JP7735820B2 - Sterilizer - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a sterilization device.

Conventionally, methods have been proposed for sterilization and deodorization using sterilizing substances such as ozone. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which ozone is sprayed from a spray nozzle into a treatment space to sterilize the treatment space, and then the ozone within the treatment space is sucked in, decomposed using ozone decomposition means, and then discharged. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a method in which ozone generated by an ozone generator is blown into a room, and after a predetermined time has passed, the ozone is sucked in using a pump and decomposed in an ozone decomposition device.

Patent No. 3731257 WO97/26925

As mentioned above, when sterilizing a target space such as a room, the sterilizing substance must be collected and removed from the target space after sterilization is complete. Furthermore, with increased awareness of indoor environments in recent years, there is a demand not only for sterilization of the target space but also for providing a more comfortable space.

The primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a comfortable space by properly sterilizing and moisturizing the target space.

This disclosure takes the following measures to achieve the above-mentioned primary objective:

The first sterilization device of the present disclosure comprises:
A sterilization device that sterilizes a target space,
a fine water generating section having a conductive polymer film, which changes between a moisture absorbing state in which moisture in the air is adsorbed to the conductive polymer film as the temperature decreases and a moisture releasing state in which the moisture adsorbed to the conductive polymer film is released as fine water particles having a particle size of 50 nanometers or less as the temperature increases;
a discharge generating unit having a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, and generating a discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage is applied;
A fan that draws in air from the target space through an intake port of the sterilizer, circulates the air through the fine water generating unit and the discharge generating unit, and discharges the air into the sterilizer;
A control unit that controls the fine water generating unit, the discharge generating unit, and the fan so as to release the sterilizing substance generated by the discharge into the sterilizer while switching between the moisture absorbing state and the state where the discharge is stopped and the moisture releasing state and the state where the discharge is performed;
a collection unit attached to an outlet that releases air sterilized by the sterilizing substance in the sterilization device into the target space and that is capable of collecting the sterilizing substance;
The gist of the project is to provide the following:

In the first sterilization device of the present disclosure, when in the moisture-releasing and discharge states, fine water particles with a particle size of 50 nanometers or less are passed through the discharge generator, which combines with ions generated from the air and water (fine water) to release charged fine water particles (charged fine water particles) into the sterilization device. Sterilizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide are also generated by the discharge and released into the sterilization device. This allows air drawn into the sterilization device from the target space to be properly sterilized, the sterilizing substances to be collected by the collection unit, and clean air to be released into the target space from the release port. Furthermore, because fine water containing charged fine water is released into the target space, unlike general humidifiers that release water droplets, the target space can be properly moisturized while preventing excessive moisture buildup in the target space. Therefore, a comfortable space can be provided by properly sterilizing and moisturizing the target space.

In the first sterilization device of the present disclosure, the collection unit may have a conductive polymer membrane that is capable of capturing the sterilizing substance. This can promote the release of fine water particles from the release port into the target space, thereby more appropriately moisturizing the target space.

The second sterilization device of the present disclosure comprises:
A sterilization device that sterilizes a target space,
a fine water generating section having a conductive polymer film, which changes between a moisture absorbing state in which moisture in the air is adsorbed to the conductive polymer film as the temperature decreases and a moisture releasing state in which the moisture adsorbed to the conductive polymer film is released as fine water particles having a particle size of 50 nanometers or less as the temperature increases;
a discharge generating unit having a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, and generating a discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage is applied;
A fan that draws in air from the target space through an intake port of the sterilizer, circulates the air through the fine water generating unit and the discharge generating unit, and discharges the air into the target space through an outlet of the sterilizer;
A control unit that controls the fine water generating unit, the discharge generating unit, and the fan so as to release the sterilizing substance generated by the discharge into the target space while switching between the moisture absorbing state and the state where the discharge is stopped and the moisture releasing state and the state where the discharge is started.
A collection unit capable of collecting the sterilizing substance when the air containing the sterilizing substance released into the target space is inhaled through the inlet or before it is inhaled through the inlet and passes through the fine water generating unit;
The gist of the project is to provide the following:

Like the first sterilization device, the second sterilization device of the present disclosure can provide a comfortable space by appropriately sterilizing and moisturizing the target space.

In the second sterilization device of the present disclosure, the conductive polymer membrane of the fine water generation unit may also serve as the collection unit. This allows for a simpler configuration and a more compact sterilization device compared to a system in which the fine water generation unit and the collection unit are provided separately.

