Sterilization apparatus, sterilization system, program, and control method for sterilization apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sterilization apparatus capable of setting a warm-up time on the basis of the operating condition history of the apparatus.SOLUTION: A sterilization apparatus 1A including: a high-concentration ozone generator 2 for generating ozone; an ozone concentration detector 4 capable of detecting an ozone concentration in an ambient environment of the sterilization apparatus 1A; and a controller 100 configured to control an amount of ozone generated by the high-concentration ozone generator 2 in accordance with the ozone concentration of the ambient environment detected by the ozone concentration detector 4, the controller 100 setting a warm-up time of the ozone concentration detector 4 on the basis of operation condition history information of the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device that generates ozone, a sterilization system equipped with the sterilization device, a program for the sterilization device, and a method for controlling the sterilization device. [Background technology]

[0002] Sterilization devices equipped with an ozone generator that generates ozone by electrical discharge for use in indoor disinfection are known. The sterilization device is equipped with a detector that detects the ozone concentration. The detector detects the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment, and controls the amount of ozone generated according to the ozone concentration, thereby controlling the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment.

[0003] In such sterilization devices, the user is required to perform a warm-up operation of the detection unit in order to maintain the detection accuracy of the detection unit. The warm-up operation of the detection unit is performed by passing electricity through the detection unit until a predetermined warm-up time has elapsed. In conventional sterilization devices, the warm-up time required for the warm-up operation is notified to the user in a manual or the like. Furthermore, the warm-up operation is performed by the user according to the instructions in the manual. Setting of the warm-up time is left to the user's operation.

[0004] In response to this, sterilization devices have also been proposed that have a uniformly set warm-up time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such sterilization devices, when the plug is connected to the outlet or the power switch is turned on, power is supplied to the detection unit. Then, the warm-up operation is performed by supplying power to the detection unit until the preset uniform warm-up time has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-134156 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In sterilization devices where the warm-up time is set by the user, the management of the warm-up time depends on the user's selection and operation, so there is a possibility that the warm-up operation will not be performed properly if the warm-up time is too short.

[0007] Furthermore, in sterilization devices with a uniform warm-up time, the warm-up time is constant regardless of the state of the detection unit, which means that even if the warm-up operation can be completed in a shorter time than the uniformly set warm-up time, the warm-up time may be longer than necessary.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a sterilization apparatus that allows the warm-up time to be set based on the operating status history of the apparatus. It also aims to provide a sterilization system equipped with such a sterilization apparatus, a program, and a method for controlling the sterilization apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a sterilization device comprising an ozone generating unit that generates ozone, an ozone concentration detecting unit that can detect the ozone concentration in the environment surrounding the ozone generating unit, and a control unit that controls the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generating unit in accordance with the ozone concentration in the environment detected by the ozone concentration detecting unit, and the control unit sets the warm-up time of the ozone concentration detecting unit based on historical information about the device's operating status.

[0010] The present invention also provides a sterilization system comprising the above sterilization apparatus and a human detection unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a step of setting the warm-up time of an ozone concentration detection unit that can detect the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment of an ozone generation unit that generates ozone, based on device operating status history information.

[0012] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a sterilization apparatus, which executes a step of setting the warm-up time of an ozone concentration detection unit that can detect the ozone concentration in the environment surrounding an ozone generation unit that generates ozone, based on historical information about the apparatus operating state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the management of the warm-up time does not depend on the user's selection. Furthermore, the warm-up time changes according to the device operating status history information. This allows an appropriate warm-up time to be set according to the device operating status history information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing an example of a sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a control block diagram showing an example of a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing a change in output value after power is supplied to an ozone concentration detection unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a warm-up operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a condition table for setting a warm-up time according to a power-off period. [Figure 6A] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the warm-up operation. [Figure 6B] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the warm-up operation. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of a sterilization apparatus, a sterilization system, a program, and a method for controlling a sterilization apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <Configuration example of the sterilization device according to this embodiment> Fig. 1A is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a sterilization apparatus of this embodiment, Fig. 1B is an external perspective view showing an example of a sterilization apparatus of this embodiment, Fig. 1C is an exploded perspective view of the main parts showing an example of a sterilization apparatus of this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a control block diagram showing an example of a sterilization apparatus of this embodiment.

