Patent Publication Number: US-2022226530-A1

Title: Sterilizing apparatus and sterilizing method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a sterilization target and a sterilization method of sterilizing a sterilization target. 
     Related Art 
     In recent years, the number of cases of worldwide epidemics of infectious diseases due to viruses or germs has increased. An example of such an infectious disease is Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In various types of public services, such as means of public transport, or in other various types of business conditions, such as playground equipment providing services and service industries, such as restaurants, as work for sterilization, namely, disinfection against such viruses or germs as described above, a chemical solution for sterilization, namely, for disinfection is sprayed to adhere to a sterilization target and then the chemical solution adhering to the sterilization target is wiped off to sterilize the sterilization target. 
     Meanwhile, disclosed has been a technology regarding diffusion of medication into the air sent by a blower. JP 2018-51186 A discloses a technology regarding a blower medication diffuser that diffuses medication into the air sent by a blower and includes a medication retainer that is breathable and retains the medication that volatilizes at room temperature, and a diffuser body to which the medication retainer is attached, in which the diffuser body is provided with an air guide wall that bends the flow of the air sent by the blower toward the medication retainer and a discharge opening from which the air having passed through the medication retainer is discharged. 
     JP 2019-119704 A discloses a technology regarding a method of spatially diffusing a repellent, the method including: attaching a blower attachable repellent sheet retaining a repellent aqueous composition in an amount of 68 to 750% by mass to the mass of a base sheet to a blower so as to be out of contact with the blades that rotate in the blower and to avoid a forward flow of air from the blower, the repellent aqueous composition containing the repellent having a vapor pressure of 0.00006 to 210 Pa at 25° C. in an amount of 0.1 to 20% by mass; and driving the blower indoors. 
     Disclosed has been a technology regarding illumination in the sending direction of air from an air outlet with a light source. JP 2019-152105 A discloses a technology regarding a blower including: a housing that is tubular in shape and has an outer circumferential face functioning as a grip; a drive source housed in the housing; a blowing fan that is housed in connection with the drive source in the housing and sends wind outward through an air outlet provided at one end portion of the housing; and a battery case that is provided inside the other end portion of the housing and houses detachably a secondary battery that supplies power to the drive source. According to the technology in JP 2019-152105 A above, the housing has the one end portion provided with a light source that performs illumination in the sending direction of wind from the air outlet. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the various types of public services or in the various types of business conditions described above, much labor is required for sterilization work in which a chemical solution for sterilization, namely, for disinfection is sprayed to adhere to a sterilization target and then the chemical solution adhering to the sterilization target is wiped off to clean off the viruses or germs adhering to the sterilization target, resulting in sterilization of the sterilization target. That is, in order to sterilize the sterilization target sufficiently, highly-frequent and regular sterilization work is required. Considerable time is required for one flow of sterilization work. Therefore, it is difficult to sterilize the sterilization target promptly and sufficiently. 
     According to the respective technologies in JP 2018-51186 A and JP 2019-119704 A above, although the medication can be diffused into the air sent by the blower, it is difficult to blow a sterilizing agent on a sterilization target reliably. According to the technology in JP 2019-152105 A above, although illumination in the sending direction of wind from the air outlet can be achieved by the light source, it is difficult to blow a sterilizing agent on a sterilization target reliably. 
     The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems in conventional technologies as above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a sterilization target and enables reliable blowing of a sterilizing agent on the sterilization target, prompt removal of the sterilizing agent blown on the sterilization target, and prompt and sufficient sterilization of the sterilization target. 
     Representative aspects of the invention disclosed in the present application will be given below. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a sterilization target. The sterilization apparatus includes: a fanner having an inlet through which air is inhaled and an outlet from which the air is blown out, the fanner being configured to blow out a spiral air current from the outlet; an atomizer configured to spray a chemical solution for sterilization into the air to be blown out from the outlet, into the spiral air current blown out from the outlet, or on the sterilization target; and a first light emitter configured to emit first light in a direction in which the spiral air current is blown out from the outlet. 
     According to another aspect, the chemical solution may contain a sterilizing agent and a fluorescent agent that glows due to irradiation with ultraviolet light, and the first light may include the ultraviolet light. 
     According to another aspect, the sterilization apparatus may further include a second light emitter configured to emit second light including visible light in the direction in which the spiral air current is blown out from the outlet. 
     According to another aspect, a first outer diameter of the first light emitted by the first light emitter may be larger than a second outer diameter of the second light emitted by the second light emitter. 
     According to another aspect, the fanner may include: a barrel; and a fan provided inside the barrel, the inlet may be provided at a first end portion in an axial direction of the barrel, the outlet may be provided at a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction of the barrel, and the fan may inhale the air through the inlet and blow out, through the outlet, the air inhaled through the inlet. The first light emitter may be annular in shape when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel, surrounding a circumference of the second light emitter. 
     According to another aspect, the fanner may include a grille that is provided at the outlet and has a plurality of openings each having a curled shape curling clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a sterilization method of sterilizing a sterilization target by a sterilization apparatus including: a fanner having an inlet through which air is inhaled and an outlet from which the air is blown out, the fanner being configured to blow out a spiral air current from the outlet; an atomizer configured to spray a chemical solution for sterilization into the air to be blown out from the outlet or into the spiral air current blown out from the outlet; and a first light emitter configured to emit first light including the ultraviolet light in a direction in which the spiral air current is blown out from the outlet. The chemical solution contains a sterilizing agent and a fluorescent agent that glows due to irradiation with ultraviolet light. The sterilization method includes: (a) blowing out the spiral air current by the fanner with the atomizer spraying the chemical solution such that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent adhere to the sterilization target and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target sterilizes the sterilization target; and (b) irradiating the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target with the first light by the first light emitter, to cause the fluorescent agent to glow. 