The second sterilization device of the present disclosure may also include a humidifier that humidifies the air drawn from the target space through the intake port before it reaches the fine water generating unit. This promotes moisture adsorption onto the conductive polymer membrane of the fine water generating unit, thereby increasing the amount of fine water released, thereby enabling the target space to be more appropriately moisturized.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a sterilization device 10 of a first embodiment. FIG. A diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the fine water generating cartridge 30. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the sterilization device 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a sterilization device 10B according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the sterilization device 10B. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a sterilization device 110 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the sterilization device 110. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a sterilization device 110B according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the sterilization device 110B. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a sterilization device 110C according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the sterilization device 110C. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a sterilization device 110D according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the sterilization device 110D.

[First embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sterilization device 10 of the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fine water generating cartridge 30. The sterilization device 10 includes a device main body 12, a sterilizing substance emitting unit 20 that emits a sterilizing substance, and a control unit 60 that controls the entire device, and is disposed in a space to be sterilized.

As shown in Figure 1, the sterilizing substance release unit 20 comprises a duct 21 attached so as to penetrate the side wall of the device main body 12, and a fine water generating cartridge 30, fan 40, and discharge element 50 arranged in the air passage of the duct 21. The duct 21 is a cylindrical member with open ends, and has an intake port 21a that opens toward the outside of the device main body 12 and an exhaust port 21b that opens within the device main body 12. The duct 21 is equipped with the fan 40, fine water generating cartridge 30, and discharge element 50 arranged in this order from the intake port 21a side.

As shown in Figure 2, the fine water generating cartridge 30 comprises a cylindrical case 32 with an outer diameter that allows it to be placed inside the duct 21, and a fine water generating element 34 provided inside the case 32. The fine water generating element 34 comprises a substrate 34a and a conductive polymer film 34b formed on the surface of the substrate 34a.

The substrate 34a is formed from a conductive material such as a metal material such as stainless steel or copper, a carbon material, or a conductive ceramic material. In this embodiment, a stainless steel foil with aluminum added is used. The micro-water generating element 34 is formed in a corrugated, honeycomb, or spiral shape to allow air to flow through and maximize the surface area of the substrate 34a (conductive polymer film 34b). A current-carrying circuit 35 including a power source and a switch is connected to the substrate 34a. When the switch is turned on by the control unit 60, the current-carrying circuit 35 enters a conducting state in which electricity is passed through the substrate 34a, and when the switch is turned off by the control unit 60, the current-carrying circuit 35 enters a non-conducting state in which electricity is cut off from the substrate 34a.

The conductive polymer film 34b is formed from a conductive polymer compound such as a thiophene-based conductive polymer. In this embodiment, it is formed from PEDOT/PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonic acid)), a thiophene-based conductive polymer. PEDOT/PSS has a structure in which PEDOT is dispersed in PSS, which has sulfonic acid groups, acidic functional groups capable of hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, nanochannels, which are nanometer-sized flow paths of approximately 2 nanometers (nm), are formed at the interface between the PEDOT and PSS. Because many sulfonic acid groups are present within these nanochannels, moisture present on the surface of the conductive polymer film 34b migrates to the interior via the sulfonic acid groups within the nanochannel due to the concentration difference between the surface and interior when the moisture content is high on the surface and low inside. This allows the conductive polymer film 34b to adsorb moisture. Furthermore, when moisture is adsorbed to the interior and the moisture content is low on the surface and high inside, moisture migrates to the surface via the sulfonic acid groups within the nanochannel due to the concentration difference between the surface and interior. This causes moisture to be released from the conductive polymer film 34b as fine water droplets. Furthermore, when the temperature of the conductive polymer film 34b rises, moisture (fine water droplets) is released more quickly than when moisture transfer occurs solely due to concentration differences. When the temperature of the conductive polymer film 34b drops, moisture adsorption is promoted more quickly than when moisture transfer occurs solely due to concentration differences. Thus, the fine water generating cartridge 30 (fine water generating element 34) changes to a hygroscopic state in which the conductive polymer film 34b adsorbs moisture from the air as the temperature drops, and then changes to a moisture-releasing state in which the adsorbed moisture is released from the conductive polymer film 34b as the temperature rises. The thickness of the conductive polymer film 34b can be appropriately determined depending on the required amount of fine water droplets to be adsorbed (released). For example, when the conductive polymer film 34b is formed to a thickness of 1 to 30 micrometers, it can adsorb enough moisture to release fine water droplets in a few seconds to several tens of seconds.