[0017] Sterilization apparatus 1A comprises a high-concentration ozone generator 2, a low-concentration ozone generator 3, an ozone concentration detector 4, and a blower 5. Sterilization apparatus 1A also comprises an operation unit 6, a human sensor 7, and a proximity sensor 8. Sterilization apparatus 1A further comprises a housing 10, an air outlet forming unit 11, and an air intake forming unit 12.

[0018] The housing 10 forms the exterior of the sterilization apparatus 1A. The air outlet forming section 11 and the air intake forming section 12 are provided inside the housing 10. The air outlet forming section 11 is a space large enough to accommodate the high-concentration ozone generation section 2, the low-concentration ozone generation section 3, etc.

[0019] The high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 is an example of an ozone generating unit, and is attached to the air outlet forming unit 11. The low-concentration ozone generating unit 3 is also attached to the air outlet forming unit 11. The high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 generates ozone with a higher concentration than the low-concentration ozone generating unit 3. The high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 is covered with an electromagnetic shield 2a. The ozone generated by the high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 passes through an opening in the electromagnetic shield 2a and is released into the air outlet forming unit 11.

[0020] The ozone concentration detection unit 4 is provided in the opening 10a of the housing 10. The ozone concentration detection unit 4 is capable of detecting the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment of the sterilization apparatus 1A. The surrounding environment of the sterilization apparatus 1A is, for example, the space in which the sterilization apparatus 1A is installed. The ozone concentration detection unit 4 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected ozone concentration.

[0021] The blower 5 includes an impeller 50, a motor 51, and a fan case 52. The impeller 50 is attached to a shaft (not shown) of the motor 51. The impeller 50 rotates when driven by the motor 51. The fan case 52 includes an intake port 52a and an outlet port 52b. The intake port 52a is provided in the axial direction of the impeller 50 and faces the intake port forming portion 12. The outlet port 52b is provided in the tangential direction of the impeller 50 and faces the outlet port forming portion 11.

[0022] By rotating the impeller 50, the blower 5 generates an air flow that draws air from the air intake opening forming portion 12 into the fan case 52 through the suction port 52a. In addition, by rotating the impeller 50, the blower 5 generates an air flow that blows air from the fan case 52 through the air outlet 52b to the air outlet forming portion 11.

[0023] The operation unit 6 is provided on the top surface of the housing 10. The operation unit 6 includes a power switch 60, a selection switch 61, and a display unit 62. The power switch 60 receives operations such as turning the power on and off. The selection switch 61 receives operations such as selecting an operation mode. The display unit 62 displays the selected operation mode, etc.

[0024] The human sensor 7 is an example of a human detection unit, and is capable of detecting whether or not a person is present in the installation space of the sterilization apparatus 1A, etc. The human sensor 7 outputs presence / absence information according to the presence or absence of a person.

[0025] The proximity sensor 8 is an example of a human detection unit, and is provided in the operation unit 6. The proximity sensor 8 can detect the presence or absence of a person within a range in which the operation unit 6 can be operated. The proximity sensor 8 outputs presence or absence information according to the presence or absence of a person.

[0026] The sterilization apparatus 1A comprises a front panel 12a, a detachable part 12b, an air intake 12c, a HEPA filter 12d, and an activated carbon filter 12e. The sterilization apparatus 1A also comprises an air outlet panel 11a.

[0027] The front panel 12a is shaped to cover the front surface of the air intake opening forming portion 12. The front panel 12a is made of metal at least at a position facing the detachable portion 12b. The detachable portion 12b is provided with a magnet 12f.

[0028] Front panel 12a is detachably attached to detachable portion 12b by attraction with magnet 12f. When front panel 12a is attached to detachable portion 12b, it covers the front surface of air intake port forming portion 12. Air intake ports 12c are provided on both side surfaces of front panel 12a.

[0029] HEPA filter 12d and activated carbon filter 12e are shaped to fit into air intake forming portion 12. HEPA filter 12d and activated carbon filter 12e are pressed by front panel 12a and attached to air intake forming portion 12. HEPA filter 12d and activated carbon filter 12e remove substances to be removed from the air sucked in from air intake 12c.

[0030] The air outlet panel 11a has an engaging portion 11b. The engaging portion 11b can engage with and disengage from an engaged portion (not shown) of the air outlet forming portion 11. The air outlet panel 11a is detachably attached to the upper surface of the air outlet forming portion 11. The air outlet panel 11a has a lattice shape. The air outlet panel 11a covers the upper surface of the air outlet forming portion 11 so as to allow air to pass through.

