Fluid sterilization apparatus

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilization apparatus capable of reducing damage to a window without increasing the thickness of the window.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a tubular portion, a base provided inside the tubular portion and having a first recess opening at one end thereof, a light-emitting unit provided inside the first recess and configured to emit ultraviolet light, a window opposing the opening of the first recess and transmitting the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and at least one support provided between the base and the window inside the first recess and in contact with the window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid sterilization device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are fluid sterilization devices that irradiate fluids such as water with ultraviolet light to kill bacteria or inactivate viruses contained in the fluid. Compared to other fluid sterilization devices that use heat or chemicals, these fluid sterilization devices cause almost no deterioration of the fluid being treated. Furthermore, they can sterilize or inactivate bacteria or viruses regardless of the type of bacteria or virus. For this reason, fluid sterilization devices that irradiate fluids with ultraviolet light are used to treat fluids in a wide range of fields, including drinking water, fishing water, agricultural water, commercial water for food factories, various industrial waters, and boiler water.

[0003] For example, a fluid sterilization device has been proposed that includes a cylindrical section through which a fluid flows, a base provided inside the cylindrical section, an irradiation section that is housed in a space provided in the base and irradiates ultraviolet light, a window facing the irradiation section, and a sealing member such as an O-ring that is provided between the window and the base and seals the space in which the irradiation section is provided so that it is liquid-tight.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a trend toward larger irradiation units due to demands for increased processing flow rates and improved sterilization and inactivation effects, etc. When the irradiation unit is enlarged, the space in the base that houses the irradiation unit and the window that seals the space housing the irradiation unit via a sealing member also become larger.

[0005] Here, when a fluid is supplied to the inside of the tube, pressure is applied to the window. Therefore, if the window becomes larger and its rigidity decreases, the amount of bending of the window increases, which may cause damage to the window. In this case, increasing the thickness of the window increases the rigidity of the window, thereby preventing damage to the window. However, increasing the thickness of the window may reduce the UV transmittance of the window, which may reduce the effectiveness of sterilization and inactivation. Furthermore, increasing the thickness of the window increases manufacturing costs.

[0006] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a fluid sterilization device that can prevent damage to the window without increasing the thickness of the window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-105451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilizing device that can prevent damage to a window without increasing the thickness of the window. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The fluid sterilization device according to the embodiment comprises a cylindrical portion; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and having a first recess that opens at one end; a light-emitting portion provided inside the first recess and that irradiates ultraviolet light; a window facing the opening of the first recess and that transmits the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting portion; and at least one support portion provided inside the first recess between the base and the window and in contact with the window. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid sterilizing device that can suppress damage to a window without increasing the thickness of the window. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a fluid sterilizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device in FIG. 1 in a direction intersecting the central axis of the cylindrical portion. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an irradiation unit and a support unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a support portion having a slit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In this specification, sterilization includes not only sterilization of bacteria but also inactivation of viruses. Furthermore, sterilization includes not only sterilization but also sterilization.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a fluid sterilizing device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 1 in FIG. 1 in a direction intersecting the central axis of the tubular part 2. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, to avoid complexity, only the cylindrical portion 2, the supply portion 3, the discharge portion 4, the irradiation portion 5, the window 6, the holding portion 7, and the support portion 8 are shown. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the irradiation unit 5 and the support unit 8. As shown in FIG.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid sterilization device 1 includes, for example, a tube section 2, a supply section 3, a discharge section 4, an irradiation section 5, a window 6, a holding section 7, a support section 8, and a controller 9. For example, the irradiation unit 5, the window 6, the holding unit 7, and the support unit 8 can be provided inside the cylindrical unit 2. For example, the supply unit 3, the discharge unit 4, and the controller 9 can be provided outside the cylindrical unit 2.

[0015] The tubular portion 2 is, for example, cylindrical and has open ends. The tubular portion 2 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe. The openings at both ends of the tubular portion 2 are closed by lids 2a. The lids 2a can be detachably attached to flanges 2b provided on the side of the tubular portion 2 using bolts, for example. A sealing member 2c can be provided between the lid 2a and the flange 2b.

