JP2009022903A - Ultraviolet sterilization apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultraviolet sterilization apparatus that detects the lowering of a sterilizing capacity to accurately detect the replacing period of an ultraviolet lamp. <P>SOLUTION: In a flowing water sterilizing apparatus 1 which is provided with a cylindrical treatment tank 2 and ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 installed in the treatment tank 2 and constituted so as to irradiate the water being an example of the sterilizing substance introduced into the treatment tank 2 with ultraviolet rays to sterilize the water, at least N (N≥3) ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are arranged around the center axis C of the treatment tank 2 at equal intervals while 3-N ultraviolet detection units 40, in which ultraviolet sensor units 44 having uniform ultraviolet ray detecting characteristics are built, are provided at almost equal intervals along the circumference of the inner peripheral surface 2A of the treatment tank 2 so as to be mutually separated to a degree capable of detecting ultraviolet rays of the respective ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 and the lowering of the sterilizing capacity is detected on the basis of the sum total of the detection values of the ultraviolet detection units 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultraviolet sterilizer for sterilizing an object to be sterilized by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

In recent years, an ultraviolet sterilizer has been known as a device for sterilizing liquid as food raw water, industrial water, or air. In general, an ultraviolet sterilizer is configured by storing an ultraviolet lamp that radiates ultraviolet rays in a cylindrical processing tank, and introduces an object to be sterilized such as water or air into the processing tank and moves the inside of the processing tank. However, the object to be sterilized is sterilized by irradiating ultraviolet rays, and the object after sterilization is led out to the outside.
Further, in this type of ultraviolet sterilizer, in order to maintain a predetermined sterilizing ability, it is necessary to replace the ultraviolet lamp whose performance has been deteriorated due to deterioration over time with a new one. Therefore, conventionally, an optical sensor such as a photodiode is fixed to a transmission window provided on the side surface of the processing tank, and a decrease in illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp is detected by this optical sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). ).
JP 2000-70928 A JP-A-10-57954

However, when a plurality of ultraviolet lamps are housed in the processing tank, if the light quantity of these ultraviolet lamps is detected by a single optical sensor, the light for illuminance change depends on the distance between the optical sensor and each ultraviolet lamp. There is a problem that the sensitivity of the sensor changes.
That is, the farther the position of the ultraviolet lamp is from the optical sensor, the lower the sensitivity of the optical sensor with respect to the illuminance change of the ultraviolet lamp.
Therefore, even if the UV lamp far from the light sensor is in a state that caused a significant decrease in illuminance, the amount of light received by the light sensor in response to the decrease in illuminance is small, so the UV lamp detects the state that caused a decrease in illuminance It may not be possible.

Therefore, for example, by reducing the reference value of the light reception change amount determined to cause the illuminance decrease, it is possible to detect the illuminance decrease of the ultraviolet lamp at a position far from the optical sensor.
However, since the sensitivity of the optical sensor is high with respect to the ultraviolet lamp near the optical sensor, even if the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp near the optical sensor is slightly reduced, the amount of change in the received light of the optical sensor is the above reference. If the value exceeds the value, it is determined that the illuminance is lowered, and the UV lamp that can still be used is replaced.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, an ultraviolet sensor and an optical sensor are provided so that an optical sensor is provided opposite to each ultraviolet lamp and each optical sensor does not detect the light of other ultraviolet lamps. Is arranged in close contact with each other, it is possible to accurately detect a decrease in illuminance of each ultraviolet lamp.

  However, since one optical sensor is always required for each ultraviolet lamp, the cost increases. In addition to this, since it is necessary to bring the ultraviolet lamp and the optical sensor into close contact with each other, it is necessary to project the transmission window provided with the optical sensor toward the inside of the processing tank to the position where the ultraviolet lamp is arranged, and the structure of the apparatus is complicated. In addition, the flow of the sterilization target object in the processing tank is hindered by the portion protruding toward the inside of the processing tank, or there is a problem such as uneven irradiation of ultraviolet rays on the sterilization target object.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the situation mentioned above, and it aims at providing the ultraviolet sterilizer which can detect the fall of sterilization capability and can detect the replacement | exchange time of an ultraviolet lamp correctly.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a cylindrical treatment tank and an ultraviolet lamp installed in the treatment tank, and irradiates the sterilizing substance introduced into the treatment tank with ultraviolet rays. In the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the object to be sterilized, at least N (where N ≧ 3) or more of the ultraviolet lamps are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis of the treatment tank, and 3 or more and N The following photosensors with uniform characteristics for detecting ultraviolet rays are spaced substantially equidistantly along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the processing tank and to the extent that each ultraviolet ray of the ultraviolet lamp can be detected. And a decrease in sterilization capability is detected based on a sum of detection values detected by each of the optical sensors.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, a factor value having a value of 3 or more among the factors of N which is the number of the ultraviolet lamps is defined as the number of the optical sensors.

  Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the optical sensor is provided at each of the opposed positions of the ultraviolet lamp.

  In the invention as described above, when the ultraviolet lamp and the optical sensor are both arranged at equiangular intervals and the number of both coincides, the total of the detection values of each optical sensor and the number of the ultraviolet lamps lit are in a proportional relationship. The inventors found it and came to create it by linking it with sterilizing ability.

  According to the present invention, at least N (where N ≧ 3) or more ultraviolet lamps are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis of the processing tank, and the optical sensor detects three or more and N or less ultraviolet sensors. In addition, since the ultraviolet lamps are provided at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the processing tank and spaced apart so as to detect the ultraviolet rays of the ultraviolet lamps, The ultraviolet rays emitted by the N ultraviolet lamp groups arranged in the are detected. And since the total ultraviolet ray quantity of N ultraviolet lamp groups is detected by calculating the sum total of each detection value of an optical sensor, based on this total ultraviolet ray quantity, the fall of the disinfection ability of an apparatus is detected correctly. In addition, it is possible to accurately detect the replacement time of the ultraviolet lamp.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as one aspect of the ultraviolet sterilizer according to the present invention, a water purification plant is provided to sterilize (disinfect) water after water purification treatment as an object to be sterilized to inactivate chlorine-resistant pathogenic microorganisms. A flowing water sterilization apparatus will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a running water sterilizer 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the running water sterilizer 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

As shown in these drawings, the flowing water sterilizer 1 includes a cylindrical processing tank 2 constituting a casing, and three ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 provided in the processing tank 2.
The processing tank 2 is made of, for example, stainless steel, and upper and lower openings thereof are closed by flanges 4 and 5. An introduction port 6 for introducing water is disposed below the outer surface of the treatment tank 2, and a lead-out port 7 for deriving sterilized water is disposed above the outer surface. From the introduction port 6, the water before sterilization is introduced into the treatment tank 2 while maintaining a predetermined flow rate (or flow pressure), and moves in the treatment tank 2 toward the upper outlet port 7 by the flow pressure. Then, the water is sterilized by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet lamp body 3 while moving in the treatment tank 2, and discharged from the outlet port 7 to the outside.

Each of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 includes a straight tubular ultraviolet lamp 8 and a lamp sleeve 9 as an ultraviolet transmissive cylindrical tube made of, for example, quartz, on which the ultraviolet lamp 8 is mounted.
Each of the lamp sleeves 9 extends in parallel with the central axis C of the processing tank 2 and is provided so as to pass through the upper and lower flanges 4 and 5. Both ends of the lamp sleeve 9 are opened, and air flows into the lamp sleeve 9. Is secured to prevent condensation.
The lower end of the lamp sleeve 9 is supported by a lamp sleeve holder 10 and a lamp sleeve support fitting 11 provided on the flange 4. The lamp sleeve support fitting 11 supports a lamp support fitting 12 for supporting the ultraviolet lamp 8. Is attached.

The lamp support fitting 12 has a thin tubular receiving fitting 12A, and the receiving fitting 12A is attached to the lamp sleeve supporting fitting 11 so as to extend upward in the lamp sleeve 9.
The lower end of the ultraviolet lamp 8 inserted from the opening on the upper end side of the lamp sleeve 9 is inserted into the receiving metal 12 </ b> A, whereby the ultraviolet lamp 8 is supported in the lamp sleeve 9 by the lamp support metal 12.
The ultraviolet lamp 8 is configured to have a length that extends from the introduction port 6 to the outlet port 7 when mounted on the lamp sleeve 9. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated over the entire range of the flow path leading to 7.

