JP2021112654A - Steam sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a steam sterilizer capable of improving uniformity of the amount of liquid supplied into a chamber.SOLUTION: In a steam sterilizer 1 including a chamber 10 capable of storing a sterilization object 100, and a heater 12 for heating liquid supplied into the chamber 10, the sterilization object 100 is sterilized by steam of the liquid generated by heating by the heater 12. The steam sterilizer 1 further includes an overflow pipe 51 for discharging excessive liquid from the chamber 10 during liquid supply into the chamber 10, and an air pump 63 for supplying air into the chamber 10 during liquid supply into the chamber 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a steam sterilizer that kills microorganisms such as bacteria by steam at high temperature and high pressure.

The steam sterilizer keeps the inside of the chamber for storing the object to be sterilized such as medical equipment in a sealed state, and sterilizes the object to be sterilized by filling the chamber with high-pressure steam. The conventional steam sterilizer is disclosed in, for example, Registered Utility Model No. 3014425 (Patent Document 1).

Registered Utility Model No. 3014425

Japanese Utility Model No. 3014425 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which an overflow pipe is connected to a sterilization tank, and when the set water level is exceeded, part of the water in the sterilization tank flows through the overflow pipe to the raw water storage tank. Has been done. In the conventional configuration, it is good that the water level in the sterilization tank does not fall below the set value, but the sterilization process may be started in the state where an excessive amount of water exceeding the set water level is present in the sterilization tank. In this case, it is possible that the sterilization process takes longer than necessary.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vapor sterilizer capable of improving the uniformity of the amount of liquid supplied into a chamber containing an object to be sterilized.

The steam sterilizer according to the present invention includes a chamber capable of storing the object to be sterilized and a heater for heating the liquid supplied into the chamber, and sterilizes the object to be sterilized with the vapor of the liquid generated by heating the heater. .. The steam sterilizer includes an overflow pipe that discharges excess liquid from the chamber when the liquid is supplied to the chamber, and an air pump that supplies air to the chamber when the liquid is supplied to the chamber.

The steam sterilizer described above further includes a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid supplied into the chamber. The overflow pipe has one end that opens into the chamber, the other end that opens into the liquid storage tank, and an ascending flow forming portion in which the path from one end to the other end rises upward.

The steam sterilizer described above includes an overflow sensor that detects the flow of liquid flowing through the overflow pipe.

The steam sterilizer described above further includes a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid supplied into the chamber. The overflow pipe has one end that opens into the chamber and the other end that opens into the liquid storage tank. The overflow sensor is provided on the path of the overflow pipe. Alternatively, the overflow sensor is provided in the liquid storage tank.

In the above steam sterilizer, the overflow sensor detects the upper limit of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank.

The steam sterilizer described above further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the steam sterilizer. When the control unit detects the flow of liquid flowing through the overflow pipe, the control unit stops supplying liquid to the chamber while continuing to supply air to the chamber by the air pump, after which the overflow sensor detects the flow of liquid flowing through the overflow pipe. When the flow is no longer detected, the air pump stops supplying air to the chamber.

The vapor sterilizer described above further comprises a liquid supply pump that transfers and supplies the liquid to the chamber. The control unit starts supplying air to the chamber by the air pump after a predetermined time has elapsed from starting the supply of liquid to the chamber by the liquid supply pump.

In the steam sterilizer described above, the air pump supplies air to the chamber after the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized is completed.

In the steam sterilizer described above, the overflow tube has a rising portion that rises upward from the bottom surface of the chamber.

In the above steam sterilizer, the upper end of the rising portion constitutes one end of the overflow pipe, and one end is formed with an opening that opens into the chamber. The steam sterilizer further comprises a mesh member attached to one end to cover the opening.

In the above steam sterilizer, the mesh member has a dome shape that bulges convexly from one end.

According to the steam sterilizer of the present invention, the uniformity of the amount of liquid supplied into the chamber can be improved.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the steam sterilizer of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the overflow pipe in the chamber shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing of the overflow pipe in the chamber shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement of an overflow pipe. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a steam sterilizer. It is a timing chart which shows the operation of each device of a steam sterilizer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of each apparatus of a steam sterilizer at time T1 ~ T2. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of each device of a steam sterilizer at time T2 ~ T3. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of each device of a steam sterilizer at time T3 to T4. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of each device of a steam sterilizer at time T4 to T5. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of each device of a steam sterilizer at time T6. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of each device of a steam sterilizer in a drying process. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the steam sterilizer of Embodiment 2. It is a partially enlarged view of the water tank shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the steam sterilizer of Embodiment 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings below, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference number, and the description is not repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the steam sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the steam sterilizer 1 of the present embodiment includes a chamber 10 capable of accommodating an object to be sterilized 100 represented by a medical device such as a gauze or a scalpel. The chamber 10 includes an opening / closing lid 11 that can be opened / closed. The opening / closing lid 11 is attached to the side portion of the chamber 10. By opening the opening / closing lid 11, the object to be sterilized 100 can be carried in and out of the chamber 10. By closing the opening / closing lid 11, the inside of the chamber 10 is kept in a sealed state.

A heater 12 is installed in the vicinity of the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. The heater 12 is arranged so as to extend along the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. The heater 12 heats the water supplied into the chamber 10 to generate steam. The steam sterilizer 1 sterilizes the object to be sterilized 100 with steam generated by heating the heater 12.

