JP7745356B2 - Sterilization System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilization system technology for sterilizing spaces in buildings that are used by a rotating group of users.

Technologies for disinfecting spaces in buildings where users alternate between users are well known, such as those described in Patent Document 1.

The ozone sterilizing deodorizer described in Patent Document 1 can emit ozone from an ozone air generator located inside the device body. By installing the ozone sterilizing deodorizer in a guest room of an accommodation facility (a space in a building that is used by multiple users), the room can be sterilized.

At accommodation facilities, check-out and check-in times vary depending on the guest room, so it is necessary to properly sterilize the guest rooms according to the check-out time, etc. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention sterilization of the guest rooms. For this reason, there is a need for technology that can properly sterilize guest rooms.

JP 2018-143581 A

The present invention was made in consideration of the above situation, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a sterilization system that can appropriately sterilize a space used by multiple users.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be explained.

That is, in claim 1, there is provided a sterilization system for sterilizing a space in a building during a replacement period of spaces used by users, the sterilization system comprising: sterilization means for sterilizing the space, including a sterilization device capable of releasing a gaseous sterilizing component into the space; and control means for determining one of a plurality of preset operation patterns for the sterilization means in accordance with a priority based on a predetermined standard so that sterilization of the space is completed during the remaining period until the end of the replacement period, the determined operation pattern including a first period during which the sterilization component is released into the space by operation of the sterilization device, and a second period during which the sterilization device is stopped and the first period during which the sterilization component is released into the space by operation of the sterilization device. The timing of operation of the sterilization device is set so that the remaining period includes a second period during which the sterilization component released during the first period is expelled from the space or inactivated, compared to a first period, and the plurality of operating patterns include a first operating pattern in which a target component concentration in the space due to the sterilization component is set to a first concentration based on a predetermined environmental standard during the first period, and a second operating pattern in which the target component concentration is set to a second concentration higher than the first concentration, and the first operating pattern is set to have a higher priority than the second operating pattern .

In claim 2 , the sterilization means includes a ventilation fan that promotes the discharge of the sterilization component released into the space , and the multiple operating patterns include a third operating pattern in which the ventilation fan is operated at a first air volume during at least one of the first period and the second period, and a fourth operating pattern in which the ventilation fan is operated at a second air volume that is smaller than the first air volume, and the fourth operating pattern is set to have a higher priority than the third operating pattern.

In claim 3 , the space is a guest room of a lodging facility, the ventilation fan is provided in a unit bath area within the guest room, the sterilization device is provided so as to be able to release the sterilization component into a space within the guest room different from the unit bath area, and the third operating pattern includes a sixth operating pattern in which the ventilation fan is operated at the first air volume over the first period and the second period.

In claim 4 , the plurality of driving patterns includes a seventh driving pattern in which the first period and the second period are repeated twice with a predetermined period between them, and the seventh driving pattern is set to have a higher priority than the other driving patterns.

In claim 5 , the space is each guest room of a lodging facility, and the control means assigns one of the plurality of operation patterns to each guest room based on predetermined assignment information including at least information regarding the priority and information regarding the replacement period of each guest room.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the allocation information includes information regarding the number of guest rooms for which the workers can carry out the preparatory work for replacement during the replacement period in the same time period.

The effects of the present invention are as follows:

According to claim 1, it is possible to appropriately disinfect a space used by users in succession. It is also possible to optimize the operation of the disinfection device. It is also possible to simultaneously disinfect the space and prevent the disinfecting components from reaching a relatively high concentration.

According to claim 2 , it is possible to achieve both sterilization of the space and energy saving effects.

According to claim 3 , the disinfecting component can be quickly distributed throughout the entire passenger compartment.

According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to make it easier for the worker to carry out the preparation work for replacement in the space after sterilization.

In claim 5 , one operation pattern can be appropriately assigned to each guest room so as to match the respective switching periods.

In the sixth aspect, one operation pattern can be assigned to each guest room, taking into consideration the operator's preparation work for changing over.

1A is a floor plan of a hotel to which the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing guest rooms and the sterilization system; FIG. (a) A diagram showing a rapid pattern, (b) A diagram showing a rapid exhaust pattern. (a) A diagram showing a standard pattern (b) A diagram showing a standard exhaust pattern (c). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a guest room and a sterilization system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation pattern according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a two-step sterilization pattern. A diagram showing check-in and check-out times for each guest room. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which cleaning times are allocated. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the allocation of cleaning time and sterilization time has been completed. 10A is a diagram showing a guest room and a sterilization system according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a bathroom sterilization pattern;

The following describes the configuration of the hotel 1 in which the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment is installed, with reference to Figure 1.

Hotel 1 is an accommodation facility for guests (those using guest rooms 10). Hotel 1 is a multi-story building. Hotel 1 has multiple guest rooms 10. Note that Figure 1(a) shows guest rooms 10 on the second floor of Hotel 1, and does not show guest rooms 10 on other floors.

The guest room 10 comprises a bedroom 11, a corridor 12, and a unit bathroom 13. The bedroom 11 is provided with a bed 11a, a table 11b, etc. The unit bathroom 13 is partitioned from the bedroom 11 and the corridor 12. The unit bathroom 13 is provided with a bathroom ventilation fan 13a. The bathroom ventilation fan 13a operates 24 hours a day to exhaust air from within the guest room 10 to the outside of the hotel 1. By introducing outside air into the guest room 10 via the corridor, etc., the guest room 10 is ventilated throughout the day. The bathroom ventilation fan 13a is configured to be able to adjust the air volume in stages. More specifically, the bathroom ventilation fan 13a is configured to be able to adjust the air volume from "24-hour ventilation," "weak," to "strong," in that order, starting with the lowest air volume. The bathroom ventilation fan 13a normally operates (when performing 24-hour ventilation) with the air volume set to "24-hour ventilation." Furthermore, the bathroom exhaust fan 13a can be operated with a "weak" or "strong" airflow setting by user operation. Note that guest room 10 does not necessarily need to be ventilated 24 hours a day using the bathroom exhaust fan 13a; for example, a dedicated ventilator for 24-hour ventilation could be used.

The guest room 10 configured as described above is a space used by users in a rotating fashion. In the guest room 10, cleaning staff carry out replacement preparation work between the time a user checks out and the time the next user checks in (hereinafter referred to as the "replacement period"). Replacement preparation work refers to the work of preparing the environment of the guest room 10 so that the next user can use the guest room 10. Replacement preparation work includes cleaning the guest room 10.

The sterilization system 20 is intended to sterilize the guest rooms 10 of the hotel 1 during the replacement period. More specifically, the sterilization system 20 sterilizes the guest rooms 10 from the completion of the replacement preparation work until the replacement period has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the sterilization system 20 includes an ozone generator 21 and a control unit 22.

