Sterilization device for fluid

Abstract

To provide a sterilization device for fluid which is further improved in sterilization efficiency of fluid.SOLUTION: A sterilization device for fluid 1 comprises a sterilization portion 10 which forms a sterilization chamber 60 through which fluid sterilized by ultraviolet light flows, and in the sterilization chamber 60, a chamber inflow port 12 through which the fluid into the sterilization chamber 60 has a sterilization chamber 60 through which fluid sterilized by ultraviolet light flows formed therein, and flows the fluid into the sterilization chamber 60, and a chamber outflow port 13 through which the fluid flows from the sterilization chamber 60 are opened; and a light source portion 20 for irradiating the fluid of the sterilization chamber 60 with ultraviolet light, from one end side of the sterilization chamber 60, wherein in the sterilization chamber 60, the chamber inflow port 12 and the chamber outflow port 13 are opened to a portion near the other end of the sterilization chamber 60, in the sterilization chamber 60, a flow intercepting portion 15 for intercepting the flow of fluid from the chamber inflow port 12 to the chamber outflow port 13 is provided in a portion near the other end of the sterilization chamber 60, between the chamber inflow port 12 and the chamber outflow port 13.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 flowing water sterilization module that sterilizes flowing water by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. This conventional sterilization device includes a flow path pipe and a light source. The flow path pipe has an internal space through which the flowing water to be sterilized flows. The flow path pipe is provided with an inlet for allowing the flowing water to flow into the internal space and an outlet for allowing the flowing water to flow out of the internal space. The light source irradiates ultraviolet light toward the internal space. The flowing water flowing through the internal space is sterilized by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source.

[0003] The light source protrudes into the internal space from one end of the flow path pipe. A heat dissipation member is arranged between the one end of the flow path pipe and the light source. The heat dissipation member is a member that dissipates heat generated by the light source. The heat dissipation member is formed in a columnar shape that protrudes from the one end of the flow path pipe, and the light source is arranged at the tip of the heat dissipation member. The light source is arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light from the one end of the flow path pipe toward the other end of the flow path pipe.

[0004] The inlet of the flow path pipe is formed through the side wall of the flow path pipe. The inlet of the flow path pipe is positioned opposite the heat dissipation member. This causes the flowing water flowing into the internal space from the inlet to collide with the heat dissipation member, generating a turbulent flow in the flowing water that rotates around the heat dissipation member. This increases the time the flowing water remains in the internal space and the time it is irradiated with ultraviolet light, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the flowing water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-18198 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the above-described conventional technology, the area around the heat dissipation member where turbulence occurs is located on the opposite side to the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source. That is, the light source irradiates ultraviolet light from one end of the flow path pipe toward the other end of the flow path pipe, while the heat dissipation member is located closer to one end of the flow path pipe than the light source (in other words, on the back side of the light source). Therefore, the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light is lower around the heat dissipation member where turbulence occurs, and there is room for further improvement in the sterilization efficiency of the flowing water.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a fluid sterilizing device that further improves the efficiency of sterilizing fluids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is A fluid sterilization device that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet light, a sterilization unit that forms a sterilization chamber through which the fluid to be sterilized by the ultraviolet light flows, the sterilization unit having a chamber inlet through which the fluid flows into the sterilization chamber and a chamber outlet through which the fluid flows out of the sterilization chamber; a light source unit that irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber with the ultraviolet light from one end side of the sterilization chamber, the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet open at a position in the sterilization chamber near the other end of the sterilization chamber, In the fluid sterilization device, a flow-blocking section is provided in a portion of the sterilization chamber near the other end of the sterilization chamber, between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, to block the flow of the fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the above aspect, the flow-blocking portion blocks the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet, thereby lengthening the time the fluid stays in the sterilization chamber. Moreover, because the flow-blocking portion is located on the front side of the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source, the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light around the flow-blocking portion is prevented from decreasing compared to when the flow-blocking portion is located on the back side of the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source. Therefore, the sterilization efficiency of the fluid can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fluid sterilization device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fluid sterilizing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fluid sterilizing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] VV cross section of Figure 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fluid sterilizing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fluid sterilizing device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The fluid sterilization device is a fluid sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light onto a fluid to sterilize the fluid, and comprises: a sterilization chamber formed so that the fluid to be sterilized by the ultraviolet light flows; a 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; and a light source section that irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber with ultraviolet light from one end side of the sterilization chamber, the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet opening at positions in the sterilization chamber near the other end of the sterilization chamber, and a flow-blocking section that blocks the flow of the fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet at a position in the sterilization chamber near the other end of the sterilization chamber between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet.

