JP3414167B2 - Sterilizer - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sterilizer for sterilizing medical supplies and the like.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional steam sterilizer, as a sterile vessel heating means for heating the sterilizing chamber, the outer periphery of the sterilization chamber,
A steam jacket is provided to surround this. Then, Then the power switch is turned on, performs preheating sterilization tank by feeding the steam to the steam jacket. After that, normal operation is started, and this normal operation
Is put object to be sterilized in the sterilization tank, Then turn on the start switch with the door closed, a pretreatment step, before
The sterilization step of supplying steam into the sterilization tank to sterilize the object to be sterilized is sequentially executed. Wherein the pretreatment step, the sterilization chamber
Together when heated to and sterilization subject accommodated in the sterilization bath to a predetermined temperature, a step of eliminating the air in the sterilization chamber is carried out prior to the sterilization step. Furthermore, the pretreatment step, performs the heating by the steam jacket by-out vacuum pull in the sterilization chamber were common.

[0003]

[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In such a sterilizer, pre-heated in the sterilization tank, performs only introducing steam <br/> air into the steam jacket or, <br/> steam into the steam jacket after preheating the sterilization chamber by introducing, (introducing steam not put an object to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber.) Check operation for washing the dark <br/> flora tank further the It was something to do.
In the former method, a large heat capacity of the sterilizing tank heating means
Wherein instead of a steam jacketed, in case of a small relatively heat capacity, the together when it takes a long time to preheat the sterilization vessel, the cleaning of the sterilization chamber can row Ukoto
Not .

[0004] In the latter method, since the cleaning and preheating performed separately, becomes twice time, there is a problem that it takes a long time. In addition, it was those that can not meet the requirement that must be completed sterilization work in a short period of time. The present invention aims to solve these problems.

[0005]

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is a sterilization tank, and sterilization tank heating means for heating the sterilization tank, In a sterilizing apparatus including a control means for performing a normal operation for sterilizing an object to be sterilized in the sterilization tank, the control means includes a determination means for determining a temperature decrease in the sterilization tank, and the determination means for decreasing the temperature. When it is determined that the steam is supplied to the sterilization tank heating means, the steam is introduced into the sterilization tank and the steam in the sterilization tank is vacuum-sucked and discharged before the normal operation. It is characterized in that it is provided with a warm-up operation executing means for performing.

[0006] According to this feature, the shutdown of long the sterilization apparatus, the temperature of the sterilization tank is determined that the drops, the warm-up is performed prior to the normal operation. Thus, at the same time steam is supplied to the sterilization tank heating means, since the steam is introduced into the sterilization chamber, the together the preheating of the sterilization chamber is effectively carried out by the introduction of steam, the sterilization introducing steam into the vessel, the sterilization chamber is cleaned by being discharged.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is such that the sterilization tank, the sterilization tank heating means for heating the sterilization tank, the first control switch for controlling the turning on of the power source, and the start of the normal operation are controlled. In the steam sterilizer including two control switches and a control unit that executes a normal operation for sterilizing an object to be sterilized in the sterilization tank when the first control switch and the second control switch are turned on, the control unit includes: said determining means the decrease in temperature of the sterilization tank during on of the first control switch, when the determination means determines the degradation temperature, the dark
At the same time as supplying steam to the bacteria tank heating means, the steam is introduced into the sterilization tank, and the steam in the sterilization tank is vacuum-sucked to notify that it is necessary to perform a warm-up operation to discharge the steam. When the execution of the warming-up operation is selected by the warming-up operation selecting means for selecting whether to perform the warming-up operation or not, and when the execution of the warming-up operation is selected by the warming-up operation selecting means, It is characterized in that it comprises a warm-up operation executing means for executing the operation.

[0008] According to this feature, after the first control switch is long off, when turned on again, the sterilizing chamber
Lowering of the temperature is determined by the warm-up selection means
Wherein the warm-up operation is selected, the <br/> warm-up before the normal operation is performed. Thus, at the same time steam is supplied to the sterilization tank heating means, since the steam is introduced into the sterilization chamber, the together the preheating of the sterilization chamber is effectively carried out by the introduction of steam, the sterilization introducing steam into the vessel, the sterilization chamber is cleaned by being discharged. Well
And, when the operator determines that do not require the warm-up operation, without performing the warm-up operation, the shifts to the normal operation.

Further, the invention according to claim 3, wherein the determination means that the time from the off power to the on determining the temperature drop of the sterilization chamber to determine whether the predetermined time or more It is with the features.

According to this feature, the temperature drop of the sterilization tank is determined by the length of time from the off power to on.

[0011] Further, an invention according to claim 4, wherein the sterilizing tank heating means, that are characterized by comprising a tubular steam flow path for heating provided on the peripheral wall of the sterilization vessel.

[0012] According to this feature, the warm-up before the time of operation
Serial supplied steam to the tubular steam channel, the steam supplied directly to the sterilization tank and the tubular steam channel, the sterilization tank is heated, effectively preheating is performed.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5, wherein the system <br/> control means, in the warm-up and the normal operation
Japanese to be carried out by driving stop opening closed testing order different drive stop opening closed testing order of the components of the sterilization device, determining self diagnose whether the component normal during the warm-up operation
It is the butterflies.

According to this feature, during the warm-up operation,
It said self-diagnosis Ru is performed to relatively time-consuming due to warming up and the normal procedure different from the drive stop-off procedure of the components of the sterilizer during operation. This allows
After confirming the safety by the self-diagnosis, the so shifts to the normal operation, safety is improved.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment of the present invention is a sterilization apparatus comprising a sterilization tank, a sterilization tank heating means for heating the sterilization tank, and a control means for executing a normal operation for sterilizing an object to be sterilized in the sterilization tank. The control means determines the temperature decrease of the sterilization tank, and when the determination means determines the temperature decrease, at the same time as supplying steam to the sterilization tank heating means, introducing steam into the sterilization tank, A warming-up operation executing means for executing a warming-up operation for vacuum suctioning and discharging the steam in the sterilization tank before the normal operation is provided. This will be described in detail below.

