Indicator Input / Output Device

Abstract

To efficiently perform the analytical processing of indicators and the sterilization of items to be sterilized. [Solution] The indicator inlet / outlet device 10 is positioned outside the sterilization tank 2 of the sterilizer 1 and inserts and removes an indicator 3 for confirming the sterilization status by the sterilizer 1. The indicator inlet / outlet device 10 comprises a shielding member 14 having a housing section 14S for arranging the indicator 3, and a holding member 15 positioned around the shielding member 14 and having a first opening 15L that allows communication between the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and a second opening 15M that allows communication between the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2. The shielding member 14 has a mechanism that closes the second opening 15M in a first state where the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication via the first opening 15L, and closes the first opening 15L in a second state where the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication via the second opening 15M.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an indicator input / output device.

Background Art

[0002] When sterilizing an object to be sterilized with a sterilizer, an indicator is used to confirm the sterilization state of the object to be sterilized by the sterilizer. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an indicator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After being carried out from the inside of the sterilizer, the indicator is analyzed. It is desired to efficiently perform the analysis process of the indicator and the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to efficiently perform the analysis process of the indicator and the sterilization process of the object to be sterilized.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses an indicator inlet / outlet device for inserting and removing an indicator, which is positioned outside the sterilization chamber of a sterilizer and used to confirm the sterilization status by the sterilizer. The indicator inlet / outlet device comprises a shielding member having a housing for arranging the indicator, and a holding member positioned around the shielding member and having a first opening that allows communication between the housing and the inside of the sterilization chamber, and a second opening that allows communication between the housing and the outside of the sterilization chamber. The shielding member has a mechanism that closes the second opening in a first state in which the housing and the inside of the sterilization chamber are in communication through the first opening, and closes the first opening in a second state in which the housing and the outside of the sterilization chamber are in communication through the second opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The technology disclosed herein enables efficient analytical processing of indicators and sterilization of items to be sterilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilizer and indicator inlet / outlet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an indicator input / output device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the indicator input / output device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the indicator input / output device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilizer and indicator inlet / outlet according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the indicator input / output device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described.

[0010] <Sterilizers and indicator dispensers> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilizer 1 and an indicator inlet / outlet 10 according to the first embodiment. The sterilizer 1 sterilizes the items to be sterilized. Examples of the sterilizer 1 include a steam sterilizer as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-252880 and a gas sterilizer as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-229034. Examples of items to be sterilized include medical instruments. Examples of medical instruments include scalpels and forceps.

[0011] Sterilizer 1 has a sterilization tank 2. The items to be sterilized are placed inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2. The sterilization tank 2 has an entrance / exit (not shown) and a door for opening and closing the entrance / exit. The items to be sterilized are brought into the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 through the entrance / exit. Sterilizer 1 sterilizes the items placed inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2. During the sterilization process, the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 is filled with sterilization gas. If sterilizer 1 is a steam sterilizer, the sterilization gas is water vapor. If sterilizer 1 is a gas sterilizer, examples of sterilization gases include ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide gas, and formaldehyde gas.

[0012] The indicator inlet / outlet 10 is located outside 2B of the sterilization chamber 2 of the sterilizer 1. The indicator inlet / outlet 10 inserts and removes indicators 3 for confirming the sterilization status of the items to be sterilized by the sterilizer 1. Examples of indicators 3 include biological indicators and Bowiedic test packs. A biological indicator is an indicator used to confirm the sterilization status by the death of indicator bacteria. A Bowiedic test pack is an indicator used to confirm the removal performance of non-condensable gases such as air by a steam sterilizer.

[0013] The indicator inserter / extractor 10 is fixed to the sterilization tank 2 outside the sterilization tank 2. The indicator inserter / extractor 10 is fixed to the outer surface of the sterilization tank 2. In an embodiment, the indicator inserter / extractor 10 is fixed to a side portion of the sterilization tank 2. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the indicator inserter / extractor 10 is fixed to the left portion of the sterilization tank 2. The indicator inserter / extractor 10 is detachable from the sterilization tank 2. At least a part of the indicator inserter / extractor 10 is inserted into a support hole 4 provided in a side portion of the sterilization tank 2. The support hole 4 is formed so as to penetrate the inner surface and the outer surface of the sterilization tank 2.

