JP2013099593A - Sterilizer and isolator system equipped with sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce equipment cost, while efficiently sterilizing a chamber of an isolator.SOLUTION: This sterilizer includes a case body which has a connective section for connecting with a chamber for operation in which an operator performs operation, a chamber for sterilization which can communicate with the chamber for operation through the connective section, a sterilizing gas producing device which is provided in the upper part of the chamber for sterilization, and a sterilizing gas supply circuit which supplies at least the chamber for sterilization with sterilizing gas produced in the sterilizing gas producing device. The chamber for sterilization has a first door for putting in a sterilization object from outside and taking it outside, a second door provided in the connective section for communicating with the chamber for operation, and a sterilization gas introducing port for introducing the sterilizing gas produced in the sterilizing gas producing device. The sterilizing gas supply circuit has a first gas supply circuit which supplies the sterilizing gas introducing port of the chamber for sterilization with the sterilizing gas, and a second gas supply circuit which has in one end thereof an output port for supplying the chamber for operation with the sterilizing gas.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilizer and an isolator system including the sterilizer.

  An isolator that is connected to an incubator and is isolated from the outside air in order to aseptically perform a predetermined pretreatment or the like on cells cultured in the incubator is known. In addition, a sterilization chamber connected to the isolator and isolated from the outside air to sterilize cells and articles necessary for culturing before being carried into the isolator is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

  The sterilization cabinet includes sterilization means such as a sterilization gas generator. For example, an operator first carries cells, articles, etc. into the sterilization chamber with the door separating the isolator and the sterilization chamber closed, and sterilizes them in the chamber. Next, the operator opens the door described above, and carries cells, articles, etc. sterilized in the chamber of the sterilization chamber into the chamber of the isolator held in a sterile state.

  The above aseptic operation is an operation performed in an aseptic environment, and the aseptic environment refers to an environment that is almost dust-free and aseptic as possible in order to avoid contamination other than substances necessary for the operation. Moreover, the said sterilization refers to the process for implement | achieving an aseptic environment.

Sterilization consists of 1) pretreatment process, 2) gas exposure process, and 3) replacement process.
1) The pretreatment process is a preparatory process for supplying sterilization gas, including a leak test of the space to be sterilized,
2) The exposure process is a process of supplying sterilized gas to the target space
3) The replacement process is a process in which the sterilization gas in the space to be sterilized is rendered harmless and exhausted to replace the outside air.

JP 2002-301138 A

  For example, after the cells cultured in the incubator are taken out of the sterilization box through the isolator, the isolator may be sterilized again. In this case, in the isolator and sterilization chamber disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, the sterilization gas generated from the sterilization gas generator for external sterilization of the sterilization chamber is opened with the door separating the chambers open. The chamber was sterilized by directing it to the chamber. This has the problem that the efficiency of sterilization is poor and the sterilization process takes time.

  On the other hand, if the sterilization means is also provided in the isolator, the sterilization efficiency in the chamber is improved. However, in this case, both the isolator and the sterilization chamber are individually provided with the sterilization means, so that the equipment cost is correspondingly increased. There was a problem of being bulky.

  The invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a sterilization body that has a connecting portion for connecting to an operation chamber in which an operator performs an operation inside, and that can communicate with the operation chamber via the connection portion. A chamber, a sterilization gas generator provided above the sterilization chamber, and a sterilization gas supply circuit that supplies at least the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to the sterilization chamber. The chamber includes a first door for taking in and out an object to be sterilized from the outside, a second door provided in the connection portion for communicating with the operation chamber, and sterilization generated by the sterilization gas generator. A sterilization gas introduction port for introducing gas, and the sterilization gas supply circuit converts the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator into the sterilization gas of the sterilization chamber. A sterilization cabinet having a first gas supply circuit for supplying an inlet and a second gas supply circuit having an output port for supplying a sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to the operation chamber. It is.

  According to the present invention, the equipment cost can be reduced while the chamber of the isolator is efficiently sterilized.

It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of the isolator system containing a sterilizer. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structural example of a sterilization cabinet. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structural example of an isolator system. It is a circuit diagram which shows the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the chamber for sterilization. It is a circuit diagram which shows the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the chamber for sterilization and the chamber for cell manipulation. It is a circuit diagram which shows both the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the cleaning filter of the sterilization chamber, and the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the cleaning filter of the cell operation chamber. It is a circuit diagram which shows both the air flow in the replacement | exchange process of the sterilization chamber, and the air flow in the replacement | exchange process of the chamber for cell manipulation. It is a circuit diagram which shows the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of a connection apparatus. It is a circuit diagram which shows the flow of the air in the replacement | exchange process of a connection apparatus. It is a circuit diagram which shows the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of Op chamber, and the flow of the sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the cleaning filter. It is a circuit diagram which shows the flow of the air in the replacement | exchange process of an Op chamber. It is a figure which shows the example of an external appearance structure of another isolator system. It is a figure which shows the example of an external appearance structure of another isolator system.

=== Composition of sterilizer ===
A configuration example of the sterilizer 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of an isolator system 6 including a sterilizer 1.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of the sterilization cabinet 1.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration example of the isolator system 6. In addition, (a) represents the cross section in AA 'of the front external appearance of (b) in the same figure.