The ozone generator 21 is used to generate a gaseous sterilizing component. In this specification, a sterilizing component refers to one that can kill bacteria and inactivate viruses. Furthermore, "gaseous" refers to a state in which it can move along with the air flow. The ozone generator 21 is capable of generating ozone as a sterilizing component. The ozone generator 21 is installed on the ceiling of the bedroom 11 and can release the generated ozone into the guest rooms 10. An ozone generator 21 is provided in each guest room 10.

The control unit 22 controls the equipment used to sterilize each guest room 10 (in the first embodiment, the bathroom ventilation fan 13a and the ozone generator 21). The control unit 22 is equipped with a processing unit such as a CPU, and storage devices such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 22 also stores various programs and the like for operating the sterilization system 20 in the storage device. The control unit 22 is configured to be able to communicate with a terminal (not shown) owned by a cleaner and/or manager, and can obtain the check-out time (scheduled time) for each guest room 10 from the terminal. The control unit 22 is configured to be able to send signals to the bathroom ventilation fan 13a and the ozone generator 21 in each guest room 10.

By sending signals to the bathroom ventilation fan 13a, the control unit 22 can switch the operation (operation) of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a on and off and adjust the airflow volume. Furthermore, by sending signals to the ozone generator 21, the control unit 22 can switch the operation (operation) of the ozone generator 21 on and off and adjust the amount of ozone generated. By adjusting the amount of ozone generated, the control unit 22 can freely adjust the ozone concentration in the guest room 10. By operating the ozone generator 21 to release ozone into the guest room 10, the control unit 22 can inactivate pathogens in the guest room 10 (killing bacteria and decomposing viruses, thereby rendering the pathogens infective) and sterilize the guest room 10.

The following provides an overview of sterilization of the guest room 10 by the sterilization system 20 (control unit 22).

The sterilization system 20 sterilizes the guest room 10 in response to instructions from the cleaner. More specifically, once the cleaner and/or manager has completed the replacement preparation work, they operate a terminal to input the check-in time of the guest room 10 into the control unit 22. The control unit 22 controls the ozone generator 21, etc. so that sterilization of the guest room 10 is completed by the input check-in time. More specifically, the control unit 22 controls the ozone generator 21, etc. so that the CT value (Concentration-Time Value) and the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 meet specified conditions until sterilization of the guest room 10 is completed.

Specifically, the CT value is the product of the ozone concentration (ppm) and the exposure time (min). The exposure time refers to the amount of time an object is exposed to ozone. Calculating the CT value makes it possible to determine the extent to which pathogens have been inactivated. For example, a CT value of 60 can be determined to mean that 90% or more of a given pathogen has been inactivated. The relationship between this CT value and the percentage of pathogens that can be inactivated is determined appropriately for each pathogen through experiments, etc.

The control unit 22 presets a target CT value (e.g., 60) based on the above relationship for the pathogen to be inactivated. The control unit 22 controls the ozone generator 21 and other devices so that the CT value reaches the target value (satisfies predetermined conditions) by the time sterilization of the guest room 10 is complete.

Furthermore, ozone can be harmful to the human body depending on the concentration. Taking into consideration such effects on the human body, work environment standards (standards that should be maintained) have been established for ozone concentrations. Specifically, 0.1 ppm has been established as the work environment standard. When sterilizing a guest room 10, the control unit 22 reduces the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 to below the work environment standard (so as to satisfy specified conditions). Specifically, the control unit 22 reduces the ozone concentration to 0.05 ppm or below. Hereinafter, the ozone concentration at the completion of ozone sterilization (0.05 ppm) will be referred to as the "ozone concentration at completion."

In this way, when sterilizing the guest room 10, the control unit 22 causes the CT value to reach the target value and reduces the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 to below the ozone concentration at completion. As a result, the control unit 22 inactivates pathogens and makes the guest room 10 ready for entry to users. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 22 is configured to be able to execute multiple operating patterns P10 as processes for sterilizing the guest room 10.

Below, we will explain operation pattern P10 with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

Operation pattern P10 refers to a process that controls the bathroom ventilation fan 13a and ozone generator 21 in a predetermined manner. Operation pattern P10 includes rapid pattern P11, rapid exhaust pattern P12, standard pattern P13, and standard exhaust pattern P14. Figures 3 and 4 show the results of a simulation of the relationship between ozone concentration and time in guest room 10 when rapid pattern P11, etc., is started at 11:40.

The rapid pattern P11 shown in Figures 2 and 3(a) is a pattern that completes sterilization using ozone in a relatively short time (compared to the standard pattern P13, etc., described below). Rapid pattern P11 increases the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 to a relatively high concentration, thereby allowing the CT value to reach the target value in a short time. Specifically, when rapid pattern P11 is executed, the control unit 22 starts operation of the ozone generator 21 (11:40 in Figure 3(a)) and releases ozone into the guest room 10 to increase the ozone concentration. The control unit 22 continues releasing ozone for a predetermined time, increasing the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 to a predetermined concentration. Specifically, the control unit 22 increases the ozone concentration to approximately 1 ppm so that the ozone concentration does not significantly exceed the working environment standard (0.1 ppm). Hereinafter, the time during which ozone is released into the guest room 10 is referred to as the "inactivation time." Additionally, the ozone concentration (target concentration) that is increased during the inactivation time using rapid pattern P11 and rapid exhaust pattern P12, which will be described later, is referred to as the "first target concentration."

When the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 has increased to the first target concentration, the control unit 22 stops the ozone generator 21 (12:50 in Figure 3(a)) and reduces the ozone concentration in the guest room 10. When the control unit 22 reduces the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 to below the ozone concentration at completion (14:10 in Figure 3(a)), it ends rapid pattern P11. Hereinafter, the time from when the ozone generator 21 is stopped until the ozone concentration is reduced to below the ozone concentration at completion will be referred to as the "standby time." Furthermore, the sum of the inactivation time and standby time (the time from when operation pattern P10 starts to when it ends) will be referred to as the "total time."

In the rapid pattern P11, the inactivation time and the waiting time are set in advance so that the CT value reaches the target value during the waiting time and the ozone concentration in the passenger compartment 10 becomes equal to or lower than the ozone concentration at completion. Specifically, the inactivation time and the like are set by performing a simulation of the rapid pattern P11 using the following mathematical formula 1.
In the above formula 1, C is the ozone concentration [ppm] in the passenger cabin 10. _C0 is the initial ozone concentration [ppm]. R is the air volume [ ^m3 ]. n is the ventilation rate [times/hour]. t is the time step [hour]. M is the amount of ozone generated [mg/hour]. T is the half-life [hour].

When simulating rapid pattern P11 using the above formula 1, the volume of the passenger cabin 10 is substituted for the air volume R. The ventilation rate for 24-hour ventilation of the passenger cabin 10 is substituted for the ventilation rate n. The amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 21 is substituted for the ozone generation amount M. The half-life of ozone in the passenger cabin 10 is substituted for the half-life T.

