Fluid sterilization apparatus

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilization apparatus that can improve space efficiency of a board.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a tubular portion, a base provided inside the tubular portion and having a recess that opens at one end, at least one board provided at the bottom of the recess, at least one light-emitting element provided on the side of the board opposite to the bottom side of the recess, and emitting ultraviolet light, and a window provided inside the tubular portion, facing the light-emitting element, and transmitting the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element. When viewed in the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion, the shape of the inner part of the tubular portion and the shape of the bottom part of the recess are circular, and the shape of the board is a polygon having five or more sides.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 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 cylindrical section through which the fluid flows, a base provided inside the cylindrical section, a substrate provided on the base, a light-emitting element that irradiates ultraviolet light and is provided on the side of the substrate opposite the base side, and a window provided on the ultraviolet light emission side of the light-emitting element.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a demand for improved bacterial sterilization effects, improved virus inactivation effects, and increased processing flow rates. Therefore, there is a trend toward an increase in the number of light-emitting elements. In this case, increasing the size of the substrate makes it easier to increase the number of light-emitting elements. However, simply increasing the size of the substrate results in an increase in the size of the cylindrical portion, and ultimately in an increase in the size of the fluid sterilization device.

[0004] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a fluid sterilization device that can improve the space efficiency of substrates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-051290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilization device that can improve space efficiency of a substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A fluid sterilization device according to an embodiment comprises a cylindrical portion; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and having a recessed portion opening at one end; at least one substrate provided at the bottom of the recessed portion; at least one light-emitting element provided on the side of the substrate opposite the bottom side of the recessed portion for irradiating ultraviolet light; and a window provided inside the cylindrical portion, facing the light-emitting element, and transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element. When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion, the shape of the inner portion of the cylindrical portion and the shape of the bottom of the recessed portion are circular, and the shape of the substrate is a polygon with five or more sides. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid sterilization device that can improve space efficiency of a substrate can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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 perspective view illustrating the irradiation unit when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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 perspective view illustrating the irradiation unit 5 when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the tube portion 2. As shown in FIG.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The cylindrical portion 2 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and extends in one direction. The cylindrical portion 2 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe. If the cylindrical portion 2 is a cylindrical pipe, the shape of the inner portion of the cylindrical portion 2 is circular when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2, and therefore, stagnation of the flow of the fluid 301a near the inner portion of the cylindrical portion 2 can be suppressed.

[0014] For example, both ends of the cylindrical portion 2 are open. A lid 2a can be provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 2. For example, the lid 2a can be detachably attached to a flange 2b provided on the side of the cylindrical 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 for 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 elements 51 provided in the irradiation portion 5 can be reduced. Reducing the number of light-emitting elements 51 allows the irradiation portion 5 to be made smaller, less expensive, and more energy-efficient.

[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 made of stainless steel 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 made of stainless steel 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 iron (Fe) contained in the metal surface of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2, thereby increasing the proportion of chromium (Cr) 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] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the irradiation unit 5 includes, for example, a light emitting element 51, a substrate 52, a base 53, a stand 54, a stand 55, a holder 56, a spacer 57, and a detection unit 58.

[0030] The light-emitting element 51 is provided on the substrate 52 on the side opposite to the bottom side of the recess 53b. At least one light-emitting element 51 can be provided. The light-emitting element 51 irradiates ultraviolet light. There are no particular limitations on the light-emitting element 51 as long as it is an element that irradiates ultraviolet light. The light-emitting element 51 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0031] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 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 the light-emitting element 51 be a light-emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 300 nm, for example.

[0032] The substrate 52 has a plate shape and can be provided at the bottom of the recess 53b of the base 53. A wiring pattern can be provided on the surface of the substrate 52 opposite to the base 53 side. At least one substrate 52 can be provided.

[0033] When multiple substrates 52 are provided, the multiple substrates 52 can be provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical about the center of the bottom of the recess 53b, as shown in FIG. 3. This can prevent uneven distribution of the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid 301a. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 51 provided on the multiple substrates 52 may be the same or different. In this case, if the number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 51 are the same, the substrates 52 on which the light-emitting elements 51 are mounted can be modularized. This allows for the use of common parts, simplification of inventory management, and reduction of manufacturing costs.

[0034] Here, the base 53 is provided inside the tubular portion 2. The substrate 52 is provided at the bottom of the recess 53b of the base 53. When the tubular portion 2 is a cylindrical tube, if the shape of the base 53 is circular when viewed from the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2, the area of ​​the end of the base 53 where the recess 53b opens can be increased. Furthermore, if the shape of the recess 53b is circular when viewed from the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2, the area of ​​the bottom of the recess 53b where the substrate 52 is provided can be increased.