Water is an example of a liquid supplied into chamber 10 for sterilization. The water may be normal water (tap water), well water, distilled water or purified water. The liquid supplied into the chamber 10 is not limited to water, and may be an aqueous solution such as physiological saline.

Above the heater 12, a mounting table 13 on which the object to be sterilized 100 can be placed is provided substantially parallel to the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10.

A temperature sensor 16 for detecting the temperature inside the chamber 10 is attached to the inner surface of the chamber 10 facing the opening / closing lid 11. The temperature sensor 16 measures the temperature of the gas in the chamber 10.

The steam sterilizer 1 includes a water storage tank 20. The water storage tank 20 stores the water supplied into the chamber 10. The water discharged from the chamber 10 returns to the water tank 20. The water storage tank 20 stores the water discharged from the chamber 10. The internal space of the water storage tank 20 includes a liquid phase portion 21 in which water is present and a gas phase portion 22 in which air is present. A water level sensor 26 for detecting the water level in the water tank 20 is installed in the internal space of the water tank 20.

The chamber 10 and the water storage tank 20 are communicated with each other by a water supply path 30, a discharge path 40, and an overflow path 50. The water supply path 30 is a path for supplying water from the water storage tank 20 to the chamber 10. The discharge path 40 is a path for discharging water, water vapor, and air from the chamber 10 to the water tank 20. The overflow path 50 is a path for discharging an amount of water exceeding the set water level in the chamber 10 from the chamber 10 to the water tank 20.

The water supply path 30 includes a water supply pipe 31, a water supply pump 32, and a water supply solenoid valve 33. One end of the water supply pipe 31 is connected to the inside of the water storage tank 20, and the other end is connected to the chamber 10. The water supply pump 32 is provided on the upstream side (the side close to the water storage tank 20) on the path of the water supply pipe 31. The water supply solenoid valve 33 is provided on the downstream side (the side close to the chamber 10) on the path of the water supply pipe 31.

The water supply pump 32 transfers water in the direction of flow from the water storage tank 20 toward the chamber 10 to supply water into the chamber 10. The water supply solenoid valve 33 is arranged on the downstream side of the water supply path 30 with respect to the water supply pump 32, and opens and closes the water supply path 30. The water supply solenoid valve 33 is provided so as to be able to switch between an open state in which water can flow from the water storage tank 20 to the chamber 10 and a closed state in which the flow of water from the water storage tank 20 to the chamber 10 is prohibited.

The discharge path 40 includes a drain pipe 41, an exhaust pipe 42, a common pipe 43, and a discharge solenoid valve 44. The drain pipe 41 is a path for the water discharged from the chamber 10 to flow. One end of the drain pipe 41 is connected to the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. The water in the chamber 10 is discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 through the drain pipe 41.

The exhaust pipe 42 is a path for the gas discharged from the chamber 10 to flow. One end of the exhaust pipe 42 is connected to the chamber 10 at a position above the highest level of the water surface in the chamber 10. The exhaust pipe 42 is connected to the chamber 10 at a position above the position of the water surface when water is supplied into the chamber 10. The air, water vapor, or a mixture thereof in the chamber 10 is discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 through the exhaust pipe 42.

The common pipe 43 is a path for both the water discharged from the chamber 10 and flowing in the drain pipe 41 and the gas discharged from the chamber 10 and flowing in the exhaust pipe 42 to flow. The common pipe 43 has a common path for gas to flow and a path for water to flow. One end of the common pipe 43 communicates with both the drain pipe 41 and the exhaust pipe 42. One end of the common pipe 43, the other end of the drain pipe 41, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 42 may be connected to each other via a connecting portion formed of a joint. The other end of the common pipe 43 is arranged inside the water storage tank 20.

Inside the water storage tank 20, the common pipe 43 has a condenser portion 45. The condenser portion 45 is submerged in the liquid phase portion 21 in the water storage tank 20. In the condenser section 45, heat is transferred from the high-temperature water and water vapor passing through the inside of the common pipe 43 to the water stored inside the water storage tank 20, and the temperature of the fluid flowing through the common pipe 43 is lowered. As a result, the condenser portion 45 reduces noise when water is discharged into the water storage tank 20. The condenser unit 45 has a silent function of reducing the loudness of the sound generated by the steam sterilizer 1.

Inside the water storage tank 20, the common pipe 43 has a bent portion 46. The common pipe 43 rises upward from the condenser portion 45 and extends from the liquid phase portion 21 in the water storage tank 20 to the gas phase portion 22. The common pipe 43 bends at the bent portion 46 and extends downward. The other end of the common pipe 43 is arranged so as to face the liquid level in the water storage tank 20. As a result, the water or steam discharged from the common pipe 43 into the water tank 20 flows out from the other end of the common pipe 43 toward the water stored in the water tank 20.

The common pipe 43 is provided with a discharge solenoid valve 44. The discharge solenoid valve 44 is arranged outside the water storage tank 20. The discharge solenoid valve 44 opens and closes the discharge path 40. The discharge solenoid valve 44 is provided so as to be able to switch between an open state in which fluid can flow from the chamber 10 to the water tank 20 and a closed state in which the flow of fluid from the chamber 10 to the water tank 20 is prohibited.

