Fluid sterilizer

Abstract

To suppress spreading of an adverse effect by ultraviolet light outside a sterilization part.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilizer comprises: a sterilization part 10 which forms a sterilization chamber 60 in which fluid sterilized by ultraviolet light flows, and in which a chamber inflow port 12 for allowing fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber 60 and a chamber outflow port 13 for allowing fluid to flow out from the sterilization chamber 60 are open, and is formed of a member having transmissivity of ultraviolet light; a light source part 20 which irradiates fluid of the sterilization chamber 60 with ultraviolet light; a housing 30 arranged outside the sterilization part 10; and ultraviolet light absorption members 71, 72 which are arranged between the sterilization part 10 and the housing 30, and absorb ultraviolet light having transmitted the sterilization part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional sterilization device that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. This conventional sterilization device includes a storage section and a light source. The fluid to be sterilized flows through the storage section. The storage section is provided with a supply port for supplying the fluid to the storage section and an outlet for removing the fluid from the storage section. The light source irradiates the inside of the storage section with ultraviolet light. The fluid flowing through the storage section is sterilized by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source.

[0003] This conventional sterilization device uses a resin called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material for the inner wall of the reservoir. Because polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has a high reflectivity for ultraviolet light, it can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light onto the fluid inside the reservoir, improving sterilization performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-98135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has a high reflectance of ultraviolet light, but also has the property of transmitting ultraviolet light. Therefore, in the sterilization device according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source onto the inside of the storage unit (in other words, the sterilization unit) passes through the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) forming the inner wall of the storage unit and leaks out of the storage unit, causing adverse effects of ultraviolet light on the outside of the storage unit, such as deteriorating components arranged outside the storage unit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a fluid sterilization device that prevents the adverse effects of ultraviolet light from extending to the outside of the sterilization section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is A fluid sterilization device that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet light, a sterilization section that forms a sterilization chamber through which a fluid to be sterilized by ultraviolet light flows, the sterilization section having a chamber inlet for allowing the fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber and a chamber outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber, the sterilization section being made of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light; a light source unit that irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber with the ultraviolet light; A housing arranged outside the sterilization unit; The fluid sterilization device includes an ultraviolet light absorbing member disposed between the sterilization unit and the housing, which absorbs the ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the above aspect, since the ultraviolet light absorbing member is disposed between the sterilization unit and the housing, the ultraviolet light that passes through the sterilization unit can be absorbed by the ultraviolet light absorbing member, thereby preventing the adverse effects of the ultraviolet light from extending outside the sterilization unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the shape of a first ultraviolet light absorbing member before being rolled in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first ultraviolet light absorbing member after being rolled in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a second ultraviolet light absorbing member in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of a first ultraviolet light absorbing member, a second ultraviolet light absorbing member, and an upper plate in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The fluid sterilization device is a fluid sterilization device that irradiates a fluid with ultraviolet light to sterilize the fluid, and includes: a sterilization chamber formed so that the fluid to be sterilized by the ultraviolet light flows; a chamber inlet opening for allowing the fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber and a chamber outlet opening for allowing the fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber; a sterilization section formed of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light; a light source that irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber with ultraviolet light; a housing arranged outside the sterilization section; and an ultraviolet light absorbing member arranged between the sterilization section and the housing and that absorbs the ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization section.

[0011] In the fluid sterilization device, the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be disposed so as to cover the outer surface of the sterilization unit and to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing. Compared to when the ultraviolet light absorbing member does not cover the outer surface of the sterilization unit and is spaced apart from the outer surface of the sterilization unit, leakage of ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit from between the sterilization unit and the ultraviolet light absorbing member can be suppressed.

[0012] In the fluid sterilization device, the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be arranged so that it can deform in response to thermal expansion of the sterilization unit. Even if the sterilization unit expands or contracts due to temperature changes caused by heat emitted by the light source, etc., the gap between the sterilization unit and the ultraviolet light absorbing member can be kept small, thereby preventing ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit from leaking through the gap between the sterilization unit and the ultraviolet light absorbing member.

[0013] For example, the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be a plate-shaped member wrapped around the outer surface of the sterilization unit, and both ends of the ultraviolet light absorbing member in the circumferential direction of the sterilization unit may be unjoined to each other, thereby allowing the ultraviolet light absorbing member to deform in response to thermal expansion of the sterilization unit.