[0014] The indicator inserter / extractor 10 has an attachment member 11 attached to the sterilization tank 2, a valve 12 fixed to the attachment member 11, and a sealing member 13 fixed to the valve 12.

[0015] The indicator inserter / extractor 10 is connected to a receiving box 6 via a passage member 5. The passage member 5 has a cylindrical portion 5A that is long in the vertical direction and a flange portion 5B disposed at an upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 5A. The receiving box 6 is connected to a lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 5A. An internal passage 5C is provided in the passage member 5. The internal passage 5C extends in the vertical direction. A lower end portion of the internal passage 5C is connected to an internal space of the receiving box 6.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the indicator inserter / extractor 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 corresponds to an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 1.

[0017] The attachment member 11 has a cylindrical portion 11A and a flange portion 11B. The cylindrical portion 11A is inserted into the support hole 4. The flange portion 11B is disposed outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2. The flange portion 11B faces the outer surface of the sterilization tank 2. An internal passage 11C is provided in the attachment member 11. The internal passage 11C extends in the left - right direction. The internal passage 11C communicates the inside 2A and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2.

[0018] The valve 12 includes a three - way ball valve. The valve 12 has a shielding member 14 and a holding member 15.

[0019] The shielding member 14 is spherical. The shielding member 14 has a housing portion 14S for arranging the indicator 3. The housing portion 14S includes the internal space of the shielding member 14. The shielding member 14 has a first port 14A, a second port 14B, and a third port 14C. Each of the first port 14A, the second port 14B, and the third port 14C is provided on the surface of the shielding member 14. Each of the first port 14A, the second port 14B, and the third port 14C is connected to the housing portion 14S. In the first state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first port 14A is provided on the right portion of the shielding member 14. The second port 14B is provided on the left portion of the shielding member 14. The third port 14C is provided on the upper portion of the shielding member 14.

[0020] The holding member 15 is arranged around the shielding member 14. The holding member 15 holds the shielding member 14 from around the shielding member 14. The holding member 15 holds the shielding member 14 rotatably. The holding member 15 has a surrounding portion 15A, a first flange portion 15B, a first cylindrical portion 15C, a second flange portion 15D, a second cylindrical portion 15E, a third flange portion 15F, and a third cylindrical portion 15G.

[0021] The surrounding portion 15A is arranged around the shielding member 14. The inner surface of the surrounding portion 15A is spherical. The surface of the shielding member 14 and the inner surface of the surrounding portion 15A face each other. The shielding member 14 is rotatable inside the surrounding portion 15A.

[0022] The first flange portion 15B is arranged to the right of the surrounding portion 15A. The first flange portion 15B is fixed to the flange portion 11B of the mounting member 11 by a bolt (not shown). The first flange portion 15B is fixed to the sterilization tank 2 via the flange portion 11B by a bolt (not shown). The first cylindrical portion 15C connects the surrounding portion 15A and the first flange portion 15B.

[0023] The second flange portion 15D is arranged below the surrounding portion 15A. The second flange portion 15D is fixed to the flange portion 5B of the passage member 5 by a bolt (not shown). The second cylindrical portion 15E connects the surrounding portion 15A and the second flange portion 15D.

[0024] The third flange portion 15F is positioned to the left of the surrounding portion 15A. The third flange portion 15F is fixed to the sealing member 13 by bolts (not shown). The third cylindrical portion 15G connects the surrounding portion 15A and the third flange portion 15F.

[0025] The surrounding portion 15A has a first opening 15L, a second opening 15M, and a third opening 15N. Each of the first opening 15L, the second opening 15M, and the third opening 15N can face the surface of the shielding member 14. The first opening 15L faces to the right. The second opening 15M faces downward. The third opening 15N faces to the left. The indicator inlet / outlet 10 is fixed to the sterilization tank 2 on the outside of the sterilization tank 2 so that the second opening 15M faces downward. The downward facing of the second opening 15M makes it easier to remove the indicator 3. The second opening 15M only needs to face downward so that the indicator 3 can be easily removed. The orientation of the second opening 15M may be directly downward (perpendicular to the horizontal plane) or not. The downward angle of the second opening 15M may be, for example, 10 degrees or more and 170 degrees or less.

