Sterilization device

Abstract

In medium-sized high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizers, the large volume of the chamber results in a high drainage rate, generating a hammering noise (impact sound) that sounds like the inside of the piping is being struck during drainage. To reduce this noise, one could consider drastically reducing the flow rate, but this has the problem of unnecessarily extending the operating time. Furthermore, when using small-diameter piping, there is a concern about filter clogging. This invention provides a structure that reduces drainage noise without compromising operating efficiency. [Solution] The present invention employs a structure that controls the flow rate by providing small-diameter piping in the drainage path. The small-diameter piping has a taper on the inlet side to reduce fluid resistance and a wall on the outlet side to suppress the flow velocity, thereby mitigating impact noise during drainage. It also has a structure that mitigates pressure loss during water supply and amplifies pressure loss during drainage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a mechanism for reducing drainage and steam discharge noise of a medium-sized high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilizer (hereinafter abbreviated as medium-sized AC).

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In conventional medium-sized AC, the noise generated during drainage and steam discharge after operation is loud, which may cause problems when used inside buildings. In particular, while technologies adopted in small-sized sterilizers exist for steam discharge noise, sufficient countermeasures have not been taken for drainage noise.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In medium-sized AC (with a can body volume of 42L or more), the large can body volume leads to a high drainage rate, generating impact noise (hammering noise) that sounds like striking the inside of the piping during drainage. To reduce this noise, a method of drastically lowering the flow rate can be considered, but this has the problem of unnecessarily extending the operation time. In addition, when using small-diameter piping, it is necessary to install a filter to prevent path clogging, but the filter itself becomes a cause of clogging, which is also desirable to avoid. Accordingly, there is a demand for a structure that effectively reduces drainage noise without impairing operation efficiency.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0005] A sterilization apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention employs a structure that controls the flow rate by providing small-diameter piping in the drainage path. Small-diameter piping is piping in which the middle section has a smaller diameter. The small-diameter piping is arranged in a path that corresponds to both water supply and drainage, and has a structure that reduces pressure loss during water supply and increases pressure loss during drainage by changing the angle of the wall on the inlet side (IN) and outlet side (OUT) of the middle section. Specifically, a taper is provided on the inlet side to reduce fluid resistance, and a wall is provided on the outlet side to suppress the flow velocity, thereby reducing impact noise during drainage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively reduce drainage and steam exhaust noise, and to provide a quiet, medium-sized AC. This allows for installation in various locations and minimizes the impact of noise, even when used in examination rooms or hospitals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the piping system of the sterilization apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged view of the small-diameter piping installed in the drainage path of the sterilization apparatus shown. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment, showing that a storage section is provided at the top of the sterilization apparatus. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a biological indicator (BI) housed in the upper compartment of the sterilization device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment] As shown in Figure 1, the high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a small-diameter pipe in the drainage path. This small-diameter pipe has a structure that causes a pressure loss in the flow path when draining.

[0009] As shown in Figure 2, small-diameter piping is piping in which the middle section has a smaller diameter. The small-diameter piping (middle section) is designed to provide different flow resistance during water supply and drainage. During water supply, a tapered section with an angle is provided on the inlet side, which reduces pressure loss. On the other hand, during drainage, a wall is provided on the outlet side, which amplifies pressure loss. This structure allows for different fluid control during water supply and drainage. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the flow velocity during drainage and mitigate impact noise generated inside the piping.

[0010] The taper on the inlet side of the small-diameter pipe is designed to allow fluid to flow smoothly, thereby reducing flow resistance during water supply. The angle of this taper is adjusted to optimize fluid flow, ensuring efficient fluid supply during water supply.

[0011] On the other hand, the wall installed on the outlet side of a small-diameter pipe plays a role in increasing flow resistance during drainage. This wall is designed to reduce the flow velocity during drainage, thereby effectively mitigating the impact noise generated inside the pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the materials used for small-diameter piping are selected for their excellent durability and corrosion resistance. This ensures that stable performance can be maintained even during long-term use.

[0013] Furthermore, the small-diameter piping is designed to be removable, making maintenance and cleaning easy. This prevents performance degradation due to clogging or dirt buildup.

[0014] In the embodiment of the present invention, a high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizer equipped with small-diameter piping can effectively mitigate impact noise generated inside the piping by reducing the flow velocity during drainage. As a result, the operating noise of the sterilizer is reduced, and its quietness is improved.

[0015] This eliminates restrictions on where the sterilizer can be installed, enabling its use in environments requiring low noise such as examination rooms and hospital rooms. In addition, the reduction in operating noise can alleviate stress imposed on users and surrounding people.

[0016] The taper provided on the inlet side of the small-diameter pipe reduces flow path resistance during water supply. As a result, efficient fluid supply is enabled, and the operating time of the sterilizer can be shortened.

