Overflow cleaning method using low concentration ozone water and ozone water generator used in the cleaning method

Abstract

To provide an overflow cleaning method that sufficiently secures high contact probability and contact time with low concentration ozone water and a sterilization target makes it possible to perform efficient sterilization, and an ozone water generator that is used in the cleaning method.SOLUTION: Provided are: cleaning method using low concentration ozone water with an ozone water concentration of normally less than 2 mg / L, which includes: (Step 1) continuously supplying low concentration ozone water generated from an ozone water generation device equipped with a tube for supplying ozone water to the bottom of a cleaning tank through the tube; and (Step 2) after Step 1, soaking items to be decontaminated that have microorganisms attached in the washing tank to which low concentration ozone water has been supplied, thereby inactivating the microorganisms on the items to be decontaminated, where the cleaning step 1 is characterized in that the low concentration ozone water supplied to the cleaning tank continues to be supplied even after overflowing from the washing tank; and an ozone water generation device used for this cleaning method.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water and an ozone water generator used in the cleaning method. In this specification, "inactivation" refers to the process of eliminating the activity of microorganisms, such as bacteria, and in particular, the process of eliminating the infectivity and toxicity of viruses. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, large amounts of chemicals and gases that have a significant impact on health and the environment have been used for cleaning industrial products and for cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

[0003] However, due to efforts to protect the global environment, there is currently a demand for cleaning or sterilization / disinfection technologies with a low environmental impact, and ozonated water, which has a low environmental impact, is attracting attention.

[0004] Currently, the mainstream method for using ozonated water is to pour the generated ozonated water down through a bellows-type discharge pipe attached to an ozonated water generator. Generally, there are two types of ozone water generators with a water outlet: shower or direct current. In either case, the cleaning effect depends on the ability of the individual using the ozone water and their daily conditions, so not everyone can perform stable and reliable disinfection cleaning. In addition, safety concerns arise due to the release of gases when the ozone water is poured down, and the resulting deterioration of the ozone water concentration can lead to a decrease in disinfection cleaning effectiveness.

[0005] In addition, there are many cases where organic matter (dirt) adhering to the surface of the object to be disinfected coexists. Therefore, taking into consideration the consumption of ozone used, it is important to remove the dirt by pre-washing with tap water, which can be more effective than using large amounts of ozone water.

[0006] Furthermore, if the object to be sterilized is washed directly with the ozone water that has been poured off, the ozone water will flow unevenly over the surface of the object to be sterilized, resulting in insufficient contact probability and contact time between the object to be sterilized and the ozone water, making it difficult to achieve a high sterilization effect.

[0007] Therefore, in order to enhance the sterilization effect of the above-mentioned ozone water, approaches are being taken to increase the concentration of ozone water, thereby eliminating the disadvantages of insufficient contact probability and contact time between the object to be sterilized and the ozone water, and thereby enhancing the sterilization effect. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the sterilization effect on an object to be sterilized is enhanced by using ozone water with a high concentration of 3.3 to 3.5 ppm.

[0008] However, when high-concentration ozone water is used, safety issues arise due to the dispersion of high-concentration ozone gas, and even when high-concentration ozone water is used for cleaning, the problem of differences in cleaning effectiveness among individuals remains unresolved. Therefore, the problem of ensuring that anyone can stably maintain the probability of contact between ozone water and the object to be sterilized, ensure sufficient contact time, prevent a decrease in the concentration of ozone water, and continuously obtain a high sterilization effect has not been resolved, and there is a demand for a solution to this problem. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-080986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water and an ozone water generator used in the cleaning method, which maintains a high contact probability between the ozone water and the object to be sterilized with little decrease in the concentration of the ozone water, ensures sufficient contact time, and enables effective sterilization, as well as an ozone water generator used in the cleaning method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The invention of claim 1 relates to a cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water having a concentration of 2 mg / L or less, the cleaning method comprising: (step 1) a step of continuously supplying the low-concentration ozone water generated from an ozone water generation device equipped with a tube for supplying ozone water to the bottom of a cleaning tank via the tube; and (step 2) a step of immersing an object to be sterilized having microorganisms attached thereto in the cleaning tank to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied after step 1, thereby inactivating the microorganisms from the object to be sterilized, wherein step 1 is characterized in that the low-concentration ozone water supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank continues to be supplied continuously even after it overflows from the cleaning tank.

