Sterilizer

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer that can be more efficiently transported by downsizing.SOLUTION: A sterilizer 100 includes a first storage part 1, a chamber 3, a heater 5, and a liquid storage tank 7. The chamber 3 is disposed in the first storage part 1 and is capable of storing an item to be sterilized. The heater 5 heats a liquid supplied into the chamber 3. The liquid storage tank 7 stores the liquid supplied into the chamber 3. A second occupied volume when not in use can be lowered than a first occupied volume when in use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sterilizers. [Background technology]

[0002] Sterilizers are sometimes used at disaster sites to sterilize medical equipment. Conventional sterilizers are large, making it difficult to transport them efficiently to disaster sites. For this reason, there is a demand for sterilizers that are more compact and easier to transport.

[0003] Technology that contributes to the miniaturization of sterilizers is proposed, for example, in Patent Publication No. 2021-112654 (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-112654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-112654 discloses that the vertical dimension of the housing can be reduced by stacking the chamber and the liquid storage tank when viewed from the side. However, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-112654 does not take into consideration efficient transportation of the sterilizer.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sterilizer that can be transported efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sterilizer according to the present disclosure comprises a first storage section, a chamber, a heater, and a liquid storage tank. The chamber is installed in the first storage section and is capable of storing an object to be sterilized. The heater heats a liquid supplied to the chamber. The liquid storage tank stores the liquid supplied to the chamber. The second occupied volume when not in use can be smaller than the first occupied volume when in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The sterilizer of the present disclosure can have a second occupied volume when not in use, such as during transportation, that is smaller than the first occupied volume when in use, which allows the sterilizer to be transported efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during operation. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during transportation. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during transportation. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic view of the first storage section of FIGS. 3 and 4 as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a door is opened and a unit for mounting a heater or the like is taken out in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the sterilizer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sterilizer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 2 during operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to the second embodiment during transportation. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 2 during operation. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sterilizer according to the second embodiment during transportation. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of a chamber when steam flows into the chamber in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the chamber when steam is being discharged from the chamber in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contracted chamber shown in FIG. 14 is removed from the folded first storage section. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) <Introduction> FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during operation. FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during transportation. FIGS. 1 and 2 show only the characteristic parts of the sterilizer in a simplified form. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment comprises a first storage section 1, a chamber 3, a heater 5, a liquid storage tank 7, and a pump 9. The first storage section 1 is a housing. The chamber 3 is installed within the first storage section 1. The heater 5 heats the liquid supplied to the chamber 3. The liquid storage tank 7 stores the liquid supplied to the chamber 3. The second occupied volume of the sterilizer 100 when not in use, shown in FIG. 2, can be made smaller than the first occupied volume of the sterilizer 100 when in use, shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the sterilizer 100 is not in use, such as during transportation, the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9 are stored within the chamber 3. As a result, the second occupied volume of the sterilizer 100 when not in use is smaller than the first occupied volume when in use. In other words, the sterilizer 100 in Figure 2 is smaller overall in size than the sterilizer 100 in Figure 1 because the heater 5 and other components are housed in the chamber 3. For example, the height dimension (total length) H2 of the sterilizer 100 in Figure 2 is smaller than the same dimension (total length) H1 in Figure 1.

[0011] <Sterilizer configuration> Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 during operation. As shown in Figure 3, the sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment stores medical instruments such as gauze and scalpels and is capable of sterilizing these. The sterilizer 100 mainly comprises a first storage section 1, a chamber 3, a heater 5, a liquid storage tank 7, and a pump 9.

[0012] The first storage unit 1 is a housing for the sterilizer 100 and has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first storage unit 1 is formed, for example, from a stainless steel plate. The first storage unit 1 is a container capable of storing equipment therein.

[0013] Chamber 3 is a container that contains items to be sterilized and has an opening. Chamber 3 is installed within first storage section 1 so that the opening opens to the outside of first storage section 1. As an example, chamber 3 in FIG. 3 has an outer shape that is close to a cylinder and has an internal cavity. Chamber 3 is substantially cylindrical and includes side walls extending in the vertical direction, a bottom surface (bottom wall) that is continuous with the side walls, and a circular opening facing the bottom surface. Chamber 3 is installed within first storage section 1 so that the opening opens to the outside from the top surface of first storage section 1. However, the shape and installation orientation of chamber 3 are not limited to this. Chamber 3 is a component that can store items to be sterilized, such as gauze and scalpels, in its cavity. Here, storing items to be sterilized in chamber 3 and sterilizing them is referred to as using sterilizer 100.

