JP6834664B2

JP6834664B2 - Fluid sterilizer

Info

Publication number: JP6834664B2
Application number: JP2017059641A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 公人櫻井; 亮彦田内; 貴章田中; 剛雄加藤; 純藤岡; 弘喜日野
Original assignee: Toshiba Lighting and Technology Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lighting and Technology Corp
Priority date: 2017-03-24
Filing date: 2017-03-24
Publication date: 2021-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-24
Also published as: JP2018161247A; CN207632549U; TWM554468U

Description

本発明の実施形態は、流体殺菌装置に関する。 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid sterilizer.

光源部の発光素子が発する紫外線を、例えば、水、気体等の流体が流れる流路部材の流路内へ照射することで、流体を殺菌する流体殺菌装置が知られている。 A fluid sterilizer that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating an ultraviolet ray emitted from a light emitting element of a light source unit into the flow path of a flow path member through which a fluid such as water or gas flows is known.

特開２０１４−２３３６４６号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-233646

流体殺菌装置としては、流路部材の流路内へ紫外線を照射する光源部が、流路部材の一端に設けられており、光源部が、流路部材の、流体の流れ方向に直交する流路断面に対向して配置された構成が提案されている。このような流体殺菌装置では、紫外線が照射される流路を有する流路部材の両端が、流路部材の上流側流路及び下流側流路と接続部材を介してそれぞれ連結されている。一方の接続部材の内部には、光源部が設けられており、光源部の周囲に沿って流れる流路が形成されている。 As a fluid sterilizer, a light source portion for irradiating the flow path of the flow path member with ultraviolet rays is provided at one end of the flow path member, and the light source portion is a flow of the flow path member orthogonal to the flow direction of the fluid. A configuration has been proposed in which the components are arranged so as to face the road cross section. In such a fluid sterilizer, both ends of a flow path member having a flow path irradiated with ultraviolet rays are connected to the upstream side flow path and the downstream side flow path of the flow path member via a connecting member, respectively. A light source unit is provided inside one of the connecting members, and a flow path that flows along the periphery of the light source unit is formed.

上述の流体殺菌装置が有する接続部材の内部には、発光素子を収容する収容部が設けられており、収容部の開口が、板状の紫外線透過部材で塞がれている。これにより、光源部の発光素子は、光源部の周囲を流れる流体から保護されている。そのため、収容部内に配置された発光素子が発する光のうち、紫外線透過部材の外周部へ入射した光は、流路部材の流路内へ到達せず、流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を低下させている。 An accommodating portion for accommodating the light emitting element is provided inside the connecting member of the above-mentioned fluid sterilizer, and the opening of the accommodating portion is closed with a plate-shaped ultraviolet transmitting member. As a result, the light emitting element of the light source unit is protected from the fluid flowing around the light source unit. Therefore, among the light emitted by the light emitting element arranged in the accommodating portion, the light incident on the outer peripheral portion of the ultraviolet transmitting member does not reach the inside of the flow path of the flow path member, and the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays on the fluid is lowered. There is.

そこで、本発明は、流路内の流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を高めることができる流体殺菌装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluid sterilizer capable of increasing the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays to a fluid in a flow path.

実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置は、流体を流すための第１の流路を有する流路部材と、前記第１の流路の、前記流体の流れ方向に交差する流路断面に対向して配置され、前記第１の流路内へ紫外線を照射する発光素子を有する光源部と、前記流路部材の一端に接続されると共に前記光源部が設けられ、前記光源部の周囲に配置されて前記第１の流路に連通する第２の流路と、前記発光素子が収容される収容部と、を有する接続部材と、前記収容部の開口を塞いで設けられ、前記発光素子が発する紫外線を、前記第１の流路内へ入射するように屈折させる光学系と、を備える。 The fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment is arranged so as to face 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 having a light emitting element that irradiates the first flow path with ultraviolet rays, and the light source unit connected to one end of the flow path member and provided with the light source unit are arranged around the light source unit. A connecting member having a second flow path communicating with the first flow path and an accommodating portion in which the light emitting element is housed, and an opening of the accommodating part are closed to emit ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element. An optical system that refracts the fluid so as to enter the first flow path.

本発明によれば、流路内の流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を高めることができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays to the fluid in the flow path.

第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置全体を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the main part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置が有する光源部を拡大して示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which enlarges and shows the light source part which the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment has. 第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部において流路部材を流体が流れる方向を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the direction which the fluid flows through the flow path member in the main part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部において、流路部材を流体が流れる方向に直交するＩ−Ｉ断面をＡ方向から見た断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an I-I cross section orthogonal to the direction in which a fluid flows through a flow path member in a main part of the fluid sterilizer according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the A direction. 第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部において、流路部材を流体が流れる方向に直交するＩ−Ｉ断面をＢ方向から見た断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an I-I cross section orthogonal to a fluid flow direction in a main part of a fluid sterilizer according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the B direction. 第２の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the main part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 第３の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the main part of the fluid sterilizer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

以下で説明する実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置は、流路部材と、光源部と、接続部材と、光学系と、を備える。流路部材は、流体を流すための第１の流路を有する。光源部は、第１の流路の、流体の流れ方向に交差する流路断面に対向して配置されている。光源部は、第１の流路内へ紫外線を照射する発光素子を有する。接続部材は、流路部材の一端に接続されると共に光源部が設けられている。接続部材は、第１の流路に連通する第２の流路を有する。第２の流路は、光源部の周囲に配置されている。接続部材は、発光素子が収容される収容部を有する。光学系は、発光素子が発する紫外線を、第１の流路内へ入射するように屈折させる。光学系は、収容部の開口を塞いで設けられている。 The fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment described below includes a flow path member, a light source unit, a connecting member, and an optical system. The flow path member has a first flow path for flowing a fluid. The light source unit is arranged so as to face the cross section of the first flow path that intersects the flow direction of the fluid. The light source unit has a light emitting element that irradiates ultraviolet rays into the first flow path. The connecting member is connected to one end of the flow path member and is 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 arranged around the light source unit. The connecting member has an accommodating portion in which the light emitting element is accommodated. The optical system refracts the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element so as to enter the first flow path. The optical system is provided so as to close the opening of the accommodating portion.

また、以下で説明する実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置が備える流路部材の外周面には、反射面が設けられている。反射面は、発光素子が発する紫外線を第１の流路内へ反射する。 Further, a reflective surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path member included in the fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment described below. The reflecting surface reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element into the first flow path.

また、以下で説明する実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置が備える光学系は、レンズを有する。流路部材の内径をＸとする。流路部材の長さ方向において流路部材の一端から、発光素子から紫外線が入射するレンズの入射面までの距離をＬとする。このとき、レンズは、発光素子が発する紫外線の半値角αが、０＜α＜２ｔａｎ^−１（Ｘ／２Ｌ）を満たすように形成されている。 Further, the optical system included in the fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment described below includes 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 in the length direction of the flow path member to the incident surface of the lens on which ultraviolet rays are incident from the light emitting element. At this time, the lens is formed so that the half-value angle α of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element ^{satisfies 0 <α <2tan -1} (X / 2L).

