JP3219725B2 - 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 used for sterilizing clothes for patients, used surgical tools and experimental instruments in hospitals and various laboratories. Regarding improvement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Patient clothing, surgical tools, laboratory instruments, and the like used in hospitals and various laboratories are used prior to re-use after use in order to prevent infection by bacteria and viruses attached during use. Must be sterilized. Conventionally, various sterilizers such as a steam sterilizer and a gas sterilizer have been used to perform such a sterilization process. In order to determine whether or not the object to be sterilized, such as the patient's clothes, has been sterilized by the various sterilizers (ie, whether or not the sterilization has been completed), a sterilization state confirmation device is used. I have.

[0003] Such a sterilization state confirming device is considered to be the most difficult to sterilize before the start of the sterilization process at a plurality of places in the sterilization container constituting the sterilizer (particularly, the object to be sterilized stored in the sterilization container is considered to be most difficult to sterilize). Where it is located). And
The sterilization process is started by operating the sterilizer, and after the operation of the sterilizer is completed, the sterilization state checking devices are taken out of the sterilization container. Then, it is determined whether or not the sterilization process has been completed by checking the detection unit of each of these sterilization state confirmation devices.

[0004] As a detection unit of the sterilization state confirmation device used as described above, for example, a chemical indicator and a biological indicator are conventionally known. Of these, the chemical indicator is made of a chemical substance such as a dye which changes color tone by sterilization.
When determining whether or not the sterilization processing by the sterilizer is completed by the sterilization state confirmation device having such a chemical indicator as a detection unit, remove the sterilization state confirmation device from the sterilization container after the operation is completed, The chemical indicator serving as the detection unit is visually observed. Then, it is determined whether or not the sterilization has been completed by checking whether or not the chemical indicator has changed to a predetermined color.

[0005] On the other hand, the above-mentioned biological indicator is constituted by using microorganisms which exhibit resistance to sterilization. When determining whether or not the sterilization process by the sterilizer is completed by the sterilization state confirmation device having such a biological indicator as a detection unit, remove the sterilization state confirmation device from the sterilization container after the operation is completed. From
The microorganism used as the detection unit is cultured for a certain time. Then, by confirming the viability of the microorganism by this culture, it is determined whether or not the sterilization treatment has been completed.

[0006]

However, in the case where it is determined whether or not the sterilization by the sterilizer has been completed by using each of the above-described sterilization state confirmation devices, the following problems are encountered. was there. That is, in any of the sterilization state checking devices described above, the operator of the sterilizer cannot observe the detection units of the sterilization state checking devices during operation of the sterilizer. For this reason, as described above, the determination as to whether or not the sterilization processing by each of these sterilization state confirmation devices has been completed is made only after the operation of the sterilizer is completed and after the sterilization state confirmation devices are removed from the sterilization container. I can't do it. Therefore, the operator of the sterilizer can determine whether or not the sterilization has been completed, but cannot know when the sterilization has been completed.

For this reason, conventionally, in order to surely carry out the sterilization treatment by the sterilizer, the sterilization capacity (temperature, gas concentration, etc.) and more than necessary (or more than originally considered sufficient) for this sterilizer are required. It was necessary to set the sterilization time. However, setting the sterilization processing capacity and sterilization processing time more than necessary in this way increases the operation cost of the sterilizer,
Alternatively, there is an inconvenience that the sterilization processing time is unnecessarily long. Of these, especially the sterilization processing time is unnecessarily long,
This is not preferable because it becomes impossible to cope with a case where sterilization needs to be performed promptly in an emergency at a hospital or the like. On the other hand, in order to manage the process of sterilization by the sterilizer, it is also desired to check how much the sterilization in the sterilization container is progressing during the operation of the sterilizer. In view of the above-described circumstances, the sterilizer of the present invention has been developed in order to confirm the sterilization state in a sterilization container during operation of the sterilizer and to accurately determine the completion of sterilization processing. It was done.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems] sterilizer of the present invention, any
Also, during operation of the sterilizer, the sterilization state in the sterilization container constituting the sterilizer can be easily checked. That is, the sterilizer of the present invention is capable of being hermetically sealed in a state in which an object to be sterilized is housed, and a sterilization container capable of sterilizing the object to be sterilized, and a sterilization container installed in the sterilization container and sterilized in the sterilization container. A detection unit that changes characteristics according to the progress of processing, a cable having one end attached to the detection unit and the other end drawn out of the sterilization container, and a cable provided outside the sterilization container, Determination means connected to the ends. And
During the sterilization process in the sterilization container, a change in the detection unit is made observable by the determination means. With the above detection unit
Then, in the case of the sterilizer described in claim 1, sterilization treatment
Use something that changes visually according to the progress of
Use a fiberscope as the cable. And
One end of this fiberscope is in close proximity to the detector
Let it. In the case of the sterilizer described in claim 2,
As a detection unit, changes in chemical properties as the sterilization process progresses.
Use conductors as the above cables.
To use. Then, one end of the conductor is connected to the detection section.
Connect pneumatically. Further, the sterilizer according to claim 3.
In this case, instead of omitting the detector inside the sterilization container,
It communicates with the inside of this sterilization container through a tube, and the inside
Install a pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container that has the same environment as the inside of the bacteria container.
The detection unit is installed in the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container.

