Continuous decontamination device

Abstract

Provided is a continuous decontamination device that uses a decontaminant such as hydrogen peroxide, which has been widely used in recent years, instead of an expensive electron accelerator, and that can achieve short-time processing, uniform decontamination of each part, and the like, and can achieve mass processing of decontamination target articles. The continuous decontamination device includes a device main body including a decontamination region and a ventilation region, a conveyance unit that conveys articles, a mist supply unit, and a ventilation unit. The conveyance unit changes a part that supports an article that is carried in from a carrying-in port while conveying the article to a carrying-out port, inside the decontamination region. Thus, the entire outer surface of the article can be decontaminated. The mist supply unit includes an ultrasonic atomization device that changes a decontaminant into decontaminant mist, and causes the decontaminant mist to act on the outer surface of the article that is conveyed inside the decontamination region. The ventilation unit removes the decontaminant mist that remains on the outer surface of the article by using a clean gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a continuous decontamination apparatus for continuously decontaminating the outer surface of an article using a decontamination agent mist and for transporting the decontaminated article to a sterile work room. Background Technology

[0002] For convenience in medical settings, pre-filled syringes and vials pre-filled with pharmaceuticals are being manufactured. The process of filling these syringes and vials with pharmaceuticals is carried out in a sterile filling room (hereinafter referred to as the "sterile work room"). The syringes and vials used in this process are small components, and a relatively large quantity needs to be processed. Therefore, these syringes and vials are sterilized during their respective manufacturing stages using methods such as gamma ray irradiation, electron beam irradiation, and EOG (ethylene oxide gas), and are then transported to the sterile work room in a predetermined number, packaged in a single unit.

[0003] Such a package exists, for example, in medical device packages described in Patent Document 1 below or as prior art. Figure 1 The P in this context refers to the package. These packages are generally called peel-open packages and are plastic containers shaped to fit the medical devices such as syringes or vials housed inside. Figure 1 P1 in the middle) and the gas-permeable upper surface seal ( Figure 1 (P2 in the text). For this upper surface seal, a non-woven fabric made of high-density polyethylene microfiber is generally used, such as Tyvek (trademark). Gas can pass through the micropores of Tyvek (trademark) into the plastic barrel, but it can prevent the invasion of microorganisms.

[0004] This encapsulated container is further wrapped in a packaging bag for distribution and transportation. However, during distribution or transportation, or when it is removed from the packaging bag for transport to a sterile work room, the outer surface of the plastic container and its upper surface seal becomes contaminated. Therefore, it cannot be transported to the sterile work room without decontaminating the contaminated outer surface. Thus, a decontamination device connected to the sterile work room is used to decontaminate the outer surface of the plastic container and its upper surface seal before transporting it to the sterile work room. Inside the sterile work room, the upper surface seal is removed from the plastic container, and the sterilized syringes or vials inside are refilled.

[0005] Generally, decontamination devices used to decontaminate containers being moved into sterile work rooms employ various methods depending on the purpose, such as EOG (ethylene oxide gas), hydrogen peroxide (gas or mist), ozone gas, plasma, gamma ray irradiation, ultraviolet irradiation, or electron beam irradiation. Among these, the use of hydrogen peroxide (gas or mist) is one of the most common methods. Hydrogen peroxide has a strong decontamination effect, is inexpensive and readily available, and is effective as an environmentally friendly decontaminant that ultimately decomposes into oxygen and water. However, with the hydrogen peroxide method, there is a problem that a considerable amount of time is required to achieve the required level of decontamination. Furthermore, the ventilation required to remove the hydrogen peroxide water film condensed on the surface of the container after decontamination also requires considerable time.

[0006] On the other hand, in decontamination devices that require processing a large number of contents per unit time, such as in the manufacture of pre-filled syringes, a method with shorter processing time and higher decontamination efficiency is desired. Therefore, in Non-Patent Document 1 below, a decontamination device incorporating a low-energy electron accelerator is introduced as a device that achieves higher decontamination efficiency, higher productivity, and safety without residue compared to devices using general decontamination agents such as hydrogen peroxide.

[0007] The decontamination device operates in the processing of packages containing pre-filled syringes. The packages, containing pre-decontaminated syringes, are decontaminated on their outer surface by an electron beam and then transported by a conveyor to a sterile operating room. The device utilizes three low-energy electron accelerators arranged at 120-degree angles. Figure 2 Electron beams are irradiated onto all surfaces of the package through irradiation windows (56a, 57a, 58a) in three directions.

[0008] It should be noted that in this device, by controlling the amount of electron beam irradiation, the plastic barrel and its upper surface seals can be efficiently decontaminated. According to Non-Patent Document 1 below, this device can process 3600 syringes per hour, achieving high productivity.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4237489

[0011] Non-patent document 1: Radiation Utilization Promotion Association, Radiation Utilization Technology Database, Data No.: 010306 (Created: 2007 / 10 / 03, Masayuki Sekiguchi) Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] In the decontamination device of Non-Patent Document 1, in order to decontaminate the entire outer surface of the medical device package, electron beams are simultaneously irradiated from three low-energy electron accelerators arranged at 120-degree angles on the outer periphery of the medical device package being transported in the transport direction (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0014] In this method, irradiating the outer surfaces (upper surface, bottom surface, and left and right side surfaces) of the medical device package with an electron beam is sufficient. However, due to the distance between the front and rear side surfaces and the transport direction of the medical device package, irradiating with an electron beam is insufficient. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain a high level of reliability and safety in the decontamination effect. Thus, when irradiating the front and rear side surfaces of the medical device package from the outer periphery, the distance to the irradiation window of each electron accelerator increases, requiring the irradiation window of each electron accelerator to be enlarged, the irradiation angle adjusted, and the acceleration voltage of each electron accelerator increased to enhance the irradiation intensity.