Equation 1 calculates the ozone concentration taking into account the effect of 24-hour ventilation in guest room 10. Specifically, as described above, guest room 10 is ventilated all day long by bathroom ventilation fan 13a. Therefore, when ozone is released into guest room 10, some of the ozone is sucked into bathroom ventilation fan 13a and exhausted outside guest room 10, while outside air is introduced into guest room 10, resulting in a decrease in the ozone concentration in guest room 10. Equation 1 assumes that the ozone concentration in the outside air is 0 ppm, and calculates the effect of the 24-hour ventilation (the degree of decrease in ozone concentration during the period determined by time step t) as "C ₀ * R/R + nRt."

Furthermore, in the above formula 1, the theoretical value of ozone concentration (theoretical value of ozone concentration increased by operation of ozone generator 21) is calculated using "M/R * 2.14." This theoretical value of ozone concentration is added to the effect of 24-hour ventilation (C ₀ * R/R + nRt) to calculate the ozone concentration when ozone is released while bathroom exhaust fan 13a is operating. This summation result does not reflect the effect of natural decrease (inactivation) of ozone.

Therefore, in the above formula 1, the sum is multiplied by "(1/2) ^t/T " to obtain the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 taking into consideration the effects of 24-hour ventilation and natural decrease.

Figure 3(a) shows the results of simulating rapid pattern P11 using Equation 1 above to determine the inactivation time and standby time for rapid pattern P11. In Figure 3(a), operation of the ozone generator 21 begins at 11:40, and the ozone concentration in the passenger compartment 10 rises to the first target concentration (approximately 1 ppm) by 12:50 (see "Inactivation Time"). Also in Figure 3(a), operation of the ozone generator 21 is stopped at this timing, and the ozone concentration falls to or below the completion ozone concentration (0.05 ppm) by 14:10 (see "Standby Time"). In Figure 3(a), the area of the graph (CT value) in the range from 11:40 to 14:10 exceeds the target value.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), for rapid pattern P11, based on the simulation results described above, the inactivation time (11:40 to 12:50 in Figure 3(a)) is set to 70 minutes. Furthermore, the standby time (12:50 to 14:10 in Figure 3(a)) is set to 80 minutes. Thus, the total time for rapid pattern P11 is 150 minutes.

The rapid exhaust pattern P12 shown in Figures 2 and 3(b) is a pattern that performs ozone sterilization in a shorter time than the rapid pattern P11. The rapid exhaust pattern P12 differs from the rapid pattern P11 in that the bathroom exhaust fan 13a is operated at a higher airflow rate ("high") than the "24-hour ventilation" during standby time.

Figure 3(b) shows the results of simulating rapid exhaust pattern P12 using Equation 1 above to determine the inactivation time and standby time for rapid exhaust pattern P12. With rapid exhaust pattern P12, ozone is drawn into bathroom exhaust fan 13a with its airflow set to "high" during the standby time, facilitating its exhaust outside guest room 10. This reduces the ozone concentration to or below the completion ozone concentration in a shorter time than rapid pattern P11. For this reason, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the standby time for rapid exhaust pattern P12 is set to "40 minutes," shorter than rapid pattern P11. The inactivation time for rapid exhaust pattern P12 is set to "70 minutes," the same as rapid pattern P11. Thus, the total time for rapid exhaust pattern P12 is "110 minutes." When simulating rapid exhaust pattern P12 using Equation 1 above, the ventilation rate for when bathroom exhaust fan 13a's airflow rate is set to "high" is substituted for ventilation rate n when calculating the ozone concentration during the standby time.

Standard pattern P13 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is a pattern that sterilizes at a lower ozone concentration than rapid pattern P11 and rapid exhaust pattern P12. When using standard pattern P13, the control unit 22 releases ozone into the passenger compartment 10 to increase the ozone concentration in the passenger compartment 10 to a concentration lower than the first target concentration (the concentration increased by rapid pattern P11, etc.). The control unit 22 then adjusts the amount of ozone generated as appropriate to maintain the ozone concentration for a predetermined period of time (see the inactivation time shown in Figure 4(a)).

After maintaining the ozone concentration for a predetermined time, the control unit 22 stops the operation of the ozone generator 21, and reduces the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 to below the completion ozone concentration (see the standby time shown in Figure 4(a)). In standard pattern P13, the ozone concentration is maintained during the inactivation time so that the CT value reaches the target value. Standard pattern P13 makes it possible to sterilize the guest room 10 at an ozone concentration that has less impact on the human body than rapid pattern P11. Hereinafter, the ozone concentration (target concentration) maintained during the inactivation time in standard pattern P13 and the standard exhaust pattern P14 described below will be referred to as the "second target concentration."

The second target concentration is set based on the working environment standard (0.05 ppm) and the first target concentration (approximately 1 ppm). Specifically, it is set to 0.5 ppm, approximately halfway between the working environment standard and the first target concentration.

Figure 4(a) shows the results of simulating standard pattern P13 using Equation 1 above to determine the inactivation time and standby time for standard pattern P13. With standard pattern P13, the ozone concentration in passenger compartment 10 is maintained at a second target concentration, which is lower than the first target concentration. Therefore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), the inactivation time for standard pattern P13 is set to 130 minutes, which is longer than that of rapid pattern P11 and rapid exhaust pattern P12. The standby time is also set to 50 minutes, which is shorter than that of rapid pattern P11 and rapid exhaust pattern P12. Thus, the total time for standard pattern P13 is 180 minutes. When simulating standard pattern P13 using Equation 1 above, the value required to maintain the second target concentration is appropriately substituted for the ozone generation amount M at the timing when the ozone concentration is to be maintained.

The standard exhaust pattern P14 shown in Figures 2 and 4(b) is a pattern that performs ozone sterilization in a shorter time than the standard pattern P13. The standard exhaust pattern P14 differs from the standard pattern P13 in that the bathroom exhaust fan 13a is operated at a higher airflow rate ("high") than the "24-hour ventilation" during standby time.

Figure 4(b) shows the results of simulating the standard exhaust pattern P14 using Equation 1 above to determine the inactivation time and standby time for the standard exhaust pattern P14. With the standard exhaust pattern P14, the airflow volume of the bathroom exhaust fan 13a is higher during standby time. For this reason, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the standby time for the standard exhaust pattern P14 is set to 30 minutes, which is shorter than that of the standard pattern P13. The inactivation time is also set to 130 minutes, the same as that of the standard pattern P13. Thus, the total time for the standard exhaust pattern P14 is 160 minutes. When simulating the standard exhaust pattern P14 using Equation 1 above, the ventilation rate when the airflow volume of the bathroom exhaust fan 13a is set to "strong" is substituted for the ventilation rate n when calculating the ozone concentration during standby time.

The control unit 22 pre-sets priorities for the operation patterns P10 configured as described above. The priorities are indicators of the priority of the execution of the operation patterns P10. The higher the priority, the more priority is given to execution. The control unit 22 sets the priorities based on the effects of ozone on the human body and energy consumption. Furthermore, the control unit 22 sets the priorities by giving priority to the effects on the human body out of the effects on the human body and energy consumption.