[0009]

In the case of the sterilizer of the present invention constructed as described above, the determination means provided outside the sterilization container changes the detection unit installed in the sterilization container, that is, changes in visual characteristics and chemical characteristics.
Any change selected from the changes can be observed. Therefore, a person who operates the sterilizer can check how much the sterilization process is progressing in the sterilization container during the operation of the sterilizer, and can know exactly when the sterilization process is completed. As a result, it is possible to accurately control the process of sterilization by the sterilizer, and to prevent inconveniences such as an increase in the operation cost of the sterilizer or an excessively long sterilization time. Further, according to the sterilizer according to claim 3,
For example, in the sterilization container that stores the material to be sterilized,
There is no need to secure space for installing the detection unit.
Therefore, the object to be sterilized is stored in the sterilization container by that much.
More space to do. In addition, pressure-resistant and heat-resistant containers are connected
It can be easily attached to the sterile container via a tube. Because of this,
The present invention can be applied to various sterilizers that have been used in the past.
Wear.

[0010]

Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, to respond to claims 1-2
That shows a first example embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization container 1 constituting the sterilizer includes a closed door 2. In such a sterilization container 1, the inside of the sterilization container 1 can be freely sealed by closing the sealing door 2 in a state in which an object to be sterilized is stored. And when operating the sterilizer,
The object to be sterilized accommodated in the sterilization container 1 can be sterilized. Further, the sterilization container 1 is selected from visual changes and changes in chemical characteristics according to the progress of the sterilization process.
A detection unit 3 for performing any of the selected changes is provided. Such a detecting unit 3 is selectively used according to the type of a sterilizer to be used, such as a chemical substance such as a dye that changes a color tone (chemical change) by a sterilization process, such as the above-described chemical indicator.

The detection section 3 is provided with one end of a cable 4 through which a part of the sterilization container 1 is airtightly penetrated. Such a cable 4 is also selectively used according to the type of the detection unit 3. For example, when a substance that causes a visual change such as a substance that changes color by sterilization, a substance that changes color, or a substance that changes transmittance is used as the detection unit 3, a fiberscope is used as the cable 4. . In this case, the distal end portion (one end portion) of the fiberscope is brought close to and opposed to the detection section 3. When a substance or the like that changes chemical properties such as pH by sterilization is used as the detection unit 3, a pair of conductive wires is used as the cable 4. In this case, one ends of the pair of conductive wires are electrically connected to the detection unit 3.

On the other hand, outside the sterilization container 1, a display device 5 as a judgment means is provided. The other end of the cable 4 is connected to the display 5. During operation of the sterilizer, the indicator 5 detects a change in the detection unit 3 provided with one end of the cable 4 by a microprocessor incorporated therein. At the same time, the detected result is converted into a form that can be recognized by the operator of the sterilizer and displayed on the display unit of the display unit 5. The display on the display unit is returned to the initial state by a signal indicating the end of operation of the sterilizer or by opening the sealing door 2 after the operation of the sterilizer is completed.

In the case of the sterilizer of the present embodiment configured and operated as described above, the change of the detection unit 3 installed in the sterilization container 1 is changed from the display unit of the display 5 provided outside the sterilization container 1. Observable. Therefore, the operator of the sterilizer can check how much the sterilization process in the sterilization container 1 is progressing during the operation of the sterilizer, and can know exactly when the sterilization process is completed. it can. As a result, it is possible to accurately control the process of sterilization by the sterilizer, and to prevent inconveniences such as an increase in the operation cost of the sterilizer or an excessively long sterilization time. It should be noted that an indicator notifying the completion of the sterilization process is connected to the display 5 by voice or the like, so that the operator of the sterilizer can save the trouble of watching the display section of the display 5. In addition, if a recording device such as a VTR for recording the detection result of the change of the detection unit 3 is incorporated in the display unit 5, the process of the sterilization process by the sterilizer can be managed afterwards.

