Sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method capable of efficiently sterilizing a plurality of objects.SOLUTION: A sterilization apparatus 100 includes: a processing container 1 for storing a plurality of objects 5 having gas permeability; gas supply means for supplying sterilization component-containing gas to the inside of the processing container 1; and discharge means for discharging gas that has passed through the inside of the processing container 1 to the outside of the processing container 1. In the processing container 1, the plurality of objects 5 are arranged so that gas passes through the respective objects.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sterilization device and a sterilization method. [Background technology]

[0002] As one embodiment of a sterilization device, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-160304 (Patent Document 1) discloses a sterilization device configured to sterilize an object such as a futon or mat by placing the object in a circulation flow path of a gas containing ozone gas and passing the gas through the object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-160304 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the sterilization device described in Patent Document 1, when sterilizing multiple objects, there is a possibility that the gas may not be able to pass through all of the objects appropriately due to differences in the arrangement of the objects and the shapes and sizes of the objects, etc. As a result, there is a concern that the sterilization effect may be reduced.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sterilization device and a sterilization method that can efficiently sterilize multiple objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sterilization device for sterilizing a plurality of breathable objects includes a treatment container for accommodating the plurality of objects, a gas supply means for supplying a gas containing a sterilizing component into the treatment container, and a discharge means for discharging the gas that has flowed through the treatment container to the outside of the treatment container. The plurality of objects are arranged inside the treatment container so that the gas flows through each of the objects.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sterilization method for sterilizing a plurality of breathable objects, the method comprising the steps of accommodating the plurality of objects in a treatment vessel, supplying a gas containing a sterilizing component into the treatment vessel, and discharging the gas that has flowed through the treatment vessel to the outside of the treatment vessel. The accommodating step includes arranging the plurality of objects in the treatment vessel so that the gas flows through each of the objects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a sterilization device and a sterilization method that can efficiently sterilize multiple objects can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing a first control example performed by the controller of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a second example of control by the controller of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing a third example of control by the controller of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the sterilization device when the flow path switching valve is in a first state. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the sterilization device when the flow path switching valve is in a second state. [Figure 12] 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control unit shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the switching control unit shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 3 is a flowchart showing a sterilization method using the sterilization device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated in principle.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] <Configuration of sterilizer> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization device according to embodiment 1. The sterilization device 100 according to embodiment 1 is configured to sterilize an object 5 having breathability by passing a gas containing a sterilizing component through the object 5.

[0012] The target object 5 is, for example, an air conditioning filter. The air conditioning filter has a plate-shaped filter surface with a mesh structure and a frame member surrounding the outer periphery of the filter surface, and is configured to capture foreign matter such as dust and oil contained in the air on the filter surface. The sterilization device 100 sterilizes bacteria attached to and captured on the air conditioning filter by passing a gas containing a sterilizing component over the filter surface of the air conditioning filter. The gas containing the sterilizing component is, for example, ozone gas.

[0013] The target object 5 need only be breathable and is not limited to an air conditioning filter. The sterilization device 100 can also sterilize, for example, futons and mats. The gas need only contain a sterilizing component and is not limited to ozone gas.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization device 100 includes a treatment container 1, a blower 2, an ozone generator 3, an ozone decomposing agent 6, and an air supply pipe 22.

[0015] The processing vessel 1 is configured to be able to accommodate a plurality of objects 5. In the example of FIG. 1, three objects 5 are accommodated in the processing vessel 1. Specifically, the processing vessel 1 has a cylindrical portion 10 extending in a horizontal direction. A first end of the cylindrical portion 10 in the extension direction is closed, and an air inlet 11 is formed therein. A second end of the cylindrical portion 10 in the extension direction is open, and an exhaust port 12 is formed therein. Ozone gas is taken into the cylindrical portion 10 through the air inlet 11. A flow path for circulating the ozone gas is formed inside the cylindrical portion 10.

[0016] The plurality of objects 5 are arranged in a flow path inside the cylindrical portion 10 so that ozone gas flows through each of the objects 5. In the example of FIG. 1, the plurality of objects 5 are arranged in series in the flow path along the direction of ozone gas flow. Each object 5 is fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10 in a state in which ozone gas can flow through it. For example, if the object 5 is an air conditioning filter, it is preferable to fix the object 5 so that the filter surface is perpendicular to the flow direction. In this way, ozone gas can flow over the entire filter surface.

[0017] An opening / closing section 4 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 10. By opening the opening / closing section 4, multiple objects 5 can be put into or taken out of the cylindrical section 10. During the sterilization process, the opening / closing section 4 is closed.

[0018] The upstream end of an air intake pipe 22 is connected to the blower 2. The downstream end of the air intake pipe 22 is connected to the air intake port 11. The blower 2 sends air into the air intake pipe 22. An ozone generator 3 is connected to the air intake pipe 22. The ozone generator 3 generates ozone and supplies it to the air intake pipe 22. The air sent from the blower 2 and the ozone supplied from the ozone generator 3 are mixed together to generate ozone gas. The generated ozone gas flows through the air intake pipe 22 and is supplied into the treatment vessel 1 via the air intake port 11. The blower 2, the air intake pipe 22, the ozone generator 3, and the air intake port 11 constitute a "gas supply means." The ozone generator 3 may be provided inside the cylindrical portion 10.

