WO2019009376A1

WO2019009376A1 - Sterilization device and sterilization method

Info

Publication number: WO2019009376A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/025591
Authority: WO
Inventors: 理佐藤; 正幸清水; 信之米村; 悠馬内藤
Original assignee: 川崎重工業株式会社
Priority date: 2017-07-05
Filing date: 2018-07-05
Publication date: 2019-01-10
Also published as: JPWO2019009376A1

Abstract

Provided are a sterilization device and a sterilization method that do not require that the weight of a sterilization liquid be measured exactly. A sterilization device that has: an atomization unit that atomizes a sterilization liquid that includes an active component; a supply unit that supplies sterilization liquid that has been atomized by the atomization unit to a space to be sterilized; and a relative humidity measurement part that measures the relative humidity inside the space to be sterilized. Supply of the sterilization liquid is controlled such that the sterilization liquid is supplied to the space to be sterilized until the relative humidity is at or above a set value and then such that the sterilization liquid is supplied to the space to be sterilized in accordance with the degree to which the inside of the space to be sterilized has been sterilized.

Description

Sterilization apparatus and method

The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method for performing a sterilization process on a space.

Conventionally, a method of performing sterilization processing in a space is adopted by atomizing a sterilizing solution containing an active ingredient such as hydrogen peroxide and the like into a space and spraying the space. In this way, by performing sterilization processing in the space, the space can be made an environment suitable for performing cell culture and the like. Moreover, in order to carry out the sterilization treatment on the space, a method of performing the sterilization treatment using a sterilization treatment apparatus is adopted. By performing the sterilization treatment using the sterilization treatment apparatus, it is possible to spray the sterilization solution in the space while adjusting the spray amount of the sterilization solution with high accuracy.

As described above, Patent Document 1 discloses a sterilization processing apparatus that performs sterilization processing in a space while adjusting the spray amount of the sterilization liquid with high accuracy using the sterilization processing apparatus.

JP, 2011-136035, A

In the sterilization processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the weight of the sterilizing solution in the state before use and the state in use is measured, and the difference in weight between before and after use is measured. The amount of sterile solution used up to that point is measured. Based on the measured use amount of the sterilizing solution, it is determined whether to continue the sterilizing solution supply. The sterilizing solution is supplied until a predetermined amount of sterilizing solution is supplied, and as a result, the sterilizing solution can be supplied with high accuracy.

However, in the sterilization processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to supply the sterilization liquid with high accuracy, the weight of the sterilization liquid in the state before use of the equipment and the state in use is accurate. It is required to be measured. Generally, the amount of use of the sterilizing solution used for sterilizing treatment is often very small, and the weight of the sterilizing solution in the state before using the device and the state in use is accurately measured It is difficult to measure the amount of sterilizing solution accurately from the difference in weight. Therefore, a highly accurate weight measuring device is required to measure the weight of the sterilizing solution, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the sterilization treatment device.

Then, in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention aims at providing a sterilization processing device and a sterilization processing method which do not need to measure the weight of sterilization liquid correctly.

The sterilizing apparatus of the present invention comprises a state change unit for atomizing or vaporizing a sterilizing solution containing an active ingredient, and a sterilizing mist or the sterilizing solution in which the sterilizing solution is atomized by the state changing unit. A supply unit for supplying a sterilizing space for sterilizing the sterilizing gas vaporized by the state changing unit to a sterilizing space, a relative humidity measuring unit for measuring a relative humidity inside the sterilizing space, and the relative humidity The sterilization mist or the sterilizing gas is supplied to the sterilization space in such an amount that the concentration exceeds the set value, and then the reduction according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization space A control unit is provided to control the supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas so as to supply the bacteria mist or the sterilization gas to the sterilization space.

In the sterilization processing apparatus of the above configuration, the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas until the relative humidity reaches the set value or more is supplied to the sterilization space, so the inside of the sterilization space is nearly saturated with the active ingredient The sterilization mist or the sterilization gas can be supplied until the stable state is achieved, and then the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas can be supplied in an amount according to the degree of sterilization. When the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas is supplied according to the degree of sterilization, the inside of the sterilization space is in a stable state. A slight change in the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied in that state does not greatly affect the sterilization treatment. Therefore, the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied from that state does not have to be measured with high accuracy, and there is no need to measure it very seriously. Therefore, a high accuracy measuring device is not required to measure the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied, and a sterilization treatment device having a simple configuration in which the high accuracy measurement device is omitted can be provided. .

Further, the set value may be a value of the relative humidity determined that the active ingredient in the sterile liquid is saturated or in a state according to the saturation inside the sterile space.

The active ingredient may be hydrogen peroxide, and the set value may be 70 percent.

When the active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, it can be judged that the relative humidity is 70% and the hydrogen peroxide is almost saturated.

Further, the amount according to the degree of sterilization may be determined according to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment.

Since the supply amount of the sterilization solution according to the degree of sterilization can be determined according to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment, the supply amount of the sterilization solution can be easily determined.

In addition, the amount according to the degree of sterilization is determined by a test performed in advance for each temperature within a certain range in the surrounding environment and each humidity within a certain range, and in the above-mentioned test, the constant for temperature is fixed Said sterile mist which is confirmed to be in a sterile state when the temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature in the range and the humidity is higher than the upper limit humidity in the predetermined range with respect to the humidity At a temperature lower than the first supply amount of the sterilizing gas and the lower limit temperature in the predetermined range of temperature, and at a humidity lower than the lower limit humidity in the predetermined range of humidity; Temperature higher than the second supply amount of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas which is confirmed to be in a sterilized state, and the upper limit temperature in the predetermined range of the temperature And, when the humidity is lower than the lower limit humidity in the predetermined range, the sterilization mist or the third supply amount of the sterilization gas is confirmed to be in a sterilized state. It is confirmed that the bacteria is in a sterilized state at a temperature higher than the upper limit temperature in the predetermined range of temperature, and at a humidity higher than the upper limit humidity in the predetermined range of humidity. The fourth supply amount of the sterilizing mist or the sterilizing gas is detected, and the largest supply amount among the supply amounts from the detected first supply amount to the fourth supply amount is detected. The amount may be determined according to the degree of sterilization.

In the sterilization processing apparatus of the above configuration, the degree of sterilization can be reliably performed with respect to the temperature within a certain range and the humidity within a certain range in the surrounding environment without using a complicated equation. The amount of sterile mist or sterile gas supplied to the interior of the sterile space can be determined accordingly. Therefore, since a high-performance control unit is not required to control the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied to the inside of the sterilization space according to the degree of sterilization, the manufacturing cost of the sterilization processing apparatus can be reduced. It can be kept low.