また、以下で説明する実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置におけるレンズは、凸レンズである。凸レンズの外径をＹとする。凸レンズの厚みをＤとする。このとき、凸レンズは、Ｘ／２≦Ｙ＜Ｘ、Ｄ＞Ｌ／２を満たす。 Further, 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, D> L / 2.

以下、実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置について、図面を参照して説明する。なお、以下の実施形態は、一例を示すものであって、発明を限定するものではない。 Hereinafter, the fluid sterilizer according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments show an example and do not limit the invention.

（第１の実施形態）
図１は、第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置全体を示す模式図である。図２は、第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部を示す断面図である。図３は、第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置が有する光源部を拡大して示す断面図である。図４は、第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部において流路部材を流体が流れる方向を示す断面図である。 (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 showing a light source portion 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.

（流体殺菌装置の構成）
図１に示すように、第１の実施形態の流体殺菌装置１は、紫外線（紫外光）を照射する流体を流すための流路部材１３が、流体を供給する給水タンク６に連結されると共に、紫外線が照射された流体を回収する回収タンク７に連結されている。図１及び図２に示すように、流体殺菌装置１は、流路部材１３の上流側が、上流側流路部材８を介して給水タンク６に連結されている。上流側流路部材８には、給水タンク６から流体殺菌装置１へ流体を送るポンプ１１が設けられている。また、流体殺菌装置１は、流路部材１３の上流側と同様に、流路部材１３の下流側が、下流側流路部材９を介して回収タンク７に連結されている。下流側流路部材９には、流体殺菌装置１から回収タンク７へ送る流体の流量を調整する流量調整機構１２が設けられている。 (Configuration of fluid sterilizer)
As shown in FIG. 1, in the fluid sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment, a flow path member 13 for flowing a fluid to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays (ultraviolet light) is connected to a water supply tank 6 for supplying the fluid. , It is connected to a recovery tank 7 that recovers 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 side flow path member 8. The upstream side flow path member 8 is provided with a pump 11 that sends a fluid from the water supply tank 6 to the fluid sterilizer 1. Further, in the fluid sterilizer 1, the downstream side of the flow path member 13 is connected to the recovery tank 7 via the downstream side 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 for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid sent from the fluid sterilizer 1 to the recovery tank 7.

流体殺菌装置１は、例えば、飲料水供給装置において、給水タンク６内の水を殺菌処理するために用いられる。本実施形態では、流体として、例えば、上水等の水に適用されるが、気体に適用されてもよい。 The fluid sterilizer 1 is used, for example, in a drinking water supply device for sterilizing the water in the water supply tank 6. In the present embodiment, the fluid is applied to water such as clean water, but may be applied to a gas.

図２に示すように、流体殺菌装置１は、流体を流すための第１の流路としての流路１３ａを有する流路部材１３と、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内へ紫外線を照射する発光素子としてのＬＥＤ（Light Emitting Diode）２３（以下、ＬＥＤ２３と称する。）を有する光源部１５と、を備える。また、流体殺菌装置１は、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を、流路１３ａ内へ入射するように屈折させる凸レンズ２１を有する光学系２０と、流路部材１３の一端に接続された第１の接続部材１７と、流路部材１３の他端に接続された第２の接続部材１８と、第１の接続部材１７と第２の接続部材１８とを連結する連結部材１９と、を備える。 As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid sterilizer 1 irradiates the flow path member 13 having the flow path 13a as the first flow path for flowing the fluid and the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 with ultraviolet rays. A light source unit 15 having an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 23 (hereinafter, referred to as LED 23) as a light emitting element is provided. Further, the fluid sterilizer 1 includes an optical system 20 having a convex lens 21 that refracts ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 so as to enter the flow path 13a, and a first connection member 17 connected to one end of the flow path member 13. A second connecting member 18 connected to the other end of the flow path member 13, and a connecting member 19 connecting the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18 are provided.

流路部材１３は、紫外線反射率が高く、紫外線による劣化が抑えられた材料で形成されることが好ましい。本実施形態では、流路部材１３として、透明な石英管が用いられており、石英管の外周面全体に、紫外線反射率が高い反射面としての反射膜１３ｂが形成されたものを用いる。反射膜１３ｂは、光源部１５が発する紫外線を、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内へ反射する反射面の一例であり、例えばシリカ膜が用いられている。 The flow path member 13 is preferably made of a material having 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 reflective film 13b as a reflecting surface having high ultraviolet reflectance is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the quartz tube. The reflective film 13b is an example of a reflective surface that reflects ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source unit 15 into the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13, and for example, a silica film is used.

なお、流路部材１３に形成される反射膜１３ｂは、シリカ膜に限らず、アルミニウム蒸着膜であってもよい。また、流路部材１３は、透明な石英管に限らず、高反射率のポリテトラフルオロエチレン（polytetrafluoroethylene：ＰＴＥＦ、テトラフルオロエチレンの重合体）等のフッ素樹脂であってもよい。また、反射膜１３ｂは、流路部材１３の外周面に形成する代わりに、流路部材１３の内周面に形成されてもよい。 The reflective film 13b formed on the flow path member 13 is not limited to the silica film, and may be an aluminum-deposited film. Further, the flow path member 13 is not limited to a transparent quartz tube, and may be a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTEF, a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene) having a high reflectance. Further, the reflective film 13b 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.

光源部１５は、第１の接続部材１７の内部に設けられている。光源部１５は、光源１６と、光源１６のＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内へ入射するように屈折させる光学系２０と、を有する。光源１６は、流路部材１３の一端側において、流路１３ａの、流体の流れ方向に直交する流路断面（以下、流路１３ａの流路断面と称する。）に対向して配置されている。また、光源部１５の光源１６は、第１の接続部材１７が有する後述の光源収容部１７ｂ−３内に配置されている。光源収容部１７ｂ−３内に配置された光源１６は、光学系２０の凸レンズ２１によって光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口が塞がれることで、流体から保護されている。 The light source unit 15 is provided inside the first connecting member 17. The light source unit 15 includes a light source 16 and an optical system 20 that refracts ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 of the light source 16 so as to enter the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13. The light source 16 is arranged on one end side of the flow path member 13 so as to face the flow path cross section of the flow path 13a orthogonal to the fluid flow direction (hereinafter, referred to as the flow path cross section of the flow path 13a). .. Further, the light source 16 of the light source unit 15 is arranged in the light source accommodating unit 17b-3 described later, which is included in the first connecting member 17. The light source 16 arranged in the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is protected from the fluid by closing the opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 by the convex lens 21 of the optical system 20.

