Sterilization device

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer of a novel configuration capable of preventing a disinfectant from coagulating in a permeation member.SOLUTION: A sterilizer 1 includes a sterilization container 11 and a heating part 61. The sterilization container 11 includes: an outer wall 51 having a window 51c; a permeation member 52 blocking the window 51c and allowing visible light to permeate; and a sterilization chamber 11a inside thereof. The heating part 61 is disposed at a location not facing the window 51c in a thickness direction of the outer wall 51 and heats the permeation member 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a sterilization device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a sterilization device is known that reduces the pressure in a sterilization chamber in a sterilization chamber, vaporizes a sterilizing agent such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution while drawing the sterilizing agent into the sterilization chamber, and sterilizes objects to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber with the vaporized sterilizing agent. The inside of the sterilization chamber is heated to a temperature higher than room temperature to enhance the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing agent. Some sterilization devices of this type have a window provided on the outer wall of the sterilization chamber, and the window is covered with a transparent member that transmits visible light. This allows, for example, light to be irradiated into the sterilization chamber from the outside, and the state inside the sterilization chamber can be visually confirmed by the reflection of the light or photographed by a camera to observe the state inside the sterilization chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-007422 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in this type of sterilization device, the temperature of the sterilization chamber is higher than room temperature, and the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the sterilization chamber may cause the sterilizing agent in the sterilization chamber to condense on the transparent member. When the sterilizing agent condenses on the transparent member in this way, visibility and light transmittance are reduced, and it may become difficult to observe the inside of the sterilization chamber. In response to this, there is a technology that prevents the sterilizing agent from condensing on the transparent member by heating the transparent member with a heater provided in the transparent member, but since the heater covers the transparent member, it is still difficult to observe the inside of the sterilization chamber.

[0005] Therefore, it would be beneficial to obtain a novel configuration that allows easy observation of the state inside the sterilization chamber through a transparent member. One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification etc. aim to solve is to obtain a sterilization device with a novel configuration that allows easy observation of the state inside the sterilization chamber through a transparent member. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification etc. are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for increasing the temperature of a sterilization chamber to which a sterilizing agent is supplied and which contains an object to be sterilized, above room temperature. The sterilization chamber includes an outer wall provided with a window, a transparent member that covers the window and transmits visible light, and a sterilization cabinet in which the sterilization chamber is provided, a heating unit that is provided at a position not facing the window in the thickness direction of the outer wall and heats the transparent member, A cover is disposed on the outside of the outer wall, covers the transparent member, and forms a storage chamber between the outer wall and the cover; Equipped with. The heating unit is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sterilization device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a part including a sterilization chamber of the sterilization apparatus of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an example of a portion including a sterilization chamber of the sterilization apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sterilization device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the pressure in the sterilization chamber during the sterilization operation performed by the sterilization apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion including a window heater of a sterilization device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a part including a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a part including a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating an example of a portion including a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sterilization device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0009] The following embodiments include similar components. The similar components are given common reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. The drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from reality. The drawings may also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish between parts, members, parts, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0010] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sterilization device 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization device 1 includes a sterilization processing unit 2 and a control device 3. The sterilization processing unit 2 vaporizes a liquid sterilizing agent and sterilizes the object to be sterilized 100 with the vaporized sterilizing agent. That is, the sterilization processing unit 2 can kill bacteria. In other words, the sterilization processing unit 2 sterilizes. That is, the sterilization processing unit 2 can reduce bacteria. The liquid sterilizing agent is, for example, a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution. The object to be sterilized 100 is, for example, a medical device such as an endoscope, an endoscope video, or a medical plastic product, but may be another object. The control device 3 controls the sterilization processing unit 2. Hereinafter, the gaseous sterilizing agent may be referred to as a sterilizing gas. The sterilization device 1 is also referred to as a sterilization device.

