JP6070762B2 - cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge.

  Conventionally, for example, in the medical field, a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a medical instrument has been used.

  In this sterilization apparatus, hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent is vaporized, and the vaporized hydrogen peroxide contacts the object to be sterilized to sterilize the object to be sterilized.

  Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, a sterilizing agent used in a sterilizing device is sucked out from a cassette having a plurality of cells containing a sterilizing agent for one sterilization amount by the sterilizing device. It is used for sterilization of objects to be sterilized.

JP 2006-158958 A

  Since the amount of the sterilizing agent that can be vaporized is determined according to the volume in the sterilization chamber, the amount of the sterilizing agent used in the sterilization process is determined by the volume in the sterilization chamber.

  Conventionally, the volume of the sterilization chamber may differ depending on the type of sterilizer. Therefore, when a plurality of types of sterilizers having different sterilization chamber volumes are used, a sterilizing agent cassette suitable for each sterilizer is required. That is, since the amount of sterilizing agent used is different for each sterilizer, it is necessary to prepare each cassette used for each sterilizer, which is not versatile and costs the cost of purchasing each cassette. there were.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to use a cartridge containing an amount of a sterilizing agent that can be sterilized multiple times in one bottle.

  However, when such a cartridge is used, the amount of liquid sterilizing agent (for example, aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution) to be put in the cartridge increases, so that hydrogen peroxide in the cartridge is decomposed while the cartridge is stored. Due to the water or oxygen gas, the air pressure in the cartridge increases, and the possibility that the cartridge is damaged or liquid leaks increases. Further, even when the cartridge is dropped and the cartridge is damaged, there is a high possibility that the sterilant liquid in the cartridge leaks.

The present invention aims that you provide a cartridge which reduces the possibility of chemical leakage from the cartridge the chemical is stored.

The present invention is a cartridge that stores a chemical solution that is a solution of a sterilizing agent that sterilizes an object to be sterilized, and stores a first container and the chemical solution that is provided in the first container. A gas in the second container including a second container and a gas generated by decomposition of the sterilizing agent of the chemical solution stored in the second container is transferred from the second container to the first container and the gas An exhaust path for exhausting between the second container and an adsorbent for adsorbing a sterilant gas generated from the chemical solution provided between the first container and the second container; or Using a decomposition agent provided between the first container and the second container for decomposing a sterilant gas generated from the chemical liquid and the chemical liquid extracted from the second container The chemical solution in which a sterilizer for sterilizing the object to be sterilized is stored in the second container A lid of the first container having an insertion port for inserting a tube to be extracted, and a gas passing through the container port of the second container as at least a part of the exhaust path to close the container port. A first packing that does not allow liquid to pass through; and a seal provided in an insertion port provided in the lid of the first container, wherein the tube penetrates the seal, and the first container Inserted into the insertion port provided in the lid, provided in the lid of the first container and the seal at a position to pass through the first packing and insert into the second container characterized in that the insertion opening which is, previous SL first packing is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cartridge which reduces the possibility that a chemical | medical solution will leak from the cartridge in which the chemical | medical solution was stored can be provided.

It is the figure which looked at the external appearance of the sterilizer based on this invention from the front. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware of the sterilizer which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which looked at the cartridge 205 of the sterilizing agent used for the sterilizer based on this invention from the side. It is sectional drawing of the cross section 1 of the cartridge which concerns on this invention. It is the figure of the back surface of the seal | sticker 301 which looked at the cross section 2 which concerns on this invention from the cartridge lower side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the cross section 2 which concerns on this invention from the upper side of the cartridge. It is sectional drawing which looked at the cross section 3 which concerns on this invention from the upper side of the cartridge. It is sectional drawing which looked at the cross section 4 which concerns on this invention from the upper side of the cartridge. It is sectional drawing which looked at the cross section 5 which concerns on this invention from the upper side of the cartridge. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 (upper part of the cartridge). It is sectional drawing of the cross section 1 of the cartridge which concerns on this invention. It is the figure of the back surface of the seal | sticker 301 which looked at the cross section 2 which concerns on this invention from the cartridge lower side.

The sterilizing agent cartridge used in the sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a sterilizing agent cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the external appearance of the sterilization apparatus using the sterilizing agent cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of an external appearance of a sterilizer using a sterilant cartridge of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, reference numeral 101 denotes a cartridge mounting door, reference numeral 102 denotes a display unit, reference numeral 103 denotes a printing unit 103, and reference numeral 104 denotes a sterilization chamber door.

  The cartridge mounting door 101 is a door for mounting a cartridge, which is a container filled (stored) with a sterilizing agent (for example, hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide solution liquid). When the cartridge mounting door 101 is opened, there is a cartridge mounting location, and the user can mount the cartridge there.

  The display unit 102 is a display screen of a touch panel such as a liquid crystal display. The printing unit 103 is a printer that prints a history of sterilization processing and sterilization results on printing paper, and appropriately prints a history of sterilization processing and results of sterilization on printing paper.

  The sterilization chamber door 104 is a door for placing an object to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber in order to sterilize an object to be sterilized (object to be sterilized) such as a medical instrument. When the door 104 of the sterilization chamber is opened, there is a sterilization chamber. The object to be sterilized is put in the door, and the door 104 of the sterilization chamber is closed. Can do.

