JP2005137573A - Sterilization equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide sterilization equipment using hypochlorous acid which efficiently utilizes generated hypochlorous acid and performs a reliable sterilization processing. <P>SOLUTION: The sterilization equipment 1 is equipped with a sterilization tank 2 where articles to be processed are placed, a hypochlorous acid supply part 3 which generates the hypochlorous acid and supplies treated water for sterilization in which the concentration of hypochlorous acid is adjusted, supply piping 4, bypass piping 5, and a control device 6. If the treated water for sterilization in the bypass piping 5 is determined to be used for the sterilization processing as it is, the sterilization equipment performs the resupply processing 36 for resupplying the treated water for sterilization used in the sterilization tank 2 to the sterilization tank 2 through the bypass piping 5 and the supply piping 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus.

In recent years, it has been proposed to perform sterilization treatment (sterilization treatment) using hypochlorous acid or sodium hypochlorite at the time of washing or dish washing in applications such as washing machines and dishwashers (Patent Document 1). 2, 3).
JP2003-000992A JP 2003-52609 A JP-A-5-137589

  In the above sterilization using hypochlorous acid, hypochlorous acid in the sterilized water gradually decreases as hypochlorous acid in the sterilized water reacts with organic substances during the sterilization process. . In addition, in sterilization using hypochlorous acid, the sterilization time differs depending on the type of bacteria, so to completely sterilize, keep the hypochlorous acid concentration during sterilization above a certain level, It is necessary to sterilize for a certain period of time. In addition, the sterilized water used for sterilization in the sterilization tank is drained, but a large amount of hypochlorous acid remains in the drainage, and the generated hypochlorous acid is not necessarily effectively used. I don't mean.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the sterilization apparatus using hypochlorous acid which can aim at the effective utilization of the produced | generated hypochlorous acid, and can perform a reliable sterilization process.

  A sterilization apparatus according to the present invention includes a sterilization tank in which an object to be treated is placed, a hypochlorous acid supply unit that adjusts hypochlorous acid concentration and pH and supplies sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid, Supply piping that supplies sterilized water from the chlorous acid supply unit to the sterilization tank, and bypass piping that circulates sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank to the sterilization tank without going through the hypochlorous acid supply unit In the sterilization process of supplying sterilization water to the sterilization tank and sterilizing the object in the sterilization tank, the sterilization water after being used in the sterilization tank is suitable for performing the sterilization process. And a control means for re-supplying the sterilization tank with the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank through the bypass pipe when maintaining the chlorous acid concentration and PH. .

  This sterilizer was used in the sterilization tank through the bypass pipe when the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank maintained the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH suitable for performing the sterilization process. Since the subsequent sterilized water is supplied again to the sterilization tank, the generated hypochlorous acid can be effectively used. Further, since the sterilization process is performed through the bypass pipe while replacing the sterilization water in the sterilization tank, the sterilization process can be performed efficiently.

  The control means includes a first sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and a range of hypochlorous acid concentration of sterilized water suitable for performing sterilization. And storage means for storing the PH range, and the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the first sensor are within the hypochlorous acid concentration range and PH range stored in the storage means. In addition, the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank may be re-supplied to the sterilization tank through the bypass pipe.

  In addition, the sterilizer includes a sterilization tank for storing an object to be treated, a hypochlorous acid supply unit that adjusts hypochlorous acid concentration and pH and supplies sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid, and hypochlorous acid. A supply pipe for supplying sterilized water from the acid supply unit to the sterilization tank, a second sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid concentration and pH of the sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank, and sterilization Storage means for storing the hypochlorous acid concentration range and the PH range suitable for sterilization water, and re-supplying the sterilization water after being used in the sterilization tank to the supply pipe, Sterilization supplied from the hypochlorous acid supply unit so that the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the two sensors are within the range of the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH stored in the storage means. Control means for adjusting hypochlorous acid concentration and pH of treated water Good. In this case, the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank re-supplied to the supply pipe is the second sensor for measuring the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. Therefore, the hypochlorous acid concentration and pH are adjusted and re-supplied to the sterilization tank, so that the generated hypochlorous acid can be used effectively, and the sterilized water in the sterilization tank is replaced. However, since sterilization is performed, sterilization can be performed efficiently.

