JP2004147967A

JP2004147967A - Apparatus and method for ultrasonic cleaning and sterilization

Info

Publication number: JP2004147967A
Application number: JP2002318289A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Takehiko Maki; 岳彦牧; Yuichi Takahashi; 裕一高橋; Hiroaki Segawa; 裕明瀬川
Original assignee: Miura Co Ltd; Sharp Corp; Sharp Manufacturing Systems Corp
Current assignee: Miura Co Ltd; Sharp Corp; Sharp Manufacturing Systems Corp
Priority date: 2002-10-31
Filing date: 2002-10-31
Publication date: 2004-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-31
Also published as: JP4177639B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and a method for ultrasonic cleaning and sterilization, which shorten time for cleaning treatment of an object to be treated, by enabling a sharp rise in the temperature of a cleaning liquid, and which enable the use of the object to be treated, immediately after the sterilization. <P>SOLUTION: This apparatus is equipped with: a pressure-tight container 1 for housing the object to be treated; a heat-medium-fluid introducing space forming part 2 which is provided on the outer peripheral wall part of the container 1, so as to introduce the heat medium fluid supplied from outside and transfer the heat of the heat medium fluid to the container 1; a cleaning fluid supply means 3 for supplying the cleaning fluid into the container 1; a vapor supply means 4 for supplying vapor into the container 1; an ultrasonic vibrator 5 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the cleaning liquid in the container 1; and a discharge means 6 for discharging the cleaning liquid in the container 1; and a decompression means 7 for decompressing the inside of the container 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、医療器具等の被処理物を効率よく洗浄し滅菌する超音波洗浄滅菌装置及び洗浄滅菌方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
病院等の医療機関や検査機関では、医療器具等は繰り返し使用されているケースが多い。医療器具の再使用にあっては、二次感染を防ぐために、充分な洗浄と滅菌が要求される。かかる医療器具等を洗浄する装置として超音波洗浄装置が、そして滅菌する装置として高圧蒸気滅菌装置（オートクレープ装置）が知られている。従来、超音波洗浄装置と高圧蒸気滅菌装置は別々の装置として使用されていたが、近年、超音波洗浄と高圧蒸気滅菌を兼ね備えた超音波洗浄滅菌装置が提案されている。
【０００３】
例えば、特許文献１には、チャンバ内の水を電気ヒーターで加熱し、超音波振動を与えて液体中の溶存気体を除去し、超音波振動の減衰を防ぐことにより、洗浄効果を有効に発揮させて洗浄し、その後、チャンバ内に必要量の水を供給してヒーターで加熱し、チャンバ内に高圧蒸気を発生させ、高圧蒸気滅菌する装置が開示されている。
【０００４】
また、特許文献２には、チャンバ内の洗浄媒体を超音波振動を与えて医療器具を洗浄し、その後、チャンバ内に対して真空引きと蒸気供給を交互に繰り返しながら、蒸気滅菌する方法が開示されている。
【０００５】
また、特許文献３には、容器本体内の水を電気ヒーターで加熱し、超音波振動を与えて水中の溶存気体を除去し、超音波振動の減衰を防ぐことにより、洗浄効果を有効に発揮させて洗浄し、その後、チャンバ内に必要量の水を供給してヒーターで加熱し、チャンバ内に高圧蒸気を発生させ、高圧蒸気滅菌し、滅菌後に容器本体内に熱風を送って被滅菌処理材を乾燥させる装置が開示されている。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開平９−３８１７６号公報
【０００７】
【特許文献２】
特表平１１−５０１２２６号公報
【０００８】
【特許文献３】
特開２００１−７０４０９号公報
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前記特許文献１に開示されている装置では、チャンバ内の水を電気ヒーターで加熱するため、水の急速な温度上昇が困難であり、この温度上昇にかかる時間が洗浄処理時間の短縮化を妨げる原因の１つとなっている。勿論、前記電気ヒーターを大型化すれば洗浄液の急速な温度上昇も可能となるであろうが、構造上、コスト上、また安全上から問題があり、現実的ではない。また、被処理物の滅菌直後は被処理物が高温の状態にあり、該被処理物に対し冷却手段が講じられていないため、滅菌後に被処理物の直ぐの使用ができないといった問題があった。また、洗浄後の被処理物を乾燥させる手段が無いため、自然乾燥を待つか、或いは別途乾燥手段を用意する必要があるといった問題があった。
【００１０】
また、前記特許文献２に開示されている方法では、チャンバ内の洗浄媒体に超音波振動を与えてはいるものの、洗浄媒体内の溶存気体の除去には積極的に考慮されていないため、洗浄効果に難点があり、また、滅菌後の被処理物を乾燥させる手段が積極的に講じられておらず、また、滅菌後の高温となっている被処理物に対する冷却手段はあるものの、この冷却は、膨張させられた空気のような気体をチャンバ内に流すことにより行っているので、冷却効率が悪く、滅菌後に被処理物の直ぐの使用ができないといった問題があった。
【００１１】
また、特許文献３に開示されている装置では、特許文献１に開示されている装置と同様に、容器本体内の水を電気ヒーターで加熱するため、水の急速な温度上昇が困難であり、この温度上昇にかかる時間が洗浄処理時間の短縮化を妨げる原因の１つとなっている。また、被処理物の滅菌直後は被処理物が高温の状態にあり、該被処理物に対し冷却手段が講じられていないため、滅菌後に被処理物の直ぐの使用ができないといった問題があった。
