JP2003047646A - Sterilization apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilization apparatus capable of preparing a pressure chamber of a suitable capacity according to the shape of a matter to be sterilized. SOLUTION: In this apparatus, a block 32 for limiting the capacity of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 for housing an endoscope 31, to which a sterilizing fluid is supplied, is set in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 to regulate the flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the circumference of the endoscope 31.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pressure chamber (sterilization chamber).
The present invention relates to a sterilizer for sterilizing an object to be sterilized, such as an endoscope, stored in a sterilizing fluid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a sterilizer for sterilizing an object to be sterilized stored in a pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) formed in a can with a sterilizing fluid such as high-pressure steam or EOG (ethylene oxide gas). Are known. In this sterilizer, a pressure inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) has been negatively sucked in to sterilize a sterilizing fluid to improve the permeability into the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) or an object to be sterilized. ) By pushing a high-pressure sterilizing fluid and pressurizing it, the vapor temperature of the sterilizing fluid is raised, and the permeability of the sterilizing fluid into the sterilized object is also raised. Therefore, the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) for storing the object to be sterilized must be made of a pressure container having pressure resistance. In this case, in the design of the pressure vessel, the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) has a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape from the viewpoint of its strength so that the pressure resistance can be easily calculated.

Further, FIG. 8 shows a state in which an endoscope c is set as an object to be sterilized in a pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b of a conventional sterilizer a which is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening / closing door d is provided on the front surface of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b.

A shelf e is arranged in the middle position inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b. Further, a top plate f of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b is provided with a sterilizing fluid supply nozzle g, and a floor plate h is provided with a drain nozzle i. A packing j is attached between the inner wall surfaces of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b, and the entire interior of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b is hermetically sealed.

[0005]

In the conventional sterilizer,
Since the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) cannot be designed according to the shape of the object to be sterilized, depending on the shape of the object to be sterilized, there is a problem that an unnecessary space (dead space) can be created in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber). For example, when the endoscope c is set as the object to be sterilized on the shelf e of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b of the conventional sterilizer a formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. Since the mirror c does not take up space in the height direction for its depth,
A considerably large dead space is created in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b. Therefore, the sterilizing fluid has to be used more than necessary, resulting in waste of cost and fluid intake / discharge time.

Further, for example, in the case of a high-pressure steam sterilizer, the amount of heat is required for the dead space, so that energy is wasted. In addition, it takes a lot of time to intake and exhaust steam. In particular, medical devices such as the endoscope c are desired to be used immediately in the next case, and therefore, it is strongly demanded that the sterilization time be as short as possible. Therefore, the wasted time used for intake and exhaust of vapor is very problematic.

Since the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b has a large internal volume, the concentration of the sterilizing fluid and the temperature distribution inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) b are likely to be uneven. for that reason,
Since the sterilization time must be set with a sufficient time, there is a problem that the working time of the entire sterilization process is extended.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a sterilizer capable of preparing a pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) having an appropriate volume in accordance with the shape of an object to be sterilized. Especially.

[0009]

According to the invention of claim 1, a pressure chamber capable of pressurizing or depressurizing an object to be sterilized, a sterilizing fluid supplying means for supplying a sterilizing fluid to the pressure chamber, and the pressure chamber are provided. A sterilization apparatus, which is capable of being installed inside the device, regulates a flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied around the object to be sterilized, and limits the volume of the pressure chamber. is there. Further, in the invention of claim 1, when the object to be sterilized is placed in the pressure chamber, a block having a shape that makes a flow of the sterilizing fluid efficiently contact the object to be sterilized in accordance with the unique shape of the object to be sterilized. By installing in the pressure chamber, the dead space in the pressure chamber can be effectively filled according to the unique shape of the sterilized object, and the amount of sterile fluid used can be minimized without changing the design of the pressure chamber. Can be suppressed. This not only reduces the running cost of the sterilizing fluid, but also shortens the time required to supply and discharge the sterilizing fluid, thereby shortening the sterilization process time.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the volume adjusting member is
The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizer is detachable from the pressure chamber. The block of the volume adjusting member can be attached to the inner wall of the pressure chamber including the inner wall of the door. Further, according to the invention of claim 2, by making the volume adjusting member detachable, an optimum block shape of the volume adjusting member can be selected according to the shape of the object to be sterilized. The cost and process time of the object to be sterilized are minimized, and the efficiency of the entire apparatus is greatly improved.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the volume adjusting member is
The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization apparatus is formed and arranged so as to form a sterilization space that substantially follows the shape of the object to be sterilized. And in the invention of claim 3,
A volume adjusting member that fills the gap between the pressure chamber and the object to be sterilized creates a sterilization space that is substantially in line with the shape of the object to be sterilized so that the sterilizing fluid can efficiently contact the object to be sterilized. It is a thing.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire sterilization apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The sterilization apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a can body 2 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) capable of pressurizing or depressurizing an object to be sterilized is stored inside the can body 2.
3 is formed.

