Maintenance device and fluid sterilization system

Abstract

To provide a maintenance device and a fluid sterilization system that can improve workability in maintenance of a fluid sterilization apparatus.SOLUTION: A maintenance device according to an embodiment is a maintenance device for a fluid sterilization apparatus comprising a tubular portion, a lid closing an opening of the tubular portion, and a light source and a window provided on the lid and located inside the tubular portion. The maintenance device moves the lid along a direction in which the tubular portion extends to draw the light source and the window out of the tubular portion, or to insert the drawn-out light source and the window into the tubular portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a fluid sterilization device that irradiates 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 portion through which the fluid flows, a window provided near the end of the tubular portion, and a light source that irradiates the inside of the tubular portion with ultraviolet light through the window.

[0003] Here, such a fluid sterilization device may also be used, for example, to sterilize bacteria or inactivate viruses contained in seawater, groundwater, etc. However, seawater, groundwater, etc. contain foreign matter such as sand, microbial carcasses, and inorganic salts. Therefore, when the fluid sterilization device is used for such purposes, foreign matter may adhere to the window or the inner surface of the tube, reducing the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid. A reduction in the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid reduces the effectiveness of sterilizing bacteria and inactivating viruses.

[0004] In this case, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the fluid can be restored by disassembling the fluid sterilization device and removing foreign matter adhering to the window, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, etc. However, the window and the light source are attached to a detachable lid at the end of the cylindrical portion. Therefore, in order to remove the window from the cylindrical portion and perform maintenance such as removing foreign matter, it is necessary to remove the lid to which the window and light source are attached from the end of the cylindrical portion and pull out the window and light source to the outside of the cylindrical portion.

[0005] In this case, the lid with the window and light source attached is heavy, which requires time and effort for maintenance and reduces the operational availability of the fluid sterilization device. In recent years, fluid sterilization devices have tended to become larger as the required treatment flow rate increases. As a result, the weight of the lid with the window and light source attached has become even heavier, making maintenance work even more difficult. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a technology that can improve the workability in the maintenance of a fluid sterilizing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-069166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a maintenance device and a fluid sterilization system that can improve the workability in the maintenance of a fluid sterilization device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A maintenance device according to an embodiment is a maintenance device used for maintaining a fluid sterilizing device including a cylindrical portion, a lid that closes an opening of the cylindrical portion, and a light source and a window that are attached to the lid and positioned inside the cylindrical portion. The maintenance device includes a moving unit that moves the lid in the direction in which the cylindrical portion extends, thereby pulling out the light source and the window from the cylindrical portion, or inserting the pulled-out light source and the window into the cylindrical portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a maintenance device and a fluid sterilization system that can improve the workability in the maintenance of a fluid sterilization device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a maintenance device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid sterilization device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating the holding portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the operation of the maintenance device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the operation of the maintenance device. 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. In addition, sterilization includes not only sterilization but also sterilization. In the following description, "up" and "down" used for convenience do not necessarily correspond to the direction of gravity.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a maintenance device 100 according to the present embodiment. In addition, Figure 1 shows the fluid sterilization device 1 attached to a maintenance device 100 for maintenance of the fluid sterilization device 1, or it can be a fluid sterilization system 200 equipped with the maintenance device 100 and the fluid sterilization device 1.

[0013] First, the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the fluid sterilization device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid sterilization device 1 includes, for example, a tube portion 2, a light source 3, and a window 4.

[0014] The tube portion 2 is, for example, cylindrical and has open ends. The tube portion 2 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe. Ultraviolet light is irradiated from a light source 3 into the interior of the tube portion 2. If some of the irradiated UV light passes through the tube portion 2 and leaks to the outside, the processing capacity of the fluid sterilization device 1 decreases. Therefore, the tube portion 2 can be formed from a material that is opaque to UV light and highly reflective to UV light. The tube portion 2 is preferably formed from a material that is resistant to UV light and the fluid 301a to be sterilized. For example, the tube portion 2 can be formed from stainless steel. In this case, stainless steel containing 8 wt% or more of Ni (nickel) can improve corrosion resistance against corrosive fluids 301a, such as seawater. Stainless steel containing, for example, 1.0 wt% or more of Mo (molybdenum) can improve corrosion resistance against corrosive fluids 301a, such as seawater, compared to stainless steel that does not contain Mo (molybdenum).