[0016] Ultraviolet light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 5 onto the inside of the tubular portion 2. In this case, if some of the irradiated ultraviolet light passes through the tubular portion 2 and leaks to the outside, the processing capacity of the fluid sterilization device 1 will decrease. For this reason, the tubular portion 2 is made of a material that is not transparent to ultraviolet light and has a high reflectivity for ultraviolet light. In addition, the tubular portion 2 is preferably made of a material that is highly resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a to be sterilized. For example, the tubular portion 2 can be made of stainless steel. In this case, if the material of the tubular portion 2 is stainless steel containing 8 wt % or more of Ni (nickel), corrosion resistance to easily corrosive fluids 301a, such as seawater, can be improved.

[0017] If the cylindrical portion 2 contains a material with high reflectivity to ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays incident on the inner portion of the cylindrical portion 2 can be easily reflected toward the fluid 301a. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of use of ultraviolet rays emitted from the irradiation portion 5. If the efficiency of use of ultraviolet rays can be improved, the number of light-emitting portions 51 provided in the irradiation portion 5 can be reduced. Reducing the number of light-emitting portions 51 allows for the irradiation portion 5 to be made smaller, at lower costs, and with less energy consumption.

[0018] The interior of the tube portion 2 serves as a flow path for the fluid 301a to be sterilized. Therefore, the fluid 301a comes into contact with the inner surface of the tube portion 2. Here, the fluid 301a may be seawater, groundwater, or the like. Seawater, groundwater, or the like contains foreign matter such as sand, dead microorganisms, and inorganic salts. Therefore, when seawater, groundwater, or the like comes into contact with the inner surface of the tube portion 2, the foreign matter may adhere to the inner surface of the tube portion 2. If the foreign matter adheres to the inner surface of the tube portion 2, the reflectance of the ultraviolet light may decrease. If the reflectance decreases, the amount of reflected light (ultraviolet light) irradiated onto the fluid 301a decreases, which may reduce the sterilization effect.

[0019] Therefore, the surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness) Ra of the inner part of the cylindrical part 2 is set to 50 nm (nanometers) or less, preferably 3 nm (nanometers) or more and 50 nm (nanometers) or less. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the inner part of the cylindrical part 2 and improve the reflectance against ultraviolet light. For example, the inner part of the cylindrical part 2 may be buffed so that the surface roughness Ra of the inner part of the cylindrical part 2 falls within the above-mentioned range.

[0020] Alternatively, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 may be buffed and then electropolished to bring the surface roughness Ra of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 into the aforementioned range. Performing electropolishing after buffing can remove dirt from the metal surface of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 or inhibit the adhesion of dirt. Furthermore, performing electropolishing after buffing dissolves the Fe (iron) contained in the metal surface of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2, thereby increasing the proportion of Cr (chromium) on the metal surface. Therefore, even if the passive film on the metal surface of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 is damaged, the passive film is easily regenerated, making the inner surface more easily self-repairable.

[0021] The tubular portion 2 can be mounted on a base 23 via, for example, a plurality of stands 22. The base 23 can be mounted on, for example, the floor of the location where the fluid sterilization device 1 is installed. However, the installation of the fluid sterilization device 1 is not limited to the example shown. For example, the fluid sterilization device 1 can also be mounted on a wall or ceiling of the installation location. Furthermore, although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the tubular portion 2 extends vertically, the tubular portion 2 may extend horizontally or may extend in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0022] The supply unit 3 is provided on one end side of the cylindrical unit 2 . The supply unit 3 includes, for example, a supply pipe 31 , a flange 32 , and a seal member 33 .

[0023] The supply pipe 31 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe. For example, one end of the supply pipe 31 can be provided on the side of the cylindrical portion 2. The inside of the supply pipe 31 is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical portion 2. The material of the supply pipe 31 can be, for example, the same as the material of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0024] The flange 32 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of the supply pipe 31 opposite to the cylindrical portion 2. A supply source of the fluid 301a can be connected to the flange 32 via a seal member 33.

