Sterilization System

Abstract

To provide a sterilization system that can preferably sterilize a predetermined space including an opening part that is open to the outside, using ozone.SOLUTION: A sterilization system 1 for sterilizing a predetermined booth 10 (space) including an opening part 15 that is open to the outside includes: an ozone generator 20 for generating ozone and supplying it into the booth 10 (space); and an exhauster 30 for discharging an amount of wind equal to or larger than an amount of wind supplied from the ozone generator 20 to the outside of the booth 10 (space).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a sterilization system that uses ozone to sterilize a predetermined space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technology for a sterilization system that sterilizes a predetermined space using ozone has been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The sterilization system described in Patent Document 1 sterilizes a toilet (a predetermined space) using ozone. The sterilization system includes an automatic flushing device that detects when a user enters or leaves the toilet, and an ozonizer that generates ozone. Thus, when the sterilization system detects that a user has left the toilet, it generates ozone from the ozonizer. This makes it possible to sterilize the toilet while preventing users from inhaling ozone.

[0004] Recently, semi-private spaces (e.g., spaces with an open area that is open to the outside, such as a personal workspace or a booth in an internet cafe, for example) have become more common than completely private spaces like the toilet described in Patent Document 1. In such semi-private spaces, when ozone is released for sterilization, there is a possibility that the ozone may leak to the outside through the open area. If ozone leaks to the outside, it can cause inconvenience such as people outside inhaling the ozone, which is undesirable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-281096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem that it aims to solve is to provide a sterilization system that can effectively sterilize a specified space that has an open part that is open to the outside using ozone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, a sterilization system for sterilizing a predetermined space having an open part open to the outside is provided with an ozone generator that supplies generated ozone into the space, and an exhaust device that exhausts airflow from the ozone generator to the outside of the space at a volume equal to or greater than the volume of airflow supplied therefrom. The space has an open portion at an upper portion formed by a wall portion that partitions the periphery, the ozone generator is provided on the upper portion of the wall portion, the exhaust device is provided on the lower portion of the wall portion, the wall portion has a pair of opposing wall portions that face each other, the ozone generator and the exhaust device are provided on a first opposing wall portion of the pair of opposing wall portions, which is the same opposing wall portion, and the ozone generator is provided so as to be able to release ozone toward a second opposing wall portion of the pair of opposing wall portions that is different from the first opposing wall portion. It is something.

[0009] In claim 2, the apparatus further comprises a control unit capable of controlling the ozone generator and the exhaust device based on the ozone concentration inside the space.

[0010] In claim 3, the exhaust device comprises concentration reducing means for reducing the concentration of ozone contained in the exhaust gas.

[0013] Claim 4 The air curtain forming device further includes an air curtain forming device capable of forming an air curtain. Record number The ozone generator is provided on two opposing wall portions. Above the ozone supply port The gas is blown out across the opening toward the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention has the following effects.

[0017] In the present invention, ozone can be used to suitably sterilize a predetermined space having an open portion that is open to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an application state of a sterilization system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing automatic sterilization control. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of changes in ozone concentration and CT value when automatic sterilization control is executed. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an application state of a sterilization system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A is a schematic perspective view showing an application state of a sterilization system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the same. [Figure 7] 10A is a schematic perspective view showing an application state of a sterilization system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the same. [Figure 8] 10A is a schematic perspective view showing an application state of a sterilization system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing an application state of a sterilization system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In the following description, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction are defined according to the arrows shown in the drawings.

[0020] First, a booth 10 to which a sterilization system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be briefly described below with reference to FIG.

[0021] The booth 10 is a semi-private space that has no ceiling and is open upward. In this embodiment, the booth 10 is a small room (booth) in an internet cafe. Inside the booth 10, equipment for users (e.g., a computer and shelves) is provided. For convenience, the interior of the booth 10 is depicted with dashed lines in FIG. 1 (and in FIGS. 5 to 7 described below). The booth 10 has a wall 11 and an open area 15.

[0022] The wall 11 is a wall that defines the periphery of the booth 10. The wall 11 is formed to stand upward from the floor surface. The wall 11 has a pair of wall portions (a front wall 12 and a rear wall 13) facing each other from the front to the back, and a pair of wall portions facing each other from the left to the right. Thus, the wall 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape extending upward.

