JP6408894B2 - Isolator system - Google Patents

Description

  The present application relates to an isolator system.

  Conventionally, an isolator system including an isolator and a pass box is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The isolator has a work room in an aseptic environment, and is used for work on a biological material such as cell culture, operation, and observation in the work room. The pass box has a transfer chamber that communicates with the work chamber of the isolator, and is used for transferring articles between the work chamber and the outside.

  In the isolator system described above, the first sterilization mode for sterilizing the work chamber and the transfer chamber can be executed in order to maintain aseptic conditions in the work chamber and the transfer chamber. Further, it is possible to execute the second sterilization mode for sterilizing the transfer chamber without sterilizing the work chamber. For example, when an article is carried into an isolator from a pass box, the second sterilization mode is executed after the article is accommodated in the transfer chamber. Thereby, the article accommodated in the transfer chamber is sterilized. After the sterilization process, the article is carried into the isolator working chamber. Since the work chamber is not sterilized in the second sterilization mode, the second sterilization mode can be executed in a state where cells to be operated exist in the work chamber.

JP 2006-68122 A

  As a result of intensive research on the above-described isolator system, the inventors have performed a sterilization mode (from the start to the end of the sterilization mode) in which the conventional isolator system does not sterilize the work chamber but sterilizes the transfer chamber. It has been found that the time required tends to be long.

  The present application has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing an increase in time required for executing a sterilization mode for sterilizing a transfer chamber without sterilizing a work chamber.

  In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present application is an isolator system. The isolator system includes an isolator having a work chamber isolated from the surroundings, a transfer chamber that is isolated from the surroundings and connected to the work chamber, and a fan that is provided in the transfer chamber and sucks gas in the transfer chamber and discharges the gas into the transfer chamber. A pass box for transporting articles between the work chamber and the outside, a sterilizing material supply unit for supplying a sterilizing material to the work chamber and the transport chamber, and a first sterilization mode for sterilizing the work chamber and the transport chamber And a control unit that controls execution of a second sterilization mode for sterilizing the transfer chamber. In the first sterilization mode, the control unit drives the fan to circulate the sterilizing material supplied from the sterilizing material supply unit in the working chamber and the transfer chamber, and in the second sterilization mode, discharges from the fan per unit time. The fan is controlled so that the air volume or the total discharged air volume is smaller than the discharged air volume per unit time or the total discharged air volume in the first sterilization mode, and the sterilizing material supplied from the sterilizing material supply unit is conveyed. Circulate indoors.

  According to the present application, it is possible to provide a technique for suppressing an increase in the time required to execute the sterilization mode for sterilizing the transfer chamber without sterilizing the work chamber.

It is a system configuration figure showing an example of an isolator system concerning an embodiment.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of an isolator system according to an embodiment. The control unit 200 is realized by elements and circuits such as a CPU and a memory of a computer as a hardware configuration, and realized by a computer program or the like as a software configuration, but in FIG. It is drawn as a block. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

  The isolator system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an isolator 100, a pass box 120, a sterilizing substance supply unit 140, air conditioning units 150 and 160, and a control unit 200.

  The isolator 100 is a device for mainly performing work and the like for biological materials such as cell culture, operation, and observation in a sterilized environment. Sterilization means sterilization of microorganisms, cells and the like to bring them closer to sterility. The isolator 100 includes a work chamber 102 and a fan 104.

  The work chamber 102 is formed inside a housing including a front plate (not shown), a back plate 100a, a bottom plate 100b, a top plate 100c, a left side plate 100d, and a right side plate 100e. The work chamber 102 is airtight and isolated from the surroundings so that invasion of bacteria from the outside is suppressed. The front plate is made of a transparent resin, a glass plate, or the like, and a plurality of openings (not shown) which are insertion portions for a hand are provided on the front surface. A globe (not shown) is attached to each of the plurality of openings. An operator can work in the work chamber 102 through a glove provided on the front plate.

  The right side plate 100 e is provided with an opening 106 for communicating the working chamber 102 with the transfer chamber 122 of the pass box 120 connected to the isolator 100. A pass box 120 is attached to the opening 106. In a state where the pass box 120 is mounted in the opening 106, the door 126 of the delivery port of the pass box 120 constitutes a part of the right side plate 100e. The door 126 is provided with a sensor that detects opening and closing of the door 126, and this sensor transmits a signal indicating a detection result to the control unit 200.

  The fan 104 is disposed in the work chamber 102, sucks the gas in the work chamber 102, and discharges the gas into the work chamber 102. By driving the fan 104, the gas in the working chamber 102 can be circulated.

