WO2017110502A1 - Sterilization system and sterilization method - Google Patents

Sterilization system and sterilization method Download PDF

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WO2017110502A1
WO2017110502A1 PCT/JP2016/086569 JP2016086569W WO2017110502A1 WO 2017110502 A1 WO2017110502 A1 WO 2017110502A1 JP 2016086569 W JP2016086569 W JP 2016086569W WO 2017110502 A1 WO2017110502 A1 WO 2017110502A1
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Prior art keywords
sterilization
sterilized
plasma
active oxygen
cap
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PCT/JP2016/086569
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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芳原和希
東山堅一
冨永健太
平山裕二
飯塚利昭
守家智士
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サントリーホールディングス株式会社
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Publication of WO2017110502A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017110502A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/14—Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/06—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by heat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sterilization system including a sterilization apparatus that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized using the obtained plasma, or a sterilization method using the sterilization apparatus.
  • the present applicant as a new technique for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a cap of a PET bottle, generates active oxygen generated by reacting the plasma with water vapor by generating plasma.
  • the active oxygen produced in this way contains a large amount of highly reactive hydroxy radicals and exhibits a high sterilizing effect. By using this, sterilization can be performed effectively. For this reason, although sterilization using this sterilizer is desired, since this method is a novel method, there is room for further improvement.
  • the sterilization system is A sterilization system including a sterilization device that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized using the obtained plasma,
  • the sterilizer is A gas supply unit for supplying a mixed gas containing oxygen;
  • a water vapor supply unit for supplying water vapor;
  • a plasma generation unit for generating plasma containing ozone from the mixed gas supplied from the gas supply unit;
  • An active oxygen generator that generates active oxygen by reacting the plasma with the water vapor supplied from the water vapor supply unit;
  • a discharge part for discharging the plasma and the active oxygen as a disinfectant,
  • a heating device is provided that heats the article to be sterilized or raises the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized before, during, and after sterilization by the sterilizer.
  • the inventor can effectively increase the sterilization rate by heating the object to be sterilized or raising the ambient temperature around the object to be sterilized before, during or after sterilization by the sterilizer. I found out. This is because, when active radicals such as ozone are decomposed, hydroxy radicals exhibiting a high sterilizing effect are generated. By heating the object to be sterilized or raising the ambient temperature around the object to be sterilized, This is because decomposition of active oxygen such as can be promoted.
  • the preferred technique found by the inventor is adopted, and the sterilized product is heated or sterilized at least one of before sterilization by the sterilizer, during sterilization, and after sterilization. Since the heating device for raising the ambient temperature is provided, the sterilization rate for the object to be sterilized can be effectively increased, and sterilization using active oxygen can be performed efficiently.
  • the heating device raises the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized at least during sterilization by the sterilization device.
  • the sterilization rate for the article to be sterilized can be effectively increased by performing sterilization with a sterilizer at a high temperature.
  • the apparatus includes a chamber through which the article to be sterilized that is conveyed by the conveying unit passes, the sterilizer discharges the sterilizing agent into the chamber, and the heating apparatus includes at least the sterilizer.
  • the temperature in the chamber is raised to raise the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized.
  • the disinfectant discharged into the chamber acts on the object to be sterilized at a high temperature.
  • rate with respect to a to-be-sterilized thing can be accelerated effectively.
  • the heating device raises the temperature in the chamber by blowing hot air into the chamber.
  • the temperature in the chamber can be quickly raised.
  • the heating device heats the article to be sterilized by blowing high-temperature air to the article to be sterilized at least before or after sterilization by the sterilizer.
  • the plasma or active oxygen existing on the surface of the object to be sterilized by sterilization by the sterilization apparatus is extremely short by directly applying heat to the object to be sterilized. Can be heated in time.
  • plasma or active oxygen attached to the surface of the object to be sterilized is heated by sterilization by a sterilizer by directly applying heat to the object to be sterilized. It will be. Thereby, the disinfection speed
  • the sterilization method comprises: A sterilization method using a sterilizer that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized by irradiating the obtained plasma, Supplying a gas mixture containing oxygen to the sterilizer, generating plasma containing ozone from the gas mixture, Supplying water vapor to the sterilizer, reacting the water vapor and the plasma to produce active oxygen, Discharging the generated plasma and the active oxygen to the object to be sterilized as a disinfectant After the plasma and the active oxygen are discharged to the object to be sterilized, the object to be sterilized is heated.
  • FIG. 1st Embodiment Schematic configuration diagram of a sterilizer that performs sterilization using active oxygen
  • Device configuration block diagram of a sterilizer that performs sterilization using active oxygen The figure which shows the sterilization system in 1st Embodiment.
  • the figure which shows the difference of the bactericidal effect by the difference in temperature condition The figure which shows the sterilization system in 2nd Embodiment.
  • the sterilization system 100A of the present embodiment sterilizes a cap 80 of a container such as a PET bottle as an example of an object to be sterilized, generates plasma, and sterilizes the cap 80 with the obtained plasma. Is provided.
  • oxygen is supplied to the sterilization apparatus 1 using the sterilization apparatus 1, plasma containing ozone is generated from oxygen, water vapor is supplied to the sterilization apparatus 1, and water vapor and plasma are reacted to react with active oxygen.
  • ROS reactive Oxygen Species
  • FIG. 1 shows a mechanism for generating active oxygen by the sterilizer 1.
  • the sterilizer 1 has a nozzle 10 that generates active oxygen and discharges (irradiates) a sterilizing agent 70 containing active oxygen to the cap 80.
  • the nozzle 10 includes a plasma generation unit 11 that generates plasma, a discharge unit 12 that discharges a bactericide 70 containing plasma and active oxygen, and active oxygen that is disposed between the plasma generation unit 11 and the discharge unit 12. And a generation unit 13.
  • FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the sterilizer 1 directly discharges the sterilizing agent 70 containing active oxygen to the cap 80.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the cap 80 may be sterilized indirectly, such as by discharging the sterilizing agent 70 into the chamber through which the cap 80 passes and sterilizing the cap 80 with the sterilizing agent 70 filled in the chamber.
  • This nozzle 10 generates so-called atmospheric pressure plasma as plasma in the apparatus.
  • atmospheric pressure plasma By using atmospheric pressure plasma, it is possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus without requiring a vacuum vessel or the like necessary for generating low-pressure plasma, and the work efficiency is high because continuous processing is possible. Moreover, since it can produce
  • generation of atmospheric pressure plasma hereinafter simply referred to as plasma
  • plasma generation of atmospheric pressure plasma (hereinafter simply referred to as plasma) by the nozzle 10 and generation of active oxygen using the plasma will be described.
  • the plasma generator 11 has a known structure and includes an internal electrode 11a and an external electrode 11b.
  • an electric field is generated in the plasma generation unit 11 by applying a high voltage (for example, an effective voltage of 20 kV at a frequency of 14 kHz) between the internal electrode 11 a and the external electrode 11 b by the AC power supply 20.
  • oxygen O 2 , oxygen
  • oxygen is supplied into the plasma generation unit 11 together with air (air), and oxygen is passed through the generated electric field, thereby generating plasma containing ozone from the supplied oxygen.
  • the generated plasma is sent to the active oxygen generator 13.
  • oxygen radicals and ozone (O 3 ) are generated by the plasma, and these are sent to the active oxygen generator 13.
  • the active oxygen generation unit 13 is connected to an evaporator (corresponding to a water vapor supply unit) 40, and further water vapor is sent to the active oxygen generation unit 13.
  • the active oxygen generation unit 13 can generate active oxygen by reacting the plasma (oxygen radicals and ozone) sent from the plasma generation unit 11 with the water vapor (vapor) supplied from the evaporator 40.
  • the plasma oxygen radicals and ozone
  • hydroxy radicals .OH
  • the hydrogen radical reacts with ozone to generate a hydroxy radical and oxygen (O 2 ) as shown in the following formula (5).
  • the reaction of the above formula (6) can be caused to generate hydroxy radicals (.OH) efficiently.
  • the generated active oxygen mainly contains hydroxy radicals.
  • a high bactericidal effect can be achieved by mainly including highly reactive hydroxy radicals.
  • the sterilizer 1 includes a nozzle 10, a generator 21 and a transformer 22 that constitute an AC power supply 20, a gas supply machine (corresponding to a gas supply unit) 30 that supplies various gases such as oxygen to the nozzle 10 and the evaporator 40, active oxygen
  • the evaporator 40 which supplies water vapor
  • Generator 21 generates an alternating current.
  • the frequency is 13 kHz
  • the effective voltage is 350 V
  • the effective current is 11 A.
  • the voltage of the alternating current supplied from the generator 21 is increased from 300 V to 20 kV by the transformer 22. Thereby, a high voltage of 20 kV is applied between the internal electrode 11a and the external electrode 11b in the plasma generation unit 11.
  • the gas supply unit 30 is connected to the plasma generation unit 11 and supplies oxygen together with air to the nozzle 10 (plasma generation unit 11). Further, the air for supplying the water vapor generated by the evaporator 40 to the active oxygen generator 13 is supplied to the evaporator 40.
  • the gas supply machine 30 has a control panel 31. By operating the control panel 31, the supply amount of various gases to the target can be adjusted. In this embodiment, by operating the control panel 31, for example, the air is supplied to the nozzle 10 at 6 L / min and oxygen at 3 L / min so that the air: oxygen ratio is 2: 1. In 40, air is sent at 3 L / min.