Specifically, standard pattern P13 and standard exhaust pattern P14 sterilize at a second target concentration that is lower than rapid pattern P11 and rapid exhaust pattern P12, thereby reducing the impact of ozone on the human body even if someone were to enter guest room 10. Furthermore, standard pattern P13 consumes less energy than standard exhaust pattern P14 because the airflow volume of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a is lower than standard exhaust pattern P14. Among these operating patterns P10, the control unit 22 sets the priority of standard pattern P13, which has a smaller impact on the human body and consumes less energy, to "1." Furthermore, the control unit 22 sets the priority of standard exhaust pattern P14, which has a smaller impact on the human body, to "2."

Furthermore, of the rapid pattern P11 and the rapid exhaust pattern P12, the control unit 22 sets the priority of the rapid pattern P11, which has the lowest airflow (energy consumption) of the bathroom exhaust fan 13a, to "3." Furthermore, the control unit 22 sets the priority of the remaining rapid exhaust pattern P12 to "4."

The operation of the sterilization system 20 is described below.

The sterilization system 20 operates when a check-in time is input by a cleaner who has completed the preparatory work for replacement (cleaning work) and/or a manager. When the check-in time is input, the control unit 22 calculates the remaining time until check-in (the remaining time until the end of the replacement period) based on the input result and the current time. Then, the control unit 22 determines one operation pattern to execute from the operation patterns P10 shown in Figure 2 based on the remaining time and priority.

For example, if the remaining time is 160 minutes, the control unit 22 executes the operation pattern that can complete sterilization within that remaining time and has the highest priority. Specifically, it executes the standard exhaust pattern P14, which has the highest priority among the operation patterns P10 whose total time is 160 minutes or less.

Also, for example, if the remaining time is 180 minutes or more, the control unit 22 executes standard pattern P13, which has the highest priority.

If there is no executable operation pattern P10 within the remaining time (if the remaining time is shorter than the total time of the rapid exhaust pattern P12, which allows for the fastest sterilization), the control unit 22 will constantly operate the ozone generator 21 at an ozone concentration below the working environment standard.

Furthermore, if the operation of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a cannot be controlled due to its specifications, etc. (the rapid exhaust pattern P12 and standard exhaust pattern P14 cannot be executed), the control unit 22 determines the operation pattern to execute from standard pattern P13 and rapid pattern P11 based on the remaining time and priority. For example, if the remaining time is 180 minutes or more, the control unit 22 executes standard pattern P13. Furthermore, if the remaining time is 150 minutes or more but less than 180 minutes, the control unit 22 executes rapid pattern P11. Note that if the remaining time is less than 150 minutes, the ozone generator 21 operates continuously at an ozone concentration below the working environment standard.

In this way, in the sterilization system 20, by inputting the check-in time into the control unit 22, the ozone generator 21 can be operated so that sterilization is completed by the check-in time. This makes it easy (with simple operations) to sterilize guest rooms 10 where check-out and check-in times vary depending on the guest room 10 and the day. This makes it easy to sterilize the guest room 10. In addition, the guest room 10 can also be deodorized using ozone.

In addition, by executing a single operating pattern according to the priority, the control unit 22 can sterilize the guest room 10 using an appropriate operating pattern according to the effects of ozone on the human body and energy consumption.

The control unit 22 also performs a simulation using the above formula 1 to determine the inactivation time and waiting time such that the CT value reaches the target value and the ozone concentration in the passenger compartment 10 is equal to or lower than the ozone concentration at completion. This makes it possible to easily obtain the inactivation time and waiting time (without experimentation).

As described above, the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment is a sterilization system 20 that sterilizes guest rooms 10 (spaces in a building that are used by users in succession) of a hotel 1 during a turnover period for the guest rooms 10, and is equipped with sterilization means (ozone generator 21 and bathroom ventilation fan 13a) for sterilizing the guest rooms 10, including an ozone generator 21 (sterilization device) that can release a gaseous sterilizing component (ozone) into the guest rooms 10, and a control unit 22 (control means) that determines one of multiple preset operating patterns P10 for the sterilization means in accordance with a priority order based on predetermined criteria (impact on the human body and energy consumption) so that sterilization of the guest rooms 10 is completed within the remaining time until the end of the turnover period.

This configuration allows the guest room 10 to be appropriately sterilized according to predetermined standards. It also makes sterilization of the guest room 10 easy.

Furthermore, the determined operating pattern sets the operation timing of the ozone generator 21 so that the remaining period includes a first period (inactivation time) during which the sterilizing component is released into the passenger compartment 10 by operating the ozone generator 21, and a second period (standby time) during which the sterilizing component released during the first period is discharged or inactivated from the passenger compartment 10 by stopping the operation of the ozone generator 21.

By configuring it in this way, the sterilizing component inactivates pathogens and reduces the concentration of the sterilizing component in the guest room 10 during the remaining period, thereby optimizing the operation of the ozone generator 21.

The multiple operating patterns P10 also include a first operating pattern (standard pattern P13 and standard exhaust pattern P14) in which the target component concentration in the guest room 10 due to the sterilization component is set to a first concentration (second target concentration) based on a predetermined environmental standard (work environment standard) during the first period, and a second operating pattern (rapid pattern P11 and rapid exhaust pattern P12) in which the target component concentration is set to a second concentration (first target concentration) higher than the first concentration, and the first operating pattern is set to have a higher priority than the second operating pattern (Figure 2).

By configuring in this way, the first operating pattern, which performs sterilization when the concentration of the sterilizing component in the guest room 10 is low, is executed preferentially, making it possible to simultaneously sterilize the guest room 10 and prevent the concentration of the sterilizing component from becoming relatively high.

The hotel 1 according to the first embodiment is one embodiment of a building according to the present invention.
The guest room 10 according to the first embodiment is one embodiment of a space according to the present invention that is used by users in turn.
The ozone generator 21 according to the first embodiment is one embodiment of the sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.
Moreover, the ozone generator 21 and bathroom ventilation fan 13a according to the first embodiment are one embodiment of the sterilization means according to the present invention.
The control unit 22 according to the first embodiment is an embodiment of the control means according to the present invention.

The above describes the first embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, the sterilization system 20 has been described as being applied to the hotel 1, but is not limited to this and may be applied to accommodation facilities other than the hotel 1, such as inns. The sterilization system 20 may also be applied to buildings other than accommodation facilities. The sterilization system 20 may also be used to sterilize spaces that are used by users in succession, and may also be used to sterilize spaces other than guest rooms 10 (for example, conference rooms, banquet halls, etc.).

Furthermore, while the guest room 10 is sterilized using ozone, the sterilizing component is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of inactivating pathogens. The sterilizing component may be, for example, ions or hypochlorous acid. It is desirable that the sterilizing component be one with a high sterilizing effect, such as ozone as in the first embodiment. This allows the guest room 10 to be sterilized in a short period of time.