Furthermore, inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, a shelf 4 for placing an object to be sterilized is arranged at an intermediate position. A packing 30 is attached between the inner wall surfaces of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 to hermetically seal the entire interior of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3.

On the top plate 3a of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, a sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 and an intake port 6 are provided. Here, a steam generator (sterile fluid supply means) 7 is connected to the sterile fluid supply nozzle 5 via a fluid conduit. Further, a water softener 9 and a steam generator water supply tank 10 are connected to the steam generator 7 via a switching valve 8.
Are respectively connected. The water softener 9 and the steam generator water supply tank 10 are a water supply port 11 for steam and a manual water supply port 1 formed in the casing of the sterilizer 1.
2 connected to each. The intake port 6 is connected via an air filter 13 to an intake port 14 formed in the casing of the sterilizer 1.

On the side wall surface 3b of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, a high pressure air supply nozzle 15, a temperature sensor 16 and a pressure sensor 17 are provided. Here, a compressor 18 is connected to the high-pressure air supply nozzle 15 via a fluid conduit. Further, the compressor 18 is connected to the air filter 13 via a check valve 19.

Further, the temperature sensor 16 and the pressure sensor 1
7 is connected to the control box 20. A display device 21 and a recording device 22 are incorporated in the control box 20.

Further, a drain nozzle 23 is arranged on the floor plate 3c of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3. A vacuum pump 24 is connected to the drain nozzle 23. The vacuum pump 24 is connected to a pump water supply port 25 formed in the casing of the sterilizer 1. Further, an exhaust steam cooling device 26 is connected to the vacuum pump 24. The exhaust steam cooling device 26 is connected to a cooling water supply port 27 and a drain drain port 28 formed in the casing of the sterilizer 1, respectively. In addition, 29 is a pressure gauge.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 of the sterilizer 1 of this embodiment. Inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, an object to be sterilized placed on a shelf 4 in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, for example, an endoscope 31 and an inner wall surface 3d of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 A plurality of blocks (volume adjusting members) 32 that fill the dead space between the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 and limit the volume of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 are detachably installed in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3. These blocks 32
A guide surface 33 for restricting the flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied around the endoscope 31 housed inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 is formed on the inner surface side of the. Here, each block 3
On the guide surface 33 of No. 2, the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 of the top plate 3a of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 and the floor plate 3 of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 are provided.
The fluid conduit 33a that connects the drain nozzle 23 of FIG. 3c to the drain nozzle 23 in a substantially straight line, and the endoscope housing space 33 that surrounds the periphery of the endoscope 31.
b are formed. Then, the high-pressure steam supplied from the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 of the top plate 3a of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 is introduced from the fluid conduit 33a of the guide surface 33 of each block 32 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. After flowing into the endoscope housing space 33b around the endoscope 31, the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3
The flow is discharged to the outside from the drain nozzle 23 of the floor plate 3c, and the high pressure steam efficiently wraps around and contacts a long sterilized object such as the endoscope 31.

A plurality of temperature sensors 35 are provided inside the endoscope 31, as shown in FIG. These temperature sensors 35 are installed in a plurality of thin pipes 36 inside the endoscope 31. Further, each temperature sensor 35 is connected via a signal line 37 to a signal pin 38 arranged on the near side operation unit 31 a of the endoscope 31. Then, when the endoscope 31 is set inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, the signal pin 38 of the hand side operation unit 31a is connected to a control circuit (not shown) on the sterilization device 1 side of the present embodiment. It has become so.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When the sterilization apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is used, the endoscope 31 which is an object to be sterilized is set on the shelf 4 inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 while being set. A plurality of blocks 32 are installed inside the sterilization chamber 3. Therefore, these blocks 32 can fill the dead space between the endoscope 31 and the inner wall surface 3d of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 to limit the volume of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3. At this time, the guide surface 3 on the inner surface side of each block 32
3, a fluid conduit 33a that connects the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 of the top plate 3a of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 and the drain nozzle 23 of the floor plate 3c of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 in a substantially linear manner,
An endoscope housing space 33b that surrounds the periphery of the endoscope 31 is formed.