The overflow path 50 includes an overflow pipe 51, an overflow solenoid valve 53, and an overflow sensor 54. The overflow pipe 51 is a tubular member. The overflow pipe 51 is connected to the chamber 10. One end of the overflow pipe 51 is arranged in the chamber 10. One end of the overflow pipe 51 opens to the lower part in the chamber 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the overflow pipe 51 in the chamber 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the overflow pipe 51 in the chamber 10 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the overflow pipe 51 has a rising portion 52 that rises upward from the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the rising portion 52 constitutes one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. An opening 57 is formed at one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. A chamfered surface 58 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the one end 56, and a chamfered surface 59 is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the one end 56. A mesh member 90 is attached to the upper end of the rising portion 52 (one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51). The mesh member 90 is attached to an annular surface of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51, which is inside the outer peripheral edge and does not have chamfered surfaces 58 and 59, and is welded to the annular surface by, for example, brazing. Has been done.

The mesh member 90 has a net-like structure. The water in the chamber 10 can pass through the mesh member 90 and flow into the overflow pipe 51. The opening 57 formed at one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 opens into the chamber 10 via the mesh member 90. The mesh member 90 covers the opening 57 from above.

The mesh member 90 has a dome shape that bulges convexly from one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. The approximate outer shape of the mesh member 90 is a partial shape of a spherical surface. For example, the mesh member 90 may have a hemispherical schematic shape.

Returning to FIG. 1, the overflow pipe 51 is connected to the water tank 20. The other end 55 of the overflow pipe 51 is arranged inside the water storage tank 20. The other end 55 of the overflow pipe 51 is open to the upper part of the water storage tank 20. The overflow pipe 51 communicates the chamber 10 with the inside of the water storage tank 20. The water flowing through the overflow pipe 51 flows out from the other end 55 into the water tank 20.

The overflow solenoid valve 53 and the overflow sensor 54 are arranged outside the chamber 10. The overflow solenoid valve 53 is provided on the upstream side (the side close to the chamber 10) on the path of the overflow pipe 51. The overflow sensor 54 is provided on the downstream side (the side close to the water storage tank 20) on the path of the overflow pipe 51.

The overflow solenoid valve 53 is arranged on the upstream side of the overflow pipe 51 with respect to the overflow sensor 54, and opens and closes the overflow path 50. The overflow solenoid valve 53 is provided so as to be able to switch between an open state in which water can flow from the chamber 10 to the water tank 20 and a closed state in which the flow of water from the chamber 10 to the water tank 20 is prohibited.

The overflow sensor 54 detects the flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51. The overflow sensor 54 detects the flow of water that flows from the chamber 10 into the overflow pipe 51 and flows toward the water tank 20 via the overflow pipe 51. The overflow sensor 54 may be, for example, a sensor having a float unit that moves by the flow of water passing through the overflow sensor 54. Alternatively, the overflow sensor 54 may be a capacitance sensor that detects the flow of water based on the difference between the permittivity of water and the permittivity of air.

The steam sterilizer 1 also includes a ventilation path 60. The blower path 60 includes a blower pipe 61, an air solenoid valve 62, and an air pump 63. The blower pipe 61 has one end connected to the chamber 10 and the other end connected to the air pump 63. The blower pipe 61 communicates the air pump 63 with the chamber 10. The air pump 63 generates an air flow.

The air solenoid valve 62 is provided in the blower pipe 61. The air solenoid valve 62 opens and closes the air passage 60. The air solenoid valve 62 is provided so as to be able to switch between an open state in which air can flow from the air pump 63 to the chamber 10 and a closed state in which the flow of air from the air pump 63 to the chamber 10 is prohibited.

The air pump 63 transfers air from the other end of the blower pipe 61 toward one end to supply air into the chamber 10. When air is sent into the chamber 10, water or water vapor in the chamber 10 is discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 by the pressure of the sent air.

The steam sterilizer 1 further includes a pressure path 70. The pressure path 70 includes pressure pipes 71, 73, 75, a joint 72, a pressure gauge 74, and a safety valve 76.

The pressure pipe 71 has one end connected to the vicinity of the upper surface of the chamber 10 and the other end connected to the joint 72. The pressure pipe 73 has one end connected to the joint 72 and the other end connected to the pressure gauge 74. The gas in the chamber 10 reaches the pressure gauge 74 via the pressure pipe 71, the joint 72 and the pressure pipe 73. The pressure gauge 74 measures the pressure of the gas in the chamber 10.

The pressure pipe 75 has one end connected to the joint 72 and the other end connected to the safety valve 76. The safety valve 76 is provided in the water storage tank 20. When the pressure of the gas in the chamber 10 rises excessively, the safety valve 76 opens, and the gas in the chamber 10 is discharged into the water tank 20 via the pressure pipe 71, the joint 72, the pressure pipe 73 and the safety valve 76 in this order. NS. As a result, the pressure in the chamber 10 is reduced, and the pressure in the chamber 10 is maintained in an appropriate range.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the overflow pipe 51. FIG. 4 shows the chamber 10, the water storage tank 20, and the overflow path 50 among the main configurations of the steam sterilizer 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the other configurations are omitted. Both the chamber 10 and the water storage tank 20 are mounted on the base portion 2.