[0016] The sterilization apparatus, carrying the object to be sterilized to at least one surface of the sterilization chamber has an opening for unloading, with a reclosable door which can seal the opening. Wherein also near the opening forms one into the packing groove surrounding a portion facing the opening in the door, and retractable to <br/> packing into the packing groove, pressing the packing member A sealing means that pushes against the other with air is employed. Then, the sterile tank before for heating (the including doors) itself
The sterilization tank heating means is provided. As the sterilizing tank heating means, and a tubular steam flow passage provided on the outer circumference wall of the sterilization chamber,
High-temperature steam is supplied to this tubular steam flow path . However, the present invention is characterized in that the sterile tank is provided with outer tank forming an outer wall at intervals and which on the outer circumference of the (inner wall), constitute a double container shaped steam jacket and the outer tub and the sterilization chamber ,
This can also be applied to those supplying steam to the steam jacket.

[0017] (may also be referred to as normal sterilization operation.) The normal operation is put object to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber, which is operated for sterilizing the object to be sterilized. Wherein the normal operation, preferably, pre-process and the subsequent sterilization process comprises a post-treatment step, these steps are controlled by the <br/> control means such as a microcomputer. Wherein the higher the pretreatment Engineering, its run time, to supply steam to the sterilization tank heating means, preferably, during the pretreatment step execution, introducing steam under pressure into the sterilizing chamber. Thus, the inside and outside of the sterilization chamber,
Heating the object to be sterilized accommodated in the sterilization bath and the sterilization bath, to together when heating the object to be sterilized to a predetermined temperature, to discharge the air in the sterilization chamber. The steam introduction of methods of emissions, or a method of performing the discharge of vapor from the introduction to the sterilization chamber of the steam alternately, a method of discharging a vapor is taken from the sterilizing tank at the same time as the introduction of steam.

[0018] The sterilization step is in the steam sterilizer steam is introduced that the runtime into the sterilization chamber, sterilizing gas is introduced in the gas sterilizer. During the sterilization step is also steam is introduced into the sterilization tank heating means. After the dark <br/> fungus step is usually the post-process is executed.
The post-treatment step typically comprises the step of drying the exhaust and object to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber.

[0019] The warm-up operation is performed prior to the normal operation, at the same time to supply the high-temperature steam into the sterilization tank heating means, introducing a high-temperature steam into the sterilization chamber is carried out by discharging. The introduction of vapor in the warm-up, emissions, before
Serial are necessary for preheating the washing of the sterilization chamber of the sterilizing chamber. That method, like the pre-process line TURMERIC
While bets can, after introducing the steam to a predetermined pressure to the sterilization vessel, so as to discharge the steam, add a positive pressure pulse to the sterilization tank is, on doing preheating and cleaning effectively Is preferred. Application of the positive pressure pulses, it is desirable to perform a plurality of times. In addition, we introduced into the sterilization chamber of the steam from the top of the dark <br/> fungus tank, it is preferable to carry out the discharge of steam from the bottom of the sterilization chamber, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention includes the determining means for determining the temperature drop in the sterilization tank. Wherein-size <br/> constant means, the down time or is determined by the temperature in the sterilization chamber. When determining the time of the former shutdown determines time to off or <br/> et al on immediately before the first control switch (power switch) on whether a predetermined time or more.
When the time is longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the temperature of the sterilization tank has dropped. In the sterilizer, the first control switch
Then on, the steam is supplied to the sterilization tank heating means,
Then turn off the first control switch, the steam supply is stopped, the temperature of the sterilization tank decreases with time. Time of outage in such a sterilization apparatus calculates the time to on from off of the first control switch.

[0021] When judged by the temperature drop of sterile tank the latter was example, if the temperature detected by the temperature detector provided in the upper portion or the like place of the sterilization tank is more than a predetermined time the door is closed When equal to or less than a predetermined value under the condition that determines by the <br/> determining means as a temperature drop of the sterilization vessel.
The timing of the determination by the determination means, preferably,
For start-and turning on the first control switch
When By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary warm-up operation. However, the timing of the decision
The first rather good even remove the condition that the time on the control switch, the other timing, the time to turn on for example the first control switch, <br/> when it is substantially fixed, the within a predetermined range before the on time of the first control switch, can be set the timing of the determination by said determining means.

[0022] <br/> when said determination means determines the degradation temperature, the warm-up operation (preheating operation) is performed prior to the normal operation by the warm-up execution means. The warm-up, when the temperature drop of the sterilization chamber is not determined is not executed. When the temperature drop is determined, either automatically performed the warm-up operation, or to the necessity of warm-up operation as described in the following to the operator can be selected.

[0023] Sunawa Chi, to make the selection of the latter of the warm-up, the warm-up is needed informing means for informing the need for the warm-up operation at the time of temperature decrease determination of the sterilization bath, before
By omitting the serial warming up providing the warm-up operation selection means to be able to transition to the next of the pretreatment step. This makes it possible to meet the demand for urgent completion of sterilization. By providing the warm-up operation selecting means and the warm-up is needed notification means thus, prevents to always run the <br/> warming up, sterilization operation end by using a predetermined time prior to the normal operation Delay is prevented. As the warm-up operation required notification means,
Using the display means according to the visual alarm, but, but it may also be due audible alarm. The warm-up operation selection means,
It said selecting means for selecting whether to omit the warm-up operation, which includes a warm-up operation instructing means for instructing the execution of the warm-up, stone I be provided both means separately, the <br/> selection by means when said selected whichever you do not skip warming up, automatically the yet good configured as to perform a warm-up operation.

[0024] after the warm-up, open the door carries the object to be sterilized to the sterilization chamber, close the door. afterwards,
On the second control switch (normal operation start switch)
The result, the pretreatment step, the sterilization step, the post-process is automatically executed sequentially.