  • the evaporator 40 is connected to the active oxygen generator 13 and sends water vapor to the active oxygen generator 13. Specifically, a built-in heating wire (not shown) is heated to 180 ° C., and water supplied from the pump 50 is heated by the heating wire to generate water vapor. Then, water vapor is mixed with the air supplied from the gas supplier 30, and the water vapor is supplied to the active oxygen generator 13 together with the air. In the present embodiment, for example, the pump 50 supplies water to the evaporator 40 at a rate of 1.2 mL / min.
  • the chiller 60 cools the nozzle 10 that generates heat when a high voltage is applied by supplying cooling water to the nozzle 10.
  • the sterilization apparatus 1 configured as described above, oxygen supplied together with air from the gas supply device 30 to the nozzle 10 is turned into plasma by the plasma generation unit 11 of the nozzle 10, and the generated plasma is the active oxygen generation unit 13.
  • the active oxygen mainly composed of hydroxy radicals is continuously generated by reacting with water vapor supplied together with air from the evaporator 40. Then, active oxygen, water vapor, and unreacted plasma continuously generated in the active oxygen generation unit 13 are continuously discharged from the discharge unit 12 as the sterilizing agent 70, thereby enabling continuous processing of the cap 80. It becomes.
  • the bactericide 70 containing plasma and active oxygen is discharged from the discharge unit 12 at a temperature of 50 to 80 ° C. and a flow rate of 50000 mm / sec.
  • the following advantages are obtained by sterilization using active oxygen. For example, when a sterilizing agent containing hydrogen peroxide is used, it is necessary to subsequently clean the sterilizing agent so that it does not remain on the article to be sterilized. However, it is difficult to remove all the sterilizing agent by washing, and there is a risk that the sterilizing agent remains on the article to be sterilized.
  • the sterilizing agent spray and the subsequent cleaning are mainly performed at a high temperature, when the material to be sterilized is a material that causes heat shrinkage such as a resin material, various sterilization processes are performed in order to prevent excessive heat shrinkage and deformation. There will be constraints.
  • the sterilization system 100A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, only the region shown in FIG. 3 will be described, and the configuration before and after that will not be described in particular. Moreover, how to make the structure before and behind that is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
  • the sterilization system 100 ⁇ / b> A is provided with a ROS sterilization area 110 in which a plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 (10 in the present embodiment) are connected in the transport direction T of the cap 80. .
  • a ROS sterilization area 110 in which a plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 (10 in the present embodiment) are connected in the transport direction T of the cap 80.
  • a heating device 121A that raises the ambient temperature around the cap 80 after sterilization is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110 (sterilization device 1).
  • the heating device 121A is composed of, for example, a heater, and raises the ambient temperature around the cap 80.
  • the active oxygen generated in the active oxygen generator 13 mainly generates hydroxy radicals having a high sterilizing effect, but other types of ozone and other types are also available. It also contains active oxygen.
  • a hydroxy radical is generated.
  • the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised, so that the active oxygen existing on the surface and inside of the cap 80 is raised, or the active oxygen discharged from the discharge portion 12 is in a high temperature state. Oxygen is maintained at a high temperature.
  • decomposition of active oxygen can be promoted, and hydroxy radicals exhibiting a high bactericidal effect can be effectively generated. And thereby, the sterilization speed with respect to an article to be sterilized can be effectively increased, and sterilization using active oxygen can be performed efficiently.
  • the cap 80 conveyed from the ROS sterilization area 110 may be heated for a predetermined time, or may be heated while being conveyed.
  • a chamber may be provided as the heating area 120A, and the ambient temperature around the cap 80 may be raised in the chamber, or the heating area 120A is opened to the surroundings and the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is increased in this state. It may be warmed.
  • FIG. 4 shows the bactericidal effect after leaving the cap 80 after discharging plasma and active oxygen for 30 minutes under a plurality of temperature conditions (2 ° C., 25 ° C., 50 ° C.).
  • the higher the ambient temperature the higher the LRV (Log Reduction Value), which is an index for evaluating the bactericidal effect.
  • the bactericidal effect becomes high by raising the ambient temperature around the cap 80.
  • the standing time and temperature shown here are merely examples, and the atmosphere temperature of the heating area 120A and the heating time in the heating area 120A in this embodiment are not particularly limited, and the type and nature of the article to be sterilized It can be appropriately changed depending on the situation.
  • FIG. 100B of the present embodiment the configuration of the heating area 120B is different from that of the heating area 120A in the first embodiment.
  • differences between the sterilization system 100B according to the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • hot air is blown onto the cap 80 after sterilization on the downstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110 (sterilization apparatus 1).
  • a heating area 120B including a heating device 121B for heating the cap 80 is provided. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised, the cap 80 is heated by blowing hot air. In the present embodiment, since it is only necessary to raise the temperature of the air to be blown, higher temperature air can be generated with a smaller amount of heat than when the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised.
  • the heating device 121B may be a known device capable of blowing high-temperature air, such as a device including a heating unit that heats air to be blown and a blowing unit that blows air, and the description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 5 shows two heating devices 121B, but these are merely examples and are not particularly limited.
  • the temperature of the air blown from the heating device 121B is not particularly limited, but the plasma and active oxygen existing on the surface and inside of the cap 80 are diffused to some extent by the air, so that the plasma and active oxygen are heated in a very short time. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature is, for example, 100 ° C. or higher.
  • FIG. 100C of this embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that an ultraviolet irradiation area 120C is provided instead of the heating areas 120A and 120B.
  • an ultraviolet irradiation area 120C is provided instead of the heating areas 120A and 120B.
  • heating is provided with an ultraviolet irradiation device 121C that irradiates the cap 80 with ultraviolet rays on the downstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110 (sterilization device 1).
  • An area 120C is provided. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments in which the cap 80 is heated, the cap 80 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays after plasma and active oxygen are discharged to the cap 80. In the case of irradiating ultraviolet rays, the decomposition of ozone can be promoted by applying the ultraviolet rays to ozone.
  • the sterilization system 100C since the plasma generated in the sterilizer 1 contains ozone, the decomposition of ozone is accelerated by the ultraviolet rays. The sterilization rate can be effectively increased by the hydroxy radicals having a high sterilization effect generated with the decomposition of ozone. Further, the sterilization system 100C according to the present embodiment has an advantage that ozone is not released from the sterilization system 100C.
  • a known device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays may be used as the ultraviolet irradiation device 121C, and the description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 100D of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised during sterilization, not after sterilization by the sterilization apparatus 1.
  • differences between the sterilization system 100D according to the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • the cap 80 is sterilized (indirectly) by passing the cap 140 through the chamber 140 filled with such a sterilizing agent 70.
  • the atmosphere around the cap 80 is sterilized during sterilization by using the chamber 140 as a heating area and blowing high temperature air into the chamber 140 to raise the temperature in the chamber 140.
  • a heating device 121D for raising the temperature is provided.
  • the cap 80 can be sterilized under high temperature.
  • the sterilizing agent 70 acts on the cap 80 while the temperature of the sterilizing agent 70 filling the chamber 140 is kept high.
  • the sterilization speed with respect to the cap 80 can be accelerated effectively.
  • the temperature in the chamber 140 can be quickly raised by blowing high-temperature air into the chamber 140.
  • the temperature of the air blown into the chamber 140 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected. For example, 100 ° C. or higher is preferable.
  • the heating device As the above embodiment, as the heating device, the cap 80 is heated or the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised after the sterilization by the sterilization device 1.
  • An example of increasing the ambient temperature has been described.
  • the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and the heating device heats the cap 80 or the ambient temperature around the cap 80 at least one of before, during, and after sterilization by the sterilization device 1. What is necessary is just to perform the heat processing which raises temperature.
  • a configuration corresponding to the heating area 120A and the heating area 120B may be provided on the upstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110, or by providing a heating device in the sterilization area by the sterilization apparatus 1, etc.
  • the cap 80 may be directly heated by the heating device during the sterilization by the sterilizer 1.
  • heat treatment is not performed only at any one timing before sterilization, during sterilization, and after sterilization, but is performed before sterilization, during sterilization, and after sterilization. Heat treatment may be performed at a plurality of timings.
  • the configuration in which high-temperature air is blown onto the cap 80 to heat the cap 80 has been described as an example.
  • the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.
  • a heating device such as a heating wire heater capable of radiating a heat ray may be provided in the heating area, and the cap 80 may be heated by irradiating the cap 80 with the heat ray. Is possible.
  • the configuration for raising the ambient temperature around the cap 80 during sterilization by the sterilizer 1 is not limited to that shown in the fourth embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.
  • the chamber 140 may be provided with a seat heater or the like, and the ambient temperature around the cap 80 may be raised by a heater or the like, or the cap 80 may be opened to the surroundings without using the chamber 140.
  • the ambient temperature around the cap 80 may be raised.
  • a configuration may be adopted, and a configuration in which such direct sterilization is performed and a configuration in which the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised may be combined.
  • the target ambient temperature around the cap 80 is not particularly limited as long as it is at least room temperature or higher.
  • a plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 are connected to the ROS sterilization area 110 and plasma or active oxygen is discharged to the caps 80 by the plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 while the caps 80 are conveyed.
  • the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and only one sterilization apparatus 1 may be provided in the ROS sterilization area, and plasma or active oxygen may be discharged to the cap 80 with the cap 80 stationary. May be.
  • the present invention can be used for a sterilization system and a sterilization method for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a cap.

