WO2020183767A1 - Ultraviolet sterilization device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to providing an ultraviolet sterilization device that can sufficiently irradiate fluid with ultraviolet rays even if the fluid has low transparency and thus can appropriately sterilize the fluid. An ultraviolet sterilization device according to the present invention sterilizes fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet rays and includes: a treatment flow path in which the flow path width is four or more times as large as the flow path depth; and a plurality of light-emitting elements that irradiate, in the depth direction of the treatment flow path, fluid flowing through the treatment flow path with ultraviolet rays.

Description

UV sterilizer

The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilizer.

It is widely known that fluids such as liquids can be sterilized using ultraviolet rays. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fluid sterilizer that sterilizes a liquid flowing in a flow path by irradiating the flow path extending in the axial direction with ultraviolet rays in the axial direction.

Specifically, the fluid sterilizer described in Patent Document 1 is provided in the vicinity of a flow path pipe for partitioning a processing flow path extending in the axial direction and one end of the flow path pipe, and the treatment flow path is provided. It has a light emitting element (LED light source) having a wide orientation angle that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the axial direction from one end thereof toward the surface. Ultraviolet rays radiated from the light source at a wide angle propagate in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the processing flow path while being reflected by the inner surface of the flow path tube, and sterilize the fluid inside the processing flow path.

JP-A-2017-104230

The conventional ultraviolet sterilizer as described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the fluid cannot be sterilized properly when the transparency of the fluid is low. This problem will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that a highly transparent fluid (for example, water) is flowing toward the ultraviolet light source 12 in the processing flow path 11 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 (see arrow 18 in the figure). The fluid flowing in the processing flow path 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source 12 in the axial direction of the treatment flow path 11. At this time, since the transparency of the fluid is high, the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source 12 reach a long distance. As a result, the fluid can be appropriately sterilized by irradiating the fluid with sufficient ultraviolet rays.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1B, it is assumed that a fluid having low transparency (for example, milk) is flowing toward the ultraviolet light source 12 in the processing flow path 11 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 10 (arrows in the figure). 18). At this time, since the transparency of the fluid is low, the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source 12 do not reach far. As a result, the fluid cannot be sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the fluid cannot be sterilized properly.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and provides an ultraviolet sterilizer capable of appropriately sterilizing a fluid by sufficiently irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet rays even if the transparency of the fluid is low. The purpose.

The ultraviolet sterilizer according to the present invention is an ultraviolet sterilizer that sterilizes the fluid by irradiating the fluid with ultraviolet rays, and the treatment flow path has a flow path width ratio of 4 or more to the flow path depth. It has a plurality of light emitting elements that irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path with ultraviolet rays along the depth direction of the treatment flow path.

According to the present invention, even if the transparency of the fluid is low, the fluid can be appropriately sterilized by irradiating the fluid with sufficient ultraviolet rays.

1A and 1B are schematic views showing how a conventional ultraviolet sterilizer is used to sterilize a fluid. FIG. 2A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view showing a plane of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the first modification. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the second modification. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the third modification. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the fourth modification. FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the fifth modification, and FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing a plane of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the sixth modification, and FIG. 8B is a schematic view showing a light emitting element and a reflective sheet of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the seventh modification. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the eighth modification. FIG. 11A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the ninth modification, and FIG. 11B is a schematic view showing a light emitting element, a reflective sheet and a reflector of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 12A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the tenth modification, and FIG. 12B is a schematic view showing a light emitting element, a reflective sheet and a reflector of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 13A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the eleventh modification, and FIG. 13B is a schematic view showing a reflection sheet and a luminous flux control member of the ultraviolet sterilizer shown in FIG. 13A.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Structure of UV sterilizer)
The configuration of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 100, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view showing a plane of the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 shown in FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the present embodiment has a processing flow path 110 and a plurality of light emitting elements 120 that emit ultraviolet rays. The fluid to be sterilized flows in the processing flow path 110 along the direction of arrow 180.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the processing flow path 110 is formed between the first plate 131 and the second plate 132. In the present embodiment, both the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 are made of a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120 pass through the first plate 131 and irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 110.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the depth of the processing flow path 110 is small, whereas as shown in FIG. 2B, the flow path width of the processing flow path 110 is large. In this way, the processing flow path 110 is arranged between the first plate 131 and the second plate 132, and the flow path depth is small, but the flow path width is large. The ratio of the flow path width to the flow path depth of the processing flow path 110 is 4 or more. By reducing the flow path depth of the processing flow path 110 in this way, even when the transparency of the fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110 is low, the fluid can be appropriately irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Further, by increasing the flow path width of the processing flow path 110, the amount of fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110 can be increased. As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 can sterilize the fluid efficiently. The flow path depth of the treatment flow path 110 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 mm or less from the viewpoint of irradiating a fluid having low transparency with ultraviolet rays.