[0026] A first passage 15P is provided inside the first flange portion 15B and the first cylindrical portion 15C. The first passage 15P extends in the left-right direction. The first passage 15P is connected to the internal passage 11C of the mounting member 11.

[0027] A second passage 15Q is provided inside the second flange portion 15D and the second cylindrical portion 15E. The second passage 15Q extends in the vertical direction. The second passage 15Q is connected to the internal passage 5C of the passage member 5.

[0028] A third passage 15R is provided inside the third flange portion 15F and the third cylindrical portion 15G. The third passage 15R extends in the left-right direction. A stopper member 16 is positioned in the third passage 15R.

[0029] The sealing member 13 is plate-shaped. The sealing member 13 is fixed to the third flange portion 15F by bolts (not shown). The sealing member 13 closes the left end of the third passage 15R.

[0030] The indicator inlet / outlet device 10 has a push member 17. The push member 17 pushes the indicator 3 into the housing section 14S from the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 through the first opening 15L. The push member 17 has a rod portion 17A, a plug portion 17B, and a flange portion 17C.

[0031] The rod portion 17A is long in the left-right direction. The rod portion 17A is positioned in the internal passage 11C of the mounting member 11 and the first passage 15P of the retaining member 15. The outer diameter of the rod portion 17A is smaller than the inner diameter of the internal passage 11C and the inner diameter of the first passage 15P. The tip (left end) of the rod portion 17A does not reach the housing portion 14S. The tip (left end) of the rod portion 17A is positioned outside the housing portion 14S.

[0032] The plug portion 17B is positioned closer to the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 than the rod portion 17A. The outer diameter of the plug portion 17B is larger than the outer diameter of the rod portion 17A. The plug portion 17B is positioned in the internal passage 11C of the mounting member 11. The outer circumferential surface of the plug portion 17B is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the internal passage 11C.

[0033] The flange portion 17C is positioned inside the sterilization tank 2, in area 2A. The outer diameter of the flange portion 17C is larger than the outer diameter of the plug portion 17B. A stopper surface 17D is provided at the boundary between the plug portion 17B and the flange portion 17C. The stopper surface 17D contacts the right end surface of the cylindrical portion 11A or the inner surface of the sterilization tank 2. The contact of the stopper surface 17D with the right end surface of the cylindrical portion 11A or the inner surface of the sterilization tank 2 prevents the tip of the rod portion 17A from entering the housing portion 14S.

[0034] A ventilation passage 17E is provided inside the pressing member 17. The ventilation passage 17E extends in the left-right direction. The ventilation passage 17E is formed to penetrate the left end and the right end of the pressing member 17. Sterilization gas from inside the sterilization tank 2 2A can flow into the ventilation passage 17E.

[0035] Note that the ventilation passage 17E is just one example. The pushing member 17 should be configured such that, with the pushing member 17 positioned in the internal passage 11C and the first passage 15P, the sterilization gas from the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 flows into the first passage 15P.

[0036] The first opening 15L allows communication between the storage section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2. By aligning the first opening 15L with at least one of the first port 14A, the second port 14B, and the third port 14C, the first opening 15L connects the storage section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 via the first passage 15P and the internal passage 11C.

[0037] The second opening 15M allows the housing section 14S to communicate with the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2. By aligning the second opening 15M with at least one of the first port 14A, the second port 14B, and the third port 14C, the second opening 15M communicates the housing section 14S with the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 via the second passage 15Q.

[0038] The shielding member 14 has a mechanism that closes the second opening 15M in a first state in which the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication through the first opening 15L, and closes the first opening 15L in a second state in which the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication through the second opening 15M. As described above, the shielding member 14 is rotatable inside the surrounding section 15A. The mechanism that closes the second opening 15M in the first state and the first opening 15L in the second state includes the surface of the shielding member 14. The first state and the second state are switched by the rotation of the shielding member 14. Figures 1 and 2 show the indicator inlet / outlet 10 in the first state.