[0025] The warm air when the operation is performed, the <br/> warm-up and the normal the driving stop opening closed testing order of the components of the sterilization apparatus and the different drive stop opening closed testing order during operation Accordingly, it is desirable that the component carrying out the self-diagnosis (details self-diagnosis) for determining whether normal during the warm-up operation. This is the temperature drop of the sterilization tank is determined, the the warm-up operation is performed, usually in the morning 1 No. 1
It is often a time of the first sterilizing a daily, during this initial sterilizing, to use the time for the detailed self diagnosis relatively time-consuming, even easily tolerated for the user, One or 1 the first step of the self-diagnosis in the safety of the day is assured. Therefore, the self-diagnosis is limited to one time the number carried in a day regardless of the number of the warm <br/> of gas operation, was example <br/> Invite. As the self-diagnosis, in addition to the detailed self-diagnosis other than the warm-up and the drive <br/> stop opening-closing control procedure performed on the components of the on-off valve or the like of the sterilization apparatus in the normal operation has a self diagnosis that can without line Ukoto adding extra driving stop opening closed testing order of (simple self-diagnosis), the simple self-diagnosis is performed each normal every operation. Here, the detection by the detection means such as the pressure and the abnormality determination based on the detection result are not included in the extra procedure here. The timing of the self-diagnosis at the time of the warm-up operation, preferably before the warm-up.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
Will be described in detail. Here , FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a schematic plan view of the embodiment and a configuration of a piping system ,
FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of the air system of the same embodiment, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view for explaining main parts of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 to 7 are control for the same embodiment . FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure, and FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an example of vapor introduction and discharge patterns in the same embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the sterilization tank 1 is provided with an opening 1A for entrance and exit of an object to be sterilized, which is provided with a door 4 on one of its peripheral surfaces. It said closed door 4, and is configured to be able to completely seal the sterilization tank 1 by sealing the later Seal could means. The door 4, in the example shown, be of sliding type, are guided by the guide and support member 5 provided on both sides of the sterilization vessel 1, Fig. 1
It is configured to open and close the opening 1A moves in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0028] The outer peripheral wall of the sterilization vessel 1 forms a tubular steam channel 2 as a sterile tank heating means. The tubular steam <br/> air flow path 2, in the illustrated embodiment, it is assumed that the formation of the flow path meandering bent tube. One end of the tubular steam channel 2 is connected to the feed蒸用first pipe 6 extending from the steam generator 3, the other end through the second pipe 7 for drain, connected to the third pipe 11 described later is doing. Wherein the second pipe 7 is provided first steam trap 8 and the first check valve (reference number omitted), respectively the middle.

[0029]TubularFurther explanation of the steam flow path 2
Then,The tubularThe steam flow path 2 isThe aboveOf the peripheral wall of the sterilization tank 1
home,The aboveAbout the peripheral wall adjacent to the surface on which the door 4 is provided,
Each surface of (SanawaC, 4),OrIn contact
It is arranged.The tubularThe tubes that make up the vapor flow path 2 are,Figure
As shown in 3,It is desirable to fix it by welding
Yes.Also,The tubularThe steam flow path 2 isThe aboveSurface with door 4
It is provided about the four surrounding walls adjacent toThe abovedoorFour
Even if it is provided on the surface of the peripheral wall on the side opposite to the surface provided withYo
Yes. Also,The aboveProvided on at least one surface of the peripheral wall of the sterilization tank 1.
If there isThe tubularThe steam channel 2 is on each side of the peripheral wall.
However, it is not always necessary to arrange them completely evenly.
Enough heatCanIt is good if it is in a state of being

[0030] wherein the sterilization tank 1, a fourth pipe 10 extending from the the further steam generator 3 communicates with the sterilization tank 1
It connects the third in communication with the sterilization tank 1 to further
The pipe 11 and the fifth air supply pipe 12 are connected to each other. Wherein the first pipe 6, supply蒸用the first on-off valve 13 is provided with a first steam pressure adjusting valve 14, the fourth pipe 10
A second on-off valve 15 for steam supply and a second steam pressure control valve 16 are provided in the. Wherein the one end of the fifth pipe 12, connects the air filter 17, in the middle of the fifth pipe 12 a second check valve (not numbered) and air supply for the third on-off valve 18
Each is provided .

The third pipe 11 is a vacuum exhausting first pipe on the way.
6 pipes, 7 exhaust pipes 20 and 8 drain pipes 21 are branched. Wherein the sixth pipe 19, the fourth on-off valve 22, the third check valve (not numbered), condenser heat exchanger 30, the vacuum pump 23 and the fourth check valve (not numbered)
Respectively provided, wherein the seventh pipe 20, setting the fifth on-off valve 24 and the fifth check valve for exhausting (not numbered), respectively
Only, wherein the eighth pipe 21, sixth closing valve 25, the second steam trap 26 and the sixth check valve (reference number omitted) that
Each is provided . Connection location between the third pipe 11 and the second pipe 7 connected to the downstream side of said tubular steam channel 2,
It is on the wake (outlet) side of the eighth pipe 21. here
In the check valves in FIG. 1 has a function of allowing the flow direction of the arrow, blocking reverse flow.

[0032] Furthermore, in the sterilization apparatus of the above construction, as in the prior art, the peripheral wall outside of the sterilization tank 1 are covered by a well-known heat insulating material 27, thereby preventing heat radiation, thermal loss To prevent heat and improve heat retention.

The control unit 28 controls the warm <br/> of gas operation and normal operation or the like in the sterilization device, will be described in detail later. The controller 28 includes a power switch (first control
Switch) SW1, start switch (second control switch)
H) SW2, cancel switch (third control switch)
SW3 is respectively connected. In addition, the display HS
It is intends row various display by the display control signal output from the control unit 28. Of course, instead of the indicator HS, added voice, there have can be used only with the alarm sound.