[0015] Generally speaking, each low-energy electron accelerator, which can increase the irradiation area and accelerate the voltage, is expensive. Furthermore, with increased accelerating voltage, the lifespan of the electron accelerator, based on its cumulative operating time, becomes shorter, leading to higher maintenance costs due to replacements. Therefore, there is a problem where operating three expensive devices simultaneously increases both the initial and maintenance costs of the equipment.

[0016] On the other hand, even when the front and rear sides of the medical device package are thoroughly decontaminated by increasing the irradiation intensity of each electron accelerator, the irradiation intensity varies depending on the location of the medical device package. Excessive electron beam irradiation at locations closer to the irradiation windows of the electron accelerators can damage the medical device package. Furthermore, there is a problem that the level of decontamination varies from part of the medical device package to the irradiation windows of each electron accelerator.

[0017] Thus, methods using decontaminants such as hydrogen peroxide, which have been widely used in recent years, are recognized for their strong decontamination effect, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, these methods require a long processing time and present problems when decontaminating medical device packages that require large-scale processing. On the other hand, methods using electron accelerators have been recognized for their effectiveness in decontaminating medical device packages that require large-scale processing. However, these methods suffer from high equipment and maintenance costs, and inconsistent decontamination levels across different parts of the device.

[0018] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems by providing a continuous decontamination device that does not use expensive electron accelerators but employs decontamination agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which have been widely used in recent years. This device can achieve short-time processing, even wastewater treatment in all areas, and large-scale processing of the objects to be decontaminated.

[0019] Methods for solving problems

[0020] In solving the aforementioned problem, the inventors, through dedicated research, completed this invention by using an ultrasonic atomizing device to transform cleaning agents such as hydrogen peroxide water into fine cleaning agent mists and concentrating these mists on the surface of the object to be cleaned within the cleaning device.

[0021] That is, the continuous decontamination device of the present invention is based on the description of the first technical solution.

[0022] In a continuous decontamination device (10, 110) connected to a sterile work chamber (20, 120), which decontaminates the outer surface of an article (P) with a decontaminating mist (41, 141) and transports the article into the interior of the sterile work chamber, the device is characterized by:

[0023] The continuous decontamination device (10, 110) comprises: a main body (10a, 110a) consisting of a decontamination zone (11, 111) and a ventilation zone (12, 112), a transport unit (30, 130) for transporting materials, a mist supply unit (mist emission device), and a ventilation unit (50, 150).

[0024] The main body of the aforementioned device includes: an inlet (13, 113) for moving items before decontamination into the decontamination area and an outlet (14, 114) for moving decontaminated items out of the ventilation area.

[0025] When the aforementioned transport unit supports the item brought in from the aforementioned inlet and transports it through the aforementioned decontamination area and the aforementioned ventilation area to the aforementioned outlet, it can decontaminate the entire outer surface of the item by changing the part supporting the item inside the aforementioned decontamination area.

[0026] The aforementioned mist supply unit includes an ultrasonic atomizing device that converts the cleaning agent into a cleaning agent mist and supplies it to the interior of the cleaning area, so that the cleaning agent mist acts concentratedly on the outer surface of the article being transported by the aforementioned transport unit inside the cleaning area.

[0027] The ventilation unit removes the cleaning agent mist remaining on the outer surface of the items transported from the decontamination area by the transport unit using clean gas.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the description of the second technical solution, the present invention, based on the continuous decontamination device (10) described in the first technical solution, is characterized in that...

[0029] The transport unit (30) consists of a transport device (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) for transporting items inside the decontamination area (11) and the ventilation area (12), and a support replacement device (32) for changing the location of the supported items.

[0030] The item conveying device continuously transports multiple items brought in from the inlet to either direction of the lifting process within the decontamination area and the ventilation area, and then removes them from the outlet.

[0031] The support replacement device removes the item from the item transport device inside the decontamination area and supports the item back onto the item transport device.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the description of the third technical solution, the present invention, based on the continuous decontamination device (110) described in the first technical solution, is characterized in that...

[0033] The aforementioned transport unit (130) consists of a transport device (131a, 131b, 131c) for transporting items within the decontamination zone (111) and the ventilation zone (112), and a support replacement device (132) for changing the location of the supported items.

[0034] The aforementioned item transport device continuously transports multiple items brought in from the aforementioned inlet in the horizontal direction within the aforementioned decontamination area and the aforementioned ventilation area, and then removes them from the aforementioned outlet.

[0035] The aforementioned support replacement device removes the item from the aforementioned item transport device inside the aforementioned decontamination area and then supports the item back onto the aforementioned item transport device.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the description of the fourth technical solution, the present invention, based on the continuous decontamination device described in any one of the first to third technical solutions, is characterized in that...

[0037] The items mentioned above that are to be cleaned are storage containers for sterilized medical devices such as syringes or medicine bottles.

[0038] Invention Effects

[0039] According to the above structure, the continuous decontamination apparatus of the present invention includes: an apparatus main body consisting of a decontamination zone and a ventilation zone, a transport unit for transporting articles, a mist supply unit, and a ventilation unit. The apparatus main body includes an inlet for moving articles before decontamination into the decontamination zone and an outlet for moving decontaminated articles out of the ventilation zone. When the transport unit supports the articles moved in from the inlet and transports them through the interior of the decontamination zone and the ventilation zone to the outlet, it changes the location of the support for the articles within the decontamination zone. Therefore, the entire outer surface of the articles can be decontaminated.

[0040] The mist supply unit includes an ultrasonic atomizing device that converts the cleaning agent into a mist and supplies it to the interior of the cleaning area. This mist supply unit concentrates the cleaning agent mist onto the outer surface of items transported by the conveying unit within the cleaning area. A ventilation unit removes any remaining cleaning agent mist from the outer surface of the items transported from the cleaning area by the conveying unit using clean air.

