Indicator Input / Output Device

Abstract

To efficiently perform indicator analysis processing. [Solution] The indicator inlet / outlet device 20 for inserting and removing an indicator 21 for confirming the sterilization status by the sterilizer 3 is located outside the sterilization tank 12 of the sterilizer 3 and comprises a container 20 in which the indicator 21 is housed, a first pipe 23 connecting the inside of the container 20 to the inside of the sterilization tank 12, a first valve 24 for opening and closing the first pipe 23, a second pipe 25 connecting the inside of the container 20 to the atmosphere, a second valve 26 for opening and closing the second pipe 25, and a controller 28 that outputs a first control command to open the first valve 24 after closing the second valve 26 and a second control command to open the second valve 26 after closing the first valve 24.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When subjecting an object to be processed to a sterilization treatment using a sterilizer, an indicator is used to confirm the sterilization state of the object to be processed by the sterilizer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After the indicator is carried out from the inside of the sterilizer, it is analyzed. It is desired to efficiently perform the analysis process of the indicator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses an indicator input / output device for inputting and outputting an indicator for confirming the sterilization state by a sterilizer. The indicator input / output device is disposed outside the sterilization tank of the sterilizer, and includes a container for accommodating the indicator, a first pipe connecting the inside of the container and the inside of the sterilization tank, a first valve for opening and closing the first pipe, a second pipe connecting the inside of the container and the atmospheric space, a second valve for opening and closing the second pipe, a controller that outputs a first control command for opening the first valve after closing the second valve, and a second control command for opening the second valve after closing the first valve.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, the analysis process of the indicator can be efficiently performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the processing facility according to the first embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing a sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilizer and indicator inlet / outlet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sterilizer and indicator inlet / outlet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilizer and indicator inlet / outlet according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sterilizer and indicator inlet / outlet according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the terms left, right, front, back, top, and bottom will be used as appropriate to describe the positional relationships of each part.

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

[0010] <Processing facility> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a processing facility 1 according to the first embodiment, viewed from above. The processing facility 1 cleans and sterilizes the objects to be processed. Medical instruments are exemplified as objects to be processed. Scalpels and forceps are exemplified as medical instruments. A washer 2 for cleaning the objects to be processed and a sterilizer 3 for sterilizing the objects to be processed are installed in the processing facility 1. The washer 2 is a washer that cleans the objects to be processed using a cleaning solution, such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-136843. The sterilizer 3 is a steam sterilizer that sterilizes the objects to be processed using steam, such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-252880.

[0011] Processing facility 1 has a first room 4, a second room 5, and a third room 6. Each of the first room 4, the second room 5, and the third room 6 is a cleanroom. The first room 4 is a cleanroom with a cleanliness level of 1. The second room 5 is a cleanroom with a cleanliness level of 2, which is cleaner than the cleanliness level of 1. The third room 6 is a cleanroom with a cleanliness level of 3, which is cleaner than the cleanliness level of 2. The first room 4, the second room 5, and the third room 6 are adjacent to each other. The second room 5 is located in front of the first room 4. The third room 6 is located in front of the second room 5. The first room 4 and the second room 5 are separated by a first wall 7. The second room 5 and the third room 6 are separated by a second wall 8.

[0012] Washer 2 includes a washing tank 9, an entrance door 10 for opening and closing the entrance to the washing tank 9, and an exit door 11 for opening and closing the exit to the washing tank 9. Sterilizer 3 includes a sterilization tank 12, an entrance door 13 for opening and closing the entrance to the sterilization tank 12, and an exit door 14 for opening and closing the exit to the sterilization tank 12.

[0013] The cleaning tank 9 is positioned at the boundary between the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5. The cleaning tank 9 is fixed to the first wall 7. The inlet of the cleaning tank 9 faces the first chamber 4. The outlet of the cleaning tank 9 faces the second chamber 5.

[0014] The sterilization tank 12 is positioned at the boundary between the second chamber 5 and the third chamber 6. The sterilization tank 12 is fixed to the second wall 8. The inlet of the sterilization tank 12 faces the second chamber 5. The outlet of the sterilization tank 12 faces the third chamber 6.

[0015] The items to be processed are washed by the washer 2 and then sterilized by the sterilizer 3. The items to be processed are brought from the first chamber 4 to the washing tank 9. The washer 2 washes the items to be processed contained in the washing tank 9. After being washed, the items to be processed are removed from the washing tank 9 to the second chamber 5. The washed items to be processed are brought from the second chamber 5 to the sterilizer 12. The sterilizer 3 sterilizes the items to be processed contained in the sterilizer 12. After being sterilized, the items to be processed are removed from the sterilizer 12 to the third chamber 6.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a side view schematically showing the sterilizer 3 according to the first embodiment. The sterilizer 3 includes a sterilization chamber 12, an inlet door 13, an outlet door 14, an interface panel 15, and an indicator inserter / extractor 20. At least a part of the sterilization chamber 12 is embedded in the second wall 8.

[0017] The interface panel 15 includes a display device and an input device. The display device provides display data to the user of the sterilizer 3. Examples of the display device include flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays or organic EL displays. The input device generates input data when operated by the user. Examples of the input device include a touch panel or buttons. The interface panel 15 is arranged on the outer surface of the washing tank 9. The interface panel 15 is arranged to face the third chamber 6. Note that the interface panel 15 may be arranged to face the second chamber 5.

[0018] The indicator inserter / extractor 20 inserts and extracts an indicator 21 for checking the sterilization state of the object to be processed by the sterilizer 3. Examples of the indicator 21 include biological indicators and Bowie Dick test packs. A biological indicator refers to an indicator for checking the sterilization state by the death of indicator bacteria. A Bowie Dick test pack refers to an indicator for checking the removal performance of non-condensable gases such as air in a steam sterilizer.