[0014] In the fluid sterilization device, at least one of the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet openings may be formed in a portion of the outer surface of the sterilization unit that is covered by the ultraviolet light absorbing member, and the ultraviolet light absorbing member may have a hole formed therein that overlaps with the at least one of the openings. Even if the ultraviolet light absorbing member covers the outer surface of the sterilization unit, at least one of the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet openings can be provided without interfering with the sterilization unit.

[0015] For example, the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be formed of a metal that absorbs ultraviolet light, or a resin that absorbs ultraviolet light.

[0016] For example, the sterilization unit may have a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface and the bottom surface of the sterilization unit.

[0017] In the fluid sterilization device, the light source unit may include a light-emitting element that emits the ultraviolet light, and a heat dissipation member that dissipates heat generated by the light-emitting element to the fluid. This can improve the cooling performance of the light source unit and increase the light-emitting efficiency of the light source unit.

[0018] For example, the light source unit may have a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted, and at least a portion of the substrate may be in thermally conductive contact with the heat dissipation member, thereby reliably improving the cooling performance of the light emitting element.

[0019] In the fluid sterilization device, the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be formed of a metal that absorbs ultraviolet light, and at least a portion of the ultraviolet light absorbing member may be in thermally conductive contact with the heat dissipation member. Since the ultraviolet light absorbing member can be used to dissipate heat from the light source, the heat dissipation area can be increased, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the light source.

[0020] In the fluid sterilization device, the sterilization unit has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the light source unit is positioned to irradiate the ultraviolet light from an opening side of the sterilization unit toward the interior of the sterilization unit, the housing is positioned outside the sterilization unit and outside the light source unit, external spaces through which the fluid flows are formed between the sterilization unit and the housing, and between the light source unit and the housing, and the opening of at least one of the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit.Even if the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit is covered with an ultraviolet light-absorbing member, ultraviolet light can be irradiated from the light source unit to the fluid in the sterilization chamber without hindrance, and at least one of the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet can be provided without hindrance to the sterilization unit.

[0021] (Embodiment) 1. Basic configuration of fluid sterilization device 1 The basic configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fluid sterilization device 1 mainly comprises a sterilization unit 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 houses the sterilization unit 10 and the light source unit 20.

[0022] An outer space 70 is formed between the sterilization unit 10 and the housing 30. The outer space 70 is a space located outside the sterilization unit 10.

[0023] The fluid sterilization device 1 is a device that sterilizes a fluid by flowing the fluid from the outside into the sterilization chamber 60 through the outer space 70 and irradiating the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 with ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20. 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.

[0024] The sterilization unit 10 has a sterilization chamber 60 inside. The sterilization chamber 60 is a space where ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 20 is irradiated onto the flowing fluid. The wall surface of the sterilization chamber 60 is formed into a concave cylindrical surface. By making the sterilization chamber 60 into a concave cylindrical surface, the ultraviolet light can be efficiently reflected by the concave cylinder, and the illuminance of the ultraviolet light inside the sterilization chamber 60 can be increased, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0025] The sterilization unit 10 is made of a material with high reflectivity to ultraviolet light. For example, the entire sterilization unit 10 is made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). By using PTFE, the reflectivity of ultraviolet light can be increased, thereby improving sterilization efficiency. Materials other than PTFE may be used as long as they have a high reflectivity to the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20. In particular, the material of the sterilization unit 10 should have a reflectivity of 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more to the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20. Furthermore, only the surface layer of the inner surface of the sterilization unit 10 may be made of a material with a reflectivity of 80% or more to ultraviolet light, such as PTFE or aluminum.

[0026] The sterilization unit 10 has a light source opening 14 formed therein so as to open into the sterilization chamber 60. The light source opening 14 is an opening that allows ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 20 to enter the sterilization chamber 60.

[0027] The sterilization unit 10 is further formed with a chamber inlet 12 that opens into the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber inlet 12 connects the sterilization chamber 60 with the outer space 70. The chamber inlet 12 is an inlet for allowing fluid to flow from the outer space 70 into the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber inlet 12 is formed on the cylindrical surface of the sterilization unit 10.

[0028] The sterilization unit 10 is further formed with a chamber outlet 13 that opens into the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber outlet 13 connects the sterilization chamber 60 to the outside. The chamber outlet 13 is an outlet for allowing fluid to flow out from the sterilization chamber 60 to the outside. The chamber outlet 13 is formed on the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10.

