JP2021115106A - Ultraviolet sterilization device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet sterilization device capable of easily comprehending the flow condition of a fluid.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet sterilization device performing the germicidal treatment of a fluid by irradiating the fluid flowing in a flow channel with ultraviolet light comprises: a flow detection part including the flow channel, and an impeller arranged in the flow channel and rotating by flow of the fluid; a first light source irradiating the flow channel with the ultraviolet light; and a detector receiving the ultraviolet light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the flow detection part, or that light emitted from the first light source and penetrating the flow detection part. The impeller has a reflection part rotating following the rotation of the impeller and reflecting the ultraviolet light, or an insulation part rotating following the impeller rotation and insulating that light. The detector detects the intensity change of the ultraviolet light generating by rotation of the reflection part or insulation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilizer.

Conventionally, it is known that a fluid or the like flowing in a flow path is sterilized by irradiating it with ultraviolet rays. For example, a device in which a light source is arranged at one end of a tubular flow path tube and irradiates ultraviolet rays substantially parallel to the axis of the flow path tube is known.

Further, a flow rate sensor for specifying the flow velocity and the flow direction of the fluid flowing in the tube is also known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the flow rate sensor, the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the magnetic impeller arranged in the flow path are detected by the magnetic sensor, and the flow velocity and the flow direction of the fluid are specified.

International Publication No. 01/06321

Here, in the sterilizer, it is sufficient to irradiate the fluid with ultraviolet rays only when the fluid is flowing. However, with the conventional device, it is difficult to specify whether or not the fluid is flowing in the flow path pipe. Here, it is conceivable to combine the sterilizer with the sensor described in Patent Document 1 to turn on or off the ultraviolet rays according to the flow state of the fluid. However, a sensor using magnetism as described in Patent Document 1 has problems that the device becomes large and the cost is high.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. Specifically, in the ultraviolet sterilizer, the present invention provides an ultraviolet sterilizer having a simple structure and capable of easily grasping the flow state of a fluid.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following ultraviolet sterilizer.
An ultraviolet sterilizer for sterilizing the fluid by irradiating the fluid flowing through the flow path with ultraviolet rays, the flow comprising the flow path and an impeller arranged in the flow path and rotated by the flow of the fluid. The detection unit, the first light source that irradiates the flow path with the ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source and reflected by the flow detection unit, or the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source, the flow detection unit is emitted. It has a detection unit that receives transmitted ultraviolet rays, and the impeller rotates with the rotation of the impeller and reflects ultraviolet rays, or rotates with the rotation of the impeller and emits ultraviolet rays. An ultraviolet sterilizer having a shielding portion for shielding, wherein the detecting portion detects a change in the intensity of ultraviolet rays caused by rotation of the reflecting portion or the shielding portion.

According to the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the present invention, the fluid state can be easily grasped with a simple structure.

1A is a plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a front view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, and FIG. 1D. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1C, FIG. 1E is a left side view, and FIG. 1F is a right side view. 2A and 2B are views showing a modified example of the cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 1D. FIG. 3A is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit and the time when the fluid is flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are graphs showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit and the time. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet rays which the detection part receives when it is not flowing, and time. 4A is a plan view of a modified example of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4B is a front view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, and FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the ultraviolet sterilizer. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4C, FIG. 4E is a left side view, and FIG. 4F is a right side view. 5A is a plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the second embodiment, FIG. 5B is a front view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, and FIG. 5D. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5C, FIG. 5E is a left side view, and FIG. 5F is a right side view. 6A, 6B and 6C are graphs showing the relationship between the amount of light received by the detection unit and the time when the fluid is flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the second embodiment. 7A and 7B are graphs showing the relationship between the amount of light received by the detection unit and the time when the fluid is not flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the second embodiment. 8A is a plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the third embodiment, FIG. 8B is a front view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the ultraviolet sterilizer, and FIG. 8D. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8C, FIG. 8E is a left side view, and FIG. 8F is a right side view. FIG. 9A is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit and the time when the fluid is flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the third embodiment, and FIGS. 9B and 9C show the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit and the time. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the amount of ultraviolet rays which the detection part receives when it is not flowing, and time.