In the sterilization apparatus of the present invention, a state change unit for atomizing or vaporizing a sterilizing solution containing an active ingredient, a sterilization mist or the sterilization wherein the sterilization solution is atomized by the state changing unit A supply unit for supplying a sterilizing space for performing sterilizing treatment with a sterilizing gas whose liquid has been vaporized by the state change unit, and a sensor for detecting whether the active ingredient is saturated inside the sterilizing space And the supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas to the sterilization space until it is detected by the sensor unit that the active ingredient is saturated, and thereafter, inside the sterilization space A control unit configured to control supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas so that supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas in an amount according to the degree of sterilization is performed to the sterilization space It is characterized by

In the sterilization processing apparatus of the above configuration, whether or not the inside of the sterilization space is saturated directly by the active ingredient of the sterilization liquid is directly detected, and it is confirmed that the inside of the sterilization space is saturated. Since a sufficient amount of the sterilizing solution is supplied to the sterilizing space, the inside of the sterilizing space is saturated with the active components of the sterilizing solution when the sterilizing solution is supplied in an amount according to the degree of sterilization. It can be determined more reliably if it is. Since the sterile solution is supplied in an amount according to the degree of sterilization while the sterile space is surely saturated with the active components of the sterile solution, the sterilization treatment can be performed more reliably.

According to the sterilization treatment method of the present invention, the supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas containing the active ingredient to the sterilization space until the relative humidity inside the sterilization space to be subjected to the sterilization treatment becomes a set value or more. A second supplying step of supplying the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas to the sterilization space in an amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization space; It is characterized by having.

In the sterilization treatment method of the above configuration, the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas in an amount until the relative humidity reaches the set value or more is supplied to the sterilization space in the first supply step, so the inside of the sterilization space The sterilization mist or the sterilization gas is supplied until a stable state close to saturation with the active ingredient is obtained, and then, in the second supply step, the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas in an amount according to the degree of sterilization Supply can be done. When the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas is supplied according to the degree of sterilization, the inside of the sterilization space is in a stable state. A slight change in the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied in that state does not greatly affect the sterilization treatment. Therefore, the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied from that state does not have to be measured with high accuracy, and there is no need to measure it very seriously. Therefore, a high-accuracy measuring device is not required to measure the amount of sterilization mist or sterilization gas supplied, and the sterilization treatment can be performed using a simple configuration of the sterilization treatment device.

According to the present invention, it is not necessary to accurately measure the weight of the sterilizing liquid in the state before use of the device and the state in use or after use, so that a simple weight measurement device with high precision is omitted. The apparatus of the configuration can control the supply amount of the sterilizing solution during the sterilizing process. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the sterilization apparatus can be reduced.

It is a block diagram of the sterilization processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart at the time of performing sterilization processing inside the sterilization process object space by the sterilization processing apparatus of FIG. It is the graph which showed the transition about the humidity inside the sterilization process object space at the time of a hydrogen-peroxide solution being supplied to the inside of the sterilization process object space by the sterilization process apparatus of FIG. The temperature inside the space to be subjected to the sterilization treatment when a test to determine the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution to be supplied is carried out when the sterilization solution is additionally charged in the sterilization treatment by the sterilization treatment apparatus of FIG. , Is a graph showing the humidity.

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

First Embodiment
In FIG. 1, the typical block diagram about the sterilization processing apparatus 100 concerning 1st Embodiment is shown. The sterilization processing apparatus 100 is configured to be capable of performing sterilization processing by spraying a hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilization solution into the inside of a sterilization processing target space (sterilization space) 200. Hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing solution contains hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient having a bactericidal action. In the present embodiment, a hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 30 to 40 percent is used as the sterilizing solution.

By spraying the hydrogen peroxide solution into the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200, the bactericidal action of hydrogen peroxide, which is the active component of the hydrogen peroxide water, is exhibited inside the sterilization processing target space 200. By exerting the bactericidal action in the sterilization treatment target space 200, the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is subjected to sterilization treatment, and the space inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 becomes a biologically clean environment. can do. Therefore, the sterilization target space 200 can be set as an environment suitable for performing cell culture and the like.

In the present embodiment, since hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilization solution, it can be decomposed into water and oxygen by passing the hydrogen peroxide solution through manganese dioxide as a catalyst after use. Therefore, the sterilizing solution can be discharged harmlessly.

In addition, although the form which used the hydrogen-peroxide solution as sterilization liquid is demonstrated in this embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. If it has the bactericidal action inside the sterilization process target space 200 and the number of bacteria inside the sterilization process target space can be reduced, another kind of sterilization solution may be used. For example, formalin or sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution may be used as the sterilizing solution.

The sterilization treatment apparatus 100 supplies the atomized hydrogen peroxide solution to the sterilization treatment target space 200 while atomizing unit (state change unit) 10 for atomizing the hydrogen peroxide solution and performs sterilization treatment. And a supply unit (supply unit) 20 for discharging the hydrogen peroxide solution atomized from the target space 200.

The atomization unit 10 has the atomization tank 11 which stored the hydrogen-peroxide solution in the state of the liquid before being atomized. The atomization tank 11 has a block member 14 which constitutes a part of the wall surface of the storage space 13 for storing hydrogen peroxide solution and has a triangular shape.

At the bottom of the atomization tank 11, an ultrasonic transducer 12 is provided which atomizes the hydrogen peroxide solution by atomizing the stored hydrogen peroxide solution. The ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven inside the stored hydrogen peroxide solution, and vibration energy by ultrasonic waves is emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 12 toward the liquid surface, whereby the hydrogen peroxide solution is misted at the liquid surface. Form and are atomized. By atomizing the hydrogen peroxide solution, a misty sterile mist is generated which contains the active ingredient of the sterilizing action.

In the present embodiment, atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution is performed by the ultrasonic transducer 12, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the sterilization liquid can be atomized. If so, other configurations may be used. For example, a configuration may be used in which a sterile solution is sprayed to produce a sterile mist.

Further, inside the atomization tank 11, two passage component members 15 are disposed above the ultrasonic transducer 12 so as to face each other with the ultrasonic transducer 12 interposed therebetween. By arranging the two passage components 15 opposite to each other above the ultrasonic transducer 12, a passage defined by the passage component 15 is formed above the ultrasonic transducer 12. Since a passage is formed above the ultrasonic transducer 12 by the opposing passage component 15, the passage component 15 forms a passage from the ultrasonic transducer 12 toward the liquid surface of the hydrogen peroxide solution. .

