Fluid sterilization apparatus

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilization apparatus that enables wiring electrically connected to a light-emitting unit to be easily drawn out to the outside of a tubular portion and that can increase an amount of fluid in contact with a surface of a window from which ultraviolet light is emitted.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a tubular portion, a base provided inside the tubular portion, and equipped with a light-emitting unit that emits ultraviolet light, a window provided inside the tubular portion, facing the light-emitting unit, and transmitting the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and a stand provided between a closed end of the tubular portion and the base, having a cylindrical shape, through which wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting unit is insertable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 a fluid such as water with ultraviolet light to kill bacteria or inactivate viruses contained in the fluid. For example, a fluid sterilization device has been proposed that includes a tubular section through which the fluid flows, a light-emitting section that is provided inside the tubular section and irradiates ultraviolet light, and a window provided on the ultraviolet light exit side of the light-emitting section.

[0003] The light-emitting unit that emits ultraviolet light is electrically connected to a controller provided outside the cylindrical portion via wiring. Therefore, the light-emitting unit is provided at the closed end of the cylindrical portion. In this way, the wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting unit can be drawn out to the outside of the cylindrical portion through a hole provided at the closed end.

[0004] However, this would cause the fluid to be supplied to the inside of the tube downstream of the window, and the fluid to be discharged from the inside of the tube upstream of the window, which could increase the amount of fluid that does not come into contact with the surface of the window through which ultraviolet light is emitted, reducing the effectiveness of killing bacteria and inactivating viruses.

[0005] Therefore, there was a need to develop a fluid sterilization device that could easily pull out the wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting part to the outside of the tube part and increase the amount of fluid that comes into contact with the surface of the window from which ultraviolet rays are emitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-105451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a fluid sterilization device that allows wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting part to be easily pulled out to the outside of the tubular part, and that can increase the amount of fluid that comes into contact with the surface of the window from which ultraviolet rays are emitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The fluid sterilization device according to the embodiment comprises a tubular portion; a base provided inside the tubular portion and having a light-emitting portion that irradiates ultraviolet light; a window provided inside the tubular portion, facing the light-emitting portion, and allowing the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting portion to pass through; and a stand provided between the closed end of the tubular portion and the base, having a cylindrical shape, and through which wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting portion can be inserted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid sterilization device can be provided that allows wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting unit to be easily pulled out to the outside of the tubular unit, and that can increase the amount of fluid that comes into contact with the surface of the window from which ultraviolet rays are emitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 sterilizer in FIG. 1 in a direction intersecting the central axis (tube axis) of the cylindrical part. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating the irradiation unit when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic plan views illustrating an irradiation unit according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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, taken in a direction intersecting the central axis (tube axis) of the cylindrical portion 2. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, in order to avoid complexity, only the cylindrical portion 2, the supply portion 3, the discharge portion 4, the irradiation portion 5, the window 6, and the holding portion 7 are depicted. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating the irradiation unit 5 when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tube portion 2. As shown in FIG.

[0013] 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, and a controller 8. For example, the irradiation unit 5, the window 6, and the holding unit 7 can be provided inside the cylindrical portion 2. For example, the supply unit 3, the discharge unit 4, and the controller 8 can be provided outside the cylindrical portion 2.

[0014] The tubular portion 2 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and extends in one direction. The tubular portion 2 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe. A closed end is provided at one end of the tubular portion 2. The closed end may be a lid 2a provided at the end of the tubular portion 2, or a plate material joined to the end of the tubular portion 2 by welding or the like. However, if the closed end is detachably provided at the end of the tubular portion 2, for example, maintenance of the irradiation unit 5, window 6, and holding unit 7 provided inside the tubular portion 2, as well as the inner portion of the tubular portion 2, is facilitated. The closed end illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a lid 2a detachably provided at the end of the tubular portion 2. For example, the lid 2a can be detachably attached to a flange 2b provided on the side of the tubular portion 2 using bolts. A sealing member 2c can be provided between the lid 2a and the flange 2b.

[0015] 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 can be formed from 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 formed from a material that is highly resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a to be sterilized. For example, the tubular portion 2 can be formed from a metal such as titanium or stainless steel, or a resin such as polypropylene or high-density polyethylene. In this case, if the tubular portion 2 is made from titanium or stainless steel containing 8 wt% or more of Ni (nickel), corrosion resistance to easily corrosive fluids 301a, such as seawater, can be improved.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 tube portion 2 to 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The supply unit 3 is provided on one end side of the cylindrical unit 2 . The supply portion 3 includes, for example, a tubular body 31 , a flange 32 , and a sealing member 33 .

[0022] The tubular body 31 is, for example, a cylindrical tube. For example, one end of the tubular body 31 can be provided on the side of the cylindrical portion 2. The inside of the tubular body 31 is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical portion 2. The material of the tubular body 31 can be, for example, the same as the material of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0023] The flange 32 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of the tubular body 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.