<<< Sterilization chamber and outlet and inlet ports for Op chamber >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sterilization cabinet 1 includes a sterilization gas generator 10, a sterilization chamber 11 having a first door 111 for carrying an object to be sterilized, and three microscope chambers ( Output ports 13a, 13b, 13c (collectively referred to as “output port 13”) for outputting sterilization gas to external chambers 24, 25, 26 (hereinafter referred to as “Op chambers 24, 25, 26”); , 25, and 26, and an input port 14 for inputting sterilization gas, and means such as piping for circulating the sterilization gas in each of the sterilization chamber 11 and the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26.

  Means for circulating the sterilization gas in the sterilization chamber 11 includes pipes 167, 161, 117, 105, electromagnetic valves 161 a, 117 a, and a blower 12. Specifically, the gas outflow side (upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the sterilization gas generator 10 is branched into electromagnetic valves 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165a, 166a by a pipe 167, and the electromagnetic valve 161a and the sterilization chamber 11 are branched. The sterilization gas inlet 11a is connected by a pipe 161. On the other hand, the sterilization gas discharge port 11d of the sterilization chamber 11 and the gas inflow side (lower side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 are connected via a pipe 117 via an electromagnetic valve 117a, and the gas outflow side of the blower 12 (FIG. 1). 1) and the gas inflow side (lower side of FIG. 1) of the sterilization gas generator 10 are connected by a pipe 105 via a flow meter 12a. With the above configuration, the sterilization gas is supplied into the chamber 11 through the sterilization gas introduction port 11 a of the sterilization chamber 11, and is discharged out of the chamber 11 through the sterilization gas discharge port 11 d of the sterilization chamber 11. The configuration in which the sterilization gas is circulated through the sterilization chamber 11 corresponds to the first gas supply circuit. A cleaning filter 114 such as a HEPA filter for collecting fine particles is provided immediately downstream of the sterilization gas discharge port 11d of the sterilization chamber 11. Further, in the present embodiment, for example, “circulating sterilization gas” in a chamber such as the sterilization chamber 11 supplies air containing sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generation device 10 to the chamber. The air containing the residual sterilization gas after sterilization is discharged outside the chamber, the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator 10 is mixed with the discharged air, and the air mixed with the sterilization gas is mixed. It means repeating the process of supplying the chamber again.

  Means for circulating the sterilizing gas through the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 include pipes 167, 184, 185, 186, 164, 165, 166, 144, 145, 146, 147, 108, 106, 105, and solenoid valves. 164a, 165a, 166a, 147a, 108a, 106a and the blower 12 are configured. Specifically, the gas outflow side (upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the sterilizing gas generator 10 is branched into solenoid valves 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165a, 166a by a pipe 167, of which, for example, the solenoid valve 164a and the output port 13a. Are connected by a pipe 184, and the output port 13 a and the gas inlet 24 a of the Op chamber 24 are connected by a pipe 164. On the other hand, the gas exhaust port 24b of the Op chamber 24 and the input port 14 are connected by a pipe 144, and the input port 14 and the gas inflow side (lower side in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 are electromagnetically connected by pipes 147, 108, and 106. Connected via valves 147a, 108a, and 106a, the gas outflow side (upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 and the inflow side of the sterilizing gas generator 10 (lower side of the drawing in FIG. 1) are connected by a pipe 105. 12a is connected. With the above configuration, the sterilization gas is supplied into the chamber 24 through the gas introduction port 24a of the Op chamber 24 and is discharged out of the chamber 24 through the gas discharge port 24b of the Op chamber 24, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the gas inlets 25a and 26a and the gas outlets 25b and 26b of the other Op chambers 25 and 26 and electromagnetic valves 165a and 166a corresponding to the chambers 25 and 26, respectively. The same applies to the output ports 13b and 13c, the pipes 185 and 186, the pipes 165 and 166, and the pipes 145 and 146. The configuration in which the sterilizing gas is circulated through the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 corresponds to the second gas supply circuit. A cleaning filter 107 is provided at the boundary between the pipe 108 and the pipe 106 on the downstream side of the input port 14.

The sterilization gas generator 10 includes a container 104 that stores a sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas: H ₂ O ₂ ) material (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution), and a pump 103 that pumps the material from the container 104. A pipe 102 for supplying the pumped raw material to the sterilization gas generator 10 through the cleaning filter 101 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the sterilization cabinet 1 further includes a control device 1d for controlling electrical equipment such as the sterilization gas generator 10, various electromagnetic valves, and various blowers.

<<< Second door and outlet port for cell manipulation chamber >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 further includes an output port 162 b that outputs a sterilization gas to the cell operation chamber (external chamber) 30 of the isolator 3 (see FIG. 3), a second door 112, and the like. And means for circulating a sterilizing gas in the cell manipulation chamber 30.

  The means for circulating the sterilizing gas in the cell manipulation chamber 30 includes pipes 167, 162, 304, 117, 105, electromagnetic valves 162 a, 117 a, and a blower 12. Specifically, the gas outflow side (upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the sterilization gas generator 10 is branched into solenoid valves 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165a, 166a by a pipe 167, of which the solenoid valve 162a and the output port 162b Are connected by a pipe 162, and the output port 162 b and the sterilization gas inlet 30 b of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are connected by a pipe 304. On the other hand, the method of connecting the sterilization gas outlet 11d of the sterilization chamber 11 and the gas inflow side of the sterilization gas generator 10 (the lower side of the drawing in FIG. 1) is to circulate the sterilization gas through the sterilization chamber 11 described above. It is as having mentioned as a means for this.