Hereinafter, the ultraviolet sterilizer will be described in detail based on specific embodiments. However, the ultraviolet sterilizer is not limited to these embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
A plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1A, a front view is shown in FIG. 1B, and a bottom view is shown in FIG. 1C. Further, a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1C is shown in FIG. 1D, a left side view is shown in FIG. 1E, and a right side view is shown in FIG. 1F.

(Structure of UV sterilizer)
The ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the present embodiment includes a flow path tube 11 having a flow path, a flow detection unit 12 for measuring the flow rate flowing in the flow path tube 11 (flow path), and a flow path tube 11 (flow path). ) Has a first light source 14 that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and a detection unit 13 that receives ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflecting unit 120a of the impeller 120 in the flow detecting unit 12. As used herein, the term "fluid" means a substance that can flow in the flow path tube 11, such as a liquid or a gas. Examples of fluids include water, and more specifically, water such as drinking water and agricultural water, and sewage such as factory wastewater.

The flow path pipe 11 is connected to an introduction section 112 for introducing the fluid into the flow path tube 11, a discharge section 113 for discharging the fluid to the outside of the flow path tube 11, and one end thereof to the introduction section 112. It has a flow path (hereinafter, also referred to as “treatment flow path 111”) for treating the fluid with ultraviolet rays, the other end of which is connected to the discharge portion 113. In this embodiment, the central axis of the flow path pipe 11 on the introduction portion 112 side and the central axis of the flow path pipe 11 on the discharge portion 113 side are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other. However, the shape of the flow path pipe 11 is not limited to this shape.

The introduction unit 112 may have a structure capable of introducing a fluid into the processing flow path 111. In the present embodiment, the introduction portion 112 has an opening at one end and the other end is a flow path connected to the processing flow path 111. However, the introduction portion 112 may be, for example, a through hole arranged on the side wall of the flow path pipe 11 for communicating the processing flow path 111 and the outside. Further, an arbitrary fluid supply device (not shown) or the like may be connected to the introduction unit 112. Further, the introduction portion 112 may be formed with various structures for fitting a hose or the like of the fluid supply device or fixing the hose.

On the other hand, the discharge unit 113 may have a structure capable of discharging the fluid sterilized in the treatment flow path 111 to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10. In the present embodiment, the discharge unit 113 is a through hole that communicates the processing flow path 111 with the outside. The discharge unit 113 may be arranged on the side wall of the flow path pipe 11, for example. The discharge unit 113 may further have a flow path or the like for guiding the fluid in an arbitrary direction. Further, a liquid storage device (not shown) or the like may be connected to the discharge unit 113. Further, the discharge unit 113 may be formed with various structures for fitting a hose for discharging the fluid from the processing flow path 111 or for fixing the hose.

Further, the processing flow path 111 is a flow path in which one end is connected to the introduction section 112 and the other end is connected to the discharge section 13 as described above, and is a region for treating the fluid with ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, the processing flow path 111 is a substantially columnar space provided inside the flow path tube 11, but the shape of the processing flow path 111 is not limited to the substantially columnar shape. However, a substantially columnar shape is preferable from the viewpoint that ultraviolet rays can be evenly irradiated and the fluid can flow from the introduction portion 112 side to the discharge portion 113 side without staying.

The volume of the treatment flow path 111 may be large enough to sufficiently sterilize the fluid by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. For example, when the total output of ultraviolet rays in the first light source 14 is 30 mW and the processing flow path 111 is cylindrical, the diameter of the processing flow path 111 (inner diameter of the flow path tube 11) is preferably 5 cm or less. At this time, the length of the processing flow path 111 is preferably 2 cm or more and 30 cm or less. The diameter and length of the processing flow path 111 can be appropriately changed according to the number and type (ultraviolet output) of the first light source 14.