[0024] The discharge portion 4 is provided on the other end side of the cylindrical portion 2. The discharge portion 4 includes, for example, a tubular body 41 , a flange 42 , and a seal member 43 .

[0025] The tubular body 41 is, for example, a cylindrical tube. For example, one end of the tubular body 41 can be provided on the side of the cylindrical portion 2. The inside of the tubular body 41 is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical portion 2. The material of the tubular body 41 can be, for example, the same as the material of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0026] The flange 42 is plate-shaped and is provided at the end of the tubular body 41 opposite to the cylindrical portion 2. A tank or the like that stores the sterilized fluid 301b can be connected to the flange 42 via a sealing member 43.

[0027] In addition, although Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example in which the supply section 3 and the discharge section 4 are provided on the side of the tubular section 2, at least one of the supply section 3 and the discharge section 4 can also be provided on the closed end of the tubular section 2. That is, the tubular bodies 31 and 41 may be provided at least on the side of the tubular portion 2 and / or on the closed end of the tubular portion 2 and may communicate with the interior of the tubular portion 2 .

[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, and a stand .

[0031] The light emitting section 51 can be a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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, for example.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The substrate 52 has a plate shape and can be provided at the bottom of the recess 53b 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The base 53 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 2 and is provided with a light-emitting unit 51 that irradiates ultraviolet light. 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 unit 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 53b 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] The stand 54 is provided between the closed end of the tubular portion 2 and the base 53. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the stand 54 can be provided between the lid 2a and the base 53. The stand 54 supports the base 53, the substrate 52, the light-emitting portion 51, the window 6, and the holder 7 inside the tubular portion 2. The stand 54 is rod-shaped and extends, for example, in a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2. At least one stand 54 can be provided. The stand 54 can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0042] Although FIG. 2 illustrates the stand 54 provided between the base 53 and the lid 2 a, the stand 54 can also be provided between the inside of the cylindrical portion 2 and the side of the base 53 . However, if stand 54 is provided between the closed end of tubular portion 2 and base 53, it is possible to stabilize the attitude of base 53 and, in turn, the irradiation direction of ultraviolet light emitted from light-emitting portion 51. For this reason, it is preferable to provide stand 54 between the closed end of tubular portion 2 and base 53.

[0043] The controller 8 controls the turning on and off of the light-emitting unit 51. The controller 8 may include, for example, a lighting circuit and a power supply. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 8 may be provided in the cylindrical portion 2, for example. The controller 8 may also be provided in a position separated from the cylindrical portion 2. A terminal block 8a may also be provided that is electrically connected to the controller 8 and the irradiation unit 5 (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 and, therefore, the light-emitting unit 51. 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, a fluororesin that transmits ultraviolet light, or a silicone resin 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] 1, light-emitting unit 51 provided inside cylindrical portion 2 is electrically connected to controller 8 via wiring 55 and terminal block 8a. In this case, for example, if base 53 and lid 2a are integrally formed, wiring 55 can be drawn out to the outside of cylindrical portion 2 through a hole provided in the bottom of recess 53b.

[0055] However, doing so may result in the fluid 301a being supplied to a position downstream of the window 6 or being discharged from a position upstream of the window 6 in the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2. When the fluid 301a is supplied to a position downstream of the window 6, a larger amount of the fluid 301a flows inside the tubular portion 2 without coming into contact with the window 6. When the fluid 301a is discharged from a position upstream of the window 6, a larger amount of the fluid 301a is discharged from inside the tubular portion 2 to the outside of the tubular portion 2 without coming into contact with the window 6. When a larger amount of the fluid 301a does not come into contact with the window 6, the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid 301a decreases, which may reduce the sterilization effect.

[0056] Therefore, in the fluid sterilization device 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, a cylindrical stand 54 is provided between the closed end (e.g., lid 2a) of the cylindrical portion 2 and the base 53. The cylindrical stand 54 is designed so that wiring 55 electrically connected to the light-emitting portion 51 can be inserted therethrough. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the wiring 55 electrically connected to the light-emitting portion 51 can be drawn out of the cylindrical portion 2 through a hole 53b1 provided in the bottom of the recess 53b of the base 53 and the inside of the stand 54.

[0057] Furthermore, by providing the stand 54, a space is formed between the closed end of the tubular portion 2 and the base 53, and the fluid 301a flows around the window 6. This increases the amount of fluid 301a that comes into contact with the window 6, thereby increasing the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid 301a. As a result, the sterilization effect can be improved.

[0058] That is, with the fluid sterilization device 1 according to this embodiment, the wiring 55 electrically connected to the light-emitting part 51 can be easily drawn out to the outside of the tubular part 2, and the amount of fluid 301a that comes into contact with the surface of the window 6 from which ultraviolet rays are emitted can be increased.