  The pass box 120 is a device for transporting articles between the work chamber 102 and the outside of the isolator 100, and is provided on the side surface of the isolator 100. For example, the worker can carry an article into the work chamber 102 from the outside via the pass box 120. The article is sterilized in the pass box 120 before the article is carried into the work chamber 102 from the outside. The pass box 120 includes a transfer chamber 122, a fan 124, and a door 126. The transfer chamber 122 is a space for temporarily storing articles. The transfer chamber 122 is airtight and isolated from the surroundings, and is connected to the work chamber 102.

  Specifically, an opening for moving an article between the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 is provided on the side surface of the pass box 120. A door 126 that can be opened and closed is attached to the opening. The pass box 120 is arranged so that the opening provided on the side face the opening 106 of the isolator 100 and is connected to the isolator 100. As a result, the working chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 communicate with each other while being airtight. The door 126 can separate the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 from each other in an airtight state in the closed state. In addition, the pass box 120 includes an opening that connects the outside and the transfer chamber 122 and a door (both not shown) that hermetically closes the opening. The operator can transport the article between the outside and the transport chamber 122 through this opening. The door is provided with a sensor for detecting opening and closing of the door, and this sensor transmits a signal indicating a detection result to the control unit 200.

  The fan 124 is disposed in the transfer chamber 122, sucks the gas in the transfer chamber 122, and discharges the gas into the transfer chamber 122. By driving the fan 124, the gas in the transfer chamber 122 can be circulated.

  The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 is an apparatus for supplying a sterilizing substance to the working chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122. The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a liquid sterilizing substance (sterilizing liquid) is misted by a spray method and sprayed from nozzles 143 and 144. However, it is not particularly limited to this configuration, and for example, a configuration in which a gasified sterilizing solution is sprayed may be used.

  The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 includes a sterilizing liquid bottle 141, an electronic balance 148 that measures the weight of the sterilizing liquid bottle 141, a water absorption pipe 142a that sucks the sterilizing liquid from the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 and supplies the sterilizing liquid to the nozzles 143 and 144, and a peristaltic pump. 142b. The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 includes a nozzle 143 provided in the isolator 100 and a nozzle 144 provided in the pass box 120. A switching valve 147a is provided on the upstream side of the nozzle 143 in the water absorption pipe 142a, and a switching valve 147b is provided on the upstream side of the nozzle 144 in the water absorption pipe 142a. The inflow of sterilizing liquid into the nozzle 143 is controlled by opening / closing the switching valve 147a, and the inflow of sterilizing liquid into the nozzle 144 is controlled by opening / closing the switching valve 147b.

  The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 includes a compressor 145 a and an intake pipe 145 b that supply air to the nozzles 143 and 144. A switching valve 146a is provided on the upstream side of the nozzle 143 in the intake pipe 145b, and a switching valve 146b is provided on the upstream side of the nozzle 144 in the intake pipe 145b. The inflow of air to the nozzle 143 is controlled by opening / closing the switching valve 146a, and the inflow of air to the nozzle 144 is controlled by opening / closing the switching valve 146b. The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 has an intake valve 149 for introducing air into the water absorption pipe 142a. The intake valve 149 is provided between the tip of the water suction pipe 142a inserted into the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 and the peristaltic pump 142b.

  As the sterilizing solution, for example, hydrogen peroxide water can be used. The sterilizing liquid is stored in the sterilizing liquid bottle 141. The sterilizing liquid bottle 141 is placed on the electronic balance 148. The electronic balance 148 measures the mass of the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 and the sterilizing liquid, and transmits a signal indicating the measurement result to the control unit 200. The sterilizing liquid stored in the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 is gradually supplied to the nozzles 143 and 144 via the water absorption pipe 142a by the peristaltic pump 142b. A filter for removing foreign substances in the sterilization liquid is provided on the downstream side of the water absorption pipe 142a from the peristaltic pump 142b.

  The sterilizing liquid is supplied to the nozzles 143 and 144 through the water intake pipe 142a, and air is supplied from the compressor 145a through the intake pipe 145b. As a result, the sterilizing liquid supplied to the nozzles 143 and 144 is misted and sprayed to the work chamber 102 or the transfer chamber 122, and the sterilization process in the work chamber 102 and / or the transfer chamber 122 is executed.

  The air conditioning unit 150 is provided above the isolator 100 and controls the air conditioning in the work chamber 102. The air conditioning unit 150 has an intake port 151 and an exhaust port 155 provided in the upper surface plate 100 c of the isolator 100. Air is supplied into the work chamber 102 through the intake port 151, and gas in the work chamber 102 is discharged through the exhaust port 155. The intake port 151 is provided with a particulate collection filter 152 such as a HEPA filter, and air is supplied into the working chamber 102 through the particulate collection filter 152. The exhaust port 155 is also provided with a particulate collection filter 156 such as a HEPA filter, and the gas in the working chamber 102 is exhausted to the outside of the isolator 100 through the particulate collection filter 156.