[0023] The open section 15 is an opening formed at the upper end of the approximately rectangular cylindrical wall section 11. The open section 15 is open to the outside (the space above) of the booth 10. The open section 15 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. In this way, the inside and outside of the booth 10 are in communication with each other via the open section 15, allowing air to circulate between them.

[0024] The configuration of a sterilization system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0025] The sterilization system 1 uses ozone to sterilize the inside of a booth 10 (semi-private space). The sterilization system 1 includes an ozone generator 20, an exhaust device 30, and a control unit .

[0026] The ozone generator 20 is a device that generates ozone. The ozone generator 20 takes in ambient gas and generates ozone from gaseous oxygen by, for example, performing barrier discharge (silent discharge), and supplies the generated ozone to the inside of the booth 10 at a predetermined air volume (referred to as "air volume Q1" in this embodiment). The ozone generator 20 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the left-right direction. The ozone generator 20 has an intake port 21 that takes in gas and a supply port 22 that supplies (discharges) the generated ozone.

[0027] In this embodiment, the intake port 21 is formed on a surface of the ozone generator 20 that faces generally downward (i.e., a surface that faces the interior of the booth 10). In this way, the intake port 21 can take in gas inside the booth 10 (see FIG. 2). That is, the ozone generator 20 can generate ozone using the gas inside the booth 10. In contrast, the supply port 22 is formed on a surface of the ozone generator 20 that faces generally rearward. The supply port 22 is provided at a higher position than the intake port 21.

[0028] The ozone generator 20 is provided on the upper part of the wall 11. Specifically, the ozone generator 20 is provided on the upper part of the rear surface (inner surface) of the front wall 12. Here, since ozone is heavier than air and tends to move downward, providing the ozone generator 20 on the upper part of the wall 11 (front wall 12) allows ozone to be distributed throughout the entire booth 10.

[0029] The supply port 22 of the ozone generator 20 is formed so as to be able to release ozone diagonally downward and rearward. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the supply port 22 is formed so as to blow out ozone toward the middle of the top and bottom of the rear wall 13.

[0030] This allows ozone to be blown out in a direction away from the open section 15, thereby preventing the ozone from leaking to the outside through the open section 15. Furthermore, the ozone blown out from the ozone generator 20 collides with the rear wall 13, and its flow direction is reversed to a downward and forward direction. In this way, as shown in FIG. 2, a flow (airflow) of ozone can be formed that circulates inside the booth 10 counterclockwise when viewed from the left side, and spreads throughout the entire interior of the booth 10.

[0031] The exhaust device 30 is a device that operates a fan or the like (not shown) to exhaust gas (e.g., air containing ozone) inside the booth 10 to the outside. The exhaust device 30 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the left-right direction. The exhaust device 30 is provided at the bottom of the front surface (outer surface) of the front wall 12. That is, the exhaust device 30 is provided on the same wall (front wall 12) as the ozone generator 20, spaced apart from the top and bottom of the wall. In this way, as shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust device 30 can exhaust ozone that has been released from the ozone generator 20 and circulated inside the booth 10 to the outside.

[0032] The exhaust device 30 has an inlet 31 that draws in gas and an exhaust port 32 that discharges the gas (exhaust gas) drawn into the inlet 31 to the outside of the booth 10. The inlet 31 is provided on the rear side of the exhaust device 30 and communicates with the interior of the booth 10 via a hole provided in the front wall 12 of the booth 10. The exhaust port 32 is formed on the front side of the exhaust device 30. The exhaust port 32 is outside the booth 10 and communicates with an unmanned space where no one is nearby (for example, an underfloor space or an outdoor space). In this way, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as ozone discharged to the outside of the booth 10 being inhaled by people outside.

[0033] Furthermore, the exhaust device 30 can suck in gas at a predetermined air volume (referred to as "air volume Q2" in this embodiment). Thus, in this embodiment, the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 is set to be larger than the air volume Q1 supplied by the ozone generator 20 (so that Q2 > Q1). In this way, the inside of the booth 10 can be made negative pressure, and leakage of ozone inside the booth 10 to the outside through the open part 15 can be suppressed.

