Ultraviolet sterilization unit and ultraviolet sterilization device

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet sterilization device that prevents shortening of product lifespan by improving mechanical durability without increasing costs. [Solution] The ultraviolet sterilization unit 1 has an ultraviolet reflection path 27 through which a fluid passes, provided with an ultraviolet light source 25 and a reflector 24, and a sterilization area UV within the ultraviolet reflection path 27 where ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 25 is repeatedly reflected by the reflector 24, decomposing and / or inactivating and / or sterilizing toxic substances contained in the fluid. The components 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29a, 46 that form the ultraviolet reflection path 27 have surfaces exposed in the sterilization area UV that are made of inorganic material and / or inorganic compounds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilization unit and an ultraviolet sterilization device that pass a fluid through an ultraviolet sterilization area to reduce a toxicity target.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultraviolet sterilization device that irradiates a fluid such as air or water with ultraviolet rays to sterilize (inactivate) a toxicity target is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of an ultraviolet sterilization device that passes air through a housing having an ultraviolet lamp inside to inactivate viruses and the like in the passing air.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a conventional ultraviolet sterilization device as described in Patent Document 1, various components are provided in the ultraviolet irradiation area. In addition to metals, these components may use general-purpose plastics such as ABS resin and urea resin that are easy to process, lightweight, and inexpensive. However, general-purpose plastics have a problem that they have low ultraviolet resistance and deteriorate due to ultraviolet irradiation, resulting in a decrease in physical properties and a change in appearance. [[ID=?7]]

[0005] Furthermore, while some high-performance engineering plastics have high UV resistance (weather resistance), they are expensive, resulting in higher costs. Moreover, even engineering plastics are not immune to UV degradation. In addition, even engineering plastics degrade faster under high-density and high-intensity UV conditions compared to sunlight. Therefore, conventional UV sterilization devices require frequent replacement of UV-degraded parts, which not only increases maintenance costs but also shortens product lifespan due to parts becoming brittle and reduced mechanical durability.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its objective is to provide an ultraviolet sterilization unit and an ultraviolet sterilization device that can prevent a shortening of product life by improving mechanical durability without increasing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultraviolet sterilization unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes an ultraviolet reflection path through which a fluid passes, provided with an ultraviolet light source and a reflector, and a sterilization region within the ultraviolet reflection path where ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source is repeatedly reflected by the reflector, thereby decomposing and / or inactivating and / or sterilizing toxic substances contained in the fluid, wherein the components forming the ultraviolet reflection path have at least the surface exposed in the sterilization region made of inorganic material and / or inorganic compound.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet sterilization device comprising: an ultraviolet reflection path through which a fluid passes, provided with an ultraviolet light source and a reflector; and a sterilization region within the ultraviolet reflection path where ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source is repeatedly reflected by the reflector, thereby decomposing and / or inactivating and / or sterilizing toxic substances contained in the fluid, wherein the components forming the ultraviolet reflection path have at least the surface exposed in the sterilization region made of inorganic material and / or inorganic compound.

[0009] The device comprises a suction section for drawing in the fluid, a main body section on which the ultraviolet sterilization unit is provided, and a discharge section for discharging the fluid, wherein the ultraviolet sterilization unit is detachably attached to the main body section.

[0010] The aforementioned components include a resin on which the inorganic material and / or inorganic compound is formed as a film on the surface.

[0011] The aforementioned resin includes general-purpose plastics.

[0012] The aforementioned components are subjected to a surface treatment called plating, which involves depositing a metal film onto the surface of the substrate.

[0013] The device has a socket to which the ultraviolet light source is connected, and the surface of the socket has a protective plate made of metal or resin that prevents the socket from being exposed in the sterilization area.

[0014] The surface of the substrate is formed with a highly reflective portion that increases the reflectivity of ultraviolet light by the plating.

[0015] The surface of the substrate is formed with a low-reflectivity portion that suppresses the reflection of ultraviolet light by the plating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet sterilization device that can prevent a shortened product life by improving mechanical durability without increasing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The same, a front view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization device. [Figure 3] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet sterilization device along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] The same is an exploded perspective view of the ultraviolet sterilization device showing a configuration in which the ultraviolet sterilization unit is detachable. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing the structure of the ultraviolet sterilization unit [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view shown in the ultraviolet sterilization unit [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the structure of the ultraviolet sterilization unit with the reflector removed [Figure 8] Plan view showing the structure of the first UV blocking holder with the UV blocking filter attached [Figure 9] Bottom view showing the structure of the first UV blocking holder with the UV blocking filter attached [Figure 10] Plan view showing the structure of the first UV blocking holder [Figure 11] Bottom view showing the structure of the first UV blocking holder [Figure 12] Plan view showing the structure of the second UV blocking holder with the UV blocking filter attached [Figure 13] Bottom view showing the structure of the second UV blocking holder with the UV blocking filter attached [Figure 14] Plan view showing the structure of the second UV blocking holder [Figure 15] Bottom view showing the structure of the second UV blocking holder [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view showing the state where the UV blocking filter is attached to the first (second) UV blocking holder [Figure 17] Exploded cross-sectional view showing the state where the UV blocking filter and the filter holding plate are attached to the first (second) UV blocking holder [Figure 18] Exploded perspective view showing the structure of the state where the filter holding plate is attached to the first (second) UV blocking holder [Figure 19] Perspective view showing the structure of the state where the filter holding plate is attached to the first (second) UV blocking holder [Figure 20] Longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of the state where the filter holding plate is attached to the first (second) UV blocking holder [Figure 21] Perspective view partially showing the filter holding plates attached to the first and second UV blocking holders [Figure 22] The same, a partial cross-sectional view showing a socket with a protective plate and a filter holding plate. [Figure 23] The same, a cross-sectional view showing the exterior body with the ultraviolet sterilization unit attached. [Figure 24] The diagram schematically shows the ultraviolet sterilization unit being attached to the base unit. [Figure 25] The diagram schematically shows the state in which the power receiving terminal of the ultraviolet sterilization unit is electrically connected to the power supply terminal of the exhaust unit. [Figure 26] The same cross-sectional view showing the ultraviolet sterilization unit attached to the ultraviolet sterilization device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The ultraviolet sterilization device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings based on each embodiment in the following description are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratio of the thicknesses of each part, may differ from the actual dimensions. Furthermore, please be aware that there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios between drawings. Also, the vertical direction will be described as the vertical direction when the ultraviolet sterilization device is mounted.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1, when mounted, has, in order from the top, an intake flow unit 2 as an intake section, a base unit 3 as the main body section, and an exhaust unit 4 as an exhaust section.

