JP6629936B2 - Fluid sterilizer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid sterilizer.

  It is known that ultraviolet light has a sterilizing ability, and a device for irradiating the ultraviolet light for sterilization treatment at a medical or food processing site is used. Further, an apparatus for continuously sterilizing a fluid such as water by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet rays has also been used. As such a device, for example, a device in which an ultraviolet LED is disposed on an inner wall of a pipe end portion of a flow path formed of a straight tubular metal pipe (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-16074 A

  In the configuration in which the ultraviolet LED is disposed at the end of the above-described straight tubular flow path, an inlet or an outlet extending in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the flow path is provided, so that the flow of the fluid is disturbed near the inlet or the outlet. Occurs. In order to irradiate the fluid with ultraviolet rays with high efficiency, it is desirable to appropriately control the flow state in the flow channel and irradiate the ultraviolet rays in a mode suitable for the flow state.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a new technique for bringing a flow in a flow path closer to a desired state.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a fluid sterilization apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention irradiates ultraviolet rays toward a processing channel in which a processing channel in which a passing fluid is sterilized is formed. A light source, an inflow path or an outflow path formed in a direction crossing the outer peripheral surface of the flow path tube, a communication path communicating the inflow path or the outflow path, and the processing flow path are provided. The communication path has a narrow path narrower than the inflow path side or the outflow path side on the way from the inflow path or the outflow path to the opening at one end of the flow path pipe.

  According to this aspect, the narrow passage prevents direct flow from the inflow passage to one end of the flow pipe, and rectifies the flow by dispersing the flow to the other end. In particular, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of turbulence in the flow near one end of the flow path tube near the light source, and to rectify the flow.

  The communication passage may be formed between the flow path pipe and a housing that covers an opening at one end of the flow path pipe and an outer peripheral surface near the opening. Thus, by devising the shape of the plurality of members, the communication path can be configured as a gap between the plurality of members.

  For example, the channel pipe has a convex portion formed on the opening side of a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the channel tube facing the inflow path or the outflow path, and the convex section is formed between the convex section and the inner peripheral surface of the housing. May be formed with a narrow path. Thereby, a narrow path can be formed by forming a simple shape in the flow path tube.

  The convex portion may be formed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the flow channel tube. This makes it possible to regulate the flow of the fluid over the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube.

  The housing has a convex portion formed on the opening side of the inner circumferential surface of the housing on the opening side from the region where the inflow passage or the outflow passage is formed, and is provided between the convex portion and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe. A narrow path may be formed. Thereby, a narrow path can be formed by forming a simple shape in the housing.

  The protrusion may be formed in a ring shape in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the housing. This makes it possible to regulate the flow of the fluid over the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube.

  The channel pipe may have a recess formed in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the channel pipe facing the inflow path or the outflow path. Thus, by forming a simple shape in the flow path tube, a region adjacent to the concave portion can be configured as a narrow path.

  The recess may be formed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the flow path tube. This makes it possible to regulate the flow of the fluid over the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube.

  The narrow path may be provided on the opening side of the flow channel tube from the concave portion. This makes it possible to regulate the flow of the fluid between the recess and the opening.

  The communication path is a U-shaped path connecting the flow of the fluid in the first direction along the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe and the flow of the fluid in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the processing flow path. May be provided. This makes it possible to reduce the turbulence generated in the flow in the processing flow path and to regulate the flow in the processing flow path as compared with the case where the flow port is directly provided in the flow path pipe.

  An outflow pipe or an inflow pipe constituting an outflow path or an inflow path may be further provided. The outflow pipe or the inflow pipe may be mounted on an opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and may be rotatably supported on the housing about the center of the opening as an axis. Thereby, by changing the direction of the outflow pipe or the inflow pipe depending on the place where the fluid sterilizer is installed, the fluid sterilizer can be installed in a posture that easily exerts the performance of the fluid sterilizer.

  The housing may be mounted on one end of the flow tube so that the housing can rotate in a rotation direction about the center of the opening of the flow tube. Thereby, by changing the direction of the outflow pipe or the inflow pipe depending on the place where the fluid sterilizer is installed, the fluid sterilizer can be installed in a posture that easily exerts the performance of the fluid sterilizer.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is also a fluid sterilization apparatus. This apparatus is formed in such a manner that a processing channel in which a passing fluid is sterilized is formed, a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the processing channel, and a direction intersecting the outer peripheral surface of the channel tube. And a regulating channel provided in a region facing the outlet of the inflow channel or the inlet of the outflow channel, for changing the flow of the fluid in a predetermined direction. The restriction flow path has a curved path from the outlet of the inflow path or the entrance of the outflow path to the end of the flow path pipe. The regulating flow path has a narrow path narrower than the inflow path side or the outflow path side on the way from the inflow path or the outflow path to one end of the flow path pipe.

  According to this aspect, the narrow passage prevents direct flow from the inflow passage to one end of the flow pipe, and rectifies the flow by dispersing the flow to the other end. In particular, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of turbulence in the flow near one end of the flow path tube near the light source, and to rectify the flow.

  Note that any combination of the above-described components and any conversion of the expression of the present invention among methods, apparatuses, systems, and the like are also effective as embodiments of the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to make the flow in a flow path approach a desired state.