     According to another aspect, the sterilization method may further include (c) blowing out, after the (a), the spiral air current by the fanner with the atomizer having stopped spraying the chemical solution, to cause the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target to evaporate or to be blown away. 
     According to another aspect, the sterilization apparatus may further include a second light emitter configured to emit second light including visible light in the direction in which the spiral air current is blown out from the outlet. The (a) may include blowing out the spiral air current by the fanner with the second light emitter irradiating the sterilization target with the second light and the atomizer spraying the chemical solution such that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent adhere to the sterilization target and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target sterilizes the sterilization target. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a sterilization method of sterilizing a sterilization target by a sterilization apparatus including: a fanner having an inlet through which air is inhaled and an outlet from which the air is blown out, the fanner being configured to blow out a spiral air current from the outlet; an atomizer configured to spray a chemical solution for sterilization into the air to be blown out from the outlet or into the spiral air current blown out from the outlet; and a first light emitter configured to emit first light including visible light in a direction in which the spiral air current is blown out from the outlet. The chemical solution contains a sterilizing agent. The sterilization method includes (a) blowing out the spiral air current by the fanner with the first light emitter irradiating the sterilization target with the first light and the atomizer spraying the chemical solution such that the sterilizing agent adheres to the sterilization target and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target sterilizes the sterilization target. 
     According to another aspect, the sterilization method may further include (b) blowing out, after the (a), the spiral air current by the fanner with the atomizer having stopped spraying the chemical solution, to cause the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target to evaporate or to be blown away. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a sterilization method of sterilizing a sterilization target by a sterilization apparatus including: a fanner having an inlet through which air is inhaled and an outlet from which the air is blown out, the fanner being configured to blow out a spiral air current from the outlet; an atomizer configured to spray a chemical solution for sterilization on the sterilization target; and a first light emitter configured to emit first light including the ultraviolet light in a direction in which the spiral air current is blown out from the outlet. The chemical solution contains a sterilizing agent and a fluorescent agent that glows due to irradiation with ultraviolet light. The sterilization method includes: (a) spraying the chemical solution on the sterilization target by the atomizer such that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent adhere to the sterilization target and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target sterilizes the sterilization target; and (b) irradiating the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target with the first light by the first light emitter, to cause the fluorescent agent to glow. 
     According to another aspect, the sterilization method may further include (c) blowing out, after the (a), the spiral air current by the fanner with the atomizer having stopped spraying the chemical solution, to cause the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target to evaporate or to be blown away. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a sterilization target and enables reliable blowing of a sterilizing agent on the sterilization target, prompt removal of the sterilizing agent blown on the sterilization target, and prompt and sufficient sterilization of the sterilization target. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic front view of the exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment, the schematic side view being partially sectional; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an explanatory view of a sterilization method by the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an explanatory view of the sterilization method by the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of steps as part in the sterilization method according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view of the configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to a first modification of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of steps as part in a sterilization method according to the first modification of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic side view of an exemplary configuration of a sterilization apparatus according to a second modification of the embodiment, the schematic side view being partially sectional; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of steps as part in a sterilization method according to the second modification of the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment and modifications according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 
     Note that the disclosure is just exemplary and the scope of the present invention rightly includes appropriate alternations to be conceived easily by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For more clarification of description, some of the drawings are schematic, for example, in the width, thickness, and shape of each part in comparison to the embodiment, but are just exemplary. Thus, the present invention is not limited in interpretation. 
     In the present specification and each figure, elements similar to those in any already given figure are denoted with the same reference signs and thus detailed descriptions thereof may be appropriately omitted. 
     Furthermore, even a sectional view in the drawings used in the embodiment may have hatching omitted for easy viewing. Even a plan view may have hatching for easy viewing. 
     Note that, in a case where a target is in the range of A to B in the following embodiment, unless otherwise stated, the target is A or more and B or less. 
     Embodiment 
     &lt;Sterilization Apparatus and Sterilization Method&gt; 
     A sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method by the sterilization apparatus, according to an embodiment as one mode of the present invention, will be described. The sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment serves as a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a sterilization target, and the sterilization method according to the present embodiment serves as a sterilization method of sterilizing a sterilization target by the sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that, in the present specification, sterilizing means not only removing germs but also removing viruses. In addition, in the present specification, sterilizing means disinfecting viruses or germs. Therefore, the sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment also serves as a disinfection apparatus that disinfects a disinfection target (sterilization target), and the sterilization method according to the present embodiment also serves as a disinfection method of disinfecting a disinfection target (sterilization target). 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a schematic front view of the exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment. In  FIG. 2 , no atomizer is illustrated.  FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment, the schematic side view being partially sectional. In  FIG. 3 , for description of the respective configurations of a grip and an atomizer, part of the configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment is given in a block diagram.  FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are explanatory views of the sterilization method by the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment.  FIG. 5  exemplifies a sterilization target that is playground equipment serving as a jungle gym.  FIG. 6  exemplifies a sterilization target that is in-vehicle equipment in a bullet train.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart of steps as part in the sterilization method according to the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment includes a fanner  11  as a blower (circulator), a grip  12 , an atomizer  13 , and a light emitter  14 . 
     The fanner  11  has an inlet  15  through which air is inhaled and an outlet  16  from which the air is blown out, and blows out a spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16 . The atomizer  13  is provided at the fanner  11  and sprays a chemical solution CS 1  for sterilization into the air to be blown out from the outlet  16  or into the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16 . The light emitter  14  is provided at the fanner  11  and emits light LG 1  in the direction in which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the outlet  16 . 
     Note that, as in a second modification of the embodiment to be described below, the atomizer  13  may spray the chemical solution CS 1  directly on a sterilization target. 
