JP2019098055A - Fluid sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fluid sterilizer capable of improving a germicidal effect.SOLUTION: A fluid sterilizer 1 comprises: a light source 3 having a semiconductor light emitting element for emitting an ultraviolet light; and a cylinder 5 having a channel in which a fluid which is a sterilization object flows in an axial direction. The light source 3 is provided on one end part in the axial direction of the cylinder 5. The cylinder 5 is formed into a taper structure in which, a cross section of the channel becomes larger as approaching an opposite side of an end part where the light source 3 is arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing fluid flowing in a channel with ultraviolet light.

  In recent years, the bactericidal action of ultraviolet light has been used for food sterilizing lamps and medical devices. In addition, an apparatus that irradiates ultraviolet light to the fluid flowing in the flow path with ultraviolet light to sterilize the fluid and use it as cleaning water is well known.

  For example, the fluid sterilization device of Patent Document 1 below includes a straight pipe, an outflow pipe, and a light source, and the light source is disposed at an end of the straight pipe and emits ultraviolet light toward the inside of the straight pipe. It is.

  The inner wall surface of the straight pipe is made of a material having a high reflectance of ultraviolet light (for example, mirror-polished aluminum or polytetrafluoroethylene which is a fully fluorinated resin). By using these materials, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source can be reflected by the inner wall surface, and the ultraviolet light can be propagated in the longitudinal direction of the straight pipe (Patent Document 1 / paragraph 0019, 0021, FIG. 1).

JP, 2017-074114, A

  However, in the flow path of a straight pipe as in the fluid sterilization device of Patent Document 1, ultraviolet light is absorbed by the inner wall surface of the straight pipe, resulting in a loss of ultraviolet light. For this reason, it is considered that a part of the emitted ultraviolet light does not contribute to sterilization, and in particular, the sterilization effect is reduced at a position away from the light source.

  Although the inner wall surface of the straight pipe can be coated with a material with high reflectance, the contamination effect is reduced because the dirt accumulates on the inner wall surface by using the fluid sterilizer for a long period of time, so the sterilization effect also decreases There is a problem of

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a fluid sterilization apparatus capable of enhancing the utilization efficiency of ultraviolet light and improving the sterilization effect.

  The fluid sterilization apparatus according to the present invention comprises a light source having a semiconductor light emitting element for emitting ultraviolet light, and a case having a flow path through which a fluid to be sterilized flows in the axial direction, the light source being an axial direction of the case The casing has a tapered structure in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually increases toward the opposite side of the one end.

  In the present invention, sterilization proceeds by irradiating the fluid through which the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source passes through the flow path. Since the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source does not advance in parallel with the axial direction of the housing (flow path) and has a slight spread, the flow path of the housing toward the side opposite to the end where the light source is provided To have a tapered structure in which the cross-sectional area of Although the velocity of the fluid is high where the cross-sectional area is small, since it is close to the light source, ultraviolet light is sufficiently irradiated. In addition, although the velocity of the fluid is slow at a portion where the cross-sectional area is large, the irradiation time of the ultraviolet light is increased accordingly, and the ultraviolet light is also sufficiently irradiated. Thereby, the bactericidal effect can be improved.

  In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the tapered structure is inclined in accordance with a light distribution angle of the semiconductor light emitting element.

  By setting the tapered structure of the housing to an inclination that matches the light distribution angle of the semiconductor light emitting element, the component of the ultraviolet light that hits the inner wall of the housing decreases. As a result, the loss of the ultraviolet light decreases, and the ultraviolet light reaches the position far from the light source, so that the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet light can be enhanced.

  Further, in the fluid sterilization apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a flow control means for adjusting the flow of the fluid is provided at an end opposite to the one end of the housing.

  By providing rectifying means at the end of the housing opposite to the light source, the fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet light after the fluid flow is adjusted to a certain extent. As a result, the fluid is uniformly irradiated with ultraviolet light, so that the sterilizing effect can be further improved.

  Further, in the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the end on the light source side of the casing may be provided with a flow control means for adjusting the flow of the fluid.

