 can be made good.

[0038] In this way, in the sterilization chamber 60, it is possible to suppress the fluid flowing in from the chamber inlet 12 from immediately heading toward the chamber outlet 13, and it is possible to effectively generate a spiral flow. Since the spiral flow can be maintained throughout the sterilization chamber 60, the flow path of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 can be lengthened. As a result, a desired integrated exposure dose by the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20 can be ensured, and a desired sterilization performance can be ensured. Furthermore, the pressure loss can be reduced, and the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0039] Also, since the spiral flow can be maintained in the sterilization chamber 60, the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 can be reduced. From this also, the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0040] 3. Components of the sterilization chamber main body 10 The components of the sterilization chamber main body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The sterilization chamber main body 10 includes a plurality of main body components divided into at least two. A case where the sterilization chamber main body 10 is composed of two main body components will be taken as an example.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the sterilization chamber main body 10 is divided into two parts: a first main body component 10A and a second main body component 10B.

[0042] The first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B are configured such that the sterilization chamber 60 is divided into two hemispherical shapes. That is, the first main body component 10A constitutes one of the plurality of main body components that make up the sterilization chamber main body 10, and its wall surface is formed in a semi-concave spherical shape. The second main body component 10B constitutes one of the plurality of main body components that make up the sterilization chamber main body 10, and its wall surface is formed in a semi-concave spherical shape. The second main body component 10B is arranged opposite to the first main body component 10A.

[0043] In the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B, ring-shaped boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba appear as the dividing surfaces respectively. By combining the ring-shaped boundary surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A and the ring-shaped boundary surface 10Ba of the second main body component 10B, the sterilization chamber 60 appears inside.

[0044] The diameter of the concave spherical surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10 is D. The diameter of the opening of the sterilization chamber 60 at the dividing surface between the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B coincides with D. By dividing the sterilization chamber main body 10 in this way, the production of the sterilization chamber main body 10 can be facilitated.

[0045] A light source opening 14 is formed in the first main body component 10A. The plane P including the light source opening 14 is configured to be parallel to the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba. That is, the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14 is perpendicular to the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba. Therefore, the light source opening 14 is formed at the position farthest from the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba in the first main body component 10A. The edge line of the light source opening 14 is, for example, a circle. Therefore, the light source opening 14 is located in the same plane. The diameter of the edge line of the light source opening 14 is d.

[0046] The ratio D / d of the diameter D of the sterilization chamber 60 to the diameter d of the light source opening 14 is set, for example, in the range of 1.8 to 2.2. In this case, when centered on the center point O1 of the sterilization chamber 60, the opening angle θ1 of the light source opening 14 formed in the first main body component 10A is approximately 60°. As a similar standard, the sum of the angles θ2 and θ3 of the portion forming the concave spherical shape of the first main body component 10A is the remaining 120° (60° each). With this configuration, the fluid flowing in from the chamber inlet 12 surely hits the concave spherical wall surface, and a spiral flow can be effectively generated. As a result, the pressure loss can be reduced and the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0047] The second main body component 10B is formed with a chamber inlet 12 and a chamber outlet 13. The central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 is offset from the center point O1 of the sterilization chamber 60. The central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 is formed parallel to the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14. However, if the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 is offset from the center point O1, the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 and the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14 may have an intersecting positional relationship or a twisted positional relationship.

[0048] The chamber inlet 12 has, for example, a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. The inner diameter of the chamber inlet 12 is di. Since the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 is offset from the center point O1 of the sterilization chamber 60, the edge line of the opening on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the chamber inlet 12 has a shape approximated to an oval.

[0049] The chamber inlet 12 is arranged such that the opening on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the chamber inlet 12 faces the surface on the sterilization chamber 60 side of the plane P including the light source opening 14. In FIG. 3(b), the opening on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the chamber inlet 12 faces downward, and the surface on the sterilization chamber 60 side of the plane including the light source opening 14 faces upward.

[0050] The central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 is offset from the center point O1 of the sterilization chamber 60. The central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 is formed parallel to the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12. Therefore, the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 is also formed parallel to the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14. However, if the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 is offset from the center point O1, the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 and the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 may have an intersecting positional relationship or a twisted positional relationship. Also, the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 and the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14 may have an intersecting positional relationship or a twisted positional relationship.

