JP5757965B2 - Isolator and control method of isolator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an isolator.

  The isolator has a work room in an aseptic environment inside, and is used for performing work that is required to be an aseptic environment in the work room, for example, work on biological materials such as cell culture. . Here, the aseptic environment refers to an environment that is almost as dust-free aseptic in order to avoid contamination other than substances necessary for work performed in the work room.

  The work chamber includes a gas supply port and a gas discharge port. Air is supplied from the gas supply port to the work chamber, and air is discharged from the gas discharge port. In general, an isolator is provided with a particulate collection filter such as a HEPA filter at a gas supply port in order to ensure a sterile environment in the working chamber, and air is supplied to the working chamber through the particulate collection filter. The gas exhaust port is also provided with a particulate collection filter, and the air in the working chamber is exhausted from the working chamber via the particulate collection filter.

  Further, in the isolator, a sterilization process is performed in which a sterilizing substance such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed into the working chamber to sterilize the working chamber (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2006-320392 A JP 2005-31799 A

  Under the circumstances as described above, the present inventors have recognized the following problems. That is, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing substance is supplied to the working chamber through a path independent of the gas supply port that supplies gas to the working chamber. Therefore, the gas supply port and the particulate collection filter provided at the gas supply port cannot be sterilized in the sterilization process. In order to further improve the reliability of the work performed by the isolator and the workpiece processed in the work, the certainty of the sterilization treatment is required. For that purpose, the gas supply port and the gas supply port are provided. Sterilization of the particulate collection filter is required.

  However, when the gas supply port and the particulate collection filter are sterilized in the sterilization process, the sterilizing substance passes through the particulate collection filter provided in the gas supply port of the working chamber. At that time, the sterilizing substance is adsorbed on the particulate collection filter. In the sterilization process, after the sterilization process is completed, a removal process for removing the sterilizing substance in the working chamber is performed. When the sterilizing substance is adsorbed on the particulate collection filter, the adsorbed sterilizing substance is removed from the particulate collection filter. Since it is difficult to peel off, the removal process takes a long time, and as a result, the entire sterilization process takes a long time.

  On the other hand, the operation in the working chamber cannot be started until the gas in the working chamber is rendered harmless in the removal step and the concentration of the sterilized substance in the working chamber becomes a concentration that does not adversely affect the workpiece. In general, in an isolator, after one operation in the work chamber is completed, a sterilization process is performed for the next operation. Therefore, in order to improve the working efficiency of the isolator, it is required to shorten the time required for the sterilization process.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of such recognition by the present inventors. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the certainty of the sterilization process in the isolator and to further reduce the time required for the sterilization process. Is in the provision of.

  One embodiment of the present invention is an isolator. This isolator includes a gas supply port and a gas discharge port, a work chamber for performing work on biological material, a supply-side particulate collection filter provided in the gas supply port, and a sterilization in the work chamber A sterilizing substance supply unit for supplying substances, a sterilizing substance supply part and a gas flow downstream side of the supply side particulate collection filter, and a non-filter supply path for sending the sterilizing substance to the working room, and a sterilizing substance supply And a supply passage via a filter for sending the sterilizing substance to the working chamber, and a circulation path for returning the sterilizing substance supplied to the working chamber to the sterilizing substance supply section. A supply path switching section that switches between the non-filter supply path and the filter-routed supply path, and a control section that controls switching of the supply path switching section. The control section is a filter in the first mode for sterilizing the work chamber. In the non-passage supply path Rikae, and controlling the supply path switching so as to switch the filter via the supply passage having a working chamber and a second mode of sterilizing the supply-side particulate collection filter.

  According to this aspect, the reliability of the sterilization process in the isolator can be improved, and the time required for the sterilization process can be further shortened.

  In the above aspect, it is provided with a discharge-side particulate collection filter provided at the gas discharge port, and the circulation path is a circulation path through a filter that communicates the gas flow downstream side of the discharge-side particulate collection filter and the sterilizing substance supply unit, and It may include at least one non-filter circulation path that connects the upstream side of the gas flow of the discharge side particulate collection filter and the sterilizing substance supply unit.

  In the above aspect, the circulation path includes a circulation path through a filter and a circulation path without a filter, and includes a circulation path switching unit that switches between a circulation path without a filter and a circulation path through a filter. May be switched to a non-filter circulation path, and may be switched to a filter circulation path in the second mode.

  In the above aspect, a fan for supplying and discharging gas into the work chamber may be provided in the circulation path.

  Further, in the above aspect, the sterilizing substance supply unit includes a sterilizing substance containing tank that contains the sterilizing substance, a sterilizing substance sending unit that sends the sterilizing substance supplied from the sterilizing substance containing tank to the work room, a sterilizing substance containing tank, and a sterilizing substance. A sterilizing substance supply path that communicates with the substance delivery section, a particulate collection filter may be provided in the sterilization substance supply path, and the circulation path may communicate with the sterilization substance delivery section.

  Further, in the above aspect, the circulation path includes a removal-route via the removal section that passes through the removal section that removes the sterilizing substance, and the removal is performed by switching the flow path so that the sterilization substance supplied to the working chamber passes through the removal-path circulation path. And a control unit may control the removal unit via-circulation path switching unit to switch to the removal unit via-circulation path at a predetermined timing in the first mode and the second mode.