     Specifically, the fanner  11  can include a barrel  22  centered with a central axis  21 , a fan  23  provided rotatably around the central axis  21  inside the barrel  22 , and a drive unit  24  that rotation-drives the fan  23 . In such a case, the inlet  15  is provided at an end portion  25  in the direction along the central axis  21  of the barrel  22 , namely, in the axial direction of the barrel  22 , and the outlet  16  is provided at an end portion  26  opposite to the end portion  25  in the direction along the central axis  21  of the barrel  22 , namely, in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . The fan  23  inhales air through the inlet  15  and blows out, through the outlet  16 , the air inhaled through the inlet  15 . Note that the light emitter  14  is preferably provided at the end portion  26  of the fanner  11 . 
     The grip  12  is disposed, for example, on the lower side of the barrel  22  and is in connection with the barrel  22 . A worker who does sterilization work grips the grip  12  by hand, supporting the barrel  22 . The grip  12  includes a power unit  31 , a switch  32 , an adjuster  33 , a switch  34 , and an adjuster  35 . The power unit  31  supplies power to the drive unit  24  and the light emitter  14 . The switch  32  serves as a first switch that turns on or off an electric circuit between the power unit  31  and the fan  23 . For example, the adjuster  33  includes a variable resistor and adjusts the resistance value of the variable resistor to adjust the intensity of the spiral air current SA 1  that is blown out from the outlet  16 , namely, the air velocity or air volume of the spiral air current SA 1 . The switch  34  serves as a second switch that turns on or off an electric circuit between the power unit  31  and the atomizer  13 . For example, the adjuster  35  includes a variable resistor and adjusts, for example, the resistance value thereof to adjust the amount of the chemical solution that the atomizer  13  sprays. 
     Note that the grip  12  is not necessarily provided. In such a case, a worker who does sterilization work retains the barrel  22 , supporting the barrel  22 . 
     As the atomizer  13 , for example, a spray-type atomizer can be used. In such a case, the atomizer  13  includes a discharge head  41  that discharges the chemical solution CS 1 , a storage  42  that stores the chemical solution CS 1 , a supplier  43  that supplies the chemical solution CS 1  stored in the storage  42  to the discharge head  41 , a conduit  44  having one end connected to the supplier  43  and the other end connected to the discharge head  41 , and a conduit  45  having one end connected to the storage  42  and the other end connected to the supplier  43 . The chemical solution CS 1  flows from the storage  42  to the supplier  43  inside the conduit  45 , and flows from the supplier  43  to the discharge head  41  inside the conduit  44 . On the conduit  44 , provided is a backflow check valve that prevents the chemical solution CS 1  from flowing backward from the discharge head  41  to the supplier  43 , namely, a check value  46 . On the conduit  45 , provided is a backflow check valve that prevents the chemical solution CS 1  from flowing backward from the supplier  43  to the storage  42 , namely, a check valve  47 . 
     The discharge head  41  is provided inside the barrel  22  or is provided outside the barrel  22  and on the side on which the end portion  26  of the barrel  22  is located. In a case where the discharge head  41  is provided inside the barrel  22 , the discharge head  41  sprays the chemical solution CS 1  for sterilization into the air to be blown out from the outlet  16 . Meanwhile, in a case where the discharge head  41  is provided outside the barrel  22  and on the side on which the end portion  26  of the barrel  22  is located, the discharge head  41  sprays the chemical solution CS 1  into the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16 . 
     For example, the supplier  43  includes a cylinder  43   a , a piston  43   b  movable in the cylinder  43   a , and a motor  43   c  that moves the piston  43   b  in the cylinder  43   a . When the piston  43   b  moves outward in the cylinder  43   a , the chemical solution CS 1  is supplied from the storage  42  to the cylinder  43   a . When the piston  43   b  moves inward in the cylinder  43   a , the chemical solution CS 1  is supplied from the cylinder  43   a  to the discharge head  41 . In such a case, the switch  34  described above turns on or off the electric circuit between the power unit  31  and the motor  43   c  and the adjuster  35  adjusts, for example, the revolutions per minute of the motor  43   c , resulting in an adjustment in the amount of the chemical solution CS 1  that the discharge head  41  discharges. 
     According to the example in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the storage  42  is disposed on the lower side of the barrel  22  and is in connection with the barrel  22 . However, the storage  42  is not limited to being disposed on the lower side of the barrel  22 . Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the storage  42  may be disposed on the upper side of the barrel  22 . Note that, even either in a case where the storage  42  is disposed on the lower side of the barrel  22  or in a case where the storage  42  is disposed on the upper side of the barrel  22 , as the atomizer  13 , used can be a cartridge operated type/stored-pressure type atomizer used as a fire extinguisher, instead of a spray-type atomizer. 
     In the present embodiment, as the chemical solution CS 1  for sterilization, used can be a chemical solution containing at least a sterilizing agent. Preferred examples of such a sterilizing agent (disinfectant) include an alcohol-based sterilizing agent, such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), an aldehyde-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as glutaral, phtharal, or formalin, a chlorine-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid water, an iodine-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as povidone-iodine or iodine tincture, a phenol-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as phenol or a saponated cresol solution, a quaternary-ammonium-salt-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride, an amphoteric-surfactant-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride, a biguanide-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as chlorhexidine gluconate, an oxidant-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, a pigment-based sterilizing agent (disinfectant), such as acrinol hydrate, and benzalkonium cetyl phosphate, triclosan, chloroxylenol, and isopropyl methylphenol. 
     For sterilization against enveloped viruses, such as coronaviruses, a chemical solution for sterilization containing such an alcohol-based sterilizing agent, such as ethanol, as above can be used. For sterilization against non-enveloped viruses, such as Norovirus, a chemical solution for sterilization containing such a chlorine-based sterilizing agent as above can be used. 
     Here, problems at the time of sterilization of a sterilization target will be described. 