[0034] The control unit 40 executes various processes of the sterilization system 1. The control unit 40 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM, etc. Various information, programs, etc. used for control are stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit 40. The arithmetic processing unit of the control unit 40 can execute predetermined processes by executing the programs and performing predetermined arithmetic processing using the various information.

[0035] The control unit 40 is connected to the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30. In this way, the control unit 40 can control the operation of the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30. Specifically, the control unit 40 can adjust the amount of ozone generated and the supply air volume in the ozone generator 20. The control unit 40 can also adjust the exhaust air volume of the exhaust device 30. The control unit 40 can also acquire information (such as operating status) about the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30. The control unit 40 can also execute control (hereinafter referred to as "automatic sterilization control") to automatically sterilize the inside of the booth 10 by operating the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 based on the ozone concentration inside the booth 10.

[0036] The automatic sterilization control by the control unit 40 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0037] The automatic sterilization control is executed when a user finishes using the booth 10. In this embodiment, the automatic sterilization control is started in response to a predetermined button operation by a store clerk when the store clerk confirms that the user has finished using the booth 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the automatic sterilization control may be started by providing a predetermined sensor such as a human sensor in the booth 10 and detecting the end of use based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0038] In step S11, the control unit 40 starts automatic sterilization control in response to the clerk's operation of a predetermined button, as described above. Specifically, the control unit 40 starts operation of the exhaust device 30. In this way, the exhaust device 30 sucks in gas from inside the booth 10 at an air volume Q2 and exhausts it to the outside. By starting operation of the exhaust device 30 before the ozone generator 20, the inside of the booth 10 is brought to a negative pressure before ozone is generated. After processing step S11, the control unit 40 executes processing step S12.

[0039] In step S12, the control unit 40 starts the operation of the ozone generator 20. In this way, the ozone generator 20 supplies ozone into the inside of the booth 10 at an air volume Q1. Here, as described above, the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 is greater than the air volume Q1 supplied by the ozone generator 20, and therefore the inside of the booth 10 is always under negative pressure while the automatic sterilization control is being executed. This makes it possible to prevent ozone inside the booth 10 from leaking to the outside through the open part 15 while the automatic sterilization control is being executed.

[0040] Furthermore, due to the supply of ozone from the ozone generator 20, the ozone concentration inside the booth 10 gradually increases while the ozone is being exhausted by the exhaust device 30. This sterilizes the inside of the booth 10. After the process of step S12, the control unit 40 executes the process of step S13.

[0041] In step S13, the control unit 40 determines whether the CT value (Concentration-Time Value) has reached a value (hereinafter referred to as the "progressive target CT value") that is a predetermined ratio of the final target value (hereinafter referred to as the "final target CT value").

[0042] Here, the CT value is the product of the ozone concentration (ppm) and the exposure time (min). The exposure time refers to the time during which the object is exposed to ozone, which in this embodiment corresponds to the time elapsed since the ozone generator 20 started operating (started supplying ozone). By calculating the CT value, it is possible to determine the extent to which pathogens have been inactivated. In this embodiment, a CT value of 60 is considered to indicate that 90% or more of a given pathogen has been inactivated. The relationship between the CT value and the pathogen inactivation rate has been determined appropriately for each pathogen through experiments, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the final target CT value is set to 60. Here, the ozone concentration inside the booth 10 gradually decreases over time, for example, after the operation of the ozone generator 20 is stopped (i.e., after the supply of ozone is stopped). The elapsed time during which the ozone concentration decreases is also included in the exposure time.

[0044] Therefore, in the automatic sterilization control, after the operation of the ozone generator 20 is stopped, the operation of the ozone generator 20 is stopped when the CT value reaches a transitional target CT value (a value that is a predetermined ratio of the final target CT value), taking into consideration the elapsed time until the ozone concentration reaches 0.1 ppm (environmental standard, i.e., a value at which no problems due to ozone are thought to occur). In this embodiment, the transitional target CT value is set to 45 (3 / 4 of the final target CT value).