Furthermore, while the ozone generator 21 is permanently installed in the guest room 10, this is not limited to this. For example, a portable ozone generator may be installed in the guest room 10 when sterilization work is performed.

Furthermore, the location where the ozone generator 21 is installed is not limited to the bedroom 11, but may also be installed, for example, in the hallway 12 or unit bathroom 13.

Furthermore, the number of operation patterns P10 is not particularly limited, and an appropriate number of operation patterns P10 may be set depending on the volume of the passenger compartment 10, etc.

Furthermore, the values of the inactivation time and standby time in operation pattern P10 are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate depending on, for example, the volume of the passenger compartment 10 and the specifications of the ozone generator 21.

In addition, in operation pattern P10, the CT value reaches the target value during the standby time, but the timing at which the CT value reaches the target value can be any timing within the total time. For example, the CT value may reach the target value when the inactivation time ends.

Furthermore, the inactivation time and waiting time were set based on the simulation results using Equation 1 above, but they are not limited to this and may be set based on experimental results, etc.

Furthermore, the control unit 22 sets the priority by prioritizing the effects of ozone on the human body over energy consumption, but there are no particular limitations on how the priority is set. For example, the priority may be set so that the rapid exhaust pattern P11 and standard pattern P13, which do not change the airflow volume of the bathroom exhaust fan 13a to "high," are ranked higher than the rapid exhaust pattern P12 and standard exhaust pattern P14, which change the airflow volume of the bathroom exhaust fan 13a to "high."

As such, the sterilization means includes a bathroom ventilation fan 13a (ventilation fan) that promotes the exhaust of the sterilization component (ozone) released into the guest room 10, and the multiple operating patterns P10 include a third operating pattern (rapid exhaust pattern P12 and standard exhaust pattern P14) that operates the bathroom ventilation fan 13a at a first airflow rate ("high") during at least one of the first period and the second period (the second period in the first embodiment), and a fourth operating pattern (rapid pattern P11 and standard pattern P13) that operates the bathroom ventilation fan 13a at a second airflow rate ("24-hour ventilation") that is lower than the first airflow rate, and the fourth operating pattern is set to have a higher priority than the third operating pattern.

By configuring in this way, the second operating pattern, which consumes less energy, is executed preferentially, achieving both sterilization of the guest room 10 and energy conservation effects.

Furthermore, while the control unit 22 determines the operation pattern when the check-in time is input, this is not limited to this, and the operation pattern may be determined when other information is input. For example, the control unit 22 may determine the operation pattern when information notifying the completion of cleaning work is input from the cleaner's and/or manager's terminal. In this case, the control unit 22 can obtain the check-in time from a server or the like installed in the hotel 1 and determine the operation pattern based on the obtained results. This configuration saves the cleaner and/or manager the trouble of checking the check-in time of the guest room 10, and allows the guest room 10 to be sterilized with simpler operations.

Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 10, we will explain the sterilization system 120 according to the second embodiment.

The sterilization system 120 according to the second embodiment differs significantly from the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment in that it creates a work schedule S (see FIG. 10) and is capable of executing a two-step sterilization pattern P25 (see FIG. 7). The work schedule S is information indicating, for each guest room 10, the schedule of work to be performed in the guest room 10 during the replacement period (replacement preparation work and sterilization work). These differences are explained below.

First, we will explain the configuration related to creating the work schedule S. The control unit 122 of the sterilization system 120 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 5 is configured to be able to send and receive signals with the management system 130 of the hotel 1.

The management system 130 manages information about the hotel 1. The management system 130 is constructed, for example, on a specified server. Various information is input to the management system 130 from terminals installed at the front desk of the hotel 1. For example, information such as check-in and check-out times for each guest room 10, information about guests (e.g., the number, ages, and addresses of guests scheduled to stay in the guest room 10), and the scheduled working hours of the cleaning staff who will be performing the cleaning work are input.

The management system 130 can create information regarding the replacement period for each guest room 10 based on input results such as check-in time. Information regarding the replacement period refers to information that makes it possible to determine the replacement period for each guest room 10. Figure 8 shows an example of this information. The time information shown in Figure 8 includes time information that correlates whether a guest is currently using the guest room 10 (before check-out), whether the next guest is scheduled to use the guest room 10 (scheduled to check-in), the time period, and the identification information of the guest room 10 (room number in Figure 8).

The control unit 122 can receive information necessary to create the work schedule S from the management system 130 configured as described above. Specifically, the control unit 122 can receive the time information shown in FIG. 8, information about users (such as the number, ages, and addresses of users), and the scheduled work hours of cleaners. Based on the received scheduled work hours, the control unit 122 can calculate the maximum number of guest rooms that can be cleaned in the same time period (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum number of cleanings"). Furthermore, based on the received information about users, the control unit 122 can evaluate the possibility (infection risk) of infection with an infectious disease in each guest room 10. Furthermore, as described below, the control unit 122 can create the work schedule S shown in FIG. 10 by assigning cleaning times (time periods for performing preparatory work for replacement), sterilization times (time periods for sterilizing guest rooms 10 with ozone), and the operation pattern P20 to be executed to the time information shown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, the control unit 122 can present the created work schedule S to relevant parties at the hotel 1 by displaying the created work schedule S on a specified display device.

Next, we will explain the double sterilization pattern P25. As shown in Figure 6, the operation pattern P20 of the second embodiment includes the double sterilization pattern P25 in addition to the operation pattern P10 (rapid pattern P11, etc.) of the first embodiment.

The double sterilization pattern P25 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is a pattern in which the guest room 10 is sterilized before and after cleaning work (a total of two times). Note that Figure 7 shows the results of a simulation of the double sterilization pattern P25 using Equation 1 above. When executing the double sterilization pattern P25, the control unit 122 sterilizes the guest room 10 twice using the rapid exhaust pattern P12 (see Figure 3(b)). More specifically, the control unit 122 performs the first sterilization (rapid exhaust pattern P12) (11:00 to 12:50 in Figure 7) and waits until a predetermined time has elapsed (12:50 to 13:10 in Figure 7). The control unit 122 then performs the second sterilization (13:10 to 15:00 in Figure 5). In this way, the double sterilization pattern P25 includes two inactivation periods and two waiting periods (repeated twice).

In double sterilization pattern P25, the ozone concentration in the guest room 10 is below the ozone concentration at completion during standby (between the first and second sterilizations). Therefore, in double sterilization pattern P25, cleaning work can be performed on the guest room 10 during standby (see "Cleaning time" in Figure 7). The control unit 122 can set the length of the standby time as desired. In this way, the total time for double sterilization pattern P25 is the sum of the cleaning work (standby time) plus the two inactivation times and two standby times.

