Fluid sterilizer

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilizer having high sterilization efficiency.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilizer includes: a housing 10 having an interior space; a light source part 90 arranged in the interior space, configured to emit ultraviolet light, having a top face 90a being a face on an ultraviolet light emitting side and a side face 90b being a face angled to the top face 90a, and arranged so as to have a side part space 70C between the side face 90b and the internal face of the housing 10; a sterilization chamber body 30 having a sterilization chamber 70A opening at a light source part 90 side and arranged facing the top face 90a of the light source part 90 at the interior space; and a rectification part 51 arranged between the light source part 90 and the sterilization chamber body 30 at the interior space and having a rectification face 51a facing the top face 90a of the light source part 90 and arranged to have a rectification space 70B between the top face 90a and the rectification face 51a. The fluid circulates from the side part space 70C via the rectification space 70B to the sterilization chamber 70A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Sterilization devices that sterilize and inactivate bacteria and viruses in flowing water by irradiating them with ultraviolet light are known. Mercury lamps are widely used as the light source. Mercury lamps have the problem of being highly toxic and having a large environmental impact because they contain mercury. Another problem is that the use of mercury lamps makes the sterilization device larger. Therefore, efforts are underway to replace mercury lamps with ultraviolet LEDs.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a fluid sterilization device that uses ultraviolet LEDs. The fluid sterilization device in Patent Document 1 has a cylindrical sterilization chamber with a light source unit located at one end of the chamber, and is configured so that fluid that flows in from the back side of the light source unit flows into the sterilization chamber from the side of the light source unit and is discharged from the other end of the sterilization chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-10574 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the fluid is configured to flow in from the side of the light source unit, part of the fluid moves away from the center of the light source unit, resulting in insufficient sterilization efficiency.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a fluid sterilizing device with high sterilizing efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a housing having an internal space, an inlet for allowing a fluid to flow into the internal space, and an outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the internal space; a light source unit that is disposed in the internal space, that emits ultraviolet light, that has an upper surface that is a surface on the ultraviolet light emission side and a side surface that is a surface that forms an angle with the upper surface, and that is disposed so as to have a side space between the side surface and an inner surface of the housing; a sterilization chamber body disposed in the internal space opposite the upper surface of the light source unit and having a sterilization chamber open on the light source unit side; a rectifying unit that is disposed between the light source unit and the sterilization chamber main body in the internal space, has a rectifying surface facing the upper surface of the light source unit, and is disposed so as to define a rectifying space between the upper surface and the rectifying surface, The fluid sterilizes the fluid in such a manner that the fluid flows from the side space through the flow straightening space to the sterilization chamber, or from the sterilization chamber through the flow straightening space to the side space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the above aspect, the flow straightening section guides the fluid from the side space to the center of the sterilization chamber, or from the center of the sterilization chamber to the side space. The intensity of the ultraviolet light is higher in the center of the sterilization chamber, which improves the sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0009] As described above, according to the above aspect, a fluid sterilizing device with high sterilizing efficiency can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fluid sterilization device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fluid sterilization device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the fluid sterilization device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The fluid sterilization device comprises a housing having an internal space, an inlet for allowing fluid to flow into the internal space, and an outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the internal space; a light source unit arranged in the internal space and emitting ultraviolet light, having an upper surface which is the surface from which the ultraviolet light is emitted and a side surface which is an angled surface with respect to the upper surface, with a side space between the side surface and the internal surface of the housing; a sterilization chamber body arranged opposite the upper surface of the light source unit in the internal space and having a sterilization chamber which is open on the light source unit side; and a rectification unit arranged between the light source unit and the sterilization chamber body in the internal space, having a rectification surface facing the upper surface of the light source unit and arranged so as to have a rectification space between the upper surface and the rectification surface, and fluid flows from the side space to the sterilization chamber via the rectification space, or from the sterilization chamber to the side space via the rectification space.

[0012] In the fluid sterilization device, the flow straightening section may protrude further toward the center of the sterilization chamber than the inner circumferential surface of the sterilization chamber body, thereby improving the flow straightening effect and making it easier to guide the fluid to the center of the sterilization chamber.

[0013] The rectifying section may be in contact with one of the axial end faces of the sterilization chamber body on the light source side, thereby stabilizing the position of the rectifying section.

[0014] In the fluid sterilization device, the rectifying section may be made of a material with an ultraviolet light transmittance of 10% or less, thereby suppressing deterioration of the housing due to ultraviolet light.