[0051] The chamber outlet 13 has, for example, a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. The inner diameter of the chamber outlet 13 is do. Since the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 is offset from the center point O1 of the sterilization chamber 60, the edge line of the opening on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the chamber outlet 13 has a shape approximated to an oval.

[0052] The chamber outlet 13 is arranged such that the opening on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the chamber outlet 13 faces the surface on the sterilization chamber 60 side of the plane P including the light source opening 14. In FIG. 3(b), the opening on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the chamber outlet 13 faces downward, and the surface on the sterilization chamber 60 side of the plane including the light source opening 14 faces upward.

[0053] As described above, the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14 is orthogonal to the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba. In this case, the entire surfaces of the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba become the surfaces having the maximum angle with respect to the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14. Therefore, the amount of ultraviolet light entering the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba can be reduced, so that the leakage of ultraviolet light through the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba can be reduced.

[0054] 4. Positional Relationship of Each Opening 12, 13, 14 of the Sterilization Chamber Main Body 10 The positional relationship of each opening 12, 13, 14 of the sterilization chamber main body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Specifically, the positional relationship of the chamber inlet 12, the chamber outlet 13, and the light source opening 14 will be described.

[0055] As described above, the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12, and the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 are parallel, for example. And the edge line of the light source opening 14, the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the chamber inlet 12, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the chamber outlet 13 are each circular.

[0056] The chamber inlet 12 is arranged such that the opening of the chamber inlet 12 faces the surface on the sterilization chamber 60 side in the plane P including the light source opening 14. When viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, at least a part of the opening of the chamber inlet 12 is arranged so as not to overlap the light source opening 14. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, another part of the opening of the chamber inlet 12 is arranged so as to overlap the light source opening 14. That is, the position of the chamber inlet 12 is set such that only at least a part of it is outside the light source opening 14 when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] As described above, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, at least a part of the opening of the chamber inlet 12 is arranged so as not to overlap the light source opening 14. The central axis L1 of the light source opening 14 and the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12 are parallel. That is, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12, at least a part of the opening of the chamber inlet 12 is also arranged so as not to overlap the light source opening 14.

[0058] Therefore, all of the fluid flowing in from the chamber inlet 12 does not all proceed toward the light source opening, and at least a part of the flowing-in fluid hits the concave spherical wall surface of the sterilization chamber 60. In this way, by at least a part of the flowing-in fluid hitting the concave spherical wall surface, a spiral flow can be generated in the sterilization chamber. And by generating a spiral flow immediately after flowing into the sterilization chamber 60, the spiral flow can be maintained in all regions of the concave spherical sterilization chamber 60. Therefore, a desired integrated irradiation dose can be ensured and a desired sterilization performance can be ensured.

[0059] In addition to the above configuration, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, all of the openings of the chamber inlet 12 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the light source opening 14. That is, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L2 of the chamber inlet 12, all of the openings of the chamber inlet 12 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the light source opening 14. In this case, a spiral flow can be effectively generated in the sterilization chamber 60. By generating a stronger spiral flow immediately after flowing into the sterilization chamber 60, the spiral flow can be maintained in all regions of the concave spherical sterilization chamber 60.

[0060] The chamber outlet 13 is arranged such that the opening of the chamber outlet 13 faces the surface on the sterilization chamber 60 side of the plane P including the light source opening 14. When viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, at least a part of the opening of the chamber outlet 13 is arranged so as not to overlap with the light source opening 14. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, another part of the opening of the chamber outlet 13 is arranged so as to overlap with the light source opening 14. That is, also in the case of the chamber outlet 13, when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4, its position is set such that only at least a part of it is outside the light source opening 14.

[0061] As described above, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, at least a part of the opening of the chamber outlet 13 is arranged so as not to overlap with the light source opening 14. The central axis L1 of the light source opening 14 and the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13 are parallel. That is, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13, at least a part of the opening of the chamber outlet 13 is also arranged so as not to overlap with the light source opening 14.

[0062] Therefore, at least a part of the fluid flowing toward the chamber outlet 13 flows toward the chamber outlet 13 while hitting the concave spherical wall surface in the sterilization chamber 60. The fluid flowing toward the chamber outlet 13 can be in a state of maintaining a spiral flow. As a result, the fluid flowing from the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13 can maintain a spiral flow throughout. Since a spiral flow can be maintained in the sterilization chamber 60, the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 can be reduced, and the sterilization efficiency can be increased. Therefore, a desired integrated exposure dose can be ensured, and a desired sterilization performance can be ensured.

