JP2018161247A - Fluid sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays to a fluid in a flow path. A fluid sterilizer according to an embodiment faces a flow path member having a first flow path for flowing a fluid and a flow path cross section of the first flow path that intersects the flow direction of the fluid. A light source unit that is arranged and has a light emitting element that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the first flow path, and a light source unit that is connected to one end of the flow path member and is provided, and is arranged around the light source unit to form a first flow. A connecting member having a second flow path communicating with the road and an accommodating portion in which the light emitting element is housed, and an ultraviolet ray emitted by the light emitting element, which is provided by closing the opening of the accommodating part, are transmitted in the first flow path. It is provided with an optical system that refracts so as to be incident on. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a fluid sterilizer.

  There is known a fluid sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating, for example, ultraviolet rays emitted from a light emitting element of a light source part into a flow path of a flow path member through which a fluid such as water or gas flows.

JP 2014-233646 A

  In the fluid sterilization apparatus, a light source unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the flow channel of the flow channel member is provided at one end of the flow channel member, and the light source unit is a flow of the flow channel member perpendicular to the fluid flow direction A configuration has been proposed that is arranged to face the road section. In such a fluid sterilizer, both ends of a flow path member having a flow path to which ultraviolet rays are irradiated are connected to the upstream flow path and the downstream flow path of the flow path member via connection members, respectively. A light source part is provided inside one of the connection members, and a flow path that flows along the periphery of the light source part is formed.

  A housing part for housing the light emitting element is provided inside the connection member of the above-described fluid sterilizer, and the opening of the housing part is closed with a plate-shaped ultraviolet light transmitting member. Thereby, the light emitting element of the light source unit is protected from the fluid flowing around the light source unit. Therefore, of the light emitted from the light emitting element arranged in the housing portion, the light incident on the outer peripheral portion of the ultraviolet light transmitting member does not reach the flow channel of the flow channel member, and reduces the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet light on the fluid. Yes.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the fluid sterilizer which can improve the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet-ray with respect to the fluid in a flow path.

  A fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment is disposed so as to oppose a flow path member having a first flow path for flowing a fluid and a flow path cross section of the first flow path that intersects the fluid flow direction. A light source unit having a light emitting element for irradiating ultraviolet rays into the first channel, and connected to one end of the channel member, the light source unit is provided, arranged around the light source unit, and A connection member having a second flow path communicating with the first flow path, a housing portion in which the light emitting element is housed, and an ultraviolet ray emitted from the light emitting element is provided by closing an opening of the housing portion. And an optical system that refracts the light so as to enter the first flow path.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays with respect to the fluid in the flow path.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the whole fluid sterilizer concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the light source part which the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment has. It is sectional drawing which shows the direction through which a fluid flows through a flow-path member in the principal part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. In the principal part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is sectional drawing which looked at the II cross section orthogonal to the direction through which a fluid flows through a flow-path member from A direction. In the principal part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is sectional drawing which looked at the II cross section orthogonal to the direction through which a fluid flows through a flow-path member from B direction. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  A fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment described below includes a flow path member, a light source unit, a connection member, and an optical system. The flow path member has a first flow path for flowing a fluid. The light source unit is disposed so as to face the cross section of the first flow path that intersects the fluid flow direction. The light source unit includes a light emitting element that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the first flow path. The connection member is connected to one end of the flow path member and provided with a light source unit. The connecting member has a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path. The second flow path is disposed around the light source unit. The connection member has a housing portion in which the light emitting element is housed. The optical system refracts ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element so as to enter the first flow path. The optical system is provided by closing the opening of the housing portion.

  Moreover, the reflective surface is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the flow-path member with which the fluid sterilizer which concerns on embodiment described below is provided. The reflection surface reflects ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element into the first flow path.

Moreover, the optical system with which the fluid sterilizer which concerns on embodiment described below is provided has a lens. Let X be the inner diameter of the flow path member. Let L be the distance from one end of the flow path member to the incident surface of the lens through which the ultraviolet light enters from the light emitting element in the length direction of the flow path member. At this time, the lens is formed so that the half-value angle α of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element satisfies 0 <α <2 tan ⁻¹ (X / 2L).

  Moreover, the lens in the fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment described below is a convex lens. Let Y be the outer diameter of the convex lens. Let D be the thickness of the convex lens. At this time, the convex lens satisfies X / 2 ≦ Y <X and D> L / 2.