[0015] If the cylindrical portion 2 contains a material with high reflectivity to ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays incident on the inner surface 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 light source 3. If the efficiency of use of ultraviolet rays can be improved, the number of light-emitting elements 3a provided in the light source 3 can be reduced. Reducing the number of light-emitting elements 3a allows for the light source 3 to be made smaller, less expensive, and more energy-efficient.

[0016] The interior of the cylindrical 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 cylindrical 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 cylindrical portion 2, the foreign matter may adhere to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2. If the foreign matter adheres to the inner surface of the cylindrical 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.

[0017] Therefore, the surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness) Ra of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 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 surface of the cylindrical portion 2 and improve the reflectance against ultraviolet light. For example, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 can be buffed so that the surface roughness Ra of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 falls within the above-mentioned range.

[0018] A supply pipe 2a is provided near one end of the cylindrical portion 2. One end of the supply pipe 2a can be provided on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 2. The inside of the supply pipe 2a is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical portion 2. The material of the supply pipe 2a can be the same as the material of the cylindrical portion 2, for example. A flange 2a1 can be provided at the end of the supply pipe 2a opposite to the cylindrical portion 2 side. A supply source of the fluid 301a can be connected to the flange 2a1 via a seal member.

[0019] A discharge pipe 2b is provided near the other end of the cylindrical portion 2. One end of the discharge pipe 2b can be provided on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 2. The inside of the discharge pipe 2b is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical portion 2. The material of the discharge pipe 2b can be the same as the material of the cylindrical portion 2, for example. A flange 2b1 can be provided at the end of the discharge pipe 2b opposite the cylindrical portion 2 side. A tank or the like that stores the sterilized fluid 301b can be connected to the flange 2b1 via a sealing member.

[0020] The openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion 2 are closed by lids 2c. The lids 2c are detachably attached, for example, by using fastening members such as screws to a flange 2d provided on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 2. A sealing member 2e such as a packing may be provided between the lid 2c and the flange 2d.

[0021] The light source 3 irradiates the fluid 301a flowing inside the tubular portion 2 with ultraviolet light through the window 4. The light source 3 is provided inside the tubular portion 2. In this case, the light source 3 can be provided at least either near the supply pipe 2a or near the discharge pipe 2b. The light source 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided near both the supply pipe 2a and the discharge pipe 2b. If the light source 3 is provided near both the supply pipe 2a and the discharge pipe 2b, 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 have a larger length along the central axis, thereby maintaining a predetermined sterilization effect and improving the processing capacity.

[0022] If the light source 3 is provided either near the supply pipe 2a or near the discharge pipe 2b, the configuration of the fluid sterilization device 1 can be simplified and the manufacturing costs can be reduced. Therefore, the number of light sources 3 can be changed as appropriate depending on the required sterilization effect, processing capacity, manufacturing costs, and the like.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the light source 3 includes, for example, a light emitting element 3a, a substrate 3b, a base 3c, a stand 3d, and a wiring pipe 3e. The light-emitting element 3a is provided on the surface of the substrate 3b facing the window 4. The light-emitting element 3a irradiates ultraviolet light toward the window 4. At least one light-emitting element 3a can be provided. The number of light-emitting elements 3a can be changed as appropriate depending on the processing capacity required of the fluid sterilization device 1. When multiple light-emitting elements 3a are provided, the multiple light-emitting elements 3a can be connected in series.

[0024] The light emitting element 3a is not particularly limited as long as it is an element that irradiates ultraviolet light, and may be, for example, a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0025] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light-emitting element 3a 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 3a be a light-emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 300 nm.

[0026] The substrate 3b is plate-shaped and can be provided on the bottom surface of a recess 3c1 in the base 3c, which will be described later. A wiring pattern can be provided on the substrate 3b. The material of the substrate 3b is preferably one that is resistant to ultraviolet light. The material of the substrate 3b can be, for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide. The substrate 3b 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 3b is ceramics or the like, or if the substrate 3b is a metal core substrate, it can achieve resistance to ultraviolet light and high heat dissipation properties.

[0027] The base 3c is, for example, plate-shaped and has a recess 3c1 that opens to the surface of the base 3c opposite the end of the tubular portion 2. The recess 3c1 can be provided in the central region of the base 3c. A substrate 3b on which the light-emitting element 3a is mounted can be provided inside the recess 3c1. The base 3c has the function of holding the substrate 3b on which the light-emitting element 3a is mounted and the function of dissipating heat generated in the light-emitting element 3a to the outside. For this reason, the base 3c is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The base 3c can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel, for example.