[0012] The invention according to claim 2 relates to the cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the microorganisms are gram-positive bacteria and / or gram-negative bacteria.

[0013] The invention according to claim 3 relates to the cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the Gram-negative bacterium is Escherichia coli.

[0014] The invention according to claim 4 relates to the cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the gram-positive bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus.

[0015] The invention of claim 5 relates to the cleaning method of claim 1, wherein the object to be sterilized is at least one selected from the group consisting of tableware, food ingredients, endoscopes, medical instruments, dentures, impression surfaces, turbine heads, human fingers, and cleaning cloths.

[0016] The invention of claim 6 relates to the cleaning method of claim 1, wherein the cleaning tank is at least one selected from the group consisting of a sink, a washing tub, and a bowl.

[0017] The invention of claim 7 relates to an ozone water generator comprising a nozzle-equipped cap portion removably attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator, a tube removably attached to an attachment portion at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap portion, and the ozone water generator main body and a stand removably attached to the main body.

[0018] The invention of claim 8 relates to the ozone water generator according to claim 7, wherein the ozone water generator is at least one selected from the group consisting of an electrolysis type ozone water generator and a gas dissolution type ozone water generator.

[0019] The invention according to claim 9 relates to the ozone water generator according to claim 8, wherein the ozone water generator is an electrolysis type ozone water generator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the cleaning method of claim 1, there is provided a cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water having a concentration of 2 mg / L, the cleaning method comprising: (step 1) a step of continuously supplying the low-concentration ozone water generated from an ozone water generator equipped with a tube for supplying ozone water to a bottom of a cleaning tank via the tube; and (step 2) a step of immersing an object to be sterilized having microorganisms attached thereto in the cleaning tank to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied after step 1, and inactivating the microorganisms from the object to be sterilized. Here, step 1 is characterized in that the low-concentration ozone water supplied to the cleaning tank continues to be supplied continuously even after it overflows from the cleaning tank.By continuously supplying low-concentration ozone water from the ozone water generator and causing it to overflow, the object to be sterilized can be inactivated easily and stably, while maintaining a high probability of contact between the ozone water and microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached to the object to be sterilized, and sufficient contact time can be ensured without using high-concentration ozone water.

[0021] According to the cleaning method of claim 2, the microorganisms are characterized by being gram-positive bacteria and / or gram-negative bacteria, and therefore, it has the effect of being able to inactivate a wide variety of microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) such as gram-positive bacteria and / or gram-negative bacteria.

[0022] According to the cleaning method of claim 3, the gram-negative bacteria are Escherichia coli, and therefore contaminated food, contaminated tableware, contaminated utensils, etc. to which Escherichia coli, a typical gram-negative food poisoning bacteria, is attached can be inactivated easily and stably without using high-concentration ozone water, while maintaining a high contact probability between the ozone water and the Escherichia coli attached to the object to be sterilized, ensuring sufficient contact time, and achieving the excellent effect of inactivating the bacteria.

[0023] According to the cleaning method of claim 4, the gram-positive bacteria are characterized by being Staphylococcus aureus, and therefore, it has the excellent effect of being able to inactivate contaminated food, contaminated tableware, contaminated utensils, etc. that are contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, a typical gram-positive bacterial bacterium that causes infectious diseases such as abscesses and food poisoning, without using high-concentration ozone water, while maintaining a high contact probability between the ozone water and the Staphylococcus aureus that is attached to the object to be sterilized, ensuring sufficient contact time, and easily and stably.

[0024] According to the cleaning method of claim 5, the object to be sterilized is at least one selected from the group consisting of tableware, food ingredients, endoscopes, medical instruments, dentures, impression surfaces, turbine heads, human fingers, and wiping cloths. Therefore, this cleaning method can be used for a variety of objects to be sterilized (objects to be immersed), and has the excellent effect of ensuring sufficient contact time while maintaining a high contact probability between the ozone water and the object to be sterilized (object to be immersed), and of enabling easy and stable inactivation.