[0029] The light source unit 20 is positioned so as 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. The portion of the light source unit 20 exposed to the light source opening 14, i.e., the emission surface 201 of the light source unit 20 that emits ultraviolet light, forms 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 201 of the light source unit 20. Therefore, the light source unit 20 is cooled by the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60. As a result, the light emitting efficiency of the light source unit 20 can be increased.

[0030] The housing 30 is provided to enclose the sterilization unit 10 and the light source unit 20. In other words, the housing 30 is arranged to cover the sterilization unit 10 and the light source unit 20. Specifically, the inner surface of the housing 30 faces the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10. The inner surface of the housing 30 also faces the outer surface of the light source unit 20. In other words, the inner surface of the housing 30 faces the outer back surface 202 and outer peripheral surface 203 that form the outer surface of the light source unit 20.

[0031] An outer space 70 is formed by the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the sterilization unit 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 space 70 faces the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10. Another part of the outer space 70 faces the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the light source unit 20.

[0032] The housing 30 is formed with a housing supply port 321 through which a fluid is supplied. The housing supply port 321 is in communication with the outer space 70. That is, the fluid supplied from the housing supply port 321 passes through the outer space 70 and flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12.

[0033] The housing 30 is further formed with a housing outlet 311 for discharging the fluid. The housing outlet 311 communicates with the chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization unit 10 via the outer space 70. Therefore, the fluid sterilized in the sterilization chamber 60 is discharged from the housing outlet 311 via the chamber outlet 13 to the outside.

[0034] A first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and a second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 are arranged between the sterilization unit 10 and the housing 30 as ultraviolet light absorbing members that absorb ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit 10. The first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 is a cylindrical plate-shaped member wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10. The first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 30. Therefore, an outer space 70 exists between the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the housing 30. The second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 is a concave disk-shaped member that covers the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10.

[0035] The first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 are formed from a material that absorbs ultraviolet light (in other words, a material with low transmittance of ultraviolet light), and absorb ultraviolet light that leaks from inside the sterilization unit 10 to the outside of the sterilization unit 10, and ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit 10. The transmittance of ultraviolet light through the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 is preferably 5% or less.

[0036] Materials that absorb ultraviolet light (in other words, materials with low transmittance of ultraviolet light) used as the material for the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorption member 72 include metals such as SUS and aluminum, resins containing carbon (for example, PTFE and polypropylene), rubbers containing carbon, etc. In this example, the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorption member 72 are made of SUS.

[0037] 2. Fluid flow path in the fluid sterilization device 1 The fluid flow path in the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the fluid is supplied from the housing supply port 321 to the outer space 70.

[0038] The fluid supplied from the housing supply port 321 to the outer space 70 first flows into the gap in the outer space 70 between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer back surface 202 of the light source unit 20. At this time, the fluid comes into contact with the outer back surface 202 of the light source unit 20 and cools the light source unit 20. Next, the fluid flows into the gap in the outer space 70 between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer peripheral surface 203 of the light source unit 20. At this time, the fluid comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 203 of the light source unit 20 and cools the light source unit 20. Next, the fluid flows into the gap in the outer space 70 between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10.

[0039] In this way, the fluid supplied from the housing supply port 321 first comes into contact with the outer rear surface 202 and the outer peripheral surface 203, 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 321. As a result, the light emission efficiency of the light source unit 20 can be improved.

[0040] Next, the fluid in the outer space 70 flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 of the sterilization unit 10. Because the chamber inlet 12 is formed on the cylindrical surface of the sterilization unit 10 and the sterilization chamber 60 has a wall surface shaped like a concave cylindrical surface, the fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber 60 flows along the wall surface of the sterilization chamber 60, forming a spiral flow. The fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 continues to flow in a spiral manner toward the chamber outlet 13 formed on the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10. The fluid then flows from the chamber outlet 13 to the housing outlet 311 and is discharged to the outside.

[0041] 3. Components of the Sterilization Unit 10 The components of the sterilization unit 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. The sterilization unit 10 is divided into three parts: a first main body component 101, a second main body component 102, and a third main body component 103. The first main body component 101 is cylindrical. The second main body component 102 is disc-shaped and is arranged to close the bottom of the first main body component 101. The surface of the second main body component 102 located outside the sterilization unit 10 bulges outward. The third main body component 103 is annular and disc-shaped and is arranged to close the top of the first main body component 101.