     In various types of public services, such as means of public transport, or in other various types of business conditions, such as playground equipment providing services and service industries, such as restaurants, as work for sterilization, namely, disinfection against such viruses or germs as described above, a chemical solution for sterilization, namely, for disinfection is sprayed to adhere to a sterilization target and then the chemical solution adhering to the sterilization target is wiped off to sterilize the sterilization target. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  exemplifying a sterilization target  50  that is playground equipment  51  serving as a jungle gym, managed is a facility that is a playground for children and is termed a kids&#39; corner, in which, for example, the playground is kept open for 10 minutes, then cleaning, namely, sterilization work is manually kept carried out to the sterilization target  50  as the playground equipment  51  for 5 minutes with the playground temporarily closed, and again the playground is kept open for 10 minutes. Thus, a great deal of time is required for sterilization work, causing much labor on a worker who does sterilization work. Due to such requirement of much labor and a great deal of time as above, some facilities have closed down with difficulty in running. 
     Meanwhile, a train for carrying a large number of passengers is assumed as means of public transport. In such a train, if a large number of passengers touch handrails as in-vehicle equipment, touch metallic supports as in-vehicle equipment, touch seats as in-vehicle equipment, or cough or sneeze in an enclosed in-vehicle space, a large number of viruses or germs adhere to the in-vehicle equipment or float in the in-vehicle space. Replacement of the air in the in-vehicle space by ventilation enables removal of the viruses in the in-vehicle space (aerosolized state), but highly-frequent and regular cleaning, namely, highly-frequent and regular sterilization work is difficult to carry out to the viruses or germs adhering to the in-vehicle equipment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  exemplifying a sterilization target  50  that is in-vehicle equipment in a bullet train, cleaning, namely, sterilization work is carried out to some extent to the vehicle equipment in the bullet train. However, in terms of time and in terms of expense, such as labor cost, cleaning, namely, sterilization work is difficult to carry out for sufficient sterilization of the entire sterilization target, in which a chemical solution for sterilization is made to adhere to the entire in-vehicle equipment including a floor  52 , a ceiling  53 , a luggage rack  54 , and seats  56  each equipped with a table  55 , and then the chemical solution adhering to the in-vehicle equipment is wiped off. 
     Thus, in the various types of public services or in the various types of business conditions described above, much labor is required for sterilization work in which a chemical solution for sterilization, namely, for disinfection is sprayed to adhere to a sterilization target and then the chemical solution adhering to the sterilization target is wiped off to clean off the viruses or germs adhering to the sterilization target, resulting in sterilization of the sterilization target. That is, in order to sterilize the sterilization target sufficiently, highly-frequent and regular sterilization work is required. Considerable time is required for one flow of sterilization work. Therefore, it is difficult to sterilize the sterilization target promptly and sufficiently. 
     According to the respective technologies in JP 2018-51186 A and JP 2019-119704 A above, the medication can be diffused into the air sent by the blower. However, according to the respective technologies in JP 2018-51186 A and JP 2019-119704 A above, because an air current blown out from the blower has difficulty in traveling straight, even when a sterilizing agent is diffused into the air sent by the blower, reliable blowing of the sterilizing agent on a sterilization target and prompt removal of the sterilizing agent blown on the sterilization target are difficult to perform. 
     According to the technology in JP 2019-152105 A above, illumination in the sending direction of wind from the air outlet can be achieved by the light source. However, according to the technology in JP 2019-152105 A above, because an air current blown out from the blower has difficulty in traveling straight, even when illumination in the sending direction of wind from the air outlet is performed by the light source, reliable blowing of a sterilizing agent on a sterilization target and prompt removal of the sterilizing agent blown on the sterilization target are difficult to perform. 
     Meanwhile, the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment includes the fanner  11  that blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16 , the atomizer  13  that sprays the chemical solution CS 1  for sterilization, and the light emitter  14  that emits the light LG 1  in the direction in which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the outlet  16 . 
     A case where the spiral air current SA 1  spiral in shape is blown out from the outlet  16  excels a case where any air current not spiral in shape is blown out in that an air current travels straight easily without expanding. That is, the spiral air current SA 1  excels other air currents not spiral in shape, in straightness. Thus, the outer diameter of the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  of the fanner  11  can be prevented or inhibited from increasing along with an increase in the distance from the fanner  11 . Therefore, even in a case where the fanner  11  is considerably distant from the sterilization target  50 , the spiral air current SA 1  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  reliably. 
     That is, the sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment is achieved, for example, by a blower having a sterilization function, namely, a disinfection function or a circulator that is higher in straightness in order to blow out gas and liquid straight and further has a sterilization function, namely, a disinfection function. 
     Whether or not the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  has been blown on the sterilization target  50  can be visually verified more easily in a case where the light LG 1  is emitted in the direction in which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the outlet  16  than in a case where no light LG 1  is emitted in the direction in which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the outlet  16 . 
     Sterilization work in such a case as above is less in labor in the various types of public services or in the various types of business conditions described above than sterilization work in which a chemical solution for sterilization, namely, for disinfection is sprayed to adhere to a sterilization target and then the chemical solution adhering to the sterilization target is wiped off to clean off the viruses or germs adhering to the sterilization target, resulting in sterilization of the sterilization target. Thus, even in a case where highly-frequent and regular sterilization work is carried out in order to sterilize the sterilization target sufficiently, one flow of sterilization work is not so long in time. Therefore, reliable blowing of a sterilizing agent on the sterilization target and prompt removal of the sterilizing agent blown on the sterilization target can be achieved, so that the sterilization target can be sterilized promptly and sufficiently. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  exemplifying the sterilization target  50  that is the playground equipment  51  serving as a jungle gym, the sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment does not require a great deal of time for sterilization work and much labor on a worker who does sterilization work, even in a facility that is a playground for children and is termed a kids&#39; corner. With sterilization against viruses or germs, easily achieved can be management in which, for example, the playground is kept open for 10 minutes, then cleaning, namely, sterilization work is manually kept carried out to the sterilization target  50  as the playground equipment  51  for 5 minutes with the playground temporarily closed, and again the playground is kept open for 10 minutes. Due to such no requirement of much labor and a great deal of time as above, many facilities can continue without difficulty in running. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  exemplifying the sterilization target  50  that is in-vehicle equipment in a bullet train, the sterilization apparatus according to the present embodiment enables, in the bullet train, easy adhesion of the chemical solution for sterilization to the entire in-vehicle equipment including the floor  52 , the ceiling  53 , the luggage rack  54 , and the seats  56  each equipped with the table  55 , thereafter the chemical solution adhering to the in-vehicle equipment can be removed easily without wiping off. Thus, in terms of time and in terms of expense, such as labor cost, cleaning, namely, sterilization work can be carried out easily for sufficient sterilization of the entire sterilization target. 
