Sterilization kit

Abstract

To provide a sterilization kit that has high safety and is usable in a simple manner.SOLUTION: A sterilization kit comprises: a container capable of forming a closed space; and a disinfectant gas supply unit that is installable in the closed space and delivers a disinfectant gas at concentration within a defined range depending on the size of the closed space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization kit.

Background Art

[0002] There are various methods for preventing infectious diseases. For example, a method involving wiping a target object with a liquid such as alcohol or an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite takes time and effort. In addition, there are problems such as only the irradiated surface being sterilized and virus-killed in UV irradiation of the target object.

[0003] In addition, a method using a disinfectant gas is also mentioned. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of removing viruses or bacteria from a target object in a closed space by generating chlorine dioxide gas by ultraviolet irradiation in the closed space of a box.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a concern about safety because the disinfectant gas becomes excessive when the closed space is narrow.

[0006] In addition, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 exemplifies a room in which a mist generating means is provided in the ceiling portion as a box, and large equipment is required. Furthermore, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a container for storing chlorine dioxide and an ultraviolet irradiation means for generating chlorine dioxide gas in addition to the mist generating means, resulting in a problem that installation is troublesome.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a sterilization kit having high safety and being easily usable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention has the following aspects. [1] A sterilization kit comprising: a container capable of forming a closed space; and a disinfection gas supply unit that can be installed in the closed space and supplies a disinfection gas having a concentration within a predetermined range according to the size of the closed space. [2] The sterilization kit according to [1], wherein the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space is maintained at 0.05 ppm or more and 0.45 ppm or less for 3 hours or more. [3] The sterilization kit according to [1] or [2], wherein the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space reaches 0.05 ppm within 60 minutes or more and 5 minutes or more after the start of volatilization of the disinfection gas. [4] The sterilization kit according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the disinfection gas is chlorine dioxide gas or ozone gas. [5] The sterilization kit according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the volume of the closed space is 0.05 cubic meters or more and 8 cubic meters or less. [6] The disinfection gas supply unit has a plug portion and a gas generation portion that generates the disinfection gas, and an opening / closing portion capable of opening and closing the plug portion. The sterilization kit according to any one of [1] to [5]. [7] The sterilization kit according to [6], wherein the disinfection gas supply unit supplies the disinfection gas with the plug portion fully open during sterilization. [8] The sterilization kit according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the disinfection gas supply unit supplies the disinfection gas having a concentration within the predetermined range when the volatilized disinfection gas is naturally decomposed in the closed space.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] In the present invention, a sterilization kit having high safety and being easily usable can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sterilization kit of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Note that the following embodiments show one aspect of the present invention, do not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Also, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easy to understand, the actual structure and the scale, number, etc. in each structure are made different.

[0012] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sterilization kit 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization kit 1 includes a container 10 and a disinfection gas supply unit 20.

[0013] The container 10 is formed in a quadrangular pyramid shape. The container 10 has a door portion 11 and a closed space 12. The door portion 11 is provided on the side facing the front. The door portion 11 is opened and closed by, for example, a linear fastener. When the door portion 11 of the container 10 is closed, a closed space 12 is formed inside. The container 10 can form the closed space 12. The volume of the closed space 12 is preferably, for example, 0.05 cubic meters or more and 8 cubic meters or less, and more preferably 0.2 cubic meters or more and 5 cubic meters or less. The container 10 is, for example, a tent. The container 10 is, for example, a foldable tent.

[0014] The disinfection gas supply unit 20 can be installed in the closed space 12. The disinfection gas supply unit 20 supplies disinfection gas. The disinfection gas is, as an example, chlorine dioxide gas or ozone gas. The disinfection gas supply unit 20 is installed, for example, at the lower part inside the container 10.

[0015] The disinfection gas supply unit 20 of the present embodiment is a pouch package. The pouch package has an inner layer formed of a film and an outer layer formed of a non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric allows gas to pass through but does not allow water to pass through. The pouch package has a liquid bag filled with a liquid agent and a powder agent, and chlorine dioxide gas as the disinfection gas generated by crushing the liquid bag and mixing the liquid agent and the powder agent volatilizes into the closed space 12 through the non-woven fabric.

[0016] Examples of the liquid agent include chlorite solution (which reacts with an acid to form chlorous acid and generates chlorine dioxide from the equilibrium) and those containing water.

[0017] Examples of the powder agent include those containing a superabsorbent resin (a material for gelation (contributing to the slow release of gas)) and an acid agent (activation of chlorite).