  Hereinafter, a fluid sterilizer according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiment shows an example and does not limit the invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the entire fluid sterilizer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the fluid sterilizer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the light source unit included in the fluid sterilizer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path member in the main part of the fluid sterilizer according to the first embodiment.

(Configuration of fluid sterilizer)
As shown in FIG. 1, in the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a flow path member 13 for flowing a fluid that irradiates ultraviolet rays (ultraviolet light) is connected to a water supply tank 6 that supplies the fluid. , Connected to a recovery tank 7 for recovering the fluid irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the fluid sterilizer 1, the upstream side of the flow path member 13 is connected to the water supply tank 6 via the upstream flow path member 8. The upstream flow path member 8 is provided with a pump 11 that sends fluid from the water supply tank 6 to the fluid sterilizer 1. Further, in the fluid sterilization apparatus 1, the downstream side of the flow path member 13 is connected to the recovery tank 7 via the downstream flow path member 9, similarly to the upstream side of the flow path member 13. The downstream flow path member 9 is provided with a flow rate adjusting mechanism 12 that adjusts the flow rate of the fluid sent from the fluid sterilizer 1 to the recovery tank 7.

  The fluid sterilizer 1 is used for sterilizing water in the water supply tank 6 in a drinking water supply device, for example. In the present embodiment, the fluid is applied to water such as clean water, but may be applied to gas.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid sterilizer 1 irradiates ultraviolet light into the flow path member 13 having a flow path 13 a as a first flow path for flowing a fluid and the flow path 13 a of the flow path member 13. And a light source unit 15 having a light emitting diode (LED) 23 (hereinafter referred to as an LED 23) as a light emitting element. The fluid sterilizer 1 also includes an optical system 20 having a convex lens 21 that refracts ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 so as to enter the flow path 13 a and a first connection member 17 connected to one end of the flow path member 13. And a second connecting member 18 connected to the other end of the flow path member 13, and a connecting member 19 that connects the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18.

  The flow path member 13 is preferably formed of a material having a high ultraviolet reflectance and suppressed deterioration due to ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, a transparent quartz tube is used as the flow path member 13, and a member in which a reflection film 13b as a reflecting surface having a high ultraviolet reflectance is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the quartz tube is used. The reflective film 13b is an example of a reflective surface that reflects ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source unit 15 into the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13, and for example, a silica film is used.

  The reflective film 13b formed on the flow path member 13 is not limited to a silica film but may be an aluminum vapor deposition film. The flow path member 13 is not limited to a transparent quartz tube, and may be a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (polytetrafluoroethylene: PTEF). Further, the reflection film 13 b may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the flow path member 13 instead of being formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path member 13.

  The light source unit 15 is provided inside the first connection member 17. The light source unit 15 includes a light source 16 and an optical system 20 that refracts ultraviolet rays emitted from the LEDs 23 of the light source 16 so as to enter the flow path 13 a of the flow path member 13. The light source 16 is disposed on one end side of the flow path member 13 so as to face a flow path cross section of the flow path 13a perpendicular to the fluid flow direction (hereinafter referred to as a flow path cross section of the flow path 13a). . In addition, the light source 16 of the light source unit 15 is disposed in a light source housing unit 17b-3 described later included in the first connection member 17. The light source 16 arranged in the light source housing portion 17b-3 is protected from the fluid by the opening of the light source housing portion 17b-3 being closed by the convex lens 21 of the optical system 20.

  The light source 16 is an optical module in which an LED 23 that emits ultraviolet light is mounted on a substrate 24. The substrate 24 is formed using a metal material as a base material. Although not shown, a desired conductive pattern (wiring pattern) is formed on the substrate 24 via an insulating layer, and the LED 23 is provided on the conductive pattern. Note that the base material of the substrate 24 is not limited to a metal material, and ceramics such as alumina may be used, for example. The light emitting element included in the light source 16 is not limited to the LED 23, and other semiconductor elements such as an LD (Laser diode) may be used.