[0019] The indicator inserter / extractor 20 includes a container 22 in which the indicator 21 is accommodated. The container 22 is arranged outside the sterilization chamber 12 of the sterilizer 3. The container 22 is connected to the sterilization chamber 12.In the example shown in Fig. 2, the container 22 is arranged to face the third chamber 6. Note that the container 22 may be arranged to face the second chamber 5.

[0020] <Sterilizer and Indicator Inserter / Extractor> FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a sterilizer 3 and an indicator input / output device 20 according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the sterilizer 3 is a steam sterilizer. The sterilizer 3 includes a sterilization chamber 12, a steam supply pipe 31, a steam supply valve 32, an air supply pipe 33, an air supply valve 34, a first discharge pipe 35A, a second discharge pipe 35B, a third discharge pipe 35C, a discharge pipe 35, a first discharge valve 36, a vacuum pump 37, a steam trap 38, a second discharge valve 39, and a controller 16.

[0021] The sterilization chamber 12 accommodates the object to be treated. The object to be treated is disposed inside the sterilization chamber 12.

[0022] The steam supply pipe 31 is connected to the sterilization chamber 12. Steam is supplied from a steam supply source (not shown) to the steam supply pipe 31. The steam from the steam supply source is supplied into the sterilization chamber 12 through the steam supply pipe 31.

[0023] The steam supply valve 32 is disposed in the steam supply pipe 31. The steam supply valve 32 opens and closes the flow path of the steam supply pipe 31. When the steam supply valve 32 opens, steam is supplied into the sterilization chamber 12. When the steam supply valve 32 closes, the supply of steam into the sterilization chamber 12 stops.

[0024] The air supply pipe 33 is connected to the steam supply pipe 31. The air supply pipe 33 connects the atmospheric space and the steam supply pipe 31. Air in the atmospheric space flows into the air supply pipe 33 through a filter 40. The filter 40 allows air from which foreign matters have been removed to flow into the air supply pipe 33. Air in the atmospheric space is supplied into the sterilization chamber 12 through the air supply pipe 33.

[0025] The air supply valve 34 is disposed in the air supply pipe 33. The air supply valve 34 opens and closes the flow path of the air supply pipe 33. When the air supply valve 34 opens, air is supplied into the sterilization chamber 12. When the air supply valve 34 closes, the supply of air into the sterilization chamber 12 stops.

[0026] One end of the first discharge pipe 35A and one end of the second discharge pipe 35B are connected to the sterilization tank 12. The other end of the first discharge pipe 35A and the other end of the second discharge pipe 35B are connected to the discharge pipe 35. The third discharge pipe 35C is arranged in parallel with at least a portion of the second discharge pipe 35B. One end of the third discharge pipe 35C and the other end of the third discharge pipe 35C are each connected to the second discharge pipe 35B. One end of the third discharge pipe 35C is connected to the inside of the sterilization tank 12 via a portion of the second discharge pipe 35B. The other end of the third discharge pipe 35C is connected to the discharge pipe 35 via a portion of the second discharge pipe 35B.

[0027] The first discharge pipe 35A, the second discharge pipe 35B, and the third discharge pipe 35C are each connected to the discharge pipe 35. The fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 is discharged to the discharge pipe 35 through at least one of the first discharge pipe 35A, the second discharge pipe 35B, and the third discharge pipe 35C. Examples of fluids inside the sterilization tank 12 include steam, air, and hot water (condensate). The fluid discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12 is discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3 through the discharge pipe 35.

[0028] The first discharge valve 36 and the vacuum pump 37 are located in the first discharge pipe 35A. The first discharge valve 36 is located in the first discharge pipe 35A between the sterilization tank 12 and the vacuum pump 37. The vacuum pump 37 operates to discharge fluid from inside the sterilization tank 12. A water-sealed vacuum pump is exemplified as the vacuum pump 37.

[0029] The steam trap 38 is located in the second discharge pipe 35B. The steam trap 38 is located in the second discharge pipe 35B between one end and the other end of the third discharge pipe 35C. The second discharge valve 39 is located in the third discharge pipe 35C.

[0030] When the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12 is near atmospheric pressure or a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, the vacuum pump 37 operates with the first discharge valve 36 open, causing the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 to be discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3 via the first discharge pipe 35A and the discharge pipe 35.

[0031] When the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12 is positive pressure, higher than atmospheric pressure, the second discharge valve 39 opens while the first discharge valve 36 is closed, causing the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 to be discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3 via the third discharge pipe 35C and the discharge pipe 35.

[0032] The controller 16 includes a computer. The controller 16 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory including non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), storage, and an interface including input / output circuits. The controller 16 outputs control commands to control the steam supply valve 32, the air supply valve 34, the first discharge valve 36, the vacuum pump 37, and the second discharge valve 39, respectively. The controller 16 communicates with the interface panel 15.

[0033] The indicator inlet / outlet device 20 comprises a container 22, a first pipe 23, a first valve 24, a second pipe 25, a second valve 26, a pressure sensor 27, and a controller 28.

[0034] Container 22 is placed outside the sterilization tank 12. Container 22 houses the indicator 21. The indicator 21 is placed inside container 22. Container 22 has an opening and a lid that opens and closes the opening. The user can close the opening of container 22 with the lid or remove the lid from the opening of container 22. The user can insert the indicator 21 into container 22 or remove the indicator 21 from inside container 22 through the opening of container 22. When the opening of container 22 is closed with the lid, the inside of container 22 is substantially sealed. The lid may be, for example, a screw-on lid or it may be secured to the container with a sanitary clamp. Container 22 may be made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0035] The first pipe 23 is positioned outside the sterilization tank 12. The first pipe 23 connects the inside of the container 22 to the inside of the sterilization tank 12. The fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 flows into the inside of the container 22 through the first pipe 23. In this embodiment, a portion of the first pipe 23 is coiled. The flow resistance (pressure loss) of the first pipe 23 is adjusted by adjusting the length or inner diameter of the first pipe 23, or by adjusting the length of the coiled portion of the first pipe 23.

