JP6850763B2

JP6850763B2 - Fluid sterilization module

Info

Publication number: JP6850763B2
Application number: JP2018081809A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 聖杉山; 直人伊藤
Original assignee: Asahi Kasei Corp
Current assignee: Asahi Kasei Corp
Priority date: 2018-04-20
Filing date: 2018-04-20
Publication date: 2021-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-20
Also published as: JP2019187659A

Description

本発明は、流体殺菌モジュールに関する。 The present invention relates to a fluid sterilization module.

紫外線には、殺菌能力があることから、水等の流体に紫外線を照射することで、流体を連続的に殺菌する装置が提案されている。
このような装置においては、従来、紫外線光源として、水銀ランプやキセノンランプ等の管球が用いられている。また、殺菌を行うことの可能な波長の光を照射することのできるＬＥＤ（ｌｉｇｈｔｅｍｉｔｔｉｎｇｄｉｏｄｅ）を紫外線光源とした流体殺菌装置も提案されている。
例えば、殺菌対象物を、積分球の中空部を通過させ、中空部で紫外線照射を行うことで、殺菌処理を行うようにした殺菌装置（例えば、特許文献１参照。）、また、長手方向に延びる流路を構成する直流管内を流れる流体に向けて長手方向に紫外光を照射するようにした流体殺菌装置等も提案されている（例えば、特許文献２参照。）。 Since ultraviolet rays have a sterilizing ability, a device for continuously sterilizing a fluid by irradiating a fluid such as water with ultraviolet rays has been proposed.
In such a device, a tube such as a mercury lamp or a xenon lamp has been conventionally used as an ultraviolet light source. Further, a fluid sterilizer using an LED (light emitting diode) capable of irradiating light having a wavelength capable of sterilizing as an ultraviolet light source has also been proposed.
For example, a sterilizer (see, for example, Patent Document 1) in which a sterilizing object is passed through a hollow portion of an integrating sphere and irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the hollow portion to perform sterilization treatment, or in the longitudinal direction. A fluid sterilizer or the like that irradiates ultraviolet light in the longitudinal direction toward the fluid flowing in the DC tube constituting the extending flow path has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

特許第５４３２２８６号公報Japanese Patent No. 5432286 特許第６０８０９３７号公報Japanese Patent No. 6080937

しかしながら、積分球の中空部を紫外線照射を行う処理流路として用いる方法にあっては、処理流路は曲面で囲まれているため、複雑な形状に加工する必要がある。一般に、このように積分球の中空部を形成する工程においては、インジェクションモールドによって成形される。しかしながら熱可塑性樹脂の多くは紫外光に対する反射性が低く、紫外線に対する耐久性も低い。そのため、熱可塑性樹脂としてＰＴＦＥ（polytetrafluoroethylene：ポリテトラフルオロエチレン）を用いた場合、ＰＴＦＥは溶融成形することができないため、圧縮成形やラム押出成形で単純な形を作った後に機械加工を行うことになる。この場合、積分球を処理流路として用いた場合など、処理流路が複雑な形状をしている場合には、高価な多軸ＣＮＣ加工機が必要になる上、加工時間も長くなるため、工業上の経済性が悪い。 However, in the method of using the hollow portion of the integrating sphere as a processing flow path for irradiating ultraviolet rays, since the processing flow path is surrounded by a curved surface, it is necessary to process it into a complicated shape. Generally, in the step of forming the hollow portion of the integrating sphere in this way, it is molded by an injection mold. However, most thermoplastic resins have low reflectivity to ultraviolet light and low durability to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, when PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is used as the thermoplastic resin, PTFE cannot be melt-molded, so it is decided to perform machining after forming a simple shape by compression molding or ram extrusion molding. Become. In this case, when the processing flow path has a complicated shape, such as when an integrating sphere is used as the processing flow path, an expensive multi-axis CNC machine is required and the processing time becomes long. Industrial economic efficiency is poor.

また、直流管を用いた、断面積の変わらない処理流路を持つ流体殺菌装置の場合、シンプルな構造要素で形成されるため、生産性がよく、工業上の経済性は良好である。しかしながら、ＰＴＦＥは、その潤滑性により、極めて接着性が弱く、ＰＴＦＥを他の材質からなる部材と接合させたとしても、ＰＴＦＥとの接合部分における耐水圧は極めて低い。また、ＰＴＦＥは、弾性変形領域が極めて狭く、塑性変形やクリープ破壊を起こすため、流体殺菌装置の耐久性の低下につながる。
そこで、この発明は従来の未解決の問題に着目してなされたものであり、組み付け精度が低い場合であっても殺菌対象の流体の漏れが生じることなく、ロバストネスに優れた流体殺菌モジュールを提供することを目的としている。 Further, in the case of a fluid sterilizer using a DC tube and having a processing flow path having the same cross-sectional area, since it is formed of simple structural elements, productivity is good and industrial economy is good. However, due to its lubricity, PTFE has extremely weak adhesiveness, and even if PTFE is joined to a member made of another material, the water pressure resistance at the joint portion with PTFE is extremely low. Further, PTFE has an extremely narrow elastic deformation region and causes plastic deformation and creep rupture, which leads to a decrease in the durability of the fluid sterilizer.
Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to the conventional unsolved problems, and provides a fluid sterilization module having excellent robustness without leakage of the fluid to be sterilized even when the assembly accuracy is low. The purpose is to do.

本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュールは、長手方向に延びる筒状の処理流路を形成する筒状部と、前記筒状部を収容するケース部と、前記筒状部の外周面と前記ケース部の内周面との間に密着して設けられ少なくとも前記ケース部の内周面と接する部分が弾性部材で形成された環状の区画部材と、前記筒状部と前記ケース部との間の筒状の隙間のうちの前記区画部材よりも前記筒状部の一端側の領域である第一整流室と、前記筒状部と前記ケース部との間の筒状の隙間のうちの前記区画部材よりも前記筒状部の他端側の領域である第二整流室と、前記第一整流室に対象物を流入する流入部と、前記第二整流室から前記対象物を流出させる流出部と、前記筒状部の前記他端側の開口部に面して設けられ、前記処理流路を通過する前記対象物に向けて前記長手方向に沿って紫外光を照射する発光素子と、を備え、前記区画部材は、前記筒状部の外周面と前記ケース部の内周面との間に設けられた弾性部材であることを特徴としている。 The fluid sterilization module according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a tubular portion forming a tubular processing flow path extending in the longitudinal direction, a case portion accommodating the tubular portion, and an outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion. An annular partition member provided in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case portion and having at least a portion in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case portion formed of an elastic member, and the tubular portion and the case portion. Of the tubular gap between the first rectifying chamber, which is a region on one end side of the tubular portion with respect to the partition member, and the tubular gap between the tubular portion and the case portion. A second rectifying chamber, which is a region on the other end side of the tubular portion with respect to the partition member, an inflow portion for the object to flow into the first rectifying chamber, and the object to flow out from the second rectifying chamber. A light emitting element provided facing the opening on the other end side of the tubular portion and irradiating ultraviolet light along the longitudinal direction toward the object passing through the processing flow path. , wherein the partition member is characterized in an elastic member der Rukoto provided between the cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the case of the.

本発明の一態様によれば、組み付け精度が低い場合であっても、殺菌対象の流体の漏れを抑制することができ、ロバストネスに優れた流体殺菌モジュールを実現することができる。 According to one aspect of the present invention, even when the assembly accuracy is low, leakage of the fluid to be sterilized can be suppressed, and a fluid sterilization module having excellent robustness can be realized.

本発明を適用した流体殺菌モジュールの一例を示す外観図である。It is an external view which shows an example of the fluid sterilization module to which this invention is applied. （ａ）は図１の縦断面図、（ｂ）は図１のＡ−Ａ′線端面図である。(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and (b) is an end view of the AA'line of FIG. 拡散透過率の測定に用いる装置の一例である。This is an example of an apparatus used for measuring the diffusion transmittance. 整流板の一例を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows an example of a straightening vane. 殺菌エリアの長さと殺菌に必要な紫外線のドーズ量との関係を示す特性図の一例である。This is an example of a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the length of the sterilization area and the dose amount of ultraviolet rays required for sterilization. 紫外線の透過状況を説明するための説明図である。It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the transmission state of ultraviolet rays. 流体殺菌モジュールの変形例である。This is a modified example of the fluid sterilization module.