Further, in the flow path tube 11 of the present embodiment, a first window (not shown) for taking in light from the first light source 14 described later is arranged at a connection portion between the processing flow path 111 and the introduction portion 112. Has been done. Further, in the upper part of the processing flow path 111 (between the flow detection unit 12 described later and the detection unit 13 described later), a second window 17 for extracting ultraviolet rays from the inside of the processing flow path 111 toward the detection unit 13 side is provided. Is placed. The first window and the second window 17 function as a part of the outer wall of the flow path pipe 11. The first window and the second window 17 are preferably made of a material having a high transmittance for ultraviolet rays, and examples of the materials include quartz (SiO ₂ ), sapphire (Al ₂ O ₃ ), and amorphous. Fluorine-based resin and the like are included.

Here, the method of forming the flow path pipe 11 is not particularly limited, and the processing flow path 111, the discharge portion 113, the introduction portion 112, the first window, and the second window 17 may be integrally formed or separately formed. You may combine the members. The portion of the flow path tube 11 other than the first window and the second window 17 is preferably formed of a material having a high reflectance of ultraviolet rays, and in particular, the wall surrounding the processing flow path 111 has the reflectance of ultraviolet rays. Is preferably formed from a high material. Examples of materials having high reflectance include mirror-polished aluminum (Al), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the like. Among these, PTFE is preferable from the viewpoint of being chemically stable and having a high reflectance of ultraviolet rays. When the flow path tube 11 (parts other than the first window and the second window 17) is made of a material having high reflectance of ultraviolet rays, the sterilization efficiency of the fluid by ultraviolet rays is increased.

On the other hand, the first light source 14 of the present embodiment is a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays, which is arranged outside the first window (not shown) of the above-mentioned flow path tube 11. The type of the first light source 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit ultraviolet rays toward the processing flow path 111. Examples of the first light source 14 include LEDs, mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, xenon lamps, LDs, and the like. The center wavelength or peak wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 is preferably 200 nm or more and 350 nm or less. The center wavelength or peak wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 is more preferably 260 nm or more and 290 nm or less from the viewpoint of high sterilization efficiency.

In this embodiment, only one first light source 14 is arranged outside the first window (end of the processing flow path 111 on the introduction portion 112 side). However, the first light source 14 may be arranged at the end of the processing flow path 111 on the discharge portion 113 side. Further, it may be arranged on both sides of the introduction portion 112 side and the discharge portion 113 side of the processing flow path 111, respectively.

The flow detection unit 12 has a structure for detecting the flow of fluid, which is arranged in the processing flow path 111 of the above-mentioned flow path pipe 11. The flow detection unit 12 has an impeller 120 that is rotated by the flow of fluid, and a support unit 123 that supports the impeller 120. In the present embodiment, the flow detection unit 12 is arranged substantially at the center of the processing flow path 111 in the flow direction, but the arrangement position of the flow detection unit 12 is not limited to the position. The flow detection unit 12 may be arranged on the introduction unit 112 side of the processing flow path 111, or may be arranged on the discharge unit 113 side.

Further, the impeller 120 arranged in the flow detection unit 12 has a shaft 121 and blades 122, and the blades 122 rotate around the shaft 121 due to the flow of the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 111. The impeller 120 preferably has a structure that does not significantly impair the flow of the fluid from the introduction portion 112 side to the discharge portion 113 side.

Here, the impeller 120 has a reflecting portion 120a that reflects ultraviolet rays at a position that rotates with the rotation of the impeller 120. In the present embodiment, the reflecting portion 120a is arranged on one of the plurality of blades 122 included in the impeller 120. When facing the detection unit 13 described later, the reflection unit 120a reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted by the first light source 14 toward the detection unit 13 described later. When the reflecting unit 120a is arranged on one of the blades 122 in this way, when the detecting unit 13 and the reflecting unit 120a (blades 122) face each other, a large amount of ultraviolet rays are reflected on the detecting unit 13 side. On the other hand, when the impeller 120 rotates and the detection unit 13 and the reflection unit 120a (blades 122) do not face each other, the amount of ultraviolet rays reflected on the detection unit 13 side decreases. That is, the rotation of the impeller 120 changes the amount of ultraviolet rays reflected on the detection unit 13 side, which makes it possible to confirm the flow state of the fluid.