[0012] In the fluid sterilization device, the flow blocking portion may be provided in the sterilization chamber so as to face at least a part of the chamber inlet when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the chamber inlet, thereby enabling the flow blocking portion to reliably block the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet.

[0013] In the fluid sterilization device, the flow blocking portion may be provided in the sterilization chamber so as to face the entire chamber inlet when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the chamber inlet, thereby more reliably blocking the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet.

[0014] For example, the chamber outlet may be open in the sterilization chamber facing the light source unit, the central axis direction of the chamber inlet may be non-parallel to the central axis direction of the chamber outlet, and the flow-blocking section may be arranged in the sterilization chamber so as to extend from the periphery of the chamber outlet toward the light source unit.

[0015] In the fluid sterilization device, the flow blocking portion may extend from the periphery of the chamber outlet toward the light source portion, and the surface of the flow blocking portion facing the chamber inlet may have a curved or compound planar portion that is convex toward the chamber inlet. The flow blocking portion not only blocks the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet, but also divides the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet into multiple directions. This can generate turbulence in the flow of fluid that has flowed into the sterilization chamber, thereby further lengthening the time the fluid remains in the sterilization chamber.

[0016] In the fluid sterilization device, the flow blocking portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the chamber outlet in the sterilization chamber, so that the flow blocking portion can more reliably block the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet.

[0017] In the fluid sterilization device, the sterilization unit may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the light source unit may be arranged to irradiate the ultraviolet light from an opening side of the sterilization unit toward the interior of the sterilization unit, the chamber inlet may be formed on the cylindrical surface of the sterilization unit, the chamber outlet may be formed on a bottom surface of the sterilization unit, and the flow-blocking unit may be provided in the sterilization chamber so as to extend from the bottom surface toward the light source unit. The fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber from the chamber inlet may collide with the flow-blocking unit and be blown up toward the light source unit. This effectively extends the time the fluid remains in the sterilization chamber.

[0018] In the fluid sterilization device, the position of the end of the flow blocking part on the side of the light source part in the axial direction of the sterilization chamber may be the same as the position of the end of the chamber inlet on the side of the light source part, so that the flow blocking part can reliably block the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet while suppressing an increase in fluid pressure loss in the sterilization chamber.

[0019] In the fluid sterilization device, the inner surface of the sterilization unit that forms the sterilization chamber may be made of a material that has a reflectance of 50% or less to the ultraviolet light. In this case, since the reflectance to ultraviolet light is 50% or less, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light in an area of ​​the sterilization chamber that is distant from the light source unit will be low, but high sterilization performance can be ensured by the action and effect of the flow-blocking unit described above.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) 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, 2 and 3. 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The sterilization unit 10 is made of a material that reflects ultraviolet light. It is preferable that the sterilization unit 10 is made of a material that has excellent corrosion resistance against the fluid to be sterilized. The sterilization unit 10 is made entirely of, for example, stainless steel. SUS is a material that has a reflectance of about 20 to 30% for the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20. If the sterilization unit 10 is made of a material that has a high reflectance for the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20, the reflectance of the ultraviolet light can be increased, and sterilization efficiency can be improved. Examples of materials that have a high reflectance for the ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20 include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and aluminum. PTFE is a material that has a reflectance of 90% or more for ultraviolet light. Aluminum is a material that has a reflectance of about 70 to 80% for ultraviolet light. When SUS is used as the material for the sterilization unit 10, the sterilization unit 10 can be formed at a lower cost than when PTFE is used as the material for the sterilization unit 10. SUS is a material that absorbs ultraviolet light (in other words, a material with low transmittance of ultraviolet light). If a material that absorbs ultraviolet light (in other words, a material with low transmittance of ultraviolet light) is used as the material for the sterilization unit 10, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the housing 30 due to the influence of ultraviolet light that passes through the sterilization unit 10. The transmittance of ultraviolet light through the material for the sterilization unit 10 is preferably 5% or less. The material that absorbs ultraviolet light (in other words, a material with low transmittance of ultraviolet light) may be a resin containing carbon or rubber containing carbon.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 discharging fluid from the sterilization chamber 60 to the outside. The chamber outlet 13 is formed on the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10. As shown in Figure 3, the chamber outlet 13 is formed at a position offset from the center on the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10. The chamber outlet 13 is located directly in front of the chamber inlet 12 when viewed in the axial direction of the sterilization unit 10 as shown in Figure 3.