As described above, when the ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven with the passage formed by the passage component 15 between the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the liquid surface of the hydrogen peroxide solution, the ultrasonic transducer 12 is emitted. Vibration energy by ultrasonic waves is efficiently transmitted to the surface of the hydrogen peroxide solution. Therefore, atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution can be efficiently performed by the vibrational energy generated by the ultrasonic transducer 12, and atomization of a large amount of hydrogen peroxide solution can be performed. In addition, although the passage component 15 is provided in the sterilization processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the passage component 15 can be omitted.

Further, a water level gauge 16 capable of measuring the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution is disposed inside the atomization tank 11.

A duct 30 extends from the position above the ultrasonic transducer 12 in the atomization unit 10 toward the sterilization target space 200. The hydrogen peroxide solution atomized by the atomization unit 10 is supplied to the sterilization target space 200 through the duct 30.

The supply unit 20 has a duct 21 extending from the sterilization target space 200 to the atomization tank 11. The duct 21 is arranged to connect between the sterilization target space 200 and the atomization unit 10. The hydrogen peroxide solution discharged from the sterilization treatment target space 200 is supplied again to the atomization tank 11 of the atomization unit 10 through the duct 21.

The supply unit 20 has a fan 22. The fan 22 is disposed inside the duct 21. By driving and rotating the fan 22, it is possible to exhaust air from the sterilization processing target space 200. Further, by rotating the fan 22, the hydrogen peroxide solution atomized into the sterilization treatment target space 200 is sucked into the sterilization treatment target space 200, and the sterilization treatment target space 200 is atomized. It is possible to supply hydrogen oxide water. In addition, although the structure by which the fan 22 is arrange | positioned inside the duct 21 is demonstrated by the sterilization processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. Other forms may be used as long as the atomized hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200. For example, a configuration in which a fan is disposed inside the duct 30 may be employed.

A hygrometer (relative humidity measuring unit) 40 is attached to the sterilization treatment target space 200. By mounting the hygrometer 40 inside the sterilization processing target space 200, it is possible to measure the humidity inside the sterilization processing target space 200.

The hygrometer 40 may have a function as a thermometer so that the temperature inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 can be measured. In the present embodiment, the hygrometer 40 is configured to be able to measure also the temperature. The thermometer may be configured separately from the hygrometer.

The sterilization treatment apparatus 100 has a container 50 for storing the hydrogen peroxide solution at a position different from the atomization tank 11. A supply pipe 51 is provided between the container 50 and the atomization tank 11 in the atomization unit 10 so as to connect the container 50 and the atomization tank 11. In the supply pipe 51, a supply pump 52 for supplying the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the container 50 to the atomization tank 11 through the supply pipe 51 is disposed. A container weighing scale 53 capable of measuring the weight of the container 50 and the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the container 50 is disposed below the container 50. By driving the supply pump 52, the hydrogen peroxide solution stored inside the container 50 can be supplied to the atomization tank 11.

The sterilization processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit (control unit) 60. The control unit 60 includes a processor, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, I / O interface, and the like. The control unit 60 has a receiving unit, a storage unit, a diagnostic unit, and an output unit. The receiver and the output unit are realized by an I / O interface. The storage unit is realized by volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The diagnosis unit is realized by the processor performing arithmetic processing using the volatile memory based on the program stored in the non-volatile memory.

The control unit 60 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 12, the water level gauge 16, the hygrometer 40, the supply pump 52 and the container weighing scale 53. Since the control unit 60 is connected to the water level gauge 16, it can receive the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the atomization tank 11 detected by the water level gauge 16. Further, since the control unit 60 is connected to the hygrometer 40, the control unit 60 can receive the internal humidity of the sterilization target space 200 detected by the hygrometer 40. Further, since the control unit 60 is connected to the container weighing scale 53, the control unit 60 can receive the weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the container 50, which is detected by the container weighing scale 53. The weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied from the container 50 to the atomization tank 11 can be detected by detecting the weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the container 50 by the container weighing scale 53.

The control unit 60 can control the driving of the ultrasonic transducer 12 based on the data received from the water level gauge 16, the hygrometer 40 and the container weighing scale 53. Also, based on the data received from the water level gauge 16, the hygrometer 40 and the container weighing scale 53, the drive of the supply pump 52 can be controlled.

The drive of the supply pump 52 is controlled while the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the atomization tank 11 is detected by the water level gauge 16, and the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the container 50 to the atomization tank 11 is controlled Thus, the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the atomization tank 11 can be maintained within a certain range. Therefore, the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the atomization tank 11 can be maintained at a water level suitable for atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution by the drive of the ultrasonic transducer 12. Thus, when the hydrogen peroxide solution is atomized by driving the ultrasonic transducer 12, the hydrogen peroxide solution can be efficiently atomized.

When the mist of hydrogen peroxide solution atomized into the interior of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is supplied by the drive of the fan 22 and the hydrogen peroxide solution inside the atomization tank 11 is consumed, the consumed amount is exceeded Hydrogen oxide water is supplied to the inside of the atomization tank 11, and the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution inside the atomization tank 11 is kept constant. Since the water level of the hydrogen peroxide solution is kept constant in the atomization tank 11, the amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied from the container 50 to the atomization tank 11 is supplied to the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200. Consumption of hydrogen peroxide solution. Therefore, by detecting the weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the container 50, the consumption amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution consumed in the atomization tank 11 can be detected.

The control unit 60 may be configured to control the drive of the supply unit 20 by the fan 22.

The control flow by the sterilization processing apparatus 100 when the sterilization processing of the space 200 for sterilization processing is performed by the sterilization processing apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.

The flowchart at the time of performing the sterilization process of the space 200 for sterilization processing with the sterilization processing apparatus 100 by FIG. 2 is shown.

First, the temperature and humidity inside the sterilization process space 200 are measured (S1). The measurement of the temperature and the humidity inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 is performed by a hygrometer 40 attached to the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200. Data on the temperature and humidity detected by the hygrometer 40 are sent to the control unit 60.

Next, it is determined whether the temperature and humidity inside the sterilization processing target space 200 measured in S1 are within the set range (S2). It is determined whether or not the detection values about temperature and humidity inside the sterilization processing target space 200 measured by the hygrometer 40 and received by the control unit 60 fall within a predetermined set range. Here, the control unit 60 compares the detected values of the temperature and the humidity inside the sterilization processing target space 200 with a predetermined setting range. As a result of comparing the detection values of the temperature and humidity inside the sterilization processing space 200 with the preset setting range, the temperature and humidity inside the sterilization processing space 200 deviate from the setting range If so, the sterilization process is discontinued (S3). When the temperature and humidity inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 are within the set range, atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution by the atomization unit is started (S4).

Atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution is performed by driving the ultrasonic transducer 12. The ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven inside the stored hydrogen peroxide solution and vibrational energy by the ultrasonic wave acts on the hydrogen peroxide solution, so the hydrogen peroxide solution is generated on the surface of the stored hydrogen peroxide solution. It is atomized. Therefore, atomized hydrogen peroxide solution is generated at a position above the liquid surface.

The atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution continues to be performed while the ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution to be atomized is proportional to the length of time the ultrasonic transducer 12 is driven inside the hydrogen peroxide solution.

When the atomization unit 10 atomizes the hydrogen peroxide solution, the atomized hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200 (S5). In the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic transducer 12 of the atomization unit 10 is driven, the fan 22 of the supply unit 20 is driven. By driving the fan 22, air is discharged from the sterilization processing target space 200 through the duct 21. Since the pressure inside sterilization object space 200 falls in connection with this, the hydrogen peroxide solution atomized by atomization unit 10 is supplied to the inside of sterilization object space 200 via duct 30.

The atomized hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the sterilization target space 200 in S5 until the relative humidity inside the sterilization target space 200 becomes equal to or higher than the set value (first supply step). FIG. 3 shows a graph of the transition of the relative humidity inside the sterilization processing space 200 when the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution is divided by time. In FIG. 3, the set value for the relative humidity is indicated as H1. The time during which the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the inside of the sterilization target space until the relative humidity reaches the set value H1 or more is t1.

Here, it is determined that the set value for the relative humidity is in a state in which hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient contained in the hydrogen peroxide solution is in a state according to saturation or saturation within the sterilization treatment target space 200. Value of relative humidity when Here, “a state according to saturation” means that the sterilization processing target space 200 is used when the temperature of the sterilization processing target object surface of the sterilization processing space 200 is lower than the internal space of the sterilization processing target space 200. Even if hydrogen peroxide is not saturated in the entire inside of the space, the hydrogen peroxide is saturated at a position around the surface of the sterilization target object of the sterilization processing space 200 and dew condensation occurs. Shall refer to In the present embodiment, the target of the sterilization process is the surface of the part surrounding the space portion of the sterilization process space 200 and the surface of the one disposed inside the space of the sterilization process space 200. That is, the surface of the object to be sterilized is the surface of the portion surrounding the space to be subjected to the sterilization treatment in the sterilization treatment target space 200 and the surface of the part installed on the space to be subjected to the sterilization treatment. The surface of the sterilization target object includes, for example, a surface such as a ceiling, a floor, or a side wall surrounding the space portion of the sterilization target space 200. Furthermore, for example, the surface of the sterilization target object includes the surface of a robot, a shelf, etc. installed inside the space of the sterilization target space 200. There is a temperature difference between the space center of the sterilization processing space 200 and the surroundings of the sterilization processing object, and it is not saturated in the entire space, but it is saturated in the state of being saturated around the sterilization processing object State according to The area around the object to be sterilized is the area around the surface of the object to be sterilized.

When a hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilizing solution, the atomized hydrogen peroxide solution continues to be supplied to the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200, and the relative humidity of water becomes 70% or more. Sometimes it is judged that hydrogen peroxide is in a saturated or saturated state. When the hydrogen peroxide solution is used as a sterilizing solution to be subjected to the sterilization treatment in the sterilization treatment target space 200, the relative humidity of the water in the sterilization treatment target space 200 is usually 70%. When it becomes above, hydrogen peroxide is saturated inside the sterilization target space 200. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide is in a state close to saturation in the sterilization processing space 200. Thus, when the active ingredient of the sterilizing solution is hydrogen peroxide, it can be determined that the relative humidity is 70% and the hydrogen peroxide is almost saturated.

In the present embodiment, although the setting value H1 of the relative humidity inside the sterilization processing target space 200 is 70%, the present invention is not limited to this. When a hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilizing solution, the setting value of the relative humidity may be a higher setting value as long as it is 70% or more. The higher the value, the more surely the hydrogen peroxide solution becomes saturated when the relative humidity reaches the set value.

Further, the set value H1 of the relative humidity inside the sterilization target space 200 may be a value smaller than 70 percent. Specifically, depending on the type of sterilization solution to be employed, it may be considered that the sterilization solution has a low saturation vapor pressure. In such a case, even if the relative humidity of water is less than 70% in the interior of the sterilization target space 200, the effective component of the sterilization liquid is saturated in the interior of the sterilization target space 200. there's a possibility that. Further, even when the sterilizing solution is a hydrogen peroxide solution, depending on the surrounding environment, even if the relative humidity of water is less than 70%, the inside of the sterilization target space 200 may have a relative humidity of less than 70%. There is a possibility that the active component of the sterile liquid saturates inside the sterilization target space 200. Therefore, the set value H1 of the relative humidity inside the sterilization target space 200 may be a value smaller than 70 percent. For example, the set value H1 of the relative humidity inside the sterilization target space 200 may be set to about 50 percent.

In addition, when the one other than the hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilizing solution, the set value changes for each sterilizing solution. The set value for the relative humidity may be used in accordance with the physical properties of the sterile solution.

When the supply of the atomized hydrogen peroxide solution is performed until the relative humidity inside the sterilization process space 200 reaches the set value H1 or more, the relative humidity inside the sterilization process space 200 becomes the set value H1. A determination is made as to whether it is above (S6). The control unit 60 determines whether the relative humidity inside the sterilization processing target space 200 is equal to or higher than the set value H1. The control unit 60 receives the measured value of the relative humidity inside the sterilization-targeted space 200 by the hygrometer 40, so the control unit 60 receives the measured value of the relative humidity detected by the received hygrometer 40. And the predetermined set value H1 are compared. If the detected value of the relative humidity is equal to or greater than the set value H1 as a result of comparison, it is determined that hydrogen peroxide is saturated or in a state according to saturation inside the sterilization processing target space 200. If the detected value of the relative humidity is smaller than the set value H1, the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is continued. The supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is performed until the detected value of the relative humidity becomes equal to or higher than the set value H1.

When the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied during the time t1 until the relative humidity inside the sterilization process space 200 reaches the set value H1 or more, the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization process space 200 The hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the sterilization processing space 200 according to the amount of hydrogen peroxide. The atomized hydrogen peroxide solution is also supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200 for the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution at this time (S7).

Supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the sterilization target space 200 in an amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization target space 200 is performed during time t2 shown in FIG. It is supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the process target space 200.