[0063] In addition to the above configuration, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L1 of the light source opening 14, all of the openings of the chamber outlet 13 may be arranged so as not to overlap the light source opening 14. That is, when viewed from the direction of the central axis L3 of the chamber outlet 13, all of the openings of the chamber outlet 13 may be arranged so as not to overlap the light source opening 14. In this case, a strong spiral flow can be maintained in the fluid flowing toward the chamber outlet 13.

[0064] Also, the inner diameter of the chamber outlet 13 is formed larger than the inner diameter of the chamber inlet 12. By reducing the inner diameter of the chamber inlet 12, the flow velocity flowing into the sterilization chamber 60 can be increased, and a spiral flow can be effectively generated. Furthermore, by increasing the inner diameter of the chamber outlet 13, the flowing-out fluid can flow out while maintaining a spiral flow. Therefore, the pressure loss in the vicinity of the chamber outlet 13 can be reduced, and the sterilization efficiency can be increased.

[0065] When viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4, the ratio of the area outside the light source opening 14 in the areas of the chamber inlet 12 and the chamber outlet 13 is preferably 50% or more, and more preferably the larger the ratio. This makes it easier to form a spiral flow. Note that this area ratio needs to be set according to the diameter D of the sterilization chamber 60, the inner diameter di of the chamber inlet 12, and the inner diameter do of the chamber outlet 13.

[0066] 5. Configuration of the boundary surfaces 10Aa, 10Ba and the first seal member 40 The interface surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A, the interface surface 10Ba of the second main body component, and the first seal member 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0067] The interface surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A is formed in a ring shape. A ring-shaped concave groove 15 is formed in the interface surface 10Aa. This concave groove 15 is provided to fit the ring-shaped first seal member 40 and fix the position of the first seal member 40 on the interface surface 10Aa. The cross-sectional shape of the concave groove 15 can be arbitrary as long as it can fit the first seal member 40, such as a rectangle, V shape, circle, etc.

[0068] The first seal member 40 is formed of fluororubber or fluoroelastomer. Both materials are elastic materials that are resistant to deterioration by ultraviolet light and have a high reflectivity of ultraviolet light. Taking the first seal member 40 as an example of a ring shape with a circular cross-section, it can have an arbitrary cross-sectional shape.

[0069] The first seal member 40 is fitted into the concave groove 15. By fitting the first seal member 40 into the concave groove 15, the first seal member 40 on the interface surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A can be fixed and stabilized, and positioned. Also, by fitting the first seal member 40 into the concave groove 15, the exposed area of the first seal member 40 can be reduced so that ultraviolet light is not directly irradiated onto the first seal member 40. Therefore, the service life of the first seal member 40 can be improved.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 3(b), in the fluid sterilization device 1, the boundary surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A and the boundary surface 10Ba of the second main body component 10B are arranged to face each other. And the sterilization chamber main body 10 is arranged to be pressed by the housing 30 inside the housing 30 in the vertical direction of Fig. 3(b). By this pressing, the first sealing member 40 adheres to the boundary surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A and the boundary surface 10Ba of the second main body component 10B over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. In this way, the first sealing member 40 partitions the sterilization chamber 60 and the outer region 70.

[0071] In this state, the boundary surface 10Aa of the first main body component 10A and the boundary surface 10Ba of the second main body component 10B are in a state of being in close contact or having a slight gap. In this way, the sterilization chamber 60 is constituted by the semi-concave spherical surface of the first main body component 10A and the semi-concave spherical surface of the second main body component 10B, and the sterilization chamber main body 10 is constituted.

[0072] With the above configuration, even if fluid infiltrates from the sterilization chamber 60 into the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba between the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B, the fluid does not flow to the outside of this by the first sealing member 40. That is, the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba between the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B are sealed by the first sealing member 40, and leakage of fluid between the sterilization chamber 60 and the outer region 70 can be prevented.