[0059] Furthermore, when the tubular bodies 31, 41 are provided on the side of the cylindrical portion 2, it is preferable that the openings of the tubular bodies 31, 41 are positioned between the closed end of the cylindrical portion 2 and the surface of the window 6 opposite the light-emitting portion 51 side (the ultraviolet light emission surface) in the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0060] In this case, as shown in Figure 2, it is more preferable that, in the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2, the openings of the tubular bodies 31, 41 are positioned between the closed end of the tubular portion 2 and the end of the base 53 on the closed end side. The openings of the tubular bodies 31 and 41 may be provided in the lid 2a.

[0061] In this way, it is possible to further increase the amount of fluid 301a supplied to the space between the closed end of the tubular portion 2 and the base 53, and further increase the amount of fluid 301a that flows around the periphery of the window 6. As a result, it is possible to further improve the sterilization effect.

[0062] Furthermore, it is possible to further increase the amount of fluid 301b discharged from the space between the closed end of the tubular portion 2 and the base 53, and thus to further increase the amount of fluids 301b, 301a flowing around the periphery of the window 6. As a result, it is possible to further improve the sterilization effect.

[0063] Furthermore, fluids 301a and 301b flow around the periphery of base 53 on which light-emitting unit 51 is provided, thereby efficiently dissipating heat generated when light-emitting unit 51 is turned on. This prevents the temperature of light-emitting unit 51 from becoming too high, which could lead to a breakdown of light-emitting unit 51, a shortened lifespan of light-emitting unit 51, or a decrease in the amount of ultraviolet light emitted.

[0064] Furthermore, if the arrangement of the tubular body 31 and the tubular body 41 is changed, this can be easily accommodated by changing the length of the stand 54 in the direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating an irradiation unit 15 according to another embodiment. 4 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation unit 15 as viewed from the direction along the central axis of the tube portion 2. FIG.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, similar to the above-described irradiation unit 5, the irradiation unit 15 includes, for example, a light-emitting unit 51, a substrate 52, a base 53, and a stand .

[0067] The irradiation unit 5 described above is provided with one substrate 52. The irradiation unit 15 is provided with a plurality of substrates 52. The irradiation unit 15 illustrated in Fig. 4 is provided with four substrates 52. The number of substrates 52 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the base 53, the number of light-emitting units 51, etc.

[0068] For example, it is preferable that the plurality of substrates 52 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical about the center of the recess 53b of the base 53. In this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a distribution in the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid 301a.

[0069] When a plurality of substrates 52 are provided, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, a cylindrical stand 54 and a hole 53b1 can be provided for each of the plurality of substrates 52. In this way, the wiring 55 can be drawn out to the outside of the cylindrical portion 2 for each of the plurality of substrates 52. This makes it easy to route the wiring 55 inside the recess 53b.

[0070] 4, the irradiation unit 15 may further include a detection unit 56. The detection unit 56 may be, for example, an ultraviolet illuminance meter. The controller 8 may detect the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting unit 51 based on a signal from the detection unit 56. When the illuminance of the detected ultraviolet light falls below a predetermined value, the controller 8 may calculate the replacement timing of the light-emitting unit 51 based on previously obtained data, or may increase the current flowing through the light-emitting unit 51 (light-emitting element) so that the illuminance of the emitted ultraviolet light falls within a predetermined range.

[0071] In this case, the wiring electrically connected to the detection unit 56 can be drawn out to the outside of the tubular portion 2 together with the wiring 55 electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 51. Alternatively, a tubular stand 54 and a hole 53b1 can be provided for the detection unit 56, and the wiring can be drawn out separately from the wiring 55 electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 51.

[0072] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Fluid sterilization device, 2 Cylinder part, 2a Lid, 3 Supply part, 4 Discharge part, 5 Irradiation part, 6 Window, 31 Tubular body, 41 Tubular body, 51 Light emitting part, 52 Substrate, 53 Base, 53b Recess, 53b1 Hole, 54 Stand, 55 Wiring, 301a Fluid

Claims

1. a cylindrical portion; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and including a light-emitting portion for irradiating ultraviolet light; a window provided inside the cylindrical portion, facing the light-emitting portion, and transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting portion; a stand that is provided between the closed end of the cylindrical portion and the base, has a cylindrical shape, and through which wiring electrically connected to the light-emitting portion can be inserted; A fluid sterilization device comprising:

2. a tubular body provided on at least one of a side portion of the cylindrical portion and the closed end portion of the cylindrical portion, the tubular body communicating with the inside of the cylindrical portion; 2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein when the tubular body is provided on the side of the cylindrical portion, the opening of the tubular body is located between the closed end of the cylindrical portion and the surface of the window opposite to the light-emitting unit side in a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion.

3. 3. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 2, wherein, in a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion, the opening of the tubular body is located between the closed end of the cylindrical portion and the end of the base on the closed end side.

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