  Further, the control means includes a first sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and hypochlorous acid of the sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. A second sensor for measuring concentration and pH, and the control device compares the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the second sensor with the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the first sensor, and supplies the piping Compared with the sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank from the sterilization tank, it is determined whether or not the hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank is lower than a predetermined level. It is preferable to include a stain determination means for determining the degree of stain remaining on the surface. In this case, if a lot of dirt such as organic matter remains on the object to be treated, hypochlorous acid reacts with the dirt component such as organic matter, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid decreases rapidly. However, efficient sterilization using the sterilizing action of hypochlorous acid may not be realized, but if this dirt determination means determines that there is dirt, the sterilizer is interrupted and Since it is sufficient to perform cleaning, hypochlorous acid can be effectively used.

  In addition, the control means supplies water having a hypochlorous acid concentration lower than sterilized water suitable for performing sterilization treatment to the sterilization tank in the initial stage of sterilization treatment, and applies the soil determination means to the object to be treated. The degree of remaining dirt should be determined. If the concentration of hypochlorous acid to be supplied is kept low, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water that has passed through the sterilization tank will be extremely low when dirt remains on the object to be treated. Therefore, it is possible to easily and accurately determine the dirt.

  The control means includes a timer for recording the sterilization time, and a storage means for storing the range of hypochlorous acid concentration and pH range of sterilized water suitable for performing the sterilization process. It is preferable to perform a complete sterilization determination process for determining whether or not the inside has been maintained within a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration range stored in the storage means for a fixed time recorded in the timer.

  In this case, the first sensor for measuring the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. A second sensor for measuring sterilization water after being used in the sterilization tank measured by the first sensor and the second sensor, and a hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilization water supplied to the sterilization tank. The complete sterilization determination process may be performed by determining whether or not the predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration stored in the storage means is maintained for a certain period of time recorded in the timer.

  In addition, the third sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid and PH of sterilized water in the sterilization tank, and the range of hypochlorous acid concentration and PH range of sterilized water suitable for sterilization are stored. A predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration stored in the storage means for a certain period of time when the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization tank measured by the third sensor is recorded in the timer. The complete sterilization determination process may be performed by determining whether or not the value is maintained within the range.

  Moreover, it is good to provide the filter which removes garbage from the sterilization process water after being used with the sterilization tank. In addition, a filter that removes trihalomethane from sterilized water after being used in a sterilization tank is provided, and the water from which trihalomethane has been removed is circulated through a bypass pipe so as to perform a rinsing process that removes trihalomethane from an object to be treated. Good.

  This sterilizer can be used for washing machines such as clothes (including large linen devices), dishwashers, endoscopes, and cleaning devices for medical instruments. In these applications, the sterilization process using this sterilizer is preferably performed after the cleaning process.

  The sterilization apparatus according to the present invention can effectively use sterilized water, and can reliably perform sterilization time while managing hypochlorous acid concentration and PH.

  Hereinafter, a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 includes a sterilization tank 2 in which an object to be treated is placed, hypochlorous acid that generates hypochlorous acid and supplies sterilized water having a adjusted concentration of hypochlorous acid. A supply unit 3, a supply pipe 4, a bypass pipe 5, and a control device 6 are provided. In FIG. 1, 7 is a supply unit that supplies water (tap water) to the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3, 8 is a drain pipe that drains used sterilized water from the sterilization tank 2, and 9 Is a valve attached to the drain pipe 8, and 10 is a filter for removing dust and the like.

  The supply pipe 4 is a pipe that supplies the sterilization tank 2 with sterilized water generated by the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 or adjusted in concentration of hypochlorous acid. In this embodiment, the supply pipe 4 is provided with a pump 11 and an injection nozzle 12 so as to inject sterilized water into the sterilization tank 2.