[0025] The discharge portion 4 is provided on the other end side of the cylindrical portion 2. The discharge portion 4 includes, for example, a discharge pipe 41, a flange 42, and a seal member 43.

[0026] The discharge pipe 41 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe. For example, one end of the discharge pipe 41 can be provided on the side of the tubular portion 2. The inside of the discharge pipe 41 is in communication with the inside of the tubular portion 2. The material of the discharge pipe 41 can be, for example, the same as the material of the tubular portion 2.

[0027] Flange 42 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of discharge pipe 41 opposite to the cylindrical portion 2. A tank or the like that stores sterilized fluid 301b can be connected to flange 42 via seal member 43.

[0028] The irradiation unit 5 irradiates the fluid 301a flowing inside the tubular portion 2 with ultraviolet light through the window 6. The irradiation unit 5 can be provided at least either near the supply unit 3 or near the discharge unit 4. The irradiation unit 5 illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided near both the supply unit 3 and the discharge unit 4. If the irradiation unit 5 is provided near both the supply unit 3 and the discharge unit 4, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid 301a flowing inside the tubular portion 2 can be increased. This improves the sterilization effect. Furthermore, the area inside the tubular portion 2 that is irradiated with ultraviolet light can be increased. This allows the tubular portion 2 to maintain a predetermined sterilization effect even if the length of the tubular portion 2 along the central axis is increased, thereby improving the processing capacity.

[0029] If the irradiation unit 5 is provided either near the supply unit 3 or near the discharge unit 4, the configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 can be simplified and the manufacturing costs can be reduced. Therefore, the number of irradiation units 5 can be changed as appropriate depending on the required sterilization effect, processing capacity, manufacturing costs, and the like.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the irradiation unit 5 includes, for example, a light emitting unit 51, a substrate 52, a base 53, a stand 54, and a wiring pipe 55. As will be described later, the light emitting section 51 and the substrate 52 are provided inside a recess 53 b of the base 53 .

[0031] The light emitting section 51 can be a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or a laser diode. Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 51 may be a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, the light-emitting unit 51 may be a low-pressure mercury lamp or a barrier discharge lamp. In this case, the discharge lamp may be, for example, a low-pressure mercury lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 254 nm, or a low-pressure mercury lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with peak wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm.

[0032] However, if the light emitting section 51 is a light emitting element, the start-up time at startup can be shortened. Furthermore, since the light emitting element contains almost no environmentally hazardous substances such as mercury, the environmental impact can be reduced. Therefore, FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example in which the light emitting section 51 is a light emitting element.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the light-emitting unit 51 is a light-emitting element, the light-emitting unit 51 can be provided on the surface of the substrate 52 facing the window 6. The light-emitting unit 51 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the window 6. At least one light-emitting unit 51 can be provided. The number of light-emitting units 51 can be changed as appropriate depending on the sterilization effect and processing capacity required of the fluid sterilization device 1. When multiple light-emitting units 51 are provided, the multiple light-emitting units 51 can be connected in series.

[0034] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from light-emitting unit 51 is not particularly limited as long as it has a sterilizing effect. However, if the peak wavelength is 300 nm or less, the ultraviolet light can be easily absorbed by the DNA or RNA of bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is preferable that light-emitting unit 51 be a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 300 nm, for example.

[0035] The substrate 52 has a plate shape and can be provided at the bottom of a recess 53b (corresponding to an example of a first recess) of the base 53. The substrate 52 can be attached to the bottom of the recess 53b of the base 53 using, for example, a holding fixture 52a. A wiring pattern can be provided on the substrate 52.

[0036] The material of the substrate 52 is preferably one that is resistant to ultraviolet rays. The material of the substrate 52 can be, for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide. The substrate 52 can also be a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is covered with an inorganic material. If the material of the substrate 52 is ceramics or a metal core substrate, it can achieve resistance to ultraviolet rays and high heat dissipation properties.