【００１２】
本発明の目的は、洗浄液の急速な温度上昇を可能とすることにより被処理物の洗浄処理時間の短縮化を図るとともに、滅菌後に被処理物の直ぐの使用を可能にする超音波洗浄滅菌装置及び洗浄滅菌方法を提供することにある。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために本発明に係る超音波洗浄装置は、被処理物を収容する耐圧容器と、耐圧容器の外周壁部に備えられ外部から供給される熱媒流体を導入し熱媒流体の熱を耐圧容器に伝達する熱媒流体導入空間形成部と、耐圧容器内に洗浄液を供給する洗浄液供給手段と、耐圧容器内に蒸気を供給する蒸気供給手段と、耐圧容器内の洗浄液に超音波振動を与える超音波振動体と、耐圧容器内の洗浄液を排出する排出手段と、耐圧容器内を減圧する減圧手段を備えていることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
かかる構成から、耐圧容器内に被処理物を入れてから洗浄液供給手段により洗浄液を供給し、前記耐圧容器の外周壁部に備えられ外部から加熱用の、例えば蒸気や温水といった熱媒流体を熱媒流体導入空間形成部に供給すると、耐圧容器内の洗浄液は熱媒流体導入空間形成部に供給された蒸気や温水といった熱媒流体の凝縮熱伝達により加熱され高温となる。このとき、前記熱媒流体が蒸気であると、加圧蒸気による高温加熱が可能となり、耐圧容器内の洗浄液を急速に温度上昇させることができ、被処理物の洗浄処理時間の短縮化を図ることができる。
【００１５】
被処理物の洗浄後、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部内への熱媒流体の供給を停止するとともに、排出手段により耐圧容器内の洗浄液を排出し、減圧手段により耐圧容器内を減圧すると、耐圧容器内に残っている水分や被処理物に付いている水分が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器内や被処理物が乾燥される。
【００１６】
また、耐圧容器内や被処理物の乾燥は、前記以外に、被処理物の洗浄後、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部内への熱媒流体の供給を続けたまま、排出手段により耐圧容器内の洗浄液を排出し、減圧手段により耐圧容器内を減圧すると、耐圧容器内に残っている水分や被処理物に付いている水分が飽和温度で急速に蒸発し耐圧容器内や被処理物が短時間で乾燥される。
【００１７】
耐圧容器内や被処理物の乾燥後、減圧手段により耐圧容器内を減圧しその後蒸気供給手段により耐圧容器内に蒸気を供給して大気圧に戻すといった操作を繰り返すと、耐圧容器内の滅菌の障害となる空気を容易に且つ確実に排除できる。
【００１８】
耐圧容器内の空気を排除したら、蒸気供給手段により耐圧容器内に蒸気を供給し、耐圧容器内を滅菌温度が得られるまで蒸気加圧すると、耐圧容器内の雑菌は確実に滅菌される。このとき、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部内に供給される熱媒流体により熱媒流体導入空間形成部内を滅菌温度が得られるまで加温しておくと、前記耐圧容器内に供給された蒸気が過熱することなく、所定の圧力を維持することができる。
【００１９】
耐圧容器内の滅菌が終了したら、減圧手段により耐圧容器内を減圧すると、耐圧容器内に供給された蒸気による水分が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器内や被処理物が乾燥されるとともに、前記水分の蒸発で耐圧容器内の保有熱が潜熱として奪われることになり、耐圧容器が冷却される。
【００２０】
また、前記耐圧容器内の乾燥は、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部内への熱媒流体の供給を続けたまま、減圧手段により耐圧容器内を減圧すると、耐圧容器内の水分が飽和温度で急速に蒸発し耐圧容器内や被処理物が短時間で乾燥される。
【００２１】
その後、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部内への熱媒流体の供給を停止し、熱媒流体導入空間形成部内へ冷水の熱媒流体を供給すれば、耐圧容器内や被処理物が冷却されることとなる。
【００２２】
また、前記耐圧容器内や被処理物の冷却は、前記耐圧容器内の乾燥が終了し、熱媒流体導入空間形成部内への加熱用の熱媒流体の供給を停止した後、耐圧容器内に水を供給するとともに減圧を続けるようにしてもよく、このようにすると、該耐圧容器内に供給された水が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器内から潜熱を奪うことにより、耐圧容器内や被処理物が冷却されることとなる。そして、この冷却するに際し、熱媒流体導入空間形成部内へ冷水の熱媒流体を供給すれば、耐圧容器内や被処理物の冷却時間の一層の短縮化が図れる。
【００２３】
更に、前記耐圧容器内の洗浄液の加熱手段として、外部から供給される熱媒流体を導入し熱媒流体の熱を耐圧容器に伝達するようにしたので、安全性が高く、またコストパホーマンスも高い。
【００２４】
また、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部にあっては、耐圧容器の全周或いは一部を二重壁構造とし、外壁と内壁との間で前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部が構成されていてもよく、また、耐圧容器の全周或いは一部に巻き付けたパイプで前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部が構成されていてもよい。
【００２５】
本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌方法は、被処理物を収容した耐圧容器内に洗浄液を供給する工程と、外部から導入する熱媒流体により洗浄液を加熱する工程と、洗浄液を加熱する工程の過程で、耐圧容器内を減圧し、洗浄液に超音波振動を与える工程と、耐圧容器から洗浄液を排出する工程と、耐圧容器内を減圧し耐圧容器内を乾燥する工程と、減圧と蒸気加圧を交互に行い耐圧容器内の空気を排除する工程と、耐圧容器を外部から導入する熱媒流体により加熱しながら耐圧容器を蒸気加圧し所定時間耐圧容器内を高温加熱する工程と、耐圧容器内を減圧し耐圧容器内を乾燥する工程と、を含むことを特徴とする。
【００２６】
かかる構成から、耐圧容器内に被処理物を入れてから洗浄液を供給し、外部から導入する、例えば蒸気や温水といった熱媒流体により洗浄液を加熱することにより、洗浄液は高温となる。このとき、前記熱媒流体が蒸気であると、加圧蒸気による高温加熱が可能となり、耐圧容器内の洗浄液を急速に温度上昇させることができ、被処理物の洗浄処理時間の短縮化を図ることができる。前記洗浄液を加熱する過程で、耐圧容器内を減圧し、洗浄液に超音波振動を与えることにより、洗浄液中の溶存気体が除去され、超音波による洗浄液の振動減衰が防止されて、洗浄効果を有効に発揮するものとなる。
【００２７】
被処理物の洗浄後、耐圧容器内の洗浄液を排出し、耐圧容器内を減圧することにより、耐圧容器内に残っている水分や被処理物に付いている水分が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器内や被処理物が乾燥される。
【００２８】
前記耐圧容器内の洗浄液の排出後、耐圧容器内を減圧する工程で、耐圧容器を外部から導入する熱媒流体により加熱しながら行うと、耐圧容器内に残っている水分や被処理物に付いている水分が飽和温度で急速に蒸発し耐圧容器内や被処理物が短時間で乾燥される。
【００２９】