[0020] The intake flow unit 2 includes an outer cover 10, a pressure loss reduction section 12, a surrounding section 13, etc. The outer cover 10 has an upper opening 11 in the center when viewed from above. The pressure loss reduction section 12 is located below the upper opening 11. The surrounding section 13 surrounds the pressure loss reduction section 12 and is disposed inside the outer cover 10.

[0021] The outer cover 10, pressure loss reduction section 12, and surrounding section 13 constituting the intake flow unit 2 are formed from general-purpose plastics, including base materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), urea resin (UF), polyacetal (POM), and polyamide (PA). However, the base material of the intake flow unit 2 is not limited to general-purpose plastics; it may also be formed from metals including aluminum alloys, iron, stainless steel alloys, copper, titanium, magnesium, or alloys thereof. Furthermore, in the following description, descriptions of the types of general-purpose plastics and metal base materials will be omitted if they are the same as those exemplified above, and only different types will be described.

[0022] The intake flow unit 2 has an introduction passage 14 that communicates with the upper opening 11. The introduction passage 14 is formed between the pressure loss reduction section 12 and the surrounding section 13. This introduction passage 14 is a space that introduces external fluid located above the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 into the base unit 3 from the upper opening 11.

[0023] The base unit 3 has a roughly cylindrical outer casing 30. The upper end of the base unit 3 is connected to the intake flow unit 2. The ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, which will be described later, is housed inside the outer casing 30. The outer casing 30 is formed from a metal base material. However, the base material of the outer casing 30 is not limited to metal and may be formed from general-purpose plastic. If the outer casing 30 is formed from general-purpose plastic, it may be externally colored by internal coloring, which involves mixing colorants such as dyes, pigments, and colorants, or by surface processing such as printing, painting, or plating, which involves depositing a metal film.

[0024] The exhaust unit 4 is located below the base unit 3. The upper end of the exhaust unit 4 is fitted and connected to the lower end of the outer casing 30. The exhaust unit 4 has an exhaust base 37, which is a fluid discharge housing. Multiple exhaust ports 31, in this case three, are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust base 37. The exhaust ports 31 constitute the openings of the discharge passage 32 formed in the exhaust base 37. The exhaust unit 4 has a switch unit 35 on its lower end. The switch unit 35 consists of an ON / OFF button, an airflow switching button for switching between multiple airflow levels, and the like.

[0025] Multiple exhaust ports 31 and discharge passages 32 are provided on the exhaust base 37, in this case three of each. The exhaust ports 31 are located on the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust base 37. The three exhaust ports 31 are positioned at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the exhaust base 37. The discharge passages 32 guide the air that has passed through the base unit 3 to the exhaust ports 31. The exhaust ports 31 then discharge the fluid guided through the discharge passages 32 to the outside.

[0026] Furthermore, the discharge passage 32 is defined by a plurality of walls erected within the exhaust unit 4. The walls are, for example, provided to curve radially outward from approximately the center of the exhaust unit 4 in a plan view. The walls are inclined or curved with respect to the vertical so that their lower ends connect to the exhaust port 31. The discharge passage 32 is also formed to spiral radially outward from the center of the cross-section of the exhaust unit 4, for example. The spirally spiraled discharge passage 32 guides the fluid flow that has passed through the base unit 3 from the vertical to the radial direction towards the exhaust port 31.

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 along the line III-III in Figure 2. The pressure loss reduction section 12 of the intake flow unit 2 has a bulging section 15 that expands in the middle of the vertical direction along the longitudinal axis X of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1. The outer diameter of the pressure loss reduction section 12 gradually widens from the lower side to the bulging section 15, and then gradually narrows from the bulging section 15 to the tip section 16 which becomes the top on the upper side. The tip section 16 has a substantially pointed shape that forms an obtuse or acute angle.

[0028] The pressure loss reduction section 12 is roughly conical in shape from the bulging section 15 to the tip section 16. Furthermore, the pressure loss reduction section 12 is roughly frustoconical in shape from the bulging section 15 to the base section. In other words, the pressure loss reduction section 12 here is what is known as a mushroom shape.

[0029] Furthermore, the pressure loss reduction section 12 may have a shape from the bulging section 15 to the tip section 16 that is roughly pyramidal, truncated pyramidal, or truncated cone, or a spiral-shaped introduction channel 14 may be formed on its outer surface. Also, the shape from the bulging section 15 to the base end may be roughly inverted truncated pyramidal. Moreover, the entire pressure loss reduction section 12 may have a roughly conical shape such as a cone shape.

[0030] The surrounding portion 13 has an annular shape with different inner diameters along the longitudinal axis X direction. The surrounding portion 13 has a constricted portion 17 and an expanded portion 18. The constricted portion 17 is formed to narrow towards the upper opening 11 located on the upper side. The expanded portion 18 is formed at a position radially opposite to the bulging portion 15.

[0031] The constricted portion 17 has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the bulging portion 15 and larger than the outer diameter near the tip portion 16. The enlarged portion 18 has an inner diameter set such that it has a predetermined radial gap with respect to the opposing bulging portion 15.

[0032] Therefore, the inner diameter of the surrounding portion 13 is set to have a gap of a predetermined amount or more with respect to the pressure loss reduction portion 12. For this reason, the surrounding portion 13 has a shape that does not obstruct the flow of fluid flowing into the intake flow unit 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the constricted portion 17 is not limited to the upper position, but can be set as appropriate as long as it does not obstruct the fluid flow. For example, the constricted portion 17 may be located downstream of the bulging portion 15 in the direction of fluid flow.

[0034] The introduction passage 14 is formed by the pressure loss reduction section 12 and the surrounding section 13. Therefore, the introduction passage 14 has a substantially annular cross-sectional spatial shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the introduction passage 14 has a shape that is at least partially curved along the direction of fluid flow. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the introduction passage 14 has a cross-sectional spatial shape in which a part of the introduction passage 14 defined between the bulging section 15 and the enlarged diameter section 18 is curved in a substantially C shape.

[0035] Furthermore, the exhaust base 37 incorporates a blower, specifically a motor 33 acting as a rotor and a flow generating unit 34, on the upper side of the exhaust port 31 and the discharge passage 32. The flow generating unit 34 is a so-called rotating blade (propeller) and is composed of a hub that rotates around an axis and a plurality of blades formed on the outer surface of the hub.