It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the fluid sterilization apparatus which concerns on a comparative example. It is a sectional view showing the schematic structure of the fluid sterilization device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a sectional view showing the schematic structure of the fluid sterilization device concerning a 2nd embodiment. 4 is a graph illustrating an orientation characteristic of a first light emitting element. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a first rectification chamber in FIG. 3. It is an enlarged drawing near the 1st rectification room of a fluid sterilization device concerning a modification of a 2nd embodiment. It is a perspective view of a fluid sterilization device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of a fluid sterilization device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a top view of a fluid sterilization device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is BB sectional drawing of the fluid sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. It is the enlarged view which showed typically the vicinity of the connection part of the inflow pipe of FIG. 10 and a 1st housing | casing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. Further, the configuration described below is an exemplification, and does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

(Comparative example)
First, a fluid sterilizer according to a comparative example will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a fluid sterilization apparatus 100 according to a comparative example.

  The fluid sterilization apparatus 100 includes a straight pipe 104 that divides the processing channel 102, and a light source 106 that irradiates the inside of the straight pipe 104 with ultraviolet light. The straight pipe 104 is provided at one end 108 with an inflow path 110 extending in the radial direction of the straight pipe 104, and at the other end 112 is provided with an outflow path 114 extending in the radial direction of the straight pipe 104. . One end 108 is provided with a window 116 for transmitting ultraviolet light from the light source 106.

  In the fluid sterilization apparatus 100, the fluid flowing from the inflow channel 110 flows through the processing channel 102 in the axial direction of the straight pipe 104 and flows out of the outflow channel 114. Since the inflow path 110 is directly attached to the side of the straight pipe 104, the flow of the fluid is disturbed near the one end 108. Specifically, the flow of the fluid flowing from the inflow channel 110 is predominantly directed toward the side wall of the straight pipe 104 opposed to the inflow channel 110, and is located inside the processing channel 102 near the side wall facing the inflow channel 110. The velocity of the fluid flowing through is relatively high.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, an asymmetric velocity distribution occurs with respect to the central axis A of the straight pipe 104, and it becomes difficult to efficiently apply the ultraviolet rays from the light source 106 to the fluid. Further, since the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 has a configuration in which a part of the ultraviolet light output from the light source 106 can directly go to the inflow path 110, the ultraviolet light easily leaks from the inflow path 110.

  Therefore, the fluid sterilizer according to each of the following embodiments is devised in view of the fluid sterilizer 100 according to the comparative example.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the first embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be appropriately omitted.

  The fluid sterilization apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment emits ultraviolet light toward the processing flow path 102, and a straight pipe 104 as a flow path pipe in which a processing flow path 102 in which a passing fluid is sterilized is formed. A light source 106 for irradiation, an inflow channel 110 and an outflow channel 114 formed in a direction intersecting with the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe 104, and a region facing the outlet 110 a of the inflow channel 110 are provided to prevent the flow of the fluid from flowing. And a regulating flow path 12 for changing the direction of the flow path.

  The restriction flow channel 12 according to the present embodiment is a region defined by the cylindrical member 14 having a flange 14 a formed on one end surface and the inner peripheral surface 104 a of the straight pipe 104. The restriction flow path 12 has a curved path 16 extending from the outlet 110 a of the inflow path 110 to one end 108 of the straight pipe 104. The restriction flow path 12 has a narrow path 18 that is narrower than the flow path side on the way from the flow path 110 to one end 108 of the straight pipe 104.

  In the fluid sterilization apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the narrow passage 18 prevents direct flow from the inflow passage 110 to one end 108 of the straight pipe 104, and rectifies the flow by dispersing the flow to the other end. . In particular, turbulence in the flow near the one end 108 of the straight pipe 104 close to the light source 106 can be suppressed, and the flow can be rectified.

  The narrow path 18 according to the present embodiment is formed between the window 116 and the other annular end face 14b opposite to the one end face on which the flange 14a of the cylindrical member 14 is provided. But not limited to this location. For example, a narrow path may be formed by providing a convex portion on the inner peripheral surface 104a of the straight pipe 104 or the outer peripheral surface 14c of the cylindrical member 14 in the middle of the regulating flow channel 12. Further, the regulation flow channel 12 according to the present embodiment may be provided in a region facing the entrance 114a of the outflow channel 114. In addition, the restriction flow channel 12 according to the present embodiment has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the straight pipe 104 which is an annular region along the outer peripheral surface 14 c of the cylindrical member 14. The shape may be an arc shape or another shape formed only in the vicinity of a region facing the outlet 110a of the outlet channel 114 or the inlet 114a of the outlet channel 114.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the fluid sterilization apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment. The fluid sterilization apparatus 20 includes a flow path tube 22, a first housing 24, a second housing 26, a first light source 28, and a second light source 30. The first light source 28 and the second light source 30 irradiate the inside of the flow tube 22 with ultraviolet rays. The fluid sterilizer 20 is used to irradiate a fluid (such as water) flowing through the inside of the flow path tube 22 with ultraviolet rays to perform a sterilization process.

