JP2002177367A - Autoclave apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoclave apparatus compact in constitution as a whole, capable of being reduced in cost, capable of sterilizing a plurality of endoscopes with a time lag and capable of performing efficient sterilizing treatment. SOLUTION: A series of work processes consisting of a plurality of processes for performing autoclave sterilization by first and second chambers 3 and 4 are performed respectively independently and a series of work processes performing autoclave sterilization in the first and second chambers 3 and 4 are simultaneously controlled to such a state that respective different work processes are performed at the same time by a common process control part 6 during a series of work processes of autoclave sterilization performed in the first and second chambers 3 and 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an autoclave device for sterilizing an endoscope used for inspection with high-temperature, high-pressure steam.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, hospitals that conduct gastrointestinal endoscopy often have a plurality of examination rooms (examination beds and equipment). Gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed independently in each laboratory. Therefore, in such a hospital, a plurality of endoscopes are used, and one endoscope is used several times a day. At this time, the endoscope used for the inspection is sterilized by a sterilization device and then used again for the inspection.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-285103 discloses an example of an autoclave apparatus for sterilizing an endoscope with high-temperature and high-pressure steam. In this device, one disinfection
One endoscope is accommodated in the cleaning tank. Then, one endoscope is configured to be subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization by one autoclave device.

[0004]

In the above prior art, 1
One endoscope is configured to be sterilized by two high-pressure steam sterilizers. Therefore, when endoscopes after examination are sequentially sent from a plurality of examination rooms to the high-pressure steam sterilizer and sterilization is sequentially performed, a plurality of high-pressure steam sterilizers need to be provided. In this case, there is a problem that the cost increases because a plurality of sterilizers are installed. Further, when a plurality of sterilizers are installed, a large installation space is required, and there is a possibility that the installation space of the sterilizers may become insufficient.

[0005] Endoscopes that reach the sterilizer from a plurality of examination rooms rarely reach at the same time, and usually have a time lag. For this reason, the endoscope after the inspection is set in the sterilizer sequentially in the order in which the endoscope arrives at the sterilizer, and each sterilizer is individually driven. Must be provided. Therefore, since it is necessary to provide the same number of drive devices as the number of sterilizers, there is a problem that the configuration of the entire system of the sterilizer becomes complicated and the cost increases. Furthermore, in a sterilization apparatus in a non-operation state, since a driving device is also held in a non-operation state, there is a problem that efficient sterilization processing cannot be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the structure of the entire apparatus is compact, the cost can be reduced, and a plurality of endoscopes can be sterilized with a time difference. Another object of the present invention is to provide an autoclave device capable of performing an efficient sterilization process.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a plurality of working chambers for performing a series of working steps including a plurality of steps for performing autoclave sterilization are independently arranged, and each of the working chambers is independently autoclaved. A series of working steps for performing sterilization are performed, and during the series of working steps of the autoclave sterilization performed in the respective working chambers, the autoclave sterilization in the respective working chambers is performed such that different working steps are performed at the same time. An autoclave device is provided with a common control device for simultaneously controlling a series of work steps. In the present invention, a series of work steps including a plurality of steps of performing autoclave sterilization by a plurality of work chambers are performed independently, and a common control is performed during the series of work steps of the autoclave sterilization performed in each work chamber. By simultaneously controlling a series of autoclave sterilization operation steps in each operation chamber in a state where different operation steps are performed at the same time by the apparatus, an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus is prevented as much as possible.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6A and 6B. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an entire autoclave apparatus (high-pressure steam sterilizer) 1 of the present embodiment. The autoclave apparatus 1 includes a first chamber (working chamber) 3 for performing a series of working steps including a plurality of steps for performing autoclave sterilization in a case 2, a second chamber (working chamber) 4, and a driving unit. 5 are provided respectively. Further, a process control unit (control device) 6, a door 7 of the first chamber 3, a door 8 of the second chamber 4, and a door 9 of the driving unit 5 are provided on the front panel 2a of the case 2. Have been. Note that a setting operation unit 10 such as a keyboard for setting operation is connected to the process control unit 6.

The first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are set to have substantially the same shape, and as shown in FIG. 1, a length L1 in the vertical direction, a length L2 in the depth direction, and a length in the horizontal direction. L3 is set in a relationship of L1>L2> L3. As shown in FIG. 2, an endoscope 10 described later is provided in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4.
2 can be stored.
The storage case 11 includes a tray 12 as shown in FIG.
And a lid member 13. Further, the tray 12
The cover member 13 is provided with a plurality of vent holes (not shown) through which water vapor can be transmitted. Then, the sterilization storage case 11 is used at the time of high-pressure steam sterilization by the autoclave device 1.

