JP2009285009A - Sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilizer for making improvements in hygiene in the sterilizer for sterilizing articles to be treated by feeding steam into a treatment chamber. <P>SOLUTION: The sterilizer is equipped with the treatment chamber 20 for housing the articles to be treated, a steam feeding part 30 for feeding saturated steam to the inside of the treatment chamber 20, a water collecting part 23 provided by denting the bottom surface of the treatment chamber 20 for collecting dew condensation water generated in the treatment chamber 20, and a means 27 for removing dew condensation water for removing the dew condensation water collected in the water collecting part 23 and sterilizes the articles to be treated under low-oxygen conditions at normal pressure by filling the inside of the treatment chamber 20 with the saturated steam. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilizer that supplies steam into a processing chamber to sterilize an object to be processed.

  Bandages, scalpels, forceps, surgical gowns, etc. before or after being used for treatment in hospitals or the like are sterilized by a sterilizer. A conventional sterilization apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The sterilizer includes a steam supply unit that supplies superheated steam into the processing chamber. An object to be processed is accommodated in the processing chamber, and superheated steam is supplied from the steam supply unit to the processing chamber. The processing chamber supplied with the steam is maintained at a high temperature. Thereby, the to-be-processed object is sterilized.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-19595 (page 3 to page 11, FIG. 1)

  However, according to the conventional sterilization apparatus, since steam is used, condensed water due to condensation of steam accumulates on the bottom surface of the processing chamber. For this reason, the operation | work which wipes off the dew condensation water which accumulated on the bottom face of the process chamber at the time of completion | finish of a sterilization process is needed. At this time, since heat-resistant bacteria may be contained in the dew condensation water, there is a risk of reattachment to the object to be treated. In particular, when not only superheated steam but also saturated steam is supplied to the processing chamber, a large amount of condensed water is generated. Therefore, there was a sanitary problem.

  An object of this invention is to provide the sterilizer which can improve sanitary property.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a processing chamber for storing an object to be processed, a steam supply unit for supplying saturated steam into the processing chamber, and a recess formed in the bottom surface of the processing chamber. And a dew condensation water removing means for removing the dew condensation water collected in the water collection unit, and the treatment chamber is filled with saturated steam so as to be in a low oxygen state at normal pressure. It is characterized in that the object to be treated has been sterilized.

  According to this configuration, saturated steam is supplied to the processing chamber, and sterilization is performed in a low-pressure state at normal pressure. Condensed water is generated on the bottom of the treatment chamber due to condensation of steam, and is collected in the water collection section. Condensed water collected in the water collecting section is removed from the processing chamber by the condensed water removing means. Here, the sterilization process indicates a process for killing at least a part of the bacteria, and includes a sterilization process for killing a part and a sterilization process for killing almost all.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the sterilizing apparatus having the above-described configuration, superheated steam is supplied after the saturated steam is supplied into the processing chamber by the steam supply unit. According to this configuration, saturated steam is supplied to the processing chamber by the steam supply unit, and wet heat sterilization is performed. When wet heat sterilization is performed for a predetermined time, superheated steam is supplied to the processing chamber by the steam supply unit, and dry heat sterilization is performed.

  In the sterilization apparatus having the above-described structure, the present invention is characterized in that a period for maintaining the processing chamber near 100 ° C. with saturated steam and a period for maintaining the processing chamber at 170 ° C. or higher with superheated steam are provided. . According to this configuration, wet heat sterilization is performed near 100 ° C. with saturated steam, and dry heat sterilization is performed at 170 ° C. or higher with superheated steam.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, the bottom surface of the processing chamber is inclined toward the water collecting section. According to this configuration, the dew condensation water flows down the bottom surface of the treatment chamber and accumulates in the water collecting section, and is removed from the treatment chamber by the dew condensation water removing unit.

  Further, in the sterilizing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the present invention is characterized in that a water channel that is inclined toward the water collecting portion is provided in a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the processing chamber. According to this configuration, the dew condensation water flows through the water channel provided in the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the processing chamber and accumulates in the water collecting unit.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the sterilization apparatus configured as described above, the dew condensation water removing means has a heating means for heating and evaporating the dew condensation water. According to this configuration, the condensed water collected in the water collection unit is evaporated by the heating means and removed from the processing chamber.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, the heating means is composed of an aluminum die cast heater for integrally forming the water collecting portion. According to this configuration, the dew condensation water on the bottom surface of the processing chamber is collected in the water collecting portion formed by the aluminum die cast heater and evaporated by the aluminum die cast heater.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, steam is supplied into the processing chamber and the heating means is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed. According to this configuration, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the sterilization process and condensed water is collected in the collecting unit, the heating means is driven to evaporate the condensed water.