光源１６は、紫外線を発するＬＥＤ２３が基板２４上に実装された光モジュールである。基板２４は、金属材料を母材として形成されている。基板２４上には、図示しないが、絶縁層を介して所望の導電パターン（配線パターン）が形成されており、導電パターン上にＬＥＤ２３が設けられている。なお、基板２４の母材は、金属材料に限らず、例えばアルミナ等のセラミックスが用いられてもよい。また、光源１６が有する発光素子は、ＬＥＤ２３に限らず、ＬＤ（Laser diode）等の他の半導体素子が用いられてもよい。 The light source 16 is an optical module in which an LED 23 that emits ultraviolet rays 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. The base material of the substrate 24 is not limited to a metal material, and ceramics such as alumina may be used. Further, the light emitting element included in the light source 16 is not limited to the LED 23, and other semiconductor elements such as LD (Laser diode) may be used.

光源１６は、図示しない電源から電力が供給され、ＬＥＤ２３を発光させる。光源１６は、ＬＥＤ２３の発光面が、流路１３ａの流路断面に対向しており、例えば、光源１６の基板２４の主面が流路１３ａの流れ方向に対して略垂直となるように配置されている。ここで、「ＬＥＤ２３の発光面」とは、単にＬＥＤ２３の発光領域のみを示しているのではなく、ＬＥＤ２３が配置された基板２４の主面全体を指している。また、「ＬＥＤ２３の発光面が、流路１３ａの流路断面に対向する」向きは、互いに平行に対向する向きのみに限定されるものではない。例えば、ＬＥＤ２３の発光面と、流路１３ａの流路断面とがなす角度（鋭角）は±１０°程度まで許容される。 The light source 16 is supplied with electric power from a power source (not shown) to cause the LED 23 to emit light. The light source 16 is arranged so that the light emitting surface of the LED 23 faces the cross section of the flow path 13a, and 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 done. Here, the "light emitting surface of the LED 23" does not simply indicate only the light emitting region of the LED 23, but refers to the entire main surface of the substrate 24 on which the LED 23 is arranged. Further, the direction in which the light emitting surface of the LED 23 faces the cross section of the flow path 13a is not limited to the direction in which the light emitting surfaces face each other in parallel. For example, the angle (acute angle) formed by the light emitting surface of the LED 23 and the cross section of the flow path 13a is allowed up to about ± 10 °.

また、ＬＥＤ２３としては、殺菌作用が比較的高い波長２７５ｎｍ近辺にピーク波長を有するものが好ましいが、殺菌作用を奏する波長帯域であればよく、紫外線の波長を限定するものではない。 Further, the LED 23 preferably has a peak wavelength in the vicinity of a wavelength of 275 nm, which has a relatively high bactericidal action, but may be in a wavelength band that exerts a bactericidal action, and does not limit the wavelength of ultraviolet rays.

光源部１５に配置された光学系２０は、レンズとして、紫外線透過性を有する凸レンズ２１を有する。凸レンズ２１は、ＬＥＤ２３が発した光が入射する入射面２１ａと、流路１３ａ内へ紫外線を出射する出射面２１ｂと、を有し、入射面２１ａが、光源１６のＬＥＤ２３に対向して配置されている。凸レンズ２１は、光源１６のＬＥＤ２３が発した紫外線を、流路部材１３の流路１３ａの流路断面の中央側へ向けて屈折させ、流路１３ａ内を流れる流体、及び第１の接続部材１７が有する後述の流路１７ａ−１、１７ａ−２を流れる流体に対して紫外線を照射する。 The optical system 20 arranged in the light source unit 15 has a convex lens 21 having ultraviolet light transmission as a lens. The convex lens 21 has an incident surface 21a on which the light emitted by the LED 23 is incident and an exit surface 21b that emits ultraviolet rays into the flow path 13a, and the incident surface 21a is arranged so as to face the LED 23 of the light source 16. ing. The convex lens 21 refracts the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 of the light source 16 toward the center side of the flow path cross section of the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13, and the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a and the first connecting member 17 Irradiates the fluid flowing through the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a-2 described later with ultraviolet rays.

ここで、凸レンズ２１は、図３に示すように、流路部材１３の内径をＸ［ｍｍ］、流路部材１３の長さ方向（管軸方向）において、流路部材１３の光源部１５側の一端から、ＬＥＤ２３から紫外線が入射する凸レンズ２１の入射面２１ａまでの距離をＬ［ｍｍ］としたとき、凸レンズ２１は、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線の半値角（半値幅）α［°］が、
０＜α＜２ｔａｎ^−１（Ｘ／２Ｌ）・・・式１
を満たすように形成されている。これにより、凸レンズ２１は、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内へ入射するように適正に屈折させることが可能になり、ＬＥＤ２３が発した紫外線のうち、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口の縁部近傍へ向かう紫外線が流路１３ａ内へ入射せずに損失することが抑えられる。ここで、α＝０とすると、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線が広がりを持たない直線光として出力されることとなり、流路１３ａ内を流れる流体に対して紫外線を効率よく照射することができなくなり、好ましくない。一方、α≧２ｔａｎ^−１（Ｘ／２Ｌ）とすると、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線の一部が、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内に入射せず、例えば流路１７ａ−２に到達してしまうことから、流路１３ａ内を流れる流体に対して紫外線を効率よく照射することができなくなり、好ましくない。また、光源部１５において、凸レンズ２１によって生じる配光曲線Ｆは、流路部材１３における光源部１５側の一端の端面と、流路部材１３の内面との角を通過する。 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 portion 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 the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23.
0 <α <2tan ^-1 (X / 2L) ・・・ Equation 1
It is formed to satisfy. As a result, the convex lens 21 can appropriately refract the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 so as to enter the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13, and among the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23, the light source accommodating portion 17b-. It is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays toward the vicinity of the edge of the opening of No. 3 from being lost without being incident on the flow path 13a. Here, when α = 0, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 are output as linear light having no spread, and the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a cannot be efficiently irradiated with the ultraviolet rays, which is not preferable. .. On the other hand, when α ≧ 2tan ^-1 (X / 2L), a part of the ultraviolet rays emitted by 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. Further, 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 one end of the flow path member 13 on the light source unit 15 side and the inner surface of the flow path member 13.