FIG. 2 shows the tray 12 of the storage case 11.
1 shows a state in which the endoscope 102 is housed. Here, the length L11 of the tray 12 in the vertical direction and the length L1 of the tray 12 in the depth direction are set.
2 is set to be slightly shorter than the length L1 in the vertical direction and the length L2 in the depth direction of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, respectively.

The drive unit 5 of the autoclave device 1 includes a steam supply device 14 and a suction pump 15 shown in FIG.
And a tank containing water (not shown). The steam supply device 14 has at least a tank for storing water and a device for converting the water into steam. Note that a pressurizing pump for controlling the flow of water or steam may be included.

The steam supply device 14 is connected to the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 by a first pipe 16 and a second pipe 17 for supplying steam. Here, the first valve 18 is provided in the middle of the first conduit 16.
In the middle of the second pipe line 17, second valves 19 are provided.

Further, the suction pump 15 is connected to the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 by a third pipe line 20 and a fourth pipe line 21 for suction. Further, a third valve 22 is provided in the middle of the third pipe 20, and a fourth valve 23 is provided in the middle of the fourth pipe 21.

The first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 have a fifth pipe 24 for discharging steam and a sixth pipe.
Are connected at one end thereof. Here, a fifth valve 26 is provided in the fifth pipe 24, and a sixth valve 27 is provided in the sixth pipe 25.

As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 3, a pipe 28 may be provided for connecting the suction pump 15 and the steam supply device 14 (water tank therein). The other ends of the fifth pipe line 24 and the sixth pipe line 25 may be connected to this pipe line 28. The pipe 28 is provided with a pump in the middle so that the gas or liquid flows in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 or reaches the water tank in the steam supply device 14 by gravity. ing.

Also, as shown in FIG.
4, suction pump 15, first valve 18, second valve 19, third valve 22, fourth valve 23, fifth valve 26, sixth valve 2
Reference numerals 7 are connected to the process control unit 6, respectively. And
Based on the settings of the setting operation unit 10, the process control unit 6 controls the steam supply device 14, the suction pump 15, the first valve 18, the second
Valve 19, third valve 22, fourth valve 23, fifth valve 2
6. The operation of the sixth valve 27 is controlled.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the autoclave apparatus 1 has two working chambers, that is, the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, and the steam supply of the drive unit 5 of the autoclave apparatus 1 is performed. The device 14, the suction pump 15, and the process control unit 6 are devices common to the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4. And
When the power supply is connected, the autoclave device 1 of the present embodiment generates steam in the steam supply device 14 of the autoclave device 1 itself without supplying steam from outside, and the first chamber 3 and the second The sterilization process can be performed while supplying the steam to the first chamber 3 and controlling the pressure in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 (stand-alone device).

FIG. 5 shows an endoscope 1 to be subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization by the autoclave device 1 according to the present embodiment.
02 and its peripheral devices 101
It shows. The endoscope device 101 includes an endoscope 102 having an imaging unit, a light source device 103 detachably connected to the endoscope 102 and supplying illumination light to a light guide provided on the endoscope 102, A video processor 105 connected to the endoscope 102 via a signal cable 104 to control an imaging unit of the endoscope 102 and to process a signal obtained from the imaging unit; And a monitor 106 for displaying the corresponding video. Here, after the endoscope 102 is used for observation and treatment, it is configured to be sterilized by high-pressure steam sterilization after being washed.

The endoscope 102 has an elongated insertion portion 107 having flexibility, an operation portion 108 connected to the proximal end of the insertion portion 107, and extends from a side portion of the operation portion 108. A connecting cord 109 having flexibility, a connector 110 provided at an end of the connecting cord 109, and an electric connector 1 provided at a side of the connector 110.
11 are provided. Here, the connector portion 110 of the connection cord 109 is detachably connected to the light source device 103. Further, a signal cable 104 of a video processor 105 can be detachably connected to the electric connector section 111. The electric connector section 111 is provided with a vent (not shown) for communicating the inside and the outside of the endoscope 102 with each other.

A connecting portion between the insertion portion 107 and the operation portion 108 is provided with an insertion portion-side buckling member 112 having an elastic member for preventing sharp bending of the connection portion. A similar operation-portion-side bending prevention member 113 is provided at a connection portion with the connector 109, and a similar connector-portion-side bending prevention member 114 is provided at a connection portion between the connection cord 109 and the connector portion 110.

The insertion portion 107 is provided at a tip end of a flexible tube portion 115 having flexibility, a bending portion 116 provided at the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 115 and bendable by operation of the operation portion 108. It is composed of a distal end 117 provided with an observation optical system, an illumination optical system, and the like (not shown).