  The light source 16 is supplied with electric power from a power source (not shown) and causes the LED 23 to emit light. The light source 16 is arranged so that the light emitting surface of the LED 23 faces the flow path cross section of the flow path 13a, for example, the main surface of the substrate 24 of the light source 16 is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow path 13a. Has been. Here, the “light emitting surface of the LED 23” does not simply indicate the light emitting region of the LED 23 but indicates the entire main surface of the substrate 24 on which the LED 23 is arranged. Further, the direction “the light emitting surface of the LED 23 faces the cross section of the flow path 13a” is not limited to the direction facing the parallel to each other. For example, the angle (acute angle) formed by the light emitting surface of the LED 23 and the channel cross section of the channel 13a is allowed to be about ± 10 °.

  Moreover, as LED23, what has a peak wavelength in the wavelength vicinity of 275 nm with a comparatively high bactericidal action is preferable, However, What is necessary is just the wavelength range which has a bactericidal action, and does not limit the wavelength of an ultraviolet-ray.

  The optical system 20 disposed in the light source unit 15 includes a convex lens 21 having ultraviolet transparency as a lens. The convex lens 21 has an incident surface 21a on which light emitted from the LED 23 is incident, and an output surface 21b that emits ultraviolet light into the flow path 13a. The incident surface 21a is disposed to face the LED 23 of the light source 16. ing. The convex lens 21 refracts the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 of the light source 16 toward the center of the flow path cross section of the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13, the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a, and the first connection member 17. UV light is irradiated to a fluid flowing through channels 17a-1 and 17a-2, which will be described later.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex lens 21 has an inner diameter of the flow path member 13 of X [mm], and the light source section 15 side of the flow path member 13 in the length direction (tube axis direction) of the flow path member 13. When the distance from one end of the LED 23 to the incident surface 21a of the convex lens 21 on which ultraviolet rays are incident is L [mm], the convex lens 21 has a half-value angle (half-value width) α [°] of ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23,
0 <α <2 tan ⁻¹ (X / 2L) Equation 1
It is formed to satisfy. Accordingly, the convex lens 21 can appropriately refract the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 so as to enter the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13. Of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23, the light source accommodating portion 17b- It is possible to suppress the loss of ultraviolet rays that are directed to the vicinity of the edge of the opening 3 without entering the flow path 13a. Here, when α = 0, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 are output as unexpanded linear light, and it becomes impossible to efficiently irradiate the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a with ultraviolet rays, which is not preferable. . On the other hand, when α ≧ 2 tan ⁻¹ (X / 2L), a part of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 does not enter the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 and reaches, for example, the flow path 17a-2. Therefore, it becomes impossible to efficiently irradiate the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a with ultraviolet rays, which is not preferable. In the light source unit 15, the light distribution curve F generated by the convex lens 21 passes through the corner between the end surface of the flow channel member 13 on the light source unit 15 side and the inner surface of the flow channel member 13.

Further, when the outer diameter of the convex lens 21 is Y [mm] and the thickness of the convex lens 21 is D [mm], the convex lens 21 is
X / 2 ≦ Y <X, D> L / 2 Formula 2
Meet. By satisfying Expressions 1 and 2, the convex lens 21 reduces the distance between the exit surface 21b of the convex lens 21 and one end of the flow path member 13 on the light source unit 15 side while appropriately securing the refractive action of ultraviolet rays. It is done. Thereby, when the fluid flows from the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 into the first connection member 17, turbulence such as vortex is likely to occur around the emission surface 21b of the convex lens 21, and the emission surface 21b By locally retaining the fluid in the surroundings, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays is extended, and the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays on the fluid is increased. Here, if Y <X / 2, turbulent flow such as vortex does not occur around the exit surface 21b of the convex lens 21, and fluid cannot stay locally around the exit surface 21b. This is not preferable because the time is shortened and the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays on the fluid cannot be increased. On the other hand, when Y ≧ X, the convex lens 21 becomes a barrier against the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a-2, and it becomes difficult for the fluid that has flowed through the flow path 13a to reach the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a-2. For this reason, the amount of fluid that can flow through the fluid sterilizer 1 decreases, which is not preferable. Further, when D ≦ L / 2, turbulent flow such as vortex does not occur around the exit surface 21b of the convex lens 21, and fluid cannot stay locally around the exit surface 21b, and the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays Becomes shorter, and the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays with respect to the fluid cannot be increased. Further, when D ≦ L / 2, a part of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 do not enter the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 and reach, for example, the flow path 17a-2. It is not preferable because the fluid flowing inside cannot be irradiated with ultraviolet rays efficiently. In addition, although the upper limit with respect to L of D is not specifically limited, Since it is desirable that the flow-path member 13 and the convex lens 21 do not contact at the time of assembly of the fluid sterilizer 1, it is desirable to set it as D <= L.