[0034] Next, although in FIG. 2 have explained the configuration related airtight seal around the opening 1A of the sterilization tank 1. Wherein the sterilization tank 1 so as to surround the opening 1A, packing groove 31 of predetermined depth forming a ring around it
A ring-shaped packing member 32 is similarly fitted in the packing groove 31 so as to be retractable. Communicating with the door 4 in the package <br/> Kin member 32 abutting on the surface opposite to the surface (counter-abutment side), in the space of the packing groove 31 formed by the inner peripheral surface of the packing groove 31 as to,
The ninth pipe 33 for supplying pressurized gas is connected.

[0035] the ninth pipe 33 (in this example, air) gas at its upstream end is connected to pressurizing pressurizing device (compressor) 34. Further, wherein the ninth pipe 33, the said pressure device 34 packing groove 3
1, the pressurized gas tank 35, the pressurized air seventh opening / closing valve 36, and the seventh check valve 3 from the upstream side.
7 are provided respectively .

[0036] In addition, wherein the ninth pipe 33, between the package <br/> Kin groove 31 and the seventh check valve 37, the first of the packings <br/> down groove 31 within the exhaust 10 The upstream end of the pipe 38 is connected. The tenth pipe 38 has an eighth opening / closing valve 39 ,
Is provided with an eighth check valve 40 in the order of this, the downstream end is connected to said true <br/> air pump 23. The vacuum pump 23 is
As described later, the sterile tank 1 to <br/> with the evacuated, the packing groove 3 as it is used for the discharge of air in 1, wherein the separate system and the tenth pipe 38 Sixth
Connected to the sterilization tank 1 through a pipe 19. The <br/> the sixth pipe 19, set the fourth on-off valve 22 on its way
Only by, by switching the opening and closing of the said fourth on-off valve 22 eighth on-off valve 39, the suction in the packing groove 31
It is configured to switch between suction within said sterilization chamber 1.

A first pressure detector 44 is connected to the packing groove 31, and a second pressure detector 45 is connected to the pressurized gas tank 35. The first pressure detector 44, because the monitors a pressure in the packing groove 31, rather by if the packing groove 31 or by connecting to one of the pipe communicating with this, this embodiment Then before
It is directly connected to the serial packing groove 31. The first pressure detector 44, by opening and closing the seventh on-off valve 36, before
To maintain the pressure in the serial packing groove 31 within a predetermined range, the <br/> second pressure detector 45, the pressure device 34 is off system <br/> Gosuru things, the pressurized gas tank It is provided to keep the pressure in 35 within a predetermined range.

Here, the first and second pressure detectors 44,
45 uses a pressure switch in this embodiment. The pressure switch when the pressure reaches the first set value increases switched to an ON state, the pressure decreases the
When the second set value lower than the first set value is reached, the state is switched to the off state. Here, the first, second pressure detector 44 and 45, instead of the pressure switch, with pressure sensor, can of course be configured to determine whether the set value by the control device 28. In this embodiment, the first set value of the first pressure detector 44,
Wherein the sterilization tank 1 of the gas-tight seal line Utame, the packing member 32 the supply pressure of the pressurized air that can have Rukoto reliably pressed against the door 4, there have to slightly higher pressure than that.

Third pressure for detecting the pressure in the sterilization tank 1
Detector 46, in this embodiment, instead of the pressure switch, configured as a pressure sensor. The third pressure detector 46, the together when monitoring the pressure in the sterilization tank 1, before
Serial is for detecting the pressure for controlling the first on-off valve 13. Temperature detector 47 is configured to monitor the temperature of the upper within the sterilization tank 1. The pressurizing device 34, the seventh on-off valve 36, the eighth on-off valve 39, the vacuum pump 2
3, the first pressure detector 44, the second pressure detector 4
5, wherein the third pressure detector 46 and the temperature detector 47
It is connected to the controller 28. The <br/> controller 28 includes a processing unit that executes storage and processing procedure of a processing procedure has been stored as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, wherein the first pressure detector 44, the second inputs the detection signal from the second pressure detector 45, etc., the pressure device 3
4, the seventh on-off valve 36, the eighth on-off valve 39, both of the outputs a control signal such as the true <br/> air pump 23, the alarm signal or the like to the table <br/>示器HS Outputs various display signals.

[0040] was prepared in predominantly 4-7 the operation of the embodiment configured as above have explained. In the following description, each of the on-off valve is assumed to be essentially closed unless state the operation.

[0041] Oite in Step S 1 of FIG. 4, the power switch SW1 determines whether ON. In the case of NO, the processing remains in this step S1. In the case of YES, stearyl
Migrate to-up S2, the power switch SW1 is the last time off
Time from when the up time becomes ON (if example preparative was 3 hours) predetermined set time T0 is determined whether more.

If YES, the process proceeds to step S4,
Warm air (preheated) indication that the operation is necessary, was example, if performed <br/> the display of "warming up required" in the display HS, stearyl
Go to step S5. In step S5, a determination is made as to whether the calibration <br/> Nseru switch SW3 is operated (turned on). If the cancel switch SW3 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S6, is determined whether the start switch SW2 is ON. The cancel switch SW3 is a switch to turn on when the operator moves omit the warm-up operation to normal operation. Now before
The serial cancel switch SW3 without turn on, when you turn on the static <br/> Tosuitchi SW2, the step
YES is determined in step S6, and the process proceeds to step S7.
In this step S7, detailed self-diagnosis of the sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is carried out. Here, the self-diagnosis, before
Since the closure of the serial door 4 is a condition, in step S6
Confirmation of the closure of the door 4 is also performed. In addition , the step S6
On operation of the start switch SW2 in means instruction of warming up execution.

[0043] Examples of the self-diagnosis performed by the sterilization apparatus of this embodiment, and is Ru Oh detailed self-diagnosis and simple self-diagnosis. The detailed self-diagnosis is a self-diagnosis performed by adding a special control in addition to driving stop opening closed testing order performed on components such as opening and closing valves of the sterilization apparatus in the warm-up and normal operation. Previous
The detailed self-diagnosis is performed once per day, and even if the warm-up operation is performed twice, for example , it is performed only during the first warm-up operation in one day. An example of a procedure of the detailed self-diagnosis is as shown in beauty 6 FIG Oyo. Further, the simple self-diagnosis, the row Ukoto without adding the special control in addition to driving stop opening closed testing order performed on components such as the opening and closing valve of the sterilization apparatus in the warm-up and normal operation it is a self-diagnosis that can be. An example of this procedure is as shown in FIG.