[0015] In the fluid sterilization device, the rectifying section may be made of stainless steel or a resin mixed with carbon.

[0016] The fluid sterilization device may further have a water-stopping part that is connected in an L-shape to the rectifying part, and a gap may be formed between the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization chamber main body, and the water-stopping part may be inserted into the gap.

[0017] In the fluid sterilization device, the rectifying unit may be located in a region outside the range of the radiation angle of the light source unit.

[0018] (Embodiment) 1. Basic configuration of the fluid sterilization device FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fluid sterilization device in an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fluid sterilization device in an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the fluid sterilization device in an embodiment.

[0019] 1 to 3, the fluid sterilization device in this embodiment comprises a housing 10, a gasket 20, a sterilization chamber body 30, a first O-ring 40, an L-shaped body 50, a second O-ring 60, a cap 80, and a light source unit 90. Note that the light source unit 90 is not shown in Fig. 3.

[0020] The fluid sterilization device 1 sterilizes a fluid by introducing the fluid into the sterilization chamber 70A through the inlet 100 and irradiating the fluid in the sterilization chamber 70A with ultraviolet light from the light source unit 90. 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 powdery solid, or the like, as long as it has fluidity. In the case of a liquid, examples include water, oil, alcohol, and solutions using these as solvents.

[0021] 2. Components of the fluid sterilization device The housing 10 is divided into a first housing 10A and a second housing 10B, which are secured together by a cap 80. The housing 10 has a cylindrical space inside, and the first housing 10A and the second housing 10B are roughly cylindrical. One bottom surface of the first housing 10A and one bottom surface of the second housing 10B are joined together facing each other. The housing 10 is made of a resin such as polypropylene.

[0022] A retaining portion 10BA and a protruding portion 10BB are provided on the bottom surface of the second housing 10B on the side of the first housing 10A. The retaining portion 10BA is ring-shaped, and the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the retaining portion 10BA roughly matches the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 10A. The retaining portion 10BA is inserted so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 10A, and is in contact with the flow straightening portion 51 of the L-shaped body 50, which will be described later. This narrows the entrance of a gap 33, which will be described later. The protruding portion 10BB protrudes radially from the retaining portion 10BA, and the insertion of the retaining portion 10BA is stopped by the protruding portion 10BB.

[0023] The end surface of first housing 10A has a ring-shaped groove into which a ring-shaped second O-ring 60 is fitted. Second O-ring 60 contacts protrusion 10BB of second housing 10B. In this way, second O-ring 60 ensures airtightness at the connection between first housing 10A and second housing 10B.

[0024] A screw groove 11 is formed on the bottom side of the outer periphery of the first housing 10A. The cap 80 has an L-shaped cross section, and one side is configured to engage with the protrusion 10BB of the second housing 10B. The other side is formed with a screw groove corresponding to the screw groove 11 of the first housing 10A, and the cap 80 is screwed to the first housing 10A. In this way, the first housing 10A and the second housing 10B are fixed and tightly attached by the cap 80.

[0025] An inlet 100 and a wiring port 10BC are provided on the bottom surface of the second housing 10B, on the side opposite to the first housing 10A side. The inlet 100 is an opening for introducing a fluid into the housing 10. The axial cross section of the inlet 100 is circular. The wiring port 10BC is an opening for passing wiring for supplying power to the light source unit 90, which will be described later.

[0026] An outlet 200 is provided on the surface of the first housing 10A opposite to the second housing 10B side. The outlet 200 is an opening for discharging the fluid inside the housing 10. The cross section of the outlet 200 in the axial direction is circular.

[0027] The sterilization chamber body 30 is disposed inside the housing 10. The sterilization chamber body 30 is cylindrical, with its axis parallel to the axis of the housing 10. One of the two bottom surfaces of the cylinder of the sterilization chamber body 30 is open. The open bottom surface faces the light source unit 90, and the non-open bottom surface faces the outlet port 200. The cylindrical internal space of the sterilization chamber body 30 forms a sterilization chamber 70A for sterilizing fluids.

[0028] A hole 35 is provided on the bottom surface that is not open of the sterilization chamber main body 30. The hole 35 connects the sterilization chamber 70A and the outlet 200. The hole 35 is circular, and the diameter of the hole 35 is the same as the diameter of the outlet 200. The positions of the sterilization chamber main body 30 and the hole 35 are set so that the center of the hole 35 and the center of the outlet 200 coincide with each other.