  The sterilization chamber is a casing having a predetermined capacity. The pressure in the sterilization chamber can be maintained from atmospheric pressure to vacuum pressure. Further, the temperature in the sterilization chamber is maintained within a predetermined range during the sterilization process.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the sterilization apparatus using the sterilizing agent cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a sterilization apparatus using a sterilizing agent cartridge according to the present invention.

  The sterilization apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes an arithmetic processing unit (such as an MPU) 201, a display unit 102, a printing unit 103, a lock operation control unit 202, an extraction needle operation control unit 203, and a sterilization chamber door 101. , Liquid sensor 204, cartridge 205, RF-ID reader / writer 206, liquid feed rotary pump 207, preparation chamber 208, air feed pressurization pump 209, intake HEPA filter 210, valve (V5) 217, a valve (V7) 226, a sterilization chamber (also referred to as a vacuum chamber) 219, an air feed vacuum pump 220, an exhaust HEPA filter 221, a sterilizing agent decomposition device 222, a liquid feed rotary pump 223, an exhaust And an evaporation furnace 224.

  An arithmetic processing unit (MPU or the like) 201 performs arithmetic processing and controls each hardware constituting the sterilization apparatus 100.

  The display unit 102, the printing unit 103, and the cartridge mounting door 101 have already been described with reference to FIG.

  The lock operation control unit 202 is a unit that performs the operation of locking and unlocking the cartridge mounting door 101. By locking the cartridge mounting door 101, the cartridge mounting door 101 is prevented from being opened, and the cartridge mounting door 101 is opened. By unlocking the mounting door 101, the cartridge mounting door 101 can be opened.

  The cartridge 205 is a sealed container filled with a sterilizing agent (hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide solution liquid). An RF-ID storage medium is provided below the cartridge 205. The storage medium includes a serial number as information for identifying the cartridge, the date of manufacture of the cartridge, and the first cartridge. The date and time (first use date and time) used in the sterilizer and the remaining amount of the sterilant filled in the cartridge are stored.

  The extraction needle operation control unit 203 is a unit that operates the extraction needle to puncture the extraction needle (injection needle) for aspirating the sterilizing agent in the cartridge from the top of the cartridge. That is, the extraction needle is a straw (thin cylinder) for sucking the sterilizing agent.

  That is, when an extraction needle (injection needle) for aspirating the sterilizing agent in the cartridge is inserted from the upper part of the cartridge, the extraction needle (injection needle) is directed toward the cartridge and operated to be lowered from the upper part of the cartridge. Thus, the extraction needle (injection needle) can be inserted from the top of the cartridge. When the extraction needle (injection needle) is removed from the cartridge, the extraction needle (injection needle) can be removed from the cartridge by operating to raise the extraction needle (injection needle) above the cartridge.

  The liquid sensor 204 is a device that detects whether the liquid sterilant in the cartridge 205 passes through a pipe (conduit) that is connected to the liquid feed rotary pump 207 and the liquid feed rotary pump 223 from the extraction needle (injection needle). It is. Specifically, it is possible to detect whether a sterilant passes through the tube from a spectrum obtained by irradiating the tube with infrared rays.

  The RF-ID reader / writer 206 is a device that can read the serial number, the date of manufacture, the date of first use, and the remaining amount of sterilant from the RF-ID provided on the lower side of the cartridge 205. Further, the device can write the date and time of initial use and the remaining amount of sterilizing agent from the RF-ID reader / writer 206 to the RF-ID provided on the lower side of the cartridge 205. The RF-ID reader / writer 206 is installed at the lower part of the cartridge mounting location behind the cartridge mounting door 101, and reads the RF-ID provided on the lower side of the cartridge 205. Data such as the date and time of first use and the remaining amount of sterilant can be written in the RF-ID.

  The liquid feed rotary pump 207 is electrically connected to the preparation chamber 208 via a conduit, and is electrically connected to the liquid sensor 204 via a conduit. The liquid feed rotary pump 207 is a device that sucks the liquid sterilant in the cartridge 205 with a pump and sends the sterilant through the conduit to the preparation chamber 208. Further, the liquid feeding rotary pump 207 can suck a predetermined amount of the sterilizing agent from the cartridge 205 in cooperation with the liquid sensor 204.

  The preparation chamber 208 is connected to the liquid feeding rotary pump 207, the air feeding and pressurizing pump 209, and the sterilization chamber 219 through conduits. The preparation chamber 208 is a space for preparing the sterilizing agent to control the timing of the feeding process before feeding the sterilizing agent fed from the liquid feed rotary pump 207 through the conduit to the sterilization chamber (vacuum chamber) 219. .

  Further, a valve (5) 217 is provided between the conduit between the preparation chamber 208 and the sterilization chamber 219.

  The air supply and pressure pumps 209 are electrically connected to each other by a preparation chamber 208, an intake HEPA filter 210, and a conduit. The air feed pressurizing pump 209 is a device that conducts the outside air (air) of the sterilizer 100 through the intake HEPA filter 210 through a conduit with the intake HEPA filter 210 and sends it to the preparation chamber 208.