  In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the flow pipe 22 may be referred to as an “axial direction” in order to facilitate understanding of the contents. For example, in FIG. 3, the direction parallel to the central axis A is the axial direction. Further, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction may be referred to as a radial direction, and a direction surrounding the axial direction may be referred to as a circumferential direction. Further, the direction toward the inside of the flow pipe 22 is referred to as “inside” with reference to the positions of both ends (the first end 32 and the second end 34) of the flow pipe 22. The direction headed may be referred to as “outside”.

  The flow pipe 22 is a straight pipe formed of a cylindrical side wall 22a. The flow pipe 22 has a first end 32 and a second end 34 opposite to the first end 32, and extends in the axial direction from the first end 32 to the second end 34. Extend. Ultraviolet rays from the first light source 28 enter the first end 32, and ultraviolet rays from the second light source 30 enter the second end 34. The flow path pipe 22 defines a processing flow path 36 through which the fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  The flow pipe 22 is made of a metal material or a resin material. The flow path tube 22 is preferably made of a material having a high ultraviolet reflectance. For example, aluminum (Al) whose inner peripheral surface 22b is mirror-polished, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is a perfluorinated resin is used. ). By configuring the flow path tube 22 with these materials, the ultraviolet light emitted from the first light source 28 and the second light source 30 can be reflected on the inner peripheral surface 22b and propagated in the longitudinal direction of the flow path tube 22. In particular, PTFE is a material that is chemically stable and has a high reflectance to ultraviolet light, and is therefore suitable as a material for the flow path tube 22 that forms the processing flow path 36.

  The flow pipe 22 has a first protrusion 32 a that protrudes radially inward from the first end 32, and a second protrusion 34 a that protrudes radially inward from the second end 34. The first protrusion 32a and the second protrusion 34a are formed over the entire circumference of the first end 32 or the second end 34, and have a shape that narrows the inner diameter of the flow tube 22. The first protrusion 32a and the second protrusion 34a may have a shape in which the amount of protrusion in the radial direction gradually changes in the axial direction, and a cross-sectional shape including a central axis A shown in the figure becomes a triangle. May be provided.

  The first protruding portion 32a and the second protruding portion 34a are formed in a range that does not prevent the incidence of ultraviolet light directly output from the first light source 28 or the second light source 30, and for example, the first light source 28 or the second light source It is formed so as not to block ultraviolet rays within a range of 30 directivity angle half widths φ. By providing the first protrusion 32a and the second protrusion 34a, a part of the ultraviolet light which is reflected or scattered on the inner peripheral surface 22b of the flow pipe 22 and goes to the outside of the flow pipe 22 can be transferred to the first protrusion 32a or The light can be reflected by the second protrusion 34a and returned to the inside of the flow path tube 22.

  The first housing 24 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the first end 32, and partitions the first rectification chamber 38 and the first light source chamber 40. The first housing 24 is made of a metal material or a resin material. The first housing 24 is desirably made of a material having a low reflectance of ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light source 28, and is desirably made of a material having a lower ultraviolet reflectance than the flow path tube 22. The first housing 24 may be made of a material that absorbs ultraviolet light from the first light source 28. By configuring the first housing 24 with such a material, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light from the first light source 28 from being reflected by the inner surface of the first housing 24 and leaking out of the inflow pipe 42.

  The first housing 24 has a first side wall 44, a first inner end wall 46, and a first outer end wall 48. The first side wall 44 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction from the first inner end wall 46 to the first outer end wall 48, and is provided at a position coaxial with the center axis A of the flow pipe 22. The first inner end wall 46 is a member extending radially outward from the side wall 22a of the flow path tube 22 toward the first side wall 44, and has an annular shape (a donut shape). The first inner end wall 46 is provided at a position axially inner than the first end 32, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 22 c of the flow pipe 22. The first outer end wall 48 is a disc-shaped member provided at a position axially outside the first end 32. Therefore, the first inner end wall 46 and the first outer end wall 48 are provided at positions opposing each other in the axial direction with the first end 32 interposed therebetween.

A first window 50 that transmits ultraviolet light from the first light source 28 is provided inside the first housing 24. Part or all of the first window 50 is made of a member having a high transmittance of ultraviolet light, such as quartz (SiO ₂ ), sapphire (Al ₂ O ₃ ), or an amorphous fluorine-based resin. The first window 50 partitions the inside of the first housing 24 into a first rectification chamber 38 and a first light source chamber 40. The first rectification chamber 38 is an area defined by the first side wall 44, the first inner end wall 46, and the first window 50, and is an annular area surrounding the first end 32 radially outside. It is. The first light source chamber 40 is an area defined by the first side wall 44, the first outer end wall 48, and the first window 50, and the first light source 28 is provided.

  The first window portion 50 is an opposing member that opposes the first end portion 32 in the axial direction, and the first end portion 32 is provided with a first gap 52 having a slight dimension between the first end portion 32 and the first end portion 32. Is arranged in the vicinity of. The first gap 52 is formed, for example, so as to be narrower than the cross sectional area of the first rectification chamber 38. The first window 50 is preferably arranged such that the dimension of the first gap 52 is constant over the entire circumference of the first end 32, and the end face of the first end 32 faces the first window 50. It is preferable to arrange them so that the surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. By making the first gap 52 uniform over the entire circumference, the flow of the fluid from the processing flow path 36 to the first rectification chamber 38 through the first gap 52 is adjusted, and the first flow path 36 is disposed near the first end 32 of the processing flow path 36. Reducing turbulence in the flow.