[0044] In FIG. 5, the detailed self-diagnosis is for sequentially for feeding steam line check at step S 20, the packing line detailed check of step S 30 and the tank airtight leak check of step S 40. Here, in the packing line check process in FIG. 8, the stearate
Tsu performs processing flops S 20 and the step S 30, in leak check process, the process of the step S 40.

[0045] Step S 20, the second on-off valve 1
Including the abnormality check of item 5 and the like, it is performed as follows . (1) or not a, the power switch SW1 is turned on, in a state where the <br/> second on-off valve 15 and the upstream side of the original steam valve (not shown) closed, the second on-off valve 15 predetermined value the temperature of the original steam temperature sensor provided on the upstream side of the (not shown) (e.g., 118 ° C.) to determine whether or determines that the original steam abnormal if nO, the display on the display unit HS . (2) If the determination in this (1) is YES, the second
Open-off valve 15 and the original steam valve, determines whether the detected pressure of said sterilization vessel 1 by the third pressure detector 46 rises to a predetermined value within a predetermined time. (3) If the determination is NO, the temperature of the original steam temperature sensor to determine whether the predetermined value or more, if YES, the to display of the second on-off valve 15 abnormal, if NO, the The former steam abnormality is displayed. (4) If YES in the judgment of detection pressure increase in (2),
It is determined whether the temperature of the original steam temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, and if YES, all are regarded as normal and the processing ends,
If NO, it is determined that the original steam temperature sensor is defective,
indicate.

[0046] Next, the step S 30, the first
1, determination of whether the second pressure detectors 44, 45 are defective ,
Fixation of the the valves 36 and 39, the packing member 32
Is determined, and the packing member 32 is determined to be dirty. The determination of deterioration and contamination of the packing member 32 was example, if carried out in the procedure shown in FIG. 6. This will be explained below.

[0047] Stop the pressure device 34 to the initial state (step S 51), by opening the seventh on-off valve 36 and the <br/> eighth on-off valve 39 (step S 52) ,
In front of the packing groove 31 and the pressurized gas tank 35.
Via a serial tenth pipe 38 communicates with the atmosphere, the pressure air
The pressure in the body tank 35 is kept the same as the atmosphere. At this time, the vacuum pump 23 is in a stopped state is assumed in which the inlet and outlet are in the atmosphere and communicating state. The next, closing the <br/> seventh on-off valve 36, activating the pressure device 34 (step S 53) by the second pressure detector 4
Change in the pressure detection signal of 5 Oh Rukado or to detect (scan
Step S 54 ).

[0048] Then, the opening of the seventh on-off valve 36, closes a short time the eighth on-off valve 39 (step S 5
5) detecting a change in the pressure detection signal of the first pressure detector 44 (Step S 56). In this embodiment, the first
1, wherein the pressure in the second pressure detector 44 and 45 first
If it rises above the set value, an on- state signal is output, and if it is less than the set value, an off- state signal is output. The next,
In decision A in step S 57, the first, when the output signal of the second pressure detector 44 and 45 is changed, the <br/> pressure device 34, the seventh on-off valve 36 and the first the second pressure detector 44 and 45 is determined to be normal, the process proceeds to step S 60 for detecting an abnormality of the packing member 32.

[0049] In decision A in the step S 57, prior to
Serial first, when all of the output signals of the second pressure detector 44 and 45 does not change, failure of the pressure device 34, there have <br/> determines that failure of the seventh on-off valve 36 , the display device HS
An alarm signal is output and displayed on the display to enter the standby state ( step S
58 ). When the output signal of any one of the pressure detectors 44 and 45 changes, it is determined that the pressure detector that does not change is defective and an alarm signal is output to enter the standby state (step S 58 ). wherein when only the output signal of the first pressure detector 44 is changed, it is determined that the second pressure detector 45 is poor, and storage to output an alarm signal after all the work end of the sterilization apparatus (step S 59 ), step S 6
Move to 0 . The above processing procedure is the same as the packing member 3 described above.
This is for determining whether or not the other devices are normal prior to the detection of the abnormality of item 2.

[0050] By the process, the pressure device 34, the <br/> seventh on-off valve 36, the first pressure detector 44, other devices such as the second pressure detector 45 is normal after confirming activates the pressurizing device 34, the seventh on-off valve 36
Is closed ( step S 60 ). In this state, the eighth
Off valve 39, since has become a closed state in step S 55, the packing groove 31 is cut-off state from the air pressure source and an exhaust port (atmosphere).

[0051] After this, by the first pressure detector 44, monitors changes in the pressure in the packing groove 31, measure the time until the pressure reaches the second set value from the first set value ( Step S61 ). In decision B in the next step S 62, the case where the pressure in the packing groove 31 is lowered to the second set value within a set time set in advance, it is determined that the abnormality of the packing member 32, otherwise Then, it is determined that the packing member 32 has no abnormality, and the process proceeds to step S64 . If the abnormality of the packing member 32 is detected, it outputs an alarm signal indicating to said display HS (step S 63).

[0052] Here, the time required as a reference for judgment B of the step S 62 is T01, T02 of (0 <T01 <T02) 2
If the required time for setting the two values and changing to the second set value is shorter than the shorter required time T01, it is determined that the packing member 32 is severely deteriorated, such as "packing replacement". Is output , and if it is shorter than the longer required time T02 and longer than the shorter required time T01, it is determined that the packing member 32 is contaminated and "cleaning" or the like is performed. Output a warning. If more than the required time is longer duration of T02, the packing member 32 is judged to normal.