[0025] According to the cleaning method of claim 6, the cleaning tank is characterized by being at least one type selected from the group consisting of a sink, a washtub, and a bowl, so that cooking utensils, tableware, food ingredients, etc. can be immersed in a sink installed in a kitchen, etc., or a washtub or bowl installed in the sink, and the effect is achieved of ensuring sufficient contact time while maintaining a high contact probability between the ozone water and the object to be sterilized (the object to be immersed), and of easily and stably inactivating the object.

[0026] According to the ozone water generator of claim 7, the ozone water generator is characterized in that a nozzle-equipped cap portion is detachably attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator, a tube is detachably attached to an attachment portion at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap portion, and the ozone water generator main body and a stand that is detachable from the main body are provided.Therefore, when used in an overflow cleaning method, it can be easily installed in a narrow space without using a large ozone water generator, and by continuously supplying low-concentration ozone water from the ozone water generator and causing it to overflow, it is possible to achieve the effect of ensuring sufficient contact time and easily and stably inactivating the object to be sterilized (object to be immersed) while maintaining a high probability of contact between the ozone water and microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached to the object to be sterilized (object to be immersed) without using high-concentration ozone water.

[0027] According to the ozone water generator of claim 8, the ozone water generator is characterized in that it is at least one type selected from the group consisting of an electrolysis type ozone water generator and a gas dissolution type ozone water generator.Therefore, by using a wide variety of ozone water generators that can produce ozone water and continuously supplying low-concentration ozone water from the ozone water generator and allowing it to overflow, it is possible to achieve the effect of easily and stably inactivating the object to be sterilized without using high-concentration ozone water, while maintaining a high probability of contact between the ozone water and microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached to the object to be sterilized (object to be immersed), ensuring sufficient contact time, and inactivating the object in a simple and stable manner.

[0028] According to the ozone water generator of claim 9, the ozone water generator is characterized in that it is an electrolytic ozone water generator, and therefore when generating ozone water, it is more hydrophilic and generates less undissolved ozone gas than a gas-dissolution type ozone water generator. Furthermore, by using a diamond catalyst for the electrodes, ozone water can be generated more efficiently, and by continuously supplying low-concentration ozone water from the ozone water generator and allowing it to overflow, it is possible to easily and stably inactivate microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached to the sterilization target (subject to immersion) while maintaining a high contact probability between the ozone water and the microorganisms, ensuring sufficient contact time, without using high-concentration ozone water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the cleaning method and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method according to the present invention, in which the main body of the ozone water generator is attached to a stand. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram showing one embodiment of the cleaning method and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method according to the present invention, in which a stand and a nozzle-equipped cap are attached to the main body of the ozone water generator. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram showing one embodiment of the cleaning method of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method, in which a stand and a nozzle-equipped cap are attached to the main body of the ozone water generator, and a tube is further attached to the attachment portion at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap. [Figure 3] This figure shows one embodiment of the cleaning method of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method, in which the object to be sterilized (hands) is washed with ozone water filled from the bottom of the cleaning tank from the ozone water generator. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention, in which the objects to be sterilized (tableware) are washed with ozone water filled from the bottom of a cleaning tank from an ozone water generator. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention, in which the object to be sterilized (food material) is cleaned with ozone water filled from the bottom of a cleaning tank from a plurality of ozone water generators. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention, in which an object to be sterilized (a medical instrument) is cleaned with ozone water filled from the bottom of a cleaning tank from an ozone water generator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an overflow cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention (note that the overflow cleaning method refers to the cleaning method according to the present invention) and an ozone water generator used in the method will be described in detail.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms used herein do not limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] Here, the ozone water generator is shown as being used in a sink installed in a kitchen or the like to wash food ingredients and to sterilize and clean medical instruments, but it is not limited to the above cleaning examples. The overflow cleaning method of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in this method can also be used for sterilizing and cleaning laundry to prevent yellowing caused by sebum and detergent residue, sterilizing and cleaning leather products, and sterilizing and cleaning protective gear such as kendo uniforms.

[0033] The ozonated water generator used in the present invention may be used alone or in combination with multiple ozonated water generators. This is because using multiple ozonated water generators in combination allows for backup in case one unit fails. The ozonated water generators can be used regardless of their size, whether large or small, and handheld ozonated water generators may also be used.