  The first housing 24 is provided with an inflow port 42a and an inflow pipe 42. The inflow port 42 a is an inflow port into which a fluid to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the processing flow channel 36 flows, and is provided at a position communicating with the first rectification chamber 38. The inflow port 42a is provided, for example, in the first side wall 44 as shown. The inflow pipe 42 is a connection pipe attached to the inflow port 42a, and is configured so that a pipe or a tube connector connected to the fluid sterilizer 20 can be attached.

  The inflow port 42a and the inflow pipe 42 are arranged at positions where the direction from the first gap 52 toward the inflow port 42a and the longitudinal direction of the inflow pipe 42 do not lie on the same straight line. Specifically, the inflow port 42a is disposed at a position shifted in the axial direction from the first gap 52, and the inflow pipe 42 intersects with the direction from the first gap 52 toward the inflow port 42a (in the illustrated example, , In the radial direction). With such an arrangement, it is possible to mitigate the effect that the flow velocity varies depending on different circumferential positions of the first gap 52. More specifically, due to the flow direction of the inflow pipe 42, the flow F1 of the fluid flowing through the first gap 52 at a position relatively closer to the inlet 42a becomes faster, and the flow F1 becomes relatively closer to the inlet 42a. The effect of slowing the flow F2 at a distant position can be reduced.

  The first light source 28 is provided inside the first light source chamber 40 and is arranged so as to output ultraviolet light toward the opening of the first end 32. The first light source 28 is desirably provided in the vicinity of the first end 32, and is arranged such that all of the ultraviolet light within the range of the directional angle half-width φ of the first light source 28 enters the inside of the processing channel 36. Preferably. Specifically, assuming that the axial distance from the light emitting portion of the first light source 28 to the first end 32 is 1 and the opening width of the first end 32 is d, l ≦ d / (2tan (φ / 2)) is preferably arranged.

  The first light source 28 has a first light emitting element 54 and a first substrate 56. The first light emitting element 54 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits ultraviolet light, and has a center wavelength or a peak wavelength in a range of about 200 nm to 350 nm. It is preferable that the first light emitting element 54 emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength near 260 nm to 290 nm which is a high sterilization efficiency. As such an ultraviolet LED, for example, an LED using aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) is known.

  FIG. 4 is a graph showing the orientation characteristics of the first light emitting element 54. The first light emitting element 54 is an LED having a predetermined directivity angle or light distribution angle, and as shown in the drawing, has a wide light distribution angle with a directivity angle half width φ of about 120 degrees. As the first light emitting element 54, a surface mount device (SMD) type LED having a high output intensity can be used. The first light emitting element 54 is disposed on the central axis A of the flow tube 22, and is attached to the first substrate 56 so as to face the first window 50. The first substrate 56 is formed of a member having high thermal conductivity, and for example, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or the like is used as a base material. The heat generated by the first light emitting element 54 is radiated through the first substrate 56.

  The second housing 26 is configured similarly to the first housing 24. The second housing 26 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the second end 34, and separates the second rectification chamber 58 and the second light source chamber 60. The second housing 26 has a second side wall 62, a second inner end wall 64, and a second outer end wall 66.

  The second side wall 62 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction from the second inner end wall 64 to the second outer end wall 66, and is provided at a position coaxial with the center axis A of the flow pipe 22. The second inner end wall 64 is an annular member provided at a position axially inner than the second end 34 and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 22 c of the flow pipe 22. The second outer end wall 66 is a disk-shaped member provided at a position axially outside the second end 34. The second inner end wall 64 and the second outer end wall 66 are provided at positions opposing each other in the axial direction with the second end 34 interposed therebetween.

  Inside the second housing 26, a second window 68 that transmits ultraviolet light from the second light source 30 is provided. The second window section 68 partitions the inside of the second housing 26 into a second rectification chamber 58 and a second light source chamber 60. The second rectification chamber 58 is a region defined by the second side wall 62, the second inner end wall 64, and the second window 68, and is a region provided in an annular shape so as to surround the radial outside of the second end 34. It is. The second light source chamber 60 is an area defined by the second side wall 62, the second outer end wall 66, and the second window 68, and is provided with the second light source 30.

  The second window portion 68 is an opposing member that faces the second end portion 34 in the axial direction, and a second gap 70 having a small dimension is provided between the second window portion 68 and the second end portion 34. 34 is arranged in the vicinity. The second gap 70 is formed, for example, so as to be narrower than the cross-sectional area of the second rectification chamber 58. The second window 68 is preferably arranged such that the dimension of the second gap 70 is constant over the entire circumference of the second end 34, and the end face of the second end 34 faces the second window 68. It is preferable to arrange them so that the surfaces are substantially parallel to each other.