During the work of sterilizing the endoscope 31 with steam, the high-pressure steam supplied from the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 of the top plate 3a of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 is supplied as indicated by arrows in FIG. After flowing from the fluid conduit 33a of the guide surface 33 of the block 32 into the endoscope housing space 33b around the endoscope 31, the drain nozzle 2 of the floor plate 3c of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3
It flows in a state of being discharged from the outside. As a result, the flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inside of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 can be regulated by the guide surface 33 of each block 32 so as to efficiently circulate around the endoscope 31 to be in contact therewith. .

Therefore, the following effects are obtained with the above-mentioned structure. That is, in the present embodiment, the object to be sterilized placed inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 on the shelf 4 in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, for example, the endoscope 31 and the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3. Three
Since a plurality of blocks 32 for filling the dead space between the inner wall surface 3d and the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 to limit the volume of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 are detachably installed in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3, The block 32 fills a dead space between the endoscope 31 and the inner wall surface 3d of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3,
The volume of the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 can be limited. Therefore, the amount of sterilization fluid used in the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 can be minimized without changing the design of the can body 2 that is a pressure container. As a result, not only the running cost of the sterilizing fluid can be reduced, but also the time required for supplying and discharging the sterilizing fluid can be shortened, and the sterilization process time can be shortened.

The block 32 is replaced by a pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3
The optimal block shape can be selected according to the shape of the object to be sterilized by detachably installing it on the object to be sterilized in various shapes with one pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 (can 2). Can be adapted to. Therefore, the amount of sterilizing fluid used in the pressure chamber (sterilizing chamber) 3 can be minimized regardless of the shape of the sterilized object, the running cost of the sterilizing fluid can be reduced, and the supply and discharge of the sterilizing fluid can be reduced. The time can also be shortened, and the sterilization process time can be shortened, and there is an effect that the sterilization apparatus 1 with extremely high efficiency can be obtained. Further, since the sterilization apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can use the can body 2 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as it is, there is also an effect that a sterilization chamber shape suitable for an object to be sterilized can be realized without special strength calculation.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor 35 is provided in the thin conduit 36 inside the endoscope 31.
As a result of the installation, the time required for sterilization after the actual temperature in the pipeline 36 reaches the set temperature can be counted by a control circuit (not shown) on the sterilizer 1 side. Therefore, since the sterilization process can be completed in an accurate time, the processing time can be shortened because there is no extra margin time.

Further, during the sterilization process, the sterilization temperature in the narrow pipe line 36 inside the endoscope 31 is monitored and recorded, which is effective in keeping the compensation data.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the endoscope 31 that is weak against heat is used.
When sterilizing an object to be sterilized with the high-pressure steam sterilizer 1, a special case 41 used for eliminating the bending tendency due to heat is used. Inside the case 41, there is provided a shape regulating member 42 that regulates the state of the endoscope 31 so that the endoscope 31 is not bent. The shape regulating member 42 is formed with a housing groove 43 that matches the shape of each part of the endoscope 31. That is, in the accommodation groove 43 of the shape regulating member 42, the insertion portion accommodation groove 43a for accommodating the elongated insertion portion 31b of the endoscope 31 and the proximal operation portion accommodation for accommodating the proximal operation portion 31a of the endoscope 31. Groove 43
b, a universal cord accommodation groove 43c for accommodating the universal cord 31c of the endoscope 31, and an accessory component accommodation groove 43d for accommodating the accessory component 31d of the endoscope 31 are provided.

Further, the case 41 has a shape regulating member 42.
A plurality of vent holes (not shown) communicating with the accommodation groove 43 are formed. For example, one of the ventilation holes is the insertion portion accommodation groove 4
The end portion of 3a and the other vents are arranged at the end of the universal cord housing groove 43c. Then, during the sterilization process, the sterilizing fluid in the sterilizer 1 flows into the accommodation groove 43 of the shape regulating member 42 from one vent hole, then flows along the accommodation groove 43, and is discharged from the other vent hole. As a result, the endoscope 31 in the accommodation groove 43 is set to efficiently contact the endoscope 31.