  An intake blower 153 is connected to the intake port 151 via an intake passage 153a. An intake valve 154 is provided midway in the intake flow path 153a. By driving the intake blower 153 with the intake valve 154 open, air can be sent into the work chamber 102 from the intake port 151. An exhaust blower 157 is connected to the exhaust port 155 via an exhaust passage 157a. An exhaust valve 158 is provided in the middle of the exhaust passage 157a. By driving the exhaust blower 157 with the exhaust valve 158 open, the gas in the work chamber 102 can be exhausted from the exhaust port 155 to the outside.

  The air conditioning unit 150 has a backflow channel 159a connected to the intake port 151 and the exhaust channel 157a. The reverse flow channel 159a is connected between the exhaust valve 158 and the exhaust blower 157 in the exhaust channel 157a. Further, a backflow valve 159 is provided in the backflow channel 159a. Opening and closing of the backflow valve 159 is controlled by the control unit 200 based on the atmospheric pressure in the working chamber 102. The isolator 100 is provided with an atmospheric pressure sensor (not shown) that detects the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102, and the atmospheric pressure sensor transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 can detect the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102 by receiving this signal.

  By opening and closing the backflow valve 159, the atmospheric pressure in the working chamber 102 can be adjusted. For example, when sterilization mist is sprayed into the working chamber 102, the working chamber 102 is in a pressurized state. When the inside of the working chamber 102 reaches a predetermined atmospheric pressure, the control unit 200 opens the backflow valve 159. As a result, the gas in the work chamber 102 is exhausted from the intake port 151 to the exhaust flow channel 157a via the back flow channel 159a, so that an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102 can be suppressed.

  The exhaust passage 157a is provided with a catalyst layer 157b for decomposing a sterilizing substance. The catalyst layer 157b is provided on the downstream side of the connection portion between the exhaust passage 157a and the backflow passage 159a. The sterilizing substance contained in the gas flowing through the exhaust passage 157a is decomposed in the catalyst layer 157b. The gas in the working chamber 102 is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust blower 157 after the concentration of the sterilizing substance is reduced by the catalyst layer 157b. Similarly, a catalyst layer 153b is provided in the intake passage 153a. Thereby, even when the gas in the working chamber 102 flows backward from the intake port 151 to the intake blower 153 side, the sterilizing substance can be prevented from leaking to the outside.

  The air conditioning unit 160 is provided above the pass box 120 and controls the air conditioning in the transfer chamber 122. The air conditioning unit 160 has an intake port 161 and an exhaust port 165 provided on the upper surface of the pass box 120. Air is supplied into the transfer chamber 122 through the intake port 161, and the gas in the transfer chamber 122 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 165. The intake port 161 is provided with a particulate collection filter 162 such as a HEPA filter, and air is supplied into the transfer chamber 122 through the particulate collection filter 162. The exhaust port 165 is also provided with a particulate collection filter 166 such as a HEPA filter, and the gas in the transfer chamber 122 is exhausted to the outside through the particulate collection filter 166.

  An intake valve 163 is connected to the intake port 161 via an intake passage 163a. A fan 164 is provided in the middle of the intake passage 163a. By driving the fan 164 while the intake valve 163 is open, air can be sent into the transfer chamber 122 from the intake port 161. An exhaust valve 167 is connected to the exhaust port 165 via an exhaust passage 167a. By driving the fan 164 with the exhaust valve 167 opened, the gas in the transfer chamber 122 can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port 165. The pass box 120 is provided with an atmospheric pressure sensor (not shown) that detects the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122, and the atmospheric pressure sensor transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 can detect the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122 by receiving this signal.

  The atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122 can be adjusted by opening and closing at least one of the intake valve 163 and the exhaust valve 167. For example, when sterilization mist is sprayed in the transfer chamber 122, the transfer chamber 122 is pressurized. When the inside of the transfer chamber 122 reaches a predetermined atmospheric pressure, the control unit 200 opens at least one of the intake valve 163 and the exhaust valve 167. As a result, the gas in the transfer chamber 122 is discharged, so that an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122 can be suppressed. A dedicated valve for pressure adjustment is provided between at least one of the intake valve 163 and the catalyst layer 163b and between the exhaust valve 167 and the catalyst layer 167b, and the control unit 200 controls the opening and closing of the dedicated valve. Thus, the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122 may be adjusted.

