WO2017094197A1

WO2017094197A1 - Sterilization device and sterilization method

Info

Publication number: WO2017094197A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/084214
Authority: WO
Inventors: 茂藤村; 岳彦佐藤; 智樹中嶋; 和貴岡崎; 秀人神山; 仁押谷; 道子岡本; 敬五十嵐; 敏勝長沢; 勝之鈴木; 人也中村; 達行中谷
Original assignee: 国立大学法人東北大学; 株式会社平山製作所; 茂藤村; 学校法人加計学園
Priority date: 2015-12-04
Filing date: 2015-12-04
Publication date: 2017-06-08
Also published as: CN108367092A; JPWO2017094197A1; JP6675538B2; CN108367092B

Abstract

This sterilization device (1) is provided with a container (10, 20-1) and a discharge unit (30). The container (10, 20-1) comprises therein a container space (CS) which is a space for accommodating a liquid (LQ) and an object (TO) submerged in the liquid. The discharge unit comprises a first electrode (32), a second electrode (33) and a dielectric body (31) interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the discharge unit causes electrical discharge in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode and a flow (GF) circulating in a space vertically above the liquid in the container space is formed as a result of electrical discharge so that a convective flow (LF) of the liquid is formed in a state where the container space contains the liquid. The sterilization device sterilizes the object with chemical species generated as a result of electrical discharge in a state where the container space contains the liquid and the object.

Description

Sterilization apparatus and sterilization method

The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method.

A sterilization apparatus is known in which a voltage is applied between electrodes to cause a discharge in a space between the electrodes and sterilize an object with a chemical species generated along with the discharge (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP 2012-081215 A

By the way, contact lenses are easily damaged when dried. Therefore, when the object is a contact lens, it can be considered that sterilization is performed in a state where the object is immersed in a liquid.

However, the rate at which chemical species diffuse in the liquid is lower than that in gas. For this reason, when the target object immersed in the liquid is sterilized using the sterilization apparatus, it takes a long time for the chemical species generated by the discharge to reach the target object. Therefore, in the said sterilizer, there exists a possibility that the time required in order to sterilize the target object immersed in the liquid may become excessively long.

One of the objects of the present invention is to quickly sterilize an object immersed in a liquid.

In one aspect, the sterilizer is
A container having therein a storage space which is a space for storing the liquid and the object immersed in the liquid;
A first electrode and a second electrode; and a dielectric interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is applied to cause a discharge in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode, and in the state where the liquid is stored in the storage space, convection is performed in the liquid. A discharge part that forms a flow that circulates in a space vertically above the liquid in the accommodation space in association with the discharge so as to be formed;
And the object is sterilized by the chemical species generated along with the discharge in a state where the liquid and the object are stored in the storage space.

In one aspect, the sterilization method is
In a housing space that is a space inside the container, a liquid and an object immersed in the liquid are arranged,
By applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode interposing the dielectric, a discharge is generated in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode,
A flow that circulates in a space vertically above the liquid in the accommodating space so as to form a convection in the liquid is formed along with the discharge,
The object is sterilized by the chemical species generated with the discharge.

∙ Can quickly sterilize objects immersed in liquid.

It is a perspective view of the sterilizer of a 1st embodiment. It is a top view of the sterilizer of FIG. It is a front view of the sterilizer of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilizer along the line AA in FIG. 2. It is a front view of the discharge part of FIG. It is a rear view of the discharge part of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilizer along the line AA in FIG. 2. It is a front view of the discharge part of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a rear view of the discharge part of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the sterilizer of the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the base by the BB line in FIG. It is a top view of the sterilizer of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the sterilizer by the DD line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the sterilizer of 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the cover part by the EE line in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the sterilization apparatus and the sterilization method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

<First Embodiment>
(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment includes a base 10 and two lids 20-1 and 20-2. As will be described later, in this example, the lid portions 20-1 and 20-2 are detachably fixed to the base portion 10. Hereinafter, the sterilization apparatus 1 in a state where the lid portions 20-1 and 20-2 are fixed to the base portion 10 will be described.

The base 10 is a plate having a rounded rectangular shape. In addition, the base 10 may have a shape (for example, a square shape, a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, or a circular shape) different from the rounded rectangular shape. For example, the length of the base 10 in the longitudinal direction is 10 mm to 100 mm. For example, the length of the base 10 in the short direction is 5 mm to 50 mm. Further, for example, the thickness of the base 10 is 5 mm to 50 mm.

In this example, the thickness direction of the base 10 is a direction extending along the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this example, the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the base 10 are directions extending along a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.

The lid 20-1 has a cylindrical shape. In this example, the diameter of the lid 20-1 is equal to the length of the base 10 in the short direction. Note that the diameter of the lid 20-1 may be different from the length of the base 10 in the short direction. Further, the lid 20-1 may have a shape (for example, a prismatic shape or the like) different from the cylindrical shape.

The central axis of the lid 20-1 extends along the thickness direction of the base 10. In this example, the lid 20-2 has the same shape as the lid 20-1. The lid portion 20-1 and the lid portion 20-2 are respectively located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 10 on the surface of one of the surfaces in the thickness direction of the base portion 10 (in this example, vertically upward). Vertically upward is the upward direction in the vertical direction (in other words, the direction opposite to the direction of gravity). The vertically downward direction is a downward direction in the vertical direction (in other words, the direction of gravity).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the sterilizer 1 will be described using a right-handed orthogonal coordinate system having an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. 8 to 15 to be described later, the same orthogonal coordinate system as in FIGS. 1 to 7 is used.

The Z axis extends along the vertical direction (in other words, the thickness direction of the base portion 10 or the central axis direction of the lid portions 20-1 and 20-2). The positive direction of the Z axis is vertically upward. The Y axis extends along the longitudinal direction of the base 10. The positive direction of the Y axis is the direction from the lid 20-2 to the lid 20-1. The X axis extends along the short direction of the base 10.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the sterilizer 1 along the line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the base 10 has a recess 11 on the surface on the positive direction side of the Z axis. The recess 11 forms a side surface and a bottom surface on the negative direction side of the Z axis of a cylinder extending along the Z axis. In addition, the recessed part 11 may form a column body (for example, a prism etc.) different from a cylinder. In this example, the central axis of the recess 11 coincides with the central axis of the lid 20-1.

A portion (in other words, the bottom surface of the concave portion 11) 12 of the concave portion 11 that forms the bottom surface on the negative direction side of the Z-axis of the cylinder is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane (this example). Then, it has the shape which guide | induces to the center part in XY plane. The XY plane is a plane orthogonal to the Z axis. In this example, the bottom surface 12 of the recess 11 is positioned closer to the negative direction side of the Z axis as it approaches the central axis of the recess 11. The bottom surface 12 of the recess 11 may be a flat surface.

The lid 20-1 has a recess 21 on the surface on the negative direction side of the Z-axis. The recess 21 forms a side surface and a bottom surface on the positive direction side of the Z axis of a cylinder extending along the Z axis. In addition, the recessed part 21 may form a column body (for example, a prism etc.) different from a cylinder. In this example, the central axis of the recess 21 coincides with the central axis of the lid 20-1. Furthermore, in this example, the diameter of the recess 21 is equal to the diameter of the recess 11. A portion (in other words, the bottom surface of the recess 21) 22 that forms the bottom surface of the concave portion 21 on the positive side of the Z axis of the cylinder is a flat surface.

The base 10 includes a threaded portion 13 on the surface on the positive side of the Z axis. The threaded portion 13 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending along the Z axis. The inner diameter of the threaded portion 13 is equal to the diameter of the concave portion 11 (in this example, the diameter of the concave portion 11 at the end on the positive direction side of the Z axis). The central axis of the threaded portion 13 coincides with the central axis of the concave portion 11. The outer wall of the screwing part 13 has a screw groove. The screw part 13 may be regarded as a male screw.

