JPH0929257A - Apparatus for sterilization and method for sterilization - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform sterilization with low consumption and a small-sized apparatus by an apparatus and a method wherein a positive electrode part which consists of an electrically conductive porous body and a positive electric voltage is applied on and a negative electrode part which consists of an electrically conductive body and a negative electric voltage is applied on are provided, and a liq. is made to permeate through the positive electrode part under a condition where electric voltages are applied on both of electrode parts. SOLUTION: A rod-like negative electrode part 2 is inserted into a hollow part of a hollow cylindrical positive electrode part 1 and under a condition where a positive electric voltage and a negative electric voltage are respectively applied on a positive electrode part 1 and a negative electrode part 2, a liq. is made to permeate from the hollow part of the positive electrode part 1 to the outside to perform sterilization in the positive electrode. The positive elecrode part 1 consists of an electrically conductive porous body which is liq.-permeable and electric voltage-applicable and e.g. an active carbon-dispersed non-woven fabric is used. The positive electrode part 1 is prepd. by placing a rectangular metal mesh such as stainless steel between two rectangularly cut non-woven fabrics 6 and bonding them and curving it into a cylindrical shape and bonding both ends. In addition, for the negative electrode part 2, stainless, titanium, etc., on which resting and corrosion do not occur with water are used.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sterilizing apparatus and a sterilizing method capable of sterilizing various bacteria in a liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a device that circulates a liquid, especially water, such as a bath kettle or a pool having a reheating function, a filter is provided in the water circulation path to remove dust and dirt from the water. Is purifying. However, the replacement of the filter is performed after the filter is clogged, so
The replacement period is relatively long, and there is a problem that the dust accumulated in the filter becomes a hotbed for the growth of various bacteria. Therefore, in order to sterilize various bacteria, conventionally, for example, a sterilizer using ozone has been widely used.

[0003]

The conventional sterilizer using ozone described above has a problem that it is difficult to spread to general households because it consumes a relatively large amount of power and the device itself is relatively large. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilizing apparatus and a sterilizing method which have low power consumption and can be downsized.

[0005]

According to the present invention, the above object is made of a conductive porous body and a positive electrode portion to which a positive voltage is applied, and a negative electrode to which a negative voltage is applied. And a voltage applied to each of the electrode parts,
This is achieved by a sterilizer that sterilizes various bacteria in the liquid by allowing the liquid to pass through the positive electrode portion. Further, the above-mentioned object is to apply a first voltage to a conductive porous body, allow a liquid to permeate through the porous body in a state in which this voltage is applied, and carry out miscellaneous bacteria in the liquid to the porous body. It can also be achieved by a sterilization method of adsorbing and applying a second voltage to the porous body for a certain period of time to sterilize various bacteria in the liquid.

[0006] In the present invention, since bacteria are adsorbed on the porous body by means of electrophoresis to perform electric sterilization, the power consumption is relatively small, and the device can be miniaturized. Becomes

[0007]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description. It is not limited to these forms unless otherwise stated.

Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the principle of sterilization used in the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12. As shown in FIG. 7, when electrodes facing each other are placed in water and a positive and negative voltage is applied, generally, the cytoplasm of various bacteria is electrically negatively charged, so that the various bacteria in water cause electrophoresis. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the electrode to which a positive voltage is applied adsorbs various bacteria, oxidizes the coenzyme in the cytoplasm of the various bacteria, paralyzes the metabolic function of the various bacteria, and stops the growth function of the various bacteria. To sterilize.

9 to 12 are diagrams showing experimental data on sterilization conditions based on the above-described principle. FIG.
Add 100 bacteria / ml of general bacteria and E. coli into water,
It is a figure which shows the number of remaining bacteria (log cell / ml) in water after changing the applied voltage (V) of an electrode variously and applying it for 1 hour. As is clear from this figure, it is understood that almost all bacteria can be adsorbed to the electrode when the voltage applied to the electrode is 1.5 V or more. The voltage applied to the electrodes was 1.
When the voltage is higher than 5V, water is electrolyzed, so the voltage applied to the electrode is preferably 1.5V. Figure 10 shows 1
It is a figure which shows the viable cell count (log cell / ml) in water after inputting 00 bacteria / ml of general bacteria and Escherichia coli and variously changing the applied voltage (V) of the electrode for 24 hours. As is clear from this figure, it is understood that almost all bacteria can be sterilized when the voltage applied to the electrode is 0.7V to 0.8V.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the survival rate (%) of various bacteria when the application time (min) to the electrode is variously changed under a constant condition of applying a voltage of 0.8 V to the electrode. As is apparent from this figure, it is necessary to set the application time to the electrodes to 20 minutes or more in order to effectively perform sterilization. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the survival rate (%) of the miscellaneous bacteria when the distance (μm) between the electrode and the miscellaneous bacteria was variously changed under a constant condition in which a voltage of 0.8 V was applied to the electrode for 20 minutes. As is clear from this figure, when the distance between the electrode and the miscellaneous bacteria is other than 0 μm, the survival rate of the miscellaneous bacteria is 100%, and when the distance between the electrode and the miscellaneous bacteria is 0 μm, the survival rate of the miscellaneous bacteria is 0%. From this, it is understood that various bacteria must be brought into contact with the electrode for effective sterilization. From the above, in order to effectively adsorb and sterilize various bacteria, it is desirable to first apply a voltage of 1.5 V to the electrode and then apply a voltage of 0.7 V to 0.8 V to the electrode for 20 minutes.

Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the sterilizing apparatus of the present invention. The rod-shaped negative electrode portion 2 is inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical positive electrode portion 1. A positive voltage is applied to the positive electrode part 1, a negative voltage is applied to the negative electrode part 2, liquid is permeated outward from the hollow part of the positive electrode part 1, and the positive electrode part 1 is sterilized as described above. Is done. The positive electrode part 1 is made of a conductive porous body that is permeable to liquid and to which a voltage can be applied. For example, a nonwoven fabric in which activated carbon is dispersed is used. The negative electrode portion 2 is made of a liquid, particularly stainless steel, titanium, or the like, which does not rust or corrode due to water. In order to retain the liquid in the hollow portion of the positive electrode portion 1 and to fix the negative electrode portion 2 so as not to contact the positive electrode portion 1, at least one of both end portions of the positive electrode portion 1 permeates the liquid. It is preferable to close it with a lid made of, for example, plastic which is not allowed. This lid may or may not be openable.

The positive electrode portion 1 is manufactured, for example, by the method shown in FIG. Since the strength is insufficient only with the nonwoven fabric in which the activated carbon is dispersed, the liquid permeability is not impaired,
In addition, a metal mesh 11 made of, for example, stainless steel is used as a reinforcing support member that does not rust or corrode due to liquid. First, the metal mesh 5 cut out in a rectangular shape is sandwiched and fixed by two non-woven fabrics 6 cut out in a rectangular shape (FIG. 2A). Then, the nonwoven fabric 6 in which the metal mesh 5 is sandwiched is curved (FIG. 2 (b)), and both ends are bonded to form a hollow cylinder (FIG. 2 (c)).

When the above-mentioned sterilizing apparatus is connected to a liquid circulation system, a sterilizing system as shown in the sectional side view of FIG. 3 is used. The above-described sterilization device is built in a casing 10 having a hollow portion having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the positive electrode portion 1 and having a height capable of sandwiching and adhering both open end portions of the positive electrode portion 1. An opening 11 for introducing a liquid into the casing 10 is provided at the center of one end surface of the casing 10, and a side surface of the casing 10 is provided for discharging the liquid introduced into the casing 10 to the outside. The opening 12 is provided. Further, holes 13 and 14 for leading out the lead wires 3 and 4 connected to the electrode portions 1 and 2 to the outside are formed at the center portion of the other end surface of the casing 10 and a position displaced from the center portion by a predetermined distance. . Casing 10
Since a voltage is applied to each of the electrode portions 1 and 2, is made of an insulating material such as plastic.

When the sterilizer is set inside the casing 10, first, one end surface of the casing 10 is
In the figure, an end surface portion 15 in which holes 13 and 14 are bored is opened, the positive electrode portion 1 is inserted, and one end surface of the positive electrode portion 1 is attached to the inner surface of an end surface portion 16 in which an opening 11 of the casing 10 is provided. Stick it to the center of the. Next, the negative electrode portion 2 is inserted into the hollow portion of the positive electrode portion 1, the conductors 3 and 4 of the electrode portions 1 and 2 are drawn out from the holes 13 and 14 of the casing 10 and connected to the DC power supply 17. Then, the end surface portion 15 is closed and the end surface portion 1
The inner surface of 5 is brought into close contact with the other end surface of the positive electrode portion 1. In order to fix the electrode parts 1 and 2 to the casing 10, it is desirable that the casing 10 be provided with an electrode fixing protrusion. After setting in this way, the openings 11 and 12 are connected in the middle of the liquid circulation conduit.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining one embodiment of the sterilizing method of the present invention. 1.5 for each electrode part 1, 2
A voltage of V is applied (STP1). And the positive electrode part 1
Permeate liquid outward from the hollow part of the (STP
2). This voltage application and liquid permeation are performed for a certain time, for example, 2
After 0 to 60 minutes, when this fixed time has elapsed (STP3), liquid permeation is stopped (STP4), and the applied voltage to each electrode unit 1 and 2 is changed from 0.7V to 0.8V (STP5). . This voltage application is performed for a fixed time, for example, 20
Minutes, and if this fixed time has passed (STP6),
The voltage application is stopped (STP7), and all the processes are completed. As a result, it is possible to completely sterilize the various bacteria adsorbed to the voltage.