[0041] Thus, based on the above structure, a continuous decontamination device can be provided that does not use expensive electron accelerators but adopts decontamination agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which have been widely used in recent years. It can achieve short-time processing, uniform wastewater treatment in all parts, and large-scale processing of the objects to be decontaminated.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the above structure, the transport unit consists of a transport device for transporting items within the decontamination zone and the ventilation zone, and a support changing device for changing the location of the supported items. The transport device continuously transports multiple items brought in from the inlet to either direction of lifting or lowering within the decontamination zone and the ventilation zone, and then removes them from the outlet. The support changing device removes items from the transport device within the decontamination zone and re-supports the items on the transport device. This allows the aforementioned effects to be performed more specifically.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the above structure, the transport unit consists of an item transport device that transports items within the decontamination and ventilation areas, and a support changing device that alters the location of the supported items. The item transport device continuously transports multiple items brought in from the inlet in the horizontal direction within the decontamination and ventilation areas and removes them from the outlet. The support changing device removes items from the item transport device within the decontamination area and re-supports the items on the item transport device. This allows the aforementioned effects to be performed more specifically.

[0044] Furthermore, based on the above structure, the item to be cleaned can be a storage unit that holds sterilized medical instruments such as syringes or medicine bottles. This allows the aforementioned effects to be achieved more specifically. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the housing (encapsulation body) that serves as the object to be cleaned in the continuous cleaning apparatus of the first and second embodiments.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electron accelerator in the continuous decontamination device of Non-Patent Document 1.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal state in the front view of the vertical continuous decontamination device of the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4 These are (A) front view and (B) side view showing the state of the rolling conveyor carrying the package P according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4 The rolling conveyor uses a support changing device to change the state of the package P. (C) Front view, (D) Side view.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal state in the front view of the horizontal continuous decontamination device of the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 7 These are (A) front view and (B) side view showing the state of the suspended conveyor carrying package P according to the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 8 From Figure 4 The suspended conveyor uses a support changing device to change the state of the package P. (C) Front view, (D) Side view.

[0053] Figure 9 The following are (A) front view and (B) side view showing the state in which the package body P is supported by a support claw instead of a support rod, as variations of various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0054] In this invention, "fog" is broadly interpreted to include the state of finely dispersed airborne decontaminant droplets, the state of a mixture of decontaminant gas and droplets, and the state of phase change in which the decontaminant repeatedly condenses and evaporates between gas and droplets. Furthermore, regarding particle size, it is also broadly interpreted to include finely differentiated fog (sometimes defined as 10 μm or less), dense fog (sometimes defined as 5 μm or less), and droplets (fine particles). It should be noted that in this invention, it is considered that particles homogenized into ultrafine particles by the action of an ultrasonic atomizing device can achieve a high level of decontamination effect even in a short time.

[0055] The continuous decontamination apparatus of the present invention will now be described in detail using various embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the continuous decontamination apparatuses of the embodiments shown below, hydrogen peroxide is used as the decontamination agent. First, the article to be decontaminated using hydrogen peroxide will be described. In each embodiment, a container (encapsulation body) containing medical devices such as syringes or medicine bottles is defined as the article to be decontaminated. It should be noted that in the present invention, the article to be decontaminated is not limited to these containers (encapsulation bodies); any object that is continuously decontaminated and transported to a sterile operating room is considered as the object.

[0056] <First Implementation Method>

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a container (encapsulation body) designated as a target for cleaning in the continuous cleaning apparatus of this first embodiment. However, in this invention, the shape of the container is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape. In Figure 1 In this first embodiment, the encapsulation body P comprises a polyethylene barrel P1 and a Tyvek (trademark) upper surface seal P2. It is decontaminated so that it houses and seals a plurality of sterilized syringes used in the filling operation of pre-filled syringes.

[0058] Next, the continuous decontamination apparatus of this first embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal state in the front view of the vertical continuous decontamination apparatus of this first embodiment. The continuous decontamination apparatus of this first embodiment includes: a main body consisting of a decontamination zone and a ventilation zone, a transport device for transporting the package P, a mist supply device, and a ventilation device (a clean air supply and exhaust device for ventilation). It should be noted that the continuous decontamination apparatus of this first embodiment is a vertical continuous decontamination apparatus that transports the package P in a lifting direction within the decontamination zone and the ventilation zone.

[0059] exist Figure 3 In this first embodiment, the main body 10a of the continuous decontamination apparatus 10 is surrounded by an outer wall made of stainless steel sheet, and the main body 10a is mounted on a floor in connection with the side wall 21 of the isolator 20. The main body 10a is divided into a decontamination zone 11 and a ventilation zone 12. Furthermore, the decontamination zone 11 is divided into a decontamination zone main body 11a and an inlet zone 11b. It should be noted that an inlet 13 for loading the package P into the interior of the continuous decontamination apparatus 10 is provided on one side of the inlet zone 11b. On the other hand, the ventilation zone 12 is divided into a ventilation zone main body 12a and an outlet zone 12b. It should be noted that an outlet 14 for unloading the package P is provided on one side of the outlet zone 12b, and communicates with the side wall 21 of the isolator 20.

[0060] It should be noted that, in this first embodiment, the device capacity (length of the area) can be varied in parts of the decontamination area body 11a and the ventilation area body 12a of the device body 10a. Specifically, in Figure 3 In the diagram, the main body 11a of the decontamination zone is composed of a first decontamination zone portion 11a(1) (left side of the diagram) connected to the inlet zone 11b, a second decontamination zone portion 11a(2) (upper side of the diagram) on the upper part of the device, and a third decontamination zone portion 11a(3) (upper right half of the diagram) connected to the main body 12a of the ventilation zone. In contrast, the main body 12a of the ventilation zone is composed of the portion between the third decontamination zone portion 11a(3) and the outlet zone 12b.