[0036] The type and shape of the flow generation unit 34 are not particularly limited, and for example, axial flow fans (propeller fans), mixed flow fans, centrifugal fans (multi-blade fans, sirocco fans, radial fans, plate fans, turbo fans, limit load fans, airfoil fans, etc.), centrifugal axial flow fans, vortex flow fans, cross-flow fans, etc. can be applied.

[0037] Furthermore, the motor 33 and the fluid generation unit 34 may be arranged, for example, at the upper and lower ends of the base unit 3 in the longitudinal axis X direction, inside the intake flow unit 2, or on the base unit 3 side near the exhaust unit 4. In addition, the motor 33 and the fluid generation unit 34 may be configured in multiple units to generate fluid flow for the fluid drawn in from the intake flow unit 2.

[0038] The flow generating unit 34 has a plurality of radially projecting blades connected to the radially outward side of the outer circumferential surface of the hub. The hub of the flow generating unit 34 is connected to the motor 33. In addition, a plurality of dimples may be formed on the surface of the blades of the flow generating unit 34.

[0039] The fluid generation unit 34 rotates when power is transmitted from the motor 33. As the fluid generation unit 34 rotates, a fluid is formed inside the exhaust base 37. That is, the fluid generation unit 34 causes fluid to flow into the base unit 3 through the intake flow unit 2. The fluid generation unit 34 then forms a fluid that passes through the base unit 3 and is discharged from the exhaust port 31.

[0040] Furthermore, the rotation direction of the flow generation unit 34 is set to follow the radially outward spiral of the discharge passage 32. For example, if the flow generation unit 34 rotates clockwise, the spiral direction of the discharge passage 32 is set to a shape that curves to the right.

[0041] The configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 will be explained in detail below. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 showing the configuration in which the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 can be attached and detached, Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is configured to be easily inserted and removed from the upper opening of the outer casing 30 from which the intake flow unit 2 has been removed. In other words, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is configured to be easily attached to and removed from the base unit 3.

[0043] The ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 receives fluid through the introduction passage 14 of the intake flow unit 2 and allows it to flow downward. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 includes a first UV blocking holder 21 as an upper frame, a second UV blocking holder 22 as a lower frame, a support column 23 as a support frame, a reflector 24 as a reflector, etc. The support column 23 connects the upper first UV blocking holder 21 and the lower second UV blocking holder 22. The support column 23 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0044] The ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 has multiple support columns 23, in this case three, and reflectors 24. Furthermore, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 has an enclosed ultraviolet reflection path 27 (see Figure 3) within its internal space, surrounded by a first UV blocking holder 21, a second UV blocking holder 22, reflectors 24, etc. The ultraviolet reflection path 27 forms a sterilization region (UV) that kills and sterilizes fluids.

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 with the reflector 24 removed, Figure 8 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first UV blocking holder 21 with the UV blocking filter 26 attached, Figure 9 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the first UV blocking holder 21 with the UV blocking filter 26 attached, Figure 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first UV blocking holder 21, and Figure 11 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the first UV blocking holder 21.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the first UV-blocking holder 21 has a substantially annular cylindrical portion 41, a support column fixing portion 42, a bottomed cylindrical portion 43, and a suspension portion 44. The first UV-blocking holder 21 has three support column fixing portions 42 and three suspension portions 44. The first UV-blocking holder 21 is made of an inorganic metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, or various general-purpose plastics such as ABS resin or urea resin. Of course, the first UV-blocking holder 21 is not limited to metal or general-purpose plastics, and may be made of engineering plastics or the like.

[0047] The support column fixing portion 42 protrudes outward in a substantially rectangular block shape from approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction from the peripheral edge of the annular portion 41. The support column fixing portion 42 has an engagement recess 42a (see Figure 11) into which the upper end of the support column 23 engages from the back side of the first UV shielding holder 21.

[0048] Furthermore, the annular portion 41 has an arc-shaped inward flange 41a on the inner circumference of the edge on the planar (upper) side between the support fixing portions 42. The annular portion 41 also has a stepped portion 45 formed on the outer circumference of the edge on the bottom (lower) side so as to decrease in diameter in the inward direction.

[0049] The bottomed cylindrical portion 43 is located approximately in the center of the first UV-blocking holder 21 in a plan view. The bottomed cylindrical portion 43 has a cylindrical recess 43a with a circular cross-section that opens on the bottom side of the first UV-blocking holder 21. Multiple sockets, in this case three, are arranged in the cylindrical recess 43a.

[0050] The socket 29 is provided with a roughly disc-shaped protective plate 29a on its surface, which is made of an inorganic metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The protective plate 29a is not limited to being made of an inorganic metal, but may be made from various general-purpose plastics such as ABS resin or urea resin. When the protective plate 29a is made from a general-purpose plastic, it is subjected to surface treatment such as plating (including vapor deposition or sputtering) that deposits an inorganic or inorganic compound metal film.

[0051] Furthermore, multiple screw receivers 43b and positioning pins 43c are erected in the cylindrical recess 43a, in this case three. A roughly U-shaped (roughly U-shaped) handle 28 is provided on the flat surface of the bottomed cylindrical portion 43. The upper surface of the bottomed cylindrical portion 43 has two screw holes 28a for fixing the handle 28. The handle 28 is a gripping part that the user holds when attaching or detaching the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 to the outer casing 30.

[0052] The suspension section 44 is installed to connect the column fixing section 42 and the bottomed cylindrical section 43. The suspension section 44 extends from approximately the center of the column fixing section 42 toward the center of the bottomed cylindrical section 43. In other words, the three suspension sections 44 extend radially from the bottomed cylindrical section 43 toward the column fixing section 42.

[0053] The suspension portion 44 has a groove portion 44a with a concave cross-section that opens on the back side of the first UV-blocking holder 21. The groove portion 44a communicates with the cylindrical recess 43a of the bottomed cylindrical portion 43 and the engaging recess 42a of the support fixing portion 42. The first UV-blocking holder 21 has a filter mounting portion 48 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the annular portion 41, the outer circumferential surface of the bottomed cylindrical portion 43 and the sides of the two suspension portions 44.

[0054] The filter mounting section 48 is a space that forms a roughly fan shape when viewed from the front of the first UV blocking holder 21. Multiple filter mounting sections 48 are formed, in this case three on the first UV blocking holder 21. A UV blocking filter 26, which is an electromagnetic wave blocking filter that acts as an ultraviolet light leakage suppression section, is mounted on each filter mounting section 48. The detailed configuration of the UV blocking filter 26 will be described later.