The ratio of the flow path width to the flow path depth of the processing flow path 110 is preferably 4 or more, preferably 10 or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the amount of flowing fluid while reducing the flow path depth. Is more preferable, and 50 or more is more preferable. The upper limit of the ratio of the flow path width to the flow path depth is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100,000 or less, and more preferably 10,000 or less. Further, the flow path depth of the processing flow path 110 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of irradiating a fluid having low transparency with ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays can reach the bottom of the flow path (the inner surface of the flow path of the second plate 132). Depth is preferable, for example, 10 mm or less is preferable, 5 mm or less is more preferable, and 1 mm or less is more preferable. Although the lower limit of the flow path depth is not particularly limited, it is preferably 0.01 mm or more, for example, from the viewpoint of facilitating the flow of the fluid into the processing flow path 110.

The thickness of the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 is not particularly limited as long as the ultraviolet rays are not excessively attenuated and the required strength can be secured. The thickness of the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 is, for example, about 0.5 to 10 mm.

The materials constituting the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 are not particularly limited as long as they can transmit ultraviolet rays. Examples of such materials include glass, quartz (SiO ₂ ), sapphire (Al ₂ O ₃ ), amorphous fluororesins and the like.

In the present embodiment, both the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 can transmit ultraviolet rays, but the second plate 132, which does not need to transmit ultraviolet rays, cannot transmit ultraviolet rays. You may.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged so as to irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 110 with ultraviolet rays along the depth direction of the flow path. In the present embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110 of the first plate 131. By arranging the light emitting element 120 in this way, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120 irradiate the fluid along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. Even if the transparency of the fluid is low, the depth of the processing flow path 110 is small, so that the ultraviolet rays can sufficiently reach the fluid flowing at any position in the depth direction of the processing flow path 110.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged along the width direction of the processing flow path 110. By arranging the plurality of light emitting elements 120 in this way, it is possible to irradiate the fluid flowing at any position in the width direction of the processing flow path 110 with ultraviolet rays. Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 are also arranged along the direction 180 in which the fluid flows, as shown in FIG. 2A. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged in a matrix. By arranging the plurality of light emitting elements 120 in this way, it is possible to irradiate the fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110 with ultraviolet rays for a long time.

The type of the light emitting element 120 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit ultraviolet rays. Examples of the light emitting element 120 include a semiconductor laser, a light emitting diode, and the like.

The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light emitting element 120 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 200 nm or more and 350 nm or less, and more preferably 260 nm or more and 290 nm or less, from the viewpoint of sterilizing the fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110. .. The light output of the light emitting element 120 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 mW or more, and more preferably 10 mW or more, from the viewpoint of sterilizing the fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110.

(Sterilization with UV sterilizer)
The sterilization by the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The fluid to be sterilized flows in the direction of arrow 180 from one end to the other end of the processing flow path 110. At this time, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 120 pass through the first plate 131 and are irradiated to the fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. As described above, since the depth of the treatment flow path 110 is as small as 1 mm, for example, even if the transparency of the fluid is low, ultraviolet rays sufficiently reach the entire fluid and the fluid is sterilized appropriately.