[0028] In the sterilization unit 10, a flow shielding portion 15 is formed on the periphery of the chamber outlet 13. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the flow shielding portion 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10 toward the light source opening 14. The flow shielding portion 15 has a cylindrical shape that fits along the periphery of the chamber outlet 13. In this example, the chamber outlet 13 has a circular shape and the flow shielding portion 15 has a cylindrical shape, but the chamber outlet 13 may have a polygonal shape and the flow shielding portion 15 may have a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0029] 1, the height of the flow-blocking section 15, i.e., the length of the flow-blocking section 15 in the axial direction of the sterilization section 10, is set so that the flow-blocking section 15 faces the entire chamber inlet 12. In this example, in the axial direction of the sterilization section 10, the position of the tip of the flow-blocking section 15 (the end portion away from the bottom surface of the sterilization section 10) is the same as the position of the upper end of the chamber inlet 12 (the end portion away from the bottom surface of the sterilization section 10).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 Figures 1 and 3. As shown in Figure 1, the fluid is supplied from the housing supply port 321 to the outer space 70.

[0036] The fluid supplied from the housing supply port 321 to the outer space 70 first flows into the gap between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer back surface 202 of the light source unit 20 in the outer space 70. 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 between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer peripheral surface 203 of the light source unit 20 in the outer space 70. 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 between the inner surface of the housing 30 and the outer surface of the sterilization unit 10 in the outer space 70.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Next, the fluid in the outer space 70 flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 of the sterilization unit 10. In the sterilization chamber 60, the flow shield 15 faces the chamber inlet 12, so the fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 collides with the cylindrical flow shield 15 and splits into two directions toward the cylindrical surface of the sterilization unit 10 as shown by the arrows in Figure 3, before being blown up toward the light source unit 20 as shown by the arrows in Figure 1. This causes turbulence in the flow of the fluid that has flowed into the sterilization chamber 60. The fluid that has been blown up toward the light source unit 20 changes direction near the light source unit 20 on the upper surface of the sterilization unit 10 and continues toward the chamber outlet 13. The fluid then flows from the chamber outlet 13 to the housing outlet 311 and is discharged to the outside.

[0039] 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 disk-shaped and is arranged to close the bottom of the first main body component 101. The third main body component 103 is annular disk-shaped and is arranged to close the top of the first main body component 101.

[0040] The bottom and top of the first body component 101 are sealed with the second body component 102 and the third body component 103, thereby forming a sterilization section 10 having an internal sterilization chamber 60. In this example, the first body component 101, the second body component 102 and the third body component 103 are made of SUS, so the first body component 101 and the second body component 102, and the first body component 101 and the third body component 103 are joined by welding.

[0041] 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 second main body component 102.

[0042] 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 at a position offset from the center of the disc-shaped second main body component 102. When viewed in the axial direction of the sterilization section 10 as shown in Figure 3, the chamber outlet 13 is formed at a position opposite the center of the chamber inlet 12 of the first main body component 101.

[0043] In the second main body component 102, a flow shielding portion 15 is formed on the periphery of the chamber outlet 13. The flow shielding portion 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the periphery of the chamber outlet 13 toward the first main body component 101 side. The flow shielding portion 15 has a cylindrical shape that follows the periphery of the chamber outlet 13. In this example, the chamber outlet 13 has a circular shape and the flow shielding portion 15 has a cylindrical shape, but the chamber outlet 13 may have a polygonal shape and the flow shielding portion 15 may have a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the height of the flow shielding section 15, i.e., the length of the flow shielding section 15 in the axial direction of the sterilization section 10, is set so that the flow shielding section 15 faces the entire room inlet 12 when viewed from the central axis direction of the room inlet 12 (left and right direction in Figure 1). In this example, in the axial direction of the sterilization section 10, the position of the tip end of the flow shielding section 15 (the end on the third main body component 103 side) is the same as the position of the upper end of the room inlet 12 (the end on the third main body component 103 side).

[0045] The second main body component 102 is fitted into the bottom of the housing 30. A gasket 34 is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing 30 and 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.

[0046] 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 is fastened and fixed to the housing 30 using screws (not shown).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The lower end of the heat dissipation member 241 is in thermally conductive contact with the third main body constituent member 103 of the sterilization unit 10. Since the heat of the light source unit 20 can be dissipated to the fluid not only via the heat dissipation member 241 but also via the sterilization unit 10, the light source unit 20 can be cooled even more efficiently.

[0056] 7. Configuration of the housing 30 The configuration of the housing 30 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 thread 361 of the fastening member 36 is fastened to the male thread 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.