[0036] The first valve 24 is located in the first pipe 23. The first valve 24 opens and closes the flow path of the first pipe 23. When the first valve 24 opens, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 flows into the container 22. When the first valve 24 closes, the flow of fluid from the sterilization tank 12 into the container 22 stops.

[0037] The second pipe 25 is located outside the sterilization tank 12. The second pipe 25 connects the inside of the container 22 to the atmosphere. Air from the atmosphere flows into the inside of the container 22 through the second pipe 25.

[0038] The second valve 26 is located in the second pipe 25. The second valve 26 opens and closes the flow path of the second pipe 25. Air from the atmosphere flows into the second pipe 25 via the filter 29 and the check valve 30. Air from which foreign matter has been removed by the filter 29 flows into the second pipe 25. The check valve 30 is located between the filter 29 and the second valve 26. The check valve 30 allows air to flow from the atmosphere into the container 22 and prevents fluid from flowing out of the container 22 into the atmosphere. When the second valve 26 opens, air from the atmosphere flows into the inside of the container 22. When the second valve 26 closes, the flow of air from the atmosphere into the inside of the container 22 stops.

[0039] The pressure sensor 27 detects the pressure inside the container 22. The pressure sensor 27 is connected to the second pipe 25 between the container 22 and the second valve 26. When the second valve 26 is closed, the pressure sensor 27 can detect the pressure inside the container 22.

[0040] The controller 28 includes a computer. The controller 28 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory including non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), storage, and an interface including input / output circuits. The controller 28 outputs control commands to control the first valve 24 and the second valve 26, respectively.

[0041] The controller 28 outputs at least a first control command and a second control command. The first control command is a control command to open the first valve 24 after closing the second valve 26. The second control command is a control command to open the second valve 26 after closing the first valve 24. Based on the detection data of the pressure sensor 27, the controller 28 can output control commands to control the first valve 24 and the second valve 26, respectively. The controller 28 communicates with the interface panel 15. The controller 28 communicates with the controller 16 of the sterilizer 3.

[0042] In this embodiment, controller 16 and controller 28 are assumed to be separate computers (hardware), but controller 16 and controller 28 may be an integrated unit.

[0043] <Operation of sterilizer and indicator input / output device> Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sterilizer 3 and indicator dispenser 20 according to the first embodiment. The user operates the interface panel 15 to place the indicator 21 inside the container 22. When the interface panel 15 is operated, permission request data is generated as input data, requesting permission to place the indicator 21 inside the container 22. Based on the permission request data, the controller 28 outputs a control command to close the first valve 24 and open the second valve 26. The user of the indicator dispenser 20 places the indicator 21 inside the container 22 with the first valve 24 closed and the second valve 26 open (step SA1).

[0044] After the user places the indicator 21 inside the container 22, they operate the interface panel 15 to start the operation of the sterilizer 3. The operation of the interface panel 15 generates start-up data as input data to begin operation of the sterilizer 3. Based on the start-up data, the controller 28 outputs a first control command to close the second valve 26 and then open the first valve 24 (step SA2).

[0045] When the controller 28 outputs a first control command, the second valve 26 closes, and at a second time point, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time point in time when the second valve 26 closes, the first valve 24 opens. When the second valve 26 closes, the inflow of air from the atmosphere into the container 22 stops. When the first valve 24 opens, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 flows into the container 22.

[0046] The controller 16 of the sterilizer 3 starts the air discharge process (step SB1) after the controller 28 of the indicator inlet / outlet 20 outputs the first control command. The air discharge process refers to the process of discharging air from inside the sterilizer tank 12. Before the sterilizer 3 starts operation, the inside of the sterilizer tank 12 is filled with air. The controller 16 starts the air discharge process to discharge the air that is filling inside the sterilizer tank 12.

[0047] The air discharge process includes a depressurization process that reduces the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12 and a steam supply process that supplies steam to the inside of the sterilization tank 12. For the depressurization process, the controller 16 operates the vacuum pump 37 with the second discharge valve 39 and the first discharge valve 36 open. When the second discharge valve 39 is opened, the inside of the sterilization tank 12 becomes atmospheric pressure. When the vacuum pump 37 is operated with the sterilization tank 12 at atmospheric pressure, air is discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12, and the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12 is reduced. The air discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12 flows through the first discharge pipe 35A and the discharge pipe 35, and is then discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3. After the air has been discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12, for the steam supply process, the controller 16 opens the steam supply valve 32 with the vacuum pump 37 stopped. When the steam supply valve 32 is opened, steam is supplied to the inside of the sterilization tank 12 via the steam supply pipe 31. In the air discharge process, the controller 16 repeats the depressurization process and the steam supply process a specified number of times.

[0048] After the air discharge process is completed, the controller 16 starts the sterilization process (step SB2). Sterilization is the process of sterilizing the items to be processed inside the sterilization tank 12 using steam. For the sterilization process, the controller 16 opens the steam supply valve 32 with the vacuum pump 37 stopped. When the steam supply valve 32 is opened, steam is supplied into the sterilization tank 12 via the steam supply pipe 31. During the sterilization process, the first discharge valve 36 and the second discharge valve 39 are closed. During the sterilization process, the hot water discharged from the steam trap 38 flows through the discharge pipe 35 and is then discharged outside the sterilizer 3.