[0014] The opening of chamber 3 is opened and closed by a lid. As a first example, door 11 attached to the upper side of first storage section 1 may function as the lid. Door 11 may be a single-hinged door. Or, as a second example, a lid may be attached to one main surface of door 11 as a separate member from door 11. In this case, the separate lid has a circular, flat shape. In the second example, the lid is attached to single-hinged door 11 so that the opening of chamber 3 can be opened and closed. When the lid is opened, items to be sterilized, such as medical equipment, can be carried into chamber 3. When the lid is closed, chamber 3 can be sealed. In this state, the items to be sterilized can be sterilized by supplying high-temperature steam into chamber 3, as described below.

[0015] In the first or second example, the lid can open and close the opening of chamber 3 by opening and closing door 11. In a third example, a lid may be attached to first storage section 1, so that the opening of chamber 3 can be opened and closed. Alternatively, in a fourth example, door 11 as a lid may not be attached to first storage section 1, but may be provided independently of first storage section 1. In FIG. 3, the opening of chamber 3 is closed by a lid.

[0016] The heater 5 heats the liquid. The heater 5 generates steam for sterilization. In the sterilizer 100 shown in FIG. 3, the heater 5 heats the liquid and generates gas (steam), which is supplied into the chamber 3. As an example, the heater 5 in FIG. 3 is installed on top of the door 11. However, the location where the heater 5 is installed is not limited to the above. The heater 5 can be installed in any position outside the first storage section 1. For example, the heater 5 can be installed on a side of the rectangular parallelepiped first storage section 1 that extends in the vertical direction and faces outward. As an example, the shape of the heater 5 in FIG. 3 is rectangular. However, the shape of the heater 5 is not limited to this. The shape of the heater 5 may be, for example, cylindrical or ellipsoid.

[0017] Steam for sterilization is supplied into chamber 3. Sterilizer 100 sterilizes the object to be sterilized by filling chamber 3 with steam made from a liquid (water), for example, and creating a high pressure inside chamber 3.

[0018] The liquid storage tank 7 stores a liquid. The liquid may be tap water or purified water. The liquid storage tank 7 stores the liquid discharged from the chamber 3. That is, the liquid storage tank 7 and the chamber 3 are connected by a circulation channel that allows the fluid to circulate. As an example, the liquid storage tank 7 in FIG. 3 is installed on the upper main surface of the door 11. In the case of a circular lid as in the second example above, the liquid storage tank 7 may be installed directly above the lid. However, the location where the liquid storage tank 7 is installed is not limited to the above. The liquid storage tank 7 can be installed at any position outside the first storage section 1. For example, the liquid storage tank 7 may be installed on a side surface of the rectangular parallelepiped first storage section 1 that extends in the vertical direction and faces outward. The shape of the liquid storage tank 7 is a cylinder with a circular portion in a plan view from the upper side of FIG. 3 (the door 11 side as seen from the first storage section 1). However, the shape of the liquid storage tank 7 is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the liquid storage tank 7 may be a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0019] The pump 9 has the function of transferring fluid between the chamber 3 and the liquid storage tank 7. The pump 9 has the function of transferring steam for sterilization into the chamber 3. As an example, the pump 9 in FIG. 3 is installed on the door 11 that closes the first storage section 1. This is similar to the heater 5. However, the location where the pump 9 is installed is not limited to the above. The pump 9 can be installed in any position outside the first storage section 1. For example, the pump 9 can be installed on the side of the rectangular parallelepiped first storage section 1 that extends in the vertical direction and faces outward. As an example, the shape of the pump 9 in FIG. 3 is rectangular. However, the shape of the pump 9 is not limited to this. The shape of the heater 5 may be, for example, cylindrical or ellipsoid.

[0020] A control unit 15 is disposed within the first storage unit 1. The control unit 15 controls the operation and state of the sterilizer 100. In Figure 3, the control unit 15 is disposed within the first storage unit 1, outside the chamber 3. However, the control unit 15 may also be disposed outside the first storage unit 1, like the heater 5 and the like.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 1 when being transported. Note that the sterilizer 100 does not have to have the external appearance of Figure 4 when being transported. The sterilizer 100 may also have the appearance of Figure 4 when not being used (when not in use) even when not being transported. In the appearance shown in Figure 4, the heater 5, storage tank 7 and pump 9 shown in Figure 3 are housed in the chamber 3. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, when being transported (when not in use), the occupied volume (second occupied volume) of the sterilizer 100 is smaller than the occupied volume (first occupied volume) of the sterilizer 100 when being used (when not in use) as shown in Figure 3.