  The bypass pipe 5 is a pipe arranged from the sterilization tank 2 to the supply pipe 4, and supplies the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 without going through the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3. The pipe is returned to 4 and re-supplied to the sterilization tank 2. An intermediate portion of the bypass pipe 5 includes a valve 13 and a pump 14, and further includes a pipe 17 to which the bypass pipe 5 is bypassed and a valve 15 and a filter 16 are attached. The filter 16 is a filter that removes trihalomethane. For example, an activated carbon filter or a filter obtained by adding a reverse osmosis membrane filter to the activated carbon filter is used. More preferably, a filter equipped with a back cleaning device is used.

  The control device 6 includes a first sensor (21, 22) for measuring the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2, and the next of the sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank 2. A second sensor (23, 24) for measuring chlorous acid concentration and PH, a third sensor (25, 26) for measuring the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water in the sterilization tank 2, and a timer 27 And a storage means 28 and a controller 29.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a hypochlorous acid concentration sensor and a PH sensor are attached to the bypass pipe 5, the supply pipe 4, and the sterilization tank 2, respectively. A hypochlorous acid concentration sensor 21 and a PH sensor 22 attached to the bypass pipe 5 measure the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2. A hypochlorous acid concentration sensor 23 and a PH sensor 24 attached to the supply pipe 4 measure the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank 2. The hypochlorous acid concentration sensor 25 and the PH sensor 26 attached to the sterilization tank 2 measure the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water in the sterilization tank 2. The measurement signals from the hypochlorous acid concentration sensors 21, 23, 25 and the PH sensors 22, 24, 26 are sent to the controller 29. Based on the measurement signals of the hypochlorous acid concentration sensors 21, 23, 25 and the PH sensors 22, 24, 26, the controller 29 performs actuators for opening and closing the valves 9, 13 and hypoxia according to a predetermined control program. A control signal is output to the chloric acid supply unit 3 and the like.

  The timer 27 sets the sterilization time, and is set to a time when a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained in consideration of the time when bacteria are killed by hypochlorous acid. The storage means 28 stores a hypochlorous acid concentration range and a PH range that are suitable for sterilization.

  The hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 dilutes hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite with water supplied from the supply unit 7 (for example, tap water) and adjusts the concentration to increase the amount of hypochlorous acid. The sterilized water is obtained by generating sterilized water that contains it, or by injecting electrolyte (for example, salt) into water (for example, tap water) supplied from the supply unit 7 and electrolyzing it. (In addition, when the water supplied from the supply unit 7 sufficiently contains an electrolyte such as tap water, it may be electrolyzed as it is without injecting the electrolyte.) Thereby, hypochlorous acid is supplied. The unit 3 can adjust the pH to generate sterilized water containing a large amount of hypochlorous acid. Although not shown in the figure, the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 can adjust the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilized water by feedback control of electrolyte injection and electrolytic treatment. For example, a hypochlorous acid concentration sensor and a PH sensor are provided in the production tank, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilized water is controlled based on the measurement signal of this sensor by feedback control of electrolyte injection and electrolytic treatment. It is good to adjust.

  Further, the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 uses the relationship between the PH and the effective chlorine abundance ratio shown in FIG. 2, and performs electrolysis and adjusts the pH by adding hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite so as to obtain a predetermined value. It is desirable to adjust the acid range to efficiently generate sterilized water having a desired hypochlorous acid concentration. For example, sterilized water with a high concentration of hypochlorous acid can be obtained by adjusting the pH to a slightly acidic range of PH 4 to 6 with hatching in FIG. 2, preferably a weakly acidic range of PH 4.8 to 5.8. It should be generated well. In addition, you may use the electrolyzed water of the strongly acidic range of PH2.2-3.0 obtained by electrolysis for sterilization water.

  In the generation of sterilized water in the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3, for example, when the supplied water has a pH higher than the desired PH range, hydrochloric acid is injected to lower the pH, and the supplied water has a PH of When the pH is lower than the desired pH range, caustic soda may be injected to increase the pH. If hypochlorous acid concentration is low, electrolysis is performed to increase hypochlorous acid concentration. If hypochlorous acid concentration is high, dilute by supplying tap water etc. to reduce hypochlorous acid concentration. It is good to lower.