  The intake HEPA filter 210 is electrically connected to the air pressure pressurizing pump 209, the sterilization chamber 219, and a conduit. The inhalation HEPA filter 210 filters dust, dust, germs, and the like in the outside air (air) outside the sterilization apparatus 100 with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) filter to clean the air. Then, the purified air is sent to the preparation chamber 208 through a conduit by an air feeding and pressure pump 209. Further, the purified air is conducted by a conduit with the sterilization chamber 219 and is sent into the sterilization chamber 219. That is, the intake HEPA filter 210 is electrically connected to the outside air (air) outside the sterilizer 100. Therefore, the conduit between the air feed pressurizing pump 209 and the intake HEPA filter 210 and the conduit between the sterilization chamber 219 and the intake HEPA filter 210 are connected to the outside air (air) via the intake HEPA filter 210. And continuity.

  A valve (V 7) 226 is provided in the conduit between the intake HEPA filter 210 and the sterilization chamber 219.

  The valve (V5) 217 is a valve provided in a conduit between the preparation chamber 208 and the sterilization chamber 219. By opening the valve, conduction by the conduit between the preparation chamber 208 and the sterilization chamber 219 is possible. And the valve is closed so that the connection between the preparation chamber 208 and the sterilization chamber 219 by the conduit is impossible.

  The valve (V7) 226 is a valve provided in a conduit between the sterilization chamber 219 and the intake HEPA filter 210. By opening the valve, the valve (V7) 226 is formed by a conduit between the sterilization chamber 219 and the intake HEPA filter 210. It is a valve that enables conduction and closes the valve to disable conduction by a conduit between the sterilization chamber 219 and the intake HEPA filter 210. That is, the valve (V7) 226 is a valve that can open and close the connection between the sterilization chamber 219 and the outside air (atmosphere).

  The sterilization chamber (also referred to as a vacuum chamber) 219 is a casing having a predetermined capacity for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a medical instrument as described with reference to FIG. The pressure in the sterilization chamber can be maintained from atmospheric pressure to vacuum pressure. Further, the temperature in the sterilization chamber is maintained within a predetermined range during the sterilization process. Further, a pressure sensor is provided in the sterilization chamber 219, and the pressure (atmospheric pressure) in the sterilization chamber 219 can be measured by the pressure sensor. The sterilization apparatus 100 determines whether the pressure (atmospheric pressure) in the sterilization chamber 219 or the like is a predetermined atmospheric pressure using the atmospheric pressure in the sterilization chamber 219 measured by the pressure sensor.

  The pneumatic vacuum pump 220 is a device that sucks the gas in the space in the sterilization chamber 219 and depressurizes the space to bring it into a vacuum state (a state filled with a gas having a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure).

  The pneumatic vacuum pump 220 is connected to the sterilization chamber 219 by a conduit, and is connected to the exhaust HEPA filter 221 by a conduit.

  The exhaust HEPA filter 221 is electrically connected to the pneumatic vacuum pump 220 by a conduit. The exhaust HEPA filter 221 is electrically connected to the exhaust evaporation furnace 224 by a conduit. Further, the exhaust HEPA filter 221 is electrically connected to the sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 by a conduit. Further, the exhaust HEPA filter 221 is electrically connected to the preparation chamber 208 by a conduit.

  The exhaust HEPA filter 221 removes the gas sucked from the inside of the sterilization chamber 219 by the air feed vacuum pump 220 from dust, dust, germs, etc. in the gas sent from the conduit between the air feed vacuum pump 220 and the like. Filter with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) filter to clean the aspirated gas. The cleaned gas passes through a conduit between the sterilant decomposer 222 and the exhaust HEPA filter 221, and is sent to the sterilizer decomposer 222. The sterilant decomposer 222 removes the sterilant contained in the gas. The molecules are decomposed, and the decomposed molecules are released out of the sterilizer 100.

  Further, the exhaust HEPA filter 221 cleans the vaporized sterilizing agent sent from the exhaust evaporation furnace 224 through the conduit between the exhaust evaporation furnace 224 and the exhaust HEPA filter 221. Then, the cleaned sterilizing agent (gas) passes through a conduit between the sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 and the exhaust HEPA filter 221 and is sent to the sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222, and the sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 converts the gas into the gas. The molecule | numerator of the sterilizing agent contained is decomposed | disassembled and the molecule | numerator after decomposition | disassembly is discharge | released out of the sterilizer 100. FIG.

  The sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 is connected by a conduit between the exhaust HEPA filter 221. The sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 decomposes the molecules of the sterilizing agent contained in the gas sent from the conduit between the sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 and the exhaust HEPA filter 221 and sterilizes the molecules generated by the decomposition. Release out of device 100.

  For example, when the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide solution, the sterilizing agent decomposing apparatus 222 can decompose vaporized hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen using manganese dioxide or the like as a catalyst. It is a device that can.

  The liquid feed rotary pump 223 is electrically connected to the exhaust evaporation furnace 224 via a conduit, and is electrically connected to the liquid sensor 204 via a conduit.