耐圧容器内や被処理物の乾燥後、耐圧容器内を、減圧と蒸気加圧を交互に行うことにより、耐圧容器内の滅菌の障害となる空気を容易に且つ確実に排除できる。
【００３０】
耐圧容器内の空気を排除したら、耐圧容器を外部から導入する熱媒流体により加熱しながら耐圧容器を蒸気加圧し所定時間耐圧容器内を高温加熱することにより、耐圧容器内の雑菌は確実に滅菌される。このとき、耐圧容器を外部から導入する熱媒流体により加熱しながら行うと、前記耐圧容器内に供給された蒸気が過熱することなく、所定の圧力を維持することができる。前記熱媒流体により耐圧容器を加熱する温度は、少なくとも、滅菌温度が得られるまで加温できる温度であることが好ましい。
【００３１】
耐圧容器内の滅菌が終了したら、耐圧容器内を減圧することにより、耐圧容器内に供給された蒸気による水分が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器内や被処理物が乾燥されるとともに、前記水分の蒸発で耐圧容器内の保有熱が潜熱として奪われることになり、耐圧容器が冷却される。
【００３２】
また、前記耐圧容器内の乾燥は、外部から導入する熱媒流体により耐圧容器を加熱しながら減圧手段により耐圧容器内を減圧すると、耐圧容器内の水分が飽和温度で急速に蒸発し耐圧容器内や被処理物が短時間で乾燥される。その後、外部からの加熱用の熱媒流体の供給を停止し、冷水の熱媒流体を外部から導入して耐圧容器を冷却すれば、耐圧容器内や被処理物が冷却されることとなる。
【００３３】
また、前記耐圧容器内や被処理物の冷却は、前記耐圧容器内の乾燥が終了し、外部からの加熱用の熱媒流体の供給を停止した後、耐圧容器内に水を供給するとともに減圧を続けるようにしてもよく、このようにすると、該耐圧容器内に供給された水が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器内の保有熱を潜熱として奪うことにより、耐圧容器内や被処理物が冷却されることとなる。そして、この冷却するに際し、冷水の熱媒流体を外部から導入して耐圧容器を冷却すれば、耐圧容器内や被処理物の冷却時間の一層の短縮化が図れる。
【００３４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌装置の実施の形態を説明する。
【００３５】
図１は本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌装置の第１例を示す概略図であり、本例の超音波洗浄滅菌装置は、被処理物を収容する耐圧容器１と、耐圧容器１の外周壁部に備えられ外部から供給される熱媒流体を導入し熱媒流体の熱を耐圧容器１に伝達する熱媒流体導入空間形成部２と、耐圧容器１内に洗浄液を供給する洗浄液供給手段３と、耐圧容器１内に蒸気を供給する蒸気供給手段４と、耐圧容器１内の洗浄液に超音波振動を与える超音波振動体５と、耐圧容器１内の洗浄液を排出する排出手段６と、耐圧容器１内を減圧する減圧手段７を備えて構成されている。
【００３６】
前記耐圧容器１は密閉可能な開閉蓋（図示せず）を備えており、その形状や大きさにあっては特に限定されるものではない。この耐圧容器１の外周壁部に備えられた熱媒流体導入空間形成部２は、本例では耐圧容器１の全周或いは一部を二重壁構造とし、外壁１ａと内壁１ｂとの間で前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部２が構成されている。この熱媒流体導入空間形成部２には、外部から供給される熱媒流体を熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に導入する熱媒流体導入ライン８と、熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に導入された熱媒流体を排出する熱媒流体排出ライン９とが接続されている。前記熱媒流体導入ライン８は、蒸気供給源と接続された蒸気導入ライン８ａと冷水供給源と接続された冷水導入ライン８ｂとで構成され、また熱媒流体排出ライン９は、蒸気排出ライン９ａと冷水排出ライン９ｂとで構成されており、それぞれのライン上に電磁弁１０，１１，１２，１３が設けられている。
【００３７】
また、前記耐圧容器１内に洗浄液を供給する洗浄液供給手段３は、給水源と接続された給水ライン３ａと洗剤供給源と接続された洗剤供給ライン３ｂとで構成され、給水ライン３ａ及び洗剤供給ライン３ｂが耐圧容器１に接続されている。給水ライン３ａ及び洗剤供給ライン３ｂのライン上にそれぞれ電磁弁１４，１５が設けられている。
【００３８】
また、耐圧容器１内に蒸気を供給する蒸気供給手段４は、蒸気供給源に接続された蒸気供給ライン４ａで構成され、蒸気供給ライン４ａが耐圧容器１に接続されている。蒸気供給ライン４ａのライン上には電磁弁１６が設けられている。
【００３９】
また、前記耐圧容器１の底部には、ドレンライン６ａが接続されており、耐圧容器１内の洗浄液等を排出する排出手段６を構成している。前記ドレンライン６ａには電磁弁１７が設けられている。また、前記耐圧容器１には真空ポンプ１８に接続している真空引きライン７ａが接続されており、耐圧容器１内を減圧する減圧手段７を構成している。
【００４０】
また、前記圧容器１内の洗浄液に超音波振動を与える超音波振動体５は、耐圧容器１内の底部に固定して設けられている。この超音波振動体５は、本例では図示しないが、耐圧と耐水を備えた密閉ケースの上板を振動板とし、この上板の下面に振動子を取り付けた構成となっている。
【００４１】
図２は本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌装置の第２例を示す概略図であり、本例では前記耐圧容器１の外周壁部に備えられた熱媒流体導入空間形成部２が、耐圧容器１の全周或いは一部に巻き付けたパイプ１９で構成されている。本例の熱媒流体導入空間形成部２を構成するパイプ１９は、蒸気供給源に接続している蒸気パイプ１９ａと冷水供給源に接続している冷水パイプ１９ｂとで構成されており、蒸気パイプ１９ａと冷水パイプ１９ｂの導入側と排出側には、それぞれ電磁弁２０，２１，２２，２３が設けられている。
【００４２】
その他の構成は前記第１例と同様な構成となっているので、第１例の説明を援用する。
【００４３】
次に、本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌方法の実施の形態を前記のように構成された超音波洗浄滅菌装置を使用して説明する。
【００４４】
先ず、被処理物をバスケット等に入れた状態で耐圧容器１内に収容し、該耐圧容器１内に洗浄液を洗浄液供給手段３により供給する。洗浄液供給手段３による洗浄液の供給は、電磁弁１４，１５を開き、所定量の水と洗剤を給水ライン３ａと洗剤供給ライン３ｂから供給して行う。耐圧容器１内に洗浄液を供給したら、電磁弁１０を開き、熱媒流体導入ライン８の蒸気導入ライン８ａから蒸気を熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に供給する。これにより、耐圧容器１内の洗浄液は熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に供給された蒸気の凝縮熱伝達により加熱され高温となる。このとき、前記蒸気を、加圧蒸気とすることにより高温加熱が可能となり、耐圧容器１内の洗浄液を急速に温度上昇させることができ、被処理物の洗浄処理時間の短縮化を図ることができる。
【００４５】
前記洗浄液を加熱する工程の過程で、減圧手段７を構成している真空ポンプ１８を駆動して真空引きし、耐圧容器１内を減圧し、更に、超音波振動体５に通電して前記耐圧容器１内の洗浄液に超音波振動を与える。これにより、洗浄液中の溶存気体が除去され、超音波による洗浄液の振動減衰が防止されて、洗浄効果を有効に発揮するものとなる。
【００４６】