[0019] The ozone gas taken into the inside of the cylindrical portion 10 through the air inlet 11 flows through the plurality of objects 5 in order. The plurality of objects 5 are sterilized by the ozone gas in order starting from the object 5 most upstream in the flow direction. The ozone gas that has flowed through the plurality of objects 5 along the flow path is discharged to the outside of the treatment vessel 1 through the exhaust port 12.

[0020] An ozone decomposing agent 6 is attached to the flow path downstream of the plurality of objects 5. The ozone decomposing agent 6 is configured to heat the ozone gas and thermally decompose the ozone gas. The ozone gas thermally decomposed by the ozone decomposing agent 6 is led to the exhaust port 12. Note that the ozone decomposing agent 6 may be configured to decompose the ozone gas by the action of a predetermined catalyst instead of or in addition to thermal decomposition. The exhaust port 12 and the ozone decomposing agent 6 constitute an "exhaust means."

[0021] In this way, by arranging the plurality of objects 5 in series inside the treatment vessel 1 along the flow direction of the ozone gas, the ozone gas supplied to the treatment vessel 1 can be passed through each of the plurality of objects 5. Therefore, all of the plurality of objects 5 can be sterilized.

[0022] (Variation) In Figure 1, a configuration has been described in which multiple objects 5 are arranged in series along the flow direction of ozone gas, but as shown in Figure 2, a configuration in which multiple objects 5 are arranged in parallel to each other along the flow direction of ozone gas may also be used.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a sterilizer 100 according to a modification of the first embodiment. The sterilizer 100 according to this modification differs from the sterilizer 100 shown in Figure 1 in that the cylindrical portion 10 between the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12 is branched into multiple cylindrical portions 10A to 10C. The upstream ends of the multiple cylindrical portions 10A to 10C are connected to each other. In the example of Figure 2, the downstream ends of the multiple cylindrical portions 10A to 10C are connected to each other, but the downstream ends of the multiple cylindrical portions 10A to 10C may also be separated.

[0024] Each of the plurality of cylindrical portions 10A to 10C accommodates an object 5. The object 5 is fixed to the inner surface of the corresponding cylindrical portion in a state in which ozone gas can flow through it. For example, if the object 5 is an air conditioning filter, it is preferable to fix the object 5 so that the filter surface is perpendicular to the flow direction. In this way, ozone gas can flow over the entire filter surface.

[0025] In the sterilization apparatus 100 according to this modification, ozone gas taken in through the air inlet 11 is divided at the upstream ends of the cylindrical portions 10A to 10C and flows through the cylindrical portions 10A to 10C in parallel to one another. The ozone gas is joined at the downstream ends of the cylindrical portions 10A to 10C, and is guided to the exhaust port 12 via the ozone decomposing agent 6 and discharged to the outside of the sterilization apparatus 100.

[0026] In the sterilization apparatus 100 according to this modification, multiple objects 5 are arranged in parallel along the direction of ozone gas flow, and therefore ozone gas can be passed through each of the multiple objects 5 to sterilize them. However, because the ozone gas is divided into multiple cylindrical portions 10A to 10C, it is necessary to adjust the flow rate of the ozone gas taken in from the air inlet 11 so that the ozone gas flows through each of the cylindrical portions 10A to 10C at a flow rate necessary for sterilization treatment.

[0027] As described above, in the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and its modifications, multiple objects 5 are arranged inside the treatment container 1 so that the ozone gas supplied to the treatment container 1 flows through each of the objects 5, and therefore, the sterilization treatment can be performed on all of the multiple objects 5. Therefore, the multiple objects 5 can be efficiently sterilized.

[0028] [Embodiment 2] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2. The sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2 differs from the sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it includes a sealing member 8.

[0029] 3, in the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of objects 5 are also arranged in series along the flow direction of ozone gas in the cylindrical portion 10 of the treatment vessel 1. When the objects 5 are air-conditioning filters, the frame members of each object 5 are fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10 so that the filter surface is perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0030] However, depending on the shape and size of the air conditioning filter, a gap may be formed between the frame member of the air conditioning filter and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10. In this case, a portion of the ozone gas flows through the gap, reducing the flow rate of the ozone gas passing through the filter surface. As a result, there is a concern that the sterilizing effect on the filter surface may be reduced.

[0031] In order to accommodate a wide variety of objects 5 with different sizes and / or shapes, the sterilization device 100 according to the second embodiment is configured so that a sealing member 8 can be attached so as to surround the outer periphery of the object 5. The sealing member 8 is disposed in the gap between the outer periphery of the object 5 and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10, and has the function of sealing the gap and holding the object 5.

[0032] The sealing member 8 has sufficiently lower air permeability than the target object 5, and therefore can prevent the ozone gas from passing through the gap. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the flow rate of the ozone gas passing through the filter surface.

[0033] The sealing member 8 can be made of an elastically deformable material such as urethane resin or rubber. The sealing member 8 is flexible and can deform to fit the shape of the gap between the outer periphery of the object 5 and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10, making it easy to fill the gap. When the opening / closing unit 4 is closed, the inner surface of the opening / closing unit 4 and the sealing member 8 come into tight contact with each other.