[0022] The occupied volume here refers to the volume of a space that the sterilizer 100 occupies when it is installed in the space, either when in use or when not in use. Specifically, in Figure 3, the occupied volume of the sterilizer 100 (first occupied volume) is the sum of the volumes of the first storage section 1, the door 11, the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9. This is because the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9 are all located outside the first storage section 1 when in use, as shown in Figure 3. On the other hand, when not in use, as shown in Figure 4, the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9 are stored within the chamber 3. Therefore, in Figure 4, the volumes of the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9 are included in the volume of the first storage section 1. As a result, the occupied volume (second occupied volume) of the sterilizer 100 when not in use is the occupied volume (first occupied volume) of the sterilizer 100 when in use minus the volumes of the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9. That is, the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 in FIG. 4 is the sum of the volumes of the first storage section 1 and the door 11.

[0023] As described above, in this embodiment, the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, and pump 9 are removed from above the first storage section 1 (above the door 11) when not in use, such as during transportation. The removed heater 5 and other components are stored within the chamber 3. This reduces the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 when transported compared to when it is in use. Note that if any one of the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, and pump 9 is stored within the chamber 3, the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 when not in use can be reduced compared to when it is in use. Furthermore, the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, and pump 9 are installed outside the first storage section 1 when in use. This eliminates the need for space to install these components within the first storage section 1, allowing the outer diameter of the first storage section 1 to be smaller than that of conventional sterilizers. Note that if any one of the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, and pump 9 is installed outside the first storage section 1, the outer diameter of the first storage section 1 can be reduced.

[0024] To enable the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9 to be housed within the chamber 3, the maximum dimensions of the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9 are at least smaller than the inner diameter of the chamber 3. The inner diameter of the chamber 3 means the diameter of a circle formed by the inner wall of the chamber 3 when the cylindrical chamber 3 is viewed from above in a plan view.

[0025] The control unit 15 is electrically connected to the pressure gauge 31 and the temperature sensor 33 and is attached to the first storage unit 1. When removing the control unit 15 from the first storage unit 1, it is necessary to disconnect the electrical connections between the control unit 15 and the pressure gauge 31 and the temperature sensor 33. For this reason, the control unit 15 cannot be easily removed from the first storage unit 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 15 be placed in the same position when in use as shown in FIG. 3 and when not in use as shown in FIG. 4. The control unit 15 only needs to be fixed to the first storage unit 1. The control unit 15 may be placed either inside or outside the first storage unit 1. If the control unit 15 is removable, it may be stored in the chamber 3 when not in use.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the first storage section shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, viewed from above. The gap 16 between the first storage section 1 and the chamber 3 therein does not require space for arranging the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, and the pump 9. This allows the gap 16 to be small. As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the gap 16 between the first storage section 1 and the chamber 3 therein be as small as possible. This further reduces the second occupied volume shown in FIG. 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the diameter of the circle when the chamber 3 is viewed from above can be made (almost) equal to the length of one side of the rectangle (square) when the first storage section 1 is viewed from above. In this case, the side of the chamber 3 may be in contact with the inner wall of the side of the first storage section 1, or may be close enough to the side so as not to be in contact.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the door in embodiment 1 is opened and a unit for attaching a heater etc. is removed. As shown in Figure 6, the sterilizer 100 may further comprise a second storage section 17. The second storage section 17 is a unit for storing the heater 5 etc. in the chamber 3 as shown in Figure 4.

[0028] The second storage section 17 has an outer shape that can be accommodated in the hollow of the chamber 3, which has a shape close to a cylinder, for example. The second storage section 17 has a shape that is close to a rectangle when viewed from above in FIG. 6. However, the rectangle may have curved corners (so-called R-shapes). The side surfaces of the second storage section 17 that extend in the vertical direction from the near-rectangular shape have a cylindrical shape. However, an opening is formed on the side surface of the cylindrical shape for loading and unloading the heater 5 and the like.