  The lens included in the optical system 20 is not limited to the convex lens 21, and any other lens may be used as long as it is a lens that refracts so that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 enter the flow path 13 a. Other lenses include, for example, a lens provided with a convex portion on the optical axis of the ultraviolet ray emitted from the LED 23 on the emission surface that emits the ultraviolet ray, and an ultraviolet ray emitted from the LED 23 on the incident surface on which the ultraviolet ray enters from the LED 23. A lens, a lens array, a rod lens, or the like provided with a recess on the optical axis may be used. Further, the end of the rod lens on the exit side may be inserted and arranged in the flow path 13a so as to generate a turbulent flow in the flow path 13a, and may be formed in a conical shape, for example. In this case, the turbulent flow generated on the light source unit 15 side in the flow path 13a may be adjusted by adjusting the length for inserting the end of the rod lens into the flow path 13a. Moreover, as the optical system 20, a combined lens in which a plurality of lenses are combined may be used.

  The ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 23 of the light source 16 is refracted through the convex lens 21, and the direct light from the LED 23 is irradiated to the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a. Reflected by the reflective film 13b in the path 13a, the reflected light from the reflective film 13b is indirectly irradiated to the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a.

  The light source 16 is provided inside the first connecting member 17 and the flow paths 17a-1, 17a-2, 17b-1, 17b- serving as second flow paths communicating with one end of the flow path 13a. 2 is formed along the periphery of the light source 16. Further, one end portion of a connecting member 19 to be described later is fixed to the upstream side flange 17 a of the first connecting member 17.

  The first connecting member 17 is configured by integrally fastening a pair of upstream flange 17a and downstream flange 17b via a fastening member (not shown). The upstream flange 17 a is disposed on the flow path member 13 side, and the downstream flange 17 b is disposed on the opposite side of the flow path member 13 with the light source unit 15 interposed therebetween.

  The upstream flange 17a of the first connecting member 17 has a flow channel 17a-1 and a flow channel 17a-2 as the second flow channel. The upstream flange 17 a supports one end of the flow path member 13 via the O-ring 25. The upstream flange 17a and the downstream flange 17b are formed in a cylindrical shape from a material having a thermal conductivity higher than a predetermined value, for example, stainless steel having excellent corrosivity. The upstream flange 17a and the downstream flange 17b are not limited to stainless steel but may be formed of a composite material of aluminum having a high thermal conductivity, or formed of a high thermal conductive resin material mixed with ceramics or filler. May be.

  The channel 17 a-1 is located near the center of the upstream flange 17 a and communicates with one end of the channel 13 a of the channel member 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the flow path 17a-2 communicates with the flow path 17a-1, and extends from the center of the upstream flange 17a to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, the flow path 17 a-1 and the flow path 17 a-2 of the upstream flange 17 a are communicated with the flow path 13 a of the flow path member 13.

  The downstream flange 17b includes, as a second flow path, a flow path 17b-1, a flow path 17b-2, and a concave light source housing portion 17b-3 as a housing portion in which the LED 23 of the light source unit 15 is housed. Have. The light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is formed as a concave portion having a circular opening in a region surrounded by the flow channel 17b-1 and the flow channel 17b-2. Therefore, the flow path 17 b-1 and the flow path 17 b-2 are arranged around the light source unit 15 provided inside the first connection member 17. The opening of the light source housing part 17b-3 is airtightly closed by the convex lens 21 of the optical system 20, and the light source 16 housed in the light source housing part 17b-3 flows through the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13. It is protected from the fluid, the fluid flowing through the channel 17a-2 and the channel 17a-1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inner diameter V of the opening of the light source housing portion 17 b-3 is formed smaller than the outer diameter Y of the convex lens 21, and the opening of the light source housing portion 17 b-3 is the incident surface 21 a of the convex lens 21. Covered with. The convex lens 21 is fixed to the light source housing portion 17b-3 with an adhesive, for example. The outer peripheral edge of the convex lens 21 may be sealed with a sealing material or the like. The downstream flange 17b is connected to the upstream flange 17a in a state where the opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is closed by the convex lens 21, and connects the flow path 17b-1 and the flow path 17a-2. .