[0029] The outer peripheral surface of the sterilization chamber main body 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10 do not contact each other, leaving a gap 32. Gap 32 is a buffer region that alleviates the difference in linear expansion coefficients between the housing 10 and the sterilization chamber main body 30, and as described below, also serves to form an air layer that attenuates ultraviolet light. A ring-shaped gasket 20 is provided in this gap 32 near the hole 35 and the outlet 200. This gasket 20 seals the connection between the hole 35 and the outlet 200 to prevent fluid from entering the gap 32. The gasket 20 also absorbs distortion caused by the difference in linear expansion coefficients between the housing 10 and the sterilization chamber main body 30.

[0030] The gasket 20 is made of, for example, EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber), but may also be made of any other elastic material that is highly resistant to ultraviolet light.

[0031] The sterilization chamber body 30 is made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The thickness of the sterilization chamber body 30 is 7 mm or more. PTFE has a high reflectivity for ultraviolet light, and by making the PTFE thickness 7 mm or more, the transmission of ultraviolet light can be sufficiently reduced and the reflectivity can be increased. For example, the reflectivity can be increased to 99% or more. The material of the sterilization chamber body 30 is not limited to PTFE, but any material that is resistant to ultraviolet light can be used. In particular, a material with a reflectivity of 40% or more for ultraviolet light is preferable. Alternatively, the material may be transparent to ultraviolet light, and a reflective film may be formed on the inner and outer surfaces.

[0032] Recesses for fitting gaskets 20 are provided near the holes 35 on the outer wall surface of the sterilization chamber main body 30 and near the outlet 200 on the inner wall surface of the first housing 10A, and the gaskets 20 are fitted into these recesses. This gasket prevents fluid from entering the gap 32 between the first housing 10A and the sterilization chamber main body 30 from the connection between the holes 35 and the outlet 200.

[0033] A ring-shaped recess 31 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization chamber main body 30 in the area near the inlet 100. A first O-ring 40 is fitted into the recess 31. The first O-ring 40 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 10A. This prevents water from entering through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 10A and the upper end surface 30a of the sterilization chamber main body 30. The first O-ring 40 and the second O-ring 60 may be made of any elastic material, but a material that is resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light is preferred, such as fluororubber or fluoroelastomer.

[0034] In this way, the gasket 20 and the first O-ring 40 prevent fluid from entering the gap 32. In other words, an air layer is formed. Therefore, even if ultraviolet light passes through the sterilization chamber main body 30, the ultraviolet light can be weakened by passing through the air layer, and deterioration of the first housing 10A and the second housing 10B due to the ultraviolet light can be suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, a gap 33 remains between the first housing 10A and the sterilization chamber main body 30 from the upper end surface 30a, which is the end surface of the axial end surface of the sterilization chamber main body 30 on the light source unit 90 side, to the first O-ring 40 fitted into the recess 31.

[0036] The light source unit 90 is a device that emits ultraviolet light. The light source unit 90 is located inside the housing 10 on the inlet 100 side. The light source unit 90 is roughly disk-shaped, with the surface of the bottom surface that emits ultraviolet light referred to as the top surface 90a and the side surface 90b that connects to the top surface 90a at an angle approximately perpendicular to the top surface 90a. The top surface 90a of the light source unit 90 is located opposite the opening of the sterilization chamber main body 30, and the back surface of the light source unit 90 (the surface opposite the top surface 90a) is located opposite the inlet 100 of the second housing 10B. There is also a gap between the side surface 90b of the light source unit 90 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10. This gap is referred to as the side space 70C.

[0037] The light source unit 90 is composed of a light emitting element 91, a window unit 92, a light source unit housing 93, and a mounting substrate 94. The light emitting element 91 is disposed inside the light source unit housing 93. A portion of the light source unit housing 93 is sealed in the window unit 92, which transmits ultraviolet light.

[0038] The light-emitting element 91 is an element that emits ultraviolet light. For example, the light-emitting element 91 uses a group III nitride semiconductor and has an emission wavelength of 200 to 280 nm. Because the emission wavelength is in the UVC region, fluids can be efficiently sterilized. The light-emitting element 91 may be directly mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 94, or a packaged LED package may be mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 94. The LED package is a unit in which the light-emitting element 91 is placed in a housing and sealed with a glass plate or a lens. In addition, various elements (for example, Zener diodes) necessary for driving and protecting the light-emitting element 91 may be mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting substrate 94.