As shown in FIG. 3, the three ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of a concentric circle having a radius Ra from the central axis C of the processing tank 2, and are adjacent to each other when viewed from the central axis C. The angles formed by the two ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are equal to 120 degrees (= 360 degrees / 3).
The radius Ra is a value smaller than the inner diameter R of the processing tank 2, whereby each ultraviolet lamp body 3 is arranged at a distance Rb (= R−Ra) from the inner peripheral surface 2 </ b> A of the processing tank 2. Is done.
Further, the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is not limited to three, and N (N ≦ 3, a natural number) ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 may be provided in the processing tank 2. However, also in this configuration, each of the N ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of a concentric circle having a radius Ra from the central axis C of the processing tank 2, and adjacent to the central axis C. The angles formed by the two ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are equal to each other (360 degrees / N).

  The sterilization ability of the running water sterilizer 1 depends on the output of ultraviolet rays (total amount of ultraviolet rays) of each ultraviolet lamp body 3, and dirt such as scale adheres to the surface of the lamp sleeve 9 containing the ultraviolet lamp 8. When the transmittance of 9 is lowered or the performance of the ultraviolet lamp 8 is lowered along with the deterioration with time, the output of ultraviolet rays is lowered, and thereby the sterilizing ability is also lowered.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the running water sterilizer 1 includes a lamp sleeve cleaning mechanism 20 that cleans the surface of the lamp sleeve 9 and an ultraviolet detection unit 40 that detects ultraviolet rays. Then, the lamp sleeve cleaning mechanism 20 periodically cleans the surface of the lamp sleeve 9 to prevent a decrease in the transmittance of the lamp sleeve 9, and the ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 constantly monitors the output of ultraviolet rays. Thus, it is possible to promptly detect a decrease in sterilization ability due to a decrease in performance of the ultraviolet lamp 8 or the like.

The configuration of the lamp sleeve cleaning mechanism 20 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each lamp sleeve 9 is fitted with an annular cleaning brush 21, and each cleaning brush 21 is processed by the cleaning brush support 22. Around the central axis C of the tank 2 are supported at equal intervals and at the same height.
On the central axis C of the processing tank 2, a ball screw 23 that passes vertically through the processing tank 2 is disposed. A ball screw nut 24 is screwed to the ball screw 23, and a cleaning plate 32 is connected to the ball screw nut 24. Yes.
Further, in the processing tank 2, three guide shafts 29 extending vertically are arranged around the central axis C at equal intervals, and the cleaning plate is attached to the shaft guide 30 that moves along these guide shafts 29. 32 are connected.

  Further, a waterproof motor 26 is disposed above and outside the treatment tank 2 by being supported by a motor support portion 25 disposed on the flange 5, and a shaft 27 is connected to an output shaft 26 </ b> A of the waterproof motor 26. . The shaft 27 and the upper end of the ball screw 23 are connected by a rotational force transmission mechanism including a timing pulley 28 and a belt 31.

  Under the above configuration, when the ball screw 23 is rotationally driven by the waterproof motor 26, the cleaning plate 32 connected to the ball screw 23 by the ball screw nut 24 moves up and down along the guide shaft 29 in the processing tank 2. As the cleaning plate 32 moves, the cleaning brushes 21 wipe the outer peripheral surface of the lamp sleeve 9 so that the lamp sleeve 9 is cleaned.

  The ball screw 23 is made of, for example, stainless steel, and the ball screw nut 24 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). At this time, a stainless steel cover for preventing the surface of the ball screw nut 24 from being exposed to ultraviolet rays is attached to the ball screw nut 24 in order to prevent deterioration of the ball screw nut 24 due to ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp body 3.

The cleaning plate 32 is normally stopped at a position near the bottom of the processing tank 2 and at least lower than the introduction port 6 so as not to cause a shadow of ultraviolet rays.
When the lamp sleeve 9 is cleaned, the cleaning plate 32 is reciprocated up and down in the processing tank 2 with the upper point of the outlet port 7 as a turning point as the waterproof motor 26 is driven. With this reciprocating movement, the cleaning brush 21 wipes the outer peripheral surface of the lamp sleeve 9, whereby the lamp sleeve 9 is cleaned, and a decrease in the output of ultraviolet rays due to contamination of the lamp sleeve 9 is prevented.