[0031] In the sterilization apparatus 1A, an air flow path is formed that passes from the air intake 12c through the HEPA filter 12d and the activated carbon filter 12e to the air intake 52a of the fan case 52. In addition, in the sterilization apparatus 1A, an air flow path is formed that passes from the air intake 52a through the inside of the fan case 52 to the air outlet 52b. In addition, in the sterilization apparatus 1A, an air flow path is formed that passes from the air outlet 52b through the air outlet forming unit 11 to the air outlet panel 11a. As a result, in the sterilization apparatus 1A, an air flow path is formed that passes from the air intake 12c through the blower 5 to the air outlet panel 11a. Then, ozone generated in the high-concentration ozone generator 2 or the low-concentration ozone generator 3 is blown out from the air outlet panel 11a by the flow of air generated in the blower 5.

[0032] The sterilization apparatus 1A is equipped with a control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the high-concentration ozone generator 2 or the low-concentration ozone generator 3 and the motor 51 according to the operation mode selected by operating the selection switch 61. The control unit 100 also controls the amount of ozone generated according to the ozone concentration in the environment surrounding the sterilization apparatus 1A detected by the ozone concentration detection unit 4.

[0033] Furthermore, when power is supplied to the ozone concentration detection unit 4, the control unit 100 executes a warm-up operation for the ozone concentration detection unit 4. The control unit 100 also sets a warm-up time for the ozone concentration detection unit 4 based on the device operation status history information. The program causes the control unit 100, which is an example of a computer, to execute a step of setting the warm-up time for the ozone concentration detection unit 4 based on the device operation status history information. The program is stored in the storage unit 120. The program may also be stored in a storage medium (not shown) that is detachable from the storage medium attachment / detachment unit 121, and may be read from the storage medium and stored in the storage unit 120. When the control unit 100 starts the warm-up operation for the ozone concentration detection unit 4, it stops driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 until the warm-up time has elapsed.

[0034] The sterilization apparatus 1A includes a power supply unit 110. A plug 111 that can be connected to and disconnected from an outlet (not shown) is connected to the power supply unit 110. When the plug 111 is connected to the outlet (not shown), electricity is supplied to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 from the power supply unit 110. Furthermore, when the power is turned on by the power switch 60, the control unit 100 may be configured to supply electricity to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 from the power supply unit 110.

[0035] <Example of operation of the sterilization device according to this embodiment> 3 is a graph showing the change in output value after the start of power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit. When the operation that generates ozone is stopped and power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is stopped, the temperature of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 drops. When the temperature of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 drops, various chemical components adhere to the ozone concentration detection unit 4. After power supply is started, the ozone concentration detection unit 4 remains in a state where various chemical components adhere until its temperature rises. For this reason, the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 temporarily indicates a high ozone concentration value after power supply is started.

[0036] Furthermore, when power is applied to the ozone concentration detection unit 4, the temperature of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 rises. As the temperature of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 rises, chemical components adhering to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 are removed over time. As a result, the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 temporarily indicates a high ozone concentration value, and then attenuates over time and drops to a predetermined value corresponding to the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment.

[0037] Sterilization apparatus 1A controls the amount of ozone generated in high-concentration ozone generator 2 based on the ozone concentration detected by ozone concentration detector 4. Sterilization apparatus 1A also controls the amount of ozone generated in low-concentration ozone generator 3 based on the ozone concentration detected by ozone concentration detector 4. In order to control the amount of ozone generated based on the ozone concentration, it is necessary to be able to accurately measure the ozone concentration in ozone concentration detector 4. Furthermore, in order to be able to accurately measure the ozone concentration in ozone concentration detector 4, chemical components adhering to ozone concentration detector 4 must be removed.

[0038] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a warm-up operation. The control method for sterilization apparatus 1A executes the step of setting the warm-up time (t) of ozone concentration detection unit 4 shown in Figure 3 based on the apparatus operating state history information. Details of the control for setting the warm-up time and executing the warm-up operation are described below.

[0039] When the control unit 100 starts to energize the ozone concentration detection unit 4 (step SA1), the control unit 100 sets a warm-up time based on the device operating state history information (step SA2). The control unit 100 also starts a warm-up operation (step SA3).

[0040] When the warm-up operation starts, the control unit 100 starts counting time. The control unit 100 determines whether the warm-up time has elapsed since the warm-up operation started (step SA4).