  The second housing 26 is provided with an outflow port 72a and an outflow pipe 72. The outlet 72 a is a flow outlet from which the fluid irradiated with the ultraviolet light in the processing flow channel 36 flows out, and is provided at a position communicating with the second rectification chamber 58. The outflow pipe 72 is a connection pipe attached to the outflow port 72a. The outflow port 72a and the outflow pipe 72 are arranged at positions where the direction from the second gap 70 toward the outflow port 72a and the longitudinal direction of the outflow pipe 72 do not lie on the same straight line. Specifically, the outflow port 72a is disposed at a position shifted in the axial direction from the second gap 70, and the outflow pipe 72 intersects with the direction from the second gap 70 toward the outflow port 72a (in the illustrated example, , In the radial direction). With such an arrangement, the flow F3 of the fluid flowing through the second gap 70 at a position relatively closer to the outlet 72a becomes faster due to the direction of the flow of the outlet pipe 72, and the flow F3 is relatively close to the outlet 72a. The effect of delaying the flow F4 at a position that is far away can be reduced.

  The second light source 30 is provided inside the second light source chamber 60, and is arranged so as to output ultraviolet light toward the opening of the second end 34. The second light source 30 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the second end 34 similarly to the first light source 28 described above, and all the ultraviolet light within the range of the directivity angle half width φ of the second light source 30 is used for the processing flow path. It is preferable to arrange so as to be incident on the inside of 36. The second light source 30 is configured similarly to the first light source 28 and includes a second light emitting element 74 and a second substrate 76.

With the above configuration, the fluid sterilizer 10 performs sterilization by irradiating the fluid flowing through the processing channel 36 with ultraviolet rays from the first light source 28 and the second light source 30. The fluid to be processed flows into the processing flow path 36 from the first end 32 through the inflow pipe 42, the inflow port 42a, the first rectification chamber 38, and the first gap 52. Fluid flowing through the processing channel 36, for example, the flow velocity v ₁ in the vicinity of the center is relatively faster in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, the flow velocity v ₂ in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface 22b is rectified relatively slow state . The fluid that has passed through the processing flow path 36 flows out of the second end 34 through the second gap 70, the second rectification chamber 58, the outlet 72a, and the outlet pipe 72.

  At this time, the first rectification chamber 38 regulates the flow of the fluid flowing through the inflow pipe 42 and the inflow port 42a, and radially (radially inward) the processing flow path 36 through the first gap 52 from different positions in the circumferential direction. The flow of the fluid flowing into the air is made uniform. The first rectification chamber 38 equalizes the flow of the second rectification chamber 58 so that the flow of the processing channel 36 is rectified from a position near the first end 32. Similarly, the second rectifying chamber 58 regulates the flow of the fluid flowing out through the outlet 72 a and the outlet pipe 72, and the flow of the fluid flowing radially (outward in the radial direction) from the processing channel 36 through the second gap 70. Is made uniform. The second rectification chamber 58 equalizes the flow of the second gap 70 so that the flow of the processing flow channel 36 is maintained in a rectified state up to a position near the second end 34.

  The first light source 28 and the second light source 30 irradiate ultraviolet light toward the fluid that is rectified as described above and flows through the processing channel 36. The first light source 28 and the second light source 30 have an intensity distribution in which the intensity near the center is high and the intensity outside the radial direction is low as shown in FIG. UV light can be irradiated. That is, high-intensity ultraviolet rays can be applied to the vicinity of the center where the flow velocity is high, and low-intensity ultraviolet rays can be applied to radially outer positions where the flow velocity is low. As a result, the amount of ultraviolet energy acting on the fluid passing through the processing channel 36 can be made uniform regardless of the radial position where the fluid passes. This makes it possible to irradiate the entire fluid flowing through the processing flow channel 36 with ultraviolet rays having an energy amount equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thereby enhancing the sterilizing effect on the entire fluid.

  Further, in the fluid sterilization apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, since the first rectification chamber 38 and the second rectification chamber 58 are provided at both ends of the flow path pipe 22, the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the first embodiment is provided. 10, it is possible to suppress the turbulence of the flow generated in the processing channel 36. In particular, even when the average flow velocity of the fluid passing through the processing channel 36 is increased in order to increase the processing capacity of the fluid sterilizer 20, it is easy to maintain the rectified state. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to enhance the sterilizing effect by effectively applying the ultraviolet rays to the fluid flowing with little disturbance.

  According to the present embodiment, most of the ultraviolet light output from the first light source 28 and the second light source 30 is configured to enter the inside of the flow pipe 22, and the ultraviolet light that enters the inside of the flow pipe 22 is The light propagates in the axial direction while being repeatedly reflected on the inner peripheral surface 22b of the flow pipe 22. Therefore, sterilization efficiency can be improved by efficiently using the ultraviolet light output from the first light source 28 and the second light source 30. In addition, since the projections 32a and 34a are provided in the first end 32 and the second end 34 within a range that does not hinder the incidence of the ultraviolet light, more ultraviolet light is confined inside the flow pipe 22. The utilization efficiency of ultraviolet rays can be increased.

  According to the present embodiment, most of the ultraviolet light output from the first light source 28 and the second light source 30 can be confined inside the flow pipe 22, so that the amount of ultraviolet light leaking to the outside of the flow pipe 22. Can be reduced. Further, since the first housing 24 and the second housing 26 are made of a material that hardly reflects ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays are prevented from propagating while reflecting on the inner surface of the first housing 24 or the second housing 26. Ultraviolet rays can be prevented from leaking out of the fluid sterilization apparatus 20 from the inflow pipe 42 and the outflow pipe 72. Thereby, the safety of the fluid sterilization apparatus 20 can be improved, and the influence of deterioration of the resin tubes and connectors connected to the inflow pipe 42 and the outflow pipe 72 due to the irradiation of ultraviolet rays can be reduced.