The overflow pipe 51 rises upward from the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10 and is connected to the upper part of the water storage tank 20. The overflow sensor 54 is provided in the middle of the overflow pipe 51. The overflow pipe 51 has an ascending flow forming portion 51a that rises upward in the vertical direction. A path from one end 56 to the other end 55 of the overflow pipe 51 rises upward to form an ascending flow forming portion 51a. The liquid flowing through the ascending flow forming portion 51a flows upward in the vertical direction.

The overflow sensor 54 is provided on the downstream side (the side closer to the water storage tank 20) of the ascending flow forming portion 51a. Alternatively, the overflow sensor 54 may be provided in the middle of the ascending flow forming portion 51a. The overflow sensor 54 is arranged at a position where the overflow pipe 51 rises upward from the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the overflow pipe 51 opens to the lower part in the chamber 10. Therefore, the overflow sensor 54 is arranged at a position higher than one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 shown in FIG. The overflow sensor 54 may be provided on the upstream side of the ascending flow forming portion 51a, and the overflow sensor 54 may be arranged at a position lower than one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the steam sterilizer 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the steam sterilizer 1 includes a control unit 80 that controls the operation of the steam sterilizer 1. The control unit 80 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 16, the water level sensor 26, the overflow sensor 54, and the pressure gauge 74. The control unit 80 receives input of a detected value related to the temperature inside the chamber 10 from the temperature sensor 16. The control unit 80 receives input of a detected value related to the water level in the water storage tank 20 from the water level sensor 26. The control unit 80 receives input from the overflow sensor 54 regarding the presence or absence of the flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51. The control unit 80 receives input of a detected value related to the pressure inside the chamber 10 from the pressure gauge 74.

The control unit 80 also has an input unit 81. The operator using the steam sterilizer 1 inputs set values such as heating temperature, sterilization time, and drying time from the input unit 81 to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 further has a timer 82 for measuring a predetermined time. The timer 82 is used to control the sterilization time and the drying time of the object to be sterilized 100, and is also used to control the timing of water supply into the chamber 10.

The control unit 80 corresponds to each control step of the steam sterilizer 1, and includes a heater 12, a discharge solenoid valve 44, a water supply solenoid valve 33, an air solenoid valve 62, an overflow solenoid valve 53, a water supply pump 32, an air pump 63, and the like. A control signal is output to each device included in the steam sterilizer 1. When each device operates appropriately in response to the control signal from the control unit 80, the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized by the steam sterilizer 1 is surely performed.

The operation of the steam sterilizer 1 having the above configuration will be described below. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1. According to the timing chart shown in FIG. 6, the operation of the steam sterilizer 1 in the water supply step among the steps for sterilizing the object to be sterilized by the steam sterilizer 1 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, at time T0, the power of the steam sterilizer 1 is turned on and the steam sterilizer 1 is started. Before starting water supply, the operator using the steam sterilizer 1 opens the opening / closing lid 11 of the chamber 10, places the object to be sterilized 100 on the mounting table 13, and puts the object to be sterilized 100 in the chamber 10. Accommodate. The operator may house the object to be sterilized 100 in the chamber 10 prior to turning on the steam sterilizer 1.

By switching the steam sterilizer 1 from the power off to the power on, the exhaust solenoid valve 44 is turned on as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the discharge solenoid valve 44, the water supply solenoid valve 33, the air solenoid valve 62, and the overflow (OF) solenoid valve 53 are all kept closed in the off (non-energized) state and in the on (energized) state. It is a solenoid valve that opens and is always closed.

The gas phase portion 22 of the water storage tank 20 is maintained at atmospheric pressure. By opening the discharge solenoid valve 44, the internal space of the chamber 10 and the gas phase portion 22 of the water storage tank 20 communicate with each other via the discharge path 40. As a result, the internal space of the chamber 10 is adjusted to the same atmospheric pressure as the gas phase portion 22. By communicating the internal space of the chamber 10 with the gas phase portion 22 of the water storage tank 20, the air pressure inside the chamber 10 and the outside air pressure are made constant. As a result, the opening / closing lid 11 of the chamber 10 can be easily opened / closed.

Next, at time T1, water supply is started. As shown in FIG. 6, the water supply solenoid valve 33 and the overflow solenoid valve 53 are switched from on to off. The solenoid valve 44 is left on. The air solenoid valve 62 is left off. As a result, the discharge solenoid valve 44, the water supply solenoid valve 33, and the overflow solenoid valve 53 are opened, and the air solenoid valve 62 is closed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1 at times T1 to T2. The arrows shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to 12 described later indicate the flow of fluid (water, water vapor, or air) flowing in each path. By starting the water supply pump 32 with the opening and closing of each solenoid valve set as described above, water supply is started and water W is supplied from the water storage tank 20 to the chamber 10. The air in the chamber 10 is discharged from the chamber 10 via the discharge path 40 and the overflow path 50. Therefore, it is avoided that the internal pressure of the chamber 10 rises and the water supply to the chamber 10 is hindered.

Since the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 is lower than the position of one end 56 (FIG. 3) of the overflow pipe 51, one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 is present in the air. Therefore, air flows through the overflow pipe 51, but water W does not flow through the overflow pipe 51.