An air supply / water supply nozzle 118 for ejecting a cleaning liquid or gas toward an optical member on the outer surface of the observation optical system (not shown) by an air supply operation and a water supply operation at the tip 117.
And a suction port 119, which is an opening on the distal end side of a treatment tool channel (not shown) for inserting a treatment tool disposed in the insertion portion 107 or for sucking a liquid in a body cavity, and opened toward the observation target. A liquid supply port 120 for ejecting liquid is provided.

The connector section 110 has a gas supply base 121 detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 103 and the water supply tank 1 serving as a liquid supply source.
Water tank pressurizing base 123 detachably connected to 22
And a liquid supply mouthpiece 124. further,
The connector section 110 has a suction base 125 connected to a suction source (not shown) for performing suction from the suction port, an injection base 126 connected to a water supply means (not shown) for supplying water from the liquid supply port 120, If a high-frequency leakage current is generated in the endoscope during high-frequency treatment or the like, a ground terminal base 127 for returning the leakage current to the high-frequency treatment device
Are provided respectively.

The operation unit 108 includes an air / water supply operation button 128 for switching between an air supply operation and a water supply operation, a suction operation button 129 for operating a suction operation, and a bending operation for the bending unit 116. A bending operation knob 130,
A plurality of remote switches 131 for remotely operating the video processor 105 and a treatment tool insertion port 132 which is an opening communicating with a treatment tool channel are provided.

Further, the electric connector 1 of the endoscope 102
A waterproof cap 133 with a pressure adjusting valve can be detachably connected to 11. The waterproof cap 133 is provided with a pressure adjusting valve (not shown).

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray 1 of the storage case 11 in the autoclave device 1 of the present embodiment.
2 is provided with a plurality of installation members 29 for restricting the installation position of the endoscope 102 to a predetermined position. These installation members 29 correspond to the shape of the endoscope 102,
02 are arranged so as to fit in predetermined positions. Here, the insertion section 107 is set in a substantially straight shape from the distal end of the insertion section 107 of the endoscope 102 to the position indicated by the arrow A in FIG. The position of A is the insertion portion 107
Is set to be about 70 cm or more from the tip position.

Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the installation member 29 is provided on the tray 12, the installation member 29 is provided in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 so that the tray A configuration may be adopted in which the endoscope 102 can be installed at a predetermined position in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 even without the 12.

The typical conditions (temperature, time and pressure conditions) of the high-pressure steam sterilization treatment by the autoclave apparatus 1 of the present embodiment are approved by the American National Standards Institute, and the American standard ANSI / AAMI ST37 issued by the Medical Device Development Association. −
1992. Here, it is specified that the pre-vacuum type sterilization process is performed at 132 ° C. for 4 minutes, and the gravity type sterilization process is performed at 132 ° C. for 10 minutes.

In a general pre-vacuum type high-pressure steam sterilization step, a pre-vacuum step is performed in which a sterilization chamber accommodating equipment to be sterilized is depressurized before the sterilization step, and high-pressure high-temperature steam is sent into the sterilization chamber thereafter. A sterilization step for performing sterilization is included. Here, the pre-vacuum process is
This is a step for allowing steam to penetrate into the details of the equipment to be sterilized during the subsequent sterilization step. By reducing the pressure in the sterilization chamber, high-pressure high-temperature steam is distributed throughout the equipment to be sterilized. In the pre-vacuum process, the pressure in the sterilization chamber is generally -0.07 MPa to -atmospheric pressure.
It is set to about 0.09 MPa.

The temperature conditions during the sterilization step of the high-pressure steam sterilization vary depending on the type of the high-pressure steam sterilizer and the time of the sterilization step, but are generally set in the range of about 115 ° C. to 138 ° C. Some sterilizers can be set to about 142 ° C.

Further, the time condition varies depending on the temperature condition in the sterilization step, but is generally set to about 3 to 60 minutes. Some types of sterilizers can be set to about 100 minutes. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this sterilization step is generally +0.2 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.
Set to about.

In some cases, a drying step for reducing the pressure in the sterilization chamber after the sterilization step is included in order to dry the equipment to be sterilized after the sterilization. In this step, the inside of the sterilization chamber is decompressed to remove steam from the sterilization chamber, thereby promoting the drying of the equipment to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally -0.07 to -0.0 with respect to the atmospheric pressure.
It is set to about 09 MPa.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
The ventilation and pressure behavior in the high-pressure steam sterilization treatment by the autoclave device 1 of the present embodiment are as follows. here,
When the endoscope 102 is subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization, the waterproof cap 133 with a pressure regulating valve is attached to the electric connector unit 111. In this state, the pressure adjusting valve (not shown) of the waterproof cap 133 is closed, and the electric connector 111 is closed.
Of the endoscope 1 is closed by the waterproof cap 133.
02 is hermetically sealed with the outside.