  A combination of the above-described elements as appropriate can also be included in the scope of the invention for which patent protection is sought by this patent application.

  According to the present invention, the reliability of the sterilization process in the isolator can be improved and the time required for the sterilization process can be further shortened.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an isolator according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a hydrogen peroxide mist generator. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an isolator according to a second embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the isolator which concerns on a modification.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an isolator 100 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the isolator 100 according to the first embodiment includes a work chamber 10, a sterilizing substance supply unit 30, a gas supply unit 50, and a gas discharge unit 60.

  The work chamber 10 is a space for performing work on biological materials such as cell extraction and cell culture. A front door 12 is provided in the work chamber 10 so as to be openable and closable, and a work glove 14 for performing work in the work chamber 10 is provided at a predetermined position of the front door 12. An operator can insert a hand into the work glove 14 through an opening (not shown) provided in the front door 12 and perform work in the work chamber 10 through the work glove 14. Here, the living body-derived material means a material including a living organism including a cell itself, a substance constituting the living organism, or a substance produced by the living organism.

  The working chamber 10 includes a gas supply port 16 and a gas discharge port 18. The gas supply port 16 is provided with a supply HEPA filter 20 (HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air) as a supply-side particulate collection filter, and the gas discharge port 18 is provided with a discharge HEPA filter 22 as a discharge-side particulate collection filter. Is provided. Further, the working chamber 10 is provided with an opening 24 that is provided on the downstream side of the gas flow of the supply HEPA filter 20 and is connected to a non-filter supply path 70 described later.

  The sterilizing substance supply unit 30 is for supplying a sterilizing substance into the work chamber 10, and the isolator 100 may supply the sterilizing substance into the working chamber 10 to make the inside of the working chamber 10 an aseptic environment. it can. Here, the aseptic environment refers to an environment that is almost as dust-free aseptic in order to avoid contamination other than substances necessary for work performed in the work room. The sterilizing material supply unit 30 includes a sterilizing material storage tank 32 that stores the sterilizing material, a sterilizing material sending unit 34 that sends the sterilizing material supplied from the sterilizing material storage tank 32 to the work chamber 10, and the sterilizing material storage tank 32 and the sterilizing material. A sterilizing substance supply path 36 communicating with the substance delivery unit 34. The sterilizing substance supply path 36 is provided with a membrane filter 38 as a particulate collection filter. Further, a valve 40 is provided between the sterilizing substance storage tank 32 and the membrane filter 38 in the sterilizing substance supply path 36, and supply of the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance storage tank 32 to the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 by opening and closing the valve 40. Is controlled.

  In this embodiment, the sterilizing substance is hydrogen peroxide, and the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 can be configured by, for example, a hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200 shown in FIG. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is sent into the working chamber 10 in a mist state, but most of the hydrogen peroxide is quickly vaporized and exists as hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10. Hereinafter, hydrogen peroxide gas including hydrogen peroxide mist may be referred to. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200 includes a control substrate 202, a hydrogen peroxide water tank 204, a water seal cap 206, a hydrogen peroxide water tank 208, an ultrasonic oscillator 210, and a hydrogen peroxide supply pipe 212. Have The sterilizing substance storage tank 32 stores hydrogen peroxide water. For example, the control board 202 controls the opening and closing of the valve 40, so that the hydrogen peroxide solution 201 is transferred from the sterilization substance storage tank 32 to the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 204. Supplied.

  The hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200 supplies the hydrogen peroxide solution 201 in the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 204 from the water seal cap 206 to the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 208 under the control of the control board 202. Then, the hydrogen peroxide mist 203 is generated by applying ultrasonic vibration from the ultrasonic oscillator 210 to the hydrogen peroxide solution 201 in the hydrogen peroxide bath 208. The generated hydrogen peroxide mist 203 is sent out from the hydrogen peroxide supply pipe 212 toward the work chamber 10.

  In addition, a circulatory path 80 to be described later communicates with the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34. The sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 is not limited to the hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200, but may be, for example, a hydrogen peroxide gas generator that generates hydrogen peroxide gas by applying air to the dropped hydrogen peroxide solution to vaporize it. There may be. The sterilizing substance is not limited to hydrogen peroxide, and may be a substance containing an active oxygen species such as ozone.

  The gas supply unit 50 is provided on the upstream side of the gas flow in the work chamber 10. The gas supply unit 50 includes an intake port 52 and supplies a gas such as air outside the isolator 100 taken in from the intake port 52 into the work chamber 10. Supply of the gas taken in from the gas supply unit 50 into the working chamber 10 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 56. In addition, the gas supply unit 50 includes a sterilizing substance removal filter 54 made of activated carbon, a platinum catalyst, or the like on the downstream side of the gas flow of the intake port 52, whereby the hydrogen peroxide gas flows backward from the work chamber 10, This prevents hydrogen peroxide gas from flowing out.

  The gas discharge part 60 is provided on the gas flow downstream side of the work chamber 10. The gas exhaust unit 60 includes an exhaust port 62, and the gas in the work chamber 10 is exhausted from the isolator 100 through the exhaust port 62. The discharge of gas from the work chamber 10 to the outside of the isolator 100 through the exhaust port 62 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 66. In addition, the gas discharge unit 60 includes a sterilization substance removal filter 64 having the same configuration as the sterilization substance removal filter 54 on the upstream side of the gas flow of the exhaust port 62, whereby hydrogen peroxide from the working chamber 10 to the outside of the isolator 100 is provided. Prevents gas outflow.