次に、図面を参照して、本発明の実施形態を説明する。以下の図面の記載において、同一又は類似の部分には同一又は類似の符号を付している。ただし、図面は模式的なものであり、厚みと平面寸法との関係、各層の厚みの比率等は現実のものとは異なる。また、以下に示す実施形態は、本発明の技術的思想を具体化するための装置や方法を例示するものであって、本発明の技術的思想は、構成部品の材質、形状、構造、配置等を下記のものに特定するものでない。本発明の技術的思想は、特許請求の範囲に記載された請求項が規定する技術的範囲内において、種々の変更を加えることができる。 Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the plane dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each layer, etc. are different from the actual ones. In addition, the embodiments shown below exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention describes the material, shape, structure, and arrangement of constituent parts. Etc. are not specified as the following. The technical idea of the present invention may be modified in various ways within the technical scope specified by the claims stated in the claims.

図１は、本発明を適用した流体殺菌モジュールの一例を示す正面図である。また、図２（ａ）は図１の縦断面図、図２（ｂ）は図１のＡ−Ａ′線端面図である。
流体殺菌モジュール１は、図１に示すように、殺菌処理部２と、発光部３と、流入部４と、流出部５と、を備える。
殺菌処理部２は、図２（ａ）に示すように、内筒（筒状部）２１と、内筒２１を収容するケース部２２と、内筒２１の一端側の開口部に固定される円板状の整流板２３と、内筒２１とケース部２２との間に配置される区画部材２４とを備える。 FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a fluid sterilization module to which the present invention is applied. 2 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 (b) is an end view of the AA'line of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid sterilization module 1 includes a sterilization processing unit 2, a light emitting unit 3, an inflow unit 4, and an outflow unit 5.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the sterilization processing unit 2 is fixed to the inner cylinder (cylindrical portion) 21, the case portion 22 accommodating the inner cylinder 21, and the opening on one end side of the inner cylinder 21. A disk-shaped straightening vane 23 and a partition member 24 arranged between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22 are provided.

内筒２１は、両端が開口された筒状に形成され、肉厚が１ｍｍ以上２０ｍｍ以下である。また、内筒２１は、紫外線反射性材料で形成され、この紫外線反射性材料は、拡散透過率が１％／１ｍｍ以上２０％／１ｍｍ以下であり、且つ紫外線領域における全反射率が８０％／１ｍｍ以上９９％／１ｍｍ以下である。拡散透過率と紫外線領域における全反射率との和は９０％／１ｍｍ以上であることが好ましい。内筒２１に適用される紫外線反射性材料としては、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン(polytetrafluoroethylene ＰＴＦＥ)、シリコン樹脂、内部に０．０５μｍ以上１０μｍ以下の気泡を含む石英ガラス、内部に０．０５μｍ以上１０μｍ以下の結晶粒を含む部分結晶化石英ガラス、０．０５μｍ以上１０μｍ以下の結晶粒状のアルミナ焼結体、及び０．０５μｍ以上１０μｍ以下の結晶粒状のムライト焼結体等が挙げられる。 The inner cylinder 21 is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and has a wall thickness of 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Further, the inner cylinder 21 is formed of an ultraviolet reflective material, and this ultraviolet reflective material has a diffusion transmittance of 1% / 1 mm or more and 20% / 1 mm or less, and a total reflectance of 80% / in the ultraviolet region. It is 1 mm or more and 99% / 1 mm or less. The sum of the diffusion transmittance and the total reflectance in the ultraviolet region is preferably 90% / 1 mm or more. Examples of the ultraviolet reflective material applied to the inner cylinder 21 include polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, silicon resin, quartz glass containing bubbles of 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less inside, and 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less inside. Examples thereof include partially crystallized quartz glass containing crystal grains, a crystalline granular alumina sintered body of 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and a crystalline granular Murite sintered body of 0.05 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

ここで、内筒２１として、拡散反射性の材料を用いる場合、材料自体での紫外線の吸収は無いと仮定すると、内筒２１の一端側に設けられた発光部３による照射光の少なくとも一部は、内筒２１の他端側まで透過するように設定している。このときの透過率が、２０％／１ｍｍより大きいと、有効な紫外線反射量を増やすために内筒２１の肉厚として非常に厚い素材が必要になり、流体殺菌モジュール１全体が大きくなったり、適切な流路設計が困難になったりするばかりでなく、深層から反射を制御しなくてはならなくなり、光学的な設計も困難になる。散乱体の光学密度が高く、透過率が低いことは一般的に望ましいが、非多孔質の場合は、結晶部と非晶部等、材料内部の粗密差が散乱体となるため、１％／１ｍｍとすることは困難である。多孔質の場合には１％／１ｍｍを下回る構造は可能であるが、後述の処理流路２１ｄが殺菌対象物（以下、単に対象物ともいう。）に接触するため、菌類の温床となる微細な穴構造を提供してしまうことになり、内筒２１の構成部材としてふさわしくない。 Here, when a diffusely reflective material is used as the inner cylinder 21, assuming that the material itself does not absorb ultraviolet rays, at least a part of the irradiation light by the light emitting unit 3 provided on one end side of the inner cylinder 21 Is set so as to transmit to the other end side of the inner cylinder 21. If the transmittance at this time is larger than 20% / 1 mm, a very thick material is required as the wall thickness of the inner cylinder 21 in order to increase the effective amount of ultraviolet reflection, and the entire fluid sterilization module 1 becomes large. Not only is it difficult to design an appropriate flow path, but it is also necessary to control reflections from a deep layer, which makes optical design difficult. It is generally desirable that the scatterer has a high optical density and a low transmittance, but in the case of a non-porous material, the difference in density inside the material such as the crystalline part and the amorphous part becomes the scatterer, so 1% / It is difficult to make it 1 mm. In the case of porous material, a structure of less than 1% / 1 mm is possible, but since the treatment flow path 21d described later comes into contact with the object to be sterilized (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the object), it becomes a fine bed for fungi. It is not suitable as a constituent member of the inner cylinder 21 because it provides a hole structure.

また、紫外線領域における全反射率は８０％／ｍｍ以下では有効な紫外光線の多重反射効果を得ることが出来ない。全反射率は高ければ高いほど望ましいが、非多孔質の場合は、結晶部と非晶部等、材料内部の粗密差が散乱体となるため、全反射率を９９％／１ｍｍ以上とすることは困難である。多孔質の場合には９９％／１ｍｍを上回る構造は可能であるが、処理流路２１ｄが対象物に接触するため、菌類の温床となる微細な穴構造を提供してしまうことになり、内筒２１の構成部材としてふさわしくない。
さらに、拡散透過率と紫外線領域における全反射率との和が９０％／１ｍｍ以下、すなわち、内部で吸収されるエネルギーが１０％以上である素材は、有効な紫外光線の多重反射効果を得ることが出来ないため、処理流路２１ｄの構成部材としてふさわしくない。 Further, if the total reflectance in the ultraviolet region is 80% / mm or less, an effective multiple reflection effect of ultraviolet rays cannot be obtained. The higher the total reflectance, the more desirable it is, but in the case of non-porous, the total reflectance should be 99% / 1 mm or more because the difference in density inside the material such as the crystalline part and the amorphous part becomes a scatterer. It is difficult. In the case of porous material, a structure exceeding 99% / 1 mm is possible, but since the treatment flow path 21d comes into contact with the object, it provides a fine hole structure that serves as a hotbed for fungi. It is not suitable as a constituent member of the cylinder 21.
Further, a material in which the sum of the diffuse transmittance and the total reflectance in the ultraviolet region is 90% / 1 mm or less, that is, the energy absorbed inside is 10% or more, obtains an effective multiple reflection effect of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is not suitable as a constituent member of the processing flow path 21d.