[0037] 3 illustrates an example in which four substrates 52 are provided, but the number, size, planar shape, arrangement, etc. of the substrates 52 are not limited to this. The number, size, planar shape, arrangement, etc. of the substrates 52 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size and planar shape of the base 53, the number of light-emitting units 51 required, the arrangement of the light-emitting units 51, etc.

[0038] When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2, the outline shape of the base 53 is, for example, a circle. The base 53 is, for example, plate-shaped. At the end of the base 53 on the window 6 side, there are opened a recess 53a in which a sealing member 53c is provided, and a recess 53b in which a substrate 52 on which the light-emitting portion 51 is mounted is provided. The recess 53b can be provided in a central region of the base 53. The recess 53a is provided outside the recess 53b and surrounds the recess 53b.

[0039] The seal member 53c is provided between the vicinity of the periphery of the window 6 and the bottom of the recess 53a. The window 6 and the seal member 53c seal the opening of the recess 53a so that it is liquid-tight. The seal member 53c can be, for example, an O-ring or a packing.

[0040] The base 53 has the function of holding the substrate 52 on which the light-emitting unit 51 is mounted, and the function of dissipating heat generated in the light-emitting unit 51 to the outside. Therefore, the base 53 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The base 53 can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel, for example.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the stand 54 is provided between the base 53 and the lid 2a, and supports the base 53, the window 6, the holding portion 7, and the support portion 8 inside the cylindrical portion 2. The stand 54 is rod-shaped and extends, for example, in a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2. At least one stand 54 can be provided. The stand 54 can be made of, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0042] The wiring pipe 55 is provided between the base 53 and the lid 2a. The wiring pipe 55 is cylindrical and extends, for example, in a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2. Wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 51 passes through the inside of the wiring pipe 55 and is drawn from the lid 2a to the outside of the fluid sterilization device 1. The wiring pipe 55 can also function as a stand 54. In this case, the number of stands 54 can be reduced or the stands 54 can be omitted. The wiring pipe 55 can be made of metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0043] The controller 9 controls the turning on and off of the light-emitting unit 51. The controller 9 may include, for example, a lighting circuit and a power supply. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 9 may be provided in the cylindrical portion 2, for example. The controller 9 may also be provided in a position separated from the cylindrical portion 2. A terminal block 9a may also be provided that is electrically connected to the controller 9 and the light-emitting unit 51.

[0044] The window 6 is plate-shaped and is provided between the base 53 and the holder 71 via the sealing member 53c and the sheet 72. The window 6 faces the recess 53b of the base 53. A space can be provided between the window 6 and the light-emitting unit 51. The window 6 is made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 51 and is resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a. The window 6 is made of, for example, quartz glass or a fluororesin that transmits ultraviolet light.

[0045] The ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting unit 51 is irradiated onto the fluid 301a flowing inside the cylindrical portion 2 through the window 6. Furthermore, part of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the inside of the cylindrical portion 2 is reflected by the inner part of the cylindrical portion 2, and the reflected ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the fluid 301a. Therefore, the fluid 301a flowing inside the cylindrical portion 2 is sterilized by the ultraviolet light.

[0046] In this case, an anti-reflection film can be provided on the surface of the window 6 facing the light-emitting unit 51. If an anti-reflection film is provided, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 51 from being reflected by the window 6 and becoming less irradiated onto the fluid 301a. In other words, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 51.

[0047] In addition, an anti-fouling film can be provided on the surface of the window 6 opposite the light-emitting unit 51 side (the surface that comes into contact with the fluid 301a). As mentioned above, the fluid 301a may contain foreign matter. If foreign matter adheres to the window 6, it becomes difficult for the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 51 to pass through the window 6. If an anti-fouling film is provided, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the window 6.

[0048] The holding portion 7 holds the window 6 . As shown in FIG. 2, the holding portion 7 includes, for example, a holder 71 and a sheet 72.