また、凸レンズ２１の外径をＹ［ｍｍ］、凸レンズ２１の厚みをＤ［ｍｍ］としたとき、凸レンズ２１は、
Ｘ／２≦Ｙ＜Ｘ、Ｄ＞Ｌ／２・・・式２
を満たす。凸レンズ２１は、式１、２を満たすことにより、紫外線の屈折作用を適正に確保しながら、凸レンズ２１の出射面２１ｂと、流路部材１３における光源部１５側の一端との間の距離が狭められる。これにより、流路部材１３の流路１３ａから、第１の接続部材１７内へ流体が流れ込むときに、凸レンズ２１の出射面２１ｂの周囲に渦等の乱流が生じやすくなり、出射面２１ｂの周囲で流体を局所的に滞留させることで紫外線の照射時間を延ばし、流体に対する紫外線の照射効率が高められる。ここで、Ｙ＜Ｘ／２とすると、凸レンズ２１の出射面２１ｂの周囲に渦等の乱流が生じなくなり、出射面２１ｂの周囲で流体を局所的に滞留させることができなくなり、紫外線の照射時間が短くなり、流体に対する紫外線の照射効率が高められないため、好ましくない。一方、Ｙ≧Ｘとすると、凸レンズ２１が流路１７ａ−１、１７ａ−２に対して障壁となり、流路１３ａを流れた流体が流路１７ａ−１、１７ａ−２に到達することが難しくなるため、流体殺菌装置１を流れることができる流体の量が減少することから、好ましくない。また、Ｄ≦Ｌ／２とすると、凸レンズ２１の出射面２１ｂの周囲に渦等の乱流が生じなくなり、出射面２１ｂの周囲で流体を局所的に滞留させることができなくなり、紫外線の照射時間が短くなり、流体に対する紫外線の照射効率が高められないため、好ましくない。更に、Ｄ≦Ｌ／２とすると、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線の一部が、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内に入射せず、例えば流路１７ａ−２に到達してしまうことから、流路１３ａ内を流れる流体に対して紫外線を効率よく照射することができなくなり、好ましくない。なお、ＤのＬに対する上限は特に限定されないが、流体殺菌装置１の組立時に流路部材１３と凸レンズ２１とが接触しないことが望ましいため、Ｄ≦Ｌとすることが望ましい。 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 ... Equation 2
Meet. By satisfying equations 1 and 2, the convex lens 21 narrows 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 portion 15 side while appropriately ensuring the refraction action of ultraviolet rays. Be done. As a result, when a fluid flows from the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 into the first connecting member 17, turbulence such as a vortex is likely to occur around the exit 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 improved. Here, when Y <X / 2, turbulence such as vortices does not occur around the exit surface 21b of the convex lens 21, fluid cannot be locally retained around the exit surface 21b, and irradiation with ultraviolet rays is performed. This is not preferable because the time is shortened and the efficiency of irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet rays cannot be increased. On the other hand, when Y ≧ X, the convex lens 21 acts as a barrier to the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a-2, and it becomes difficult for the fluid flowing through the flow path 13a to reach the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a-2. Therefore, the amount of fluid that can flow through the fluid sterilizer 1 is reduced, which is not preferable. Further, when D ≦ L / 2, turbulence such as a vortex does not occur around the exit surface 21b of the convex lens 21, the fluid cannot be locally retained around the exit surface 21b, and the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays. Is not preferable because the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays to the fluid cannot be increased. Further, when D ≦ L / 2, a part of the ultraviolet rays emitted by 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, the flow path 13a It is not preferable because it becomes impossible to efficiently irradiate the fluid flowing inside with ultraviolet rays. Although the upper limit of D with respect to L is not particularly limited, it is desirable that the flow path member 13 and the convex lens 21 do not come into contact with each other when the fluid sterilizer 1 is assembled, so it is desirable to set D ≦ L.

なお、光学系２０が有するレンズとしては、凸レンズ２１に限定されず、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を流路１３ａ内へ入射させるように屈折するレンズであれば、他のレンズが用いられてもよい。他のレンズとしては、例えば、紫外線を出射する出射面上において、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線の光軸上に凸部が設けられたレンズ、ＬＥＤ２３から紫外線が入射する入射面上において、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線の光軸上に凹部が設けられたレンズ、レンズアレイ、ロッドレンズ等が用いられてもよい。また、ロッドレンズの出射側の端部は、流路１３ａ内で乱流を生じさせるように、流路１３ａ内へ挿入されて配置されてもよく、例えば錐形状に形成されてもよい。この場合、ロッドレンズの端部を流路１３ａ内に挿入する長さを調整することにより、流路１３ａ内の光源部１５側で発生させる乱流が調整されてもよい。また、光学系２０としては、複数のレンズを組み合わせた組みレンズが用いられてもよい。 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 the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 so as to enter the flow path 13a. Other lenses include, for example, a lens having a convex portion on the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 on an exit surface that emits ultraviolet rays, and an ultraviolet ray emitted by the LED 23 on an incident surface on which ultraviolet rays are incident from the LED 23. A lens, a lens array, a rod lens or the like having a recess on the optical axis may be used. Further, the end portion of the rod lens on the exit side may be inserted and arranged in the flow path 13a so as to generate turbulence in the flow path 13a, or may be formed in a cone shape, for example. In this case, the turbulence generated on the light source portion 15 side in the flow path 13a may be adjusted by adjusting the length of inserting the end portion of the rod lens into the flow path 13a. Further, as the optical system 20, an assembled lens in which a plurality of lenses are combined may be used.

光源１６のＬＥＤ２３から出射された紫外線は、凸レンズ２１を介して屈折され、流路１３ａ内を流れる流体に対してＬＥＤ２３からの直射光が照射されると共に、図２に示す矢印のように、流路１３ａ内において反射膜１３ｂで反射されることで流路１３ａ内を流れる流体に対して反射膜１３ｂからの反射光が間接的に照射される。 The ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED 23 of the light source 16 are refracted through the convex lens 21, and the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a is irradiated with the direct light from the LED 23 and flows as shown by the arrow in FIG. By being 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.

第１の接続部材１７の内部には、光源１６が設けられており、流路１３ａの一端に連通する第２の流路としての流路１７ａ−１、１７ａ−２、１７ｂ−１、１７ｂ−２が光源１６の周囲に沿って形成されている。また、第１の接続部材１７の上流側フランジ１７ａには、後述する連結部材１９の一端部が固定されている。 A light source 16 is provided inside the first connecting member 17, and the flow paths 17a-1, 17a-2, 17b-1, 17b- as a second flow path communicating with one end of the flow path 13a. 2 is formed along the periphery of the light source 16. Further, one end of a connecting member 19, which will be described later, is fixed to the upstream flange 17a of the first connecting member 17.

第１の接続部材１７は、一対の上流側フランジ１７ａと下流側フランジ１７ｂを、図示しない締結部材を介して一体に締結して構成されている。上流側フランジ１７ａは、流路部材１３側に配置されており、下流側フランジ１７ｂは、光源部１５を挟んで流路部材１３とは反対側に配置されている。 The first connecting member 17 is configured by integrally fastening a pair of upstream flanges 17a and downstream flanges 17b via a fastening member (not shown). The upstream side flange 17a is arranged on the flow path member 13 side, and the downstream side flange 17b is arranged on the side opposite to the flow path member 13 with the light source portion 15 interposed therebetween.

第１の接続部材１７の上流側フランジ１７ａは、第２の流路として、流路１７ａ−１と、流路１７ａ−２と、を有する。上流側フランジ１７ａは、Ｏリング２５を介して流路部材１３の一端部を支持している。上流側フランジ１７ａ及び下流側フランジ１７ｂは、所定以上の熱伝導率を有する材料、例えば、腐食性に優れるステンレス鋼によって円筒状に形成されている。なお、上流側フランジ１７ａ及び下流側フランジ１７ｂは、ステンレス鋼に限らず、熱伝導率が高いアルミニウムの複合素材によって形成されてもよく、セラミックスやフィラーが混合された高熱伝導性樹脂材等によって形成されてもよい。 The upstream flange 17a of the first connecting member 17 has a flow path 17a-1 and a flow path 17a-2 as a second flow path. The upstream flange 17a supports one end of the flow path member 13 via an O-ring 25. The upstream flange 17a and the downstream flange 17b are formed in a cylindrical shape by a material having a thermal conductivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value, for example, stainless steel having excellent corrosiveness. 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, and may be formed of a high thermal conductive resin material mixed with ceramics or a filler. May be done.