[0049] The controller 28 of the indicator inlet / outlet 20 maintains a first state in which the second valve 26 is closed and the first valve 24 is open during the sterilization process by the sterilizer 3. During the sterilization process by the sterilizer 3, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 continues to flow into the container 22. The indicator 21 housed in the container 22 continues to be in contact with the fluid from the sterilization tank 12. During the sterilization process by the sterilizer 3, air from the ambient space is prevented from flowing into the container 22.

[0050] After the sterilization process is completed, the controller 16 starts the steam discharge process (step SB3). The steam discharge process is the process of discharging steam from inside the sterilization tank 12. Immediately after the sterilization process is completed, the inside of the sterilization tank 12 is filled with steam. The controller 16 starts the steam discharge process to discharge the steam that is filling the inside of the sterilization tank 12.

[0051] Immediately after the sterilization process is complete, the inside of the sterilization tank 12 is under positive pressure. The controller 16 opens the second discharge valve 39 for steam discharge. When the second discharge valve 39 is opened, steam is discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12. The steam discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12 flows through the third discharge pipe 35C and discharge pipe 35, and then is discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3. After opening the second discharge valve 39, the controller 16 operates the vacuum pump 37 with the first discharge valve 36 open. When the vacuum pump 37 operates with the first discharge valve 36 open, steam is discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12. The steam discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12 flows through the first discharge pipe 35A and discharge pipe 35, and then is discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3.

[0052] After the steam discharge process is completed, the controller 16 starts the air supply and exhaust process (step SB4). The air supply and exhaust process is a process that repeatedly performs an air supply process to supply air into the sterilization tank 12 and a depressurization process to reduce the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12. For the air supply process, the controller 16 opens the air supply valve 34 with the vacuum pump 37 stopped. When the air supply valve 34 is opened, air is supplied into the sterilization tank 12 via the air supply pipe 33. After air has been supplied into the sterilization tank 12, for the depressurization process, the controller 16 operates the vacuum pump 37 with the first discharge valve 36 open. When the vacuum pump 37 operates with the first discharge valve 36 open, air is discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12, and the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12 is reduced. The air discharged from inside the sterilization tank 12 flows through the first discharge pipe 35A and the discharge pipe 35, and is then discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 3. In the air intake and exhaust process, the controller 16 repeats the air intake process and the pressure reduction process a specified number of times.

[0053] The controller 28 of the indicator inlet / outlet device 20 outputs a second control command to close the first valve 24 and then open the second valve 26 after the sterilization process by the sterilizer 3 is completed (step SA3). The controller 28 can output the second control command at any time after the completion of the sterilization process.

[0054] When the controller 28 outputs a second control command, the first valve 24 closes, and at the fourth time point, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the third time point when the first valve 24 closes, the second valve 26 opens. When the first valve 24 closes, the inflow of fluid from the sterilization tank 12 into the container 22 stops. When the second valve 26 opens, air from the ambient space flows into the container 22.

[0055] During at least part of the steam discharge process (step SB3) and the air supply and exhaust process (step SB4) following the completion of the sterilization process (step SB2), the inside of the sterilization tank 12 is depressurized. The pressure sensor 27 detects the pressure inside the container 22. Based on the data detected by the pressure sensor 27, the controller 28 outputs a second control command when it determines that the pressure inside the container 22 has become atmospheric pressure.

[0056] The controller 28 displays indicator data on the interface panel 15 indicating that the first valve 24 is closed and the second valve 26 is open. After confirming the displayed data, the user can remove the indicator 21 from the container 22. The indicator 21 removed from the container 22 is then analyzed, for example, in an analytical instrument.

[0057] The controller 28 can output a second control command at any time after the sterilization process is completed. After the second control command is output, the first valve 24 closes and the second valve 26 opens, the user can remove the indicator 21 from the container 22. The analysis of the indicator 21 is started at any time after the sterilization process is completed. The analysis of the indicator 21 is performed in parallel with the operation of the sterilizer 3.

[0058] After the analysis of the indicator 21 confirms that the object to be sterilized has been properly completed and the operation of the sterilizer 3 has finished, the object to be sterilized is removed from the sterilization tank 12.

[0059] <Effects> As described above, the indicator inlet / outlet device 20 is located outside the sterilization tank 12 of the sterilizer 3 and comprises a container 22 in which the indicator 21 is housed, a first pipe 23 connecting the inside of the container 22 to the inside of the sterilization tank 12, a first valve 24 for opening and closing the flow path of the first pipe 23, a second pipe 25 connecting the inside of the container 22 to the atmosphere, a second valve 26 for opening and closing the flow path of the second pipe 25, and a controller 28 that outputs a first control command to open the first valve 24 after closing the second valve 26, and a second control command to open the second valve 26 after closing the first valve 24.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first control command is output from the controller 28, and after the second valve 26 is closed, the first valve 24 is opened, thereby suppressing the outflow of fluid from inside the sterilization tank 12 into the atmosphere. The inside of the sterilization tank 12 and the inside of the container 22 housing the indicator 21 are connected via the first pipe 23. As the fluid from inside the sterilization tank 12 flows into the container 22 via the first pipe 23, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 and the indicator 21 come into contact. Since the fluid inside the sterilization tank 12 and the indicator 21 come into contact for at least a portion of the sterilization process, the sterilization status by the sterilizer 3 can be confirmed using the indicator 21. Since the container 22 housing the indicator 21 is located outside the sterilization tank 12, the indicator 21 can be removed from the container 22 while the sterilizer 3 is in operation, and the sterilization status by the sterilizer 3 can be confirmed. In this embodiment, "while the sterilizer 3 is in operation" refers to the period from the start of the air discharge process (step SB1) to the end of the air supply and exhaust process (step SB4).

[0061] During the sterilization process, a first state is maintained in which the second valve 26 is closed and the first valve 24 is open. In the first state, since the second valve 26 is closed, the outflow of steam from inside the sterilization tank 12 into the atmosphere through the second pipe 25 is suppressed.