Here, the position of the reflecting portion 120a is not particularly limited as long as it is a position that can rotate with the rotation of the impeller 120, and is arranged on one of the plurality of blades 122 as in the present embodiment. However, the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged on all the blades 122. Further, the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged only on a part of each blade 122, or the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged on the entire blade 122. The area and shape of the reflecting unit 120a are not particularly limited as long as a sufficient amount of ultraviolet rays can be reflected toward the detecting unit 13, and may be adjusted according to the sensitivity of the detecting unit 13 and the like. A structure or the like for reducing the reflectance of ultraviolet rays may be arranged in a region other than the reflecting portion 120a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2A, the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged on the shaft 121 of the impeller 120. In this case, the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged only on a part of the peripheral surface of the shaft 121, or the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged so as to surround the entire circumference of the shaft 121. However, when the reflecting portion 120a is arranged so as to surround the entire circumference of the shaft 121, the width of the reflecting portion 120 is changed so that the intensity of the ultraviolet rays reflected on the detection unit 13 side changes as the impeller 120 rotates. And shape etc.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the reflecting portion 120a may be arranged on both the shaft 121 and the blade 122 of the impeller 120.

The impeller 120 may be, for example, a molded body of resin or metal, and the shaft 121 and the blade 122 may be formed separately and combined, or the shaft 121 and the blade 122 may be integrally formed. Further, the method of forming the reflecting portion 120a is not particularly limited, and for example, the blade 122 and the shaft 121 may be formed of a metal, resin, or the like having a high reflectance of ultraviolet rays. Further, a region having a high ultraviolet reflectance may be formed on the blade 122 or the shaft 121 formed of a resin or the like having a low ultraviolet reflectance by a plating treatment, application of a paint, or the like.

Further, the detection unit 13 is arranged so as to face the impeller 120 of the flow detection unit 12 via the second window 17 of the flow path pipe 11. The detection unit 13 receives the ultraviolet rays emitted from the above-mentioned first light source 14 and reflected by the impeller 120. Then, the detection unit 13 detects the change in the intensity of ultraviolet rays caused by the rotation of the reflection unit 120a of the impeller 120 described above.

The type of the detection unit 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect a change in the intensity of ultraviolet rays reflected by the impeller 120 of the flow detection unit 12. For example, it can be a photodiode (PD). In the present embodiment, only one detection unit 13 is arranged above the impeller 120 (processing flow path), but a plurality of detection units 13 may be arranged at the relevant locations, and the detection units 13 may be arranged at a plurality of locations. May be placed.

(How to use the UV sterilizer)
In the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the present embodiment, the fluid is introduced into the processing flow path 111 from the introduction unit 112. Then, the fluid introduced into the processing flow path 111 is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 while flowing through the processing flow path 111. After that, the sterilized fluid is discharged from the discharge unit 113 to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10.

The flow rate of the fluid may be such that it is sufficiently sterilized while flowing through the processing flow path 111. For example, when the total output of the first light source 14 is about 30 mW and the fluid is a liquid, it is 10 L / min or less. By changing the number and arrangement of the first light sources 14, the same bactericidal effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained even at a flow velocity faster than 10 L / min.

Further, when the fluid is introduced into the processing flow path 111 from the introduction unit 112, the impeller 120 of the flow detection unit 12 rotates due to the flow of the fluid. Then, the reflecting portion 120a of the impeller 120 reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14. Then, when the reflection unit 120a of the impeller 120 faces the detection unit 13, the ultraviolet rays are reflected toward the detection unit 13, and the detection unit 13 receives a large amount of ultraviolet rays. On the other hand, when the impeller 120 (reflection unit 120a) rotates and the reflection unit 120a and the detection unit 13 no longer face each other, the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit 13 decreases. That is, when the fluid is flowing and the impeller 120 is rotating, as shown in FIG. 3A, the intensity of the light received by the detection unit 13 changes with time.