[0042] The bottom and top of the first main body component 101 are sealed with the second main body component 102 and the third main body component 103, thereby forming the sterilization section 10 having the sterilization chamber 60 inside.

[0043] The first main body component 101 is formed with a chamber inlet 12 for allowing fluid to flow into the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber inlet 12 is formed in a portion of the cylindrical first main body component 101 closer to the third main body component 103.

[0044] The second main body component 102 is formed with a chamber outlet 13 for allowing fluid to flow out of the sterilization chamber 60. The chamber outlet 13 is formed in a position of the disk-shaped second main body component 102 that is offset from the center.

[0045] The circumferential positioning of the first main body component 101 and the second main body component 102 is achieved by fitting a first rib 101a formed on the inner surface of the first main body component 101 into a first notch 102a formed in the second main body component 102.

[0046] The second main body component 102 is fitted into the bottom of the first housing member 31 via the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72. As shown in FIG. 1, a gasket recess 102b into which a gasket 34 fits is formed on the bottom surface of the second main body component 102. The gasket 34 is disposed on the bottom of the housing 30 and is a sealing member that seals the connection between the chamber outlet 13 of the second main body component 102 and the housing outlet 311 of the housing 30. The gasket 34 disposed on the bottom of the housing 30 fits into the gasket recess 102b of the second main body component 102, thereby positioning the second main body component 102 in the circumferential direction relative to the housing 30.

[0047] A hole formed in the center of the annular disk-shaped third main body component 103 constitutes the light source opening 14. The third main body component 103 fits into an annular upper surface recess 101b formed on the upper surface of the first main body component 101. Because the planar shape of the third main body component 103 is point-symmetric, there is no need to position the third main body component 103 in the circumferential direction relative to the first main body component 101.

[0048] 6. Configuration of the light source unit 20 The configuration of the light source unit 20 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The light source unit 20 is positioned so as to cover the light source opening 14 of the sterilization unit 10. The light source unit 20 is also positioned so that the ultraviolet light emission side faces the sterilization chamber 60. The ultraviolet light emitted from the light source unit 20 enters the sterilization chamber 60 through the light source opening 14.

[0049] The light source unit 20 has a substrate 21, a light emitting element 22, a window member 23, and a light source housing 24. The overall shape of the light source unit 20 is, for example, a disk shape. However, the shape of the light source unit 20 may be any shape.

[0050] The substrate 21 is a mounting substrate having a mounting surface. A wiring pattern is formed on the substrate 21. A wiring 80 for supplying power is connected to the rear surface of the substrate 21.

[0051] 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 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 22 may be directly mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 21, or a packaged LED package may be mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 21. The LED package is a unit in which the light-emitting element 22 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 22 are mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 21.

[0052] The window member 23 is a member that transmits ultraviolet light and is formed in a disk shape. The window member 23 is a glass plate made of quartz. Materials other than quartz may be used as the material of the window member 23 as long as they transmit ultraviolet light. For example, sapphire may be used as the material of the window member 23. Furthermore, the window member 23 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.

[0053] The light source housing 24 is provided so as to cover other portions but 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 side surfaces of the substrate 21 and the side surfaces of the window member 23.

[0054] The outer surface of the light source unit 20 has an emission surface 201 that emits ultraviolet light, an outer back surface 202 located on the back side of the emission surface, and an outer peripheral surface 203. The emission surface 201 is located corresponding to the light source opening 14, and is formed by a portion of the window member 23 that is not covered by the light source housing 24. In other words, the emission surface 201 is formed by the surface of the window member 23. The outer back surface 202 is formed by a portion on the back side of the light source housing 24. The outer peripheral surface 203 is formed by a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the light source housing 24.

[0055] The light source housing 24 has a heat dissipation member 241 that forms the outer rear surface 202 and outer peripheral surface 203 of the light source unit 20. The heat dissipation member 241 is made of a material with high heat dissipation properties. For example, the heat dissipation member 241 is made of a metal such as SUS or Al, or a resin material with high heat dissipation properties. Because the heat dissipation member 241 of the light source unit 20 comes into contact with a fluid, the light source unit 20 can be cooled efficiently.