流路１７ａ−１は、上流側フランジ１７ａの中心付近に位置しており、流路部材１３の流路１３ａの一端と連通されている。図６に示すように、流路１７ａ−２は、流路１７ａ−１と連通されており、上流側フランジ１７ａの中心から外周側へ延びている。したがって、上流側フランジ１７ａの流路１７ａ−１及び流路１７ａ−２は、流路部材１３の流路１３ａと連通されている。 The flow path 17a-1 is located near the center of the upstream flange 17a and communicates with one end of the flow path 13a of the flow path 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 17a-1 and the flow path 17a-2 of the upstream flange 17a are communicated with the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13.

下流側フランジ１７ｂは、第２の流路として、流路１７ｂ−１と、流路１７ｂ−２と、光源部１５のＬＥＤ２３が収容される収容部として凹状の光源収容部１７ｂ−３と、を有する。光源収容部１７ｂ−３は、流路１７ｂ−１及び流路１７ｂ−２で囲まれる領域に、円形状の開口を有する凹部として形成されている。したがって、流路１７ｂ−１と流路１７ｂ−２は、第１の接続部材１７の内部に設けられた光源部１５の周囲に配置されている。光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口は、光学系２０が有する凸レンズ２１によって気密に塞がれており、光源収容部１７ｂ−３に収容された光源１６が、流路部材１３の流路１３ａを流れる流体、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ａ−１を流れる流体から保護されている。 The downstream flange 17b includes a flow path 17b-1 as a second flow path, a flow path 17b-2, and a concave light source accommodating portion 17b-3 as an accommodating portion for accommodating the LED 23 of the light source unit 15. Have. The light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is formed as a recess having a circular opening in the region surrounded by the flow path 17b-1 and the flow path 17b-2. Therefore, the flow path 17b-1 and the flow path 17b-2 are arranged around the light source unit 15 provided inside the first connecting member 17. The opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is airtightly closed by the convex lens 21 included in the optical system 20, and the light source 16 accommodated in the light source accommodating portion 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 flow path 17a-2, and the flow path 17a-1.

図３に示すように、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口の内径Ｖは、凸レンズ２１の外径Ｙよりも小さく形成されており、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口が、凸レンズ２１の入射面２１ａで覆われている。凸レンズ２１は、例えば、接着剤によって光源収容部１７ｂ−３に固定されている。凸レンズ２１の外周縁部は、封止材等によって封止されてもよい。下流側フランジ１７ｂは、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口が凸レンズ２１によって塞がれた状態で上流側フランジ１７ａと連結されており、流路１７ｂ−１と、流路１７ａ−２とを接続する。 As shown in FIG. 3, the inner diameter V of the opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter Y of the convex lens 21, and the opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 is the incident surface 21a of the convex lens 21. It is covered with. The convex lens 21 is fixed to the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 by, for example, an adhesive. 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. ..

また、下流側フランジ１７ｂは、下流側流路部材９と連結されている。このように第１の接続部材１７は、例えば、流路部材１３の流路１３ａから流入した流体を、凸レンズ２１の中心付近の流路１７ａ−１、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の外周側へ向かう流路１７ａ−２、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の外周付近を通過する流路１７ｂ−１、光源１６の発光面の反対面側で光源収容部１７ｂ−３の外周側から中心付近へ延びる流路１７ｂ−２の順に経由させて、下流側流路部材９へ流出させる。 Further, the downstream flange 17b is connected to the downstream flow path member 9. In this way, the first connecting member 17 directs the fluid flowing in from the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 toward the flow path 17a-1 near the center of the convex lens 21 and the outer peripheral side of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3. Flow path 17a-2, flow path 17b-1 passing near the outer periphery of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3, and a 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 surface side of the light emitting surface of the light source 16. It is allowed to flow out to the downstream flow path member 9 via the order of 17b-2.

第２の接続部材１８は、円筒状に形成されており、上流側流路部材８と流路部材１３とを連結している。第２の接続部材１８は、Ｏリング２５を介して流路部材１３の他端部を支持している。第２の接続部材１８の外周部には、後述する連結部材１９の他端部が固定されている。 The second connecting member 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and connects the upstream side flow path member 8 and the flow path member 13. The second connecting member 18 supports the other end of the flow path member 13 via the O-ring 25. The other end of the connecting member 19, which will be described later, is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the second connecting member 18.

図４に示すように、上流側流路部材８の流路から、流路部材１３の流路１３ａ内へ流入した流体は、図４中の矢印のように、流路１３ａ内を流れ、第１の接続部材１７の流路１７ａ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ｂ−２を経由し、下流側流路部材９の流路へ流出される。第１の接続部材１７へ流入した流体は、流路１７ａ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ｂ−２の経路を通過する際に、光源収容部１７ｂ−３に収容された光源１６が発する熱を奪いながら、下流側流路部材９へ流出される。 As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid flowing from the flow path of the upstream side flow path member 8 into the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 flows in the flow path 13a as shown by the arrow in FIG. The fluid flows out to the flow path of the downstream flow path member 9 via the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2 of the connection member 17 of 1. The fluid flowing into the first connecting member 17 enters the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 when passing through the paths of the flow path 17a-1, the flow path 17a-2, the flow path 17b-1, and the flow path 17b-2. While taking away the heat generated by the housed light source 16, it flows out to the downstream flow path member 9.

すなわち、流路１３ａにおいて光源１６が発した紫外線が照射されることにより殺菌される流体は、流路部材１３の流路１３ａを通って、光源１６の発光面側に向かって流れ、光源１６の発光面に沿う流路１７ａ−１へ流入し、第１の接続部材１７内を流路１７ａ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ｂ−２の複数の経路を通過して、発光面の反対面側へ流出する。第１の接続部材１７内の流路１７ａ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ｂ−２の複数の経路は、光源１６の周囲に沿って延びており、光源１６の発光面側から反対面側に流体が通り抜ける。これにより、光源１６は、他の冷却手段を用いることなく、流路１７ａ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ｂ−２の複数の経路を通過する流体を用いて、間接的ではあるが効率的に冷却される。また、他の冷却手段を用いることなく、流路１７ａ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ｂ−２の複数の経路を通過する流体を用いて光源１６の冷却を行うことで、例えば、放熱フィンなどの他の冷却部材が不要となる。これにより、流体殺菌装置１を小型化することができる。 That is, the fluid that is sterilized by being irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source 16 in the flow path 13a flows through the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 toward the light emitting surface side of the light source 16, and the light source 16 It flows into the flow path 17a-1 along the light emitting surface and 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 in the first connecting member 17. Then, it flows out to the opposite side of the light emitting surface. 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 in the first connecting member 17 extend along the periphery of the light source 16, and the light source 16 The fluid passes from the light emitting surface side to the opposite surface side. As a result, the light source 16 uses 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. , Indirectly but efficiently cooled. Further, 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, another cooling member such as a heat radiation fin becomes unnecessary. As a result, the fluid sterilizer 1 can be miniaturized.