なお、拡散透過率は、紫外線反射性材料をスライスした板状サンプルを用いて測定する。具体的には、例えば紫外線反射性材料としてＰＴＦＥの拡散透過率を測定する場合には、以下の手順で行う。
すなわち、ＰＴＦＥは、拡散性を有する材料であるため、通常の直線光を用いた透過率測定では適切に測定することが困難である。そのため、積分球を用いた拡散透過率の測定を行う。この積分球を用いた拡散透過率の測定は、例えば図３に示すように、懸濁性物質の拡散透過率を測定する際に一般的に用いられる分光光度計等を用いて行えばよい。 The diffusion transmittance is measured using a plate-shaped sample obtained by slicing an ultraviolet reflective material. Specifically, for example, when measuring the diffusion transmittance of PTFE as an ultraviolet reflective material, the procedure is as follows.
That is, since PTFE is a diffusible material, it is difficult to properly measure the transmittance using ordinary linear light. Therefore, the diffusion transmittance is measured using an integrating sphere. The diffusion transmittance using the integrating sphere may be measured by using a spectrophotometer or the like generally used when measuring the diffusion transmittance of a suspended substance, for example, as shown in FIG.

なお、図３において、１０１は板状サンプル、１０２は検出器、１０３は測定光、１０４は対照光、１０５は標準白板である。
また、内筒２１は、内周面、つまり処理流路２１ｄの壁面の静止摩擦係数が後述の流入側整流室（第一整流室）２６の内周面の静止摩擦係数よりも小さい材料で形成される。このように、処理流路２１ｄの内周面の静止摩擦係数が、流入側整流室２６の内周面の静止摩擦係数よりも小さくなるようにすることによって、バイオフィルムの発生を抑制する効果を得ることができる。なおバイオフィルムの発生をより抑制するため、処理流路２１ｄの内周面の静止摩擦係数は、１／１０以下であることが好ましい。また、処理流路２１ｄの内周面の静止摩擦係数は、流入側整流室２６の内周面の静止摩擦係数の１／２以下であることがより好ましい。 In FIG. 3, 101 is a plate-shaped sample, 102 is a detector, 103 is a measurement light, 104 is a control light, and 105 is a standard white plate.
Further, the inner cylinder 21 is made of a material in which the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface, that is, the wall surface of the processing flow path 21d is smaller than the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the inflow side rectifying chamber (first rectifying chamber) 26 described later. Will be done. In this way, by making the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the processing flow path 21d smaller than the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26, the effect of suppressing the generation of biofilm can be achieved. Obtainable. In order to further suppress the generation of biofilm, the coefficient of static friction of the inner peripheral surface of the treatment flow path 21d is preferably 1/10 or less. Further, the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the processing flow path 21d is more preferably 1/2 or less of the static friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26.

表１、表２に、樹脂の摩擦係数を示す。表１は、代表的な樹脂の摩擦係数を示したものである。表２は、フッ素樹脂の静止摩擦係数及び動摩擦係数を示したものである。 Tables 1 and 2 show the coefficient of friction of the resin. Table 1 shows the coefficient of friction of typical resins. Table 2 shows the coefficient of static friction and the coefficient of dynamic friction of the fluororesin.

図２（ａ）に戻って、内筒２１の、発光部３側の端部寄りの位置には、周方向の例えば６０度離れた６箇所に、径方向を向き、内筒２１を貫通する連通口２１ａが形成されている。なお、連通口２１ａの配置位置及び配置数はこれに限るものではない。
連通口２１ａの形状は、機械加工の観点から、断面が円形であることが望ましい。連通口２１ａの形状は断面が円形である場合に限るものではなく、任意の形状とすることができる。また、連通口２１ａの直径は処理流路２１ｄの直径の１／１００以上１／４以下であることが望ましく、１／２０以上１／５以下であることがさらに望ましい。 Returning to FIG. 2A, at the position of the inner cylinder 21 near the end on the light emitting portion 3 side, the inner cylinder 21 is oriented in the radial direction at six locations separated by, for example, 60 degrees in the circumferential direction, and penetrates the inner cylinder 21. The communication port 21a is formed. The placement position and number of communication ports 21a are not limited to this.
The shape of the communication port 21a is preferably circular in cross section from the viewpoint of machining. The shape of the communication port 21a is not limited to the case where the cross section is circular, and can be any shape. Further, the diameter of the communication port 21a is preferably 1/100 or more and 1/4 or less of the diameter of the processing flow path 21d, and more preferably 1/20 or more and 1/5 or less.

連通口２１ａの配置位置は、連通口２１ａの開口部における中心位置と処理流路２１ｄの発光部３側の端部との間の距離が、処理流路２１ｄの直径の１／２０以上直径以下となる処理流路２１ｄの発光部３とは逆側の端部寄りとなる位置であることが望ましく、より好ましくは処理流路２１ｄの直径の１／１０以上１／４以下となる処理流路２１ｄの逆側の端部寄りとなる位置である。
内筒２１の、内筒２１が延びる方向の中央部分の外周面には、区画部材２４と勘合する溝２１ｂが形成されている。溝２１ｂの断面は例えば矩形状である。 As for the arrangement position of the communication port 21a, the distance between the center position at the opening of the communication port 21a and the end of the processing flow path 21d on the light emitting portion 3 side is 1/20 or more of the diameter of the processing flow path 21d or less. It is desirable that the position of the processing flow path 21d is closer to the end opposite to the light emitting portion 3, and more preferably the processing flow path is 1/10 or more and 1/4 or less of the diameter of the processing flow path 21d. This is a position near the end on the opposite side of 21d.
A groove 21b that fits with the partition member 24 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 21 at the center of the inner cylinder 21 in the direction in which the inner cylinder 21 extends. The cross section of the groove 21b is, for example, rectangular.

内筒２１の発光部３とは逆側の端部の内周面には整流板２３と勘合する段差部２１ｃが形成されている。そして、内筒２１の中空部が処理流路２１ｄを形成している。
なお、処理流路２１ｄは、処理流路２１ｄ内で対象物の流速にむらを抑制するという観点から、処理流路２１ｄの最上流部、つまり、内筒２１の内周面の整流板２３側の端部から内筒２１の内周面の発光部３側の端部までの間の、主たる断面積の変化量が５％以下であればよく、また、処理流路２１ｄは円筒でなくともよい。
ケース部２２は、例えば、ポリオレフィン、具体的にはポリプロピレン又はポリエチレンで形成され、一端は閉じ、一端が開放された、断面が円形の筒状を有する。ケース部２２の開放端の外周面にはフランジ部２２ａが形成される。また、ケース部２２の開放端の内周面には段差部２２ｂが形成されている。 A stepped portion 21c that fits with the straightening vane 23 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the end portion of the inner cylinder 21 opposite to the light emitting portion 3. The hollow portion of the inner cylinder 21 forms the processing flow path 21d.
The processing flow path 21d is the most upstream portion of the processing flow path 21d, that is, the rectifying plate 23 side of the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 21 from the viewpoint of suppressing unevenness in the flow velocity of the object in the processing flow path 21d. The amount of change in the main cross-sectional area between the end of the inner cylinder 21 and the end of the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 21 on the light emitting portion 3 side may be 5% or less, and the processing flow path 21d does not have to be a cylinder. Good.
The case portion 22 is made of, for example, polyolefin, specifically polypropylene or polyethylene, and has a tubular shape having a circular cross section, one end closed and one end open. A flange portion 22a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the case portion 22. Further, a step portion 22b is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the open end of the case portion 22.