[0028] Although the light source 3 has been described above as including a light-emitting element 3a that irradiates ultraviolet light, the light source 3 is not limited to this. For example, the light source 3 may be one that includes a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, the light source 3 may also be one that includes a low-pressure mercury lamp or a barrier discharge lamp. In this case, for example, the light source 3 may be 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.

[0029] The stand 3d is provided between the base 3c and the lid 2c, and supports the light source 3 and the window 4 inside the cylindrical portion 2. The stand 3d is rod-shaped and extends in a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2. At least one stand 3d can be provided. The stand 3d can be made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel, for example. As described above, the fluid sterilization device 1 includes the cylindrical portion 2, the light source 3 and the window 4, which are provided on the lid 2c that closes the opening of the cylindrical portion 2 and are positioned inside the cylindrical portion 2.

[0030] The wiring pipe 3e is provided between the base 3c and the lid 2c. The wiring pipe 3e is cylindrical and extends in a direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2. Wiring electrically connected to the light source 3 passes through the inside of the wiring pipe 3e and is drawn out from the lid 2c to the outside of the fluid sterilization device 1. The wiring pipe 3e can also function as the stand 3d. In this case, the number of stands 3d can be reduced or the stand 3d can be omitted. The wiring pipe 3e can be made of metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0031] The window 4 is plate-shaped and provided inside the cylindrical portion 2. The window 4 is provided, for example, on the surface of the base 3c where the recess 3c1 opens. The opening of the recess 3c1 is sealed liquid-tight by the window 4. A sealing member such as an O-ring can be provided between the window 4 and the base 3c. The window 4 faces the light source 3. A space can be provided between the window 4 and the light source 3. The window 4 is made of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light and is resistant to ultraviolet light and the fluid 301a. The window 4 is made of, for example, quartz glass or a fluororesin that is transparent to ultraviolet light.

[0032] A holder 4a for holding the window 4 can also be provided. The holder 4a is, for example, plate-shaped and is provided on the surface of the base 3c of the light source 3 where the recess 3c1 opens. The window 4 is sandwiched between the base 3c and the holder 4a, and is thereby held by the base 3c and the holder 4a. The holder 4a can be made of, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0033] The space between the side surface of the base 3c and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2, and the space between the side surface of the holder 4a and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2, serve as a flow path for the fluid 301a flowing inside the cylindrical portion 2. Note that the base 3c and the holder 4a may be provided with a plurality of holes penetrating in the thickness direction, and the plurality of holes may serve as a flow path for the fluid 301a flowing inside the cylindrical portion 2.

[0034] Ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 is irradiated onto the fluid 301a flowing inside the tubular portion 2 through the window 4. A portion of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the inside of the tubular portion 2 is reflected by the inner surface 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.

[0035] As described above, the fluid 301a may contain foreign matter. If foreign matter adheres to the window 4, it becomes difficult for ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 to pass through the window 4. In this case, if an antifouling film is provided on the surface of the window 4 opposite the light source 3 side (the surface that comes into contact with the fluid 301a), it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the window 4. However, even if an antifouling film is provided on the window 4, if there is a relatively large amount of foreign matter, the foreign matter may adhere to the window 4. Furthermore, the foreign matter may adhere to the window 4 over time.

[0036] Furthermore, as described above, if the surface roughness Ra of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 is set to 50 nm (nanometers) or less, adhesion of foreign matter to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 can be suppressed. However, even if the surface roughness Ra of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 is 50 nm (nanometers) or less, if there is a relatively large amount of foreign matter, the foreign matter may adhere to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2. Moreover, the foreign matter may adhere to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 over time.

[0037] Therefore, maintenance is required to remove foreign matter adhering to the window 4 and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 periodically or as needed. 2, the window 4 is provided in the lid 2c via the base 3c and the stand 3d. As described above, the lid 2c is detachably attached to the end of the cylindrical portion 2 using fastening members such as screws.

[0038] Therefore, by removing the lid 2c from the cylindrical portion 2, foreign matter adhering to the window 4 can be removed from the outside of the fluid sterilization device 1 (cylindrical portion 2). Furthermore, by removing the lid 2c from the cylindrical portion 2, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 can be exposed, and therefore foreign matter adhering to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 can be removed.