  The isolator 100 includes a non-filter supply path 70 and a filter supply path 72. The non-filter supply path 70 and the filter supply path 72 are connected to the sterilizing substance delivery section 34 of the sterilizing substance supply section 30 via a three-way valve 90 as a supply path switching section. Therefore, the isolator 100 switches the path for supplying the hydrogen peroxide gas sent from the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 to the work chamber 10 between the non-filter supply path 70 and the filter supply path 72 by the three-way valve 90. It has a configuration that can.

  The end of the non-filter supply path 70 opposite to the three-way valve 90 is connected to the opening 24. That is, the non-filter supply path 70 is downstream of the gas flow of the sterilizing substance supply section 30 and the supply HEPA filter 20. We are in contact with the side. The end of the supply passage 72 on the side opposite to the three-way valve 90 is connected to the gas supply port 16 via the three-way valve 92. That is, the supply passage 72 via the filter is connected to the sterilizing substance supply section 30 and the supply HEPA filter. The 20 gas flow upstream side is connected.

  A gas supply unit 50 is connected to the three-way valve 92, and the gas supply unit 50 is connected to the gas supply port 16 via the three-way valve 92. Therefore, the isolator 100 supplies the gas outside the isolator 100 from the gas supply unit 50 to the work chamber 10 by the three-way valve 92 or works hydrogen peroxide gas from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 via the supply path 72 via the filter. It can be switched to supply to the chamber 10.

  The isolator 100 also includes a circulation path 80 that returns the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the work chamber 10 to the sterilizing substance supply unit 30. In the isolator 100 of the present embodiment, the circulation path 80 is connected to the gas discharge port 18 of the work chamber 10, and a filter-passage circulation path 81 that communicates the downstream side of the gas flow of the discharge HEPA filter 22 and the sterilizing substance supply unit 30. Including. In addition, the circulation path 80 is provided with a fan 110 for supplying and discharging gas into the work chamber 10. A three-way valve 94 is provided on the downstream side of the gas flow of the fan 110 in the circulation path 80, and the gas discharge unit 60 is connected to the circulation path 80 via the three-way valve 94. Therefore, the isolator 100 is configured to be able to switch whether the gas in the working chamber 10 is returned to the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 or discharged from the gas discharge unit 60 by the three-way valve 94.

  The end of the circulation path 80 opposite to the work chamber 10 is connected to the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34, and hydrogen peroxide gas supplied into the work chamber 10 is newly generated in the sterilization substance delivery unit 34. It is mixed with the hydrogen peroxide mist 203 and supplied to the working chamber 10 again.

  The circulation path 80 includes a removal section via-circulation path 82 having a sterilizing substance removal filter 83 as a removal section for removing the hydrogen peroxide gas. The sterilizing substance removing filter 83 has the same configuration as the sterilizing substance removing filter 54. The removal unit circulation path 82 branches off from the circulation path 80 via a three-way valve 96 serving as a removal unit via circulation path switching unit, and the end opposite to the three-way valve 96 is connected to the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 in the circulation path 80. It merges downstream of the gas flow. Therefore, the isolator 100 can switch whether or not the gas in the working chamber 10 is passed through the removal-parts circulation path 82 by the three-way valve 96. By passing the gas in the work chamber 10 through the removal portion circulation path 82, the hydrogen peroxide gas present in the work chamber 10 can be removed.

  The isolator 100 includes a control unit 300. The control unit 300 controls the opening / closing of the valve 56, the valve 66, the three-way valve 90, the three-way valve 92, the three-way valve 94, and the three-way valve 96, and ON / OFF of the fan 110, and also controls the sterilizing substance supply unit 30. The substrate 202 is instructed to start and stop the production of hydrogen peroxide mist.

  Next, the sterilization process in the isolator 100 having the above-described configuration will be described. First, in a state where work is performed in the work chamber 10, the control unit 300 controls the three-way valve 92 so that the gas supply unit 50 side is opened, and the three-way valve 94 is opened on the gas discharge unit 60 side. To control. Thereby, the gas outside the isolator 100, for example, air is supplied from the gas supply unit 50 to the work chamber 10 through the supply HEPA filter 20, and the air in the work chamber 10 is supplied from the gas discharge unit 60 through the discharge HEPA filter 22. A gas flow path is formed that is discharged to the outside of the isolator 100.

  The sterilization process of the isolator 100 includes a pretreatment process, a sterilization process, and a removal process. In the pretreatment process, first, the control unit 300 stops the supply of the air outside the isolator 100 from the gas supply unit 50 and the discharge of the air in the work chamber 10 from the gas discharge unit 60. The valve 94 is controlled. Subsequently, the hydrogen peroxide gas passes through the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72 until the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 becomes equal to or higher than the concentration required for sterilization in the work chamber 10. 10 is supplied. After the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10 reaches a predetermined concentration or more in the pretreatment process, the sterilization process is started.

  In the sterilization process, the hydrogen peroxide gas sent out from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 passes through the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72 to the working chamber 10, the filter circulation path 81, and the sterilization substance supply section. Circulation to 30 is performed for sterilization. After the sterilization process is completed, the sterilization process enters the removal process.