[0055] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the second UV blocking holder 22 with the UV blocking filter 26 attached, Figure 13 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the second UV blocking holder 22 with the UV blocking filter 26 attached, Figure 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of the second UV blocking holder 22, and Figure 15 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the second UV blocking holder 22.

[0056] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the second UV-blocking holder 22, like the first UV-blocking holder 21, has an annular portion 51, a plurality of support fixing portions 52 (in this case, three), a bottomed cylindrical portion 53, and a plurality of suspension portions 54 (in this case, three). Like the first UV-blocking holder 21, the second UV-blocking holder 22 is made of an inorganic metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, or various general-purpose plastics such as ABS resin or urea resin. Of course, the second UV-blocking holder 22 is not limited to metal or general-purpose plastics, and may also be made of engineering plastics, etc. Since the second UV-blocking holder 22 has the same configuration as the first UV-blocking holder 21, a detailed explanation of each component will be omitted, and the differences will be explained.

[0057] The support column fixing portion 52 has an engagement recess 52a into which the lower end of the support column 23 engages from the surface side of the second UV-blocking holder 22. The bottomed cylindrical portion 53 has a cylindrical recess 53a with a circular cross-section that opens on the upper surface side of the second UV-blocking holder 22. Similar to the first UV-blocking holder 21, the cylindrical recess 53a is also provided with multiple sockets 29 with protective plates 29a, screw receivers 53b, and positioning pins 53c, three of each in this case.

[0058] The annular portion 51 has an inward-facing flange 51a on the inner circumference of the bottom (lower surface) edge between each support fixing portion 52. The annular portion 51 also has a stepped portion 45 formed on the outer circumference of the flat (upper surface) edge so as to decrease in diameter in the inward direction. The bottom cylindrical portion 53 has a circular cross-section recess 53d in the center of the bottom surface for centering.

[0059] The suspension portion 54 of the second UV-blocking holder 22 has a groove portion 54a with a concave cross-section that opens on the surface side. An electrical contact unit 56 is provided on the suspension portion 54 so as to be exposed on the lower side. The second UV-blocking holder 22, like the first UV-blocking holder 21, has three filter mounting portions 58 surrounded by an annular portion 51, a bottomed cylindrical portion 53, and the two suspension portions 54. A UV-blocking filter 26 is mounted on each filter mounting portion 58 of the second UV-blocking holder 22, just as in the first UV-blocking holder 21.

[0060] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the state in which the UV-blocking filter 26 is attached to the first (second) UV-blocking holder 21 (22), Figure 17 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the state in which the UV-blocking filter 26 and filter holding plate 46 are attached to the first (second) UV-blocking holder 21 (22), Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration in which the filter holding plate 46 is attached to the first (second) UV-blocking holder 21 (22), Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration in which the filter holding plate 46 is attached to the first (second) UV-blocking holder 21 (22), and Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration in which the filter holding plate 46 is attached to the first (second) UV-blocking holder 21 (22).

[0061] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the UV-blocking filter 26 is fitted into the filter mounting portions 48 and 58 of the first UV-blocking holder 21 or the second UV-blocking holder 22, respectively. The UV-blocking filter 26 is a block body that is roughly fan-shaped in plan view, with a shape similar to the spatial shape of the filter mounting portions 48 and 58.

[0062] The UV-blocking filter 26 has a structure through which fluid can pass. The UV-blocking filter 26 prevents ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light source 25, which is the ultraviolet radiation part described later, from leaking out of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 to the outside. The UV-blocking filter 26 is composed of a structure (honeycomb core) in which multiple cells, which are polygonal three-dimensional shapes such as squares and hexagons, are arranged neatly without gaps.

[0063] The UV-blocking filter 26 is formed from glass fiber, synthetic resin, metal, rubber, ceramic, or composite materials thereof. For example, the UV-blocking filter 26 may be formed from a UV-resistant material such as a glass fiber sheet, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum or their alloys, or other silicone resin or urea resin.

[0064] After the UV-blocking filters 26 are mounted on the respective filter mounting sections 48 and 58 of the first and second UV-blocking holders 21 and 22, a three-bladed propeller-shaped disc filter retaining plate 46 is assembled, as shown in Figures 18 to 20. The filter retaining plate 46 is mounted on the bottom side of the first UV-blocking holder 21 and on the flat side of the second UV-blocking holder 22. The filter retaining plate 46 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. However, the filter retaining plate 46 is not limited to metal and may be made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or urea resin.

[0065] The filter retaining plate 46 has a plurality of blades 47 extending outward, in this case three. The three blades 47 are provided at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the filter retaining plate 46. The blades 47 are approximately rectangular, and their extended ends are provided with engaging claws 47a bent at approximately right angles. The filter retaining plate 46 is perforated with three holes 46a, three screw holes 46b, and three positioning holes 46c. The three holes 46a are formed on the central side of the filter retaining plate 46. The screw holes 46b and positioning holes 46c are formed on the outer circumferential side of the filter retaining plate 46.

[0066] When the filter holding plate 46 is attached to the first and second UV blocking holders 21 and 22, positioning pins 43c and 53c are inserted into the respective positioning holes 46c. At this time, the filter holding plate 46 is positioned to cover the cylindrical recess 53a, and the blade 47 is positioned to cover the grooves 44a and 54a of the suspension portions 44 and 54.

[0067] Furthermore, the filter retaining plate 46 is positioned such that the holes 46a overlap the protective plate 29a of the socket 29. That is, the filter retaining plate 46 is positioned such that each blade 47 covers the grooves 44a, 54a of the suspension parts 44, 54, and that each hole 46a overlaps with the protective plate 29a and is exposed, by inserting positioning pins 43c, 53c into each of the three positioning holes 46c. At this time, the engaging claws 47a of the blades 47 are inserted into and engage with the grooves 44a, 54a.

[0068] The filter holding plate 46 is secured to the screw receivers 43b and 53b by metal screws 61 inserted into each screw hole 46b. This fixes the filter holding plate 46 to the first and second UV blocking holders 21 and 22. The filter holding plate 46 is larger than the outer diameter of the bottomed cylindrical portions 43 and 53, and the width of the blades 47 is also set to be larger than the suspension portions 44 and 54. As a result, each UV blocking filter 26 is pressed against the protruding edges of the filter holding plate 46 that extend beyond the bottomed cylindrical portions 43 and 53, and the protruding edges of the filter holding plate 46 and blades 47 that extend beyond the suspension portions 44 and 54.