  With the above configuration, the sterilization gas is supplied into the chamber 30 through the sterilization gas introduction port 30b of the cell manipulation chamber 30 and is opened through the opened second door 112, and the sterilization gas discharge port 11d of the sterilization chamber 11 is opened. It is discharged out of the chamber 11 through. The configuration in which the sterilizing gas is circulated through the cell manipulation chamber 30 corresponds to the second gas supply circuit.

  The cell manipulation chamber 30 is a room isolated from the outside air in order to aseptically perform a predetermined pretreatment on the cells cultured in the cell culture chamber 40. The sterilization chamber 11 is a room (smaller than the cell operation chamber 30) that is isolated from the outside air in order to sterilize the cells and articles necessary for culturing before carrying them into the cell operation chamber 30. . The cell manipulation chamber 30 is connected to the sterilization chamber 11 via the second door 112 without a gap.

  Further, the cell manipulation chamber 30 includes a door 30a on the side facing the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 for carrying out sterilized articles and the like to the cell culture chamber 40 side (FIG. 3).

  Further, the cell manipulation chamber 30 includes a sterilization gas reduction catalyst 301b, 302b and a pipe 301 as means for replacing the sterilization gas remaining in the chamber 30 with air through the gas inlet 30c and the gas outlet 30d. , 302, electromagnetic valves 301a, 302a, and blowers 33, 34 are provided.

  Still further, the cell manipulation chamber 30 has a blower 33 through the filters 31 and 32 to sterilize the cleaning filter 31 immediately upstream of the gas inlet 30c and the cleaning filter 32 immediately downstream of the gas outlet 30d. Means such as piping for circulating the air is provided. Here, the means is a pipe 303 for connecting the gas inlet 30 c and the gas outlet 30 e of the cell manipulation chamber 30 via the blower 33 and an electromagnetic valve 303 a provided on the pipe 303.

  In the present embodiment, the pipe 167, the electromagnetic valve 162a, the pipe 162, and the outlet port 162b described above correspond to the second gas supply circuit.

<<< Outlet and inlet port for connecting device >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sterilization chamber 1 includes a sterilization gas to a hollow coupling device (external chamber) 35 that couples the cell manipulation chamber 30 and the cell culture chamber 40 of the incubator 4 (see FIG. 3). Output port 163b, an input port 147c for inputting sterilization gas from the connecting device 35, and means such as piping for circulating the sterilizing gas through the connecting device 35.

  The means for circulating the sterilizing gas through the coupling device 35 includes pipes 167, 163, 351, 352, 147, 108, 106, 105, electromagnetic valves 163a, 147b, 108a, 106a, and a blower 12. Is done. Specifically, the gas outflow side (upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the sterilization gas generator 10 is branched into electromagnetic valves 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165a, 166a by a pipe 167, of which the electromagnetic valve 163a and the output port 163b Are connected by a pipe 163, and the output port 163 b and the gas inlet 35 a of the coupling device 35 are connected by a pipe 351. On the other hand, the gas discharge port 35b of the coupling device 35 and the input port 147c are connected by a pipe 352, and the input port 147c and the gas inflow side (lower side in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 are electromagnetically connected by pipes 147, 108, and 106. Connected via valves 147b, 108a and 106a, the gas outflow side (upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1) of the blower 12 and the inflow side of the sterilizing gas generator 10 (lower side of the drawing in FIG. 1) are connected by a pipe 105. 12a is connected.

  With the above configuration, the sterilization gas is supplied into the device 35 through the gas inlet 35a of the connecting device 35, and is discharged out of the device 35 through the gas outlet 35b of the connecting device 35. The configuration in which the sterilizing gas is circulated through the connecting device 35 corresponds to the second gas supply circuit.

  The cell culture chamber 40 of the incubator 3 is connected to the cell manipulation chamber 30 via a hollow connection device 35 without any gap. The cell culture chamber 40 includes a door 40a for carrying a sterilized material on the side facing the door 30a of the chamber 30 when the cell culture chamber 40 is connected to the cell operation chamber 30 (see FIG. 3).

  In the present embodiment, the pipe 167, the electromagnetic valve 163a, the pipe 163, and the outlet port 163b described above correspond to the second gas supply circuit.

<<< Configuration for sterilization and replacement of sterilization gas in Op chamber with air >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sterilization chamber 1 includes a blower 15, a cleaning filter 113 provided immediately upstream of the gas inlet 11 b of the sterilization chamber 11, and sterilization gas remaining in the sterilization chamber 11. Means for replacing the air with air, and means for replacing the sterilizing gas remaining in the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 with air.

  Means for replacing the sterilization gas remaining in the sterilization chamber 11 with air includes pipes 152, 115, 116, and 171 and electromagnetic valves 152a, 115a, and 116a. A configuration in which the sterilization gas remaining in the sterilization chamber 11 is replaced with air corresponds to a replacement circuit.

  Means such as piping for replacing the sterilizing gas remaining in the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 with air are piping 152, 151, 106, 105, 167, 184, 185, 186, 164, 165, 166, 144, 145, 146, 147, 108, 173, 171 and electromagnetic valves 152a, 151a, 106a, 164a, 165a, 166a, 147a, 173a. A configuration in which the sterilizing gas remaining in the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 is replaced with air corresponds to a replacement circuit.

  A sterilization gas reduction catalyst 152b is provided at the opening end of the piping 152 on the atmosphere side, and a sterilization gas reduction catalyst 171a is provided at the opening end of the piping 171 on the atmosphere side.