ケース部２２の開放端とは逆側の閉端には、ケース部２２の内側に向いて突出する凸部２２αが形成されている。凸部２２αは、周方向の例えば１２０度離れた３箇所に設けられている。なお、凸部２２αの配置位置また配置数はこれに限るものではなく、要は、後述のように整流板２３を固定することができればよい。
ケース部２２の閉端寄りの外周面には、円筒状の中空部を内部に有する流入部４がケース部２２と一体に形成され、ケース部２２の開放端寄りの外周面には、円筒状の中空部を内部に有する流出部５がケース部２２と一体に形成されている。流入部４の中空部の開口部が流入口４ａとなり、流出部５の中空部の開口部が流出口５ａとなる。 At the closed end opposite to the open end of the case portion 22, a convex portion 22α protruding inward of the case portion 22 is formed. The convex portions 22α are provided at three locations separated by, for example, 120 degrees in the circumferential direction. The arrangement position and the number of arrangements of the convex portion 22α are not limited to this, and the point is that the straightening vane 23 can be fixed as described later.
An inflow portion 4 having a cylindrical hollow portion inside is formed integrally with the case portion 22 on the outer peripheral surface of the case portion 22 near the closed end, and a cylindrical shape is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the case portion 22 near the open end. The outflow portion 5 having the hollow portion of the above is formed integrally with the case portion 22. The opening of the hollow portion of the inflow portion 4 serves as the inflow port 4a, and the opening of the hollow portion of the outflow portion 5 serves as the outflow port 5a.

流入部４及び流出部５は、それぞれの中空部を対象物が流れる方向と、ケース部２２の長手方向とが直交するように形成されることが好ましい。
流入部４は、内筒２１の、段差部２１ｃ側の外周面の端部との間の距離が、流入口４ａの流入口相当半径以上、処理流路２１ｄの処理流路長の２／３以下の距離だけ、内筒２１の連通口２１ａ側の端部寄りとなる位置に形成される。
流出部５は、連通口２１ａからの距離が、流出口５ａの流出口相当半径以上、処理流路長の２／３以下の距離だけ、内筒２１の、段差部２１ｃ側の端部寄りとなる位置に形成される。 The inflow portion 4 and the outflow portion 5 are preferably formed so that the direction in which the object flows through the hollow portions and the longitudinal direction of the case portion 22 are orthogonal to each other.
In the inflow portion 4, the distance between the inner cylinder 21 and the end of the outer peripheral surface on the step portion 21c side is equal to or greater than the inflow radius of the inflow port 4a, and 2/3 of the processing flow path length of the processing flow path 21d. It is formed at a position closer to the end of the inner cylinder 21 on the communication port 21a side by the following distance.
The outflow portion 5 is located closer to the end of the inner cylinder 21 on the step portion 21c side by a distance from the communication port 21a that is equal to or greater than the outlet equivalent radius of the outlet 5a and is 2/3 or less of the processing flow path length. Is formed at the position of.

流入部４及び流出部５をそれぞれこのような範囲内に形成することによって、処理流路２１ｄにおいて、流速が極端に速い部分の発生を抑制することができる。
なお、流入部４の配置位置は、内筒２１の、段差部２１ｃ側の外周面の端部との間の距離が、処理流路２１ｄの相当内径（以下、処理流路相当内径ともいう。）の１／２以上、処理流路長の２／３以下の距離だけ、内筒２１の、連通口２１ａ側の端部寄りとなる位置がより好ましく、処理流路相当内径の３／４以上、処理流路長の２／３以下の距離だけ、内筒２１の、連通口２１ａ側の端部寄りとなる位置がさらにより好ましい。 By forming the inflow portion 4 and the outflow portion 5 within such a range, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a portion of the processing flow path 21d in which the flow velocity is extremely high.
As for the arrangement position of the inflow portion 4, the distance between the inner cylinder 21 and the end portion of the outer peripheral surface on the step portion 21c side is the equivalent inner diameter of the processing flow path 21d (hereinafter, also referred to as the equivalent inner diameter of the processing flow path). ), The position of the inner cylinder 21 closer to the end on the communication port 21a side is more preferable by a distance of 1/2 or more and 2/3 or less of the processing flow path length, and 3/4 or more of the inner diameter corresponding to the processing flow path. It is even more preferable that the inner cylinder 21 is closer to the end on the communication port 21a side by a distance of 2/3 or less of the processing flow path length.

同様に、流出部５の配置位置は、連通口２１ａからの距離が、処理流路相当内径の１／２以上、処理流路長の２／３以下の距離だけ、段差部２１ｃ側の端部寄りとなる位置がより好ましく、処理流路相当内径の３／４以上、処理流路長の２／３以下の距離だけ、段差部２１ｃ側の端部寄りの位置がさらにより好ましい。
なお、流入部４及び流出部５の配置位置が、処理流路長の２／３を上回る位置となると、流入部４及び流出部５を配置する設計自由度が低くなるため、処理流路長の２／３以下の範囲が好ましい。 Similarly, the arrangement position of the outflow portion 5 is such that the distance from the communication port 21a is 1/2 or more of the inner diameter corresponding to the processing flow path and 2/3 or less of the processing flow path length, and the end portion on the step portion 21c side. The position closer to the end is more preferable, and the position closer to the end on the step portion 21c side is even more preferable by a distance of 3/4 or more of the inner diameter corresponding to the processing flow path and 2/3 or less of the length of the processing flow path.
If the arrangement position of the inflow part 4 and the outflow part 5 exceeds 2/3 of the processing flow path length, the degree of freedom in design for arranging the inflow part 4 and the outflow part 5 becomes low, so that the processing flow path length The range of 2/3 or less of the above is preferable.

整流板２３は、ＰＴＦＥ等の紫外線反射性材料で形成される。整流板２３は、図４の平面図に示すように、表裏間を通じる開口孔２３ａを複数有し、開口率は、０．０５以上０．８以下に設定される。また、各開口孔２３ａの相当直径は、０．５ｍｍ以上、処理流路２１ｄの処理流路相当内径の１／３以下に設定される。
開口率を０．０５以上０．８以下とすることによって、流入側整流室２６及び後述の流出側整流室（第二整流室）２７を設けない場合に比較して、より整流効果を得ることができる。つまり処理流路２１ｄにおける対象物の流速のばらつきを抑制することができる。開口率は、０．０５以上０．６以下であることが好ましく、０．０５以上０．３５以下であることがより好ましい。なお、開口率が０．０５を下回ると、処理流路２１ｄの大きさに対して最大処理流量が少なくなるため、開口率は０．０５以上であることが好ましい。 The straightening vane 23 is made of an ultraviolet reflective material such as PTFE. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 4, the straightening vane 23 has a plurality of opening holes 23a passing between the front and back surfaces, and the aperture ratio is set to 0.05 or more and 0.8 or less. Further, the equivalent diameter of each opening hole 23a is set to 0.5 mm or more and 1/3 or less of the inner diameter corresponding to the processing flow path of the processing flow path 21d.
By setting the aperture ratio to 0.05 or more and 0.8 or less, a more rectifying effect can be obtained as compared with the case where the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 and the outflow side rectifying chamber (second rectifying chamber) 27 described later are not provided. Can be done. That is, it is possible to suppress variations in the flow velocity of the object in the processing flow path 21d. The aperture ratio is preferably 0.05 or more and 0.6 or less, and more preferably 0.05 or more and 0.35 or less. If the opening ratio is less than 0.05, the maximum processing flow rate is smaller than the size of the processing flow path 21d, so the opening ratio is preferably 0.05 or more.

なお、ここでは、流入側整流室２６から処理流路２１ｄに流入される対象物の流れを制御する目的で整流板２３を設けているが、整流板２３に限るものではなく、整流することの可能な整流機構を設ければよい。また、要求される殺菌効果を得ることができるのであれば、整流板２３つまり整流機構を必ずしも設けなくともよい。
区画部材２４は、例えば、バイトン（登録商標）等のフッ素ゴムで形成される。区画部材２４は、円環状に形成され、内周面側には、内筒２１に形成された溝２１ｂと勘合する凸部２４ａが形成されている。区画部材２４の外周面側には断面が半円の環状の凸部２４ｂが幅方向に複数（例えば３つ）形成されている。 Here, the rectifying plate 23 is provided for the purpose of controlling the flow of the object flowing into the processing flow path 21d from the inflow side rectifying chamber 26, but the rectifying plate 23 is not limited to the rectifying plate 23. A possible rectifying mechanism may be provided. Further, if the required bactericidal effect can be obtained, it is not always necessary to provide the rectifying plate 23, that is, the rectifying mechanism.
The partition member 24 is made of, for example, fluororubber such as Viton (registered trademark). The partition member 24 is formed in an annular shape, and a convex portion 24a that fits with the groove 21b formed in the inner cylinder 21 is formed on the inner peripheral surface side. A plurality (for example, three) of annular convex portions 24b having a semicircular cross section are formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the partition member 24 in the width direction.