  The liquid feed rotary pump 223 sucks all the liquid sterilizing agent in the cartridge 205 by the pump, and sends all the sterilizing agent sent through the conduit between the liquid sensor 204 and the liquid feed rotary pump 223 to the liquid feed. This is a device for sending to the exhaust evaporation furnace 224 through a conduit between the rotary pump 223 and the exhaust evaporation furnace 224.

  The exhaust evaporation furnace 224 is electrically connected to the liquid feed rotary pump 223 by a conduit, and is electrically connected to the exhaust HEPA filter 221 by an conduit.

  The exhaust evaporation furnace 224 heats all the liquid sterilizing agents in the cartridge 205 sent through a conduit between the liquid feed rotary pump 223 and the exhaust evaporation furnace 224 by a heater provided in the exhaust evaporation furnace 224. Vaporize all of the sterilant. The vaporized sterilizing agent is sent to the exhaust HEPA filter 221 through a conduit between the exhaust HEPA filter 221 and the exhaust evaporation furnace 224.

  As described above, when the sterilizing apparatus 100 discards the sterilizing agent stored in the cartridge 205, the liquid feed rotary pump 223 sucks out the sterilizing agent stored in the cartridge 205, and the exhaust evaporation furnace. The sterilizing agent is put in 224, the sterilizing agent is vaporized in the exhaust evaporation furnace 224, and sent to the exhaust HEPA filter 221. And the sterilizer 100 decomposes | disassembles the gas (sterilant) cleaned with the HEPA filter 221 for exhaust_gas | exhaustion with the sterilant decomposer 222, and discharge | releases the produced | generated water and oxygen outside. Thereby, the sterilizing agent stored in the cartridge 205 can be discarded.

  The sterilizer 100 uses a serial number as information for identifying the cartridge read from the RF-ID storage medium below the cartridge 205, the date of manufacture of the cartridge, and the cartridge for the first time in the sterilizer. The date and time (first use date and time) and the remaining amount of the sterilant filled in the cartridge are used to determine whether or not all the sterilant stored in the cartridge 205 should be discarded. In the case of failure, the above-described disposal process is performed. This is because, for example, when a predetermined period has elapsed from the date of manufacture of the cartridge containing the sterilizing agent, the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing agent in the cartridge may not be sufficiently obtained. When a predetermined period has elapsed from the date of manufacture of the cartridge containing the sterilizing agent, a process of discarding the sterilizing agent in the cartridge is performed.

  In addition, when a predetermined period has passed since the date and time when the cartridge containing the sterilizing agent was first used in the sterilization apparatus (first use date and time), the sterilizing effect in the cartridge may not be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, the sterilizer 100 performs a process of discarding the sterilant in the cartridge when a predetermined period has elapsed from the date and time (first use date and time) when the cartridge containing the sterilant is first used in the sterilizer. This is because when the extraction needle (thin tube) is stabbed into the cartridge to extract the sterilant in the cartridge, there is a possibility that a substance that promotes the decomposition of the sterilant may be mixed, and the decomposition of the sterilant is accelerated. It may be done. Therefore, the sterilizer 100 performs a process of discarding the sterilant in the cartridge when a predetermined period has elapsed from the date and time (first use date and time) when the cartridge containing the sterilant is first used in the sterilizer.

  Further, when the remaining amount of the sterilizing agent filled in the cartridge is smaller than the amount of sterilization for one time, the sterilizing process with the sterilizing agent in the cartridge cannot be performed. When the remaining amount of the sterilizing agent filled in the cartridge is smaller than the amount for sterilizing for one time, the sterilizing agent in the cartridge is discarded.

  All the valves in the sterilizer 100 in which the cartridge of the sterilizing agent of the present invention is used are all closed at the start of the sterilization process.

  When the sterilization process is started, the sterilization apparatus using the sterilant cartridge of the present invention sucks out the sterilant (hydrogen peroxide solution) in the cartridge 205 using the liquid feed rotary pump 207 and puts it in the preparation chamber 208. . By opening the valve (V5) 217 and entering the sterilization chamber 219 with the sterilizing agent in the preparation chamber 208 at a ready timing (a timing when the inside of the sterilization chamber 219 is depressurized to a predetermined pressure by the pneumatic vacuum pump 220), The sterilizing agent is vaporized, and the vaporized sterilizing agent comes into contact with the portion to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber 219, so that the object to be sterilized can be sterilized.

  Then, by opening the valve (V 7) 226, outside air enters the sterilization chamber 219 via the intake HEPA filter 210.

Thereby, since a large amount of the sterilizing agent vaporized enters the lumen of the object to be sterilized, the effect of the sterilization action on the lumen is enhanced. Then, the gas in the sterilization chamber 219 is sucked by the pneumatic vacuum pump 220, sent to the sterilizing agent decomposing device 222 through the exhaust HEPA filter 221, decomposed into water and oxygen, and released to the outside.

  Next, the sterilizing agent (hydrogen peroxide solution) cartridge 205 used in the sterilization apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilizing agent.

  FIG. 3 is a side view of the sterilizing agent cartridge 205 used in the sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.

  The cartridge shown in FIG. 3 is a cartridge in which a sterilizing agent in an amount that can be sterilized multiple times in one bottle.