[0069] Therefore, each UV-blocking filter 26 mounted on the filter mounting sections 48 and 58 is held by the filter holding plate 46 and blade 47 on the bottom side of the first UV-blocking holder 21 or the flat side of the second UV-blocking holder 22. As shown in Figure 20, the outer peripheral edge of the UV-blocking filter 26 on the flat side of the first UV-blocking holder 21 or the bottom side of the second UV-blocking holder 22 abuts against the inward flanges 41a and 51a. This prevents the UV-blocking filter 26 from detaching from the filter mounting sections 48 and 58.

[0070] Furthermore, each UV-blocking filter 26 is mounted on the filter mounting sections 48 and 58 such that the pores of the multiple cells forming the honeycomb core, etc., are inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 while being mounted and held in place on the filter mounting sections 48 and 58. The direction in which the pores of the UV-blocking filter 26 extend is set to be inclined toward the central axis, which is the inner diameter direction, with respect to the longitudinal axis X direction, which is the height (thickness) direction of the first UV-blocking holder 21 or the second UV-blocking holder 22. Alternatively, the direction in which the pores of the UV-blocking filter 26 extend may be set to be inclined toward the opposite central axis, which is the outer diameter direction, with respect to the longitudinal axis X direction of the first UV-blocking holder 21 or the second UV-blocking holder 22.

[0071] Figure 21 is a partial perspective view showing the filter holding plate 46 mounted on the first and second UV blocking holders 21 and 22, and Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the socket 29 with a protective plate 29a and the filter holding plate 46.

[0072] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, when the filter holding plate 46 is mounted on the first and second UV shielding holders 21 and 22, the hole 46a is positioned so as to overlap the protective plate 29a. The protective plate 29a has two holes 29b that expose each terminal 29c of the socket 29. The outer diameter of the protective plate 29a is set to be larger than the diameter of the hole 46a. As a result, the peripheral edge of the protective plate 29a abuts against the peripheral edge of the filter holding plate 46 that forms the hole 46a.

[0073] The first UV-blocking holder 21 and the second UV-blocking holder 22, configured as described above, have their engaging recesses 42a and 52a of the support column fixing parts 42 and 52 facing each other. The upper or lower end of the support column 23 is engaged with the engaging recesses 42a and 52a. At this time, the first UV-blocking holder 21 is positioned on the upper side, and the second UV-blocking holder 22 is positioned on the lower side.

[0074] The first UV-blocking holder 21 and the second UV-blocking holder 22 are then fixed to the support column 23 and the support column fixing parts 42 and 52 by screws. In this state, the sockets 29 on the first UV-blocking holder 21 side and the sockets 29 on the second UV-blocking holder 22 side are positioned opposite each other.

[0075] The terminals of the ultraviolet light source 25 are electrically connected to the socket 29. Multiple ultraviolet light sources 25 are provided, corresponding to the number of sockets 29; in this case, three are provided. The three ultraviolet light sources 25 are arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light over almost the entire area of ​​the ultraviolet reflection path 27. That is, each ultraviolet light source 25 is erected within the ultraviolet reflection path 27, sandwiched between the sockets 29 of the first UV blocking holder 21 and the second UV blocking holder 22.

[0076] Each ultraviolet light source 25 is, for example, a straight-tube-shaped ultraviolet irradiation unit. The ultraviolet light source 25 emits ultraviolet light that reduces toxic substances through decomposition, inactivation, disinfection, sterilization, and other similar processes. Various light sources such as mercury lamps, xenon lamps, excimer lamps, metal halide lamps, neon lamps, and LEDs can be used as the ultraviolet light source 25.

[0077] Furthermore, the shape of each ultraviolet light source 25 is not limited to a straight tube shape, but may be, for example, U-shaped, spiral, spherical, or balloon-shaped. Also, the number of ultraviolet light sources 25 is not limited to three, and the placement location and number can be set as appropriate, as long as it is possible to irradiate the fluid flowing in the ultraviolet reflection path 27 with ultraviolet light. By using multiple ultraviolet light sources 25, the amount of ultraviolet light increases accordingly, which can improve the efficiency of detoxifying toxic substances.

[0078] The ultraviolet light sources 25 are positioned within the ultraviolet reflection path 27 through which the air inside the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 passes. The three ultraviolet light sources 25 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, and they are positioned around the central axis (longitudinal axis X) of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20. Therefore, each ultraviolet light source 25 is surrounded by a reflector 24. As a result, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light sources 25 is reflected by the reflector 24 into the ultraviolet reflection path 27, forming the sterilization area (UV).

[0079] The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 25 preferably has a wavelength of about 200-300 nm, and more preferably is set to around 250-270 nm. Of course, the ultraviolet light may also be near-ultraviolet (UV-C), far-ultraviolet (wavelength 10-200 nm), or extreme ultraviolet (wavelength 10-121 nm) with a wavelength of less than 260 nm, as long as it can at least neutralize the toxic substance. Near-ultraviolet (UV-A, UV-B) with a wavelength exceeding 300 nm may also be used. It is preferable to exclude the 185 nm wavelength of ultraviolet light, which converts oxygen in the air into ozone, but this wavelength may also be used if necessary.

[0080] Furthermore, when using an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) as the ultraviolet light source 25, for example, one may use aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN). The ultraviolet LEDs can be arranged in a nearly linear configuration, or in a vertical and / or horizontal alignment within a plane to form the ultraviolet radiation section. Of course, the ultraviolet light source 25 may be single rather than multiple.

[0081] The first and second UV-blocking holders 21 and 22 engage with the stepped portions 45 and 55 of the reflector 24 at their upper and lower edges. The reflector 24 is a plate with a substantially arc-shaped cross-section, made of a metal such as aluminum. The reflector 24 has folded edges 24a on both sides that are bent outward.

[0082] The reflector 24 is installed so that its folded edge 24a abuts against the surface of the support column 23 on the side of the ultraviolet reflection path 27 (the inner diameter side of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20). In other words, the reflector 24 is mounted between the two support columns 23. The folded edge 24a of the reflector 24 is locked together with the support column 23 by a long reflector fixing member 49 that fits onto the support column 23. In this way, the reflector 24 is fixed to the two support columns 23. The reflector fixing member 49 has approximately the same length as both sides of each reflector 24.

[0083] The reflector 24 has a reflective surface 24b on the side facing the ultraviolet reflection path 27. The reflective surface 24b has an ultraviolet reflective material that repeatedly reflects ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 25 in a high order. Preferably, the ultraviolet reflective material has a diffuse transmittance of 1% / 1mm or more and 20% / 1mm or less, and a total reflectance in the sterilization region UV of 60% / 1mm or more and 99.9% / 1mm or less, and the sum of the diffuse transmittance and the total reflectance in the ultraviolet region is 90% / 1mm or more.