前記のようにして被処理物の洗浄が終了したら、電磁弁９を閉じ、蒸気導入ライン８ａから熱媒流体導入空間形成部２内への蒸気の供給を停止するとともに、電磁弁１７を開きドレンライン６ａから耐圧容器１内の洗浄液等を排出する。耐圧容器１内の洗浄液等を排出したら、電磁弁１７を閉じ、減圧手段７を構成している真空ポンプ１８を駆動して真空引きし、耐圧容器１内を減圧する。これにより、耐圧容器１内に残っている水分や被処理物に付いている水分が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器１内や被処理物が乾燥される。
【００４７】
また、前記耐圧容器１内の洗浄液の排出後、耐圧容器内を減圧する工程で、電磁弁１０を開き、熱媒流体導入ライン８の蒸気導入ライン８ａから蒸気を熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に供給して耐圧容器１を加熱しながら行うと、耐圧容器１内に残っている水分や被処理物に付いている水分が飽和温度で急速に蒸発し耐圧容器１内や被処理物が短時間で乾燥される。
【００４８】
前記のようにして、耐圧容器１内や被処理物を乾燥した後、減圧手段７を構成している真空ポンプ１８を駆動して真空引きする耐圧容器１内の減圧と、蒸気供給手段４を構成する蒸気供給ライン４ａから耐圧容器１内に蒸気を供給して大気圧に戻すといった操作を繰り返すことにより、耐圧容器１内の滅菌の障害となる空気を容易に且つ確実に排除できる。
【００４９】
耐圧容器１内の空気を排除したら、前記蒸気供給手段４により耐圧容器１内に蒸気を供給し、耐圧容器１内を滅菌温度が得られるまで蒸気加圧すると、耐圧容器１内の雑菌は確実に滅菌される。このとき、電磁弁１０を開き、熱媒流体導入ライン８の蒸気導入ライン８ａから蒸気を熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に供給して耐圧容器１を加熱し、少なくとも熱媒流体導入空間形成部２内を滅菌温度が得られるまで加温しておくと、前記耐圧容器１内に供給された蒸気が過熱することなく、所定の圧力を維持することができる。前記蒸気供給手段４により耐圧容器１内に供給する蒸気は、不純物を含まないクリーン蒸気である。
【００５０】
耐圧容器１内の滅菌が終了したら、減圧手段７を構成している真空ポンプ１８を駆動して真空引きして耐圧容器１内を減圧すると、耐圧容器１内に供給された蒸気による水分が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器１内や被処理物が乾燥されるとともに、前記水分の蒸発で耐圧容器１内の保有熱が潜熱として奪われることになり、耐熱容器１が冷却される。
【００５１】
また、前記耐圧容器１内の乾燥は、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部２内への蒸気の供給を続けたまま行うことが好ましく、この状態で減圧手段７により耐圧容器１内を減圧すると、耐圧容器１内の水分が飽和温度で急速に蒸発し耐圧容器１内や被処理物が短時間で乾燥されることになる。
【００５２】
その後、前記熱媒流体導入空間形成部２内への蒸気の供給を停止し、前記熱媒流体導入ライン８の冷水導入ライン８ｂから冷水を熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に供給すると、この冷水により耐圧容器１内や被処理物が冷却されることとなる。
【００５３】
また、前記耐圧容器１内や被処理物の冷却は、前記耐圧容器１内の乾燥が終了し、熱媒流体導入空間形成部２内への蒸気の供給を停止した後、前記電磁弁１４を開き洗浄液供給手段３の給水ライン３ａから耐圧容器１内に水を供給するとともに耐圧容器１内を減圧手段７で減圧を続けるようにしてもよく、このようにすると、該耐圧容器１内に供給された水が飽和温度で蒸発し、耐圧容器１内から潜熱を奪うことにより、耐圧容器１内や被処理物が冷却されることとなる。そして、この冷却するに際し、前記熱媒流体導入ライン８の冷水導入ライン８ｂから冷水を熱媒流体導入空間形成部２に供給すれば、耐圧容器内や被処理物の冷却時間の一層の短縮化が図れる。
【００５４】
上記のようにして、被処理物の洗浄と滅菌が連続して、しかも効率よく行え、滅菌処理後の被処理物は、処理後の直ぐの使用が可能となる。前記本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌方法を実施する超音波洗浄滅菌装置の一連の動作は、全てコンピュータにより、自動制御されて行われるようになっている。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌装置及び洗浄滅菌方法によれば、洗浄液の急速な温度上昇を可能とすることにより被処理物の洗浄処理時間の短縮化を図ることができるとともに、滅菌後に被処理物の直ぐの使用を可能にすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌装置の実施の形態の第１例を示す概略図。
【図２】本発明に係る超音波洗浄滅菌装置の実施の形態の第２例を示す概略図。
【符号の説明】
１耐圧容器
１ａ外壁
１ｂ内壁
２熱媒流体導入空間形成部
３洗浄液供給手段
３ａ給水ライン
３ｂ洗剤供給ライン
４蒸気供給手段
４ａ蒸気供給ライン
５超音波振動体
６排出手段
６ａドレンライン
７減圧手段
７ａ真空引きライン
８熱媒流体導入ライン
８ａ蒸気導入ライン
８ｂ冷水導入ライン
９熱媒流体排出ライン
９ａ蒸気排出ライン
９ｂ冷水排出ライン
１０，１１，１２，１３，１４，１５，１６，１７電磁弁
１８真空ポンプ
１９パイプ
１９ａ蒸気パイプ
１９ｂ冷水パイプ
２０，２１，２２，２３電磁弁[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing apparatus and a cleaning and sterilizing method for efficiently cleaning and sterilizing an object to be processed such as a medical instrument.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In medical institutions and inspection institutions such as hospitals, medical instruments and the like are often used repeatedly. When reusing medical instruments, sufficient cleaning and sterilization are required to prevent secondary infection. An ultrasonic cleaning device is known as a device for cleaning such medical instruments and the like, and a high-pressure steam sterilizer (autoclave device) is known as a device for sterilizing the same. Conventionally, an ultrasonic cleaning device and a high-pressure steam sterilizer have been used as separate devices, but in recent years, an ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing device having both ultrasonic cleaning and high-pressure steam sterilization has been proposed.