[0017] In addition, the mitigation of pressure loss during water supply reduces the load on the pump and pipes, improving the durability of the entire sterilizer.

[0018] The small-diameter pipe has a detachable structure, allowing easy maintenance and cleaning. As a result, performance degradation due to clogging and dirt can be prevented, enabling long-term stable operation of the sterilizer.

[0019] Furthermore, the material of the small-diameter pipe is selected for excellent durability and corrosion resistance, which allows stable performance to be maintained even after long-term use.

[0020] The high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with the small-diameter pipe arranged in the drainage path, which reduces the flow velocity during drainage and mitigates impact noise generated inside the pipe. In addition, during water supply, the taper provided on the inlet side eases pressure loss, enabling efficient fluid supply. Thereby, a sterilizer that achieves both quietness and efficiency can be provided.

[0021] The sterilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a small-diameter pipe provided in a drainage path. This small-diameter pipe has a structure that causes pressure loss in the flow path during drainage.

[0022] The small-diameter pipe has a structure that eases pressure loss by providing a taper at the inlet during water supply, and amplifies pressure loss by providing a wall at the outlet during drainage. This structure enables efficient control of drainage and water supply of the sterilizer.

[0023] The design of the small-diameter piping improves the operating efficiency of the sterilizer and enables smooth progress of sterilization operations.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention provide a structure for reducing impact noise during drainage and improving quietness in a high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilizer. The small-diameter piping, which is a characteristic component of the present invention, is provided in the drainage path, and has a function of causing pressure loss in the flow path during drainage while alleviating pressure loss during water supply. With this structure, the effect of effectively reducing drainage noise without impairing the efficiency during water supply is achieved.

[0025] Specifically, when the fluid passes through the orifice in the drainage path, a pressure loss occurs, whereby the flow velocity is controlled. As a result, the hammering noise generated during drainage is significantly reduced.

[0026] In addition, a taper is provided on the inlet side of the small-diameter piping, and this taper serves to reduce flow path resistance during water supply. This alleviates the pressure loss during water supply, enabling efficient water supply. On the other hand, since the wall provided on the outlet side increases the flow path resistance during drainage, the flow velocity during drainage is further reduced, and the generation of impact noise is suppressed.

[0027] By providing the small-diameter piping in the drainage path, it is possible to effectively reduce the impact noise generated when the fluid flows at high speed inside the piping. This pressure loss serves to moderate the momentum of the fluid, and suppresses vibration and the generation of acoustic energy inside the piping. As a result, the operating noise of the sterilizer is reduced, and quietness is improved.

[0028] Furthermore, since the structure of the small-diameter piping makes it possible to appropriately control the flow velocity during drainage, efficient drainage is achieved without unnecessarily extending the operation time. This point solves the problem that was addressed in the prior art by extremely reducing the flow velocity.

[0029] The taper provided on the inlet side of the small-diameter piping reduces flow resistance during water supply. This structure mitigates pressure loss during water supply, enabling efficient water supply. As a result, the operating efficiency of the sterilizer is improved, and an overall reduction in operating time is expected.

[0030] Furthermore, the design prevents clogging of the water flow path during water supply, eliminating the need for filters and improving maintainability. This solves the problem of filter clogging that plagued conventional technology.

[0031] The wall installed on the outlet side of the small-diameter pipe increases the flow resistance during drainage. This structure further reduces the flow velocity during drainage, effectively reducing impact noise inside the pipe. As a result, the operating noise of the sterilizer is reduced, improving quietness.

[0032] In particular, with medium-sized high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizers, the large volume of the chamber and the high drainage rate make it possible to reduce drainage noise, which was difficult to address with conventional technology. This has the important effect of minimizing the impact of operating noise on the surrounding environment when used in examination rooms or hospitals.

[0033] The high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizer according to this embodiment of the present invention effectively reduces impact noise during drainage by providing small-diameter piping in the drainage path, thereby improving quietness and maintaining efficiency during water supply. This structure allows the sterilizer to be placed anywhere, minimizing its impact on the surroundings even when used in examination rooms or hospitals.

[0034] Furthermore, since filters are not required, maintainability is improved, and long-term operating costs are expected to be reduced. This solves the problem of filter clogging that plagued conventional technology.

[0035] As described above, the present invention effectively solves the problems related to reducing drainage noise and improving quietness in high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizers, and has a significant advantage over the conventional technology.

[0036] [Other Embodiments] Another embodiment of the present invention is a high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilizer equipped with a heating block for culturing a biological indicator (hereinafter referred to as BI) for confirming the sterilization effect. This heating block is temperature-controlled using a drying heater wrapped around the sterilizer's chamber and has a compartment for containing the BI. Furthermore, by temperature-controlling the heating block to 60°C, it becomes possible to efficiently culture the BI.