  Hereinafter, the sterilization process of this sterilizer will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of this sterilization process. The sterilizer 1 supplies sterilized water whose hypochlorous acid concentration is adjusted to a predetermined concentration by the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 to the sterilization tank 2 through the supply pipe 4, and hypochlorous acid (HClO). Sterilize using the bactericidal action of In this sterilization apparatus 1, those that are hardly contaminated, such as those previously washed in the washing process, are handled as sterilization treatments. This is because if there is a lot of dirt such as organic matter remaining on the object to be treated, hypochlorous acid reacts with the dirt components such as organic matter, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid decreases rapidly. This is because an efficient sterilization process using the bactericidal action of hypochlorous acid may not be realized.

  For this reason, in the sterilization process of the sterilization apparatus 1, first, the dirt determination process 31 is performed to determine whether the object to be processed is sufficiently cleaned.

  The dirt determination process 31 is performed when the concentration of hypochlorous acid is significantly reduced between the sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank 2 and the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2. Judgment is made that it is not performed sufficiently. In this embodiment, the determination is made based on the measurement information of hypochlorous acid concentration sensors 21 and 23 attached to the bypass pipe 5 and the supply pipe 4, and the hypochlorous acid concentration between the supply pipe 4 and the bypass pipe 5 is determined. Is significantly reduced, it is determined that the workpiece is not sufficiently cleaned. In addition, it is preferable to store the determination criterion of the stain relating to the decrease in hypochlorous acid concentration used in the stain determination process 31 in the storage unit 28 of the control device 6.

  In this dirt determination process 31, when it is determined that the object to be processed is not sufficiently cleaned, the sterilization process is interrupted, and the process of performing the object cleaning process 32 is started. (S1).

  This is because the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the first sensor (21, 22) are significantly different from the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the second sensor (23, 24). In this case, it can be determined that the object to be treated is not sufficiently cleaned, and dirt including organic matters remains, so that the sterilization process is not performed. It should be noted that information on the hypochlorous acid concentration or the difference in PH, which is a criterion for determining whether to continue or stop, may be stored in the storage unit 28.

  In this embodiment, by providing the injection nozzle 12 and the pump 11 in the supply pipe 4 and injecting sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid, contamination can be detected more reliably. In the soil determination process 31, it is preferable to use electrolyzed water having a lower hypochlorous acid concentration than in the case of sterilization. When the concentration of hypochlorous acid supplied in this way is kept low, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water that has passed through the sterilization tank 2 becomes extremely low when dirt remains, and the difference is remarkable. Since it becomes a thing, determination becomes easy.

  In the stain determination process, the “process for cleaning the object to be processed” includes various processes for causing the object to be cleaned 32 to be cleaned. For example, the sterilization tank 2 is also used as a washing tank, and the control signal from the control device 6 stops the supply of sterilized water to the sterilization tank 2 and puts the detergent into the sterilization tank 2 for cleaning. This includes a process for issuing a signal notifying the operator that the workpiece is not sufficiently cleaned so that the worker can perform an appropriate cleaning process. Since the sterilization apparatus 1 performs the sterilization process 33 after ensuring that the object to be processed is sufficiently cleaned in the dirt determination process 31, the object to be processed cannot be cleaned. This is sufficient to prevent the generated hypochlorous acid from being consumed outside the sterilization treatment.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the sterilization apparatus 1 performs the sterilization process 33 after ensuring that the object to be processed is sufficiently washed (removal of organic substances, etc.) in the dirt determination process 31. Perform (s2).

  The sterilization process 33 is performed by supplying the sterilized water generated by the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 to the sterilization tank 2 through the supply pipe 4. At this time, the object to be processed in the sterilization tank 2 is sufficiently cleaned, and thus a sufficiently clean state is maintained. And since bacteria etc. are removed from a to-be-processed object as the sterilization process 33 progresses, the hypochlorous acid consumed in the sterilization tank 2 reduces gradually. For this reason, in the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2, there is a case where the hypochlorous acid concentration sufficient to be used again in the sterilization process is maintained. Therefore, in order to use hypochlorous acid effectively, the hypochlorous acid concentration and pH of the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 are measured, and a resupply judgment is made to determine whether the sterilized water can be used as it is. Processing 34 is performed (s3).