  In the fluid sterilization apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, a further narrow path is provided in the first rectification chamber 38 and the second rectification chamber 58. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first rectification chamber 38 of FIG. In FIG. 3, illustration of a convex portion for forming a narrow path is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid sterilizer 20 includes a channel tube 22 in which a processing channel 36 in which a passing fluid is sterilized is formed, and a first light source that irradiates the processing channel 36 with ultraviolet light. 28, an inflow path 42b formed in a direction intersecting with the outer peripheral surface 22c of the flow path tube 22, a communication path 78 communicating the inflow path 42b and the processing flow path 36. The communication path 78 has a narrow path 80 narrower than the inflow path side on the way from the inflow path 42b to the opening 22d of the first end 32 of the flow path pipe 22.

  As a result, the narrow passage 80 prevents direct flow from the inflow passage 42b to the first end 32 of the flow path tube 22, and rectifies the flow by dispersing the flow to the other end. In particular, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of turbulence in the flow near the first end 32 of the flow path tube 22 close to the light source, and to rectify the flow.

  The communication passage 78 is formed between the flow pipe 22 and the first housing 24 that covers the opening 22d of the first end 32 of the flow pipe 22 and the outer peripheral surface 22c near the opening 22d. Thereby, by devising the shape of the plurality of members, the communication path 78 can be configured as a gap between the plurality of members.

  For example, the flow path pipe 22 shown in FIG. 5 has a convex portion 82 formed on the opening 22d side of a portion of the outer peripheral surface 22c of the flow path pipe 22 facing the inflow path 42b. A narrow path 80 is formed between the body 24 and the inner peripheral surface 24a. Thereby, the narrow path 80 can be formed by forming a simple shape in the flow path tube 22.

  The convex portion 82 according to the present embodiment is formed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 22c of the flow channel tube 22. Thereby, the flow of the fluid can be relatively uniformly adjusted over the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube 22. In addition, the convex portion 82 may not necessarily be formed over the entire circumference, but may be formed partially. Further, the height of the convex portion may be partially changed. For example, as described above, the flow velocity of the fluid tends to be slower at a position relatively far from the inlet 42a. Therefore, the height of the convex portion 82b formed in the communication passage 78 on the opposite side (the lower side in FIG. 5) of the communication port 78 is smaller than the height of the convex portion 82a formed in the communication passage 78 near the inflow port 42a. May be increased. As a result, the narrow path 80 between the convex portion 82b and the inner peripheral surface 24a of the first housing 24 prevents the direct flow from the inflow path 42b to the first end 32 of the flow path pipe 22, and the flow Is rectified by dispersing it to others.

  In addition, the convex portion 82 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 22c of the flow channel tube 22, but may be provided on an end surface 22e around the opening 22d of the flow channel tube 22, for example. Further, a convex portion similar to the first rectification chamber 38 may be provided in the second rectification chamber 58.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first rectification chamber 38 of the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the modification of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first housing 24 has a convex portion 84 formed on the inner peripheral surface 24a of the first housing 24 closer to the opening 22d than a region where the inflow passage 42b is formed. A narrow path 86 is formed between the portion 84 and the outer peripheral surface 22c of the flow path tube 22. Thus, a narrow path 86 can be formed by forming a simple shape in the first housing 24.

  The convex portion 84 according to the present embodiment is formed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 24 a of the first housing 24. Thereby, the flow of the fluid can be relatively uniformly adjusted over the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube 22. In addition, the convex part 84 may be formed not only in the case where it is not necessarily formed over the entire circumference but also partially. Further, the height of the convex portion may be partially changed. For example, as described above, the flow velocity of the fluid tends to be slower at a position relatively far from the inlet 42a. Therefore, the height of the convex portion 84b formed in the communication passage 78 on the opposite side (the lower side in FIG. 6) of the inflow port 42a is higher than the height of the convex portion 84a formed in the communication passage 78 near the inflow port 42a. May be increased. As a result, the narrow path 86 between the convex portion 84b and the outer peripheral surface 22c of the flow path pipe 22 prevents the direct flow from the inflow path 42b to the first end portion 32 of the flow path pipe 22, and prevents the flow from flowing. Rectify by dispersing to

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fluid sterilizer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid sterilizer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view of the fluid sterilization apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the fluid sterilizer shown in FIG. 9 taken along line BB.

  The fluid sterilization apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a flow path pipe 202, a first housing 204, a second housing 206, an inflow pipe 208, an outflow pipe 210, a light source 212, a window member 214, , O-rings 216a to 216f, a ring member 218, a plate 220, cover members 222 and 224, half-ring plates 226a to 226d, and U-shaped retaining pins 228a and 228b.

  A plurality of grooves (recesses) and ridges are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path tube 202 in the circumferential direction. The first housing 204 is a cylindrical member, and has an opening 204a on the side surface where the inflow pipe 208 is mounted. The inflow pipe 208 is inserted into the first housing 204 to a predetermined position via the O-ring 216a. The inflow pipe 208 is configured such that a retaining pin 228a inserted from a slit 204b formed in an axial end surface of the first housing 204 engages with a groove 208a formed in a base of the inflow pipe 208. Then, it is fixed at a predetermined position.