[0035] In this case, if the shape (planar shape) of substrate 52 is circular when viewed from a direction along the central axis of tube portion 2, the area of ​​substrate 52 can be increased, making it easier to increase the number of light-emitting elements 51. However, if substrate 52 has a circular planar shape, a lot of material will be wasted when one plate material is diced into multiple substrates 52. For this reason, it is preferable that the planar shape of substrate 52 be polygonal. However, if the planar shape of substrate 52 is triangular or rectangular, the area of ​​substrate 52 that can be provided at the bottom of circular recess 53b will be small. For this reason, it is preferable that the planar shape of substrate 52 be a polygon with pentagons or more sides.

[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] The base 53 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 2. The base 53 is, for example, plate-shaped. The end of the base 53 on the window 6 side is opened to recesses 53a and 53b. A sealing member 53c is provided inside the recess 53a. A substrate 52 on which the light-emitting element 51 is mounted is provided at the bottom of the recess 53b. 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The base 53 has a function of holding the substrate 52 on which the light emitting element 51 is mounted and a function of dissipating heat generated in the light emitting element 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.

[0040] The stand 54 is provided between the lid 2a and the base 53. The stand 54 supports the base 53, the substrate 52, the light-emitting element 51, the window 6, and the holder 7 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.

[0041] Furthermore, the stand 54 may be cylindrical. If the stand 54 is cylindrical, the wiring 8b electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 51 can be drawn out to the outside of the cylindrical portion 2 through the inside of the stand 54. As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring 8b drawn out to the outside of the cylindrical portion 2 is electrically connected to the controller 8 via a terminal block 8a. Therefore, by removing the lid 2a from the cylindrical portion 2, the plurality of light-emitting elements 51, the substrate 52, and the wiring 8b electrically connected to the substrate 52 can be attached and detached together. This facilitates maintenance of the irradiation unit 5.

[0042] 3, multiple substrates 52 may be provided. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 2, a cylindrical stand 54 can be provided for each of the multiple substrates 52. In this way, the wiring 8b can be drawn out of the cylindrical portion 2 for each of the multiple substrates 52. This makes it easier to route the wiring 8b inside the recess 53b. Furthermore, the multiple light-emitting elements 51, the substrates 52, and the wiring 8b electrically connected to the substrates 52 can be modularized. This allows for the use of standardized parts, simplifies inventory management, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0043] The stand 54 can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0044] If the stand 54 is provided between the lid 2a and the base 53, the fluid 301a flows around the base 53 and the periphery of 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. Furthermore, since the amount of fluid 301a that comes into contact with the base 53 can be increased, heat generated when the light-emitting element 51 is turned on can be dissipated efficiently.

[0045] The stand 55 may be similar to the stand 54. The stand 55 is not necessarily required and may be omitted. The stand 55 may be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0046] The holder 56 presses the substrate 52 against the bottom of the recess 53b. The holder 56 presses the vicinity of at least two sides of one substrate 52. When multiple substrates 52 are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 3, one holder 56 can press two adjacent substrates 52. The holder 56 can be attached to the bottom of the recess 53b of the base 53 using, for example, a bolt. The holder 56 can be made of, for example, metal or resin. In this case, it is preferable that the resin has insulating properties and is highly resistant to ultraviolet light. The holder 56 can be made of, for example, fluororesin.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a spacer 57 is provided between the adjacent substrates 52. The spacer 57 cooperates with the holder 56 to determine the position of the substrate 52 at the bottom of the recess 53b. The spacer 57 extends, for example, along the sides of the substrate 52. The spacer 57 may be bonded to the bottom of the recess 53b or sandwiched between the substrates 52. The spacer 57 may be made of, for example, a resin. In this case, it is preferable that the resin has insulating properties and high resistance to ultraviolet light. The spacer 57 may be made of, for example, a fluororesin.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the irradiation unit 5 can further include a detection unit 58 that detects ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting elements 51. The detection unit 58 can be, for example, an ultraviolet illuminance meter. The detection unit 58 can be provided, for example, at the center of the bottom of the recess 53b. When the detection unit 58 is provided at the center of the bottom of the recess 53b, the detection unit 58 can be surrounded by multiple substrates 52 on which the light-emitting elements 51 are mounted. In this way, ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting elements 51 provided on the multiple substrates 52 can be detected evenly.

[0049] The window 6 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 2. 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 element 51. A space can be provided between the window 6 and the light-emitting element 51. The window 6 is made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 51 and that 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.

[0050] The ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 51 is irradiated onto the fluid 301a flowing inside the tubular portion 2 through the window 6. A portion of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the inside of the tubular portion 2 is reflected by the inner part of the tubular portion 2, and the reflected ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the fluid 301a. Therefore, the fluid 301a flowing inside the tubular portion 2 is sterilized by the ultraviolet light.

[0051] In this case, an anti-reflection film can be provided on the surface of the window 6 facing the light-emitting element 51. If an anti-reflection film is provided, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 51 from being reflected by the window 6 and becoming less likely to be irradiated onto the fluid 301a. In other words, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 51.