[0039] <Operation> Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the indicator inlet / outlet 10 according to the first embodiment. Before the sterilization process for the items to be sterilized begins, the operator operates the shielding member 14 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 10 enters a first state. That is, the operator operates the shielding member 14 so that the housing section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are connected through the first opening 15L, and the second opening 15M is closed on the surface of the shielding member 14. The first state includes the alignment of the first opening 15L and the first port 14A. The shielding member 14 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 10 enters a first state, that is, so that the first opening 15L and the first port 14A are aligned.

[0040] After the housing section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the first opening 15L and the first port 14A, the worker enters the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 and performs a pushing operation to push the indicator 3 into the housing section 14S. In the pushing operation, the worker uses a pushing member 17 to push the indicator 3 from the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 into the housing section 14S. After positioning the indicator 3 in the internal passage 11C, the worker uses the pushing member 17 to push the indicator 3 to the left toward the housing section 14S. Since the housing section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the first opening 15L and the first port 14A, the indicator 3 is housed in the housing section 14S.

[0041] The operator pushes the pushing member 17 to the left until the stopper surface 17D contacts the right end surface of the cylindrical portion 11A or the inner surface of the sterilization tank 2. The stopper surface 17D prevents the tip of the rod portion 17A from entering the housing portion 14S. The plug portion 17B is positioned in the internal passage 11C of the mounting member 11.

[0042] The sterilizer 1 is started after the indicator 3 is housed in the housing 14S, the worker exits the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and the entrance / exit of the sterilization tank 2 is closed by the door. The sterilizer 1 is started when the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is in the first state. The items to be sterilized are placed inside the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2. When the sterilizer 1 is started and the sterilization process begins, the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 is filled with sterilization gas. Because the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is in the first state, at least a portion of the sterilization gas inside the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 flows into the housing 14S via the ventilation passage 17E of the push member 17. The housing 14S where the indicator 3 is located is filled with sterilization gas. The sterilization gas comes into contact with the indicator 3.

[0043] In the first state, the second opening 15M of the retaining member 15 is closed by the surface of the shielding member 14, so that the sterilization gas from the containment section 14S does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the second opening 15M. In this embodiment, the sterilization gas from the containment section 14S does not leak out to the internal passage 5C of the passage member 5. The third opening 15N of the retaining member 15 is closed by the stopper member 16, so that the sterilization gas from the containment section 14S does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the third opening 15N. In the first state, the second port 14B is blocked by the stopper member 16, and the third port 14C is blocked by the inner surface of the retaining member 15.

[0044] After a specified time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the operator operates the shielding member 14 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 10 enters the second state. That is, the operator operates the shielding member 14 so that the containment section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are connected through the second opening 15M, and the first opening 15L is closed on the surface of the shielding member 14. The second state includes the alignment of the second opening 15M and the second port 14B. The shielding member 14 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 10 enters the second state, that is, so that the second opening 15M and the second port 14B are aligned.

[0045] The second opening 15M faces downward. The containment section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the second opening 15M and the second port 14B, causing the indicator 3 in the containment section 14S to fall due to gravity. After passing through the second passage 15Q, the indicator 3 passes through the internal passage 5C and falls into the receiving box 6. The worker can remove the indicator 3 from the outlet 6A (see Figure 1) provided in the receiving box 6. The indicator 3 removed from the outlet 6A is then subjected to analysis, for example, in an analytical instrument.

[0046] In the second state, the first opening 15L of the holding member 15 is closed by the surface of the shielding member 14, so that the sterilization gas from inside the sterilization tank 2 2A out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the first opening 15L is suppressed. In this embodiment, the sterilization gas from inside the sterilization tank 2 2A out into the internal passage 5C of the passage member 5 is suppressed. The third opening 15N of the holding member 15 is closed by the stopper member 16. In the second state, the third port 14C is blocked by the stopper member 16, and the first port 14A is blocked by the inner surface of the holding member 15.

[0047] The operator can operate the shielding member 14 while the sterilization process is in progress. The operator can operate the shielding member 14 while the sterilization process is in progress to bring the indicator 3 out of the housing section 14S. Analysis of the indicator 3 can be started while the sterilization process is in progress.