The control unit 122 sets priorities for the operation pattern P20, which includes the double sterilization pattern P25, based on the risk of infection of the cleaner with an infectious disease, the impact of ozone on the human body, and energy consumption. Furthermore, of the infection risk, the impact on the human body, and energy consumption, the control unit 122 sets priorities by giving the highest priority to the infection risk.

Specifically, the double sterilization pattern P25 sterilizes the guest room 10 before and after cleaning work. Therefore, the double sterilization pattern P25 can reduce the risk of infection for cleaners more than the rapid pattern P11, rapid exhaust pattern P12, standard pattern P13, and standard exhaust pattern P14, which sterilize after cleaning work. In this way, the double sterilization pattern P25 is the pattern among the operation patterns P20 that can most effectively reduce the risk of infection. The control unit 122 sets the priority of the double sterilization pattern P25 to the highest priority of "1."

Furthermore, the control unit 122 sets priorities for the remaining rapid exhaust pattern P11, rapid exhaust pattern P12, standard pattern P13, and standard exhaust pattern P14 based on their impact on the human body and energy consumption, as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the control unit 122 sets the priority of standard pattern P13 to "2." The control unit 122 also sets the priority of standard exhaust pattern P14 to "3." The control unit 122 also sets the priority of rapid pattern P11 to "4." The control unit 122 also sets the priority of rapid exhaust pattern P12 to "5."

The following describes the process for creating the work schedule S by the control unit 122.

The process of creating the work schedule S is performed in advance (before the user checks out). When the control unit 122 starts the creation process, it receives the information necessary to create the work schedule S (time information shown in FIG. 8, information about the user, and the scheduled working hours of the cleaner) from the management system 130. The control unit 122 calculates the maximum number of cleanings for each time period. The control unit 122 also calculates the replacement period (the time from check-out to check-in) for each guest room 10 based on the time information shown in FIG. 8.

The control unit 122 then assigns cleaning times to each guest room 10 so that cleaning work is completed within the calculated replacement period. In doing so, the control unit 122 assigns cleaning times taking into consideration sterilization of the guest room 10. The control unit 122 then assigns an operating pattern with a higher priority and assigns a sterilization time according to that operating pattern. The assignment of cleaning times, sterilization times, and operating patterns is explained below.

The following explains how cleaning time is allocated. Note that, in the following, two hours of cleaning time will be allocated, with some exceptions, taking into consideration the burden on the cleaners. In exceptional cases, a cleaning time of one hour will be allocated, which is shorter than two hours (a time that does not place an excessive burden on the cleaners and allows them to complete the cleaning work as planned).

First, the process for allocating cleaning time will be explained. The control unit 122 provisionally allocates cleaning time according to the changeover period of the guest rooms 10. The control unit 122 then adjusts the cleaning time based on the maximum number of cleanings so that cleaning is completed within the changeover period. In this way, the control unit 122 completes the allocation of cleaning time. Below, the process for allocating cleaning tasks will be explained in detail.

When provisionally allocating cleaning time, the control unit 122 determines whether the turnover period for guest rooms 10 is six hours or longer. If the turnover period for guest rooms 10 is six hours or longer, the control unit 122 provisionally allocates cleaning time so that the guest rooms 10 can be sterilized using the highest priority double sterilization pattern P25. Specifically, the highest priority double sterilization pattern P25 requires 110 minutes for one sterilization. Therefore, when allocating two hours of cleaning time to the time information shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 122 allocates cleaning time two hours after check-out for guest rooms 10 with a turnover period of six hours or longer (see Room 201 shown in FIG. 9). This allows for two hours of free time before and after the cleaning time, allowing the cleaning time to be allocated so that the guest rooms 10 can be sterilized using the highest priority double sterilization pattern P25.

On the other hand, when the turnover period for guest rooms 10 is less than six hours, the control unit 122 provisionally allocates cleaning time so that the guest rooms 10 can be sterilized using standard pattern P13, etc., with a priority of second or lower. Specifically, when the turnover period is less than six hours, allocating two hours of cleaning time means that two hours of free time cannot be secured before and after the cleaning time, making it unnecessary to execute double sterilization pattern P25. For this reason, when the turnover period for guest rooms 10 is less than six hours, the control unit 122 allocates two hours of cleaning time immediately after check-out. In this way, the control unit 122 allocates cleaning time so that the time from the end of the cleaning time to check-in time can be extended as much as possible, and the guest rooms 10 can be sterilized using an operating pattern with a higher priority (standard pattern P13, etc.).

If two hours of cleaning time were assigned to a guest room 10 with a three-hour replacement period, the free time after the cleaning time would be one hour, making it impossible to assign the rapid exhaust pattern P12 (110 minutes), which has the shortest total time among the operation patterns P20, and ultimately making it impossible to assign an operation pattern. Therefore, the control unit 122 assigns one hour of cleaning time (the lower limit of the cleaning time) to the guest room 10 with a three-hour replacement period as an exception, ensuring two hours of free time after the cleaning time. In this way, the control unit 122 provisionally assigns cleaning time so that an operation pattern can be assigned even to a guest room 10 with a three-hour replacement period. Note that if the replacement period is two hours or less, allocating one hour of cleaning time would make it impossible to assign an operation pattern. Therefore, the control unit 122 assigns cleaning time (up to a maximum of two hours) to the entire replacement period if the replacement period is two hours or less. In this case, the control unit 122 constantly operates the ozone generator 21 at an ozone concentration below the working environment standard.

After provisionally allocating cleaning times in this manner, the control unit 122 adjusts the cleaning times. Specifically, the control unit 122 compares the number of guest rooms 10 to which cleaning times have been allocated with the maximum number of cleanings for each time period, and adjusts the cleaning times if the number of such guest rooms 10 exceeds the maximum number of cleanings. In doing so, the control unit 122 determines, based on predetermined criteria, some of the guest rooms 10 for which cleaning times will be adjusted from among the guest rooms 10 to which cleaning times exceed the maximum number of cleanings. The control unit 122 then adjusts the cleaning times so that the cleaning times of the determined guest rooms 10 do not overlap with time periods in which the maximum number of cleanings has been exceeded.

For example, when the number of guest rooms 10 exceeds the maximum number of cleanings, the control unit 122 evaluates the infection risk of the cleaners in the guest rooms 10, and based on the evaluation results (predetermined criteria), shifts the cleaning times of guest rooms 10 with a low infection risk among the guest rooms 10 for which double sterilization pattern P25 can be performed.

Specifically, guest rooms 10 with a small number of checked-out guests have a lower probability of virus introduction (infection risk) than guest rooms 10 with a large number of checked-out guests. Furthermore, guest rooms 10 checked out by guests from areas where infectious diseases are not widespread have a lower probability of virus introduction than guest rooms 10 checked out by guests from areas where infectious diseases are widespread. The control unit 122 evaluates the infection risk as described above from information about the guests, and shifts the cleaning time for guest rooms 10 with a low infection risk and for which double sterilization pattern P25 can be implemented (with a replacement period of six hours or more). In this way, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 122 maintains a state in which double sterilization pattern P25 can be implemented in guest rooms 10 with a high infection risk, while adjusting the cleaning time so that the number of guest rooms 10 does not exceed the maximum number of cleanings (so that cleaning work is completed within the replacement period), thereby completing the cleaning time allocation.