[0039] However, the base 3c, stand 3d, holder 4a, and lid 2c are heavy because they are made of metal. For example, the total weight of the window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c may be 20 kg or more. This makes it difficult for a worker to pull out the light source 3 and window 4 provided in the lid 2c from inside the tube portion 2 or insert the light source 3 and window 4 provided in the lid 2c into the tube portion 2 during maintenance.

[0040] Therefore, the fluid sterilization device 1 is designed to perform maintenance using a maintenance device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance device 100 includes, for example, a base 110 and a holding portion 120.

[0041] The base 110 includes, for example, a frame 111 , rails 112 , brackets 113 , and legs 114 . The frame 111 has, for example, a columnar shape and extends in one direction. In the extending direction of the frame 111, the length of the frame 111 is longer than the length of the fluid sterilization device 1 in the direction along the central axis of the tubular portion 2. A pair of frames 111 can be provided. In a direction intersecting the extending direction of the frames 111, the pair of frames 111 can be arranged side by side with a predetermined gap between them. The frame 111 can be formed, for example, from a metal square pipe.

[0042] The rails 112 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the frame 111. The rails 112 extend in the direction in which the frame 111 extends. In the direction in which the frame 111 extends, the rails 112 are provided near both ends of the frame 111. In a direction intersecting the direction in which the frames 111 extend, the rails 112 provided on one frame 111 face the rails 112 provided on the other frame 111. The rails 112 provided on the upper surface of the frame 111 face the rails 112 provided on the lower surface of the frame 111. The rails 112 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel, for example.

[0043] The bracket 113 is provided on the upper surface of the frame 111. Multiple brackets 113 can be provided. In the direction in which the frame 111 extends, the multiple brackets 113 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals between the rails 112. A recess 113a is provided at the end of the bracket 113 opposite the frame 111 side. By placing the tubular portion 2 in the recess 113a of the multiple brackets 113, the fluid sterilization device 1 is supported by the multiple brackets 113. The bracket 113 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel, for example.

[0044] In addition, when a fluid sterilization system 200 is provided with the maintenance device 100 and the fluid sterilization device 1, for example, the ends of the multiple brackets 113 on the side where the recesses 113a are provided can be joined to the tubular portion 2, and the ends of the multiple brackets 113 opposite the side where the recesses 113a are provided can be attached to the upper surface of the frame 111 using screws or the like.

[0045] The leg portion 114 is provided on the underside of the frame 111. The leg portion 114 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the frame 111 extends. A plurality of the leg portions 114 can be provided. In the direction in which the frame 111 extends, the plurality of the leg portions 114 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals. The leg portion 114 can also be provided with a plurality of adjuster feet 114a. The leg portion 114 can be formed from a metal such as iron or stainless steel, for example.

[0046] It is possible to provide at least one holding portion 120. As described above, there are cases where the light source 3 and the window 4 are provided only on one end side of the tubular portion 2. In such cases, it is possible to provide the holding portion 120 only on one end side of the frame 111 in the extension direction of the frame 111.

[0047] However, if a holding portion 120 is provided on each of both ends of the frame 111 in the direction in which the frame 111 extends, it can be used even when the light source 3 and the window 4 are provided only on one end of the tubular portion 2, or when the light source 3 and the window 4 are provided on both ends of the tubular portion 2. For example, the maintenance device 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 is provided with a pair of holding portions 120 facing each other.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating the holding portion 120. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the holding unit 120 includes, for example, a moving unit 121 and a rotating unit 122.

[0049] The moving part 121 is movable along a rail 112 provided on the frame 111 . The moving part 121 includes, for example, a bracket 121a, a beam 121b, a beam 121c, a roller 121d, and a stopper 121e.

[0050] A pair of brackets 121a are provided. The pair of brackets 121a are provided between the frames 111. The pair of brackets 121a face each other. The brackets 121a are, for example, L-shaped. One surface of the bracket 121a is located above the frame 111. The other surface of the bracket 121a is located to the side of the frame 111.

[0051] Beam 121b is plate-shaped and extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of frame 111. In the extension direction of frame 111, beam 121b is provided on one end side of bracket 121a. One end of beam 121b is provided on a surface of one bracket 121a located above frame 111. The other end of beam 121b is provided on a surface of the other bracket 121a located above frame 111.