  Further, the downstream flange 17 b is connected to the downstream flow path member 9. Thus, the 1st connection member 17 goes to the outer peripheral side of the flow path 17a-1 near the center of the convex lens 21, and the light source accommodating part 17b-3, for example, the fluid which flowed in from the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13. The flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1 passing near the outer periphery of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3, and the flow path extending from the outer peripheral side of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 to the vicinity of the center on the opposite side of the light emitting surface of the light source 16 It is made to flow to the downstream flow path member 9 through the order of 17b-2.

  The second connection member 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and connects the upstream flow path member 8 and the flow path member 13. The second connection member 18 supports the other end portion of the flow path member 13 via the O-ring 25. The other end of a connecting member 19 described later is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the second connecting member 18.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid that has flowed from the flow path of the upstream flow path member 8 into the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 flows through the flow path 13a as indicated by the arrows in FIG. It flows out to the flow path of the downstream flow path member 9 through the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2 of one connection member 17. The fluid that has flowed into the first connecting member 17 passes through the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2 to the light source housing portion 17b-3. The heat is emitted from the stored light source 16 to the downstream flow path member 9 while taking heat.

  That is, the fluid that is sterilized by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 16 in the flow path 13 a flows toward the light emitting surface side of the light source 16 through the flow path 13 a of the flow path member 13. It flows into the flow path 17a-1 along the light emitting surface, and passes through the first connection member 17 through a plurality of paths of the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2. Then, it flows out to the opposite side of the light emitting surface. A plurality of paths of the flow path 17 a-1, the flow path 17 a-2, the flow path 17 b-1, and the flow path 17 b-2 in the first connection member 17 extend along the periphery of the light source 16. The fluid passes from the light emitting surface side to the opposite surface side. Thereby, the light source 16 uses the fluid which passes the some path | route of the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2, without using another cooling means. Indirect but efficient cooling. In addition, the light source 16 is cooled by using a fluid that passes through a plurality of paths of the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2 without using other cooling means. By doing so, for example, other cooling members such as radiating fins are not required. Thereby, the fluid sterilizer 1 can be reduced in size.

  In addition, between the light source 16 accommodated in the light source accommodating part 17b-3, and the light source accommodating part 17b-3, the heat conductive member which has thermal conductivity more than predetermined, such as aluminum and stainless steel, may be provided, for example. preferable. The heat generated by the light source 16 is transmitted to the fluid flowing through the first connecting member 17 via the heat conducting member, and the light source 16 can be further efficiently cooled by the fluid.

  Moreover, the flow direction of the fluid in the flow path member 13 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 is not limited to the direction shown in FIG.1 and FIG.4, The direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. That is, although not shown, the first connection member 17 may be connected to the upstream flow path member 8 and the second connection member 18 may be connected to the downstream flow path member 9. In the case of this configuration, the fluid flowing into the first connection member 17 from the upstream flow path member 8 passes through the flow path 17b-2, the flow path 17b-1, the flow path 17a-2, and the flow path 17a-1. Then, it flows through the flow path 13 a and flows out to the flow path of the downstream flow path member 9. The fact that the flow direction of the fluid is not limited in this way is the same in the second and third embodiments described later.

  In FIGS. 2 and 4, the flow path member 13 is arranged so that the fluid flow direction in the flow path 13 a is substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface of the light source 16 of the light source unit 15. Instead, a configuration in which the flow direction of the flow path 13a forms a predetermined angle with respect to the light emitting surface of the light source 16, or a configuration in which the angle can be arbitrarily adjusted may be employed.

  The connecting member 19 is formed in a cylindrical shape that houses the flow path member 13, for example, of a metal material such as stainless steel, and also functions as a cover member that covers and protects the outer periphery of the flow path member 13. Flange portions 19 a are formed at both ends of the connecting member 19. The flange portion 19a on the one end side of the connecting member 19 is, for example, on the side surface on the flow channel member 13 side of the upstream flange 17a of the first connection member 17, that is, on the surface perpendicular to the fluid flow direction in the flow channel member 13. It is fixed via a fastening member 27 such as a bolt. Similarly, the flange portion 19a on the other end side of the connecting member 19 is connected to the side surface of the second connecting member 18 on the flow channel member 13 side, that is, the surface orthogonal to the fluid flow direction in the flow channel member 13. 27 is fixed. As described above, the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18 are connected to each other via the connecting member 19 so as to be sandwiched between the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18. The supported state of both ends of the flow path member 13 is reinforced.