Next, the allocation of sterilization times and operation patterns will be explained. Once the control unit 122 has completed the allocation of cleaning times, it allocates sterilization times and operation patterns to each guest room 10 so that they can be executed during times other than the cleaning times (free time) during the replacement period and so that the operation pattern with the highest priority can be executed. Specifically, if there is free time of two hours or more before and after the sterilization time, the control unit 122 allocates the highest priority double sterilization pattern P25 and allocates two hours of sterilization time before and after the cleaning time. On the other hand, if there is not free time of two hours or more before and after the cleaning time, the control unit 122 allocates an operation pattern with a priority of second or lower according to the free time after the cleaning time, and allocates a sterilization time according to the total time of the operation pattern.

The control unit 122 allocates cleaning time, sterilization time, etc. in this way and creates the work schedule S shown in Figure 10. This work schedule S is displayed on a specified display device.

In this way, by setting (assigning) cleaning times, sterilization times, and operation patterns at a stage prior to checkout, the control unit 122 can present information (work schedule S) that will enable cleaning and sterilization of each guest room 10 to be completed during the replacement period. This allows for appropriate cleaning and sterilization of each guest room 10.

In addition, the guest room 10 can be sterilized using the optimal operating pattern P20 (the operating pattern that completes sterilization within the sterilization time and has the highest priority) depending on the assigned sterilization time.

As described above, the multiple operating patterns P20 in the second embodiment include a seventh operating pattern (double sterilization pattern P25) in which the first period (inactivation time) and the second period (standby time) are repeated twice, with a predetermined period between them, and the seventh operating pattern is set to have a higher priority than the other operating patterns (rapid pattern P11, rapid exhaust pattern P12, standard pattern P13, and standard exhaust pattern P14) (Figure 6).

By configuring in this way, the seventh operating pattern (double sterilization pattern P25) is executed with priority, making it easier for cleaners to perform replacement preparation work (cleaning work) in the guest rooms 10 after sterilization.

Furthermore, the space is each guest room 10 of Hotel 1 (accommodation facility), and the control unit 122 assigns one of the multiple operation patterns P20 to each guest room 10 based on predetermined assignment information that includes at least information regarding the priority and information regarding the replacement period for each guest room 10 (time information shown in Figure 8).

By configuring in this way, it is possible to appropriately assign one operating pattern to each guest room 10 to suit its respective switching period.

The allocation information also includes information regarding the number of guest rooms (maximum number of cleanings) that can be performed by workers (cleaners) during the replacement period during the same time period for the replacement preparation work.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to assign one operation pattern P20 to each guest room 10, taking into account the work required for workers to prepare for the changeover.

The hotel 1 according to the second embodiment is one embodiment of the accommodation facility according to the present invention.

The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, the control unit 122 assigns cleaning times, etc., and then assigns sterilization times and operation patterns, but the order in which cleaning times, etc., are assigned is not particularly limited.

Furthermore, although the device that allocates the cleaning time and sterilization time is the control unit 122, this is not limited to this and may be a device other than the control unit 122 (for example, the management system 130, etc.).

Next, with reference to Figure 11, we will explain the sterilization system 220 according to the third embodiment. Note that the arrows in Figure 11(a) schematically show the flow of ozone.

As shown in Figure 11(a), the unit bathroom area 13 is separated from the bedroom 11 and the hallway 12. Therefore, even if ozone is released from the ozone generator 21 in the bedroom 11, the ozone may not reach the unit bathroom area 13 sufficiently, resulting in uneven ozone concentrations.

The sterilization system 220 according to the third embodiment differs significantly from the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment in that it suppresses unevenness in ozone concentration by executing bathroom sterilization pattern P36, which operates the bathroom ventilation fan 13a at a higher airflow rate than 24-hour ventilation during the inactivation time (the time when the ozone generator 21 is operating). This difference is explained below.

First, we will explain the bathroom ventilation fan 13a. As described above, the bathroom ventilation fan 13a is configured to be able to adjust the airflow volume in stages ("24-hour ventilation," "weak," and "strong"). The bathroom ventilation fan 13a can change the airflow volume based on a signal from the control unit 222.

Next, we will explain bathroom sterilization pattern P36 shown in Figure 11(b). Note that Figure 11(b) shows the results of simulating bathroom sterilization pattern P36 using Equation 2, which will be described later.

The bathroom sterilization pattern P36 controls the bathroom ventilation fan 13a and other components so that the CT value in the unit bath area 13 reaches a target value. When executing the bathroom sterilization pattern P36 (11:40 in Figure 11(b)), the control unit 222 operates the ozone generator 21 and the bathroom ventilation fan 13a at "weak," which has a higher airflow than "24-hour ventilation," thereby drawing the ozone released into the bedroom 11 into the unit bath area 13 (see the dashed arrow in Figure 11(a)). This causes the control unit 222 to increase the ozone concentration in the unit bath area 13 (13:20 in Figure 11(b)). The control unit 222 continues releasing and drawing ozone for a predetermined period of time, increasing the ozone concentration in the unit bath area 13 to a predetermined concentration (approximately 0.7 ppm) (see "inactivation time" in Figure 11(b)). This allows the control unit 222 to reduce unevenness in concentration in the unit bath area 13 and distribute ozone throughout the unit bath area 13.

When the control unit 222 has increased the ozone concentration in the unit bath area 13 to a predetermined concentration, it stops the operation of the ozone generator 21. Meanwhile, the control unit 222 does not return the airflow of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a to "24-hour ventilation," but continues to operate it at "weak." Thus, the control unit 222 continues to operate the bathroom ventilation fan 13a at "weak" throughout the inactivation time and neutralization period, continuing to draw ozone into the unit bath area 13. When the ozone concentration in the bedroom 11 and unit bath area 13 has decreased to below the completion ozone concentration (14:30 in Figure 11(b)), the control unit 222 ends bathroom sterilization pattern P36.

In bathroom sterilization pattern P36, the inactivation time and standby time are set in advance so that the CT value in the unit bath area 13 reaches the target value and the ozone concentrations in the bedroom 11 and unit bath area 13 are equal to or lower than the ozone concentration at completion. Specifically, the inactivation time and other parameters are set by simulating bathroom sterilization pattern P36 using the following equation 2.

In the above formula 2, _C'2 is the ozone concentration [ppm] in the unit bathroom section 13. _C2 is the initial ozone concentration [ppm] in the unit bathroom section 13. _R2 is the air volume [ ^m3 ] of the unit bathroom section 13. _C1 is the ozone concentration [ppm] in the bedroom 11. _R1 is the air volume [ ^m3 ] of the bedroom 11. The other variables (air change rate n, time step t, and half-life T) are the same as in the above formula 1.