なお、光源収容部１７ｂ−３に収容された光源１６と、光源収容部１７ｂ−３との間に、例えば、アルミニウム、ステンレス等の所定以上の熱伝導率を有する熱伝導部材が設けられることが好ましい。光源１６が発した熱が、熱伝導部材を介して第１の接続部材１７内を流れる流体に伝わり、流体によって光源１６を更に効率的に冷却することができる。 A heat conductive member having a thermal conductivity of a predetermined value or higher, such as aluminum or stainless steel, may be provided between the light source 16 housed in the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 and the light source accommodating portion 17b-3. preferable. The heat generated by the light source 16 is transferred to the fluid flowing in the first connecting member 17 via the heat conductive member, and the light source 16 can be cooled more efficiently by the fluid.

また、流体殺菌装置１の流路部材１３における流体の流れ方向は、図１及び図４に示した方向に限定されるものではなく、図４に示す方向と逆方向であってもよい。すなわち、図示しないが、第１の接続部材１７が上流側流路部材８に接続され、第２の接続部材１８が下流側流路部材９に連結されてもよい。この構成の場合、上流側流路部材８から第１の接続部材１７へ流入した流体が、流路１７ｂ−２、流路１７ｂ−１、流路１７ａ−２、流路１７ａ−１の順に経由して流路１３ａ内を流れて、下流側流路部材９の流路へ流出される。このように流体の流れ方向を限定しないことは、後述する第２の実施形態及び第３の実施形態においても同様である。 Further, the flow direction of the fluid in the flow path member 13 of the fluid sterilizer 1 is not limited to the direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and may be the direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. That is, although not shown, the first connecting member 17 may be connected to the upstream flow path member 8 and the second connecting member 18 may be connected to the downstream flow path member 9. In the case of this configuration, the fluid flowing from the upstream side flow path member 8 to the first connecting member 17 passes through the flow path 17b-2, the flow path 17b-1, the flow path 17a-2, and the flow path 17a-1 in this order. Then, it flows through the flow path 13a and flows out to the flow path of the downstream side 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 embodiment and the third embodiment described later.

また、図２及び図４では、流路部材１３は、流路１３ａにおける流体の流れ方向が、光源部１５の光源１６の発光面に対して略垂直に配置されているが、垂直に限定されず、流路１３ａの流れ方向が、光源１６の発光面に対して、所定の角度をなす構成、あるいは、角度を任意に調整可能な構成であってもよい。 Further, in FIGS. 2 and 4, the flow path member 13 is arranged so that the flow direction of the fluid in the flow path 13a is substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface of the light source 16 of the light source unit 15, but is limited to vertical. Instead, the flow direction of the flow path 13a may be a predetermined angle with respect to the light emitting surface of the light source 16, or the angle may be arbitrarily adjusted.

連結部材１９は、例えば、ステンレス等の金属材料によって、流路部材１３を内部に収容する円筒状に形成されており、流路部材１３の外周を覆って保護するカバー部材としても機能する。連結部材１９の両端部には、フランジ部１９ａが形成されている。連結部材１９の一端部側のフランジ部１９ａは、第１の接続部材１７の上流側フランジ１７ａにおける流路部材１３側の側面、すなわち流路部材１３における流体の流れ方向に直交する面に、例えば、ボルト等の締結部材２７を介して固定されている。同様に、連結部材１９の他端部側のフランジ部１９ａは、第２の接続部材１８における流路部材１３側の側面、すなわち流路部材１３における流体の流れ方向に直交する面に、締結部材２７を介して固定されている。このように第１の接続部材１７と第２の接続部材１８は、連結部材１９を介して互いに連結されることで、第１の接続部材１７と第２の接続部材１８との間に挟まれた流路部材１３の両端の支持状態が補強されている。 The connecting member 19 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel in a cylindrical shape that houses the flow path member 13 inside, and also functions as a cover member that covers and protects the outer periphery of the flow path member 13. Flange portions 19a 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 formed on a side surface of the first connecting member 17 on the upstream side flange 17a on the flow path member 13 side, that is, a surface of the flow path member 13 orthogonal to the fluid flow direction, for example. , 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 a fastening member on the side surface of the second connecting member 18 on the flow path member 13 side, that is, the surface of the flow path member 13 orthogonal to the fluid flow direction. It is fixed via 27. In this way, 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 support state at both ends of the flow path member 13 is reinforced.

（流体殺菌装置の要部のＩ−Ｉ断面（Ａ方向））
図５は、第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置１の要部において、流路部材１３を流体が流れる方向に直交するＩ−Ｉ断面をＡ方向から見た断面図である。 (I-I cross section (A direction) 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, in which the I-I cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path member 13 is viewed from the A direction.

図２及び図４において、Ｉ−Ｉ断面を図中のＡ方向から見ると、図５に示すように、下流側フランジ１７ｂ及び光源１６が配置されている。図２及び図４におけるＩ−Ｉ断面をＡ方向から見たとき、図５に示すように、下流側フランジ１７ｂは、円形状であり、その中心付近に、凹状の光源収容部１７ｂ−３を有する。そして、光源収容部１７ｂ−３には、光源１６が、ＬＥＤ２３からの紫外線の照射方向が流路１３ａ側に向くように収容されている。 In FIGS. 2 and 4, when the I-I cross section is viewed from the direction A in the drawing, the downstream flange 17b and the light source 16 are arranged as shown in FIG. When the I-I 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. Then, the light source 16 is housed in the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 so that the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet rays from the LED 23 faces the flow path 13a side.

また、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の周囲には、複数の流路１７ｂ−１が、ＬＥＤ２３を中心とする同心円状に沿って間隔をあけて設けられている。複数の流路１７ｂ−１は、下流側フランジ１７ｂにおいて、光源１６を囲んだ周辺に光源１６の発光面側から反対面側まで貫通する貫通孔によって形成されている。 Further, a plurality of flow paths 17b-1 are provided around the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 at intervals along a concentric circle centered on the LED 23. The plurality of flow paths 17b-1 are formed in the downstream flange 17b by through holes penetrating from the light emitting surface side to the opposite surface side of the light source 16 in the periphery surrounding the light source 16.

なお、基板２４上に実装されるＬＥＤ２３の個数、及び流路１７ｂ−１の個数は、図５に示す個数に限定されるものではなく、必要に応じて変更されてよい。 The number of LEDs 23 mounted on the substrate 24 and the number of flow paths 17b-1 are not limited to the number shown in FIG. 5, and may be changed as necessary.