[0041] If the control unit 100 determines that the warm-up time has not elapsed, it continues the warm-up operation. After starting the warm-up operation, the control unit 100 stops driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 until the warm-up time has elapsed.

[0042] When the control unit 100 determines that the warm-up time has elapsed, it ends the warm-up operation (step SA5). When the warm-up operation is completed, the control unit 100, in response to an operation of the operation unit 6, enables the high-concentration ozone generator 2 to generate ozone. Furthermore, when the warm-up operation is completed, the control unit 100, in response to an operation of the operation unit 6, enables the low-concentration ozone generator 3 to generate ozone.

[0043] When an operation for generating high-concentration ozone is selected by operating the operation unit 6, the control unit 100 drives the blower unit 5 (step SA6). The control unit 100 also drives the high-concentration ozone generator 2 (step SA7). By starting to drive the high-concentration ozone generator 2 while the blower unit 5 is being driven, ozone retention is suppressed. Note that the timing for starting to drive the blower unit 5 does not have to be after the warm-up operation has ended. For example, the blower unit 5 may be started to be driven when power is supplied to the sterilization apparatus 1A before the above step SA1.

[0044] When the blower 5 is driven in the sterilization apparatus 1A, air is drawn in through the air intake 12c. In the sterilization apparatus 1A, the air drawn in through the air intake 12c passes through the blower 5 and is blown out from the outlet panel 11a. As a result, the ozone generated in the high-concentration ozone generator 2 is blown out from the outlet panel 11a by the flow of air generated in the blower 5. The operation of driving the blower 5 while driving the high-concentration ozone generator 2 in this way is also referred to as the disinfection operation.

[0045] When the control unit 100 drives the high-concentration ozone generator 2, the control unit 100 detects the ozone concentration using the ozone concentration detector 4 (step SA8). The control unit 100 calculates an integrated value based on the ozone concentration value detected by the ozone concentration detector 4. Then, the control unit 100 determines whether the integrated concentration value has reached a predetermined value (step SA9).

[0046] If the control unit 100 determines that the concentration integrated value has not reached the predetermined value, it continues to drive the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 and the blower unit 5. If the control unit 100 determines that the concentration integrated value has reached the predetermined value, it stops driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 (step SA10).

[0047] As the blower 5 continues to operate, the sterilization apparatus 1A draws air through the air intake 12c. The air drawn through the air intake 12c passes through the HEPA filter 12d and the activated carbon filter 12e. The ozone contained in the air drawn through the air intake 12c is adsorbed by the activated carbon filter 12e. As a result, the air from which the ozone has been removed is blown out from the outlet panel 11a. Therefore, when the blower 5 is driven with the high-concentration ozone generator 2 stopped, the ozone concentration in the space in which the sterilization apparatus 1A is installed decreases. The operation of driving the blower 5 with the high-concentration ozone generator 2 stopped is also referred to as the decomposition operation.

[0048] The control unit 100 determines whether the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has reached a predetermined value at which people can enter the room (step SA11). If the control unit 100 determines that the ozone concentration has not reached the predetermined value, it stops driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 and continues driving the air blower 5. If the control unit 100 determines that the ozone concentration has reached the predetermined value, it stops driving the air blower 5 (step SA12). Note that if the ozone concentration reaches (or drops to) the predetermined value, it may notify people that they can enter the room. Alternatively, if the ozone concentration has reached the predetermined value, it may stop driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 and continue driving the air blower 5.

[0049] After the warm-up operation is completed, when an operation for generating low-concentration ozone is selected by operating the operation unit 6, the control unit 100 performs the same control as the operation for generating high-concentration ozone described above. That is, when an operation for generating low-concentration ozone is selected, the control unit 100 executes a disinfection operation by driving the low-concentration ozone generator 3 while driving the air blower 5. The control unit 100 also detects the ozone concentration using the ozone concentration detection unit 4, and if it determines that the accumulated concentration value has not reached a predetermined value, it continues the disinfection operation. If it determines that the accumulated concentration value has reached a predetermined value, it continues driving the air blower 5 and executes a decomposition operation by stopping the driving of the low-concentration ozone generator 3. If it determines that the ozone concentration has reached a predetermined value, it stops driving the air blower 5. Note that once the ozone concentration reaches a predetermined value, the driving of the air blower 5 may continue while stopping the driving of the low-concentration ozone generator 3. Furthermore, the driving and stopping of the low-concentration ozone generator 3 may be controlled so that the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detector 4 falls within a range that allows people to enter the room. That is, when the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detector 4 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value that is set based on the concentration range that allows people to enter the room, the driving of the low-concentration ozone generator 3 is stopped. Also, when the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detector 4 falls below a predetermined lower limit value that is considered to reduce the sterilization effect of ozone, for example, the low-concentration ozone generator 3 is driven.