[0048] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is fixed to the side of the sterilization tank 2 outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2. The indicator inlet / outlet 10 comprises a shielding member 14 having a housing portion 14S for arranging the indicator 3, and a holding member 15 arranged around the shielding member 14 and having a first opening 15L that allows the housing portion 14S to communicate with the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and a second opening 15M that allows the housing portion 14S to communicate with the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2. The shielding member 14 is operated to close the second opening 15M in a first state in which the housing portion 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication through the first opening 15L, and to close the first opening 15L in a second state in which the housing portion 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication through the second opening 15M.

[0049] According to the embodiment, when the indicator inlet / outlet 10 starts sterilization in the first state, the sterilization gas from inside the sterilization tank 2 2A flows into the containment section 14S through the first opening 15L, so that the sterilization gas and the indicator 3 in the containment section 14S come into contact. Because the sterilization gas and the indicator 3 come into contact, the indicator 3 can confirm the sterilization status by the sterilizer 1 while the sterilization process is in progress. In the first state, the second opening 15M is closed on the surface of the shielding member 14, so that the sterilization gas from inside the sterilization tank 2 2A does not flow out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the containment section 14S and the second opening 15M.

[0050] The indicator 3 is released from the housing section 14S by operating the shielding member 14 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is in the second state. Even if the shielding member 14 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is in the second state from the first state to the second state, the first opening 15L is closed on the surface of the shielding member 14, so that the sterilization gas inside the sterilization tank 2 2A does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the first opening 15L.

[0051] In this embodiment, the indicator 3 can be released from the containment section 14S while the sterilization process is in progress, and the analysis of the indicator 3 can be started while the sterilization process is in progress. Therefore, the analysis of the indicator 3 and the sterilization of the items to be sterilized can be carried out efficiently.

[0052] For example, when confirming the sterilization status by the sterilizer 1 based on the half-cycle method, when half the sterilization time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the indicator 3 can be emitted from the containment unit 14S, and the analysis of the indicator 3 can be started. The half-cycle method is a method of confirming the sterilization status based on the judgment result of the indicator 3 (biological indicator) when processed for half the actual sterilization time. For example, if the sterilization conditions for the object to be sterilized in the steam sterilizer are 134°C for 7 minutes (the sterilization process time is 7 minutes), in this embodiment, after the sterilization process (operation) has started and after pre-treatment processes, etc., the indicator 3 can be emitted from the containment unit 14S immediately after 3.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, that is, immediately after 3.5 minutes have elapsed, which is half of 7 minutes from the time the sterilization time measurement started. Note that if the confirmation of the sterilization status is for routine management rather than the half-cycle method, the indicator 3 may be emitted after the completion of the sterilization process, or while another process after the sterilization process is in progress.

[0053] In the conventional method, the door of sterilization tank 2 is opened, the indicator 3 is placed inside 2A of sterilization tank 2 along with the items to be sterilized, the door is closed, and the operation of sterilizer 1 is started. After the operation of sterilizer 1 is finished, the door of sterilization tank 2 is opened and the indicator 3 is removed from inside 2A of sterilization tank 2. In this method, the analysis of indicator 3 is started after the sterilization process is complete. Since the door of sterilization tank 2 cannot be opened while the sterilization process is in progress, in the conventional method, the analysis of indicator 3 must be started after the sterilization process is complete. Furthermore, if the analysis of indicator 3 determines that the sterilization state is inadequate, the sterilization of the items to be sterilized must be repeated. Therefore, the sterilized items cannot be supplied to the clinical setting until the results of the analysis of indicator 3 are known. Thus, in the conventional method, where the door of sterilization tank 2 is opened after the sterilization process is complete and the indicator 3 is removed from inside 2A of sterilization tank 2, it is difficult to efficiently perform both the analysis of indicator 3 and the sterilization of the items to be sterilized.

[0054] In this embodiment, the indicator 3 can be released from the containment section 14S while the sterilization process is in progress, and the analysis of the indicator 3 can be started while the sterilization process is in progress. Therefore, the analysis of the indicator 3 can be performed in parallel with the sterilization of the items to be sterilized. Thus, the analysis of the indicator 3 and the sterilization of the items to be sterilized can be performed efficiently.