Furthermore, the fine water generating cartridge 30 emits uncharged fine water particles (uncharged fine water particles) with a particle size of 50 nanometers or less, for example, 1 to 2 nanometers, from the conductive polymer membrane 34b of the fine water generating element 34. The reason for this particle size is thought to be that the nanochannel size is 2 nanometers or less, and therefore, an increase in temperature in the conductive polymer membrane increases the mobility of water within the nanochannel, causing water to escape from the nanochannel due to an increase in pressure. Furthermore, even if the water particles aggregate after escaping, their particle size remains within a range of 50 nanometers or less. A detailed explanation of the fine water generation by this fine water generating cartridge 30 (conductive polymer membrane 34b) is described in WO 2020/054100 and JP 2019-018195, both of which are owned by the present applicant, and therefore further detailed explanation is omitted here.

The fan 40 is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction, blowing air from the intake port 21a toward the exhaust port 21b inside the device body 12. This allows air drawn into the duct 21 to pass through the fine water generating cartridge 30 and discharge element 50 in order and then be sent into the device body 12. The fan 40 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), and is controlled by the control unit 60 using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control or voltage control, for example. The fan 40 may be a propeller fan, a sirocco fan, or the like.

The discharge element 50 includes a first electrode (discharge electrode) 52 and a second electrode (counter electrode) 54 disposed opposite the first electrode 52, and is connected to a current-carrying circuit 53 including a power source and a switch. When the control unit 60 turns on the switch of the current-carrying circuit 53, a discharge voltage is applied between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 54, generating a discharge in the discharge space between the two electrodes and forming a plasma region. Furthermore, when the control unit 60 turns off the switch of the current-carrying circuit 53, the discharge element 50 stops generating a discharge.

Because the discharge element 50 is located downstream of the fine water generating cartridge 30 within the duct 21, uncharged fine water (uncharged fine water particles) generated by the fine water generating cartridge 30 flows through the discharge space along with the air flowing through the duct 21. Therefore, when the discharge element 50 generates a discharge, ions are generated as the air and fine water flow through the discharge space (plasma region), and some of the fine water combines with the ions to become charged fine water (charged fine water particles). Furthermore, as the air and fine water flow through the discharge space, ozone is generated from oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide is generated from water and oxygen. In other words, the discharge of the discharge element 50 generates ozone and hydrogen peroxide, which are the primary sterilizing substances. Therefore, the sterilizing substance release unit 20 releases ozone and hydrogen peroxide, as sterilizing substances, charged fine water that has combined with ions, and uncharged fine water that has not combined with ions, into the device main body 12 through the outlet 21b. Furthermore, by changing the voltage applied to the discharge element 50 from the current supply circuit 53, it is possible to change the discharge intensity of the discharge element 50 and adjust the ion concentration and ozone concentration (concentration of the sterilizing substance).

The device main body 12 is a rectangular or cylindrical case, and as described above, the sterilizing substance release unit 20 is attached to its side wall. The device main body 12 also has an exhaust port formed on the side wall opposite the attachment point of the sterilizing substance release unit 20, which discharges air from within the device main body 12 to the outside, and a removal filter 55 is attached to this exhaust port. The removal filter 55 is a filter for removing ozone and hydrogen peroxide, which serve as sterilizing substances, and may be, for example, a filter containing a catalyst such as manganese dioxide or nickel oxide, or a filter containing activated carbon. A dust collection filter 59 is also attached within the device main body 12 to separate the space on the sterilizing substance release unit 20 side from the space on the removal filter 55 (exhaust port) side. A HEPA filter made of glass fiber or the like may be used as the dust collection filter 59.

The control unit 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered around a CPU, and in addition to the CPU, it is equipped with ROM, RAM, and input/output ports. Operation signals from a start switch 62 that starts operation of the sterilization device 10 (sterilizing substance release unit 20), and an operation signal from an air volume adjustment switch 64 that adjusts the air volume of the fan 40, are input to the control unit 60 via the input port. Furthermore, the control unit 60 outputs drive signals to the motor that drives the fan 40 and drive signals to the switches of the current-carrying circuits 35 and 53 via the output port.