<<< Configuration for sterilizing cleaning filters >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sterilizer 1 includes means such as piping for circulating the air of the blower 15 through the filters 113 and 114 in order to sterilize the cleaning filters 113 and 114. Here, the means is configured to include pipes 118 and 115 and electromagnetic valves 115a and 118a.

<<< External configuration example >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sterilization cabinet 1 includes a central portion 1b in which a sterilization chamber 11 is provided, and an upper portion 1a that is provided above the central portion 1b in the vertical direction and houses the sterilization gas generator 10 and the like. And a lower portion 1c provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the central portion 1b and serving as a gantry, and the above-described control device 1d installed in a space defined by the lower portion 1c.

  In the present embodiment, the upper part 1a and the lower part 1b constitute a housing 1e. In the upper part 1a, for example, a container 14 for storing a sterilization gas raw material such as hydrogen peroxide water, a sterilization gas generator 10 and the like are housed, and the sterilization gas is supplied to the cell manipulation chamber 30 as described above. The output port 162b and the above-described output port 163b for supplying the sterilizing gas to the coupling device 35 are provided. On the side where the second door 112 is provided in the central portion 1b, a predetermined sealing material 1g is provided around the opening where the second door 112 opens and closes as a connecting portion to the isolator 3. The other ports 13, 14, 147c described above are not shown.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilization chamber 1 and one side of the cell operation chamber 30 of the isolator 3 (the right side in FIG. 3) are the second door of the sterilization chamber 11. It is connected through the 112 without a gap.

  Further, the other side of the cell manipulation chamber 30 of the isolator 3 (the left side in FIG. 3) and the cell culture chamber 40 of the incubator 4 are a hollow coupling device 35, a door 30a of the cell manipulation chamber 30, and a cell. The culture chamber 40 is connected through the door 40a without any gap.

The cell manipulation chamber 30 is provided with, for example, globes 3a, 3b, 3c, a centrifuge 5 and the like. For example, the glove 3a can be used to open and close the door 30a while holding the cell manipulation chamber 30 aseptically. Further, for example, using the globe 3c, the second door 112 can be opened and closed while the sterilization chamber 11 is held aseptically.
A sterilizing gas is supplied from the sterilizing gas generator 10 of the sterilization chamber 1 to the cell manipulation chamber 30 via the pipes 162 and 304, and is supplied to the connecting device 35 via the pipes 163 and 351. Is to be supplied.
In the present embodiment, the isolator 3 and the sterilizer 1 constitute an isolator system 6.

=== Operation of sterilization chamber ===
The operation of the sterilization process and the replacement process by the sterilization cabinet 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the sterilization chamber 11.
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell manipulation chamber 30.
FIG. 6 is a circuit showing both the sterilization gas flow in the sterilization process of the cleaning filters 113 and 114 in the sterilization chamber 11 and the sterilization gas flow in the sterilization process of the cleaning filters 31 and 32 in the cell manipulation chamber 30. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing both the air flow in the replacement step of the sterilization chamber 11 and the air flow in the replacement step of the cell manipulation chamber 30.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of sterilization gas in the sterilization process of the coupling device 35.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating the air flow in the replacement process of the coupling device 35.
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a sterilization gas flow in the Op chamber 24 sterilization process and a sterilization gas flow in the cleaning filter 107 sterilization process.
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the air flow in the replacement process of the Op chamber 24.
4 to 11, for convenience, numbers are given only to members that are directly related to the flow of sterilization gas or air, which are indicated by bold lines. However, the number of each member is the same as the number attached | subjected in FIG. 1 mentioned above.

<<< Exposure process of sterilization chamber >>>
As illustrated by the thick arrow in FIG. 4, first, the sterilization gas is supplied from the sterilization gas generator 10, the pipe 167, the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 in the closed state. The gas is supplied into the sterilization chamber 11 from the sterilization gas inlet 11a through the electromagnetic valve 161a and the pipe 161. Next, air containing residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the sterilization chamber 11 (also referred to as “sterilization gas”) is discharged out of the sterilization chamber 11 from the sterilization gas discharge port 11d and is used for cleaning. The filter 114, the pipe 117, the solenoid valve 117 a on the pipe 117, the blower 12, the pipe 105, and the flow meter 12 a on the pipe 105 enter the sterilization gas generation apparatus 10 and are newly generated by the apparatus 10. Sterilization gas is mixed. In FIG. 4, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1d so that the sterilization gas forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow.

  The above sterilization gas flow is formed by the blower 12. In the sterilization process, the sterilization gas generator 10 performs an operation of generating a sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) from a sterilization gas raw material (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) pumped from the container 104 by the pump 103. .