     Note that, with no chemical solution for sterilization, only blowing air on a sterilization target may blow away viruses or germs from the sterilization target into the air. Thus, a step of blowing the spiral air current not containing such an alcohol-based sterilizing agent or chlorine-based sterilizing agent as described above on a sterilization target or a step of blowing the spiral air current containing a sterilizing agent on a sterilization target can be selectively performed. 
     The life span of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) depends on the material of an object to which the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) adheres. In a case where the material is, for example, cardboard, the life span of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is approximately 24 hours. In a case where the material is, for example, plastic or stainless steel, the life span of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is approximately 2 to 3 days. Meanwhile, in a case where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is floating in the air, namely, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been aerosolized, the life span of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is approximately 3 hours. Therefore, performing a step of blowing away the viruses or germs adhering to a sterilization target from the sterilization target into the air and a step of ventilating the space in which the sterilization target is provided, in combination is effective. 
     In addition, preferred examples of the sterilization target  50  that the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment sterilizes include playground equipment in kids&#39; corners, parks, and amusement parks, means of public transport, such as buses, trains, and bullet trains, benches in parks and on sidewalks, vending machines, and desks and chairs in meeting rooms. 
     Next, a preferred example of the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment and the sterilization method by the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     Preferably, the chemical solution CS 1  contains a sterilizing agent and a fluorescent agent that emits visible light or colors due to irradiation with ultraviolet light. The light LG 1  includes ultraviolet light (ultraviolet rays). Note that, in the present specification, ultraviolet light (ultraviolet rays) means electromagnetic waves including invisible rays having wavelengths of 10 to 400 nm, and visible light means electromagnetic waves having visible wavelengths, namely, electromagnetic waves having wavelengths the lower bound (lower limit in the range) and upper bound (upper limit in the range) of which are approximately 360 to 400 nm and approximately 760 to 830 nm, respectively. 
     In such a case, irradiation of the sterilization target  50  with the light LG 1  including the ultraviolet light enables easy visual verification of whether or not the fluorescent agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50 . Thus, whether or not the chemical solution CS 1  containing the fluorescent agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be easily verified, so that whether or not the sterilizing agent contained in the chemical solution CS 1  has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be easily verified. 
     In such a case, preferably, with the atomizer  13  spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , the fanner  11  blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16 , to blow the spiral air current SA 1  containing the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent on the sterilization target  50 , so that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent contained in the spiral air current SA 1  blown on the sterilization target  50  adhere to the sterilization target  50  and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  sterilizes the sterilization target  50  (step S 1  of  FIG. 7 ). 
     The light emitter  14  irradiates the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  with the light LG 1  including the ultraviolet light, to cause the fluorescent agent to glow or to color (step S 2  of  FIG. 7 ). 
     In step S 1  of  FIG. 7 , the chemical solution CS 1  adheres to the sterilization target  50 , so that the fluorescent agent contained in the chemical solution CS 1  adheres to the sterilization target  50 . Thus, in step S 2  of  FIG. 7 , irradiation of the sterilization target  50  with the light LG 1  including the ultraviolet light enables easy visual verification of whether or not the fluorescent agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50 . Therefore, whether or not the chemical solution CS 1  containing the fluorescent agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be easily verified, so that whether or not the sterilizing agent contained in the chemical solution CS 1  has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be easily verified. 
     Note that step S 2  of  FIG. 7  may be performed simultaneously with step S 1  of  FIG. 7  or may be performed after step S 1 . 
     Preferably, after the atomizer  13  sprays the chemical solution CS 1 , the fanner  11  blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16  with the atomizer  13  having stopped spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , to blow the blown spiral air current SA 1  on the sterilization target  50 , so that the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  evaporates or is blown away (step S 3  of  FIG. 7 ). 
     In such a case, after the sterilizing agent adheres to the sterilization target  50  due to step S 1  of  FIG. 7 , the spiral air current SA 1  is blown on the sterilization target  50  with the atomizer  13  having stopped spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , so that the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  can be removed in a short time. Thus, the work of sterilizing the sterilization target with the sterilization apparatus  10  can be efficiently carried out, resulting in an increase in the surface area of a part to be sterilized per unit time in the sterilization target  50 . 
     According to the preferred example above, sterilization work can be carried out in the order of “blowing the chemical solution containing the fluorescent agent on the sterilization target”, “irradiating the sterilization target with the ultraviolet light (ultraviolet rays) and visually verifying fluorescence”, “blowing away the chemical solution adhering to the sterilization target”, and “irradiating the sterilization target with the ultraviolet light and verifying that no fluorescence has been visually observed”. That is, the chemical solution CS 1 , which contains the fluorescent agent as a fluorescent substance mixable with the sterilizing agent, adhering to the sterilization target  50  is irradiated with the light LG 1  including the ultraviolet light, namely, black light, and fluorescence radiated from the fluorescent substance irradiated with the light LG 1  is visually verified. After that, air is blown on the sterilization target  50  to blow away the chemical solution CS 1  adhering to the sterilization target  50 . Furthermore, the sterilization target  50  is irradiated with the ultraviolet light again, so that it can be visually verified that no chemical solution CS 1  has adhered to the sterilization target  50 . Therefore, a worker who does sterilization work can carry out sterilization work while visually verifying whether or not the sterilization target  50  has been sterilized reliably, namely, whether or not the sterilization target  50  has been cleaned reliably. 