[0037] This design allows the sterilizer itself to incorporate the BI culture function, eliminating the need to outsource culture as was previously required. This streamlines sterilization operations and ensures reliable confirmation of sterilization effectiveness.

[0038] The heating block is temperature-controlled using a drying heater wrapped around the sterilizer's chamber. This drying heater is installed to heat the sterilizer's chamber, and by repurposing this heat source for the heating block, it becomes possible to culture BI without requiring an additional heat source.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the electric heating block is provided with a containment section for housing BI. As shown in Figure 4, BI can be cultured by housing it in this containment section. This containment section has a structure that stably holds the BI, allowing the BI to be cultured in an appropriate temperature environment. We guarantee that it will be done.

[0040] By maintaining the electric heating block at 60°C, an optimal temperature environment is provided for BI culture. 60°C is the temperature required for BI culture and is also a safe temperature with a low risk of burns. This temperature setting improves the sterilizer's operability and also provides a preheating effect for the next sterilizer operation.

[0041] The heating block is positioned close to the top surface of the sterilizer's exterior. This arrangement improves the sterilizer's operability and facilitates temperature control of the heating block.

[0042] Furthermore, by being positioned close to the top surface of the sterilizer, the heating block is efficiently heated during sterilizer operation. This efficient heating allows for faster BI culture.

[0043] Another embodiment of the present invention employs a high-speed BI (Battle Inspection) that allows for quick determination. This BI can determine the sterilization effect in 30 minutes to 3 hours and can be used in between sterilizer operations.

[0044] The adoption of a high-speed BI system further improves the efficiency of sterilization operations. Conventional BI systems take time to process, which can slow down the sterilization process, but this problem is resolved with the present invention.

[0045] By utilizing a drying heater wrapped around the sterilizer's body, the sterilizer itself can incorporate the BI culture function. This structure simplifies the sterilizer's design and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0046] Furthermore, by utilizing a drying heater, the heating block is efficiently heated during the sterilizer's operation. This efficient heating allows for faster BI culture.

[0047] This allows the sterilizer itself to incorporate the BI culture function, eliminating the need to outsource culture as was previously required. This streamlines sterilization operations and enables reliable confirmation of sterilization effectiveness.

[0048] Furthermore, the heating block is temperature-controlled to 60°C, providing a safe temperature environment with a low risk of burns. This improved safety enhances the sterilizer's operability and reduces the burden on the user.

[0049] The electric heating block has a structure that provides preheating for the next sterilizer operation. This structure improves the operating efficiency of the sterilizer and reduces energy consumption.

[0050] Furthermore, the preheating effect shortens the heating time at the start of sterilizer operation. This reduction in heating time improves the efficiency of sterilization operations. Based on the above, embodiments of the invention are described in detail.

[0051] [Addendum to the Invention] Below is an outline of the invention extracted from each of the embodiments described above. Note that each configuration and processing function described in the following addendum can be selected and combined as desired.

[0052] <Note 1> A sterilization apparatus characterized by having a small-diameter pipe in the drainage path, the small-diameter pipe having a structure that causes pressure loss in the flow path when draining water, a tapered inlet when supplying water to mitigate pressure loss, and a wall at the outlet when draining water to amplify pressure loss.

[0053] <Note 2> The sterilization apparatus according to Note 1, characterized in that the small-diameter pipe has a structure that allows fluid to flow through a small hole opened in its thin wall, and the flow rate is adjusted through the hole.

[0054] <Note 3> The sterilization apparatus according to Note 1 or 2, characterized in that the small-diameter piping has a structure that reduces impact noise inside the piping by lowering the flow velocity during drainage.

[0055] <Note 4> The sterilization apparatus according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that the small-diameter piping has a structure in which a taper with an angle is provided on the inlet side to reduce flow resistance during water supply and a wall is provided on the outlet side to increase flow resistance during drainage.

[0056] <Note 5> A sterilization apparatus characterized in that it is equipped with a heating block for culturing a biological indicator for confirming the sterilization effect, which utilizes a drying heater wrapped around the can body, the heating block has a housing for housing the biological indicator, and the heating block is temperature-controlled to 60°C.

[0057] <Note 6> The sterilization apparatus according to Note 5, characterized in that the electric heating block is positioned close to the top surface of the sterilization apparatus's exterior.

[0058] <Note 7> The sterilization apparatus according to Note 5 or 6, characterized in that the electric heating block has a structure that provides a preheating effect for the next operation of the sterilization apparatus.

Claims

[Claim 1] A sterilization apparatus characterized by having a small-diameter pipe in the drainage path, the small-diameter pipe having a structure that causes pressure loss in the flow path when draining water, a tapered inlet to mitigate pressure loss when supplying water, and a wall at the outlet to amplify pressure loss when draining water.

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