[0065] 8. Summary of Effects of the Fluid Sterilization Device in the Embodiment In the above embodiment, the flow shielding portion 15 is provided in the sterilization chamber 60 in a portion between the chamber inlet 12 and the chamber outlet 13. The flow shielding portion 15 blocks the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13, thereby lengthening the time the fluid stays in the sterilization chamber 60. Moreover, because the flow shielding portion 15 is located on the front side in the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20, it is possible to prevent the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light around the flow shielding portion 15 from decreasing compared to when the flow shielding portion 15 is located on the back side in the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source unit 20. This therefore improves the sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0066] In particular, when SUS is used as the material for the sterilization unit 10, as in the above embodiment, the above-mentioned action and effect of the flow-blocking unit 15 can be significantly exhibited. That is, because the reflectance of ultraviolet light on the inner surface of the sterilization chamber 60 is relatively low, the illuminance of ultraviolet light in areas of the sterilization chamber 60 away from the light source unit 20 becomes low, but the action and effect of the flow-blocking unit 15 described above can ensure high sterilization performance.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the flow-blocking section 15 is arranged in the sterilization chamber 60 so as to face the chamber inlet 12 when viewed from the central axis direction of the chamber inlet 12, so that the flow-blocking section 15 can reliably block the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the sterilization unit 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the light source unit 20 is arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light from the opening side of the sterilization unit 10 towards the interior of the sterilization unit 10, the chamber inlet 12 is formed on the cylindrical surface of the sterilization unit 10, and the chamber outlet 13 is formed on the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10. The flow-blocking unit 15 is provided in the sterilization chamber 60 so as to extend from the bottom surface of the sterilization unit 10 towards the light source unit 20. As a result, the fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 collides with the flow-blocking unit 15 and is rolled up towards the light source unit 20. This effectively extends the time the fluid spends in the sterilization chamber 60.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the flow blocking section 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the chamber outlet 13 in the sterilization chamber 60, and therefore the flow blocking section 15 can more reliably block the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13. Moreover, the fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber 60 from the chamber inlet 12 collides with the cylindrical flow blocking section 15 and is blown up towards the light source section 20 while splitting into two directions towards the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10. This makes it possible to generate turbulence in the flow of the fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber 60, and thereby further lengthen the time the fluid stays in the sterilization chamber 60.

[0070] In the above embodiment, in the axial direction of the sterilization chamber 60, the position of the end of the flow-blocking section 15 on the light source section 20 side is the same as the position of the end of the chamber inlet 12 on the light source section 20 side, so that the flow-blocking section 15 can reliably block the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13 while suppressing an increase in fluid pressure loss in the sterilization chamber 60.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the flow-blocking section 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the bottom surface of the sterilization section 10, but in this embodiment 2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flow-blocking section 15 is formed in a flat plate shape extending from the bottom surface of the sterilization section 10.

[0072] The flow blocking section 15 is formed in the shape of a single flat plate and is arranged between the chamber outlet 13 and the chamber inlet 12. In this example, as shown in Figure 5, both ends of the flow blocking section 15 are in contact with the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10, but both ends of the flow blocking section 15 may be spaced apart from the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10. In this example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flow blocking section 15 is arranged near the central axis of the sterilization section 10, but the flow blocking section 15 may also be arranged at a position closer to the chamber outlet 13 than the central axis of the sterilization section 10.

[0073] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the flow of fluid from the chamber inlet 12 to the chamber outlet 13 can be blocked by the flow-blocking section 15, which increases the time the fluid stays in the sterilization chamber 60. This improves the sterilization efficiency of the fluid.

[0074] (Embodiment 3) In the second embodiment, the flow-blocking section 15 is formed as a single flat plate, but in the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the flow-blocking section 15 is formed as a composite flat plate that is convex toward the chamber inlet 12. In other words, when viewed from the axial direction of the sterilization section 10, the flow-blocking section 15 has a flat plate shape that is bent so as to protrude toward the chamber inlet 12.

[0075] In this example, as shown in Figure 6, both ends of the flow-blocking section 15 are in contact with the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10, but both ends of the flow-blocking section 15 may be spaced apart from the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10. In this example, as shown in Figure 6, the flow-blocking section 15 is arranged near the central axis of the sterilization section 10, but the flow-blocking section 15 may also be arranged at a position closer to the chamber outlet 13 than the central axis of the sterilization section 10.

[0076] In this embodiment, the flow blocking section 15 is bent so as to protrude towards the chamber inlet 12, so that, as shown by the arrows in Figure 6, the fluid that flows from the chamber inlet 12 into the sterilization chamber 60 and collides with the flow blocking section 15 is likely to split into two directions towards the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10. This makes it easier for turbulence to occur, effectively lengthening the residence time of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60.