Next, the configuration of the ultraviolet detection unit 40 will be described in detail.
In the present embodiment, there are three ultraviolet ray detection units 40 as many as the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3, and each of the ultraviolet ray detection units 40 has various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, angular characteristics and input / output characteristics ( Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultraviolet detection units 40 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 2 </ b> A of the processing tank 2.
In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet detection units 40 are arranged at positions facing the ultraviolet lamp body 3, but if the ultraviolet detection units 40 are arranged at equal intervals, It is not necessary to dispose each of them facing the ultraviolet lamp body 3. This will be described in detail later.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the ultraviolet detection unit 40 shown in FIG.
A flange 36 having an observation hole 35 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the processing tank 2, and the ultraviolet detection unit 40 is attached to the flange 36.
The ultraviolet detection unit 40 is a translucent window formed of an ultraviolet transparent material (for example, quartz glass) that is pressed against the observation hole 35 of the flange 36 with an O-ring 37 interposed therebetween to close the observation hole 35. An observation window 41, a pressing metal 42 that presses and fixes the observation window 41 to the flange 36, a protective sheet 43 that is interposed between the pressing metal 42 and the observation window 41 and protects the observation window 41, and the processing tank 2. An ultraviolet sensor unit 44 that is disposed close to the observation window 41 from the outside and detects ultraviolet rays that pass through the observation window 41, and a cover 45 that shields external light (noise) from entering the unit. ing.
And the ultraviolet-ray which permeate | transmits the observation window 41 by each ultraviolet-ray detection unit 40 is measured, and the fluctuation | variation is monitored, The fall of the disinfection ability resulting from the performance fall of the ultraviolet lamp 8 etc. is detected rapidly.

Here, the surface of the observation window 41 exposed to the inside of the processing tank 2 is easily contaminated in the same manner as the lamp sleeve 9, and when the surface of the observation window 41 is contaminated, the deterioration of the performance of the ultraviolet lamp 8 is accurately detected. I can't. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet detection unit 40 is further provided with an observation window cleaning mechanism 50 that cleans the surface of the observation window 41.
The observation window cleaning mechanism 50 includes a plate-like blade 51 as a wiping body for wiping the surface of the observation window 41 facing the inside of the processing tank 2, an actuator 52 disposed outside the processing tank 2, and an actuator A shaft 53 as a connecting shaft for connecting the output shaft 52A of the blade 52 and the blade 51 is provided.

The shaft 53 is formed in an L shape as a whole by combining a rod-shaped member and a bowl-shaped member to form an integral structure by welding or the like. The front end 53A extends in front of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44, and the blade 51 is attached to the front end 53A.
As shown in FIG. 5, the blade 51 is normally stopped at a position away from the front of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 so as not to hinder ultraviolet measurement by the ultraviolet sensor unit 44, and when the observation window 41 is cleaned. First, the blade 51 is swung through the shaft 53 by the actuator 52, and the blade 51 is driven like a wiper. Thereby, the observation window 41 is cleaned, and it becomes possible to detect the ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 without being affected by the contamination of the observation window 41. It is possible to detect ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 without being affected by the above.

  In the present embodiment, the flange 36 is provided on the side surface of the processing tank 2, and the observation window 41 is provided at a position recessed from the inner peripheral surface 2 </ b> A of the processing tank 2 by the flange 36. Arranged to fit in the part. As a result, the blade 51 does not protrude into the processing tank 2, and an extra shadow of ultraviolet rays is not created. Further, since the flow pressure of the water in the treatment tank 2 applied to the blade 51 is reduced, the blade 51 is swung by the flow pressure and obstructs the ultraviolet measurement by the ultraviolet detection unit 40, or the portion connected to the shaft 53 There is no such thing as excessive force being applied to it and causing damage.