[0018] The volatilized disinfection gas decomposes naturally. As the concentration of the disinfection gas that reaches a rate equilibrium through volatilization and natural decomposition in the closed space 12, it becomes a concentration within a predetermined range according to the size (volume) of the closed space 12. The concentration of the disinfection gas is preferably 0.05 ppm or more and 0.45 ppm or less, and more preferably 0.15 ppm or more and 0.35 ppm or less. When the concentration of the disinfection gas is 0.05 ppm or more, the effectiveness as sterilization and virus killing (hereinafter referred to as sterilization) can be ensured. When the concentration of the disinfection gas is 0.45 ppm or less, safety can be ensured.

[0019] As for the supply rate of the disinfection gas, the time to reach 0.05 ppm is 5 to 60 minutes after the start of volatilization of the disinfection gas, and more preferably 10 to 30 minutes after the start of volatilization of the disinfection gas. As a method for adjusting the supply rate of the disinfection gas, the higher the concentration of the above-mentioned liquid agent, the greater the supply rate of the disinfection gas, and the lower the concentration of the liquid agent, the smaller the supply rate of the disinfection gas.

[0020] Also, the disinfection gas supply unit 20 preferably has an amount of liquid agent and powder that can maintain the above-mentioned concentration range of the disinfection gas for 3 hours or more. By maintaining the above-mentioned concentration range of the disinfection gas for 3 hours or more, for example, when the disinfection gas supply unit 20 is installed in the closed space 12 containing the object to be treated at night and the volatilization of the disinfection gas is started, the effectiveness of sterilization can be maintained while ensuring safety until the next morning. Therefore, it becomes possible to use the object to be treated for which sterilization has been started before leaving work and completed after arriving at work the next day.

[0021] As for the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12, it preferably reaches 0.05 ppm within 5 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less after the start of volatilization of the disinfection gas. By having 5 minutes or more until the concentration of the disinfection gas reaches 0.05 ppm, the safety of the user at the start of volatilization of the disinfection gas can be ensured. By reaching 0.05 ppm within 60 minutes for the concentration of the disinfection gas, a sufficient time can be ensured for the concentration range in which the effectiveness of sterilization can be obtained during the volatilization possible time of the above-mentioned disinfection gas.

[0022] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between time and the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12. As shown in Figure 2, the concentration of the disinfection gas gradually increases from the start of volatilization, then becomes constant at the rate equilibrium due to natural decomposition, and gradually decreases according to the total amount of the liquid agent and powder agent in the pouch package. The concentration of the disinfection gas was 0.05 ppm or more and 0.45 ppm or less for approximately 5 hours.

[0023] In addition, when the total amount of the liquid agent and powder agent in the pouch package is large, as shown by the line segment L in Figure 2, the concentration in the equilibrium state continues.

[0024] As described above, in the sterilization kit 1 of the present embodiment, since the disinfection gas supply unit 20 supplies the disinfection gas having a concentration within a predetermined range corresponding to the size of the closed space 12, it can be simply used for sterilizing the object to be treated with a simple configuration while ensuring high safety without depending on the size of the closed space 12.

[0025] Further, in the sterilization kit 1 of the present embodiment, since the container 10 is a foldable tent, it is not necessary to always secure a large installation area by folding after the sterilization treatment. Further, in the sterilization kit 1 of the present embodiment, since it can be carried as needed, it can be sequentially sterilized in a plurality of rooms, and it is not necessary to prepare the sterilization kit 1 for each room.

[0026] As an example of the use of the sterilization kit 1 described above, for example, sterilization of toys as objects to be treated in kindergartens, nurseries, etc. can be mentioned. In this case, a basket or the like containing the toys is installed in the closed space 12 together with the disinfection gas supply unit 20, and the toys can be sterilized by volatilizing the disinfection gas from the disinfection gas supply unit 20.

[0027] [Second Embodiment] Next, the sterilization kit 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. In these figures, the same elements as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sterilization kit 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of the disinfection gas supply unit 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the disinfection gas supply unit 20 in the sterilization kit 1 of the present embodiment includes a gas generation unit 30, an opening / closing device 40, and a control unit CONT.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the gas generation unit 30 is in the shape of a bottle that houses a liquid agent and a powder agent for generating disinfection gas. The gas generation unit 30 generates disinfection gas generated by mixing the liquid agent and the powder agent. The gas generation unit 30 has a stopper portion 31 at the upper end. The gas generation unit 30 volatilizes the disinfection gas when the stopper portion 31 is opened, and stops the volatilization of the disinfection gas when the stopper portion 31 is closed.

[0030] The opening / closing device 40 includes a support base 41, a support wall 42, and an opening / closing portion 43. The support base 41 is in a shape extending in the horizontal direction and supports the gas generation unit 30 from below. The support wall 42 is disposed above the support base 41. The support wall 42 is located above the gas generation unit 30 supported by the support base 41.