On the other hand, when the flow of the fluid stops, the rotation of the impeller 120 stops. Then, when the impeller 120 is stopped with the reflecting unit 120a and the detecting unit 13 facing each other, as shown in FIG. 3B, the state in which the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detecting unit 13 is large continues. On the other hand, when the impeller 120 is stopped in a state where the reflection unit 120a is not facing the detection unit 13, the light receiving amount in the detection unit 13 continues to be low as shown in FIG. 3C.

The ultraviolet sterilizer of the present embodiment may further include a control unit (not shown) that performs a process of turning off the first light source 14 when the amount of light received by the detection unit 13 becomes constant for a predetermined time. .. By turning off the first light source 14 when it is not needed, the energy consumption can be reduced and the life of the first light source 14 can be extended.

(others)
FIG. 4A shows a modified example of the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 of the embodiment. A plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the modification is shown in FIG. 4A, a front view is shown in FIG. 4B, and a bottom view is shown in FIG. 4C. Further, a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4C is shown in FIG. 4D, a left side view is shown in FIG. 4E, and a right side view is shown in FIG. 4F. The ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the modification is the same as the above-mentioned ultraviolet sterilizer 10 except that the detection unit 13 is arranged adjacent to the first light source 14. Also in the ultraviolet sterilizer 100, the reflecting unit 120a of the impeller 120 reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14, and the reflected light can be detected by the detecting unit 13. In the modified example, the second window 17 of the flow path pipe 11 described above becomes unnecessary.

(effect)
In the present embodiment, whether or not the fluid is flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer can be confirmed only by detecting the amount of ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflecting portion of the impeller. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale sensor or the like, and the cost can be further suppressed. Further, when the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit becomes constant, it is possible to perform a process of turning off the first light source, which reduces energy consumption and prolongs the life of the first light source. You can also do it.

[Second Embodiment]
A plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer 20 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5A, a front view is shown in FIG. 5B, and a bottom view is shown in FIG. 5C. Further, a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5C is shown in FIG. 5D, a left side view is shown in FIG. 5E, and a right side view is shown in FIG. 5F.

The ultraviolet sterilizer 20 of the second embodiment is the same as the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the first embodiment described above, except that it further includes a second light source 25 that irradiates the impeller 120 with the second light. .. The same members as those of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second light source 25 is a light source for irradiating the second light, which is arranged on the outside of the second window 17 of the flow path tube 11 adjacent to the detection unit 13 described above. The type of the second light source 25 is not particularly limited as long as it can irradiate the impeller 120 of the flow detection unit 12 with the second light. Further, the wavelength of the second light emitted from the second light source 25 is not particularly limited, and may be ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, or visible light. Examples of the second light source 25 include LEDs, mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, xenon lamps, LDs, and the like, but LEDs are preferable because they have a long life and consume less energy.

Here, the intensity of the second light emitted from the second light source 25 may be the same as the intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 described above, but is preferably different. When the intensities of the second light emitted from the second light source 25 are different, it becomes possible to detect when a problem occurs in either the first light source 14 or the second light source 25, as will be described later. In the present embodiment, the optical axes of the first light source 14 and the optical axes of the second light source are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other, but the positions of the first light source 14 and the second light source 25 are located at the positions. Not limited. However, if the optical axis of the first light source 14 and the optical axis of the second light source are arranged so as to have an angle, the first light source 14 and the second light source 25 are less likely to interfere with each other, and the respective lights are reflected by the impeller 120. It is easy to surely reflect by the portion 120a.