Here, it is not necessary to clean the entire area of the observation window 41 with the blade 51, and it is sufficient to clean at least the area corresponding to the front surface of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44.
Accordingly, it is sufficient that the blade 51 has a length L enough to cross the front surface of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the shaft 53 is disposed close to the ultraviolet sensor unit 44, the length of the tip 53A of the shaft 53 for attaching the blade 51 can be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, the observation window 41, the presser fitting 42, the protective sheet 43, the ultraviolet sensor unit 44, and the observation window cleaning mechanism 50 of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 described above are assembled and unitized so as to be integrally handled. ing. Thereby, when attaching the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 to the flange 36, it is not necessary to individually attach each part of the ultraviolet detection unit 40, and the unitized ultraviolet detection unit 40 may be attached at a time. 1 is easy to assemble.
Further, even when a problem occurs in the ultraviolet sensor unit 44, the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 can be removed as a whole and replaced with a separate ultraviolet sensor unit 44, so that maintenance work is facilitated.
Furthermore, by performing various adjustment operations such as calibration of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 using a calibrator and matching with the reference sensor unit in advance at the factory, the adjustment operation can be omitted when the ultraviolet sensor unit 44 is replaced. This makes it possible to perform maintenance work more easily.

The observation window 41 of the ultraviolet detection unit 40 is cleaned every time a predetermined time elapses. In the present embodiment, the three above-described ultraviolet detection units 40 are provided, and the cleaning of the observation window 41 of each ultraviolet detection unit 40 is not performed at an independent timing, but at substantially the same timing. Done.
Thereby, it becomes possible to remove the error due to the contamination of the observation window 41 from the respective detection results of the ultraviolet detection unit 40, and the measurement conditions of each ultraviolet detection unit 40 can be made uniform. Furthermore, it is possible to measure ultraviolet rays more accurately by adopting a configuration in which the observation window 41 of each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 is cleaned at the same timing as the cleaning of the lamp sleeve 9 of the ultraviolet lamp body 3.

  By the way, in this embodiment, it is not based on the individual measurement result of the ultraviolet detection unit 40 to determine the replacement time of the ultraviolet lamp 8, but based on the sum of the measurement values of each ultraviolet detection unit 40. When a decrease in the sterilization capability of the sterilization apparatus 1 is detected and a decrease in the sterilization capability is detected, an alarm for prompting the replacement of the ultraviolet lamp 8 is displayed on an alarm display (not shown).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, each ultraviolet lamp body 3 (ultraviolet lamp 8) is disposed at a distance Ra from the central axis C of the treatment tank 2 as described above, and from the inner peripheral surface 2 </ b> A. They are separated by a distance Rb. This distance Rb is a distance at which all three ultraviolet lamps 8 can be observed from each of the observation windows 41 provided on the inner peripheral surface 2A. That is, each of the ultraviolet detection units 40 is separated from the group of three ultraviolet lamps 8 by a distance Rb or more, and therefore detects the ultraviolet rays emitted by each of the three ultraviolet lamps 8.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, each ultraviolet lamp body 3 is labeled with the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3A to 3C to distinguish them, and the ultraviolet detection unit 40 also corresponds to the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3A to 3C. Then, the ultraviolet light detection units 40A to 40C are denoted by the reference numerals and distinguished from each other.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, in each of the ultraviolet detection units 40A to 40C, the detected illuminance greatly decreases when the opposing ultraviolet lamp bodies 3A to 3C are turned off. On the contrary, the decrease in detected illuminance when the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3A to 3C located in the distance are turned off is small. That is, since the sensitivity to changes in illuminance differs depending on the distance to the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3A to 3C, accurate detection of ultraviolet output is impossible even if the individual detection results of the ultraviolet detection units 40A to 40C are individually determined. .

  On the other hand, each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 is arranged at equal intervals surrounding the group of ultraviolet lamp bodies 3, and each of the ultraviolet ray detection units 40 has various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, angular characteristics, and input / output characteristics. Since those having the same characteristics (the same ones) are used, the UV lamp bodies 3A to 3C are calculated by adding the measured values of the respective UV detection units 40 and calculating the total average, as shown in FIG. Thus, the illuminance is uniformly changed with respect to each turn-off / light-up, and the difference in sensitivity of each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 can be offset.

Thereby, the output (total amount) of the ultraviolet rays radiated from the three ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is accurately detected, and the level of the sterilization ability of the running water sterilizer 1 is accurately detected based on the level of the output of the ultraviolet rays. Is possible. When the detected value of the output of the ultraviolet ray falls below a predetermined reference value that suggests that the sterilizing ability is low, as described above, an alarm that prompts replacement of the ultraviolet lamp 8 on an alarm display (not shown) Will be displayed.
At this time, in this embodiment, since the observation window 41 of each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 is cleaned at the same timing, an error due to the contamination of the observation window 41 for each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 is removed, and the ultraviolet ray is detected. The output is detected more accurately.