Next, at a time T2 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time T1 when the water supply pump 32 starts supplying water to the chamber 10, the discharge solenoid valve 44 is switched from on to off, and the air solenoid valve 62 is turned off. Switch from to on. As a result, the discharge solenoid valve 44 is closed, and the water supply solenoid valve 33, the air solenoid valve 62, and the overflow solenoid valve 53 are opened.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1 at times T2 to T3. By starting the air pump 63 with the opening and closing of each solenoid valve set as described above, the supply of air into the chamber 10 is started, and the inside of the chamber 10 is pressurized. The water supply pump 32 continues to operate, and water supply from the water storage tank 20 to the chamber 10 is continued. Since the exhaust solenoid valve 44 is closed, the air in the chamber 10 is exhausted from the chamber 10 via the overflow path 50.

Since the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 is higher than that in FIG. 7, but is still lower than the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51, one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 is present in the air. Therefore, air flows through the overflow pipe 51, but water W does not flow through the overflow pipe 51.

When the water supply to the chamber 10 is further continued and the water level in the chamber 10 exceeds one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51, the water W in the chamber 10 flows into the overflow pipe 51. An excessive amount of water W exceeding one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 is discharged from the chamber 10, and a water flow flowing through the overflow pipe 51 is generated. The flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51 via the overflow pipe 51 is detected by the overflow sensor 54.

As shown in FIG. 6, the overflow sensor 54 is switched from off to on at time T3. It is estimated that the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 has exceeded 56 at one end of the overflow pipe 51 just before time T3. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1 at times T3 to T4. Since the water W in the chamber 10 flows into the overflow pipe 51, a mixed flow of water W and air flows through the overflow pipe 51. Since the air is supplied to the chamber 10 by the air pump 63 when the water is supplied to the chamber 10, the outflow of water from the chamber 10 to the overflow pipe 51 is promoted.

At a time T4 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time T3 when the overflow sensor 54 is switched on, the water supply pump 32 is stopped and the water supply solenoid valve 33 is switched from on to off. As a result, the discharge solenoid valve 44 and the water supply solenoid valve 33 are closed, and the air solenoid valve 62 and the overflow solenoid valve 53 are opened.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1 at times T4 to T5. With the opening and closing of each solenoid valve set as described above, the supply of air to the chamber 10 by the air pump 63 is continued. While the mixed flow of water W and air is flowing through the overflow pipe 51, the overflow sensor 54 keeps on. As the water W flows out of the chamber 10, the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 gradually decreases.

When the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 drops and reaches the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51, the outflow of water W from the chamber 10 stops. When the water flow through the overflow pipe 51 is stopped, the overflow sensor 54 that detects the flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51 via the overflow pipe 51 is switched from on to off. As shown in FIG. 6, the overflow sensor 54 is switched from on to off at time T5. It is estimated that the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 dropped to one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 just before the time T5.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1 at time T6. At a time T6 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time T5 when the overflow sensor 54 is switched off, the air solenoid valve 62 and the overflow solenoid valve 53 are switched from on to off, and the air pump 63 is stopped. As a result, the supply of air to the chamber 10 is stopped. The water surface Ws in the chamber 10 is maintained at the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. In this way, the water supply process is completed and the process proceeds to the heating process.

The overflow sensor 54 switches from off to on during water supply to the chamber 10, and the overflow sensor 54 switches from on to off after stopping the water supply to the chamber 10, so that the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 becomes the overflow pipe 51. It is detected that it is located at one end 56 of the chamber. The overflow sensor 54 is used to detect that the chamber 10 has been supplied with the amount of water required for the sterilization process of the object 100 to be sterilized.

At time T6, the solenoid valve 44 is switched from off to on. As a result, the discharge solenoid valve 44 is opened, and the water supply solenoid valve 33, the air solenoid valve 62, and the overflow solenoid valve 53 are closed. The internal space of the chamber 10 and the gas phase portion 22 of the water storage tank 20 communicate with each other via the discharge path 40, whereby the internal space of the chamber 10 is adjusted to atmospheric pressure.

In the heating step, by turning on the heater 12 on the bottom surface of the chamber 10, the water supplied into the chamber 10 is heated by the heater 12 and steam is generated. At the same time, the object to be sterilized 100 placed on the mounting table 13 is also heated. The sterilization process of the object to be sterilized 100 is performed by maintaining the inside of the chamber 10 at the temperature required for the sterilization process for a required time.

When the sterilization process is completed, steam is discharged to discharge the water and steam in the chamber 10 to the water storage tank 20. When the exhaust steam is completed, the inside of the chamber 10 is then dried.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the operation of each device of the steam sterilizer 1 in the drying step after the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized 100 is completed. In the drying step, the heater 12 in the chamber 10 is turned on. At this time, the exhaust solenoid valve 44 and the air solenoid valve 62 are opened, and the air pump 63 is started. Air is supplied into the chamber 10 by the air pump 63. In this way, the drying in the chamber 10 is performed for a predetermined time.

By sending air into the chamber 10 after the sterilization process is completed, the water vapor remaining in the chamber 10 is discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 via the discharge path 40. The inside of the chamber 10 is dried by replacing the water vapor inside the chamber 10 with air having a low humidity.

After the set drying time has elapsed, the air solenoid valve 62 is closed, and the heater 12 and the air pump 63 are stopped. As a result, the entire process for sterilizing the object to be sterilized 100 is completed. In this state, the heater 12 is turned off, and only the exhaust solenoid valve 44 that communicates the chamber 10 and the gas phase portion 22 of the water storage tank 20 is opened, which is the same state as the times T0 to T1 shown in FIG. The operator using the steam sterilizer 1 can safely open the opening / closing lid 11 and take out the object to be sterilized 100 after the sterilization process from the chamber 10.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the steam sterilizer 1 of the second embodiment. The steam sterilizer 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the internal configuration of the water tank 20 and the configuration of the overflow path 50.