[0011] The sterilization processing section (sterilization processing section) 2 comprises a sterilization cabinet (sterilization cabinet) 11 and a sterilizing agent supply section (sterilization sterilizing agent supply section) 12. A sterilization chamber (sterilization chamber) 11a that contains an object to be sterilized (object to be sterilized) 100 is provided inside the sterilization cabinet 11, and the sterilizing agent supply section 12 supplies a sterilizing agent (sterilizing agent) to the sterilization chamber 11a. The sterilization chamber 11a is also referred to as a chamber.

[0012] In this embodiment, for convenience, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined. The X direction corresponds to the rear of the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the sterilization chamber 11, the Y direction corresponds to the width direction of the sterilization chamber 11, and the Z direction corresponds to the upper side of the up-down direction (height direction) of the sterilization chamber 11. Hereinafter, the width direction of the sterilization chamber 11 will also be referred to as the left-right direction.

[0013] The sterilizing agent supply section 12 includes a cartridge 31, a liquid phase pump 32, a concentrator 33, an electromagnetic valve 34, a distributor 35, a heating / vaporizing unit 36, a vacuum pump 37, an electromagnetic valve 38, and a vacuum gauge 39. The cartridge 31, the liquid phase pump 32, the concentrator 33, the electromagnetic valve 34, the distributor 35, and the heating / vaporizing unit 36 ​​configure a fluid circuit.

[0014] The vacuum pump 37 sucks gas from within the sterilization cabinet 11, i.e., the sterilization chamber 11a, the heating / vaporization unit 36, and the distributor 35, reducing the pressure within each space to create a vacuum state (a state in which the space is filled with gas at negative pressure, which is a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure). The vacuum state is also called a negative pressure state.

[0015] The cartridge 31 contains a liquid germicide (undiluted liquid). The liquid phase pump 32 sucks the liquid germicide from the cartridge 31 and discharges, i.e., supplies, the sucked liquid germicide to the concentrator 33. The liquid phase pump 32 is a tube pump capable of metering the amount of the germicide sucked in and discharged.

[0016] Concentrator 33 heats the liquid sterilant to concentrate the liquid sterilant. Specifically, concentrator 33 vaporizes the water in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution by heat, thereby increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0017] The solenoid valve 34 is provided between the concentrator 33 and the sterilization chamber 11a. When the solenoid valve 34 opens, the sterilizing agent from the concentrator 33 is supplied to the sterilization chamber 11a if the sterilization chamber 11a is under negative pressure.

[0018] Distributor 35 is provided between concentrator 33 and sterilization chamber 11a. Distributor 35 divides the liquid sterilant that flows in from solenoid valve 34 by negative pressure into four parts according to Pascal's law, and distributes equal amounts to four vaporizers 42, which will be described later.

[0019] The four vaporizers 42 vaporize the liquid sterilant and supply the gaseous sterilant into the sterilization chamber 11a.

[0020] The solenoid valve 38 can be switched between an open state, which connects the inside and outside of the sterilization chamber 11a, and a closed state, which blocks the communication between the inside and outside of the sterilization chamber 11a. When the solenoid valve 38 is in the open state, the sterilization chamber 11a returns from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure. The vacuum gauge 39 measures the degree of vacuum in the sterilization chamber 11a.

[0021] A sterilization chamber 11a is provided inside the sterilization cabinet 11. An object to be sterilized 100 is accommodated in the sterilization chamber 11a. A temperature sensor 48 for detecting the temperature of the sterilization chamber 11a is also arranged in the sterilization chamber 11a.

[0022] The sterilization chamber 11 has a substantially rectangular box shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction and the transverse direction being the width direction. The sterilization chamber 11 has a main body 21 and a door 22. The sterilization chamber 11 is also referred to as a housing.