The lid 20-1 includes a threaded portion 23 on the surface on the negative direction side of the Z-axis. The screw part 23 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending along the Z axis. The inner diameter of the screwing portion 23 is equal to the outer diameter of the screwing portion 13. The outer diameter of the screw portion 23 is equal to the diameter of the lid portion 20-1. The central axis of the screw part 23 coincides with the central axis of the lid part 20-1. The inner wall of the screwing portion 23 has a screw groove to be screwed with the screwing portion 13. The screw part 23 may be regarded as a female screw.

The lid portion 20-1 is fixed to the base portion 10 by the screwing portion 23 being screwed to the screwing portion 13. The lid 20-1 being fixed to the base 10 by screwing is an example of the lid 20-1 being detachably fixed to the base 10. The lid 20-1 may be detachably fixed to the base 10 by a mechanism different from screwing.
In the sterilizer 1, the base portion 10 may constitute a female screw, and the lid portion 20-1 may constitute a male screw.

In a state where the lid 20-1 is fixed to the base 10, the base 10 and the lid 20-1 constitute a container, and the concave portion 21, the concave portion 11, and the screwing portion 13 are provided inside the container. A storage space CS which is a space is formed. Therefore, in this example, the shape in the XY plane of the end portion on the positive direction side of the Z axis in the accommodation space CS is a circular shape.

Further, in a state where the lid 20-1 is fixed to the base 10, the base 10 may be regarded as forming the end of the accommodation space CS in the negative direction of the Z axis. Further, in a state where the lid 20-1 is fixed to the base 10, the lid 20-1 may be regarded as forming the end in the positive direction of the Z axis in the accommodation space CS.
In this example, in the state where the lid 20-1 is fixed to the base 10, the accommodation space CS may be regarded as a sealed space.

As described above, in this example, the lid 20-2 has the same shape as the lid 20-1. The base portion 10 includes a concave portion and a screwing portion for the lid portion 20-2 as well as the concave portion 11 and the screwing portion 13 for the lid portion 20-1.

Further, the lid 20-1 includes a discharge unit 30. The discharge unit 30 has a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The discharge part 30 contacts the bottom surface 22 of the recess 21 of the lid part 20-1. In this example, the discharge part 30 is fixed to the bottom surface 22 of the recess 21 of the lid part 20-1. Accordingly, the discharge part 30 covers the bottom surface 22 of the recess 21 of the lid part 20-1.
The discharge unit 30 includes a dielectric 31, a first electrode 32, a second electrode 33, and an insulator 34.

The dielectric 31 is made of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ). Aluminum oxide may be represented as alumina. The dielectric 31 may be made of a material different from aluminum oxide (for example, glass).

The dielectric 31 is a flat plate parallel to the XY plane. The thickness of the dielectric 31 is 0.02 mm to 2 mm. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the dielectric 31 has a circular shape. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the discharge unit 30 viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis (in other words, a diagram viewed from the front of the discharge unit 30). FIG. 6 is a diagram of the discharge unit 30 viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis (in other words, a diagram viewed from the back of the discharge unit 30). In this example, the outer edge of the dielectric 31 matches the shape of the recess 21 in the XY plane. The outer edge of the dielectric 31 may have a shape different from the shape of the recess 21 in the XY plane.

The first electrode 32 is made of aluminum (Al). Note that the first electrode 32 may be made of a material different from aluminum (for example, stainless steel, silver, or copper). Stainless steel may be represented as SUS.

The first electrode 32 has a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The thickness of the first electrode 32 is 1 μm to 3 mm. The first electrode 32 is in contact with the surface of the dielectric 31 on the negative side of the Z axis. In this example, the first electrode 32 is fixed to the surface of the dielectric 31 on the negative direction side of the Z axis.

The first electrode 32 has a T-shape composed of a portion extending along the X-axis direction and a portion extending along the Y-axis direction. In the XY plane, the end side 321 of the first electrode 32 in the negative direction of the Y-axis is a straight line extending along the X-axis direction. The length of the end side 321 is shorter than the diameter of the dielectric 31. In the XY plane, the end side 321 passes through the center of the dielectric 31. The negative direction of the Y axis is an example of the first direction. The X-axis direction is an example of the second direction. The end side 321 is an example of a first end side.

The second electrode 33 is made of aluminum (Al). Note that the second electrode 33 may be made of a material different from aluminum (for example, stainless steel, silver, or copper). Further, the second electrode 33 may be made of a material different from that of the first electrode 32.

The second electrode 33 has a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The thickness of the second electrode 33 is 1 μm to 3 mm. The second electrode 33 is in contact with the surface of the dielectric 31 on the positive side of the Z axis. In this example, the second electrode 33 is fixed to the surface of the dielectric 31 on the positive side of the Z axis.

The second electrode 33 has a T-shape composed of a portion extending along the X-axis direction and a portion extending along the Y-axis direction. In the XY plane, the end side 331 of the second electrode 33 in the positive direction of the Y-axis is a straight line extending along the X-axis direction. The length of the end side 331 is equal to the length of the end side 321. In the XY plane, the end side 331 passes through the center of the dielectric 31. The end side 331 is an example of a second end side.

In this example, the position of the end side 331 coincides with the position of the end side 321 in the XY plane. Accordingly, in this example, the position of the portion of the second electrode 33 that is different from the end side 331 in the XY plane is different from the position of the first electrode 32 in the XY plane. In other words, the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 do not overlap with each other in the XY plane.

Thus, in this example, the first electrode 32 is in contact with the surface of the dielectric 31 on the negative direction side of the Z-axis, and the second electrode 33 is out of the surface of the dielectric 31. In contact with the surface on the positive side of the Z-axis. In other words, the dielectric 31 is interposed between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33.

The insulator 34 is made of a synthetic resin such as a vinyl chloride resin. The insulator 34 may be made of a material different from the synthetic resin (for example, silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ )). The insulator 34 has a plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The thickness of the insulator 34 is 1 μm to 5 mm. The insulator 34 includes the surface of the second electrode 33 on the positive side of the Z axis and the surface of the dielectric 31 on the positive side of the Z axis and the second electrode 33. The part which does not touch is covered.

In this example, the insulator 34 is located over the entire portion of the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 extending along the X-axis direction in the XY plane. In other words, the insulator 34 overlaps the entire portion of the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 extending along the X-axis direction in the XY plane. In this example, the insulator 34 further extends to the outer periphery of the portion extending along the X-axis direction in the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 in the XY plane.

Further, a power supply unit (not shown) is connected to the discharge unit 30. The power supply unit is connected to the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. The power supply unit applies an alternating voltage between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. In this example, the waveform of the AC voltage is a sine wave. In this example, the AC voltage has a frequency of 40 kHz and an amplitude of 2.8 kV. Note that the AC voltage may have a frequency of 10 kHz to 100 kHz and an amplitude of 1 kV to 10 kV. The waveform of the AC voltage may be a waveform different from a sine wave (for example, a rectangular wave or a triangular wave).
In this example, the discharge unit 30 may be regarded as a plasma actuator.

In this example, the lid 20-2 also includes a discharge unit similar to the discharge unit 30 included in the lid 20-1. In this example, the sterilizer 1 is connected to one power supply unit, and the power supply unit is shared between the discharge unit 30 included in the cover unit 20-1 and the discharge unit included in the cover unit 20-2. Is done. Note that the discharge unit 30 included in the lid 20-1 and the discharge unit included in the lid 20-2 may be connected to two power supply units, respectively.

Moreover, the sterilizer 1 may include a power supply unit. In this case, the power supply unit may be configured integrally with a part of the sterilization apparatus 1 other than the power supply unit, or may be configured separately from the part.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the sterilizer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the operation of the sterilizer 1 will be described by focusing on the accommodation space CS formed by the lid 20-1 and the base 10. Note that the operation of the sterilizer 1 with respect to the accommodation space formed by the lid 20-2 and the base 10 will be described in the same way, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the lid 20-1 is removed from the base 10. In a state where the lid 20-1 is removed from the base 10, the liquid LQ is injected into the recess 11 of the base 10. In this example, the liquid LQ is water (for example, tap water). The liquid LQ may be a liquid different from water (for example, an aqueous solution).