In the case of a sterilization method having a pre-vacuum step, if the pressure in the sterilization chamber decreases in the pre-vacuum step and a pressure difference occurs such that the pressure is lower outside the endoscope 102 than inside the endoscope 102. Waterproof cap 133
Is opened, and the inside and the outside of the endoscope 102 communicate with each other through the ventilation port, thereby preventing a large pressure difference between the inside of the endoscope 102 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber. Thus, the endoscope 102 is not damaged by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside.

In the sterilization step, when the pressure inside the sterilization chamber is increased and a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure is higher outside the endoscope 102 than inside the endoscope 102, the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 133 is closed. Accordingly, high-pressure and high-temperature steam does not enter the inside of the endoscope 102 through the waterproof cap 133 and the vent of the electrical connector unit 111. However, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is not supplied to the outer tube of the flexible tube made of a polymer material or the endoscope 102.
Gradually invades the inside from an O-ring or the like made of fluorine rubber, silicon rubber, or the like, which is a sealing means provided at the connection portion of the outer package.

The external body of the endoscope 102 is in a state in which the pressure reduced from the pre-vacuum step and the pressurized pressure in the sterilization step are added, and the state where the pressure from the outside toward the inside is generated. Become.

In the case of a method including a decompression step after the sterilization step, a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure in the sterilization chamber decreases in the decompression step and the pressure is lower outside the endoscope 102 than inside the endoscope 102. At about the same time, the pressure adjusting valve of the waterproof cap 133 opens, and the inside and the outside of the endoscope 102 communicate with each other through the vent of the electric connector unit 111, and a large pressure is applied to the inside of the endoscope 102 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber. Prevent differences from occurring. Thus, the endoscope 102 is not damaged by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside.

Further, when the decompression step is completed and the inside of the sterilization chamber is pressurized and a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure becomes higher outside the endoscope 102 than inside the endoscope 102, the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 133 is closed.

When all the steps of the high-pressure steam sterilization are completed, the outer body of the endoscope 102 is in a state where the pressure from the outside to the inside is generated by the reduced pressure in the decompression step. Here, the waterproof cap 133 is inserted into the insertion portion side
2, the inside of the endoscope 102 communicates with the outside through the ventilation port of the electric connector unit 111, and the inside of the endoscope 102 becomes the atmospheric pressure, and the load caused by the pressure generated in the exterior body of the endoscope 102. Disappears.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of pressure changes in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 in a series of sterilization processing steps by the autoclave apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. . Here, FIG. 6A shows the state of the first chamber 3, and FIG. 6B shows the state of the second chamber 4. In the figure, d1 and d2 indicate one cycle for sterilizing the object to be sterilized. Further, e1 and e2 are preheating steps, f1 and f2 are pre-vacuum (pre-vacuum) steps, g1 and g2 are pressurization and sterilization steps by steam supply, h
1, h2 is a steam discharge and vacuum drying step, j1, j2
Is a post-drying step. The vertical axis indicates pressure, and 0 is atmospheric pressure.

First, a pre-vacuum step f of the first chamber 3
1. Since the suction operation of the suction pump 15 is used in the steam discharge and vacuum drying / drying step h1, it is controlled so as not to overlap with the pre-vacuum step f2 and the steam discharge and vacuum drying / drying step h2 of the second chamber 4. That is, the third valve 22 of the third line 20 and the fourth valve 2 of the fourth line 21
3, the common suction pump 15 also controls the pre-vacuum steps f1 and f2, the steam discharge and the evacuation / drying steps h1,
h2 can be selectively used for suction.

Further, the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are evacuated to vapor and evacuated and dried.
Then, even if the suction action of the suction pump 15 is not always used, in the steam discharging and evacuation drying steps h1 and h2,
If the steam is discharged from the fifth pipe 24 and the sixth pipe 25 by controlling the fifth valve 26 and the sixth valve 27 from the pressurized state to the atmospheric pressure, the suction operation of the suction pump 15 is performed. Is not used, and the suction pump 15
May be used.

The steam supply from the steam supply device 14 is also performed by the first valve 18 of the first line 16 and the second line 1.
7 by controlling the second valve 19, the pressurization by steam supply and the sterilization steps g1 and g2 are performed in the first chamber 3 and the second
Can be used separately so that they do not overlap in the chamber 4.

In general, when an endoscopy is performed in a plurality of examination rooms at a hospital, there are few cases where the endoscope 102 after the examination is washed and sterilized at exactly the same time. Since the endoscopes 102 often deviate, the cleaning / sterilization start times of the endoscopes 102 often deviate.