The type of fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110 is not particularly limited, and may be a gas or a liquid. Examples of fluids include clean water such as drinking water and agricultural water, sewage such as wastewater from factories, and beverages such as milk, juice and liquor. Since the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the present embodiment can appropriately sterilize even a fluid having a low transparency, the lower the transparency of the fluid, the more effective the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the present embodiment can be exhibited. For example, even if the optical path length is 1 cm and the transmittance of the fluid with respect to ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 265 nm is 1%, the transmittance when the optical path length is 1 mm is about 63%, so that an amount of ultraviolet rays that can be sterilized can be obtained. This transmittance is calculated by the following formula.

　Ｔ_１ｍｍ：光路長１ｍｍにおける透過率
　Ｔ_１０ｍｍ：光路長１０ｍｍにおける透過率
　ｄ１：光路長１ｍｍ
　ｄ１０：光路長１０ｍｍ

T _{1 mm} : Transmittance at an optical path length of 1 mm T _{10 mm} : Transmittance at an optical path length of 10 mm d1: Optical path length 1 mm
d10: Optical path length 10 mm

(effect)
As described above, according to the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the present embodiment, since the depth of the processing flow path 110 is small, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element are sufficient for the entire fluid even if the transparency of the fluid is low. It reaches and can properly sterilize the fluid.

[Modification example]
A modified example of the above embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. For each modification, the same components as those of the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(First modification)
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 200 according to the first modification. The ultraviolet sterilizer 200 according to the first modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that a plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged on both sides of the processing flow path 110.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 200, a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 120 is arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110 of the first plate 131, and the other part of the plurality of light emitting elements 120 is arranged. , The second plate 132 is arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110. In this ultraviolet sterilizer 200, since ultraviolet rays are irradiated from both sides of the processing flow path 110, more ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the fluid.

(Second modification)
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 300 according to the second modification. The ultraviolet sterilizer 300 according to the second modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that it further has a reflective sheet 310.

The reflective sheet 310 is arranged on the surface of the second plate 132 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. The material of the reflective sheet 310 is not particularly limited as long as it reflects ultraviolet rays. Examples of the material of the reflective sheet 310 include a metal, polytetrafluoroethylene, an aluminum film formed on the surface of a glass or resin material by vacuum vapor deposition or the like.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 300, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 120 pass through the first plate 131 and irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. .. Further, the ultraviolet rays that have passed through the fluid pass through the second plate 132, are reflected by the reflective sheet 310, pass through the second plate 132 again, and are irradiated to the fluid along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. To. Even in this ultraviolet sterilizer 300, since ultraviolet rays are irradiated from both sides of the processing flow path 110, more ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the fluid.

(Third variant)
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 400 according to the third modification. The ultraviolet sterilizer 400 according to the third modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that the second plate 432 is a plate capable of reflecting ultraviolet rays.

The second plate 432 forms the processing flow path 110 together with the first plate 131, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. The material of the second plate 432 is not particularly limited as long as it can reflect ultraviolet rays. Examples of the material of the second plate 432 include an aluminum film formed on the surface of a metal, polytetrafluoroethylene, glass or resin material by vacuum vapor deposition or the like.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 400, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 120 pass through the first plate 131 and irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. .. Further, the ultraviolet rays that have passed through the fluid are reflected by the second plate 432 and are again irradiated to the fluid along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. Even in this ultraviolet sterilizer 400, since ultraviolet rays are irradiated from both sides of the processing flow path 110, more ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the fluid.

(Fourth modification)
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 500 according to the fourth modification. The ultraviolet sterilizer 500 according to the fourth modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that it further includes a luminous flux control member 510 for spreading the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120.

Each of the plurality of luminous flux control members 510 is arranged on each of the plurality of light emitting elements 120. The luminous flux control member 510 is a so-called diffusing lens that spreads ultraviolet rays emitted from the corresponding light emitting element 120. The shape of the luminous flux control member 510 is appropriately determined according to the light distribution characteristics required according to the arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 120, the distance between the plurality of light emitting elements 120 and the processing flow path 110, and the like. The material of the luminous flux control member 510 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays. Examples of the material of the light beam control member 510 include light-transmitting resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resin (EP), fluororesin, and silicone resin, glass, synthetic quartz, and the like. Is done.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 500, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 120 reach the first plate 131 after the light distribution is controlled by the luminous flux control member 510. The ultraviolet rays that have reached the first plate 131 pass through the first plate 131 and irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 500, since the light distribution of the light emitted from the light emitting element 120 is controlled by the luminous flux control member 510, the number of the light emitting elements 120 can be reduced and the device can be made thinner.