  Specifically, in the sterilization apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 flows to the bypass pipe 5 after the dust such as suspended matters is removed by the filter 10, and the bypass pipe 5 Hypochlorous acid concentration and PH are measured by the first sensors (21, 22) attached to the. Then, in the control device 6, based on the measurement signal of the first sensor (21, 22), the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the first sensor (21, 22) are stored in the storage means 28, respectively. When the concentration of hypochlorous acid is within the range of PH, the sterilized water in the bypass pipe 5 is determined to be usable for sterilization as it is. It is determined that it cannot be used.

  When it is determined in the resupply determination process 34 that the sterilized water in the bypass pipe 5 cannot be used for sterilization as it is, the valve 9 is opened, and the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is discharged into the drain pipe 8. Then, the waste water treatment 35 for draining is performed (s4). If it is determined in this resupply determination process 34 that the sterilized water in the bypass pipe 5 can be used for sterilization as it is, the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is used as the bypass pipe 5 and the supply pipe. Then, a resupply process 36 for resupplying to the sterilization tank 2 through 4 is performed (s5). In this embodiment, in the resupply process 36, the control device 6 issues a control signal to an actuator that opens and closes the valves 9, 13, 15, closes the valves 9, 15, opens the valve 13 of the bypass pipe 5, The pump 14 is driven so that the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is re-supplied to the sterilization tank 2 through the bypass pipe 5 and the supply pipe 4. By this resupply process 36, the produced hypochlorous acid can be effectively used. In addition, since the sterilization process is performed while replacing the sterilization process water in the sterilization tank 2, the sterilization process can be performed efficiently. In addition, since the water drained by the waste water treatment 35 is in a sufficiently clean state, it can be used for other purposes such as washing.

  Next, the sterilizer 1 performs a complete sterilization determination process 37 for determining complete sterilization in a state where the resupply process 36 is performed (s6).

  In the complete sterilization determination process 37, the state in which the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is re-supplied to the sterilization tank 2 through the bypass pipe 5 and the supply pipe 4 is maintained for a certain period of time stored in the timer 27. It is determined whether or not. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the hypochlorous acid in the sterilized water has been maintained at a level higher than the predetermined concentration in the sterilization tank 2 for a certain period of time, so whether or not the bacteria have been completely killed. Can be determined. In this embodiment, in the complete sterilization determination process 37, the control device 6 is in a state where the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is re-supplied to the sterilization tank 2 through the bypass pipe 5 and the supply pipe 4. This is realized by determining whether or not the fixed time stored in the timer 27 is maintained.

  The complete sterilization determination process 37 is used in the sterilization tank 2 by using the third sensor (25, 26) and the timer 27 for measuring the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water in the sterilization tank 2. It may be determined whether or not hypochlorous acid in the sterilized water is maintained for a certain period of time at a pH higher than a predetermined concentration and at a PH within a predetermined range. By the complete sterilization determination process 37, it was determined that the hypochlorous acid of the sterilized water used in the sterilization tank 2 was maintained for a certain period of time in a state higher than a predetermined concentration and at a PH within a predetermined range. In some cases, complete sterilization is completed.