[0045] Thus, in step S13, the control unit 40 determines whether the CT value has reached 45, and if it determines that the CT value has reached 45, it executes the process of step S14. On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the CT value has not reached 45, it executes the process of step S13 again.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit 40 determines whether the CT value has reached 45 based on the time elapsed since the start of operation of the ozone generator 20. That is, the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of operation of the ozone generator 20 and the CT value can be obtained in advance by experiment, calculation, or the like, and the control unit 40 makes the determination based on the elapsed time based on the obtained results. However, the control unit 40 is not limited to this, and may, for example, obtain the ozone concentration inside the booth 10 using a predetermined sensor and make the determination based on the obtained results.

[0047] In step S14, the control unit 40 stops the operation of the ozone generator 20. In this way, the ozone generator 20 stops the supply of ozone to the inside of the booth 10. After the process of step S14, the control unit 40 executes the process of step S15.

[0048] In step S15, the control unit 40 determines whether the ozone concentration has reached the target value. In this embodiment, the target value of the ozone concentration is set to 0.1 ppm as described above. The control unit 40 also determines whether the ozone concentration has reached the target value (0.1 ppm) based on the elapsed time since the operation of the ozone generator 20 was stopped. However, the control unit 40 is not limited to this, and may, for example, acquire the ozone concentration inside the booth 10 using a predetermined sensor and make the determination based on the acquired result.

[0049] Thus, if the control unit 40 determines in step S15 that the ozone concentration has reached the target value (0.1 ppm), it executes the process of step S16. On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the ozone concentration has not reached the target value (0.1 ppm), it executes the process of step S15 again. Note that the determination that the ozone concentration has reached the target value (0.1 ppm) means that the CT value from the start of operation of the ozone generator 20 has reached the final target CT value (60) (i.e., sterilization of the interior of the booth 10 has been completed).

[0050] In step S16, the control unit 40 stops the operation of the exhaust device 30. In this way, the exhaust device 30 stops discharging the gas inside the booth 10 to the outside. After the process of step S16, the control unit 40 ends the execution of the automatic sterilization control.

[0051] An example of the transition of the ozone concentration and the CT value (CT integral) in the booth 10 when automatic sterilization control is executed will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the booth 10 has an area of ​​2.2 m 2 and the height is assumed to be 2m.

[0052] 4, after the exhaust device 30 and the ozone generator 20 start operating (steps S11 and S12), the ozone concentration and the CT value gradually increase during the period T1. At the end of the period T1 (10 minutes after the start of operation), the CT value reaches the elapsed target CT value (45) (YES in step S13).

[0053] Therefore, during period T2, the operation of the ozone generator 20 is stopped while the exhaust device 30 continues to operate (step S14). At the end of period T2 (approximately 30 minutes after the start of operation), the ozone concentration reaches the target value (0.1 ppm) (YES in step S15), and the CT value reaches the final target CT value (60). Therefore, during period T3, the operation of the exhaust device 30 is stopped (step S16).

[0054] In this way, by executing automatic sterilization control, it is possible to prevent ozone from leaking outside the booth 10 through the open portion 15, while completing sterilization of the inside of the booth 10 in a relatively short time.

[0055] The configuration of the sterilization system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0056] The sterilization system 1 according to the second embodiment differs significantly from the sterilization system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the exhaust device 30 has a concentration reduction mechanism that reduces the ozone concentration contained in the exhaust gas.

[0057] Specifically, the exhaust device 30 has a first concentration reduction mechanism 51, a second concentration reduction mechanism 52, and a third concentration reduction mechanism 53 as concentration reduction mechanisms.

[0058] The first concentration reduction mechanism 51 is a mechanism that reduces the ozone concentration by driving a fan (not shown) to mix outside air with the gas (containing ozone) sucked into the exhaust device 30 through the suction port 31. Specifically, the first concentration reduction mechanism 51 takes in outside air (air outside the booth 10) into the exhaust device 30 at a predetermined air volume (referred to as "air volume Q3" in this embodiment) and mixes it with the gas sucked in from inside the booth 10. In this way, the first concentration reduction mechanism 51 can effectively reduce the ozone concentration of the gas exhausted to the outside of the booth 10 by the exhaust device 30 compared to the ozone concentration of the gas sucked into the booth 10 by the exhaust device 30.