(Fifth variant)
FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 600 according to the fifth modification, and FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing a plane of the ultraviolet sterilizer 600 shown in FIG. 7A.

The ultraviolet sterilizer 600 according to the fifth modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that the first plate and the second plate are light guide plates 631 and 632.

The light guide plate (first plate) 631 and the light guide plate (second plate) 632 form a processing flow path 110. The light guide plate 631 and the light guide plate 632 inject ultraviolet rays from the side surface along the width direction of the processing flow path 110, and emit the incident ultraviolet rays toward the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the treatment flow path 110. Let me. In the present embodiment, the light guide plate 631 and the light guide plate 632 are plates capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays, which become thinner as they approach the other side surface from one side surface (the side surface on which ultraviolet rays are incident).

Further, the reflective sheet 310 is arranged on the surface of the light guide plate 631 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110 and on the surface of the light guide plate 632 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110. The reflective sheet 310 reflects ultraviolet rays arriving from the light guide plates 631 and 632 toward the light guide plates 631 and 632. The material of the reflective sheet 310 is not particularly limited as long as it reflects ultraviolet rays. Examples of the material of the reflective sheet 310 include a metal, polytetrafluoroethylene, an aluminum film formed on the surface of a glass or resin material by vacuum vapor deposition or the like.

The plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged so as to face the side surfaces of the light guide plates 631 and 632, and emit ultraviolet rays in a direction substantially perpendicular to the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. In the present embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 emit ultraviolet rays along the width direction of the processing flow path 110.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 600, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 120 travel in the light guide plates 631 and 632 and irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110. Will be done. Even in this ultraviolet sterilizer 600, since ultraviolet rays are irradiated from both sides of the processing flow path 110, more ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the fluid.

In the above description, the embodiment in which both the first plate and the second plate are light guide plates has been described, but only one of the first plate or the second plate may be a light guide plate.

(Sixth variant)
FIG. 8A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 700 according to the sixth modification, and FIG. 8B is a schematic view showing the light emitting element 120 and the reflective sheet 410 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 700 shown in FIG. 8A. is there. In FIG. 8A, hatching is omitted.

The sterilizer 700 according to the sixth modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that it has a reflective sheet 310 and a reflective sheet 410.

The reflective sheet 310 is arranged on the surface of the second plate 132 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side.

The reflective sheet 410 is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the surface of the first plate 131 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side are sent to the processing flow path 110 side. Reflect toward. In this modification, the reflective sheet 410 is arranged at substantially the same position as the light emitting element 120 in the direction of the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120.

The material of the reflective sheet 310 and the reflective sheet 410 is not particularly limited as long as it reflects ultraviolet rays. Examples of the material of the reflective sheet 310 include a metal, polytetrafluoroethylene, an aluminum film formed on the surface of a glass or resin material by vacuum vapor deposition or the like.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 700, the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflective sheet 310, passing through the second plate 132, the processing flow path 110, and the first plate 131 and reaching the reflective sheet 410 are processed by the reflective sheet 410. Reflected towards. As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 700 can irradiate the fluid with more ultraviolet rays.

(7th variant)
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 800 according to the seventh modification. In FIG. 9, hatching is omitted. The ultraviolet sterilizer 800 according to the seventh modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that the second plate 432 is a plate capable of reflecting ultraviolet rays and has a reflective sheet 410. To do.

The second plate 432 forms the processing flow path 110 together with the first plate 131, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. The second plate 432 is the same as the second plate of the third modification.

The reflective sheet 410 is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the surface of the first plate 131 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side are sent to the processing flow path 110 side. Reflect toward. In this modification, the reflective sheet 410 is arranged at substantially the same position as the light emitting element 120 in the direction of the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120. The reflective sheet 410 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 800, the ultraviolet rays that are reflected by the second plate 432, pass through the processing flow path 110 and the first plate 131, and reach the reflection sheet 410 are reflected toward the processing flow path 110. As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 800 can irradiate the fluid with more ultraviolet rays.