[0061] The reason why the device capacity of the main body 11a of the decontamination zone is larger than that of the main body 12a of the ventilation zone is as follows. In this invention, fine hydrogen peroxide water mist is efficiently utilized to achieve uniformity and reliability of the decontamination level, and because a small amount of hydrogen peroxide water mist is used, the ventilation efficiency is good. As a result, the device capacity of the main body 11a of the decontamination zone is larger than that of the main body 12a of the ventilation zone, but as a whole, it can still process a large number of items to be decontaminated, even if it is the same as or less than that of conventional devices.

[0062] Inside the main body 10a of the device is a transport device 30 for transporting the package P. The transport device 30 consists of an article transport device 31 and a support changing device 32. In addition, the article transport device 31 has a rolling conveyor 31a that transports the package P upward (from bottom to top) from the first decontamination area 11a (1) toward the second decontamination area 11a (2) and a rolling conveyor 31b that transports the package P downward (from top to bottom) from the second decontamination area 11a (2) through the third decontamination area 11a (3) inside the ventilation area main body 12a.

[0063] Furthermore, the article transport device 31 includes a roller conveyor 31c that transports the packaged body P from the inlet 13 of the inlet area 11b to the bottom of the first part 11a (1) of the decontamination area, and a roller conveyor 31d that transports the packaged body P from the bottom of the main body 12a of the ventilation area to the outlet 14 of the outlet area 12b. On the other hand, a support replacement device 32 is provided in the second part 11a (2) of the decontamination area, which removes the packaged body P from the top of the roller conveyor 31a and supports it on the top of the roller conveyor 31b. In this invention, the working mechanism of the support replacement device 32 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a pusher (push rod) that pushes the packaged body P or a gripping device (clamp) that holds and moves the packaged body P. It should be noted that in this first embodiment, a pusher 32 is used. The operation of this pusher 32 will be described later.

[0064] It should be noted that the type of conveying device for transporting the packaged body P is not particularly limited. It can be used in combination with conveyor devices such as roller conveyors and mesh conveyors that transport the bottom wall of the item, or carrying devices such as timing belts, timing elevators, rolling conveyors, and shuttle conveyors that transport the side surface.

[0065] Here, the structure and operation of the rolling conveyor used in this first embodiment will be described. It should be noted that rolling conveyors 31a and 31b have the same structure; therefore, rolling conveyor 31a will be described. Figure 3 In the middle, the rolling conveyor 31a has two sets of carriers with the same structure for carrying the package P from both sides. Figure 3 In the diagram, only one carrier is recorded; the other carrier is hidden on the inside of the diagram.

[0066] Each support carrier consists of two drive shafts 33a and multiple support rods 34a spanning these drive shafts. Figure 3 (Refer to). The two drive shafts 33a are each composed of a ring chain arranged vertically from the first part 11a(1) of the decontamination zone to the second part 11a(2) of the decontamination zone, and are wound in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). In this way, as the two drive shafts 33a are wound in the vertical direction, a plurality of support rods 34a are also wound in the vertical direction along them.

[0067] The surrounding support rods 34a carry the package P from both sides and transport it upward (from bottom to top) inside the first part 11a(1) of the decontamination area. It should be noted that the rolling conveyor 31b with the same structure rotates in the opposite direction by a drive mechanism and transports the package P downward (from top to bottom) inside the third part 11a(3) of the decontamination area and the main body 12a of the ventilation area.

[0068] Next, the state in which the support rod 34a supports the package P from both sides will be explained. Figure 4 These are (A) a front view and (B) a side view showing the state of the rolling conveyor 31a carrying the package P according to this first embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 4 In the text, only the support rod 34a is described, while the drive shaft 33a is omitted. Figure 4 In this configuration, support rods 34a support the first shoulder P3a of the package P from both sides. In this state, the package P is transported by a rolling conveyor 31a in an upward direction (from bottom to top) inside the first part 11a(1) of the decontamination zone (see reference). Figure 3 It should be noted that, within the package P, there exists a second shoulder P3b below the first shoulder P3a. The function of this second shoulder P3b will be described later.

[0069] Within this structure, the internal state and decontamination operation of the continuous decontamination device 10 will be described. Figure 3 In this process, an operator (not shown) in the external environment places multiple packages P onto a driven roller conveyor 31c. The packages P, in the state of being placed on the driven roller conveyor 31c, are moved into the interior of the import region 11b via the import inlet 13.

[0070] Next, the package P is moved into the first part 11a(1) of the decontamination area and carried on the rolling conveyor 31a. Here, the roller conveyor 31c and the rolling conveyor 31a work intermittently and alternately. Specifically, when the rolling conveyor 31a is stopped, the roller conveyor 31c works, transporting the package P to the bottom of the rolling conveyor 31a and stopping. Then, when the roller conveyor 31c is stopped, the rolling conveyor 31a works, carrying the first shoulder P3a from both sides using the support rods 34a of the rolling conveyor 31a, and transports it one step upward inside the first part 11a(1) of the decontamination area and stops. In this way, the roller conveyor 31c and the rolling conveyor 31a work intermittently and alternately, transporting the package P from the bottom to the top of the first part 11a(1) of the decontamination area.

[0071] Multiple mist supply devices 40 are arranged on the side walls of the first part 11a(1) and the second part 11a(2) of the decontamination area. Figure 3 (There are six units in the middle), which release hydrogen peroxide water mist 41 from the side into the package P transported by the rolling conveyor 31a. Thus, the hydrogen peroxide water mist 41 evenly fills the entire interior of the decontamination area body 11a, continuously decontaminating while transporting multiple packages P. It should be noted that the mist supply device 40 will be described later.

[0072] Thus, the package P, which is in a decontaminated state inside the main body 11a of the decontaminated area, is moved into the interior of the second part 11a (2) of the decontaminated area via the top of the first part 11a (1) of the decontaminated area. Here, the push rod 32 operates to remove the package P from the top of the rolling conveyor 31a and support it on the top of the rolling conveyor 31b.