[0062] In this embodiment, a second control command is output from the controller 28 while the sterilizer 3 is in operation, and the first valve 24 is closed, after which the second valve 26 is opened. After the second control command is output, the user can smoothly remove the indicator 21 from the container 22. Also, when the indicator 21 is removed from the container 22, the first valve 24 is closed, so the outflow of fluid from inside the sterilization tank 12 into the atmosphere is suppressed.

[0063] In this embodiment, a second control command is output from the controller 28 while the sterilizer 3 is operating, allowing the user to remove the indicator 21 from the container 22 while the sterilizer 3 is running. Therefore, the analysis of the indicator 21 can be started while the sterilizer 3 is running. Consequently, the analysis of the indicator 21 can be performed efficiently without waiting for the sterilizer 3 to finish operating.

[0064] In the first state, when the second valve 26 is closed and the first valve 24 is open, the pressure inside the container 22 is detected by the pressure sensor 27. When the pressure inside the sterilization tank 12 is reduced after the sterilization process is completed, the controller 28 outputs a second control command when the pressure inside the container 22 becomes atmospheric pressure. The user can smoothly remove the indicator 21 from the container 22 after the pressure inside the container 22 becomes atmospheric pressure.

[0065] The controller 28 may output a second control command while the sterilization process by the sterilizer 3 is in progress. The user may remove the indicator 21 from the container 22 while the sterilization process by the sterilizer 3 is in progress. This allows the analysis of the indicator 21 to be started while the sterilization process is in progress. Therefore, the analysis of the indicator 21 and the sterilization of the object being processed can be carried out efficiently.

[0066] For example, when checking the sterilization status by the sterilizer 3 based on the half-cycle method, when half the sterilization time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the controller 28 outputs a second control command, allowing the user to remove the indicator 21 from the container 22 and start the analysis process of the indicator 21. The half-cycle method is a method of checking the sterilization status based on the judgment result of the indicator 21 (biological indicator) when processed for half the actual sterilization time. For example, if the sterilization conditions for the object to be processed in the steam sterilizer are 134°C for 7 minutes (sterilization time is 7 minutes), in this embodiment, after the operation of the sterilizer 3 is started and pre-treatment such as air discharge treatment is performed, the indicator 21 can be removed from the container 22 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 measurement of the sterilization time began.

[0067] 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 21. The Bowiedic test is performed daily before operating the sterilizer 3. Conventionally, the Bowiedic test using indicator 21 and the sterilization process of the object being processed are performed separately.

[0068] In this embodiment, the indicator 21 (Bowiedic test pack) is placed in the container 22 and the sterilizer 3 is started. When a specified time has elapsed since the start of the sterilization process, the controller 28 outputs a second control command, allowing the user to remove the indicator 21 from the container 22. If the Bowiedic test conditions are 134°C for 3.5 minutes (test time is 3.5 minutes) and the sterilization conditions for the object being processed are 134°C for 7 minutes (sterilization time is 7 minutes), the user can remove the indicator 21 from the container 22 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 process of the object being processed. Therefore, the Bowiedic test and sterilization process can be performed efficiently.

[0069] In this embodiment, the flow resistance (pressure loss) of the first tube 23 is adjusted by adjusting the length or inner diameter of the first tube 23, or by adjusting the length of the wound portion of the first tube 23. Conventionally, when the indicator 21 is installed inside the sterilization tank 21, the indicator 21 is often installed in the area with the most severe sterilization conditions (the area that is difficult to sterilize). By adjusting the flow resistance of the first tube 23, the environment of the area that is difficult to sterilize can be reproduced inside the container 22.

[0070] [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 first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0071] <Sterilizers and indicator input / output devices> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the sterilizer 103 and indicator inlet / outlet 120 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the sterilizer 103 is a gas sterilizer that sterilizes the object to be processed using a sterilizing gas, such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-229034. Examples of sterilizing gases include ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide gas, and formaldehyde gas. In this embodiment, the sterilizing gas is ethylene oxide gas (EOG).

[0072] The sterilizer 103 comprises a sterilization tank 112, a gas supply pipe 131, a gas supply valve 132, an air supply pipe 133, an air supply valve 134, an exhaust pipe 135, an exhaust valve 136, a vacuum pump 137, and a controller 116.

[0073] The sterilization tank 112 contains the items to be processed. The gas supply pipe 131 is connected to the sterilization tank 112. Sterilization gas is supplied to the gas supply pipe 131 from a sterilization gas supply source (not shown). The sterilization gas from the sterilization gas supply source is supplied to the inside of the sterilization tank 112 via the gas supply pipe 131.

[0074] The gas supply valve 132 is located on the gas supply pipe 131. The gas supply valve 132 opens and closes the flow path of the gas supply pipe 131. When the gas supply valve 132 is open, sterilization gas is supplied to the inside of the sterilization tank 112. When the gas supply valve 132 is closed, the supply of sterilization gas to the inside of the sterilization tank 112 is stopped.

[0075] The air supply pipe 133 is connected to the gas supply pipe 131. The air supply pipe 133 connects the atmospheric space to the gas supply pipe 131. Air from the atmospheric space flows into the air supply pipe 133 via the filter 140. Air from which foreign matter has been removed by the filter 140 flows into the air supply pipe 133. Air from the atmospheric space is supplied to the inside of the sterilization tank 112 via the air supply pipe 133.

[0076] The air supply valve 134 is located in the air supply pipe 133. The air supply valve 134 opens and closes the flow path of the air supply pipe 133. When the air supply valve 134 is open, air is supplied to the inside of the sterilization tank 112. When the air supply valve 134 is closed, the supply of air to the inside of the sterilization tank 112 is stopped.

[0077] The discharge pipe 135 is connected to the sterilization tank 112. The fluid inside the sterilization tank 112 is discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103 via the discharge pipe 135.