  Further, in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, the present invention includes a temperature sensor that detects the water temperature of the water collecting section, and stops the heating means when it is determined that the water in the water collecting section has run out due to the detection of the temperature sensor. It is characterized by that. According to this configuration, the condensed water accumulated in the water collection unit is evaporated by driving the heating means, and the water temperature of the water collection unit detected by the temperature sensor is close to 100 ° C. When all the condensed water in the water collecting portion evaporates, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds 100 ° C. Thereby, it is detected that water has run out, and the heating means is stopped.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, the heating means is stopped before the supply of steam into the processing chamber is stopped.

  In the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, the dew condensation water removing unit includes a drainage tank and a drainage unit that guides the dew condensation water accumulated in the water collecting unit to the drainage tank. According to this configuration, the condensed water collected in the water collection unit is drained to the drainage tank by the drainage means and removed from the processing chamber.

  According to the present invention, in the sterilization apparatus configured as described above, the drainage means includes a tube pump, a diaphragm pump, or a piezoelectric pump. According to this configuration, the condensed water can be discharged without causing the steam to flow out of the processing chamber.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the sterilization apparatus configured as described above, a pipe of the drainage means opens downward facing the water collecting portion. According to this structure, the dew condensation water which accumulates in the water collecting part by driving the drainage means is sucked up from the pipe and guided to the drainage tank.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, steam is supplied into the processing chamber and the drainage means is intermittently driven after a predetermined time has elapsed. According to this configuration, when a predetermined time elapses after the start of the sterilization process and condensed water is collected in the collecting unit, the dewatering means is driven to drain the condensed water.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the sterilization apparatus configured as described above, the drainage means is driven for a predetermined period before the supply of steam is stopped. According to this configuration, the condensed water in the water collecting section is drained at the end of the sterilization process.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the sterilization apparatus having the above-described configuration, a proliferation preventing means for preventing the proliferation of bacteria is provided in the drainage tank.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the sterilization apparatus configured as described above, metal ions or hypochlorous acid having sterilization property is added to the drainage tank by the propagation preventing means. According to this configuration, metal ions such as Cu and Ag, and hypochlorous acid obtained by electrolyzing the saline solution are added to the drainage tank by the reproduction preventing means.

  According to the present invention, since the dew condensation water removing means for removing the dew condensation water at the time of wet heat sterilization supplied with saturated steam to the treatment chamber is provided from the treatment chamber, the heat-resistant bacteria contained in the dew condensation water reattaches to the object to be treated. Fear can be avoided. Therefore, the hygiene of the sterilizer can be improved. In addition, since it includes dry heat sterilization in which superheated steam is supplied to the processing chamber by the steam supply unit, it is possible to sterilize heat-resistant bacteria. At this time, the sterilization time can be shortened by performing wet heat sterilization and dry heat sterilization.

  Moreover, since the dew condensation water removing means has a heating means for heating and evaporating the dew condensation water in the water collecting section, the dew condensation water can be easily removed. Furthermore, the heat-resistant bacteria contained in the dew condensation water can be sterilized to prevent reattachment to the object to be treated, and the possibility of the heat-resistant bacteria coming into contact with the user can be avoided.

  Moreover, since the dew condensation water removing means has drainage means for guiding the dew condensation water in the water collecting section to the drainage tank, the dew condensation water can be easily removed. Furthermore, the heat-resistant bacteria contained in the dew condensation water can be discharged to prevent reattachment to the object to be treated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a side sectional view and a top sectional view of a sterilizer according to an embodiment. The sterilizing apparatus 1 includes a device that performs a sterilization process that kills at least a part of bacteria by a sterilization process, which will be described later, and a part that kills a part, and a device that performs a sterilization process that kills almost all. The sterilizer 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped cabinet 10. A door 11 is provided in front of the cabinet 10. The door 11 is pivotally supported in a vertical plane with the lower end as a center, and a handle 12 for opening and closing the door 11 is provided at the upper part.

  A processing chamber 20 that is opened and closed by a door 11 is provided in the cabinet 10. An operation panel (not shown) is provided on the right side of the processing chamber 20. The wall surface of the processing chamber 20 is formed of a stainless steel plate, and the outer peripheral surface of the processing chamber 20 is provided with a heat insulation measure.