  In the removal step, the supply of hydrogen peroxide gas from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 is stopped, the gas in the working chamber 10 passes through the removal unit circulation path 82, and the sterilizing substance removal filter 83 causes the hydrogen peroxide gas to flow. Decomposed and removed. In addition, the gas in the working chamber 10 is circulated to the removal portion circulation circuit 82, the non-filter supply passage 70 or the filter supply passage 72, and the work chamber 10, so that the hydrogen peroxide gas in the sterilizing substance removal filter 83 is reduced. The removal is repeated. When the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the working chamber 10 becomes a predetermined value or less, the control unit 300 controls the three-way valve 92 so that the gas supply unit 50 side is opened, and the three-way valve 94 is opened on the gas discharge unit 60 side. Control to be

  As a result, the air taken in from the air inlet 52 into the isolator 100 passes through the supply HEPA filter 20 and reaches the work chamber 10, passes from the work chamber 10 through the exhaust HEPA filter 22, and is discharged into the exhaust port. A gas flow path that is discharged from 62 is formed. As a result, the gas in the work chamber 10 is replaced with air, and the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 is removed from the work chamber 10. Further, in the removing step, the hydrogen peroxide gas remaining in the region other than the work chamber 10 in the isolator 100, for example, the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72, or the peroxide adsorbed on the supply HEPA filter 20 is used. Hydrogen is also removed.

  Since the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration is high at the initial stage of the removal process, when the gas in the working chamber 10 is exhausted from the gas discharge unit 60 to the outside of the isolator 100 at the start of the removal process, the hydrogen peroxide in the sterilizing substance removal filter 64 is used. It takes a long time to decompose the gas. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the gas in the working chamber 10 is repeatedly decomposed through the removal portion circulating circuit 82 in the removal step, and the hydrogen peroxide gas is decomposed. Therefore, the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration can be reduced in a short time, and as a result, the sterilization time can be shortened. Further, since the gas in the working chamber 10 is discharged from the gas discharge unit 60 to the outside of the isolator 100 after the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration is sufficiently reduced, leakage of the hydrogen peroxide gas to the outside can be prevented.

  Here, the “predetermined value” is a value that can achieve both shortening of the sterilization time and prevention of leakage of hydrogen peroxide gas, for example, and the value can be obtained by experiment. The hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the work chamber 10 can be obtained by providing a sensor such as an infrared absorption sensor in the work chamber 10. Alternatively, the time from the start of the removal process until the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 reaches a predetermined value is calculated, and by monitoring the passage of the time, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 is a predetermined value. You may make it detect that it became.

  When the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the work chamber 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined concentration after the removal process, the work chamber 10 becomes usable. Here, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gas at which the working chamber 10 can be used is a concentration that does not affect the biological material used in the work to a degree that cannot be ignored in the work. This concentration is, for example, a concentration of 1 ppm (TWA: time-weighted average value) or less defined by ACGIH (American Conference of Global Industrial Hygienists).

  Here, the isolator 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first mode for sterilizing the work chamber 10 and a second mode for sterilizing the work chamber 10 and the supply HEPA filter 20 as sterilization processing modes. The isolator 100 allows the user to select the first mode and the second mode via the instruction unit 310.

  The isolator 100 includes an instruction unit 310, and the control unit 300 switches to the non-filter supply path 70 in the first mode and switches to the filter supply path 72 in the second mode in accordance with a user instruction from the instruction unit 310. Thus, the three-way valve 90 is controlled. The control unit 300 includes a storage unit (not shown), and a program for executing the first mode and a program for executing the second mode are stored in advance in the storage unit. The control unit 300 calls and executes these programs to execute a sterilization process corresponding to each mode.

  In the first mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas sent out from the sterilizing substance supply unit 34 of the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 is supplied into the working chamber 10 from the opening 24 through the non-filter supply path 70. In the first mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas is circulated from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 to the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 through the non-filter supply path 70, the working chamber 10, and the filter circulation path 81. Is formed. Thus, in the first mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 10 without passing through the supply HEPA filter 20.

  On the other hand, in the second mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas sent from the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 of the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 passes through the supply passage 72 via the filter, passes through the supply HEPA filter 20 and enters the working chamber 10. Supplied. In the second mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas passes from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 through the filter supply path 72, the supply HEPA filter 20, the work chamber 10, and the filter circulation path 81 to the sterilization substance supply unit 30. A circulation channel that circulates is formed. Thus, in the second mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 10 through the supply HEPA filter 20.

  The hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the supply HEPA filter 20 is peeled off by the gas passing through the supply HEPA filter 20, but is difficult to peel off when the flow rate of the gas passing through the supply HEPA filter 20 is small. Therefore, the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the supply HEPA filter 20 is gradually separated over a relatively long time and is released into the working chamber 10. As a result, it takes time for the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 to decrease to a concentration at which the work chamber 10 can be used. Therefore, the time required for the second mode is longer than the time required for the first mode. In other words, the first mode can be set to be shorter than the second mode.

  Therefore, for example, after one work in the work room is completed, the mode of sterilization performed at the next work is set to the first mode, so that the sterilization time can be shortened and the next work can be started early. become. On the other hand, for example, when one day of work is completed and the next work is performed on the next day, or when regular maintenance is performed, supply HEPA is performed by performing sterilization processing in the second mode. A wider area including the filter 20 can be sterilized, and the reliability of the sterilization process in the isolator 100 can be improved.