<<< Sterilization process for cell manipulation chamber >>>
As illustrated by the thick arrow in FIG. 5, the first door 111 of the sterilization chamber 11 and the door 30a of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are closed and the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 is opened. First, the sterilization gas is supplied into the cell manipulation chamber 30 from the sterilization gas inlet 30b via the sterilization gas generator 10, the pipe 167, the electromagnetic valve 162a, the pipe 162, the outlet port 162b, and the pipe 304. Next, air containing residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the cell manipulation chamber 30 (also referred to as “sterilization gas”) is supplied to the sterilization chamber 11 with the second door 112 opened. After that, the sterilization gas is discharged from the sterilization gas discharge port 11d to the outside of the chamber 11 and generated through the pipe 117, the electromagnetic valve 117a on the pipe 117, the blower 12, the pipe 105, and the flow meter 12a on the pipe 105. The sterilization gas newly generated by the apparatus 10 is mixed with the apparatus 10. In FIG. 5, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1 d so that the sterilization gas forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow. Further, the sterilization gas after sterilization in the cell manipulation chamber 30 can be sterilized also in the sterilization chamber 11. That is, the sterilization gas supplied to the cell manipulation chamber 30 through the sterilization gas inlet 30b not only sterilizes the inside of the chamber 30 but also is supplied to the sterilization chamber 11 from the opened second door 112. The inside of the chamber 11 is sterilized and discharged from the sterilization gas discharge port 11d. Thus, when the inside of the cell manipulation chamber 30 is sterilized, the inside of the sterilization chamber 11 is also sterilized.

  The above sterilization gas flow is formed by the blower 12. In the sterilization process, the sterilization gas generator 10 performs an operation of generating a sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) from a sterilization gas raw material (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) pumped from the container 104 by the pump 103. .

  Thereby, since the isolator 3 can take in the sterilization gas from the sterilizer 1 directly into the cell operation chamber 30 through the outlet port 162b, the inside of the chamber 30 can be efficiently sterilized. As a result, the time required for the sterilization process can also be shortened. Moreover, since the isolator 3 does not need to be provided with a sterilization means separately, the equipment cost can be reduced accordingly.

<<< Sterilization process of filter for cleaning of sterilization chamber and cell manipulation chamber >>>
As illustrated by the thick arrow on the right side of FIG. 6, with the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 closed, first, the air is sent to the blower 15, the pipe 115, and the same pipe. The gas is supplied from the gas inlet 11 b into the sterilization chamber 11 through the electromagnetic valve 115 a and the cleaning filter 113. Next, air is discharged out of the sterilization chamber 11 through the gas discharge port 11e, and returns to the blower 15 through the cleaning filter 114, the pipe 118, and the electromagnetic valve 118a on the pipe 118. In FIG. 6, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1 d so that the sterilization gas forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow. The above air flow is formed by the blower 15. Further, during such air circulation, a flow of sterilization gas for sterilizing the inside of the sterilization chamber 11 exemplified in FIG. 4 is formed in parallel. Alternatively, during such air circulation, the sterilization chamber 11 may be in a state in which sterilization gas is retained after the sterilization process illustrated in FIG. 4 is completed.

  As illustrated by the thick arrow on the left side of FIG. 6, first, the door 30 a of the cell manipulation chamber 30 and the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 are all closed. The air is supplied from the gas inlet 30 c into the cell manipulation chamber 30 through the blower 33, the pipe 303, and the cleaning filter 31. Next, air is discharged out of the cell manipulation chamber 30 through the gas discharge port 30e, and returns to the blower 33 through the cleaning filter 32, the pipe 303, and the electromagnetic valve 303a on the pipe 303. In FIG. 6, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1 d so that the sterilization gas forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow. The above air flow is formed by the blower 33. Further, when such air is circulated, a flow of sterilization gas for sterilizing the inside of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell manipulation chamber 30 illustrated in FIG. 5 is formed in parallel. Alternatively, during such air circulation, the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell manipulation chamber 30 may be in a state in which sterilization gas stays after the sterilization process illustrated in FIG. 5 is completed. .

  In the sterilization process, the sterilization gas generator 10 performs an operation of generating a sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) from a sterilization gas raw material (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) pumped from the container 104 by the pump 103. .

  Further, in the above-described example, the sterilization process of the cleaning filters 113 and 114 of the sterilization chamber 11 and the sterilization process of the cleaning filters 31 and 32 of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are performed separately. It is not limited to this. For example, both processes may be performed simultaneously with the second door 112 opened. By simultaneously sterilizing the cleaning filters 113, 114 of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cleaning filters 31, 32 of the cell manipulation chamber 30, for example, the filters 113, 114, 31, 32 of both chambers 11, 30 The sterilization process becomes synergistic, and the sterilization effect is also improved.

  As described above, the inside of each of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell manipulation chamber 30 can be sterilized more reliably.

<<< Replacement process of sterilization chamber and cell manipulation chamber >>>
After the sterilization process of the sterilization chamber 11, the cell manipulation chamber 30, the cleaning filters 113, 114, 31, 32 and the like illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the remaining sterilization gas is replaced with air in the atmosphere. The process of performing is performed.

  As illustrated by the bold arrow on the right side of FIG. 7, with the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 closed, first, air in the atmosphere is a sterilization gas reduction catalyst. 152 b, piping 152, solenoid valve 152 a on the piping 152, blower 15, piping 115, solenoid valve 115 a on the piping 115, and cleaning filter 113 are supplied into the sterilization chamber 11 from the gas inlet 11 b. . Next, the air is discharged from the gas discharge port 11c to the outside of the sterilization chamber 11, and passes through the cleaning filter 114, the pipe 116, the electromagnetic valve 116a on the pipe 116, the pipe 171 and the sterilization gas reduction catalyst 171a. Released into. In FIG. 7, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1d so that air forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow on the right side of the drawing. The above air flow is formed by the blower 15.