Next, the object TO is introduced into the liquid LQ injected into the recess 11. In this example, the object TO is a contact lens. The object TO may be an object different from the contact lens (for example, a medical device, a medical product, a dental material, or a sanitary product). Thereby, the target object TO is immersed in the liquid LQ. In this example, the entire object TO is immersed in the liquid LQ. Note that only a part of the object TO may be immersed in the liquid LQ. Further, the liquid LQ may be injected into the recess 11 after the object TO is introduced into the recess 11. Further, after the object TO is introduced into the liquid LQ, the liquid LQ containing the object TO may be injected into the recess 11.

Then, the lid 20-1 is attached to the base 10. In this example, the lid 20-1 is fixed to the base 10 by screwing. Thereby, the accommodation space CS sealed in the inside of the sterilizer 1 is formed. Therefore, in this example, the portion of the accommodation space CS on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the liquid LQ is filled with air having atmospheric pressure.

In this way, the liquid LQ and the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ are arranged in the accommodation space CS. In other words, the liquid LQ and the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ are stored in the storage space CS.

Next, an AC voltage is applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. As a result, discharge occurs in the space between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. In this example, discharge occurs in the space between the first electrode 32 and the surface of the dielectric 31 on the negative direction side of the Z axis. In this example, the discharge may be regarded as a dielectric barrier discharge.

Ions are generated with the discharge. An electric field in the Y-axis direction is formed in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30 in the accommodation space CS. As a result, an ion flow in the negative direction of the Y axis is formed in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30 in the accommodation space CS. By forming the ion flow, a negative Y-axis air flow is formed in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30 in the accommodation space CS.

Therefore, in the space on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the liquid LQ in the storage space CS, the flow in the negative direction of the Y axis in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30 and the Z axis at the end on the negative direction side of the Y axis. A negative flow, a positive flow of the Y axis in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid LQ, and a positive flow of the Z axis at the end on the positive direction side of the Y axis are formed.
In this way, a flow (in other words, a circulating flow) GF that circulates in a space on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the liquid LQ in the storage space CS is formed along with the discharge.

By forming the circulating flow GF, in the liquid LQ, the flow in the positive direction of the Y axis in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid LQ, the flow in the negative direction of the Z axis at the end on the positive direction side of the Y axis, and the concave portion 11 in the vicinity of the bottom surface 12 of the Y axis, and a positive flow in the Z axis at the end of the Y axis on the negative direction side.
In this way, a convection LF is formed in the liquid LQ along with the discharge.

In addition, chemical species are generated along with the discharge. In this example, the chemical species includes chemically active species. The chemically active species may be represented as a reactive species. In this example, the chemically active species includes ozone (O ₃ ), ions, or radicals.
The chemical species generated along with the discharge is carried to the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ by the circulating flow GF and the convection LF formed in the accommodation space CS. As a result, the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ is sterilized. For example, microorganisms that die by sterilization or microorganisms that are removed by sterilization include pathogenic microorganisms such as spore bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Acanthamoeba, influenza virus, adenovirus, enterovirus, or herpes virus. Including.

As described above, the sterilization apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has the first electrode 32 and the first electrode 32 applied by applying a voltage between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. In the space between the two electrodes 33, and in the state where the liquid LQ is accommodated in the accommodation space CS, the liquid in the accommodation space CS so that the convection LF is formed in the liquid LQ. A flow GF that circulates in a space vertically above LQ is formed along with the discharge. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1 sterilizes the object TO with the chemical species generated along with the discharge in a state where the liquid LQ and the object TO are stored in the storage space CS.

According to this, the convection LF can be formed with the liquid LQ without using a fluid machine such as a blower or a pump. Thereby, the chemical species generated along with the discharge can quickly reach the target TO immersed in the liquid LQ. As a result, the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ can be quickly sterilized.

Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the dielectric 31 is a flat plate parallel to the horizontal plane. In addition, the first electrode 32 has a flat plate shape parallel to the horizontal plane, and is in contact with the surface of the dielectric 31 on the vertically lower side. Furthermore, the second electrode 33 has a flat plate shape parallel to the horizontal plane, and is in contact with the surface on the vertical upper side of the surface of the dielectric 31. In addition, the position of at least a part of the second electrode 33 is different from that of the first electrode 32 in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.

According to this, a flow in a direction along a plane parallel to the horizontal plane can be formed in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30 in the accommodation space CS along with the discharge. Thereby, since the flow GF circulating in the space vertically above the liquid LQ in the accommodation space CS can be formed, the convection LF can be formed in the liquid LQ.

Furthermore, the region where the electric field is formed can be enlarged while sufficiently shortening the distance between the surface of the liquid LQ and the discharge part 30. Therefore, while reducing the size of the sterilizer 1 in the vertical direction, the amount of chemical species generated along with the discharge can be increased, and the flows GF and LF formed along with the discharge can be made sufficiently strong. it can.

Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the first end 321 in the first direction of the first electrode 32 (in this example, the negative direction of the Y axis) in the plane parallel to the horizontal plane is It is a straight line extending along a second direction (in this example, the X-axis direction) orthogonal to the direction 1. In addition, in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the second end 331 of the second electrode 33 in the direction opposite to the first direction (in this example, the positive direction of the Y-axis) In the example, it is a straight line extending along the X-axis direction).

According to this, in the space vertically above the liquid LQ in the storage space CS, the flow in the first direction in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30, the flow in the vertical direction at the end on the first direction side, A flow in the direction opposite to the first direction in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid LQ and a flow in the vertically upward direction at the end opposite to the first direction can be formed.

As a result, in the liquid LQ, the flow in the direction opposite to the first direction in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid LQ, the flow in the vertically downward direction at the end opposite to the first direction, and the flow in the vertically downward direction of the liquid LQ. A flow in the first direction at the end portion and a vertically upward flow at the end portion on the first direction side can be formed.

Therefore, when the target object TO is located in the center part in the plane parallel to the horizontal plane in the accommodation space CS, the convection LF formed by the liquid LQ circulates around the outer periphery of the target object TO. It is hard to be disturbed by. As a result, the chemical species can quickly reach both the vertically upper surface and the vertically lower surface of the object TO. Therefore, the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ can be quickly sterilized.

Furthermore, in the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment, the shape of the end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space CS in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane is a circular shape. In addition, in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the first end 321 passes through the center of the end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space CS.

According to this, since the length of the first end 321 can be increased, the region where the electric field is formed can be increased. Therefore, the amount of chemical species generated along with the discharge can be increased, and the flows GF and LF formed along with the discharge can be made sufficiently strong.

Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the recess 11 of the base 10 constituting the container has a shape that guides the object TO to the central portion in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane in the accommodation space CS.

According to this, the target object TO can be located in the center part in the plane parallel to the horizontal plane in the accommodation space CS. Thereby, since the convection LF formed with the liquid LQ circulates around the outer periphery of the target TO, it is difficult to be inhibited by the target TO. As a result, the chemical species can quickly reach both the vertically upper surface and the vertically lower surface of the object TO. Therefore, the object TO immersed in the liquid can be quickly sterilized.

Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the discharge unit 30 includes the surface on the vertically upper side of the surface of the second electrode 33 and the surface on the vertically upper side of the surface of the dielectric 31. An insulator 34 is provided to cover the portion not in contact with the second electrode 33.

According to this, it is possible to suppress discharge from occurring in the space vertically above the second electrode 33 and the dielectric 31. Therefore, the amount of power consumed by the sterilizer 1 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 1 of 1st Embodiment is comprised so that attachment or detachment to the base 10 which forms the edge part of the vertically downward side of the accommodation space CS, and the vertical upper side of the accommodation space CS is possible. And lid portions 20-1 and 20-2 that form end portions.

According to this, the liquid LQ and the object TO can be easily introduced into the accommodation space CS, and the liquid LQ and the object TO can be easily taken out from the accommodation space CS.

In the state where the lid 20-1 is fixed to the base 10, the position of the lid 20-1 with respect to the base 10 in the rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the Z-axis may be different from the above-described example. . Similarly, in the state where the lid 20-2 is fixed to the base 10, the position of the lid 20-2 with respect to the base 10 in the rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the Z-axis is a position different from the above-described example. Good.