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Abstract

A sterilization system (100A-100D) that comprises a sterilization device (1), said sterilization device (1) comprising a gas supply part (30) which supplies a mixed gas containing oxygen, a steam supply part (40) which supplies steam, a plasma generation part (11) which generates ozone-containing plasma from oxygen supplied by the gas supply part (30), an active oxygen generation part (13) which generates active oxygen through a reaction between the plasma and steam supplied by the steam supply part (40), and a discharge part (12) which discharges the plasma and active oxygen as a sterilizing agent (70), wherein a heater (121A, 121B, 121D), by which subjects (80) being sterilized are heated or the temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the subjects (80) being sterilized is elevated at any point before, during or after the sterilization by the sterilization device (1), is provided.

Description

殺菌システム、及び、殺菌方法Sterilization system and sterilization method
　本発明は、プラズマを発生させて、得られたプラズマを利用して被殺菌物を殺菌する殺菌装置を備える殺菌システム、又はその殺菌装置を用いた殺菌方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a sterilization system including a sterilization apparatus that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized using the obtained plasma, or a sterilization method using the sterilization apparatus.
　本出願人はＰＣＴ／ＪＰ２０１５／００５１８５において、ＰＥＴボトルのキャップ等の被殺菌物を殺菌する新たな手法として、プラズマを発生させて、そのプラズマと水蒸気とを反応させることにより生成される活性酸素を用いてプラズマとともに殺菌を行う殺菌装置を提案している。このようにして生成される活性酸素は反応性の高いヒドロキシラジカルを多く含み、高い殺菌効果を奏し、これを用いて殺菌を行うことにより効果的に殺菌が行える。このため、この殺菌装置を用いた殺菌が望まれているが、この手法は新規な手法であるため、さらなる改良の余地がある。 In the PCT / JP2015 / 005185, the present applicant, as a new technique for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a cap of a PET bottle, generates active oxygen generated by reacting the plasma with water vapor by generating plasma. We have proposed a sterilizer that uses and sterilizes with plasma. The active oxygen produced in this way contains a large amount of highly reactive hydroxy radicals and exhibits a high sterilizing effect. By using this, sterilization can be performed effectively. For this reason, although sterilization using this sterilizer is desired, since this method is a novel method, there is room for further improvement.
　そこで、活性酸素を用いた殺菌を効率的に行うことができる殺菌システム及び殺菌方法の実現が望まれる。 Therefore, it is desired to realize a sterilization system and a sterilization method capable of efficiently performing sterilization using active oxygen.
　本発明に係る殺菌システムは、
　プラズマを発生させて、得られたプラズマを利用して被殺菌物を殺菌する殺菌装置を備える殺菌システムであって、
　前記殺菌装置は、
　酸素を含む混合ガスを供給するガス供給部と、
　水蒸気を供給する水蒸気供給部と、
　前記ガス供給部から供給される前記混合ガスからオゾンを含むプラズマを生成するプラズマ生成部と、
　前記プラズマと前記水蒸気供給部から供給される前記水蒸気とを反応させて活性酸素を生成する活性酸素生成部と、
　前記プラズマと前記活性酸素とを殺菌剤として吐出する吐出部と、を備え、
　前記殺菌装置による殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後の少なくともいずれかにおいて、前記被殺菌物を加熱する又は前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる加熱装置が設けられている。 The sterilization system according to the present invention is
A sterilization system including a sterilization device that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized using the obtained plasma,
The sterilizer is
A gas supply unit for supplying a mixed gas containing oxygen;
A water vapor supply unit for supplying water vapor;
A plasma generation unit for generating plasma containing ozone from the mixed gas supplied from the gas supply unit;
An active oxygen generator that generates active oxygen by reacting the plasma with the water vapor supplied from the water vapor supply unit;
A discharge part for discharging the plasma and the active oxygen as a disinfectant,
A heating device is provided that heats the article to be sterilized or raises the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized before, during, and after sterilization by the sterilizer.
　発明者は、前記殺菌装置による殺菌前、殺菌中、又は、殺菌後において、被殺菌物を加熱する又は前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させることにより、殺菌速度を効果的に速められることを見出した。これは、オゾンをはじめとした活性酸素が分解する際に高い殺菌効果を示すヒドロキシラジカルが生成されるところ、被殺菌物を加熱する又は前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させることによってオゾンをはじめとした活性酸素の分解を促進させることができるからである。 The inventor can effectively increase the sterilization rate by heating the object to be sterilized or raising the ambient temperature around the object to be sterilized before, during or after sterilization by the sterilizer. I found out. This is because, when active radicals such as ozone are decomposed, hydroxy radicals exhibiting a high sterilizing effect are generated. By heating the object to be sterilized or raising the ambient temperature around the object to be sterilized, This is because decomposition of active oxygen such as can be promoted.
　そして、この構成では、発明者が見出した好適な手法を採用し、前記殺菌装置による殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後の少なくともいずれかにおいて、前記被殺菌物を加熱する又は前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる加熱装置を設けてあるから、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を効果的に速めることができ、活性酸素を用いた殺菌を効率的に行うことができる。 In this configuration, the preferred technique found by the inventor is adopted, and the sterilized product is heated or sterilized at least one of before sterilization by the sterilizer, during sterilization, and after sterilization. Since the heating device for raising the ambient temperature is provided, the sterilization rate for the object to be sterilized can be effectively increased, and sterilization using active oxygen can be performed efficiently.
　一つの態様として、前記加熱装置は、少なくとも前記殺菌装置による殺菌中において、前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させると好適である。 As one aspect, it is preferable that the heating device raises the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized at least during sterilization by the sterilization device.
　この構成によれば、高温下で殺菌装置による殺菌を行うことで、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を効果的に速めることができる。 According to this configuration, the sterilization rate for the article to be sterilized can be effectively increased by performing sterilization with a sterilizer at a high temperature.
　一つの態様として、前記搬送部により搬送される前記被殺菌物を通過させるチャンバーを備え、前記殺菌装置は、前記チャンバー内に前記殺菌剤を吐出するものであり、前記加熱装置は、少なくとも前記殺菌装置による殺菌中において、前記チャンバー内の温度を昇温させて、前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させると好適である。 As one aspect, the apparatus includes a chamber through which the article to be sterilized that is conveyed by the conveying unit passes, the sterilizer discharges the sterilizing agent into the chamber, and the heating apparatus includes at least the sterilizer. During sterilization by the apparatus, it is preferable that the temperature in the chamber is raised to raise the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized.
　この構成によれば、チャンバー内に吐出された殺菌剤が高温の状態で被殺菌物に作用することになる。これにより、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を効果的に速めることができる。 According to this configuration, the disinfectant discharged into the chamber acts on the object to be sterilized at a high temperature. Thereby, the sterilization speed | rate with respect to a to-be-sterilized thing can be accelerated effectively.
　一つの態様として、前記加熱装置は、前記チャンバー内に高温のエアーを吹き込んで前記チャンバー内の温度を昇温させると好適である。 As one aspect, it is preferable that the heating device raises the temperature in the chamber by blowing hot air into the chamber.
　この構成によれば、速やかにチャンバー内の温度を昇温させることができる。 According to this configuration, the temperature in the chamber can be quickly raised.
　一つの態様として、前記加熱装置は、少なくとも前記殺菌装置による殺菌前及び殺菌後のいずれかにおいて、前記被殺菌物に高温のエアーを吹き付けることにより前記被殺菌物を加熱すると好適である。 As one aspect, it is preferable that the heating device heats the article to be sterilized by blowing high-temperature air to the article to be sterilized at least before or after sterilization by the sterilizer.
　この構成によれば、殺菌後に被殺菌物を加熱する場合には、被殺菌物に直接的に熱を与えることで、殺菌装置による殺菌により被殺菌物表面に存在するプラズマや活性酸素を極めて短時間で加熱することができる。また、殺菌前に被殺菌物を加熱する場合には、被殺菌物に直接的に熱を与えておくことで、殺菌装置による殺菌により被殺菌物表面に付着するプラズマや活性酸素が加熱されることになる。これにより、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を一層効果的に速められる。さらに、被殺菌物にごみやほこりが付着している場合に、これを除去できる利点もある。 According to this configuration, when the object to be sterilized is heated after sterilization, the plasma or active oxygen existing on the surface of the object to be sterilized by sterilization by the sterilization apparatus is extremely short by directly applying heat to the object to be sterilized. Can be heated in time. In addition, when heating an object to be sterilized before sterilization, plasma or active oxygen attached to the surface of the object to be sterilized is heated by sterilization by a sterilizer by directly applying heat to the object to be sterilized. It will be. Thereby, the disinfection speed | rate with respect to a to-be-sterilized thing can be accelerated | stimulated more effectively. Furthermore, there is also an advantage that when dust or dust is attached to the article to be sterilized, it can be removed.
　本発明に係る殺菌方法は、
　プラズマを発生させて、得られたプラズマを照射して被殺菌物を殺菌する殺菌装置を用いた殺菌方法であって、
　前記殺菌装置に酸素を含む混合ガスを供給し、前記混合ガスからオゾンを含むプラズマを生成し、
　前記殺菌装置に水蒸気を供給し、前記水蒸気と前記プラズマとを反応させて活性酸素を生成し、
　生成した前記プラズマと前記活性酸素とを殺菌剤として前記被殺菌物に対して吐出し、
　前記プラズマと前記活性酸素とを前記被殺菌物に吐出した後に、前記被殺菌物を加熱する。 The sterilization method according to the present invention comprises:
A sterilization method using a sterilizer that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized by irradiating the obtained plasma,
Supplying a gas mixture containing oxygen to the sterilizer, generating plasma containing ozone from the gas mixture,
Supplying water vapor to the sterilizer, reacting the water vapor and the plasma to produce active oxygen,
Discharging the generated plasma and the active oxygen to the object to be sterilized as a disinfectant
After the plasma and the active oxygen are discharged to the object to be sterilized, the object to be sterilized is heated.