  The cartridge shown in FIG. 3 stores a chemical solution such as hydrogen peroxide used as a sterilizing agent.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge includes a first container 303, a lid 302 of the first container 303, and a seal 301 on the upper side of the lid.

  The external appearance of the first container 303 has a cup shape. The material of the first container 303 is polypropylene (plastic) that is resistant to hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilant. The first container 303 is also provided to protect a second container 409 described later.

  The lid 302 is a lid for closing the first container 303 on the upper side of the first container 303. That is, the lid 302 is bonded to the outer periphery of the first container 303. The lid is made of polypropylene (plastic) that is resistant to hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent.

  The seal 301 is made of paper and double-sided tape, and is attached to the lid 302 with double-sided tape. Information for identifying the cartridge such as a product name is written on the paper of the seal.

  A cross section of the cartridge at the center point of the cartridge as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge is defined as a cross section 1.

  Next, the internal structure of the cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a sectional view of section 1 of the cartridge according to the present invention.

  The lid 302 has a hole 402 at the center point, and this hole 402 is an insertion port for inserting an extraction needle (injection needle) for sucking the sterilant in the cartridge into the cartridge from the upper side of the cartridge.

  The hole 402 is an application example of the second exhaust mechanism of the present invention.

  At least a part of the exhaust path for exhausting the gas in the cartridge to the outside of the cartridge has a second hole 402 (second exhaust mechanism) for exhausting the gas exhausted from the second container from the first container. 1 container lid.

  The lid 302 is provided with a rib 405 for fixing the second container 409.

  As described above, the lid 302 is a lid of the first container, and has a hole 402 into which an extraction needle for extracting the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is inserted by the sterilization apparatus.

  The first container 303 is provided with a rib 408 for fixing the second container 409.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a second container 409 is contained in the internal space of the first container 303.

  That is, the second container 409 is a container that is installed in the first container and that contains a sterilant (chemical solution) such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

  The second container 409 contains a liquid sterilant (hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution) 412. The material of the second container 409 is polyethylene (plastic) that is resistant to hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent.

  A space between the second container 409 and the first container 303 is filled with an adsorbent 407 that adsorbs the sterilizing agent 412. The material of the adsorbent 407 is vermiculite, which is a kind of ore that does not react with the sterilant. Further, instead of the adsorbent 407, a decomposing agent such as manganese dioxide or activated carbon which is a catalyst for decomposing the sterilizing agent may be filled. The adsorbent 407 is filled not only with the adsorbent 407 but also with a decomposing agent that is a substance that decomposes the sterilizing agent.

  As described above, the space between the first container and the second container is filled with the adsorbent for adsorbing the gas exhausted from the second container.

  In addition, a space between the first container and the second container is further filled with a decomposing agent for decomposing the gas exhausted from the second container.

  As described above, since the adsorbent and the decomposing agent are filled, the possibility of harmful chemicals flowing out of the cartridge can be reduced.

  An RF-ID 413 is embedded in the lower portion of the first container 303.

  A cap 411 is attached to the container opening of the second container 409. There is a screw 410 inside the cap 411, and the cap 411 is fixed by turning the cap 411.

  That is, the cap 411 is a second container cap that closes the container opening of the second container and the inner packing.

  In addition, the cap 411 has a hole 406 at the center point. The hole 406 is an insertion port through which an extraction needle (injection needle) for aspirating the sterilant in the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge from the upper side of the cartridge. It becomes.

  That is, the hole 406 is a hole for inserting an extraction needle for extracting the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

  Further, there is a gap between the cap 411 and the second container 409 to which the cap 411 is fixed, through which gas cannot pass but gas can pass.

  An inner packing 401 is provided between the container opening of the second container 409 and the cap 411 so that the liquid in the second container 409 does not leak outside. The material of the inner packing 401 is a material having both waterproofness and moisture permeability. For example, Gore-Tex (trade name of WL Gore & Associates, Inc., USA) made by combining a film obtained by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene and a polyurethane polymer is used. This material is a material having about 1.4 billion fine holes per square centimeter, and has a property of allowing gas to pass but not liquid. Therefore, the gas in the second container 409 can be passed through the space between the first container 303 and the second container 409. Therefore, the inner packing used in the sterilizing agent cartridge of the present invention is not limited to Gore-Tex, and may be other waterproof and moisture-permeable materials. For example, Gore-Tex is a porous type waterproof and moisture-permeable material, but may be a non-porous type waterproof and moisture-permeable material such as DIAPLEX.

  The inner packing 401 is an application example of the first packing of the present invention. In the present invention, the packing includes fillings (inner packing 401, packing 403) for preventing leakage of liquid packed in the cartridge.

  In this way, at least a part of the exhaust path for exhausting the gas in the cartridge to the outside of the cartridge is configured in the first packing (inner packing 401) having waterproof and moisture permeability provided at the container opening of the second container. Is done.

  That is, the inner packing 401 is a material (material) that has a property of closing the inside of the second container in the container opening of the second container and not allowing gas to pass through and liquid.

  A packing 403 is provided between the cap 411 and the lid 302.

  The packing 403 is an application example of the second packing of the present invention.