[0055] Furthermore, in the Bowiedic test, which verifies the removal performance of non-condensable gases such as air by the steam sterilizer, the Bowiedic test pack is used as indicator 3. The Bowiedic test is performed daily before operating sterilizer 1. Conventionally, the Bowiedic test using indicator 3 and the sterilization process of the items to be sterilized are performed separately.

[0056] In this embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is in the first state when the indicator 3 (Bowiedic test pack) is placed in the storage section 14S and the sterilizer 1 is started. After a specified time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the indicator inlet / outlet 10 is changed from the first state to the second state, and the indicator 3 can be released from the storage section 14S. If the test conditions for the Bowiedic test are 134°C for 3.5 minutes (test time is 3.5 minutes) and the sterilization conditions for the object to be sterilized are 134°C for 7 minutes (sterilization process time is 7 minutes), then in this embodiment, the indicator 3 can be released from the storage section 14S immediately after 3.5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the sterilization process. In other words, the Bowiedic test can be performed in parallel with the sterilization of the object to be sterilized. Therefore, the Bowiedic test and the sterilization of the object to be sterilized can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, by storing a biological indicator in addition to the Bowiedic test pack in the storage section 14S, the sterilization status by the death of indicator bacteria can be confirmed simultaneously with the removal performance of non-condensable gases such as air.

[0057] In this embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet device 10 is fixed to the outside of the sterilization tank 2 such that the second opening 15M faces downward. As a result, when the shielding member 14 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet device 10 moves from the first state to the second state, the indicator 3 in the housing section 14S falls through the second opening 15M due to gravity. This makes it easy for the operator to retrieve the indicator 3.

[0058] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0059] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the indicator inlet / outlet device 110 according to the second embodiment. The indicator inlet / outlet device 110 comprises a shielding member 114 having a housing section 14S for arranging the indicator 3, and a holding member 115 arranged around the shielding member 114 and having a first opening 15L that allows communication between the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and a second opening 15M that allows communication between the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2.

[0060] The differences between the first and second embodiments described above will now be explained. The shielding member 14 of the first embodiment has a first port 14A, a second port 14B, and a third port 14C connected to the housing section 14S. The shielding member 114 of the second embodiment has a first port 14A connected to the housing section 14S, but does not have a second port 14B and a third port 14C. The retaining member 15 of the first embodiment has a first opening 15L, a second opening 15M, and a third opening 15N. The retaining member 115 of the second embodiment has a first opening 15L and a second opening 15M, but does not have a third opening 15N.

[0061] Next, the operation of the indicator inlet / outlet 110 according to the second embodiment will be described. Before the sterilization process for the items to be sterilized is started, the operator operates the shielding member 114 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 110 is in a first state. That is, the operator operates the shielding member 114 so that the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication through the first opening 15L, and the second opening 15M is closed on the surface of the shielding member 114. The first state includes the alignment of the first opening 15L and the first port 14A. The shielding member 114 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 110 is in a first state, that is, so that the first opening 15L and the first port 14A are aligned.

[0062] After the housing section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the first opening 15L and the first port 14A, the worker enters the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 and performs a pushing operation to push the indicator 3 into the housing section 14S. In the pushing operation, the worker uses a pushing member 17 to push the indicator 3 from the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 into the housing section 14S. After positioning the indicator 3 in the internal passage 11C, the worker uses the pushing member 17 to push the indicator 3 to the left toward the housing section 14S. Since the housing section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the first opening 15L and the first port 14A, the indicator 3 is housed in the housing section 14S.

[0063] The sterilizer 1 is started after the indicator 3 is housed in the housing 14S, the worker exits the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and the entrance / exit of the sterilization tank 2 is closed by the door. The sterilizer 1 is started when the indicator inlet / outlet 110 is in the first state. The items to be sterilized are placed inside the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2. When the sterilizer 1 is started and the sterilization process begins, the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 is filled with sterilization gas. Because the indicator inlet / outlet 110 is in the first state, at least a portion of the sterilization gas inside the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 flows into the housing 14S via the ventilation passage 17E of the push member 17. The housing 14S where the indicator 3 is located is filled with sterilization gas. The sterilization gas comes into contact with the indicator 3.

[0064] In the first state, the second opening 15M of the holding member 115 is closed by the surface of the shielding member 114, so that the sterilization gas from the containment section 14S does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the second opening 15M.