Next, the operation (sterilization mode) of the sterilizer 10 configured as described above will be described. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation mode of the sterilizer 10. In the first embodiment, the air in the target space is sterilized using the in-device sterilization mode, which sterilizes within the device main body 12 of the sterilizer 10. In the in-device sterilization mode, the control unit 60 repeatedly performs moisture release control and moisture absorption control. In moisture release control (sterilizing substance production control), the control unit 60 turns on the fan 40, turns on the fine water generating cartridge 30, and turns on the discharge element 50. In moisture absorption control, the control unit 60 turns on the fan 40, turns off the fine water generating cartridge 30, and turns off the discharge element 50. The time for moisture absorption control and moisture release control can be set appropriately depending on the moisture absorption capacity (moisture release capacity) of the fine water generating cartridge 30 and the size of the sterilizer 10 (device main body 12), etc. Although there are no particular limitations, for example, the moisture absorption time is set to approximately twice the moisture release time, and the moisture release time can be set to 30 seconds or 1 minute and the moisture absorption time to 1 minute or 2 minutes.

In both moisture release control and moisture absorption control, air is drawn into the target space through the intake port 21a of the duct 21 and released into the device body 12 through the exhaust port 21b (see arrows in Figure 1). In moisture absorption control, the fine water generating cartridge 30 is turned off, cutting off current to the substrate 34a, lowering the temperature of the conductive polymer membrane 34b and promoting moisture adsorption. In contrast, in moisture release control, the fine water generating cartridge 30 is turned on, allowing current to flow through the substrate 34a, raising the temperature of the conductive polymer membrane 34b and promoting the release of fine water. Furthermore, the discharge element 50 is turned on, releasing ozone and hydrogen peroxide, charged fine water, and uncharged fine water as sterilizing substances from the exhaust port 21b into the device body 12, as described above. For example, two sterilizers 10 may be placed in the target space, and moisture absorption control and moisture release control (sterilizing substance production control) may be performed at different times. In this way, sterilizing substances and finely divided water can be continuously released from the two sterilizers 10. Of course, two or more sterilizers 10 may also be installed.

The sterilizer 10 sterilizes (disinfects) and deodorizes the air inside the device main body 12, i.e., the air inhaled from the target space (bacteria, viruses, etc.), using sterilizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide released into the device main body 12. The sterilized air then passes through the dust collection filter 59 to remove dust and pollen, and then through the removal filter 55 to remove (capture and recover) sterilizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide before being released into the target space. This purifies the air in the target space. Furthermore, because the charged fine water and uncharged fine water are released into the target space through the dust collection filter 59 and the removal filter 55, they also help moisturize the target space. The inventors have also confirmed that the charged fine water has a sterilizing effect. While the sterilizing effect of the charged fine water is lower than that of sterilizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide, it has almost no effect on the human body. Therefore, in addition to moisturizing the target space, it can be expected to contribute to sterilization within the space. As mentioned above, the fine water particles have a particle size of 50 nanometers or less, so unlike conventional humidifiers, they do not excessively increase the amount of moisture in the target space, and the fine water can adequately moisturize the space. Operation of the sterilizer 10 in this in-device sterilization mode can be performed during times when no one is in the target space. Furthermore, because the sterilizer 10 removes ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and other contaminants using the removal filter 55 before releasing the air into the target space, it can also be operated during times when people are present in the target space. Furthermore, it is possible to maintain a sterilized space in the target space without affecting the human body.

The sterilization device 10 described above releases fine water with particle sizes of 50 nanometers or less (uncharged fine water), charged fine water obtained by bonding the fine water with ions, and sterilizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide into the device main body 12. A removal filter 55 is also attached to the exhaust port of the device main body 12. This ensures that air drawn in from the target space is sterilized within the device main body 12, and the sterilizing substances are captured by the removal filter 55 before clean air is released into the target space. Furthermore, by releasing charged fine water or uncharged fine water into the target space, the target space can be appropriately moisturized and sterilized.