[0073] Here, the operation of push rod 32 will be explained. Figure 3In this configuration, push rod 32 includes a cylinder 32a that extends and retracts horizontally within the second part 11a(2) of the decontamination zone. The package P, located at the top of the rolling conveyor 31a, is pushed out by the extension of the cylinder 32a of push rod 32 and is detached from the top of the rolling conveyor 31a while sliding. Then, it extends further by the cylinder 32a, while the package P is supported on the top of another rolling conveyor 31b. With push rod 32 in operation, both rolling conveyors 31a and 31b are stopped.

[0074] Figure 5 These are (C) front view and (D) side view showing the state in which the package P is transferred from the rolling conveyor 31a to the rolling conveyor 31b using the pusher 32. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the text, only the support rod 34b is described, while the drive shaft 33b is omitted. Figure 5 In the middle, the support rod 34b supports the second shoulder P3b of the package body P from both sides.

[0075] Here, the reason for changing the part of the support rod that carries the package P from the first shoulder P3a to the second shoulder P3b will be explained. The first shoulder P3a of the package P, carried on the rolling conveyor 31a, is in contact with the support rod 34a. Therefore, during the decontamination stroke, the hydrogen peroxide mist cannot make sufficient contact, and at this point, there is a possibility that a uniform hydrogen peroxide film cannot condense, resulting in a decrease in the decontamination effect. Therefore, by changing the carrying part from the first shoulder P3a to the second shoulder P3b, it is possible to completely decontaminate the entire outer surface of the package P.

[0076] Next, the package P, supported on top of the rolling conveyor 31b, is transported downwards (from top to bottom) inside the third part 11a (3) of the decontamination zone as the rolling conveyor 31b operates intermittently. In this state, a uniform hydrogen peroxide film condenses on the outer surface of the package P, thus decontaminating it. In this way, the package P is uniformly decontaminated on its entire outer surface by being transported by the rolling conveyors 31a and 31b and remaining inside the main body 11a of the decontamination zone for a predetermined time.

[0077] Next, the package P, supported by the rolling conveyor 31b, is transported downwards and drawn into the interior of the ventilation area body 12a. While being transported downwards inside the ventilation area body 12a, the package P is ventilated. Specifically, clean air is supplied to the interior of the ventilation area body 12a by the air supply device 50 of the ventilation system. Furthermore, the air inside the ventilation area body 12a (containing vaporized hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide water mist) is forcibly exhausted by the exhaust device (not shown) of the ventilation system. Additionally, the hydrogen peroxide in the forcibly exhausted air is decomposed into oxygen and water by the hydrogen peroxide decomposition device 51.

[0078] It should be noted that the supply and exhaust volume of clean air and the ventilation time during the ventilation operation are set to preset conditions. In this way, the package P is transported and ventilated inside the main body 12a of the ventilation area, and the hydrogen peroxide film condensed on the surface is removed, indicating that the decontamination operation is completed.

[0079] Next, the package P is placed from the rolling conveyor 31b onto the roller conveyor 31d at the bottom of the main body 12a in the ventilated area. Here, the rolling conveyor 31b and the roller conveyor 31d operate intermittently, alternating between the two. Specifically, the rolling conveyor 31b operates while the roller conveyor 31d is stopped, transporting the package P to the bottom of the rolling conveyor 31b and then stopping. Next, the roller conveyor 31d operates while the rolling conveyor 31b is stopped, removing the package P from the support rod 34b of the rolling conveyor 31b, and placing it on the roller conveyor 31d, then moving it into the interior of the isolator 20 via the outlet 14 of the outlet area 12b.

[0080] In this way, the encapsulated body P, which has been moved into the isolator 20 after the decontamination operation is completed, has its upper surface seal P2 peeled off inside the isolator 20 to fill the sterilized syringe or medicine bottle inside.

[0081] Next, the mist supply device 40 will be described. In this first embodiment, an ultrasonic atomizing device 40 is used as the mist supply device 40. This ultrasonic atomizing device 40 is disposed on the side wall of the main body 11a of the decontamination zone, and emits hydrogen peroxide water mist 41 (see reference) from the side toward the package P transported by the rolling conveyor 31a. Figure 3 It should be noted that, for the ultrasonic atomizing device 40, hydrogen peroxide water is supplied from a hydrogen peroxide water tank 42 located outside the main body 11a of the decontamination area. By controlling the supply (consumption) of this hydrogen peroxide water, the outer surface of the package P can be properly decontaminated.

[0082] It should be noted that the construction of the ultrasonic atomizing device 40 is not particularly limited in this invention. For example, an immersion-type ultrasonic atomizing device that atomizes hydrogen peroxide water by introducing a piezoelectric vibrator into the liquid can be used. Alternatively, a disc mesh atomizing device can be used, which has a piezoelectric vibrator and a porous vibrating plate with multiple micropores penetrating through the back of the surface, where the piezoelectric vibrator atomizes the hydrogen peroxide water through the vibration of the piezoelectric vibrator. It should be noted that in this first embodiment, a disc mesh atomizing device is used, in which hydrogen peroxide water is supplied from one side of the porous vibrating plate, and the hydrogen peroxide water mist emitted from the other side is supplied to the interior of the decontamination zone body 11a.

[0083] It should be noted that, as described above, the hydrogen peroxide water mist generated by the ultrasonic atomizing device 40 becomes fine particles containing mist, dense mist, and fine droplets, which float uniformly inside the main body 11a of the decontamination zone. This condenses on the outer surface of the encapsulation body P, which moves upward or downward within the main body 11a of the decontamination zone, forming a uniform and thin layer of hydrogen peroxide water film. This thin layer of hydrogen peroxide water film undergoes repeated phase changes of condensation and evaporation between hydrogen peroxide water and hydrogen peroxide gas, thus achieving a high level of decontamination effect from the encapsulation body P.