[0073] Note that depending on the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of the boundary surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba, there may be a case where they are in contact in a part in the circumferential direction and are separated in the remaining part in the circumferential direction. Even in these cases, the first sealing member 40 adheres to the boundary surface 10Ba of the second main body component 10B over the entire circumference. Therefore, the same effect as above is exhibited.

[0074] In addition, since the first sealing member 40 is made of fluororubber or fluoroelastomer, even if ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20 enters the interface surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba between the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B, the ultraviolet light can be reflected by the first sealing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage of ultraviolet light from the interface surfaces 10Aa and 10Ba between the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B to the outside of the sterilization chamber main body 10.

[0075] Further, since the first sealing member 40 is fitted into the concave groove 15, the ultraviolet light from the light source opening 14 is not directly irradiated. Therefore, the service life of the first sealing member 40 can be improved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the sterilization chamber main body 10 is composed of two members, the first main body component 10A and the second main body component 10B, but it may be composed of three or more main body components. Also in that case, by arranging the first sealing member 40 at the interface with each main body component, it is possible to prevent leakage of fluid between the sterilization chamber 60 and the outer region 70 and prevent leakage of ultraviolet light to the outside of the sterilization chamber main body 10.

[0077] Also, in this embodiment, the concave groove 15 is provided in the first main body component 10A, but it may be provided in the second main body component 10B or both.

[0078] 6. Configuration of Light Source Unit 20 The configuration of the light source unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light source unit 20. The light source unit 20 is arranged so as to close the light source opening 14 of the sterilization chamber main body 10. Also, the ultraviolet light emitting side of the light source unit 20 is arranged to face the sterilization chamber 60 side. The ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 20 enters the sterilization chamber 60 through the light source opening 14.

[0079] The light source unit 20 includes a mounting substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a window member 23, a light source housing 24, and a gasket 25. The shape of the entire light source unit 20 is, for example, disk-shaped. However, the shape of the light source unit 20 can be any shape.

[0080] The mounting substrate 21 is a substrate having a mounting surface. A wiring pattern is formed on the mounting substrate 21. A wiring 80 for supplying power is connected to the back surface of the mounting substrate 21.

[0081] The light emitting element 22 is an element that emits ultraviolet light. For example, the light emitting element 22 uses a group III nitride semiconductor, and the emission wavelength is 200 to 280 nm. Since the emission wavelength is in the UVC region, the fluid can be efficiently sterilized. The light emitting element 22 may be directly mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 21, or a packaged LED package may be mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 21. The LED package is a unit in which the light emitting element 22 is arranged in a housing and sealed with a glass plate or a lens. In addition, various elements (such as a Zener diode) necessary for driving and protecting the light emitting element 22 are mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 21.

[0082] The window member 23 is a circular glass plate and is disposed on the gasket 25. The window member 23 is made of quartz. Other materials than quartz may be used as long as they are materials that transmit ultraviolet light. For example, sapphire or the like may be used. Further, the window member 23 is not limited to a plate shape and may be a lens shape, for example, a TIR lens, a fly-eye lens, a Fresnel lens, or the like.

[0083] The light source housing 24 is provided so as to cover other parts so as not to cover at least the vicinity of the center of the window member 23. The light source housing 24 is provided so as to continuously cover, for example, the back surface and the side surface of the mounting substrate 21 and the side surface of the window member 23. The light source housing 24 may be constituted by one member or may be constituted by a plurality of members.

[0084] The light source housing 24 is formed of a material with high heat dissipation. For example, the light source housing 24 is formed of a metal such as SUS or Al, or a resin material with high heat dissipation. Since the light source housing 24 of the light source unit 20 is in contact with the fluid, the light source unit 20 can be efficiently cooled.

[0085] The gasket 25 is formed in a ring shape, is disposed on the mounting substrate 21 along the vicinity of the end portion, and the light emitting element 22 and various elements are located inside the gasket 25. The height of the gasket 25 is set higher than that of the light emitting element 22 and various elements. The gasket 25 is made of an elastic material resistant to ultraviolet light. It may be the same material as the first sealing member 40.

[0086] The gasket 25 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the mounting substrate 21, the window member 23, and the light source housing 24. Thereby, the internal space surrounded by the light source housing 24, the window member 23, and the gasket 25 is sealed so that the fluid does not leak into the internal space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid from entering the region where the light emitting element 22 and various elements are disposed. Note that the gasket 25 may be in close contact with only the mounting substrate 21 and the window member 23, or may be in close contact with only the window member 23 and the light source housing 24.