[0039] The window portion 92 is a circular glass plate. The window portion 92 is made of quartz. However, a material other than quartz may be used as long as it transmits ultraviolet light. For example, sapphire may be used. Furthermore, the window portion 92 is not limited to being plate-shaped, and may be lenticular, such as a TIR lens, a fly's eye lens, or a Fresnel lens.

[0040] The light source housing 93 is provided to cover other parts but not to cover at least the center of the window 92. The light source housing 93 is provided, for example, to continuously cover the back and side surfaces of the mounting board 94 and the upper edge of the window 92. The light source housing 93 may be formed of one member or multiple members.

[0041] The light source unit housing 93 is made of a material with high heat dissipation properties. For example, the light source unit housing 93 is made of a metal such as SUS or Al, or a resin material with high heat dissipation properties. Since the light source unit housing 93 of the light source unit 90 comes into contact with the fluid, the light source unit 90 can be cooled efficiently.

[0042] A wire that supplies power to the light source unit 90 is connected to the light source unit 90 and is taken out to the outside through the wire port 10BC of the second housing 10B. A third O-ring 81 is provided between the vicinity of the wire port 10BC and the light source unit 90. The third O-ring 81 prevents fluid from leaking from the connection between the wire port 10BC and the light source unit 90 into the light source unit 90 or the wire port 10BC.

[0043] The radiation angle of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source unit 90 is defined as θ. The radiation angle θ is set depending on the radiation angle of the light emitting element 91 itself, the shape of the reflector disposed in the light source unit housing 93, and the like. The radiation angle θ is an angular range in which the light intensity is more than half of the peak in the angular distribution of the light intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source unit 90. For example, the radiation angle θ is 90 to 150 degrees.

[0044] The L-shaped body 50 has a flow straightening part 51 which is an annular plate, and a cylindrical water stop part 52 which is connected in an L-shape to the outer end of the flow straightening part 51. The axis of the ring of the flow straightening part 51 is approximately the same as the axis of the sterilization chamber main body 30.

[0045] The rectifying unit 51 is provided to form a rectifying space 70B between itself and the upper surface 90a of the light source unit 90, thereby achieving a predetermined rectifying effect. The rectifying unit 51 faces the upper surface 90a of the light source unit 90 with a gap therebetween. The rectifying surface 51a of the rectifying unit 51 (the surface facing the upper surface 90a) is approximately parallel to the upper surface 90a of the light source unit 90. The rectifying unit 51 contacts the upper end surface 30a of the sterilization chamber main body 30. The rectifying surface 51a also contacts the protrusion 10BB of the second housing 10B. In other words, the rectifying unit 51 is supported by being sandwiched between the upper end surface 30a of the sterilization chamber main body 30 and the protrusion 10BB of the second housing 10B, thereby determining the axial position of the L-shaped body 50.

[0046] The radial width of the rectifier 51 is greater than the thickness of the sterilization chamber body 30 (the distance between the outer and inner peripheral surfaces), and it protrudes toward the center of the sterilization chamber body 30 beyond the inner peripheral surface. The amount of protrusion is preferably set to a degree that prevents the rectifier 51 from entering the radiation angle θ of the light source 90. This range prevents the rectifier 51 from blocking ultraviolet light and creating a blind spot, allowing sufficient ultraviolet light from the light source 90 to reach the sterilization chamber body 30 and be reflected by the sterilization chamber body 30, improving the light intensity of the sterilization chamber 70A. This also prevents fluid from accumulating in the corners formed by the rectifier 51 and the inner peripheral surface of the sterilization chamber body 30. The area of ​​the inner circle of the annular rectifier 51 is preferably greater than the area of ​​the holes 35. This reduces pressure loss.

[0047] Water stop part 52 is inserted into gap 33, i.e., the gap between first housing 10A and sterilization chamber body 30, in an area closer to inlet 100 than recess 31 on the outer peripheral surface of sterilization chamber body 30, and is located between the upper end surface 30a of sterilization chamber body 30 and recess 31. Water stop part 52 may be in contact with first O-ring 40. By inserting water stop part 52 of L-shaped body 50 into gap 33 in this way, the radial position of L-shaped body 50 is defined.

[0048] The water blocking section 52 contacts either the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 10A or the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization chamber main body 30. In other words, the L-shaped body 50 is not completely fixed in the radial direction. This prevents the L-shaped body 50 from damaging the first housing 10A or the sterilization chamber main body 30 due to distortion caused by the difference in linear expansion coefficients between the housing 10A and the sterilization chamber main body 30.