[0084] Furthermore, by repeatedly re-evaporating and condensing a uniform and thin film of hydrogen peroxide water condensed on the outer surface of the package P, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide water in the hydrogen peroxide water mist can be increased, enabling highly efficient decontamination with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide water. Additionally, because decontamination can be efficiently performed with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide water, the ventilation efficiency of the hydrogen peroxide water film remaining on the surface of the package P is also improved, allowing for shorter decontamination operation times.

[0085] Therefore, according to the first embodiment described above, a continuous decontamination device can be provided that does not use an expensive electron accelerator but uses decontamination agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which have been widely used in recent years. This device can achieve short-time processing, even wastewater treatment in all parts, and large-scale processing of the items to be decontaminated.

[0086] <Second Implementation Method>

[0087] This second embodiment relates to a horizontal continuous decontamination device, in contrast to the vertical continuous decontamination device of the first embodiment described above. It should be noted that the receiving body (encapsulation body) that is the object to be decontaminated is the same encapsulation body P as in the first embodiment described above.

[0088] The continuous decontamination apparatus of this second embodiment will be described. Figure 6This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal state in the front view of the continuous decontamination apparatus of this second embodiment. The continuous decontamination apparatus of this second embodiment, like the one described in the first embodiment, includes a main body consisting of a decontamination zone and a ventilation zone, a transport device for transporting the package P, a mist supply device, and a ventilation device (a clean air supply and exhaust device for ventilation). It should be noted that the continuous decontamination apparatus of this second embodiment is a horizontal continuous decontamination apparatus that transports the package P horizontally in the decontamination zone and the ventilation zone.

[0089] exist Figure 6 In this second embodiment, the main body 110a of the horizontal continuous decontamination device 110 is covered by an outer wall made of stainless steel sheet. The main body 110a is connected to the side wall 121 of the isolator 120 and placed on a floor. The main body 110a is divided into a decontamination area 111 and a ventilation area 112. Furthermore, the decontamination area 111 is divided into a decontamination area body 111a and an introduction area 111b. It should be noted that an inlet 113 for introducing the package P into the continuous decontamination device 110 is provided on one side of the wall of the introduction area 111b. On the other hand, an outlet 114 for removing the package P is provided on one side of the wall of the ventilation area 112, and communicates with the side wall 121 of the isolator 120.

[0090] A transport device 130 for transporting the packaged body P is disposed inside the main body 110a of the device. The transport device 130 consists of an item transport device 131 and a support changing device 132. In addition, the item transport device 131 includes: a suspended conveyor 131a for transporting the packaged body P horizontally inside the decontamination zone main body 111a, a roller conveyor 131b for transporting the packaged body P horizontally from the inlet 113 of the inlet area 111b to the inlet portion of the decontamination zone main body 111a, and a roller conveyor 131c for transporting the packaged body P horizontally from the inside of the ventilation zone 112 to the outlet 114. On the other hand, the support changing device 132 is provided in the middle area of ​​the decontamination zone main body 111a, and removes the packaged body P from the suspended conveyor 131a, changes the support portion so that it is supported on the suspended conveyor 131a again.

[0091] It should be noted that the type of conveying device for transporting the packaged body P is not particularly limited. It can be used in combination with conveyor devices such as roller conveyors and mesh conveyors that transport the bottom wall of the item, or carrying devices such as timing belts, timing elevators, rolling conveyors, and shuttle conveyors that transport the side surface.

[0092] Here, the structure and operation of the overhead conveyor used in this second embodiment will be described. Figure 6In the process, the overhead conveyor 131a has two sets of identical support carriers for carrying the packaged body P from both sides. Figure 6 In the diagram, only one carrier is recorded; the other carrier is hidden on the inside of the diagram.

[0093] Each carrier consists of two drive shafts 133a and multiple support rods 134a respectively disposed on these drive shafts (see reference). Figure 6 It should be noted that the support rod 134a is an L-shaped rod, suspended downwards from the drive shaft 133a. The two drive shafts 133a are each composed of a ring-shaped chain arranged horizontally in the main body 111a of the decontamination zone, and are wound horizontally (left-right direction in the diagram) via a drive mechanism (not shown). Thus, as the two drive shafts 133a wound horizontally, multiple support rods 134a also wound horizontally along them. These multiple wound support rods 134a carry the encapsulation body P from both sides and are transported horizontally (right direction in the diagram) inside the main body 111a of the decontamination zone.

[0094] Next, the state in which the support rod 134a supports the package P from both sides will be explained. Figure 7 These are (A) a front view and (B) a side view showing the state of the suspended conveyor 131a carrying the package P according to this second embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 7 In the text, only the support rod 134a is described, while the drive shaft 133a is omitted. Figure 7 In this configuration, support rods 134a support the first shoulder P3a of the package P from both sides. In this state, the package P is transported horizontally within the decontamination zone body 111a by a suspended conveyor 131a (see reference). Figure 6 It should be noted that, within the package P, there exists a second shoulder P3b below the first shoulder P3a. The function of this second shoulder P3b will be described later.

[0095] Within this structure, the internal state and decontamination operation of the continuous decontamination device 110 will be described. Figure 6 In this process, an operator (not shown) in the external environment places multiple packages P onto a driven roller conveyor 131b. The packages P, in the state of being placed on the driven roller conveyor 131b, are moved into the interior of the inlet area 111b via the inlet 113.