(II cross section (direction A) of the main part of the fluid sterilizer)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the fluid sterilizer 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the A direction, taken along the I-I cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path member 13.

  2 and 4, when the II cross section is viewed from the direction A in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 5, the downstream flange 17b and the light source 16 are arranged. When the II cross section in FIGS. 2 and 4 is viewed from the A direction, as shown in FIG. 5, the downstream flange 17b has a circular shape, and a concave light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is provided near the center thereof. Have. And the light source 16 is accommodated in the light source accommodating part 17b-3 so that the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet-ray from LED23 may face the flow path 13a side.

  A plurality of flow paths 17b-1 are provided around the light source housing 17b-3 at intervals along a concentric circle centered on the LED 23. The plurality of flow paths 17b-1 are formed by through holes penetrating from the light emitting surface side to the opposite surface side of the light source 16 around the light source 16 in the downstream flange 17b.

  Note that the number of LEDs 23 mounted on the substrate 24 and the number of the flow paths 17b-1 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG. 5, and may be changed as necessary.

(II cross section (direction B) of the main part of the fluid sterilizer)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the B direction, taken along the I-I cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path member 13.

  2 and 4, when the I-I cross section is viewed from the direction B in the drawing, the upstream flange 17a and the convex lens 21 are arranged as shown in FIG. When the II cross section in FIGS. 2 and 4 is viewed from the direction B in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 6, the upstream flange 17a has a circular shape and communicates with the flow path 13a in the vicinity of the center thereof. The flow path 17a-1 has a circular cross section and a plurality of flow paths 17a-2 extending radially from the flow path 17a-1 toward the outer peripheral side of the upstream flange 17a. Moreover, the convex lens 21 is arrange | positioned adjacent to the flow path 17a-1 and the flow path 17a-2 in the inside of the 1st connection member 17. As shown in FIG.

  The first connection member 17 connects the pair of upstream flanges 17a and the downstream flanges 17b, so that the positions of the first connection members 17 correspond to the radially extending tip portions of the respective channels 17a-2 shown in FIG. Are connected to each flow path 17b-1.

  As described above, the fluid sterilization apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is connected to one end of the flow path member 13, is provided with the light source unit 15, and includes the light source storage unit 17 b-3 in which the LED 23 is stored. The connection member 17 and the optical system 20 provided to close the opening of the light source housing portion 17b-3 and refract the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LEDs 23 so as to enter the flow path 13a are provided. Thereby, since it is suppressed that the ultraviolet-ray which goes to the edge part vicinity of the opening of the light source accommodating part 17b-3 does not inject into the flow path 13a, it raises the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet-ray with respect to the fluid in the flow path 13a. Can do.

  In addition, a reflection film 13b that reflects ultraviolet rays emitted from the LEDs 23 into the flow path 13a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path member 13 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 1. Thereby, the ultraviolet rays which have entered the flow path 13a via the optical system 20 can be more efficiently irradiated to the fluid in the flow path 13a.

Further, the convex lens 21 of the optical system 20 in the fluid sterilizer 1 has an inner diameter of the flow path member 13 as X, an ultraviolet ray from the LED 23 from one end of the flow path member 13 on the light source unit 15 side in the length direction of the flow path member 13. When the distance to the incident surface 21a of the convex lens 21 on which is incident is L, the half-value angle α of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 is formed so as to satisfy 0 <α <2 tan ⁻¹ (X / 2L). Thereby, using the convex lens 21, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 can be appropriately entered into the flow path 13a.

  The convex lens 21 included in the fluid sterilizer 1 satisfies X / 2 ≦ Y <X and D> L / 2, where Y is the outer diameter of the convex lens 21 and D is the thickness of the convex lens 21. Thereby, when fluid flows from the flow path 13 a of the flow path member 13 into the first connection member 17, turbulent flow is likely to occur around the emission surface 21 b of the convex lens 21. For this reason, it is possible to extend the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays by locally retaining the fluid in the vicinity of the convex lens 21 and further increase the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays to the fluid.