  In the first mode, since hydrogen peroxide gas passes through the exhaust HEPA filter 22, hydrogen peroxide is adsorbed on the exhaust HEPA filter 22. The hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the exhaust HEPA filter 22 requires a relatively long time as in the case of the supply HEPA filter 20. However, the hydrogen peroxide peeled from the discharge HEPA filter 22 is sent to the gas discharge unit 60 side along the air flow from the work chamber 10 to the gas discharge unit 60 generated during the work, and enters the work chamber 10. The possibility of backflow is low. Therefore, in the first mode, the sterilization time can be made shorter than that in the second mode regardless of the presence of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the exhaust HEPA filter 22.

  Summarizing the operational effects of the configuration described above, the isolator 100 according to the first embodiment includes the non-filter supply path 70 and the filter supply path 72. Further, the control unit 300 switches to the non-filter supply path 70 in the first mode in which the work chamber 10 is sterilized, and switches to the filter supply path 72 in the second mode in which the work chamber 10 and the supply HEPA filter 20 are sterilized. In such a configuration, by selecting the sterilization mode according to the situation, the reliability of the sterilization process in the isolator 100 can be improved and the time required for the sterilization process can be further shortened. Moreover, the reliability of the to-be-processed object processed with the isolator 100 improves because the certainty of the sterilization process in the isolator 100 improves. Moreover, the use efficiency of the isolator 100 can be improved by shortening the time required for the sterilization treatment, and the amount of the object to be processed can be increased.

  In the first mode, since the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied to the work chamber 10 without passing through the supply HEPA filter 20, wasteful consumption of the hydrogen peroxide gas due to adsorption to the supply HEPA filter 20 can be suppressed. it can. Further, the concentration unevenness of the hydrogen peroxide gas supplied to the work chamber 10 can be reduced.

  Further, the isolator 100 has a fan 110 in the circulation path 80, and supplies and discharges gas into the work chamber 10 by the fan 110. By providing the fan 110 in the circulation path 80, not only the supply of gas from the gas supply unit 50 and the discharge of gas from the gas discharge unit 60, but also through the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72. A circulation of hydrogen peroxide gas can also be carried out. Therefore, the number of necessary fans is reduced, and the number of parts of the isolator 100 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, a membrane filter 38 is provided in the sterilizing substance supply path 36 of the sterilizing substance supply unit 30. For this reason, it is possible to avoid contamination from the sterilizing substance storage tank 32 and to ensure a sterile environment in the working chamber 10. Further, the circulation path 80 is provided with a removal part circulation path 82 having a sterilizing substance removal filter 83, and in the removal process in the sterilization process, the gas in the working chamber 10 is repeatedly passed through the removal part circulation path 82 to generate hydrogen peroxide. Decomposing gas. Therefore, the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration can be reduced in a short time, and as a result, the sterilization time can be shortened. Moreover, leakage of hydrogen peroxide gas to the outside can be prevented, and the safety of the isolator 100 is improved.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the circulation path 80 includes a non-filter circulation circuit. Other configurations of the isolator 100 and the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same drawings are used and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment includes a work chamber 10, a sterilizing substance supply unit 30, a gas supply unit 50, and a gas discharge unit 60. The working chamber 10 includes a front door 12, a work globe 14, a gas supply port 16, and a gas discharge port 18, a supply HEPA filter 20 at the gas supply port 16, and a discharge HEPA filter at the gas discharge port 18. 22 is provided. Further, the working chamber 10 has an opening 24 to which the non-filter supply path 70 is connected, and an opening 26 which is provided on the upstream side of the gas flow of the exhaust HEPA filter 22 and to which a non-filter circulation circuit 84 described later is connected. Is provided.

  The sterilizing substance supply unit 30 includes a sterilizing substance storage tank 32, a sterilizing substance delivery unit 34, and a sterilizing substance supply path 36. The sterilizing substance supply path 36 is provided with a membrane filter 38 and a valve 40, and the supply of the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance storage tank 32 to the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 40. In this embodiment, the sterilizing substance is hydrogen peroxide. In addition, a circulation path 80 communicates with the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34.

  The gas supply unit 50 includes an intake port 52, a sterilizing substance removal filter 54, and a valve 56. Gas supply from the gas supply unit 50 into the working chamber 10 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 56. The gas discharge unit 60 includes an exhaust port 62, a sterilizing substance removal filter 64, and a valve 66. The discharge of gas from the work chamber 10 to the outside of the isolator 100 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 66.

  The isolator 100 includes a non-filter supply path 70 and a filter supply path 72, which are connected to the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34 via a three-way valve 90. The other end of the non-filter supply path 70 is connected to the opening 24, and the other end of the filter supply path 72 is connected to the gas supply port 16 via a three-way valve 92. Further, the gas supply unit 50 is connected to the gas supply port 16 via a three-way valve 92.

  The isolator 100 also includes a circulation path 80. In the present embodiment, the circulation path 80 includes a filter passage circulation path 81, a removal unit passage circulation path 82, and a filter non-passage circulation path 84. The circulation path 81 via the filter is connected to the gas outlet 18 of the working chamber 10 and communicates the downstream side of the gas flow of the exhaust HEPA filter 22 and the sterilizing substance supply unit 30. On the other hand, the non-filter circulation path 84 is connected to the opening 26 and communicates the upstream side of the gas flow of the exhaust HEPA filter 22 and the sterilizing substance supply unit 30.