  The packing 403 is made of foamed polyethylene used as a cushioning material. The packing 403 absorbs a dimensional error of each component such as the lid 302, the cap 411, the second container 409, the first container 303, and the packing needle 403 is attached to the needle when the extraction needle (injection needle) is removed from the cartridge. Used to remove sterilizing agents. The packing 403 has a path for discharging the gas inside the first container 303 to the outside.

  The packing 403 is compressed (compressed) by applying pressure between the lid 302 and the cap 411 in order to absorb the dimensional error of each component constituting the cartridge. Therefore, it is difficult to pass gas or liquid as long as there is no cut in the packing. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, the packing 403 used here is notched so that the gas in the space between the second container 409 and the first container 303 is discharged to the outside. It has become.

  This break is an application example of the first exhaust mechanism of the present invention.

  As described above, at least a part of the exhaust path for exhausting the gas in the cartridge to the outside of the cartridge is pressure-bonded to the first container for exhausting the gas exhausted from the second container from the first container. It is comprised in the packing 403 (2nd packing) which has the 1st exhaust mechanism (cut | interruption).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge is configured by overlapping a seal 301, a lid 302, a packing 403, a cap 411, an inner packing 401, a second container 409, and a first container 303 from the upper side of the cartridge. Yes.

  A cross section 2 is a cross section between the seal 301 and the lid 302. A cross section 3 is a cross section between the packing 403 and the lid 302. The cross section 4 is a cross section between the cap 411 and the packing 403. A cross section 5 is a cross section between the cap 411 and the inner packing 401.

  Next, the back surface of the seal 301 when the cross section 2 according to the present invention is viewed from the lower side of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a view of the back surface of the seal 301 when the cross section 2 according to the present invention is viewed from the lower side of the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the seal 301 has a circular shape in accordance with the shape of the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the back surface of the seal 301 is an adhesive surface for adhering to the lid 302, and a double-sided tape (adhesive) for adhering is applied. The hatched portion shown in FIG. 5 indicates that a double-sided tape is applied.

  Further, the back of the seal 301 has a double-sided tape-less portion where no double-sided tape is applied from the center point of the circle of the seal to the circumference. The double-sided tapeless portion does not adhere to the lid 302, and thus serves as an exhaust path for exhausting the gas in the first container 303 to the outside.

  The seal 301 is a seal that can be bonded to the lid 302 and has a portion that cannot be bonded to the lid 302 (a portion without double-sided tape) as an exhaust path for exhausting from the position of the hole 402 of the lid.

  The portion that cannot be bonded to the lid 302 (the portion without the double-sided tape) is an application example of the third exhaust mechanism of the present invention.

  The seal 301 is a seal that can be adhered to the lid 302 of the first container, and exhausts the gas exhausted from the hole (second exhaust mechanism) of the lid 302 of the first container from the first container. A seal having a portion that cannot be bonded to the lid 302 (a portion without a double-sided tape) (third exhaust mechanism) ”is formed.

  Specifically, the third exhaust mechanism of the seal 301 has a non-adhesive portion (no double-sided tape) that does not adhere to the lid of the first container from the second exhaust mechanism of the lid of the first container to the edge of the seal. Part).

  Next, a cross section of the cross section 2 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section 2 according to the present invention as viewed from above the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 6, there is a lid hole 402 at the center point of a circular lid 302 that conforms to the shape of the first container 303, and this hole is for sucking the sterilant in the cartridge. It is an insertion port for inserting an extraction needle (injection needle) into the cartridge from the upper side of the cartridge.

  Next, a cross section of the cross section 3 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section 3 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge.

  A packing 403 is provided around the center point of the circular first container 303.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the packing 403 has a notch and a portion 701 having no packing.

  This notch is a notch that does not reach the hole 406 of the cap but reaches the hole 402 of the lid.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lid hole 402 is larger than the cap hole 406.

  The portion 701 having no packing has a portion 701 having no packing up to the region of the lid hole 402, but the portion 701 having no packing is not present in the region of the hole 406 of the cap (that is, there is packing). .

  Therefore, the packing 403 has an exhaust path (portion 701 having no packing) through which the hole 402 of the lid and the space between the first container 303 and the second container 409 can be conducted.

  Thus, since the packing 403 is configured so that the hole 406 of the cap for inserting the extraction needle cannot be connected to the portion 701 having no packing, the gas in the second container 409 is transferred to the inner packing. Passing 401 can be prevented from exiting the cap hole 406. Therefore, even if hydrogen gas is contained in the gas in the second container 409, it is difficult for the gas to be discharged from the cartridge.

  That is, the lid hole 402 is larger than the cap hole 406 for inserting the extraction needle, and the exhaust path (portion 701 without the packing) of the packing 403 extends from the edge of the packing 403 to the lid hole. The length between the position 402 and the position of the hole 406 of the cap for inserting the extraction needle.

  Next, a cross section of the cross section 4 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section 4 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge.

  The cap 411 has a cap hole 406 at the center thereof.

  The hole 406 of the cap is an insertion port for inserting an extraction needle (injection needle) for sucking the sterilizing agent in the cartridge into the cartridge from the upper side of the cartridge.