[0078] The discharge valve 136 and the vacuum pump 137 are located in the discharge pipe 135. The discharge valve 136 is located in the discharge pipe 135 between the sterilization tank 112 and the vacuum pump 137. The vacuum pump 137 operates to discharge fluid from inside the sterilization tank 12. When the discharge valve 136 is open and the vacuum pump 137 is operated, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 112 is discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103 via the discharge pipe 135.

[0079] The controller 116 includes a computer. The controller 116 outputs control commands to control the gas supply valve 132, the air supply valve 134, the discharge valve 136, and the vacuum pump 137, respectively. The controller 116 communicates with the interface panel 115.

[0080] The indicator inlet / outlet device 120 comprises a container 22, a first pipe 23, a first valve 24, a second pipe 25, a second valve 26, a pressure sensor 27, and a controller 28. In this embodiment, the indicator inlet / outlet device 120 further comprises a third pipe 50 connected to the first pipe 23 between the container 22 and the first valve 24, a discharge valve 51 located in the third pipe 50, and a vacuum pump 52 located in the third pipe 50.

[0081] Container 22 is placed outside the sterilization tank 12. Container 22 houses the indicator 21. The first pipe 23 connects the inside of container 22 to the inside of the sterilization tank 12. The first valve 24 opens and closes the flow path of the first pipe 23. The second pipe 25 connects the inside of container 22 to the atmosphere. The second valve 26 opens and closes the flow path of the second pipe 25. Air from the atmosphere flows into the second pipe 25 via the filter 29 and the check valve 30. The pressure sensor 27 detects the pressure inside container 22.

[0082] One end of the third pipe 50 is connected to the first pipe 23 between the container 22 and the first valve 24. A discharge valve 51 is located in the third pipe 50. The discharge valve 51 opens and closes the flow path of the third pipe 50. A vacuum pump 52 is located in the third pipe 50. The discharge valve 51 is located in the third pipe 50 between one end of the third pipe 50 and the vacuum pump 52. The vacuum pump 52 operates to discharge the fluid from the first pipe 23. When the discharge valve 51 is open and the vacuum pump 52 is operating, the fluid from the first pipe 23 is discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103 via the third pipe 50. When the discharge valve 51 is closed or the vacuum pump 52 is stopped, the discharge of the fluid from the first pipe 23 to the outside of the sterilizer 103 is suppressed.

[0083] The controller 28 includes a computer. In this embodiment, the controller 28 outputs at least a third control command, a fourth control command, and a fifth control command. The third control command is a control command to close the second valve 26 and stop the vacuum pump 52, and then open the first valve 24. The fourth control command is a control command to close the first valve 24 and close the second valve 26, and then operate the vacuum pump 52. The fifth control command is a control command to close the first valve 24 and stop the vacuum pump 52, and then open the second valve 26.

[0084] The third control command is an example of the first control command described in the first embodiment described above. The third control command is a control command to stop the vacuum pump 52 added to the first control command. The fifth control command is an example of the second control command described in the first embodiment described above. The fifth control command is a control command to stop the vacuum pump 52 added to the second control command.

[0085] In this embodiment, operating the vacuum pump 52 includes opening the discharge valve 51. Stopping the vacuum pump 52 may include closing the discharge valve 51.

[0086] <Operation of sterilizer and indicator input / output device> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sterilizer 103 and indicator inlet / outlet 120 according to the second embodiment. The user operates the interface panel 115 to place the indicator 21 inside the container 22. When the interface panel 115 is operated, permission request data is generated as input data, requesting permission to place the indicator 21 inside the container 22. Based on the permission request data, the controller 28 outputs a control command to close the first valve 24 and open the second valve 26. With the first valve 24 closed and the second valve 26 open, the user places the indicator 21 inside the container 22 (step SC1).

[0087] After the user places the indicator 21 inside the container 22, they operate the interface panel 115 to start the operation of the sterilizer 103. When the interface panel 115 is operated, start data for starting the operation of the sterilizer 103 is generated as input data. Based on the start data, the controller 28 outputs a third control command to close the second valve 26 and stop the vacuum pump 52, and then open the first valve 24 (step SC2).

[0088] When the controller 28 outputs a third control command, the second valve 26 closes and the vacuum pump 52 stops. At the sixth time point, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the fifth time point when the second valve 26 closes and the vacuum pump 52 stops, the first valve 24 opens. When the second valve 26 closes, the inflow of air from the atmosphere into the container 22 stops. When the vacuum pump 52 stops, the discharge of fluid from the first pipe 23 is suppressed. When the first valve 24 opens, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 112 flows into the container 22.

[0089] The controller 116 of the sterilizer 103 starts the air discharge process (step SD1) after the controller 28 of the indicator inlet / outlet 120 outputs a third control command. The air discharge process includes a depressurization process to reduce the pressure inside the sterilizer tank 112 and a gas supply process to supply sterilization gas to the inside of the sterilizer tank 112. For the depressurization process, the controller 116 operates the vacuum pump 137 with the discharge valve 136 open. The air discharged from inside the sterilizer tank 112 flows through the discharge pipe 135 and is then discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103. After the air has been discharged from inside the sterilizer tank 112, for the gas supply process, the controller 16 opens the gas supply valve 132 with the vacuum pump 137 stopped. In the air discharge process, the controller 116 repeats the depressurization process and the gas supply process a specified number of times.

[0090] After the air discharge process is completed, the controller 116 starts the sterilization process (step SD2). For the sterilization process, the controller 116 opens the gas supply valve 132 with the vacuum pump 137 stopped. When the gas supply valve 132 is opened, EOG, which is a sterilization gas, is supplied into the sterilization tank 112 via the gas supply pipe 131. During the sterilization process, the discharge valve 136 is closed.