  Similarly, the second housing 206 is a cylindrical member, and has an opening 206a on the side surface where the outflow pipe 210 is mounted. The outflow pipe 210 is inserted into the second housing 206 to a predetermined position via the O-ring 216b. The outflow pipe 210 has a retaining pin 228b inserted from a slit (not shown) formed in an axial end face of the second housing 206 and engages with a groove 210a formed in the base of the outflow pipe 210. As a result, the stopper is fixed at a predetermined position.

  The channel tube 202 has a state in which two half ring-shaped plates 226a and 226b are mounted on an annular slit 202b formed on an outer peripheral surface 202a, and an O ring 216c is mounted on an annular concave groove 202c. Thus, the first housing 204 is inserted from one axial opening to a predetermined position. Thereafter, the two half-ring shaped plates 226a and 226b are screwed to the first housing 204 with screws 230, whereby the flow path tube 202 is positioned and fixed to the first housing 204. The other opening in the axial direction of the first housing 204 is sealed by the window member 214 via the O-ring 216d. The ring member 218 is screwed to the first housing 204 with the screw 232 while pressing the window member 214.

  The cover member 222 is screwed to the ring member 218 with the screw 234 in a state where the light source 212 is placed at a position corresponding to the opening of the ring member 218.

  The channel tube 202 has an annular slit 202d formed on the outer peripheral surface 202a and two half-ring plates 226c and 226d attached thereto, and an O-ring 216e attached to the annular concave groove 202e. In this state, it is inserted from one axial opening of the second housing 206 to a predetermined position. Thereafter, the two half-ring plates 226c and 226d are screwed to the second housing 206 with screws 230, whereby the flow path tube 202 is positioned and fixed to the second housing 206. The other opening in the axial direction of the second housing 206 is sealed with the plate 220 via the O-ring 216f. The cover member 224 is screwed to the second housing 206 with a screw 232 while pressing the plate 220.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged view schematically showing the vicinity of the connection between the inflow pipe 208 and the first housing 204 in FIG. The vicinity of the connection between the outflow pipe 210 and the second housing 206 has the same configuration.

  In the flow channel tube 202 shown in FIG. 11, a concave portion 202f is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral surface 202a of the flow channel tube 202 facing the inflow channel 208b. Thus, by forming a simple shape in the flow path tube 202, a region adjacent to the concave portion 202f can be configured as the narrow path 236.

  The concave portion 202f according to the present embodiment is formed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 202a of the flow path tube 202. This makes it possible to regulate the flow of the fluid over the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube 202.

  The narrow path 236 is provided closer to the opening 202g of the flow path tube 202 than the concave portion 202f. Thereby, the flow of the fluid can be adjusted between the concave portion 202f and the opening 202g.

  The vicinity of the connection between the outflow pipe 210 and the second housing 206 has the same configuration.

  Next, a rotation mechanism of the inflow pipe 208 in the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 will be described. The rotation mechanism of the outflow pipe 210 is the same as that of the inflow pipe 208.

  The inflow pipe 208 is attached to an opening 204 a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 204 so that the inflow pipe 208 can rotate with respect to the first housing 204. Specifically, the inflow pipe 208 does not come off from the first housing 204 because only the retaining pin 228a is engaged with the groove 208a. However, the inflow pipe 208 is rotatably supported with respect to the first housing 204 about the center of the opening 204a of the first housing 204. Similarly, the outflow pipe 210 is rotatably supported with respect to the second housing 206.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the inflow pipe 208 and the outflow pipe 210b of the inflow pipe 208 and the outflow pipe 210 are L-shaped (crank-shaped). Further, the inflow pipe 208 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the first housing 204, and the outflow pipe 210 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the second housing 206. With this configuration, the direction of the inflow pipe 208 and the outflow pipe 210 can be changed depending on the place where the fluid sterilizing apparatus 200 is installed, and the fluid sterilizing apparatus 200 can be installed in a posture that can easily exert its performance. Specifically, unlike a simple pipe which is sufficient if a normal fluid is allowed to flow, the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 cannot exhibit its performance sufficiently in a state where air bubbles are accumulated inside. Therefore, air bubbles that have entered during the installation of the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 need to be extracted outside before the operation of the apparatus. Therefore, when the apparatus is installed, the fluid may be filled in a direction in which air bubbles can easily escape, and when the air bubbles have escaped, the directions of the inflow pipe 208 and the outflow pipe 210 may be changed to a connection state suitable for the installation location.

  In addition, the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the end of the flow channel tube 202 so that the first housing 204 and the second housing 206 can rotate with respect to the axis of the flow channel tube 202. ing. Specifically, the first housing 204 is prevented from falling off by being locked to the flow channel tube 202 by the half-ring plates 226a and 226b. Rotation is possible in the direction of rotation about the axis (see FIG. 7). Thereby, depending on the place where the fluid sterilizer 200 is installed, the direction of the outflow pipe or the inflow pipe is indirectly changed by rotating the first housing 204 or the second housing 206 with respect to the flow path pipe 202. Can be installed, and the apparatus can be installed or operated in a posture that easily demonstrates the performance of the fluid sterilization apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a flow path tube 202 in which a processing flow path in which a passing fluid is sterilized is formed, and a flow path toward the processing flow path. A light source 212 for irradiating ultraviolet rays, an inflow path 208b formed in a direction intersecting with the outer peripheral surface 202a of the flow path tube 202, and a communication path 238 communicating the inflow path 208b with the processing flow path are provided. The communication path 238 has a narrow path 236 narrower than the inflow path side on the way from the inflow path 208b to the opening 202g at one end of the flow path pipe 202.