  A circulation duct 25 is provided on the outer wall of the processing chamber 20 from the back to the top. The circulation duct 25 opens an intake port 25a and a jet port 25b on the back wall and top surface of the processing chamber 20, respectively. A circulation fan 26 composed of a centrifugal fan is installed in the circulation duct 25. A steam generator 30 is connected to the downstream side of the circulation fan 26 via an air supply duct 32. An air supply damper 33 is provided in the air supply duct 32.

  The steam generator 30 has a pot (not shown) that stores water for generating steam, and is provided with a steam generator heater (not shown) that raises the temperature of the water in the pot. The pot is formed into a cylindrical shape from metal, synthetic resin, ceramic, or a combination of these different materials, and has heat resistance. Water is supplied to the pot from a detachable water tank (not shown).

  The steam generating heater is a spiral sheathed heater immersed in the pot, and water in the pot is heated by energization of the steam generating heater to generate saturated steam. A steam generating heater may be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pot. Further, the steam generating heater may be formed by an IH heater including a heating element immersed in the pot and a coil wound around the outside of the pot.

  A steam heater 31 composed of a sheathed heater is provided on the ceiling of the circulation duct 25. The steam heater 31 further heats the steam generated by the steam generator 30 to generate superheated steam. Therefore, the steam generator 30 and the steam heater 31 constitute a steam supply unit that supplies steam into the processing chamber 20.

  When the air supply damper 33 is opened and the circulation fan 26 is driven, the steam generated by the steam generator 30 flows into the circulation duct 25 through the air supply duct 32. Moreover, the vapor | steam in the process chamber 20 is attracted | sucked from the inlet port 25a, is ejected from the fusible port 25b through the circulation duct 25, and circulates. When the steam heater 31 is driven, the steam flowing through the circulation duct 25 is further heated, and superheated steam is ejected from the air outlet 25b. Since the steam ejection and suction are performed by the common circulation fan 26, the cost increase of the sterilizer 1 can be suppressed.

  An exhaust duct 35 having an exhaust port 35a is provided at the lower part of the back wall of the processing chamber 20. The exhaust duct 35 is provided with an exhaust damper 36. By opening the exhaust damper 36, air heavier than steam is exhausted into the atmosphere. Thereby, the inside of the processing chamber 20 can be maintained in a low oxygen state with an oxygen concentration of 3% or less. Further, since the exhaust duct 35 is opened to the atmosphere, the inside of the processing chamber 20 can be maintained at normal pressure.

  A horizontal flat tray 21 is disposed on the bottom surface of the processing chamber 20. A water collection portion 23 that collects the condensed water generated on the flat tray 21 is recessed behind the flat tray 21. Around the flat tray 21, a water channel 22 that guides the condensed water to the water collecting unit 23 is provided. The bottom surface of the water channel 22 is inclined toward the water collecting portion 23, and the condensed water can be easily guided to the water collecting portion 23. In addition, even if the flat tray 21 is inclined toward the water collection portion 23, the condensed water can be easily guided to the water collection portion 23.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. The water collecting part 23 is formed by an aluminum die cast heater 28 integrally formed with a water collecting part heater 27 made of a sheathed heater. The condensed water collected in the water collecting part 23 by energization of the water collecting part heater 27 is heated and evaporated. By using the aluminum die cast heater 28, the heat efficiency is high, so that the condensed water can be efficiently evaporated.

  The aluminum die cast heater 28 is provided with a temperature sensor 29. When the water in the water collecting part 23 evaporates and disappears by the water collecting part heater 27, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 exceeds 100 ° C. Thereby, the presence or absence of water in the water collecting section 23 can be determined.

  4 and 5 are a flowchart and a time chart showing the operation of the sterilizer 1 having the above-described configuration. In FIG. 5, B <b> 1 indicates the temperature inside the processing chamber 20, and B <b> 2 indicates the temperature of the water collection unit 23. When the object to be processed is put into the processing chamber 20 and the door 11 is closed, the operation of the sterilization process is started by operating the operation panel.

  In step # 11, the circulation fan 26 and the steam generator 30 are driven. Further, the supply damper 33 and the exhaust damper 36 are opened. As a result, saturated steam generated in the steam generator 30 is supplied into the processing chamber 20. At this time, the air in the processing chamber 20 is exhausted through the exhaust duct 35, and the processing chamber 20 is maintained in a normal pressure low oxygen state. The temperature in the processing chamber 20 is raised by the supply of saturated steam, and is maintained at a temperature T1 (near 100 ° C.). Thereby, the wet heat sterilization period D1 is performed, and a to-be-processed object is wet heat sterilized.

  When saturated steam is supplied into the processing chamber 20, dew condensation occurs on the peripheral wall of the processing chamber 20 and the flat tray 21 due to condensation of saturated steam. The generated condensation flows down the peripheral wall, flows on the flat tray 21, flows into the water channel 22, and is collected in the water collecting unit 23.

  In step # 12, it waits until time t1 (for example, 5 minutes) passes since the start of sterilization processing. When the time t1 has elapsed, the water collecting portion heater 27 is driven in step # 13. As a result, the condensed water accumulated in the water collecting section 23 is evaporated and removed from the processing chamber 20. Since the water collecting portion heater 27 is driven after the predetermined time t1 has elapsed and the condensed water has accumulated, it is possible to save power and to prevent the water collecting portion 23 from being overheated.

  In addition, the temperature of the water collection part heater 27 is set to 180 degreeC, for example. By setting the water collecting portion heater 27 to 170 ° C. or more, the heat-resistant bacteria remaining in the water collecting portion 23 due to evaporation of condensed water can be killed.

  In step # 14, the process waits until the time t2 elapses from the start of the sterilization process. When the time t2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 15 and the steam heater 31 is driven. Thereby, the superheated steam is supplied to the processing chamber 20, and the processing chamber 20 is maintained at a predetermined temperature T2 (for example, 170 ° C. or higher). Thereby, the wet heat sterilization period D1 is completed, the dry heat sterilization period D2 is performed, and the object to be processed is dry heat sterilized.

  In the dry heat sterilization period D2, when the processing chamber 20 becomes higher than the predetermined temperature T2, the steam generator 30 is stopped and the air supply damper 33 and the exhaust damper 35 are closed. Further, when the processing chamber 20 becomes lower than the temperature T2, the steam generator 30 is driven, and the supply damper 33 and the exhaust damper 35 are opened. Thereby, the processing chamber 20 is maintained at the temperature T2.

  In step # 16, it is monitored by the detection of the temperature sensor 29 whether or not the temperature of the water collecting section 23 has reached a predetermined temperature exceeding 100 ° C. When the temperature of the water collecting part 23 exceeds 100 ° C., it is determined that all the water in the water collecting part 23 has evaporated, and the process proceeds to step # 18 where the water collecting part heater 27 is stopped (time t3). Thereby, the energization period E of the water collecting portion heater 27 is between the time t1 and the time t3. When the temperature of the water collection part 23 is 100 degrees C or less, it transfers to step # 17.

  In step # 17, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) before the time t4 when the steam heater 31 is scheduled to be stopped. When the predetermined time before the time t4 when the steam heater 31 is stopped, the process proceeds to step # 18, and the water collecting portion heater 27 is stopped. If the predetermined time before time t4 has not been reached, the process returns to step # 16, and steps # 16 and # 17 are repeated.

  In step # 19, the process waits until time t4 elapses, and when time t4 elapses, the process proceeds to step # 20. In step # 20, the steam generator 30 and the steam heater 31 are stopped. Thereby, the supply of steam is stopped, and the temperature of the processing chamber 20 gradually decreases. When the inside of the processing chamber 20 becomes lower than 100 ° C., the dry heat sterilization period D2 ends, and the process proceeds to a cooling period D3 where the temperature is lowered while performing the wet heat sterilization.

  In Step # 21, the process waits for a predetermined time until the processing chamber 20 is cooled. When the processing chamber 20 is cooled, the process proceeds to Step # 22. If the temperature of the processing chamber 20 is monitored and reaches a predetermined temperature, the process may proceed to step # 22. In step # 22, the circulation fan 26 is stopped, and the air supply damper 33 and the exhaust damper 35 are opened. In step # 23, the end of the operation panel is notified. Thereby, the user opens the door 11 and takes out the workpiece.

  According to the present embodiment, the wet heat sterilization period D1 for supplying saturated steam to the processing chamber and the dry heat sterilization period D2 for supplying superheated steam to the processing chamber by the steam supply unit constituted by the steam generator 30 and the steam heater 31. Have Therefore, the heat-resistant bacteria can be sterilized by maintaining the processing chamber 20 at 170 ° C. or higher in the dry heat sterilization period D2. In addition, the time for the sterilization treatment can be shortened by performing the wet heat sterilization and the dry heat sterilization.

  In addition, since the sterilization process is performed at normal pressure, the explosion-proof structure of the processing chamber 20 is not required, so that the cost can be reduced, and the danger due to the hot water ejection can be prevented. In addition, since the sterilization process is performed in a low oxygen state, the oxidation of the object to be processed can be prevented and the sharpness of a knife or the like can be maintained.

  Moreover, the dew condensation water at the time of wet heat sterilization which supplied saturated vapor | steam to the process chamber 20 is evaporated from the process chamber 20 by the water collection part heater 27 (heating means). That is, the water collection unit heater 27 constitutes dew condensation water removing means for removing the dew condensation water accumulated in the water collection unit 23 from the processing chamber 20. Thereby, the possibility that the heat-resistant bacteria contained in the dew condensation water may reattach to the object to be treated can be avoided. Moreover, it is possible to avoid the possibility that the heat-resistant bacteria come into contact with the user. Therefore, the sanitation of the sterilizer 1 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to improve the convenience of the sterilization apparatus 1 by preventing the generation of dew condensation on the workpiece left in the processing chamber after the sterilization is completed and preventing the dew condensation water from flowing out when the door 11 is opened.

  Further, since steam is supplied into the processing chamber 20 and the water collecting portion heater 27 is driven after a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the condensed water is heated after the water collecting portion 23 is accumulated. Thereby, power saving can be achieved and overheating of the water collecting section 23 can be prevented.

  In addition, when it is determined by the temperature sensor 29 that the water in the water collecting portion 23 has run out, the water collecting portion heater 27 is stopped, so that power saving can be achieved. In addition, abnormal heat generation in the water collecting section 23 can be prevented.

  In addition, since the water collecting section heater 27 is stopped before the supply of steam into the processing chamber 20 is stopped, power saving can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to avoid the risk of burns caused by the vapor evaporated from the water collecting portion 23 when the door 11 is opened at the end of the sterilization treatment.

  Next, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 has shown the side surface sectional drawing and top surface sectional drawing of the sterilizer 1 of 2nd Embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the water collection unit 23 is different from that of the first embodiment, and the condensed water in the water collection unit 23 is drained. Other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The water collecting portion 23 is formed by deforming the bottom surface of the processing chamber 20 into a concave shape. Above the water collection part 23, a pipe 40 a of a drainage means 40 having a tube pump 41 opens downward facing the water collection part 23. As shown in FIG. 8, the pipe 40 a is disposed closer to the bottom surface of the water collection unit 23 and below the upper surface opening of the water collection unit 23.

  Since the pipe 40a opens downward, it is possible to prevent the tube pump 41 from being clogged with dust or the like flowing into the water collecting section 23. As shown in FIG. 9, it is more desirable to provide a filter 44 in the upper surface opening of the water collecting portion 23. Thereby, the inflow of dust or the like into the pipe 40a can be more reliably prevented.

  The tube pump 41 of the drainage means 40 has a rotating roller in a cylindrical housing, and a flexible tube is sandwiched between the inner surface of the housing and the rotating roller. The rotating roller rotates while pressing the tube, and the fluid in the tube is conveyed. Accordingly, the condensed water accumulated in the water collecting unit 23 can be sucked and conveyed from the pipe 40a connected to the tube, and the outflow of steam in the processing chamber 20 can be prevented.

  The tube pump 41 is connected to a detachable drainage tank 42 disposed outside the processing chamber 20. In the drainage tank 42, there is provided a breeding prevention means 43 that generates sterilizing metal ions such as Cu and Ag to prevent the growth of bacteria.

  The condensed water accumulated in the water collecting section 23 is drained to the drain tank 42 by driving the tube pump 41. The condensed water stored in the drain tank 42 is prevented from breeding by the breeding prevention means 43. When the sterilization process is completed, the drain tank 42 is removed, a predetermined process is performed, and the sterilization process is discarded.

  According to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the dew condensation water at the time of wet heat sterilization supplied with saturated steam to the processing chamber 20 is drained from the processing chamber 20 to the drain tank 42 by the drainage means 40. That is, the drainage means 40 and the drainage tank 42 constitute dew condensation water removing means for removing the dew condensation water accumulated in the water collecting section 23 from the processing chamber 20. Thereby, the possibility that the heat-resistant bacteria contained in the dew condensation water may reattach to the object to be treated can be avoided. Moreover, since it is not necessary to wipe off the condensed water, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the heat-resistant bacteria come into contact with the user. Therefore, the sanitation of the sterilizer 1 can be improved.