[0059] In addition, in the exhaust device 30, the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 from inside the booth 10 and the air volume Q3 taken in by the exhaust device 30 from outside the booth 10 by the first concentration reduction mechanism 51 are added together to form the air volume (referred to as "air volume Q4" in this embodiment) that the exhaust device 30 discharges to the outside of the booth 10 (Q2 + Q3 = Q4).

[0060] The second concentration reduction mechanism 52 is a mechanism that reduces the ozone concentration by ultraviolet rays. The second concentration reduction mechanism 52 can irradiate gas with ultraviolet rays (UV-C irradiation) in a wavelength range (254 to 280 nm) that promotes the decomposition of ozone. In this way, the second concentration reduction mechanism 52 can effectively reduce the ozone concentration in the gas exhausted to the outside of the booth 10 by the exhaust device 30 compared to the ozone concentration in the gas inside the booth 10 that is sucked in by the exhaust device 30.

[0061] The third concentration reduction mechanism 53 is a mechanism that reduces the ozone concentration by using activated carbon. The third concentration reduction mechanism 53 can trap ozone in an activated carbon filter provided inside the exhaust device 30, for example, by passing the gas through the activated carbon filter. In this way, the third concentration reduction mechanism 53 can effectively reduce the ozone concentration in the gas exhausted to the outside of the booth 10 by the exhaust device 30, compared to the ozone concentration in the gas inside the booth 10 that is sucked in by the exhaust device 30.

[0062] In this way, the exhaust device 30 can effectively reduce the ozone concentration of the gas inside the booth 10 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 using the first concentration reduction mechanism 51, the second concentration reduction mechanism 52, and the third concentration reduction mechanism 53. In this embodiment, the three concentration reduction mechanisms are used to set the ozone concentration to less than the environmental standard (0.1 ppm).

[0063] In this embodiment, the exhaust device 30 has three concentration reduction mechanisms, but the number is not limited to this. That is, the exhaust device 30 may have any one or two of the three concentration reduction mechanisms. Even in this case, the ozone concentration can be set to be less than the environmental standard (0.1 ppm) by adjusting the performance of each concentration reduction mechanism (for example, by increasing the amount of air taken in from outside the booth 10 for the first concentration reduction mechanism 51, by increasing the amount of ultraviolet radiation for the second concentration reduction mechanism 52, or by selecting an activated carbon filter for the third concentration reduction mechanism 53).

[0064] However, when having one or two arbitrary concentration reduction mechanisms among the three concentration reduction mechanisms, since the first concentration reduction mechanism 51 generates the operating noise (noise) of the fan, from the perspective of noise, it is desirable to use it in combination with the second concentration reduction mechanism 52 or the third concentration reduction mechanism 53.

[0065] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the sterilization system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0066] In the sterilization system 1 according to the third embodiment, a significant difference from the sterilization system 1 according to the second embodiment is that the position where the intake port 21 of the ozone generator 20 is arranged is different.

[0067] Specifically, the intake port 21 of the ozone generator 20 is not formed on the surface generally facing downward of the ozone generator 20 (that is, the surface facing the inside of the booth 具有10), but on the surface generally facing upward of the ozone generator 20 (that is, the surface facing the outside of the booth 具有10). Thus, the intake port 21 can take in the air outside the booth 具有10. That is, the ozone generator 20 can generate ozone using the air outside the booth 具有10.

[0068] In the ozone generator 20 according to the present embodiment, the air volume (referred to as "air volume Q0" in the present embodiment) taken in by the ozone generator 20 through the intake port 21 from the outside of the booth 具有10 is set to be not less than the air volume Q1 supplied by the ozone generator 20 and less than the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 from the inside of the booth 具有10. Also, the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 from the inside of the booth 具有10 is set to be not more than the air volume Q4 discharged by the exhaust device 30 to the outside of the booth 具有10. Thus, in the third embodiment, each air volume of the booth 具有10 is set such that Q1≦Q0<Q2≦Q4.

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the sterilization system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0070] The sterilization system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is significantly different from the sterilization system 1 according to the third embodiment in that an air curtain forming device 60 is further provided.