Moreover, the shape of the sterilization apparatus 1 mentioned above is an example, and may be a vertical type, a portable type of another shape, or a stationary type.
The thicknesses of the dielectric 31, the first electrode 32, the second electrode 33, and the insulator 34 described above are merely examples, and are suitable depending on the manufacturing method of the film or the shape to be used. May be set.
Moreover, the frequency and amplitude of an alternating voltage mentioned above are examples, and may be suitably set according to the shape of the sterilizer 1 or the object TO.

<First Modification of First Embodiment>
Next, the sterilizer of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. The sterilizer of the first modification of the first embodiment is different from the sterilizer of the first embodiment in the shapes of the first electrode and the second electrode. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described. In addition, in description of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment, what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as the code | symbol used in 1st Embodiment is the same or substantially the same.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sterilizer 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment includes a discharge unit 30 A instead of the discharge unit 30 of the first embodiment.
The discharge unit 30A includes a first electrode 32A and a second electrode 33A instead of the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 of the first embodiment.

The first electrode 32A is configured in the same manner as the first electrode 32 except that the shape in the XY plane is different.

The first electrode 32A has a T-shape including a portion extending along the X-axis direction and a portion extending along the Y-axis direction. In the XY plane, an end side 321A of the first electrode 32A in the negative direction of the Y-axis has a sawtooth shape extending along the X-axis direction. The length of the end side 321 A in the X-axis direction is shorter than the diameter of the dielectric 31. In the XY plane, a straight line passing through the center of the end 321 A in the Y-axis direction passes through the center of the dielectric 31. The negative direction of the Y axis is an example of the first direction. The X-axis direction is an example of the second direction. The end side 321A is an example of a first end side.

The second electrode 33A is configured in the same manner as the second electrode 33 except that the shape in the XY plane is different.

The second electrode 33A has a T shape including a portion extending along the X-axis direction and a portion extending along the Y-axis direction. In the XY plane, the end side 331A of the second electrode 33A in the positive direction of the Y axis is a straight line extending along the X axis direction. The length of the end side 331A is equal to the length of the end side 321A in the X-axis direction. In the XY plane, the end side 331A passes through the end on the positive direction side of the Y axis of the end side 321A. Note that in the XY plane, the end side 331A is located at a position different from the end of the end side 321A on the positive direction side of the Y axis (for example, the end of the end side 321A on the positive direction side of the Y axis and the end side 321A You may pass through the position between the end of the negative direction side. The end side 331A is an example of a second end side.

In this example, the position of at least a part of the second electrode 33A in the XY plane is different from that of the first electrode 32A in the XY plane. In other words, in the XY plane, a part of the first electrode 32A and a part of the second electrode 33A do not overlap each other.

Also by the sterilizer 1 of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment, the effect | action and effect similar to the sterilizer 1 of 1st Embodiment are show | played.
Furthermore, according to the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first modified example of the first embodiment, the strength of the electric field formed can be increased as compared with the case where the first end is linear. Thereby, while the quantity of the chemical species produced | generated with discharge can be increased, the flow GF and LF formed with discharge can fully be strengthened.

As an example, when an AC voltage having a frequency of 40 kHz and an amplitude of 2.8 kV is used, the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment and the sterilizer 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment By using each of these, an experiment was conducted to measure the time required to sterilize the object TO. Note that the object TO in the experiment is a rectangular piece of paper with a microorganism applied to the surface. The dielectric 31 in the experiment is made of glass and has a thickness of 0.2 mm. In this example, sterilization was determined using ATTEST 1291 ("3M" and "Atest" are registered trademarks) manufactured by 3M Healthcare. In other experiments described later, sterilization was determined in the same manner as in this example. In addition, sterilization may be determined according to a sterility assurance level (Sterility Assurance Level).

When the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 100 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilization apparatus 1 is about 1.2 W. And the electric power consumed by the discharge part 30 was about 0.1W.
Moreover, when the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 40 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilization apparatus 1 is The electric power consumed by the discharge unit 30A was about 0.2W.

As another example, when an AC voltage having a frequency of 40 kHz and an amplitude of 2.8 kV is used, the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment and the first modification of the first embodiment are used. By using each of the sterilizers 1, an experiment was performed to measure the time required to sterilize the object TO. Note that the object TO in the experiment is a rectangular piece of paper with a microorganism applied to the surface. The dielectric 31 in the experiment is made of glass and has a thickness of 0.15 mm.

When the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 40 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilizer 1 is about 1.5 W. And the electric power consumed by the discharge part 30 was about 0.1W.
Moreover, when the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 20 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilization apparatus 1 is , About 1.6 W, and the power consumed by the discharge unit 30 A was about 0.2 W.

As another example, when an AC voltage having a frequency of 40 kHz and an amplitude of 2.8 kV is used, the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment and the first modification of the first embodiment are used. By using each of the sterilizers 1, an experiment was performed to measure the time required to sterilize the object TO. Note that the object TO in the experiment is a rectangular piece of paper with a microorganism applied to the surface. The dielectric 31 in the experiment is made of alumina and has a thickness of 0.2 mm.

When the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 30 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilization apparatus 1 is about 1.4 W. And the electric power consumed by the discharge part 30 was about 0.2W.
Moreover, when the sterilizer 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 30 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilizer 1 is The power consumed by the discharge unit 30A was about 0.3W.

As another example, when an AC voltage having a frequency of 27 kHz and an amplitude of 6.2 kV is used, the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment and the first modification of the first embodiment are used. By using each of the sterilizers 1, an experiment was performed to measure the time required to sterilize the object TO. Note that the object TO in the experiment is a rectangular piece of paper with a microorganism applied to the surface. In addition, the dielectric 31 in the experiment is made of glass and has a thickness of 1 mm.

When the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 25 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilization apparatus 1 is about 2.0 W. And the electric power consumed by the discharge part 30 was about 0.2W.
Moreover, when the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 10 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilization apparatus 1 is The power consumed by the discharge unit 30A was about 0.5W.

Moreover, the shape of the sterilization apparatus 1 mentioned above is an example, and may be a vertical type, a portable type of another shape, or a stationary type.
Further, the thicknesses of the dielectric 31, first electrode 32A, second electrode 33A, and insulator 34 described above are merely examples, and are suitable depending on the manufacturing method of the film or the shape to be used. May be set.
Moreover, the frequency and amplitude of an alternating voltage mentioned above are examples, and may be suitably set according to the shape of the sterilizer 1 or the object TO.

<Second Modification of First Embodiment>
Next, the sterilizer of the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. The sterilizer according to the second modification of the first embodiment is different from the sterilizer according to the first embodiment in that a rib is provided on the bottom surface of the recess of the base. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described. In addition, in description of the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment, what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as the code | symbol used in 1st Embodiment is the same or substantially the same.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the sterilizer 1B of the second modification of the first embodiment includes a base 10B instead of the base 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the sterilizer 1B along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the base 10B taken along line BB in FIG.

The base portion 10B includes a plurality of ribs 14B. Each rib 14B has a flat plate shape parallel to a plane orthogonal to the X axis (in other words, a YZ plane). Accordingly, each rib 14B extends along the Y-axis direction.

Each rib 14B protrudes from the bottom surface 12 of the recess 11 in the positive direction of the Z-axis. In this example, the bottom surface 12 of the concave portion 11 may be regarded as a wall surface of a container that forms an end on the negative direction side of the Z axis in the accommodation space CS. The end surface on the positive side of the Z axis of each rib 14B is positioned closer to the negative side of the Z axis as it approaches the central axis of the recess 11.

The plurality of ribs 14B are separated from each other in the X-axis direction. In this example, the plurality of ribs 14B are positioned at equal intervals in the X-axis direction. The length of each rib 14B in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the diameter of the recess 11 (in this example, the diameter of the end of the recess 11 on the positive direction side of the Z-axis). The lengths of the plurality of ribs 14B in the Y-axis direction are the same.

With such a configuration, the plurality of ribs 14B are configured so that the object TO is closer to the positive direction side of the Z axis than the bottom surface 12 of the recess 11 in a state where the liquid LQ and the object TO are accommodated in the accommodation space CS. Support.