[0056] The lower end of the heat dissipation member 241 is in thermally conductive contact with the upper end of the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71. Since the heat of the light source unit 20 can be dissipated to the fluid not only through the heat dissipation member 241 but also through the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71, the light source unit 20 can be cooled even more efficiently.

[0057] 7. Configuration of the housing 30 The configuration of the housing 30 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. As described above, the housing 30 is provided to house the sterilization unit 10 and the light source unit 20. The housing 30 comprises a first housing member 31 and a second housing member 32. A seal structure using a first O-ring 33 is formed at the joint between the first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32.

[0058] The first housing member 31 is configured to cover the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10. A part of the outer space 70 is formed between the inner surface of the first housing member 31 and the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10.

[0059] A housing outlet 311 is formed in the first housing member 31. The housing outlet 311 is connected to the chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization unit 10. A sealing structure using a ring-shaped gasket 34 is formed at the connection between the housing outlet 311 and the chamber outlet 13. The gasket 34 is made of, for example, fluororubber or fluoroelastomer.

[0060] The second housing member 32 is configured to cover the outer surface of the light source unit 20. Therefore, the remaining part of the outer space 70 is formed between the inner surface of the second housing member 32 and the outer surface of the light source unit 20. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which the light source unit 20 is housed in the second housing member 32. Therefore, the light source unit 20 is not shown in FIG.

[0061] A housing supply port 321 is formed in the second housing member 32. The housing supply port 321 is arranged to face the outer back surface 202 of the light source unit 20. When viewed from the central axis direction of the housing supply port 321, at least a part of the opening of the housing supply port 321 is set to face the outer back surface of the light source unit 20. This allows the fluid that has flowed into the outer space 70 from the housing supply port 321 to directly hit the light source unit 20, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the light source unit 20.

[0062] In particular, when viewed from the central axis direction of the housing supply port 321, it is preferable that the entire opening of the housing supply port 321 is set to face the outer rear surface 202 of the light source unit 20. This can further improve the cooling efficiency of the light source unit 20.

[0063] Furthermore, the second housing member 32 is provided with a wiring opening 322 for passing wiring 80 connecting the light source unit 20 to the outside. The wiring opening 322 is, for example, cylindrical, and one end of the cylinder is inserted into a back surface opening 204 provided on the outer back surface 202 of the light source unit 20. The gap between the cylindrical wiring opening 322 of the second housing member 32 and the back surface opening 204 provided on the outer back surface 202 of the light source unit 20 is sealed by a second O-ring 81. By passing the wiring 80 through the cylindrical interior of the wiring opening 322, 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.

[0064] The first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32 are fixed together by a fastening member 36. The fastening member 36 is a ring-shaped member that fits onto the outside of the first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32, and a female thread 361 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening member 36. A male thread 312 that corresponds to the female thread 361 of the fastening member 36 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first housing member 31. A flange 362 that protrudes annularly radially inward is formed on the upper end of the fastening member 36. The flange 362 is an engaging portion that engages with the second housing member 32 in the axial direction.

[0065] When the fastening member 36 is fitted onto the outside of the first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32 and the female screw 361 of the fastening member 36 is fastened to the male screw 312 of the first housing member 31, the flange 362 of the fastening member 36 engages with the second housing member 32 and presses the second housing member 32 against the first housing member 31. This fixes the first housing member 31 and the second housing member 32 together.

[0066] 8. Detailed configuration of the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 The structures of the first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light-absorbing member 72 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 is formed by rolling a flat SUS plate into a cylindrical shape. Fig. 4 shows the flat plate-shaped first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 before rolling. Fig. 5 shows the cylindrical first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 after rolling.

[0067] After being rolled into a cylindrical shape, both circumferential ends of the first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 overlap by a predetermined length as shown in Fig. 5, but are not joined by welding or the like. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71, the diameter of the cylinder can be deformed, increasing or decreasing. Due to this deformation, even if the diameter of the sterilization unit 10 (specifically, the first main body constituent member 101) expands or contracts due to temperature changes, the first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 can follow the change in the diameter of the sterilization unit 10.

[0068] The second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 is formed by pressing a flat plate of SUS into a concave disk shape.

[0069] In this example, the thickness of the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorption member 72 is 0.5 mm. The thickness of the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorption member 72 is determined in consideration of moldability and ultraviolet light absorption.