[0034] Although not shown, in the sterilization device 100 shown in Figure 2, by placing sealing members 8 in the gaps between the inner surfaces of each of the cylindrical portions 10A to 10C and the outer surface of the target object 5 to seal the gaps, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the flow rate of ozone gas flowing through the target object 5.

[0035] As described above, the sterilization device 100 according to the second embodiment can prevent the amount of ozone gas flowing through the target object 5 from decreasing depending on the size and shape of the target object 5. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently sterilize a plurality of targets 5 regardless of the size and shape of each target object 5.

[0036] [Embodiment 3] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 3. The sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 3 differs from the sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2 shown in Figure 3 in that it includes a pressure gauge 14, an ozone concentration meter 16, and a control unit 20.

[0037] The pressure gauge 14 measures the pressure inside the cylindrical portion 10 of the treatment vessel 1. The pressure gauge 14 sends a signal indicating the measured value to the control unit 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure gauge 14 is preferably attached to the flow path upstream of the plurality of objects 5. This is because the amount of air that can be sent from the blower 2 through the air inlet 11 into the treatment vessel 1 is determined by the pressure loss of the plurality of objects 5. Therefore, the pressure gauge 14 may be attached to the air inlet pipe 22 instead of the treatment vessel 1.

[0038] The ozone concentration meter 16 measures the ozone concentration inside the cylindrical portion 10 of the treatment vessel 1. The ozone concentration meter 16 sends a signal indicating the measured value to the control unit 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the ozone concentration meter 16 is preferably attached to the flow path between the downstream side of the plurality of objects 5 and the ozone decomposing agent 6. As the ozone gas flows through the plurality of objects 5 in turn, the ozone concentration in the ozone gas gradually decreases. By measuring the ozone concentration of the ozone gas that has flowed through all of the objects 5, it can be determined whether or not ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment has been able to flow through the most downstream object 5 as well.

[0039] The control unit 20 receives signals indicating the measured values ​​from the pressure gauge 14 and the ozone concentration meter 16. Based on the input signals, the control unit 20 is configured to control the air flow rate of the blower 2 and / or the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3. The air flow rate of the blower 2 corresponds to the "flow rate of gas supplied to the treatment vessel 1," and the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3 corresponds to the "content of the sterilizing component contained in the gas."

[0040] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control unit 20 shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 20 includes subtractors 200 and 202 and a controller 204.

[0041] A subtractor 200 calculates the deviation of the pressure measured by the pressure meter 14 from a predetermined reference pressure Pref. A subtractor 202 calculates the deviation of the ozone concentration measured by the ozone concentration meter 16 from a predetermined reference ozone concentration OCref. A controller 204 controls at least one of the blower 2 and the ozone generator 3 based on the deviation calculated by the subtractor 200 or the subtractor 202. An example of controlling the blower 2 and the ozone generator 3 will be described below.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of control by the controller 204 in Fig. 5. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the controller 204 during the execution of the sterilization process.

[0043] 6, in step S01, the controller 204 compares the measured ozone concentration value OC with the reference ozone concentration OCref. If the measured ozone concentration value is higher than the reference ozone concentration OCref (YES in S01), the controller 204 determines that ozone gas having an ozone concentration higher than necessary is being passed through the multiple objects 5. In this case, in step S02, the controller 204 controls the ozone generator 3 to reduce the amount of ozone generated, thereby reducing the ozone concentration of the ozone gas.

[0044] On the other hand, if the measured ozone concentration is equal to or less than the reference ozone concentration OCref (NO in S01), the controller 204 subsequently determines in step S03 whether the measured ozone concentration is less than the reference ozone concentration OCref. If the measured ozone concentration is less than the reference ozone concentration OCref (YES in S03), the controller 204 determines that ozone gas having an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment is not being passed through the most downstream target object 5. In this case, the controller 204 proceeds to step S04 and controls the ozone generator 3 to increase the amount of ozone generated, thereby increasing the ozone concentration of the ozone gas.

[0045] The controller 204 repeatedly executes the steps S01 to S04 until the measured ozone concentration reaches the reference ozone concentration OCref. By controlling the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3 so that the deviation of the measured ozone concentration from the reference ozone concentration OCref approaches zero, it is possible to pass ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment through all of the multiple targets 5.

[0046] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of control by controller 204 in Figure 5. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by controller 204 during execution of the sterilization process. In the flowchart shown in Figure 7, S02 and S04 in the flowchart shown in Figure 6 are changed to S05 and S06, respectively.

[0047] 7, when the measured ozone concentration is higher than the reference ozone concentration OCref (YES determination in S01), the controller 204 determines that ozone gas having an ozone concentration higher than necessary is being passed through the plurality of objects 5. In this case, in step S05, the controller 204 controls the blower 2 to increase the airflow rate of the blower 2. By increasing the airflow rate of the blower 2, the ozone concentration of the ozone gas is reduced.

[0048] On the other hand, if the measured ozone concentration value is equal to or less than the reference ozone concentration OCref (NO in S01), the controller 204 determines in step S03 whether the measured ozone concentration value is less than the reference ozone concentration OCref. If the measured ozone concentration value is less than the reference ozone concentration OCref (YES in S03), the controller 204 proceeds to step S06 and controls the blower 2 to reduce the airflow rate of the blower 2. Reducing the airflow rate of the blower 2 increases the ozone concentration of the ozone gas.