Also by the sterilizer 1B of the second modification of the first embodiment, the same operations and effects as the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment are exhibited.
Furthermore, according to the sterilization apparatus 1B of the second modified example of the first embodiment, the wall surface of the container that forms the object TO and the most vertically lower end of the accommodation space CS (in this example, the concave portion 11). A flow path extending along the first direction (the Y-axis direction in this example) can be formed between the bottom surface 12) and the bottom surface 12). Thereby, the convection LF formed with the liquid LQ becomes easy to pass through the part of the accommodation space CS on the vertically lower side than the object TO. As a result, the chemical species can quickly reach the surface of the object TO on the vertically lower side. Therefore, the surface on the vertically lower side of the object TO can be quickly sterilized.

In addition, the length in the Y-axis direction of the plurality of ribs 14B may be different from each other. For example, the length of the rib 14B in the Y-axis direction may be shorter as the distance from the straight line extending in the Y-axis direction and passing through the central axis of the recess 11 to the rib 14B is longer.

Moreover, the shape of the sterilizer 1B described above is an example, and may be a vertical type or a portable type of another shape, or a stationary type.
The thicknesses of the dielectric 31, the first electrode 32, the second electrode 33, and the insulator 34 described above are merely examples, and are suitable depending on the manufacturing method of the film or the shape to be used. May be set.
Moreover, the frequency and amplitude of an alternating voltage mentioned above are examples, and may be suitably set according to the shape of the sterilizer 1B or the object TO.

Second Embodiment
Next, the sterilizer of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. The sterilization apparatus of 2nd Embodiment differs in the cover part and the discharge part with respect to the sterilization apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described. In addition, in description of 2nd Embodiment, what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as the code | symbol used in 1st Embodiment is the same or substantially the same.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the sterilizer 1C of the second embodiment has lid parts 20-1C and 20-2C instead of the lid parts 20-1 and 20-2 of the first embodiment. Prepare. FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the sterilizer 1C along the line DD in FIG. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1C of the second embodiment includes discharge units 30-1C and 30-2C instead of the discharge unit 30 of the first embodiment.

The lid 20-1C has the same configuration as the lid 20-1 except that the lid 20-1C has a through-hole 24C. The through-hole portion 24C forms a hole having a cylindrical shape that extends in the Z-axis direction through the wall of the lid portion 20-1C that forms the bottom surface 22 of the recess 21 in the Z-axis direction. The diameter of the through hole 24 C is smaller than the diameter of the recess 21. The central axis of the through hole portion 24 C coincides with the central axis of the recess 21.

The discharge part 30-1C has a cylindrical shape extending along the Z axis. The diameter of the discharge part 30-1C is equal to the diameter of the through-hole part 24C. The central axis of the discharge part 30-1C coincides with the central axis of the through hole part 24C. The end of the discharge part 30-1C on the negative side of the Z axis is in contact with the through hole part 24C. In this example, the end on the negative direction side of the Z-axis of the discharge part 30-1C is fixed to the through-hole part 24C.

The discharge unit 30-1C includes a dielectric 31C, a first electrode 32C, and a second electrode 33C.

The dielectric 31C is made of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ). The dielectric 31C may be made of a material different from aluminum oxide (for example, glass).

The dielectric 31C has a hollow cylindrical shape extending along the Z axis. The difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the dielectric 31C (in other words, the thickness of the dielectric 31C) is 0.02 mm to 2 mm. In this example, the center axis of the dielectric 31C coincides with the center axis of the through hole 24C. Both ends of the dielectric 31C in the Z-axis direction are opened. In this example, on the XY plane, the outer edge of the dielectric 31 matches the shape of the through hole portion 24C in the XY plane. The space 311C inside the dielectric 31C is connected to the end of the accommodation space CS on the positive direction side of the Z axis. The space 311C inside the dielectric 31C may be expressed as a connected space. In this example, the connection space 311C has a cylindrical shape.

The first electrode 32C is made of aluminum (Al). Note that the first electrode 32C may be made of a material different from aluminum (for example, stainless steel, silver, or copper).

The first electrode 32C is located in the connection space 311C and closes the connection space 311C at the end of the dielectric 31C on the positive side of the Z axis. The first electrode 32C is fixed to the dielectric 31C. The first electrode 32C has a conical shape extending toward the end of the accommodation space CS on the positive direction side of the Z axis (in other words, in the negative direction of the Z axis). The central axis of the first electrode 32C coincides with the central axis of the dielectric 31C. The central axis of the first electrode 32C may be different from the central axis of the dielectric 31C. Further, the first electrode 32C may be cylindrical.

The first electrode 32C has a sharp tip 322C that is separated from the dielectric 31C and is pointed on the negative direction side of the Z-axis in the connection space 311C. The first electrode 32C has a spiral rib 323C on the side surface.
In this example, the first electrode 32C is a screw.

The second electrode 33C is made of aluminum (Al). The second electrode 33C may be made of a material different from aluminum (for example, stainless steel, silver, or copper). Further, the second electrode 33C may be made of a material different from that of the first electrode 32C.

The second electrode 33C has a plate shape (in this example, a sheet shape). The thickness of the second electrode 33C is 1 μm to 3 mm. The second electrode 33C is in contact with the outer wall of the dielectric 31C. In this example, the second electrode 33C is fixed to the outer wall of the dielectric 31C.

The second electrode 33C covers at least a part of the outer wall of the dielectric 31C. In this example, the second electrode 33C has a position on the positive side of the Z-axis with respect to the end on the positive direction side of the Z-axis of the rib 323C in the outer wall of the dielectric 31C, and on the Z-axis with respect to the tip 322C. The portion between the position on the negative direction side is covered.
Thus, the dielectric 31C is interposed between the first electrode 32C and the second electrode 33C.

Furthermore, a power supply unit (not shown) is connected to the discharge unit 30-1C. The power supply unit is connected to the first electrode 32C and the second electrode 33C. The power supply unit applies an AC voltage between the first electrode 32C and the second electrode 33C. In this example, the waveform of the AC voltage is a sine wave. In this example, the AC voltage has a frequency of 40 kHz and an amplitude of 2.8 kV. Note that the AC voltage may have a frequency of 10 kHz to 100 kHz and an amplitude of 1 kV to 10 kV. The waveform of the AC voltage may be a waveform different from a sine wave (for example, a rectangular wave or a triangular wave).

In this example, the lid portion 20-2C and the discharge portion 30-2C are configured in the same manner as the lid portion 20-1C and the discharge portion 30-1C, respectively. In this example, the sterilizer 1C is connected to one power supply unit, and the power supply unit is shared between the discharge unit 30-1C and the discharge unit 30-2C. The discharge unit 30-1C and the discharge unit 30-2C may be connected to two power supply units, respectively.

Further, the sterilization apparatus 1C may include a power supply unit. In this case, the power supply unit may be configured integrally with a part of the sterilization apparatus 1C other than the power supply unit, or may be configured separately from the part.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the sterilizer 1C will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the operation of the sterilizer 1C will be described by focusing on the accommodation space CS formed by the lid 20-1C and the base 10. Since the operation of the sterilizer 1C with respect to the accommodation space formed by the lid 20-2C and the base 10 is also described in the same manner, the description thereof is omitted.

The operation of the sterilizer 1C is different from the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment in the flow formed along with the discharge. Therefore, the description will focus on the flow formed with the discharge.

An AC voltage is applied between the first electrode 32C and the second electrode 33C. As a result, a discharge occurs in the space between the first electrode 32C and the second electrode 33C. In this example, discharge occurs in the space between the first electrode 32C and the inner wall of the dielectric 31C. In this example, the discharge may be regarded as a dielectric barrier discharge.

Ions are generated with the discharge. Further, an electric field in the Z-axis direction is formed in the vicinity of the tip 322C in the connection space 311C. As a result, an ion flow in the negative direction of the Z axis is formed in the vicinity of the tip 322C in the connection space 311C. By forming the ion flow, a negative Z-axis air flow GF0 is formed in the vicinity of the tip 322C in the connection space 311C.