[0071] The air curtain forming device 60 forms an air curtain by blowing out gas. Here, the air curtain prevents the gases in the space between the air curtain from mixing by creating a film of airflow. In this embodiment, the space between the air curtain is assumed to be the interior and exterior spaces of the booth 10, which are positioned above and below the open section 15. The air curtain forming device 60 is provided on the upper part of the wall 11. Specifically, the air curtain forming device 60 is provided on the upper part of the front surface (inner surface) of the rear wall 13. In this manner, the air curtain forming device 60 is provided on the wall (rear wall 13) different from the front wall 12 on which the ozone generator 20 is provided, of the pair of opposing walls 11 (front wall 12 and rear wall 13), so as to face the ozone generator 20 from the front to the rear. The air curtain forming device 60 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction oriented left-right, and is formed to extend across the left-right direction of the rear wall 13.

[0072] The air curtain forming device 60 has an intake port 61 that takes in gas and an outlet port 62 that blows out gas. The intake port 61 is formed inside the booth 10, below the outlet port 62. In this way, the intake port 61 can take in gas inside the booth 10. This allows the air curtain forming device 60 to take in gas containing ozone inside the booth 10 and blow it out toward the ozone generator 20. The gas blown out toward the ozone generator 20 is then taken into the ozone generator 20 and used to generate ozone again.

[0073] In addition, the air outlet 62 is formed so as to be able to blow out gas forward (in the horizontal direction). More specifically, the air outlet 62 can blow out gas above the supply port 22 of the ozone generator 20. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the interference between the air curtain formed by the air curtain forming device 60 and the ozone discharged from the ozone generator 20.

[0074] Thus, according to the air curtain forming device 60, the formed air curtain can more effectively suppress the leakage of ozone to the outside of the booth 10 through the opening 15. In addition, by taking in the gas inside the booth 10, ozone can be circulated more suitably inside the booth 10. Further, since the gas containing ozone can be used again for generating ozone, ozone can be efficiently generated in the ozone generator 20.

[0075] Note that the air curtain forming device 60 is connected to the control unit 40 in the same manner as the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30. Thus, the operation of the air curtain forming device 60 is controlled by the control unit 40. In addition, information (such as the operation state) of the air curtain forming device 60 is acquired by the control unit 40.

[0076] In addition, in the air curtain forming device 60, the air volume blown out from the air outlet 62 (referred to as "air volume Q0'" in the present embodiment) is set to be not less than the air volume Q1 supplied by the ozone generator 20 and not more than the air volume Q0 taken in by the ozone generator 20 from the outside of the booth 10. Further, the air volume Q0 taken in by the ozone generator 20 from the outside of the booth 10 is set to be smaller than the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 from the inside of the booth 10. In addition, the air volume Q2 sucked in by the exhaust device 30 from the inside of the booth 10 is set to be not more than the air volume Q4 discharged by the exhaust device 30 to the outside of the booth 10. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the air volumes of the booth 10 are set such that Q1 ≦ Q0' ≦ Q0 < Q2 ≦ Q4.

[0077] The configuration of the sterilization system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8(a).

[0078] The sterilization system 1 according to the fifth embodiment is significantly different from the sterilization systems 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments in that the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 are provided across a plurality of spaces.

[0079] In this embodiment, four booths 10 are provided. The four booths 10 are provided adjacent to each other so that each booth shares two of its four walls with the other booths. Thus, the four booths 10 are arranged in a roughly square shape as a whole in a plan view.

[0080] The ozone generator 20 is provided above the center of the four booths 10 as a whole (where one corner of each of the four booths 10 meets in a plan view). The ozone generator 20 is provided so as to straddle the open portions 15 of the four booths 10. Specifically, the ozone generator 20 is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the open portion 15 of each of the four booths 10 in a plan view. In this way, the ozone generator 20 can release ozone into all four booths 10 simultaneously or sequentially into selected booths 10.

[0081] The exhaust device 30 is provided below the ozone generator 20. The exhaust device 30 is provided so as to straddle the internal spaces of the four booths 10 through predetermined openings. That is, the exhaust device 30 is provided so as to be located in at least a portion of the internal space of each of the four booths 10. In this way, the exhaust device 30 can exhaust air from all four booths 10 simultaneously or from any selected booth 10 sequentially.