[0049] The controller 204 repeatedly executes the steps S01, S03, S05, and S06 until the measured ozone concentration reaches the reference ozone concentration OCref. By controlling the airflow rate of the blower 2 so that the deviation of the measured ozone concentration from the reference ozone concentration OCref approaches zero, ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment can be passed through all of the multiple objects 5.

[0050] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a third example of control by the controller 204 in Fig. 5. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the controller 204 during the execution of the sterilization process.

[0051] 8, in step S11, the controller 204 compares the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 14 in the processing vessel 1 with the reference pressure Pref. If the measured pressure is higher than the reference pressure Pref (YES in S11), the controller 204 determines that ozone gas having an ozone concentration higher than necessary is being passed through the plurality of objects 5. In this case, in step S12, the controller 204 controls the ozone generator 3 to reduce the amount of ozone generated, and in step S13, controls the blower 2 to increase the airflow rate of the blower 2. This reduces the ozone concentration of the ozone gas.

[0052] On the other hand, if the measured pressure value is equal to or less than the reference pressure Pref (NO in S11), the controller 204 subsequently determines in step S14 whether the measured pressure value is less than the reference pressure Pref. If the measured pressure value is less than the reference pressure Pref (YES in S14), the controller 204 determines that ozone gas having an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment is not being passed through the most downstream target object 5. In this case, the controller 204 proceeds to step S15 to control the ozone generator 3 to increase the amount of ozone generated, and also controls the blower 2 in step S16 to reduce the airflow rate of the blower 2. This increases the ozone concentration of the ozone gas.

[0053] The controller 204 repeatedly executes the processes of S11 to S16 until the measured pressure reaches the reference pressure Pref. By controlling the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3 and the amount of air blown by the blower 2 so that the deviation of the measured pressure from the reference pressure Pref approaches zero, it is possible to pass ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment through all of the multiple targets 5.

[0054] As described above, according to the sterilization apparatus 100 of embodiment 3, in a configuration in which multiple objects 5 are arranged in series in the ozone gas flow path, the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3 and / or the amount of air blown by the blower 2 are controlled so that ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment flows even to the most downstream object 5. Therefore, regardless of the number of objects 5 contained in the treatment container 1, the shape and size of each object 5, and the pressure loss due to the multiple objects 5, ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment can be passed through all of the multiple objects 5.

[0055] [Embodiment 4] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 4. The sterilization apparatus 100 according to embodiment 4 differs from the sterilization apparatus 100 shown in Figure 3 in that it includes ozone decomposing agents 6A, 6B, air inlets 11A, 11B, exhaust outlets 12A, 12B, a pressure gauge 14, ozone concentration meters 16A, 16B, air inlet pipes 22A, 22B, a flow path switching valve 24, exhaust pipes 26A, 26B, exhaust valves 28A, 28B, and a control unit 20.

[0056] 6, a first end of the cylindrical portion 10 of the processing vessel 1 in the extension direction is closed, and has an air inlet 11A and an exhaust port 12B formed therein. A second end of the cylindrical portion 10 in the extension direction is closed, and has an air inlet 11B and an exhaust port 12A formed therein.

[0057] The plurality of objects 5 are arranged in series along the flow direction of the ozone gas in the flow path between the air inlet 11A and the air outlet 12B, and the air inlet 11B and the air outlet 12A. When the objects 5 are air conditioning filters, the frame member of each object 5 is fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10 so that the filter surface is perpendicular to the flow direction. A sealing member 8 is arranged in the gap between the outer periphery of the object 5 and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 10.

[0058] The downstream end of an air supply pipe 22A is connected to air supply port 11A. The downstream end of an air supply pipe 22B is connected to air supply port 11B. Flow path switching valve 24 is a three-way valve, and has an input port and first and second output ports.

[0059] The upstream end of the air supply pipe 22A is connected to a first output port of the flow path switching valve 24. The upstream end of the air supply pipe 22B is connected to a second output port of the flow path switching valve 24. The downstream end of the air supply pipe 22 is connected to an input port of the flow path switching valve 24.

[0060] The blower 2 is connected to the upstream end of the air supply pipe 22. The blower 2 sends air into the air supply pipe 22. The pressure gauge 14 measures the pressure of the air sent from the blower 2 and sends a signal indicating the measured value to the control unit 20.

[0061] An ozone generator 3 is connected to the air intake pipe 22. The ozone generator 3 generates ozone and supplies it to the air intake pipe 22. The air sent from the blower 2 is mixed with the ozone supplied from the ozone generator 3 to generate ozone gas. The generated ozone gas flows through the air intake pipe 22 and is sent to the input port of the flow path switching valve 24.

[0062] The flow path switching valve 24 is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the ozone gas sent from the air intake pipe 22 between the air intake pipe 22A and the air intake pipe 22B. Specifically, the flow path switching valve 24 is configured to be able to switch the internal flow path between a state in which the input port and the first output port are connected and the second output port is closed (hereinafter also referred to as the "first state"), and a state in which the input port and the second output port are connected and the first port is closed (hereinafter also referred to as the "second state"). The flow path switching valve 24 is controlled by the control unit 20. The control unit 20 can alternately switch the flow path switching valve 24 between the first state and the second state, for example, using a timer (not shown).