[0034] The ozone water used in this invention is an aqueous solution in which ozone, which has a strong disinfecting effect, is dissolved in water. The raw material for ozone is water, and when it is produced from tap water, it is characterized by being very inexpensive and having a low environmental impact. Ozone water is also extremely gentle on mucous membranes, making it safe for use as a disinfectant or sanitizer. Furthermore, ozone water is highly reactive and quickly decomposes into oxygen, leaving no harmful substances behind, making it an extremely environmentally friendly alternative. Furthermore, since no ozone remains when food is sprayed with ozone water, there is no need to rinse with water, making it highly convenient to use, and anyone can handle it safely and easily, allowing for effective hygiene management.

[0035] The concentration of the ozone water used in the present invention is usually 1 mg / L or less, and the maximum concentration of ozone water in the medical field may be 2 mg / L or less. The concentration range of the ozone water used in the present invention is preferably 0.5 mg / L to 2 mg / L.

[0036] On the other hand, ozone water is highly reactive with organic matter and quickly decomposes into oxygen, resulting in a decrease in ozone water concentration and a short duration of effectiveness. Ozone water also has the property of dispersing upon impact, which causes a decrease in ozone water concentration, and high-concentration ozone water disperses a large amount of ozone, so care must be taken when handling it. It should also be noted that ozone water cannot be stored, so it must be generated each time a cleaning or sterilization process is performed.

[0037] The microorganisms included in the present invention may be either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria, or may be viruses.

[0038] Microorganisms are classified into Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by Gram staining based on the structure of their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a peptidoglycan layer that accounts for approximately 70-90% of their cell walls, and are stained purple by Gram staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria have a peptidoglycan layer that accounts for approximately 10-20% of their cell walls, and are present as a thin layer, and are stained red by Gram staining.

[0039] Among microorganisms, representative genera of bacteria belonging to Gram-positive bacteria include Bacillus spp., Listeria spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp., and specific examples include, but are not limited to, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

[0040] Among microorganisms, representative genera and groups of bacteria to which Gram-negative bacteria belong include Escherichia spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Legionella spp., etc., and specific examples include Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O-157, but are not limited to these.

[0041] Representative types of viruses among microorganisms include, but are not limited to, influenza virus, norovirus, avian encephalomyelitis virus, infectious canine hepatitis virus, canine parvovirus, and the like.

[0042] The tableware to be sterilized may be any utensil used for eating, and specific examples include eating and drinking utensils such as bowls, bowls, plates, chopsticks, spoons, knives, and forks, cooking utensils such as pots, kettles, mortars, knives, and cutting boards, storage utensils, dining tables, trays, and bento boxes, but are not limited to these.

[0043] The food ingredients to be sterilized may be any vegetable or other ingredient used in cooking, including, but not limited to, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, spinach, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, onions, leeks, radishes, burdock, fruits, and seafood.

[0044] From the standpoint of standard precautions, the treatment instruments to be sterilized may be any animal treatment instruments or dental treatment instruments, and specific examples include scalpels, scissors, forceps, scissors, hooks, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0045] In addition, from the perspective of standard precautions, objects to be sterilized include, but are not limited to, endoscopes, dentures used in dental clinics, impression surfaces, turbine heads, and cleaning cloths (objects to be cleaned: examination units, X-rays, cabinets, etc.).

[0046] <Overflow cleaning method and ozone water generator used in the cleaning method> Fig. 1 shows a cleaning method according to the present invention and an embodiment of an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method, showing the main body of the ozone water generator (1) attached to a stand (5). Fig. 2A shows a cleaning method according to the present invention and an embodiment of an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method, showing the main body of the ozone water generator (1) attached to a stand (5) and a nozzle-equipped cap (3). Fig. 2B shows a cleaning method according to the present invention and an embodiment of an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method, showing the main body of the ozone water generator (1) attached to the stand (5) and the nozzle-equipped cap (3), and further, a tube (6) attached to the attachment portion (4) at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap (3).

[0047] 1, 2A, and 2B show an overflow cleaning method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method. First, the bottom of the ozone water generator (1) is attached to a dedicated stand (5) with the bottom facing in the direction of the downward arrow. Next, a nozzle-equipped cap part (3) is attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator (1). Then, a tube (6) is attached to the attachment part (4) at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap part (3).