(8th variant)
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 900 according to the eighth modification. In FIG. 10, hatching is omitted. The ultraviolet sterilizer 900 according to the eighth modification is the ultraviolet rays according to the above embodiment in that a plurality of light emitting elements 120 are arranged on both sides of the processing flow path 110 and that the ultraviolet sterilizer 900 has two reflective sheets 410. It is different from the sterilizer 100.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 900, a part of the plurality of light emitting elements 120 is arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110 of the first plate 131, and the other part of the plurality of light emitting elements 120 is arranged. , The second plate 132 is arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110.

One of the two reflective sheets 410 is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110 of the first plate 131, and the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side. Is reflected toward the processing flow path 110 side.

The other of the two reflective sheets 410 is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110 of the second plate 132, and the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side. Is reflected toward the processing flow path 110 side.

In this modification, these reflective sheets 410 are arranged at substantially the same positions as the light emitting element 120 in the direction of the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120. The reflective sheet 410 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

One of the two reflective sheets 410 is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path 110 of the first plate 131, and of the two reflective sheets 410. The other is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the surface of the second plate 132 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and directs the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. Reflect.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 900, the plurality of light emitting elements 120 arranged on the first plate 131 side are arranged so as not to face the plurality of light emitting elements 120 arranged on the second plate 132 side. Specifically, the light emitting element 120 arranged on the first plate 131 side faces the reflective sheet 410 arranged on the second plate 132 side with the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 interposed therebetween. It is arranged to do.

Similarly, the light emitting element 120 arranged on the second plate 132 side faces the reflective sheet 410 arranged on the first plate 131 side with the first plate 131 and the second plate 132 interposed therebetween. It is located in.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 900, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120 arranged on the side of the first plate 131 and passed through the first plate 131, the processing flow path 110, and the second plate 132 are emitted from the second plate 132. It is reflected by the reflective sheet 410 arranged on the side and irradiated to the processing flow path 110. Similarly, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120 arranged on the second plate 132 side and passing through the second plate 132, the processing flow path 110, and the first plate 131 are arranged on the first plate 131 side. It is reflected by the reflected reflective sheet 410 and irradiates the processing flow path 110.

As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 900 can irradiate the fluid with more ultraviolet rays.

(9th variant)
FIG. 11A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 according to the ninth modification, and FIG. 11B shows the light emitting element 120, the reflective sheet 410 and the reflector 520 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 shown in FIG. 11A. It is a schematic diagram which shows. In FIG. 11A, hatching is omitted. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 according to the ninth modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that it has a reflective sheet 310, a reflective sheet 410, and a plurality of reflectors 520.

The reflective sheet 310 is arranged so as to face the surface of the second plate 132 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. The reflective sheet 310 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

The reflective sheet 410 is arranged around the light emitting element 120 so as to face the surface of the first plate 131 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side are sent to the processing flow path 110 side. Reflect toward. In this modification, the reflective sheet 410 is arranged at substantially the same position as the light emitting element 120 in the direction of the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120. The reflective sheet 410 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

Each of the plurality of reflectors 520 is arranged on the light emitting element 120 so as to surround the optical axis of the light emitting element 120. Of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120, the reflector 520 reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the optical axis of the light emitting element 120 at a large angle toward the processing flow path 110, and more ultraviolet rays are reflected in the processing flow path 110. Try to reach.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000, the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflective sheet 310 arranged on the second plate 132 side and passed through the second plate 132, the processing flow path 110, and the first plate 131 are processed by the reflective sheet 410. It is reflected toward the flow path 110.

As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 can irradiate the fluid with more ultraviolet rays.

Further, in the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000, the ultraviolet intensity in a specific region in the processing flow path 110 can be increased by reflecting the ultraviolet rays by the reflector 520.

Although the above-mentioned ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 has been described as having the reflective sheet 310 and the reflective sheet 410, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 may have only the reflective sheet 310. Further, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1000 does not have to have the reflective sheet 310 and the reflective sheet 410.