  For example, when rectifying means are provided at both ends of the housing, first, the fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet light after the flow of the fluid is adjusted. Furthermore, the sterilized fluid can be efficiently led in the outlet direction of the housing.

  Further, in the fluid sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, the rectifying means has a container into which the fluid flows and a rectifying portion, and the rectifying portion is disposed between the housing and the container. Is preferred.

  Since the flow straightening unit is disposed between the housing and the container, the fluid flowing into the container passes through the flow straightening unit and advances into the housing. Thereby, the fluid is sufficiently rectified before the ultraviolet light is irradiated to the fluid.

  Further, in the fluid sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the rectifying unit has translucency to ultraviolet light emitted from the light source.

  According to this configuration, the ultraviolet light is also irradiated to the fluid flowing into the container and temporarily stored. Thereby, the bactericidal effect can be further improved.

  Further, in the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the housing is separated from each other and accommodated in a flow straightening vessel having an inflow straightening chamber and an outflow straightening chamber for respectively adjusting the flow of the fluid; Preferably, it flows into the housing and flows through the housing to the outflow rectifying chamber.

  According to this configuration, the fluid flows into the casing through the inflow rectification chamber, so that the rectified fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet light. Thereafter, the fluid flows through the housing to the outflow rectifying chamber, so that the fluid can be efficiently led to the outside of the rectifying container. In addition, since the ultraviolet light is also irradiated to a part of the fluid temporarily stored in the inflow rectification chamber and the outflow rectification chamber, the sterilizing effect can be further improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The whole perspective view of the fluid sterilizer of embodiment of this invention. II-II sectional drawing of the fluid sterilization apparatus of FIG. The figure explaining the light distribution angle of ultraviolet light, and the inclination of the taper structure of a cylinder. Sectional drawing explaining the 1st modification of a fluid sterilization apparatus. Sectional drawing explaining the 2nd modification of a fluid sterilization apparatus. Sectional drawing explaining the 3rd modification of a fluid sterilization apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fluid sterilization device of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a fluid sterilization apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fluid sterilizer 1 is a device that applies ultraviolet light to the fluid flowing in the flow path to sterilize the fluid.

  The fluid sterilization apparatus 1 mainly forms a flow path, and accommodates a cylindrical body 5 ("case" of the present invention) serving as a sterilizing part of fluid, an ultraviolet LED (Light Emitting Diode) serving as a light source, and the like. Case 7 is composed.

  The cylindrical body 5 has a tapered tubular shape in which the cross-sectional area of the smallest internal diameter is 60 mm, the largest internal diameter is 90 mm, and the length is 300 mm gradually increases, and the fluid to be sterilized is in the long axis direction of the cylindrical body 5 Flow to the Although the material of the cylindrical body 5 changes with the objective, it is stainless steel, for example. The fluid flows in from the opening 5b and flows out to the opening 5a, and the flow rate is 10 to 100 (L / min). The case 5 is attached to the opening 5 c through an ultraviolet light incident window 6 described later.

  Next, details of the fluid sterilization device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

  FIG. 2A shows a II-II cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 1 of FIG. The case 7 accommodates the substrate 4 provided with the light source 3 and the ultraviolet light incident window 6. As illustrated, the light source 3 emits ultraviolet light to the ultraviolet light incident window 6 side so that the ultraviolet light travels in the direction of the flow path of the cylinder 5.

  The ultraviolet light of the light source 3 has a wavelength having a bactericidal effect or a wavelength for decomposing a chemical substance, and is, for example, in a wavelength range of 240 to 380 nm. It is an ultraviolet LED ("semiconductor light emitting element" of the present invention) that emits ultraviolet light, and one is provided for the substrate 4. The substrate 4 is preferably made of a metal such as copper or aluminum having excellent heat dissipation. Thus, power supply and heat dissipation are performed through the substrate 4. A radiation fin may be provided on the back surface side of the substrate 4 or on the substrate 4 side of the case 7. The material of the radiation fin is preferably a member such as aluminum that is excellent in heat radiation.