[0048] The ozone water generator (1) used in the overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water can be either an electrolytic ozone water generator or a gas-dissolution ozone water generator, but it is preferable to use an electrolytic ozone water generator.

[0049] 2A and 3 show an overflow cleaning method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method. First, the ozone water generator (1) is attached to a dedicated stand (5). Next, a nozzle-equipped cap part (3) is attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator (1). Then, a tube (6) is attached to the attachment part (4) at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap part (3), and the ozone water generator (1) for use in the overflow cleaning method is prepared. Next, low-concentration ozone water, which is generated by the ozone water generator (1) and has a normal concentration of 1 mg / L or less (maximum concentration in medical systems is 2 mg / L or less), is continuously supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) via a tube (6). Furthermore, an object to be sterilized (hands) (8) with microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached thereto is immersed in the cleaning tank (7) to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied, and the microorganisms are inactivated from the object to be sterilized (hands) (8). At this time, the low-concentration ozone water supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) continues to be supplied through the tube (6) even after overflowing from the cleaning tank (7), thereby inactivating the microorganisms. In other words, this sterilization method is an overflow cleaning method.

[0050] 2A and 4 show an overflow cleaning method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method. First, the ozone water generator (1) equipped with a handle (2) is attached to a dedicated stand (5). Next, a nozzle-equipped cap (3) is attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator (1). Then, a tube (6) is attached to the attachment part (4) at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap (3), and the ozone water generator (1) to be used in the overflow cleaning method is prepared. Next, low-concentration ozone water, which is generated by the ozone water generator (1) and has a normal concentration of 1 mg / L or less (maximum concentration in medical systems is 2 mg / L or less), is continuously supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) via a tube (6). Furthermore, the objects to be sterilized (tableware) (9) to which microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) are attached are immersed in the washing tank (7) to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied, and the microorganisms are inactivated from the objects to be sterilized (tableware) (9). At this time, the low-concentration ozone water supplied to the bottom of the washing tank (7) continues to be supplied through the tube (6) even after overflowing from the washing tank (7), thereby inactivating the microorganisms.

[0051] 2A and 5 show an overflow cleaning method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method. First, the ozone water generator (1) equipped with a handle (2) is attached to a dedicated stand (5). Next, a nozzle-equipped cap (3) is attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator (1). Then, a tube (6) is attached to the attachment part (4) at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap (3), and the ozone water generator (1) for use in the overflow cleaning method is prepared. Next, low-concentration ozone water, which is generated by the ozone water generator (1) and has a normal concentration of 1 mg / L or less (maximum concentration in medical systems is 2 mg / L or less), is continuously supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) via a tube (6). Furthermore, the object to be sterilized (food material) (10) having microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached thereto is immersed in the cleaning tank (7) to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied, thereby inactivating the microorganisms from the object to be sterilized (food material) (10). At this time, the low-concentration ozone water supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) continues to be supplied through the tube (6) even after overflowing from the cleaning tank (7), thereby inactivating the microorganisms.

[0052] The cleaning tank (7) may be a sink, and an overflow (overflow port) (11) may be provided at the top of the sink. The tube (6) may be attached to a fixing part, which may be attached to the bottom or side of the sink. The ozone water may be poured into the sink, allowing it to overflow, thereby immersing the object to be sterilized in the sink for a certain period of time. When the object to be sterilized (food material) (10) floats up from the ozone water, the object to be sterilized (food material) (10) may be held down with a drop lid (not shown). In addition to a sink, a washtub or bowl may also be used.

[0053] 3 to 6, the cleaning tank (7) into which the object to be sterilized, such as a washtub or bowl, is directly placed may have a raised bottom structure using mesh or slits on the entire surface so as not to obstruct contact between the ozone water and the object to be sterilized. The size of the mesh or slits is not limited. If the contact area between the object to be sterilized and the cleaning tank (7) is small, the ozone water and microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) come into contact efficiently, and thus the inactivation effect can be obtained.

