Fluid sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilization device in which deformation such as creep deformation is less likely to occur in the components that make up the inner surface of the irradiation channel. [Solution] In the fluid sterilization device 1, the fluid in the irradiation channel section 10 is sterilized by irradiation with UV light. The irradiation channel section 10 comprises a rigid outer tube 12 and a resin inner tube 14 positioned inside the outer tube 12. When the primary side housing of the irradiation channel section 10 is designated as the first housing 21 and the secondary side housing as the second housing 22, the inner tube 14 is watertightly fixed to only the second housing 22 via an elastic member 50.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid sterilization device.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for sterilizing fluids using the sterilizing power of UV light are known. Patent Document 1 describes a fluid sterilization device that irradiates a fluid flowing through an irradiation flow path with UV light to sterilize the fluid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When irradiating a fluid in an irradiation flow path with UV light to sterilize the fluid, in order to increase the sterilization efficiency, a resin with a high reflectivity may be used for the material of the member constituting the inner surface of the irradiation flow path. In Patent Document 1, polytetrafluoroethylene is used as the resin with a high reflectivity.

[0005] By the way, when performing hot water sterilization or the like, the fluid in the irradiation flow path may become high temperature. Therefore, when the material of the member constituting the inner surface of the irradiation flow path is resin, creep deformation may occur in the member.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilization device in which deformation such as creep deformation hardly occurs in the member constituting the inner surface of the irradiation flow path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The fluid sterilization apparatus of the present invention comprises two housings positioned opposite each other, and a cylindrical irradiation channel located between the two housings, wherein the fluid in the irradiation channel is sterilized by irradiation with UV light, and the irradiation channel comprises a rigid outer tube and a resin inner tube positioned inside the outer tube, wherein the housing on the primary side of the irradiation channel is designated as the first housing and the housing on the secondary side is designated as the second housing, and the inner tube is watertightly fixed to the second housing only via an elastic member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid sterilization device in which deformation such as creep deformation is less likely to occur in the components constituting the inner surface of the irradiation channel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of a fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the irradiation channel section of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the irradiation channel portion of an embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged view of the fixed portion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Fluid sterilizer) Embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of a fluid sterilization device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the irradiation channel section 10, etc. The fluid sterilization device 1 is a device for sterilizing fluids. The fluid sterilization device 1 sterilizes fluids by irradiating them with UV light.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the fluid sterilization device 1 comprises two housings and an irradiation channel section 10. One of the two housings is called the first housing 21, and the other is called the second housing 22. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are located opposite each other. The irradiation channel section 10 is located between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0012] The fluid sterilization device 1 further includes a UV light source. The UV light source is not shown. The UV light source irradiates the fluid with UV light. The UV light source is located inside, for example, at least one of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0013] (Irradiation channel section) The irradiation channel section 10 is the part inside which the fluid is sterilized. The irradiation channel section 10 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 2, the irradiation channel section 10 comprises an outer tube 12 and an inner tube 14.

[0014] (outer tube) The outer tube 12 is a component that defines the outer shape of the irradiation flow path section 10. The outer tube 12 has a round tube shape. The outer tube 12 is formed from a rigid body. Examples of rigid bodies include metal, ceramic, and carbon resin.

[0015] By forming the outer tube 12 from a rigid body, the pressure resistance of the irradiation channel section 10 can be improved. Furthermore, when the rigid body shields the UV light, leakage of UV light to the outside of the irradiation channel section 10 can be suppressed.

[0016] (inner tube) The inner tube 14 is a tube located inside the outer tube 12. The shape of the inner tube 14 is round. The inner tube 14 is made of resin. There is a gap 40 between the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 14.

[0017] If the resin forming the inner tube 14 transmits UV light, the fluid in the gap 40 between the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 14 can be sterilized. To more efficiently sterilize the fluid in the gap 40 with UV light transmitted through the inner tube 14, the thickness of the inner tube 14 may be adjusted. In order to ensure UV light transmission while maintaining strength, the thickness of the inner tube 14 is preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, and more preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0018] An example of a resin used to form the inner tube 14 is fluororesin.

[0019] Fluorine materials are generally materials that are not easily contaminated. By forming the inner tube 14 from a fluorine material, the adhesion of contaminants to the inner tube 14 can be suppressed.