  Next, a cross section of the cross section 5 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section 5 according to the present invention as viewed from the upper side of the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an inner packing 401 is provided between the cap 411 and the container opening of the second container 409 so as to cover all the container openings.

  Next, a mechanism for discharging the gas in the cartridge according to the present invention to the outside will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 (upper part of the cartridge).

  The dotted line shown in FIG. 10 indicates the flow of gas discharged from the second container 409 to the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the gas in the second container 409 passes through the inner packing 401, passes between the cap 411 and the container opening of the second container 409, and passes through the first container 303 and the second container 409. The space between the container 409 and the container 409 is reached. Here, if the arriving gas contains a sterilant (hydrogen peroxide), it is adsorbed by the adsorbent 407. Moreover, since the adsorbent 407 contains a decomposing agent that decomposes the sterilizing agent, the sterilizing agent contained in the gas is decomposed by the decomposing agent. For example, when the sterilizing agent contained in the gas is hydrogen peroxide, it is generated by decomposing hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen using manganese dioxide as a decomposing agent.

  In addition, the gas (including the product (water and oxygen) decomposed and generated by the decomposition agent) reaching the space between the first container 303 and the second container 409 is caused between the cap 411 and the lid 302. Pass through the space between them and reach the packing 403. Since the packing 403 has a portion 701 (cut) where there is no packing up to the region of the lid hole 402, the gas that has reached the packing 403 passes through the space and escapes to the lid hole 402.

  That is, in the packing 403 (second packing), the portion 701 (cut) (the first exhaust mechanism) without the packing 403 is exhausted from the second container, and the first container and the second container Between the gas and the hole of the lid of the first container.

  The hole 402 in the lid of the first container is an application example of the second exhaust mechanism of the present invention.

  Specifically, the gap (first exhaust mechanism) of the packing 403 (second packing) is exhausted from the second container, the gas between the first container and the second container, A length that reaches the hole (second exhaust mechanism) of the lid of the first container from the portion (the edge of the packing 403 or the periphery of the edge) that contacts the second packing and does not reach the hole of the cap of the second container This is a cut of the packing 403 (second packing).

  Further, the seal 301 has a portion without a double-sided tape, and this portion serves as an exhaust path because the lid 302 and the seal 301 are not bonded.

  For this reason, the gas that has escaped into the hole 402 of the lid passes through the portion without the double-sided tape (exhaust path) and is discharged outside the cartridge.

  In this way, by providing a path for discharging the gas in the cartridge to the outside of the cartridge, the internal pressure in the second container 409 is generated by water or oxygen generated by the decomposition of the sterilant (hydrogen peroxide) in the cartridge. , And the second container 409 can be prevented from being damaged, and the sterilizing agent can be prevented from leaking from between the container opening of the second container 409 and the cap 411.

  Furthermore, the air pressure in the cartridge increases due to water or oxygen (product) gas generated by the decomposition of the sterilizing agent (for example, hydrogen peroxide) in the cartridge, and the cartridge is damaged or the sterilizing agent in the cartridge is damaged. The possibility of leaking out of the cartridge can be reduced.

  Next, the structure when an extraction needle (injection needle) for aspirating the sterilizing agent in the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section 1 of the cartridge according to the present invention.

  The sterilizer 100 operates so that the extraction needle (injection needle) is directed toward the cartridge and is lowered from the top of the cartridge, whereby the extraction needle (injection needle) is inserted into the hole 402 of the lid and the hole 406 of the cap. .

  At this time, the seal 301, the packing 403, and the inner packing 401 are penetrated by the injection needle, and the sterilization apparatus 100 operates so that the tip of the injection needle comes to the lower part of the second container 409.

Thus, the seal 301, the packing 403, and the inner packing 401 are materials that can be penetrated by the injection needle. Further, in the cap 411 and the lid 302 which are difficult to penetrate with the injection needle, an insertion port is provided in advance as a hole in the cap and a hole in the lid.
<Second Embodiment>

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the sterilizing agent cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the cartridge seal 301 described in the first embodiment, and other configurations related to the cartridge are the same as those in the first embodiment. Only the form of the seal 301 will be described.

  Next, the back surface of the seal 301 when the cross section 2 according to the present invention is viewed from the lower side of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a view of the back surface of the seal 301 when the cross section 2 according to the present invention is viewed from the lower side of the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the seal 301 has a circular shape in accordance with the shape of the cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the back surface of the seal 301 is an adhesive surface for adhering to the lid 302, and is coated with a double-sided tape (adhesive) for adhering.

  The double-sided tape (adhesive surface) shown in FIG. 12 indicates that the double-sided tape is applied.

  Further, the back side of the seal 301 has a double-sided tape-less portion in which the double-sided tape is not spirally applied from the center point of the seal circle to the circumference. The double-sided tapeless portion does not adhere to the lid 302, and thus serves as an exhaust path for exhausting the gas in the first container 303 to the outside.

  The seal 301 is a seal that can be bonded to the lid 302 and has a portion that cannot be bonded to the lid 302 (a portion without double-sided tape) as an exhaust path for exhausting from the position of the hole 402 of the lid.