  Hereinafter, fluid sterilizers according to other embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In other embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the fluid sterilizer according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that ultraviolet rays are reflected on the inner surface of the connecting member. As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting member 19A included in the fluid sterilization apparatus 2 of the second embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape that accommodates an ultraviolet-permeable flow path member 13A therein, and the entire inner peripheral surface. In addition, a reflection film 19b is formed as a reflection surface for reflecting the ultraviolet light transmitted through the flow path member 13A to the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13A.

  For example, a silica film or an aluminum vapor deposition film is used as the reflection film 19b. The connecting member 19A is different from the connecting member 19 described above in that it includes a reflective film 19b. Further, the flow path member 13A is formed of a material having ultraviolet transparency, and is different from the above-described flow path member 13 in that it does not have the reflective film 13b. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 16 enter the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13A, pass through the flow path member 13A, and then are reflected by the reflection film 19b of the connecting member 19A. The reflected ultraviolet light reflected by the reflective film 19b passes through the flow path member 13A and is irradiated to the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13A.

  Also in the second embodiment, since the optical system 20 is provided, the loss of ultraviolet rays that are not incident on the flow path 13a among the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LEDs 23 can be suppressed, as in the first embodiment. Irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays to the fluid in 13a can be increased. Further, since the ultraviolet light transmitted through the flow path member 13A is reflected into the flow path 13a by the reflection film 19b of the connecting member 19A, the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet light with respect to the fluid in the flow path 13a can be further increased.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the fluid sterilizer according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light sources 16 are arranged on both sides of the flow path member 13 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the fluid sterilizer 3 of the third embodiment includes a second connecting member 18A and a connecting member 19B. A light source 16 different from the light source 16 inside the first connection member 17 described above is provided inside the second connection member 18A. Further, in the second connecting member 18A, like the first connecting member 17 described above, the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a as third flow paths communicating with one end on the upstream side of the flow path 13a. -2, 17b-1, and 17b-2 are formed along the periphery of the light source 16. At both ends of the connecting member 19B, flange portions 19a fixed to the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18A are formed.

  According to the third embodiment, since the second connecting member 18A has the light source 16, compared to the first embodiment and the second embodiment in which the light source 16 is provided only in the first connecting member 17, The sterilizing effect of the fluid in the flow path 13a can be further enhanced. Also in the third embodiment, the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18A each have the optical system 20, so that the UV light emitted from the LED 23 is the same as in the first embodiment. Since the loss of ultraviolet rays that are not incident on the flow path 13a is suppressed, it is possible to improve the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet rays on the fluid in the flow path 13a.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope of the present invention and the gist thereof, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fluid sterilizer 13 Flow path member 13a Flow path (1st flow path)
13b Reflective film (reflective surface)
15 light source part 16 light source 17 1st connection member (connection member)
17a upstream flange 17b downstream flange 17a-1, 17a-2, 17b-1, 17b-2 channel (second channel)
17b-3 Light source housing (housing)
21 Convex lens (optical system)
21a entrance surface 21b exit surface 23 LED (light emitting element)

Claims (4)

A flow path member having a first flow path for flowing a fluid;
A light source unit having a light emitting element disposed opposite to a cross section of the first flow path intersecting the flow direction of the fluid and irradiating ultraviolet light into the first flow path;
The light source unit is connected to one end of the flow channel member, the second light channel arranged around the light source unit and communicating with the first flow channel, and the light emitting element are accommodated. A connecting member having a receiving portion;
An optical system that is provided to close the opening of the housing portion and refracts ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting elements so as to enter the first flow path;
A fluid sterilization apparatus comprising: The outer peripheral surface of the flow path member is provided with a reflection surface that reflects ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element into the first flow path.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1. The optical system has a lens,
When the inner diameter of the flow path member is X, and the distance from the one end of the flow path member to the incident surface of the lens on which ultraviolet rays are incident from the light emitting element in the length direction of the flow path member is L, The lens has a half-value angle α of ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element,
0 <α <2 tan ⁻¹ (X / 2L)
Formed to meet,
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2. The lens is a convex lens;
When the outer diameter of the convex lens is Y and the thickness of the convex lens is D, the convex lens is
X / 2 ≦ Y <X, D> L / 2
Meet,
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 3.

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