[0084] As ultraviolet reflective materials, materials containing at least one of the following can be used: silver, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone resin, quartz glass containing internal bubbles of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, partially crystallized quartz glass containing internal crystal grains of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, alumina sintered body with crystal grains of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, mullite sintered body with crystal grains of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, magnesium carbonate, barium, etc.

[0085] The reflective surface 24b may be formed by providing a thin film of metal (silver, aluminum, nickel, copper, etc.) on the inner surface of the reflector 24. Alternatively, the reflector 24 may be formed by depositing an ultraviolet reflective material onto the substrate surface of the reflective surface 2b by vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.

[0086] Furthermore, when using silver or aluminum as the ultraviolet reflective material for the reflective surface 24b, a protective film that functions as a coating may be applied to the surface to prevent oxidation. In this case, the protective film can be made of a material that does not reduce the reflectivity of the reflective surface 24b, such as acrylic resin, quartz glass, or PTFE. Methods for forming the PTFE protective film include vapor deposition and sputtering.

[0087] Furthermore, the reflective surface 24b may be formed by layering thin films on the surface of the reflector 24. For example, it may be formed by layering thin films of metal, thin films of alloys mainly composed of metal, or films of oxides (aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, etc.). The thickness of each layer of the multilayer film is set, for example, to an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of ultraviolet light (i.e., an odd or even multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength).

[0088] Specifically, if the main ultraviolet wavelength to be reflected is set to 253.7 nm, the thickness of one layer of the multilayer film can be set to 63.4 nm, 126.8 nm, 190.3 nm, etc. Of course, the thickness of each layer of the multilayer film can be set as appropriate, and it may be a so-called thick film with a thickness of several tens of micrometers, a so-called thin film with a thickness of several micrometers, or a so-called ultrathin film with a thickness of a few nanometers or less.

[0089] Furthermore, when forming a multilayer film, the surface of the substrate (matrix) may be pre-polished to a mirror-like state, and layers with different refractive indices and / or dielectric constants may be formed alternately. In addition, a region with a film of a photocatalytically active substance may be formed on the inner surface of the reflector 24. That is, by generating an active surface by irradiation with ultraviolet light, sterilization, antiviral effects, deodorization, and reduction of toxic substances such as organochlorine compounds and formaldehyde can be performed. Titanium dioxide and tungsten oxide can be used as photocatalytically active substances.

[0090] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 mounted on the outer casing 30, Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 mounted on the base unit 3, and Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the power receiving terminal 56 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is electrically connected to the power supply terminal 57 of the exhaust unit 4.

[0091] As shown in Figure 23, the outer casing 30 of the base unit 3 has multiple, in this case three, recessed guide grooves 39 on its inner circumference. The guide grooves 39 engage with the convex portions that protrude outward from the support column fixing portions 42, 52 and the reflector fixing member 49 attached to the support column 23 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20. As a result, when attaching or detaching the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 to the outer casing 30, the guide grooves 39 guide it in a straight line in the vertical direction along the longitudinal axis X.

[0092] Furthermore, the position of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 around its central axis (longitudinal axis X) is defined by the guide groove 39. Therefore, the guide groove 39 of the outer casing 30 constitutes a guiding means and a positioning means for attaching and detaching the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 to and from the outer casing 30.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, when the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is attached to the outer casing 30, a positioning projection 59 formed approximately in the center of the surface of the exhaust unit 4 engages with a centering recess 53d formed approximately in the center of the bottom surface of the second UV blocking holder 22. This centers the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 relative to the outer casing 30, defining its center position when attached. Therefore, the centering projection 59 constitutes a positioning means when the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is attached to the outer casing 30.

[0094] Thus, when mounted on the exterior body 30, the unit is guided in a straight line by the guide groove 39, its position around the central axis (longitudinal axis X) is defined, and the center position is defined by the centering projection 59. The exhaust unit 4 is provided with a power supply terminal 57 on the surface facing the three ultraviolet power receiving terminals 56.

[0095] Therefore, when the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is attached to the outer casing 30, the power receiving terminal 56 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 comes into contact with the power supply terminal 57 of the exhaust unit 4, establishing an electrical connection. In this way, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is supplied with current from the exhaust unit 4 to cause the ultraviolet light source 25 to emit light.

[0096] Furthermore, the support column 23 has a groove 23a with a concave cross-section formed along the longitudinal direction in the center of its outer surface. The support column 23 and the suspension parts 44 and 54 house power cords (not shown) that electrically connect the sockets 29 and the power receiving terminals 56, respectively, along the grooves 23a, 44a, and 54a.

[0097] The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, has the function of reducing toxic substances in the fluid inside the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, that is, toxic substances that are inhaled along with the fluid. Here, the fluid is exemplified by gases such as air. The toxic substances include pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, as well as substances containing harmful molecules such as formaldehyde, and are substances that are toxic or harmful to living organisms, the environment, etc., and that are contained in the fluid and move. The reduction of toxic substances means that the toxicity of the toxic substances is eliminated or almost eliminated through decomposition, inactivation, sterilization, etc.

[0098] First, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is installed in a designated space such as a room. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is activated by selectively pressing one of the ON / OFF buttons on the switch unit 35, or by pressing an airflow switching button that switches between multiple airflow levels. The motor 33 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 is driven at a predetermined number of rotations per unit time based on the selected airflow. The flow generation unit 34 then rotates at a predetermined rotational speed.

[0099] As a result, fluid flow is generated inside the ultraviolet sterilizer 1. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1 draws in air as a fluid from the intake flow unit 2 and discharges the air, which has had toxic substances neutralized in the base unit 3, from the exhaust unit 4. When the fluid generation unit 34 rotates, the air, which is the fluid in the predetermined space where it is installed, is drawn into the device via the intake flow unit 2.

[0100] The ultraviolet sterilizer 1 then reduces the toxic substances and discharges the air from the exhaust unit 4. The air is drawn into the base unit 3 from the top of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 via the intake flow unit 2. The air then flows down the inside of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 and is discharged from the bottom.

[0101] Specifically, the air taken into the ultraviolet sterilizer 1 flows down along the outer surface of the pressure loss reduction section 12 of the intake flow unit 2. That is, the air enters the introduction passage 14, which is the gap between the pressure loss reduction section 12 and the surrounding section 13. The air then flows from the introduction passage 14 through the UV blocking filter 26, etc., attached to the first UV blocking holder 21 of the ultraviolet sterilizer unit 20, into the ultraviolet reflection passage 27.