[0003]
For example, in Patent Document 1, the cleaning effect is effectively exhibited by heating water in a chamber with an electric heater, applying ultrasonic vibration to remove dissolved gas in the liquid, and preventing attenuation of the ultrasonic vibration. An apparatus is disclosed in which a required amount of water is supplied into a chamber, heated by a heater, and high-pressure steam is generated in the chamber to perform high-pressure steam sterilization.
[0004]
Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses a method of applying ultrasonic vibration to a cleaning medium in a chamber to clean a medical device, and then performing steam sterilization while alternately repeating evacuation and steam supply in the chamber. Have been.
[0005]
Also, in Patent Document 3, the water inside the container body is heated by an electric heater, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to remove dissolved gas in the water and prevent the attenuation of the ultrasonic vibration, thereby effectively exerting a cleaning effect. After that, supply the required amount of water into the chamber and heat it with a heater, generate high-pressure steam in the chamber, sterilize with high-pressure steam, and send hot air into the container body after sterilization to be sterilized. An apparatus for drying a material is disclosed.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-38176
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-501226
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-70409 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the water in the chamber is heated by an electric heater, it is difficult to rapidly raise the temperature of the water. It is one of the causes that hinders. Of course, if the size of the electric heater is increased, a rapid rise in the temperature of the cleaning liquid will be possible, but this is not practical because of problems in structure, cost and safety. Further, immediately after sterilization of the object to be processed, the object to be processed is in a high temperature state, and no cooling means is provided for the object to be processed, so that there is a problem that the object to be processed cannot be used immediately after sterilization. . Further, since there is no means for drying the object to be processed after cleaning, there is a problem that it is necessary to wait for natural drying or to prepare a separate drying means.
[0010]
Further, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, although the cleaning medium in the chamber is subjected to ultrasonic vibration, the cleaning medium is not actively considered for removing dissolved gas in the cleaning medium. There is a drawback in its effect, and means for drying the sterilized object has not been actively taken. Is performed by flowing gas such as inflated air into the chamber, so that there is a problem that the cooling efficiency is poor and the object to be processed cannot be used immediately after sterilization.
[0011]
Further, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 3, similarly to the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, water in the container body is heated by an electric heater, so that it is difficult to rapidly raise the temperature of water. The time required for this temperature rise is one of the factors that hinder shortening of the cleaning processing time. Further, immediately after sterilization of the object to be processed, the object to be processed is in a high temperature state, and no cooling means is provided for the object to be processed, so that there is a problem that the object to be processed cannot be used immediately after sterilization. .
[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to reduce the time required for cleaning an object to be processed by enabling a rapid rise in temperature of a cleaning liquid, and to realize an ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus capable of immediately using an object to be processed after sterilization. And a cleaning sterilization method.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes a pressure-resistant container containing an object to be processed, and a heat-transfer medium that is provided on an outer peripheral wall of the pressure-resistant container and that is supplied from outside. A heat medium fluid introduction space forming part for transmitting heat of the fluid to the pressure vessel, a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the pressure vessel, a vapor supply means for supplying steam into the pressure vessel, and a cleaning liquid in the pressure vessel. It is characterized by comprising an ultrasonic vibrator for applying ultrasonic vibration, a discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid in the pressure vessel, and a pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure in the pressure vessel.
[0014]
With this configuration, the cleaning liquid is supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit after the object to be processed is placed in the pressure-resistant container, and a heating medium fluid such as steam or hot water, which is provided on the outer peripheral wall portion of the pressure-resistant container and is externally heated, is heated. When the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container is supplied to the medium-fluid introduction space forming part, the cleaning liquid is heated by the condensation heat transfer of the heat medium fluid such as steam and hot water supplied to the heat-medium fluid introduction space forming part, and becomes high temperature. At this time, if the heat medium fluid is steam, high-temperature heating by pressurized steam becomes possible, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container can be rapidly raised, thereby shortening the cleaning time of the object to be processed. be able to.
[0015]
After the cleaning of the object to be processed, the supply of the heat medium fluid into the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part is stopped, the cleaning liquid in the pressure vessel is discharged by the discharging means, and the pressure inside the pressure vessel is reduced by the pressure reducing means. The moisture remaining in the container and the water attached to the object to be processed evaporate at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed are dried.
[0016]
In addition, in the drying of the inside of the pressure vessel and the object to be treated, the discharge means may be used to discharge the inside of the pressure vessel while the supply of the heat medium fluid to the inside of the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part is continued after the object is washed. When the inside of the pressure vessel is depressurized by the pressure reducing means, the moisture remaining in the pressure vessel and the moisture attached to the object to be treated evaporate rapidly at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure vessel and the object to be treated become short. Dries in time.
[0017]
After the inside of the pressure vessel and the object to be processed are dried, the pressure inside the pressure vessel is reduced by the pressure reducing means, and then the steam is supplied into the pressure vessel by the steam supply means and returned to the atmospheric pressure. Obstructive air can be easily and reliably eliminated.
[0018]
After the air in the pressure-resistant container is removed, steam is supplied into the pressure-resistant container by the steam supply means, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container is steam-pressurized until a sterilization temperature is obtained. At this time, if the inside of the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section is heated until a sterilization temperature is obtained by the heat medium fluid supplied into the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section, the steam supplied into the pressure-resistant container is heated. A predetermined pressure can be maintained without overheating.