（流体殺菌装置の要部のＩ−Ｉ断面（Ｂ方向））
図６は、第１の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置１の要部において、流路部材１３を流体が流れる方向に直交するＩ−Ｉ断面をＢ方向から見た断面図である。 (I-I cross section (B direction) of the main part of the fluid sterilizer)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the fluid sterilizer 1 according to the first embodiment, in which the I-I cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the fluid flows through the flow path member 13 is viewed from the B direction.

図２及び図４において、Ｉ−Ｉ断面を図中のＢ方向から見ると、図６に示すように、上流側フランジ１７ａ及び凸レンズ２１が配置されている。図２及び図４におけるＩ−Ｉ断面を図中のＢ方向から見たとき、図６に示すように、上流側フランジ１７ａは、円形状であり、その中心付近に流路１３ａと連通される断面円形状の流路１７ａ−１と、流路１７ａ−１から、上流側フランジ１７ａの外周側へ向かって放射状に延びる複数の流路１７ａ−２と、を有する。また、第１の接続部材１７の内部において、凸レンズ２１は、流路１７ａ−１及び流路１７ａ−２に隣接して配置されている。 In FIGS. 2 and 4, when the I-I cross section is viewed from the B direction in the drawing, the upstream flange 17a and the convex lens 21 are arranged as shown in FIG. When the I-I cross section in FIGS. 2 and 4 is viewed from the B direction in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 6, the upstream flange 17a has a circular shape and communicates with the flow path 13a near the center thereof. It has a flow path 17a-1 having 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. Further, inside the first connecting member 17, the convex lens 21 is arranged adjacent to the flow path 17a-1 and the flow path 17a-2.

第１の接続部材１７は、一対の上流側フランジ１７ａと下流側フランジ１７ｂとを連結することで、図６に示す各流路１７ａ−２の放射状に延びる先端部分と、位置が対応する図５に示す各流路１７ｂ−１とがそれぞれ接続される。 By connecting the pair of upstream flanges 17a and the downstream flanges 17b, the first connecting member 17 has a position corresponding to the radially extending tip portion of each flow path 17a-2 shown in FIG. Each flow path 17b-1 shown in the above is connected.

上述したように第１の実施形態の流体殺菌装置１は、流路部材１３の一端に接続されると共に光源部１５が設けられ、ＬＥＤ２３が収容される光源収容部１７ｂ−３を有する第１の接続部材１７と、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口を塞いで設けられ、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を、流路１３ａ内へ入射するように屈折させる光学系２０と、を備える。これにより、光源収容部１７ｂ−３の開口の縁部近傍へ向かう紫外線が流路１３ａ内へ入射せずに損失することが抑えられるので、流路１３ａ内の流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を高めることができる。 As described above, the fluid sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment is the first having a light source accommodating portion 17b-3 connected to one end of the flow path member 13 and provided with a light source unit 15 and accommodating the LED 23. It is provided with a connecting member 17 and an optical system 20 provided by closing the opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 and refracting the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 so as to enter the flow path 13a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays toward the vicinity of the edge of the opening of the light source accommodating portion 17b-3 from being lost without being incident on the flow path 13a, so that the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet rays on the fluid in the flow path 13a can be improved. Can be done.

また、流体殺菌装置１が有する流路部材１３の外周面には、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を流路１３ａ内へ反射する反射膜１３ｂが設けられている。これにより、光学系２０を介して流路１３ａ内へ入射した紫外線を、流路１３ａ内の流体へ更に効率的に照射することができる。 Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path member 13 included in the fluid sterilizer 1, a reflective film 13b that reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 into the flow path 13a is provided. As a result, the ultraviolet rays incident on the flow path 13a via the optical system 20 can be more efficiently irradiated to the fluid in the flow path 13a.

また、流体殺菌装置１における光学系２０が有する凸レンズ２１は、流路部材１３の内径をＸ、流路部材１３の長さ方向において流路部材１３の光源部１５側の一端から、ＬＥＤ２３から紫外線が入射する凸レンズ２１の入射面２１ａまでの距離をＬとしたとき、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線の半値角αが、０＜α＜２ｔａｎ^−１（Ｘ／２Ｌ）を満たすように形成されている。これにより、凸レンズ２１を用いて、ＬＥＤ２３が発する紫外線を流路１３ａ内へ適正に入射させることができる。 Further, the convex lens 21 included in the optical system 20 in the fluid sterilizer 1 has an inner diameter of the flow path member 13 X, and ultraviolet rays from the LED 23 from one end of the flow path member 13 on the light source portion 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 the lens is incident is L, the half-value angle α of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 is ^{formed so as to satisfy 0 <α <2tan -1} (X / 2L). As a result, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 can be properly incident into the flow path 13a by using the convex lens 21.

また、流体殺菌装置１が有する凸レンズ２１は、凸レンズ２１の外径をＹ、凸レンズ２１の厚みをＤとしたとき、Ｘ／２≦Ｙ＜Ｘ、Ｄ＞Ｌ／２を満たす。これにより、流路部材１３の流路１３ａから、第１の接続部材１７内へ流体が流れ込むときに、凸レンズ２１の出射面２１ｂの周囲に乱流が生じやすくなる。このため、凸レンズ２１近傍で流体を局所的に滞留させることで紫外線の照射時間を延ばし、流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を更に高めることができる。 Further, the convex lens 21 included in the fluid sterilizer 1 satisfies X / 2 ≦ Y <X, D> L / 2 when the outer diameter of the convex lens 21 is Y and the thickness of the convex lens 21 is D. As a result, when the fluid flows from the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13 into the first connecting member 17, turbulence is likely to occur around the exit surface 21b of the convex lens 21. Therefore, by locally retaining the fluid in the vicinity of the convex lens 21, the ultraviolet irradiation time can be extended, and the ultraviolet irradiation efficiency of the fluid can be further improved.

以下、他の実施形態の流体殺菌装置について図面を参照して説明する。他の実施形態において、第１の実施形態と同一の構成部材には、第１の実施形態と同一符号を付して説明を省略する。 Hereinafter, the fluid sterilizer of another embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In other embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

（第２の実施形態）
図７は、第２の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部を示す断面図である。第２の実施形態は、連結部材の内面で紫外線を反射する点が、第１の実施形態と異なる。図７に示すように、第２の実施形態の流体殺菌装置２が備える連結部材１９Ａは、紫外線透過性を有する流路部材１３Ａを内部に収容する円筒状に形成されており、内周面全体に、流路部材１３Ａを透過した紫外線を流路部材１３Ａの流路１３ａへ反射する反射面としての反射膜１９ｂが形成されている。 (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 sterilizer 2 of the second embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape for accommodating the flow path member 13A having ultraviolet transparency, and has an entire inner peripheral surface. A reflective film 19b is formed as a reflecting surface for reflecting ultraviolet rays transmitted through the flow path member 13A to the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13A.