Therefore, in the space on the positive side of the Z-axis with respect to the liquid LQ in the storage space CS, the flow in the negative direction of the Z-axis in the central portion and from the central portion in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid LQ to the wall surface of the recess 21. A flow, a positive Z-axis flow in the vicinity of the wall surface of the recess 21, and a flow from the wall surface to the center of the recess 21 in the vicinity of the bottom surface 22 are formed.
In this way, a flow (in other words, a circulating flow) GF1 that circulates in the space on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the liquid LQ in the storage space CS is formed along with the discharge.

By forming the circulating flow GF1, in the liquid LQ, the Z-axis positive direction flow in the center, the flow from the center to the wall surface of the recess 11 near the surface of the liquid LQ, and the wall surface of the recess 11 A flow in the negative direction of the Z axis in the vicinity and a flow from the wall surface of the recess 11 to the center near the bottom surface 12 of the recess 11 are formed.
Thus, the convection LF1 is formed in the liquid LQ along with the discharge.

Also, chemical species are generated along with the discharge. The chemical species generated by the discharge is an object immersed in the liquid LQ by the flow GF0 formed in the connection space 311C and the circulating flow GF1 and the convection LF1 formed in the accommodation space CS. (Not shown in FIG. 13). As a result, the object immersed in the liquid LQ is sterilized.

As described above, the sterilization apparatus 1C according to the second embodiment has the first electrode 32C and the first electrode 32C when the voltage is applied between the first electrode 32C and the second electrode 33C. In the space between the two electrodes 33C, and in the state where the liquid LQ is stored in the storage space CS, the liquid in the storage space CS so that the convection LF1 is formed in the liquid LQ. A flow GF1 that circulates in a space vertically above LQ is formed along with the discharge. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1C sterilizes the target object with the chemical species generated along with the discharge in a state where the liquid LQ and the target object are stored in the storage space CS.

According to this, the convection LF1 can be formed with the liquid LQ without using a fluid machine such as a blower or a pump. Thereby, the chemical species generated along with the discharge can quickly reach the object immersed in the liquid LQ. As a result, the object immersed in the liquid LQ can be quickly sterilized.

Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus 1C of the second embodiment, the dielectric 31C has a connection space 311C that is a space connected to an end of the accommodation space CS on the vertically upper side. In addition, the first electrode 32 C has a conical shape extending toward an end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space CS. Furthermore, the first electrode 32C has a sharp tip 322C that is separated from the dielectric 31C and is pointed at the end of the accommodation space 311C on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space CS. In addition, the second electrode 33C covers at least a part of the outer wall of the dielectric 31C.

According to this, it is possible to form a flow of the first electrode 32C in the direction from the tip 322C on the end portion side on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space CS to the surface of the liquid LQ. Thereby, since the flow GF1 circulating in the space vertically above the liquid LQ in the accommodation space CS can be formed, the convection LF1 can be formed in the liquid LQ.

Furthermore, in the sterilizer 1C of the second embodiment, the connecting space 311C has a cylindrical shape. In addition, the first electrode 32C has a spiral rib 323C on the side surface.

According to this, a discharge is generated in the space between the side surface of the first electrode 32C and the dielectric 31C. As a result, the amount of chemical species generated along with the discharge can be increased, so that the object immersed in the liquid LQ can be quickly sterilized.

Furthermore, according to the sterilization apparatus 1C of the second embodiment, the same effects as the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Note that, in a state where the lid 20-1C is fixed to the base 10, the position of the lid 20-1C with respect to the base 10 in the rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the Z-axis may be different from the above-described example. . Similarly, in a state where the lid 20-2C is fixed to the base 10, the position of the lid 20-2C with respect to the base 10 in a rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the Z axis is a position different from the above-described example. Good.

In addition, as an example, when an AC voltage having a frequency of 27 kHz and an amplitude of 6.2 kV is used, it is necessary to sterilize the object TO by using the sterilizer 1C of the second embodiment. An experiment to measure time was conducted. Note that the object TO in the experiment is a rectangular piece of paper with a microorganism applied to the surface.

When the sterilizer 1C of the second embodiment is used, the time required to sterilize the object TO is about 30 minutes, and the power consumed by the power supply unit and the sterilizer 1C is about 3.5W. The power consumed by the discharge units 30-1C and 30-2C was about 1.0W.

Moreover, the shape of 1 C of sterilizers mentioned above is an example, and may be a vertical type, a portable type of another shape, or a stationary type.
In addition, the thicknesses of the dielectric 31C, the first electrode 32C, the second electrode 33C, and the insulator 34 described above are examples, and are suitable depending on the manufacturing method of the film or the shape to be used. May be set.
Moreover, the frequency and amplitude of the alternating voltage described above are examples, and may be suitably set according to the shape of the sterilizer 1C or the object TO.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, the sterilizer of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. The sterilization apparatus of 3rd Embodiment differs in the cover part and the discharge part with respect to the sterilization apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described. In addition, in description of 3rd Embodiment, what attached | subjected the code | symbol same as the code | symbol used in 1st Embodiment is the same or substantially the same.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the sterilization apparatus 1D of the third embodiment includes a lid 20-1D instead of the lid 20-1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1D includes a lid (not shown) similar to the lid 20-1D, instead of the lid 20-2 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the sterilizer 1D along the line FF in FIG. FIG. 15 shows a cross section of the lid 20-1D taken along line EE in FIG.

The lid 20-1D has a cylindrical shape. In this example, the diameter of the lid 20-1D is equal to the length of the base 10 in the X-axis direction. The diameter of the lid 20-1D may be different from the length of the base 10 in the X-axis direction. Further, the lid 20-1D may have a shape (for example, a prismatic shape) different from the cylindrical shape.

The central axis of the lid 20-1D extends along the Z axis. The lid 20-1D is located at the end of the base 10 on the positive side of the Y axis on the surface of the base 10 on the positive side of the Z axis.

The lid 20-1D has a space CS1 inside. The space CS1 may be expressed as a discharge space. The discharge space CS1 has a cylindrical shape extending along the Z axis. The discharge space CS1 may have a shape (for example, a prismatic shape or the like) different from the cylindrical shape. The central axis of the discharge space CS1 coincides with the central axis of the lid 20-1D. The central axis of the discharge space CS1 may be different from the central axis of the lid 20-1D. In this example, the diameter of the discharge space CS 1 is equal to the diameter of the recess 11 of the base 10. The diameter of the discharge space CS 1 may be different from the diameter of the recess 11 of the base 10.

The lid portion 20-1D includes a surface 25D that forms the side surface of the discharge space CS1, a surface 26D that forms the bottom surface of the discharge space CS1 on the negative direction side of the Z axis, and the negative direction side of the Z axis of the lid portion 20-1D. And a bottom surface 27D.

Furthermore, the lid 20-1D has a first through hole 28D and a second through hole 29D.
Each of the first through-hole portion 28D and the second through-hole portion 29D has a wall that forms the bottom surface of the discharge space CS1 on the negative side of the Z-axis in the lid portion 20-1D in the Z-axis direction. A through-hole is formed. A hole formed by each of the first through-hole portion 28D and the second through-hole portion 29D has a certain width in the XY plane and has an arc shape whose center coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1. .

In this example, the first through-hole portion 28D and the second through-hole portion 29D are symmetric with respect to the ZX plane passing through the central axis of the discharge space CS1. The ZX plane is a plane orthogonal to the Y axis. Note that the first through-hole portion 28D and the second through-hole portion 29D may not be plane-symmetric with respect to the ZX plane passing through the central axis of the discharge space CS1. For example, the shape in the XY plane may be different between the first through hole portion 28D and the second through hole portion 29D.

In a state where the lid 20-1D is fixed to the base 10, the base 10 and the lid 20-1D constitute a container, and a bottom surface 27D on the negative side of the Z-axis of the lid 20-1D, the recess 11, And the screwing part 13 forms the liquid storage space CS2 which stores the liquid LQ and the target object TO.

