JP7312019B2 - Fluid treatment equipment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a technique for treating a fluid by irradiating it with ultraviolet light.

An air purifier that removes dust contained in the air using a filter is known. There is also known a technique of irradiating a filter with ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria and viruses adhering to the filter and improve the cleaning function (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-143660 A

In the field of fluid purification, it would be desirable to be able to more efficiently inactivate bacteria and viruses adhering to filters.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a fluid treatment apparatus with improved purification efficiency.

A fluid treatment apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a filter bent so as to form a valley that is concave in the flow direction of a fluid to be treated, and a light emitting surface that emits ultraviolet light toward the valley of the filter. and a light irradiation device arranged such that at least part of the light exit surface is positioned in the valley.

According to this aspect, by bending the filter so as to form the valley, the specific surface area of the filter can be increased and the purification performance can be enhanced. Further, by disposing at least part of the light exit surface from which ultraviolet light is emitted to be located in the valley of the filter, the light exit surface can be brought close to the valley of the filter. As a result, it is possible to irradiate the bacteria and viruses adhering to the valleys of the filter with ultraviolet light having a higher intensity, thereby increasing the inactivation efficiency of the bacteria and viruses.

The light exit surface may be positioned so as to overlap the filter in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

The light exit surface may have a shape that is convex in the flow direction.

The light irradiating device may further have a projecting portion projecting in the opposite direction to the flow direction on the back side of the light exit surface.

The valleys of the filter may extend in a first direction perpendicular to the flow direction, and the light exit surface may extend in the first direction along the valleys.

The light irradiation device is provided on at least one of the light guide portion extending in the first direction along the light emitting surface and both ends of the light guide portion in the first direction, and emits ultraviolet light toward the inside of the light guide portion. and an emitting semiconductor light emitting device. The ultraviolet light passing through the inside of the light guiding section may be emitted from the light emitting surface toward the valleys of the filter.

The filter may be folded to form a plurality of valleys aligned in a second direction orthogonal to both the flow direction and the first direction. The light irradiation device may have a plurality of light exit surfaces that emit ultraviolet light toward each of the plurality of valleys, and may be arranged such that at least a portion of each light exit surface is located in the corresponding valley.

The light irradiation device may be a first light irradiation device that irradiates the filter with first ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 280 nm or less. A second light irradiation device that irradiates second ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 320 nm or more toward the filter from the opposite side of the first light irradiation device across the filter may be further provided. The filter may contain a photocatalyst activated by the second ultraviolet light.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fluid processing apparatus which improved purification efficiency can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is sectional drawing which shows roughly the structure of the fluid processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a main filter unit; It is a top view which shows roughly the structure of a 1st light irradiation apparatus. It is a top view which shows roughly the structure of a 1st light irradiation apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a 1st light irradiation apparatus roughly. It is a top view which shows the structure of a 2nd light irradiation apparatus roughly. It is a figure which shows typically operation|movement of a fluid processing apparatus. It is a sectional view showing roughly composition of a fluid treatment device concerning another embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a fluid treatment device 10 according to an embodiment. The fluid treatment device 10 includes a housing 11 , a main filter unit 12 , a first light irradiation device 13 , a second light irradiation device 14 , a prefilter unit 15 and a blower fan 16 . The fluid processing device 10 removes dust contained in the fluid (for example, air) passing through the internal space of the housing 11 using a pre-filter 52 and a main filter 22 which will be described later. The fluid treatment device 10 irradiates the main filter 22 with ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria and viruses adhering to the main filter 22 and decompose organic substances adhering to the main filter 22 . That is, the fluid treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment purifies the fluid by combining the filter and the ultraviolet light irradiation.

The first light irradiation device 13 irradiates the main filter 22 with a first ultraviolet light (so-called UVC wave) having a wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm, which has sterilizing ability, to inactivate bacteria and viruses adhering to the main filter 22 . The second light irradiation device 14 irradiates the main filter 22 with a second ultraviolet light (UVA wave or UVB wave) having a wavelength range of 280 nm to 380 nm, which has the ability to activate a photocatalyst material such as titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ). . The main filter 22 contains a photocatalyst, and the photocatalyst activated by irradiation with the second ultraviolet light is used to decompose the organic matter adhering to the main filter 22 .

The housing 11 defines a processing channel 11c extending in the flow direction (z direction) of the fluid to be processed. A suction port 11a is provided at one end of the processing channel 11c, and a discharge port 11b is provided at the other end of the processing channel 11c. The housing 11 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has four side walls facing in a first direction (x direction) or a second direction (y direction) orthogonal to the flow direction (z direction). FIG. 1 shows two side walls 11d, 11e facing in the y-direction.