Further, the impeller 120 in the present embodiment may reflect the ultraviolet rays emitted by the first light source 14 and the second light emitted by the second light source 25 as long as it can reflect the reflection of the impeller 120 of the first embodiment described above. It can be the same as the department. In the present embodiment, ultraviolet rays and second light may be reflected by one reflecting unit 120a. On the other hand, the reflecting portion 120a for reflecting ultraviolet rays and the reflecting portion 120a for reflecting the second light may be arranged separately. For example, similarly to the impeller 120 shown in FIG. 2B described above, the reflecting portion 120a for reflecting ultraviolet rays is arranged on the blade 122 of the impeller 120, and the reflecting portion 120a for reflecting the second light is the shaft 121 of the impeller 120. It may be arranged in. And vice versa.

(How to use the UV sterilizer)
Also in the ultraviolet sterilizer 20 of the present embodiment, the fluid is introduced into the processing flow path 111 from the introduction unit 112. Then, the fluid introduced into the processing flow path 111 is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 14 while flowing through the processing flow path 111. After that, the sterilized fluid is discharged from the discharge unit 113 to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilizer 20. The velocity of the fluid can be similar to that of the first embodiment.

Further, when the fluid is introduced into the processing flow path 111 from the introduction unit 112, the impeller 120 of the flow detection unit 12 rotates due to the flow of the fluid. Then, the reflecting portion 120a of the impeller 120 reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 and the second light emitted from the second light source 25. For example, when the reflecting unit 120a of the impeller 120 faces the detection unit 13, ultraviolet rays and second light are reflected toward the detection unit 13, and the detection unit 13 receives a large amount of ultraviolet rays and second light. On the other hand, when the impeller 120 (reflecting unit 120a) rotates and the reflecting unit 120a and the detecting unit 13 no longer face each other, the amount of ultraviolet rays and the second light received by the detecting unit 13 decreases. That is, when the fluid is flowing and the impeller 120 is rotating, as shown in FIG. 6A, the intensity of the light received by the detection unit 13 changes with time.

Further, in the present embodiment, although the fluid is flowing in the processing flow path 111, when a problem occurs in the first light source 14 or the second light source 25, the intensity of the light received by the detection unit 13 changes with time. However, the change in light intensity is smaller than that in the state where both the first light source 14 and the second light source 25 are lit (FIG. 6A). The case where the intensity of the second light emitted from the second light source <the intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source will be described as an example. When a problem occurs in the second light source 25, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 6B, the light received by the detection unit 13 is only the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14. On the other hand, when a problem occurs in the first light source 14, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 6B, the light received by the detection unit 13 is only the second light emitted from the second light source 25. Therefore, when the change in intensity detected by the detection unit 13 is reduced, it is possible to identify which light source causes the problem.

Further, when a plurality of reflecting portions 120a are provided on the impeller 120 and the timing of reflecting the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 and the timing of reflecting the second light emitted from the second light source 25 are deviated from each other, For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the intensity of the light received by the detection unit 13 can be changed more finely. In this case as well, if any of the light sources has a problem, it is possible to easily identify which light source has the problem.

Also in this embodiment, when the fluid flow stops, the rotation of the impeller 120 stops. Then, when the reflecting unit 120a of the impeller 120 is stopped in a state of facing the detection unit 13, the state in which the amount of light received by the detection unit 13 is large continues as shown in FIG. 7A. On the other hand, when the reflection unit 120a of the impeller 120 is stopped in a state where it does not face the detection unit 13, the light receiving amount in the detection unit 13 continues to be low as shown in FIG. 7B.

Further, also in the present embodiment, when the change in the amount of light received by the detection unit 13 disappears, the control unit (not shown) may control the first light source 14 and the second light source 25 to be turned off. good. By turning off the first light source 14 and the second light source 25 when not needed, the energy consumption can be reduced and the life of the first light source 14 and the second light source 25 can be extended.