[0049] Because water stopping portion 52 is inserted into gap 33 and there is also holding portion 10BA, the entrance to gap 33 is narrowed, making it difficult for fluid to enter gap 33. Furthermore, because the volume of gap 33 is reduced by water stopping portion 52, even if fluid does enter gap 33, the amount is small. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fluid from accumulating in gap 33 and causing the proliferation of bacteria.

[0050] In addition, in the embodiment, the water stopping portion 52 is cylindrical and provided around the entire circumference, but it does not necessarily have to be around the entire circumference and may be provided on a part of the circumference. However, to sufficiently enhance the water stopping effect, it is preferable that it is provided around the entire circumference. In addition, the flow straightening portion 51 is also ring-shaped and provided around the entire circumference, but it may be provided on a part of the circumference. However, to sufficiently enhance the flow straightening effect, it is preferable that it is provided around the entire circumference.

[0051] Four wall sections 53 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the inner end of the flow rectifying section 51. The wall sections 53 are connected to the flow rectifying section 51 in an L-shape in the opposite direction to the water stop section 52 side, and act as a wall when the fluid flows from the side space 70C into the sterilization chamber 70A. The provision of the wall sections 53 makes it possible to further control the flow of the fluid.

[0052] The wall portion 53 may be in contact with the upper surface 90a of the light source portion 90. Heat from the light source portion 90 can be released to the L-shaped body 50, and can be dissipated from the L-shaped body 50 to the fluid.

[0053] It is not necessary to provide the wall portion 53. This allows the fluid to flow more smoothly, and reduces pressure loss.

[0054] The L-shaped body 50 is made of, for example, stainless steel (SUS). SUS has a smaller linear expansion coefficient than PP, the material of the housing 10, so the water stop portion 52 can be stably maintained inserted into the gap 33. In addition to SUS, any material with a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the housing 10 can be used, such as rubber that is resistant to ultraviolet light. SUS may also be coated with such rubber. When the water stop portion 52 is made of rubber or is made of SUS coated with rubber, it is preferable that the water stop portion 52 be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. This makes it even more difficult for fluids to enter the water stop portion 52.

[0055] Furthermore, the material of the L-shaped body 50 is preferably one with low transmittance to ultraviolet light, for example, a transmittance of 10% or less. SUS is a preferred material in this respect. Resin mixed with carbon may also be used. By reducing the transmittance of the L-shaped body 50, the sterilization chamber main body 30 can suppress deterioration of the housing 10 due to ultraviolet light. A transmittance of 5% or less is more preferred, and a transmittance of 1% or less is even more preferred.

[0056] It is preferable that the product of the width of the rectifying space 70B (the distance between the upper surface 90a of the light source unit 90 and the rectifying surface 51a of the rectifying unit 51) and the outer periphery of the light source unit 90 is larger than the area of ​​the hole 35. This can reduce pressure loss.

[0057] The distance from the upper end surface 30a to the recess 31 is preferably 2 to 5 mm. This allows the water stop portion 52 of the L-shaped body 50 to be inserted sufficiently and stabilized while reducing the volume of the gap 33. In the embodiment, the length of the water stop portion 52 is the same as the distance from the upper end surface 30a to the recess 31, but it may be shorter than the distance from the upper end surface 30a to the recess 31. However, in order to reduce the volume of the gap 33, it is preferable to set the length of the water stop portion 52 as in the embodiment.

[0058] 3. Fluid Sterilization Device Operation Next, the operation of the fluid sterilizing device in this embodiment will be described.

[0059] The fluid that flows into the housing 10 from the inlet 100 hits the back surface of the light source unit 90. By bringing the fluid into contact with the back surface of the light source unit 90, the light source unit 90 can be cooled efficiently.

[0060] After hitting the back surface of the light source unit 90, the fluid is guided along the back surface toward the side surface 90b of the light source unit 90 and flows into the side space 70C. The fluid then flows axially through the side space 70C and hits the flow straightener 51 of the L-shaped body 50. The fluid flows along the flow straightener surface 51a of the flow straightener 51 and flows from the side space 70C into the flow straightener space 70B. In this flow straightener space 70B, the fluid is straightened to flow toward the center of the sterilization chamber main body 30, near the light source unit 90.

[0061] The fluid, rectified by the rectification space 70B, flows into the sterilization chamber 70A and heads toward the center of the sterilization chamber 70A. Within the sterilization chamber 70A, the light intensity is high in the center, particularly in the area close to the light source 90, due to reflection of the ultraviolet light on the inner circumferential surface of the sterilization chamber body 30. Therefore, by rectifying the fluid using the rectification unit 51 and directing the fluid to the center of the sterilization chamber 70A, the fluid can be sterilized efficiently.