[0054] Figure 6 shows an overflow cleaning method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method. First, the ozone water generator (1) equipped with a handle (2) is attached to a dedicated stand (5). Next, a nozzle-equipped cap (3) is attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator (1). Then, a tube (6) is attached to the attachment part (4) at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap (3), and the ozone water generator (1) to be used in the overflow cleaning method is prepared. Next, low-concentration ozone water, which is generated by the ozone water generator (1) and has a normal concentration of 1 mg / L or less (maximum concentration in medical systems is 2 mg / L or less), is continuously supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) via a tube (6). Furthermore, an object to be sterilized (medical instrument) (12) having microorganisms (bacteria or viruses) attached thereto is immersed in the cleaning tank (7) to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied, thereby inactivating the microorganisms from the object to be sterilized (medical instrument) (12). At this time, the low-concentration ozone water supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank (7) continues to be supplied through the tube (6) even after overflowing from the cleaning tank (7), thereby inactivating the microorganisms.

[0055] The above-mentioned overflow cleaning method and the ozone water generator (1) used in the cleaning method continuously supply low-concentration ozone water from the ozone water generator and cause it to overflow, thereby achieving the effect of maintaining a high probability of contact between the ozone water and microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) attached to the object to be sterilized (object to be immersed) while ensuring sufficient contact time and easily and stably inactivating the object without using high-concentration ozone water. [Example]

[0056] The following examples of the overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water according to the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method will be presented to clarify the effects of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0057] Example 1: Disinfection test A sterilization test was carried out using the low-concentration ozone water of the present invention and the overflow cleaning method and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method.

[0058] <Ozone water generation> The ozone water used was generated by an electrolytic ozone water generator GT-03 (manufactured by Sanyu Shoji Co., Ltd.).

[0059] <About the test bacteria> The test bacteria used were Escherichia coli (NBRC 3972, passaged 5 times), a gram-negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732, passaged 5 times), a gram-positive bacterium.

[0060] <About the test specimen> The test specimen was a 50 mm square cut from the bottom of a plasma-treated plastic petri dish for cell culture.

[0061] <Preparation of bacterial solution and test specimen> The test bacteria were prepared according to the method specified in JIS Z 2801 (antibacterial test) and 7 The bacterial count was adjusted to the order of CFU / mL using sterilized purified water. The test specimens were also wiped with 70% ethanol and then dried aseptically. After drying, 0.1 mL of the bacterial solution was dropped onto the test specimens, spread evenly with a conical stick, and then dried in a clean bench for 30 to 40 minutes. The test specimens were then immediately subjected to testing immediately after drying.

[0062] <Ozone water immersion test> Ozone water was supplied to the bottom of a plastic container designed to overflow at 10 L, and the ozone water concentration at the four corners and center was measured using an ultraviolet absorption ozone water concentration meter OZM-300 (manufactured by Suisei Kogyo Co., Ltd.) when the overflow began. After the bacteria was applied and dried, the test specimen was attached to a jig made from a kitchen ladle and quickly immersed in the ozone water in the center of a plastic container. After 30 seconds, the test specimen and the jig were removed, and the recovery liquid (10 mL of SCDLP) was quickly collected in a stomacher bag. After the test piece was collected, it was thoroughly kneaded from the outside of the stomacher bag, and then the undiluted collected solution and 10-10 3 Two of the diluted solutions were mixed on SCD agar plates and cultured at 35°C for 48 hours. As a control, bacteria were similarly collected and cultured from test pieces immediately after drying. Each experiment was repeated three times (N=3).

[0063] Table 1 shows the results of the test to confirm the sterilization effect of ozone water immersion, and Table 2 shows the bacteria count data used in Table 1. Table 3 shows the measurement environment data.

[0064] <Test results to confirm the sterilization effect of ozone water immersion (30 seconds)>

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] <Bacteria count data>

[0067] [Table 2]

[0068] <Environmental data for sterilization testing>

[0069] [Table 3]

[0070] As a result of the sterilization test, the overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method were able to eliminate 10% of the initial bacteria with an average ozone water concentration in the container as low as 0.9 mg / L (see Table 3). 5 ~10 6 For CFU / test specimen, the test showed a high eradication rate of 99.96% or more for Escherichia coli compared to the control, and a high eradication rate of 99.90% for Staphylococcus aureus (Tables 1 and 2).