[0102] Furthermore, the intake flow unit 2 is provided with the tip portion 16 of the pressure loss reduction portion 12 at a position radially opposite to the constricted portion 17, and the enlarged diameter portion 18 of the surrounding portion 13 at a position radially opposite to the bulging portion 15. As a result, the intake flow unit 2 has an introduction passage 14 that secures space for the inhaled air to pass through. Therefore, the intake flow unit 2 reduces the effect of pressure loss on the air as it passes through the introduction passage 14, and suppresses a decrease in air flow rate and velocity.

[0103] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 installed in the ultraviolet sterilization device 1. Air flowing into the ultraviolet reflection path 27 flows down toward the exhaust unit 4, passing through the sterilization area UV formed by ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 25 within the ultraviolet reflection path 27 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, as shown in Figure 26.

[0104] Furthermore, in the sterilization UV region, ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 25 is repeatedly reflected by the reflective surface 24b of the reflector 24, increasing the overall ultraviolet dose in the ultraviolet reflection path 27. In other words, a sterilization UV region is formed inside the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, which is a high-density, high-dose ultraviolet region.

[0105] Therefore, in the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, toxic substances in the air flowing down from top to bottom pass through the sterilization UV region and are exposed to high-density and high-dose ultraviolet light, which neutralizes them. That is, within the sterilization UV region formed in the ultraviolet reflection path 27, toxic substances are exposed to high-density and high-dose ultraviolet light, and are instantly decomposed and / or inactivated and / or sterilized, thus neutralizing them.

[0106] The air that flows down the ultraviolet reflection path 27 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 passes through the UV blocking filter 26 provided in the second UV blocking holder 22 and enters the exhaust unit 4. The air then moves along the discharge path 32 of the exhaust unit 4 and is discharged to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 from the exhaust port 31.

[0107] Furthermore, the discharge passage 32 is formed in a spiral, radial curve to match the airflow generated by the flow generation section 34. As a result, the pressure loss of the air discharged from the exhaust port 31 is reduced, and the decrease in flow rate and flow velocity is suppressed.

[0108] Furthermore, the UV-blocking filters 26 provided in the first and second UV-blocking holders 21 and 22 are formed from an assembly of multiple neatly arranged cells and are honeycomb cores having a predetermined thickness. Therefore, air passes through the UV-blocking filter 26 along the axial direction of the pores of each cell. In other words, the UV-blocking filter 26 straightens the airflow in a certain direction through the pores of the cells. Moreover, the UV-blocking filter 26 does not obstruct the airflow through the pores of each cell and hardly reduces the airflow velocity.

[0109] In particular, the UV-blocking filter 26 provided in the first UV-blocking holder 21 straightens the air from the intake flow unit 2 to a laminar flow. As a result, the laminar flowing air flows almost linearly down the ultraviolet reflection path 27 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20. This also reduces the pressure loss of the air passing through the ultraviolet reflection path 27 of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, and suppresses the decrease in flow rate and flow velocity.

[0110] In the ultraviolet sterilization device 1, the UV blocking filter 26 is arranged so that its pores extend radially inward at a predetermined angle θ from the ultraviolet reflection path 27 side toward the intake flow unit 2 (or exhaust unit 4) side, thereby blocking ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 25. In other words, in the ultraviolet sterilization device 1, the UV blocking filter 26 blocks ultraviolet rays with the inner walls that form the pores of each cell, preventing ultraviolet rays from leaking to the outside.

[0111] Furthermore, the UV-blocking filter 26 may be provided with low-reflection areas on the cylindrical inner wall surface that forms the pores of each cell to suppress the reflection of ultraviolet rays. For surface treatments such as preventing reflection of ultraviolet rays and absorbing ultraviolet rays, the low-reflection areas can be formed by, for example, film formation by hot-dip plating, vacuum plating, electroless plating, electrolytic plating, anodizing, or resin coating such as acrylic paint, pure acrylic paint, urethane paint, silicone paint, fluorine paint, or inorganic paint.

[0112] In particular, the UV-blocking filter 26 may have an extremely low reflectivity surface by providing the inner wall surface of the cylindrical pores forming each cell with a large number of fine irregularities, dendritic structures, etc. Furthermore, if the inner wall surface of the pores of each cell of the UV-blocking filter 26 is treated with a black surface, it can absorb ultraviolet rays and further improve the anti-reflection effect of ultraviolet rays.

[0113] As described above, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 prevents ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source 25 from leaking out of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 by blocking them with the UV blocking filter 26. In other words, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 reflects the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 25 into the ultraviolet reflection path 27 by the reflective surface 24b of the reflector 24, and the UV blocking filter 26 prevents these ultraviolet rays from leaking out of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20.

[0114] Furthermore, even if ultraviolet light were to pass through the UV-blocking filter 26, the bulging portion 15 and / or constricting portion 17 of the intake flow unit 2 would block the ultraviolet light that had passed through the UV-blocking filter 26, reliably preventing it from leaking outside the device. As a result, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 can prevent users from accidentally looking directly at the ultraviolet light source.

[0115] Incidentally, in the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, at least the surface of the substrate of each component exposed within the ultraviolet reflection path 27 is formed from inorganic material and / or inorganic compound. Specifically, in the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20, the first and second UV blocking holders 21 and 22, the support column 23, the reflector 24, the UV blocking filter 26, the protective plate 29a, and the filter holding plate 46, which form the ultraviolet reflection path 27, are made of resin with a surface treatment of metal and / or inorganic material and / or inorganic compound.

[0116] If the components of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 are, for example, a resin substrate, a surface treatment is performed by plating, which deposits a metal film to form an inorganic and / or inorganic compound film. Examples of metals that can be used to form a film on the surface of the resin substrate include, but are not particularly limited to, chromium, nickel, chromate, tin, zinc, aluminum, iron, gold, silver, copper, titanium, or alloys thereof. Of course, the entire surface of the resin substrate may be surface-treated by plating.

[0117] Furthermore, the resin substrate, which has been surface-treated by plating, may have a mirror-finished surface to create a highly reflective area that enhances the reflectivity of ultraviolet rays. As for the mirror finish treatment, a highly reflective area can be formed by polishing the surface of the resin substrate and applying chrome plating over a bright nickel plating base, or by depositing a film of aluminum, iron, gold, silver, copper, titanium, etc., onto the surface of the resin substrate by vapor deposition, sputtering, etc.