  An end portion of the circulation path 81 opposite to the gas discharge port 18 and an end portion of the non-filter circulation path 84 opposite to the opening portion 26 are connected to a three-way valve 98 serving as a circulation path switching portion. Yes. Therefore, the isolator 100 uses the three-way valve 98 to send the gas in the working chamber 10 to the circulation path 80 via the filter circulation path 81 or to the circulation path 80 via the non-filter circulation path 84. It can be switched.

  A fan 110 is provided in the circulation path 80. Specifically, it is provided on the downstream side of the gas flow of the three-way valve 98 in the circulation path 80. A three-way valve 94 is provided on the downstream side of the gas flow of the fan 110 in the circulation path 80, and the gas discharge unit 60 is connected to the circulation path 80 via the three-way valve 94. The end of the circulation path 80 on the side opposite to the work chamber 10 is connected to the sterilizing substance delivery unit 34. The removal portion circulation path 82 has a sterilizing substance removal filter 83, branches from the circulation path 80 via a three-way valve 96, and the other end joins the circulation path 80.

  The isolator 100 includes a control unit 300, and controls opening / closing of the valve 56, valve 66, three-way valve 90, three-way valve 92, three-way valve 94, three-way valve 96, and three-way valve 98 and ON / OFF of the fan 110. In addition, the control substrate 202 of the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 is instructed to start and stop the generation of hydrogen peroxide mist.

  Next, the sterilization process in the isolator 100 having the above-described configuration will be described. In a state where work is performed in the work chamber 10, the control unit 300 performs control in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and forms a gas flow path in which air flows from the gas supply unit 50 to the work chamber 10 and the gas discharge unit 60.

  In the pretreatment process of the sterilization process, the control unit 300 stops the supply of air from the gas supply unit 50 and the discharge of air from the gas discharge unit 60, and supplies hydrogen peroxide gas to the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter. Supply into the working chamber 10 through the via supply path 72. After the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 reaches a predetermined concentration or higher, the sterilization process is started. In the sterilization process, the hydrogen peroxide gas sent out from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 is circulated through the working chamber 10, the filter-circulated circuit 81, or the filter-free path via the filter-less-routed supply path 70 or the filter-routed supply path 72. Sterilization is performed by circulating to the path 84 and the sterilizing substance supply unit 30. After the sterilization process is completed, the sterilization process enters the removal process.

  In the removal step, the supply of hydrogen peroxide gas from the sterilizing substance supply unit 30 is stopped, and the gas in the working chamber 10 is decomposed and removed through the removal unit circulation path 82. In addition, the gas in the work chamber 10 circulates to the filter circulation path 81 or the non-filter circulation path 84, the removal part circulation circuit 82, the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72, and the work chamber 10. When the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the working chamber 10 becomes a predetermined value or less, the control unit 300 controls the three-way valve 92 so that the gas supply unit 50 side is opened, and the three-way valve 94 is opened on the gas discharge unit 60 side. Control to be Thereby, the gas in the working chamber 10 is replaced with external air.

  Further, in the removal step, excess remaining in a region other than the working chamber 10 in the isolator 100, for example, in the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72, or in the filter bypass circuit 81 or the filter bypass circuit 84. Hydrogen oxide gas and hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the supply HEPA filter 20 and the exhaust HEPA filter 22 are also removed. When the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the work chamber 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined concentration after the removal process, the work chamber 10 becomes usable.

  Here, the isolator 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first mode for sterilizing the work chamber 10 and a second mode for sterilizing the work chamber 10 and the supply HEPA filter 20 as sterilization processing modes. The control unit 300 controls the three-way valve 90 to switch to the non-filter supply path 70 in the first mode and to switch to the filter supply path 72 in the second mode. The control unit 300 controls the three-way valve 98 so as to switch to the non-filter circulation path 84 in the first mode and to switch to the filter circulation path 81 in the second mode.

  Therefore, in the first mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 10 from the opening 24 through the non-filter supply path 70 and passes through the non-filter circulation path 84 from the opening 26. Therefore, in the first mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas does not pass through the supply HEPA filter 20 and the exhaust HEPA filter 22. On the other hand, in the second mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas passes through the supply passage 72 via the filter, passes through the supply HEPA filter 20, is supplied into the working chamber 10, passes through the discharge HEPA filter 22, and passes through the filter passage. Pass 81. Therefore, in the second mode, hydrogen peroxide gas passes through the supply HEPA filter 20 and the exhaust HEPA filter 22.

  Since the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the supply HEPA filter 20 or the discharge HEPA filter 22 takes time to peel off, the time required for the second mode is longer than the time required for the first mode. Therefore, for example, by performing the sterilization processing mode performed between operations in the first mode, the sterilization processing time can be shortened and the next operation can be started at an early stage. On the other hand, for example, when performing regular maintenance, the reliability of the sterilization process in the isolator 100 can be improved by performing the sterilization process in the second mode.

  Summarizing the operational effects of the configuration described above, the isolator 100 of the second embodiment further includes a non-filter circulation path 84 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. In the first mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas is passed through the non-filter circulation path 84 so that the hydrogen peroxide gas does not pass through the exhaust HEPA filter 22 as well as the supply HEPA filter 20. Therefore, even when a gas flow from the discharge HEPA filter 22 to the work chamber 10 occurs when the work is performed in the work chamber 10 after sterilization in the first mode, the discharge HEPA filter 22 Since hydrogen peroxide is not adsorbed, hydrogen peroxide is not mixed into the work chamber 10. Therefore, according to the isolator 100 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the effect of further improving the reliability of the workpiece processed by the isolator 100 can be obtained.