[0029] The second storage section 17 includes a heater mounting section 17A, a pump mounting section 17B, and a liquid storage tank mounting section 17C as mounting sections. A heater 5 is mounted to the heater mounting section 17A. A liquid storage tank 7 is mounted to the liquid storage tank mounting section 17C. A pump 9 is mounted to the pump mounting section 17B. All of the mounting sections 17A to 17C in FIG. 6 are formed as shelves. This allows the heater 5, the liquid storage tank 7, or the pump 9 to be placed on the second storage section 17. The shape and arrangement of each mounting section 17A to 17C can be any configuration as long as it can support the heater 5, etc. For example, on the inner wall surface of the second storage section 17, multiple protrusions may be arranged in a line along the top surface of the second storage section 17 as the heater mounting section 17A, and the heater 5, etc. may be engaged thereon.

[0030] 6, second storage section 17 to which heater 5 and the like are attached may move and be stored in chamber 3. Second storage section 17 may further have an attachment section for control section 15, and may be stored in chamber 3 with control section 15 attached. Alternatively, heater 5, storage tank 7, and pump 9 may be stored in chamber 3 without using second storage section 17.

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the piping configuration of the sterilizer according to this embodiment. In Figure 7, the piping configuration is merely shown schematically, like an electrical circuit diagram. In other words, in the sterilizer 100 of embodiment 1, the components and devices are not necessarily actually arranged in the positional relationship shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, in the sterilizer 100, a liquid 8 such as water is stored inside a liquid storage tank 7.

[0032] The sterilizer 100 includes, for example, three pumps 9. The pumps 9 include a heater chamber water supply pump 9A, a chamber steam inflow pump 9B, and a chamber steam exhaust pump 9C. In Figure 3 above, these three pumps 9A-9C are collectively shown as pump 9. Note that one or two of these three pumps 9A-9C may be located inside the first storage section 1 and outside the chamber 3. Hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as pumps 9A, 9B, and 9C.

[0033] The sterilizer 100 includes three solenoid valves: a heater room solenoid valve 10A, a water supply solenoid valve 10B, and a discharge solenoid valve 10C. Hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as solenoid valves 10A, 10B, and 10C.

[0034] The liquid storage tank 7 is connected to the pump 9A by a pipe 19. The pipe 19 is a generally known member made of stainless steel or the like.

[0035] In Figure 7, starting from the liquid storage tank 7, pump 9A, solenoid valve 10A, heater 5, pump 9B, solenoid valve 10B, pressure gauge 31, chamber 3, solenoid valve 10C, and pump 9C are all connected by piping 19 in this order, forming a circulating piping path that returns the liquid to the liquid storage tank 7. As described above, the sterilizer 100 further includes piping 19 that connects the chamber 3 and the liquid storage tank 7. The liquid (specifically, vapor of the liquid) stored inside the liquid storage tank 7 is supplied into the chamber 3 by the valves (solenoid valves 10A to 10C) and pumps 9 (pumps 9A to 9C) connected to piping 19.

[0036] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sterilizer according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment includes, in addition to the above-mentioned components, a pressure gauge 31 and a temperature sensor 33. The control unit 15 receives an input of a detected value indicating the pressure inside the chamber 3 from the pressure gauge 31. The control unit 15 receives an input of a detected value indicating the temperature inside the chamber 3 from the temperature sensor 33. The pressure gauge 31 may be installed, for example, in the piping 19, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the pressure gauge 31 measures the pressure inside the chamber 3 via the piping 19. The temperature sensor 33 may be attached directly to the chamber 3, as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 33 may be connected to the chamber 3, for example, via the piping 19, in the same way as the pressure gauge 31.

[0037] The sterilizer 100 may further comprise an input unit 35. The input unit 35 is electrically connected to the control unit 15. The input unit 35 is, for example, a button. That is, when using the sterilizer 100, the operator operates the input unit 35, which starts the operation of the sterilizer 100. At this time, the operator using the sterilizer 100 inputs setting values ​​such as heating temperature, sterilization time, and drying time from the input unit 35 to the control unit 15.

[0038] The control unit 15 outputs control signals to each device included in the sterilizer 100, such as pumps 9A-9C, solenoid valves 10A-10C, and heater 5, in response to each control step of the sterilizer 100. Each device operates appropriately upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 15. In this way, the sterilizer 100 performs a sterilization process on the object to be sterilized.

[0039] The sterilizer 100 has an electrical system as shown in Figure 8. Each device included in the electrical system of Figure 8 may be located above the chamber 3, particularly when the sterilizer 100 is in use. From the perspective of preventing malfunctions due to flooding, the heater 5 and pump 9, which are part of the electrical system, may be located above the chamber 3.