[0118] Furthermore, the resin substrate may have a low-reflectance area on its surface to reduce the reflectivity of ultraviolet rays. The low-reflectance area can be treated with a black surface treatment, and electrolytic methods such as black electrolytic chromium plating, black electrolytic nickel plating, black electrolytic tin alloy plating, and black electrodeposition coating can be applied. For black film formation using electroless plating, for example, there is black electroless nickel plating, in which the black film can be obtained in the electroless nickel plating state or by oxidation treatment. Methods for obtaining a black film in the electroless nickel plating state include black electroless nickel-phosphorus-zinc alloy plating, black electroless pure nickel plating using hydrazine as a reducing agent, and black electroless Ni-Sn plating.

[0119] Furthermore, the resin substrate may be made by attaching films of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), urea resin (UF), polyacetal (POM), polyamide (PA), etc., to a surface treated with inorganic materials or inorganic compounds to provide a low-reflectance area, or the above films may be attached in layers to the low-reflectance area.

[0120] Furthermore, black surface treatments may include blackening using alkaline coloring methods, sulfide treatment, chemical conversion treatments such as black chromate, and dyeing of anodized coatings. In addition, the above-mentioned high-reflectivity and low-reflectivity areas are not limited to resin substrates but can also be applied to metal substrates.

[0121] As described above, in this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 has at least the surface of the substrate of various parts exposed to the ultraviolet reflection path 27 by the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 made of inorganic material and / or inorganic compound. Therefore, even when the substrate (base material) of the various parts forming the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 is exposed to the sterilization area UV under high density and high dose ultraviolet light that sterilizes and disinfects the fluid passing through the ultraviolet reflection path 27, it does not deteriorate in terms of ultraviolet resistance, and a decrease in physical properties, a change in appearance, etc., is prevented.

[0122] Furthermore, the various components exposed to the ultraviolet reflection path 27 are surface-treated by plating, which deposits metal to form a film, thereby providing ultraviolet resistance. This allows them to be formed from inexpensive, general-purpose plastics. Therefore, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20. Of course, the various components of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 are not limited to general-purpose plastics; they may also be formed from metals, engineering plastics, etc.

[0123] Therefore, the UV sterilization device 1 can reduce maintenance costs because it eliminates the need to replace UV-degraded parts of the UV sterilization unit 20. Furthermore, the UV sterilization device 1 can also prevent a shortened product life due to embrittlement of parts and decreased mechanical durability of the UV sterilization unit 20.

[0124] As described above, the ultraviolet sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, by using an ultraviolet sterilization unit 20 that is resistant to ultraviolet light, improves mechanical durability without increasing costs, thus preventing a shortening of the product lifespan.

[0125] The invention described in the above-described embodiments is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed.

[0126] For example, if the problem described can be solved and the effects described can be obtained even if some of the constituent elements shown in the embodiment are deleted, then the configuration with the deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1...UV sterilizer 2. Intake flow unit 3. Base Unit 4. Exhaust Unit 10. Exterior cover 11. Upper opening 12. Pressure loss reduction section 13. Surrounding section 14...Introduction route 15...Bulge 16...Tip 17...Stenosis 18... Expanded diameter part 20. Ultraviolet sterilization unit 21. First UV blocking holder 22...Second UV blocking holder 23...post 23a,44a,54a...Groove 24...reflector 24a...Folded edge part 24b...Reflective surface 25...UV light source 26. UV blocking filter 27...UV reflection path 28... Handle 28a, 46b... screw holes 29...Socket 29a...Protection plate 29b...hole 29c... terminal 30... Exterior 31... Exhaust vent 32...Exhaust channel 33.. Motor 34. Flow generation section 35... Switch Unit 37. Exhaust base 39... Guide groove 41... Ring section 41a, 51a... Inward-facing flange 42,52...Strut fixing part 42a, 52a...Engaging recesses 43, 53...Bottomed cylindrical section 43a...Cylindrical recess 43b, 53b... Screw receiver 43c, 53c... Positioning pins 44,54...Suspension part 44a...Groove 45,55...Double section 46. ​​Filter holding plate 46a...hole 46c... Positioning hole 47... Blade 47a...Engaging claw 48, 58... Filter mounting section 49. Reflector fixing member 51... Ring section 51a...Inward-facing flange 52...Strut fixing part 52a...Engaging recess 53. Bottomed cylindrical section 53a...Cylindrical recess 53b... Screw receiver 53c... Positioning pin 53d...recess 54...Suspension part 54a...Groove 56. Electrical contact unit 56... Power receiving terminal section 57. Power supply terminal section 58...Filter mounting section 59···Convex part 60...Cylindrical inner wall 61... Screws

Claims

1. An ultraviolet light source and reflector are provided, and an ultraviolet reflection path through which a fluid passes, Within the above ultraviolet reflection path, ultraviolet light irradiated from the above ultraviolet light source is repeatedly reflected by the above reflector, forming a sterilization area that decomposes and / or inactivates and / or sterilizes toxic substances contained in the above fluid, It has, The ultraviolet sterilization unit is characterized in that the components forming the ultraviolet reflection path are made of inorganic material and / or inorganic compounds, with at least the surface exposed in the sterilization area being inorganic.

2. The ultraviolet sterilization unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the constituent elements include a resin on which the inorganic material and / or inorganic compound is formed as a film on the surface.

3. The ultraviolet sterilization unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the resin includes a general-purpose plastic.

4. The ultraviolet sterilization unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the aforementioned components are subjected to a surface treatment of plating, which deposits a metal film onto the surface of the substrate.

5. The socket to which the aforementioned ultraviolet light source is connected is The ultraviolet sterilization unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the surface of the socket has a protective plate formed of metal or resin that prevents the socket from being exposed in the sterilization area.

6. The ultraviolet sterilization unit according to claim 5, wherein the surface of the substrate has a highly reflective portion formed by the plating that increases the reflectivity of the ultraviolet light.

7. The ultraviolet sterilization unit according to claim 5, wherein the surface of the substrate has a low-reflectivity portion formed by the plating that suppresses the reflection of ultraviolet light.

8. An ultraviolet sterilization apparatus characterized by including an ultraviolet sterilization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A suction section that draws in fluid, The main body portion on which the aforementioned ultraviolet sterilization unit is provided, A discharge section for discharging the aforementioned fluid, Equipped with, The ultraviolet sterilization apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the ultraviolet sterilization unit is detachably attached to the main body.

Images