  The non-bondable part (the part without double-sided tape) of the lid 302 is an application example of the third exhaust mechanism of the present invention.

  Specifically, the third exhaust mechanism of the seal is a non-adhesive portion that does not adhere to the lid of the first container from the hole (second exhaust mechanism) of the first container to the edge of the seal spirally. (Part without double-sided tape).

  As shown in FIG. 12, since the double-sided tape-less portion is not coated with the double-sided tape spirally from the center point of the seal circle to the circumference, if the sterilizing agent liquid stored in the second container is , Leaking from the second container, and from the first container, the second container and the space to the outside of the cartridge through the hole 402 of the lid through the portion 701 where the second packing is cut and lost. Even if it tries to leak, the sterilant liquid can be prevented from leaking out of the cartridge in the middle of the spiral exhaust path. Therefore, the possibility that the sterilant liquid stored in the cartridge leaks out of the cartridge can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the cartridge according to the present invention has been described as a cartridge used in a sterilization apparatus. However, the first embodiment described above and the second embodiment described above. The cartridge of the embodiment can be used as a cartridge used in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, for example. As described above, for example, a chemical solution such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is stored in the cartridge used in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and the chemical solution can be sucked out of the cartridge and used in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge that reduces the possibility of leakage of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution from the cartridge containing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution used in the sterilization apparatus.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the air pressure in the cartridge is increased and the cartridge is damaged or liquid leakage occurs. Further, even when the cartridge is dropped and the cartridge is damaged, the risk of leakage of the sterilant liquid in the cartridge can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Sterilizer 101 Cartridge attachment door 102 Display part 103 Printing part 104 Sterilization room door

Claims (14)

A cartridge that stores a chemical solution that is a solution of a sterilizing agent for sterilizing an object to be sterilized,
A first container;
A second container provided in the first container for storing the chemical solution;
The gas in the second container containing the gas generated by the decomposition of the sterilant of the chemical solution stored in the second container is transferred from the second container to the first container and the second container. An exhaust passage for exhausting between,
An adsorbent provided between the first container and the second container for adsorbing a sterilant gas generated from the chemical solution, or between the first container and the second container A decomposing agent for decomposing a sterilizing agent gas generated from the chemical solution,
The sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the object to be sterilized using the chemical liquid extracted from the second container includes an insertion port for inserting a tube for extracting the chemical liquid stored in the second container. A lid of a first container;
A first packing which is provided so as to close the container port of the second container as at least a part of the exhaust path and which does not allow liquid to pass through;
A seal provided at an insertion port provided in the lid of the first container;
With
The tube passes through the seal, is inserted into the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container, passes through the first packing, and is inserted into the second container. , the seal, and the cartridge, characterized in that said insertion opening provided in the lid of the first container, the previous SL first packing is provided. A cap for the second container further comprising an insertion port for inserting the tube for extracting the chemical solution stored in the second container;
The tube passes through the seal, is inserted into the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container, is inserted into the insertion port provided in the cap, and passes through the first packing. The seal, the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container, the insertion port provided in the cap, and the first packing at a position to be inserted into the second container. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is provided. A second packing provided between the cap and the lid of the first container;
The second packing has a cut for exhausting the gas exhausted between the second container and the first container through the first packing from the first container. ,
The tube passes through the seal, is inserted into the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container, passes through the second packing, and is inserted into the insertion port provided in the cap. The seal, and the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container, the second packing, the position at which the first packing is inserted into the second container The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the insertion opening provided in the cap and the first packing are provided.   The said cut | interruption is a cut | interruption which can conduct | electrically_connect between the said 1st container and the said 2nd container, and the said insertion port with which the said lid | cover of the said 1st container was equipped. 3. The cartridge according to 3.   The break is a break that allows electrical connection between the first container and the second container and the insertion opening provided in the lid of the first container. 5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge is a gap between the second container and the insertion port of the cap. The clearance gap between the said cap and the said 2nd container provided with the said cap is a clearance gap which lets gas pass but does not let the liquid pass, The any one of Claim 2 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. cartridge. The seal is a seal that can be adhered to the lid of the first container, and the first container and the first container are connected to the first container by the exhaust passage from the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container. a cartridge according an evacuated gas to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a seal comprising a pumping mechanism for exhausting to the outside of the first container during the second container. The cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the exhaust mechanism is a non-adhesive portion that does not adhere to the lid of the first container. The exhaust mechanism is a non-adhesive portion that does not adhere to the lid of the first container from the insertion port provided in the lid of the first container to an edge of the seal. The cartridge according to 7 or 8 . The exhaust mechanism is a non-adhesive portion that does not adhere to the lid of the first container from the insertion port of the lid of the first container to an edge of the seal spirally. The cartridge according to any one of 7 to 9 . The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide, and the chemical solution is an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first packing is a waterproof and moisture-permeable packing. A storage medium in which information on the first use date and time when the cartridge is first used by the sterilizer is written by the sterilizer;
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is read by a device that reads information stored in the storage medium provided in the sterilization apparatus. A storage medium storing information for identifying the cartridge;
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the information stored in the storage medium is read by a device that reads information stored in the storage medium provided in the sterilization apparatus.

Images