[0087] Here, the outer surface of the light source unit 20 has an emission surface 20A that emits ultraviolet light, an outer back surface 20B located on the back surface of the emission surface, and an outer peripheral surface 20C. The emission surface 20A is located corresponding to the light source opening 14 and is constituted by a portion of the window member 23 that is not covered by the light source housing 24. That is, the emission surface 20A is constituted by the surface of the window member 23. The outer back surface 20B is constituted by a portion on the back surface side of the light source housing 24. The outer peripheral surface 20C is constituted by a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the light source housing 24.

[0088] 7. Configuration of the housing 30 and the second sealing member 50 The configuration of the housing 30 and the second seal member 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7. As described above, the housing 30 is provided so as to enclose the sterilization chamber main body 10 and the light source unit 20. The housing 30 includes a first housing member 31 and a second housing member 32. The division position between the first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32 can be arbitrarily set. Further, the housing 30 may be constituted by one member, or may be constituted by three or more members. Note that the joint portion between the first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32 has a seal structure (not shown).

[0089] The first housing member 31 is configured to cover a part of the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10 and the outer surface of the light source unit 20. Therefore, a part of the outer region 70 is formed between the inner surface of the first housing member 31 and the outer surfaces of the sterilization chamber main body 10 and the light source unit 20.

[0090] A housing supply port 31A is formed in the first housing member 31. The housing supply port 31A is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, a cylindrical shape or a polygonal cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the housing supply port 31A is arranged so as to face the outer back surface 20B of the light source unit 20. When viewed from the central axis direction of the housing supply port 31A, at least a part of the opening of the housing supply port 31A is set to face the outer back surface of the light source unit 20. Thereby, the fluid flowing into the outer region 70 from the housing supply port 31A can directly hit the light source unit 20, and the cooling efficiency of the light source unit 20 can be improved.

[0091] In particular, when viewed from the central axis direction of the housing supply port 31A, it is preferable that the entire opening of the housing supply port 31A is set to face the outer back surface 20B of the light source unit 20. The cooling efficiency of the light source unit 20 can be further improved.

[0092] Furthermore, the first housing member 31 is provided with an opening 31B through which a wiring 80 connecting the light source unit 20 and the outside passes. The opening 31B is, for example, cylindrical, and one end of the cylinder is in contact with the outer back surface 20B of the light source unit 20. Then, by passing the wiring 80 through the inside of the cylinder of the opening 31B, the connection portion between the light source unit 20 and the wiring 80 and the wiring 80 are prevented from coming into contact with the fluid.

[0093] The second housing member 32 is configured to cover the remaining portion of the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10. A part of the outer region 70 is formed between the inner surface of the second housing member 32 and the outer surface of the sterilization chamber main body 10.

[0094] The second housing member 32 is formed with a housing discharge port 32A. The housing discharge port 32A is connected to the chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization chamber main body 10. The connection structure between the chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization chamber main body 10 and the housing discharge port 32A of the housing 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the housing discharge port 32A has a cylindrical portion 32Aa protruding toward the chamber outlet 13, and is connected to the chamber outlet 13 by fitting the cylindrical portion 32Aa into the chamber outlet 13. Further, in the chamber outlet 13, the region on the housing discharge port 32A side has a larger inner diameter than the other regions, and the inner diameter approximately matches the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 32Aa.

[0096] Due to this difference in inner diameter, a stepped portion 13A is formed in the chamber outlet 13. A ring-shaped second seal member 50 is disposed on the stepped portion 13A. The second seal member 50 is formed of the same material as the first seal member 40. That is, the second seal member 50 is formed of fluororubber or fluoroelastomer.

[0097] The second seal member 50 is formed in a ring shape. The second seal member 50 is disposed between the boundary surfaces of the chamber outlet 13 and the housing outlet 32A. The second seal member 50 is elastically deformed by the pressing force from the housing 30 and is in close contact with both the stepped portion 13A of the chamber outlet 13 and the tip of the cylindrical portion 32Aa of the housing outlet 32A. With such a structure, the second seal member 50 seals the boundary surface between the chamber outlet 13 and the housing outlet 32A. Therefore, the second seal member 50 prevents the leakage of fluid between the chamber outlet 13 and the outer region 70 through the boundary surface between the chamber outlet 13 and the housing outlet 32A.

