Sterilization device

Abstract

To suppress excessive rise of temperature of a drain pipe.SOLUTION: A sterilization device 1 includes: a chamber 2 in which a sterilization target is housed and to which steam is supplied; a drain pipe 8 which is connected to the chamber 2 and in which drain discharged from the chamber 2 flows; a drain valve 9 arranged in the drain pipe 8; a warmer 10 for warming the drain pipe 8 between the chamber 2 and the drain valve 9; and a steam supply pipe 4 connected to the drain pipe 8 between the warmer 10 and the drain valve 9. With the drain valve 9 closed, steam flowing in the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8 is supplied to the chamber 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a sterilization device.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to sterilization devices, a sterilization device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In Patent Document 1, the sterilization device has a drain discharge passage (drain pipe). The condensed water of the steam discharged from the sterilization chamber flows through the drain pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to sterilize the condensed water discharged from the sterilization chamber, the drain pipe may be heated by a heater. When the amount of condensed water discharged from the sterilization chamber is small, the temperature of the drain pipe may rise excessively.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to suppress excessive temperature rise of the drain pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a sterilization device. The sterilization device includes a chamber in which an object to be sterilized is accommodated and steam is supplied, a drain pipe connected to the chamber through which drain discharged from the chamber flows, a heater that heats the drain pipe, and a steam supply pipe connected to the drain pipe. The steam that has flowed through the steam supply pipe and the drain pipe is supplied to the chamber.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, excessive temperature rise of the drain pipe is suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Sterilization Device] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a sterilization device 1 according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, the sterilization device 1 is a steam sterilization device that sterilizes an object to be sterilized using steam.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization device 1 includes a chamber 2, a jacket 3, a steam supply pipe 4, a steam supply valve 5, an air supply pipe 6, an air supply valve 7, a drain pipe 8, a drain valve 9, a heater 10, a temperature sensor 11, and a controller 12.

[0011] The chamber 2 houses the object to be sterilized. The chamber 2 has an internal space 20 where the object to be sterilized is placed. An entrance and exit are provided in a part of the chamber 2. The entrance and exit of the chamber 2 are opened and closed by a door (not shown). A user of the sterilization device 1 can carry the object to be sterilized into the internal space 20 or carry the object to be sterilized out of the internal space 20 through the entrance and exit of the chamber 2 by opening the door.

[0012] The jacket 3 is disposed around the chamber 2. The jacket 3 forms a jacket space 30 between the jacket 3 and the chamber 2.

[0013] The steam supply pipe 4 allows the steam supplied to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2 to flow. The steam supply pipe 4 is connected to a steam supply source (not shown). As the steam supply source, a boiler is exemplified. Steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe 4 to the chamber 2. The steam supply valve 5 is disposed in the steam supply pipe 4. The steam supply valve 5 adjusts the flow rate of the steam supplied to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2.

[0014] The air supply pipe 6 allows the air supplied to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2 to flow through. The air supply pipe 6 connects the atmospheric space and the internal space 20 of the chamber 2. Air is supplied from the air supply pipe 6 to the chamber 2. The air supply valve 7 is arranged in the air supply pipe 6. The air supply valve 7 adjusts the flow rate of the air supplied to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2.

[0015] A sterile filter 13 is arranged in the air supply pipe 6. The sterile filter 13 collects foreign matters including bacteria from the air flowing into the air supply pipe 6 from the atmospheric space. The air in the atmospheric space is supplied from the air supply pipe 6 to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2. By supplying air to the depressurized internal space 20 of the chamber 2, the internal space 20 is repressurized.

[0016] The drain pipe 8 is connected to the chamber 2. The end 8A of the drain pipe 8 is connected to an opening provided at the lower part of the chamber 2. The drain pipe 8 allows the drain (condensed water) discharged from the internal space 20 of the chamber 2 to flow through. The drain discharged from the chamber 2 flows through the drain pipe 8. The drain valve 9 is arranged in the drain pipe 8. The drain valve 9 is an on-off valve that closes or opens the drain pipe 8.

[0017] The warmer 10 warms the drain pipe 8 between the chamber 2 and the drain valve 9. The steam supply pipe 4 is connected to the connection part 8B of the drain pipe 8 between the warmer 10 and the drain valve 9. The connection part 8B is provided in the middle part of the drain pipe 8. The connection part 8B is provided between the end 8A and the drain valve 9. The warmer 10 warms the drain pipe 8 between the end 8A and the connection part 8B. The warmer 10 may warm the drain pipe 8 by the heat of the steam supplied from the steam supply source, or may include an electric heater.