[0077] (Embodiment 4) In the third embodiment, the flow shielding section 15 is formed in the shape of a composite flat plate that is bent so as to protrude toward the room inlet 12 side, but in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the flow shielding section 15 is formed in the shape of a curved surface that is curved so as to bulge toward the room inlet 12 side. In other words, the flow shielding section 15 is formed in the shape of a curved surface that is convex toward the room inlet 12 side.

[0078] In this example, as shown in Figure 7, both ends of the flow-blocking section 15 are in contact with the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10, but both ends of the flow-blocking section 15 may be spaced apart from the cylindrical surface of the sterilization section 10. In this example, as shown in Figure 7, the flow-blocking section 15 is arranged near the central axis of the sterilization section 10, but the flow-blocking section 15 may also be arranged at a position closer to the chamber outlet 13 than the central axis of the sterilization section 10.

[0079] This embodiment also has the same advantages as the third embodiment.

[0080] (Modifications of the embodiment) 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, outer space 70, chamber inlet 12, sterilization chamber 60, chamber outlet 13, and housing outlet 311. However, the fluid may alternatively flow in the reverse order: housing outlet 311, chamber outlet 13, sterilization chamber 60, chamber inlet 12, outer space 70, and housing supply port 321. In other words, the housing outlet 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 outlet. Even in this case, the flow of fluid that flows into the sterilization chamber 60 and immediately flows out of the sterilization chamber 60 can be blocked by the flow-blocking portion 15, thereby lengthening the residence time of the fluid in the sterilization chamber 60 and improving the sterilization efficiency.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the flow shielding portion 15 is formed of a plate having a uniform thickness, but the flow shielding portion 15 may be formed of a plate having a thickness that varies depending on the portion. For example, in the above embodiments 1, 3, and 4, the flow shielding portion 15 has a curved or composite flat plate portion that is convex toward the inlet 12 side, but it does not necessarily have to be curved or composite flat plate, and it is sufficient that the surface of the flow shielding portion 15 on the inlet 12 side has a curved or composite flat plate portion that is convex toward the inlet 12 side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Fluid sterilizer 10 Sterilization section 12 chamber inlet 13 Chamber outlet 15 Current blocking section 20 Light source section 60 Sterilization room

Claims

1. A fluid sterilization device that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet light, a sterilization unit that forms a sterilization chamber through which the fluid to be sterilized by the ultraviolet light flows, the sterilization unit having a chamber inlet through which the fluid flows into the sterilization chamber and a chamber outlet through which the fluid flows out of the sterilization chamber; a light source unit that irradiates the fluid in the sterilization chamber with the ultraviolet light from one end side of the sterilization chamber, the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet open at a position in the sterilization chamber near the other end of the sterilization chamber, A fluid sterilization device, wherein a flow-blocking section is provided in a portion of the sterilization chamber near the other end of the sterilization chamber between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, to block the flow of the fluid from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet.

2. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the flow blocking portion is provided in the sterilization chamber so as to face at least a part of the chamber inlet when viewed in the direction of the central axis of the chamber inlet.

3. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the flow-blocking portion is provided in the sterilization chamber so as to face the entire chamber inlet when viewed in the direction of the central axis of the chamber inlet.

4. the chamber outlet is open in the sterilization chamber, facing the light source unit, a central axis direction of the chamber inlet is non-parallel to a central axis direction of the chamber outlet, The fluid sterilizer according to claim 2 , wherein the flow blocking portion is provided in the sterilization chamber so as to extend from a periphery of the chamber outlet toward the light source portion.

5. the airflow blocking portion extends from a periphery of the chamber outlet toward the light source portion, The fluid sterilizer according to claim 4 , wherein the surface of the flow blocking portion on the chamber inlet side has a curved or compound plane portion that is convex toward the chamber inlet side.

6. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 5 , wherein the flow blocking portion is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the chamber outlet in the sterilization chamber.

7. The sterilization unit is formed in 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 chamber inlet is formed on a cylindrical surface of the sterilization unit, The chamber outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the sterilization unit, The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the flow blocking portion is provided in the sterilization chamber so as to extend from the bottom surface toward the light source portion.

8. 7. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 6, wherein the position of the end of the flow blocking section on the side of the light source section is the same as the position of the end of the chamber inlet on the side of the light source section in the axial direction of the sterilization chamber.

9. 7. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the sterilizing unit that forms the sterilizing chamber is made of a material that has a reflectance of 50% or less with respect to the ultraviolet light.

Images