[0070] The first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 has an inlet hole 711 formed therein that overlaps with the chamber inlet 12 of the sterilization unit 10. The second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 has an outlet hole 721 formed therein that overlaps with the chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization unit 10.

[0071] The second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 is positioned circumferentially relative to the first housing member 31 by fitting a second rib 313 formed on the first housing member 31 into a second notch 722 formed on the outer edge of the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72.

[0072] The first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 is positioned circumferentially relative to the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 by fitting a first protrusion 712 formed on the lower end of the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 into a third notch 723 formed on the outer edge of the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72.

[0073] The circumferential positioning of the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 relative to the light source unit 20 and the second housing member 32 is achieved by fitting the second protrusion 206a formed on the upper plate 206 of the light source unit 20 into the fourth notch 713 formed on the upper end of the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0074] The upper plate 206 of the light source unit 20 is a member that constitutes part of the light source housing 24, and is formed in a circular disk shape from SUS. A hole in the center of the upper plate 206 overlaps with the window member 23 and the light source opening 14 so that the upper plate 206 does not block the ultraviolet light emitted by the light emitting element 22. The upper plate 206 is fastened and fixed to the other parts of the light source housing 24 with screws 207.

[0075] The second protrusions 206a of the upper plate 206 of the light source unit 20 come into contact with the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71, so that heat from the light source unit 20 can be dissipated via the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71. In other words, the heat dissipation area is increased, thereby improving the cooling performance of the light source unit 20.

[0076] 1, the heat dissipation member 241 of the light source unit 20 comes into contact with the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the light source unit 20. Specifically, a part of the peripheral edge of the heat dissipation member 241 protrudes toward the upper end of the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71, so that the heat dissipation member 241 comes into contact with the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71.

[0077] 9. Summary of Effects of the Fluid Sterilization Device in the Embodiment In the above embodiment, the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 are disposed between the sterilization unit 10 and the housing 30. This allows the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 to absorb the ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit 10, thereby preventing the housing 30 from being adversely affected by the ultraviolet light. Specifically, this prevents the housing 30 from being deteriorated by the ultraviolet light.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 covers the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10 and is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 30. This makes it possible to prevent ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit 10 from leaking between the sterilization unit 10 and the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71, compared to when the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 covers the inner surface of the housing 30 and is spaced apart from the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 is arranged so that it can deform in response to the thermal expansion of the sterilization unit 10. This makes it possible to keep the gap between the sterilization unit 10 and the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 small even if the sterilization unit 10 expands or contracts due to temperature changes caused by heat or the like emitted by the light emitting elements 22, thereby preventing ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit 10 from leaking from between the sterilization unit 10 and the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71.

[0080] Specifically, the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 is a plate-like member wrapped around the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10, and both ends of the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 in the circumferential direction of the sterilization unit 10 are not joined to each other, allowing the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 to deform in response to thermal expansion of the sterilization unit 10. This allows the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 to deform in response to thermal expansion of the sterilization unit 10 reliably.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the chamber inlet 12 and chamber outlet 13 of the sterilization unit 10 are formed in parts of the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10 that are covered by the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72, and the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 has an inlet hole 711 that overlaps with the chamber inlet 12, and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 has an outlet hole 721 that overlaps with the chamber outlet 13. As a result, even though the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 and the second ultraviolet light absorbing member 72 cover the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10, the chamber inlet 12 and chamber outlet 13 can be provided in the sterilization unit 10 without any problems.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the light source unit 20 includes the heat dissipation member 241 that dissipates heat generated by the light emitting element 22 to the fluid. This improves the cooling performance of the light emitting element 22, thereby increasing the light emitting efficiency of the light emitting element 22.

[0083] Specifically, in the light source section 20, the substrate 21 on which the light emitting element 22 is mounted is in thermally conductive contact with the heat dissipation member 241. This ensures that the cooling performance of the light emitting element 22 can be improved.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 may be in thermally conductive contact with the heat dissipation member 241. Since the first ultraviolet light absorption member 71 can be used to dissipate heat from the light emitting element 22, the heat dissipation area can be increased and the cooling performance of the light emitting element 22 can be further improved.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the sterilization unit 10 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and the light source unit 20 is arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light from the opening side of the sterilization unit 10 toward the interior of the sterilization unit 10. The housing 30 is arranged outside the sterilization unit 10 and outside the light source unit 20, and outer spaces 70 are formed between the sterilization unit 10 and the housing 30, and between the light source unit 20 and the housing 30, allowing fluid to flow through the mutually communicating spaces. The chamber inlet 12 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10. As a result, even if the first ultraviolet light-absorbing member 71 covers the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10, ultraviolet light can be irradiated from the light source unit 20 to the fluid in the sterilization chamber 10 without hindrance, and the chamber inlet 12 can be provided in the sterilization unit 10 without hindrance.