[0019]
When the sterilization in the pressure-resistant container is completed, the pressure in the pressure-resistant container is reduced by the pressure-reducing means, and the moisture supplied by the steam supplied into the pressure-resistant container evaporates at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed are dried. Due to the evaporation of the water, the heat retained in the pressure vessel is taken as latent heat, and the pressure vessel is cooled.
[0020]
When the pressure inside the pressure vessel is reduced by the pressure reducing means while the supply of the heat medium fluid to the inside of the heat medium fluid introduction space forming portion is continued, the moisture in the pressure vessel is rapidly increased at the saturation temperature. And the inside of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed are dried in a short time.
[0021]
Thereafter, the supply of the heat medium fluid into the heat medium fluid introduction space forming portion is stopped, and the heat medium fluid of cold water is supplied into the heat medium fluid introduction space formation portion, whereby the inside of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed are cooled. It will be.
[0022]
Further, in the cooling of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed, after the drying in the pressure-resistant container is completed and the supply of the heating medium fluid for heating into the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part is stopped, the inside of the pressure-resistant container is cooled. The water supplied to the pressure vessel may evaporate at the saturation temperature and draw latent heat from the inside of the pressure vessel, so that the pressure inside the pressure vessel or the coating may be reduced. The processed material is cooled. When the cooling medium is supplied with the cooling medium in the cooling medium introduction space forming portion, the cooling time in the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed can be further shortened.
[0023]
Furthermore, as a means for heating the cleaning liquid in the pressure vessel, a heat medium fluid supplied from the outside is introduced to transfer the heat of the heat medium fluid to the pressure vessel, so that safety is high and cost performance is high. .
[0024]
Further, in the heat medium fluid introduction space forming portion, the entire circumference or a part of the pressure-resistant container has a double wall structure, and the heat medium fluid introduction space forming portion is formed between an outer wall and an inner wall. Alternatively, the heat medium fluid introduction space forming portion may be formed of a pipe wound around the entire circumference or a part of the pressure-resistant container.
[0025]
The ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing method according to the present invention includes a step of supplying a cleaning liquid into a pressure-resistant container containing an object to be processed, a step of heating the cleaning liquid with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, and a step of heating the cleaning liquid. Then, a step of reducing the pressure inside the pressure vessel and applying ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid, a step of discharging the cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel, a step of reducing the pressure inside the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel, Alternately removing the air in the pressure-resistant container, heating the pressure-resistant container with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, steam-pressurizing the pressure-resistant container, and heating the pressure-resistant container at a high temperature for a predetermined time; Depressurizing and drying the inside of the pressure-resistant container.
[0026]
With this configuration, the cleaning liquid is heated by supplying the cleaning liquid after placing the object in the pressure-resistant container, and heating the cleaning liquid with a heating medium fluid such as steam or hot water introduced from the outside. At this time, if the heat medium fluid is steam, high-temperature heating by pressurized steam becomes possible, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container can be rapidly raised, thereby shortening the cleaning time of the object to be processed. be able to. In the process of heating the cleaning liquid, the inside of the pressure-resistant container is decompressed, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to the cleaning liquid, whereby dissolved gas in the cleaning liquid is removed. Will be demonstrated.
[0027]
After the cleaning of the object to be processed, the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container is discharged, and the pressure in the pressure-resistant container is reduced. The inside of the container and the object to be processed are dried.
[0028]
After the cleaning liquid is discharged from the pressure-resistant container, in the step of depressurizing the pressure-resistant container, while the pressure-resistant container is heated with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, it is possible to remove moisture or the object to be processed remaining in the pressure-resistant container. The water content evaporates rapidly at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure vessel and the object to be processed are dried in a short time.
[0029]
By alternately performing pressure reduction and steam pressurization in the pressure-resistant container and after drying the object to be processed, air that is an obstacle to sterilization in the pressure-resistant container can be easily and reliably eliminated.
[0030]
After the air in the pressure vessel is eliminated, the pressure vessel is steam-pressurized while being heated by the heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, and the inside of the pressure vessel is heated to a high temperature for a predetermined time, so that various bacteria in the pressure vessel are surely sterilized. Is done. At this time, if the pressure vessel is heated while being heated by a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, a predetermined pressure can be maintained without overheating the steam supplied into the pressure vessel. The temperature at which the pressure vessel is heated by the heat medium fluid is preferably at least a temperature that can be heated until a sterilization temperature is obtained.
[0031]
After the sterilization in the pressure-resistant container is completed, the pressure in the pressure-resistant container is reduced to evaporate the moisture due to the steam supplied into the pressure-resistant container at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed are dried, and the moisture is removed. As a result, the retained heat in the pressure-resistant container is taken as latent heat, and the pressure-resistant container is cooled.
[0032]
In addition, when the inside of the pressure vessel is depressurized by the decompression means while heating the pressure vessel with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, moisture in the pressure vessel rapidly evaporates at the saturation temperature and the inside of the pressure vessel is dried. And the object to be processed are dried in a short time. Thereafter, when the supply of the heating medium fluid for heating from the outside is stopped and the heating medium fluid of the cold water is introduced from the outside to cool the pressure-resistant container, the inside of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed are cooled.
[0033]
Further, in the cooling of the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed, after the drying in the pressure-resistant container is finished and the supply of the heating medium fluid for heating from the outside is stopped, water is supplied into the pressure-resistant container and the pressure is reduced. In this case, the water supplied into the pressure-resistant container evaporates at the saturation temperature, and deprives the heat retained in the pressure-resistant container as latent heat. It will be cooled. In this cooling, if the heat-resistant fluid of cold water is introduced from the outside to cool the pressure-resistant container, the cooling time in the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed can be further reduced.
[0034]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first example of an ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention. The ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a pressure-resistant container 1 for storing an object to be processed, and an outer peripheral wall of the pressure-resistant container 1. A heat medium fluid introduction space forming portion 2 provided in the section for introducing a heat medium fluid supplied from the outside and transmitting the heat of the heat medium fluid to the pressure-resistant container 1, and a cleaning liquid supply means 3 for supplying a cleaning liquid into the pressure-resistant container 1 A steam supply means 4 for supplying steam into the pressure-resistant container 1, an ultrasonic vibrator 5 for applying ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container 1, and a discharge means 6 for discharging the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container 1. The apparatus is provided with a pressure reducing means 7 for reducing the pressure in the pressure vessel 1.