[0050] Next, details of the device operating state history information will be described. The device operating state history information includes information about the period during which power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 was stopped. The period information indicates the power-off period from when power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 was stopped until power supply was started again. As described above, it is known that the deterioration of the accuracy of ozone concentration detection by the ozone concentration detection unit 4 depends on the power-off period to the ozone concentration detection unit 4. Therefore, the control unit 100 sets a warm-up time according to the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4. This makes it possible to set an appropriate warm-up time.

[0051] Specifically, the control unit 100 has a condition table that defines the warm-up time corresponding to the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4. The control unit 100 sets the warm-up time corresponding to the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 based on the condition table.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a condition table for setting the warm-up time according to the power-off period. Condition table 200 is an example in which the power-off period for ozone concentration detection unit 4 is divided into three periods: three days or less, three to seven days, and one week or more. In condition table 200, if the power-off period is three days or less, the warm-up time is set to 10 minutes. In condition table 200, if the power-off period is three to seven days, the warm-up time is set to one hour. In condition table 200, if the power-off period is one week or more, the warm-up time is set to 24 hours.

[0053] If the power-off period is three days or less, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time to 10 minutes corresponding to this power-off period. Furthermore, if the power-off period is between three and seven days, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time to one hour corresponding to this power-off period. Furthermore, if the power-off period is one week or more, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time to 24 hours corresponding to this power-off period. Note that the set values in the condition table 200 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0054] The control unit 100 may also have a formula that indicates the relationship between the warm-up time and the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4. The control unit 100 may set the warm-up time according to the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 by calculation based on the formula.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 100 acquires the power OFF period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 as follows.

[0056] The sterilization apparatus 1A is equipped with a time acquisition unit 101. The control unit 100 acquires the time using the time acquisition unit 101. The time acquisition unit 101 may be configured to be provided in the control unit 100. When power to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 changes from ON to OFF, the control unit 100 acquires the first time when power was turned OFF from the time acquisition unit 101. Furthermore, when power to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 changes from OFF to ON again, the control unit 100 acquires the second time when power was turned ON. The control unit 100 calculates the difference between the first time and the second time to determine the power OFF period. Then, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time according to the power OFF period.

[0057] The sterilization apparatus 1A also includes a time counter 102 that measures time. When power to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is turned off, the control unit 100 obtains from the time counter 102 the time until power is turned on again, and calculates the power-off period. The time counter 102 is configured to operate with much less power than the control unit 100. The time counter 102 is powered by an auxiliary power supply 103 that is separate from the power supply unit 110. This turns off power to the ozone concentration detection unit 4, turns off power to the control unit 100, and makes it possible to measure the power-off period. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced compared to when power to the control unit 100 is kept on in order to measure the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4.

[0058] The device operating state history information also includes history information on the warm-up operation of the ozone concentration detection unit 4. The history information includes completion information indicating that the warm-up operation has been completed, and incompletion information indicating that the warm-up operation is incomplete. The completion information indicates that the warm-up operation was completed within the warm-up time set according to the power-off period. The incompletion information indicates that power to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 was turned off during the warm-up time set according to the power-off period, and the warm-up operation was not completed.

[0059] The control unit 100 may acquire history information about the warm-up operation as the device operating state history information. If the warm-up operation is completed, a decrease in the accuracy of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is suppressed. In contrast, if the warm-up operation is incomplete, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has decreased. Thus, by acquiring the history information about the warm-up operation, it is possible to know whether there is a possibility that the accuracy of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has decreased.

[0060] Therefore, the control unit 100 determines whether the warm-up time has elapsed since the start of the warm-up operation of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 and the warm-up operation has been completed. Then, the control unit 100 stores history information of the warm-up operation depending on whether the warm-up operation has been completed.