In the supply (additional input) of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the sterilization processing target space 200 at time t2, the hydrogen peroxide solution of an amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization processing target space 200 is supplied. (Second supply step). The amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization process target space 200 at this time is predetermined by a test. The amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization process target space 200 determined by the test will be described later.

When the interior of the sterilization target space 200 is saturated with hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide solution condenses in the sterilization target space 200. When the hydrogen peroxide solution is condensed inside the sterilization treatment target space 200, the condensed hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the surface of the sterilization treatment target object of the sterilization treatment target space 200. The hydrogen peroxide solution adhering to the surface of the sterilization target object of the sterilization target space 200 effectively disinfects the inside of the sterilization target space 200 by performing the sterilization action there. The hydrogen peroxide solution exerts a sterilizing action even in the gas state, but the liquid state has a much stronger sterilizing power than the gas state. That is, the sterilization treatment by the wet method is stronger than the sterilization treatment by the dry method. In addition, even if hydrogen peroxide is saturated and dew condensation occurs around the sterilization target object of the sterilization target space 200 and the hydrogen peroxide becomes saturated, the reduction of the sterilization target space 200 occurs. By the hydrogen peroxide solution condensing on the surface of the object to be treated with germs, the hydrogen peroxide solution attached to the surface of the object to be sterilized with the sterilization treatment space 200 can effectively exert the bactericidal action there. Therefore, even if hydrogen peroxide is in a state according to saturation within the sterilization treatment target space 200, the sterilization treatment can be performed inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 by a wet method.

When, at time t2, a hydrogen peroxide solution of an amount corresponding to the degree of sterilization within the sterilization treatment target space 200 is supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200, an excess of the amount according to the degree of sterilization is provided. It is determined whether hydrogen peroxide water has been supplied to the sterilization processing space 200 (S8). The determination at this time is made by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can receive the detection value of the weight of the container 50 storing the hydrogen peroxide solution by the container weighing scale 53. From the detection value of the weight of the container 50, the consumption amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution can be detected.

From the detected consumption of the hydrogen peroxide solution, it is judged whether the hydrogen peroxide solution of an amount according to the degree of sterilization is supplied to the sterilization processing target space 200. If a volume of hydrogen peroxide solution corresponding to the degree of sterilization is not supplied to the sterilization processing space 200, the process continues until a volume of hydrogen peroxide solution corresponding to the degree of sterilization is supplied. Hydrogen oxide water is supplied. When the hydrogen peroxide solution of an amount according to the degree of sterilization is supplied to the sterilization target space 200, the supply of the hydrogen peroxide solution at time t2 is completed, and the peroxide 200 is subjected to the peroxide treatment. Supply of hydrogen water is stopped.

At this time, atomization of the hydrogen peroxide solution by the atomization unit 10 is stopped. After that, it is held for a fixed time in that state. The holding time t3 shown in FIG. 3 is predetermined according to the degree of sterilization processing. The state is held by a predetermined holding time.

When the holding time t3 in FIG. 3 has passed, the sterilization processing target space 200 is exhausted (S10). Exhausting from the sterilization target space 200 is performed during time t4 in FIG. At this time, the remaining hydrogen peroxide solution or the like is discharged from the sterilization treatment target space 200 by exhausting and ventilating the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200. In the present embodiment, the exhaust from the sterilization process space 200 performed for time t4 is performed until the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization process space 200 becomes 1 ppm or less.

In the present embodiment, exhaust from the sterilization processing space 200 is performed until the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization processing space 200 becomes 1 ppm or less, but the present invention is limited thereto I will not. The process may be performed until the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization treatment target space 200 becomes lower, or the exhaust gas is exhausted at a stage where the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization treatment target space 200 is high. You may stop.

When the exhaust from the space to be sterilized 200 is performed for a time t4, the driving of the fan 22 is stopped. At this time, the sterilization process is completed.

Next, in S7, according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 for the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200 during the time t2 shown in FIG. 3. The test for determining the amount of The amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200 at time t2 according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 is the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment. Depending, it is decided beforehand.

The supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the sterilization target space 200 at additional charging at time t2 is previously performed for each temperature within a certain range and humidity within a certain range in the surrounding environment. Determined by the test. The supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the sterilization treatment target space 200 at this time is an amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization treatment target space 200.

In tests conducted at every temperature and humidity within a certain range, the temperature and humidity were sterilized at four points (Fig. 4) outside the certain range and near the four corners of the certain range. The supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution which is confirmed to be in the state is detected. Among the supply amounts of hydrogen peroxide water detected at four points and confirmed to be in a sterile state, the supply amount of the largest amount of hydrogen peroxide water is determined as the amount according to the degree of sterilization Be

Within a certain range, if it is confirmed that the temperature and humidity are sterile when the environment is more severe for the sterilizing action than the certain range when the hydrogen peroxide solution of the prescribed amount is added. In the temperature and humidity of the above, it can be estimated that the sterile condition is maintained by the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution of that amount. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a region slightly higher than a predetermined range, a region slightly higher in temperature, a region slightly lower in temperature, a region slightly higher in humidity, and a region slightly lower in humidity are respectively sterilized. The amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied is detected. That is, with respect to temperature and humidity, the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution confirmed to be in a sterilized state is detected at four points outside a certain range. Among the supply amounts of hydrogen peroxide water detected at four points and confirmed to be in a sterile state, the supply amount of the largest amount of hydrogen peroxide water is determined as the amount according to the degree of sterilization Be

FIG. 4 shows a row of tests for setting the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution according to the degree of sterilization within a certain range of temperature and certain range of humidity inside the sterilization treatment target space 200. It is indicated about temperature and humidity which are set when being used. In FIG. 4, the range of temperatures is in the range of 20 degrees to 30 degrees, and the range of humidity is in the range of 35 to 80 percent. In the test performed at this time, the temperature and humidity are set to the temperature and humidity at the point of P1, P2, P3 and P4 in FIG. 4, and the supply of hydrogen peroxide solution when the sterilized state is confirmed The amount is detected in each state. The supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution, which is the largest among the supply amounts of hydrogen peroxide solution when the sterilized state in each detected state is confirmed, is reduced in the interior of the sterilization processing space 200 Set as the supply amount according to the degree of bacteria.