  Further, since the hydrogen peroxide gas is not passed through the exhaust HEPA filter 22, consumption of hydrogen peroxide due to adsorption to the exhaust HEPA filter 22 can be suppressed. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide required for sterilization can be reduced, and as a result, the running cost can be reduced.

  Further, the isolator 100 is provided with a fan 110 on the downstream side of the three-way valve 98 in the circulation path 80. Therefore, the fan 110 not only supplies the gas from the gas supply unit 50 and discharges the gas from the gas discharge unit 60, but also supplies the non-filter supply path 70 or the filter supply path 72, and the filter connection circulation path 81 or filter. Circulation of hydrogen peroxide gas via the bypass circuit 84 can also be performed. Therefore, the number of necessary fans is reduced, and the number of parts of the isolator 100 can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications such as design changes can be added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Embodiments to which such modifications are added Can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the gas supply unit 50 and the gas discharge unit 60 are provided. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the gas supply unit 50 and the gas discharge unit 60 may not be provided. Good. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an isolator 100 according to a modification. The isolator 100 shown in FIG. 4 has the same configuration as the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment except that the gas supply unit 50 and the three-way valve 92 and the gas discharge unit 60 and the three-way valve 94 are not included.

  Further, the circulation path 80 only needs to include at least one of the filter circulation path 81 and the non-filter circulation path 84. Therefore, for example, the circulation path 80 includes only the non-filter circulation path 84. Also good.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Work room, 12 Front door, 14 Work glove, 16 Gas supply port, 18 Gas discharge port, 20 Supply HEPA filter, 22 Discharge HEPA filter, 24, 26 Opening part, 30 Sterilization substance supply part, 32 Sterilization substance accommodation tank , 34 Sterilization substance delivery part, 36 Sterilization substance supply path, 38 Membrane filter, 40, 56, 66 Valve, 50 Gas supply part, 52 Inlet, 54, 64, 83 Sterilization substance removal filter, 60 Gas discharge part, 62 Exhaust gas Port, 70 Filter-free supply path, 72 Filter-routed supply path, 80 Circulation path, 81 Filter-routed circulation path, 82 Removal section-routed circulation path, 84 Filter-free path circulation path, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 Three-way valve , 100 isolators, 110 fans, 200 hydrogen peroxide Generator, 201 hydrogen peroxide solution, 202 control substrate, 203 hydrogen peroxide mist, 204 hydrogen peroxide solution tank, 206 water seal cap, 208 hydrogen peroxide solution tank, 210 ultrasonic oscillator, 212 hydrogen peroxide supply pipe , 300 control unit, 310 instruction unit.

Claims (12)