(effect)
Also in this embodiment, whether or not the fluid is flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer can be confirmed only by detecting the amount of ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflecting portion of the impeller. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale sensor or the like, and the cost can be further suppressed. Further, when the change in the amount of received light by the detection unit disappears, it is possible to perform a process of turning off the first light source, which can reduce the energy consumption and extend the life of the first light source. can.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when a defect occurs in either the first light source or the second light source, it is possible to identify which of the defects has occurred. Therefore, both the control of the light source and the control of the flow of the fluid can be performed.

[Third Embodiment]
A plan view of the ultraviolet sterilizer 30 of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 8A, a front view is shown in FIG. 8B, and a bottom view is shown in FIG. 8C. Further, a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8C is shown in FIG. 8D, a left side view is shown in FIG. 8E, and a right side view is shown in FIG. 8F.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 30 of the third embodiment, except that the impeller 320 of the flow detection unit 32 has a shielding unit 320a instead of a reflection unit and the detection unit 33 is arranged in the processing flow path 111. This is the same as the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the first embodiment described above. The same members as those of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The flow detection unit 32 of the present embodiment has an impe 320 that is rotated by the flow of a fluid, and a support unit 323 that supports the impe 320. The impeller 320 arranged in the flow detection unit 32 has a shaft 321 and a blade 322, and the blade 322 rotates about the shaft 321 as a rotation axis due to the flow of the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 111. The impeller 320 preferably has a structure that does not significantly impair the flow of the fluid from the introduction portion 112 side to the discharge portion 113 side.

Here, the impeller 320 has a shielding portion 320a that shields ultraviolet rays at a position that rotates with the rotation of the impeller 320. In the present embodiment, the shielding portion 320a is arranged on one of the plurality of blades 322 of the impeller 320. When the shielding unit 320a is located between the first light source 14 and the detection unit 33 described later, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 are blocked and do not reach the detection unit 33. On the other hand, when the blade 322 (shielding unit 320a) rotates and moves from between the first light source 14 and the detection unit 33 described later, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 reach the detection unit 33. Therefore, due to the rotation of the impeller 320, the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit 33 changes with time, and the fluid state can be confirmed.

The shielding portion 320a may be arranged on one of the plurality of blades 322, or may be arranged on all the blades 322. Further, the shielding portion 320a may be arranged only on a part of each blade 322, or the shielding portion 320a may be arranged on the entire blade 322. The area and shape of the shielding unit 320a are not particularly limited as long as they can sufficiently shield ultraviolet rays as described above, and may be adjusted according to the sensitivity of the detecting unit 33 and the like. The region other than the shielding portion 320a is preferably made of a material having a high ultraviolet transmittance.

The impeller 320 may be, for example, a molded body of resin or metal, and the shaft 321 and the blade 322 may be formed separately and combined, or the shaft 321 and the blade 322 may be integrally formed. The method of forming the shielding portion 320a is not particularly limited, and for example, the blade 322 (shielding portion 320a) may be formed of a metal, resin, or the like having a high ultraviolet shielding rate. Further, a region having a high ultraviolet shielding rate may be formed on the blade 322 formed of a resin or the like having a low ultraviolet shielding rate by plating treatment, application of a paint, or the like.

On the other hand, the detection unit 33 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to face the first light source 14 via the flow detection unit 32. The detection unit 33 receives ultraviolet rays (ultraviolet rays not blocked by the shielding unit 320a) emitted from the above-mentioned first light source 14 and transmitted through the flow detecting unit 32. More specifically, the detection unit 33 detects a change in the intensity of ultraviolet rays caused by the rotation of the shielding unit 320a of the impeller 320 described above.

The type of the detection unit 33 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect a change in the intensity of ultraviolet rays transmitted through the flow detection unit 32. For example, it can be a photodiode (PD). In the present embodiment, only one detection unit 33 is arranged in the processing flow path 111 of the flow path tube 11, but a plurality of detection units 33 may be arranged at the position, and in the processing flow path 111. The detection units 33 may be arranged at a plurality of locations.