[0036]
The pressure-resistant container 1 has an openable and closable lid (not shown), and its shape and size are not particularly limited. The heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 provided on the outer peripheral wall of the pressure vessel 1 has a double wall structure on the entire circumference or a part of the pressure vessel 1 in this example, and is provided between the outer wall 1a and the inner wall 1b. The heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 is configured. The heat medium fluid introduction space forming section 2 has a heat medium fluid introduction line 8 for introducing a heat medium fluid supplied from the outside to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section 2, and a heat medium fluid introduction line 8 for introducing the heat medium fluid to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section 2. A heat medium fluid discharge line 9 for discharging the heat medium fluid is connected. The heating medium fluid introduction line 8 includes a steam introduction line 8a connected to a steam supply source and a chilled water introduction line 8b connected to a chilled water supply source. The heating medium fluid discharge line 9 includes a steam discharge line 9a. And a cold water discharge line 9b, and solenoid valves 10, 11, 12, and 13 are provided on each line.
[0037]
The cleaning liquid supply means 3 for supplying the cleaning liquid into the pressure-resistant container 1 includes a water supply line 3a connected to a water supply source and a detergent supply line 3b connected to a detergent supply source, and includes a water supply line 3a and a detergent supply line. The line 3 b is connected to the pressure vessel 1. Solenoid valves 14 and 15 are provided on the water supply line 3a and the detergent supply line 3b, respectively.
[0038]
The steam supply means 4 for supplying steam into the pressure vessel 1 is constituted by a steam supply line 4 a connected to a steam supply source, and the steam supply line 4 a is connected to the pressure vessel 1. An electromagnetic valve 16 is provided on the steam supply line 4a.
[0039]
A drain line 6 a is connected to the bottom of the pressure vessel 1, and constitutes a discharge unit 6 for discharging a cleaning liquid or the like in the pressure vessel 1. An electromagnetic valve 17 is provided on the drain line 6a. Further, a vacuum line 7a connected to a vacuum pump 18 is connected to the pressure vessel 1 to constitute a pressure reducing means 7 for reducing the pressure inside the pressure vessel 1.
[0040]
An ultrasonic vibrator 5 for applying ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the pressure vessel 1 is fixed to the bottom of the pressure vessel 1. Although not shown in this example, the ultrasonic vibrator 5 has a configuration in which an upper plate of a sealed case having pressure resistance and water resistance is used as a vibration plate, and a vibrator is attached to a lower surface of the upper plate.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a second example of the ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention. In this example, the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 provided on the outer peripheral wall of the pressure vessel 1 is a pressure vessel. It is composed of a pipe 19 wound around the entire circumference or a part of the pipe 1. The pipe 19 constituting the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 of the present embodiment is composed of a steam pipe 19a connected to a steam supply source and a chilled water pipe 19b connected to a chilled water supply source. Solenoid valves 20, 21, 22, and 23 are provided on the introduction side and the discharge side of the cold water pipe 19b and 19a, respectively.
[0042]
The other configuration is the same as that of the first example, and the description of the first example is cited.
[0043]
Next, an embodiment of the ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing method according to the present invention will be described using the ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus configured as described above.
[0044]
First, an object to be processed is accommodated in a pressure-resistant container 1 in a state of being put in a basket or the like, and a cleaning liquid is supplied into the pressure-resistant container 1 by the cleaning liquid supply means 3. The supply of the cleaning liquid by the cleaning liquid supply means 3 is performed by opening the electromagnetic valves 14 and 15 and supplying a predetermined amount of water and a detergent from the water supply line 3a and the detergent supply line 3b. When the cleaning liquid is supplied into the pressure-resistant container 1, the electromagnetic valve 10 is opened, and steam is supplied to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming unit 2 from the steam introduction line 8 a of the heat medium fluid introduction line 8. As a result, the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container 1 is heated by the condensation heat transfer of the steam supplied to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section 2 and becomes high temperature. At this time, by using the steam as the pressurized steam, high-temperature heating becomes possible, the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container 1 can be rapidly increased, and the cleaning time of the object to be processed can be reduced. it can.
[0045]
In the course of the step of heating the cleaning liquid, the vacuum pump 18 constituting the pressure reducing means 7 is driven to evacuate, the pressure inside the pressure-resistant container 1 is reduced, and the ultrasonic vibrator 5 is energized to apply the pressure-resistant pressure. Ultrasonic vibration is applied to the cleaning liquid in the container 1. As a result, the dissolved gas in the cleaning liquid is removed, the vibration of the cleaning liquid is prevented from being attenuated by ultrasonic waves, and the cleaning effect is effectively exhibited.
[0046]
When the cleaning of the object to be processed is completed as described above, the electromagnetic valve 9 is closed, the supply of steam from the steam introduction line 8a into the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 is stopped, and the electromagnetic valve 17 is opened to drain. The cleaning liquid and the like in the pressure-resistant container 1 are discharged from the line 6a. When the cleaning liquid and the like in the pressure-resistant container 1 are discharged, the electromagnetic valve 17 is closed, and the vacuum pump 18 constituting the pressure-reducing means 7 is driven to evacuate, and the pressure in the pressure-resistant container 1 is reduced. Thereby, the moisture remaining in the pressure-resistant container 1 and the moisture attached to the object to be processed evaporate at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container 1 and the object to be processed are dried.
[0047]
In addition, after the cleaning liquid is discharged from the pressure vessel 1, in a step of reducing the pressure inside the pressure vessel, the electromagnetic valve 10 is opened, and steam is supplied from the steam introduction line 8 a of the heat medium fluid introduction line 8 to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section 2. When the heating is performed while heating the pressure vessel 1, moisture remaining in the pressure vessel 1 and moisture attached to the object to be processed are rapidly evaporated at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure vessel 1 and the object to be processed are short. Dries in time.