In the state where the lid 20-1D is fixed to the base 10, the holes formed by the first through-hole portion 28D and the second through-hole portion 29D are the discharge space CS1, the liquid storage space CS2, and Communicate. In this example, the holes formed by the first through-hole portion 28D and the second through-hole portion 29D may be regarded as an inflow channel and an outflow channel. In this example, the discharge space CS1, the liquid storage space CS2, the inflow path, and the outflow path constitute a storage space that is a space inside the container.

Further, in a state where the lid 20-1D is fixed to the base 10, the base 10 may be regarded as forming the end of the accommodation space in the negative direction of the Z axis. Further, in a state where the lid 20-1D is fixed to the base 10, the lid 20-1D may be regarded as forming the end in the positive direction of the Z axis in the accommodation space.
In this example, in the state where the lid 20-1D is fixed to the base 10, the accommodation space may be regarded as a sealed space.

Furthermore, the lid 20-1D includes a discharge part 30D. The discharge part 30D is plate-shaped. The discharge part 30D is in contact with the surface 25D that forms the side surface of the discharge space CS1 in the surface of the lid part 20-1D. In this example, the discharge part 30D is fixed to the surface 25D. Accordingly, the discharge part 30D covers a part of the surface 25D.

In this example, the discharge part 30D is located over the entire surface 25D in the Z-axis direction.
Furthermore, in this example, the discharge part 30D has the rotation angles at both ends of the first through-hole part 28D in the rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1 in the surface 25D on the XY plane. It is located over a portion sandwiched between two positions. In other words, in the XY plane, the rotation angle at both ends of the first through-hole portion 28D in rotation with the rotation axis coinciding with the central axis of the discharge space CS1, and the rotation angle at both ends of the discharge portion 30D in the rotation, Match. In the XY plane, the rotation angle at both ends of the first through-hole portion 28D and the rotation angle at both ends of the discharge portion 30D in the rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1 are: May be different.

In this example, in the XY plane, the surface on the central axis side of the discharge space CS1 in the surface of the discharge part 30D is an arc on the surface 25D side of the arcs constituting the outer edge of the first through-hole part 28D. (In other words, the arc on the outer diameter side) extends along.
The discharge unit 30D includes a dielectric 31D, a first electrode 32D, a second electrode 33D, and an insulator 34D.

The dielectric 31D is made of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ). The dielectric 31D may be made of a material different from aluminum oxide (for example, glass). The dielectric 31D has a plate shape. The thickness of the dielectric 31D is 0.02 mm to 2 mm.

The dielectric 31D is located over the entire surface 25D in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in this example, the dielectric 31D has the rotation angles at both ends of the first through-hole portion 28D in the rotation in which the rotation axis of the surface 25D coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1 in the XY plane. It is located over a portion sandwiched between two positions.

In this example, on the XY plane, the surface on the central axis side of the discharge space CS1 among the surfaces of the dielectric 31D is an arc on the outer diameter side of the arcs constituting the outer edge of the first through-hole portion 28D. Extending along.

The first electrode 32D is made of aluminum (Al). Note that the first electrode 32D may be made of a material different from aluminum (for example, stainless steel, silver, or copper). The first electrode 32D has a plate shape. The thickness of the first electrode 32D is 1 μm to 3 mm.

The first electrode 32D is in contact with the surface of the dielectric 31D on the central axis side of the discharge space CS1. In this example, the first electrode 32D is fixed to the surface of the dielectric 31D on the central axis side of the discharge space CS1.

The first electrode 32D is located across the half of the surface 25D on the positive side of the Z axis in the Z axis direction. Further, in the present example, the first electrode 32D has a rotation angle at both ends of the first through-hole portion 28D in the rotation in which the rotation axis of the surface 25D coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1 in the XY plane. It is located over the part pinched | interposed into two positions which have each.

In the present example, in the XY plane, the first electrode 32D extends along an arc on the outer diameter side among arcs constituting the outer edge of the first through-hole portion 28D.

The second electrode 33D is made of aluminum (Al). The second electrode 33D may be made of a material different from aluminum (for example, stainless steel, silver, or copper). The second electrode 33D may be made of a material different from that of the first electrode 32D. The second electrode 33D has a plate shape. The thickness of the second electrode 33D is 1 μm to 3 mm.

The second electrode 33D is in contact with the surface on the surface 25D side of the surface of the dielectric 31D. In this example, the second electrode 33D is fixed to the surface on the surface 25D side of the surface of the dielectric 31D.

The second electrode 33D is located across the half of the surface 25D on the negative side of the Z axis in the Z axis direction. Furthermore, in this example, the second electrode 33D is configured such that the rotation angle of both ends of the first through-hole portion 28D in the rotation in which the rotation axis of the surface 25D coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1 in the XY plane. It is located over the part pinched | interposed into two positions which have each.

In the present example, in the XY plane, the second electrode 33D extends along an arc on the outer diameter side among arcs constituting the outer edge of the first through-hole portion 28D.

Thus, in this example, the first electrode 32D is in contact with the surface of the dielectric 31D on the central axis side of the discharge space CS1, and the second electrode 33D is on the surface of the dielectric 31D. It contacts the surface on the surface 25D side. In other words, the dielectric 31D is interposed between the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D.

The insulator 34D is made of a synthetic resin such as a vinyl chloride resin. The insulator 34D may be made of a material different from the synthetic resin (for example, silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ )). The insulator 34D has a plate shape. The thickness of the insulator 34D is 1 μm to 5 mm. The insulator 34D includes a surface on the surface 25D side of the surface of the second electrode 33D and a portion of the surface of the dielectric 31D on the surface 25D side that is not in contact with the second electrode 33D; Coating.

In this example, the insulator 34D is located at the center of the surface 25D in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in this example, the insulator 34D has the rotation angles at both ends of the first through hole 28D in the rotation in which the rotation axis of the surface 25D coincides with the central axis of the discharge space CS1 in the XY plane. It is located over a portion sandwiched between two positions.

Furthermore, the discharge unit 30D includes a power supply unit (not shown). The power supply unit is connected to the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D. The power supply unit applies an AC voltage between the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D. In this example, the waveform of the AC voltage is a sine wave. In this example, the AC voltage has a frequency of 40 kHz and an amplitude of 2.8 kV. Note that the AC voltage may have a frequency of 10 kHz to 100 kHz and an amplitude of 1 kV to 10 kV. The waveform of the AC voltage may be a waveform different from a sine wave (for example, a rectangular wave or a triangular wave).
In this example, the discharge unit 30D may be regarded as a plasma actuator.

In this example, the sterilization apparatus 1D includes a discharge unit similar to the discharge unit 30D included in the lid 20-1D in the lid provided instead of the lid 20-2 of the first embodiment. In this example, the sterilization apparatus 1D includes one power supply unit, a discharge unit 30D included in the lid unit 20-1D, and a lid unit included in the sterilization apparatus 1D instead of the lid unit 20-2 of the first embodiment. The power supply unit is shared with the discharge unit included in the. The sterilizer 1D is used for the discharge unit 30D included in the lid 20-1D, and the discharge unit included in the lid provided in place of the lid 20-2 of the first embodiment of the sterilizer 1D. Two power supply units may be provided.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the sterilizer 1D will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the operation of the sterilizer 1D will be described by focusing on the accommodation space formed by the lid 20-1D and the base 10. The operation of the sterilizer 1D with respect to the storage space formed by the lid and the base 10 provided in place of the lid 20-2 of the first embodiment is also explained in the same way. Omitted.

The operation of the sterilizer 1D is different from the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment in the flow formed along with the discharge. Therefore, the description will focus on the flow formed with the discharge.

An AC voltage is applied between the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D. As a result, discharge occurs in the space between the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D. In this example, discharge occurs in a space between the first electrode 32D and the surface on the central axis side of the discharge space CS1 in the surface of the dielectric 31D. In this example, the discharge may be regarded as a dielectric barrier discharge.

Ions are generated with the discharge. Further, an electric field in the Z-axis direction is formed in the vicinity of the discharge part 30D in the discharge space CS1. As a result, an ion flow in the negative direction of the Z axis is formed in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30D in the discharge space CS1. By forming the ion flow, a negative Z-axis air flow is formed in the discharge space CS1 in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30D.