  Next, the sterilizer 1 performs a rinsing process 38 (s7). The rinsing process 38 is a process that mainly removes trihalomethane from the object to be processed and ensures the safety of the object to be processed. In this embodiment, the rinsing process 38 closes the valves 9 and 13, opens the valve 15, passes the sterilized water circulating in the bypass pipe 5 through the pipe 17 bypassed to the bypass pipe 5, and removes the trihalomethane by the filter 16. The circulated water is circulated through the sterilization tank 2 for a certain period of time. In the sterilization tank 2, the water from which the trihalomethane has been removed is sprayed from the spray nozzle 12 onto the object to be treated, thereby performing a rinsing process. In this rinsing process, the sterilized water can be effectively used. The sterilization apparatus 1 completes the sterilization process after the rinsing process 38 completes the removal of the trihalomethane.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of the sterilizer of this invention was described, the sterilizer which concerns on this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

  For example, as another embodiment for effectively using hypochlorous acid, as shown in FIG. 4, the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is re-supplied to the supply pipe 4 and the second sensor The hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water of the supply pipe 4 measured in (23, 24) are within the ranges of the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH stored in the storage means 28. You may control to adjust the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilization process water supplied from the chloric acid supply part 3. FIG.

  Specifically, in the sterilization process, the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank 2 is supplied 41 to the supply pipe 4 through the bypass pipe 5 (s4 '). Next, the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank 2 from the supply pipe 4 measured by the second sensor (23, 24) are stored in the storage means 28. Then, sterilized water whose hypochlorous acid concentration and PH are adjusted by the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 is supplied to the supply pipe 4 so as to be within the range of PH and PH, and the sterilized water in the supply pipe 4 is supplied. Hypochlorous acid concentration and pH are adjusted 42 (s5 '). Then, the sterilized water whose hypochlorous acid concentration and PH have been adjusted in this way may be supplied 43 again to the sterilization tank 2 (s6).

  In this case, the sterilized water supplied from the bypass pipe 5 to the supply pipe 4 and the sterilized water supplied from the hypochlorous acid supply unit 3 to the supply pipe 4 are mixed in the supply pipe 4 and stored in the storage means 28. The sterilized water within the range of hypochlorous acid concentration and the range of PH stored in can be always supplied from the supply pipe 4 to the sterilization tank 2. Accordingly, the resupply determination process 34 is not necessary, and in the above-described example, even if it is determined in the resupply determination process 34 that the sterilized water in the bypass pipe 5 cannot be used as it is for the sterilization process, It is not necessary to perform the waste water treatment 35 for draining the sterilized water after being used, and it is possible to effectively use hypochlorous acid.

  In addition, the first sensor that measures the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water after use in the sterilization tank, and the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. The position of the second sensor to be measured is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG. For example, the first sensor only needs to be able to measure the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and may be provided near the outlet of the sterilization tank. The second sensor is sterilized from the supply pipe. What is necessary is just to be able to measure the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water supplied to the tank, and it may be provided in the vicinity of the inlet of the sterilization tank or in the nozzle in the sterilization tank.

  The sterilization apparatus 1 can be used for applications such as washing machines for clothes (including large linen devices), dishwashers, endoscopes, and cleaning devices for medical instruments. In particular, since the sterilization apparatus 1 can guarantee the certainty of the sterilization process, it is more effective as it becomes a use with higher hygiene requirements such as a dishwasher, endoscope, and medical instrument cleaning apparatus. The more it becomes, the more economical effects can be obtained by the effective use of hypochlorous acid. Further, in the linen washing machine, sterilization using hypochlorous acid is performed, and complete sterilization can be performed at a temperature of about 40 ° C., so that clothes are not damaged. Moreover, in order to speed up the reaction of the sterilized water in the sterilization tank, the sterilization apparatus described above may be a device equipped with a stirrer.

The top view which shows the outline of the sterilizer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the relationship between PH and effective chlorine abundance ratio. The flowchart of the sterilizer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart of the sterilizer which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilizer 2 Sterilization tank 3 Hypochlorous acid supply part 4 Supply pipe 5 Bypass pipe 6 Control apparatus 7 Supply part 8 Drain pipe 9 Valve 10 Filter 11 Pump 12 Injection nozzle 13 Valve 14 Pump 15 Valve 16 Filter 17 Pipe 21 Pipe 21 Chloric acid concentration sensor 22 PH sensor 23 Hypochlorous acid concentration sensor 24 PH sensor 25 Hypochlorous acid concentration sensor 26 PH sensor 27 Timer 28 Storage means 29 Controller 31 Determination process 32 Cleaning process 33 Sterilization process 34 Resupply determination process 35 Drainage Process 36 Resupply process 37 Complete sterilization determination process 38 Rinse process