Further, the shape regulating member 4 inside the case 41
2 is removable and can be changed into a shape suitable for the object to be sterilized, and its shape is set so that the flow of steam efficiently contacts the object to be sterilized.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the shape regulating member 42 mounted inside the case 41 for housing the endoscope 31.
A housing groove 43 that matches the shape of each part of the endoscope 31 is formed in the housing 31, and each part of the endoscope 31 is housed in the housing groove 43, and a plurality of ventilation holes (not shown) communicating with the housing groove 43 are formed. During the sterilization process, the sterilizing fluid in the sterilization apparatus 1 flows into the accommodation groove 43 of the shape regulating member 42 from one of the ventilation holes during the sterilization process, and then flows along the accommodation groove 43 to flow from the other ventilation hole. Since it is set to efficiently contact the endoscope 31 in the accommodation groove 43 by being discharged,
The shape regulating member 42 mounted inside the case 41 can be used for the purpose of reducing the dead space around the endoscope 31 in the case 41. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 to FIG. 3), the usage amount of the sterilizing fluid inside the case 41 can be minimized, and the running cost of the sterilizing fluid can be reduced. In addition to lowering the time, the time required for supplying and discharging the sterilizing fluid can be shortened, and the sterilization process time can be shortened.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the structure of the block 32 mounted inside the can body 2 of the sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3) is modified as follows.

That is, in the present embodiment, the block 32 housed inside the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 3 is divided into upper and lower parts to form an upper block 51 and a lower block 52. Further, on the inner wall surfaces of the upper and lower blocks 51, 52, from the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 to the pressure chamber (sterilization chamber).
A guide groove 54 for guiding the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inside of the tube 3 toward the conduit inlet 53 of the thin conduit 36 of the endoscope 31 is formed.

In the present embodiment, the sterilizing fluid supplied from the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 into the pressure chamber (sterilizing chamber) 3 is guided along the guide grooves 54 on the inner wall surfaces of the upper and lower blocks 51, 52. Since it can be smoothly guided to the conduit inlet 53 of the thin conduit 36 of the endoscope 31, the sterilizing fluid can easily enter the thin conduit 36 of the endoscope 31.

When sterilizing an object to be sterilized using a glass lens such as the endoscope 31 with high pressure steam, the high temperature steam immediately after being ejected from the sterilizing fluid supply nozzle 5 vigorously stimulates the endoscope 31 and the like. A partition-like windbreak portion may be provided so as to protrude from a part of the blocks 51 and 52 so as not to directly hit the lens.

Further, FIGS. 6 and 7A and 7B show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of, in the present embodiment, three hooks 63 are provided on the back wall surface 62a inside the vertically long chamber body 62 of the autoclave device 61. A chamber lid 64 is provided on the front surface of the chamber body 62.
Is provided. The chamber lid 64 is closed during sterilization.

The endoscope 64 is replaced by the autoclave device 6
When the sterilization treatment is performed by mounting the endoscope 1 on the No. 1 and the endoscope 64 is set in advance in the sterilization peel pack 65 as shown in FIG. 7 (A), or the sterilization tray 6 as shown in FIG. 7 (B).
The endoscope 64 is set in 7 and is set in the vertically long chamber body 62 of the autoclave device.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which an object to be sterilized such as the endoscope 64 is put in a sterilizing peel pack 65 and hermetically sealed. The sterilizing peel pack 65 is used to put an object to be sterilized and to pack it with a heat sealer or the like. It is a bag-like bag made of, for example, a paper sterilization packaging material that allows steam and gas to pass but does not allow bacteria to pass. Has been formed. The sterilization peel pack 65 can be maintained in a sterilized state for a while unless it is opened after sterilization.

The sterilizing peel pack 65 is provided with a plurality of hook holes 66. Then, the sterilizing peel pack 65 has the hole 66 for each hook in the chamber body 6
The second hook 63 is inserted and hooked, and is hung from the hook 63 of the chamber body 62.

FIG. 7B shows a state in which the endoscope 64, which is the object to be sterilized, is placed in the sterilization tray 67 and hermetically sealed.
The sterilization tray 67 is provided with a plurality of hooks 68 for restricting the mounting shape of the endoscope 64. Further, a hook hole 69 is provided on the upper portion of the sterilization tray 67. The sterilization tray 67 is hung from the hook 63 of the chamber body 62 while the hook 63 at the upper position of the chamber body 62 is inserted and hooked in the hook hole 69 of the sterilization tray 67. Has become.