According to this embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B
As shown in (1), the sterilization processing cycles d1 and d2 of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 can be shifted while partially overlapping, and the steam supply device 14, the suction pump 15, and the process control unit 6 can be shifted. Can be used in common. Therefore, as compared with the case where the dedicated steam supply device 14, the suction pump 15, and the process control unit 6 are individually provided in each of the two autoclave devices, the first chamber 3 is provided as in the autoclave device 1 of the present embodiment. When the steam supply device 14, the suction pump 15, and the process control unit 6 are commonly used in the second chamber 4, the entire device can be made compact and the cost can be reduced. As a result, there is an effect that the autoclave device 1 can be easily installed in the endoscope room or its vicinity.

Normally, in a large hospital, there are a plurality of relatively large high-pressure steam units in the central material room (central sterilization room) of the hospital. In many cases, steam is supplied to each device from a boiler in a boiler room of a hospital, rather than generating steam by the device itself. Many items to be sterilized are sent and processed here from hospital departments, especially from the surgical field.However, due to their large volume, some items to be sterilized are sent to the central material room, and after the sterilization process, the source materials Returning to the department may be, for example, one day later.

On the other hand, an endoscope room for performing gastrointestinal endoscopy is often not adjacent to the central material room.
One endoscope 102 is used, for example, five times a day. That is, in this digestive endoscope, it is better to install a stand-alone type dedicated sterilizer that can generate steam by itself in the endoscope room or in the vicinity thereof, rather than performing high-pressure steam sterilization in the central material room. . In this case, the size and cost of the apparatus may be a major problem. However, in the present embodiment, the stand-alone apparatus can perform independent processing (processes with different cycles) of a plurality of chambers as small as possible at low cost.

In the present embodiment, the process control unit 6, the steam supply unit 14, and the suction pump 15 are common to the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4. If there is an element, the above-described effects are produced.

The size of the first chamber 3 and the size of the second chamber 4 may be substantially the same as shown in FIG. 1, or may be different. For example, the endoscope 102 to be inserted into the entire large intestine may have an insertion portion 107 having a length of 1.6 m or more.
7 is slightly over 1 m. In other words, there are various types of endoscopes 102 with different lengths of the insertion portion 107, and it is not uncommon for hospitals to perform examinations of different parts (for example, stomach and colon) in different examination rooms at the same time. According to the endoscopes 102 having the different lengths, the storage form is also different, and the sizes of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are also different accordingly. By providing a small chamber, the sterilization process can be performed efficiently and the size of the autoclave device 1 can be made as small as possible.

First chamber 3, second chamber 4
By arranging the longest L1 in the vertical direction (height direction), the floor area occupied by the autoclave apparatus 1 can be reduced as much as possible, and it is easy to install the L1 around a narrow endoscopy room. However, while the doors 7 and 8 are provided on the side,
By making the surface including the shortest L3, it is easy for the operator to open and close the doors 7 and 8, and the doors 7 and 8 can be made compact. Easy to install around the endoscopy room.

In this embodiment, the endoscope 102 is stored in a substantially straight shape from the tip of the insertion portion 107 to the position indicated by the arrow A in FIG. Has become. Here, the insertion unit 107
In the case where is held in a rounded shape, the resin on the outer surface of the insertion portion 107 may bend and bend during the high-temperature sterilization step. Thus, as in the present embodiment, the insertion portion 107 is held substantially straight from the tip of the insertion portion 107 to the position of the arrow A, so that the portion does not have a bending habit.

In FIG. 2, the distance from the tip of the insertion portion 107 to the position indicated by the arrow A is, for example, 70 cm. This is because, when the endoscope 102 is generally inserted into the large intestine, the shortest distance (the movable portion of the intestine is inserted so as to be folded) is about 70 cm. Since it is inserted up to this point, it prevents bending of this part. At least the insertion portion 10
When the part 7 is bent and housed, the minimum bending radius part of the bent part (even if it is loosely bent) is not positioned up to 70 cm from the tip of the insertion part 107, so that it can be inserted. Nature can be secured.

Further, the steam that has exited the suction pump 15 or the fifth pipe line 24 and the sixth pipe line 25 for discharging steam becomes water and passes through a pipe 28 to a water tank in the steam supply device 14. By doing so, for example, purified water or the like, which requires some cost, can be reused, and the running cost may be reduced.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, a series of operation steps including a plurality of steps of performing autoclave sterilization by the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 of the autoclave apparatus 1 are performed independently, and the first and second operation steps are performed. During a series of autoclave sterilization operations performed in the chambers 3 and 4, the autoclave sterilization in the first and second chambers 3 and 4 is performed such that different operation processes are performed at the same time by the common process control unit 6. Are controlled simultaneously, so that the autoclave device 1 can be made compact and the cost can be minimized, and a plurality of endoscopes can be sterilized with a time lag, thereby achieving efficient sterilization. There is an effect that processing can be performed.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the autoclave device 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 6A and 6B) is changed as follows.