  A part of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 may be reflected by a reflector having a reflecting surface with a paraboloid of revolution to guide the ultraviolet light in the direction of the flow path. At this time, the light source 3 may be disposed at the focal position of the paraboloid of revolution.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2B, the light distribution angle of ultraviolet light and the inclination of the taper structure of the cylinder 5 will be described. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet LED has a predetermined spread, which is the light distribution angle θ. For the light distribution angle θ, the light distribution angle θ is defined as an angle at which the light intensity of the ultraviolet light going straight (Lamber cyan light distribution) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 1/2 or 1/10 of the peak light intensity). May be

  The tapered structure of the cylindrical body 5 has a slope which is combined with the light distribution angle θ of the emitted ultraviolet light or in accordance with the light distribution angle θ. Specifically, when the straight line along the side wall of the cylindrical body 5 is extended in the direction in which the cross-sectional area of the diameter is smaller and the angle between the two straight lines is the angle φ, the angle φ and the light distribution angle θ substantially match It is preferable to have a slope. Specifically, the difference between the angle φ and the light distribution angle θ is preferably within ± 20%, and more preferably within ± 10%.

  As a result, the emitted ultraviolet light is reduced in the component corresponding to the inner wall of the cylindrical body 5, so the ultraviolet light reaches the position away from the light source 3. Therefore, the loss of ultraviolet light is reduced, the utilization efficiency is increased, and the sterilizing effect is improved.

  Further, in the vicinity of the opening 5b into which the fluid flows, since the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical body 5 is large, the velocity of the fluid is relatively low. Therefore, although the distance from the light source 3 is long and the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light is slightly attenuated, the ultraviolet light can sufficiently irradiate the fluid in the flow path. The irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light is determined by the product of the illuminance of the ultraviolet light and the irradiation time.

  On the other hand, since the cross-sectional area of the cylinder 5 is small in the vicinity of the opening 5a through which the fluid flows out, the velocity of the fluid is relatively high. However, since the distance from the light source 3 is short, the fluid in the flow path can be sufficiently irradiated.

  The number of ultraviolet LEDs on the substrate 4 is not particularly limited. When a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs are disposed on the substrate 4, the inclination of the tapered structure of the cylindrical body 5 is determined based on the light distribution angle of the LEDs disposed on the periphery of the substrate 4.

  The emitted ultraviolet light passes through the ultraviolet light incident window 6 and reaches the inside (sterilized portion) of the cylindrical body 5. The ultraviolet light entrance window 6 is desirably a material that transmits ultraviolet light, such as quartz or sapphire. A lens may be disposed between the light source 3 and the ultraviolet light incident window 6 to adjust the light distribution angle θ of ultraviolet light. In this case, an angle at which the light intensity of the entire light distribution emitted from the ultraviolet light incident window 6 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 1/2 or 1/10 of the peak light intensity) may be determined as the light distribution angle θ. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a fluid sterilization apparatus 10 which is a first modification of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 will be described. Below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structure as the above-mentioned embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the II-II cross section of FIG. 1) of the fluid sterilization device 10. As shown in FIG. The cylindrical body 13 constituting the fluid sterilization device 10 is the same as that of the fluid sterilization device 1 except that it does not have the opening 5 b and the end on the side where the cross-sectional area of the diameter is large is the opening (opening 13 b). It is the same as the cylinder 5. In addition, the cylindrical body 13 also has a tapered tapered structure in combination with the light distribution angle θ so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 does not easily hit the inner wall of the cylindrical body 13.

  As illustrated, in the fluid sterilization apparatus 10, a container 8 (part of the "rectifying means" of the present invention) having an opening 8a is attached to the side where the cross-sectional area of the diameter of the cylinder 13 is large. The fluid is initially stored in the container 8 because the fluid flows in from the opening 8a. The position of the opening 8a is not limited to the same direction as the opening 13a.