[0031] The opening / closing portion 43 extends downward from the support wall 42. The opening / closing portion 43 is movable up and down under the control of the control unit CONT. The opening / closing portion 43 can open and close the stopper portion 31 under the control of the control unit CONT. The opening / closing portion 43 closes the stopper portion 31 in the lowered position. The opening / closing portion 43 opens the stopper portion 31 in the raised position to enable the volatilization of the disinfection gas. When the opening / closing portion 43 is in the raised position, the stopper portion 31 is in a fully open state.

[0032] When the control of the opening / closing device 40 is started, the control unit CONT moves the opening / closing unit 43 up and down to switch between the volatilization of the disinfection gas and the stop of volatilization based on a preset schedule. By arbitrarily setting the schedule for the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit 43 (i.e., the volatilization and stop of volatilization of the disinfection gas) for the control unit CONT, it becomes possible to adjust the volatilization start time of the disinfection gas, the time when the concentration of the disinfection gas becomes safe, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, the plug portion 31 is switched between fully open and fully closed. However, for example, when continuously changing the opening amount of the plug portion 31, as shown by the graph G1 in FIG. 5, after volatilizing the disinfection gas at a predetermined opening amount, by closing the plug portion 31 at time point T1, as shown by the graph G2, the concentration of the disinfection gas can be reduced.

[0034] However, if the disinfection gas is volatilized in a state where the opening amount of the plug portion 31 accidentally exceeds a predetermined value, as shown by the graph G3, the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12 may exceed the upper limit for ensuring safety. Also, even if the opening amount of the plug portion 31 is at a predetermined position, if an unexpected situation occurs and the plug portion 31 is not closed at time point T1, the concentration of the disinfection gas may exceed the upper limit for ensuring safety.

[0035] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown by the graph G4, when the plug portion 31 is fully open during sterilization, the disinfection gas is volatilized at a concentration below the upper limit for ensuring safety in the closed space 12, and the plug portion 31 is closed at time point T2 to reduce the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12. In this case, even if an unexpected situation occurs and the plug portion 31 is not closed at time point T1, as shown by the line segment L, since the equilibrium concentration continues below the upper limit for ensuring safety, the safety in the closed space 12 can be ensured.

[0036] In the sterilization kit 1 of this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment, it is possible to adjust the volatilization start time of the disinfection gas, the time when the concentration of the disinfection gas becomes safe, etc., while ensuring the safety in the closed space 12.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the disinfection gas supply unit 20 is installed at the lower part in the closed space 12 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the specific gravity of the disinfection gas is greater than the specific gravity of air, the disinfection gas accumulates on the lower side, making it difficult to sterilize the object to be treated disposed above the closed space 12. Therefore, when the specific gravity of the disinfection gas is greater than the specific gravity of air, the disinfection gas supply unit 20 may be installed at the upper part in the closed space 12, and when the specific gravity of the disinfection gas is smaller than the specific gravity of air, the disinfection gas supply unit 20 may be installed at the lower part in the closed space 12.

[0038] Further, considering that the disinfection gas accumulates on the lower side in the closed space 12 when the specific gravity of the disinfection gas is greater than the specific gravity of air, for example, it is preferable to install a stirring device such as a circulator at the lower part. Thereby, in the closed space 12, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a concentration distribution of the disinfection gas.

[0039] Moreover, as the container 10, a tent formed in a quadrangular pyramid shape is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the container 10 may be in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. By making the container 10 in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, it becomes possible to increase the volume of the closed space 12, and more objects to be treated can be sterilized.

[0040] In the above-described second embodiment, the configuration in which the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12 is open-controlled is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a configuration may be provided in which a concentration measurement unit 44 for measuring the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12 is provided. The concentration of the disinfection gas measured by the concentration measurement unit 44 is output to the control unit CONT. The control unit CONT performs closed control (feedback control) on the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit 43 (that is, the volatilization and stop of volatilization of the disinfection gas) based on the concentration of the disinfection gas input from the concentration measurement unit 44. As a result, the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space 12 can be controlled with higher precision.

Example

[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the gist thereof.

[0042] (Examples 1 to 10) Samples of Examples 1 to 10 were set according to the specifications shown in the following [Table 1]. Examples 1 to 7 and 10 used the quadrangular pyramid-shaped closed space shown in the first embodiment as samples. Examples 8 to 9 used the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped closed space shown in FIG. 6 as samples.

[0043] In Examples 1 to 9, chlorine dioxide was used as the disinfection gas, and in Example 10, ozone was used as the disinfection gas. In Examples 1 to 9, after diluting the liquid agent of "Product Name: MEDI NACE Space Disinfection (manufactured by Lion Hygiene Co., Ltd.)" and water to the dilution ratio shown in [Table 1], an appropriate amount (80 g when using the container of MEDI NACE Space Disinfection, 20 g when using the container of Deo Wonder) was taken and used, and an appropriate amount (8.5 g when using the container of MEDI NACE Space Disinfection, 2.2 g when using the container of Deo Wonder) of the powder of "Product Name: Deo Wonder (manufactured by CLO2 Lab Co., Ltd.)" or "Product Name: MEDI NACE Space Disinfection (manufactured by Lion Hygiene Co., Ltd.)" was mixed to generate chlorine dioxide as a sample. Examples 1 to 9 are samples in which the time for the concentration of the disinfection gas to reach 0.05 ppm was adjusted by changing the dilution ratio.