[0096] Next, the package P is moved into the interior of the decontamination zone body 111a, supported by the overhead conveyor 131a from the roller conveyor 131b. It should be noted that the transfer from the roller conveyor 131b to the overhead conveyor 131a is based on the alternating intermittent operation of the roller conveyor 131b and the overhead conveyor 131a, similar to the first embodiment described above. The package P, supported by the overhead conveyor 131a, is transported horizontally inside the decontamination zone body 111a. Multiple mist supply devices 140 are arranged on the upper wall of the decontamination zone body 111a. Figure 6 (There are three units in the middle), which release hydrogen peroxide water mist 141 from the upper surface toward the package P transported by the suspended conveyor 131a.

[0097] Thus, hydrogen peroxide water mist 141 uniformly fills the interior of the decontamination zone body 111a, continuously decontaminating while transporting multiple packages P. It should be noted that the mist supply device 140 will be described later. In this way, the packages P are transported by the overhead conveyor 131a and remain inside the decontamination zone body 111a for a predetermined time, resulting in uniform decontamination of their entire outer surface.

[0098] Thus, regarding the encapsulated body P, which is in a decontamination state inside the decontamination zone body 111a, the load change at the suspended conveyor 131a is performed by supporting the changing device 132 in the middle region of the decontamination zone body 111a. Here, the construction of the supporting changing device 132 is not important. It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the same push rod 132 as in the first embodiment described above is used. Figure 6 In this design, the direction of travel of the main body 111a of the decontamination zone is represented as a straight line. However, it is not limited to this, and the direction of travel of the main body 111a of the decontamination zone can be changed at the location of the support and alteration device 132. For example, by changing it by 90°, the main body 111a of the decontamination zone becomes a horizontal L-shape, which can also overcome the constraints of the installation location of the horizontal continuous decontamination device 110.

[0099] Figure 8 These are (C) front view and (D) side view showing the state in which the package P has been transferred in the overhead conveyor 131a. It should be noted that... Figure 8 In the text, only the support rod 134b is described, while the drive shaft 133b is omitted. Figure 8 In this embodiment, the support rod 134b supports the second shoulder P3b of the package body P from both sides. It should be noted that the reason for changing the part of the support rod that supports the package body P from the first shoulder P3a to the second shoulder P3b is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0100] Next, the package P, which has reached the end of the decontamination zone body 111a, is moved into the interior of the ventilation zone body 12a and supported by the roller conveyor 131c from the overhead conveyor 131a. In this state, a thin film of hydrogen peroxide is condensed on the outer surface of the package P, which is transported to the inlet of the ventilation zone 112 by the overhead conveyor 131a.

[0101] Next, the package P, which is moved into the ventilation zone 112, is ventilated while being transported horizontally within the ventilation zone 112. Specifically, clean air is supplied to the interior of the ventilation zone 112 using the air supply device 150 of the ventilation system. Additionally, the air (containing vaporized hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide water mist) inside the ventilation zone 112 is forcibly exhausted using the exhaust device (not shown). Furthermore, the hydrogen peroxide in the forcibly exhausted air is decomposed into oxygen and water by the hydrogen peroxide decomposition device 151.

[0102] It should be noted that the supply and exhaust volume of clean air and the ventilation time during the ventilation operation are set to preset conditions. In this way, the package P is transported and ventilated inside the ventilation area 112, and the hydrogen peroxide film condensed on the surface is removed, thus completing the decontamination operation.

[0103] Next, the package P, in the state of being placed on the roller conveyor 131c, is transported into the interior of the isolator 120 via the transport outlet 114 of the ventilation area 112.

[0104] In this way, the encapsulated body P, which has been moved into the isolator 120 after the decontamination operation is completed, has its upper surface seal P2 peeled off inside the isolator 120 to fill the sterilized syringe or medicine bottle inside.

[0105] Next, the mist supply device 140 will be described. In this second embodiment, the same ultrasonic atomizing device 140 as described in the first embodiment is used as the mist supply device 140. This ultrasonic atomizing device 140 is disposed on the upper wall of the decontamination zone body 111a, and emits hydrogen peroxide water mist 141 (see reference) from the upper surface toward the package P transported by the suspension conveyor 131a. Figure 6 It should be noted that, for the ultrasonic atomizing device 140, hydrogen peroxide water is supplied from a hydrogen peroxide water tank 142 located outside the main body 111a of the decontamination area. By controlling the supply (consumption) of this hydrogen peroxide water, the outer surface of the package P can be properly decontaminated.

[0106] It should be noted that the structure of the ultrasonic atomizing device 140 is not particularly limited. It should also be noted that in this second embodiment, the same disc-shaped atomizing device as in the first embodiment described above is used.

[0107] It should be noted that, as described above, the hydrogen peroxide water mist generated by the ultrasonic atomizing device 140 becomes fine particles containing fog, dense fog, and fine droplets, which float uniformly inside the decontamination zone body 111a. Consequently, a uniform and thin layer of hydrogen peroxide water film is formed on the outer surface of the package P, which moves horizontally inside the decontamination zone body 111a. This thin layer of hydrogen peroxide water film undergoes repeated phase changes of condensation and evaporation between hydrogen peroxide water and hydrogen peroxide gas, thus achieving a high level of decontamination effect from the package P.

[0108] Furthermore, by repeatedly re-evaporating and condensing a uniform and thin film of hydrogen peroxide water condensed on the outer surface of the package P, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide water in the hydrogen peroxide water mist can be increased, enabling highly efficient decontamination with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide water. Additionally, because decontamination can be efficiently removed with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide water, the ventilation efficiency of the hydrogen peroxide water film remaining on the surface of the package P is also improved, allowing for shorter decontamination operation times.

[0109] Therefore, according to the second embodiment described above, a continuous decontamination device can be provided that does not use an expensive electron accelerator but uses decontamination agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which have been widely used in recent years. This device can achieve short-time processing, even wastewater treatment in all parts, and large-scale processing of the items to be decontaminated.

[0110] It should be noted that the implementation of this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be given as follows.