[0040] The operation of the sterilizer 100 having the above configuration will be described below. First, the sterilizer 100 is set to the in-use state shown in Figure 3. First, a lid such as the door 11 is opened and an object to be sterilized is placed inside the chamber 3. Then, the lid is closed to seal the chamber 3. In this state, operation of the sterilizer 100 is started by operating the input unit 35 such as a button. The sterilizer 100 is in use when it is operating and before and after operation (such as when preparing for operation). Next, the heater room solenoid valve 10A shown in Figure 7 is opened, and liquid 8, such as water, is supplied to the heater 5 from the liquid storage tank 7 by the heater room water supply pump 9A. Next, the heater 5 is operated, and the supplied liquid 8 is steamed. Next, the water supply solenoid valve 10B is opened, and the chamber steam inflow pump 9B is operated, causing steam to flow into the chamber 3. At this time, the discharge solenoid valve 10C is closed.

[0041] When the pressure and temperature inside chamber 3 reach a predetermined value, pumps 9A and 9B are stopped and solenoid valves 10A and 10B are closed. The objects to be sterilized are sterilized by steam inside chamber 3, which has now reached the predetermined pressure and temperature. After a predetermined time has elapsed, exhaust solenoid valve 10C is opened and chamber steam exhaust pump 9C is activated. The liquid or steam (water or water vapor) inside chamber 3 is then exhausted into liquid storage tank 7.

[0042] (Other: Modifications applicable to this embodiment) In the first embodiment, the heater 5 is installed outside the first storage section 1. However, instead of this, the heater 5 may be installed inside the chamber 3. In this case, the heater 5 heats the liquid transferred from the liquid storage tank 7 into the chamber 3 by the pump 9 to generate steam for sterilization. Also, in the first embodiment, the liquid 8 is supplied to the heater 5 from the liquid storage tank 7. However, instead of this, the liquid storage tank 7 may not be provided and the liquid 8 may be supplied to the heater 5 manually.

[0043] Sterilizer 100 may sterilize objects using high-pressure steam (water vapor) produced by volatilizing water as described above. However, this is not limited to this. Sterilizer 100 may also sterilize objects using something other than liquid steam, such as hydrogen peroxide gas.

[0044] <Action and effect> The sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment comprises a first storage section 1, a chamber 3, a heater 5, and a liquid storage tank 7. The first storage section 1 is a housing. The chamber 3 is installed within the first storage section 1 and is capable of storing items to be sterilized. The heater 5 heats the liquid 8 that is supplied to the chamber 3. The liquid storage tank 7 stores the liquid 8 that is supplied to the chamber 3. With regard to the occupied volume, which is the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 when installed, a second occupied volume when not in use can be made smaller than a first occupied volume when in use.

[0045] In this way, the sterilizer 100 is made smaller when not in use, such as when being transported, than when in use. This allows the sterilizer 100 to be transported more efficiently. In other words, the sterilizer 100 can be transported more easily and in a state where it occupies less space. Even when not in use, other than when being transported, the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 can be made smaller. Therefore, for example, the sterilizer 100 can be stored in a smaller space.

[0046] The sterilizer 100 described above may store at least one of the heater 5 and the liquid storage tank 7 inside the chamber 3 when not in use, thereby making the second occupied volume smaller than the first occupied volume.

[0047] This allows the heater 5 and other devices that make up the sterilizer 100 to be stored within the first storage section 1, which is a housing. Therefore, when transporting, the heater 5 and other devices do not occupy part of the space outside the first storage section 1. Therefore, the space occupied by the entire sterilizer 100 when transporting can be reduced. This allows for more efficient transport of the sterilizer 100. Note that devices that are difficult to remove from the first storage section 1 due to reasons such as difficulty in removing piping may be placed within the first storage section 1 (gap 16 shown in Figure 5), such as the control section 15 in Figure 3.