[0063] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the sterilization device 100 when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state. As shown in Fig. 10, when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state, ozone gas flows through the flow path switching valve 24 and the air intake pipe 22A, and is taken into the cylindrical portion 10 via the air intake port 11A. The ozone gas taken into the cylindrical portion 10 flows inside the cylindrical portion 10 toward the exhaust port 12A. The multiple objects 5 are sterilized by the ozone gas in order, starting from the object 5 most upstream in the flow direction.

[0064] An upstream end of an exhaust pipe 26A is connected to the exhaust port 12A. An exhaust valve 28A is interposed and connected to the exhaust pipe 26A. When the exhaust valve 28A is opened, ozone gas is discharged from the exhaust port 12A through the exhaust pipe 26A to the outside of the processing vessel 1. The exhaust valve 28A is opened when the flow path switching valve 24 is in a first state, and is closed when the flow path switching valve 24 is in a second state. The exhaust valve 28A is controlled by the controller 20.

[0065] When the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state in this manner, a first flow path is formed through which ozone gas flows from the blower 2 via the air intake pipe 22, the air intake pipe 22A, the cylindrical portion 10 and the exhaust pipe 26A.

[0066] In the first flow path, an ozone decomposing agent 6A is attached between the plurality of objects 5 and the exhaust port 12A. The ozone decomposing agent 6A heats the ozone gas and thermally decomposes the ozone gas. The ozone gas thermally decomposed by the ozone decomposing agent 6A is led to the exhaust port 12A. Note that the ozone decomposing agent 6A may be configured to decompose the ozone gas by the action of a predetermined catalyst instead of or in addition to thermal decomposition.

[0067] The ozone concentration meter 16A operates when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state, and measures the ozone concentration of the ozone gas guided to the ozone decomposing agent 6A. The ozone concentration meter 16A provides the control unit 20 with a signal indicating the measurement value.

[0068] 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the sterilization device 100 when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state. As shown in FIG. 11, when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state, ozone gas flows through the flow path switching valve 24 and the air intake pipe 22B and is taken into the cylindrical portion 10 via the air intake port 11B. The ozone gas taken into the cylindrical portion 10 flows inside the cylindrical portion 10 toward the exhaust port 12B. The flow direction of the ozone gas in the second state is opposite to the flow direction of the ozone gas in the first state. The multiple objects 5 are sterilized by the ozone gas in order starting from the object 5 most upstream in the flow direction.

[0069] An upstream end of an exhaust pipe 26B is connected to the exhaust port 12B. An exhaust valve 28B is interposed and connected to the exhaust pipe 26B. When the exhaust valve 28B is opened, ozone gas is discharged from the exhaust port 12B through the exhaust pipe 26B to the outside of the processing chamber 1. The exhaust valve 28B is closed when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state, and is opened when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state. The exhaust valve 28B is controlled by the control unit 20.

[0070] When the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state in this manner, a second flow path is formed in which ozone gas flows from the blower 2 through the air intake pipe 22, the air intake pipe 22B, the cylindrical portion 10 and the exhaust pipe 26B.

[0071] In the second flow path, an ozone decomposing agent 6B is attached between the plurality of objects 5 and the exhaust port 12B. The ozone decomposing agent 6B heats the ozone gas and thermally decomposes the ozone gas. The ozone gas thermally decomposed by the ozone decomposing agent 6B is led to the exhaust port 12B. Note that the ozone decomposing agent 6B may be configured to decompose the ozone gas by the action of a predetermined catalyst instead of or in addition to thermal decomposition.

[0072] The ozone concentration meter 16B operates when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state, and measures the ozone concentration of the ozone gas guided to the ozone decomposing agent 6B. The ozone concentration meter 16B provides the control unit 20 with a signal indicating the measurement value.

[0073] The ozone concentration of the ozone gas taken into the treatment vessel 1 gradually decreases as it passes through multiple objects 5 in order. Therefore, while it is possible to pass ozone gas having an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization through the most upstream object 5, it is possible that the ozone concentration of the ozone gas passing through the most downstream object 5 does not satisfy the ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization. In this case, there is a concern that the sterilization effect on the most downstream object 5 will decrease.

[0074] In the sterilization apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the flow direction of ozone gas in the first flow path and the flow direction of ozone gas in the second flow path are opposite to each other. Therefore, by switching between the first flow path and the second flow path, it is possible to essentially change the arrangement order of multiple objects 5 relative to the flow direction of ozone gas. As a result, the object 5 located at the most downstream position in the first flow path is located at the most upstream position in the second flow path, and can receive ozone gas with a high ozone concentration. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect on the most downstream object 5.

[0075] Furthermore, by switching between the first flow path and the second flow path, the flow direction of the ozone gas in each object 5 can be switched, so that the ozone gas can be caused to flow from both sides of the object 5. Therefore, bacteria attached to the surfaces of both sides of the object 5 can be sterilized.

[0076] The control unit 20 switches between the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling the flow path switching valve 24 and the exhaust valves 28A and 28B. The control unit 20 further controls the blower 2 and the ozone generator 3 based on signals provided from the pressure gauge 14 and the ozone concentration meters 16A and 16B. Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the control unit 20 shown in Fig. 9.