[0018] The warmer 10 sterilizes the drain (condensed water) discharged from the chamber 2. Bacteria taken from the object to be sterilized may be contained in the drain. When the object to be sterilized is, for example, a petri dish used for a culture medium, it is necessary to sterilize the drain so that the bacteria taken from the petri dish are not released outside the sterilizer 1. The warmer 10 warms the drain pipe 8 in order to sterilize the drain. The warmer 10 warms the drain pipe 8 at a temperature higher than the temperature of the steam supplied from the steam supply pipe 4 to the chamber 2. The warmer 10 heats the drain pipe 8 at a temperature higher than the temperature of the chamber 2. The warmer 10 warming the drain includes heating and overheating the drain. In the embodiment, the temperature of the chamber 2 is set to 121°C. The warmer 10 warms the drain pipe 8 to 138°C. By the warmer 10, the drain is converted into steam.

[0019] Steam from the steam supply source is supplied to the internal space of the chamber 2 through a part of the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8. The part of the drain pipe 8 through which the steam from the steam supply source flows includes the drain pipe 8 between the end 8A and the connection part 8B. The steam from the steam supply source flows through the steam supply pipe 4, flows through the connection part 8B of the drain pipe 8, and then flows into the internal space 20 of the chamber 2 from the end 8A of the drain pipe 8.

[0020] When supplying steam from the steam supply source to the internal space of the chamber 2, the controller 12 closes the drain valve 9. With the drain valve 9 closed, the steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8 is supplied to the chamber 2. When steam is supplied to the chamber 2 through a part of the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8, the steam supplied to the chamber 2 is warmed by the warmer 10.

[0021] The temperature sensor 11 is disposed in the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the heater 10. The temperature sensor 11 detects the temperature of the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the heater 10. The temperature of the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the heater 10 is substantially equal to the temperature of the chamber 2. By detecting the temperature of the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the heater 10, the temperature sensor 11 can detect the temperature of the chamber 2. Note that the temperature sensor 11 may detect the temperature of the drain discharged from the chamber 2.

[0022] The controller 12 controls the steam supply valve 5 based on the detection data of the temperature sensor 11. Based on the detection data of the temperature sensor 11, the flow rate of the steam supplied to the chamber 2 is adjusted. The controller 12 controls the steam supply valve 5 such that the higher the temperature of the drain pipe 8 detected by the temperature sensor 11, the greater the flow rate of the steam supplied to the chamber 2.

[0023] Although not shown, the sterilization device 1 includes a jacket steam supply device that supplies steam to the jacket space 30, a first discharge device that discharges gas from the internal space 20, and a second discharge device that discharges gas from the jacket space 30. The first discharge device includes a first exhaust pipe connected to the chamber 2, a first vacuum pump connected to the first exhaust pipe, and a first exhaust valve disposed in the first exhaust pipe. With the first exhaust valve open, when the first vacuum pump is driven, the gas present in the internal space 20 is sucked by the first vacuum pump and discharged from the internal space 20. The second discharge device includes a second exhaust pipe connected to the jacket 3, a second vacuum pump connected to the second exhaust pipe, and a second exhaust valve disposed in the second exhaust pipe. With the second exhaust valve open, when the second vacuum pump is driven, the gas present in the jacket space 30 is sucked by the second vacuum pump and discharged from the jacket space 30.

[0024] [Operation of the Sterilization Device] Next, the operation of the sterilization device 1 will be described. After the object to be sterilized is accommodated in the internal space 20 of the chamber 2, when the start switch of the sterilization device 1 is operated, the operation of the sterilization device 1 is started. When the start switch is operated, the controller 12 controls the second discharge device so that air is discharged from the jacket space 30. After the air is discharged from the jacket space 30, the controller 12 controls the jacket steam supply device so that steam is supplied to the jacket space 30. By supplying steam to the jacket space 30, the chamber 2 is preheated. After the chamber 2 is preheated, the controller 12 controls the first discharge device so that air is discharged from the internal space 20.

[0025] After the air is discharged from the internal space 20, the controller 12 starts heating the drain pipe 8 by the heater 10. Further, the controller 12 opens the steam supply valve 5 with the drain valve 9 closed so that steam is supplied to the internal space 20. Thereby, with the drain valve 9 closed, the steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8 is supplied to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2. By supplying steam to the internal space 20 of the chamber 2, the object to be sterilized is sterilized.

[0026] The drain generated in the chamber 2 flows through the drain pipe 8 after being discharged from the chamber 2. The drain flowing through the drain pipe 8 is heated by the heater 10. By heating the drain by the heater 10, the drain is sterilized. By heating the drain by the heater 10, at least a part of the drain is converted into steam.