  The exhaust passage 167a is provided with a catalyst layer 167b for decomposing a sterilizing substance. The sterilizing substance contained in the gas in the exhaust passage 167a is decomposed in the catalyst layer 167b. The gas in the transfer chamber 122 is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 167 after the concentration of the sterilizing substance is reduced by the catalyst layer 167b. Similarly, a catalyst layer 163b is provided in the intake flow path 163a. Thereby, even when the gas in the transfer chamber 122 flows backward from the intake port 161 to the intake valve 163 side, the sterilizing substance can be prevented from leaking outside.

  The control unit 200 controls operations of the isolator 100, the pass box 120, the sterilizing substance supply unit 140, the air conditioning unit 150, and the air conditioning unit 160. Specifically, it controls the opening and closing of valves provided in each part and the driving of fans, blowers, pumps and compressors. In addition, the control unit 200 controls execution of the first sterilization mode for sterilizing the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 and execution of the second sterilization mode for sterilizing the transfer chamber 122 without sterilizing the work chamber 102. The control unit 200 includes a sterilization mode selection receiving unit 202 and a sterilization mode execution unit 204. In the isolator system 1, the first sterilization mode or the second sterilization mode is selected as a sterilization mode to be executed via an operation panel (not shown) provided in the isolator system 1. The sterilization mode selection receiving unit 202 receives a sterilization mode selection signal from the operation panel. Upon receiving the sterilization mode selection signal, the sterilization mode selection receiving unit 202 instructs the sterilization mode execution unit 204 to execute the selected sterilization mode. When the sterilization mode execution unit 204 receives the sterilization mode execution instruction signal from the sterilization mode selection reception unit 202, the sterilization mode execution unit 204 executes the selected sterilization mode according to a program stored in advance. Hereinafter, the first sterilization mode and the second sterilization mode will be described in detail.

(First sterilization mode)
The first sterilization mode is a sterilization mode for sterilizing the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122. The first sterilization mode is executed, for example, after the work is completed in the work chamber 102 and before the next work. In the first sterilization mode, the control unit 200 supplies a sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply unit 140 to the working chamber 102 with the door 126 opened, and drives the fan 104 and the fan 124 to drive the inside of the working chamber 102 and A sterilizing substance is circulated in the transfer chamber 122. The sterilization process performed in the first sterilization mode includes a spraying process, an exposure process, and a detoxification process.

(Spraying process)
The spraying process is a process of supplying sterilization mist into the isolator 100 and the pass box 120. The control unit 200 operates the sterilizing substance supply unit 140 to spray the sterilized mist into the work chamber 102. The control unit 200 controls operations of the fan 104, the fan 124, the air conditioning unit 150, and the like. The time required for the spraying process is, for example, about 15 minutes.

  First, in a state where the peristaltic pump 142b is stopped and the intake valve 149 is opened, the control unit 200 receives the measurement result of the total mass of the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 and the sterilizing liquid from the electronic balance 148. Then, the control unit 200 starts the operation of the sterilizing substance supply unit 140 in a state where the door 126, the switching valve 146a and the switching valve 147a are opened and the switching valve 146b and the switching valve 147b are closed. The intake valve 154, the exhaust valve 158, the intake valve 163, and the exhaust valve 167 are also closed.

  Specifically, the control unit 200 closes the intake valve 149 and activates the peristaltic pump 142b and the compressor 145a. Thereby, the sterilization liquid in the sterilization liquid bottle 141 is sucked into the water absorption pipe 142a. Along with this, the above-described total mass measured by the electronic balance 148 decreases. The sterilizing liquid in the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 is supplied to the nozzle 143 by a predetermined amount, for example, about 2 mL / min through the water suction pipe 142a and the filter by the operation of the peristaltic pump 142b. Air is supplied to the nozzle 143 through the intake pipe 145b. As a result, sterilization mist is sprayed from the nozzle 143 into the working chamber 102. The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 sprays sterilized mist intermittently.

  When the above-mentioned total mass measured by the electronic balance 148 decreases to a predetermined value, the control unit 200 opens the intake valve 149 and introduces air into the water suction pipe 142a. As a result, the sterilizing liquid located downstream from the connection part between the intake valve 149 and the water suction pipe 142a is supplied to the nozzle 143 by the peristaltic pump 142b, but the sterilizing liquid located upstream from the connection part is sterilized. It returns to the inside of the liquid bottle 141. As a result, the supply of the sterilizing liquid to the nozzle 143 is stopped.

  Further, the control unit 200 drives the fan 104 to circulate the gas in the work chamber 102. In addition, the control unit 200 drives the fan 124 to circulate the gas in the transfer chamber 122. Since the door 126 is in an open state, an airflow that circulates through the work chamber 102, the opening 106, and the transfer chamber 122 is generated by driving the fan 104 and the fan 124. The sterilized mist sprayed from the nozzle 143 is vaporized by this air flow to become a sterilized gas, and is diffused into the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122. During the spraying process, the fan 104 and the fan 124 are continuously driven and the driving is continued.