[0098] 8. Water flow simulation The sterilization chamber 60 in this embodiment was modeled and water flow simulation was performed. As shown in FIG. 8, the water flow simulation results show that a spiral flow is formed in the sterilization chamber 60.

[0099] Also, when the flow rate of water flowing through the sterilization chamber 60 per unit time is 8 L / sec, the time from when the water flows in from the chamber inlet 12 until it flows out from the chamber outlet 13, that is, the residence time in the sterilization chamber 60, was 0.14 sec. The sterilization performance of the outflowed water was very high, and it was confirmed that the sterilization or inactivation of the target bacteria and viruses was 90% or more.

[0100] From the above, it is preferable that the sterilization chamber main body 10 is configured such that when the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the sterilization chamber 60 per unit time is 0.5 to 50 L / sec, the residence time of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 is 0.02 to 2 sec. Thereby, a desired integrated exposure dose can be ensured and a desired sterilization performance can be ensured.

[0101] 9. Regarding the pressure loss of the fluid in the fluid sterilization device 1 Since the wall surface of the sterilization chamber 60 is formed in a concave spherical shape, the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 forms a spiral flow. By forming a spiral flow of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60, the turbulence of the fluid flow in the sterilization chamber 60 is suppressed, so that the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 can be reduced. By reducing the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60, the pressure loss of the fluid in the fluid sterilizer 1 is approximately proportional to the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid in the fluid sterilizer 1. In other words, the relationship between the supply flow rate of the fluid in the fluid sterilizer 1 and the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 is set such that the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid in the fluid sterilizer 1 is included in a predetermined range. By suppressing the turbulence of the fluid flow in the sterilization chamber 60, the fluid can be sterilized as uniformly as possible in the sterilization chamber 60, so that the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0102] Here, the pressure loss of the fluid in the fluid sterilizer 1 refers to the pressure loss of the fluid from the housing supply port 31A to the housing discharge port 32A. The supply flow rate of the fluid in the fluid sterilizer 1 refers to the flow rate per unit time of the fluid supplied to the housing supply port 31A.

[0103] For example, it is set such that the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is included in ±20% of the division value at the reference flow rate. Thereby, the sterilization efficiency can be surely improved.

[0104] Furthermore, it may be set such that the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is included in ±10% of the division value at the reference flow rate. In this case, the sterilization efficiency can be more surely improved.

[0105] For example, the reference flow rate is such that the integrated exposure dose is 40 mJ / cm 2It is the supply flow rate that results in this. As a result, the reference flow rate can be appropriately set, so the sterilization efficiency can be effectively improved. Note that the integrated exposure dose is the product of the illuminance of ultraviolet light in the sterilization chamber 60 and the irradiation time of ultraviolet light. The irradiation time of ultraviolet light in the sterilization chamber 60 is the same as the residence time of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60. That is, the irradiation time of ultraviolet light in the sterilization chamber 60 is the time during which ultraviolet light is irradiated while the fluid flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 and flows out from the chamber outlet 13.

[0106] (Example 1) In Example 1 shown in Table 1, the reference flow rate, which is the supply flow rate resulting in an integrated exposure dose of 40 mJ / cm 2 is 0.3 L / min. And when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 0.3 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 0.4 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.44.

[0107]

Table 1

[0108] On the other hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 0.9 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 3.8 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.69, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 4.44 at the reference flow rate of 0.3 L / min is +5.6% and is included within ±10%.

[0109] On the other hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.2 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 6.5 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.51, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 4.44 at the reference flow rate of 0.3 L / min is +1.6% and is included within ±10%.

[0110] In this way, since the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is set to be included within ±10% of the division value at the reference flow rate, the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0111] (Example 2) In Example 2 shown in Table 2, the reference flow rate, which is the flow rate at which the integrated exposure dose becomes 40 mJ / cm 2 , is 0.5 L / min. And when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 0.5 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid becomes 1.1 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.40.

[0112]

Table 2

[0113] On the other hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.5 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid becomes 9.2 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.09, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 4.40 at the reference flow rate of 0.5 L / min is -7.0%, which is included within ±10%.