[0065] After a specified time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the operator operates the shielding member 114 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 110 enters the second state. That is, the operator operates the shielding member 114 so that the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are connected through the second opening 15M, and the first opening 15L is closed on the surface of the shielding member 114. The second state includes the alignment of the second opening 15M and the first port 14A. The shielding member 114 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 110 enters the second state, that is, so that the second opening 15M and the first port 14A are aligned.

[0066] The second opening 15M faces downward. Because the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the second opening 15M and the first port 14A, the indicator 3 in the housing section 14S falls due to gravity. The indicator 3, once exposed to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2, is then analyzed, for example, in an analytical instrument.

[0067] In the second state, the first opening 15L of the holding member 115 is closed by the surface of the shielding member 114, so that the sterilization gas inside the sterilization tank 2A ​​does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the first opening 15L.

[0068] The operator can operate the shielding member 114 while the sterilization process is in progress. The operator can operate the shielding member 114 while the sterilization process is in progress to bring the indicator 3 out of the housing 14S. Analysis of the indicator 3 can be started while the sterilization process is in progress.

[0069] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0070] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the sterilizer 1 and indicator inlet / outlet 210 according to the third embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the indicator inlet / outlet 210 according to the third embodiment.

[0071] The indicator inlet / outlet device 210 comprises a shielding member 214 having a housing section 14S for arranging the indicator 3, and a holding member 215 arranged around the shielding member 214 and having a first opening 15L that allows communication between the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and a second opening 15M that allows communication between the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2.

[0072] The differences between the second and third embodiments described above will now be explained. In the second embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet 110 is located on the side of the sterilization tank 2. In the third embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet 210 is located at the bottom of the sterilization tank 2. In the second embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet 110 has a push-in member 17. In the third embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet 210 does not have a push-in member 17. In the holding member 115 of the second embodiment, the first opening 15L is provided on the right side of the holding member 115, and the second opening 15M is provided at the bottom of the holding member 115. In the holding member 215 of the third embodiment, the first opening 15L is provided at the top of the holding member 215, and the second opening 15M is provided at the bottom of the holding member 215.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the passage member 5 is connected to the lower part of the holding member 215. The receiving box 6 is connected to the lower part of the passage member 5. The second flange portion 15D provided on the lower part of the holding member 215 and the flange portion 5B provided on the upper part of the passage member 5 are fixed together.

[0074] Next, the operation of the indicator inlet / outlet 210 according to the third embodiment will be described. Before the sterilization process for the items to be sterilized is started, the operator operates the shielding member 214 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 210 is in a first state. That is, the operator operates the shielding member 214 so that the housing section 14S and the inside 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are in communication through the first opening 15L, and the second opening 15M is closed on the surface of the shielding member 214. The first state includes the alignment of the first opening 15L and the first port 14A. The shielding member 214 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 210 is in a first state, that is, so that the first opening 15L and the first port 14A are aligned.

[0075] After the housing section 14S and the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the first opening 15L and the first port 14A, the worker enters the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 and performs the insertion operation of inserting the indicator 3 into the housing section 14S. In the third embodiment, since the first opening 15L faces upward, the worker can insert the indicator 3, held in their fingers, into the first passage 15P and then release their fingers from the indicator 3 to insert it into the housing section 14S. Due to the action of gravity, the indicator 3 falls from the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 through the first passage 15P and the first opening 15L into the housing section 14S and is housed in the housing section 14S.

[0076] The sterilizer 1 is started after the indicator 3 is housed in the housing 14S, the worker exits the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2, and the entrance / exit of the sterilization tank 2 is closed by the door. The sterilizer 1 is started when the indicator inlet / outlet 210 is in the first state. The items to be sterilized are placed inside the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2. When the sterilizer 1 is started and the sterilization process begins, the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 is filled with sterilization gas. Because the indicator inlet / outlet 210 is in the first state, at least a portion of the sterilization gas inside the interior 2A of the sterilization tank 2 flows into the housing 14S through the first passage 15P and the first opening 15L. The housing 14S where the indicator 3 is located is filled with sterilization gas. The sterilization gas comes into contact with the indicator 3.