  Further, the control unit 200 controls the opening and closing of the backflow valve 159 based on an input from an atmospheric pressure sensor that detects the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102 and adjusts the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102. Thereby, the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122 is also adjusted. When the inside of the working chamber 102 rises to a predetermined atmospheric pressure due to the spraying of sterilization mist, the control unit 200 opens the backflow valve 159 with the intake valve 154 and the exhaust valve 158 closed. Thereby, the sterilization gas and sterilization mist in the work chamber 102 are exhausted through the intake port 151 and the backflow channel 159a, and the increase in the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102 is suppressed. Further, since the sterilization gas and sterilization mist in the working chamber 102 pass through the particulate collection filter 152 at the time of exhaust, the particulate collection filter 152 is sterilized. When the supply amount of the sterilizing liquid to the nozzle 143 reaches a predetermined amount, the spraying process ends.

(Exposure process)
Following the spraying process, the exposure process proceeds. The exposure step is a step of sterilizing an inner wall of the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 and an object to be sterilized such as an article housed in the work chamber 102 or the transfer chamber 122 with a sterilization gas. The time required for the exposure process is, for example, about 15 minutes.

  The control unit 200 continues the operation of the peristaltic pump 142b and the compressor 145a even after the sterilizing liquid in the water absorption pipe 142a has been supplied to the nozzle 143. Further, the control unit 200 drives the fan 104 and the fan 124 to diffuse and circulate the sterilizing gas. Moreover, the unvaporized sterilization mist is vaporized. During the exposure process, the fan 104 and the fan 124 are continuously driven and the driving is continued. Further, the control unit 200 controls the opening and closing of the backflow valve 159 according to a change in the atmospheric pressure in the work chamber 102.

  The exposure process ends when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the exposure process. For example, the control unit 200 measures an elapsed time after detecting that the supply amount of the sterilizing liquid to the nozzle 143 has reached a predetermined amount based on a signal from the electronic balance 148, and based on the measurement result. The end of the exposure process can be detected.

(Detoxification process)
Following the exposure process, the detoxification process proceeds. The detoxification process is a process for removing air from both chambers by supplying air into the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 and exhausting the gases in both chambers. The time required for the detoxification process is, for example, 30 minutes.

  The control unit 200 continues the operation of the compressor 145a and reverses the operation of the peristaltic pump 142b. Thereby, even if a sterilization liquid remains in the water absorption pipe 142a, the sterilization liquid can be collected in the sterilization liquid bottle 141.

  In addition, the control unit 200 drives the air conditioning unit 150. Specifically, the control unit 200 closes the backflow valve 159 and opens the intake valve 154 and the exhaust valve 158. Then, the intake blower 153 and the exhaust blower 157 are driven. Thereby, air is taken in from the intake blower 153 and air is supplied into the working chamber 102. Further, the gas in the working chamber 102 is exhausted from the exhaust blower 157. As a result, the sterilization mist and sterilization gas in the working chamber 102 are replaced with air.

  In addition, the control unit 200 drives the air conditioning unit 160. Specifically, the control unit 200 opens the intake valve 163 and the exhaust valve 167 to drive the fan 164. Thereby, air is taken in from the intake valve 163 and air is supplied into the transfer chamber 122. Further, the gas in the transfer chamber 122 is exhausted from the exhaust valve 167. As a result, the sterilization gas and sterilization mist in the transfer chamber 122 are replaced with air.

  In addition, the control unit 200 drives the fan 104 and the fan 124 to circulate the gas in the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122, and assists the discharge of the sterilization gas and sterilization mist in the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122. To do. During the detoxification process, the fan 104 and the fan 124 are continuously driven and the driving is continued.

  The detoxification process ends when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the detoxification process. For example, the control unit 200 can measure the elapsed time from the start of the detoxification process and detect the end of the detoxification process based on the measurement result. After the detoxification process is completed, the concentration of the sterilizing substance in the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 is reduced to a concentration at which work in the work chamber 102 can be performed. For example, the concentration of the sterilization mist and the sterilization gas in the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 is reduced to a concentration of 1 ppm (TWA: time weighted average value) or less defined by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). . As described above, the first sterilization mode is executed.

(Second sterilization mode)
The second sterilization mode is a sterilization mode in which the inside of the transfer chamber 122 is sterilized without sterilizing the work chamber 102. The second sterilization mode is executed when the article is sterilized when the article is carried into the work chamber 102 from the pass box 120 in a situation where work such as cell culture is performed in the work chamber 102, for example. The In the second sterilization mode, the control unit 200 supplies the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply unit 140 to the transfer chamber 122 with the door 126 closed, and controls the driving of the fan 124 to supply the sterilizing substance in the transfer chamber 122. Circulate. The sterilization process performed in the second sterilization mode includes a spraying process, an exposure process, and a detoxification process.