[0077] 12, control unit 20 includes a timer 210, a switching control unit 212, subtractors 200, 202A, and 202B, a switching circuit 214, and a controller 204. Control unit 20 shown in FIG. 12 differs from control unit 20 shown in FIG. 5 in that it includes subtractors 202A and 202B instead of subtractor 202, and in that it includes timer 210, a switching control unit 212, and a switching circuit 214.

[0078] The timer 210 is configured to measure the time during which the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state and the time during which the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state. The time value of the timer 210 is reset (initialized) when the flow path switching valve 24 is switched from the first state to the second state and when the flow path switching valve 24 is switched from the second state to the first state.

[0079] The switching control unit 212 switches the flow path switching valve 24 between the first state and the second state based on the time value of the timer 210 and the ozone concentration measured by the ozone concentration meters 16A and 16B. The switching control unit 212 further opens and closes the exhaust valves 28A and 28B in a complementary manner in accordance with the switching of the flow path switching valve 24.

[0080] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the switching control unit 212 shown in Fig. 12. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the switching control unit 212 during the execution of the sterilization process.

[0081] 13, in step S21, the switching control unit 212 determines whether or not the state of the flow path switching valve 24 has been switched. When the flow path switching valve 24 has been switched from the first state to the second state, or when the flow path switching valve 24 has been switched from the second state to the first state (when the determination in S21 is YES), in step S22, the switching control unit 212 starts the timer 210 to measure the time during which the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state (or the second state).

[0082] In step S23, the switching control unit 212 calculates the time integral of the ozone concentration when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state (or the second state) using the time value of the timer 210. In S23, when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state, the switching control unit 212 time-integrates the value of the ozone concentration measured by the ozone concentration meter 16A. On the other hand, when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state, the switching control unit 212 time-integrates the value of the ozone concentration measured by the ozone concentration meter 16B.

[0083] The time integral value of the ozone concentration when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state is an index for quantifying the sterilization effect of the first flow path. The time integral value of the ozone concentration when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state is an index for quantifying the sterilization effect of the second flow path. The higher the ozone concentration and / or the longer the flow time of the ozone gas, the higher the sterilization effect.

[0084] The switching control unit 212 compares the calculated time integral value of the ozone concentration with a predetermined threshold value Xth to determine whether a sufficient sterilization effect has been achieved. If the time integral value of the ozone concentration is less than the threshold value Xth (NO in S24), the switching control unit 212 determines that a sufficient sterilization effect has not been achieved, and returns the process to S23.

[0085] On the other hand, if the time integral value of the ozone concentration is equal to or greater than the threshold value Xth (YES in S24), the switching control unit 212 determines that a sufficient sterilization effect has been obtained. In this case, the switching control unit 212 switches the state of the flow path switching valve 24 in step S25. In S25, the switching control unit 212 switches the flow path switching valve 24 from the first state to the second state, or switches the flow path switching valve 24 from the second state to the first state.

[0086] Next, in step S26, the switching control unit 212 resets the time value of the timer 210. Furthermore, in step S27, the switching control unit 212 opens one of the exhaust valves 28A and 28B and closes the other in accordance with the state of the flow path switching valve 24, thereby switching between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0087] In FIG. 13, a configuration has been described in which the ozone gas flow path is switched between the first flow path and the second flow path based on the time integral value of the ozone concentration, but the ozone gas flow path may also be switched at predetermined intervals (e.g., every few minutes) based on the time value of the timer 210.

[0088] 12 , the subtractor 202A calculates the deviation of the ozone concentration measured by the ozone concentration meter 16A from the reference ozone concentration OCref. The deviation calculated by the subtractor 202A becomes a first input to the switching circuit 214. The subtractor 202B calculates the deviation of the ozone concentration measured by the ozone concentration meter 16B from the reference ozone concentration OCref. The deviation calculated by the subtractor 202B becomes a second input to the switching circuit 214.

[0089] The switching circuit 214 receives a signal indicating the state of the flow path switching valve 24 from the switching control unit 212. The switching circuit 214 selects either the first input or the second input based on the signal received from the switching control unit 212 and outputs the selected input to the controller 204. Specifically, when the flow path switching valve 24 is in the first state, the switching circuit 214 selects the first input. When the flow path switching valve 24 is in the second state, the switching circuit 214 selects the second input.

[0090] The subtractor 200 calculates the deviation of the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 14 from the reference pressure Pref. The subtractor 200 outputs the calculated deviation to the controller 204.

[0091] The controller 204 controls at least one of the blower 2 and the ozone generator 3 based on the deviation input from the switching circuit 214 or the deviation input from the subtractor 200. Specifically, the controller 204 can control at least one of the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3 and the amount of air blown by the blower 2 according to any one of the first to third control examples shown in FIGS.

[0092] As described above, in the sterilization device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, in a configuration in which a plurality of objects 5 are arranged in series in the ozone gas flow path, the flow direction of the ozone gas through the plurality of objects 5 can be switched between two mutually opposite directions. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the sterilization effect on some of the objects 5 due to the arrangement order of the plurality of objects 5.