[0053] In step S 64 follows, the seventh
Open the on-off valve 36, the pressure through the ninth pipe 33
Communicating with the gas tank 35 and the packing groove 31.
Thus, the packing member 32 is extruded and pressed to the door 4 by pressurized air, the sterilization tank 1 and the door 4
Carry out a hermetic seal between.

[0054] Here, for comparison with the detailed self-diagnosis, before performing each normal operation step S 10 in FIG. 4
For serial simple self-diagnosis, but was in Figure 7 we have described. Previous
Serial An example of a simple self-diagnosis, the seventh on-off valve 36 a degree for supplying pressurized air to the packing groove 31 open,
Also every time the discharging pressurized air of the eighth on-off valve 39 the packing groove 31 closes the seventh on-off valve 36 to open the front
The serial Oyo first pressure detector 44 beauty is to check the abnormality of the pressure device 34.

[0055] In the simple self-diagnosis, the processing procedure of the pressure detection and the abnormality determination is added, the opening and closing of the valves, driving of the vacuum pump 23 and the pressure device 34 dynamic
Operation of the stop, the changes for the sake of self-diagnosis, not been added, the time required for the self-diagnosis is not applied almost. You
Chi match for opening the seventh on-off valve 36 at step S 71, and supplies the <br/> pressurized air from the pressurized gas tank 35 into the packing groove 31.

[0056] One Ide, in step S 72, the first pressure detector 44 determines whether the change from OFF to ON. If NO, the process proceeds to step S 73, the second pressure detector 45 determines whether on or off, When on, displaying the defective first pressure detector 44 at step S 75 . If off, displaying an abnormality of the pressure device 34 in step S 74. When YES is determined in the step S 72, the first pressure detector 44 and
The pressurizing device 34 is judged to be normal. The next, closing the seventh on-off valve 36 at step S 81, open the eighth on-off valve 39, to turn on the vacuum pump 23. One decoction in <br/>, at step S 82, the first pressure detector 44 Oh
It determines whether it has changed to off from down. If NO, the process proceeds to step S 83, the first pressure detector 44
Informed of the abnormality, if YES the first pressure detector 4
4 is judged to be normal.

[0057] In the next, the step S40 in FIG. 5, the front
Wherein the serial leak checking sterilization tank 1 third pressure detector 47
Including check.

[0058] More specifically, the leak check of the sterilization tank 1 is carried out as follows. Chi words, including close contact with the door 4 and the packing member 32, the sterilization tank 1 will determine whether kept airtight. The closed door 4, closing the eighth on-off valve 39, operated for a certain period of time the vacuum pump 23 in a state of opening the fourth on-off valve 22, before
It is detected whether the inside of the sterilization tank 1 reaches a predetermined negative pressure state. One Ide, closing the fourth on-off valve 22, and stops the vacuum pump 23, to detect a change in pressure in the sterilization tank 1 at the <br/> third pressure detector 47. Chi words, if the inner sterilization tank 1 reaches a predetermined negative pressure state within a predetermined time, before
Closing the serial fourth on-off valve 22, if there is no change in pressure after the stop of the vacuum pump 23, it is determined to be normal. Change in the pressure Oh lever, wherein the sterilization tank 1 will be leakage has occurred, the packing member 32 and the abnormality Oh Luke close contact with the door 4, the fourth on-off valve 22 and other failure to open the valve closing it is judged that has occurred of. On the other hand, the above
If the bacteria tank 1 does not reach a predetermined negative pressure state within a predetermined time, closing the fourth on-off valve 22, the vacuum pump 2
3 if the pressure change after stopping is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that abnormality such as reduced capacity of the vacuum pump 23, if the pressure change is greater than a predetermined value, the as with the packing member 3
Abnormal adhesion state between 2 and the door 4 is Oh Luke, it is determined that the failure occurs in the fourth on-off valve 22 and other on-off valve.

[0059] Also, check the third pressure detector 47 is carried out as follows. When the leak check of the inner sterilization tank 1, if example preparative fluctuation of the sensed pressure exceeds a predetermined value (for, 0.2 Kg /
cm ² ) or more is judged, and if YES, it is normal
It determined that, in the case of NO is determined as abnormal.

[0060] In FIG 4, when finished the self-diagnosis,
The process proceeds to step S8, and warm-up operation is performed. This warm-up operation is performed as follows . The steam from the steam generator 3 through the first pipe 6 is supplied to the tubular vapor flow path 2, and supplies through the fourth pipe 10 to the sterilization tank 1. Steam supply to the sterilization tank 1, as shown in FIG. 8, before opening the second on-off valve 15
The steam is introduced into the sterilization tank 1 to a predetermined pressure (about 2 to 3).
After supplying steam to pressure), open the fifth on-off valve 24, to discharge the steam into the sterilization tank 1 outside. With such positive pressure pulsed steam pressure control, the front and preheating the sterilization tank 1
The inside of the sterilization tank 1 is cleaned. One Ide, closing the fifth on-off valve 24, opens the second on-off valve 15, the steam is introduced again to a predetermined pressure to the sterilization vessel 1, holding the predetermined pressure a predetermined time. The holding of the predetermined pressure is achieved by the on / off control of the second opening / closing valve 15. As a result, before
Serial preheating of the sterilization tank 1 is more effective. Here, the warm <br/> of gas operation is performed about 20 minutes HazamaMinoru per hour of normal operation. The introduction of steam into the sterilization tank 1, is discharged,
Various methods can be adopted .

[0061] In this manner, by supplying steam the to sterilization tank 1 and the tubular <br/> steam channel 2, the sterilization vessel 1
Is heated from the inside and outside of the peripheral wall, and the door 4
Is heated from the inner surface side. In a state where the temperature of the sterilization tank 1 Oyo <br/> beauty the door 4 is increased, the second on-off valve 1
5 closed, after stopping feeding steam of the the sterilization vessel 1, the true <br/> the fourth on-off valve with starting the air pump 23 22
open. Thus, the vapor in said sterilization chamber 1 3
Discharged from the pipe 11 by opening the third on-off valve 18, before
From serial fifth pipe 12 through the air filter 17 for introducing air into the <br/> sterilization tank 1. As a result, the sterilization tank 1
The steam in the inside and the vacuum drying in the sterilization tank 1 are performed.
At this time, the first on-off valve 13 and it is, prior to
By continuing the introduction of steam into serial tubular steam flow path 2, the sterilization tank 1 is kept in the previous Ki設 constant temperature.