　この構成によれば、上記した殺菌装置により得られる作用効果と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。 According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by the above-described sterilizer.
活性酸素を用いた殺菌を行う殺菌装置の概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram of a sterilizer that performs sterilization using active oxygen 活性酸素を用いた殺菌を行う殺菌装置の装置構成ブロック図Device configuration block diagram of a sterilizer that performs sterilization using active oxygen 第１実施形態における殺菌システムを示す図The figure which shows the sterilization system in 1st Embodiment. 温度条件の違いによる殺菌効果の差を示す図The figure which shows the difference of the bactericidal effect by the difference in temperature condition 第２実施形態における殺菌システムを示す図The figure which shows the sterilization system in 2nd Embodiment. 第３実施形態における殺菌システムを示す図The figure which shows the sterilization system in 3rd Embodiment. 第４実施形態における殺菌システムを示す図The figure which shows the sterilization system in 4th Embodiment.
〔第１の実施形態〕
　本発明に係る殺菌システム、及び、殺菌方法の第１の実施形態について、図面を参照して説明する。本実施形態の殺菌システム１００Ａは、被殺菌物の一例としてのＰＥＴボトルなどの容器のキャップ８０を殺菌するものであり、プラズマを発生させて、得られたプラズマによりキャップ８０を殺菌する殺菌装置１を備える。殺菌システム１００Ａでは、殺菌装置１を用いて、殺菌装置１に酸素を供給し、酸素からオゾンを含むプラズマを生成し、殺菌装置１に水蒸気を供給し、水蒸気とプラズマとを反応させて活性酸素（Ｒｅａｃｔｉｖｅ　Ｏｘｙｇｅｎ　Ｓｐｅｃｉｅｓ（ＲＯＳ）、例えばＯＨ　ｒａｄｉｃａｌやｓｉｎｇｌｅｔ　ｏｘｙｇｅｎなど）を生成し、生成したプラズマと活性酸素とを殺菌剤７０として吐出して殺菌を行う。そして、殺菌前、殺菌中、又は、殺菌後において、キャップ８０を加熱する又はキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる。これにより、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を効果的に速めることができ、活性酸素を用いた殺菌を効率的に行うことができる。以下ではまず、活性酸素を用いた殺菌を行うための殺菌装置１の装置構成について説明する。 [First Embodiment]
A sterilization system and a first embodiment of a sterilization method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The sterilization system 100A of the present embodiment sterilizes a cap 80 of a container such as a PET bottle as an example of an object to be sterilized, generates plasma, and sterilizes the cap 80 with the obtained plasma. Is provided. In the sterilization system 100A, oxygen is supplied to the sterilization apparatus 1 using the sterilization apparatus 1, plasma containing ozone is generated from oxygen, water vapor is supplied to the sterilization apparatus 1, and water vapor and plasma are reacted to react with active oxygen. (Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), for example, OH radical, single oxygen, etc.) is generated, and the generated plasma and active oxygen are discharged as the bactericide 70 to perform sterilization. Then, before sterilization, during sterilization, or after sterilization, the cap 80 is heated or the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised. Thereby, the sterilization speed | rate with respect to a to-be-sterilized thing can be effectively accelerated | stimulated, and the sterilization using active oxygen can be performed efficiently. Below, the apparatus structure of the sterilizer 1 for performing sterilization using active oxygen is demonstrated first.
　図１は、殺菌装置１による活性酸素の生成機構を示す。殺菌装置１は、活性酸素を生成して、活性酸素を含む殺菌剤７０をキャップ８０に対して吐出（照射）するノズル１０を有している。このノズル１０は、プラズマを生成するプラズマ生成部１１と、プラズマと活性酸素とを含む殺菌剤７０を吐出する吐出部１２と、プラズマ生成部１１と吐出部１２との間に配置された活性酸素生成部１３と、を備える。なお、図１では殺菌装置１が活性酸素を含む殺菌剤７０をキャップ８０に対して直接的に吐出する構成を示してあるが、これに限られず、キャップ８０に殺菌剤を直接吐出させるのではなくキャップ８０を通過させるチャンバー内に殺菌剤７０を吐出して、チャンバー内に充満させた殺菌剤７０によりキャップ８０を殺菌する等、間接的にキャップ８０を殺菌するようにしてもよい。 FIG. 1 shows a mechanism for generating active oxygen by the sterilizer 1. The sterilizer 1 has a nozzle 10 that generates active oxygen and discharges (irradiates) a sterilizing agent 70 containing active oxygen to the cap 80. The nozzle 10 includes a plasma generation unit 11 that generates plasma, a discharge unit 12 that discharges a bactericide 70 containing plasma and active oxygen, and active oxygen that is disposed between the plasma generation unit 11 and the discharge unit 12. And a generation unit 13. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the sterilizer 1 directly discharges the sterilizing agent 70 containing active oxygen to the cap 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the cap 80 may be sterilized indirectly, such as by discharging the sterilizing agent 70 into the chamber through which the cap 80 passes and sterilizing the cap 80 with the sterilizing agent 70 filled in the chamber.
　このノズル１０は装置内でプラズマとしていわゆる大気圧プラズマを生成するものである。大気圧プラズマを用いることにより、低圧プラズマを生成する際に必要な真空容器などを要せず装置コストを低減でき、また連続処理が可能であるため作業効率が高い。また、低温下でも生成できるため、被殺菌物を高温にさらさずに済むという利点もある。以下に、ノズル１０による大気圧プラズマ（以下、単にプラズマと称する）の生成と、プラズマを利用した活性酸素の生成について説明する。 This nozzle 10 generates so-called atmospheric pressure plasma as plasma in the apparatus. By using atmospheric pressure plasma, it is possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus without requiring a vacuum vessel or the like necessary for generating low-pressure plasma, and the work efficiency is high because continuous processing is possible. Moreover, since it can produce | generate also under low temperature, there also exists an advantage that it is not necessary to expose to-be-sterilized material to high temperature. Hereinafter, generation of atmospheric pressure plasma (hereinafter simply referred to as plasma) by the nozzle 10 and generation of active oxygen using the plasma will be described.
　プラズマ生成部１１は、周知の構造を有しており、内部電極１１ａと外部電極１１ｂとを備える。プラズマ生成部１１では、交流電源２０により、内部電極１１ａと外部電極１１ｂとの間に高電圧（例えば、周波数１４ｋＨｚで実効電圧２０ｋＶ）を印加することで、プラズマ生成部１１内に電界を発生させる。そして、本実施形態では、プラズマ生成部１１内にエアー（ａｉｒ）とともに酸素（Ｏ２、ｏｘｙｇｅｎ）を供給し、発生電界に酸素を通気させることにより、供給される酸素からオゾンを含むプラズマを生成する。そして、生成されたプラズマは、活性酸素生成部１３へと送られる。具体的にはプラズマ化により酸素ラジカルとオゾン（Ｏ３）が発生し、これらが活性酸素生成部１３へと送られる。 The plasma generator 11 has a known structure and includes an internal electrode 11a and an external electrode 11b. In the plasma generation unit 11, an electric field is generated in the plasma generation unit 11 by applying a high voltage (for example, an effective voltage of 20 kV at a frequency of 14 kHz) between the internal electrode 11 a and the external electrode 11 b by the AC power supply 20. . In the present embodiment, oxygen (O 2 , oxygen) is supplied into the plasma generation unit 11 together with air (air), and oxygen is passed through the generated electric field, thereby generating plasma containing ozone from the supplied oxygen. To do. Then, the generated plasma is sent to the active oxygen generator 13. Specifically, oxygen radicals and ozone (O 3 ) are generated by the plasma, and these are sent to the active oxygen generator 13.
　活性酸素生成部１３は、エバポレータ（水蒸気供給部に相当）４０と接続してあり、活性酸素生成部１３にはさらに水蒸気が送られる。これにより、活性酸素生成部１３において、プラズマ生成部１１から送られるプラズマ（酸素ラジカルとオゾン）とエバポレータ４０から供給される水蒸気（ｖａｐｏｒ）とを反応させて、活性酸素を生成できる。本実施形態では、プラズマ（酸素ラジカルとオゾン）と水蒸気を反応させることにより、活性酸素の中でも特に反応性の高いヒドロキシラジカル（・ＯＨ）が主に生成されるようにしている。 The active oxygen generation unit 13 is connected to an evaporator (corresponding to a water vapor supply unit) 40, and further water vapor is sent to the active oxygen generation unit 13. As a result, the active oxygen generation unit 13 can generate active oxygen by reacting the plasma (oxygen radicals and ozone) sent from the plasma generation unit 11 with the water vapor (vapor) supplied from the evaporator 40. In the present embodiment, by reacting plasma (oxygen radicals and ozone) with water vapor, hydroxy radicals (.OH) having a particularly high reactivity among active oxygens are mainly generated.
　具体的に説明すると、水蒸気とプラズマが反応することにより、以下の（４）式のようにＨ２Ｏから水素ラジカル（・Ｈ）とヒドロキシラジカルが生成される。 More specifically, when water vapor and plasma react, hydrogen radicals (.H) and hydroxy radicals are generated from H 2 O as shown in the following formula (4).
　Ｈ２Ｏ　→　・Ｈ＋・ＯＨ・・・・・（４） H 2 O → H + OH (4)
　また、水素ラジカルはオゾンと反応して、以下の（５）式のようにヒドロキシラジカルと酸素（Ｏ２）が生成される。 Further, the hydrogen radical reacts with ozone to generate a hydroxy radical and oxygen (O 2 ) as shown in the following formula (5).