[0082] In this way, the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 can be shared by a plurality of booths 10, which makes it possible to make efficient use of space and reduce costs.

[0083] The number of booths 10 is not limited to four, as long as it is two or more. The arrangement of the multiple booths 10 is not limited to the one described above. The locations and arrangement methods of the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 are not limited to those described above, and any arrangements that are provided across two or more booths 10 can be adopted.

[0084] The configuration of the sterilization system 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8(b).

[0085] The sterilization system 1 according to the sixth embodiment is significantly different from the sterilization systems 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments in that it utilizes exhaust air from the exhaust device 30. Note that in the sterilization system 1 according to the sixth embodiment, the exhaust device 30 is not provided with a concentration reducing means.

[0086] In this embodiment, three booths 10 are provided. That is, the three booths 10 are provided adjacent to each other so that each booth shares one of its four walls with another booth. In this way, the three booths 10 are arranged linearly in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view.

[0087] The sterilization system 1 according to this embodiment includes an exhaust air guide section 70. The exhaust air guide section 70 is a longitudinally formed hollow member (a duct-shaped member). One longitudinal end of the exhaust air guide section 70 is connected to the exhaust device 30. The other longitudinal end of the exhaust air guide section 70 is provided so as to extend upward along the wall of the booth 10 and to face the internal space of another adjacent booth 10 through the opening 15.

[0088] In this way, the exhaust air from the exhaust device 30 of one booth 10 is guided by the exhaust guide section 70 and released from above into the interior of another adjacent booth 10. Here, the exhaust air (gas) from the exhaust device 30 contains ozone. In other words, the gas released from the exhaust guide section 70 can sterilize the interior of the other booth 10. In this way, the exhaust guide section 70 allows the exhaust air from the exhaust device 30 to be used to sterilize the interior of the other booth 10 without being wasted and released to the outside.

[0089] The number of booths 10 is not limited to three, as long as it is two or more. The arrangement of the multiple booths 10 is not limited to that described above. The location and method of arranging the exhaust guide unit 70 are not limited to those described above, and any arrangement can be adopted as long as it is possible to guide exhaust air from one booth 10 to the inside of another booth 10.

[0090] As described above, in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, A sterilization system 1 that sterilizes a predetermined booth 10 (space) having an open section 15 open to the outside, an ozone generator 20 that supplies the generated ozone to the inside of the booth 10 (space); an exhaust device (30) that exhausts air at a volume equal to or greater than the volume of air supplied from the ozone generator (20) to the outside of the booth (10) (space); It is equipped with the following.

[0091] With this configuration, the inside of the booth 10 can be made negative pressure, and it is possible to prevent ozone inside the booth 10 from leaking to the outside through the open part 15. In other words, it is possible to suitably sterilize the booth 10 having the open part 15 that is open to the outside using ozone.

[0092] In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, The booth 10 further includes a control unit 40 that can control the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 based on the ozone concentration inside the booth 10 (space).

[0093] With this configuration, the control unit 40 can perform automatic sterilization control, thereby sterilizing the booth 10 in a relatively short time while preventing ozone from leaking outside the booth 10 through the open section 15.

[0094] In addition, in the second to fourth embodiments of the present invention, The exhaust device 30 is equipped with concentration reducing means (a first concentration reducing mechanism 51, a second concentration reducing mechanism 52, and a third concentration reducing mechanism 53) for reducing the concentration of ozone contained in the exhaust gas.

[0095] With this configuration, the ozone concentration of the gas that the exhaust device 30 exhausts to the outside of the booth 10 can be effectively reduced compared to the ozone concentration of the gas inside the booth 10 that the exhaust device 30 sucks in.

[0096] In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, The booth 10 (space) has a wall 11 that divides the periphery, and the open space 15 is provided at the top. The ozone generator 20 is provided on the upper part of the wall portion 11, The exhaust device 30 is provided at the bottom of the wall portion 11 .

[0097] Since ozone is heavier than air and tends to move downward, this configuration allows ozone to be distributed throughout the entire booth 10, thereby enabling the booth 10 to be suitably disinfected.

[0098] In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, The wall portion has a pair of opposing wall portions opposed to each other, The ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 are provided on the front wall 12 (first opposing wall portion), which is the same opposing wall portion of the pair of opposing wall portions.