[0020] Fluorine materials are generally materials that are not easily corroded. By forming the inner tube 14 from a fluorine material, the inner tube 14 can be easily cleaned using various agents without considering corrosion of the inner tube 14.

[0021] An example of a fluororesin is PTFE (Poly tetra fluoro ethylene).

[0022] PTFE is a material that reflects UV light with a high reflectivity. By forming the inner tube 14 from PTFE, the sterilization efficiency of the fluid inside the inner tube 14 can be increased.

[0023] The arrow 100 in FIG. 1 indicates the vertical direction. The arrow 200 indicates the direction in which the irradiation channel portion 10 extends. The direction of the arrow 200 is referred to as the irradiation channel direction 200. The irradiation channel direction 200 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction 100. That is, the fluid sterilization device 1 is installed such that the irradiation channel direction 200 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction 100.

[0024] (Housing) The arrow 101 in FIG. 1 indicates the downward vertical direction. The arrow 102 indicates the upward vertical direction. The first housing 21 is a housing located on the lower side in the vertical direction of the irradiation channel portion 10. The second housing 22 is a housing located on the upper side in the vertical direction of the irradiation channel portion 10.

[0025] The first housing 21 closes the lower end of the irradiation channel section 10. The second housing 22 closes the upper end of the irradiation channel section 10. As shown in Figure 1, the first housing 21 is provided with a fluid inlet 31. The second housing 22 is provided with a fluid outlet 32. Arrows 301, 302, and 303 in Figure 1 indicate the direction of fluid flow. The fluid flows into the fluid sterilization device 1 from the inlet 31, as indicated by arrow 301. In this embodiment, the fluid flows in from the inlet 31 in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the fluid flow direction in the irradiation channel section 10. The fluid flows vertically upward 102 through the irradiation channel section 10, as indicated by arrow 303. The fluid sterilized in the irradiation channel section 10 flows out of the fluid sterilization device 1 from the outlet 32, as indicated by arrow 302. In this embodiment, the fluid flows out from the outlet 32 ​​in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the fluid flow direction in the irradiation channel section 10.

[0026] The orientation and number of inlets and outlets are not limited to the example shown in Figure 1. The orientation and number of inlets and outlets can be changed.

[0027] (Elastic member) The fixing of the inner tube 14 to the housing will now be described. The inner tube 14 is watertightly fixed to the second housing 22 only via the elastic member 50. The framed area 201 in Figure 2 shows the part in which the inner tube 14 is fixed to the second housing 22. The area indicated by the framed area 201 is called the fixing part 201. In the fixing part 201, it is sufficient that the inner tube 14 is watertightly fixed to the second housing 22 at least one location. The fixing part 201 may be provided with parts for purposes other than fixing the inner tube 14 to the second housing 22. Also, it is sufficient that the inner tube 14 is watertightly fixed to the second housing 22, and members other than the elastic member 50 may be placed between the inner tube 14 and the second housing 22.

[0028] In the fixing portion 201, the inner tube 14 is in contact with the second housing 22 via the elastic member 50. Figure 2 shows the case where the elastic member 50 is a rubber O-ring. As shown in Figure 2, the O-ring 50 is attached to the outer circumference of the upper end of the inner tube 14. The inner tube 14 is fixed to the second housing 22 in a watertight manner by being tightened to the second housing 22 via the elastic member 50.

[0029] When the elastic member 50 is an O-ring, it becomes easier to control the degree of tightening of the second housing 22 to the inner tube 14 compared to when the elastic member 50 is a flat packing. However, the elastic member 50 is not limited to being an O-ring.

[0030] The inner tube 14 and the second housing 22 are fixed in a watertight manner, so that even if fluid enters the gap 40, it is possible to prevent unsterilized fluid from flowing to the secondary side of the fluid sterilization device 1. This is because the end 42 of the gap 40 on the second housing 22 side is sealed in a watertight manner with the elastic member 50 to the interior 26 of the second housing 22.