　・Ｈ＋Ｏ３　→　・ＯＨ＋Ｏ２・・・・・（５） ・ H + O 3 → ・ OH + O 2 (5)
　（４）式と（５）式は、次の（６）式にまとめることができる。 (4) and (5) can be combined into the following (6).
　Ｈ２Ｏ＋Ｏ３　→　２・ＯＨ＋Ｏ２・・・・・（６） H 2 O + O 3 → 2.OH + O 2 (6)
　つまり、プラズマと水蒸気を反応させることにより、上記（６）式の反応を生じさせて効率的にヒドロキシラジカル（・ＯＨ）を生成することができる。その結果、生成される活性酸素は、ヒドロキシラジカルを主として含むこととなる。特に反応性の高いヒドロキシラジカルを主として含むことにより、高い殺菌効果を奏することができる。そして、このように生成された活性酸素と水蒸気と未反応のプラズマ（酸素ラジカルとオゾン）とが殺菌剤７０として吐出部１２からキャップ８０に吐出されて、キャップ８０の殺菌が行われる。 That is, by reacting plasma and water vapor, the reaction of the above formula (6) can be caused to generate hydroxy radicals (.OH) efficiently. As a result, the generated active oxygen mainly contains hydroxy radicals. In particular, a high bactericidal effect can be achieved by mainly including highly reactive hydroxy radicals. Then, the generated active oxygen, water vapor, and unreacted plasma (oxygen radicals and ozone) are discharged from the discharge unit 12 to the cap 80 as the sterilizing agent 70, and the cap 80 is sterilized.
　次に、図２に示された活性酸素を用いて殺菌を行う殺菌装置１の装置構成を説明する。殺菌装置１は、ノズル１０のほか、交流電源２０を構成するジェネレーター２１とトランスフォーマー２２、ノズル１０やエバポレータ４０に酸素等の各種ガスを供給するガス供給機（ガス供給部に相当）３０、活性酸素生成部１３に水蒸気を供給するエバポレータ４０、エバポレータ４０に水を供給するポンプ５０、ノズル１０に冷却水を供給するチラー６０、を備える。 Next, the device configuration of the sterilizer 1 that performs sterilization using the active oxygen shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The sterilizer 1 includes a nozzle 10, a generator 21 and a transformer 22 that constitute an AC power supply 20, a gas supply machine (corresponding to a gas supply unit) 30 that supplies various gases such as oxygen to the nozzle 10 and the evaporator 40, active oxygen The evaporator 40 which supplies water vapor | steam to the production | generation part 13, the pump 50 which supplies water to the evaporator 40, and the chiller 60 which supplies cooling water to the nozzle 10 are provided.
　ジェネレーター２１は交流電流を発生する。例えば、本実施形態では、周波数が１３ｋＨｚで、実効電圧３５０Ｖ、実効電流１１Ａの条件のものを用いている。そして、ジェネレーター２１から供給された交流電流の電圧をトランスフォーマー２２にて３００Ｖから２０ｋＶまで昇圧する。これにより、プラズマ生成部１１における内部電極１１ａと外部電極１１ｂとの間に２０ｋＶの高電圧を印加する。 Generator 21 generates an alternating current. For example, in this embodiment, the frequency is 13 kHz, the effective voltage is 350 V, and the effective current is 11 A. The voltage of the alternating current supplied from the generator 21 is increased from 300 V to 20 kV by the transformer 22. Thereby, a high voltage of 20 kV is applied between the internal electrode 11a and the external electrode 11b in the plasma generation unit 11.
　ガス供給機３０は、プラズマ生成部１１に接続されて、ノズル１０（プラズマ生成部１１）に対し、エアーとともに酸素を供給する。また、エバポレータ４０に対し、エバポレータ４０で生成された水蒸気を活性酸素生成部１３に送るためのエアーを供給する。ガス供給機３０は、コントロールパネル３１を有する。このコントロールパネル３１を操作することで、各種ガスの対象への供給量を調整することができる。本実施形態では、コントロールパネル３１を操作することにより、例えば、ノズル１０に対しては、エアー：酸素が２：１となるように、エアーを６Ｌ／ｍｉｎで酸素を３Ｌ／ｍｉｎで送り、エバポレータ４０にはエアーを３Ｌ／ｍｉｎで送るようにしてある。 The gas supply unit 30 is connected to the plasma generation unit 11 and supplies oxygen together with air to the nozzle 10 (plasma generation unit 11). Further, the air for supplying the water vapor generated by the evaporator 40 to the active oxygen generator 13 is supplied to the evaporator 40. The gas supply machine 30 has a control panel 31. By operating the control panel 31, the supply amount of various gases to the target can be adjusted. In this embodiment, by operating the control panel 31, for example, the air is supplied to the nozzle 10 at 6 L / min and oxygen at 3 L / min so that the air: oxygen ratio is 2: 1. In 40, air is sent at 3 L / min.
　エバポレータ４０は、活性酸素生成部１３に接続され、活性酸素生成部１３に水蒸気を送る。具体的には、内蔵された電熱線（図示しない）を１８０℃に加熱し、ポンプ５０から供給される水を電熱線により加熱して水蒸気を発生させる。そして、ガス供給機３０から供給されるエアーに水蒸気が混合されて、エアーとともに水蒸気が活性酸素生成部１３に供給される。なお、本実施形態では、例えば、ポンプ５０はエバポレータ４０に水（ｗａｔｅｒ）を１．２ｍＬ／ｍｉｎで供給する。 The evaporator 40 is connected to the active oxygen generator 13 and sends water vapor to the active oxygen generator 13. Specifically, a built-in heating wire (not shown) is heated to 180 ° C., and water supplied from the pump 50 is heated by the heating wire to generate water vapor. Then, water vapor is mixed with the air supplied from the gas supplier 30, and the water vapor is supplied to the active oxygen generator 13 together with the air. In the present embodiment, for example, the pump 50 supplies water to the evaporator 40 at a rate of 1.2 mL / min.
　チラー６０は、ノズル１０に冷却水（ｃｏｏｌｉｎｇ　ｗａｔｅｒ）を供給することにより、高電圧が印加されることにより発熱するノズル１０を冷却する。 The chiller 60 cools the nozzle 10 that generates heat when a high voltage is applied by supplying cooling water to the nozzle 10.
　上記のように構成された殺菌装置１では、ガス供給機３０からノズル１０に対してエアーとともに供給される酸素がノズル１０のプラズマ生成部１１でプラズマ化し、生成されたプラズマが活性酸素生成部１３においてエバポレータ４０からエアーとともに供給される水蒸気と反応してヒドロキシラジカルを主とする活性酸素が連続的に生成される。そして、活性酸素生成部１３で連続的に生成される活性酸素と水蒸気と未反応のプラズマとが殺菌剤７０として吐出部１２から連続的に吐出されて、これにより、キャップ８０の連続処理が可能となる。本実施形態では、例えば、プラズマと活性酸素を含む殺菌剤７０が５０～８０℃の温度で、５００００ｍｍ／ｓｅｃの流量で吐出部１２から吐出される。 In the sterilization apparatus 1 configured as described above, oxygen supplied together with air from the gas supply device 30 to the nozzle 10 is turned into plasma by the plasma generation unit 11 of the nozzle 10, and the generated plasma is the active oxygen generation unit 13. , The active oxygen mainly composed of hydroxy radicals is continuously generated by reacting with water vapor supplied together with air from the evaporator 40. Then, active oxygen, water vapor, and unreacted plasma continuously generated in the active oxygen generation unit 13 are continuously discharged from the discharge unit 12 as the sterilizing agent 70, thereby enabling continuous processing of the cap 80. It becomes. In the present embodiment, for example, the bactericide 70 containing plasma and active oxygen is discharged from the discharge unit 12 at a temperature of 50 to 80 ° C. and a flow rate of 50000 mm / sec.
　活性酸素を用いた殺菌を行うことにより、次のような利点がある。例えば、過酸化水素を含む殺菌剤を用いた場合、殺菌剤が被殺菌物に残留しないようにその後洗浄する必要がある。しかし、洗浄によって全ての殺菌剤を除去することは困難であり、殺菌剤が被殺菌物に残留するリスクがある。また、殺菌剤噴霧やその後の洗浄は主として高温下で行われるため、被殺菌物が樹脂素材などの熱収縮が生じる素材である場合、過剰な熱収縮や変形を防ぐためにその殺菌工程に種々の制約を抱えることになる。これに対し、活性酸素は時間経過に伴い消滅するため残留することがなく、かつ、活性酸素を用いた殺菌は被殺菌物に対して熱収縮を生じさせるほどの熱を与える必要はない。したがって、上記した殺菌剤残留や被殺菌物の熱収縮・変形の問題を回避できる。 The following advantages are obtained by sterilization using active oxygen. For example, when a sterilizing agent containing hydrogen peroxide is used, it is necessary to subsequently clean the sterilizing agent so that it does not remain on the article to be sterilized. However, it is difficult to remove all the sterilizing agent by washing, and there is a risk that the sterilizing agent remains on the article to be sterilized. In addition, since the sterilizing agent spray and the subsequent cleaning are mainly performed at a high temperature, when the material to be sterilized is a material that causes heat shrinkage such as a resin material, various sterilization processes are performed in order to prevent excessive heat shrinkage and deformation. There will be constraints. On the other hand, active oxygen does not remain because it disappears with the passage of time, and sterilization using active oxygen does not need to give heat to the object to be sterilized so as to cause heat shrinkage. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the above-mentioned problem of the sterilizing agent residue and the heat shrinkage / deformation of the sterilized material.