When simulating bathroom sterilization pattern P36 using the above formula 2, the ventilation frequency n is substituted with the ventilation frequency when the airflow rate of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a is set to "weak." Furthermore, the half-life T is substituted with the value of the half-life of ozone in the unit bathroom section 13.

In the above formula 2, the amount of ozone in unit bathroom 13 that will increase due to the operation of bathroom exhaust fan 13a (drawing in ozone) is calculated as "( _C1 - _C2 ) * _nR1t " and added to the amount of ozone already present in unit bathroom 13 ( _C2 * _R2 ). The result of this calculation is then divided by the air volume _R2 of unit bathroom 13 to determine the ozone concentration in unit bathroom 13 when ozone is released while bathroom exhaust fan 13a is operating at a "weak" airflow rate. The calculated ozone concentration does not take into account the impact of natural ozone depletion.

Therefore, in the above formula 2, the ozone concentration in the unit bathroom section 13 taking into consideration the influence of natural attenuation is calculated by multiplying the calculated ozone concentration by "(1/2) ^t/T ".

Figure 11(b) shows the results of simulating bathroom sterilization pattern P36 using Equation 2 above to determine the inactivation time and standby time. In Figure 11(b), the ozone generator 21 and bathroom ventilation fan 13a (airflow "weak") were started at 11:40, and the ozone concentration in the unit bath area 13 rose to approximately 0.7 ppm (higher than the second target concentration (0.5 ppm)) at 1:20 PM (see "Inactivation Time"). Also, in Figure 11(b), the ozone generator 21 was stopped at this time, and the ozone concentration fell to below the completion ozone concentration (0.05 ppm) at 2:30 PM (see "Standby Time"). In Figure 11(b), the area of the dashed line graph (CT value) in the range from 11:40 AM to 2:30 PM exceeds the target value.

By executing bathroom sterilization pattern P36, the control unit 222 can make the CT value in the unit bath area 13 reach the target value, thereby properly sterilizing the unit bath area 13. Furthermore, a single ozone generator 21 can efficiently sterilize unit bath areas 13 that do not have that ozone generator 21 installed.

As described above, the space in the third embodiment is a guest room 10 of a hotel 1 (accommodation facility), the bathroom ventilation fan 13a (ventilation fan) is provided in the unit bath section 13 within the guest room 10, the ozone generator 21 is provided so as to be able to release the sterilizing component into a space (bedroom 11) within the guest room 10 that is different from the unit bath section 13, and the third operating pattern includes a sixth operating pattern (bathroom sterilization pattern P36) in which the bathroom ventilation fan 13a is operated at the first airflow rate for the first period (inactivation time) and the second period (standby time).

By configuring it in this way, ozone can be drawn into the unit bath area 13 from another space (bedroom 11), allowing the sterilizing components to quickly spread throughout the guest room 10.

The third embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in bathroom sterilization pattern P36, the ozone generator 21 and bathroom exhaust fan 13a are operated at the same time during the inactivation period, but the operation timing of the ozone generator 21 and bathroom exhaust fan 13a may be different from each other. For example, the bathroom exhaust fan 13a may be operated later than the ozone generator 21 to change the airflow rate. This allows ozone to be efficiently drawn from the bedroom 11, where the ozone concentration has become high, to the unit bathroom section 13.

In addition, in bathroom sterilization pattern P36, the bathroom ventilation fan 13a is operated at a "weak" airflow rate, but the airflow rate of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a can be changed as appropriate. For example, the airflow rate of the bathroom ventilation fan 13a may be changed from "weak" to "strong" after the CT value reaches a target value. This can shorten the standby time.

Furthermore, the control of operating the bathroom ventilation fan 13a during the inactivation time is not limited to bathroom sterilization pattern P36 shown in Figure 11. For example, the control unit 222 may operate the bathroom ventilation fan 13a during the inactivation time while maintaining the ozone concentration in the unit bath area 13 at a second target concentration (0.5 ppm). This allows the unit bath area 13 to be sterilized at an ozone concentration that has little effect on the human body.

The control unit 222 may also set multiple operating patterns for operating the bathroom ventilation fan 13a during the inactivation time and set priorities for these operating patterns.

1. Hotel (building)
10. Guest rooms (spaces used by rotating users)
13a Bathroom ventilation fan (sterilization means)
20 Sterilization system 21 Ozone generator (sterilization means)
P10 Driving pattern

Claims (6)

A sterilization system that sterilizes a space during a period when users change spaces in a building,
A sterilization means for sterilizing the space, the sterilization means including a sterilization device capable of releasing a gaseous sterilizing component into the space;
A control means for determining one of a plurality of preset operation patterns of the sterilization means in accordance with a priority based on a predetermined standard so that sterilization of the space is completed within the remaining period until the end of the replacement period;
Equipped with
The determined driving pattern includes:
a first period during which the sterilization component is released into the space by operation of the sterilization device;
a second period in which the sterilization component released during the first period is discharged or inactivated from the space due to the stop of operation of the sterilization device;
the operation timing of the sterilization device is set so that is included in the remaining period,
The plurality of driving patterns include:
During the first period,
a first operating pattern in which a target component concentration in the space due to the sterilization component is set to a first concentration based on a predetermined environmental standard;
a second operation pattern in which the target component concentration is set to a second concentration higher than the first concentration,
The first driving pattern is set to have a higher priority than the second driving pattern.
Disinfection system. The sterilization means includes a ventilation fan that promotes the discharge of the sterilization component released into the space,
The plurality of driving patterns include:
During at least one of the first period and the second period,
a third operation pattern in which the ventilation fan is operated at a first airflow rate;
a fourth operation pattern in which the ventilation fan is operated at a second air volume that is smaller than the first air volume;
The fourth driving pattern is set to have a higher priority than the third driving pattern.
The sterilization system according to claim 1 . The space is a guest room of an accommodation facility,
The ventilation fan is provided in a unit bath area in the guest room,
The sterilization device is provided so as to be able to release the sterilizing component in a space different from the unit bath area in the guest room,
The third driving pattern includes:
a sixth operation pattern in which the ventilation fan is operated at the first airflow rate over the first period and the second period;
The sterilization system according to claim 2 . The plurality of driving patterns include:
a seventh operation pattern in which the first period and the second period are repeated twice with a predetermined period between them;
The seventh driving pattern is set to have a higher priority than the other driving patterns.
The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The space is a guest room of an accommodation facility,
The control means
assigning one of the plurality of operation patterns to each of the guest rooms based on predetermined assignment information including at least information regarding the priority order and information regarding the replacement period of each of the guest rooms;
The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The allocation information includes:
The information includes information about the number of guest rooms for which the workers can carry out the replacement preparation work during the replacement period in the same time period.
The sterilization system according to claim 5 .