In the first embodiment, a removal filter 55 for removing sterilizing substances is attached to the outlet of the device main body 12, but this is not limited to this. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a modified sterilization device 10B. As shown in the figure, in sterilization device 10B, a second fine water generating cartridge (second fine water generating unit) 56 is attached to the outlet of the device main body 12 instead of the removal filter 55, and a power supply circuit 57 to the second fine water generating cartridge 56 is provided. Sterilization device 10B has the same configuration as the first embodiment, except for the inclusion of the second fine water generating cartridge 56 and the power supply circuit 57. Note that the second fine water generating cartridge 56 has the same configuration as the fine water generating cartridge 30, so a detailed description will be omitted.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operating mode of the sterilizer 10B. The modified sterilizer 10B sterilizes the target space using the same in-device sterilization mode as the sterilizer 10, while controlling the second fine water generating cartridge 56. That is, in the in-device sterilization mode of the modified sterilizer 10B, the control unit 60 turns off the second fine water generating cartridge 56 using moisture release control, which turns on the fine water generating cartridge 30. This allows the second fine water generating cartridge 56 to absorb moisture while the fine water generating cartridge 30 is releasing moisture. The control unit 60 also turns on the second fine water generating cartridge 56 using moisture absorption control, which turns off the fine water generating cartridge 30. This allows the second fine water generating cartridge 56 to release moisture into the target space while the fine water generating cartridge 30 is absorbing moisture. In this way, by setting the moisture absorption and moisture release timings of the fine water generating cartridge 30 and the second fine water generating cartridge 56 to be different from each other, fine water can be generated continuously. Therefore, the sterilization device 10B can continuously release fine water particles into the target space, allowing the target space to be more appropriately moisturized.

Furthermore, in the modified sterilization device 10B, the conductive polymer membrane of the second fine water generating cartridge 56 can remove (capture) both ozone and hydrogen peroxide, which are the main sterilizing substances. Experiments by the inventors have shown that, although the removal effect is lower than that of the removal filter 55, a practical level of removal effect can still be achieved. Furthermore, a method for further improving the removal effect is, for example, to coat the second fine water generating cartridge 56 (conductive polymer membrane) with a mixture of PEDOT/PSS dispersion liquid and activated carbon or manganese dioxide. More specifically, by mixing 0.1% to 25% by weight of activated carbon powder and 0.1% to 55% by weight of manganese dioxide powder with the PEDOT/PSS dispersion liquid using a stirrer or bead mill, and then coating the cartridge, an improved removal effect is expected. In this way, the second fine water generating cartridge 56 can both emit fine water and remove sterilizing substances.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a sterilizer 110 of the second embodiment. The sterilizer 110 includes a device main body 112, a sterilizing substance release unit 120, and a control unit 160, and is disposed in a space to be sterilized. The sterilizing substance release unit 120 includes a fine water generating cartridge 130, a fan 140, and a discharge element 150 within a duct 121. Each component is similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, air sterilized within the device main body 12 of the sterilizer 10 is released into the target space, whereas in the second embodiment, the air in the target space is sterilized by releasing a sterilizing substance into the target space. Note that, in the second embodiment, two or more sterilizers 10 may be disposed within the target space, and moisture absorption control and moisture release control may be performed at different times.

The device body 112 is a rectangular or cylindrical case similar to the device body 12, with a sterilizing substance release unit 120 attached to its side wall. Unlike the first embodiment, the sterilizing substance release unit 120 of the second embodiment has an intake port 121a that opens into the device body 112 and an exhaust port 121b that opens toward the outside of the device body 112. In other words, unlike the first embodiment, the exhaust port 121b functions as an exhaust port for air to the target space.

The device body 112 is also provided with an intake section 113 on the side wall opposite the side wall to which the sterilizing substance release section 120 is attached, for drawing air from the target space into the device body 112. The intake section 113 is formed with a first intake port 113a and a second intake port 113b, and is equipped with a removal filter 155 attached to the second intake port 113b, and an opening/closing damper 115 that selectively opens and closes the first intake port 113a and the second intake port 113b.

The removal filter 155 is configured similarly to the removal filter 55 of the first embodiment and is a filter that removes ozone and hydrogen peroxide as sterilizing substances. Unlike the second suction port 113b, the first suction port 113a does not have a filter attached, but a dust collection filter may be attached. The opening/closing damper 115 operates the opening/closing plate 116 by driving a motor (not shown), switching between a state in which the first suction port 113a is open and the second suction port 113b is closed (see solid lines in Figure 6) and a state in which the first suction port 113a is closed and the second suction port 113b is open (see dotted lines in Figure 6).

Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating mode of the sterilization device 110. The sterilization device 110 of the second embodiment has a release mode in which sterilization substance and fine water are mainly released from the sterilization substance release section 120 into the target space, and a recovery mode in which sterilization substance released into the target space is mainly recovered (captured and removed). In the release mode, moisture release control and moisture absorption control are repeatedly performed, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in moisture release control and moisture absorption control, the control section 160 closes the opening/closing damper 115 on the removal filter 155 side, i.e., closes the second intake port 113b and opens the first intake port 113a. As a result, in both moisture release control and moisture absorption control, air is drawn into the device main body 112 from the target space via the first intake port 113a. Air drawn into the device body 112 passes through the inlet 121a, the fine water generating cartridge 130 and the discharge element 150 in the sterilizing substance release section 120, in that order, and is then released from the outlet 121b to the outside of the device body 112, i.e., the target space. Therefore, in the release mode, ozone and hydrogen peroxide as sterilizing substances, charged fine water, and uncharged fine water are released into the target space mainly during moisture release control. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, the air in the target space can be purified by the sterilizing substance, and the target space can be appropriately moisturized by the fine water.

On the other hand, in the recovery mode, the control unit 160 turns on the fan 140, turns off the fine water generating cartridge 130, and turns off the discharge element 150. The open/close damper 115 is also set to open the removal filter 155 side, i.e., closes the first intake port 113a and opens the second intake port 113b. This allows air to be drawn into the device main body 112 from the target space through the removal filter 155 of the second intake port 113b. Therefore, the sterilizing substance released into the target space in the release mode can be collected (captured) and removed by the removal filter 155 in the recovery mode. As described above, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a comfortable space can be provided by appropriately sterilizing and moisturizing the target space. Furthermore, by releasing the sterilizing substance into the target space, items placed in the target space can also be sterilized. Note that in the second embodiment, because the sterilizing substance is released into the target space, sterilization must be performed during times when no one is in the target space. For example, if the target space is occupied during the day, you can first use the release mode during times when no one is present, such as at night, and then use the recovery mode.

Modifications of the second embodiment will be described below. In each modification, differences in configuration from the sterilization device 110 will be mainly described, and descriptions of the same configurations will be omitted. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a modified sterilization device 110B, and Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating mode of sterilization device 110B. In sterilization device 110B, suction port 121a of sterilizing substance release section 120 forms the suction port of device main body 112, and outlet 121b forms the outlet of device main body 112. Note that sterilization device 110B may be configured without the device main body 112 as a case.

The operating mode in Figure 9 has a release mode and a recovery mode similar to those of the sterilizer 110 (see Figure 7), except that the open/close damper 115 is not controlled. In the sterilizer 110B, the recovery (collection) of the sterilizing substance is performed by the conductive polymer membrane of the fine water generating cartridge 130. Note that the removal of the sterilizing substance by the conductive polymer membrane has been explained in the modified example of the first embodiment, so an explanation will be omitted. In the sterilizer 110B, the recovery of the sterilizing substance is performed by the fine water generating cartridge 130, which allows for a simpler configuration and more compact device compared to devices that provide a fine water generating cartridge 130 and a sterilizing substance removal filter separately.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a modified sterilizer 110C, and Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating mode of sterilizer 110C. Similar to sterilizer 110B, sterilizer 110C has an intake port 121a of the sterilizing substance discharge section 120 that forms the intake port of the device main body 112, and an exhaust port 121b that forms the exhaust port of the device main body 112. Sterilizer 110C also has a dust collection filter 159 and a humidification unit 170 in the duct 121C of the sterilizing substance discharge section 120.

The humidification unit 170 includes a water storage section 171 that stores water at the bottom of the duct 121C, an absorption member 172 such as a nonwoven fabric filter that draws water from the water storage section 171 into the duct 121C, and a return pipe 173 that returns a portion of the sterilizing substance produced by the discharge element 150. The absorption member 172 is located within the duct 121C upstream of the fan 140 and downstream of the dust collection filter 159. The return pipe 173 extends from the discharge element 150 to upstream of the absorption member 172 and has multiple discharge ports 173a that can discharge the sterilizing substance toward the absorption member 172. The dust collection filter 159 is a dust collection filter attached to the intake port 121a of the duct 121C. A relatively fine-mesh filter can be used as this dust collection filter 159. This prevents dust and other particles from clogging the absorption member 172.