　以上が、活性酸素を用いた殺菌のための装置構成である。次に、本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ａについて図３を用いて説明する。なお、以下では、図３で示してある領域のみを説明し、その前後の構成については特に説明しない。また、その前後の構成をどのようにするかは特に限定されず、目的に応じて適宜選択可能である。 The above is the apparatus configuration for sterilization using active oxygen. Next, the sterilization system 100A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, only the region shown in FIG. 3 will be described, and the configuration before and after that will not be described in particular. Moreover, how to make the structure before and behind that is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
　本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ａには、図３に示すように、キャップ８０の搬送方向Ｔに殺菌装置１を複数台（本実施形態では１０台）連設したＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０を設けてある。これにより、キャップ８０を静止させることなく、例えばコンベアからなる搬送ライン１３０によってキャップ８０を搬送しながら、キャップ８０の搬送方向Ｔに並ぶ複数台の殺菌装置１によって、キャップ８０に対してプラズマと活性酸素とを十分な時間・量で吐出することができる。 As shown in FIG. 3, the sterilization system 100 </ b> A according to the present embodiment is provided with a ROS sterilization area 110 in which a plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 (10 in the present embodiment) are connected in the transport direction T of the cap 80. . Thus, without causing the cap 80 to stand still, for example, while the cap 80 is being transported by the transport line 130 made of a conveyor, the plasma and the activity are applied to the cap 80 by the plurality of sterilizers 1 arranged in the transport direction T of the cap 80. Oxygen can be discharged in a sufficient time and amount.
　そして、殺菌システム１００Ａにおいて、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０（殺菌装置１）におけるキャップ８０の搬送方向Ｔの下流側には、殺菌後において、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる加熱装置１２１Ａが設けられている（ここで、加熱装置１２１Ａが設けられているエリアを加熱エリア１２０Ａと称する）。加熱装置１２１Ａは例えばヒーターからなり、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる。殺菌装置１による殺菌では、上記したように、活性酸素生成部１３において生成される活性酸素は高い殺菌効果を示すヒドロキシラジカルを主として生成されるものの、その他にもオゾンをはじめとした他の種類の活性酸素も含むものではある。しかし、そのヒドロキシラジカル以外のオゾンをはじめとする活性酸素が分解する際にはヒドロキシラジカルが発生する。そして、本実施形態では、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させることにより、キャップ８０表面や内部に存在する活性酸素が昇温されるか、又は、吐出部１２から吐出され高温状態にある活性酸素が高温で維持され、その結果、活性酸素の分解を促進させることができ、高い殺菌効果を示すヒドロキシラジカルを効果的に発生させることができる。そして、これにより、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を効果的に速めることができて、活性酸素を用いた殺菌を効率的に行うことができる。なお、加熱エリア１２０Ａでは、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０から搬送されたキャップ８０を所定時間静止させて加熱を行ってもよいし、搬送しながら加熱を行ってもよい。また、加熱エリア１２０Ａとしてチャンバーを設けてチャンバー内でキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させてもよいし、加熱エリア１２０Ａを周囲に対して開放し、かかる状態でキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させてもよい。 In the sterilization system 100A, a heating device 121A that raises the ambient temperature around the cap 80 after sterilization is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110 (sterilization device 1). (Here, the area where the heating device 121A is provided is referred to as a heating area 120A). The heating device 121A is composed of, for example, a heater, and raises the ambient temperature around the cap 80. In the sterilization by the sterilizer 1, as described above, the active oxygen generated in the active oxygen generator 13 mainly generates hydroxy radicals having a high sterilizing effect, but other types of ozone and other types are also available. It also contains active oxygen. However, when active oxygen such as ozone other than the hydroxy radical is decomposed, a hydroxy radical is generated. In the present embodiment, the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised, so that the active oxygen existing on the surface and inside of the cap 80 is raised, or the active oxygen discharged from the discharge portion 12 is in a high temperature state. Oxygen is maintained at a high temperature. As a result, decomposition of active oxygen can be promoted, and hydroxy radicals exhibiting a high bactericidal effect can be effectively generated. And thereby, the sterilization speed with respect to an article to be sterilized can be effectively increased, and sterilization using active oxygen can be performed efficiently. In the heating area 120A, the cap 80 conveyed from the ROS sterilization area 110 may be heated for a predetermined time, or may be heated while being conveyed. Further, a chamber may be provided as the heating area 120A, and the ambient temperature around the cap 80 may be raised in the chamber, or the heating area 120A is opened to the surroundings and the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is increased in this state. It may be warmed.
　図４に、プラズマと活性酸素とを吐出した後のキャップ８０を、複数の温度条件下（２℃、２５℃、５０℃）でそれぞれ３０分間放置した後の殺菌効果を示す。図４から明らかなように雰囲気温度が高いほど、殺菌効果を評価する指標であるＬＲＶ（Ｌｏｇ　Ｒｅｄｕｃｔｉｏｎ　Ｖａｌｕｅ）が高くなっている。このように、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させることで、殺菌効果が高くなることがわかる。なお、ここで示した放置時間や温度はあくまでも例示であり、本実施形態における加熱エリア１２０Ａの雰囲気温度や、加熱エリア１２０Ａで加熱を行う時間は特に限定されず、被殺菌物の種類や性質などに応じて適宜変更可能である。 FIG. 4 shows the bactericidal effect after leaving the cap 80 after discharging plasma and active oxygen for 30 minutes under a plurality of temperature conditions (2 ° C., 25 ° C., 50 ° C.). As is clear from FIG. 4, the higher the ambient temperature, the higher the LRV (Log Reduction Value), which is an index for evaluating the bactericidal effect. Thus, it turns out that the bactericidal effect becomes high by raising the ambient temperature around the cap 80. Note that the standing time and temperature shown here are merely examples, and the atmosphere temperature of the heating area 120A and the heating time in the heating area 120A in this embodiment are not particularly limited, and the type and nature of the article to be sterilized It can be appropriately changed depending on the situation.
〔第２の実施形態〕
　本発明に係る殺菌システム及び殺菌方法の第２の実施形態について、図５を参照して説明する。本実施形態の殺菌システム１００Ｂでは、加熱エリア１２０Ｂの構成が第１の実施形態における加熱エリア１２０Ａと異なっている。以下、本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｂについて、主に第１の実施形態との相違点について説明する。なお、特に明記しない点に関しては、第１の実施形態と同様であり、同一の符号を付して詳細な説明は省略する。 [Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the sterilization system and sterilization method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the sterilization system 100B of the present embodiment, the configuration of the heating area 120B is different from that of the heating area 120A in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, differences between the sterilization system 100B according to the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.
　図５に示す本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｂでは、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０（殺菌装置１）におけるキャップ８０の搬送方向Ｔの下流側には、殺菌後において、キャップ８０に高温のエアーを吹き付けることによりキャップ８０を加熱する加熱装置１２１Ｂを備える加熱エリア１２０Ｂが設けられている。つまり、本実施形態では、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる第１の実施形態とは異なり、高温のエアーを吹き付けることによりキャップ８０を加熱する。本実施形態では、吹き付けるエアーを昇温させればよいだけなので、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる場合に比べ、少ない熱量でより高温のエアーを生成することができる。また、直接的に熱を与える手段であるためキャップ８０表面や内部に存在するプラズマや活性酸素を極めて短時間で加熱することができ、被殺菌物に対する殺菌速度を一層効果的に速めることができる。さらに、被殺菌物にごみやほこりが付着している場合に、これを除去できる利点もある。加熱装置１２１Ｂは、例えば、吹き付けるエアーを加熱する加熱部とエアーを吹き付ける吹付部を備える装置など、高温のエアーを吹き付けることが可能な公知の装置を用いればよく、説明は省略する。 In the sterilization system 100B according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, hot air is blown onto the cap 80 after sterilization on the downstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110 (sterilization apparatus 1). A heating area 120B including a heating device 121B for heating the cap 80 is provided. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised, the cap 80 is heated by blowing hot air. In the present embodiment, since it is only necessary to raise the temperature of the air to be blown, higher temperature air can be generated with a smaller amount of heat than when the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised. Further, since it is a means for directly applying heat, it is possible to heat the plasma and active oxygen existing on the surface and inside of the cap 80 in a very short time, and the sterilization rate for the object to be sterilized can be further effectively increased. . Furthermore, there is also an advantage that when dust or dust is attached to the article to be sterilized, it can be removed. The heating device 121B may be a known device capable of blowing high-temperature air, such as a device including a heating unit that heats air to be blown and a blowing unit that blows air, and the description thereof is omitted.
　図５では加熱装置１２１Ｂは２台図示されているが、あくまでも例示であり特に限定されない。また、加熱装置１２１Ｂから吹き付けるエアーの温度は特に限定されないが、エアーによりキャップ８０表面や内部に存在するプラズマや活性酸素がある程度拡散してしまうことから、プラズマや活性酸素を極めて短時間で加熱するために、例えば１００℃以上の高温であることが好ましい。 FIG. 5 shows two heating devices 121B, but these are merely examples and are not particularly limited. The temperature of the air blown from the heating device 121B is not particularly limited, but the plasma and active oxygen existing on the surface and inside of the cap 80 are diffused to some extent by the air, so that the plasma and active oxygen are heated in a very short time. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature is, for example, 100 ° C. or higher.