Specifically, the water storage tank 20 of the second embodiment is formed with a small tank 27 in which a part of the internal space thereof is partitioned. The small tank 27 is formed in the upper part of the water storage tank 20. The ceiling surface of the small tank 27 is composed of a part of the ceiling surface of the water storage tank 20. The overflow pipe 51 penetrates the ceiling surface of the small tank 27. The other end 55 of the overflow pipe 51 is arranged inside the small tank 27. The other end 55 of the overflow pipe 51 is open in the small tank 27. The water flowing through the overflow pipe 51 flows out from the other end 55 into the small tank 27.

A through hole 28 penetrating the side surface is formed on the side surface of the small tank 27. The bottom surface of the small tank 27 is arranged away from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 20. A through hole 29 penetrating the bottom surface is formed on the bottom surface of the small tank 27. The through holes 28 and 29 communicate the internal space of the small tank 27 and the portion of the internal space of the water storage tank 20, which is the external space of the small tank 27, that does not form the small tank 27. Unlike the first embodiment, the overflow sensor 54 is not provided on the path of the overflow pipe 51, but is provided in the water storage tank 20. More specifically, the overflow sensor 54 is arranged in the small tank 27.

The water level sensor 26 is arranged near the bottom surface in the water storage tank 20. The water level sensor 26 has a function as a lower limit water level sensor that detects a lower limit value of the water level in the water storage tank 20. The water level sensor 26 and the overflow sensor 54 may be an electrode type or a float type water level sensor.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the water tank 20 shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, of the water storage tank 20 shown in FIG. 13, the vicinity of the small tank 27 is enlarged and shown. The white arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the water flowing out from the other end 55 of the overflow pipe 51. The arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the water flowing out of the small tank 27 through the through hole 29.

The through hole 29 is formed so that its opening area is smaller than the opening area of the other end 55. The water flowing out from the other end 55 into the small tank 27 receives a large resistance when trying to flow from the inside of the small tank 27 to the outside through the through hole 29. Since the through hole 29 is formed to have a small diameter, the pressure loss when water passes through the through hole 29 is increased. Therefore, the water that has flowed into the small tank 27 does not immediately flow out of the through hole 29, but is temporarily stored inside the small tank 27.

When the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 rises and excess water in the chamber 10 is discharged from the overflow pipe 51, water is supplied from the other end 55 into the small tank 27 through the overflow pipe 51. When water is accumulated in the small tank 27 and the water level rises and the water reaches the overflow sensor 54, the overflow sensor 54 is switched from off to on. As described with reference to FIG. 6, when the overflow sensor 54 is kept on for a predetermined time, the water supply pump 32 can be stopped to stop the water supply to the chamber 10.

After the water supply to the chamber 10 is stopped, when the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 drops and the outflow of the water W from the chamber 10 is stopped, the flow of the water flowing into the small tank 27 is also stopped. The water level in the small tank 27 drops due to the gradual outflow of water from the through hole 29. When there is no water at the position of the overflow sensor 54, the overflow sensor 54 switches from on to off. When the overflow sensor 54 remains off for a predetermined time, the air pump 63 can be stopped to complete the water supply process. At this time, the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 is maintained at the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51.

In the water storage tank 20, the overflow sensor 54 is arranged above the water level sensor 26. When water is manually supplied into the water storage tank 20, water also flows into the small tank 27 via the through holes 28 and 29. It is possible to detect that the water level in the small tank 27 rises and the overflow sensor 54 switches from off to on, and notify that the water level in the water tank 20 has reached the upper limit. The overflow sensor 54 can be configured to have a function as an upper limit water level sensor for detecting the upper limit value of the water level in the water storage tank 20.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the steam sterilizer 1 of the third embodiment. The steam sterilizer 1 of the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the overflow path 50.

One end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 of the first and second embodiments 56 is arranged in the chamber 10 and opens to the lower portion in the chamber 10. The overflow pipes 51 of the first and second embodiments have a rising portion 52 rising upward from the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. On the other hand, one end of the overflow pipe 51 shown in FIG. 15 is connected to the side portion of the chamber 10 and is not arranged in the chamber 10. The overflow pipe 51 shown in FIG. 15 does not have a rising portion. The overflow pipe 51 is provided on the side surface of the chamber 10.

Even when the overflow pipe 51 is configured in this way, when the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 reaches one end of the overflow pipe 51, the water W in the chamber 10 flows into the overflow pipe 51. As a result, the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 can be maintained at the position of one end of the overflow pipe 51.

Note that FIG. 15 does not show that the side surface to which the overflow pipe 51 is connected to the chamber 10 is the side surface to which the temperature sensor 16 facing the opening / closing lid 11 is attached. The overflow pipe 51 may be configured to be connected to any side surface of the chamber 10 so that one end opens to any side surface of the chamber 10. The overflow pipe 51 may be connected to the side surface of the chamber 10 facing the opening / closing lid 11, or may be connected to the side surface of the chamber 10 forming the loading / unloading port of the object to be sterilized 100 opened / closed by the opening / closing lid 11. It may be connected to the opening / closing lid 11.