[0093] Furthermore, in each of the first and second flow paths, by controlling the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 3 and / or the amount of air blown by the blower 2 according to the measured value of the ozone concentration of the ozone gas or the measured value of the pressure inside the treatment container 1, it is possible to pass ozone gas with an ozone concentration appropriate for sterilization treatment through all of the multiple objects 5.

[0094] [Embodiment 5] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a sterilizer 100 according to embodiment 5. The sterilizer 100 according to embodiment 5 differs from the sterilizer 100 shown in Figure 3 in that it includes a humidifier 30, a pressure gauge 14, an ozone concentration meter 16, and a control unit 20.

[0095] 14, a humidifier 30 is connected to the air supply pipe 22. The humidifier 30 humidifies the ozone gas by spraying mist-like water particles onto the ozone gas flowing through the air supply pipe 22. The humidified ozone gas is supplied into the processing vessel 1 through the air supply port 11.

[0096] Sterilization by ozone gas generally tends to be more effective under humid conditions. By humidifying the ozone gas, the sterilization effect on the object 5 can be enhanced.

[0097] It should be noted that a humidifier 30 may be attached to the treatment container 1 instead of the air supply pipe 22. By humidifying the inside of the treatment container 1, the surface of the target object 5 can be brought into contact with the ozone gas in a moistened state, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0098] The pressure gauge 14 measures the pressure inside the air supply pipe 22. The pressure gauge 14 provides a signal indicating the measurement value to the control unit 20. The ozone concentration meter 16 measures the ozone concentration inside the cylindrical portion 10 of the treatment vessel 1. The ozone concentration meter 16 provides a signal indicating the measurement value to the control unit 20.

[0099] The control unit 20 receives signals indicating the measured values ​​from the pressure gauge 14 and the ozone concentration meter 16. Based on the input signals, the control unit 20 is configured to control the airflow rate of the blower 2 and the amount of ozone generated in the ozone generator 3. The control unit 20 can control at least one of the amount of ozone generated in the ozone generator 3 and the airflow rate of the blower 2 according to any of the first to third control examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0100] [Embodiment 6] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a sterilization method using the sterilization apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 15, the sterilization method includes at least a step (S30) of accommodating a plurality of breathable objects 5 inside a treatment vessel 1, a step (S31) of arranging the plurality of objects 5 inside the treatment vessel 1 so that ozone gas flows through each of the objects 5, a step (S32) of supplying the ozone gas into the treatment vessel 1, and a step (S33) of discharging the ozone gas that has flowed through the treatment vessel 1 to the outside of the treatment vessel 1.

[0101] The step (S31) of arranging the plurality of objects 5 includes a step of arranging the plurality of objects 5 in series along the flow direction of the ozone gas, as shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the step (S31) of arranging the plurality of objects 5 includes a step of arranging the plurality of objects 5 in parallel along the flow direction of the ozone gas, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0102] It should be noted that, with regard to the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples, it has been planned from the beginning of the application that the configurations described in the embodiments may be appropriately combined, including combinations not mentioned in the specification, within the scope that does not cause inconvenience or contradiction.

[0103] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0104] (Appendix 1) A sterilization device for sterilizing a plurality of breathable objects, a processing vessel for accommodating the plurality of objects; a gas supply means for supplying a gas containing a sterilizing component into the treatment container; an exhaust means for exhausting the gas that has flowed through the inside of the processing vessel to the outside of the processing vessel; A sterilization apparatus, wherein the plurality of objects are arranged inside the treatment container so that the gas flows through each of the objects.

[0105] (Appendix 2) 2. The sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of objects are arranged in series along the gas flow direction inside the treatment container.

[0106] (Appendix 3) 3. The sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of objects have different shapes.

[0107] (Appendix 4) A sterilization device described in any one of Appendix 1 to 3, further comprising a sealing member that is arranged in a gap between the outer periphery of at least one of the plurality of objects and the inner surface of the treatment container and seals the gap.

[0108] (Appendix 5) 5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sealing member is fixed to the treatment container.

[0109] (Appendix 6) 6. The sterilization device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sealing member is flexible.

[0110] (Appendix 7) The sterilization device according to any one of appendix 4 to 6, wherein the processing container has an opening / closing part for putting in and taking out the plurality of objects, and when the opening / closing part is closed, the inner surface of the opening / closing part and the sealing member are tightly attached to each other.

[0111] (Appendix 8) a concentration meter that is disposed downstream of the plurality of objects in the gas flow direction and that measures the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the gas; 4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control unit that controls at least one of the supply flow rate of the gas in the gas supply means and the supply amount of the sterilizing component based on a deviation of the measurement value of the concentration meter from a reference concentration.

[0112] (Appendix 9) a pressure meter that is disposed upstream of the plurality of objects in the gas flow direction and that measures a pressure of the gas; 4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control unit that controls at least one of the supply flow rate of the gas in the gas supply means and the supply amount of the sterilizing component, based on a deviation of the measurement value of the pressure gauge from a reference pressure.