[0086] (Modifications of the embodiment) In the above embodiment, the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 covers the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10 and is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10, but the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 may also cover the inner peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10 and be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10. In this configuration, because the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the sterilization unit 10, the inlet holes 711 of the above embodiment are not necessary in the first ultraviolet light absorbing member 71.

[0087] The fluid flow direction may be reversed from that of the above embodiment. That is, in the above embodiment, the fluid flows in the order of the housing supply port 321, the outer space 70, the chamber inlet 12, the sterilization chamber 60, the chamber outlet 13, and the housing discharge port 311. However, the fluid may alternatively flow in the order of the housing outlet 311, the chamber outlet 13, the sterilization chamber 60, the chamber inlet 12, the outer space 70, and the housing supply port 321. In other words, the housing discharge port 311 of the above embodiment may be the housing supply port, the chamber outlet 13 of the above embodiment may be the chamber inlet, the chamber inlet 12 of the above embodiment may be the chamber outlet, and the housing supply port 321 of the above embodiment may be the housing discharge port. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Fluid sterilizer 10 Sterilization section 12 chamber inlet 13 Chamber outlet 20 Light source section 30 Case 60 Sterilization room 71 First ultraviolet light absorbing member (ultraviolet light absorbing member) 72 Second ultraviolet light absorbing member (ultraviolet light absorbing member)

Claims

1. A body sterilization device that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet light, a sterilization section that forms a sterilization chamber through which a fluid to be sterilized by ultraviolet light flows, the sterilization section having a chamber inlet for introducing the fluid into the sterilization chamber and a chamber outlet for discharging the fluid from the sterilization chamber, the sterilization section being formed of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light; a light source unit that irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber with the ultraviolet light; A housing arranged outside the sterilization unit; A fluid sterilization device comprising: an ultraviolet light absorbing member disposed between the sterilization unit and the housing, which absorbs the ultraviolet light that has passed through the sterilization unit.

2. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the ultraviolet light absorbing member covers an outer surface of the sterilizing unit and is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing.

3. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2 , wherein the ultraviolet light absorbing member is arranged so as to be deformable in response to thermal expansion of the sterilization section.

4. The ultraviolet light absorbing member is a plate-shaped member wrapped around the outer surface of the sterilization unit, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 3, wherein both ends of the ultraviolet light absorbing member in the circumferential direction of the sterilization unit are not joined to each other, thereby allowing the ultraviolet light absorbing member to deform in accordance with thermal expansion of the sterilization unit.

5. At least one opening of the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet is formed in a portion of the outer surface of the sterilization unit that is covered by the ultraviolet light absorbing member, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2 , wherein the ultraviolet light absorbing member has a hole formed therein that overlaps with the at least one opening.

6. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the ultraviolet light absorbing member is formed of a metal that absorbs the ultraviolet light or a resin that absorbs the ultraviolet light.

7. The sterilization unit has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1 , wherein the ultraviolet light absorbing member is disposed so as to cover an outer peripheral surface and a bottom surface of the sterilization unit.

8. The light source unit is a light-emitting element that emits the ultraviolet light; The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , further comprising: a heat dissipation member that dissipates heat generated by the light emitting element to the fluid.

9. the light source unit has a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the substrate is in thermally conductive contact with the heat dissipation member.

10. the ultraviolet light absorbing member is formed of a metal that absorbs the ultraviolet light, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the ultraviolet light absorbing member is in thermally conductive contact with the heat dissipating member.

11. The sterilization unit has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, The light source unit is arranged to irradiate the ultraviolet light from the opening side of the sterilization unit toward the inside of the sterilization unit, The housing is disposed outside the sterilization unit and outside the light source unit, An outer space is formed between the sterilization unit and the housing, and between the light source unit and the housing, the outer space being in communication with each other and through which the fluid flows; The fluid sterilizing device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the sterilizing unit.

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