As described above, if each of the ultraviolet detection units 40 detects the respective ultraviolet rays of the group of ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 and is disposed at equal intervals surrounding the group of ultraviolet lamp bodies 3, the ultraviolet detection is performed. Even if the units 40 are not arranged to face each ultraviolet lamp body 3, it is possible to accurately detect the output of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the three ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 from the sum of the ultraviolet detection units 40.
Therefore, for example, as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 7, each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 may be rotated at an arbitrary angle (60 degrees in the illustrated example) about the central axis C of the processing tank 2 to detect ultraviolet rays. The result equivalent to the result detected by the arrangement before rotating can be obtained.

Further, if each of the ultraviolet ray detection units 40 can detect the ultraviolet rays of the group of ultraviolet lamp bodies 3, N (N ≧ 3) UV lamp bodies 3 are arranged around the central axis C at equal intervals. It may be above.
When the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is N, the same number of ultraviolet ray detection units 40 as the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are arranged at equal intervals so as to surround the group of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3. It is possible to detect the output accurately.

However, if the number of ultraviolet ray detection units 40 is increased as the number of ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is increased, the apparatus cost is increased.
Therefore, the inventor obtained the following knowledge by repeating experiments and the like. That is, when the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is N, the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40 is three, or a factor having a value of 3 or more among the factors of N is sufficient as the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40. This means that the output of ultraviolet rays can be measured with high accuracy.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an arrangement of the ultraviolet lamp body 3 and the ultraviolet detection unit 40 to be tested. As shown in this figure, when 12 ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis C of the processing tank 2, and the ultraviolet detection units 40 are arranged at positions opposed to the respective ultraviolet lamp bodies 3. The inventors conducted an experiment on the subject.
In the following description, the inside of the processing tank 2 is divided in the direction of 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock like a clock face, and the ultraviolet detection unit 40 and the ultraviolet lamp body 3 are distinguished according to each direction.

FIG. 9 shows the detection results when the number of the ultraviolet ray detection units 40 used is changed when four ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 positioned in the directions of 12:00, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock are used. 9 (A) uses one ultraviolet detection unit 40, FIG. 9 (B) uses three ultraviolet detection units 40, and FIG. 9 (C) shows four ultraviolet detection units. The case where the detection unit 40 is used is shown.
As shown in FIG. 9 (A), when the ultraviolet output is detected using only one ultraviolet detection unit 40, any ultraviolet detection unit 40 in the direction of 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock is used. A difference in sensitivity based on the distance to the ultraviolet lamp body 3 occurs.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when only three UV detection units 40 are used, four UV detection units 40 arranged at equal intervals from 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock are arranged. If selected, regardless of the selection of the ultraviolet detection unit 40, the illuminance power decreases approximately linearly with respect to the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 that are turned off, and generally good detection accuracy is maintained.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, when four ultraviolet ray detection units 40 equal in number to the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are used, they are arranged at equal intervals from the ultraviolet ray detection units 40 in the 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock direction. If one of the three types is selected, the illuminance power decreases linearly with respect to the number of extinguishing UV lamp bodies 3, and the detection results are almost the same. It has been shown that detection with high accuracy is possible.

In FIG. 10, when the six ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 positioned in the direction of 12 o'clock, 2 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock are used, the number used as the ultraviolet detection unit 40 is changed. FIG. 10 (A) uses an arbitrary ultraviolet detection unit 40, FIG. 10 (B) uses two ultraviolet detection units 40, and FIG. 10 (C) shows a case where three ultraviolet detection units 40 are used.
As shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B), when UV output is detected using only one UV detection unit 40, and UV output is detected using two UV detection units. In this case, a difference in sensitivity based on the distance to the ultraviolet lamp body 3 occurs, and appropriate detection cannot be performed.