(Spraying process)
In the spraying process, sterile mist is sprayed into the pass box 120. The controller 200 operates the sterilizing substance supply unit 140 to spray the sterilized mist into the transfer chamber 122. The control unit 200 controls the operation of the fan 124 and the like. The time required for the spraying process is, for example, about 15 minutes.

  First, in a state where the peristaltic pump 142b is stopped and the intake valve 149 is opened, the control unit 200 receives the measurement result of the total mass of the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 and the sterilizing liquid from the electronic balance 148. Then, the control unit 200 starts the operation of the sterilizing substance supply unit 140 with the door 126, the switching valve 146a and the switching valve 147a being closed and the switching valve 146b and the switching valve 147b being opened. Further, the intake valve 163 and the exhaust valve 167 are also closed.

  Specifically, similarly to the spraying process in the first sterilization mode, the control unit 200 closes the intake valve 149 and activates the peristaltic pump 142b and the compressor 145a. The sterilizing liquid in the sterilizing liquid bottle 141 is supplied to the nozzle 144 by a predetermined amount, for example, about 2 mL / min through the water suction pipe 142a and the filter by the operation of the peristaltic pump 142b. Air is supplied to the nozzle 144 through the intake pipe 145b. As a result, sterilization mist is sprayed from the nozzle 144 into the transfer chamber 122. The sterilizing substance supply unit 140 sprays sterilized mist intermittently. When the above-mentioned total mass measured by the electronic balance 148 decreases to a predetermined value, the control unit 200 opens the intake valve 149 and introduces air into the water suction pipe 142a. Thereby, supply of the sterilizing liquid to the nozzle 144 is stopped.

  In addition, the control unit 200 drives the fan 124 to circulate the gas in the transfer chamber 122. In the second sterilization mode, the control unit 200 determines that the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan 124 is smaller than the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan 124 in the first sterilization mode. Thus, the drive of the fan 124 is controlled. Since the door 126 is in a closed state, an airflow circulating in the transfer chamber 122 is generated by driving the fan 124. The sterilized mist sprayed from the nozzle 144 is vaporized by this air flow to become a sterilized gas and is diffused into the transfer chamber 122. Further, the control unit 200 controls the opening / closing of at least one of the intake valve 163 and the exhaust valve 167 based on an input from an atmospheric pressure sensor that detects the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122 to adjust the atmospheric pressure in the transfer chamber 122. . When the supply amount of the sterilizing liquid to the nozzle 144 reaches a predetermined amount, the spraying process ends.

(Exposure process)
Following the spraying process, the exposure process proceeds. The exposure step is a step of sterilizing the inner wall of the transfer chamber 122 or the article accommodated in the transfer chamber 122 by exposing it to a sterilizing gas. The time required for the exposure process is, for example, about 15 minutes.

  The control unit 200 continues the operation of the peristaltic pump 142b and the compressor 145a even after the sterilizing liquid in the water absorption pipe 142a has been supplied to the nozzle 144. In addition, the control unit 200 drives the fan 124 to diffuse and circulate the sterilizing gas. Moreover, the unvaporized sterilization mist is vaporized. In the second sterilization mode, the control unit 200 determines that the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan 124 is smaller than the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan 124 in the first sterilization mode. Thus, the drive of the fan 124 is controlled.

  Examples of the drive control of the fan 124 in the spraying process and the exposure process in the second sterilization mode include the following. That is, for example, the control unit 200 does not drive the fan 124. As a result, the discharge air volume per unit time from the fan 124 and the total discharge air volume can be made smaller than the discharge air volume per unit time and in the first sterilization mode. The “total discharge airflow” means the total discharge airflow of the fan 124 from the start of the spraying process to the end of the detoxification process, more preferably from the start of the spraying process to the end of the exposure process. To do. A certain amount of airflow is generated in the transfer chamber 122 by spraying the sterilization mist from the nozzle 144. For this reason, the sterilization mist can be vaporized and diffused into the transfer chamber 122 without driving the fan 124.

  For example, the control unit 200 makes the rotation speed of the fan 124 slower than the rotation speed in the first sterilization mode. Thereby, the discharge air volume per unit time from the fan 124 can be made smaller than the discharge air volume per unit time in the first sterilization mode. For example, the control unit 200 drives the fan 124 intermittently. The controller 200 stops driving after driving the fan 124 for a predetermined time. As a result, the total discharge air volume from the fan 124 can be made smaller than the total discharge air volume in the first sterilization mode. The “predetermined time” can be appropriately set according to the results of experiments and simulations by the designer.