[0062] The implementation of this warm-up operation, exerts effects as follows. Wherein the preheating of the sterilization tank 1 flashing <br/> cleaning bacteria tank 1 are carried out simultaneously, as a result can be completed earlier normal operation. When Ru <br/> describes the cleaning of the inner sterilization tank 1, a long time the power switch SW1 is turned off, occurs when the sterilizing apparatus is placed without being used
Contamination of the inner sterilization tank 1 includes a steam introduction into the sterilization tank 1 is removed by the steam discharged from the sterilization vessel 1, the
The inside of the sterilization tank 1 can be made clean.

Upon completion of this warm-up operation, step S9
Move to. Here, the operator before opening the door 4 Step S9, carries the object to be sterilized to the sterilization tank 1 again closes the door 4. In step S 9,
The door 4 is under the condition that the closure, it is determined whether the start switch SW2 is ON. In the case of NO, the
Remains at Step S9, if YES, the step S 1
It shifts to 0 and normal operation is carried out.

As shown in FIG. 8, this normal operation is performed in the order of a pretreatment step , a sterilization step , and a posttreatment step. Also not a, the extent the <br/> pretreatment Engineering, the front opening the second on-off valve 15
The introduction of steam from the serial fourth pipe 10 to the sterilization tank 1. In this state, the above into the tubular vapor flow path 2 the vapor being introduced, the by radiant heat from the inner wall of the sterilization vessel 1, object to be sterilized in said sterilization vessel 1 is preheated.
When enough the pretreatment Engineering, at the initial stage, as shown in FIG. 8, the fifth on-off valve 24 may be previously iterator fixed time HazamaHiraku. Chi words, by introducing steam into the sterilization tank 1, by directly discharging (so-called purge operation), a large air specific gravity, and from above by a small vapor specific gravity to be pushed downward, the third Head to pipe 11 and in front
It is discharged through the seventh pipe 20.

[0065] To use the specific gravity difference between the air and the vapor effectively, by introducing steam from above the sterilization vessel 1, that a structure for discharging from below the dark <br/> bacteria tank 1 desirable. It
Luo, upon introduction of steam, using a spreading means of the diffuser or the like, by supplying uniformly distributed steam to the entire sterilization tank 1, uniformly extruded air, it is possible to shorten the time required.

[0066] After a certain period of time or more of the purging operation, before
Closing the serial fifth on-off valve 24, pressure in the sterilization tank 1, the steam introduced, rises as shown in FIG. 8 over time. This supply of steam, the sterilization tank 1
Inner is continuously performed until a predetermined pressure (2-3 atm), when it reaches this pressure, closing the second on-off valve 15, opening the fifth on-off valve 24, to discharge the steam .
During this discharge, the air remaining in the sterilization tank 1 is eliminated so as again pushed out by the steam. Then, the sterilization tank 1 inside of the vapor is substantially discharged, when the pressure in the sterilization tank 1 becomes substantially atmospheric pressure, closing the fifth on-off valve 24, the introduction of steam the same procedure as and Eject. Repeated discharge and the introduction of the steam, the <br/> sterilization tank 1, performs elimination of air being written Ri taken to be sterilized in a further. The emissions and steam introduction of the steam by repeating several times alternately, sufficiently discharged to the air contained in the object to be sterilized, to reduce uneven heating of the steam or the like in as sterile Engineering after.

[0067] Thus the introduction and discharge of the steam, it is possible to perform only by opening and closing of the <br/> second on-off valve 15 and the fifth on-off valve 24, exhaust air as in the prior art The vacuum suction means for doing so is not always necessary.
Here, when using the vacuum pump 23, the <br/> when the exhaust from the sterilization vessel 1, the fourth on-off valve 22 is opened before said sterilizing tank 1 becomes the atmospheric pressure by operating the vacuum pump 23, it is possible to shorten the time of the discharge.

[0068] In sterile Engineering enough for next closes the fifth on-off valve 24, by opening the second on-off valve 15,
Through the fourth pipe 10, to fill the high-temperature high-pressure steam into the sterilization tank 1. Thereafter, into the more sterile Engineering when said sterilization tank 1 reaches a set sterilization temperature (pressure).

[0069] After the predetermined sterilization time, from the second closed-off valve 15 stops supplying steam to the sterilization tank 1, the fifth-off <br/> valve the 24 by opening the seventh pipe 20 discharging the vapor of said sterilization vessel 1. Then, after lowering the pressure in the sterilization tank 1 to near atmospheric pressure, enters as the post-processing factory of drying the object to be sterilized.

[0070] Oite the next post-treatment step, by opening the fourth on-off valve 22 for driving the vacuum pump 23 and vacuum the sterilization tank 1 through the sixth pipeline 19, object to be sterilized Eliminate the moisture of (vacuum dry). One Ide,
Open the third on-off valve 18, to introduce clean air into the sterilization tank 1 through the air filter 17.

[0071] After completion as this post-processing factory, open the third on-off valve 18, the sterilization tank 1 vented to the outside via the air filter 17, to atmospheric pressure and the pressure. Afterwards, before
Steam supply to the serial tubular steam flow path 2 is performed continuously, by incubating the dark <br/> bacteria tank 1 to a predetermined temperature, the preheating time of the sterilization tank 1 during re-Sterilization It can be omitted. Thereafter, the object to be sterilized is taken out by opening the door 4,
The normal operation is ended.

[0072] In step S5 in FIG. 4, the on of the key <br/> catcher down cell switch SW3 is determined, step
Proceeds to flop S 11, determines the start switch SW2 whether on <br/>. The start of the switch SW 2 O
When down is determined, the process proceeds to step S 12, the stearate
After performing the same self-diagnosis-up S7, the warm-up operation
Without executing, the process shifts to the normal operation of step S10 and is executed. Omission of the warm-up in this way, the normal can hasten the completion of the operation, the effective when you need sterilizing the hurry.