[0049] The holder 71 faces the base 53. A hole 71a is provided in the central portion of the holder 71, penetrating the holder 71 in the thickness direction. A window 6 is exposed inside the hole 71a. When viewed from the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2, the shape of the holder 71 is, for example, a ring. When viewed from the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2, the outer diameter of the holder 71 can be, for example, approximately the same as the outer diameter of the base 53.

[0050] Holder 71 is provided on the side of base 53 where recesses 53a and 53b are open. For example, holder 71 is detachably attached to base 53 using a plurality of bolts. In this case, if the heads of the plurality of bolts protrude from the end of holder 71 opposite to the base 53 side, ultraviolet light irradiated through window 6 is more likely to be incident on the heads of the plurality of bolts. When ultraviolet light irradiated through window 6 is incident on the heads of the plurality of bolts, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on fluid 301a is reduced accordingly.

[0051] Therefore, the heads of the plurality of bolts are located inside holder 71. If the heads of the plurality of bolts are located inside holder 71, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet light irradiated through window 6 from being incident on the heads of the plurality of bolts, and therefore it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto fluid 301a. The bolts that attach holder 71 can be, for example, hexagon socket bolts, cross recess bolts, flat-head bolts, etc.

[0052] The holder 71 has a recess 71b that opens to the surface facing the base 53. A hole 71a opens at the bottom of the recess 71b. A sheet 72 and a window 6 are provided inside the recess 71b. The holder 71 presses the window 6 against the base 53 via the sheet 72 and the sealing member 53c. The holder 71 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0053] The sheet 72 is plate-shaped and is provided between the holder 71 and the window 6. The sheet 72 protects the window 6 and provides a liquid-tight seal between the holder 71 and the window 6. When viewed from the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2, the shape of the sheet 72 is, for example, a ring. The window 6 is exposed on the inside of the sheet 72. When viewed from the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2, the outer diameter of the sheet 72 can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the recess 71b of the holder 71. The sheet 72 is made of a soft material that is resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a. The sheet 72 is made of, for example, a silicone resin or a fluororesin.

[0054] When fluid 301a is supplied into the cylindrical portion 2 via the supply unit 3, pressure is applied to the window 6. In this case, if the rigidity of the window 6 is low, the window 6 will bend so as to protrude into the recess 53b of the base 53. In recent years, there has been a demand for an increase in the treatment flow rate and an improvement in the sterilization effect, and the irradiation unit 5 has tended to become larger. As the irradiation unit 5 becomes larger, the recess 53b of the base 53 and the window 6 also become larger, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 . This reduces the rigidity of the window 6, and the amount of bending of the window 6 increases. If the amount of bending of the window 6 increases, for example, cracks may occur in the center of the window 6, or cracks or chips may occur in the corners of the periphery of the window 6.

[0055] In this case, increasing the thickness of the window 6 increases the rigidity of the window 6, thereby making it possible to prevent damage such as cracks and chips from occurring in the window 6. However, increasing the thickness of the window 6 may reduce the ultraviolet transmittance of the window 6, which may reduce the sterilization effect. Furthermore, increasing the thickness of the window 6 increases the manufacturing cost.

[0056] Therefore, the fluid sterilizing device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a support part 8. 2 and 3, the support portion 8 is provided inside the recess 53b of the base 53, between the base 53 and the window 6. The support portion 8 is in contact with the window 6. For example, the support portion 8 extends along the surface of the window 6 on the light-emitting portion 51 side.

[0057] For example, when fluid 301a is not supplied inside cylindrical portion 2, the end of support portion 8 on the window 6 side is in contact with the surface of window 6 on the light-emitting portion 51 side. In this case, when holder 71 presses window 6 toward base 53, the end of support portion 8 on the window 6 side may be slightly deformed. For example, the dimension of support portion 8 in the direction along the central axis of cylindrical portion 2 can be determined taking into account a crushing margin.