[0052] The beam 121c is plate-shaped and extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the frame 111. In the extension direction of the frame 111, the beam 121c is provided on the other end side of the bracket 121a. One end of the beam 121c is provided on a surface of one bracket 121a that is located above the frame 111. The other end of the beam 121c is provided on a surface of the other bracket 121a that is located above the frame 111. The beams 121b and 121c connect a pair of brackets 121a facing each other.

[0053] The rollers 121d may be, for example, guide rollers (also referred to as grooved rollers). A plurality of rollers 121d may be provided. For example, three or more rollers 121d may be provided. The plurality of rollers 121d are provided on each of the pair of brackets 121a.

[0054] 1, the rollers 121d are spaced apart in the vertical direction, for example. The upper rollers 121d are in contact with the upper ends of the rails 112 provided on the upper surface of the frame 111. The lower rollers 121d are in contact with the lower ends of the rails 112 provided on the lower surface of the frame 111.

[0055] That is, the rollers 121d sandwich the rail 112 provided on the upper surface of the frame 111, the frame 111, and the rail 112 provided on the lower surface of the frame 111. In this case, it is preferable that the number of rollers 121d in contact with the rail 112 provided on the upper surface of the frame 111 is greater than the number of rollers 121d in contact with the rail 112 provided on the lower surface of the frame 111.

[0056] 1, two rollers 121d can be in contact with rails 112 provided on the upper surface of frame 111, and one roller 121d can be in contact with rails 112 provided on the lower surface of frame 111. If two or more rollers 121d are in contact with rails 112 provided on the upper surface of frame 111, the posture of moving unit 121 can be stabilized even if the weight of swivel unit 122 and window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c attached to swivel unit 122 becomes heavy.

[0057] Stopper 121e is provided on beam 121b, for example. As shown in Fig. 3, when lid 2c attached to arm 122c of swivel unit 122 (described later) is positioned facing the opening of tubular unit 2, the side surface of lid 2c comes into contact with the tip of stopper 121e. In this case, the contact between the side surface of lid 2c and the tip of stopper 121e makes the central axis of lid 2c attached to arm 122c of swivel unit 122 approximately coaxial with the central axis of tubular unit 2 placed on bracket 113.

[0058] Therefore, by moving the rotating part 122 using the moving part 121, it becomes easy to pull out the light source 3 and the window 4 from the tubular part 2 or insert the light source 3 and the window 4 into the inside of the tubular part 2 via the lid 2c attached to the arm 122c of the rotating part 122. In this case, it is preferable that the position of the tip of the stopper 121e is adjustable. The stopper 121e can be, for example, an adjustment bolt.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pivoting portion 122 includes, for example, a bracket 122a, a shaft 122b, and an arm 122c. A pair of brackets 122a are provided. The pair of brackets 122a face each other in a direction intersecting the direction in which the frame 111 extends. One bracket 122a is provided on a surface of one bracket 121a of the moving section 121 that is located above the frame 111. The other bracket 122a is provided on a surface of the other bracket 121a of the moving section 121 that is located above the frame 111.

[0060] The shaft 122b extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the frame 111. The vicinity of one end of the shaft 122b is provided in a hole in one bracket 122a. The vicinity of the other end of the shaft 122b is provided in a hole in the other bracket 122a.

[0061] A pair of arms 122c are provided. The pair of arms 122c face each other in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the frame 111. The arm 122c is, for example, L-shaped. A hole is provided near one end of the arm 122c. A shaft 122b is provided inside the hole. Therefore, the arm 122c can rotate around the shaft 122b. A light source 3 and a window 4 are attached to the other end of the arm 122c via a cover 2c.

[0062] As described above, the moving unit 121 moves the lid 2c in the direction in which the tubular portion 2 extends, thereby pulling out the light source 3 and window 4 from the tubular portion 2, or inserting the pulled-out light source 3 and window 4 into the tubular portion 2. The swivel portion 122 swivels the lid 2c in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the tubular portion 2. In this case, it is preferable that the lid 2c be swiveled so that the window 4 faces upward.