With these configurations, the autoclave device 61 can be downsized, the bending tendency of the endoscope 64 can be prevented, and the endoscope 64 can be easily sterilized by the high-pressure steam sterilizer.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows. (Additional Item 1) In a sterilizer for sterilizing an object to be sterilized with a sterilizing fluid, a pressure chamber capable of pressurizing or depressurizing the object to be sterilized, the pressure chamber being provided inside the pressure chamber, A sterilizing apparatus comprising: a member that regulates a flow path of a sterilizing fluid to be supplied to the periphery of an object to be sterilized, and that reduces a necessary supply volume of the fluid in the pressure vessel.

(Additional Item 2) In the above additional item 1, a member for restricting a flow path of a sterilizing fluid supplied to the periphery of the object to be sterilized and for reducing a volume required for supplying the fluid of the pressure vessel is detachable. A sterilizer that can change the shape of the object to be sterilized.

(Additional Item 3) A pressure chamber capable of pressurizing or depressurizing an object to be sterilized by a sterilizing fluid so as to be sterilized,
A sterilizer, which can be installed inside the pressure chamber, regulates the flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the periphery of the object to be sterilized, and limits the volume of the pressure chamber.

(Additional Item 4) The sterilizer according to Additional Item 3, wherein the member is detachable from the pressure chamber.

(Additional Item 5) The sterilizing apparatus according to Additional Item 3, wherein the member is formed and arranged so as to form a sterilizing space substantially following the shape of the object to be sterilized.

(Prior Art of Supplementary Items 1-5) Conventionally, a sterilizer for sterilizing an object to be sterilized with a sterilizing fluid such as high-pressure steam or EOG gas is used in a sterilization chamber (can body) for accommodating the object to be sterilized. Negative pressure to suck in the sterilizing fluid to improve the permeability into the can and the object to be sterilized, or press the high-pressure sterilizing fluid into the sterilization chamber (can) to pressurize and raise the vapor temperature of the sterilizing fluid. Also, the permeability of the sterilizing fluid to the sterilized object is increased. Therefore, the sterilization chamber (can) for accommodating the object to be sterilized must be made of a pressure vessel having pressure resistance. In this case, in the design of the pressure vessel, the can body has a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape for which strength calculation is easy, from the viewpoint of safety.

(Problems to be solved by the additional items 1 to 5)
With conventional sterilizers, the can body cannot be designed according to the shape of the object to be sterilized. Therefore, depending on the shape of the object to be sterilized, there is a wasted space in the sterilization chamber (can), and sterilizing fluid is used more than necessary. This has been a waste of cost and fluid intake and exhaust time. In addition, since the sterilization chamber (can body) is large, the concentration and temperature distribution of the sterilization fluid inside the sterilization chamber (can body) is likely to be uneven. Therefore, the sterilization time must be set long enough. Since it does not happen, the process time has been extended.

(Purposes of Supplementary Items 1 to 5) The purpose is to prepare a sterilization chamber (can body) suitable for the shape of the object to be sterilized.

(Means for Solving the Problem of Additional Item 1)
When the object to be sterilized is placed in the sterilization chamber (can) of the sterilizer, the gap between the object to be sterilized and the sterilization chamber (can) can be effectively matched to the peculiar shape of the object to be sterilized ( A can, which is a pressure vessel, can be filled with a dead space in the can body, and one or more blocks having a shape that makes the flow of the sterilizing fluid efficiently contact the object to be sterilized are attached to the can body. The amount of sterilization fluid used can be minimized without changing the body design, which not only reduces the running cost of sterilization fluid, but also shortens the time required to supply and discharge sterilization fluid. Can be shortened. In addition, by making the block removable, you can select the optimal block shape according to the shape of the sterilized object, and the minimum cost for the sterilized object of various shapes in one sterilization chamber (can) And, since the process time can be obtained, the sterilizer is very efficient.

(Effects of Additional Items 1 to 5) Since the amount of the sterilizing fluid used can be minimized without changing the design of the can body which is the pressure vessel, not only the running cost of the sterilizing fluid can be reduced. Since the time required for supplying and discharging the sterilizing fluid is also shortened, the sterilization process time can be shortened. In addition, by making the block removable, you can select the optimal block shape according to the shape of the sterilized object, and the minimum cost for the sterilized object of various shapes in one sterilization chamber (can) And, since the process time can be obtained, the sterilizer is very efficient.