また、区画部材２４は、径方向の肉厚によって、内筒２１とケース部２２と密着し、且つこれらの間に予め設定した一定の隙間を形成する形状を有する。
そして、内筒２１とケース部２２との間の隙間において、区画部材２４で区分けされた区画のうちの、ケース部２２の閉端側の領域が、流入部４と処理流路２１ｄとの間に設けられ、内筒２１の、段差部２１ｃ側の開口部と連通する流入側整流室２６を形成している。また、区画部材２４で区分けされた区画のうちの、ケース部２２の開放端側の領域が、流出部５と処理流路２１ｄとの間に設けられ、連通口２１ａを介して処理流路２１ｄと連通する流出側整流室２７を形成している。 Further, the partition member 24 has a shape in which the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22 are in close contact with each other due to the thickness in the radial direction, and a predetermined constant gap is formed between them.
Then, in the gap between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22, the area on the closed end side of the case portion 22 in the compartments divided by the partition member 24 is between the inflow portion 4 and the processing flow path 21d. The inflow side rectifying chamber 26 is provided in the inner cylinder 21 and communicates with the opening on the step portion 21c side of the inner cylinder 21. Further, in the section divided by the section member 24, a region on the open end side of the case portion 22 is provided between the outflow portion 5 and the processing flow path 21d, and the processing flow path 21d is provided through the communication port 21a. The outflow side rectifying chamber 27 is formed so as to communicate with the rectifying chamber 27.

このとき、流入側整流室２６の内容積は、処理流路２１ｄの処理流路相当内径の三乗の２／３（約６７％）以上、処理流路２１ｄの処理流路内容積以下に設定される。流入側整流室２６の内容積を、このような範囲とすることによって、流入側整流室２６及び流出側整流室２７を設けない場合に比較して、より整流効果を得ることができる。なお、流入側整流室２６の内容積は、処理流路相当内径の三乗の７５％以上、処理流路内容積以下とすることがより好ましく、処理流路相当内径の三乗の８５％以上、処理流路内容積以下であることがより好ましい。流入側整流室２６の内容積が処理流路内容積を上回ると、流体殺菌モジュール１全体のサイズが処理流量に対して大きくなり過ぎるため、流入側整流室２６の内容積は処理流路内容積以下であることが好ましい。 At this time, the internal volume of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 is set to be 2/3 (about 67%) or more of the cube of the inner diameter corresponding to the processing flow path of the processing flow path 21d and equal to or less than the internal volume of the processing flow path of the processing flow path 21d. Will be done. By setting the internal volume of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 to such a range, a more rectifying effect can be obtained as compared with the case where the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 and the outflow side rectifying chamber 27 are not provided. The internal volume of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 is more preferably 75% or more of the cube of the inner diameter equivalent to the processing flow path, more preferably 85% or more of the cube of the inner diameter equivalent to the processing flow path. , It is more preferable that the volume is equal to or less than the internal volume of the processing flow path. If the internal volume of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 exceeds the internal volume of the processing flow path, the size of the entire fluid sterilization module 1 becomes too large with respect to the processing flow rate, so that the internal volume of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 is the internal volume of the processing flow path. The following is preferable.

また、図２（ｂ）に示す流入側整流室２６の断面積Ａ２６は、処理流路２１ｄの断面積Ａ２１の１／１０以上１／２以下に設定される。流入側整流室２６の断面積Ａ２６が、処理流路２１ｄの断面積Ａ２１よりも小さい場合には、流体殺菌モジュール１として機能させることが困難であり、断面積Ａ２６が断面積Ａ２１よりも小さいとバイオフィルムの発生を十分に抑制することが困難となる。
つまり、流体殺菌モジュール１における殺菌処理の処理流量が２Ｌ／ｍｉｎであるときに殺菌に必要な断面積つまり処理流路２１ｄの断面積Ａ２１がＡ２１＞３．１４ｃｍ^２であり、バイオフィルムの発生防止に必要な流入側整流室２６の断面積Ａ２６がＡ２６＜１．５３ｃｍ^２であるとする。これらの相対値が流量に比例すると考えられるため、処理流量がＸＬ／ｍｉｎであるときには、殺菌に必要な処理流路２１ｄの断面積Ａ２１は、Ａ２１＞１．５７×Ｘｃｍ^２であり、バイオフィルムの発生防止に必要な流入側整流室２６の断面積Ａ２６は、Ａ２６＜０．７６×Ｘｃｍ^２と表すことができる。したがって、「殺菌に必要な断面積Ａ２１÷バイオフィルム発生防止に必要な断面積Ａ２６」が２．０６よりも大きい（（Ａ２１／Ａ２６）＞２．０６）ことが好ましい。なお、処理流路２１ｄの長さは対象物の透過率によって決まり、目的処理流量には因らない。 Further, the cross-sectional area A26 of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 shown in FIG. 2B is set to 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the cross-sectional area A21 of the processing flow path 21d. When the cross-sectional area A26 of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 is smaller than the cross-sectional area A21 of the processing flow path 21d, it is difficult to function as the fluid sterilization module 1, and the cross-sectional area A26 is smaller than the cross-sectional area A21. It becomes difficult to sufficiently suppress the generation of biofilm.
That is, when the processing flow rate of the sterilization treatment in the fluid sterilization module 1 is 2 L / min, the cross-sectional area required for sterilization, that is, the cross-sectional area A21 of the treatment flow path 21d is A21> 3.14 cm ² , and the generation of biofilm is prevented. It is assumed that the cross-sectional area A26 of the inflow side sterilization chamber 26 required for the above is A26 <1.53 cm ^2. Since these relative values are considered to be proportional to the flow rate, when the processing flow rate is XL / min, the cross-sectional area A21 of the processing flow path 21d required for sterilization is A21> 1.57 × Xcm ² , and the biofilm. The cross-sectional area A26 of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 required to prevent the occurrence of the above can be expressed as ^{A26 <0.76 × Xcm 2.} Therefore, it is preferable that "cross-sectional area A21 required for sterilization ÷ cross-sectional area A26 required for preventing biofilm generation" is larger than 2.06 ((A21 / A26)> 2.06). The length of the processing flow path 21d is determined by the transmittance of the object and does not depend on the target processing flow rate.

図５は、殺菌エリアの長さ、つまり、処理流路２１ｄの長さと、流体に吸収され殺菌に利用される紫外線のドーズ量（積算照射量）との関係を示す特性図である。図５において横軸は殺菌エリアの長さ（ｍｍ）、縦軸は紫外線のドーズ量（積算照射量）（ｍＪ／ｃｍ^２）を示す。各特性線は、処理流路２１ｄの内径及び処理流路２１ｄの反射率が異なる。処理流路２１ｄの内径と、処理流路２１ｄの反射率とが決まれば、図５から処理流路２１ｄの長さ及び紫外線のドーズ量（積算照射量）を決定することができる。つまり、バイオフィルムの発生を防止する流速と、一定の殺菌能力を担保するドーズ量とを両立することで、長期的に安定した殺菌能力を提供することができる。 FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the length of the sterilization area, that is, the length of the treatment flow path 21d, and the dose amount (integrated irradiation amount) of ultraviolet rays absorbed by the fluid and used for sterilization. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the length of the sterilization area (mm), and the vertical axis represents the dose amount of ultraviolet rays (integrated irradiation amount) (mJ / cm ² ). Each characteristic line has a different inner diameter of the processing flow path 21d and a reflectance of the processing flow path 21d. Once the inner diameter of the treatment flow path 21d and the reflectance of the treatment flow path 21d are determined, the length of the treatment flow path 21d and the dose amount of ultraviolet rays (integrated irradiation amount) can be determined from FIG. That is, by achieving both a flow velocity for preventing the generation of biofilm and a dose amount for ensuring a certain sterilizing ability, it is possible to provide a stable sterilizing ability for a long period of time.