In the state P1 of FIG. 4, the temperature is set to a temperature slightly lower than the lower limit temperature of 20 degrees in a certain range, and the humidity is set to a humidity slightly higher than the upper limit humidity of 80 percent in the certain range. State P1 is a temperature within a certain range and a certain range within a range where the temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of 20 degrees in the certain range and the humidity is higher than the upper limit 80 percent in the certain range in FIG. Temperature and humidity near the humidity of the

In the state P1, the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the inside of the sterilization target space 200 in the state of misty mist (sterilized mist), and the hydrogen peroxide is confirmed to be in the sterilized state A water supply rate (first supply rate) is detected. Thereby, the supply amount of the mist (sterilized mist) supplied to the inside of the sterilization process target space 200 is detected.

In the state P2 of FIG. 4, the temperature is set to a temperature slightly lower than the lower limit temperature 20 ° in the fixed range, and the humidity is set to the humidity slightly lower than the lower limit humidity 35 percent in the fixed range. State P2 is a temperature within a certain range and a certain range within a range where the temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature 20 ° in the certain range and the humidity is lower than the lower limit 35 percent in the certain range in FIG. Temperature and humidity near the humidity of the

In the state P2, the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied in the state of mist into the interior of the sterilization treatment target space 200, and the amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied is confirmed to be in the sterilized state (second Supply) is detected.

In the state P3 of FIG. 4, the temperature is set to be slightly higher than the upper limit temperature 30 ° in the fixed range, and the humidity is set to be slightly lower than the lower limit humidity 35% in the fixed range. State P3 is a temperature within a certain range and a certain range within a range where the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature 30 ° in the certain range and the humidity is lower than the lower limit 35 percent in the certain range in FIG. Temperature and humidity near the humidity of the

In the state P3, the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied in the state of mist into the interior of the sterilization treatment target space 200, and the amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied is confirmed to be in the sterilized state (third Supply) is detected.

In the state P4 in FIG. 4, the temperature is set to be slightly higher than the upper limit temperature 30 ° in the fixed range, and the humidity is set to be slightly higher than the lower limit humidity 80 percent in the fixed range. State P4 is a range of temperature and a constant range within a range where the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of 30 degrees in the fixed range and the humidity is higher than the upper limit of 80 percent in the fixed range in FIG. Temperature and humidity near the humidity of the

At the time of the state P4, the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied in the state of mist in the interior of the sterilization treatment target space 200, and the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution confirmed to be in the sterilized state (fourth Supply) is detected.

Thus, at each of the four points P1 to P4, the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution confirmed to be in the sterilized state is detected. Of the supply amounts of hydrogen peroxide water detected at four points P1 to P4 and confirmed to be in a sterile state, the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide water that is the largest is sterilization within this range. It is determined as an amount according to the degree.

When confirming whether or not the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is in a sterilized state, the confirmation can be performed using a biological indicator. Whether bacteria remain inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 by placing a biological indicator inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 subjected to sterilization treatment and confirming the state of the biological indicator thereafter You can check if it is. When it was confirmed that no bacteria remained when the condition of whether or not the bacteria remained in the interior of the sterilization target space 200 was confirmed using the biological indicator, the sterilized condition was achieved It can be judged.

The supply amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 for hydrogen peroxide water, which is predetermined by the test, is the degree of sterilization treatment required inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 It changes according to. When a severe level of sterilization treatment is required, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the interior of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is increased accordingly. On the other hand, when the level required for the sterilization process is not severe, a large amount of hydrogen peroxide solution is not required, and the amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the inside of the sterilization process space 200 is small. It is finished.

In this way, the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution is set according to the degree of sterilization for a certain range of temperature and a certain range of humidity. Further, by setting the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution according to the degree of sterilization for the predetermined range of temperature and humidity for the other ranges, the sterilization for the other ranges of temperature and humidity is also performed. The supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution can be set according to the degree. Thus, the temperature and humidity to be used are divided into a plurality of ranges, and the temperature and the temperature to be used are set by setting the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution according to the degree of sterilization for each of the plurality of ranges. It is possible to set the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution according to the degree of sterilization throughout the range of humidity. Moreover, since the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution according to the degree of sterilization can be determined according to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment, the supply amount of the sterilization solution can be easily determined.

As described above, the sterilization processing inside the sterilization target space 200 is performed using the sterilization processing apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the supply of hydrogen peroxide solution in an amount until the relative humidity reaches the set value or more is performed to the sterilization processing target space 200, and thereafter, the degree of sterilization within the sterilization processing target space 200 The hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the sterilization processing space 200 according to the amount of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the sterilization target space 200 can be changed according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization target space 200, so sterilization processing according to the required level Can be done easily.

Further, since the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution up to the set value or more is supplied to the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200, the hydrogen peroxide water is kept until the sterilization processing target space 200 is nearly saturated. Can be supplied. By supplying the hydrogen peroxide solution to the sterilization treatment target space 200, the sterilization treatment target space 200 is close to a saturated state with hydrogen peroxide, so that the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is balanced, It will be relatively stable. In such a stable state, a slight change in the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution does not greatly affect the sterilization treatment. Therefore, the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution from there may not be measured with high accuracy, and there is no need to measure it severely. Therefore, a highly accurate weight measuring device is not required to measure the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution. Therefore, control of the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution at the time of the sterilization processing can be performed by the device from which the highly accurate weight measuring device is omitted. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the sterilization apparatus can be reduced.

In addition, the relative humidity setting value inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 when the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied at time t1 is the peroxidation of the active component in the hydrogen peroxide inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 It is the value of the relative humidity judged that hydrogen became in the state according to saturation or saturation. Therefore, when the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied to the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 at time t2, the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is in a state where hydrogen peroxide is saturated or conforms to saturation. There is. The degree of sterilization at the time of sterilization treatment is proportional to the amount of hydrogen peroxide supplied to the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 after the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is saturated. Therefore, according to the sterilization process of the present embodiment, the inside of the sterilization process space 200 is once brought into a stable state according to saturation or saturation, and hydrogen peroxide water from the supply amount according to the degree of sterilization therefrom Supply of Therefore, the hydrogen peroxide solution can be easily supplied with the supply amount according to the degree of sterilization required.

In the present embodiment, the amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 after the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is saturated is an excess detected by the container weight meter 53. It is detected from the weight of the container 50 storing hydrogen peroxide water. Therefore, it is possible to detect the consumption of the hydrogen peroxide solution after the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is saturated by the simple configuration without requiring a highly accurate weight measurement device.