[0058] The end of support 8 opposite to window 6 may be provided on the bottom of recess 53 b, inside a recess provided on the bottom of recess 53 b, or on the top surface of a protrusion provided on the bottom of recess 53 b. In addition, the end of support 8 opposite to window 6 may be provided on substrate 52. That is, the support portion 8 may be provided between the window 6 and the base 53 .

[0059] In addition, the support part 8 may be bonded to the base 53 or the substrate 52 using adhesive or double-sided tape, or may be sandwiched between the window 6 and the base 53, or may be sandwiched between the window 6 and the base 53 via the substrate 52.

[0060] If the support portion 8 is provided between the window 6 and the base 53, the window 6 can be supported by the support portion 8 when pressure is applied to the window 6. Therefore, even if the thickness of the window 6 is not increased, the window 6 can be prevented from bending, and in turn, the window 6 can be prevented from being damaged, such as cracked or chipped.

[0061] The support portion 8 can be made of a material that is resistant to ultraviolet rays and has high reflectivity against ultraviolet rays. The support portion 8 can be made of, for example, a fluororesin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0062] The support part 8 can also be formed integrally with the base 53. In this case, the support part 8 is formed from a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. However, if the support part 8 is formed from a metal, minute irregularities are likely to be formed on the end part of the support part 8 facing the window 6. If minute irregularities are formed on the end part of the support part 8 facing the window 6, there is a risk that the window 6 will be damaged when pressed against the support part 8.

[0063] In this case, if the support part 8 is made of a fluororesin or the like, even if minute irregularities are formed on the end of the support part 8 on the window 6 side, the minute irregularities can be smoothed when the window 6 is pressed against the support part 8. Therefore, damage to the window 6 can be suppressed.

[0064] Here, if the support part 8 is joined to the base 53, the work of replacing the support part 8 during maintenance, etc. becomes complicated. If the support part 8 is simply sandwiched between the window 6 and the base 53, the position of the support part 8 may shift during maintenance, etc., and the support part 8 may interfere with the light-emitting part 51, etc.

[0065] Therefore, it is preferable that the support part 8 is easy to attach and detach and that the attached position can be maintained. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, a plate-shaped protrusion 53b1 is provided at the bottom of the recess 53b. The protrusion 53b1 can be formed integrally with the base 53, for example. The support part 8 also has a slit 8a in which the plate-shaped protrusion 53b1 is provided.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the support portion 8 having the slit 8a. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the protrusion 53b1. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the support portion 8 is omitted from the configuration shown in FIG.

[0067] 4, the support portion 8 has a shape that extends in one direction, for example. A slit 8a opens at one end of the support portion 8 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the support portion 8 extends. The slit 8a extends in the direction in which the support portion 8 extends. In the direction in which the support portion 8 extends, the slit 8a opens at, for example, both end portions of the support portion 8.

[0068] Furthermore, the dimension of the end of the support portion 8 on the window 6 side can be smaller than the dimension of the end of the support portion 8 on the opposite side from the window 6 side. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the support portion 8, the dimension W2 of the end of the support portion 8 on the opposite side from the side where the slit 8a opens can be smaller than the dimension W1 of the end of the support portion 8 on the side where the slit 8a opens. In this case, a taper, a slope, or a step can be provided near the end of the support portion 8 on the opposite side from the side where the slit 8a opens. The support portion 8 illustrated in FIG. 4 is tapered. If the dimension W2 of the end is smaller than the dimension W1 of the end, the end of the support portion 8 on the window 6 side can be easily deformed when the holder 71 presses the window 6 against the base 53. This increases the area where the window 6 and the support portion 8 are in close contact with each other, thereby enabling the support portion 8 to support a wider area of ​​the window 6.

[0069] Furthermore, the end of the support portion 8 on the window 6 side (the end opposite to the side where the slit 8a is opened) may be a substantially flat surface as shown in FIG. 4, or may be a convex or concave curved surface, or may have a recess or protrusion extending in the extension direction of the support portion 8.