The operating mode of FIG. 11 includes a release mode and a recovery mode, similar to the operating mode of sterilizer 110B (see FIG. 9). Sterilizer 110C, equipped with a humidifier unit 170, can direct moisture absorbed from the water storage section 171 into the absorbent member 172 to the fine water generating cartridge 130 by driving the fan 140 to circulate air. Therefore, moisture absorption control can promote moisture absorption into the fine water generating cartridge 130, thereby increasing the amount of fine water released in moisture release control. Thus, by incorporating a humidifier unit 170 (humidification function), sterilizer 110C can more appropriately moisturize the target space. Furthermore, a portion of the sterilizing substance generated by discharge element 150 passes through the return pipe 173 and is released from the release port 173a toward the absorbent member 172. This sterilizes the absorbent member 172, preventing mold and mildew from growing on the absorbent member 172. Note that a portion of the release port 173a may be configured to release the sterilizing substance toward the water storage section 171.

Note that the sterilization device 110C is not limited to being equipped with a humidification unit 170; the sterilization device 110 or the sterilization device 10 (10B) of the first embodiment may also be equipped with a humidification unit 170.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a modified sterilization device 110D, and Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating mode of sterilization device 110D. Like sterilization device 110C, sterilization device 110D has a humidification function and is capable of humidifying the air by using moisture in the air in the external space.

As shown in Figure 12, the sterilization device 110D has a duct 121D extending outward from the device main body 112, with the device main body 112 being placed against a wall W separating the target space from the outside space. The sterilization device 110D is capable of introducing air from the outside space (outside air) into part of the duct 121D and is equipped with two opening/closing dampers 182, 184 that selectively switch between introducing outside air and drawing in air from the target space (inside air). The opening/closing damper 182 operates an opening/closing plate 183 driven by a motor (not shown) to switch between a state in which the intake port 121a is open to block communication with the outside space (see solid line in Figure 12) and a state in which the intake port 121a is closed to connect to the outside space (see dotted line in Figure 12). Furthermore, the opening/closing damper 184 operates the opening/closing plate 185 by driving a motor (not shown), switching between a state in which the exhaust port 121b is open and communication with the outside space is blocked (see the solid line in Figure 12) and a state in which the exhaust port 121b is closed and communication with the outside space is established (see the dotted line in Figure 12). Note that the sterilization device 110D is not limited to the configuration and arrangement shown in Figure 12, as long as it is possible to introduce air from the outside space into the duct 121D.

The operating mode in Figure 13 has a release mode and a recovery mode similar to the operating modes of the sterilization device 110B (see Figure 9), and also controls the open/close dampers 182 and 184. During moisture release control in the release mode, the control unit 160 controls the open/close dampers 182 and 184 to open the intake port 121a and the exhaust port 121b. This creates an internal air circulation state in which air in the target space is circulated to the sterilization substance release unit 120, allowing the sterilization substance and fine water to be released into the target space.

During moisture absorption control in the release mode, the control unit 160 controls the open/close dampers 182, 184 to close the intake port 121a and the exhaust port 121b. This establishes an outdoor air circulation state in which air from the external space is circulated to the sterilizing substance release unit 120. In the outdoor air circulation state, for example, the fan 140 may be rotated in the opposite direction to circulate the outdoor air (see the dotted arrow in Figure 12), or the fan 140 may be rotated in the same direction as in the internal air circulation state to circulate the outdoor air. When the humidity in the external space is higher than that of the target space, outdoor air circulation can promote moisture adsorption into the fine water generating cartridge 130. Therefore, the amount of fine water released from the fine water generating cartridge 130 during moisture release control can be increased to more appropriately moisturize the target space. A humidity sensor may be provided to measure humidity, and moisture absorption control may be performed in the outdoor air circulation state when the humidity in the external space is above a predetermined humidity level or when the humidity in the external space is above that of the target space. Otherwise, moisture absorption control may be performed in the internal air circulation state.

In recovery mode, similar to the moisture release control in release mode, the open/close dampers 182, 184 are controlled to open the intake port 121a and exhaust port 121b. This allows for internal air circulation, allowing the sterilizing substance released into the target space to be properly recovered (captured) and removed.

Here, the correspondence between the components of the embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The sterilization device 10 (110) of this embodiment corresponds to the "sterilization device" of the present disclosure, the fine water generating cartridge 30 (130) corresponds to the "fine water generating unit," the discharge element 50 (150) corresponds to the "discharge generating unit," the fan 40 (140) corresponds to the "fan," the control unit 60 (160) corresponds to the "control unit," and the removal filter 55 (155) corresponds to the "collection unit." The conductive polymer membrane of the second fine water generating cartridge 56 corresponds to the "collection unit." The conductive polymer membrane of the fine water generating cartridge 130 in Figures 8, 10, and 12 corresponds to the "collection unit." The humidification unit 170 corresponds to the "humidification unit."