  Further, between the cylindrical body 13 and the container 8 (a connection portion), a flow straightening plate 9 (the “flow straightening portion” of the present invention) for adjusting the flow of the fluid is disposed. The straightening vane 9 is a plate made of metal or fluorine resin, and has a plurality of holes penetrating in the axial direction of the cylinder 13. The rectifying plate 9 may be a material having translucency to ultraviolet light. In this case, since the fluid in the container 8 is also irradiated with ultraviolet light, the bactericidal effect is enhanced.

  The fluid stored in the container 8 flows into the inside of the opening 13b in a straightened state by the rectifying plate 9, and travels in the direction of the opening 13a, so that the ultraviolet light is uniformly irradiated to the fluid in the flow path. The straightening vane 9 may be disposed at a predetermined position inside the cylindrical body 13.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a fluid sterilization apparatus 20 which is a second modification of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the II-II cross section of FIG. 1) of the fluid sterilization device 20. As shown in FIG. The cylindrical body 13 is the same as that used in the fluid sterilization device 10, and has a tapered structure with an inclination that is combined with the light distribution angle θ so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 does not easily hit the inner wall of the cylindrical body 13. It has become.

  As illustrated, in the fluid sterilization apparatus 20, a flow straightening vessel 15 (the "flow straightening means" of the present invention) having an opening 15a is attached at substantially the center in the axial direction of the cylinder 13 The larger half is accommodated inside the flow straightening vessel 15.

  The fluid flows in from the opening 15 a of the flow straightening vessel 15, passes through the flow path divided by the inner wall of the flow straightening vessel 15 and the outer wall of the cylindrical body 13, and is rectified. It flows inside. Even in such a configuration, the fluid proceeds in the direction of the opening 5a in a rectified state, so that the ultraviolet light is uniformly applied to the fluid in the flow path. Furthermore, since the fluid in the flow straightening container 15 is also irradiated with ultraviolet light, the bactericidal effect is enhanced. The current plate 9 may be disposed at a predetermined position inside the cylindrical body 13.

  In the fluid sterilizer 10 and the fluid sterilizer 20 described above, the rectifying mechanism (the rectifying plate 9 and the rectifying container 15) is provided at the end of the cylindrical body 13 opposite to the light source 3. A rectifying mechanism may be provided at the side end. For example, a rectifying plate that does not shield ultraviolet light can be disposed closer to the light source 3 than a half of the cylindrical body 13 in the long axis direction.

  Finally, with reference to FIG. 5, a fluid sterilizer 30, which is a third modification of the fluid sterilizer 1, in which a rectifying mechanism is provided also at the end on the light source side of the cylinder will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid sterilization device 30 (corresponding to the II-II cross section of FIG. 1). The cylindrical body 23 constituting the fluid sterilization apparatus 30 has only the tubular portion of the cylindrical body 5 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 and both ends are open. The end on the side where the cross-sectional area of the diameter is small is the opening 23a, and the end on the side where the cross-sectional area of the diameter is large is the opening 23b. In addition, the cylindrical body 23 also has a tapered tapered structure in combination with the light distribution angle θ so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 does not easily hit the inner wall of the cylindrical body 23.

  As illustrated, in the fluid sterilization device 30, the cylindrical body 23 is accommodated inside the flow straightening container 25 (the "flow straightening means" of the present invention) having the opening 25a and the opening 25b. The cylinder 23 is fixed at a substantially central portion in the long axis direction by the partition plate 25c.

  Further, ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 3 is incident from the end of the opening 23 a of the cylindrical body 23. For this reason, the side plate of the flow straightening container 25 is provided with an opening, and the case 7 in which the light source 3 and the ultraviolet light incident window 6 are accommodated is fitted in the opening.

  The fluid flows in through the opening 25b of the flow straightening vessel 25 and is divided by the inner wall of the straightening chamber 25B on the right side of the partition plate 25c of the flow straightening vessel 25 (the "inflow straightening flow chamber" of the present invention) and the outer wall of the cylindrical body 23. The gas is rectified by passing through the passage and flows into the inside of the cylinder 23 from the opening 23 b of the cylinder 23. Even in this case, the fluid proceeds in the direction of the opening 23a of the cylindrical body 23 in a rectified state, so that the ultraviolet light is uniformly applied to the fluid in the flow path. Further, as shown in the figure, the fluid in the rectifying chamber 25B is also irradiated with ultraviolet light, so that the sterilizing effect is enhanced.