[0031] Refer to Figure 3 for a more detailed explanation. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the irradiation channel section 10 and other parts, showing an enlarged view of the fixed section 201. Arrows A1 and A2 in Figure 3 indicate the fluid intrusion paths. Intrusion path A1 is the intrusion path that travels through the gap 40 from the primary side of the fluid sterilization device 1. Intrusion path A2 is the intrusion path from the inside 26 of the second housing 22. In the fluid sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, the inner pipe 14 and the second housing 22 are fixed in a watertight manner by the elastic member 50, so both intrusion paths A1 and A2 end at the elastic member 50.

[0032] The fluid that flows into the void 40 from the entry path A1 is unsterilized fluid. In the fluid sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, the entry path A1 ends at the elastic member 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of unsterilized fluid to the secondary side of the fluid sterilization device 1.

[0033] On the other hand, the inner tube 14 and the first housing 21 are not fixed in a watertight manner, as shown in Figure 2. This is because there is no elastic member 50 between the inner tube 14 and the first housing 21. In other words, no fixing portion 201 is formed between the inner tube 14 and the first housing 21, unlike the fixing portion 201 between the inner tube 14 and the second housing 22.

[0034] Therefore, the end 44 of the void 40 on the first housing 21 side is connected to the interior 24 of the first housing 21, and consequently to the interior 60 of the irradiation flow path section 10. The fluid in the void 40 can be discharged from the end 44.

[0035] Furthermore, since the inner tube 14 and the first housing 21 are not fixed in a watertight manner, and the gap 40 is connected to the interior 24 of the first housing 21 or the interior 60 of the irradiation channel section 10, the difference between the water pressure in the gap 40 and the water pressure inside the irradiation channel section 10 can be reduced. In other words, the difference between the water pressure between the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12 and the water pressure inside the inner tube 14 can be reduced. This means that large pressures are suppressed from being applied to the inner tube 14 from either the inside or the outside of the inner tube 14.

[0036] The plastic deformation that occurs when stress is continuously applied to an object is called creep deformation. In the fluid sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, creep deformation in the inner pipe 14 can be suppressed because the pressure applied to the inner pipe 14 can be reduced.

[0037] (Thick part) The inner tube 14 has a thick-walled section 16 that is thicker than the rest of the inner tube 14. The length D14 shown in Figure 2 indicates the thickness of the inner tube 14 excluding the fixing section 201. The length D16 indicates the thickness of the inner tube 14 at the fixing section 201. Length D16 is longer than length D14. The thick-walled section 16 is formed on the upper end side of the inner tube 14, and the O-ring 50 is attached to this thick-walled section 16.

[0038] By making the length D16 longer than the length D14, deformation of the inner tube 14 can be suppressed even when the inner tube 14 is tightened to the second housing 22 in order to fix the inner tube 14 to the second housing 22.

[0039] The length D16 / length D14 can be between 1.0 and 3.0.

[0040] (Housing recess) As shown in Figure 3, a recess 80 is formed at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 201 of the second housing 22. The recess 80 is formed on the inner surface 72 of the second housing 22 at a position facing the outer surface 74 of the inner tube 14. The elastic member 50 is placed inside the recess 80.

[0041] The size of the recess 80 is preferably such that most of the elastic member 50 fits into the recess 80. By forming the recess 80, even when the elastic member 50 is placed between the second housing 22 and the inner tube 14, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of excessive play between the second housing 22 and the irradiation flow path section 10.

[0042] (Installation direction of the fluid sterilization device) In this embodiment, the fluid sterilization device 1 is installed so that the irradiation flow path direction 200 is approximately parallel to the vertical direction 100. During installation, the first housing 21 is positioned below the vertical direction 100, and the second housing 22 is positioned above the vertical direction 100. The inner pipe 14 and the first housing 21 are not fixed in a watertight manner.

[0043] Therefore, in the fluid sterilization device 1 of this embodiment, even if fluid enters the gap 40 between the outer pipe 12 and the inner pipe 14, the fluid is easily discharged from the end 44 on the first housing 21 side of the gap 40. In other words, it is possible to suppress the fluid from remaining in the gap 40.

[0044] (Securing the outer tube to the housing) The outer tube 12 can be fixed to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 in the same manner as the inner tube 14. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the outer tube 12 is fixed to the first housing 21 via an elastic member 52. The first housing 21 has a recess 82 that has a shape corresponding to the shape of the elastic member 52. The outer tube 12 can also be fixed to the second housing 22 in the same way as the outer tube 12 is fixed to the first housing 21. The outer tube 12 is fixed to the second housing 22 via an elastic member 54. The second housing 22 has a recess 84 that has a shape corresponding to the shape of the elastic member 54.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, variations, and combinations are possible.