     Preferably, the fluorescent agent is a fluorescent agent contained in food or a fluorescent agent used in food, and examples thereof include phloxine and riboflavin (vitamin B2). 
     Because such a fluorescent agent is a fluorescent agent contained in food or a fluorescent agent used in food, even in a case where the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target is accidentally taken into the mouth of a user who uses the sterilization target or the mouth of a worker who does sterilization work for sterilization of the sterilization target, directly or indirectly through a hand or the like, the health of the user or worker is not damaged. 
     Alternatively, preferably, the fluorescent agent is a volatile fluorescent dye, and examples thereof that can be used include 4-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) and 4-Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC). 
     As described above, assumed is a case where the fanner blows out the spiral air current to blow the blown spiral air current on the sterilization target, so that the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target evaporates or is blown away. In such a case, if the fluorescent agent is such a volatile fluorescent dye as above, similarly to the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target, the entirety or part of the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target can be easily removed by evaporation. Thus, irradiation of the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target with the light LG 1  from the light emitter  14  enables easy visual observation of whether or not the fluorescent agent has evaporated and been removed. 
     Note that, in the present embodiment, the fluorescent agent is not limited to a volatile fluorescent dye. In such a case, after the work of sterilizing the sterilization target is carried out, the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target can be gradually removed along with the elapse of time. 
     Preferably, the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment includes a light emitter  61 . The light emitter  61  is provided at the fanner  11  and emits light LG 2  including visible light in the direction in which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the outlet  16 . Note that the light emitter  61  is preferably provided at the end portion  26  of the fanner  11 , similarly to the light emitter  14 . 
     In such a case, the relative position of the fanner  11  to the sterilization target  50  is adjusted such that the sterilization target  50  is irradiated with the light LG 2  emitted by the light emitter  61 . That is, irradiation of the sterilization target  50  with the light LG 2  including the visible light enables easy visual verification of whether or not the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  has been blown on the sterilization target  50 . In addition, the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  of the fanner  11  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  reliably. 
     In such a case, preferably, in step S 1  of  FIG. 7 , with the light emitter  61  irradiating the sterilization target  50  with the light LG 2  and the atomizer  13  spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , the fanner  11  blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16 , to blow the spiral air current SA 1  containing the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent on the sterilization target  50 , so that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent contained in the spiral air current SA 1  blown on the sterilization target  50  adhere to the sterilization target  50  and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  sterilizes the sterilization target  50 . 
     Thus, with the sterilization target  50  being irradiated with the light LG 2 , the spiral air current SA 1  containing the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent is blown on the sterilization target  50 , so that the spiral air current SA 1  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  more reliably. 
     Preferably, the light emitter  61  is achieved by a laser diode or a light emitting diode (LED) that emits visible light as the light LG 2 . 
     The straightness of light that is emitted by laser diodes or light emitting diodes is higher than the straightness of light that is emitted by any other light sources different in type therefrom. Thus, due to the light emitter  61  achieved by a laser diode or a light emitting diode that emits visible light, whether or not the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  of the fanner  11  will reach (arrive at) the sterilization target  50  straight can be visually verified more easily. 
     That is, sterilization work can be carried out with feedback on information as to whether or not a desired position on the surface of the sterilization target  50  is irradiated with the light LG 2  emitted by the light emitter  61 . Sterilization work is carried out with visual verification of whether or not fluorescence is radiated, with the sterilization target being irradiated with the ultraviolet light after the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent as a fluorescent substance in mixture are blown on the sterilization target. Thus, the progress of sterilization work can be easily verified, resulting in a further improvement in the efficiency of sterilization work. 
     Preferably, the outer diameter OD 1  of the light LG 1  that the light emitter  14  emits is larger than the outer diameter OD 2  of the light LG 2  that the light emitter  61  emits. 
     In such a case, because the outer diameter OD 2  of the light LG 2  is smaller than the outer diameter OD 1  of the light LG 1 , the relative position of the fanner  11  to the sterilization target  50  can be accurately adjusted such that the sterilization target  50  is irradiated with the light LG 2  emitted by the light emitter  61 . Thus, the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet of the fanner  11  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  more reliably. Because the outer diameter OD 1  of the light LG 1  is larger than the outer diameter OD 2  of the light LG 2 , whether or not the sterilizing agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be verified over a wide area. Thus, the work of sterilizing the sterilization target  50  with the sterilization apparatus  10  can be efficiently carried out, resulting in an increase in the surface area of a part to be sterilized per unit time in the sterilization target  50 . 
     Preferably, when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel  22 , the light emitter  14  is annular in shape, surrounding the circumference of the light emitter  61 . 
     Thus, the outer diameter OD 2  of the light LG 2  can be easily made smaller than the outer diameter OD 1  of the light LG 1  with easy arrangement of the light emitter  14  and the light emitter  61 , so that the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  of the fanner  11  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  more reliably. The outer diameter OD 1  of the light LG 1  can be easily made larger than the outer diameter OD 2  of the light LG 2 , so that whether or not the sterilizing agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be verified over a wider area at a time. 
     Preferably, the fanner  11  includes a grille  63  that is provided at the outlet  16  and has a plurality of openings  62  each having a curled shape curling clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . The plurality of openings  62  each passes through the grille  63  in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . 
     The plurality of openings  62  of the grille  63 , each having a curled shape curling clockwise or counterclockwise enables the spiral air current SA 1  spiral in shape to be blown out more easily than the plurality of openings  62  of the grille  63 , each not having a curled shape curling clockwise or counterclockwise. 