なお、区画部材２４は、フッ素ゴムに限るものではなく、内筒２１とケース部２２との間の隙間において、ケース部２２の閉端側と開放端側との間を対象物が行き来しないように区画することができ、耐久性があればどのような材料で形成されていてもよい。
また、区画部材２４に設けられた凸部２４ｂは３つでなくともよく複数備えていればよい。凸部２４ｂを複数備えることによって、内筒２１とケース部２２とを安定して固定することができる。凸部２４ｂは、幅方向に例えば等間隔で配置されていればよく、要は、凸部２４ｂの配置位置が偏ること等により、内筒２１とケース部２２との間隔が不均一となることがなく、均等となる位置に配置すればよい。 The partition member 24 is not limited to fluororubber, and the object does not move back and forth between the closed end side and the open end side of the case portion 22 in the gap between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22. It may be made of any material as long as it can be partitioned into and durable.
Further, the number of convex portions 24b provided on the partition member 24 does not have to be three, and a plurality of convex portions 24b may be provided. By providing a plurality of convex portions 24b, the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22 can be stably fixed. The convex portions 24b may be arranged at equal intervals in the width direction, for example, and the point is that the intervals between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22 become non-uniform due to the arrangement position of the convex portions 24b being biased or the like. It suffices to arrange them at even positions.

なお、ここでいう、相当内径又は相当直径とは、「流路断面積の四倍／流路断面周長」のことをいう。
また、相当半径とは、「流路断面積の二倍／流路断面周長」のことをいう。
また、整流室とは、処理流路と外部装置との間に配置され、流体殺菌モジュール１と外部装置との間で対象物の授受を行うための流入口及び流出口を有し、処理流路相当内径に対して、１．１倍以上、好ましくは１．５倍以上の相当内径を有する空間のことをいう。
図２（ａ）に戻って、発光部３は、窓部３１と、素子部３２とを備える。 The equivalent inner diameter or the equivalent diameter referred to here means "four times the cross-sectional area of the flow path / the peripheral length of the cross section of the flow path".
The equivalent radius means "twice the cross-sectional area of the flow path / the peripheral length of the cross-section of the flow path".
Further, the rectifying chamber is arranged between the processing flow path and the external device, and has an inflow port and an outflow port for transferring an object between the fluid sterilization module 1 and the external device, and has a processing flow. It refers to a space having an equivalent inner diameter of 1.1 times or more, preferably 1.5 times or more of the road equivalent inner diameter.
Returning to FIG. 2A, the light emitting unit 3 includes a window unit 31 and an element unit 32.

窓部３１は、例えばステンレス等で形成され、ケース部２２のフランジ部２２ａの外径と同一の外径を有する円環状に形成される。窓部３１の内周面には、第一段差部３１ａと、第一段差部３１ａよりも直径の大きい第二段差部３１ｂとが形成され、第二段差部３１ｂに、例えば石英ガラス等の紫外線透過性素材からなる円板状の窓３３が窓部３１の素子部３２側の表面と面一となるように嵌め込まれている。
素子部３２は、例えばステンレス等で形成され、窓部３１の外径と同一の外径を有する円環状に形成される。素子部３２の窓部３１と対向する面には、平面視で円形の凹部３２ａが形成されている。ＵＶＣ−ＬＥＤ（深紫外ＬＥＤ）等の発光素子３４ａとこの発光素子３４ａが実装された基板３４ｂとを含む光源３４は、発光面が窓３３と対向するように凹部３２ａに固定される。光源３４は、光源３４からの照射光の光軸と、処理流路２１ｄの長手方向の中心軸とが一致するように配置される。 The window portion 31 is made of, for example, stainless steel, and is formed in an annular shape having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the flange portion 22a of the case portion 22. A first step portion 31a and a second step portion 31b having a diameter larger than that of the first step portion 31a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the window portion 31, and ultraviolet rays such as quartz glass are formed on the second step portion 31b. A disk-shaped window 33 made of a transparent material is fitted so as to be flush with the surface of the window portion 31 on the element portion 32 side.
The element portion 32 is formed of, for example, stainless steel or the like, and is formed in an annular shape having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the window portion 31. A circular recess 32a is formed on the surface of the element portion 32 facing the window portion 31 in a plan view. The light source 34 including the light emitting element 34a such as a UVC-LED (deep ultraviolet LED) and the substrate 34b on which the light emitting element 34a is mounted is fixed to the recess 32a so that the light emitting surface faces the window 33. The light source 34 is arranged so that the optical axis of the irradiation light from the light source 34 and the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the processing flow path 21d coincide with each other.

素子部３２の窓部３１とは逆側の面には、図示しない制御装置等が搭載された制御基板を固定するための凹部３２ｂが形成されている。
殺菌処理部２と発光部３とは、ケース部２２のフランジ部２２ａの部分で、貫通ボルト２５により一体に固定されている。
このとき、段差部２２ｂには、ゴム等の弾性部材からなるＯリング２２ｃが設けられると共に、内筒２１の連通口２１ａ側の端部と窓部３１との間に弾性部材からなる弾性シート２２ｄが設けられ、対象物が窓部３１とケース部２２との接触部分から外部に漏れだすことを防止している。弾性シート２２ｄとなる弾性部材としては、シリコン樹脂エラストマー、フッ素樹脂エラストマー等のエラストマーを適用することができる。 A recess 32b for fixing a control board on which a control device (not shown) or the like is mounted is formed on the surface of the element portion 32 opposite to the window portion 31.
The sterilization processing unit 2 and the light emitting unit 3 are integrally fixed by a through bolt 25 at the flange portion 22a of the case portion 22.
At this time, the step portion 22b is provided with an O-ring 22c made of an elastic member such as rubber, and an elastic sheet 22d made of an elastic member between the end portion of the inner cylinder 21 on the communication port 21a side and the window portion 31. Is provided to prevent the object from leaking to the outside from the contact portion between the window portion 31 and the case portion 22. As the elastic member to be the elastic sheet 22d, an elastomer such as a silicone resin elastomer or a fluororesin elastomer can be applied.

また、内筒２１の連通口２１ａ側の端部と窓部３１との間に弾性シート２２ｄを介在させた状態で貫通ボルト２５で固定することにより、内筒２１の段差部２１ｃに設けられた整流板２３を凸部２２αによって押圧し、凸部２２αと段差部２１ｃとで挟み込むことによって整流板２３を段差部２１ｃに固定するようになっている。
また、窓部３１の第一段差部３１ａと窓３３との間にゴム等の弾性部材からなるＯリング３１ｃが設けられ、対象物が窓部３１と窓３３との接触部分から外部に漏れだすことを防止している。
内筒２１の端部と、窓部３１の、弾性シート２２ｄを介して内筒２１の端部と対向する領域との間の隙間は、機械加工の精度等の観点から、２５μｍ以下に設定できる。さらに１０μｍ以下であれば、対象物としての水等の表面張力によって、実質的に漏洩することがなくなる。 Further, the inner cylinder 21 is provided on the stepped portion 21c of the inner cylinder 21 by fixing with a through bolt 25 in a state where the elastic sheet 22d is interposed between the end portion of the inner cylinder 21 on the communication port 21a side and the window portion 31. The straightening vane 23 is pressed by the convex portion 22α and sandwiched between the convex portion 22α and the stepped portion 21c to fix the straightening vane 23 to the stepped portion 21c.
Further, an O-ring 31c made of an elastic member such as rubber is provided between the first step portion 31a of the window portion 31 and the window 33, and the object leaks to the outside from the contact portion between the window portion 31 and the window 33. It is preventing that.
The gap between the end of the inner cylinder 21 and the region of the window 31 facing the end of the inner cylinder 21 via the elastic sheet 22d can be set to 25 μm or less from the viewpoint of machining accuracy and the like. .. Further, if it is 10 μm or less, there is substantially no leakage due to the surface tension of water or the like as an object.