Claims (10)

A sterilization tank for storing the workpiece,
A hypochlorous acid supply unit that adjusts the hypochlorous acid concentration and pH to supply sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid; and
A supply pipe for supplying sterilized water to the sterilization tank from the hypochlorous acid supply unit;
Bypass piping for re-supplying the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank to the sterilization tank without going through the hypochlorous acid supply unit,
In the sterilization process of supplying sterilization water to the sterilization tank and sterilizing the object to be processed in the sterilization tank, the sterilization water after being used in the sterilization tank is suitable for performing the sterilization process. And a control means for re-supplying the sterilization tank with the sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank through the bypass pipe when maintaining the chlorous acid concentration and PH. Sterilizer to do. The control means includes a first sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and hypochlorous acid for sterilized water suitable for performing the sterilization process. Storage means for storing a concentration range and a PH range;
When the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the first sensor are within the range of hypochlorous acid concentration and PH stored in the storage means, the sterilization treatment after use in the sterilization tank The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein water is supplied again to the sterilization tank through the bypass pipe. A sterilization tank for storing the workpiece,
A hypochlorous acid supply unit that adjusts the hypochlorous acid concentration and pH to supply sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid; and
A supply pipe for supplying sterilized water to the sterilization tank from the hypochlorous acid supply unit;
A second sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank from the supply pipe, a range of hypochlorous acid concentration of sterilized water suitable for performing the sterilization process, and Storage means for storing the PH range,
The sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank is re-supplied to the supply pipe, and the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH measured by the second sensor are stored in the storage means. And a control means for adjusting the hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of the sterilized water supplied from the hypochlorous acid supply unit so as to be within the range of hypochlorous acid concentration and PH. Sterilizer to do. The control means includes a first sensor that measures hypochlorous acid concentration and pH of sterilized water after use in the sterilization tank, and hypochlorous acid supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. A second sensor for measuring acid concentration and pH,
The control device compares the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the second sensor with the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the first sensor, and sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. Compared with, the degree of dirt remaining on the object to be treated is determined by determining whether or not the hypochlorous acid concentration in the sterilized water after use in the sterilization tank is lower than a predetermined level. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a determination unit.   In the initial stage of the sterilization process, the control unit supplies water having a hypochlorous acid concentration lower than sterilized water suitable for performing the sterilization process to the sterilization tank. 5. The sterilizer according to claim 4, wherein the degree of remaining dirt is determined.   The sterilization tank, wherein the control means includes a timer for recording a sterilization time, and a storage means for storing a range of hypochlorous acid concentration and pH range of sterilized water suitable for performing the sterilization process. A complete sterilization determination process is performed to determine whether or not the inside has been maintained within a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration range stored in the storage means for a predetermined time recorded in the timer. Item 6. The sterilizer according to any one of Items 1 to 5. A first sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and a hypochlorous acid concentration and PH of sterilized water supplied from the supply pipe to the sterilization tank. A second sensor for measuring,
The sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank measured by the first sensor and the second sensor and the hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilized water supplied to the sterilization tank are recorded for a certain period of time. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the complete sterilization determination process is performed by determining whether or not the concentration is maintained within a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration range stored in the storage unit. . A third sensor for measuring hypochlorous acid and PH of sterilized water in the sterilization tank, and a range of hypochlorous acid concentration and PH range of sterilized water suitable for performing the sterilization are stored. Storage means,
The hypochlorous acid concentration of the sterilized water in the sterilization tank measured by the third sensor is within a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration range stored in the storage means for a predetermined time recorded in the timer. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the complete sterilization determination process is performed by determining whether or not the sterilization is maintained.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a filter for removing dust from sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank.   It is equipped with a filter that removes trihalomethane from sterilized water after being used in the sterilization tank, and a rinsing treatment that removes trihalomethane from the object to be treated by circulating water from which trihalomethane has been removed through a bypass pipe. 10. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein