JP2011254989A - Autoclaving/drying/sterilized water generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoclaving/drying/sterilized water generation system, capable of rapidly performing autoclaving and drying and also performing high-level sterilization with a reduced size.SOLUTION: The autoclaving/drying/sterilized water generation system 1 includes: a pressure tank 2 sealed by a lid portion; an electromagnetic induction heating means 3 for heating the pressure tank 2; a steam leading pipe 4 connected to the pressure tank 2; a pressure setting valve 5 provided on the steam leading pipe 4; a steam discharge pipe 6 connected to the pressure setting valve 5; and a sterilized water tank 23 connected to the steam discharge pipe 6. The pressure setting valve 5 gets into an open state when the pressure in the pressure tank 2 becomes a predetermined pressure value or more to keep the pressure in the pressure tank 2 constant, whereby excessive pressure can be prevented. Water and a sterilization object A are put into the pressure tank 2, and the pressure tank 2 itself is heated, whereby the sterilization object A can be sterilized by heat while being pressurized.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pressure sterilization / dry / sterile water generation system having a sterilization function, a drying function, and a sterilized water generation function using an electromagnetic induction heating unit as a heating unit. In particular, the present invention relates to a pressure sterilization / drying / sterilized water generation system equipped with a sterilization apparatus using electromagnetic induction heating means that rapidly rises to a set temperature.

  Furthermore, the present invention relates to an autoclave / dry / sterilized water generation system incorporated in a dental care unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sterilizer that sterilizes microorganisms by creating saturated steam at a predetermined temperature and pressure, and pressurizing and heating is known as an autoclave. However, many general autoclaves are large and use a heating wire or the like as a heating means. Therefore, many of them take a long time to rise to the set temperature, and are placed in a narrow place or used easily. As an apparatus, it was not necessarily suitable.

  Also, a steam sterilization apparatus provided with electromagnetic induction heating means as a heating means is already known, but it is not pressurized and there is much room for improvement in order to exert its effect as a sterilization apparatus in the medical field. Is. In particular, there are no autoclaving systems, drying systems, and sterilized water generating systems that are easily incorporated into dental care units.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-245959 (Patent Document 1) discloses that in a steam sterilization apparatus, a sterilization tank is heated from the outside in order to prevent problems due to scale adhesion and to facilitate cleaning work in the sterilization tank. A steam sterilization apparatus provided with electromagnetic induction heating means is disclosed.
However, in this case, although a structural explanation for preventing problems due to scale adhesion is made, it is determined that the apparatus is simply a steam sterilization apparatus because terms such as pressurization and pressure are not used. And steam sterilization and autoclave sterilization are completely different technologies, and there is a big difference in effect. Therefore, as a matter of course, when configuring an actual autoclaving system, it has been verified how much autoclaving treatment specifications (pressure and time) can be achieved to achieve a sufficient sterilizing effect. Absent.

Moreover, JP, 2002-96061, A (patent documents 2) is publicly known at the point of using an electromagnetic induction heating means. This not only dramatically increases the growth prevention effect of general bacteria inside the water purifier by a simple heating operation, but also has a high energy-saving effect that requires less heating operation and minimizes the energy required for heating. It aims at providing the heat sterilizer of a water purifier. And the water purifier main body in which the activated carbon is accommodated, and a heater having a means for heating separately from the water purifier main body, the water purifier main body can be connected to a tap water tap, Includes at least a pair of electrodes and a power source for applying a voltage between the electrodes, and the heater can accommodate the water purifier main body, and heating means such as an IH coil or a sheathed heater for heating the water purifier main body accommodated. The heat sterilizer of the water purifier of the structure provided with this is disclosed.
However, this is a heat sterilizer for water purifiers. After all, when actually constructing a sterilization system, how much autoclaving treatment (pressure and time) can be used to demonstrate a sufficient sterilization effect Is not done. In addition, since this uses activated carbon, if the replacement time is wrong, the effect is remarkably reduced, and the replacement takes time and money, and this actually becomes a big problem.

  In addition, as a general technique related to a cleaning sterilizer using superheated steam, cleaning and sterilization of one or more of transporting equipment for transporting meat, its accessory equipment, and its peripheral equipment is often performed at 100 ° C. or higher. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-346645 (Patent Document 3) is known as providing a very compact cleaning and sterilizing machine that can be efficiently performed with a cleaning and sterilizing medium containing superheated steam at 400 to 500 ° C. For this purpose, a steam generating section for generating steam, a heating air generating section for generating heated air, only the steam, only the heated air, or a mixed gas of the steam and the heated air is heated to a predetermined temperature. A cleaning sterilizer using heated steam, comprising a medium heating unit that is a cleaning sterilization medium, and a nozzle unit that sprays the cleaning sterilization medium onto the conveying device and the like, and at least the medium heating unit is configured by an electromagnetic induction heating device Is disclosed.

  On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-22850 (patent document 1) discloses an electric water heater that prevents a hot water temperature initially derived from being lowered by heating a water channel that is guided from the main body to the outside. Document 4) is known. This consists of a container that contains a liquid that is subjected to electromagnetic induction, and a water channel that receives an electromagnetic induction that is connected to a lead-out port that guides the liquid in the container to the outside of the container, and electromagnetically is applied laterally to the container. Disclosed is a water heater using electromagnetic induction that can obtain high-temperature hot water even when a small amount of hot water is initially discharged by arranging the induction device and simultaneously heating the container and the water pipe. Yes.

  Thus, it is well known that an electromagnetic induction device is generally used as a heating means, and the applicant recognizes that it is a commonly used technique. However, if this is to be used as a heating means in a pressure sterilization / drying / sterilized water generation system instead of the conventional heating means, it is necessary to fully verify the sterilization conditions and to perform appropriate control. There is.

JP 2001-245959 A JP 2002-96061 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-346645 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-22850

  As described above, an autoclave (high pressure steam sterilization) is often used for sterilization when a high sterilization operation is required in a medical institution. However, while an autoclave can perform a high degree of sterilization, sterilization takes time and cannot be sterilized quickly. Also, since the autoclave device itself is relatively large, the installation location is selected.

  Therefore, the first object of the present invention is to develop a pressure sterilization system capable of performing a quick and sufficient sterilization process, and further provides a system capable of a portable device to a large-scale device itself. For the purpose. Thereby, for example, an autoclave system that can be incorporated into a dental care unit is provided. Furthermore, because it can be installed in narrow places, it can also be installed in ambulances, airplanes, submarines, ships and other emergency medicine and battlefields.

  Further, in the present invention, it is necessary to take out the instrument after sterilization is completed, but in order to use steam, the steam is partially dried, but basically it is not necessary to take out the instrument sterilized with some moisture. Sometimes it is not possible. In this case, there is a possibility of causing secondary infection by using the sterilized instrument with moisture as it is. I can't wipe it. Therefore, a system that can dry instruments and equipment after sterilization is also provided.

  In medical institutions, it is desirable to use sterilized water not only to sterilize but also to reduce the risk of infection. However, although the conventional sterilization apparatus and sterilization system are intended to sterilize an object, it is not intended to obtain autoclaved water. In addition, until now, it has been necessary to purchase expensive sterilized water or invest in expensive equipment to obtain sterilized water. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to configure a sterilized water generation system using a common sterilization apparatus.

  Although it is possible to use water purified by a water purification system using adsorbents such as activated carbon or ultraviolet rays, such purified water is not a problem as drinking water, but it is disinfected and is highly sterilized. As for the water used in the medical field, sufficient water cannot be obtained unless a large-scale apparatus is used for a long time to obtain purified water.

  Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilized water generating system that can obtain autoclaved water that can be used even in the advanced medical field and that does not require filter replacement permanently. Thereby, for example, a sterilized water generation system can be incorporated in a dental care unit to provide advanced sterilized water to the dental care unit, and waste water containing infectious substances from the dental care unit can be sterilized and It can also be discarded as

  The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention has the following configuration / features.

(1) A pressurization tank sealed by an openable / closable lid, a plurality of electromagnetic induction heating means for heating the pressurization tank itself, a steam outlet pipe connected to the pressurization tank, and the steam A sterilized water comprising a pressure setting valve provided in the outlet pipe and a water vapor discharge pipe connected to the pressure setting valve, wherein the water vapor discharged from the water vapor discharge pipe is cooled by a cooling means to obtain sterilized water. The pressure setting valve is opened when the pressure in the pressurizing tank is equal to or higher than a set pressure selected from a range of 0.25 MPa to 0.35 MPa, and Control means for controlling the energization time to the electromagnetic induction heating means, and control information storage means for recording the sterilization time corresponding to the set pressure of the pressure setting valve, and
Water and an object to be sterilized are placed in the pressurized tank, and the pressurized tank itself is heated by the electromagnetic induction heating means to heat and evaporate the water contained in the pressurized tank. High-pressure high-temperature sterilization in a pressurized state, and after closing the object to be sterilized under high-pressure high-temperature sterilization, the shutter that partitions the inside of the pressurized tank into a sterilization / drying tank part and a water tank part was closed The autoclave sterilization / drying system which overheats the sterilization / drying tank part by the second electromagnetic induction heating means and superheats the water vapor in the sterilization / drying tank part to autoclave and dry the object to be sterilized. When,
By heating the pressurization tank itself by the electromagnetic induction heating means in a state where the water is contained in the pressurization tank, the water contained in the pressurization tank is heated and pressurized, and the steam sterilized by heating is sterilized. A sterilized water generating system for obtaining sterilized water in the sterilized water tank,
The autoclave / dry / sterilized water generation system comprising
When the set pressure of the pressure setting valve is set, the energizing time is determined by the control means based on the sterilization processing time corresponding to the set pressure recorded in the control information storage means. Pressure sterilization / drying / sterilized water generation system.

(2) The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system according to (1), wherein the electromagnetic induction heating means is arranged to heat the bottom and side surfaces of the pressurizing tank.

(3) The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system according to (1) or (2), wherein the pressurizing tank has pressure resistance against a pressure of 0.25 to 0.5 MPa.

(4) The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generation system can be incorporated in a dental care unit, further includes a water supply pipe connected to the pressurizing tank, and the water supply pipe is a water supply supplied from a water supply. The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generating system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein water or waste water supplied from the dental care unit is supplied to the pressurizing tank.
Therefore, the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of (4) above supplies the waste water supplied from the dental treatment unit to the pressurizing tank from the water supply pipe connected to the pressurizing tank, and sterilizes. Later, it can be used for things that are not directly related to the living body, such as washing of dental care units and appliances, or can be reused for toilet water or discarded into sewage. On the other hand, conventionally, contaminated water containing bacteria has been directly flowed into sewage.

(5) The autoclaved / dry / sterilized water generation system further includes a water supply pipe connected to the sterilized water tank, and the water supply pipe supplies sterilized water supplied from the sterilized water tank to the sterilized water. The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the autoclave / drying / sterilized water generating system is supplied to sterilize an object. .
This is characterized by eliminating waste of water resources.

(6) Any one of (1) to (5), wherein a Peltier element is connected to a high temperature part and a low temperature part of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system to enable power generation. Pressure sterilization / drying / sterilized water generation system as described.
That is, the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of (6) above enables, for example, power generation by connecting a Peltier element to a high temperature part such as a pressure tank and a low temperature part such as a cooling means, The power can be regenerated, used as a dental care unit or other power, or can be configured to be reused in a cooling system or the like.

  According to the present invention, by adopting the electromagnetic induction heating means as the heating means of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating device, autoclave sterilization can be performed more quickly than before, and the apparatus has been downsized. A highly sterilizable autoclaving system can be provided. In other words, by obtaining the time required for the sterilization time after the pressurization time in advance as the time for the sterilization treatment by the electromagnetic induction heating means, it is possible to achieve autoclave sterilization faster than conventional. . Moreover, it is possible to obtain autoclaved water quickly, and to provide a miniaturized sterilized water generating system.

  In addition, by configuring a system in which the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention is incorporated in a dental care unit, a dental care unit that enables extremely hygienic dental care can be provided.

The system block diagram showing the Example of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water production | generation system of this invention. The perspective view which showed the Example which incorporated the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water production | generation system of this invention in the dental care unit. The pressure change figure along the operation condition of the autoclaving system of this invention. The pressure change figure along the operation condition of the autoclave system of the present invention for every set pressure. The photograph which compared the quality of the sterilization process, and the figure patterned based on these.

  A basic configuration common to the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention is a sterilization apparatus provided with electromagnetic induction heating means. The sterilization apparatus, which is the basic configuration of the autoclave system of the present invention, includes a pressurization tank that is sealed by closing a lid after water and an object to be sterilized, and an electromagnetic for heating the pressurization tank itself. Induction heating means, a steam outlet pipe provided in the upper part of the pressurizing tank, a pressure setting valve provided in the steam outlet pipe, and a steam discharge pipe connected to the steam outlet pipe via the pressure setting valve It consists of

  An autoclave / dry / sterilized water generation system equipped with such a sterilizer has a pressure setting valve that is opened when the pressure in the pressurization tank exceeds a predetermined set pressure value. It is. The pressure of the pressure setting valve can be set freely. For example, as will be described later, a pressure of 0.25 to 0.5 MPa (about 2.5 to 5 atmospheres) can be set. As a result, when this autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system is used, water and an object to be sterilized are placed in a pressurizing tank, and the pressurizing tank itself is heated by electromagnetic induction heating means. When the water in the pressure tank is heated to generate steam, the pressure in the pressure tank rises rapidly, and the water in the pressure tank boils at a boiling point corresponding to the set pressure in a very short time. Thereby, a desired set time can be accurately heat sterilized in a state where the object to be sterilized in the pressure tank is pressurized.

  In the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention, electromagnetic induction heating means is used as the heating means of the sterilizer, but this is highly heat efficient because the pressure tank itself is directly heated. The speed is fast. Therefore, it is possible to heat the water in the pressurizing tank to the boiling point corresponding to the set pressure in a short time, and thereby a sufficient sterilization effect is expected by performing sterilization treatment within a predetermined time. It can be done. In other words, it does not rise up to the set temperature as in the conventional sterilization system, but the temperature rise up to the boiling point corresponding to the set pressure is achieved extremely rapidly. The sterilization time in consideration of the sterilization effect before achieving the predetermined temperature cannot be employed. However, by adopting the electromagnetic induction heating means as the heating means, it becomes possible to reduce the size compared to the conventional autoclave and can be installed in a narrow space, further reducing the total sterilization time. be able to.

  In high-pressure steam sterilization, it is important to pressurize steam. Even if the temperature and pressure are applied without steam, or if only steam is applied without pressurization, sterilization in a short time achieved in the present invention cannot be expected. In such a case, the same effect cannot be obtained even if it takes at least several hours or more, sometimes 24 hours or more.

  In a preferred embodiment of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system of the present invention, the pressurizing tank has a pressure of 0.25 to 0.5 MPa (about 2.5 to 5 atm), at least 0.25 to 0. It has pressure resistance against 35 MPa (about 2.5 to 3.5 atmospheres). In the medical field, since it is necessary to kill microorganisms and pathogens in order to prevent nosocomial infection, a high degree of sterilization is required. As shown in the examples to be described later, by making the inside of the pressurizing tank at least pressure of 0.25 MPa, advanced sterilization required in the medical field can be realized quickly in a short time. Similarly, by heating with electromagnetic induction heating means in a state where water is contained in the pressurizing tank, the inside of the pressurizing tank is pressurized, heat-sterilized water vapor is obtained, and sterilized water is obtained in the sterilized water tank be able to. It has been experimentally verified that it can be implemented by using, for example, iron, stainless steel, aluminum or an alloy containing them as a pressure vessel having pressure resistance to a pressure of at least about 0.25 MPa to about 0.35 MPa. ing.

  The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generating system of the present invention includes a sterilizing water generating means in addition to the sterilizing apparatus which is the basic configuration of the autoclaving system. That is, a water vapor outlet pipe provided in the upper part of the pressurizing tank of the sterilizer, a pressure setting valve provided in the water vapor outlet pipe, and a water vapor discharge pipe connected to the water vapor outlet pipe via the pressure setting valve; And a cooling means for cooling the water vapor discharged from the water vapor discharge pipe and a sterilized water tank for storing sterilized water. In this way, sterilized water can be obtained in a short time by employing the electromagnetic induction heating means. Further, the apparatus can be miniaturized, and the sterilized water generation system can be installed in a narrow space.

  A preferred embodiment of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system of the present invention has a water supply pipe connected to the upper part of the pressurizing tank. For example, tap water or water drained from a dental care unit can be supplied to the water supply pipe to the pressurized tank. The dental practice unit is a treatment table for dental treatment, including a chair for a patient, a tooth cutting machine necessary for treatment, a vacuum for suctioning cuts and saliva, an air jet, and a mouthwash for patient gargle (Spitton) etc. are provided, and sterilization and purification of water drained from the dental care unit is performed in the dental care unit by supplying water drained from vacuum and spitton into the pressurized tank and obtaining sterilized water. This makes it possible to reduce environmental pollution. In addition, sterilized water obtained from tap water can be supplied to the specification for the part directly related to the living body. Of course, the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention can be provided for each dental practice unit, but can also be provided for each of multiple generations of dental practice units. .

  Further, the preferred embodiment of the autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generating system of the present invention has a sterilizing water supply pipe connected to a sterilizing water tank. Since this sterilized water is sterilized water that has been completely sterilized, it can be reused in the medical field. Therefore, if the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system is incorporated in the dental care unit, the sterilized water fed from the sterilized water tank by the water supply pipe can be supplied to the dental care unit and used or reused. As described above, in the present invention, the sterilized water generation system supplies sterilized water obtained from tap water or the like to the dental medical unit, so that the sterilized water is used for water supply or open treatment when shaving teeth. It can be used for parts that require high sterilization such as washing water for patients, gargles for patients, and cleaning of instruments and prostheses, and can provide a sanitary medical practice. With this combined configuration, sterilized water is obtained from the water drained from the dental care unit that was originally supposed to be discarded, and the contaminated water that has been drained up to now is drained as sterilized water. Because it can be reused for unrelated parts, for example, cleaning water for spitons of dental care units, and other systems (such as toilet water in a building), from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment It is valid.

  Further, the preferred embodiment of the autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generating system of the present invention has a sterilizing water supply pipe connected to a sterilizing water tank. This water supply pipe is configured to regenerate the sterilized water supplied from the sterilized water tank to the autoclave / dry / sterile water generation system. In the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system of the present invention, when autoclaving in order to sterilize an object to be sterilized, a predetermined amount of water is required in the pressurizing tank. By using sterilized water obtained from the sterilized water generation system as the predetermined amount of water required in this autoclave system, it is possible to realize a more complete sterilization and system that does not waste water resources Become.

  Further, a preferred embodiment of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system of the present invention is one in which electromagnetic induction heating means is arranged to heat the bottom and side surfaces of the pressurizing tank. Moreover, the electromagnetic induction heating means may have a structure integrated with the pressure tank. Thus, by arranging the electromagnetic induction heating means on the bottom and side surfaces of the pressurizing tank, the heating speed of the entire pressurizing tank is increased, and sterilized water can be generated more quickly.

  The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention enables power generation by connecting a Peltier element to a high temperature part such as the pressurization tank and a low temperature part such as the cooling means, and regenerates the power or Since it is configured to be used as a medical unit or other power, or to use the power for a cooling system or the like, it is possible to save power.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples to which the present invention is applied, and can be appropriately changed in design within the scope obvious to those skilled in the art, and these are also included in the technical idea of the present invention. If so, it is included in the technical scope.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example as an embodiment of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention. An autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a sterilization system that performs high-pressure steam sterilization of an object A to be sterilized, and enables high-level sterilization required in a medical field. The sterilization apparatus 10 which is a main part of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 includes a water tank unit 16 for storing water and a sterilization / drying tank unit 17 having an openable / closable lid unit 7. The pressure tank 2, the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 for heating the water tank section itself and the sterilization drying tank section 17 itself, the steam outlet pipe 4 provided on the upper part of the pressurizing tank 2, and the steam outlet pipe 4 at appropriate locations. It has a pressure setting valve 5 arranged and a water vapor discharge pipe 6 connected to the opposite side of the pressure setting valve 5. The water vapor discharge pipe 6 is opened to the outside by the switching valve 19 or connected to the sterilized water tank 23 through the connecting part 26 and the cooler 30. The sterilized water tank 23 is connected to a water supply valve 24 which is opened to the outside from the sterilized water discharge pipe 31 via the switching valve 20 or connected to the water supply pipe 9 from the water supply pipe 21 via the connection unit 25. Yes. The sterilized water tank 23 can be removed at the connect part 25, the connect part 26, and the connect part 27, and the autoclave / dry system part is separated from the autoclave / dry / sterilized water generation system. Can do.

  When using the sterilization system 1, the sterilization / drying tank unit 17 is a tank that holds the object A to be sterilized for autoclaving and drying after sterilization. When the sterilization system 1 is used in a medical field, the object A to be sterilized is, for example, a surgical instrument, a medical instrument, a reagent, or the like, and the object A to be sterilized is disposed between the sterilization drying tank 17 and the water tank 16. Is provided (not shown) (any configuration is acceptable as long as it has a gap through which superheated steam passes), and a shutter 8 is provided thereunder. The shutter 8 is configured to be openable and closable by driving means (not shown), and is configured to maintain an open state during sterilization and to maintain a closed state during drying. The opening / closing drive control of the shutter 8 is achieved by the control means 11. The lid 7 is closed during sterilization. The lid portion 7 may be attached to a part of the pressurizing tank 2 so as to be openable and closable by a pivot type, or may be configured to be easily detachable. However, the structure which can endure the pressure in the pressurization tank 2 and can maintain a closed state must be employ | adopted. In the present embodiment, the pressurizing tank 2 was pressurized to 0.25 to 0.35 MPa (about 2.5 to 3.5 atm), but the pressure resistance was set so as not to be deformed even when pressurized to this extent. It is made of a material that can withstand high temperatures and high pressures of about 150 ° C. (vapor pressure is about 0.5 MPa) during sterilization. Furthermore, since it heats by electromagnetic induction, the sterilization drying tank part 17 consists of a material which has a certain amount of electrical resistance, while having a certain amount of conductivity. Examples of the material of the pressurizing tank 2 of the present invention include iron, stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys containing them. In addition, a certain amount of thickness is necessary to prevent red heat and deformation with a certain amount of heat capacity, thereby increasing the pressure resistance and obtaining a large heating current. Since it is difficult to do, a more preferable example is a pressure vessel 2 containing stainless steel with a thickness of about 3 mm. Even if such a thick pressurized tank 2 is used, since the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 is used as the heating means, the entire apparatus as compared with the heating by the boiler that is performed in the conventional autoclave. It can be downsized. By realizing miniaturization, the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 of the present invention can be placed in a narrow space. For example, in an ambulance, helicopter, airplane, submarine, ship, etc. It can also be installed at accident sites and emergency medical sites such as battlefields.

  The electromagnetic induction heating means 3 is a means for heating the water tank part 16 and the sterilization drying tank part 17 in order to sterilize the object A to be sterilized contained in the pressure tank 2 by autoclaving. The water tank part 16 itself is heated by flowing an induced current through the water tank part 16, thereby heating the water in the water tank part 16. The electromagnetic induction heating means 3 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 16 or at the bottom and side surfaces. In addition, the superheated steam coil 14 provided in the central portion of the tank constituting the sterilization drying tank unit 17 is heated by the electromagnetic induction means 3 during autoclaving to fill the sterilization drying tank unit 17 with water vapor. Furthermore, it can heat and it can act as an auxiliary | assistant in order to achieve the pressure in the sterilization drying tank part 17 to a predetermined pressure (for example, 0.25-0.35 MPa) in a short time. After completion of sterilization, the shutter 8 is closed, the superheated steam coil 14 is energized, the sterilization drying tank 17 itself is heated, and the steam in the tub is heated to dry the object A to be sterilized. . The electromagnetic induction heating means 3 has one or more electromagnetic induction coils, and an AC power supply 15 is connected to the sterilization coil 13 and the superheated steam coil 14. In addition, although not illustrated, a plurality of electromagnetic induction coils may be provided vertically overlapping the heating surface (bottom portion or bottom portion and side surface) of the water tank portion and the sterilization pressure tank 2. By arranging the electromagnetic induction coils 13 and 14 so as to overlap with each other, more induction current flows than in the case of a single electromagnetic induction coil, so that the pressurization tank 2 can be efficiently heated. Further, although not shown, a plurality of coils may be configured as separate circuits. It is configured as a separate circuit, and by causing currents of different phases (for example, U, V, W in the case of three-phase AC) to flow through each coil, a larger induction is given to the water tank section 16 and the sterilization drying tank section 17. An electric current can be passed, and more efficient heating can be performed in a short time. And when the container or housing | casing (not shown) which stored these electromagnetic induction coils is comprised, the upper surface of the container or housing | casing and the bottom part of the pressurization tank 2 are comprised so that it may contact | adhere. Although not shown, a pipe allowing water to flow is provided at the bottom of the water tank section 16, and a coil is wound around the pipe through which the water passes to heat the pipe itself and the bottom of the water tank section 16 itself. The water inside may be heated. The tube can adopt a spiral shape, a radial shape, a fence shape, or the like, and is configured to cover the bottom or side of the water tank portion 16 as a whole. Thereby, heating of water with higher efficiency becomes possible.

  The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 of the present invention includes a control means 11 for controlling the entire system 1. This control means 11 mainly performs control of power supply time to the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 of the sterilization apparatus 10 and control of the set pressure of the pressure setting valve 5. The control of the power supply time and the control of the set pressure determine the success or failure of the autoclave system 1 and will be described in detail later. When an AC power supply 15 is energized by pressing a power button (not shown), a current flows through the electromagnetic induction coils 13 and 14, and the water tank section 16 and the sterilization drying tank section 17 are heated by Joule heat. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which integrated the water tank part 16, the sterilization drying tank part 17, and the electromagnetic induction heating means 3. FIG.

  When the water tank unit 16 is rapidly heated, the water contained therein is heated and reaches the boiling point (differs depending on the set pressure) within a short time and boils. At this time, the water vapor heated by the electromagnetic induction means 3 during autoclaving and filled in the sterilization / drying tank unit 17 is further heated to achieve the pressure in the sterilization / drying tank unit 17 to the pressure in a shorter time. Can act as an aid. The water vapor outlet pipe 4 is connected to the pressurizing tank 2 and is a pipe for discharging water vapor generated by heating the pressurizing tank 2 by the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 from the sterilization drying tank unit 17. In order to sterilize the object A to be sterilized by autoclaving, a predetermined amount of water 18 is supplied into the pressurized tank 2 from the water supply pipe 9 together with the object A to be sterilized. The timing for supplying this water is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that the pressure setting valve 5 be set after the lid 7 of the pressurizing tank 2 is closed. When water is supplied from the water supply pipe 9 after the lid portion 7 of the pressurizing tank 2 is closed, the pressure setting valve 5 is preferably opened. The supply of the predetermined amount of water is automatically performed under the control of the control means 11. This water may be tap water, but by using sterilized water stored in the sterilized water tank 23, sterilization with higher accuracy can be performed. By rapidly heating the pressurizing tank 2 by the electromagnetic induction heating means 3, water vapor is generated from water within a short time in the pressurizing tank 2, and the generated water vapor exceeds the pressure set in the pressure setting valve 5. When the water vapor pressure is reached, the water is discharged from the pressurized tank 2 to the sterilized water tank 23 or outside through the water vapor outlet pipe 4. Since the discharged water vapor is sterilized, it does not adversely affect the environment.

  The pressure setting valve 5 is provided in the water vapor outlet pipe 4 and is opened when the pressure in the pressurizing tank 2 becomes a predetermined set pressure value (for example, 0.25 to 0.35 MPa) or more. Is. For example, the pressure setting valve 5 is constituted by a relief valve. The pressure setting of the pressure setting valve 5 can be configured to be manually operated, or pressure setting means configured so that the operator sets a desired pressure by the control means 11 using an electromagnetic valve or the like. 12 can also be provided. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which measures the temperature in the pressurization tank 2 by temperature measurement means (not shown), such as a thermostat, and controls electronically so that a valve may be opened when it becomes more than predetermined temperature. In any case, by rapidly heating the sealed water tank section 16 and the sterilization drying tank section 17 by the electromagnetic induction heating means 3, water vapor is generated in the pressure tank 2 within a short time, and the pressure tank The pressure in 2 rises rapidly. When the pressure in the pressurizing tank 2 becomes equal to or higher than the set pressure, the pressure setting valve 5 is opened, and the water pressure in the pressurizing tank 2 is led out from the water vapor outlet pipe 4 to set the pressure in the pressurizing tank 2. It is preventing it from rising above the value. Thereby, the sterilization process of the object A to be sterilized in the pressurizing tank 2 at a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature is started within a short time. A desirable sterilization time at a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature in the autoclaving system 1 of the present invention will be described in detail later, but is uniquely determined with respect to the set pressure of the pressure setting valve 5, and control information as control information. It is stored in the storage means 28.

  Reasons for selecting a relief valve as the pressure setting valve 5 are: (1) The structure is simple and difficult to break, (2) The size is small, (3) Unlike the electronic type, the pressure setting is mechanically performed by a spring For this purpose, the valve opens at “set pressure + α” and closes at “set pressure−β”. In other words, it appears that water vapor is emitted almost continuously from the water vapor discharge pipe, but it is actually intermittent. This means that the pressure in the tank is positive or negative in the range of + α to −β before and after the set pressure. This means a possibility of inactivation of microorganisms and the like attached to the object A to be sterilized more effectively, which is a special effect. The reason why the electronic type is selected for the pressure setting valve 5 is that the pressure can be set very easily, and besides the method of keeping the pressure constant, the range of the set pressure ± α (α is a small value). Alternatively, a method of variably setting the pressure within the range of + α to −β is also possible.

  The water vapor discharge pipe 6 opened to the outside is connected to the water vapor discharge pipe 4, and when the pressure setting valve 5 is opened and the switching valve 27 is set to the water vapor discharge section 22 side, the water vapor discharge pipe 6 is led out. The water vapor in the pressurizing tank 2 is discharged from the water vapor discharge part 22 to the outside air. For this reason, the water vapor discharge pipe 6 may have any shape as long as it is configured to open to the outside. The water vapor discharge pipe 6 may be included in the water vapor outlet pipe 4 by directly installing the pressure setting valve 5 on the lid portion 7 of the pressurizing tank 2. The steam discharged from the steam discharge pipe 6 has a high temperature and high momentum (high pressure), so it should be used for simple drying, disinfection (no need for sterilization) and cleaning of equipment and equipment. Is possible.

  The water vapor discharge pipe 6 is connected to the water vapor outlet pipe 4, and when the pressure setting valve 5 is open and the switching valve 19 is on the sterilizing water tank 23 side, the water vapor in the sterilization drying tank section 17 is The water vapor is led out from the water vapor outlet pipe 4 to the sterilized water tank 23 so that the water vapor stays in the sterilized water tank 23. For example, the shape is cylindrical.

  The sterilized water tank 23 is a tank for storing sterilized water obtained by cooling the water vapor derived from the water vapor discharge pipe 6. Preferably, a cooler 30 for cooling the derived water vapor in the water vapor discharge pipe 6 is provided in the vicinity of the upper portion of the sterilizing water tank 23, and the steam cooled by the cooler 30 becomes sterilized water and becomes a sterilizing water tank. 23 is stored.

The operation of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system 1 of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described. In the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 of the present invention, when autoclaving is performed, the object A to be sterilized is first stored in the autoclave 2 and a predetermined amount (depending on the design / specifications of the system 1). Although different, for example, 0.5 to 10 liters) of water 18 is added, the lid 7 is closed, and the pressure tank 2 is sealed. At this time, if the water supply pipe 9 is provided in the pressurizing tank 2, it is possible to supply water after the lid portion 7 is closed. It is necessary to provide a valve 24 in the water supply pipe 9. In this case, it is preferable to supply water with the pressure setting valve 5 opened. Next, the pressure of the pressure setting valve 5 is set. By setting this pressure, the sterilization temperature (boiling point at the set pressure) is determined, and autoclaving is performed according to this.
After completion of sterilization, the shutter 8 is closed, and the pressurizing tank 2 is partitioned into a water tank section 16 and a sterilization drying tank section 17. At this time, the water vapor outlet pipe 29 of the water tank section 16 is opened. Next, the superheated steam coil 14 provided in the central portion of the tank constituting the sterilization / drying tank unit 17 is energized to heat the sterilization / drying tank unit 17 itself and superheat the water vapor therein to cover the appliance / equipment. The object A to be sterilized is dried.
In addition, an operation when the object A to be sterilized is used as a sterilized water generation system without sterilization will be described. In the sterilized water generation system, when performing autoclave sterilization of water, first, water to be treated is stored in the pressurization tank 2, and the pressurization tank 2 is sealed with a lid 7. For example, tap water or other water can be used as the water. In the case where the water supply pipe 9 is provided in the pressure tank 2, a predetermined amount of water can be supplied by opening the water supply valve 24 after sealing the pressure tank 2 with the lid 7. This water supply amount is controlled by the control means 11. Next, the power switch (not shown) of the control unit 11 is turned on to energize the electromagnetic induction heating unit 3 from the AC power source 15 and rapidly heat the bottom and side surfaces of the pressurizing tank 2 to increase the pressure. Water 18 in the tank 2 is heated within a short time to generate water vapor. When the pressure tank 2 is filled with saturated water vapor, the pressure in the pressure tank 2 starts to rise, and when the pressure is higher than the set pressure value, the pressure setting valve 5 opens and passes through the water vapor outlet pipe 4. Water vapor in the pressurization tank 2 is discharged from the water vapor discharge pipe 6 to the outside of the pressurization tank 2. The water vapor discharged from the water vapor discharge pipe 6 is cooled by the cooler 30 to generate sterilized water and is stored in the sterilized water tank 23. Thus, by using the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 as the heating means, the pressurized tank 2 itself can be rapidly heated, so that sterilized water can be obtained in a short time and can be reduced in size. It becomes possible to install the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 even in a narrow space, in ambulances, helicopters, airplanes, submarines, ships, etc. Sterile water can be easily generated in a wide range of situations.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at the time of autoclaving, when a set pressure or set temperature is set in the control means 11, a corresponding sterilization processing time is automatically set (described later), and a power button (not shown) ) To power the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 from the AC power source 15 and heat the bottom and side surfaces of the pressurizing tank 2 to rapidly heat the water 18 in the pressurizing tank 2. Water vapor is generated in time. When the pressure tank 2 is filled with saturated water vapor, the pressure in the pressure tank 2 starts to increase, and when the pressure is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure value set above, the pressure setting valve 5 is opened and the water vapor is derived. Water vapor in the pressurizing tank 2 is released from the water vapor discharge pipe 6 to the outside of the pressurizing tank through the pipe 4. In order to further increase the pressure in the pressurizing tank 2, the pressure setting valve 5 is opened at the beginning of energization according to a control signal from the control device 11, and in the initial stage of heating, the pressure in the pressurizing tank 2 is increased. The air is allowed to escape to a predetermined time (preferably preset in the control device 11) or a predetermined temperature (in this case, a temperature sensor (not shown) needs to be provided in the pressurizing tank 2). At this point, the pressure setting valve 5 may be closed to seal the pressurizing tank 2, or the sterilization drying tank unit 17 may be heated by the electromagnetic induction means 3 and filled in the sterilization drying tank unit 17 by a control signal from the control device 11. The steam is further heated by the superheated steam coil 14 provided in the central part of the tank constituting the sterilization drying tank unit 17 to assist in achieving the pressure in the sterilization drying tank unit 17 to the set pressure in a short time. It can be made to act as.

  Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as demonstrated in the examples described later, the sterilization time is 15 minutes to 25 minutes at 0.25 MPa to less than 0.35 MPa, and 0.35 MPa to less than 0.4 MPa. Sterilization is performed with a sterilization time of 10 minutes to 20 minutes. The “sterilization time” (also referred to as “sterilization treatment time”) in the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 3. From the operation time of the apparatus (T = 0 → T = t3), the object A to be sterilized is determined. After turning on the power button and pressing down, the heating time to the pressure required for autoclaving (pressurization time: T = 0 → T = t1), and until the sterilization is finished and the heating is stopped and the object A to be sterilized is taken out (Time taken out: T = t2 → T = t3). That is, after reaching a predetermined atmospheric pressure (corresponding predetermined temperature), it means a time (sterilization time: T = t1 → T = t2) for maintaining the atmospheric pressure and sterilizing the object A to be sterilized.

  In the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1 of the present invention, the sterilization time is experimentally determined for each set pressure, and stored as control information in the control information storage means 28. The control means 11 Based on the control information stored in the control information storage means 28, the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 of the sterilizer 10 is controlled. In the conventional autoclave, since the time required for the temperature raising / pressurizing time is long, the time is set in consideration of the sterilization action within the time. However, as in the present invention, electromagnetic induction heating is used as a heating means. When the means 3 is used, it is necessary to find “sterilization time” as a new concept for the set pressure without using the conventional numerical values as they are. With regard to the control of “sterilization time”, it is possible to provide a sterilization time countdown timer.

  FIG. 4 shows a desirable “sterilization time” in the autoclave system of the present invention for each set pressure. This figure describes the operation status of the processing transition at each set pressure, including the time when the pressure in the pressurizing tank 2 is increased to the set pressure. Incidentally, in the conventional autoclave (shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4), the pressure increase time is about 25 minutes and the sterilization time is about 20 minutes at 0.2 MPa. In this case, it is considered that the latter half of 25 minutes of the pressurization time contributes to the sterilization treatment. This is shown in Table 1 below.

  Thus, in the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system 1 equipped with the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 of the present invention, the pressurization time is as short as 3 to 5.5 minutes, and the required sterilization time at each pressure is as follows. 25 to 5 minutes. This sterilization time is stored in the control information storage means 28 corresponding to the set pressure. By the way, the pressurizing time varies depending on the size and structure of the pressurizing tank 2. Therefore, it is preferable to set the boost time individually. For example, the pressurization time corresponding to the pressurizing tank 2 may be stored in the control information storage unit 28 in advance when the apparatus is manufactured. Moreover, it is also possible to configure the end user so that it can be set in advance in a situation that suits their actual usage. In the autoclave system 1 of the present invention, as described above, the “total time” obtained by adding the “pressurization time” and the “sterilization time” separately determined for the set pressure is set as the energization time by the control means 11. It is something to control.

  For drying after sterilization, in the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system 1 equipped with the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 of the present invention, after the sterilization is completed, the shutter 8 that partitions the water tank unit 16 and the sterilization drying tank unit 17 is provided. After closing, the steam in the sterilization / drying tank section 17 is energized by the control means 11 through the electromagnetic induction heating means 3 to the superheated steam coil 14 on the side surface of the sterilization / drying tank section 17 to produce superheated steam. Superheated steam (170 ° C. or higher) is obtained by heating water vapor to 170 ° C. or higher and can dry an object. The control at the time of drying is such that when the object to be sterilized A is gauze or the like, the control means 11 controls the condition that allows only drying without burning as the energization time.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a system in which the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 41 is incorporated in the dental care unit 70. The dental treatment unit 70 is a dental treatment table, and is provided with a patient chair 71, a tooth cutting machine necessary for treatment, a vacuum for suctioning cuts and saliva, and a machine for air injection. The treatment device mounting table 72 and the auxiliary table 74 provided with a mouthwash device (spiton) 73 for gargle for the patient. The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generation system 41 of the present invention is provided corresponding to the dental care unit 70 and pressurizes the water drained from the vacuum or spit 73 by opening the water supply valve 61 from the water supply / drainage pipe 60. The tank 42 can be supplied. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to sterilize and purify the water drained from the dental care unit 70. By sterilizing the waste water from the dental care unit 70 with the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 41 of the present invention, a method of attaching a filter to a conventional pipe to remove germs and a purification method of performing ultraviolet irradiation Rather than more complete sterilization.

  A preferred embodiment of the system incorporating the autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generation system 41 of the present invention in the dental care unit 70 has a sterilizing water discharge pipe 65 connected to a sterilizing water tank 59. The sterilized water discharge pipe 65 can supply sterilized water obtained by sterilizing tap water led from the sterilized water tank 59 to the dental practice unit 70. Thus, by supplying the sterilized water obtained from the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 41 of the present invention to the dental care unit 70, the sterilized water is used for gargle of the patient and for cleaning the instruments and prosthesis. Can provide a hygienic practice. Further, this configuration may be combined with the configuration in which the water from the dental care unit 70 described above is connected to the water supply / drainage pipe 60 and supplied to the pressurizing tank 42. By combining in this way, sterilized water is obtained from the water drained from the dental medical unit 70 that should have been discarded by the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system 41, and the dental medical unit 70 is cleaned of instruments and equipment. It is effective from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment because it can be used for things that are not directly related to the living body and can be recycled in other systems that require sterilized water.

  Further, in the present invention, the pressurizing tanks 2 and 42 and the water vapor outlet pipes 4 and 44 are at a high temperature. Therefore, it is possible to generate power by connecting a Peltier element (not shown) between the low-temperature portion. At that time, a heat pipe may be used to conduct heat to the element. When the apparatus is in operation, a temperature difference of 100 ° C. or more is obtained between the room temperature and the pressurizing tanks 2, 42 and the steam outlet pipes 4, 44, so that efficient power generation is possible. The power generated here may be supplied to the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system 1, 41 itself, or wired to another Peltier element and used to cool sterilized water vapor. Also good. This contributes to energy saving and is an effective means for protecting the global environment. The power generated by the Peltier element can be used for (1) regeneration in the sterilizer itself, (2) used as power for dental care units and dental equipment, and (3) used to supplement power such as lighting. Is possible.

  Next, specific verification results when the above-described autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system of the present invention is used as a sterilizing water generating system will be described. At that time, as the electromagnetic induction heating means, an IH cooker (Mitsutani Electric Co., Ltd. MIH-650) having a maximum power consumption of 650 W was used. The pressure tank is equipped with a pressure gauge and thermometer for measuring the pressure in the pressure tank, and a modified stainless steel pressure kettle is used as the pressure tank, and 1000 ml of water is put into the pressure tank. It was. An in-line relief valve was used as the pressure setting valve, and it was configured to be adjustable so that the valve opened when a predetermined pressure value (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 atmospheres) was reached. As a sterilized water tank, a general glass bottle was used, and it was opened to the atmosphere without providing a special cooler. By adopting such a configuration, sterilized water was successfully obtained.

  Next, basic items constituting the technical idea of the present invention will be described. The basic idea that constitutes the present invention is that, in the autoclave system and the sterilized water generation system, as described in FIG. Pressurization time for increasing the pressure to the set pressure (T = 0 → T = t1), (2) After reaching the predetermined pressure, the sterilization time (actual time required for sterilizing the object A to be sterilized at the set pressure) (Sterilization time) (T = t1 → T = t2), (3) Management as the time required to take the object A to be sterilized from the autoclave system after sterilization (T = t2 → T = t3) Was conceived from.

  Therefore, first, the time taken for the inside of the pressurizing tank to reach a predetermined pressure value is examined. Using a pressure sterilization system that heats using electromagnetic induction heating means and an autoclave that heats using a conventional boiler, the time until the inside of the pressure tank reaches a predetermined pressure value was compared and examined. In the autoclave system 1 used for this comparative study, an IH system (Sunsonic SIC-1400B) with a maximum power consumption of 1400 W was used as the electromagnetic induction heating means 13. A pressure cooker 2 (capacity 3.5L, diameter 18cm, bottom thickness 5mm, material is aluminum alloy, stainless steel) is remodeled as the pressure tank 2 for storing the object A to be sterilized. For example, an improved pressure gauge for measuring the pressure sterilization system of the present invention was used. 200 ml of tap water was placed in a pressurized tank and autoclaved.

Table 2 shows the time (pressure increase time) required to reach a predetermined pressure for autoclave sterilization by electromagnetic induction heating according to the present invention. In the conventional boiler autoclave, the time required to reach 2.0 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa (= 0.2 MPa = about 2 atm) was 24 minutes and 40 seconds. This is somewhat different from the results in Table 1, but the values in Table 1 are average values from several experiments.

In Table 2, the temperature in parentheses indicates the temperature in the pressurized tank calculated from the pressure and saturated water vapor. From Table 2, when heated using electromagnetic induction heating, the pressurization time to reach 2.0 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa is 3 minutes 04 seconds, which is markedly higher than the conventional autoclave (about 25 minutes). It can be seen that a desired pressure value can be obtained in an early time. Therefore, in the autoclave system and sterilized water generation system of the present invention, it takes only a very short time to reach the predetermined pressure. It was found necessary to secure a time for sterilization. In the conventional autoclave, the pressure gradually increased even during the pressurization time, and since the sterilization treatment was performed especially in the latter half of the pressurization time, the distinction was not necessary and was not clear. However, in the present invention, since the pressurization time is extremely short, the sterilization process within the total time obtained by adding the pressurization time and the sterilization time is not considered, but sterilization only with the sterilization time excluding the pressurization time is considered. It is necessary to derive the time spent.

  Therefore, in order to examine the sterilization conditions in the autoclave system and the sterilized water generation system of the present invention, the sterilization conditions when autoclaved using electromagnetic induction heating means were studied. In order to determine whether or not sterilization has been performed, a biological indicator manufactured by NAMSA containing a Geobacillus stearothermophilus disc was used. A comparative study of the autoclaving system of the present invention and the conventional sterilization system (autoclave) was performed as follows. First, after sterilization by applying a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time, the glass ampule containing the medium in the container is broken by closing the lid of the container properly. Then, it culture | cultivated for 24 hours at 55-60 degreeC, and judged whether it was sterilized by the change of the color of a bromine cresol purple containing medium. When the color changes to yellow, it indicates that the bacteria are growing and cannot be sterilized. On the other hand, when the color remains purple and does not change, it indicates that the bacterium has been killed, which means that it has been sterilized.

Table 3 shows the results of temperature and pressure conditions and whether or not sterilization is possible. And the photograph of the imaging | photography result of the indicator after 24 hours culture | cultivation and the schematic which made these photographs into the pattern were shown in FIG. Photographs of photographing results are shown in FIGS. 5E to 5H, and patterns corresponding to these are shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D. In these patterned figures, dark patterns (dark purple) (210 in (A), 220, 320 in (B), 330, 430 in (C), 240, 340, 440 in (D)) Indicates that it is sterilized with a dark purple pattern, and a light-colored pattern (yellow) (110, 310 in (A), 120 in (B), 130, 230 in (C), 140 in (D) ) Is not as sterilized.

The unit of atmospheric pressure in Table 3 is 10 ⁻¹ MPa. In the table, (AC) indicates that sterilization is performed by a conventional autoclave. The unit of time is minutes: seconds. “Sterilization time” refers to the time during which the indicator is sterilized while maintaining the atmospheric pressure after reaching a predetermined atmospheric pressure. The “time until the end of sterilization” is the total time of the time from the start of heating until reaching a predetermined pressure and the sterilization time. “Time from putting in to taking out” is the time from putting the indicator into the pressurized tank to ending the sterilization treatment and taking it out. “Time to reach atmospheric pressure” is the time from the start of heating until reaching a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

As a result of Table 3, it took 24 minutes and 40 seconds (about 25 minutes) as time (pressure increase time) to reach a predetermined atmospheric pressure in a conventional autoclave at 2.0 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa and sterilization time of 20 minutes. Therefore, it took 44 minutes and 40 seconds (about 45 minutes) to complete the sterilization. On the other hand, in the autoclave sterilization by electromagnetic induction heating of the present invention, the pressurization time was 3 minutes and 8 seconds, so the time until sterilization was 23 minutes and 8 seconds. In the case of the electromagnetic induction heating of the present invention, it can be seen that the time can be significantly shortened as compared with the sterilization by the conventional autoclave. That is, it turns out that it is necessary to control "sterilization time" independently. FIG. 5 (A) shows the result of photographing the indicator after sterilization at 2.0 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa and culturing for 24 hours. Left 110 is unsterilized, center 210 is autoclave, and right 310 is autoclave sterilization by electromagnetic induction heating. Sterilization by an autoclave was successful, but sterilization by electromagnetic induction heating was insufficient. In this way, in the case of the electromagnetic induction heating of the present invention, it is not sterilized in spite of being the same sterilization time, but it is not sterilized in the conventional autoclave. This suggests that the sterilization process is progressing even during the pressurization time. Increasingly, it is clear that the “sterilization time” needs to be controlled independently.

Next, sterilization by electromagnetic induction heating according to the present invention is changed to 2.5 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa (= 0.25 MPa = about 2.5 atm), and the time until sterilization is changed to 15 minutes, 20 minutes, and 25 minutes. I reviewed it. As shown in Table 3, the time required to reach a predetermined atmospheric pressure (pressure increase time) was 4 minutes 20 seconds, 3 minutes 52 seconds, 3 minutes 41 seconds (average 3 minutes 57 seconds, approximately 4 minutes). As described above, it is assumed that the slight increase in the pressure increase time even at the same set pressure is due to the difference in the amount of water put into the pressure tank. Therefore, it is important to control the amount of water supplied in the actual system design. FIG. 5 (B) is a diagram in which a photograph of the photographing result of the indicator after culturing for 24 hours is patterned, and the time from the left to the end of sterilization is 15, 20, and 25 minutes. In the case of 15 minutes (120), sterilization was insufficient, but in the case of 20 minutes and 25 minutes (220, 320), it can be seen that sterilization was possible.

Further, the sterilization treatment by electromagnetic induction heating of the present invention is performed at 3.0 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa (= 0.3 MPa = about 3 atm), and the time until the sterilization is completed is 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, and 25 minutes. The examination was carried out with changes. As shown in Table 3, the time required to reach a predetermined pressure (pressure increase time) was 4 minutes 26 seconds, 4 minutes 53 seconds, 4 minutes 40 seconds, 5 minutes 20 seconds (average 4 minutes 49 seconds, approximately 5 minutes). It was. FIG. 5 (C) is a diagram showing a pattern of the imaging result of the indicator after culturing for 24 hours, and the time from the left to the end of sterilization is 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes. In the case of 10 minutes and 15 minutes (130, 230), sterilization was insufficient, but in the case of 20 minutes and 25 minutes (330, 430), it can be seen that sterilization was achieved.

Further, the sterilization treatment by electromagnetic induction heating of the present invention is performed at 3.5 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa (= 0.35 MPa = about 3.5 atmospheres), and the time until the sterilization is completed is 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 The examination was conducted by changing the minute. As shown in Table 3, the time required to reach the specified pressure (pressure increase time) was 4 minutes 50 seconds, 5 minutes 4 seconds, 4 minutes 44 seconds, 4 minutes 47 seconds (average 4 minutes 51 seconds, approximately 5 minutes). It was. FIG. 5 (D) is a diagram in which the imaging result of the indicator after culturing for 24 hours at 3.5 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa is patterned, and the time from the left to the end of sterilization is 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 Minutes. In the case of 10 minutes (140), sterilization was insufficient, but in the case of 15 minutes, 20 minutes, and 25 minutes (240, 340, 440), it can be seen that sterilization was achieved.

In the conventional autoclave, since it took about 50 minutes at 2.0 × 10 ⁻¹ MPa from putting the object A to be sterilized into taking it out, urgently sterilized instruments and sterilized water are required. Even in such a case, it took time and was difficult to respond. On the other hand, according to the present invention, it was shown that sterilization can be performed quickly by appropriately controlling the “sterilization time”. However, as can be understood from the results of FIG. 5, even when sterilization by electromagnetic induction heating is performed, if the “sterilization time” is not properly controlled, the time is approximately the same as the processing time in the conventional autoclave. It was found that sterilization may not be possible even if sterilized by (310 in FIG. 5A). Therefore, in the autoclave system and the sterilized water generation system of the present invention, it is essential to control the sterilization time independently, so that an effective sterilization process is possible and sterilization can be performed in a short time. You can see that it has been realized. By doing so, in the autoclaving system and the sterilizing water generating system of the present invention, it was shown that sterilizing instruments and sterilizing water can be obtained quickly with an apparatus that is smaller than before.

  The present invention relates to a sterilization system, a drying system, and a sterilized water generation system, and more particularly, to a pressure sterilization / dry / sterilized water generation system by autoclaving for advanced sterilization. Furthermore, the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system of the present invention can be easily incorporated into a medical unit such as a dental care unit.

A: Object to be sterilized 1, 41 ... Pressure sterilization / drying / sterilized water generation system 10, 40 ... Sterilizer 2, 42 ... Pressure tank 3, 43 ... Electromagnetic induction heating Means 4, 44 ... Steam outlet pipe 5, 45 ... Pressure setting valve (relief valve)
6, 46 ... water vapor discharge pipe 7, 47 ... lid 8 ... shutter 9, 48 ... water supply pipe 11, 49 ... control means 12, 50 ... pressure setting means 13, 51 .. Sterilization coils 14, 52 ... Superheated steam coils 15, 53 ... AC power supply 16, 54 ... Water tank 17, 55 ... Sterilization drying tank 18, 56 ... Predetermined water 19, 20, 57... Switching valve 21, 58... Water supply pipe 22 .. water vapor discharge section 23, 59... Sterilized water tank 60. 26, 27 ... connect sections 28, 62 ... control information storage means 29, 63 ... steam outlet pipes 30, 64 ... coolers 31, 65 ... sterile water discharge pipe 70 ... dental Medical unit 71 ... Patient chair 72 ... Treatment instrument mounting table 73 ... Tton)
74 ... Auxiliary stand

Claims (6)

A pressurization tank sealed by an openable / closable lid, a plurality of electromagnetic induction heating means for heating the pressurization tank itself, a steam outlet pipe connected to the pressurization tank, and the steam outlet pipe And a sterilized water tank for obtaining sterilized water by cooling the water vapor released from the water vapor discharge pipe by a cooling means, comprising a pressure setting valve provided and a water vapor discharge pipe connected to the pressure setting valve. The pressure setting valve is opened when the pressure in the pressurizing tank is equal to or higher than a set pressure selected from a range of 0.25 MPa to 0.35 MPa, and further, the electromagnetic induction heating Control means for controlling the energization time to the means, and control information storage means for recording the sterilization processing time corresponding to the set pressure of the pressure setting valve, and
Water and an object to be sterilized are placed in the pressurized tank, and the pressurized tank itself is heated by the electromagnetic induction heating means to heat and evaporate the water contained in the pressurized tank. High-pressure high-temperature sterilization in a pressurized state, and after closing the object to be sterilized under high-pressure high-temperature sterilization, the shutter that partitions the inside of the pressurized tank into a sterilization / drying tank part and a water tank part was closed The autoclave sterilization / drying system which overheats the sterilization / drying tank part by the second electromagnetic induction heating means and superheats the water vapor in the sterilization / drying tank part to autoclave and dry the object to be sterilized. When,
By heating the pressurization tank itself by the electromagnetic induction heating means in a state where the water is contained in the pressurization tank, the water contained in the pressurization tank is heated and pressurized, and the steam sterilized by heating is sterilized. A sterilized water generating system for obtaining sterilized water in the sterilized water tank,
The autoclave / dry / sterilized water generation system comprising
When the set pressure of the pressure setting valve is set, the energizing time is determined by the control means based on the sterilization processing time corresponding to the set pressure recorded in the control information storage means. Pressure sterilization / drying / sterilized water generation system.   2. The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generating system according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic induction heating means is arranged to heat the bottom and side surfaces of the pressurizing tank.   The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system according to claim 1, wherein the pressurizing tank has pressure resistance against a pressure of 0.25 to 0.5 MPa.   The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generation system can be incorporated in a dental care unit, and further includes a water supply pipe connected to the pressurization tank, and the water supply pipe includes tap water supplied from a water supply or the water supply pipe. The autoclaving / drying / sterilizing water generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein waste water supplied from a dental care unit is supplied to the pressurizing tank.   The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generation system further includes a water supply pipe connected to the sterilized water tank, and the water supply pipe supplies sterilized water supplied from the sterilized water tank to the object to be sterilized. The autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system according to claim 1, wherein the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system is supplied to the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system for sterilization.   The autoclaving according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Peltier elements are connected to a high temperature part and a low temperature part of the autoclaving / drying / sterilized water generating system to enable power generation. -Dry / sterile water generation system.