[0048] The sterilizer 100 described above further comprises a second storage section 17. The second storage section 17 can be stored within the chamber 3. The second storage section 17 includes mounting sections 17A to 17C for mounting at least one of the heater 5 and the liquid storage tank 7. Mounting sections 17A to 17C allow the heater 5 and other devices stored within the chamber 3 to be easily stored within the chamber 3.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) <Introduction> FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 2 during operation. FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram of the sterilizer according to embodiment 2 during transportation. In FIGS. 9 and 10, only the characteristic parts of the sterilizer are shown in simplified form. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment, like the sterilizer 100 of embodiment 1, comprises a first storage section 1, a chamber 3, a heater 5, a liquid storage tank 7, and a pump 9. As in embodiment 1, the second occupied volume of the sterilizer 100 when not in use, shown in FIG. 10, can be made smaller than the first occupied volume of the sterilizer 100 when in use, shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, the first storage section 1 is foldable. The chamber 3 is made of an expandable material. When in use in FIG. 9, the first storage section 1 is not folded, and the chamber 3 is not retracted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when not in use, the first storage section 1 is folded, and the chamber 3 is retracted. Therefore, the second occupied volume is smaller than the first occupied volume. By being folded, the first storage section 1 becomes smaller during transportation than during operation. By contracting, the chamber 3 becomes smaller during transportation than during operation. For this reason, the sterilizer 100 in Figure 10 appears smaller overall in size than the sterilizer 100 in Figure 9. For this reason, for example, the height dimension (total length) H4 of the sterilizer 100 in Figure 10 is smaller than the same dimension (total length) H3 in Figure 9. The first storage section 1 freely expands and contracts in the height direction between Figures 9 and 10. Note that in Figures 9 and 10, the pump 9 is positioned in a position hidden behind the liquid storage tank 7.

[0050] 9 and 10 show a bent portion 1b in the first storage section 1. When the first storage section 1 is folded as shown in FIG. 10, the bent portion 1b protrudes outward compared to when it is not folded as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 clearly shows that the entire side member 1a is moved outward by the bent portion 1b. From this perspective, FIG. 10 does not show the state in which the bent portion 1b is completely bent and the height dimension of the first storage section 1 is at its minimum, but rather shows the state in the process of reaching that minimum. Therefore, in reality, the height dimension of the sterilizer 100 is further reduced than H4 during transportation (when not in use) as shown in FIG. 10.

[0051] 9 and 10 are examples of this embodiment, but this embodiment is not limited to the aspects shown in Fig. 9 and 10. This will be described later.

[0052] In the following description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and unless there is anything particularly worth explaining compared to the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0053] <Sterilizer configuration> FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 2 during operation. As shown in FIG. 11, the sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment includes a rectangular parallelepiped first storage section 1. Inside the first storage section 1, a chamber 3 formed of an expandable material, as described below, is disposed. The first storage section 1 includes an upper surface member, a lower surface member, and multiple side surface members 1a connecting the upper surface member and the lower surface member. The upper surface member is not explicitly shown in FIG. 11, but it corresponds to, for example, a plate-like member (located on the outer periphery of the opening of the chamber 3) that secures the upper part of the chamber 3. The upper surface member has an opening, and the upper part of the chamber 3 (the opening part) can be fitted into it. The lower surface member corresponds to the bottom wall at the bottom of the first storage section 1. The side surface members 1a form each of the four side surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped first storage section 1. FIG. 11 shows the first storage section 1 having four side surface members 1a.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sterilizer according to embodiment 2 during transportation. The first storage section 1 has a foldable configuration. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, each of the four side surface members 1a (surfaces extending in the vertical direction) of the first storage section 1 may be bent. Each of the four side surface members 1a extending in the vertical direction may be divided into two parts: one above the bent portion 1b and one below the bent portion 1b. In this case, the boundary between the upper and lower members constituting one side surface member 1a is the bent portion 1b. These four side surfaces have a bent portion 1b extending horizontally, for example, at the center in the vertical direction. The location of the bent portion 1b is not limited to the center in the vertical direction of the side surface member 1a. The bent portion 1b may be located, for example, above the center in the vertical direction of the side surface member 1a. The bent portion 1b may be located, for example, below the center in the vertical direction of the side surface member 1a. Furthermore, one side surface member 1a may have multiple bent portions 1b.

[0055] For example, the side surface members 1a may have a bellows structure. Here, FIG. 12 schematically shows a state in which the four side surface members 1a are bent inward, making the height dimension of the first storage section 1 relatively small. However, this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side surface members 1a may be bent outward, and the bent side surface members 1a may be arranged so as to extend outward beyond the outer edge of the door 11. As a further modification, for example, in this embodiment, the four side surface members 1a may not have bent portions 1b. In this case, for example, the four side surface members 1a arranged along the vertical direction in FIG. 9 may simply tilt outward without bending when not in use as shown in FIG. 10. Even in this case, the height dimension of the sterilizer 100 when not in use is reduced compared to when in use.