(10th variant)
FIG. 12A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1100 according to the tenth modification, and FIG. 12B shows the light emitting element 120, the reflective sheet 410 and the reflector 520 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1100 shown in FIG. 12A. It is a schematic diagram which shows. In FIG. 12A, hatching is omitted. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1100 according to the tenth modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that it has a reflective sheet 310, a reflective sheet 410, and a plurality of reflectors 520.

The reflective sheet 310 is arranged so as to face the surface of the second plate 132 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. The reflective sheet 310 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

The reflective sheet 410 is arranged around the reflector 520 so as to face the surface of the first plate 131 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and directs the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. To reflect. In this modification, the reflective sheet 410 is arranged at substantially the same position as the opening (upper portion) of the reflector 520 in the direction of the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120. The reflective sheet 410 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

Each of the plurality of reflectors 520 is arranged on the light emitting element 120 so as to surround the optical axis of the light emitting element 120. Of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120, the reflector 520 reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the optical axis of the light emitting element 120 at a large angle toward the processing flow path 110 by the reflecting surface 521, and more ultraviolet rays are processed. Make sure to reach the flow path 110.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 1100, the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflective sheet 310 arranged on the second plate 132 side and passed through the second plate 132, the processing flow path 110, and the first plate 131 are processed by the reflective sheet 410. It is reflected toward the flow path 110. Here, in the ultraviolet sterilizer 1100, since the reflective sheet 410 is arranged around the opening of the reflector 520, more ultraviolet rays can be reflected toward the processing flow path 110.

As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1100 can irradiate the fluid with more ultraviolet rays.

Further, in the ultraviolet sterilizer 1100, the ultraviolet intensity in a specific region in the processing flow path 110 can be increased by reflecting the ultraviolet rays by the reflector 520.

(11th variant)
13A is a schematic view showing a cross section of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1200 according to the eleventh modification, and FIG. 13B is a schematic showing the reflection sheet 410 and the luminous flux control member 530 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 1200 shown in FIG. 13A. It is a figure. In FIG. 13A, hatching is omitted. The ultraviolet sterilizer 1200 according to the eleventh modification is different from the ultraviolet sterilizer 100 according to the above embodiment in that it has a reflective sheet 310, a reflective sheet 410, and a plurality of luminous flux control members 530.

The reflective sheet 310 is arranged so as to face the surface of the second plate 132 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and reflects the ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side toward the processing flow path 110 side. The reflective sheet 310 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

The reflective sheet 410 is arranged around the luminous flux control member 530 so as to face the surface of the first plate 131 on the opposite side of the processing flow path 110, and receives ultraviolet rays arriving from the processing flow path 110 side on the processing flow path 110 side. Reflect towards. In this modification, the reflective sheet 410 is arranged at substantially the same position as the luminous flux control member 530 in the direction of the optical axis of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120. The reflective sheet 410 is the same as the reflective sheet of the sixth modification.

Each of the plurality of luminous flux control members 530 is arranged on the light emitting element 120. The luminous flux control member 530 is a so-called diffusing lens that spreads ultraviolet rays emitted from the corresponding light emitting element 120. The shape of the luminous flux control member 530 is appropriately determined according to the orientation characteristics required according to the arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 120, the distance between the plurality of light emitting elements 120 and the processing flow path 110, and the like. The material of the luminous flux control member 530 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays. Examples of the material of the light beam control member 530 include light-transmitting resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resin (EP), fluororesin, and silicone resin, glass, synthetic quartz, and the like. Is done.

In the ultraviolet sterilizer 1200, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 120 reach the first plate 131 after the orientation is controlled by the luminous flux control member 530. The ultraviolet rays that reach the first plate 131 pass through the first plate 131 and irradiate the fluid flowing through the processing flow path 110 along the depth direction of the processing flow path 110.

Further, in the ultraviolet sterilizer 1200, the ultraviolet rays reflected by the reflective sheet 310, passed through the second plate 132, the processing flow path 110, and the first plate 131, and reached the reflective sheet 410, are directed toward the processing flow path 110. And reflect.

As a result, the ultraviolet sterilizer 1200 can irradiate the fluid with more ultraviolet rays.