[0113] (Appendix 10) the gas supply means and the exhaust means are configured to selectively form a first flow path for flowing the gas to the plurality of objects along a first flow direction and a second flow path for flowing the gas to the plurality of objects along a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction; The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control unit that controls the gas supply means and the exhaust means so as to switch the gas flow path between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0114] (Appendix 11) a first concentration meter that is disposed on the first flow path downstream of the plurality of objects in the first flow direction and that measures the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the gas; a second concentration meter that is disposed downstream of the plurality of objects in the second flow path in the second flow direction and that measures the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the gas; The sterilization device of Appendix 10, wherein the control unit switches the gas flow path to the second flow path when the first flow path is formed and the time integral value of the measurement value of the first concentration meter reaches a threshold value, and when the second flow path is formed and the time integral value of the measurement value of the second concentration meter reaches the threshold value, switches the gas flow path to the first flow path.

[0115] (Appendix 12) a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the gas supplied to the inside of the processing chamber; When the first flow path is formed, the control unit controls at least one of the supply flow rate of the gas and the supply amount of the sterilizing component in the gas supply means based on the measurement value of the first concentration meter or the measurement value of the pressure meter; 12. The sterilization apparatus of claim 11, wherein, when the second flow path is formed, the control unit controls at least one of the supply flow rate of the gas in the gas supply means and the supply amount of the sterilizing component based on the measurement value of the second concentration meter or the measurement value of the pressure meter.

[0116] (Appendix 13) 13. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the discharge means is disposed inside the treatment container downstream of the plurality of objects in the gas flow direction, and is provided with a decomposing agent that decomposes the sterilizing component.

[0117] (Appendix 14) 14. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a humidifier for humidifying the gas supplied to the inside of the treatment container.

[0118] (Appendix 15) 2. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of objects are arranged in parallel along the gas flow direction inside the treatment container.

[0119] (Appendix 16) A sterilization method for sterilizing a plurality of breathable objects, comprising: placing the plurality of objects inside a processing vessel; supplying a gas containing a sterilizing component into the treatment container; and discharging the gas that has flowed through the processing vessel to the outside of the processing vessel, A sterilization method, wherein the containing step includes a step of arranging the plurality of objects inside the treatment container so that the gas flows through each of the objects.

[0120] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 treatment container, 2 blower, 3 ozone generator, 4 opening / closing unit, 5 object, 6, 6A, 6B ozone decomposing agent, 8 sealing member, 10, 10A to 10C cylindrical portion, 11, 11A, 11B air inlet, 12, 12A, 12B exhaust port, 14 pressure gauge, 16, 16A, 16B ozone concentration meter, 20 control unit, 22, 22A, 22B air inlet pipe, 24 flow path switching valve, 26A, 26B exhaust pipe, 28A, 28B exhaust valve, 30 humidifier, 100 sterilizer, 200, 202, 202A, 2020B subtractor, 204 controller, 210 timer, 212 switching control unit, 214 switching circuit.

Claims

1. A sterilization device for sterilizing a plurality of breathable objects, a processing vessel for accommodating the plurality of objects; a gas supply means for supplying a gas containing a sterilizing component into the treatment container; an exhaust means for exhausting the gas that has flowed through the inside of the processing vessel to the outside of the processing vessel; Within the processing vessel, the plurality of objects are arranged in series along the gas flow direction, the gas supply means and the exhaust means are configured to selectively form a first flow path for flowing the gas through the plurality of objects along a first flow direction and a second flow path for flowing the gas through the plurality of objects along a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction; A sterilization apparatus further comprising a control unit that controls the gas supply means and the exhaust means so as to switch the gas flow path between the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. a first concentration meter that is disposed on the first flow path downstream of the plurality of objects in the first flow direction and that measures the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the gas; a second concentration meter that is disposed downstream of the plurality of objects in the second flow path in the second flow direction and that measures the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the gas; 2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches the gas flow path to the second flow path when the first flow path is formed and a time integral value of the measurement value of the first concentration meter reaches a threshold value, and when the second flow path is formed and a time integral value of the measurement value of the second concentration meter reaches the threshold value, the control unit switches the gas flow path to the first flow path.

3. a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the gas supplied to the inside of the processing chamber; When the first flow path is formed, the control unit controls at least one of the supply flow rate of the gas and the supply amount of the sterilizing component in the gas supply means based on the measurement value of the first concentration meter or the measurement value of the pressure meter; 3. The sterilizer according to claim 2, wherein, when the second flow path is formed, the control unit controls at least one of the supply flow rate of the gas in the gas supply means and the supply amount of the sterilizing component based on the measurement value of the second concentration meter or the measurement value of the pressure meter.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects have different shapes.

5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a sealing member disposed in a gap between an outer periphery of at least one of the plurality of objects and an inner surface of the treatment container, the sealing member sealing the gap.

6. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the sealing member is fixed to the treatment container.

7. The sterilizer according to claim 5 , wherein the sealing member is flexible.

8. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the treatment container has an opening / closing portion for putting in and taking out the plurality of objects, and when the opening / closing portion is closed, an inner surface of the opening / closing portion and the sealing member are tightly attached to each other.

9. The discharge means is configured to: a first decomposition agent that is disposed downstream of the plurality of objects in the first flow direction of the gas and that decomposes the sterilizing component; The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a second decomposing agent that is arranged downstream of the plurality of objects in the second flow direction of the gas and that decomposes the sterilizing component.

10. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a humidifier for humidifying the gas supplied to the inside of the treatment container.

Images