[0111] (1) In the embodiments described above, the package P is supported by a support rod of a rolling conveyor or a suspended conveyor. However, this is not a limitation; support claws may also be used to support the package P instead of support rods. This state is... Figure 9 As shown in [the image]. Figure 9 In this case, the shoulder of the package P is supported at the tip of the two support claws. This also helps to prevent a decrease in the cleanliness of the package at the support point.

[0112] (2) In the above embodiments, a pushing device (push rod) is used as the mechanism for changing the package P. However, it is not limited to this, and a holding device (clamp) can also be used to change the package P in a state held by the clamp. It should be noted that when a clamp is used, the package P can also be changed in a state where it has been rotated 90°.

[0113] (3) In the above embodiments, the encapsulation body P is replaced by a pushing device (push rod) midway through the main body of the decontamination zone. However, it is not limited to this, and a mechanism that replaces the encapsulation body for each step of a rolling conveyor that operates intermittently while rising can also be used. In addition, a mechanism that replaces the encapsulation body for each step can also be used in a suspended conveyor.

[0114] (4) In the above embodiments, when replacing the package P, the replacement is performed at the first shoulder and the second shoulder on the same side of the package P. However, it is not limited to this, and the replacement may also be performed at the first shoulder or the second shoulder on other sides of the package P.

[0115] (5) In the above embodiments, when replacing the package body P, the replacement is performed at the first shoulder and the second shoulder on the same side of the package body P. However, it is not limited to this, and the replacement may also be performed at the shoulder and the bottom of the package body P.

[0116] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0117] 10, 110… Continuous decontamination device, 10a, 110a… Device body, 11, 111… Decontamination zone, 11a(11a(1), 11a(2), 11a(3)), 111a… Decontamination zone body,

[0118] 11b, 111b… inlet areas, 12, 112… ventilation areas,

[0119] 12a…main body of the ventilation area, 12b…exit area,

[0120] 13, 113… Move to the entrance; 14, 114… Move to the exit.

[0121] 20, 120…Isolators, 21, 121…Sidewalls, 30, 130…Conveying devices,

[0122] 31a, 31b…rolling conveyors, 131a…suspended conveyor,

[0123] 31c, 31d, 131b, 131c… Roller conveyors,

[0124] 32, 132… support replacement device (push rod), 32a… cylinder,

[0125] 33a, 34b, 133a, 134b… drive shafts

[0126] 34a, 34b, 134a, 134b, 234a… support rods,

[0127] 234c… Support claw,

[0128] 40, 140… mist emission devices, 41, 141… hydrogen peroxide water mist,

[0129] 42, 142… Hydrogen peroxide water tanks; 50, 150… Gas supply devices;

[0130] 51, 151… Hydrogen peroxide decomposition device, P… Encapsulation body, P1… Barrel body,

[0131] P2… Upper surface seal, P3… Side shoulder, P3a… First shoulder, P3b… Second shoulder.

Claims

1. A continuous decontamination device, connected to a sterile working room, for decontaminating the outer surface of an item using a decontamination agent mist and then transporting the item into the sterile working room. The continuous decontamination device is characterized in that... The continuous decontamination device comprises: a main body consisting of a decontamination zone and a ventilation zone, a transport unit for transporting materials, a mist supply unit, and a ventilation unit. The main body of the device includes: an inlet for moving items before decontamination into the decontamination area and an outlet for moving decontaminated items out of the ventilation area. When the conveying unit supports an item brought in from the inlet and transports it through the decontamination area and the ventilation area to the outlet, it can decontaminate the entire outer surface of the item by changing the part supporting the item inside the decontamination area. The transport unit consists of a transport device for transporting items within the decontamination and ventilation areas, and a support replacement device for changing the location of the supported items. The item conveying device continuously transports multiple items brought in from the inlet to either direction of the lifting process within the decontamination area and the ventilation area, and then removes them from the outlet. The support replacement device changes the support position of the item inside the decontamination area by removing the item from the item transport device and then supporting the item back onto the item transport device. The mist supply unit includes an ultrasonic atomizing device that converts the cleaning agent into a mist and supplies it to the interior of the cleaning area. The decontamination area is divided into a main decontamination area and an inlet area. An inlet is provided on one side of the wall of the inlet area. The ventilation area is divided into a main ventilation area and an outlet area. An outlet is provided on one side of the wall of the outlet area. In the main body of the device, the length of the decontamination area and the ventilation area are variable. The main body of the decontamination area consists of a first part of the decontamination area connected to the inlet area, a second part of the decontamination area on the upper part of the device, and a third part of the decontamination area connected to the ventilation area. The main body of the ventilation area consists of the portion between the third part of the decontamination area and the outlet area. The article conveying device has a first conveyor that conveys the article upward from the first part of the decontamination zone toward the second part of the decontamination zone, and a second conveyor that conveys the article downward from the second part of the decontamination zone through the third part of the decontamination zone inside the main body of the ventilation zone. The support changing device is disposed in the second part of the decontamination zone. Multiple ultrasonic atomizing devices are arranged on the side walls of the first and second decontamination zones. These devices release hydrogen peroxide water mist from the sides toward the items transported by the first conveyor, ensuring the mist evenly fills the entire interior of the main body of the decontamination zone. Thus, the items, already decontaminated inside the main body of the decontamination zone, are moved from the top of the first zone into the second zone. Inside the second zone, the support replacement device detaches the items from the top of the first conveyor and supports them on the top of the second conveyor. The items supported on the top of the second conveyor are then transported downwards inside the third zone. In this state, a uniform hydrogen peroxide water film condenses on the outer surface of the items. Through repeated condensation and evaporation of this uniform, thin film, the entire outer surface of the items is uniformly decontaminated. The ventilation unit removes the hydrogen peroxide water film condensed on the outer surface of the items transported from the decontamination area by the item transport device using clean gas.

2. The continuous decontamination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The item to be cleaned is a storage container for sterilized medical devices, such as syringes or medicine bottles.

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