Although the material of the housing 11 is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the material is highly durable against ultraviolet light. The housing 11 can be made of, for example, a fluororesin such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The housing 11 may be configured such that only the inner surface that partitions the processing channel 11c is made of a material such as fluororesin that is highly resistant to ultraviolet light, and the portions other than the inner surface are made of a resin material other than the fluororesin or a metal material. good.

Inside the housing 11, a pre-filter unit 15, a first light irradiation device 13, a main filter unit 12, a second light irradiation device 14, and a blower fan 16 are arranged in order from the inlet 11a toward the outlet 11b. ing.

The pre-filter unit 15 is provided near the intake port 11a. The pre-filter unit 15 has a pre-filter frame 50 and a pre-filter 52 . The pre-filter frame 50 is a rectangular frame and attached to the outer circumference of the pre-filter 52 . The pre-filter 52 has a coarser mesh than the main filter 22, and is made of, for example, a mesh made of a resin material or a metal material. The pre-filter 52 is fixed inside the housing 11 via the pre-filter frame 50 . The pre-filter unit 15 removes relatively large particles of, for example, 10 μm or more among the dust contained in the air that flows into the internal space of the housing 11 (that is, the processing flow path 11c) from the suction port 11a as indicated by the arrow F1. remove trash.

The main filter unit 12 is provided near the center of the processing channel 11c, is sandwiched between the first light irradiation device 13 and the second light irradiation device 14, and is fixed inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. The main filter unit 12 has a main filter frame 20 and a main filter 22 . The main filter frame 20 is a rectangular frame and attached to the outer periphery of the main filter 22 . The main filter 22 has a finer mesh than the pre-filter 52 and is composed of, for example, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter). The main filter 22 removes relatively small dust, for example, 0.1 μm or more or 1 μm or more, among the dust contained in the air that has passed through the pre-filter unit 15 .

The main filter 22 is folded into a pleated shape, with folding lines extending in the first direction (x direction) and a plurality of peaks and valleys alternately arranged in the second direction (y direction). The main filter 22 has a first filter surface 22a facing the fluid inflow side and a second filter surface 22b facing the fluid outflow side. In the illustrated example, four first valleys 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d (collectively referred to as first valleys 23) are formed on the first filter surface 22a, and three second valleys 23a, 23b are formed on the second filter surface 22b. Valleys 24a, 24b, 24c (generically referred to as second valleys 24) are formed. The first valley 23 is formed to be concave in the flow direction (+z direction) of the fluid, becomes a valley when viewed from the first filter surface 22a, and becomes a mountain when viewed from the second filter surface 22b. The second valley 24 is formed so as to be concave in the opposite direction (-z direction) to the flow direction of the fluid, forming a peak when viewed from the first filter surface 22a and a valley when viewed from the second filter surface 22b.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the main filter unit 12, showing a plan view of the second filter surface 22b. The cross section of the main filter unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the AA line cross section of FIG. As illustrated, the second valleys 24a, 24b, 24c extend in the first direction (x direction). Similarly, the first valleys 23a, 23b, 23c, 23 (however, peaks when looking at the second filter surface 22b) also extend in the first direction (x direction). In the illustrated example, the dimension in the first direction (x direction) and the dimension in the second direction (y direction) of the main filter unit 12 are about the same, for example, about 200 mm to 300 m. Further, the width w1 of the first valley 23 in the second direction (y direction) is, for example, approximately 40 mm to 70 mm. The width of the second valley 24 in the second direction (y direction) is the same, and is, for example, about 40 mm to 70 mm.

Main filter 22 contains a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ). The photocatalyst material is carried on the second filter surface 22b of the main filter 22 and activated by the second ultraviolet light from the second light irradiation device 14. As shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the first light irradiation device 13 is provided upstream of the main filter unit 12 in the flow direction of the fluid, for example, adjacent to the main filter unit 12 . The first light irradiation device 13 is arranged to irradiate the first filter surface 22a of the main filter 22 with the first ultraviolet light. The first light irradiation device 13 includes a first frame 30 and a plurality of first irradiation units 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d (also collectively referred to as the first irradiation units 32). The plurality of first irradiation units 32a-32d are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of first valleys 23a-23d of the main filter 22, and irradiate the first ultraviolet light toward the corresponding first valleys 23a-23d. In the illustrated example, four first irradiation units 32a-32d are arranged so as to correspond to the four first valleys 23a-23d.