A working chamber for performing work, comprising a gas supply port, a gas discharge port and an opening;
A supply-side particulate collection filter provided at the gas supply port;
A discharge-side particulate collection filter provided at the gas discharge port;
A sterilizing substance supply unit for supplying a sterilizing substance to the working chamber;
A non-filter supply path for communicating the sterilizing substance supply unit and the opening, and sending the sterilizing substance to the working chamber;
Connecting the sterilizing substance supply unit and the gas flow upstream side of the supply side particulate collection filter, a supply path via a filter for sending the sterilizing substance to the working chamber;
A discharge path for communicating the downstream side of the gas flow of the discharge-side particulate collection filter and the sterilizing substance supply unit or outside air, and discharging the sterilizing substance supplied to the working chamber from the working chamber;
A supply path switching unit that switches between the non-filter supply path and the filter supply path;
A control unit that controls switching of the supply path switching unit,
Wherein the control unit includes a first mode for sterilizing the working chamber by supplying the sterilizing material to the working chamber by switching the filter non-through the supply path, the supplying the sterilizing material is switched through to the supply path the filter A second mode of passing through the side particle collection filter and supplying it to the working chamber to sterilize the working chamber and the supply side particle collection filter , and the execution time of the first mode can be selected. An isolator characterized in that it is set shorter than the execution time of the second mode .   The isolator according to claim 1, wherein a fan for discharging gas from the work chamber is provided in the discharge path. The sterilizing material supply unit includes a sterilizing material storage tank for storing a sterilizing material, a sterilizing material sending unit for sending the sterilizing material supplied from the sterilizing material storage tank to the working chamber, the sterilizing material storage tank, and the sterilizing material A sterilizing substance supply path communicating with the delivery section,
A particulate collection filter is provided in the sterilizing substance supply path,
The isolator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge path communicates with the sterilizing substance delivery unit. The discharge path includes a circulation path via a removal section that passes through a removal section that removes the sterilizing substance,
A removal unit via-circulation path switching unit that switches the flow path so that the sterilized substance supplied to the working chamber passes through the removal unit-circulation circuit;
The isolator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the removal unit routed circulation path switching unit to switch to the removal unit routed circulation path at a predetermined timing. A work chamber for performing work, comprising a gas supply port, a gas discharge port, a first opening and a second opening;
A supply-side particulate collection filter provided at the gas supply port;
A discharge-side particulate collection filter provided at the gas discharge port;
A sterilizing substance supply unit for supplying a sterilizing substance to the working chamber;
A non-filter supply path for communicating the sterilizing substance supply unit and the first opening, and sending the sterilizing substance to the working chamber;
Connecting the sterilizing substance supply unit and the gas flow upstream side of the supply side particulate collection filter, a supply path via a filter for sending the sterilizing substance to the working chamber;
A filter-passage discharge path for communicating the downstream side of the gas flow of the discharge-side particulate collection filter and the sterilizing substance supply unit or the outside air, and discharging the sterilizing substance supplied to the working chamber from the working chamber;
A non-filter discharge passage for communicating the second opening and the sterilizing substance supply unit or outside air, and discharging the sterilizing substance supplied to the working chamber from the working chamber;
A supply path switching unit that switches between the non-filter supply path and the filter supply path;
A discharge path switching unit that switches between the non-filter discharge path and the filter discharge path;
A control unit that controls switching of the supply path switching unit and the discharge path switching unit,
In the first mode of sterilizing the working chamber, the control unit supplies the sterilizing substance to the working chamber through the non-filter supply path , and sterilizes the working chamber and the supply-side particulate collection filter. with the second mode controls the supply path switching section to so that is supplied to the working chamber said sterilizing material through the feed passage through the filter passes through the supply-side particulate collection filter, in the first mode The isolator is configured to control the discharge path switching unit to switch to the non-filter discharge path and to switch to the filter discharge path in the second mode. 6. The isolator according to claim 5, wherein a fan for discharging gas from the work chamber is provided in the exhaust passage through the filter or the exhaust passage through the filter . The sterilizing material supply unit includes a sterilizing material storage tank for storing a sterilizing material, a sterilizing material sending unit for sending the sterilizing material supplied from the sterilizing material storage tank to the working chamber, the sterilizing material storage tank, and the sterilizing material A sterilizing substance supply path communicating with the delivery section,
A particulate collection filter is provided in the sterilizing substance supply path,
The isolator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the discharge passage via the filter or the discharge passage not through the filter communicates with the sterilizing substance delivery section. The filter passing discharge path or the filter non-passing discharge path includes a removal part passing circulation path that passes through a removal part that removes the sterilizing substance,
A removal unit via-circulation path switching unit that switches the flow path so that the sterilized substance supplied to the working chamber passes through the removal unit-circulation circuit;
The isolator according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the removal unit via-circulation path switching unit to switch to the removal unit via-circulation path at a predetermined timing. A working chamber having a gas supply port, a gas discharge port, and an opening, a sterilizing material supply unit that supplies a sterilizing material to the working chamber, and the gas supply port and the sterilizing material supply via a supply-side particulate collection filter A filter supply path that communicates with the unit, a non-filter supply path that communicates the opening and the sterilizing substance supply unit without going through the supply-side particulate collection filter, and a discharge-side particulate collection filter A control method for an isolator comprising: a discharge path that communicates between the gas discharge port and the sterilizing substance supply section or outside air; and a supply path switching section that switches between the non-filter supply path and the filter supply path. And
A first sterilization step of sterilizing the working chamber by switching the supply path switching unit to the non-filter supply path and supplying the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply unit to the working chamber;
Second sterilization for sterilizing the working chamber and the supply-side particulate collection filter by switching the supply path switching section to the supply path via the filter and supplying the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply section to the working chamber. Process,
An isolator control method comprising: The discharge path includes a circulation path via a removal section that passes through a removal section that removes the sterilizing substance,
A removal unit via-circulation path switching unit that switches the flow path so that the sterilized substance supplied to the working chamber passes through the removal unit-circulation circuit;
After the first sterilization step and after the second sterilization step, the removal unit circulation circuit switching unit switches to the removal unit circulation circuit and passes the sterilized substance supplied into the working chamber through the removal unit. A removal step;
The method of controlling an isolator according to claim 9, comprising: A working chamber having a gas supply port, a gas discharge port, and an opening, a sterilizing material supply unit that supplies a sterilizing material to the working chamber, and the gas supply port and the sterilizing material supply via a supply-side particulate collection filter A filter supply path that communicates with the unit, a non-filter supply path that communicates the opening and the sterilizing substance supply unit without going through the supply-side particulate collection filter, and a discharge-side particulate collection filter A control method for an isolator comprising: a circulation path through a filter that connects the gas outlet and the sterilizing substance supply section; and a supply path switching section that switches between the non-filter supply path and the filter supply path. And
A pretreatment step of supplying the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply unit to the working chamber through the non-filter supply path until the concentration of the sterilizing substance in the working chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined concentration;
A sterilization step of circulating the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply unit to the sterilizing substance supply unit via the filter supply path, the working chamber, and the filter circulation path after the pretreatment step; ,
An isolator control method comprising: The circulation path via the filter includes a removal path via a removal section that passes through a removal section that removes the sterilizing substance,
A removal unit via-circulation path switching unit that switches the flow path so that the sterilized substance supplied to the working chamber passes through the removal unit-circulation circuit;
After the sterilization step, the removal unit circulation circuit switching unit switches to the removal unit circulation circuit, and the gas in the working chamber is transferred from the working chamber to the filter circulation circuit, the removal unit circulation circuit, and the filter. A non-passage supply path or a removal path for circulation to the filter supply path, the working chamber;
The method of controlling an isolator according to claim 11, comprising:

Images