(Additional Item 6) In an autoclave device having a vertically long chamber, a peel pack having an endoscope inside the chamber or a hook for hanging the tray is provided, and the peel pack and the tray are hooked to the hook. An autoclave device characterized by the provision of holes or grooves.

(Prior Art of Supplementary Note 6) Conventionally, when an endoscope is set in an autoclave, the endoscope to be sterilized is used by putting it in a sterilization peel pack or a sterilization tray. ing. The sterilization peel pack is a product that contains the material to be sterilized and is packed with a heat sealer, etc. It allows steam and gas to pass but does not allow bacteria to pass. After sterilization, the sterilized state can be maintained for a while if it is not opened.

(Problem to be Solved by Supplementary Note 6) The chamber (high-pressure container) of a general autoclave device has a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When sterilizing an endoscope with an autoclave device, There was a problem that the cylindrical shape was too small to enter, and the rectangular parallelepiped shape was too large to take a long time for sterilization. Further, since the endoscope uses a unique material, there is a problem that if the shape to be inserted into the autoclave device is not regulated, it will have a bending tendency after sterilization. To solve these problems, improve productivity,
In order to improve usability and reduce the size of the apparatus, it is desirable that the chamber has a vertically long shape. In this case, if the shape of the endoscope is regulated and it is attempted to be attached, there is a problem that the conventional peeling pack for sterilization or the tray for sterilization cannot be properly attached.

(Purpose of Supplementary Note 6) To provide a compact high-pressure steam sterilizer (hereinafter referred to as an autoclave device) and a device which is easy to use.

(Means for Solving the Problem of Supplementary Note 6)
In order to solve these problems, the present embodiment provides a sterilizing peel pack containing an endoscope or a hook for suspending a sterilizing tray in the chamber of an autoclave device having a vertically long chamber. ,further,
A sterilizing peel pack or a sterilizing tray was provided with hook holes for hooking on the hooks.

[0055]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the volume adjusting member is installed inside the pressure chamber in which the sterilizing fluid is supplied and the object to be sterilized is accommodated. Since the flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the surroundings is regulated and the volume of the pressure chamber is limited, it is possible to prepare the pressure chamber having a suitable volume according to the shape of the object to be sterilized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by making the volume adjusting member detachable, the optimum block shape of the volume adjusting member can be selected according to the shape of the object to be sterilized. For a shaped object to be sterilized, the minimum cost and process time can be obtained, and the efficiency of the entire apparatus can be significantly increased.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the sterilization space is formed substantially along the shape of the object to be sterilized by the volume adjusting member that fills the gap between the object to be sterilized in the pressure chamber and the pressure chamber, and the sterilizing fluid is efficiently supplied. A flow can be created that contacts the item to be sterilized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire high-pressure steam sterilizer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a sterilization chamber in the high-pressure steam sterilizer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the endoscope housed in the sterilization chamber in the high-pressure steam sterilizer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the main configuration of a high-pressure steam sterilizer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of a high-pressure steam sterilizer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of a high-pressure steam sterilizer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a state in which an endoscope to be treated by the high-pressure steam sterilizer of the fourth embodiment is put in a sterilization peel pack and hermetically sealed, and FIG. 7B shows the endoscope. The perspective view which shows the state which put in the tray for sterilization, and was sealed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which an endoscope is set in a sterilization chamber of a conventional sterilizer.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 Pressure chamber (sterilization chamber) 7 Steam generator (sterile fluid supply means) 31 Endoscope (sterilized object) 32 blocks (volume adjustment member) 33 Guide surface

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Jun Hasegawa             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sawa Sawako             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yuki Nagai             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiaki Noguchi             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C058 AA15 BB05 DD04 DD06 EE00                       EE12 EE22 JJ15                 4C061 AA00 BB00 CC00 DD03 GG09

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A pressure chamber capable of pressurizing or depressurizing an object to be sterilized, sterilizing fluid supply means for supplying a sterilizing fluid to the pressure chamber, and the object to be sterilized which can be installed inside the pressure chamber. And a volume adjusting member that restricts the flow of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the periphery of the pressure chamber and limits the volume of the pressure chamber. 2. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the volume adjusting member is detachable from the pressure chamber. 3. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the volume adjusting member is formed and arranged so as to form a sterilization space that substantially conforms to the shape of the object to be sterilized.