The configuration and operation / effect of the steam sterilizer 1 of the embodiment will be summarized as follows. A reference number is added to the configuration of the embodiment, which is an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the steam sterilizer 1 of the present embodiment includes a chamber 10 capable of storing the object to be sterilized 100 and a heater 12 for heating the water supplied into the chamber 10. This is an apparatus for sterilizing the object to be sterilized 100 with steam generated by heating. The steam sterilizer 1 includes an overflow pipe 51 that discharges an excessive amount of water from the chamber 10 when water is supplied to the chamber 10, and an air pump 63 that supplies air to the chamber 10 when liquid is supplied to the chamber 10. ..

When water is supplied to the chamber 10, the air pump 63 is activated to supply air to the chamber 10, so that the discharge of water from the chamber 10 to the overflow pipe 51 is promoted. By draining water from the chamber 10 using the air pump 63, as shown in FIG. 11, the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 after the completion of water supply can be kept constant at the position of one end 56 (FIG. 3) of the overflow pipe 51. can. Thereby, the uniformity of the amount of water supplied into the chamber 10 can be improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the overflow pipe 51 has one end 56 that opens into the chamber 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the overflow pipe 51 has an other end 55 that opens into the liquid storage tank 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the overflow pipe 51 has an ascending flow forming portion 51a in which a path from one end 56 to the other end 55 rises upward.

Air is supplied to the chamber 10 by the air pump 63 when water is supplied to the chamber 10, and the water in the chamber 10 is discharged to the outside of the chamber 10 by the air supplied into the chamber 10. As a result, even if the overflow pipe 51 has the ascending flow forming portion 51a, excess water can be discharged from the chamber 10 to the overflow pipe 51. Since the overflow pipe 51 can be configured such that one end 56 opens to the lower part in the chamber 10 and the other end 55 opens to the upper part of the water storage tank 20, the chamber 10 and the water storage tank 20 can be opened inside the housing of the steam sterilizer 1. It can be arranged side by side. By arranging at least a part, preferably all of one of the chamber 10 and the water tank 20 so as to overlap the other in the lateral view, the vertical dimension of the housing of the steam sterilizer 1 can be reduced. , The housing can be miniaturized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the steam sterilizer 1 includes an overflow sensor 54. The overflow sensor 54 detects the flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51. When the overflow sensor 54 is turned on during water supply to the chamber 10, the water supply is stopped, and then the water is continuously discharged from the chamber 10 to the overflow pipe 51 until the overflow sensor 54 is turned off. As a result, the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 after the completion of water supply can be kept constant at the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51.

The timing of stopping the water supply pump 32 (time T4 shown in FIG. 6) when water is supplied to the chamber 10 may be determined by the elapsed time from the start of the water supply pump 32. The timing of stopping the air pump 63 (time T6 shown in FIG. 6) may be determined by the elapsed time from stopping the water supply pump 32. By appropriately starting and stopping the water supply pump 32 and the air pump 63 over time using the timer 82 (FIG. 5), the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 after the completion of water supply can be moved to the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. Can be kept constant. Therefore, the steam sterilizer 1 of the embodiment does not necessarily have to include the overflow sensor 54.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the steam sterilizer 1 further includes a water storage tank 20 for storing water supplied into the chamber 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the overflow pipe 51 has one end 56 that opens into the chamber 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the overflow pipe 51 has an other end 55 that opens into the water storage tank 20. The overflow sensor 54 is provided on the path of the overflow pipe 51. In this way, the flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51 can be detected by using the overflow sensor 54 provided on the path of the overflow pipe 51.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the overflow sensor 54 is provided in the water storage tank 20. In this way, the flow of water flowing through the overflow pipe 51 can be detected by using the overflow sensor 54 provided in the water storage tank 20. Since no space is required for arranging the overflow sensor 54 outside the water storage tank 20, the housing of the steam sterilizer 1 can be miniaturized. The overflow sensor 54 provided in the water storage tank 20 may detect the upper limit value of the liquid level in the water storage tank 20. Since the overflow sensor 54 functions as the upper limit water level sensor of the water storage tank 20, it is not necessary to separately provide the upper limit water level sensor, and the configuration of the steam sterilizer 1 can be simplified.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the steam sterilizer 1 further includes a control unit 80 that controls the operation of the steam sterilizer 1. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, when the overflow sensor 54 detects the flow of the liquid flowing through the overflow pipe 51, the control unit 80 stops supplying the liquid to the chamber 10. On the other hand, the control unit 80 continues to supply air to the chamber 10 by the air pump 63. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, when the overflow sensor 54 stops detecting the flow of the liquid flowing through the overflow pipe 51 after the supply of the liquid to the chamber 10 is stopped, the control unit 80 causes the air to the chamber 10 by the air pump 63. Stop the supply of. When the overflow sensor 54 is turned on, the water supply is stopped, and then the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 after the water supply is completed is continuously discharged from the chamber 10 to the overflow pipe 51 until the overflow sensor 54 is turned off. It can be kept constant at the position of one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the steam sterilizer 1 further includes a water supply pump 32 for transferring and supplying water to the chamber 10. The control unit 80 starts supplying air to the chamber 10 by the air pump 63 after a predetermined time has elapsed from starting the water supply to the chamber 10 by the water supply pump 32. Immediately after starting the supply of water to the chamber 10, air is not supplied to the chamber 10, and the pressure of the chamber 10 at the time of supplying water to the chamber 10 is set to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the load on the water supply pump 32 at the initial stage of supplying water to the chamber 10 can be reduced, and water can be quickly supplied to the chamber 10.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the air pump 63 supplies air to the chamber 10 after the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized 100 is completed. By using an air pump 63 that supplies air to the chamber 10 when supplying liquid to the chamber 10 to supply air to the chamber 10 in the drying step after the completion of the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized 100, the chamber 10 is supplied in the drying step. It is not necessary to separately provide a pump for supplying air to the steam sterilizer 1, and the configuration of the steam sterilizer 1 can be simplified.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the overflow pipe 51 has a rising portion 52 rising upward from the bottom surface 10b of the chamber 10. The overflow pipe 51 is formed so that the water in the chamber 10 flows into the overflow pipe 51 from the upper end of the rising portion 52. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the influence on the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 after the completion of water supply when the chamber 10 is arranged at an inclination as compared with the configuration in which the overflow pipe is provided on the side surface of the chamber. can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the rising portion 52 constitutes one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. One end 56 is formed with an opening 57 that opens into the chamber 10. The steam sterilizer 1 further includes a mesh member 90 attached to one end 56 and covering the opening 57. The mesh member 90 upsets the balance of the water interface in the chamber 10 to reduce the surface tension of water at one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of water from staying in the chamber 10 due to the generation of surface tension, so that the water surface Ws in the chamber 10 after the completion of water supply can be kept constant at the position of 56 at one end. .. In addition, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the overflow pipe 51.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mesh member 90 has a dome shape that bulges convexly from one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51. By applying the dome-shaped mesh member 90, the surface tension of water at one end 56 of the overflow pipe 51 can be suppressed more effectively.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