[0091] The controller 28 of the indicator inlet / outlet 120 maintains a third state in which the second valve 26 is closed, the vacuum pump 52 is stopped, and the first valve 24 is open during the sterilization process by the sterilizer 103. During the sterilization process by the sterilizer 103, the fluid inside the sterilization tank 112 continues to flow into the container 22. The indicator 21 housed in the container 22 continues to be in contact with the fluid from the sterilization tank 112. During the sterilization process by the sterilizer 103, air from the ambient space is prevented from flowing into the container 22.

[0092] After the sterilization process is complete, the controller 116 starts the gas discharge process (step SD3). The controller 116 operates the vacuum pump 137 with the discharge valve 136 open for the gas discharge process. As the vacuum pump 137 operates, sterilization gas is discharged from inside the sterilization tank 112. The sterilization gas discharged from inside the sterilization tank 112 flows through the discharge pipe 135 and is then discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103.

[0093] After the gas discharge process is completed, the controller 116 starts the air supply and exhaust process (step SD4). For the air supply process, the controller 116 opens the air supply valve 134 with the vacuum pump 137 stopped. After air is supplied to the inside of the sterilization tank 112, for the depressurization process, the controller 116 operates the vacuum pump 137 with the discharge valve 136 open. With the discharge valve 136 open and the vacuum pump 137 operating, air is discharged from inside the sterilization tank 112, and the pressure inside the sterilization tank 112 is reduced. The air discharged from inside the sterilization tank 112 flows through the discharge pipe 135 and is then discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103. In the air supply and exhaust process, the controller 116 repeats the air supply process and the depressurization process a specified number of times.

[0094] The controller 28 of the indicator inlet / outlet 120 outputs a fourth control command to close the first valve 24 and the second valve 26, and then activate the vacuum pump 52, after the sterilization process by the sterilizer 103 is completed (step SC3). The controller 28 can output the fourth control command at any time after the completion of the sterilization process.

[0095] When the controller 28 outputs a fourth control command, both the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 close, and the vacuum pump 52 is activated at the eighth time point, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the seventh time point when both the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are closed. When the first valve 24 closes, the inflow of fluid from the sterilization tank 12 into the container 22 stops. When the second valve 26 closes, the inflow of air from the atmosphere into the container 22 stops. When the vacuum pump 52 is activated, the sterilization gas remaining inside the container 22 and the sterilization gas remaining in the first pipe 23 between the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103 via the third pipe 50.

[0096] After the sterilization process is completed, the controller 28 outputs a fourth control command and maintains the fourth state, in which the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are closed and the vacuum pump 52 is operating, until the internal pressure of the container 22, as detected by the pressure sensor 27, drops to a specified pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. In other words, the controller 28 maintains the fourth state until the gas remaining inside the container 22 and the sterilization gas remaining in the first pipe 23 between the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are sufficiently reduced.

[0097] The controller 28 outputs a fourth control command, and after determining that the pressure inside the container 22 has dropped to a specified pressure based on the detection data of the pressure sensor 27, it outputs a fifth control command to close the first valve 24 and stop the vacuum pump 52, and then open the second valve 26 (step SC4).

[0098] When the controller 28 outputs a fifth control command, the first valve 24 closes and the vacuum pump 52 stops, and at the tenth time, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the ninth time when the first valve 24 closes and the vacuum pump 52 stops, the second valve 26 opens. When the first valve 24 closes, the inflow of fluid from the sterilization tank 12 into the container 22 stops. When the vacuum pump 52 stops, the sterilization gas remaining inside the container 22 and the sterilization gas remaining in the first pipe 23 between the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are stopped from being discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103 via the third pipe 50. When the second valve 26 opens, air from the atmosphere flows into the container 22.

[0099] After outputting the fifth control command, the controller 28 maintains the fifth state, in which the first valve 24 is closed, the vacuum pump 52 is stopped, and the second valve 26 is open, until the pressure inside the container 22 detected by the pressure sensor 27 reaches atmospheric pressure.

[0100] The controller 28 outputs a fifth control command and, after determining that the pressure inside the container 22 has become atmospheric pressure based on the detection data from the pressure sensor 27, outputs a fourth control command. The controller 28 repeats the output of the fourth control command and the output of the fifth control command a predetermined number of times.

[0101] The controller 28 determines whether the number of repetitions between the output of the fourth control command and the output of the fifth control command has reached a predetermined set number (step SC5). If it is determined in step SC5 that the number of repetitions has not reached the set number (step SC5: No), the process returns to step SC3.

[0102] In step SC5, if it is determined that the number of repetitions has reached the set number (step SC5: Yes), the controller 28 displays indicator data on the interface panel 115 indicating that the first valve 24 is closed, the vacuum pump 52 has stopped, and the second valve 26 is open. After confirming the displayed data, the user can remove the indicator 21 from the container 22. The indicator 21 removed from the container 22 is then analyzed, for example, in an analytical instrument.

[0103] The controller 28 can output the fourth and fifth control commands at any time after the sterilization process is completed. After the number of repetitions reaches the set number, the first valve 24 closes, the vacuum pump 52 stops, and the second valve 26 opens, the user can remove the indicator 21 from the container 22. The analysis of the indicator 21 is started at any time after the sterilization process is completed. The analysis of the indicator 21 is performed in parallel with the operation of the sterilizer 103.

[0104] After the analysis of the indicator 21 confirms that the object to be processed has been properly sterilized and the operation of the sterilizer 103 has finished, the object to be processed is removed from the sterilization tank 12.