[0061] The history information also includes remaining time information for the warm-up operation, which is the difference between the warm-up time corresponding to the power-off period and the actual operating time of the warm-up operation. If the warm-up operation is incomplete, the control unit 100 calculates the difference between the warm-up time corresponding to the power-off period and the actual operating time of the warm-up operation. Then, the control unit 100 saves the remaining time information for the warm-up operation as history information for the warm-up operation.

[0062] This allows more detailed information on the device's operating status history to be acquired. Therefore, the warm-up time for the next warm-up operation can be set based on the elapsed time since the previous warm-up operation.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may set the warm-up time based on both the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 and the history information of the warm-up operation.

[0064] Normally, it is preferable to set the warm-up time from the power-off period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4. However, if the power to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is turned off during the warm-up operation, it may not be possible to set the next warm-up time appropriately.

[0065] Specifically, there are cases where the plug 111 is unplugged from an outlet (not shown) in order to change the installation location of the sterilization apparatus 1A. When the plug 111 is unplugged from the outlet, the power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is turned off. Then, after the installation location of the sterilization apparatus 1A has been changed, the plug 111 is inserted into the outlet, and the power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is started.

[0066] If the plug 111 is unplugged from the outlet before the warm-up time has elapsed, the ozone concentration detection unit 4 will be turned off during the warm-up operation. Consider an example in which the warm-up time is set to 24 hours when the power-off period for the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is one week or longer. Suppose the plug 111 is unplugged during this 24-hour warm-up operation and then reinserted into the outlet, resulting in an effective power-off period of less than one minute. In this case, the power-off period for the ozone concentration detection unit 4 is changed to within three days, and the warm-up time is set to 10 minutes. As a result, the warm-up time, which would normally require 24 hours, is shortened to around 10 minutes, potentially resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of the ozone concentration detection unit 4.

[0067] 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing another example of the warm-up operation. When power is supplied to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 (step SA1), the control unit 100 acquires history information of the warm-up operation (step SA2a). Based on the history information of the warm-up operation, the control unit 100 determines whether the previous warm-up operation has been completed (step SA2b).

[0068] If the control unit 100 determines that the previous warm-up operation has been completed, it acquires the power OFF period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 (step SA2c). The control unit 100 sets the warm-up time according to the power OFF period of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 (step SA2d). As shown in FIG. 5, consider a case where the power OFF period is divided into three periods: within 3 days, between 3 and 7 days, and one week or more. If the previous warm-up operation has been completed and the power OFF period is within 3 days, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time to the warm-up time corresponding to this power OFF period. Furthermore, if the power OFF period is between 3 and 7 days, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time to the warm-up time corresponding to this power OFF period. Furthermore, if the power OFF period is one week or more, the control unit 100 sets the warm-up time to the warm-up time corresponding to this power OFF period.

[0069] If the control unit 100 determines that the previous warm-up operation has not been completed, it sets the warm-up time to the time corresponding to the longest power-off period (step SA2e). Consider a case where the power-off period is divided into three periods: three days or less, three to seven days, and one week or more. If the control unit 100 determines that the previous warm-up operation has not been completed, it sets the warm-up time to the time corresponding to a power-off period of one week. This prevents the sterilization apparatus 1A from shortening the warm-up time that was originally required, and prevents a decrease in the accuracy of the ozone concentration detection unit 4.

[0070] When the warm-up operation is started (step SA3), the control unit 100 starts counting time. The control unit 100 determines whether the warm-up time has elapsed since the warm-up operation started (step SA4a).

[0071] If the control unit 100 determines that the warm-up time has not elapsed, it determines whether or not the power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has been turned off (step SA4b). If the control unit 100 determines that the power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has not been turned off, it continues the warm-up operation.

[0072] When the control unit 100 determines that the warm-up time has elapsed, it ends the warm-up operation (step SA5a). When the control unit 100 ends the warm-up operation, it stores completion information indicating that the warm-up operation has been completed in the storage unit 120 as history information (step SA5b). Furthermore, when the warm-up operation is completed, the control unit 100 receives an operation from the operation unit 6 and enables the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 or the low-concentration ozone generation unit 3 to generate ozone.

[0073] If the control unit 100 determines that the power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has been turned off before the warm-up time has elapsed, it interrupts the warm-up operation (step SA5c). Furthermore, the control unit 100 stores incomplete information indicating that the warm-up operation is incomplete in the storage unit 120 as history information (step SA5d). Then, the control unit 100 ends the warm-up operation.