     Note that, when viewed from the sterilization target  50  toward the fanner  11 , the direction of rotation of the curled shapes of the openings  62  of the grille  63 , the direction of rotation of the spiral air current SA 1  blown out by the fanner  11 , and the direction of rotation of the fan  23  are identical. 
     The light emitter  14  annular in shape, surrounding the circumference of the light emitter  61 , when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel  22 , corresponds to the light emitter  14  annular in shape, surrounding the circumference of the parts corresponding to the openings  62  of the grille  63 , when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . Meanwhile, in a case where the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment includes no light emitter  61 , when viewed in the axial direction of the barrel  22 , the light emitter  14  may be annular in shape, surrounding the circumference of the parts corresponding to the openings  62  of the grille  63 , so that the outer diameter OD 1  of the light LG 1  can be easily made larger than the outer diameter of the parts corresponding to the openings  62  of the grille  63 . Thus, whether or not the sterilizing agent has adhered to the sterilization target  50  can be verified over a wider area at a time. 
     &lt;Sterilization Apparatus According to First Modification&gt; 
     Next, a sterilization apparatus according to a first modification of the embodiment will be described. The sterilization apparatus  10  according to the first modification is different from the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the embodiment in that a light emitter  14  emits light LG 3  including visible light, instead of light LG 1  including ultraviolet light. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view of the configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the first modification of the embodiment.  FIG. 9  is a flowchart of steps as part in a sterilization method according to the first modification of the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , similarly to the embodiment, in the first modification, an atomizer  13  is provided at a fanner  11  and sprays a chemical solution CS 1  into air to be blown out from an outlet  16  or into a spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet. Similarly to the embodiment, in the first modification, the light emitter  14  is provided at the fanner  11 , preferably, at an end portion  26  of the fanner  11 . 
     Meanwhile, differently from the embodiment, in the first modification, as described above, the light emitter  14  emits the light LG 3  including the visible light, instead of the light LG 1  including the ultraviolet light (refer to  FIG. 1 ). 
     In such a case, the relative position of the fanner  11  to a sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) is adjusted such that the sterilization target  50  is irradiated with the light LG 3  emitted by the light emitter  14 . That is, irradiation of the sterilization target  50  with the light LG 3  including the visible light enables easy visual verification of whether or not the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  is blown on the sterilization target  50 . In addition, the spiral air current SA 1  blown out from the outlet  16  of the fanner  11  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  reliably. 
     Note that, in the first modification, the chemical solution CS 1  is required to contain a sterilizing agent but does not necessarily contain any fluorescent agent. 
     In such a case, preferably, in a step corresponding to step S 1  of  FIG. 7 , with the light emitter  14  irradiating the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) with the light LG 3  including the visible light and the atomizer  13  spraying the chemical solution CS 1  (refer to  FIG. 3 ), the fanner  11  blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16 , to blow the spiral air current SA 1  containing a sterilizing agent and a fluorescent agent on the sterilization target  50 , so that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent contained in the spiral air current SA 1  blown on the sterilization target  50  adhere to the sterilization target  50  and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  sterilizes the sterilization target  50  (step S 11  of  FIG. 9 ). 
     Thus, with the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) being irradiated with the light LG 3 , the spiral air current SA 1  containing the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent is blown on the sterilization target  50 , so that the spiral air current SA 1  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  more reliably. 
     Differently from the embodiment, in the first modification, after step S 11  of  FIG. 9 , a step corresponding to step S 3  of  FIG. 7  is performed with no step corresponding to step S 2  of  FIG. 7 . In the step corresponding to step S 3  of  FIG. 7 , after the atomizer  13  sprays the chemical solution CS 1  (refer to  FIG. 3 ), the fanner  11  blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16  with the atomizer  13  having stopped spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , to blow the blown spiral air current SA 1  on the sterilization target  50 , so that the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  evaporates or is blown away (step S 12  of  FIG. 9 ). 
     Note that, similarly to the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the first modification, the sterilization apparatus  10  according to the embodiment may include a single light emitter  14 , in which the single light emitter  14  may emit ultraviolet light and visible light. That is, a single light emitter may be provided to serve as the light emitter  14  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) that emits the light LG 1  including the ultraviolet light (refer to  FIG. 1 ) and the light emitter  61  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) that emits the light LG 2  including the visible light (refer to  FIG. 1 ). 
     &lt;Sterilization Apparatus According to Second Modification&gt; 
     Next, a sterilization apparatus according to a second modification of the embodiment will be described. The sterilization apparatus according to the second modification is different from the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment in that an atomizer has a discharge head disposed ahead of a barrel, instead of being disposed in the barrel or on the periphery of the barrel, such that a chemical solution can be directly sprayed on a sterilization target. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic side view of an exemplary configuration of the sterilization apparatus according to the second modification of the embodiment, the schematic side view being partially sectional.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart of steps as part in a sterilization method according to the second modification of the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , similarly to the embodiment, in the second modification, a fanner  11  can include a barrel  22  centered with a central axis  21 , a fan  23  provided rotatably around the central axis  21  inside the barrel  22 , and a drive unit  24  that rotation-drives the fan  23 . In such a case, an inlet  15  is provided at an end portion  25  in the direction along the central axis  21  of the barrel  22 , namely, in the axial direction of the barrel  22 , and an outlet  16  is provided at an end portion  26  opposite to the end portion  25  in the direction along the central axis  21  of the barrel  22 , namely, in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . The fan  23  inhales air through the inlet  15  and blows out, through the outlet  16 , the air inhaled through the inlet  15 . 