  Further, the drive control of the fan 124 can be performed as follows. That is, a plurality of fans 124 are provided in the pass box 120. And the control part 200 reduces the drive number of the fan 124 in 2nd sterilization mode rather than the drive number in 1st sterilization mode. This also makes it possible to make the total discharged air volume of the fan 124 smaller than the total discharged air volume in the first sterilization mode. In this case, the “total discharge airflow” is the total of the plurality of fans 124 from the start of the spraying process to the end of the detoxification process, more preferably from the start of the spraying process to the end of the exposure process. It means the total discharge air volume.

  The mechanism of sterilization with a sterilizing substance such as hydrogen peroxide is as follows. That is, the sterilized mist sprayed in the transfer chamber 122 is vaporized to become a sterilized gas. The high-concentration sterilization gas is condensed in the transfer chamber 122 to become a liquid and adheres to the wall surface of the transfer chamber 122 and the surface of the article. Thereby, the object to which the sterilizing liquid is attached is sterilized. As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that when the gas circulation speed in the transfer chamber 122 is high, the condensation of the sterilization gas is inhibited, thereby reducing the sterilization efficiency. When the sterilization efficiency is lowered, it is necessary to lengthen the time required for the sterilization process in order to obtain a desired sterilization effect.

  In the first sterilization mode, the sterilizing material circulates in a relatively large space where the working chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 are communicated. On the other hand, in the second sterilization mode, the sterilizing material circulates only in the transfer chamber 122. Therefore, in the first sterilization mode and the second sterilization mode, when the discharge air volume per unit time of the fan 124, in other words, when the air speed is the same, or when the total discharge air volume of the fan 124 is the same, in the second sterilization mode The circulation rate of the sterilizing substance is faster than the circulation rate in the first sterilization mode.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, in the spraying step and the exposure step in the second sterilization mode, the discharge amount of air per unit time or the total of the fan 124 is made smaller than that in the first sterilization mode. Thereby, it can suppress that the circulation speed of the sterilization substance in the conveyance chamber 122 raises, and can suppress the fall of sterilization efficiency. Therefore, it can suppress that the execution time of 2nd sterilization mode becomes long.

  The exposure process ends when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the exposure process. The control unit 200 can detect the end of the exposure process in the same manner as in the first sterilization mode.

(Detoxification process)
Following the exposure process, the detoxification process proceeds. The detoxification step is a step of removing the sterilizing substance from the transfer chamber 122 by supplying air into the transfer chamber 122 and exhausting the gas in the transfer chamber 122. The time required for the detoxification process is, for example, 30 minutes.

  The control unit 200 continues the operation of the compressor 145a and reverses the operation of the peristaltic pump 142b. Thereby, even if a sterilization liquid remains in the water absorption pipe 142a, the sterilization liquid can be collected in the sterilization liquid bottle 141.

  In addition, the control unit 200 drives the air conditioning unit 160. Specifically, the control unit 200 opens the intake valve 163 and the exhaust valve 167 to drive the fan 164. Thereby, air is taken in from the intake valve 163 and air is supplied into the transfer chamber 122. Further, the gas in the transfer chamber 122 is exhausted from the exhaust valve 167. As a result, the sterilization mist and sterilization gas in the transfer chamber 122 are replaced with air.

  In addition, the control unit 200 drives the fan 124 to circulate the gas in the transfer chamber 122 and assists in discharging the sterilization mist and the sterilization gas in the transfer chamber 122. From the standpoint of efficiently removing the sterilizing substance in the transfer chamber 122, the fan 124 per unit time or total discharge air volume should be the same as the unit discharge time or total discharge air volume in the detoxification process of the first sterilization mode. Is preferred.

  The detoxification process ends when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the detoxification process. The control unit 200 can detect the end of the detoxification process in the same manner as in the first sterilization mode. As described above, the second sterilization mode is executed.

  As described above, the isolator system 1 according to the present embodiment can execute the first sterilization mode for sterilizing the work chamber 102 and the transfer chamber 122 and the second sterilization mode for sterilizing the work chamber 102. . Execution of these sterilization modes is controlled by the control unit 200. Then, the control unit 200 determines that the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan 124 in the second sterilization mode is greater than the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan 124 in the first sterilization mode. The drive of the fan 124 is controlled so as to be smaller.