On the other hand, when only three ultraviolet ray detection units 40 are used, as shown in FIG. 10C, the ultraviolet ray detection units 40 arranged in the 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock direction are arranged at equal intervals. If one piece is selected as one set, it is high in the case of the positional relationship in which the three ultraviolet ray detection units 40 are arranged between the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 (1-5-9, 3-7-11 hour addition result). Even when the detection accuracy is obtained and the three ultraviolet detection units 40 are disposed behind the ultraviolet lamp body 3 (2-6-10, 4-8-12 hour addition result), it is practical. Good detection accuracy without problems can be obtained.
When six UV detection units 40 having the same number as the number of UV lamp bodies 3 are used, higher detection accuracy can be obtained. However, since six expensive UV detection units 40 are used, the apparatus cost is high. Is not appropriate.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which five ultraviolet ray lamp bodies 3 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis C of the treatment tank 2 while ten ultraviolet detection units 40 are arranged around the treatment tank 2 at equal intervals. FIG. In addition, each ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 is distinguished from each other by adding a reference numeral to ultraviolet ray detection units 40-1 to 40-10 in order from the ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 arranged in 10 directions in the clockwise direction. Are distinguished from each other by assigning symbols to the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3-1 to 3-5 in order from the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 arranged in five directions in the clockwise direction.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detection result when the number used as the ultraviolet ray detection unit 40 is changed in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12A shows an arbitrary ultraviolet ray detection unit 40. FIG. 12B shows the case where two ultraviolet detection units 40 are used, and FIG. 12C shows the case where five ultraviolet detection units 40 are used.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the ultraviolet output was detected using only one ultraviolet detection unit 40, and the ultraviolet output was detected using two. In this case, a difference in sensitivity based on the distance to the ultraviolet lamp body 3 occurs, and appropriate detection cannot be performed.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12C, when five ultraviolet ray detection units 40 equal in number to the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are used, it is possible to detect ultraviolet rays with high accuracy.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration in which eight ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis C of the processing tank 2 while arranging the ultraviolet detection units 40 in the respective directions from 12:00 to 1 o'clock. is there. Note that the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 are distinguished from each other by assigning symbols to the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3-1 to 3-8 in order from the ultraviolet lamp body 3 arranged in the 12 o'clock direction in the clockwise direction.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a detection result when the number used as the ultraviolet detection unit 40 is changed in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 (A) uses one ultraviolet detection unit 40. FIG. 14B shows a case where three ultraviolet detection units 40 are used, and FIG. 14C shows a case where four ultraviolet detection units 40 are used.

As shown in these figures, even when the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is eight, when the ultraviolet output is detected using only one ultraviolet detection unit 40, the process up to the ultraviolet lamp body 3 is performed. Differences in sensitivity based on distance occur, and appropriate detection is not possible.
On the other hand, when only three ultraviolet detection units 40 are used, it is possible to detect ultraviolet rays with high accuracy.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14C, among the factors of “8”, which is the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3, “4”, which is one of the factors having a value of “3” or more, is the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40. As long as four units arranged at equal intervals are selected as one set from the UV detection units 40 in the 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock direction, the UV lamp body can be selected from any of the three types. It is shown that the illuminance power decreases almost linearly with respect to the number of extinguishing lines 3 and that almost the same detection result is obtained and that highly accurate detection is possible.

  From the above, when the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is N (natural number satisfying N ≧ 3) or more, the value of 3 or N ultraviolet detection units 40 or the factor of N is “3” or more. The number of UV detection units 40 corresponding to the value of any one of the above are arranged at equal intervals surrounding the N UV lamp bodies 3, and based on the sum of detection values of the respective UV detection units 40. It is shown that the ultraviolet rays emitted from the N ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 can be accurately detected.

  In particular, when the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is four or more, the value is “3” or more among the three ultraviolet detection units 40 or the factor of the number N of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3, and most By setting the value of the small factor as the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40, it is possible to detect the ultraviolet rays with high accuracy while suppressing the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least N (where N ≧ 3) or more ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 (ultraviolet lamps 8) are arranged around the central axis C of the processing tank 2 at equal intervals. An ultraviolet lamp body including an ultraviolet detection unit 40 including three or more and N or less ultraviolet sensor units 44 that detect ultraviolet rays is provided at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 2A of the processing tank 2. Since each of the ultraviolet sensor units 44 is provided at a predetermined length Rb or more apart from 3, each of the ultraviolet sensor units 44 detects the ultraviolet rays emitted by the N ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 arranged inside thereof. Then, by calculating the sum of the respective detection values of the ultraviolet sensor unit 44, the difference in sensitivity due to the difference in distance between each ultraviolet sensor unit 44 and the ultraviolet lamp body 3 is offset, and N ultraviolet lamp bodies The total UV amount of 3 is detected accurately.
Thereby, it is possible to accurately detect a decrease in the sterilization ability of the apparatus based on the total amount of ultraviolet rays, and it is possible to accurately detect the replacement time of the ultraviolet lamp 8.