〔効果〕
（１）本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュール１は、内筒２１とケース部２２との間の隙間を、区画部材２４によって流入部４側と流出部５側とに分割している。そのため、組み付け精度が低い場合であっても、流入側整流室２６や流出側整流室２７等、流路から対象物が漏れることを低減することができる。また、内筒２１とケース部２２との間に区画部材２４を介在させることで実現することができるため、製造工程の大幅な増加を伴うことなく実現することができる。また、区画部材２４は、弾性部材で構成されるため、例えば稼動時におけるロバストネスにも優れた流体殺菌モジュールを実現することができる。〔effect〕
(1) In the fluid sterilization module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the gap between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22 is divided into an inflow portion 4 side and an outflow portion 5 side by a partition member 24. .. Therefore, even when the assembly accuracy is low, it is possible to reduce leakage of the object from the flow path such as the inflow side rectifier chamber 26 and the outflow side rectifier chamber 27. Further, since it can be realized by interposing the partition member 24 between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22, it can be realized without significantly increasing the manufacturing process. Further, since the partition member 24 is composed of an elastic member, for example, a fluid sterilization module having excellent robustness during operation can be realized.

（２）本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュール１は、処理流路２１ｄを通過した対象物を、内筒２１の発光部３側の端部寄りに設けた連通口２１ａを介してのみ流出側整流室２７に流出させて流出部５から流出させるようにしている。処理流路２１ｄを通過した対象物は全て連通口２１ａのみを通じて流出されることになる。そのため、流量が変動した場合であっても、この流量の変動に起因して処理流路２１ｄ内における流速分布が変動することを抑制することができる。そのため、流速分布が変動することにより殺菌不良が生じることを防止することができる。 (2) In the fluid sterilization module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the object that has passed through the processing flow path 21d is passed only through the communication port 21a provided near the end of the inner cylinder 21 on the light emitting portion 3 side. It is made to flow out to the outflow side rectifying chamber 27 and outflow from the outflow part 5. All the objects that have passed through the processing flow path 21d will flow out only through the communication port 21a. Therefore, even when the flow rate fluctuates, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the flow velocity distribution in the processing flow path 21d due to the fluctuation of the flow rate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor sterilization from occurring due to fluctuations in the flow velocity distribution.

（３）本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュール１は、処理流路２１ｄの上流に、一定以上の容積を有する流入側整流室２６を設けている。そのため、例えば組み付け精度にばらつきが生じる場合であっても、対象物を、流入側整流室２６を介して処理流路２１ｄに流入させることによって、組み付け精度によるばらつきの影響を緩和させることができ、結果的に、処理流路２１ｄにおける対象物の流速のばらつきを抑制することができる。そのため、組み付け精度による個体間のばらつきが抑制された流体殺菌モジュール１を実現することができる。 (3) The fluid sterilization module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with an inflow side rectifying chamber 26 having a certain volume or more upstream of the processing flow path 21d. Therefore, for example, even when the assembly accuracy varies, the influence of the variation due to the assembly accuracy can be mitigated by allowing the object to flow into the processing flow path 21d via the inflow side rectifying chamber 26. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the flow velocity of the object in the processing flow path 21d. Therefore, it is possible to realize the fluid sterilization module 1 in which the variation between individuals due to the assembly accuracy is suppressed.

（４）本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュール１は、流入側整流室２６の断面積Ａ２６が処理流路２１ｄの断面積Ａ２１の１／１０以上１／２以下となるようにしている。そのため、処理流路２１ｄにおける殺菌効果を得ることができると共に、流入側整流室２６におけるバイオフィルムの発生を防止することができる。
また、処理流路２１ｄ及び流入側整流室２６を形成する部材として、静止摩擦係数の観点からバイオフィルムの発生の低減に寄与することのできる材料を用いているため、バイオフィルムの発生をより低減することができる。
ここで、ケース部２２側に付着したバイオフィルムは、流体殺菌モジュール１に対する定期的なメンテナンス時に、懐中電灯等の光源をケース部２２の外周面に近接させ、ケース部２２の内側の反射から汚れ状態を視認することで、発生状況を確認することができる。 (4) In the fluid sterilization module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional area A26 of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 is set to be 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the cross-sectional area A21 of the processing flow path 21d. .. Therefore, the bactericidal effect in the processing flow path 21d can be obtained, and the generation of biofilm in the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 can be prevented.
Further, as the member forming the processing flow path 21d and the inflow side rectifying chamber 26, a material that can contribute to the reduction of the generation of biofilm is used from the viewpoint of the coefficient of static friction, so that the generation of biofilm is further reduced. can do.
Here, the biofilm adhering to the case portion 22 side brings a light source such as a flashlight close to the outer peripheral surface of the case portion 22 during regular maintenance of the fluid sterilization module 1 and becomes dirty from the reflection inside the case portion 22. By visually recognizing the state, the occurrence situation can be confirmed.

これに対し、内筒２１側は、内筒２１とケース部２２との間に、流入側整流室２６及び流出側整流室２７が設けられており、すなわち、屈折率の異なる流体層が存在する。そのため、内筒２１側に付着したバイオフィルムは、ケース部２２の外側からは視認することはできない。つまり、内筒２１側にバイオフィルムが付着していたとしても視認することは困難である。そのため、内筒２１側は、ケース部２２側よりもバイオフィルムの発生が遅くなる工夫が実用上から非常に重要となる。つまり、ケース部２２側にバイオフィルムが付着したことを検出した時点で内筒２１側にはバイオフィルムは発生していないと予測されることから、ケース部２２側にバイオフィルムが付着したことを検出するタイミングで内筒２１についてもバイオフィルムに対する対処を行えばよい。 On the other hand, on the inner cylinder 21 side, an inflow side rectifying chamber 26 and an outflow side rectifying chamber 27 are provided between the inner cylinder 21 and the case portion 22, that is, fluid layers having different refractive indexes exist. .. Therefore, the biofilm attached to the inner cylinder 21 side cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the case portion 22. That is, even if the biofilm is attached to the inner cylinder 21 side, it is difficult to visually recognize it. Therefore, it is very important from a practical point of view that the inner cylinder 21 side is devised so that the biofilm is generated later than the case portion 22 side. That is, since it is predicted that no biofilm has been generated on the inner cylinder 21 side when it is detected that the biofilm has adhered to the case portion 22 side, it is determined that the biofilm has adhered to the case portion 22 side. The biofilm may be dealt with for the inner cylinder 21 at the timing of detection.

このように本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュール１は、流入側整流室２６におけるバイオフィルムの発生を抑制することができる。したがって、流入側整流室２６を設けることによる殺菌効果の低下を、より小さくすることができる。
（５）本発明の一実施形態に係る流体殺菌モジュール１は、内筒２１の肉厚を１ｍｍ以上２０ｍｍ以下とし、さらに、内筒２１を、拡散透過率が１％／１ｍｍ以上、２０％／１ｍｍ以下であり、且つ紫外線領域における全反射率が８０％／１ｍｍ以上、９９％／１ｍｍ以下である紫外線透過性材料で形成している。 As described above, the fluid sterilization module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the generation of biofilm in the inflow side rectifying chamber 26. Therefore, the decrease in the bactericidal effect due to the provision of the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 can be further reduced.
(5) In the fluid sterilization module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the wall thickness of the inner cylinder 21 is 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and the inner cylinder 21 has a diffusion transmittance of 1% / 1 mm or more and 20% /. It is made of an ultraviolet transmissive material having a total reflectance of 1 mm or less and an total reflectance of 80% / 1 mm or more and 99% / 1 mm or less in the ultraviolet region.