[0070] Furthermore, if the support part 8 is formed using a fluororesin with a Rockwell hardness of R120 or less, the end part of the support part 8 on the window 6 side can be easily deformed when the window 6 is pressed against the base 53 by the holder 71. This makes it possible to increase the area where the window 6 and the support part 8 come into close contact with each other, and ultimately allows the support part 8 to support a wide area of ​​the window 6.

[0071] Furthermore, if the protrusion 53b1 is simply inserted into the slit 8a of the support part 8, it becomes easy to replace the support part 8 during maintenance, etc. Also, the position of the support part 8 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the support part 8 extends can be maintained.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 53b1 may be provided with a recess 53b2 (an example of a second recess) that opens at the end on the window 6 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the support 8 may be provided inside the recess 53b2. When the support 8 is provided inside the recess 53b2, the vicinity of the bottom of the recess 53b2 is provided inside the slit 8a. In this case, the side of the recess 53b2 is capable of contacting the side of the support 8 in the direction in which the support 8 extends. In this case, the side of the recess 53b2 may be in contact with the side of the support 8, or a gap may be provided between the side of the recess 53b2 and the side of the support 8. If the protrusion 53b1 is provided with the recess 53b2, the position of the support 8 can be maintained in the direction in which the support 8 extends and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the support 8 extends.

[0073] At least one support part 8 can be provided. When one support part 8 is provided, it is preferable that the support part 8 overlaps the center of the recess 53b when viewed from the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical part 2. When multiple support parts 8 are provided, it is preferable that the multiple support parts 8 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical about the center of the recess 53b when viewed from the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical part 2. Furthermore, when multiple substrates 52 are provided, it is possible to provide a support part 8 between the substrates 52 when viewed from the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical part 2.

[0074] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0075] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0076] (Appendix 1) The tubular part and; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and having a first recess that opens at one end; a light emitting section provided inside the first recess and configured to irradiate ultraviolet light; a window facing the opening of the first recess and transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light emitting unit; at least one support member provided within the first recess between the base and the window and in contact with the window; A fluid sterilization device comprising:

[0077] (Appendix 2) the base has a protrusion provided on a bottom of the first recess, 2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion has a slit in which the protrusion is provided.

[0078] (Appendix 3) the protrusion has a second recess that opens at an end portion on the window side, 3. A fluid sterilization device as described in Appendix 2, wherein the support portion is provided inside the second recess, the vicinity of the bottom of the second recess is provided inside the slit, and the side portion of the second recess is contactable with the side portion of the support portion.

[0079] (Appendix 4) The support portion is provided in plurality, A fluid sterilization device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion, the multiple support parts are arranged in positions that are rotationally symmetrical around the center of the first recess.

[0080] (Appendix 5) 5. The fluid sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dimension of the end of the support part on the window side is smaller than the dimension of the end of the support part on the opposite side from the window side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Fluid sterilization device, 2 Cylinder part, 5 Irradiation part, 6 Window, 7 Holding part, 8 Support part, 8a Slit, 51 Light emitting part, 52 Substrate, 53 Base, 53b Recess, 53b1 Convex part, 53b2 Recess, 71 Holder, 301a Fluid

Claims

1. a cylindrical portion; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and having a first recess that opens at one end; a light emitting section provided inside the first recess and configured to irradiate ultraviolet light; a window facing the opening of the first recess and transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light emitting unit; at least one support member provided within the first recess between the base and the window and in contact with the window; A fluid sterilization device comprising:

2. the base has a protrusion provided on a bottom of the first recess, The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the support portion has a slit in which the protrusion is provided.

3. the protrusion has a second recess that opens at an end portion on the window side, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein the support portion is provided inside the second recess, the vicinity of the bottom of the second recess is provided inside the slit, and the side of the second recess is capable of contacting the side of the support portion.

4. The support portion is provided in plurality, The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion, the plurality of support portions are arranged in positions that are rotationally symmetrical around the center of the first recess.

5. 3. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the dimension of the end of the support part on the window side is smaller than the dimension of the end of the support part opposite to the window side.

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