〔第３の実施形態〕
　本発明に係る殺菌システム及び殺菌方法の第３の実施形態について、図６を参照して説明する。本実施形態の殺菌システム１００Ｃでは、加熱エリア１２０Ａ、１２０Ｂに代えて、紫外線照射エリア１２０Ｃが設けられている点で第１及び第２の実施形態と異なっている。以下、本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｃについて、主に第１の実施形態との相違点について説明する。なお、特に明記しない点に関しては、第１の実施形態と同様であり、同一の符号を付して詳細な説明は省略する。 [Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment of the sterilization system and sterilization method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The sterilization system 100C of this embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that an ultraviolet irradiation area 120C is provided instead of the heating areas 120A and 120B. Hereinafter, differences between the sterilization system 100C according to the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.
　図６に示す本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｃでは、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０（殺菌装置１）におけるキャップ８０の搬送方向Ｔの下流側には、キャップ８０に紫外線を照射する紫外線照射装置１２１Ｃを備える加熱エリア１２０Ｃが設けられている。つまり、本実施形態では、キャップ８０を加熱する第１及び第２の実施形態とは異なり、プラズマと活性酸素とをキャップ８０に吐出した後にキャップ８０に紫外線を照射する。紫外線を照射する場合には、紫外線がオゾンに当てられることによりオゾンの分解を促進することができるところ、殺菌装置１において生成されるプラズマにはオゾンが含まれるため、紫外線によりオゾンの分解を促進でき、オゾンの分解に伴って生成する高い殺菌効果を示すヒドロキシラジカルにより、殺菌速度を効果的に速められる。さらに、本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｃにおいては殺菌システム１００Ｃからオゾンが放出されないという利点がある。なお、図６では紫外線照射装置１２１Ｃは紫外線を照射可能な公知の装置を用いればよく、説明は省略する。 In the sterilization system 100C according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6, heating is provided with an ultraviolet irradiation device 121C that irradiates the cap 80 with ultraviolet rays on the downstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110 (sterilization device 1). An area 120C is provided. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments in which the cap 80 is heated, the cap 80 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays after plasma and active oxygen are discharged to the cap 80. In the case of irradiating ultraviolet rays, the decomposition of ozone can be promoted by applying the ultraviolet rays to ozone. However, since the plasma generated in the sterilizer 1 contains ozone, the decomposition of ozone is accelerated by the ultraviolet rays. The sterilization rate can be effectively increased by the hydroxy radicals having a high sterilization effect generated with the decomposition of ozone. Further, the sterilization system 100C according to the present embodiment has an advantage that ozone is not released from the sterilization system 100C. In FIG. 6, a known device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays may be used as the ultraviolet irradiation device 121C, and the description thereof is omitted.
〔第４の実施形態〕
　本発明に係る殺菌システム及び殺菌方法の第４の実施形態について、図７を参照して説明する。本実施形態の殺菌システム１００Ｄでは、殺菌装置１による殺菌後ではなく、殺菌中においてキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる点で第１の実施形態と異なっている。以下、本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｄについて、主に第１の実施形態との相違点について説明する。なお、特に明記しない点に関しては、第１の実施形態と同様であり、同一の符号を付して詳細な説明は省略する。 [Fourth Embodiment]
A fourth embodiment of the sterilization system and sterilization method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The sterilization system 100D of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised during sterilization, not after sterilization by the sterilization apparatus 1. Hereinafter, differences between the sterilization system 100D according to the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.
　図７に示す本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｄは、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリアとして、搬送ライン１３０により搬送されるキャップ８０が通過するチャンバー１４０を有している。そして、殺菌装置１により活性酸素を含む殺菌剤７０をチャンバー１４０内に吐出させて、チャンバー１４０内が殺菌剤７０で充満するようになっている。本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｄでは、このような殺菌剤７０が充満するチャンバー１４０内をキャップ８０に通過させることで、（いわば間接的に）キャップ８０を殺菌する。 7 has the chamber 140 through which the cap 80 conveyed by the conveyance line 130 passes as a ROS sterilization area. Then, the sterilizer 70 containing active oxygen is discharged into the chamber 140 by the sterilizer 1, and the inside of the chamber 140 is filled with the sterilizer 70. In the sterilization system 100D according to the present embodiment, the cap 80 is sterilized (indirectly) by passing the cap 140 through the chamber 140 filled with such a sterilizing agent 70.
　また、本実施形態に係る殺菌システム１００Ｄでは、チャンバー１４０を加熱エリアとして、チャンバー１４０内に高温のエアーを吹き込んでチャンバー１４０内の温度を昇温させることで、殺菌中において、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる加熱装置１２１Ｄを備えている。これにより、高温下でキャップ８０を殺菌させることができる。特に、チャンバー１４０内の温度を昇温させることで、チャンバー１４０内に充満する殺菌剤７０の温度が高温に保たれたまま、殺菌剤７０がキャップ８０に作用することになる。これにより、キャップ８０に対する殺菌速度を効果的に速めることができる。また、チャンバー１４０内に高温のエアーを吹き込むことで速やかにチャンバー１４０内の温度を昇温させることができる。なお、チャンバー１４０内に吹き込むエアーの温度は特に限定されず、適宜選択すればよいが、例えば１００℃以上が好ましい。 In the sterilization system 100D according to the present embodiment, the atmosphere around the cap 80 is sterilized during sterilization by using the chamber 140 as a heating area and blowing high temperature air into the chamber 140 to raise the temperature in the chamber 140. A heating device 121D for raising the temperature is provided. Thereby, the cap 80 can be sterilized under high temperature. In particular, by raising the temperature in the chamber 140, the sterilizing agent 70 acts on the cap 80 while the temperature of the sterilizing agent 70 filling the chamber 140 is kept high. Thereby, the sterilization speed with respect to the cap 80 can be accelerated effectively. Further, the temperature in the chamber 140 can be quickly raised by blowing high-temperature air into the chamber 140. Note that the temperature of the air blown into the chamber 140 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected. For example, 100 ° C. or higher is preferable.
　チャンバー１４０内の温度が室温（２５℃）である場合とチャンバー１４０内に１００℃のエアーを吹き込んだ場合とで、キャップ８０をチャンバー１４０内において９０秒間殺菌したときの殺菌効果を比較すると、前者はＬＲＶが２．８であったのに対し、後者では５．８であった。このように、チャンバー１４０内に高温（１００℃）のエアーを吹き込んだ場合の方が、９０秒経過時点でのＬＲＶが高くなっている。このように、殺菌中において、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度（チャンバー１４０内の温度）を昇温させることで、殺菌速度が効果的に速められていることがわかる。 Comparing the sterilization effect when the cap 80 is sterilized in the chamber 140 for 90 seconds between the case where the temperature in the chamber 140 is room temperature (25 ° C.) and the case where 100 ° C. air is blown into the chamber 140, the former LRV was 2.8, while the latter was 5.8. Thus, the LRV when 90 seconds elapse is higher when high-temperature (100 ° C.) air is blown into the chamber 140. Thus, it can be seen that the sterilization rate is effectively increased by increasing the ambient temperature around the cap 80 (the temperature in the chamber 140) during sterilization.
〔その他の実施形態〕
　最後に、本発明に係る殺菌システムのその他の実施形態について説明する。なお、以下のそれぞれの実施形態で開示される構成は、矛盾が生じない限り、他の実施形態で開示される構成と組み合わせて適用することも可能である。 [Other Embodiments]
Finally, other embodiments of the sterilization system according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction arises.
（１）上記の実施形態では、加熱装置として、殺菌装置１による殺菌後において、キャップ８０を加熱する又はキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させるもの、殺菌装置１による殺菌中においてキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させるものを例に説明した。しかし、本発明の実施形態はこれに限定されず、加熱装置は、殺菌装置１による殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後の少なくともいずれかにおいて、キャップ８０を加熱する又はキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる加熱処理を行うものであればよい。例えば、加熱エリア１２０Ａや加熱エリア１２０Ｂに相当する構成を、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０におけるキャップ８０の搬送方向Ｔの上流側に設けてもよいし、殺菌装置１による殺菌エリアに加熱装置を設ける等により、殺菌装置１による殺菌中において直接キャップ８０を加熱装置により加熱するようにしてもよい。また、殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後のいずれか一つのタイミングにのみ加熱処理を行うのでなく、殺菌前及び殺菌中において加熱処理を行うなど、殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後のうちの複数のタイミングにおいて加熱処理を行うようにしてもよい。 (1) In the above embodiment, as the heating device, the cap 80 is heated or the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised after the sterilization by the sterilization device 1. An example of increasing the ambient temperature has been described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and the heating device heats the cap 80 or the ambient temperature around the cap 80 at least one of before, during, and after sterilization by the sterilization device 1. What is necessary is just to perform the heat processing which raises temperature. For example, a configuration corresponding to the heating area 120A and the heating area 120B may be provided on the upstream side in the transport direction T of the cap 80 in the ROS sterilization area 110, or by providing a heating device in the sterilization area by the sterilization apparatus 1, etc. The cap 80 may be directly heated by the heating device during the sterilization by the sterilizer 1. In addition, heat treatment is not performed only at any one timing before sterilization, during sterilization, and after sterilization, but is performed before sterilization, during sterilization, and after sterilization. Heat treatment may be performed at a plurality of timings.