1 Steam sterilizer, 10 chambers, 10b bottom surface, 11 opening / closing lid, 12 heaters, 13 mounts, 20 water tanks, 21 liquid phase parts, 22 gas phase parts, 26 water level sensors, 27 small tanks, 28, 29 through holes, 30 water supply path, 31 water supply pipe, 32 water supply pump, 33 water supply solenoid valve, 40 discharge path, 41 drain pipe, 42 exhaust pipe, 43 common pipe, 44 discharge solenoid valve, 45 condenser part, 46 bend part, 50 overflow path, 51 overflow pipe, 51a ascending flow forming part, 52 rising part, 53 overflow solenoid valve, 54 overflow sensor, 55 other end, 56 one end, 57 opening, 58, 59 chamfered surface, 60 blower path, 61 blower pipe, 62 air solenoid Valve, 63 air pump, 70 pressure path, 80 control unit, 81 input unit, 82 timer, 90 mesh member, 100 object to be sterilized, W water, Ws water surface.

Claims (12)

A chamber that can store objects to be sterilized and
A heater for heating the liquid supplied into the chamber is provided.
In a steam sterilizer that sterilizes the object to be sterilized with the liquid vapor generated by heating the heater.
An overflow pipe that discharges excess liquid from the chamber when the liquid is supplied to the chamber,
A steam sterilizer comprising an air pump that supplies air to the chamber when liquid is supplied to the chamber. A liquid storage tank for storing the liquid supplied into the chamber is further provided.
The overflow pipe has one end that opens into the chamber, the other end that opens into the liquid storage tank, and an ascending flow forming portion in which a path from the one end to the other end rises upward. Item 1. The steam sterilizer according to item 1. The vapor sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an overflow sensor for detecting the flow of liquid flowing through the overflow pipe. A liquid storage tank for storing the liquid supplied into the chamber is further provided.
The overflow pipe has one end that opens into the chamber and the other end that opens into the liquid storage tank.
The steam sterilizer according to claim 3, wherein the overflow sensor is provided on the path of the overflow pipe. A liquid storage tank for storing the liquid supplied into the chamber is further provided.
The overflow pipe has one end that opens into the chamber and the other end that opens into the liquid storage tank.
The steam sterilizer according to claim 3, wherein the overflow sensor is provided in the liquid storage tank. The steam sterilizer according to claim 5, wherein the overflow sensor detects an upper limit value of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank. Further provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of the steam sterilizer,
When the overflow sensor detects the flow of liquid flowing through the overflow pipe, the control unit stops supplying liquid to the chamber while continuing to supply air to the chamber by the air pump, and then the overflow sensor. The steam sterilizer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein when the air pump no longer detects the flow of the liquid flowing through the overflow pipe, the supply of air to the chamber by the air pump is stopped. A liquid supply pump that transfers and supplies liquid to the chamber,
Further provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of the steam sterilizer,
Claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit starts supplying air to the chamber by the air pump after a predetermined time has elapsed from starting the supply of liquid to the chamber by the liquid supply pump. The steam sterilizer according to any one of the above items. The steam sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the air pump supplies air to the chamber after the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized is completed. The steam sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the overflow pipe has a rising portion that rises upward from the bottom surface of the chamber. The upper end of the rising portion constitutes one end of the overflow pipe, and the one end is formed with an opening that opens into the chamber.
The steam sterilizer according to claim 10, further comprising a mesh member attached to the one end and covering the opening. The steam sterilizer according to claim 11, wherein the mesh member has a dome shape that bulges convexly from one end.

Images