[0114] On the other hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 2.0 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid becomes 16.5 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.13, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 4.40 at the reference flow rate of 0.5 L / min is -6.1%, which is included within ±10%.

[0115] In this way, since the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is set to be included within ±10% of the division value at the reference flow rate, the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0116] (Example 3) In Example 3 shown in Table 3, the reference flow rate, which is the flow rate at which the integrated exposure dose becomes 40 mJ / cm 2 , is 1.8 L / min. And when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.8 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid becomes 4.3 kPa, so the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.33.

[0117]

Table 3

[0118] On the one hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 4.0 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 22.5 kPa. Therefore, the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.41, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 1.33 at the reference flow rate of 1.8 L / min is +6.0%, which is included in ±10%.

[0119] On the other hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 5.3 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 40.7 kPa. Therefore, the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.45, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 1.33 at the reference flow rate of 1.8 L / min is +9.0%, which is included in ±10%.

[0120] In this way, since the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is set to be included in ±10% of the division value at the reference flow rate, the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

[0121] (Example 4) In Example 4 shown in Table 4, the reference flow rate, at which the integrated exposure dose is 40 mJ / cm 2 , is 2.3 L / min. And when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 2.3 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 8.3 kPa. Therefore, the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.57.

[0122]

Table 4

[0123] On the other hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 5.0 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 37.2 kPa. Therefore, the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.49, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 1.57 at the reference flow rate of 2.3 L / min is -5.1%, which is included in ±10%.

[0124] On the one hand, when the supply flow rate of the fluid is 8.0 L / min, the pressure loss of the fluid is 91.7 kPa. Therefore, the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is 1.43, and the deviation rate with respect to the division value of 1.57 at the reference flow rate of 2.3 L / min is -8.9%, which is included within ±10%.

[0125] In this way, since the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss of the fluid by the square of the supply flow rate of the fluid is set to be included within ±10% of the division value at the reference flow rate, the sterilization efficiency can be improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0126] 10: Sterilization chamber body 12: Chamber inlet 13: Chamber outlet 14: Light source opening 20: Light source unit 30: Housing 31A: Housing supply port 32A: Housing discharge port 60: Sterilization chamber

Claims

1. A sterilization chamber body having a sterilization chamber with a concave spherical wall surface, a light source opening for allowing ultraviolet light to enter the sterilization chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing a fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber, and a chamber outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber, the sterilization chamber body being formed such that the chamber inlet, the chamber outlet, and the light source opening open into the sterilization chamber; A light source unit configured to block the light source opening and emit the ultraviolet light from the light source opening into the sterilization chamber; A housing disposed so as to cover the outer surface of the sterilization chamber body, the housing having a housing supply port formed such that the supplied fluid can flow to the chamber inlet, and a housing discharge port formed such that the fluid flowing out of the chamber outlet can flow therethrough; and A fluid sterilization device, wherein a relationship between a supply flow rate, which is a flow rate per unit time of the fluid supplied to the housing supply port, and a pressure loss from the housing supply port to the housing discharge port is set such that a division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate is included in a predetermined range.

2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate is set to be included within ±20% of the division value at a reference flow rate.

3. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the division value obtained by dividing the pressure loss by the square of the supply flow rate is set to be included within ±10% of the division value at a reference flow rate.

4. The reference flow rate is the supply flow rate at which the integrated exposure dose, which is the product of the illuminance of the ultraviolet light and the irradiation time of the ultraviolet light in the sterilization chamber, becomes 40 mJ / cm ２ The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2 or 3, which is the above supply flow rate.

5. The chamber inlet is disposed such that an opening of the chamber inlet faces a surface on the sterilization chamber side of a plane including the light source opening; The fluid sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the opening of the chamber inlet is disposed so as not to overlap the light source opening when viewed in a central axis direction of the light source opening.

6. An edge line of the light source opening is formed in a circular shape; The fluid sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a ratio D / d of a diameter D of the sterilization chamber to a diameter d of the light source opening is set in a range of 1.8 to 2.

2.

7. The fluid sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sterilization chamber body is configured such that when a flow rate per unit time of the fluid flowing through the sterilization chamber is 0.5 to 50 L / sec, a residence time of the fluid in the sterilization chamber is 0.02 to 2.

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