[0062] In particular, in this embodiment, the sterilization chamber body 30 is cylindrical and is made thick to sufficiently reduce the transmittance of the sterilization chamber body 30. This narrows the sterilization chamber 70A, increasing the speed of the fluid passing through the sterilization chamber 70A and likely resulting in a decrease in sterilization efficiency. Even in such cases, the provision of the L-shaped body 50 can suppress the decrease in sterilization efficiency.

[0063] The fluid that has flowed into the sterilization chamber 70A is then discharged from the outlet 200 via the hole 35 in the sterilization chamber body 30. Here, the flow straightening section 51 allows the fluid to flow smoothly, thereby reducing pressure loss in the fluid sterilization device.

[0064] Because gap 33 is continuous with side space 70C through which the fluid flows, there is a risk that the fluid may enter and stagnate in gap 33. However, the opening of gap 33 is narrowed by water stop portion 52 of L-shaped body 50 and restricting portion 10BA, making it difficult for the fluid to enter gap 33. Furthermore, because the volume of gap 33 is reduced by water stop portion 52, even if the fluid does enter gap 33, the volume can be reduced, and the amount of liquid stagnates in gap 33 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fluid from stagnating and causing the proliferation of bacteria.

[0065] 4. Summary of effects of the fluid sterilization device in the embodiment As described above, according to the fluid sterilization device of the embodiment, the flow straightening section 51 of the L-shaped body 50 can direct the fluid toward the center of the sterilization chamber 70A, thereby enabling the fluid to be sterilized efficiently. In addition, pressure loss can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, the water blocking portion 52 of the L-shaped body 50 makes it difficult for fluid to enter the gap 33 and reduces the volume of the gap 33. This makes it possible to prevent fluid from accumulating in the gap 33 and causing the proliferation of bacteria.

[0067] (Modifications of the embodiment) The inlet 100 and outlet 200 in the embodiment may be reversed. In this case, the fluid flows from the sterilization chamber 70A through the rectifying space 70B and into the side space 70C. In this case, the fluid can be made to flow through the center of the sterilization chamber into the rectifying space 70B, allowing the rectifying portion 51 of the L-shaped body 50 to function as in the embodiment. This improves sterilization efficiency and reduces pressure loss. The water stop portion 52 also functions in the same way, preventing fluid from accumulating. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10: Housing 10A: First enclosure 10B: Second cabinet 20: Gasket 30: Sterilization chamber main body 40: First O-ring 50:L font 51: Rectifier 52: Water stop section 60: Second O-ring 70A: Sterilization room 70B: Rectification space 70C: Side space 80: Cap 90: Light source section 100: Inlet 200: Outlet

Claims

1. a housing having an internal space, an inlet for allowing a fluid to flow into the internal space, and an outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the internal space; a light source unit that is disposed in the internal space, that emits ultraviolet light, that has an upper surface that is a surface on the ultraviolet light emission side and a side surface that is a surface that forms an angle with the upper surface, and that is disposed so as to have a side space between the side surface and an inner surface of the housing; a sterilization chamber body disposed in the internal space opposite the upper surface of the light source unit and having a sterilization chamber open on the light source unit side; a rectifying unit that is disposed between the light source unit and the sterilization chamber main body in the internal space, has a rectifying surface facing the upper surface of the light source unit, and is disposed so as to define a rectifying space between the upper surface and the rectifying surface, A fluid sterilizing device, wherein the fluid flows from the side space through the flow straightening space to the sterilizing chamber, or from the sterilizing chamber through the flow straightening space to the side space.

2. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the flow straightening section protrudes toward the center of the sterilization chamber beyond the inner surface of the sterilization chamber body.

3. 3. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the flow straightening section is in contact with one of the axial end faces of the sterilization chamber body that is on the light source side.

4. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the rectifying section is made of a material having a transmittance of the ultraviolet light of 10% or less.

5. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 4 , wherein the flow rectifying section is made of SUS.

6. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 4 , wherein the flow straightening section is made of resin mixed with carbon.

7. Further, a water stop part is connected to the rectifying part in an L shape, a gap is provided between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the sterilization chamber body; The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water blocking portion is inserted into the gap.

8. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the rectifying unit is located in a region outside the range of the radiation angle of the light source unit.

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