  As illustrated by the thick arrow on the left side of FIG. 7, first, the door 30 a of the cell manipulation chamber 30 and the first door 111 and the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 are all closed. The air in the atmosphere is supplied into the cell manipulation chamber 30 from the gas inlet 30c via the sterilization gas reduction catalyst 301b, the pipe 301, the electromagnetic valve 301a on the pipe 301, the blower 33, and the cleaning filter 31. The Next, the air is discharged out of the cell manipulation chamber 30 through the gas discharge port 30d, and passes through the cleaning filter 32, the pipe 302, the electromagnetic valve 302a on the pipe 302, the sterilizing gas reduction catalyst 302b, and the blower 34, Released into the atmosphere. In FIG. 7, the open / close state of various solenoid valves is set by the control device 1d so that air forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow on the left side of the drawing. The above air flow is formed by the blowers 33 and 34.

  In the above-described example, the replacement process of the sterilization chamber 11 and the replacement process of the cell manipulation chamber 30 are performed separately, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both processes may be performed simultaneously with the second door 112 opened. By simultaneously performing the replacement steps of both the sterilization chamber 30 and the cell manipulation chamber 11, for example, the removal of the sterilization gas from both the chambers 11 and 30 becomes synergistic, and thus the sterilization gas removal effect is also improved. .

  As described above, after the sterilization step, the sterilization gas that affects the cells and the like can be reliably removed from the inside of the sterilization chamber 11 and the cell manipulation chamber 30.

<<< Coupling device sterilization process >>>
As illustrated by the thick arrow in FIG. 8, the sterilization gas is sterilized with both the door 30a of the cell operation chamber 30 and the door 40a of the cell culture chamber 40 sandwiching the hollow coupling device 35 closed. The gas generator 10, the pipe 167, the electromagnetic valve 163 a, the pipe 163, the outlet port 163 b, and the pipe 351 are supplied from the gas inlet 35 a into the connecting device 35. Next, air containing residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the coupling device 35 (also referred to as “sterilization gas”) is discharged out of the coupling device 35 from the gas discharge port 35b, and is connected to the pipe 352, the inlet port. 147c, piping 147, solenoid valve 147b on the piping 147, piping 108, solenoid valve 108a on the piping 108, cleaning filter 107, piping 106, solenoid valve 106a on the piping 106, blower 12, piping 105, the same The sterilization gas newly generated by the apparatus 10 is mixed by entering the sterilization gas generation apparatus 10 through the flow meter 12a on the pipe 105. In FIG. 8, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1 d so that the sterilization gas forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow.

  The above sterilization gas flow is formed by the blower 12. In the sterilization process, the sterilization gas generator 10 performs an operation of generating a sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) from a sterilization gas raw material (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) pumped from the container 104 by the pump 103. .

  Thereby, for example, the isolator 3 and the incubator 4 can be connected while the chambers 30 and 40 are maintained in a sterile state.

<<< Connecting device replacement process >>>
After the sterilization step of the coupling device 35 illustrated in FIG. 8 described above, a step of replacing the remaining sterilization gas with air in the atmosphere is performed.

  As illustrated by the thick arrow in FIG. 9, the air in the atmosphere is in a state where both the door 30a of the cell operation chamber 30 and the door 40a of the cell culture chamber 40 sandwiching the hollow coupling device 35 are closed. , Sterilization gas reduction catalyst 152b, piping 152, solenoid valve 152a on the piping 152, blower 15, piping 151, solenoid valve 151a on the piping 151, cleaning filter 107, piping 106, solenoid valve on the piping 106 106a, blower 12, pipe 105, flow meter 12a on the pipe 105, sterilization gas generator 10, pipe 167, solenoid valve 163a, pipe 163, outlet port 163b, pipe 351 and gas inlet 35a to connecting device 35 Supplied in. Next, the air is discharged from the gas discharge port 35b to the outside of the coupling device 35, and the pipe 352, the inlet port 147c, the pipe 147, the electromagnetic valve 147b on the pipe 147, the pipe 108, the pipe 173, and the electromagnetic on the pipe 173. The gas is discharged into the atmosphere through the valve 173a, the cleaning filter 172, the pipe 171, and the sterilizing gas reduction catalyst 171a. In FIG. 9, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1 d so that the air forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow. The above air flow is formed by the blower 15.

  In the above-described replacement process, both the raw material of sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) and the sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) pumped from the container 104 remain in the sterilization gas generator 10. It is assumed that both the operation of generating the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas raw material and the operation of the pump 103 in the sterilization gas generator 10 are stopped.

  As described above, after the sterilization step, the sterilization gas that affects the cells and the like can be reliably removed from the inside of the coupling device 35.

<<< Op chamber sterilization process and cleaning filter sterilization process >>>
For example, the process of sterilizing the Op chamber 24 using the sterilizer 1 will be described.
As illustrated by the thick arrow in FIG. 10, first, the sterilization gas passes through the sterilization gas generator 10, the pipe 167, the electromagnetic valve 164 a, the pipe 184, the outlet port 13 a, and the pipe 164, and is opened from the gas inlet 24 a. It is supplied into the chamber 24. Next, air containing residual sterilization gas after sterilization in the Op chamber 24 (also referred to as “sterilization gas”) is discharged out of the Op chamber 24 from the gas discharge port 24b, and is connected to the piping 144, the inlet port. 14, piping 147, solenoid valve 147a on the piping 147, piping 108, solenoid valve on the piping 108, cleaning filter 107, piping 106, solenoid valve 106a on the piping 106, blower 12, piping 105, piping The sterilization gas newly generated by the apparatus 10 is mixed through the flow meter 12a on the 105 and into the sterilization gas generation apparatus 10. In FIG. 10, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1d so that the sterilization gas forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow. The above sterilization gas flow is formed by the blower 12.
The same applies to the other Op chambers 25 and 26.