(How to use the UV sterilizer)
Also in the ultraviolet sterilizer 30 of the present embodiment, the fluid is introduced into the processing flow path 111 from the introduction unit 112. Then, the fluid introduced into the processing flow path 111 is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 14 while flowing through the processing flow path 111. After that, the sterilized fluid is discharged from the discharge unit 113 to the outside of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10. The velocity of the fluid can be similar to that of the first embodiment.

Further, when the fluid is introduced into the processing flow path 111 from the introduction unit 112, the impeller 320 of the flow detection unit 32 rotates due to the flow of the fluid. Then, when the shielding portion 320a of the impeller 320 is located between the first light source 14 and the detection unit 33, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 are shielded by the shielding portion 320a. That is, the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit 33 is reduced. On the other hand, when the impeller 320 rotates and the shielding unit 320a is no longer located between the first light source 14 and the detection unit 33, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 14 pass through the flow detection unit 32. That is, the amount of ultraviolet rays received by the detection unit 33 increases. Therefore, when the fluid is flowing and the impeller 320 is rotating, the intensity of the light received by the detection unit 13 changes with time, as shown in FIG. 9A.

On the other hand, when the flow of the fluid stops, the rotation of the impeller 320 stops. Then, when the impeller 320 is stopped while the shielding unit 320a is located between the first light source 14 and the detecting unit 33, the light receiving amount in the detecting unit 33 continues to be low as shown in FIG. 9B. On the other hand, when the impeller 320 is stopped while the shielding unit 320a is displaced from the first light source 14 and the detecting unit 33, the light receiving amount in the detecting unit 33 continues to be high as shown in FIG. 9C.

Even if the ultraviolet sterilizer of the present embodiment further has a control unit (not shown) that performs a process of turning off the first light source 14 when the change in the amount of light received by the detection unit 33 disappears. good. By turning off the first light source 14 when it is not needed, the energy consumption can be reduced and the life of the first light source 14 can be extended.

(effect)
Also in this embodiment, whether or not the fluid is flowing in the ultraviolet sterilizer can be confirmed only by detecting the amount of ultraviolet rays transmitted through the flow detection unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale sensor or the like, and the cost can be further suppressed. Further, when the change in the amount of received light by the detection unit disappears, it is possible to perform a process of turning off the first light source, which can reduce the energy consumption and extend the life of the first light source. can.

According to the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the present invention, the flow state of the fluid can be easily grasped with a simple structure. Therefore, it is very useful in various water treatment facilities, water supply pipes, and the like.

10, 20, 30, 100 UV sterilizer 11 Channel tube 12, 32 Flow detector 13, 33 Detector 14 First light source 17 Second window 25 Second light source 111 Processing channel 120, 320 Impeller 120a Reflector 121, 321 Shaft 122, 322 Blade 123, 323 Support part 320a Shielding part

Claims (5)

An ultraviolet sterilizer that sterilizes the fluid by irradiating the fluid flowing through the flow path with ultraviolet rays.
With the flow path
A flow detector, including an impeller arranged in the flow path and rotated by the flow of the fluid.
A first light source that irradiates the flow path with the ultraviolet rays,
A detection unit that receives ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source and reflected by the flow detection unit, or ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source and transmitted through the flow detection unit.
Have,
The impeller has a reflecting portion that rotates with the rotation of the impeller and reflects ultraviolet rays, or a shielding portion that rotates with the rotation of the impeller and shields ultraviolet rays.
The detection unit detects a change in the intensity of ultraviolet rays caused by rotation of the reflection unit or the shielding unit.
Ultraviolet sterilizer. It further has a second light source that irradiates the impeller with a second light.
The detection unit also detects a change in the intensity of the second light caused by the rotation of the reflection unit or the shielding unit.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 1. The intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source and the intensity of the second light emitted from the second light source are different.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 2. The impeller has a shaft and blades arranged around the shaft.
The reflector is arranged on the shaft and / or the blade.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The impeller has a shaft and blades arranged around the shaft.
The shielding portion is arranged on the blade,
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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