  In particular, when the number of the ultraviolet lamp bodies 3 is N, among the factors of N, the value of a factor of 3 or more is set as the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40, thereby reducing the number of the ultraviolet detection units 40. Ultraviolet rays can be detected with high accuracy while suppressing.

In addition, embodiment mentioned above shows the one aspect | mode of this invention to the last, A deformation | transformation and application are arbitrarily possible within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the running water sterilizer is exemplified as an example of the ultraviolet sterilizer. The present invention can be applied to any apparatus as long as it is a sterilization apparatus.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the running water sterilizer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cross section of a running water sterilizer. It is a figure which shows the AA cross section of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the running water sterilizer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of an observation window cleaning mechanism. It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of the ultraviolet-ray detection by three ultraviolet-ray detection units. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of a ultraviolet-ray detection unit. It is a figure which shows typically the arrangement configuration of the ultraviolet detection unit and ultraviolet lamp body of a test object. It is a figure which shows the detection result when changing the number of ultraviolet detection units when using four ultraviolet lamp bodies, (A) is the case where one ultraviolet detection unit is used, (B) is 3 When the number of ultraviolet detection units is used, (C) shows the case of using four ultraviolet detection units. It is a figure which shows a detection result when the number of ultraviolet detection units is changed when six ultraviolet lamp bodies are used. (A) shows the case where one ultraviolet detection unit is used, (B) shows 3 When the number of ultraviolet detection units is used, (C) shows the case of using six ultraviolet detection units. It is a figure which shows typically the arrangement configuration of the ultraviolet detection unit and ultraviolet lamp body of a test object. It is a figure which shows a detection result when the number of ultraviolet detection units is changed when five ultraviolet lamp bodies are used. (A) shows a case where one ultraviolet detection unit is used, (B) shows 3 When the number of ultraviolet detection units is used, (C) shows the case of using five ultraviolet detection units. It is a figure which shows typically the arrangement configuration of the ultraviolet detection unit and ultraviolet lamp body of a test object. It is a figure which shows a detection result when the number of ultraviolet detection units is changed when eight ultraviolet lamp bodies are used. (A) shows the case where one ultraviolet detection unit is used, (B) shows 3 When the number of ultraviolet detection units is used, (C) shows the case of using four ultraviolet detection units.

Explanation of symbols

1 Running water sterilizer (UV sterilizer)
2 Processing tank 3, 3A-3C, 3-1-3-8 UV lamp body 8 UV lamp 9 Lamp sleeve 35 Observation hole 36 Flange 40, 40A-40C UV detection unit 41 Observation window 44 UV sensor unit 50 Observation window Cleaning mechanism 51 Blade 52 Actuator C Center axis N Number R Inner diameter

Claims (3)

In an ultraviolet sterilizer having a cylindrical processing tank and an ultraviolet lamp installed in the processing tank, and sterilizing the sterilization object by irradiating ultraviolet rays to a sterilizing substance introduced into the processing tank ,
At least N (where N ≧ 3) or more of the ultraviolet lamps are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis of the treatment tank,
Three or more and N or less UV sensors with uniform characteristics can be detected at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the processing tank, and each UV light of the UV lamp can be detected. Set apart to a certain extent,
An ultraviolet sterilization apparatus, wherein a decrease in sterilization capability is detected based on a sum of detection values detected by each of the optical sensors. The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 1,
The ultraviolet sterilizer characterized in that, among the factors of N, which is the number of the ultraviolet lamps, the value of a factor of 3 or more is set as the number of the optical sensors. The ultraviolet sterilizer according to claim 1,
The ultraviolet sterilizer characterized by providing the said optical sensor in each of the opposing position of the said ultraviolet lamp.

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