[0105] <Effects> As described above, when the controller 28 outputs a third control command, the second valve 26 is closed and the vacuum pump 52 stops, and then the first valve 24 is opened, the outflow of fluid from inside the sterilization tank 12 into the atmosphere is suppressed, and the inside of the sterilization tank 112 and the inside of the container 22 containing the indicator 21 are connected via the first pipe 23. Since the sterilization gas inside the sterilization tank 112 and the indicator 21 come into contact for at least a part of the sterilization process, the sterilization status by the sterilizer 103 can be confirmed using the indicator 21. Since the container 22 containing the indicator 21 is located outside the sterilization tank 112, the sterilization status by the sterilizer 103 can be confirmed while the sterilizer 103 is in operation. In this embodiment, "while the sterilizer 3 is in operation" refers to the period from when the air discharge process (step SD1) is started until when the air supply and exhaust process (step SD4) is completed.

[0106] During the sterilization process, a third state is maintained in which the second valve 26 is closed, the vacuum pump 52 is stopped, and the first valve 24 is open. In the third state, since the second valve 26 and the vacuum pump 52 are closed, the leakage of sterilization gas from inside the sterilization tank 12 to the outside of the sterilizer 103 is suppressed.

[0107] In this embodiment, during operation of the sterilizer 103, a fourth control command is output from the controller 28, and after the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are closed, the vacuum pump 52 is activated. As a result, the sterilization gas remaining inside the container 22 and the sterilization gas remaining in the first pipe 23 between the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are discharged to the outside of the sterilizer 103 via the third pipe 50.

[0108] The controller 28 repeats the output of the fourth control command and the output of the fifth control command a predetermined number of times. This ensures that the sterilization gas remaining inside the container 22 and the sterilization gas remaining in the first pipe 23 between the first valve 24 and the second valve 26 are sufficiently discharged. After the sterilization gas remaining inside the container 22 has been sufficiently discharged, the lid of the container 22 is removed, thereby preventing the sterilization gas inside the sterilization tank 12 from leaking out of the container 22 into the atmosphere.

[0109] In this embodiment, the controller 28 outputs the fourth and fifth control commands while the sterilizer 103 is running, allowing the user to remove the indicator 21 from the container 22 while the sterilizer 103 is operating. Therefore, the analysis of the indicator 21 can be started while the sterilizer 103 is running. Consequently, the analysis of the indicator 21 can be performed efficiently without waiting for the sterilizer 103 to finish operating. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1…Processing facility, 2…Washer, 3…Sterilizer, 4…First chamber, 5…Second chamber, 6…Third chamber, 7…First wall, 8…Second wall, 9…Washing tank, 10…Inlet door, 11…Outlet door, 12…Sterilization tank, 13…Inlet door, 14…Outlet door, 15…Interface panel, 16…Controller, 20…Indicator inlet / outlet, 21…Indicator, 22…Container, 23…First pipe, 24…First valve, 25…Second pipe, 26…Second valve, 27…Pressure sensor, 28…Controller, 29…Filter, 30…Check valve, 31…Steam supply pipe, 32…Steam supply valve, 33…Air supply pipe, 34…Air supply valve 35...Discharge pipe, 35A...First discharge pipe, 35B...Second discharge pipe, 35C...Third discharge pipe, 36...First discharge valve, 37...Vacuum pump, 38...Steam trap, 39...Second discharge valve, 40...Filter, 50...Third pipe, 51...Discharge valve, 52...Vacuum pump, 103...Sterilizer, 112...Sterilization tank, 115...Interface panel, 116...Controller, 120...Indicator inlet / outlet, 131...Gas supply pipe, 132...Gas supply valve, 133...Air supply pipe, 134...Air supply valve, 135...Discharge pipe, 136...Discharge valve, 137...Vacuum pump, 140...Filter.

Claims

1. An indicator inlet / outlet device for inserting and removing an indicator to confirm the sterilization status by a sterilizer, A container located outside the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer, which houses the indicator, A first pipe connecting the inside of the container and the inside of the sterilization tank, A first valve for opening and closing the first pipe, A second pipe connecting the inside of the container to the atmosphere, A second valve for opening and closing the second pipe, The system includes a controller that outputs a first control command to open the first valve after closing the second valve, and a second control command to open the second valve after closing the first valve. Indicator input / output device.

2. The controller maintains a first state in which the second valve is closed and the first valve is open during the sterilization process by the sterilizer. After the sterilization process by the sterilizer is completed, the second control command is output. The indicator input / output device according to claim 1.

3. After the sterilization process is completed, the inside of the sterilization tank is depressurized. The container is equipped with a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the container, The controller outputs the second control command when the pressure inside the container becomes atmospheric pressure. The indicator input / output device according to claim 2.

4. A third pipe connected to the first pipe between the container and the first valve, The vacuum pump is located in the third tube, The controller outputs a third control command to close the second valve and stop the vacuum pump, and then open the first valve; a fourth control command to close the first valve and close the second valve, and then operate the vacuum pump; and a fifth control command to close the first valve and stop the vacuum pump, and then open the second valve. The indicator input / output device according to claim 1.

5. The controller maintains a third state in which the second valve is closed, the vacuum pump is stopped, and the first valve is open during the sterilization process by the sterilizer. After the sterilization process by the sterilizer is completed, the fourth control command is output, followed by the fifth control command. The indicator input / output device according to claim 4.

6. The container is equipped with a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the container, The controller maintains a fourth state in which the first valve is closed, the second valve is closed, and the vacuum pump is operating until the pressure inside the container drops to a specified pressure lower than atmospheric pressure after the sterilization process is completed. After the pressure inside the container drops to the specified pressure, the fifth control command is output. The indicator input / output device according to claim 5.

7. After outputting the fifth control command, the controller maintains the fifth state in which the first valve is closed, the vacuum pump is stopped, and the second valve is open until the pressure inside the container reaches atmospheric pressure. After the pressure inside the container reaches atmospheric pressure, the fourth control command is output. The indicator input / output device according to claim 6.

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