[0046] For example, one possible modification of the fluid sterilization device 1 is to change the position of the elastic member 50 used to fix the inner tube 14 to the second housing 22. In the embodiment described above, the elastic member 50 was located between the outer surface 74 of the inner tube 14 and the inner surface 72 of the second housing 22. The elastic member 50 may also be placed between the end of the inner tube 14 on the second housing 22 side in the irradiation flow path direction 200 (the part indicated by arrow 501 in Figure 2) and the second housing 22 (the part indicated by arrow 502 in Figure 2). This also helps to suppress the outflow of fluid in the gap 40 to the secondary side of the fluid sterilization device 1.

[0047] <1> It comprises two housings positioned opposite each other, and a cylindrical irradiation channel section located between the two housings, The fluid in the aforementioned irradiation channel is sterilized by irradiation with UV light. The irradiation channel section comprises an outer tube formed of a rigid body and an inner tube made of resin positioned inside the outer tube. In a fluid sterilization device, when the primary side housing in the irradiation flow path is designated as the first housing and the secondary side housing as the second housing, the inner tube is watertightly fixed to the second housing only via an elastic member.

[0048] With this configuration, even if fluid enters the space between the outer and inner tubes, it is possible to prevent the fluid from flowing to the secondary side in an unsterilized state.

[0049] <2> There is a gap between the outer tube and the inner tube that communicates with the inside of the irradiation flow path section. <1> The fluid sterilization device described above.

[0050] This configuration allows for a reduction in the pressure difference between the inner tube and the outer tube. Therefore, creep deformation in the inner tube can be suppressed.

[0051] <3> The inner tube has a thick-walled portion that is thicker than the other parts of the inner tube. The inner tube is fixed to the second housing at the thick-walled portion. <1> or <2> The fluid sterilization device described above.

[0052] (effect) This configuration makes it possible to suppress deformation of the inner tube due to tightening for fixing.

[0053] <4> The first housing is positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the second housing is positioned on the upper side in the vertical direction. <1> from <3> A fluid sterilization device as described in any one of the following.

[0054] With this configuration, even if fluid enters the space between the outer and inner tubes, the fluid can be easily discharged.

[0055] <5> The elastic member is an O-ring. <1> from <4> A fluid sterilization device as described in any one of the following.

[0056] When the elastic component is an O-ring, the tightening control of the housing becomes easier compared to when the elastic component is a flat packing.

[0057] <6> The inner tube is formed of a material that is UV transparent. <1> from <5> A fluid sterilization device as described in any one of the following.

[0058] This configuration makes it easy to sterilize the fluid between the outer and inner tubes.

[0059] (Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)) This disclosure includes matters that contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 6, "Clean Water and Sanitation for All," and Goal 9, "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1 Fluid sterilizer 10 Irradiation channel section 12 Outer tube 14 Inner tube 16 Thick wall part 21. First cabinet 22 Second enclosure 24 Internal 26 Internal 31 Inlet 32 Outlet 40 void 50 Elastic members 60 internal 72 Inner self 74 Exterior 80 recess 100 Vertical direction 101 Arrow 102 Upward in the vertical direction 201 Fixed part

Claims

1. It comprises two housings positioned opposite each other, and a cylindrical irradiation channel section located between the two housings, The fluid in the aforementioned irradiation channel is sterilized by irradiation with UV light. The irradiation channel section comprises an outer tube formed of a rigid body and an inner tube made of resin positioned inside the outer tube. In a fluid sterilization device, when the primary side housing in the irradiation flow path is designated as the first housing and the secondary side housing as the second housing, the inner tube is watertightly fixed to the second housing only via an elastic member.

2. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there is a gap between the outer tube and the inner tube that communicates with the inside of the irradiation channel section.

3. The inner tube has a thick-walled portion that is thicker than the other parts of the inner tube. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner tube is fixed to the second housing at the thick-walled portion.

4. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing is positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction and the second housing is positioned on the upper side in the vertical direction.

5. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member is an O-ring.

6. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner tube is formed of a material having UV permeability.

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