[0077] In the first state, the second opening 15M of the holding member 215 is closed by the surface of the shielding member 214, so that the sterilization gas from the containment section 14S does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the second opening 15M.

[0078] After a specified time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the operator operates the shielding member 214 so that the indicator inlet / outlet 210 enters a second state. That is, the operator operates the shielding member 214 so that the housing section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are connected through the second opening 15M, and the first opening 15L is closed on the surface of the shielding member 214. The second state includes the alignment of the second opening 15M and the first port 14A. The shielding member 214 is operated so that the indicator inlet / outlet 210 enters a second state, i.e., the second opening 15M and the first port 14A are aligned.

[0079] The second opening 15M faces downward. The containment section 14S and the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 are connected via the second opening 15M and the first port 14A, causing the indicator 3 in the containment section 14S to fall due to gravity. After passing through the second passage 15Q, the indicator 3 passes through the internal passage 5C of the passage member 5 and falls into the receiving box 6. The worker can remove the indicator 3 from the outlet 6A (see Figure 5) provided in the receiving box 6. The indicator 3 removed from the outlet 6A is then subjected to analysis, for example, in an analytical instrument.

[0080] In the second state, the first opening 15L of the holding member 215 is closed by the surface of the shielding member 214, so that the sterilization gas inside the sterilization tank 2A ​​does not leak out to the outside 2B of the sterilization tank 2 through the first opening 15L.

[0081] The operator can operate the shielding member 214 while the sterilization process is in progress. The operator can operate the shielding member 214 while the sterilization process is in progress to bring the indicator 3 out of the housing 14S. Analysis of the indicator 3 can be started while the sterilization process is in progress.

[0082] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the shielding members 14 (114, 214) are operated by an operator. The shielding members 14 (114, 214) may also be operated by actuators (not shown) connected to the shielding members 14 (114, 214). Alternatively, a controller connected to the actuators may determine the timing for switching between the first state and the second state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...Sterilizer, 2...Sterilization chamber, 2A...Internal, 2B...External, 3...Indicator, 4...Support hole, 5...Passage member, 5A...Cylinder section, 5B...Flange section, 5C...Internal passage, 6...Receiving box, 6A...Outlet, 10...Indicator inlet / outlet, 11...Mounting member, 11A...Cylinder section, 11B...Flange section, 11C...Internal passage, 12...Valve, 13...Sealing member, 14...Shielding member, 14A...First port, 14B...Second port, 14C...Third port, 14S...Housing section, 15...Holding member, 15A...Enclosing section, 15B...First flange section, 15C...First cylinder Part, 15D...Second flange part, 15E...Second cylindrical part, 15F...Third flange part, 15G...Third cylindrical part, 15L...First opening, 15M...Second opening, 15N...Third opening, 15P...First passage, 15Q...Second passage, 15R...Third passage, 16...Stopping member, 17...Push-in member, 17A...Rod part, 17B...Plug part, 17C...Flange part, 17D...Stopper surface, 17E...Ventilation passage, 110...Indicator inlet / outlet, 114...Shielding member, 115...Holding member, 210...Indicator inlet / outlet, 214...Shielding member, 215...Holding member.

Claims

1. An indicator inlet / outlet device, positioned outside the sterilization chamber of a sterilizer, for inserting and removing an indicator for confirming the sterilization status by the sterilizer, A shielding member having a housing for arranging the indicator, The device comprises a retaining member arranged around the shielding member, having a first opening that allows communication between the housing and the inside of the sterilization tank, and a second opening that allows communication between the housing and the outside of the sterilization tank, The shielding member has a mechanism that closes the second opening in a first state in which the housing and the inside of the sterilization tank are in communication through the first opening, and closes the first opening in a second state in which the housing and the outside of the sterilization tank are in communication through the second opening. Indicator input / output device.

2. The first state and the second state are switched by the rotation of the shielding member. The indicator input / output device according to claim 1.

3. The second opening is fixed to the outside of the sterilization tank so that it faces downwards. The indicator input / output device according to claim 2.

4. The system includes a push member that pushes the indicator in and inserts it into the housing from inside the sterilization tank through the first opening. The indicator input / output device according to claim 1.

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