Further, in the ultraviolet sterilizer 1200, since the orientation of the light emitted from the light emitting element 120 is controlled by the luminous flux control member 530, the number of the light emitting elements 120 can be reduced and the device can be made thinner.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-042655 filed on March 8, 2019. The contents described in the application specification and drawings are incorporated herein by reference.

According to the ultraviolet sterilizer of the present invention, even if the transparency of the fluid is low, the fluid can be appropriately sterilized by irradiating the fluid with sufficient ultraviolet rays. For example, the ultraviolet sterilizer of the present invention is useful for sterilizing low-transparency liquids such as milk and juice.

10 UV sterilizer 11 Treatment flow path 12 UV light source 18 Fluid flow direction 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 UV sterilizer 110 Treatment flow path 120 Light emitting element 131 First plate 132, 432 Second plate 180 Fluid flow direction 310, 410 Reflective sheet 510, 530 Luminous flux control member 520 Reflector 521 Reflective surface 631, 632 Light guide plate

Claims (14)

An ultraviolet sterilizer that irradiates a fluid with ultraviolet rays to sterilize the fluid.
A processing channel in which the ratio of the channel width to the channel depth is 4 or more, and
A plurality of light emitting elements that irradiate the fluid flowing in the processing flow path with ultraviolet rays along the depth direction of the treatment flow path.
Has an ultraviolet sterilizer. The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the flow path depth of the processing flow path is 10 mm or less. It further has a first plate and a second plate that define the processing flow path.
The processing flow path is arranged between the first plate and the second plate.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2. The first plate or the second plate is configured to transmit ultraviolet rays.
The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the first plate that transmits ultraviolet rays or the second plate that transmits ultraviolet rays.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 3. The first plate and the second plate are configured to transmit ultraviolet rays.
The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so as to face the surface of the first plate opposite to the processing flow path or the surface of the second plate opposite to the processing flow path.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 3. Further comprising a reflective sheet for reflecting ultraviolet rays, which is arranged on the surface of the second plate opposite to the processing flow path.
The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the first plate.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 5. The first plate is configured to transmit ultraviolet rays.
The second plate is configured to reflect ultraviolet rays.
The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the first plate.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 3. 6. Or claim, further comprising a reflective sheet for reflecting ultraviolet rays, which is arranged around the plurality of light emitting elements so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the first plate. 7. The ultraviolet sterilizer according to 7. The first plate and the second plate are configured to transmit ultraviolet rays.
A part of the plurality of light emitting elements is arranged so as to face the surface of the first plate opposite to the processing flow path.
The other part of the plurality of light emitting elements is arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the second plate.
Each of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the first plate and the opposite surface of the processing flow path of the second plate. Each of the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in such a manner is arranged so as not to face each other with the first plate and the second plate interposed therebetween.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 3. Arranged around the plurality of light emitting elements so as to face the surface of the first plate on the opposite side of the processing flow path, or with the surface of the second plate on the opposite side of the processing flow path. The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 9, further comprising a reflective sheet for reflecting ultraviolet rays, which is arranged around the plurality of light emitting elements so as to face each other. It further has a plurality of luminous flux control members for spreading the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements.
The plurality of luminous flux control members are respectively arranged on the plurality of light emitting elements.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A plurality of luminous flux control members for spreading ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements, and
A reflective sheet for reflecting ultraviolet rays, which is arranged around the plurality of luminous flux control unit agents so as to face the surface of the first plate on the opposite side of the processing flow path, and
Further has
The plurality of luminous flux control members are respectively arranged on the plurality of light emitting elements.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 6 or 7. It further has a plurality of reflectors for reflecting at least a part of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements toward the processing flow path.
The plurality of reflectors are respectively arranged on the plurality of light emitting elements.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The first plate or the second plate is a light guide plate configured to transmit ultraviolet rays.
The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged so as to face the side surface of the first plate or the side surface of the second plate.
The plurality of light emitting elements emit ultraviolet rays toward the side surface of the first plate or the side surface of the second plate along a direction substantially perpendicular to the depth direction of the processing flow path.
The first plate or the second plate emits ultraviolet rays toward the processing flow path along the depth direction of the treatment flow path.
The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 3.

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