[0074] After the warm-up operation is completed, the control for executing the disinfection operation and disassembly operation is the same as the processing of steps SA6 to SA12 in Fig. 4. This allows the sterilization apparatus 1A to perform the disinfection operation and disassembly operation after the warm-up time and the warm-up operation that were originally required.

[0075] The control unit 100 may record the warm-up operation history information not only for the previous warm-up operation but also for multiple warm-up operations, thereby enabling a more appropriate warm-up time to be set.

[0076] For example, there may be cases where the previous warm-up operation is incomplete but the warm-up operation before that is complete. In such cases, it is not necessary to set the warm-up time to the time corresponding to the longest power-off period.

[0077] Therefore, if the previous warm-up operation is incomplete, the control unit 100 acquires history information about the warm-up operation before that. If the control unit 100 determines that the warm-up operation before that is complete, it sets the warm-up time according to the previous power-off period. This allows the warm-up time to be the same as the previous one, rather than the time corresponding to the longest power-off period. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessarily long warm-up operations.

[0078] Furthermore, consider a case where the warm-up time is set depending on whether the warm-up operation is complete or not. In the above operation, the next warm-up time is set uniquely regardless of the time elapsed until the warm-up operation is interrupted. Therefore, depending on the time elapsed until the warm-up operation is interrupted, an unnecessarily long warm-up time may be set.

[0079] Therefore, the control unit 100 calculates the difference between the warm-up time corresponding to the previous power-off period and the actual operating time of the warm-up operation, and obtains the remaining time of the warm-up operation. The control unit 100 also compares the warm-up time corresponding to the power-off period after the warm-up operation is incomplete with the remaining time information of the warm-up operation. If the remaining time of the warm-up operation is longer, the control unit 100 sets this remaining time of the warm-up operation as the warm-up time. On the other hand, if the predetermined warm-up time based on the power-off period after the warm-up operation is incomplete is longer, the control unit 100 sets this time as the warm-up time. This allows a more appropriate warm-up time to be set when the warm-up operation is incomplete, rather than simply setting the maximum warm-up time.

[0080] As described above, the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 indicates a temporarily high ozone concentration value after power is applied, but this value decays over time. Therefore, if there is no one in the room where the sterilization apparatus 1A is installed, the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 may be started before the warm-up time has elapsed. Also, if there is no one in the room where the sterilization apparatus 1A is installed, the low-concentration ozone generation unit 3 may be started before the warm-up time has elapsed.

[0081] When power is supplied to the ozone concentration detection unit 4, the control unit 100 sets a warm-up time based on the device operation state history information. The device operation state history information is, for example, a power-off period. After setting the warm-up time, the control unit 100 starts a warm-up operation. After starting the warm-up operation, the control unit 100 stops driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 and the low-concentration ozone generation unit 3 until the warm-up time has elapsed.

[0082] The control unit 100 also determines whether the human presence sensor 7 detects a person. While the human presence sensor 7 detects a person, the control unit 100 stops driving the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 and the low-concentration ozone generation unit 3.

[0083] When the control unit 100 determines that the human presence sensor 7 has not detected a person, even if the warm-up time has not elapsed, it drives the high-concentration ozone generation unit 2 or the low-concentration ozone generation unit 3. In addition, the control unit 100 drives the blower unit 5.

[0084] If there is no one in the room where the sterilization apparatus 1A is installed, there is no effect on people even if ozone is generated by the high-concentration ozone generator 2 or the low-concentration ozone generator 3. As a result, even if the warm-up time has not elapsed, it is possible to shorten the time required for disinfection by generating ozone by the high-concentration ozone generator 2. Also, even if the warm-up time has not elapsed, it is possible to shorten the time required for disinfection by generating ozone by the low-concentration ozone generator 3.

[0085] As described above, the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 temporarily indicates a high ozone concentration. If the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 100 notifies an error even if it determines that the human sensor 7 has not detected a person. Meanwhile, the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 becomes a value corresponding to the actual ozone concentration over time. As a result, during the disinfection and decomposition operations, the output of the ozone concentration detection unit 4 becomes a value corresponding to the actual ozone concentration. Therefore, during the disinfection operation, the control unit 100 can determine whether the integrated concentration value based on the ozone concentration value detected by the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has reached a predetermined value. Furthermore, during the decomposition operation, the control unit 100 can determine whether the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detection unit 4 has reached a predetermined value that allows people to enter the room.