  Thereby, it can suppress that the wind speed of the gas which circulates in the conveyance chamber 122 in 2nd sterilization mode becomes excessive, and sterilization efficiency falls. For this reason, it can suppress that the execution time of 2nd sterilization mode becomes long. In addition, the execution time of the second sterilization mode can be shortened as compared to the case where the first sterilization mode and the second sterilization mode have the same discharge air volume per unit time of the fan 124 or the same.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications such as various design changes can be added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Forms are also included within the scope of the present invention. A new embodiment generated by adding a modification to the above-described embodiment has the effects of the combined embodiment and the modification.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pass box 120 is attached to the opening 106 of the right side plate 100e, but is not particularly limited to this configuration. For example, the left side plate 100d is provided with an opening, and the pass box 120 is attached to this opening. May be.

  The isolator system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may include an incubator. An incubator is an apparatus for storing a culture or the like in a state where the temperature is kept constant. The incubator is attached to, for example, the side surface of the isolator 100 opposite to the side surface on which the pass box 120 is provided. When the isolator system 1 includes an incubator, the inside of the incubator is sterilized, for example, in the first sterilization mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the first sterilization mode, sterilization mist is sprayed from the nozzle 143, and the sterilization mist and sterilization gas are driven from the working chamber 102 to the transfer chamber 122 through the opening 106 by driving the fan 104 and the fan 124. It is circulating. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the sterile mist may be sprayed from the nozzle 144, or the sterile mist may be sprayed from both the nozzle 143 and the nozzle 144.

  In the embodiment described above, the suppression control of the discharge air volume of the fan 124 is executed in the spraying step and the exposure step, but this suppression control may be executed only in the exposure step. In this case, the “total amount of discharged air” means the total amount of air discharged by the fan 124 from the start of the spraying process to the end of the detoxification process, more preferably from the start to the end of the exposure process. . Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the execution time of the second sterilization mode from increasing. In other words, it is desirable to execute control for suppressing the amount of air discharged from the fan 124 at least in the exposure step of the spraying step and the exposure step.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Isolator system, 100 Isolator, 102 Working room, 104 Fan, 120 Pass box, 122 Transfer chamber, 124 Fan, 140 Sterilization substance supply part, 200 Control part, 202 Sterilization mode selection reception part, 204 Sterilization mode execution part

Claims (8)

An isolator having a working chamber isolated from the surroundings;
In order to transport articles between the work chamber and the outside, having a transport chamber that is isolated from the surroundings and connected to the work chamber, and a fan that is provided in the transport chamber and sucks gas in the transport chamber and discharges the gas into the transport chamber Pass box and
A sterilizing substance supply unit for supplying a sterilizing substance to the working chamber and the transfer chamber;
A first sterilization mode for sterilizing the working chamber and the transfer chamber, and a control unit for controlling execution of a second sterilization mode for sterilizing the transfer chamber,
The control unit drives the fan in the first sterilization mode to circulate the sterilization material supplied from the sterilization material supply unit in the work chamber and the transfer chamber, and in the second sterilization mode, Controlling the drive of the fan so that the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount from the fan is smaller than the discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount in the first sterilization mode, An isolator system for circulating a sterilizing substance supplied from the sterilizing substance supply unit in the transfer chamber. Each of the first sterilization mode and the second sterilization mode includes a step of supplying a sterilizing substance, a step of exposing an object to be sterilized to the sterilizing substance, and a step of removing the sterilizing substance,
The control unit includes at least one of the step of supplying the sterilized material and the step of exposing the sterilized material to the sterilized material, and at least exposing the sterilized material to the sterilized material. 2. The driving of the fan is controlled such that a discharge air amount per unit time or a total discharge air amount is smaller than a discharge air amount per unit time or the total discharge air amount in the first sterilization mode. Isolator system.   3. The isolator system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit deactivates the fan in the second sterilization mode.   3. The isolator system according to claim 1, wherein, in the second sterilization mode, the control unit makes the rotation speed of the fan slower than the rotation speed in the first sterilization mode.   The isolator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit continuously drives the fan in the first sterilization mode and intermittently drives the fan in the second sterilization mode.   3. The isolator system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit continuously drives the fan in the first sterilization mode, and stops the drive after driving the fan for a predetermined time in the second sterilization mode. The pass box has a plurality of the fans,
The isolator system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reduces the number of driving of the fan in the second sterilization mode to be less than the number of driving in the first sterilization mode. When the fan is the first fan,
The isolator has a second fan that is provided in a work chamber and sucks gas in the work chamber and discharges the gas into the work chamber.
In the first sterilization mode, the control unit drives the first fan and the second fan to circulate the sterilizing material supplied from the sterilizing material supply unit in the working chamber and the transfer chamber, and The isolator system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the two sterilization mode, the sterilizing substance supplied from the sterilizing substance supply unit is circulated in the transfer chamber by controlling driving of the first fan.

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