The plurality of first irradiation units 32a to 32d extend in a first direction (x direction), and are attached to the first frame 30 at both ends in the first direction, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 to be described later. and fixed inside the housing 11 via the first frame 30 . The plurality of first irradiation units 32a to 32d are arranged at intervals in the second direction (y direction), and a fluid path toward the main filter 22 is provided between adjacent first irradiation units 32. . Therefore, the width w2 (see FIG. 3) of the first irradiation unit 32 in the second direction (y direction) is smaller than the width w1 of the first valley 23 in the second direction (y direction). The width w2 of the first irradiation unit 32 in the second direction is, for example, about 30% to 70% of the width w1 of the first valley 23 in the second direction, for example about half. The width w2 of the first irradiation unit 32 in the second direction is, for example, approximately 20 mm to 50 mm.

The first irradiation unit 32 has a first light exit surface 36 , a first light guiding portion 37 , a first reflecting portion 38 and a first protrusion 39 . The first light exit surface 36 is the outer surface of the first light guide section 37 extending in the first direction (x direction). The first light exit surface 36 has a curved surface shape that is convex in the fluid flow direction (+z direction), and is configured as, for example, a cylindrical surface. The first light exit surface 36 protrudes toward the corresponding first valley 23 , and at least a portion of the first light exit surface 36 is positioned in the corresponding first valley 23 . In other words, at least part of the first light exit surface 36 overlaps the main filter 22 in the second direction (y direction). As a result, the first light exit surface 36 can be brought closer to the first filter surface 22a of the main filter 22, and the intensity of the first ultraviolet light irradiated from the first light exit surface 36 to the first filter surface 22a is further increased. be able to. The distance from the first filter surface 22a to the first light exit surface 36 is, for example, approximately 5 mm to 50 mm.

The first light guide portion 37 transmits the first ultraviolet light emitted from the first light emission surface 36 . The first light guide section 37 is made of, for example, quartz glass (SiO ₂ ) having a high UVC wave transmittance. The first light guide portion 37 has a shape (for example, a semi-cylindrical shape) as if a cylinder was vertically cut in half. The first reflecting portion 38 reflects the first ultraviolet light passing through the inside of the first light guiding portion 37 toward the first light exit surface 36 . The first reflector 38 is made of, for example, an aluminum (Al) thin film having a high UVC wave reflectance. The first reflecting portion 38 extends in the first direction (x direction) along the first light guiding portion 37 .

The first protrusion 39 has a convex shape in the opposite direction (-z direction) to the flow direction of the fluid, and protrudes in the opposite direction to the light exit surface 36 . The first protrusion 39 is provided to regulate the flow of the fluid toward the main filter 22, and has a streamlined shape, for example, in which the width in the second direction (y direction) decreases in the direction opposite to the flow direction (-z direction). is configured to be The first protrusion 39 is preferably configured to have an outer surface that is continuous with the first light exit surface 36 . The outer surface of the first protrusion 39 may be configured as a flat surface, a convex curved surface, or a concave curved surface. The first projecting portion 39 extends in the first direction (x direction) along the first light guide portion 37 . In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 39 is configured by a solid member, but the first protrusion 39 may be configured by a hollow member. The first protrusion 39 may have at least an outer surface for adjusting the flow of fluid.

3 and 4 are plan views schematically showing the configuration of the first light irradiation device 13. FIG. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a plan view when looking at the first light exit surface 36, and FIG. 4 shows a plan view when looking at the first protrusion 39 on the opposite side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the first light irradiation device. The cross section of the first light irradiation device 13 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the AA line cross section of FIGS. The cross section of the first light irradiation device 13 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the BB line cross section of FIG.

The first irradiation unit 32 further includes first light emitting units 33p and 33q (also collectively referred to as the first light emitting unit 33). The first light emitting units 33p and 33q are provided on both end surfaces 37p and 37q of the first light guide section 37 in the first direction (x direction), respectively. Note that the first light emitting unit 33 may be provided on only one of the end surfaces 37p and 37q of the first light guide section 37 in the first direction (x direction).

The first light emitting unit 33 includes a first semiconductor light emitting element 34 and a first lens 35 . The first semiconductor light emitting element 34 is a so-called UV-LED (Ultra Violet-Light Emitting Diode). The first semiconductor light emitting element 34 is configured to output a UVC wave with a wavelength of 280 nm or less, for example, a first ultraviolet light of 240 nm to 280 nm with high sterilization efficiency. The first semiconductor light-emitting element 34 is, for example, an AlGaN-based LED whose light-emitting layer is made of aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN). The first lens 35 collimates the first ultraviolet light with a wide light distribution angle (for example, 120° to 150°) emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 34 , and the first ultraviolet light inside the first light guide section 37 . UV1 is transmitted in the first direction (x direction). Here, "collimation" is not limited to generating completely parallel light rays, and may mean generating light rays with a narrowed light distribution angle. The collimated rays may have a distribution angle of, for example, 10° to 30°. As the first lens 35, for example, a total internal reflection (TIR) lens can be used.

The first ultraviolet light UV1 passing through the inside of the first light guide section 37 in the first direction (x direction) has a slight light distribution angle (for example, 10° to 30°). portion is incident on the first reflecting portion 38 and reflected. The first ultraviolet light UV<b>1 reflected by the first reflecting portion 38 is emitted to the outside from the first light emitting surface 36 . At this time, by adjusting the shape and optical characteristics of the first light guiding portion 37 and the first reflecting portion 38, the first ultraviolet light UV1 having a substantially uniform light intensity can be emitted from the entire first light exit surface 36. can be done. As a result, the first irradiation unit 32 can function as a surface emitting device that emits the first ultraviolet light UV<b>1 from the first light emitting surface 36 .

The first frame 30 can be formed integrally with the first projecting portion 39 of each first irradiation unit 32 . For example, the first frame 30 and the first protrusion 39 are integrally molded from a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The first frame 30 and the first protrusion 39 are preferably made of a material that is highly durable against ultraviolet light, and preferably made of a material that does not easily transmit ultraviolet light. The first light emitting unit 33 , the first light guiding portion 37 and the first reflecting portion 38 can be attached to the first projection portion 39 . Note that the first frame 30 and the first protrusion 39 may be formed separately. In this case, the first light guiding portion 37 may be attached to the first frame 30 , and the first frame 30 , the first reflecting portion 38 and the first protrusion 39 may be attached to the first light guiding portion 37 .

Returning to FIG. 1 , the second light irradiation device 14 is provided downstream of the main filter unit 12 in the fluid flow direction, for example, adjacent to the main filter unit 12 . The second light irradiation device 14 is arranged to irradiate the second filter surface 22b of the main filter 22 with the second ultraviolet light. The second light irradiation device 14 includes a second frame 40 and a plurality of second irradiation units 42a, 42b, 42c (also collectively referred to as second irradiation units 42). The plurality of second irradiation units 42a-42c are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of second valleys 24a-24c of the main filter 22, and irradiate the second ultraviolet light toward the corresponding second valleys 24a-24c. In the illustrated example, three second irradiation units 42a-42c are arranged so as to correspond to the three second valleys 24a-24c.

The second irradiation unit 42 is configured similarly to the first irradiation unit 32 described above. The plurality of second irradiation units 42a to 42c extend in the first direction (x direction), and are attached to the second frame 40 at both ends in the first direction. fixed inside the The plurality of second irradiation units 42a to 42c are arranged at intervals in the second direction (y direction). A path is provided. The width of the second irradiation unit 42 in the second direction is approximately the same as the width w2 of the first irradiation unit 32 in the second direction, and is, for example, approximately 20 mm to 50 mm.

The second irradiation unit 42 is arranged so as to be shifted in the second direction (y direction) from the position where the first irradiation unit 32 is provided. In other words, the center position of each of the second irradiation units 42 in the second direction (y direction) is shifted from the center position of each of the first irradiation units 32 in the second direction (y direction) to the second direction (y direction). The second irradiation unit 42 is arranged in the middle of the adjacent first irradiation units 32 .

The second irradiation unit 42 has a second light exit surface 46 , a second light guiding portion 47 , a second reflecting portion 48 and a second projection portion 49 . The second light exit surface 46 is the outer surface of the second light guide section 47 extending in the first direction (x direction). The second light exit surface 46 has a convex shape in the opposite direction (-z direction) to the flow direction of the fluid. The second light exit surface 46 protrudes toward the corresponding second valley 24 , and at least a portion of the second light exit surface 46 is positioned inside the corresponding second valley 24 . At least part of the second light exit surface 46 overlaps the main filter 22 in the second direction (y direction). The distance from the second filter surface 22b to the second light exit surface 46 is, for example, approximately 5 mm to 50 mm.

The second light guide section 47 guides the second ultraviolet light emitted from the second light emitting surface 46 . The second light guide section 47 is made of, for example, a material having a high transmittance of UVA waves or UVB waves. The second light guide section 47 may be made of quartz glass (SiO ₂ ) like the first light guide section 37, or may be made of a common glass material such as borosilicate glass. The second reflecting portion 48 reflects the second ultraviolet light passing through the inside of the second light guiding portion 47 toward the second light exit surface 46 . The second reflector 48 is composed of, for example, a thin film of a material having a high reflectance of UVA waves or UVB waves. The second reflecting portion 48 may be made of an Al film like the first reflecting portion 38, or may be made of another metal material.

The second protrusion 49 has a convex shape in the fluid flow direction (+z direction) and protrudes in the direction opposite to the second light exit surface 46 . The second protrusion 49 is provided to straighten the flow of fluid leaving the main filter 22, and is configured to have a streamline shape, for example. The second protrusion 49 is preferably configured to have an outer surface that is continuous with the second light exit surface 46 . The outer surface of the second protrusion 49 may be configured as a flat surface, a convex curved surface, or a concave curved surface. The second projecting portion 49 extends in the first direction (x direction) along the second light guiding portion 47 .

FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the second light irradiation device 14, and particularly shows a plan view when the second light exit surface 46 is seen. The cross section of the second light irradiation device 14 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the AA line cross section of FIG. The second irradiation unit 42 further includes second light emitting units 43p and 43q (also collectively referred to as the second light emitting unit 43). The second light emitting units 43 are provided on both end surfaces 47p and 47q of the second light guide portion 47 in the first direction (x direction). The second light emitting unit 43 may be provided only on one of the end surfaces 47p and 47q of the second light guide section 47 in the first direction (x direction). The second light emitting unit 43 is configured similarly to the first light emitting unit 33 described above, and includes a second semiconductor light emitting element 44 and a second lens 45 . The second semiconductor light emitting element 44 has an emission wavelength different from that of the first semiconductor light emitting element 34, and is configured to output a UVA wave or UVB wave of 280 nm or more. The second semiconductor light emitting element 44 outputs, for example, a second ultraviolet light of about 280 nm to 380 nm with high activation efficiency of titanium oxide. An example of the second semiconductor light emitting element 44 is a GaN-based LED whose light emitting layer is made of gallium nitride (GaN) or indium gallium nitride (InGaN), and outputs ultraviolet light around 360 nm. The second lens 45 parallelizes the second ultraviolet light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 44 so that the second ultraviolet light UV2 is transmitted in the first direction (x direction) inside the second light guide section 47. to The second ultraviolet light passing through the inside of the second light guide portion 47 is emitted from the second light emitting surface 46 . Like the first irradiation unit 32 , the second irradiation unit 42 can function as a surface emitting device that emits the second ultraviolet light from the second light emission surface 46 .

The blower fan 16 is provided near the discharge port 11b and operates so that the fluid flows in the +z direction inside the processing channel 11c. A pump may be used instead of the blower fan 16 when the fluid to be treated is not a gas such as air but a liquid such as water.

7A and 7B schematically show the operation of the fluid treatment device 10. FIG. When the first light irradiation device 13 is turned on, the first ultraviolet light is irradiated from the first irradiation unit 32 toward the first filter surface 22 a of the main filter 22 . Moreover, when the second light irradiation device 14 is turned on, the second ultraviolet light is irradiated from the second irradiation unit 42 toward the second filter surface 22 b of the main filter 22 . When the blower fan 16 is turned on, a fluid (for example, air) flows from the inlet 11a toward the outlet 11b as indicated by the arrow F.

Fluid flowing in from the suction port 11 a passes through the pre-filter unit 15 , passes the side of the first irradiation unit 32 , and heads toward the main filter 22 . The fluid flowing toward the first filter surface 22a of the main filter 22 flows into the first valley 23 along the first light exit surface 36, which is a convex curved surface. Dust removed by the main filter 22 accumulates in the first valley 23 . The first irradiation unit 32 inactivates bacteria and viruses accumulated in the first valley 23 by irradiating the first ultraviolet light toward the first valley 23 . Thereby, bacteria and viruses can be effectively inactivated from the fluid passing through the main filter 22 .

The second irradiation unit 42 irradiates the second filter surface 22b of the main filter 22 with the second ultraviolet light to activate the photocatalyst carried on the second filter surface 22b. OH radicals are generated on the second filter surface 22b by activation of the photocatalyst, and organic molecules contained in the fluid passing through the main filter 22 are decomposed. As a result, organic substances can be effectively removed from the fluid passing through the main filter 22 . The fluid purified by the main filter 22 passes through the blower fan 16 and is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 11b.

According to the present embodiment, by folding the main filter 22 into a pleated shape, it is possible to increase the specific surface area that can function as a filter, as compared with the case where the filter is configured in a flat plate shape. In addition, since the first irradiation unit 32 is arranged to enter the first valley 23 of the main filter 22, the high-intensity first ultraviolet light is efficiently irradiated toward the first valley 23 where bacteria and viruses tend to accumulate. can. This makes it possible to enhance the ability to inactivate bacteria and viruses.

According to the present embodiment, by irradiating the first ultraviolet light onto the first filter surface 22a on the inflow side of the fluid to be treated, bacteria and viruses that adhere to the main filter 22 can be effectively inactivated. . In addition, by providing a photocatalyst on the second filter surface 22b, which is the outflow side of the fluid to be processed, the organic molecules that pass through the main filter 22 without being removed by the main filter 22 are removed by the second filter surface 22b. can be effectively decomposed. As a result, the ability to purify the fluid can be enhanced.

According to the present embodiment, the first irradiation units 32 and the second irradiation units 42 are arranged in an array by streamlining the first irradiation units 32 and the second irradiation units 42 so as not to impede the flow of the fluid. It is possible to prevent a decrease in flow rate due to In addition, by arranging the flow of the fluid passing through the main filter 22, the fluid can be made to flow uniformly over the entire main filter 22, and the purification capability can be enhanced.

According to the present embodiment, the first irradiation unit 32 and the second irradiation unit 42, which face each other in the flow direction with the main filter 22 interposed therebetween, are staggered in the y direction. It is possible to match a portion that is likely to be exposed to UV light with a portion that is irradiated with ultraviolet light. If the positions of the first irradiation unit 32 and the second irradiation unit 42 in the y direction match, the fluid flows avoiding the first irradiation unit 32 and the second irradiation unit 42 , so the fluid does not pass through the main filter 22 . A portion that is easy to be exposed and a portion that is irradiated with ultraviolet light are shifted in the y direction. As a result, areas of the main filter 22 where dust tends to accumulate are not irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light, and the purifying ability is reduced. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first irradiation unit 32 and the second irradiation unit 42 are arranged so that the fluid enters the valleys where dust tends to accumulate, and ultraviolet light is emitted toward the dirt accumulated in the valleys. can increase

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a fluid treatment device 110 according to another embodiment. The fluid treatment device 110 is configured in the same manner as the fluid treatment device 10 according to the above-described embodiment, but the configurations of the first light irradiation device 113 and the second light irradiation device 114 are different. Specifically, the first light exit surface 136 of each of the first irradiation units 132a to 132d (also collectively referred to as the first irradiation unit 132) is a flat surface, and the first light exit surface 136 is opposite to the first light exit surface 136. No protrusion is provided. Similarly, the second light exit surfaces 146 of the second irradiation units 142a to 142c (also collectively referred to as the second irradiation units 142) are flat surfaces, and on the opposite side of the second light exit surfaces 146 are the second protrusions. is not provided. The fluid processing device 110 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

The fluid processing device 110 includes a housing 111 , a main filter unit 12 , a first light irradiation device 113 , a second light irradiation device 114 , a prefilter unit 15 and a blower fan 16 . The housing 111 has a smaller dimension in the fluid flow direction (z direction) than the housing 11 according to the above-described embodiment, but otherwise has the same configuration as the housing 11 . The main filter unit 12, pre-filter unit 15 and blower fan 16 are configured in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

The first light irradiation device 113 has a first frame 130 and a plurality of first irradiation units 132a to 132d. The first irradiation unit 132 has a first light exit surface 136 , a first light guide portion 137 , a first reflection portion 138 and a first support portion 139 . The first light guide portion 137 has a prismatic shape extending in the first direction (x direction). The first light guide portion 137 has four side surfaces extending in the first direction (x direction), one of which faces the flow direction (+z direction) serves as the first light exit surface 136 . The first reflecting portion 138 is provided on the side surface of the first light guiding portion 137 opposite to the first light exit surface 136 . The first light exit surface 136 protrudes toward the first valley 23 of the main filter 22 , and at least part of the first light exit surface 136 is located in the first valley 23 .

The first support portion 139 extends in the first direction (x direction) along the first light guide portion 137 and supports the first light guide portion 137 . The first support portion 139 does not protrude to the side opposite to the first light exit surface 136, and is configured to have a small thickness in the flow direction (z direction). Both ends of the first support portion 139 in the first direction (x direction) are attached to the first frame 130 . The first irradiation unit 132 has a first light emitting unit (not shown) configured similarly to the first light emitting unit 33 according to the above-described embodiment, and emits first ultraviolet light from the first light emitting surface 136. It functions as a surface light-emitting device.

The second light irradiation device 114 has a second frame 140 and a plurality of second irradiation units 142a to 142c. The second irradiation unit 142 has a second light exit surface 146, a second light guide portion 147, a second reflection portion 148, and a second support portion 149, and is configured in the same manner as the first irradiation unit 132. be. The second light guide portion 147 has a prismatic shape extending in the first direction (x direction). The second light guide part 147 has four side surfaces extending in the first direction (x direction), one of which faces in the direction opposite to the flow direction (−z direction) is the second light emitting side surface. It becomes the surface 146 . The second reflecting portion 148 is provided on the side surface of the second light guiding portion 147 opposite to the second light exit surface 146 . The second support portion 149 extends in the first direction (x direction) along the second light guide portion 147 and supports the second light guide portion 147 . Both ends of the second support portion 149 in the first direction (x direction) are attached to the second frame 140 . The second irradiation unit 142 has a second light emitting unit (not shown) configured in the same manner as the second light emitting unit 43 according to the above-described embodiment, and emits second ultraviolet light from the second light emitting surface 146. It functions as a surface light-emitting device.

Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. In the present embodiment, since the first protrusion 39 and the second protrusion 49 are not provided, the rectifying function may be degraded, but the size of the fluid in the flow direction can be reduced, and the fluid processing device 110 can be miniaturized. .

The present invention has been described above based on the examples. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and that various design changes and modifications are possible, and that such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. It is about

In a further embodiment, the first irradiation unit may be configured by combining the prism-shaped first light guide portion 137 and the streamline-shaped first protrusion 39 . Conversely, the first irradiation unit may be configured by combining the first light guide portion 37 formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and the first support portion 139 having a small thickness in the flow direction. In a further embodiment, the first light guide part 37 may be formed in a triangular prism shape and the first light exit surface 36 may be configured in a V shape. The same applies to the second irradiation unit. Also, the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit having different structures such as the light guide section may be used in combination.

In a further embodiment, grooves (slits) may be formed in the light exit surfaces 36, 136 of the first light guides 37, 137. FIG. The slits formed in the light exit surfaces 36 and 136 are formed, for example, so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first light guide portions 37 and 137, and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first light guide portions 37 and 137. are formed in multiple numbers. The slits formed in the light exit surfaces 36, 136 have a function of helping the first ultraviolet light emitted from the light exit surfaces 36, 136, and the first ultraviolet light emitted from the light exit surfaces 36, 136 can function to equalize the illuminance distribution of the Also, similar grooves (slits) may be formed on the light exit surfaces 46 and 146 of the second light guide portions 47 and 147, respectively.

In a further embodiment, only the first light irradiation devices 13 and 113 may be used and the second light irradiation devices 14 and 114 may not be provided. In this case, the main filter 22 may not contain a photocatalyst. Also, the main filter 22 may be configured by stacking a plurality of filters. For example, a first main filter made of a HEPA filter or the like and a second main filter made of a photocatalyst material may be stacked in the flow direction. In this case, the first main filter has a first filter surface 22a and is arranged on the fluid inflow side, and the second main filter has a second filter surface 22b and is arranged on the fluid outflow side.

In a further embodiment, the second light irradiation device 14, 114 for irradiating the second ultraviolet light may be arranged separately from the main filter 22. FIG. For example, the second light exit surfaces 46 and 146 of the second light irradiation devices 14 and 114 may be prevented from entering the second valleys 24 . In other words, the distance from the second filter surface 22b to the second irradiation units 42,142 may be greater than the distance from the first filter surface 22a to the first irradiation units 32,132. At the time of filing of this application, the output power of the second semiconductor light emitting element that outputs the second ultraviolet light (UVA wave or UVB wave) is higher than that of the first semiconductor light emitting element that outputs the first ultraviolet light (UVC wave). Therefore, even if the second light emitting surfaces 46 and 146 are distant from the main filter 22, it is easy to obtain the light intensity necessary for activating the photocatalyst. On the other hand, since the output power of the first semiconductor light emitting element that outputs the first ultraviolet light (UVC wave) is small, by arranging the first light emitting surfaces 36 and 136 near the main filter 22, bacteria and viruses can be prevented. It becomes easier to obtain the light intensity necessary for inactivation. In addition, when the distance from the main filter 22 to the second light irradiation device is increased, it is not necessary to arrange the second irradiation units corresponding to the plurality of second valleys 24, and the number of second irradiation units is less than the number of the second valleys 24. Only the second irradiation unit may be arranged. For example, only one second irradiation unit 42b is arranged at a position corresponding to the central second valley 24b, and no second irradiation units are arranged at positions corresponding to the left and right second valleys 24a and 24c. good too.

In a further embodiment, the first light irradiation device 13, 113 may be configured to output UVA or UVB radiation. Also, the second light irradiation device 14, 114 may be configured to output UVC waves. Alternatively, at least one of the first light irradiation devices 13, 113 and the second light irradiation devices 14, 114 may be configured to output UVA waves or both UVB waves and UVC waves. For example, when the first light irradiation devices 13 and 113 are configured to output UVA waves and UVC waves, a GaN-based LED for outputting UVA waves to the first light emitting unit 33 and a Both AlGaN-based LEDs may be mounted.

In the above embodiment, the light irradiation unit has been described in which the light emitting units are provided at both ends of the light guiding portion extending in the first direction (x direction). In a further embodiment, the light irradiation unit may be configured by arranging a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements side by side in the first direction (x direction) instead of providing the light guide section.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Fluid processing apparatus 13... 1st light irradiation apparatus 14... 2nd light irradiation apparatus 22... Main filter 22a... First filter surface 22b... Second filter surface 23... First valley 24... Second 2 valleys 32 first irradiation unit 34 first semiconductor light emitting element 35 first lens 36 first light emitting surface 37 first light guide section 38 first reflecting section 39 first 1 projection, 42... second irradiation unit, 46... second light emitting surface, 47... second light guide, 48... second reflection, 49... second projection.

Claims (6)

a filter that is bent so as to form a valley that is concave in the flow direction of the fluid to be treated;
a light irradiation device having a light emission surface that emits ultraviolet light toward the valley of the filter, wherein at least part of the light emission surface is positioned in the valley;
the valleys of the filter extend in a first direction orthogonal to the flow direction;
the light exit surface extends in the first direction along the valley;
The light irradiation device has a prismatic shape extending in the first direction, and is provided at least one of a light guide portion having the light exit surface and both ends of the light guide portion in the first direction. a semiconductor light emitting element that emits the ultraviolet light toward the inside of the light guide; An irradiation unit that includes a reflecting portion that reflects light toward an exit surface and a projecting portion that is convex in the opposite direction to the flow direction on the back side of the reflecting portion,
The fluid treatment device, wherein the ultraviolet light passing through the inside of the light guide section is emitted from the light emitting surface toward the valley of the filter. a filter that is bent so as to form a valley that is concave in the flow direction of the fluid to be treated;
a light irradiation device having a light emission surface that emits ultraviolet light toward the valley of the filter, wherein at least part of the light emission surface is positioned in the valley;
the valleys of the filter extend in a first direction orthogonal to the flow direction;
the light exit surface extends in the first direction along the valley;
The light irradiation device has a triangular prism shape extending in the first direction, and is provided at least one of a light guide portion having the light exit surface and both ends of the light guide portion in the first direction. a semiconductor light emitting element that emits the ultraviolet light toward the inside of the light guide; An irradiation unit that includes a reflecting portion that reflects light toward an exit surface and a projecting portion that is convex in the opposite direction to the flow direction on the back side of the reflecting portion,
The fluid treatment device, wherein the ultraviolet light passing through the inside of the light guide section is emitted from the light emitting surface toward the valley of the filter. 3. A fluid processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said light exit surface is arranged at a position overlapping said filter in a direction orthogonal to said flow direction. 4. The fluid treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the protrusion is configured to have a streamlined shape in the flow direction. The filter is folded so as to form a plurality of valleys aligned in a second direction orthogonal to both the flow direction and the first direction,
The light irradiation device includes a plurality of irradiation units that emit ultraviolet light toward each of the plurality of valleys, and at least a portion of a light emission surface of each of the plurality of irradiation units is positioned in the corresponding valley. 5. A fluid treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , arranged so as to. The light irradiation device is a first light irradiation device that irradiates a first ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 280 nm or less toward the filter,
Further comprising a second light irradiation device that irradiates a second ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 320 nm or more toward the filter from the opposite side of the first light irradiation device across the filter,
6. A fluid treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein said filter includes a photocatalyst activated by said second ultraviolet light.

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