[0056] The configuration shown in Fig. 12 is possible by forming the chamber 3 from an expandable material, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the chamber 3 compared to the state shown in Fig. 11. From the viewpoint of minimizing the volume occupied by the first storage section 1 when not in use, it is preferable not to place other components inside the first storage section 1. For example, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, pump 9, and control section 15 may be placed outside the first storage section 1 (on the top surface of the door 11).

[0057] 11 and 12 may be any of the first to fourth examples, as in embodiment 1. The lid allows the opening 3a of the chamber 3 to be opened and closed.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 11 , in an example in which bending portions 1b bend inward, for example, a plurality of pipes 21 and joints 23 may be installed on each of four side surface members 1a extending in the vertical direction. Two pipes 21 extending in the vertical direction are installed on each side surface member 1a. Each of these two pipes 21 is made bendable by a joint 23. The joint 23 is the bending portion 1b. The end opposite to the end of the pipe 21 extending in the vertical direction is connected to a pipe 21 installed on the top or bottom surface of the first storage section 1. The same applies to an example in which bending portions 1b bend outward.

[0059] Alternatively, as another example (not shown), for example, a connecting member is provided at the bent portion 1b, which connects the upper and lower members to each other. The connecting member may be, for example, a hinge, which can rotate the upper member relative to the lower member around the connecting member. This may result in the first storage section 1 being foldable by bending the side member 1a. Any configuration other than the above may be adopted as long as any one of the height, width, or depth of the first storage section 1 can be reduced from the length shown in FIG. 11. For example, the side member 1a may be detachable from the first storage section 1. In this case, the lower surface of the first storage section 1 may be supported on the upper surface via the pipe 21 and the joint 23. Alternatively, at least one of the multiple side members 1a may have the bent portion 1b as described above, and the remaining side members 1a may be detachable from the other side members 1a. Like the pipe 21 and the joint 23, the hinge can be applied to both the example in which the bending portion 1b bends outward as shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the example in which the bending portion 1b bends inward as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0060] The chamber 3 of this embodiment is made of an expandable material. For example, the chamber 3 is made of an expandable resin. More specifically, the main body, i.e., the wall, of the chamber 3 is made of, for example, natural rubber. However, it is preferable that the natural rubber constituting the chamber 3 has improved strength and heat resistance compared to ordinary natural rubber by changing the compounding of additives.

[0061] When water vapor or other gas is supplied to the inside of the chamber 3, the chamber 3 expands. At this time, the chamber 3 takes on a round, balloon-like external shape as shown in Figure 11. However, when the water vapor or other gas inside is released and the chamber 3 contains almost no gas, it contracts.

[0062] Therefore, when the sterilizer 100 is not in use, such as when it is being transported, the chamber 3 occupies a relatively small volume. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, pump 9, and control unit 15 are arranged outside (on the top surface of the door 11) rather than inside the first storage unit 1. This eliminates the need for space to install these components inside the first storage unit 1, allowing the outer diameter of the first storage unit 1 to be smaller than that of a conventional sterilizer 100. Note that the outer diameter of the first storage unit 1 can be reduced by installing any one of the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, and pump 9 outside the first storage unit 1. Furthermore, the volume occupied by the first storage unit 1 can be reduced by folding the first storage unit 1. As a result, the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 when not in use, such as when it is being transported (second occupied volume) shown in FIG. 12 can be smaller than the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 when it is in use (first occupied volume) shown in FIG. 11.

[0063] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the chamber when steam flows into the chamber in embodiment 2. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the chamber when steam is exhausted from the chamber in embodiment 2. Figs. 13 and 14 show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion along line AA in Fig. 11.

[0064] Although a lid is not shown in Figure 13, door 11 functions as a lid, as in the first example above. The lid seals chamber 3. In other words, the lid is located at the boundary between the interior and exterior of chamber 3. As shown in Figure 13, when sterilizer 100 is in use, steam is supplied to chamber 3 with an object to be sterilized (not shown) placed inside. As a result, chamber 3 expands. On the other hand, when sterilizer 100 is not in use, steam is discharged from inside chamber 3, causing chamber 3 to contract as shown in Figure 14. It is preferable that chamber 3 be freely detachable from first storage section 1. From this perspective, chamber 3 is installed in first storage section 1 so that its opening edge (opening 3a in Figure 11) is exposed to the outside from the top surface of first storage section 1. The opening edge of chamber 3 is locked to a locking piece provided on the top surface of first storage section 1, thereby securing chamber 3 to first storage section 1. This allows chamber 3 to be replaced as needed depending on the degree of wear. As shown in Figure 14, when the chamber 3 is contracted, the first storage section 1 is folded. As a result, the volume (capacity) of the first storage section 1 as viewed from the outside is smaller than when the chamber 3 is inflated as shown in Figure 13 during use.