[0063] Next, the operation of the maintenance device 100, that is, maintenance of the fluid sterilization device 1 using the maintenance device 100, will be described. 4 and 5 are schematic perspective views illustrating the operation of the maintenance device 100. FIG. When performing maintenance on the fluid sterilization device 1 using the maintenance device 100, first, the fluid sterilization device 1 (tubular part 2) is placed on the bracket 113 as shown in FIG. Next, the arm 122 c of the swivel part 122 is attached to the lid 2 c of the fluid sterilizer 1 placed on the bracket 113 .

[0064] In the case of a fluid sterilization system 200 including the maintenance device 100 and the fluid sterilization device 1, for example, the fluid sterilization device 1 (tubular portion 2) is joined to the bracket 113. Also, the arm 122c of the swivel portion 122 is attached to the lid 2c of the fluid sterilization device 1. That is, the fluid sterilization system 200 includes the fluid sterilization device 1 and a maintenance device 100 that is provided on the lid 2c and positioned outside the cylindrical portion 2.

[0065] Next, the fastening member is removed, and the lid 2c and the flange 2d provided on the cylindrical portion 2 are separated.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the moving unit 121 moves the swivel unit 122, and the light source 3 and the window 4 are pulled out from the tube unit 2 via the cover 2c attached to the arm 122c of the swivel unit 122.

[0067] Next, as shown in Fig. 5, arm 122c is rotated so that window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c face upward. With window 4 facing upward, it becomes easier to remove foreign matter adhering to window 4. Furthermore, with lid 2c and light source 3 facing upward, it becomes easier to remove foreign matter adhering to lid 2c, light source 3, etc.

[0068] 5, by orienting the window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c upward, it is possible to increase the space between the window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c and the opening of the tubular portion 2. This makes it easier to remove foreign matter adhering to the inner surface of the tubular portion 2.

[0069] When maintenance is completed, the above-described procedure is carried out in reverse. For example, first, the arm 122c is rotated so that the window 4, the light source 3, and the lid 2c face the opening of the cylindrical portion 2.

[0070] Next, the moving unit 121 moves the swivel unit 122, and the light source 3 and the window 4 are inserted into the interior of the cylindrical unit 2. As described above, the side surface of the lid 2c comes into contact with the tip of the stopper 121e, so that the central axis of the lid 2c attached to the arm 122c of the swivel unit 122 becomes approximately coaxial with the central axis of the cylindrical unit 2. This makes it easy to insert the light source 3 and the window 4 into the interior of the cylindrical unit 2.

[0071] Next, the lid 2c is attached using a fastening member to the flange 2d provided on the cylindrical portion 2. By doing as described above, maintenance of the fluid sterilization device 1 can be carried out.

[0072] When the maintenance device 100 is used to perform maintenance on the fluid sterilization device 1, even if the total weight of the window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c is heavy, it becomes easy to pull out the light source 3 and window 4 provided on the lid 2c from inside the tubular part 2 and insert the light source 3 and window 4 provided on the lid 2c into the tubular part 2. This improves the workability of maintenance of the fluid sterilization device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the window 4, light source 3, and lid 2c, which are the targets for removing foreign matter, can be made to face upward, which facilitates the work of removing foreign matter adhering to these. Furthermore, the spaces between the window 4, the light source 3, and the lid 2c and the opening of the cylindrical portion 2 can be increased, which makes it easier to remove foreign matter adhering to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 and the like.

[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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 fluid sterilization device, 2 cylindrical part, 2c lid, 3 light source, 3a light emitting element, 4 window, 100 maintenance device, 110 base, 111 frame, 112 rail, 120 holding part, 121 moving part, 121d roller, 121e stopper, 122 swivel part, 122c arm, 200 fluid sterilization system, 301a fluid

Claims

1. A maintenance device used for maintenance of a fluid sterilization device including: a cylindrical portion; a lid that closes an opening of the cylindrical portion; and a light source and a window that are provided on the lid and positioned inside the cylindrical portion, A maintenance device having a moving part that moves the lid in the direction in which the cylindrical part extends, thereby pulling out the light source and the window from the cylindrical part, or inserting the pulled out light source and the window into the cylindrical part.

2. 2. The maintenance device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating part for rotating the lid in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cylindrical part extends.

3. The maintenance device according to claim 2 , wherein the window faces upward when the cover is rotated.

4. a fluid sterilization device including: a tube; a lid that closes an opening of the tube; a light source and a window that are provided on the lid and positioned inside the tube; The maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is provided on the lid and positioned outside the cylindrical portion; A fluid sterilization system comprising:

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