[0027] When the amount of drain discharged from the chamber 2 is small, the temperature of the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the connection portion 8B may rise excessively due to heating by the heater 10. In the embodiment, the steam from the steam supply pipe 4 flows through the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the connection portion 8B and is then supplied to the internal space of the chamber 2. Since the steam from the steam supply pipe 4 flows through the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the connection portion 8B, an excessive temperature rise of the drain pipe 8 is suppressed.

[0028] [Effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the sterilization device 1 includes a chamber 2 in which an object to be sterilized is accommodated and steam is supplied, a drain pipe 8 connected to the chamber 2 through which drain discharged from the chamber 2 flows, a drain valve 9 disposed in the drain pipe 8, a heater 10 that heats the drain pipe 8 between the chamber 2 and the drain valve 9, and a steam supply pipe 4 connected to the drain pipe 8 between the heater 10 and the drain valve 9. With the drain valve 9 closed, the steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8 is supplied to the chamber 2.

[0029] According to the embodiment, even when the amount of drain discharged from the chamber 2 is small while the drain pipe 8 is being heated by the heater 10, the steam from the steam supply pipe 4 flows through the drain pipe 8, so that an excessive temperature rise of the drain pipe 8 is suppressed. Further, with the drain valve 9 closed, the steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8 is supplied to the chamber 2, so that the steam from the steam supply pipe 4 is suppressed from passing through the drain valve 9 and flowing out of the sterilization device 1.

[0030] The end portion 8A of the drain pipe 8 is connected to an opening provided in the lower part of the chamber 2. The steam supply pipe 4 is connected to the connection portion 8B of the drain pipe 8. The heater 10 heats the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the connection portion 8B. Thereby, the drain discharged from the chamber 2 is sterilized by the heater 10 in the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the connection portion 8B. Further, the steam from the steam supply pipe 4 passes through the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the connection portion 8B and is supplied to the chamber 2. Thereby, even when the amount of drain discharged from the chamber 2 is small while the drain pipe 8 is being heated by the heater 10, an excessive temperature rise of the drain pipe 8 is suppressed.

[0031] The sterilization device 1 includes a temperature sensor 11 disposed in the drain pipe 8 between the end portion 8A and the heater 10. Based on the detection data of the temperature sensor 11, the flow rate of the steam supplied to the chamber 2 is adjusted. The higher the temperature of the drain pipe 8 detected by the temperature sensor 11, the more the flow rate of the steam supplied to the chamber 2 increases. By controlling the steam supply valve 5, an excessive temperature rise of the drain pipe 8 is suppressed.

[0032] The warmer 10 warms the drain pipe 8 at a temperature higher than the temperature of the steam supplied to the chamber 2. Thereby, the drain is sterilized by the warmer 10.

[0033] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This disclosure includes matters that contribute to the achievement of Goal 3, "Good health and well-being for all," of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as a steam sterilizer, and further includes matters that contribute to the achievement of Goal 6, "Clean water and sanitation for all."

Explanation of symbols

[0034] 1... Sterilizing device, 2... Chamber, 3... Jacket, 4... Steam supply pipe, 5... Steam supply valve, 6... Air supply pipe, 7... Air supply valve, 8... Drain pipe, 8A... End portion, 8B... Connection portion, 9... Drain valve, 10... Warmer, 11... Temperature sensor, 12... Controller, 13... Aseptic filter, 20... Internal space, 30... Jacket space.

Claims

1. A chamber in which an object to be sterilized is accommodated and steam is supplied, A drain pipe connected to the chamber through which drain discharged from the chamber flows, A drain valve disposed in the drain pipe, A heater for heating the drain pipe between the chamber and the drain valve, A steam supply pipe connected to the drain pipe between the heater and the drain valve, and comprising: Steam flowing through the steam supply pipe and the drain pipe is supplied to the chamber with the drain valve closed. A sterilization device.

2. The end of the drain pipe is connected to an opening provided at the lower part of the chamber, The steam supply pipe is connected to the connection part of the drain pipe, The heater heats the drain pipe between the end and the connection part. The sterilization device according to Claim 1.

3. Comprising a temperature sensor disposed in the drain pipe between the end and the heater, Based on the detection data of the temperature sensor, the flow rate of the steam supplied to the chamber is adjusted. The sterilization device according to Claim 2.

4. The heater heats the drain pipe at a temperature higher than the temperature of the steam supplied to the chamber. The sterilization device according to Claim 1.

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