そのため、発光部３から処理流路２１ｄに向けて照射された紫外光を処理流路２１ｄ内に高密度に紫外光を閉じ込めることができ、強い殺菌力を発揮させることができる。また、内筒２１は紫外光の一部は透過させるため、処理流路２１ｄ内に照射された紫外光は、図６に符号Ｚで示すように、内筒２１を透過して流入側整流室２６及び流出側整流室２７内に向けて照射される。つまり、流入側整流室２６及び流出側整流室２７内の流体に対しても紫外光照射が行われることになるため、これら流入側整流室２６や流出側整流室２７に溜まっている対象物に雑菌が増殖することを防止することができる。このため、流入側整流室２６や流出側整流室２７内に対象物が溜まっていたとしても、雑菌の生成を抑えることができ、流動開始時に菌の増殖した対象物が流出されることを抑制することができ、流体殺菌モジュール１の信頼性をより向上させることができる。なお、図６は、図２（ａ）に示す流体殺菌モジュール１を簡易的に示している。 Therefore, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting unit 3 toward the processing flow path 21d can be trapped in the processing flow path 21d at a high density, and strong bactericidal activity can be exhibited. Further, since the inner cylinder 21 transmits a part of the ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light irradiated into the processing flow path 21d passes through the inner cylinder 21 and is transmitted to the inflow side rectifying chamber as shown by reference numeral Z in FIG. Irradiation is directed toward the inside of the 26 and the outflow side rectifying chamber 27. That is, since the fluid in the inflow side rectifier chamber 26 and the outflow side rectifier chamber 27 is also irradiated with ultraviolet light, the objects accumulated in the inflow side rectifier chamber 26 and the outflow side rectifier chamber 27 are exposed to ultraviolet light. It is possible to prevent the growth of various germs. Therefore, even if the object is accumulated in the inflow side rectifying chamber 26 and the outflow side rectifying chamber 27, it is possible to suppress the generation of various germs and suppress the outflow of the target in which the bacteria have grown at the start of the flow. The reliability of the fluid sterilization module 1 can be further improved. Note that FIG. 6 simply shows the fluid sterilization module 1 shown in FIG. 2 (a).

〔変形例〕
上記実施形態においては、流体の殺菌を行う場合について説明したが、殺菌対象は、水、水溶液、コロイド分散液等の流体であってもよく、また、空気等の気体や、氷や固定の微粉末等であってもよい。
また、上記実施形態においては、区画部材２４の内周面側には凸部２４ａを設け、外周面側には複数の凸部２４ｂを設けた場合について説明したが、これに限るものではない。要は、内筒２１の外周面に設けた溝２１ｂと勘合することで、内筒２１の延びる方向への区画部材２４の移動を制限することができ、且つ、区画部材２４と内筒２１との接触面及び区画部材２４とケース部２２との接触面を通して、区画部材２４で区画される一方の側から他方の側へ対象物が移動することを阻止することが可能であって、十分な耐久性を有していれば区画部材２４はどのような形状であってもよい。 [Modification example]
In the above embodiment, the case where the fluid is sterilized has been described, but the sterilization target may be a fluid such as water, an aqueous solution, or a colloidal dispersion, a gas such as air, ice, or a fixed minute substance. It may be powder or the like.
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the convex portion 24a is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the partition member 24 and the plurality of convex portions 24b are provided on the outer peripheral surface side has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, by fitting with the groove 21b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 21, the movement of the partition member 24 in the extending direction of the inner cylinder 21 can be restricted, and the partition member 24 and the inner cylinder 21 It is possible to prevent the object from moving from one side to the other side partitioned by the partition member 24 through the contact surface of the partition member 24 and the contact surface between the partition member 24 and the case portion 22, which is sufficient. The partition member 24 may have any shape as long as it has durability.

例えば、図２（ａ）に示す内筒２１に代えて図７に示す内筒２１αを用いてもよい。内筒２１αは、図７に示すように、内筒２１αの延びる方向の中央部の外周面に環状の溝２１αａが形成されると共に、溝２１αａの両側に環状の凸部２１αｂ、２１αｃが形成されている。凸部２１αｂ、２１αｃの高さは、溝２１αａの深さよりも大きく、凸部２１αｂ、２１αｃの外周面とケース部２２の内周面とが接するように形成される。また、溝２１αａにはゴム等の弾性部材からなるＯリング２１αｄが嵌められている。この内筒２１αを、ケース部２２に収容することによって、凸部２１αｂ及び２１αｃの外周面とＯリング２１αｄとがケース部２２の内周面と接触し、凸部２１αｂの流入部４側及び凸部２１αｃの流出部５側の、ケース部２２と内筒２１αとの間に隙間が形成される。この凸部２１αｂの流入部４側の隙間が流入側整流室２６を形成し、凸部２１αｃの流出部５側の隙間が流出側整流室２７を形成する。
このような構成を有する内筒２１αを用いることによっても、上記と同等の作用効果を得ることができる。 For example, the inner cylinder 21α shown in FIG. 7 may be used instead of the inner cylinder 21 shown in FIG. 2 (a). As shown in FIG. 7, in the inner cylinder 21α, an annular groove 21αa is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the central portion in the extending direction of the inner cylinder 21α, and annular convex portions 21αb and 21αc are formed on both sides of the groove 21αa. ing. The heights of the convex portions 21αb and 21αc are larger than the depth of the grooves 21αa, and are formed so that the outer peripheral surfaces of the convex portions 21αb and 21αc are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case portion 22. Further, an O-ring 21αd made of an elastic member such as rubber is fitted in the groove 21αa. By accommodating the inner cylinder 21α in the case portion 22, the outer peripheral surfaces of the convex portions 21αb and 21αc and the O-ring 21αd come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case portion 22, and the inflow portion 4 side of the convex portion 21αb and the convex portion 21αb. A gap is formed between the case portion 22 and the inner cylinder 21α on the outflow portion 5 side of the portion 21αc. The gap on the inflow portion 4 side of the convex portion 21αb forms the inflow side rectifying chamber 26, and the gap on the outflow portion 5 side of the convex portion 21αc forms the outflow side rectifying chamber 27.
By using the inner cylinder 21α having such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

１流体殺菌モジュール
２殺菌処理部
３発光部
４流入部
５流出部
２１内筒
２１ｄ処理流路
２２ケース部
２３整流板
２４区画部材
２６流入側整流室
２７流出側整流室
３４光源
３４ａ発光素子 1 Fluid sterilization module 2 Sterilization processing unit 3 Light emitting unit 4 Inflow unit 5 Outflow unit 21 Inner cylinder 21d Processing flow path 22 Case unit 23 Rectifier plate 24 Section member 26 Inflow side rectifier chamber 27 Outflow side rectifier chamber 34 Light source 34a Light emitting element

Claims

A tubular portion that forms a tubular processing flow path extending in the longitudinal direction,
A case portion for accommodating the tubular portion and
An annular partition member provided in close contact between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the case portion, and at least a portion in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case portion is formed of an elastic member.
A first rectifying chamber which is a region on one end side of the tubular portion with respect to the partition member in the tubular gap between the tubular portion and the case portion.
A second rectifying chamber which is a region on the other end side of the tubular portion with respect to the partition member in the tubular gap between the tubular portion and the case portion.
The inflow part where the object flows into the first rectifying chamber and
An outflow part that causes the object to flow out of the second rectifying chamber,
A light emitting element provided facing the opening on the other end side of the tubular portion and irradiating ultraviolet light along the longitudinal direction toward the object passing through the processing flow path.
Equipped with a,
The partition member, the elastic member der Ru fluid disinfection module provided between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the casing portion of the tubular portion.

An annular groove on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion has an annular convex portion at both sides of the groove, the elastic member is fluid disinfection module according to請Motomeko 1 is fitted in the groove.

The fluid sterilization module according to claim 2, wherein each of the convex portions is provided so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case portion.

It has a communication port provided in the tubular portion and communicates the processing flow path and the second rectifying chamber.
The fluid sterilization module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the object of the processing flow path flows out to the second rectifying chamber only through the communication port.

The fluid sterilization module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount of change in the cross-sectional area from the most upstream portion to the most downstream portion of the processing flow path is 5% or less.