  Also in the process of sterilizing the cleaning filter 107, the air flow is the same as the sterilization gas flow of FIG. However, in this case, as described above, the flow of the sterilization gas is formed in parallel, or the sterilization gas stays in the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 after the sterilization process using the sterilization gas is completed. And

  As described above, the cells cultured in the incubator 4 and the articles necessary for the culture can be sterilized in the sterilization cabinet 1, and the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 that are not connected to the sterilization cabinet 1 through the doors Exterior sterilization and chamber sterilization can be performed. In addition, since the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26 do not need to be individually provided with sterilization means, the cost can be reduced accordingly.

<<< Op chamber replacement process >>>
After the sterilization step of the Op chamber 24 illustrated in FIG. 10 described above, a step of replacing the remaining sterilization gas with air in the atmosphere is performed.

  As illustrated by the thick arrows in FIG. 11, the air in the atmosphere is sterilized gas reducing catalyst 152 b, piping 152, solenoid valve 152 a on the piping 152, blower 15, piping 151, and electromagnetic on the piping 151. Valve 151a, cleaning filter 107, pipe 106, solenoid valve 106a on the pipe 106, blower 12, pipe 105, flow meter 12a on the pipe 105, sterilization gas generator 10, pipe 167, solenoid valve 164a, pipe 184 The gas is supplied from the gas inlet 24a into the Op chamber 24 through the outlet port 13a and the pipe 164. Next, the air is discharged out of the Op chamber 24 through the gas discharge port 24b, and the piping 144, the inlet port 14, the piping 147, the piping 108, the piping 173, the electromagnetic valve 173a on the piping 173, the cleaning filter 172, the piping. 171, after passing through the sterilization gas reduction catalyst 171a, it is released into the atmosphere. In FIG. 11, the open / close states of various solenoid valves are set by the control device 1 d so that the air forms a flow indicated by a thick arrow. The above air flow is formed by the blower 15.

  In the above-described replacement process, both the raw material of sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide solution) and the sterilization gas (for example, hydrogen peroxide gas) pumped from the container 104 remain in the sterilization gas generator 10. It is assumed that both the operation of generating the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas raw material and the operation of the pump 103 in the sterilization gas generator 10 are stopped.

  As described above, after the sterilization step, the sterilization gas that affects the cells and the like can be reliably removed from the inside of the Op chambers 24, 25, and 26.

=== Isolator system 6 ', 6 "===
The isolator system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the isolator system 6 illustrated in FIG. 3 described above. For example, the isolator systems 6 ′ and 6 ″ illustrated in FIGS. May be.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration example of the isolator system 6 ′. In addition, (a) represents the cross section in BB 'of the front external appearance of (b) in the same figure.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an external configuration example of the isolator system 6 ″. In FIG. 13, (a) represents a cross section taken along the line CC ′ of the front external appearance of (b).
Here, in the members illustrated in FIGS. 3, 12, and 13, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

<<< Isolator system 6 '>>>
The isolator system 6 ′ illustrated in FIG. 12 includes two isolators 3, 3 ′ and one sterilizer 1 ′. Here, the sterilization cabinet 1 ′ includes second doors 112 and 112 ′ on both sides adjacent to the first door 111 in the sterilization chamber 11 ′.
There is no gap between the sterilization chamber 11 ′ of the sterilization chamber 1 ′ and the one side (the right side in FIG. 12) of the cell manipulation chamber 30 of the isolator 3 via the second door 112 of the sterilization chamber 11 ′. It is connected. The other side (left side in FIG. 12) of the operation chamber 3 of the isolator 3 and the culture chamber 40 of the incubator 4 are a hollow coupling device 35, a door 30a of the cell operation chamber 30, and a cell culture chamber 40. It is connected without a gap through the door 40a. The sterilization gas generator 10 in the sterilization chamber 1 ′ supplies sterilization gas to the cell manipulation chamber 30 via the pipes 162 and 304, and sterilizes the connecting device 35 via the pipes 163 and 351. Gas is supplied. The cell manipulation chamber 30 is provided with, for example, globes 3a, 3b, 3c, a centrifuge 5 and the like.

  The sterilization chamber 11 ′ of the sterilization chamber 1 ′ and the one side (left side of FIG. 12) of the cell operation chamber 30 ′ of the isolator 3 ′ are connected via the second door 112 ′ of the sterilization chamber 11 ′. Are connected without gaps. The other side of the operation chamber 3 ′ of the isolator 3 ′ (the right side in FIG. 12) and the culture chamber 40 ′ of the incubator 4 ′ are a hollow coupling device 35 ′ and a door 30a ′ of the cell operation chamber 30 ′. And via the door 40a 'of the cell culture chamber 40'. The sterilization gas generator 10 in the sterilization chamber 1 ′ supplies sterilization gas to the cell manipulation chamber 30 ′ through the pipes 162 ′ and 304 ′, and through the pipes 163 ′ and 351 ′. A sterilizing gas is supplied to the coupling device 35 '. The cell manipulation chamber 30 ′ is provided with, for example, globes 3 a ′, 3 b ′, 3 c ′, a centrifuge 5 ′, and the like.