[0048]
As described above, after the inside of the pressure vessel 1 and the object to be processed are dried, the vacuum pump 18 constituting the pressure reducing means 7 is driven to evacuate and the pressure inside the pressure vessel 1 is reduced. By repeating the operation of supplying steam from the steam supply line 4a into the pressure-resistant container 1 and returning the pressure to the atmospheric pressure, it is possible to easily and surely remove air that is an obstacle to sterilization in the pressure-resistant container 1.
[0049]
When the air in the pressure-resistant container 1 is eliminated, steam is supplied into the pressure-resistant container 1 by the steam supply means 4, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container 1 is steam-pressurized until a sterilization temperature is obtained. Sterilized. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 10 is opened, and steam is supplied from the steam introduction line 8a of the heating medium fluid introduction line 8 to the heating medium fluid introduction space forming section 2 to heat the pressure-resistant container 1, and at least the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section If the inside of the pressure vessel 2 is heated until a sterilization temperature is obtained, a predetermined pressure can be maintained without overheating the steam supplied into the pressure-resistant vessel 1. The steam supplied into the pressure vessel 1 by the steam supply means 4 is clean steam containing no impurities.
[0050]
When the sterilization in the pressure vessel 1 is completed, the vacuum pump 18 constituting the pressure reducing means 7 is driven to evacuate and the pressure inside the pressure vessel 1 is reduced. It evaporates at a temperature, and the inside of the pressure-resistant container 1 and the object to be processed are dried. At the same time, the heat retained in the pressure-resistant container 1 is taken as latent heat by the evaporation of the water, and the heat-resistant container 1 is cooled.
[0051]
Further, drying in the pressure vessel 1 is preferably performed while the supply of steam to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming section 2 is continued. When the pressure inside the pressure vessel 1 is reduced by the pressure reducing means 7 in this state, The water in the pressure vessel 1 evaporates rapidly at the saturation temperature, and the inside of the pressure vessel 1 and the object to be processed are dried in a short time.
[0052]
After that, the supply of steam into the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 is stopped, and cold water is supplied to the heat medium fluid introduction space formation part 2 from the cold water introduction line 8 b of the heat medium fluid introduction line 8. As a result, the inside of the pressure vessel 1 and the object to be processed are cooled.
[0053]
After the inside of the pressure-resistant container 1 is dried and the supply of steam into the heat-medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 is stopped, the electromagnetic valve 14 is cooled. Water may be supplied from the water supply line 3a of the opening cleaning liquid supply means 3 into the pressure-resistant container 1 and the pressure inside the pressure-resistant container 1 may be continuously reduced by the pressure reducing means 7. In this case, the water is supplied into the pressure-resistant container 1. The evaporated water evaporates at the saturation temperature, and removes latent heat from inside the pressure-resistant container 1, thereby cooling the inside of the pressure-resistant container 1 and the object to be processed. In this cooling, if cold water is supplied to the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 2 from the cold water introduction line 8b of the heat medium fluid introduction line 8, the cooling time in the pressure-resistant container and the object to be processed can be further shortened. Can be achieved.
[0054]
As described above, the washing and sterilization of the object to be treated can be performed continuously and efficiently, and the object to be treated after the sterilization treatment can be used immediately after the treatment. A series of operations of the ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus for performing the ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing method according to the present invention are all automatically controlled by a computer.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus and the cleaning / sterilizing method of the present invention, the temperature of the cleaning liquid can be rapidly increased, thereby shortening the cleaning time of the object to be processed. After the sterilization, the object can be used immediately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first example of an embodiment of an ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a second example of the embodiment of the ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pressure-resistant container 1a Outer wall 1b Inner wall 2 Heat medium fluid introduction space forming part 3 Cleaning liquid supply means 3a Water supply line 3b Detergent supply line 4 Steam supply means 4a Steam supply line 5 Ultrasonic vibrator 6 Discharge means 6a Drain line 7 Decompression means 7a Vacuum Drawing line 8 Heat medium fluid introduction line 8a Steam introduction line 8b Cold water introduction line 9 Heat medium fluid discharge line 9a Steam discharge line 9b Cold water discharge line 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Solenoid valve 18 Vacuum pump 19 Pipe 19a Steam pipe 19b Cold water pipe 20, 21, 22, 23 Solenoid valve

Claims

A pressure-resistant container that stores the object to be processed, and a heat-medium fluid introduction space forming part that is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the pressure-resistant container and that introduces a heat-medium fluid supplied from the outside and transfers heat of the heat-medium fluid to the pressure-resistant container. Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid into the pressure-resistant container, steam supply means for supplying steam into the pressure-resistant container, an ultrasonic vibrator for applying ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the pressure-resistant container, and discharging the cleaning liquid from the pressure-resistant container An ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing apparatus, comprising: a discharge means for performing pressure reduction;

The ultrasonic cleaning according to claim 1, wherein the entire circumference or a part of the pressure-resistant container has a double wall structure, and the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part is formed between an outer wall and an inner wall. Sterilizer.

The ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat medium fluid introduction space forming part is configured by a pipe wound around the entire circumference or a part of the pressure-resistant container.

In the process of supplying the cleaning liquid into the pressure-resistant container containing the object to be processed, the step of heating the cleaning liquid with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, and the step of heating the cleaning liquid, the pressure inside the pressure-resistant container is reduced to form the cleaning liquid. A step of applying ultrasonic vibration, a step of discharging the cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel, a step of depressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel, and alternately performing pressure reduction and steam pressurization to eliminate air in the pressure vessel. A step of heating the pressure vessel with steam and heating the inside of the pressure vessel at a high temperature for a predetermined time while heating the pressure vessel with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, and a step of depressurizing the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel; An ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing method comprising:

A step of depressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel after draining the cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel; The ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing method according to claim 4, wherein the drying step is performed while heating the pressure vessel with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising, after heating the inside of the pressure vessel at a high temperature, depressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel, and then cooling the pressure vessel with a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside. Ultrasonic cleaning sterilization method according to 1.

After heating the inside of the pressure vessel to a high temperature, depressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel, including a step of supplying water to the inside of the pressure vessel and cooling the inside of the pressure vessel by depressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel The ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:

After heating the inside of the pressure vessel to a high temperature, depressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel and drying the inside of the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel is cooled by a heat medium fluid introduced from the outside, and water is supplied into the pressure vessel and The ultrasonic cleaning / sterilizing method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of cooling the inside of the pressure-resistant container by reducing the pressure inside the container.