  The drainage means 40 may be driven intermittently after a predetermined time t1 (see FIG. 5) has elapsed after supplying steam into the processing chamber 20. Thereby, since the drainage means 40 is driven and stopped after the condensed water is accumulated, power saving can be achieved.

  Further, the drainage means 40 may be driven for a certain period before a predetermined time elapses when the steam supply is stopped. As a result, power saving and noise reduction during sterilization can be achieved.

  Moreover, since the drainage means 40 has the tube pump 41, since gas is not conveyed, the outflow of vapor | steam can be reduced and heating efficiency can be improved. Instead of the tube pump 41, a diaphragm pump or a piezoelectric pump may be used.

  Moreover, since the propagation prevention means 43 prevents the bacteria in the drain tank 42 from being propagated, it is possible to more reliably avoid the possibility that the heat-resistant bacteria come into contact with the user. Note that hypochlorous acid obtained by electrolysis of saline solution by the breeding prevention means 43 may be added to the drain tank 42.

  In the first and second embodiments, dry heat sterilization with superheated steam is performed after wet heat sterilization with saturated steam. However, even when only wet heat sterilization is performed, by providing dew condensation water removing means, Hygiene can be improved.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a sterilization apparatus that performs sterilization of an object to be processed by ejecting steam into the processing chamber.

Side surface sectional drawing which shows the sterilizer of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Top surface sectional drawing which shows the sterilizer of 1st Embodiment of this invention. AA sectional view of FIG. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the sterilizer of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The time chart which shows operation | movement of the sterilizer of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional view which shows the sterilizer of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Top view sectional drawing which shows the sterilizer of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional view which shows the water collection part of the sterilizer of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional drawing which shows the other aspect of the water collection part of the sterilizer of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilizer 11 Door 20 Processing chamber 21 Flat tray 22 Water channel 23 Water collecting part 25 Circulating duct 25a Inlet 25b Outlet 26 Circulating fan 27 Water collecting part heater 28 Aluminum die-cast heater 30 Steam generator 31 Steam heating heater 32 Air supply Duct 33 Air supply damper 35 Exhaust duct 35a Exhaust port 36 Exhaust damper 40 Drainage means 40a Piping 41 Tube pump 42 Drainage tank 43 Breeding prevention means

Claims (17)

  A processing chamber for storing an object to be processed, a steam supply unit for supplying saturated steam into the processing chamber, and a water collecting unit for collecting condensed water generated in the processing chamber by being recessed in the bottom surface of the processing chamber; A dew condensation water removing means for removing the dew condensation water collected in the water collection part, and the treatment chamber is filled with saturated steam to sterilize the object to be treated in a low-pressure state at normal pressure. The sterilizer.   The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein superheated steam is supplied after the saturated steam is supplied into the processing chamber by the steam supply unit.   The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a period for maintaining the processing chamber near 100 ° C by saturated steam and a period for maintaining the processing chamber at 170 ° C or higher by superheated steam are provided.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a bottom surface of the processing chamber is inclined toward the water collecting section.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a water channel for guiding condensed water to the water collecting part is provided in a peripheral part of the bottom surface of the processing chamber.   6. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the dew condensation water removing unit includes a heating unit for heating and evaporating the dew condensation water.   The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the heating means comprises an aluminum die cast heater that integrally molds the water collecting portion.   The sterilizer according to claim 6 or 7, wherein steam is supplied into the processing chamber and the heating unit is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed.   The temperature sensor which detects the water temperature of the said water collection part is provided, and when it is judged by the detection of the said temperature sensor that the water of the said water collection part has run out, the said heating means will be stopped. The sterilizer according to any one of 8.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the heating unit is stopped before the supply of steam into the processing chamber is stopped.   6. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the dew condensation water removing unit includes a drain tank and a drain unit that guides the dew condensation water accumulated in the water collecting section to the drain tank. .   The sterilizer according to claim 11, wherein the drainage means includes a tube pump, a diaphragm pump, or a piezoelectric pump.   The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a pipe of the drainage means opens downward facing the water collecting part.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein steam is supplied into the processing chamber and the draining means is intermittently driven after a predetermined time has elapsed.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the drainage means is driven for a predetermined period before the supply of steam is stopped.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the drainage tank is provided with a proliferation preventing means for preventing the proliferation of bacteria.   The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein metal ions or hypochlorous acid having sterilizing property is added to the drainage tank by the reproduction preventing means.

Images