反射膜１９ｂとしては、例えば、シリカ膜やアルミニウム蒸着膜が用いられている。連結部材１９Ａは、反射膜１９ｂを有する点が、上述の連結部材１９と異なる。また、流路部材１３Ａは、紫外線透過性を有する材料によって形成されており、反射膜１３ｂを有していない点が、上述の流路部材１３と異なる。したがって、第２の実施形態では、光源１６が発した紫外線が流路部材１３Ａの流路１３ａ内へ入射し、流路部材１３Ａを透過した後に、連結部材１９Ａの反射膜１９ｂで反射される。反射膜１９ｂで反射された紫外線の反射光は、流路部材１３Ａを透過して、流路部材１３Ａの流路１３ａ内を流れる流体に照射される。 As the reflective film 19b, for example, a silica film or an aluminum vapor deposition film is used. The connecting member 19A is different from the above-mentioned connecting member 19 in that it has a reflective film 19b. Further, the flow path member 13A is different from the above-mentioned flow path member 13 in that the flow path member 13A is made of a material having ultraviolet light transmittance and does not have the reflective film 13b. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ultraviolet rays emitted by 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 reflective film 19b of the connecting member 19A. The reflected light of the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflective film 19b passes through the flow path member 13A and irradiates the fluid flowing in the flow path 13a of the flow path member 13A.

第２の実施形態においても、光学系２０を有することにより、第１の実施形態と同様に、ＬＥＤ２３が発した紫外線のうち、流路１３ａ内へ入射されない紫外線の損失が抑えられるので、流路１３ａ内の流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を高めることができる。また、流路部材１３Ａを透過した紫外線が、連結部材１９Ａの反射膜１９ｂによって流路１３ａ内へ反射されるので、流路１３ａ内の流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を更に高めることができる。 Also in the second embodiment, by having the optical system 20, the loss of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23 that are not incident on the flow path 13a can be suppressed as in the first embodiment. It is possible to increase the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays on the fluid in 13a. Further, since the ultraviolet rays transmitted through the flow path member 13A are reflected into the flow path 13a by the reflective film 19b of the connecting member 19A, the irradiation efficiency of the ultraviolet rays to the fluid in the flow path 13a can be further improved.

（第３の実施形態）
図８は、第３の実施形態に係る流体殺菌装置の要部を示す断面図である。第３の実施形態は、流路部材１３の長手方向の両側に、光源１６がそれぞれ配置された点が、第１の実施形態と異なる。図８に示すように、第３の実施形態の流体殺菌装置３は、第２の接続部材１８Ａと、連結部材１９Ｂと、を備える。第２の接続部材１８Ａの内部には、上述した第１の接続部材１７の内部の光源１６とは別の光源１６が設けられている。また、第２の接続部材１８Ａの内部には、上述した第１の接続部材１７と同様に、流路１３ａの上流側の一端に連通する第３の流路としての流路１７ａ−１、１７ａ−２、１７ｂ−１、１７ｂ−２が光源１６の周囲に沿って形成されている。連結部材１９Ｂの両端部には、第１の接続部材１７と第２の接続部材１８Ａに固定されるフランジ部１９ａがそれぞれ形成されている。 (Third Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a 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. Inside the second connecting member 18A, a light source 16 different from the light source 16 inside the first connecting member 17 described above is provided. Further, inside the second connecting member 18A, similarly to the first connecting member 17 described above, the flow paths 17a-1 and 17a as a third flow path communicating with one end on the upstream side of the flow path 13a. -2, 17b-1, 17b-2 are formed along the periphery of the light source 16. Flange portions 19a fixed to the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18A are formed at both ends of the connecting member 19B, respectively.

第３の実施形態によれば、第２の接続部材１８Ａが光源１６を有することで、第１の接続部材１７のみに光源１６を有する第１の実施形態、第２の実施形態と比べて、流路１３ａ内の流体の殺菌効果を更に高めることができる。また、第３の実施形態においても、第１の接続部材１７及び第２の接続部材１８Ａが光学系２０をそれぞれ有することにより、第１の実施形態と同様に、ＬＥＤ２３が発した紫外線のうち、流路１３ａ内へ入射されない紫外線の損失が抑えられるので、流路１３ａ内の流体に対する紫外線の照射効率を高めることができる。 According to the third embodiment, since the second connecting member 18A has the light source 16, the second connecting member 18A has the light source 16 only in the first connecting member 17, as compared with the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The bactericidal effect of the fluid in the flow path 13a can be further enhanced. Further, also in the third embodiment, since the first connecting member 17 and the second connecting member 18A each have an optical system 20, among the ultraviolet rays emitted by the LED 23, as in the first embodiment. Since the loss of ultraviolet rays that are not incident on the flow path 13a is suppressed, the irradiation efficiency of ultraviolet rays on the fluid in the flow path 13a can be improved.

本発明の実施形態を説明したが、実施形態は、例として提示したものであり、本発明の範囲を限定することを意図していない。実施形態は、その他の様々な形態で実施することが可能であり、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、種々の省略、置き換え、変更を行うことができる。実施形態やその変形は、本発明の範囲や要旨に含まれると同様に、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明とその均等の範囲に含まれるものである。 Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the present invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

１流体殺菌装置
１３流路部材
１３ａ流路（第１の流路）
１３ｂ反射膜（反射面）
１５光源部
１６光源
１７第１の接続部材（接続部材）
１７ａ上流側フランジ
１７ｂ下流側フランジ
１７ａ−１、１７ａ−２、１７ｂ−１、１７ｂ−２流路（第２の流路）
１７ｂ−３光源収容部（収容部）
２１凸レンズ（光学系）
２１ａ入射面
２１ｂ出射面
２３ＬＥＤ（発光素子） 1 Fluid sterilizer 13 Flow path member 13a Flow path (first flow path)
13b Reflective film (reflective surface)
15 Light source unit 16 Light source 17 First connecting member (connecting member)
17a Upstream flange 17b Downstream flange 17a-1, 17a-2, 17b-1, 17b-2 Flow path (second flow path)
17b-3 Light source accommodating part (accommodating part)
21 Convex lens (optical system)
21a Incident surface 21b Exit surface 23 LED (light emitting element)

Claims

With a flow path member having a first flow path for flowing a fluid;
A light source unit having a light emitting element that is arranged to face the cross section of the first flow path that intersects the flow direction of the fluid and irradiates the first flow path with ultraviolet rays;
The light source unit is provided while being connected to one end of the flow path member, and a second flow path that is arranged around the light source unit and communicates with the first flow path and the light emitting element are accommodated. With a housing and a connecting member with;
Provided closes the opening of the accommodating portion, the ultraviolet light emitting element is emitted, an optical system having a lens that refracts to be incident to the first flow path; equipped with,
When the inner diameter of the flow path member is X and the distance from one end of the flow path member to the incident surface of the convex lens into which ultraviolet rays are incident from the light emitting element is L in the length direction of the flow path member. The convex lens has a half-value angle α of ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element.
0 <α <2tan ^-1 (X / 2L)
Formed to meet
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, fluid sterilizer.

On the outer peripheral surface of the flow path member, a reflection surface that reflects ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element into the first flow path is provided.
The fluid sterilizer according to claim 1.