  As a result, the narrow path 236 prevents direct flow from the inflow path 208b to one end of the flow path tube 202, and rectifies the flow by dispersing the flow to the other end. In particular, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of turbulence in the flow near one end of the flow path tube 202 near the light source, and to rectify the flow.

  In addition, since the O-rings 216a to 216f used in the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 are arranged at locations where the O-rings come into contact with the fluid, there is a possibility that ultraviolet light propagated in the fluid may be irradiated. Therefore, the O-rings 216a to 216f are made of a material containing fluorine in consideration of ultraviolet resistance.

  As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be obtained by appropriately combining or replacing the configurations of the embodiments. These are also included in the present invention. It is also possible to appropriately change the combination and the order of processing in each embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and to add modifications such as various design changes to the embodiments. Additional embodiments can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the third embodiment, a connection portion between the first casing 204 or the second casing 206 and the flow pipe 202 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 having a so-called double-pipe structure, and the first casing 204 and the inflow pipe 208. Although the description has been given of the case where the rotation mechanism is provided in each of the connection portion between the first housing 206 and the connection portion between the second housing 206 and the outflow pipe 210, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a rotating mechanism may be provided in a running water sterilizer having a structure as shown in FIG.

  In the case where the rotation mechanism as shown in the third embodiment is provided between each housing and the flow pipe, the inflow path and the outflow path are always maintained even when the housing rotates relative to the flow path pipe. It is preferable that the narrow path is provided uniformly on the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube so that the narrow path is located near the flow path. On the other hand, when the rotation mechanism is not provided between each housing and the flow path pipe, a narrow path may be formed only on the side close to the inflow path or the outflow path.

  Further, when the light source is arranged only at one end of the flow path tube as in the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 10, the fluid is caused to flow from the other end where the light source is not arranged. In this case, the flow toward the light source is more stable, and the sterilization efficiency is improved. That is, the outflow pipe 210 may be connected to the first housing 204 where the light source 212 is disposed, and the inflow pipe 208 may be connected to the second housing 206.

  Reference Signs List 20 fluid sterilizer, 22 channel tube, 22a side wall, 22b inner peripheral surface, 22c outer peripheral surface, 22d opening, 22e end surface, 24 first housing, 24a inner peripheral surface, 26 second housing, 28 first light source, 30 second light source, 32 first end, 34 second end, 36 processing flow path, 38 first rectification chamber, 40 first light source chamber, 42 inflow pipe, 42a inflow port, 42b inflow path, 72 outflow pipe, 72a Outflow port, 78 communication path, 80 narrow path, 82, 82a, 82b, 84, 84a, 84b convex portion, 86 narrow path.

Claims (7)

A flow path pipe in which a processing flow path in which a passing fluid is sterilized is formed,
A light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the processing channel;
An inflow channel or an outflow channel formed in a direction intersecting with the outer peripheral surface of the flow channel tube,
An outflow pipe or an inflow pipe constituting the outflow path or the inflow path,
The outflow pipe or the inflow pipe has an opening formed in an outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe, or an opening at one end of the flow path pipe and an outer peripheral surface of a housing covering the outer peripheral surface near the opening. And a fluid sterilization apparatus, which is rotatably supported on the flow path pipe or the housing with an O-ring sealed around the center of the opening. The inflow path or the outflow path, further comprising a communication path that communicates with the processing flow path,
The communication path has a narrow path narrower than the inflow path side or the outflow path side, on the way from the inflow path or the outflow path to the opening at one end of the flow path pipe,
The communication path is formed between the flow pipe and the housing,
The housing is attached to one end of the flow tube so that the housing can rotate in a state of being sealed with an O-ring in a rotation direction about the center of the opening of the flow tube as an axis. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sterilization apparatus is used. The inflow pipe or the outflow pipe has a groove formed on the outer periphery of a base mounted on the opening of the housing,
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a retaining pin for preventing the inflow pipe or the outflow pipe from falling out of the housing by engaging with the groove when the base is attached to the opening. Or the fluid sterilizer according to 2.   The fluid sterilization according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inflow pipe or the outflow pipe is inserted to a predetermined position via an O-ring when being attached to the opening of the housing. apparatus.   5. The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflow path or the outflow path has an L shape (crank shape). 6. An annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow channel tube, and the channel tube has a plurality of plates rotatably locked in the annular groove.
The plate has an inner peripheral edge in an arc shape,
The fluid sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plate is fixed to the housing with the housing mounted on one end of the channel tube.   The narrow path is provided on the entire outer periphery of the flow path tube so that the narrow path is located in the vicinity of the inflow path or the outflow path even when the casing rotates relative to the flow path pipe. The fluid sterilizer according to claim 2, wherein

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