     Differently from the embodiment, in the second modification, an atomizer  13  includes a support  71  in addition to a discharge head  41  that discharges a chemical solution CS 1 , a storage  42  that stores the chemical solution CS 1 , a supplier  43  that supplies the chemical solution CS 1  stored in the storage  42  to the discharge head  41 , a conduit  44 , and a conduit  45 . 
     Differently from the embodiment, in the second modification, the discharge head  41  is disposed outside the end portion  26  in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . The support  71  includes an end portion  72  and an end portion  73  opposite to the end portion  72 . The end portion  72  is connected to the end portion  26  of the barrel  22 , and the end portion  73  supports the discharge head  41 . The conduit  44  includes an end portion  74  and an end portion  75  opposite to the end portion  74 . The end portion  74  is connected to the supplier  43 , and the end portion  75  is connected to the discharge head  41 . The chemical solution CS 1  flows from the end portion  74  to the end portion  75  inside the conduit  44 . 
     In the second modification, as described above, the atomizer  13  sprays the chemical solution CS 1  directly on a sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). Thus, even in a case where the chemical solution CS 1  containing a sterilizing agent high in volatility, such as ethanol, is used, the sterilizing agent contained in the chemical solution CS 1  can be made to adhere to the sterilization target  50  reliably. 
     Note that, similarly to the embodiment, in the second modification, as the chemical solution CS 1 , used can be a chemical solution containing a sterilizing agent and a fluorescent agent that emits visible light or colors due to irradiation with ultraviolet light. In such a case, if the sterilizing agent in the chemical solution is high in volatility, such as ethanol, the chemical solution CS 1  can be effectively made to adhere to the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) reliably. 
     Differently from the embodiment, in the second modification, in a step corresponding to step S 1  of  FIG. 7 , the atomizer  13  sprays the chemical solution CS 1  on the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ), to blow the chemical solution CS 1  containing the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent on the sterilization target  50 , so that the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent contained in the chemical solution CS 1  blown on the sterilization target  50  adhere to the sterilization target  50  and the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  sterilizes the sterilization target  50  (step S 21  of  FIG. 11 ). 
     Note that, similarly to the embodiment, in a step corresponding to step S 2  of  FIG. 7 , a light emitter  14  irradiates the fluorescent agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) with light LG 1  including ultraviolet light, to cause the fluorescent agent to glow or to color (step S 22  of  FIG. 11 ). 
     Differently from the embodiment, in the second modification, a spiral air current SA 1  containing the sterilizing agent and the fluorescent agent is not blown on the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) but the chemical solution CS 1  is sprayed directly on the sterilization target  50 . Thus, even in a case where the chemical solution CS 1  containing a sterilizing agent high in volatility, such as ethanol, is used, the sterilizing agent contained in the chemical solution CS 1  can be made to adhere to the sterilization target  50 . 
     Differently from the embodiment, in the second modification, in a step corresponding to step S 3  of  FIG. 7 , preferably, after the atomizer  13  sprays the chemical solution CS 1 , the fanner  11  blows out the spiral air current SA 1  from the outlet  16  with the atomizer  13  having stopped spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , to blow the blown spiral air current SA 1  on the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ), so that the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  evaporates or is blown away (step S 23  of  FIG. 11 ). 
     In such a case, after the sterilizing agent adheres to the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) due to step S 21  of  FIG. 11 , the spiral air current SA 1  is blown on the sterilization target  50  with the atomizer  13  having stopped spraying the chemical solution CS 1 , so that the sterilizing agent adhering to the sterilization target  50  can evaporate or be blown away promptly. Thus, the work of sterilizing the sterilization target  50  with the sterilization apparatus  10  can be efficiently carried out, resulting in an increase in the surface area of a part to be sterilized per unit time in the sterilization target  50 . 
     Preferably, the distance DS 1  between the discharge head  41  and the end portion  26  in the axial direction of the barrel  22  is longer than the length LN 1  of the barrel  22  in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . That is, the distance between the discharge head  41  and the barrel  22  is at least longer than the length LN 1  of the barrel  22  in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . In other words, the length LN 2  of the support  71  between the end portion  72  and the end portion  73  of the support  71  is longer than the length LN 1  of the barrel  22  in the axial direction of the barrel  22 . 
     In such a case, when the side on which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the fanner  11  is defined as the front side and the direction in which the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the fanner  11  is defined as the front, the discharge head  41  can be disposed at a sufficient distance from the front side of the fanner  11 , namely, the front of the fanner  11 , so that the discharge head  41  can be made closer to the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) reliably. 
     Even in a case where the discharge head  41  is disposed at a sufficient distance from the front side of the fan  23 , namely, the front of the fan  23 , the length LN 1  of the barrel  22  in the axial direction of the barrel  22  is not required to be as long as the length LN 2  of the support  71  between the end portion  72  and the end portion  73  of the support  71 , so that the chemical solution CS 1  can be sprayed on the sterilization target  50  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) reliably and the fanner  11  can be easily reduced in weight. Similarly to the embodiment, because the spiral air current SA 1  is blown out from the outlet  16  of the fanner  11 , even in a case where the end portion  26  of the barrel  22  is considerably away from the sterilization target  50 , the spiral air current SA 1  can be blown on the sterilization target  50  reliably. 
     Note that one type of sterilization apparatus or a plurality of types of sterilization apparatuses can be appropriately combined from the sterilization apparatus according to the embodiment and the sterilization apparatuses according to the first modification and the second modification of the embodiment. 
     The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above on the basis of the embodiment. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and thus various alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the gist of the present invention. 
     In the scope of the idea of the present invention, various types of alterations and modifications may be conceived by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that such alterations and modifications belong to the scope of the present invention. 
     For example, without departing from the scope of the gist of the present invention, appropriate additions and deletions in constituent element, changes in design, additions and omissions in step, and changes in condition by those skilled in the art to the embodiment and the modifications described above are to be included in the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is effectively applied to a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes a sterilization target and a sterilization method of sterilizing a sterilization target.