FIG. 5 is a schematic system diagram showing an embodiment in which the sterilization system shown in FIG. 3 is applied to a circulating bath heater. To the bathtub 20, a water outlet pipe line 21 and a water inlet pipe line 22 for connecting hot water in the bathtub 20 and reheating or sterilizing the hot water are connected. However, for simplification of description, the drawing shows a state in which the water outlet conduit 21 and the water inlet conduit 22 are connected only to the sterilizer. A pump 23 for circulating hot water is connected to the water outlet pipe 21, and a first switching valve 24 is connected to the end of the pump 23. One side of this switching valve 24 is connected to a first sterilization system 28 and the other side is connected to a second sterilization system 29. A second switching valve 25 is connected to the water inlet line 22.
One side of this switching valve 25 is connected to the first sterilization system 2
8 and the other side is connected to a second sterilization system 29. A valve switching device 26 is connected to each switching valve 24, 25, and a DC power supply device 27 is connected to each sterilization system 28, 29. When the sterilization system shown in FIG. 3 is applied to the circulation system, sterilization can be continuously performed by connecting two sterilization devices in parallel as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the sterilization process of the circulating bath heater shown in FIG. For example, assume that the switching valves 24 and 25 are switched to the first sterilization system 28 side. First, the pump 23 is driven to drive the bathtub 2
The hot water in 0 is circulated in the water outflow line 21, the first sterilization system 28, and the water inflow line 22 (STP11, 12). A voltage of 1.5 V is applied to the electrodes 1 and 2 of the first sterilization system 28 (STP13). This voltage application for a certain time
For example, 20 minutes, if this fixed time has elapsed (S
TP14) and the valve switching device 26 switches the switching valve 24 to the second sterilization system 29 side (STP15).
Then, in the electrode parts 1 and 2 of the second sterilization system 29, 1.
At the same time as applying a voltage of 5V, the first sterilization system 2
The applied voltage to the electrode portions 1 and 2 of No. 8 is changed from 0.7V to 0.8V (STP16).

Voltage is applied to the electrodes 1 and 2 of the first and second sterilization systems 28 and 29 for a fixed time, for example, 20 minutes, and when this fixed time has elapsed (STP17), circulation of hot water is stopped. Then, it is determined whether or not the sterilization process is ended, that is, whether or not the driving of the pump 23 is stopped (ST.
P18). If the drive of the pump 23 is not stopped, S
Returning to TP15, the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, when the driving of the pump 23 is stopped, the voltage application and the driving of the pump 23 are stopped, and all the processes are finished. After performing the above-mentioned sterilization treatment for a long period of time, a large number of carcasses of miscellaneous bacteria adhere to the positive electrode portion and impair the permeability.Therefore, after the lapse of a predetermined period, the positive electrode portion should be completely replaced. To do.

In the above-described embodiment, the sterilizer has a cylindrical shape, but it is not particularly limited. For example, the sterilizer may have a polygonal prism shape, or the planar positive and negative electrodes may face each other. It may be shaped. Further, although the case where the sterilizing apparatus and the sterilizing method are applied to the circulating bath kettle has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a system having a liquid circulation system, for example, water stored in a pool or a water tank. It can be applied to the circulation system, etc.

[0020]

As described above, according to the present invention, the power consumption is relatively small, and the device itself can be made relatively small, so that it can be used in general households.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a sterilizing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a procedure for manufacturing a positive electrode of the sterilizer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view showing an embodiment of a sterilization system when the sterilization device shown in FIG. 1 is applied to a liquid circulation system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining one embodiment of the sterilization method of the present invention.

5 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of a circulation sterilization system in which the sterilization system shown in FIG. 3 is applied to a circulating bath heater.

6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the circulation sterilization system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a first diagram for explaining the principle of sterilization used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a second diagram for explaining the principle of sterilization used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a bactericidal effect when the distance between various bacteria and a voltage application unit is changed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bactericidal effect when an applied voltage is changed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the degree of adsorption of various bacteria on the voltage application section when the applied voltage is changed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a bactericidal effect when the voltage application time is changed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Positive electrode part 2 Negative electrode part 3, 4 Conductive wire 5 Metal mesh 6 Nonwoven fabric 10 Casing 11, 12 Opening part 13, 14 Hole 15, 16 End face part 17 DC power supply 20 Bath tub 21 Water outflow line 22 Water inflow line 23 Pump 24, 25 switching valve 26 valve switching device 27 DC power supply device 28, 29 sterilization system

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A positive electrode part made of a conductive porous body to which a positive voltage is applied, and a negative electrode part made of a conductive material to which a negative voltage is applied, and a voltage is applied to each of the electrode parts. A sterilizer, wherein liquid is transmitted through the positive electrode portion in an applied state to sterilize various bacteria in the liquid. 2. A first voltage is applied to a conductive porous body, a liquid is allowed to permeate the porous body in the state where this voltage is applied, and various bacteria in the liquid are adsorbed to the porous body. Then, a second voltage is applied to the porous body for a certain period of time to sterilize various bacteria in the liquid, the sterilization method.