That is, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal length L1 of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 is long enough to hold the entire insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 in a substantially straight shape. It was done. Here, inside the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, as an installation member 29 for installing the endoscope 102 at a predetermined position, the height direction (the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 Slide member 31 slidable along the vertical direction)
Is provided. A grip portion 32 is provided at a lower end portion of the slide member 31.

Further, the slide member 31 has an operation section holding section 31a for holding an operation section 108 of the endoscope 102.
And an engagement groove 33 for removably engaging the operation-section-side buckling member 113 of the endoscope 102. The projection 3 is formed on the groove wall of the engagement groove 33 on the slide member 31 side.
4. A concave portion 35 is provided on the side of the buckling member 113. Then, when the endoscope 102 is installed on the slide member 31, the convex portion 34 of the slide member 31
Thirteen concave portions 35 are engaged with each other. However, if the endoscope 102 is of a type that cannot be sterilized by high-pressure steam,
Is not provided on the slide member 31 without the concave portion 35.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. The first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 when the autoclave apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is used.
When the endoscope 102 is to be housed, the slide member 31 is lowered in advance by holding the grip portion 32, and the operation portion 108 of the endoscope 102 is attached to the operation portion holding portion 31a of the slide member 31. The endoscope 1 in the engagement groove 33.
The 02 operation unit side buckling prevention member 113 is detachably engaged. After that, the entire endoscope 102 is stored in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 by sliding the slide member 31 upward. When the endoscope 102 is taken out of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, the operation opposite to the case where the endoscope 102 is housed is performed.

By doing so, the length L1 of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 in the vertical direction is made long enough to hold the entire insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 in a substantially straight shape. The operation unit 108 of the endoscope 102
Can be slid in the vertical direction even if it is disposed at a considerably high position above the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, the endoscope 102
Is easily installed in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the endoscope 102 is of a type that cannot be sterilized by high-pressure steam, the folding member 113 is not provided with the concave portion 35 and the slide member 31 is not provided.
Therefore, an endoscope 102 capable of high-pressure steam sterilization can be installed on the slide member 31, but an endoscope incapable of high-pressure steam sterilization cannot be installed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent an endoscope that cannot be subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization from being placed in the autoclave device 1 and subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length L1 of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 in the vertical direction is made long enough to hold the entire insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 in a substantially straight shape. Therefore, the endoscope 102 can be stored in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 without bending the insertion portion 107 as much as possible. Therefore, as described above, it is easy to secure good insertion properties. Here, in the present embodiment, the entire insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 housed in the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 can be held in a substantially straight shape. There is an effect that the insertability of the insertion portion 107 is easily ensured.

Since the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are provided with a slide member 31 slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, the autoclave is provided. Even if the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 of the apparatus 1 are very long in the height direction, the first member 3 and the second chamber 4 can be moved by sliding the slide member 31 up and down. The operation of installing the endoscope 102 at a predetermined position can be easily performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 have a long longitudinal length L1, but the floor area can be reduced, so that the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 can be easily installed in the endoscopy room. is there.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, two separate autoclave devices 41a and 41b are provided.
Each of the autoclave devices 41a and 41b is provided with a chamber for performing high-pressure steam sterilization, a steam generator, a water tank, a suction pump, and the like.

Further, two autoclave devices 41
A common process control unit 42 is provided for a and 41b. Two autoclave devices 41a and 41b are connected to the process control unit 42 via signal lines 43a and 43b, respectively.

The process controller 42 may be incorporated in one of the two autoclave devices 41a and 41b. Further, the process control unit 42 may be configured to be able to wirelessly control the two autoclave devices 41a and 41b by remote control.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the two autoclave devices 41a and 41b are separated from each other, for example, each can be installed in an empty space in the endoscopic examination room. The degree of freedom of the installation form increases. Furthermore, two autoclave devices 41
Since the process control unit 42 is not built in the devices 41a and 41b, the respective devices 41a and 41b can be made a little more compact.

The two autoclave devices 41a,
Even if another autoclave device is connected following 41b, the number of devices may be increased according to the needs of the user.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the storage mode of the endoscope 102 in the tray 12 of the autoclave apparatus 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 6A and 6B) is changed as follows. is there.