[0086] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a sterilization system of this embodiment. Sterilization system 30 comprises sterilization apparatus 1B and a human presence sensor 7b. Human presence sensor 7b is provided in the room in which sterilization apparatus 1B is installed. Human presence sensor 7b is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the room.

[0087] Sterilization apparatus 1B has the same configuration as sterilization apparatus 1A described above. However, sterilization apparatus 1B may or may not include a human presence sensor 7. Sterilization apparatus 1B is equipped with a communication unit 13 that can acquire information on the presence or absence of a person detected by human presence sensor 7b. Communication unit 13 is connected to human presence sensor 7b so as to be able to communicate with it via wired or wireless communication.

[0088] As described above, the human presence sensor 7 may be provided in the sterilization apparatus 1 A. Furthermore, the human presence sensor 7b may be provided separately from the sterilization apparatus 1B in the room in which the sterilization apparatus 1B is installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1A, 1B... Sterilization device, 2... High concentration ozone generator, 2a... Electromagnetic shield, 3... Low concentration ozone generator, 4... Ozone concentration detection unit, 5... Air blower, 6... Operation unit, 60... Power switch, 7, 7b... Human sensor, 8... Proximity sensor, 10... Housing, 11... Air outlet forming unit, 12... Air intake forming unit, 13... Communication unit, 100... Control unit, 101... Time acquisition unit, 102... Time counting unit, 103... Auxiliary power supply unit, 110... Power supply unit, 111... Plug, 200... Condition table, 300... Sterilization system

Claims

1. an ozone generating unit that generates ozone; an ozone concentration detection unit capable of detecting the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment of the ozone generation unit; a control unit that controls the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generating unit in accordance with the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment detected by the ozone concentration detecting unit, The control unit sets a warm-up time for the ozone concentration detection unit based on device operating state history information. Sterilization equipment.

2. The device operating state history information includes information on a period during which power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit was stopped.

10. The sterilization device of claim 1.

3. The device operating state history information includes history information of the warm-up operation of the ozone concentration detection unit.

10. The sterilization device of claim 1.

4. a time acquisition unit that acquires the time; The control unit acquires, from the time acquisition unit, a first time when power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit is stopped and a second time when power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit is started, and calculates the period information from a difference between the first time and the second time.

3. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2.

5. A time measuring unit is provided for measuring time, The control unit acquires the time from when the supply of electricity to the ozone concentration detection unit is stopped to when the supply of electricity to the ozone concentration detection unit is started from the time counting unit, and calculates the period information.

3. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The history information includes completion information indicating that the warm-up operation has been completed within the warm-up time set based on information about the period during which power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit has been stopped, and incompletion information indicating that the warm-up operation has not been completed.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The history information includes remaining time information of the warm-up operation, which is the difference between the warm-up time set based on information about the period during which power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit was stopped and the actual operation time of the warm-up operation.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3.

8. The control unit sets the warm-up time based on information about a period during which power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit was stopped as the device operating state history information and history information about a warm-up operation of the ozone concentration detection unit.

10. The sterilization device of claim 1.

9. When power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit is stopped, the control unit acquires from the history information incompletion information indicating that the first warm-up operation has not been completed within the first warm-up time set based on the period information. When power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit is next started, the control unit compares a second warm-up time set based on next period information from when power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit is stopped to when power supply to the ozone concentration detection unit is started with remaining time information of the previous warm-up operation, which is the difference between the first warm-up time and the actual operating time of the first warm-up operation, and sets the longer time as the warm-up time.

9. The sterilization apparatus of claim 8.

10. The control unit acquires information on the presence or absence of a person detected by the human detection unit, and when it determines that no person is present in the space where the sterilization device is installed, causes the ozone generation unit to generate ozone before the warm-up time has elapsed.

10. The sterilization device of claim 1.

11. The human detection unit 11. The sterilization device of claim 10.

12. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The human detection unit according to claim 10, The sterilization apparatus includes a communication unit that communicates with the human detection unit, The human detection unit is installed in a space in which the sterilization device is installed. Sterilization system.

13. and causing the computer to execute a step of setting the warm-up time of an ozone concentration detection unit capable of detecting the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment of an ozone generation unit that generates ozone, based on the device operating state history information. program.

14. A step of setting a warm-up time of an ozone concentration detection unit capable of detecting the ozone concentration in the surrounding environment of an ozone generation unit that generates ozone based on the device operating state history information is carried out. Sterilization equipment control method.

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