[0071] Example 2: Stress test Generally, the concentration of ozone water in a container decreases depending on the amount of material to be sterilized and the amount of dirt (load substance). Using the overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method, a test was conducted to confirm whether the decreased ozone water concentration returns to a constant concentration over time by continuously flowing ozone water, and whether the CT value (Concentration-Time Value: the product of concentration and time) can be stably maintained with low-concentration ozone water. This test is called a load test.

[0072] <About hazardous substances> Ethylene glycol (concentration and purity ≥ 99%) was used as the load substance. The reason for selecting ethylene glycol is that it does not absorb ultraviolet light at the same wavelength as ozone, does not affect the ultraviolet absorption type ozone water concentration measurement, and is a substance that consumes ozone.

[0073] Here, the overflow cleaning method of the present invention incorporates the CT value (Concentration-Time Value: the product of concentration and time). The bactericidal effect of a disinfectant is generally determined by the product of the nth power of the concentration and time, and is expressed by the following Chick formula.

[0074]

number

[0075] In this Chick equation, m is the number of surviving bacteria, N is the initial number of bacteria, k is the rate constant, C is the disinfectant concentration, and T is the contact time. The value of n differs depending on the disinfectant, but for ozone, n = 1, so the survival rate of bacteria due to ozone is a function of the product of concentration and time, CT (mg / l x min). The concept of CT value is a common understanding among the Japanese Society for Medical and Environmental Ozone Research, but there is research that shows that the survival rate of bacteria depends on the CT value, regardless of the ozone gas concentration.When determining the correlation between the CT value and the sterilization effect, it is necessary to consider that there is a threshold value for the ozone concentration, and that at extremely low concentrations, sufficient sterilization effect may not be achieved even if the exposure time is extended.

[0076] <Load test> First, ozone water with a concentration of 1.1 mg / L (ozone water flow rate 1.8 L / min) generated by an electrolytic ozone water generator GT-03 (manufactured by Sanyu Shoji Co., Ltd.) was poured into the bottom of the container, and after the ozone water concentration in the container stabilized after overflow, 1.5 ml of ethylene glycol was poured into each of the four corners of the container. The ozone concentration in the container before the ethylene glycol was poured was stable at 0.7 mg / L, and ozone water was continuously supplied. The ozone water concentration in the container was continuously measured from the time ethylene glycol was added using an ultraviolet absorption type ozone water concentration meter OZM-300 (manufactured by Suisei Kogyo Co., Ltd.).

[0077] Table 4 below shows the load test results, and Table 5 shows the measurement environment data.

[0078] <Load test results>

[0079] [Table 4]

[0080] <Load test environment data>

[0081] [Table 5]

[0082] The results of the load test showed that the concentration of ozone water in the container fluctuated significantly when ethylene glycol was added, but returned to a constant concentration over time, and that the CT value could be controlled by extending the immersion time in the presence of ozone. In other words, by maintaining a constant concentration of ozone water in the container, maintaining running water and overflow, and placing the object to be sterilized in the container for a certain period of time, the concentration of ozone water in the container fluctuates (decreases) significantly depending on the amount and dirt of the object to be sterilized, but returns to a constant concentration over time, and the fact that the CT value can be controlled by ensuring sufficient immersion time in the presence of ozone is reproduced. Therefore, the overflow cleaning method of the present invention can be said to be a cleaning method characterized by the ease of obtaining the original data for the CT value.

[0083] These results confirmed that the continuous overflow of low-concentration ozone water in the present invention returns the reduced ozone concentration to a constant level depending on the object to be sterilized. This supports the fact that the low average ozone water concentration of 0.9 mg / L (see Table 3) in the container also exhibits the high sterilization effect shown in Table 1 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

[0084] Example 3: Safety Test A safety test was carried out using the overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method. The Japan Society for Occupational Health has set the permissible concentration of ozone in the working environment at 0.1 ppm or less. Here, the permissible concentration in the working environment refers to the concentration at which almost all workers are judged to experience no adverse health effects if the average exposure concentration of the hazardous substance is below this value when workers are exposed to the hazardous substance for approximately 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, at a moderate level of work intensity. In terms of indoor environmental standards, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a maximum allowable concentration of 0.05 ppm over 24 hours, and the Japan Air Cleaning Association has also set the ``allowable concentration of indoor gas from ozone-generating appliances'' at a maximum of 0.1 ppm and an average of 0.05 ppm.