Accordingly, a flow from the discharge part 30D to the inflow path is formed in the discharge space CS1. Furthermore, in the space on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the liquid LQ in the liquid storage space CS2, the flow from the inflow path at the end on the positive direction side of the Y axis to the surface of the liquid LQ, and the surface of the liquid LQ A flow in the negative direction of the Y axis in the vicinity and a flow from the surface of the liquid LQ to the outflow path at the end on the negative direction side of the Y axis are formed. In addition, in the discharge space CS1, a flow from the outflow path to the discharge unit 30D is formed.
In this manner, a flow (in other words, a circulating flow) GF that circulates in the space on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the liquid LQ in the accommodation space is formed along with the discharge.

By forming the circulation flow GF, in the liquid LQ, the negative Y-direction flow in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid LQ, the negative Z-axis direction flow at the negative end of the Y-axis, and the concave portion 11 in the vicinity of the bottom surface 12 of the Y axis, and a positive flow in the Z axis at the end on the positive direction side of the Y axis.
In this way, a convection LF is formed in the liquid LQ along with the discharge.

In addition, chemical species are generated along with the discharge. In this example, the chemical species includes chemically active species. The chemically active species may be represented as a reactive species. In this example, the chemically active species includes ozone (O ₃ ), ions, or radicals.
The chemical species generated along with the discharge is carried to the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ by the circulating flow GF and the convection LF formed in the accommodation space. As a result, the object TO immersed in the liquid LQ is sterilized.

As described above, the sterilization apparatus 1D of the third embodiment has the first electrode 32D and the first electrode 32D by applying a voltage between the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D. In the space between the two electrodes 33D and in the state where the liquid LQ is stored in the storage space, the liquid LQ in the storage space forms a convection LF. Also forms a flow GF that circulates in the space above the vertical with discharge. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1D sterilizes the object TO with the chemical species generated along with the discharge in a state where the liquid LQ and the object TO are stored in the storage space.

Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus 1D of the third embodiment, the storage space includes a liquid storage space CS2 that stores the liquid LQ and the object TO, a discharge space CS1 that causes the discharge unit 30D to generate a discharge, and a liquid storage space CS2. And an inflow path and an outflow path that communicate with the discharge space CS1. Further, the discharge unit 30D forms a flow in the direction from the space between the first electrode 32D and the second electrode 33D to the inflow path along with the discharge.

According to this, in the discharge space CS1, a flow in the direction from the discharge part 30D to the inflow path is formed. Thereby, a flow in the direction from the inflow path to the outflow path in the liquid storage space CS2 and a flow in the direction from the outflow path in the discharge space CS1 to the discharge unit 30D can be formed. Thereby, since the flow GF circulating in the space vertically above the liquid LQ in the accommodation space can be formed, the convection LF can be formed in the liquid LQ.

Furthermore, according to the sterilization apparatus 1D of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Note that, in a state where the lid 20-1D is fixed to the base 10, the position of the lid 20-1D with respect to the base 10 in the rotation in which the rotation axis coincides with the Z-axis may be a position different from the above-described example. . Similarly, in the state where the lid provided in place of the lid 20-2 of the first embodiment is fixed to the base 10 in the sterilization apparatus 1D, the lid with respect to the base 10 in the rotation whose rotation axis coincides with the Z axis The position of the part may be different from the above-described example.

In addition, the shape of the sterilization apparatus 1D described above is an example, and may be a vertical type, a portable type having another shape, or a stationary type.
Further, the thicknesses of the dielectric 31D, the first electrode 32D, the second electrode 33D, and the insulator 34D described above are examples, and are suitable depending on the manufacturing method of the film or the shape used. May be set.
Moreover, the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage described above are examples, and may be suitably set according to the shape of the sterilizer 1D or the object TO.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art may be added to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, any combination of the above-described embodiment and modification may be adopted as another modification of the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1, 1B, 1C,

1D Sterilizer

10, 10B Base 11 Recess 12 Bottom surface 13 Threaded portion 14B Ribs 20-1, 20-1, 20-1C, 20-2C, 20-1D Lid 21 Recess 22 Bottom surface 23 Screw Joint portion 24C Through-hole portion 25D Surface 26D Surface 27D Bottom surface 28D First through-hole portion 29D Second through-

hole portions

30, 30A, 30-1C, 30-2C,

30D Discharge portions

31, 31C, 31D Dielectric

311C Connection Space

32, 32A, 32C,

32D First electrode

321, 321A End side 322C

End 323C Rib

33, 33A, 33C,

33D Second electrode

331,

331A End side

34, 34D Insulator CS Housing space CS1 Discharge space CS2 Liquid Storage space LQ Liquid TO Object

Claims

A container having therein a storage space which is a space for storing a liquid and an object immersed in the liquid;
A first electrode and a second electrode; and a dielectric interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is applied to cause a discharge in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode, and in a state where the liquid is stored in the storage space, convection is performed in the liquid. A discharge part that forms a flow that circulates in a space vertically above the liquid in the accommodating space so as to form the discharge.
And a sterilizer that sterilizes the object with chemical species generated along with the discharge in a state where the liquid and the object are stored in the storage space.
The sterilizer according to claim 1,
The dielectric is a flat plate parallel to a horizontal plane,
The first electrode has a flat plate shape parallel to the horizontal plane, and is in contact with the surface on the vertically lower side of the surface of the dielectric,
The second electrode has a flat plate shape parallel to the horizontal plane, and is in contact with the surface on the vertical upper side of the surface of the dielectric,
The sterilization apparatus, wherein a position of at least a part of the second electrode is different from that of the first electrode in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.
The sterilizer according to claim 2, wherein
In a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the first edge in the first direction of the first electrode is a straight line extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
In the plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the second end of the second electrode in the direction opposite to the first direction is a straight line extending along the second direction.
The sterilizer according to claim 3, wherein
The shape of the end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane is a circular shape,
In a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the first end side passes through the center of the end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space.
The sterilizer according to claim 2, wherein
In a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the first end in the first direction of the first electrode is a sawtooth extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
In the plane parallel to the horizontal plane, the second end of the second electrode in the direction opposite to the first direction is a straight line extending along the second direction.
The sterilizer according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The said container has a shape which guide | induces the said target object to the center part in the plane parallel to the said horizontal surface in the said accommodation space.
The sterilizer according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The container has a plurality of ribs that support the object vertically above a wall surface of the container that forms the most vertically lower end of the accommodation space and extend along the first direction. , Sterilization equipment.
The sterilizer according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
The discharge portion is a vertically upper surface of the surface of the second electrode and a portion of the surface of the dielectric that is not in contact with the second electrode in the vertically upper surface; A sterilizer comprising an insulator covering the surface.
It is a sterilizer as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8, Comprising:
The container includes a base portion that forms an end portion on the vertically lower side of the housing space, a lid portion that is configured to be detachable from the base portion and that forms an end portion on the vertically upper side of the housing space, and A sterilizer comprising:
The sterilizer according to claim 1,
The dielectric body has a connection space inside which is a space connected to an end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space,
The first electrode has a columnar shape or a conical shape extending toward the end portion on the vertically upper side of the accommodation space, and is separated from the dielectric on the end portion side in the connection space. And has a pointed tip,
The sterilization apparatus, wherein the second electrode covers at least a part of the outer wall of the dielectric.
The sterilizer according to claim 10, wherein
The connecting space has a cylindrical shape,
The first electrode has a spiral rib on a side surface.
The sterilizer according to claim 1,
The storage space includes a liquid storage space that stores the liquid and the object, a discharge space in which the discharge section generates the discharge, and an inflow path and an outflow path that connect the liquid storage space and the discharge space. And including
The said discharge part is a sterilizer which forms the flow of the direction from the said space between the said 1st electrode and the said 2nd electrode to the said inflow path with the said discharge.
In a storage space that is a space inside the container, a liquid and an object immersed in the liquid are arranged,
By applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode intervening a dielectric, a discharge is generated in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode,
A flow that circulates in a space vertically above the liquid in the accommodating space so that convection is formed in the liquid is formed along with the discharge,
A sterilization method for sterilizing the object by a chemical species generated along with the discharge.