For example, in the sterilization processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-136035, the consumption amount of the sterilization liquid is measured by measuring the weight of the sterilization liquid in the state before using the apparatus and the state in use. Is measured. In this device, when measuring the weight of the sterilizing solution, the inside of the sterilization treatment target space is not saturated with the active ingredient of the sterilizing solution, so the inside of the sterilization treatment target space is unstable. In the state. Therefore, the degree of sterilization in the sterilization treatment changes greatly with a slight change in the supply amount of the sterilizing solution. Therefore, in this device, it is required to accurately measure the consumption of the sterilizing solution used in the sterilization treatment. When accurately measuring the weight of the sterilizing solution inside the sterilizing apparatus, the weight of the sterilizing solution condensed in the duct extending between the atomization tank and the sterilization target space is also measured. There is a need to. Due to the construction of the device, a weight measuring device is often not provided up to the inside of the duct, so the inside of the duct may be heated in order to prevent the sterilizing solution from being condensed and remaining in the duct. By heating the duct, the sterilizing solution may be evaporated in the duct to prevent the sterilizing solution from remaining in the duct. Thus, the sterilizing solution can be prevented from remaining in the duct, and the weight of the sterilizing solution in the apparatus can be accurately measured. However, in this case, a configuration for heating the inside of the duct is required, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the sterilization apparatus. In addition, a highly accurate weight measuring device is required, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the sterilization apparatus.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the consumption amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution to be measured is the sterilization treatment target space 200 after the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 becomes saturated with hydrogen peroxide. The amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the inside of the

When the consumption of the hydrogen peroxide solution is measured, the sterilization processing target space 200 is saturated with hydrogen peroxide, and the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is in a stable state. The amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied from it does not have to be measured with high accuracy, and there is no need to measure it too severely, so the weight of high accuracy in measuring the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution Measurement equipment is not required. Moreover, since it is not necessary to measure the weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution with high accuracy, there is no need to install a configuration for heating the inside of the duct. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the duct 30 and the duct 21 with a configuration for heating, and by omitting the configuration for heating in the duct from the sterilization processing device 100, the configuration of the sterilization processing device 100 can be realized. It can be simplified. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the sterilization processing apparatus 100 can be kept low.

Further, after the sterilization treatment target space 200 is saturated with hydrogen peroxide and is in a balanced and stable state, supply of hydrogen peroxide water in a supply amount corresponding to the degree of sterilization is performed. Therefore, when the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied according to the degree of sterilization, the required supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution is not easily affected by the change of the surrounding environment. Even if the temperature and humidity inside the sterilization processing space 200 change slightly due to changes in the surrounding environment, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied according to the degree of sterilization is not significantly affected. Therefore, when the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied according to the degree of sterilization, the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is supplied by the supply of a certain amount of hydrogen peroxide solution regardless of changes in the surrounding environment. Sterilization can be performed reliably. Therefore, stable sterilization can be performed regardless of changes in ambient temperature and humidity.

Further, in the present embodiment, the supply amount according to the degree of sterilization of the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the sterilization processing space 200 at time t2 is a temperature within a certain range and a certain range in the surrounding environment. For each humidity inside, it is determined by the test performed beforehand. Therefore, when carrying out the sterilization treatment, it is possible to easily supply the hydrogen peroxide solution according to the degree of sterilization.

In the test to determine the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied at time t2, the temperature and humidity are sterilized at four points outside the certain range and near the four corners of the certain range. The supply amount of hydrogen peroxide solution which is confirmed to be in a steady state is detected. Among the supply amounts of hydrogen peroxide water detected at four points and confirmed to be in a sterile state, the supply amount of the largest amount of hydrogen peroxide water is determined as the amount according to the degree of sterilization Be

Thereby, the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution which has been confirmed to be in a sterile state at a certain range of temperature and humidity is set as the supply amount at time t2. Therefore, at the time of the sterilization treatment, hydrogen peroxide water of an amount capable of achieving a surely sterilized state can be supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200. Therefore, the reliability of the sterilization processing apparatus 100 can be maintained high. Moreover, there is no need to calculate the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution using a complicated equation to set the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution at the time t2, and the supply amount of the hydrogen peroxide solution by a simple method Can be set. Therefore, there is no need to increase the performance of the control unit 60, and the manufacturing cost of the sterilization processing apparatus 100 can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide solution as the sterilization mist in which the sterilization solution is atomized is supplied to the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The sterilizing gas generated by vaporizing the sterilizing solution may be supplied to the inside of the sterilization target space 200. In that case, the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200 is subjected to the sterilization processing by causing the vaporized sterilizing gas to exert a sterilizing action inside the sterilization processing target space 200. When the sterilizing gas is hydrogen peroxide generated by vaporizing hydrogen peroxide solution, the hydrogen peroxide exerts a bactericidal action inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 and the sterilization treatment target space 200 Do internal sterilization.

Even if hydrogen peroxide as the sterilizing gas generated by vaporizing the sterilizing solution is supplied to the inside of the sterilization target space 200, the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is peroxidized. Hydrogenated gas may be supplied to the active ingredient of hydrogen until it becomes saturated or a state according to saturation, and thereafter hydrogen peroxide in an amount according to the degree of sterilization may be supplied.

At that time, instead of the atomization unit 10 for atomizing the sterilizing solution such as hydrogen peroxide solution as a state change unit for changing the state of the sterilizing solution, the sterilization unit is a vaporization unit for evaporating the sterilizing solution You may provide. For example, a heating device for heating the sterilizing solution may be applied as a vaporization unit to vaporize the sterilizing solution.

Since the sterilizing gas is generated by vaporizing a sterilizing liquid such as a hydrogen peroxide solution, the humidity is relatively high. When the sterilizing gas is hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide solution as the sterilizing solution containing the active ingredient of the sterilizing action is vaporized by heating or the like to generate hydrogen peroxide as the sterilizing gas, The humidity of hydrogen peroxide as a vaporized sterilizing gas is relatively high. Therefore, when the vaporized hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the sterilization processing target space 200, the humidity in the sterilization processing target space 200 is maintained by continuously supplying the sterilization gas to the inside of the sterilization processing target space 200. Becomes higher gradually. If supply of sterilizing gas in an amount until the relative humidity reaches the set value is performed to the sterilization process target space 200, the inside of the sterilization process target space 200 is saturated or saturated with the active component of the sterilizing gas. It will be After the inside of the sterilization processing space 200 becomes saturated or saturated with the active ingredient, the vaporized sterilization gas in an amount according to the degree of sterilization is supplied to the inside of the sterilization processing space 200 Do. Thereby, sterilization gas of the quantity according to the grade of sterilization can be supplied to the inside of the space 200 for sterilization treatment. As described above, even when the sterilizing gas generated by vaporizing the sterilizing solution is supplied to the inside of the sterilization target space 200, the supply of the sterilizing gas can be controlled.