[0085] The safety test was performed using a detector tube method that draws in a small amount of gas under the same environmental conditions as the load test in Example 2. If a measurement method that draws in a large amount of gas is used, the surrounding air will also be drawn in during measurement, which dilutes the actual diffused gas and poses the risk of mistaking a lower concentration for the diffused gas concentration. In the detector tube method, the concentration of the diffused gas in the ozone water was measured using a Kitagawa gas detector (manufactured by Gastec Corporation). The concentration of the diffused gas in the ozone water was measured at arbitrary heights of 10cm, 30cm, and 60cm from the surface of the ozone water in the center of the container.

[0086] As a result of the safety test, the concentration of the dispersed ozone gas was 0.05 ppm at 10 cm from the ozone water surface, which was below the above-mentioned standard. Furthermore, at 30 cm and 60 cm from the ozone water surface, the dispersed ozone gas was dispersed and below the detection limit of the Kitagawa gas detector (manufactured by Gastec Corporation).

[0087] Safety tests have confirmed that the overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water of the present invention and the ozone water generator used in this cleaning method meet the permissible ozone concentration in the working environment set by the Japan Society for Occupational Health, which is less than 0.1 ppm, and the maximum standard of 0.1 ppm and average standard of 0.05 ppm set by the Japan Air Cleaning Association, which are "permissible concentrations of indoor gas from ozone-generating appliances." This makes it a highly safe cleaning method. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The overflow cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water according to the present invention and the ozone water generator used in the cleaning method can provide stable sterilization effects even with low-concentration ozone water. This cleaning method and ozone water generator can be used in a variety of fields, including sterilization and cleaning of tableware, cutting boards, food ingredients, etc. in nursing care facilities, the food industry, combined use with antibiotics in refractory skin diseases in pets at veterinary clinics (such as bathing live animals in ozone water), sterilization and cleaning of medical instruments and endoscopes, and sterilization and cleaning of hands, medical instruments, impression surfaces, dentures, cleaning cloths (for cleaning: examination units, X-ray machines, cabinets, etc.) and turbine heads at dental clinics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Ozone water generator 2 Handle 3 Cap with nozzle 4 Tip attachment part 5 Stand 6 tubes 7 Cleaning tank 8. Objects to be disinfected (hands) 9. Items to be sterilized (tableware) 10. Items to be sterilized (food ingredients) 11 Overflow (overflow outlet) 12. Items to be sterilized (medical equipment)

Claims

1. A cleaning method using low-concentration ozone water having a concentration of 2 mg / L or less, the cleaning method comprising: (Step 1) continuously supplying the low-concentration ozone water generated from an ozone water generator equipped with a tube for supplying ozone water to the bottom of a cleaning tank through the tube; (Step 2) after step 1, a step of immersing an object to be sterilized having microorganisms attached thereto in the cleaning tank to which the low-concentration ozone water has been supplied, and inactivating the microorganisms from the object to be sterilized; Including, Here, the step 1 is performed by continuously supplying the low concentration ozone water supplied to the cleaning tank even after the low concentration ozone water overflows from the cleaning tank. A cleaning method characterized by the above.

2. The cleaning method according to claim 1 , wherein the microorganisms are gram-positive bacteria and / or gram-negative bacteria.

3. 3. The cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the gram-negative bacterium is Escherichia coli.

4. 3. The cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the gram-positive bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus.

5. 2. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the object to be sterilized is at least one selected from the group consisting of tableware, food ingredients, medical instruments, endoscopes, dentures, impression surfaces, turbine heads, human fingers, and wiping cloths.

6. The cleaning method according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning vessel is at least one selected from the group consisting of a sink, a washtub, and a bowl.

7. An ozone water generator, a nozzle-equipped cap part is detachably attached to the ozone water outlet of the main body of the ozone water generator; a tube is detachably attached to an attachment portion at the tip of the nozzle-equipped cap portion; The ozone water generating device comprises a main body and a stand that is detachable from the main body. Ozone water generator.

8. 8. The ozone water generator according to claim 7, wherein the ozone water generator is at least one selected from the group consisting of an electrolysis type ozone water generator and a gas dissolution type ozone water generator.

9. 9. The ozone water generator according to claim 8, wherein the ozone water generator is an electrolytic ozone water generator.

Images