Next, FIG. 2 also corresponds to claims 1-2.
To show a second example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the case of this example, a microprocessor 6 for detecting a change in the detection unit 3 is provided separately from the display 5. That is, in the case of this example, the microprocessor 6 is connected to the other end of the cable 4.
And the display 5 is connected to the microprocessor 6 by another cable. Thus, the result detected by the microprocessor 6 can be sent to the display 5. In the case of the present example, the microprocessor 6 and the display unit 5 constitute a determining means. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described first example.

Next, FIG. 3 also corresponds to claims 1-2.
9 shows a third example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the input device 7 is connected to the microprocessor 6 by another cable. The input device 7 is used to input a margin time for the sterilization process (a sterilization process time that is added to the minimum time required for the sterilization process to be completed in order to increase the safety factor of the sterilization process). I can do it. That is, in the case of this example, the microprocessor 6 is caused to determine the completion of the sterilization process based on the detection result of the detection unit 3. With this,
The operation of the sterilizer is terminated after a lapse of the margin time input from the input device 7 from the time when the sterilization process is completed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described second example.

Next, FIGS. 4 to 6 correspond to claim 3.
The fourth to sixth examples of the embodiment of the present invention are shown. Of the fourth to sixth examples, the fourth example shown in FIG. 4 is the first example shown in FIG. 1, the fifth example shown in FIG. 5 is the second example shown in FIG. The sixth example shown corresponds to the third example shown in FIG. In the case of these fourth to sixth examples, the detection unit 3
Are installed in a pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container 8 that realizes the same environment as the inside of the sterilization container 1. That is,
The heat-resistant container 8 is provided at an intermediate portion of an annular communication pipe 9 having both ends opened into the sterilization container 1. In this state, the inside of the pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container 8 is communicated with the inside of the sterilization container 1 through the communication pipe 9. Further, inside the pressure-resistant / heat-resistant container 8, a blower or the like (not shown)
The gas in the sterilization container 1 is circulated.

In the case of the fourth to sixth examples configured as described above, since the detection unit 3 is installed in the pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container 8 as described above, the sterilization container which is a part for storing the object to be sterilized is provided. Within one
It is not necessary to secure a space for installing the detection unit 3. Therefore, the space for storing the object to be sterilized in the sterilization container 1 can be increased by that much. The pressure- and heat-resistant container 8 as described above is connected to the sterilization container 1 via the communication pipe 9.
Can be easily attached. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to various sterilizers conventionally used. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the above-described first to third examples.

[0018]

Since the sterilizer of the present invention is constructed and operates as described above, it is possible to perform an accurate process control of the sterilization process and to perform an accurate determination when the sterilization process is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as an increase in operation cost and an unnecessarily long sterilization time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the second example.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a third example.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the fifth example.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a sixth example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilization container 2 Sealing door 3 Detection part 4 Cable 5 Display 6 Microprocessor 7 Input device 8 Pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container 9 Communication pipe

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-59-209344 (JP, A) JP-A-4-230811 (JP, A) JP-A-3-146113 (JP, A) JP-A-4- 364174 (JP, A) JP-A-4-352659 (JP, A) JP-A-63-267259 (JP, A) JP-A-8-233663 (JP, A) JP-A-58-94853 (JP, A) Patent No. 3152896 (JP, B2) JP-B-60-9457 (JP, B2) JP 6-21487 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61L 2/00- 2/26 G01N 21/77 G01N 27/04 C12Q 1/00-1/22

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sterilizer capable of confirming a sterilization state in a sterilization container constituting the sterilizer during operation of the sterilizer. and sterilized freely sterile containers, it is placed in the sterile container, seen according to the progress of the sterilization process in this sterile container
A detector that makes a visual change and one end close to this detector
The Rutotomoni other end is opposed pulled out the sterile container
And fiberscope, arranged outside the sterile container, this
And a judging means for the other end connected fiberscope of during sterilization in the sterile container, sterilizer, characterized in that the freely observing changes in the detection portion by the determining means. 2. A sterilizer capable of confirming a sterilization state in a sterilization container constituting the sterilizer during operation of the sterilizer. A sterilization container that can be sterilized, a detection unit that is installed in the sterilization container, and changes a chemical property according to the progress of the sterilization process in the sterilization container, and one end is electrically connected to the detection unit. A conducting wire that is connected and the other end of which is drawn out of the sterilization container, and determination means provided outside the sterilization container and connected to the other end of the conducting wire, during sterilization processing in the sterilization container. A sterilizer characterized in that a change in the detection section can be freely observed by the determination means. 3. A pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container which communicates with the inside of the sterilization container through a communication pipe and has the same environment as the inside of the sterilization container instead of omitting the detection section in the sterilization container. Part was installed in this heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container,
A sterilizer according to claim 1.