That is, in the present embodiment, a plurality of installation members 51 are provided so that the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 that is to be stored substantially straight is installed substantially diagonally to the tray 12. is there. Here, the tray 12 is
When housed in the chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, the substantially straight portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 is
The chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are also installed diagonally.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the plurality of installation members 51 are installed so that the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 that is to be stored substantially straight is installed substantially diagonally to the rectangular tray 12. Provided, the length L21 of the tray 12 in the present embodiment in the longitudinal direction and the length L
When the length 22 is substantially equal to the length L11 in the vertical direction and the length L12 in the depth direction of the tray 12 of the first embodiment, the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 is set longer and substantially straight. can do. Therefore, there is an effect that the insertability of the insertion portion 107 can be more easily maintained than in the first embodiment.

When the length of the substantially straight portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 is the same in the first embodiment and the present embodiment, the tray 12 of the present embodiment is not used. Can be made shorter than the length L11 of the tray 12 in the first embodiment in the vertical direction, so that the length of the autoclave apparatus 1 in the height direction can be slightly shortened.
Therefore, there is an effect that the autoclave device 1 can be made more compact.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of an autoclave device 61 of the present embodiment. In the autoclave device 61, two chambers 63 and 64 for high-pressure steam sterilization are provided in a case 62. Here, the long axes of the first chamber 63 and the second chamber 64 are arranged in a state obliquely directed to the floor surface.

Further, the two chambers 63 and 64 have wide portions 63a and 64a and narrow portions 63b and 64, respectively.
b. Here, the first chamber 6
3, the wide portion 63a and the elongated portion 63b, the second chamber 6
4, the wide portion 64a and the elongated portion 64b are connected to each other without blocking the internal space.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The wide portion 65 is also provided in the tray 65 stored in
a and an elongated portion 65b. Here, the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102 is accommodated in the elongated portion 65b in a substantially straight shape.

Further, the endoscope 102 is attached to the wide portion 65a.
Operating unit 108, connecting code 109, connector unit 110
There are provided a plurality of installation members 66 for restricting the installation position to a predetermined position. Then, when these are stored in a predetermined position, the distal end side of the insertion portion 107 naturally becomes the elongated portion 65b.
It can be stored in.

The tray 65 is moved to the chamber 63,
When the tray 65 is housed, the elongated portions 65b of the tray 65 are accommodated in the elongated portions 63b and 64b of the chambers 63 and 64, and the wide portions 65a of the tray 65 are accommodated in the wide portions 63a and 64a.

The autoclave device 61 according to the present embodiment has the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6A,
As in the autoclave apparatus 1 of (B), a process control unit 6, a drive unit 5, and the like are provided.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the long axes (longitudinal direction) of the elongated chambers 63 and 64 are arranged obliquely with respect to the floor as a whole.
1 can occupy a relatively small floor area.

The doors 67, 64 of the chambers 63, 64
68 can be made more compact than the autoclave device 1 of the first embodiment, so that it is not obstructive, and the positions of the doors 67, 68 can be prevented from becoming too high. The opening and closing work of 68 can also be relatively easily performed.

The two chambers 63 and 64 are respectively divided into wide portions 63a and 64a and elongated portions 63b and 64b.
The tray 65 accommodated in each of the chambers 63 and 64 is also provided with a wide portion 65a and an elongated portion 65b, and the two chambers 63 and 64 and the tray 65 are combined with a wide portion and an elongated portion. While keeping the distal end of the insertion portion 107 as long and almost straight as possible,
The volume of 3, 64 is prevented from becoming too large as compared with the volume of endoscope 102. As a result, the endoscope 102 can be sterilized with a minimum necessary amount of steam, so that the sterilization can be performed efficiently.

In addition, by not unnecessarily increasing the size of the chambers 63 and 64, there is an effect that the autoclave device 61 can be made compact.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows. (Additional Item 1) A first chamber for loading a series of autoclave sterilization steps consisting of a plurality of steps, and a step different from the first chamber is partially overlapped with the loading time of the first chamber. An autoclave device having a second chamber to be operated and a common control device for simultaneously controlling loads on the first and second chambers.

(Additional Item 2) An autoclave device according to the additional item 1, wherein the common control device includes a steam supply device and / or a suction pump.

(Additional Item 3) The autoclave apparatus according to the additional item 1, wherein the first and second chambers have an installation means for installing the endoscope at a predetermined position.

(Additional Item 4) An autoclave apparatus according to the additional item 3, wherein the installation means is provided on a tray member that can be stored in each chamber.

(Additional Item 5) The autoclave according to the additional item 1, wherein the first and second chambers have a long axis in a vertical direction from the floor surface, and a door is provided on a side surface along the long axis. apparatus.

(Additional Item 6) The autoclave according to the additional item 1, wherein the major axes of the first and second chambers are provided obliquely to the floor surface.

(Additional Item 7) The autoclave device according to the additional item 1, wherein the first and second chambers are provided in independent devices, respectively.

(Additional Item 8) An autoclave apparatus according to the additional item 1, wherein the first and second chambers have different shapes.