[0073] In step S 2, the time until from OFF to ON of the power switch SW1 is time within the set
In this case, the process proceeds to step S3, and the tubular steam flow path 2 is
Performs processing feed Misir heating pipe supply steam to. Here, from said steam <br/> vapor generator 3, the sheet steamed through the first pipe 6 to the tubular steam <br/> air channel 2, heating the bath wall of the sterilization vessel 1. One <br/> Ide, implementing the normal operation and proceeds to the step S 10 through step S9.

[0074] In the above description, the introduction of steam into the sterilization tank 1 is then terminated when it reaches a predetermined pressure,
Although the process is moving to exhaust , it is also possible to supply steam so that this pressure is maintained for a certain period of time after being introduced up to a predetermined pressure, as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. Further, in FIG. 4, omitting the step S3 of the heating pipe supply steam treatment, instead, the step of heating pipe supply steam processing step S1 before
Serial rather it may also be set only between the step S2, also said steps
Be provided between the flop S5 and the step S 11 has good.

[0075]

According to the invention of claim 1, when the temperature decrease of the sterilization tank is determined, the warm-up operation is performed before the normal operation, so that the preheating of the sterilization tank is effective. As a result, the sterilization tank can be cleaned at the same time in a short time, and as a result, the end of the normal operation can be expedited. When it is not determined that the temperature of the sterilization tank has decreased, the warm-up operation is not performed, and thus the unnecessary warm-up operation can be prevented.

[0076] According to the invention described in claim 2, when the O <br/> Pere data is determined not to require the warm-up operation, without the warm-up operation, the can base transition to operation, It can shorten the time until the sterilization is complete.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, prior to
The temperature drop of the serial sterilization tank, the time from the off power to the on
Of can be determined by the length, it is not necessary to provide a device for temperature detecting decrease of the sterilization vessel.

[0078] According to the invention described in claim 4, before
The serial sterilizing tank heating means has said tubular steam flow path, even if relatively heat capacity is reduced, since so as to introduce the steam directly into the sterilization chamber, intends effectively rows preheating the sterilization chamber in together when it can be Ru, the configuration of the sterilization bath lightweight, can be miniaturized.

[0079] Further, according to the invention described in claim 5,
By the warm-up and the unusual and ejection DoHiraki closed testing order of the components of the sterilizing device during operation procedure, the warm <br/> gas operated self-diagnosis where the component is determined whether normal since it is being implemented at, after confirming the safety by the self-diagnosis, since the shifts to the normal operation, it is possible to perform the operation of the high safety sterilizer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a schematic plan view and a piping system of an embodiment of a sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of an air system of an embodiment of the sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing for enlarging and explaining a main part in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram for explaining a processing procedure in the sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of a main part of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of a main part of FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an example of a steam introduction and discharge pattern in the sterilizer according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Sterilization Tank 1A Opening 2 Tubular Steam Flow Path 3 Steam Generator 4 Door 28 Control Device 31 Packing Groove 32 Packing Member

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A-58-97362 (JP, A) JP-A-3-210267 (JP, A) JP-A-6-102908 (JP, A) JP-A-2- 114964 (JP, A) JP-A-4-58955 (JP, A) JP-A-59-160462 (JP, A) JP-A-62-292164 (JP, A) JP-A-59-51852 (JP, A) JP-A-59-57657 (JP, A) JP-A-63-311959 (JP, A) Actual development 62-87641 (JP, U) Actual development 48-93696 (JP, U) Actual development 57-139340 (JP, U) Actual Kai 4-128747 (JP, U) Special public Sho 64-3503 (JP, B2) Actual public 31-18797 (JP, Y1) Actual public Sho 62-35483 (JP, Y2) Actual Kohei 4-31069 (JP, Y2) Patent 12668 (JP, C2) Registered utility model 11273 (JP, Z2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61L 2/24 A61L 2/06

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sterilizing apparatus comprising: a sterilization tank, a sterilization tank heating means for heating the sterilization tank, and a control means for executing a normal operation for sterilizing an object to be sterilized in the sterilization tank. Is a judgment means for judging a temperature decrease of the sterilization tank, and when the judgment means judges a temperature decrease, at the same time as supplying steam to the sterilization tank heating means, introducing steam into the sterilization tank to perform the sterilization. A sterilizer comprising: a warm-up operation executing means for executing a warm-up operation of vacuum suctioning and discharging the steam in the tank before the normal operation. 2. A sterilization tank, a sterilization tank heating means for heating the sterilization tank, a first control switch for controlling power-on, a second control switch for controlling start of normal operation, and the first control. A steam sterilizer including a switch and a control means for executing a normal operation for sterilizing an object to be sterilized in the sterilization tank when the first control switch is turned on. Judgment means for judging the temperature decrease of the sterilization tank, and when the judgment means judges the temperature decrease , steam is supplied to the sterilization tank heating means.
At the same time, a warming-up operation informing means for informing that the warming-up operation for introducing the steam into the sterilization tank and sucking and discharging the steam in the sterilization tank under vacuum is required, and whether the warming-up operation is executed. And a warm-up operation executing means for executing the warm-up operation before the normal operation when the execution of the warm-up operation is selected by the warm-up operation selecting means. A sterilizer characterized by. 3. The determining means determines whether the temperature of the sterilization tank is decreased by determining whether the time from turning off the power to turning on the power is a predetermined time or longer.
Alternatively, the sterilizer according to claim 2. 4. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sterilization tank heating means comprises a tubular steam flow path for heating provided on a peripheral wall of the sterilization tank. 5. The self-determining means for judging whether or not the component is normal by a drive stop / open / close procedure different from the drive stop / open / close procedure of the component of the sterilizer during the warm-up operation and the normal operation. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein diagnosis is performed during the warm-up operation.