[0099] With this configuration, a flow (air current) of ozone that circulates inside the booth 10 can be formed, and the booth 10 can be suitably sterilized.

[0100] In addition, in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, Further provided is an air curtain forming device 60 capable of forming an air curtain, The air curtain forming device 60 is provided on the rear wall 13 (second opposing wall portion) of the pair of opposing wall portions, which is different from the first opposing wall portion, and blows out gas across the open portion 15 toward the ozone generator 20.

[0101] With this configuration, the formed air curtain can more effectively prevent ozone from leaking out of the booth 10 through the opening 15. In addition, since the gas containing ozone is used to generate ozone again in the ozone generator 20, ozone can be generated efficiently.

[0102] In addition, in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, A plurality of booths 10 (spaces) are provided, The ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 are installed across a plurality of the booths 10 (spaces).

[0103] With this configuration, the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 can be shared by a plurality of booths 10, which makes it possible to make efficient use of space and reduce costs.

[0104] In addition, in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, A plurality of booths 10 (spaces) are provided, The booth 10 further includes an exhaust guide section 70 for guiding exhaust air from the exhaust device 30 of one of the plurality of booths 10 (spaces) into the interior of another of the plurality of booths 10 (spaces).

[0105] With this configuration, the exhaust air from the exhaust device 30 can be used to disinfect the inside of other booths 10 without being wasted and released to the outside.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention described in the claims.

[0107] For example, the space to which the present invention is applied is a small room (booth 10) in an internet cafe, but is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any space with an open area, such as a personal workspace, a meeting space, a capsule hotel, or a shared restroom.

[0108] Furthermore, the space to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a semi-private space that is open upward. In other words, the space to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a space with an open section at the top, but may also be a space with an open section formed midway up or down or at the bottom (opening horizontally). Specifically, for example, the space may be a kitchen or a bathroom that has an open section (entrance or counter) that opens to an adjacent space (for example, a living room or a hallway).

[0109] Furthermore, in the first to fifth embodiments, the exhaust port 32 of the exhaust device 30 is connected to the outside of the booth 10 and to an unmanned space where no one is nearby (for example, an underfloor space or an outdoor space), but this is not limiting. That is, even if the space outside the booth 10 connected to the exhaust port 32 is sufficiently large, and the ozone inside the booth 10 is exhausted, the ozone may be exhausted to the outdoor space rather than the underfloor space or the outdoor space, as long as the ozone concentration remains lower than the environmental standard.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the exhaust device 30 is provided on the outer surface of the booth 10 (outside the booth 10), but it can also be provided on the inner surface (inside the booth 10).

[0111] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the ozone generator 20 and the exhaust device 30 are provided on the same wall (front wall 12), but this is not limitative, and they may be provided on different walls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Sterilization system 10 Booths 20 Ozone Generator 30 Exhaust system

Claims

1. A sterilization system for sterilizing a predetermined space having an open part open to the outside, an ozone generator that supplies the generated ozone into the space; an exhaust device that exhausts air at a volume equal to or greater than the volume of air supplied from the ozone generator to the outside of the space; Equipped with The space has an open portion at an upper portion defined by a wall portion that defines the periphery, the ozone generator is provided on an upper portion of the wall portion, The exhaust device is provided at a lower portion of the wall portion, The wall portion has a pair of opposing wall portions opposed to each other, the ozone generator and the exhaust device are provided on a first opposing wall portion, which is the same opposing wall portion, of the pair of opposing wall portions, The ozone generator is the second opposing wall portion of the pair of opposing wall portions is provided so as to be able to release ozone toward a second opposing wall portion different from the first opposing wall portion, Disinfection system.

2. Further, a control unit is provided that can control the ozone generator and the exhaust device based on the ozone concentration inside the space. The sterilization system according to claim 1.

3. The exhaust device includes a concentration reduction means for reducing the ozone concentration contained in the exhaust gas. The sterilization system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Further comprising an air curtain forming device capable of forming an air curtain, The air curtain forming device is provided on the second opposing wall portion and blows out gas above an ozone supply port of the ozone generator so as to cross the open portion. The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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