(Additional Item 9) The endoscope insertion portion is housed,
A first chamber portion slightly larger than the insertion portion;
When the endoscope operation section is installed in the second chamber section, the second chamber section is continuous with the second chamber section and can store the endoscope operation section and is wider than the first chamber. An autoclave device, comprising: an installation unit in which the insertion unit is installed in the first chamber.

(Prior Art in Additional Items 1 to 9)
285103 (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 1 to 8) In the prior art, high-pressure steam sterilization (autoclave) for sterilizing an endoscope
One example of the device is shown. In general, in gastrointestinal endoscopy, a hospital often has a plurality of examination rooms (examination beds and equipment), and a plurality of endoscopes are used, and one endoscope is used as one endoscope.
Use multiple times a day. In the prior art, since one endoscope is sterilized by one high-pressure steam sterilizer,
When the endoscopes after examinations from a plurality of examination rooms are successively sterilized, it is necessary to provide a plurality of the high-pressure steam sterilizers, and there is a possibility that the installation space of the sterilizers may be insufficient or expensive. Further, even if a plurality of endoscopes can be stored in one sterilization tank (chamber) of one sterilization apparatus, each endoscope delivered from each examination room often has a time lag rather than simultaneous arrival. Therefore, efficient sterilization cannot be performed.

(Purpose of Supplementary Items 1 to 8) A high-pressure steam sterilizer for endoscopes is made compact so as to minimize the cost, and a plurality of endoscopes can be sterilized with a time difference.

(Means for Solving the Problem in Additional Item 1)
By providing a first chamber and a second chamber in a high-pressure steam sterilizer (or system) and controlling a series of sterilization processes by a common controller, it is possible to prevent the apparatus from increasing in size and increasing costs as much as possible.

(Effects of Supplementary Items 1 to 8) A high-pressure steam sterilizer for endoscopes can be made compact and the cost can be minimized, and sterilization can be performed on a plurality of endoscopes with a time difference. .

(Problem to be Solved by Additional Item 9) In the prior art, a sterilization tank (chamber) of a high-pressure steam sterilizer is used.
However, since the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope is considerably long, the insertion portion is stored in a high-pressure steam sterilizer in a bent state.
In this case, there is a possibility that the insertion portion may be bent due to the high-pressure steam sterilization, and the performance such as the insertability of the insertion portion into a living body may be reduced. In addition, simply increasing the size of the chamber so as not to bend the insertion portion may cause the entire apparatus to become extremely large and may not be able to be placed in the endoscopy room.

(Purpose of Supplementary Item 9) At least a predetermined portion of the endoscope insertion portion can be stored substantially straight, and the entire device is made as compact as possible.

(Means for Solving the Problem in Additional Item 9)
By changing the shape of the chamber of the high-pressure steam sterilizer between the part where the endoscope insertion part is stored and the part where the endoscope operation part is stored, the space can be stored while the predetermined part of the insertion part is stored almost straight. It becomes an efficient and compact device.

(Effect of Supplementary Item 9) At least a predetermined portion of the endoscope insertion portion can be stored substantially straight, and the entire device can be made compact.

[0100]

According to the present invention, a series of working steps consisting of a plurality of steps for performing autoclave sterilization in a plurality of working chambers are performed independently, and a series of working steps for autoclave sterilization performed in each working chamber are performed. In addition, by simultaneously controlling a series of autoclave sterilization work processes in each work room in a state where different work processes are performed at the same time by a common control device, it is possible to minimize the size and cost of the device. Therefore, the configuration of the entire apparatus is compact, cost can be reduced, and sterilization can be performed with a time difference between a plurality of endoscopes, so that efficient sterilization can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an entire autoclave device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the endoscope is stored in a tray of a storage case in the autoclave device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing a pipeline configuration of the autoclave device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a connection state of a controller of the autoclave device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire system of an endoscope apparatus that is subjected to autoclave sterilization by the autoclave apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a series of sterilization processing steps by the autoclave device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4B is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a pressure change in the chamber of FIG.
9 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a pressure change in the second chamber.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an autoclave device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part showing an autoclave device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a storage state of an endoscope in a tray in an autoclave apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an autoclave device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a storage state of an endoscope in a tray in an autoclave device according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 First chamber (working room) 4 Second chamber (working room) 6 Process control unit (control device)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of working chambers for performing a series of working steps including a plurality of steps for performing autoclave sterilization are provided independently of each other, and in each of the working chambers, a series of working steps for independently performing autoclave sterilization are performed. While being performed, during the series of working steps of the autoclave sterilization performed in the respective working chambers, the series of working steps of the autoclave sterilization in the respective working chambers are simultaneously controlled so that different working steps are performed at the same time. An autoclave device provided with a common control device.