[0044] Examples 1 to 7 and 9 used "Product Name: Deo Wonder (manufactured by CLO2 Lab Co., Ltd.)" as the container of the disinfection gas supply unit as samples. Example 8 used "Product Name: MEDI NACE Space Disinfection (manufactured by Lion Hygiene Co., Ltd.)" as the container of the disinfection gas supply unit as a sample. Example 10 used a sample that supplied ozone using "Product Name; Ozone Neo Aeroplus (Ozone Disinfection and Deodorization Device manufactured by Maxell Ltd.)".

[0045] Regarding the concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space, the following concentration measurement parts were installed at two locations, the upper part and the lower part in the closed space, respectively, and measured over time. Short-term detection tube for chlorine dioxide, manufactured by Gastec Corporation, 23M. Short-term detection tube for chlorine dioxide, manufactured by Gastec Corporation, 23L. Short-term detection tube for ozone, manufactured by Gastec Corporation, 18L. Passive dosimeter for chlorine, manufactured by Gastec Corporation, 8D. ToxiRape harmful gas detector for chlorine dioxide, model G02-AA10-100, manufactured by Honeywell Japan Co., Ltd.

[0046] [Evaluation Method] Regarding the concentrations measured by the upper concentration measurement part and the lower concentration measurement part, "effectiveness" and "safety" were evaluated for Examples 1 to 10 according to the following criteria respectively.

[0047] "Effectiveness Evaluation Criteria" ◎◎: Satisfies 0.15 ppm × 3 hours or more. ◎: Satisfies 0.10 ppm × 3 hours or more. ○: Satisfies 0.05 ppm × 3 hours or more. ×: Does not satisfy 0.05 ppm × 3 hours or more.

[0048] "Safety Evaluation Criteria" ◎◎: The maximum value of the disinfection gas concentration is 0.35 ppm or less. ◎: The maximum value of the disinfection gas concentration exceeds 0.35 ppm and is 0.40 ppm or less. ○: The maximum value of the disinfection gas concentration exceeds 0.40 ppm and is 0.45 ppm or less. ×: The maximum value of the disinfection gas concentration exceeds 0.45 ppm.

[0049]

Table 1

[0050] As shown in [Table 1], in the samples of Examples 1 to 10 where the concentration of the disinfection gas is 0.05 ppm or more and 0.45 ppm or less according to the size of the closed space, good evaluations were obtained for both "effectiveness" and "safety" at both the upper and lower parts of the closed space.

[0051] Also, when the disinfection gas supply part is installed at the lower part, the disinfection gas concentrates at the lower part. When the dilution ratio of the liquid agent is small, the concentration reaches 0.05 ppm quickly and the safety is on the verge. On the other hand, when the dilution ratio of the liquid agent is large, the time to reach the concentration of 0.05 ppm is long, so the effectiveness is on the verge. Therefore, the sample of Example 2 in which the disinfection gas supply part is installed at the upper part and the dilution ratio of the liquid agent is 2 times obtained the best evaluation.

[0052] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to such examples. The various shapes, combinations, etc. of the constituent members shown in the above examples are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1... Sterilization kit, 10... Container, 20... Disinfection gas supply part, 30... Gas generation part, 31... Plug part, 43... Opening / closing part, 44... Concentration measurement part

Claims

1. A container capable of forming a closed space, A disinfection gas supply unit that can be installed in the closed space and supplies disinfection gas with a concentration within a predetermined range according to the size of the closed space, A sterilization kit, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space is maintained at 0.05 ppm or more and 0.45 ppm or less for 3 hours or more. The sterilization kit according to Claim 1.

3. The concentration of the disinfection gas in the closed space reaches 0.05 ppm within 5 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less after the start of volatilization of the disinfection gas. The sterilization kit according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The disinfection gas is chlorine dioxide gas or ozone gas. The sterilization kit according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The volume of the closed space is 0.05 cubic meters or more and 8 cubic meters or less. The sterilization kit according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. The disinfection gas supply unit, A gas generation unit having a plug portion that generates the disinfection gas, An opening / closing unit capable of opening and closing the plug portion, And has the above. The sterilization kit according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The disinfection gas supply unit supplies the disinfection gas with the plug portion fully open during sterilization. The sterilization kit according to Claim 6.

8. The disinfection gas supply unit supplies the disinfection gas with a concentration within the predetermined range when the volatilized disinfection gas is naturally decomposed in the closed space. The sterilization kit according to Claim 1 or 2.

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