[0052] In addition, an anti-fouling film can be provided on the surface of the window 6 opposite the light-emitting element 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 ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The controller 8 controls the turning on and off of the light-emitting element 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 electrically connected to the controller 8 and the irradiation portion 5 may also be provided.

[0060] Furthermore, when the detection unit 58 is provided, the controller 8 is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 51 and the detection unit 58. Here, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 51 decreases over time. Therefore, when the illuminance of the ultraviolet light detected by the detection unit 58 falls below a predetermined value, the controller 8 performs at least one of the following: increasing the current flowing through the light-emitting element 51 so that the illuminance of the irradiated ultraviolet light falls within a predetermined range; and calculating the replacement time of the light-emitting element 51 based on previously obtained data. In this case, if the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 51 decreases, by increasing the current flowing through the light-emitting element 51 so that the illuminance of the irradiated ultraviolet light falls within the predetermined range, the replacement time (lifespan) of the light-emitting element 51 can be extended.

[0061] Furthermore, if a cylindrical stand 55 is provided, the wiring electrically connected to the detection unit 58 can be drawn out to the outside of the cylindrical portion 2 via the stand 55. The wiring drawn out to the outside of the cylindrical portion 2 is electrically connected to the controller 8 via the terminal block 8a. Therefore, by removing the lid 2a from the cylindrical portion 2, the light-emitting element 51, the substrate 52, the wiring 8b electrically connected to the substrate 52, the detection unit 58, and the wiring electrically connected to the detection unit 58 can be attached and detached all together. This facilitates maintenance of the irradiation unit 5 in which the light-emitting element 51 and the detection unit 58 are provided.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0064] (Appendix 1) The tubular part and; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and having a recessed portion that opens at one end; At least one substrate provided at the bottom of the recess; at least one light-emitting element that is provided on the substrate on the side opposite to the bottom side of the recess and that irradiates ultraviolet light; a window provided inside the cylindrical portion, facing the light emitting element, and transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light emitting element; Equipped with When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion, the shape of the inner portion of the cylindrical portion and the shape of the bottom of the recess are circular; A fluid sterilization device, wherein the shape of the substrate is a polygon with five or more sides.

[0065] (Appendix 2) a detection unit that detects the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element; a controller electrically connected to the light-emitting element and the detection unit; Further comprising: The fluid sterilization device of Appendix 1, wherein the controller performs at least one of the following: when the illuminance of the ultraviolet light detected by the detection unit falls below a predetermined value, increasing the current flowing through the light-emitting element so that the illuminance of the ultraviolet light to be emitted falls within a predetermined range; and calculating the replacement time of the light-emitting element based on previously obtained data.

[0066] (Appendix 3) 3. The fluid sterilization device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a holder that presses the substrate against the bottom of the recess. (Appendix 4) a plurality of the substrates are provided side by side on the bottom of the recess; 4. The fluid sterilization device of claim 3, wherein the holder presses two adjacent substrates against the bottom of the recess.

[0067] (Appendix 5) a plurality of the substrates are provided side by side on the bottom of the recess; 5. The fluid sterilizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a spacer is provided between the adjacently arranged substrates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Fluid sterilization device, 2 Cylinder part, 5 Irradiation part, 6 Window, 51 Light emitting element, 52 Substrate, 53 Base, 53b Recess, 56 Holder, 57 Spacer, 58 Detection part, 8 Controller, 301a Fluid

Claims

1. a cylindrical portion; a base provided inside the cylindrical portion and having a recess that opens at one end; At least one substrate provided at the bottom of the recess; at least one light-emitting element that is provided on the substrate on the side opposite to the bottom side of the recess and that irradiates ultraviolet light; a window provided inside the cylindrical portion, facing the light-emitting element, and transmitting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element; Equipped with When viewed from a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion, the shape of the inner portion of the cylindrical portion and the shape of the bottom of the recess are circular; A fluid sterilization device, wherein the shape of the substrate is a polygon with five or more sides.

2. a detection unit that detects the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element; a controller electrically connected to the light-emitting element and the detection unit; Further comprising:

2. The fluid sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the controller performs at least one of the following: when the illuminance of the ultraviolet light detected by the detection unit falls below a predetermined value, increasing the current flowing through the light-emitting element so that the illuminance of the ultraviolet light to be irradiated falls within a predetermined range; and calculating the replacement time of the light-emitting element based on predetermined data.

3. 2. The fluid sterilization device of claim 1, further comprising a holder for pressing the substrate against the bottom of the recess.

4. a plurality of the substrates are provided side by side on the bottom of the recess; The fluid sterilization device according to claim 3 , wherein the holder presses two adjacent substrates against the bottom of the recess.

5. a plurality of the substrates are provided side by side on the bottom of the recess; 5. The fluid sterilizing device according to claim 3, wherein a spacer is provided between the adjacent substrates.

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