  With the isolator system 6 'having the above-described configuration, for example, cells cultured in the two incubators 4, 4', articles necessary for the culture, and the like can be sterilized in one common sterilization chamber 1 '.

<<< Isolator system 6 ”>>>
The isolator system 6 ″ illustrated in FIG. 13 includes two isolators 3, 3 ″ and one sterilization cabinet 1 ′. Here, the sterilization chamber 1 ′ is the same as that in FIG.

The relationship between the sterilization chamber 11 ′ of the sterilization chamber 1 ′, the cell operation chamber 30 of the isolator 3, and the cell culture chamber 40 of the incubator 4 is the same as in the case of FIG.
The relationship between the sterilization chamber 11 ′ of the sterilization chamber 1 ′, the cell operation chamber 30 ″ of the isolator 3 ″, and the cell culture chamber 40 ′ of the incubator 4 ′ is other than the shape of the cell operation chamber 30 ″. This is similar to the case of FIG.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13, sterilization gas is supplied from the sterilization gas generator 10 of the sterilization cabinet 1 ′ to the Op chamber 24 via pipes 184 and 164.
With the isolator system 6 ″ having the above-described configuration, for example, cells that are cultured in the two incubators 4 and 4 ′, articles necessary for the culture, and the like can be sterilized in one common sterilization chamber 1 ′. Even in the Op chamber 24 which is not connected to the system 6 ″ through the door, sterilization of articles, sterilization in the chamber, and the like can be performed.

  The above-described embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide gas is used as the sterilization gas. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, ozone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilization chamber 1a Upper part 1b Center part 1c Lower part 1d Control apparatus 1e Case 1f Connection part 1g Sealing material
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Isolator 3a, 3b, 3c Globe 4 Incubator 5 Centrifugal machine 6 Isolator system 10 Sterilization gas generator 11 Sterilization chamber 11a Sterilization gas introduction port 11d Sterilization gas discharge port 11b, 24a, 25a, 26a, 30c, 35a Gas introduction port
11c, 11e, 24b, 25b, 26b, 30d, 30e, 35b Gas exhaust port 12, 15, 33, 34 Blower 12a Flow meter 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 162b, 163b Outlet port 14, 147c Inlet port 24, 25 26 Op chamber 30 Cell operation chamber 30a, 40a Door 30b Sterilization gas inlet 31, 32, 101, 107, 113, 114, 172 Cleaning filter 35 Connecting device 40 Cell culture chamber 103 Pump 104 Container 111 First Door 112 Second door 152b, 171a, 301b, 302b Catalyst for reducing sterilization gas

Claims (3)

A housing having a connecting portion for connecting to an operation chamber in which an operator performs work;
A sterilization chamber capable of communicating with the operation chamber via the connection portion;
A sterilization gas generator provided at the top of the sterilization chamber;
A sterilization gas supply circuit that supplies at least the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to the sterilization chamber;
The sterilization chamber is generated by a first door for taking in and out the article to be sterilized from the outside, a second door provided in the connecting portion for communicating with the operation chamber, and the sterilization gas generator A sterilization gas inlet for introducing the sterilized gas,
The sterilization gas supply circuit generates a sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to a sterilization gas inlet of the sterilization chamber and a sterilization gas generator generates the sterilization gas supply circuit in the operation chamber. A second gas supply circuit having an output port at one end for supplying the sterilized gas.
Sterilizer. An operation chamber in which an operator works, and
A sterilizer having a connection for connecting to the operation chamber, and an isolator system comprising:
The sterilizer is
A sterilization chamber capable of communicating with the operation chamber via the connection portion;
A sterilization gas generator provided at the top of the sterilization chamber;
A sterilization gas supply circuit that supplies at least the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to the sterilization chamber;
The sterilization chamber is generated by a first door for taking in and out the article to be sterilized from the outside, a second door provided in the connecting portion for communicating with the operation chamber, and the sterilization gas generator A sterilization gas inlet for introducing the sterilized gas,
The sterilization gas supply circuit generates a sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to a sterilization gas inlet of the sterilization chamber and a sterilization gas generator generates the sterilization gas supply circuit in the operation chamber. A second gas supply circuit having an output port at one end for supplying the sterilized gas,
The upper position of the sterilization chamber is lower in the vertical position than the upper position of the operation chamber,
At least a part of the sterilization gas generator is disposed in a space from the upper position of the sterilization chamber in the vertical position to the upper position of the operation chamber at the upper position of the sterilization chamber.
Isolator system. It is further equipped with a sub operation chamber in which an operator performs work inside,
The sterilization chamber is provided between the operation chamber and the sub-operation chamber, and has a sub-connecting portion capable of communicating the sterilization chamber and the sub-operation chamber.
The sterilization chamber has a third door provided in the sub-connection portion for communicating with the sub-operation chamber,
The sterilization gas supply circuit has a third gas supply circuit having an output port at one end thereof for supplying the sterilization gas generated by the sterilization gas generator to the sub operation chamber,
The position of the upper part of the sterilization chamber is lower in the vertical position than the position of the upper part of the operation chamber and the upper part of the upper part of the sub operation chamber,
At least a part of the sterilization gas generator is located at a position above the sterilization chamber in a vertical position from an upper position of the operation chamber and an upper position of the sub operation chamber. Arranged in a space up to at least one upper position,
The isolator system according to claim 2.

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