  The fluid flowing out of the opening 23 a of the cylindrical body 23 is divided by the inner wall of the straightening chamber 25 A (the “outflow straightening chamber” of the present invention) on the left side of the partition plate 25 c of the flow straightening container 25 and the outer wall of the cylindrical body 23. The flow is further rectified by passing through the flow path, and flows out from the opening 25 a of the flow straightening vessel 25 to the outside. Further, as shown in the figure, the fluid in the rectifying chamber 25A is also irradiated with ultraviolet light, so that the sterilizing effect is enhanced.

Although the flow path leading to the opening 25a is wide and the rectification effect is small due to the shape of the cylindrical body 23 this time, a plate material or the like may be provided in the flow path of the rectification chamber 25A for rectification. The position of the opening 25a is not limited to the same direction as the opening 25b.

  As described above, the fluid sterilizer 1 (fluid sterilizers 10 to 30) mainly includes the light source 3 having the ultraviolet LED and the tubular body 5 having the flow path through which the fluid to be disinfected flows in the axial direction (cylindrical body 13 , 23). The light source 3 is provided at one end of the cylindrical body 5 in the axial direction, and the cylindrical body 5 has a tapered structure in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually increases toward the side opposite to the end where the light source 3 is provided. . Thereby, even if the ultraviolet light spreads, the ultraviolet light is difficult to hit the inner wall of the cylindrical body 5, so that the utilization efficiency of the ultraviolet light can be enhanced and the sterilization effect can be improved.

  In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment is only an example, and can be suitably changed according to a use. For example, although the cylinder 5 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 has a length of 300 mm, the flow rate is different depending on the application, so the size needs to be changed.

  Further, the material of the cylindrical body 5 is not limited to stainless steel, and a Teflon (registered trademark) -based material can be used according to the application. The flow direction of the fluid is generally opposite to the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet light, but may coincide with the irradiation direction. The number of ultraviolet LEDs and the like can be changed as appropriate.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 10, 20, 30 ... Fluid sterilization apparatus, 3 ... Light source, 4 ... board | substrate, 5, 13, 23 ... Cylinder body (casing | casing) 5a-5c, 8a, 13a, 13b, 15a, 23a, 23b, 25a , 25b ... opening, 6 ... ultraviolet light incident window, 7 ... case, 8 ... container (rectifying means), 9 ... rectifying plate (rectifying means), 15, 25 ... rectifying vessel (rectifying means), 25A, 25B ... rectification chamber , 25c ... partition plate.

Claims (7)

A light source having a semiconductor light emitting element that emits ultraviolet light;
And a housing having a flow path through which a fluid to be sterilized flows in the axial direction,
The light source is provided at one axial end of the housing.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a tapered structure in which a cross-sectional area of the flow passage gradually increases toward the opposite side of the one end. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1,
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the tapered structure is inclined in accordance with a light distribution angle of the semiconductor light emitting element. In the fluid sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2,
A fluid sterilizer characterized in that the end opposite to the one end of the casing is provided with a rectifying means for regulating the flow of the fluid. In the fluid sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A fluid sterilizing apparatus characterized in that a flow control means is provided at the end on the light source side of the housing for adjusting the flow of the fluid. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 3,
The rectifying means has a container into which the fluid flows and a rectifying portion.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying unit is disposed between the housing and the container. In the fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 5,
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying unit is translucent to ultraviolet light emitted from the light source. In the fluid sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2,
The housing is separated from each other and housed in a flow straightening vessel having an inflow straightening chamber and an outflow straightening chamber for respectively adjusting the flow of the fluid;
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flows into the casing through the inflow rectification chamber, and flows into the outflow rectification chamber through the casing.