The above describes the forms for implementing this disclosure using embodiments, but the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments in any way, and it goes without saying that the disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

This disclosure can be used in the technical field of sterilizing target spaces.

10, 10B, 110, 110B, 110C, 110D Sterilization device, 12, 112 Device body, 20, 120 Sterilization substance release section, 21, 121, 121C, 121D Duct, 21a, 121a Intake port, 21b, 121b Outlet, 30, 130 Fine water generation cartridge (fine water generation section), 32 Case, 34 Fine water generation element, 34a Base material, 34b Conductive polymer membrane, 35, 135 Electrical circuit (electrical section), 40, 140 Fan, 50, 150 Discharge element, 51 First electrode, 52 Second electrode, 53 Electrical circuit, 55, 155 Removal filter, 56 Second fine water generation cartridge, 57 Electrical circuit, 59, 159 Dust collection filter, 60, 160 Control section, 62 Start switch, 64 airflow adjustment switch, 113 suction section, 113a first suction port, 113b second suction port, 115 opening/closing damper, 116 switching plate, 170 humidification unit, 171 water storage section, 172 absorbing member, 173 return pipe, 173a discharge port, 182, 184 opening/closing damper, 183, 185 switching plate, W wall.

Claims (5)

A sterilization device that sterilizes a target space,
a fine water generating unit having a conductive polymer film, which changes between a moisture absorbing state in which moisture in the air is adsorbed to the conductive polymer film as the temperature decreases and a moisture releasing state in which the moisture adsorbed to the conductive polymer film is released as uncharged fine water particles having a particle size of 50 nanometers or less as the temperature increases;
a discharge generating unit having a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, and generating a discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage is applied;
A fan that draws in air from the target space through the intake port of the sterilizer, passes it through the fine water generating unit and the discharge generating unit, and discharges it into the sterilizer;
A control unit that controls the fine water generating unit, the discharge generating unit, and the fan so as to release charged fine water and a sterilizing substance generated by the discharge into the sterilizer while switching between the moisture absorption state and a state in which the discharge is stopped and the moisture release state and a state in which the discharge is started.
a collection unit attached to a discharge port that discharges the air sterilized by the sterilizing substance and the charged fine water in the sterilization device into the target space together with the uncharged fine water and the charged fine water , and that is capable of collecting the sterilizing substance;
and discharging the uncharged fine water, the charged fine water, and the air sterilized within the sterilizer into the target space . The sterilization device according to claim 1,
The sterilization device, wherein the collection unit has a conductive polymer membrane, and the conductive polymer membrane is capable of collecting the sterilizing substance. A sterilization device that sterilizes a target space,
a fine water generating unit having a conductive polymer film, which changes between a moisture absorbing state in which moisture in the air is adsorbed to the conductive polymer film as the temperature decreases and a moisture releasing state in which the moisture adsorbed to the conductive polymer film is released as uncharged fine water particles having a particle size of 50 nanometers or less as the temperature increases;
a discharge generating unit having a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, and generating a discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage is applied;
A fan that draws in air from the target space through an intake port of the sterilizer, passes it through the fine water generating unit and the discharge generating unit, and discharges it into the target space through an outlet of the sterilizer;
A release control unit controls the fine water generating unit, the discharge generating unit, and the fan so that the sterilizing device releases the sterilizing substance and the charged fine water generated by the discharge into the target space together with the charged fine water while switching between the moisture absorption state and the state of stopping the discharge and the moisture release state and the state of discharging the discharge .
A collection unit capable of collecting the sterilizing substance when the air containing the sterilizing substance released into the target space is inhaled through the inlet or before it is inhaled through the inlet and passes through the fine water generating unit;
A recovery control unit that controls the fine water generation unit, the discharge generation unit, and the fan so as to recover the sterilizing substance released by the sterilization device into the target space in the moisture absorption state and the state in which discharge is stopped;
A sterilization device comprising: The sterilization device according to claim 3,
The conductive polymer membrane of the fine water generating section also serves as the collection section. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A sterilizer comprising: a water storage section for storing water; and a humidifying section for humidifying air that is sucked from the target space through the intake port and before it reaches the fine water generating section.