In addition, it is generated in a mixed state of the atomized sterilization mist and the vaporized sterilization gas, and the atomized sterilization mist and the vaporized sterilization gas are supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200 It may be made to exert a bactericidal action.

At that time, similarly, the sterilization sterilization target space 200 is supplied with the amount of atomized sterilization mist and the vaporized sterilization gas until the relative humidity reaches the set value or more, and the sterilization treatment target space 200 The inside of the solution is saturated or saturated with the active ingredient of the sterilizing solution. Thereafter, the atomized sterilization mist and the vaporized sterilization gas are supplied to the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200, so that the atomized sterilization mist and the amount corresponding to the degree of sterilization are vaporized. The sterilizing gas is supplied to the sterilizing target space 200.

Second Embodiment
Next, a sterilization apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment, and only a different part is demonstrated.

In the first embodiment, the relative humidity inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 is measured using the hygrometer 40, and the sterilization solution in an amount until the relative humidity reaches the set value or more is supplied to the sterilization treatment target space 200 By doing this, the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is saturated with the sterilizing solution. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, whether or not the inside of the sterilization processing space 200 is saturated by the sterilization liquid is directly detected without measuring the relative humidity inside the sterilization processing space 200. It differs from the first embodiment in that

In the second embodiment, a sensor (sensor unit) for detecting whether or not the active component of the sterilizing solution is saturated in the sterilization treatment target space 200 is disposed in the sterilization treatment target space 200. When it is confirmed by the sensor disposed in the sterilization treatment target space 200 that the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is saturated with the active component of the sterilization solution, the sterilization liquid at time t1 And supply of the sterilizing solution of the supply amount according to the degree of sterilization at time t2. In other words, if it is confirmed that the inside of the sterilization processing space 200 is saturated with hydrogen peroxide, which is the active component of hydrogen peroxide water, the supply amount of peroxide according to the degree of sterilization Transfer to hydrogen water supply.

As a sensor for detecting whether or not the active component of the sterilizing solution is saturated inside the sterilization treatment target space 200, for example, the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is irradiated with light, and the reflected light is detected. Thus, a sensor that detects whether or not the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is saturated with the active component of the sterilizing solution may be used. In addition, a sensor that detects whether the inside of the sterilization treatment target space 200 is saturated with hydrogen peroxide by arranging the electric resistance inside the sterilization treatment target space 200 and detecting the current flowing through the electric resistance. May be used. Any sensor may be used as long as it can detect a state in which the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is saturated with the active component of the sterilizing solution.

As described above, in the second embodiment, a state in which the active component of the sterile solution is saturated in the interior of the sterilization target space 200 is directly detected. When a state in which the inside of the sterilization target space 200 is saturated with the active component of the sterilizing solution is detected, the sterilizing solution is supplied in an amount according to the degree of the sterilizing at time t2. Since the state where the active ingredient of the sterilizing solution is saturated is directly detected in the inside of the sterilization subject space 200, the inside of the sterilization subject space 200 is saturated with the active ingredient of the sterilizing fluid. You can judge whether or not you Since the sterilization solution is supplied in an amount corresponding to the degree of sterilization while the sterilization treatment target space 200 is completely saturated with the active components of the sterilization solution, the sterilization treatment can be performed more reliably. .

10 atomization unit 20 supply unit 40 hygrometer 60 control unit

Claims

A state change unit that atomizes or vaporizes a sterilizing solution containing an active ingredient;
A supply unit for supplying the sterilization space in which the sterilization liquid is atomized by the state change unit or the sterilization gas in which the sterilization solution is vaporized by the state change unit to a sterilization space that performs sterilization treatment; ,
A relative humidity measuring unit that measures relative humidity inside the sterile space;
Supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas in an amount until the relative humidity reaches a set value or more to the sterilization space, and thereafter, an amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization space And a control unit for controlling the supply of the sterilizing mist or the sterilizing gas so as to supply the sterilizing mist or the sterilizing gas to the sterilizing space. Processing unit.
The set value is a value of the relative humidity determined that the active ingredient in the sterile solution has become saturated or in a state according to the saturation inside the sterile space. The sterilization processing device described in.
The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide,
The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the set value is 70 percent.
The sterilization processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the amount according to the degree of sterilization is determined according to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment.
The amount according to the degree of sterilization is determined by a test performed in advance for each temperature within a certain range in the surrounding environment and each humidity within a certain range,
In the above test,
It is confirmed that the bacteria is in a sterilized state at a temperature lower than the lower limit temperature in the predetermined range for the temperature and at a humidity higher than the upper limit humidity in the predetermined range for the humidity. The sterilizing mist or a first supply amount of the sterilizing gas;
It is confirmed that the bacteria is in a sterilized state at a temperature lower than the lower limit temperature in the predetermined range for the temperature and at a humidity lower than the lower limit humidity in the predetermined range for the humidity. A second supply amount of the germicidal mist or the germicidal gas;
It is confirmed that the bacteria is in a sterilized state at a temperature higher than the upper limit temperature in the predetermined range of temperature and lower than the lower limit humidity in the predetermined range of humidity. A third supply amount of the germicidal mist or the germicidal gas;
It is confirmed that the bacteria is in a sterile state when the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature in the predetermined range and the humidity is higher than the upper limit humidity in the predetermined range. Detecting the sterilizing mist or the fourth supply amount of the sterilizing gas;
The largest supply amount among the supply amounts from the detected first supply amount to the fourth supply amount is determined as an amount according to the degree of sterilization. Sterilization processing equipment.
A state change unit that atomizes or vaporizes a sterilizing solution containing an active ingredient;
A supply unit for supplying the sterilization space in which the sterilization liquid is atomized by the state change unit or the sterilization gas in which the sterilization solution is vaporized by the state change unit to a sterilization space that performs sterilization treatment; ,
A sensor unit for detecting whether or not the active ingredient is saturated inside the sterile space;
Supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas is performed to the sterilization space until it is detected by the sensor unit that the active ingredient is saturated, and then sterilization of the inside of the sterilization space is performed. Providing a control unit for controlling supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas so that supply of the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas in an amount according to the degree is performed to the sterilization space The sterilization processing device that is characterized.
A first supplying step of supplying the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas containing an active ingredient to the sterilization space until the relative humidity inside the sterilization space to be subjected to the sterilization treatment becomes equal to or higher than a set value;
A second supply step of supplying the sterilization mist or the sterilization gas to the sterilization space in an amount according to the degree of sterilization inside the sterilization space after the first supply step And a method of sterilizing treatment characterized in that