（２）上記の実施形態では、キャップ８０を加熱するのにキャップ８０に高温のエアーを吹き付ける構成を例に説明した。しかし、本発明の実施形態はこれに限定されない。この他にも、例えば、加熱エリアに熱線を放射可能な電熱線ヒーターなどの加熱装置を設け、キャップ８０に熱線を照射することによりキャップ８０を加熱してもよく、その加熱の方法は適宜変更することが可能である。 (2) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which high-temperature air is blown onto the cap 80 to heat the cap 80 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, for example, a heating device such as a heating wire heater capable of radiating a heat ray may be provided in the heating area, and the cap 80 may be heated by irradiating the cap 80 with the heat ray. Is possible.
（３）殺菌装置１による殺菌中においてキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる構成は、上記の第４の実施形態で示したものに限られず、適宜変更可能である。例えば、チャンバー１４０にシートヒーターを設けるなど、ヒーター等によりキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させるようにしてもいいし、また、チャンバー１４０を用いることなく、キャップ８０を周囲に対して開放した状態で、キャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させてもいい。また、チャンバー１４０内を殺菌剤７０で充満させて、間接的にキャップ８０の殺菌を行う場合のみならず、第１及び第２の実施形態のように、キャップ８０に直接殺菌剤７０を吐出する構成としてもよく、かかる直接的な殺菌を行う構成とキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる構成とを組み合わせるようにしてもよい。なお、目標とするキャップ８０まわりの雰囲気温度は少なくとも室温以上であれば特に限定されない。 (3) The configuration for raising the ambient temperature around the cap 80 during sterilization by the sterilizer 1 is not limited to that shown in the fourth embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the chamber 140 may be provided with a seat heater or the like, and the ambient temperature around the cap 80 may be raised by a heater or the like, or the cap 80 may be opened to the surroundings without using the chamber 140. Thus, the ambient temperature around the cap 80 may be raised. Further, not only when the inside of the chamber 140 is filled with the sterilizing agent 70 and the cap 80 is sterilized indirectly, but the sterilizing agent 70 is directly discharged to the cap 80 as in the first and second embodiments. A configuration may be adopted, and a configuration in which such direct sterilization is performed and a configuration in which the ambient temperature around the cap 80 is raised may be combined. The target ambient temperature around the cap 80 is not particularly limited as long as it is at least room temperature or higher.
（４）上記の実施形態では、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリア１１０に複数台の殺菌装置１が連設され、キャップ８０を搬送しながら複数台の殺菌装置１によりキャップ８０にプラズマや活性酸素を吐出する構成を例に説明した。しかし、本発明の実施形態はこれに限定されず、ＲＯＳ殺菌エリアに設ける殺菌装置１は一台でもよく、また、キャップ８０を静止させた状態でキャップ８０にプラズマや活性酸素を吐出するようにしてもよい。 (4) In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 are connected to the ROS sterilization area 110 and plasma or active oxygen is discharged to the caps 80 by the plurality of sterilization apparatuses 1 while the caps 80 are conveyed. Explained in the example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and only one sterilization apparatus 1 may be provided in the ROS sterilization area, and plasma or active oxygen may be discharged to the cap 80 with the cap 80 stationary. May be.
（５）上記の実施形態では、被殺菌物としてキャップ８０を用いた構成を例に説明した。しかし、本発明の実施形態はこれに限定されず、被殺菌物として何を用いるかは適宜変更可能である。 (5) In the above embodiment, the configuration using the cap 80 as an object to be sterilized has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and what is used as the article to be sterilized can be appropriately changed.
（６）上記の実施形態では、ガス供給機３０からプラズマ生成部１１に対してエアーとともに酸素のみを供給する構成を例に説明した。しかし、本発明の実施形態はこれに限定されない。酸素の他に他の成分を含むものであってもよく、酸素を含むものであれば特に限定されない。 (6) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which only oxygen is supplied together with air from the gas supply device 30 to the plasma generation unit 11 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. It may contain other components in addition to oxygen, and is not particularly limited as long as it contains oxygen.
（７）その他の構成に関しても、本明細書において開示された実施形態は全ての点で例示であって、本発明の範囲はそれらによって限定されることはないと理解されるべきである。当業者であれば、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で、適宜改変が可能であることを容易に理解できるであろう。従って、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で改変された別の実施形態も、当然、本発明の範囲に含まれる。 (7) Regarding other configurations, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, other embodiments modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention.
　本発明は、例えばキャップなどの被殺菌物を殺菌するための殺菌システムや殺菌方法に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used for a sterilization system and a sterilization method for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a cap.
１　　　　　殺菌装置
１１　　　　プラズマ生成部
１２　　　　吐出部
１３　　　　活性酸素生成部
３０　　　　ガス供給機（ガス供給部）
４０　　　　エバポレータ（水蒸気供給部）
８０　　　　キャップ（被殺菌物）
１００Ａ　　殺菌システム
１２１Ａ　　加熱装置
１００Ｂ　　殺菌システム
１２１Ｂ　　加熱装置
１００Ｄ　　殺菌システム
１２１Ｄ　　加熱装置
１４０　　　チャンバー DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilizer 11 Plasma production | generation part 12 Discharge part 13 Active oxygen production | generation part 30 Gas supply machine (gas supply part)
40 Evaporator (steam supply part)
80 cap (object to be sterilized)
100A Sterilization system 121A Heating device 100B Sterilization system 121B Heating device 100D Sterilization system 121D Heating device 140 Chamber

Claims (6)

  1. 　プラズマを発生させて、得られたプラズマを利用して被殺菌物を殺菌する殺菌装置を備える殺菌システムであって、
    　前記殺菌装置は、
    　酸素を含む混合ガスを供給するガス供給部と、
    　水蒸気を供給する水蒸気供給部と、
    　前記ガス供給部から供給される前記混合ガスからオゾンを含むプラズマを生成するプラズマ生成部と、
    　前記プラズマと前記水蒸気供給部から供給される前記水蒸気とを反応させて活性酸素を生成する活性酸素生成部と、
    　前記プラズマと前記活性酸素とを殺菌剤として吐出する吐出部と、を備え、
    　前記殺菌装置による殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後の少なくともいずれかにおいて、前記被殺菌物を加熱する又は前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる加熱装置が設けられている殺菌システム。     A sterilization system including a sterilization device that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized using the obtained plasma,
    The sterilizer is
    A gas supply unit for supplying a mixed gas containing oxygen;
    A water vapor supply unit for supplying water vapor;
    A plasma generation unit for generating plasma containing ozone from the mixed gas supplied from the gas supply unit;
    An active oxygen generator that generates active oxygen by reacting the plasma with the water vapor supplied from the water vapor supply unit;
    A discharge part for discharging the plasma and the active oxygen as a disinfectant,
    A sterilization system provided with a heating device that heats the article to be sterilized or raises the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized before, during, and after sterilization by the sterilizer.
  2. 　前記加熱装置は、少なくとも前記殺菌装置による殺菌中において、前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる請求項１に記載の殺菌システム。 The sterilization system according to claim 1, wherein the heating device raises the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized at least during sterilization by the sterilization device.
  3. 　前記搬送部により搬送される前記被殺菌物を通過させるチャンバーを備え、
    　前記殺菌装置は、前記チャンバー内に前記殺菌剤を吐出するものであり、
    　前記加熱装置は、少なくとも前記殺菌装置による殺菌中において、前記チャンバー内の温度を昇温させて、前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる請求項２に記載の殺菌システム。     A chamber through which the object to be sterilized transported by the transport unit passes;
    The sterilizing device is for discharging the sterilizing agent into the chamber,
    The sterilization system according to claim 2, wherein the heating device raises the temperature in the chamber to raise the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized at least during sterilization by the sterilization device.
  4. 　前記加熱装置は、前記チャンバー内に高温のエアーを吹き込んで前記チャンバー内の温度を昇温させる請求項３に記載の殺菌システム。 The sterilization system according to claim 3, wherein the heating device raises the temperature in the chamber by blowing high-temperature air into the chamber.
  5. 　前記加熱装置は、少なくとも前記殺菌装置による殺菌前及び殺菌後のいずれかにおいて、前記被殺菌物に高温のエアーを吹き付けることにより前記被殺菌物を加熱する請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載の殺菌システム。 The heating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating apparatus heats the article to be sterilized by blowing high-temperature air to the article to be sterilized at least before or after sterilization by the sterilization apparatus. Sterilization system as described.
  6. 　プラズマを発生させて、得られたプラズマを照射して被殺菌物を殺菌する殺菌装置を用いた殺菌方法であって、
    　前記殺菌装置に酸素を含む混合ガスを供給し、前記混合ガスからオゾンを含むプラズマを生成し、
    　前記殺菌装置に水蒸気を供給し、前記水蒸気と前記プラズマとを反応させて活性酸素を生成し、
    　生成した前記プラズマと前記活性酸素とを殺菌剤として吐出し、
    　前記殺菌装置による殺菌前、殺菌中、及び、殺菌後の少なくともいずれかにおいて、前記被殺菌物を加熱する又は前記被殺菌物まわりの雰囲気温度を昇温させる殺菌方法。     A sterilization method using a sterilizer that generates plasma and sterilizes an object to be sterilized by irradiating the obtained plasma,
    Supplying a gas mixture containing oxygen to the sterilizer, generating plasma containing ozone from the gas mixture,
    Supplying water vapor to the sterilizer, reacting the water vapor and the plasma to produce active oxygen,
    The generated plasma and the active oxygen are discharged as a disinfectant,
    A sterilization method of heating the article to be sterilized or raising the ambient temperature around the article to be sterilized at least one of before sterilization by the sterilizer, during sterilization, and after sterilization.
PCT/JP2016/086569 2015-12-25 2016-12-08 Sterilization system and sterilization method WO2017110502A1 (en)

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