[0065] In Fig. 14, the first storage section 1 is folded in the same manner as in Fig. 10, but this is not limiting. For example, the first storage section 1 may be folded as shown in Fig. 12. Alternatively, the side surface member 1a may be folded by bellows. The side surface member 1a may also be folded outward.

[0066] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contracted chamber as shown in Figure 14 has been removed from the folded first storage section. The chamber 3 of this embodiment is detachable from the first storage section 1. That is, the chamber 3 may be stored in the first storage section 1 when not in use, or may be removed to the outside of the first storage section 1 as shown in Figure 15. The chamber 3 in the folded state as shown in Figure 14 may be removed to the outside of the first storage section 1 as shown in Figure 15.

[0067] In this embodiment as well, the configuration of Figure 7 described above can be applied to the piping configuration of the sterilizer 100. In this embodiment as well, the configuration of Figure 8 described above can be applied to the electrical configuration of the sterilizer 100.

[0068] 11 and 12, in this embodiment, the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, pump 9, and control unit 15 are all installed above the door 11 during both operation and transportation, but these components such as the liquid storage tank 7 may be located in other positions outside the first storage unit 1. For example, the heater 5, liquid storage tank 7, pump 9, and control unit 15 may be located below the bottom surface of the first storage unit 1. Furthermore, the liquid storage tank 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and may be located in a position other than directly above the lid.

[0069] <Action and effect> In the sterilizer 100 according to this embodiment, the first storage section 1 is foldable. The chamber 3 is made of an expandable material. When not in use, the first storage section 1 is folded and the chamber 3 contracts, making the second occupied volume when not in use smaller than the first occupied volume when in use.

[0070] In this embodiment, unlike in embodiment 1, when the sterilizer 100 is not in use, such as when it is being transported, the heater 5 and other components are not removed and stored in the chamber 3. Instead, in this embodiment, the first storage section 1 and the chamber 3 stored therein are contracted. This reduces the volume occupied by the sterilizer 100 when not in use compared to when it is in use. This also achieves the same effects as embodiment 1. In other words, the sterilizer 100 can be transported more easily and occupies less space. Furthermore, the sterilizer 100 can be stored in a smaller space.

[0071] The features described in the above-described embodiments may be applied in appropriate combinations within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0072] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 First storage section, 1a Side member, 1b Bending section, 3 Chamber, 3a Opening, 5 Heater, 7 Liquid storage tank, 8 Liquid, 9 Pump, 9A Heater room water supply pump, 9B Chamber steam inflow pump, 9C Chamber steam discharge pump, 10A Heater room solenoid valve, 10B Water supply solenoid valve, 10C Discharge solenoid valve, 11 Door, 15 Control section, 16 Gap, 17 Second storage section, 17A Heater mounting section, 17B Pump mounting section, 17C Liquid storage tank mounting section, 19 Piping, 21 Pipe, 23 Joint, 31 Pressure gauge, 33 Temperature sensor, 35 Input section, 100 Sterilizer.

Claims

1. a first storage section which is a housing; a chamber installed in the first storage section and capable of storing an object to be sterilized; a heater for heating the liquid supplied into the chamber; a liquid storage tank that stores the liquid to be supplied into the chamber, A sterilizer capable of making a second occupied volume when not in use smaller than a first occupied volume when in use.

2. 2. The sterilizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the heater and the liquid storage tank is stored in the chamber when not in use, thereby making the second occupied volume smaller than the first occupied volume.

3. Further provided is a second storage section that can be stored in the chamber, 3. The sterilizer according to claim 2, wherein the second storage section includes a mounting section for mounting at least one of the heater and the liquid storage tank.

4. The first storage section is foldable, the chamber is formed of a stretchable material; 2. The sterilizer of claim 1, wherein the first storage section is folded when not in use, and the chamber contracts, making the second occupied volume smaller than the first occupied volume.

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