[0023] The main body 21 has an upper wall 21a, a lower wall 21b, a right wall 21c, a left wall, and a rear wall 21e. The upper wall 21a and the lower wall 21b extend in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and are provided parallel to each other with a gap in the vertical direction. The right wall 21c and the left wall extend in a direction perpendicular to the width direction and are provided parallel to each other with a gap in the width direction. The rear wall 21e extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and connects the rear ends of the upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, and the left wall. The upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, the left wall, and the rear wall 21e each have an outer surface 11b and an inner surface. The upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, the left wall, and the rear wall 21e are the outer walls of the sterilization chamber 11. The main body 21 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0024] A sterilization chamber 11a is provided inside the main body 21. The sterilization chamber 11a is surrounded by an upper wall 21a, a lower wall 21b, a right wall 21c, a left wall, and a rear wall 21e.

[0025] The door 22 is rotatably supported at the front end of the upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, or the left wall, and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 21. When the door 22 is closed, it extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and overlaps with the front ends of the upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, and the left wall, thereby closing the sterilization chamber 11a. When the door 22 is opened, the sterilization chamber 11a is opened forward. The rear wall 21e may be configured as a door that can be opened and closed like the door 22. That is, both the door 22 and the rear wall 21e may be openable and closable.

[0026] In addition, an outer heater 25A is superimposed on each outer surface 11b of the upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, the left wall, and the rear wall 21e. In FIG. 1, only a part of the outer heater 25A is shown. In addition, an outer heater 25B is also provided on the door 22. The outer heaters 25A and 25B heat the inside of the sterilization chamber 11, i.e., the sterilization chamber 11a, from the outside of the sterilization chamber 11. The outer heaters 25A and 25B heat the sterilization chamber 11a so that the temperature of the sterilization chamber 11a becomes a temperature (for example, 50°C to 60°C) higher than the room temperature, which is the temperature in the room where the sterilization device 1 is installed. The outer heaters 25A and 25B have a heat source such as a sheet heater. Hereinafter, the temperature of the sterilization chamber 11a during sterilization (sterilization) may be referred to as the sterilization temperature (sterilization temperature).

[0027] The sterilization chamber 11a accommodates two shelves 23 and two heating / vaporizing units 36. It should be noted that the numbers of shelves 23 and heating / vaporizing units 36 are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0028] The two shelves 23 are arranged vertically with a gap therebetween. Each shelf 23 is detachably supported by supports (not shown) provided on the right wall 21c and the left wall. The two shelves 23 are slidable in the front-rear direction relative to the sterilization chamber 11. The two shelves 23 are capable of placing objects 100 to be sterilized thereon. The shelf 23 is in the form of a net with a plurality of openings. A net 26 is superimposed on the underside of the shelf 23. For example, the net 26 is welded to the shelf 23 and integrated with the shelf 23. The specific heat of the net 26 is lower than that of the shelf 23. The net 26 is provided with a plurality of openings. The net 26 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0029] The two heating / vaporizing units 36 are disposed below the two shelves 23, respectively. More specifically, the two heating / vaporizing units 36 are disposed directly below the two shelves 23, respectively. "Directly below" means that the vertical distance between the upper end of the inner heater 43 included in the heating / vaporizing unit 36 ​​and the upper end of the shelf 23 is equal to or less than half the vertical height of the space on the shelf 23 capable of housing the objects to be sterilized 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the above-shelf housing space).

[0030] Of the two heating / vaporization units 36, the upper heating / vaporization unit 36 ​​is detachably supported by supports provided on the right wall 21c and the left wall (not shown). Also, of the two heating / vaporization units 36, the lower heating / vaporization unit 36 ​​is detachably supported by the bottom wall 21b.

[0031] The heating / vaporization unit 36 ​​has a case 41 , two vaporizers 42 , and an inner heater 43 .

[0032] The case 41 is made of, for example, aluminum.

[0033] The two carburetors 42 are arranged in the case 41 with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction, which is a direction intersecting the up-down direction. Each carburetor 42 has two plates 45, 46. Thus, two sets 47 of two plates 45, 46 are provided, and these sets 47 are arranged in the case 41 with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. The number of sets 47 is not limited to the above. For example, the number of sets 47 may be one, or three or more.

[0034] The two plates 45, 46 are disposed below the shelf 23 in the sterilization chamber 11a. The plates 45, 46 are flat. The two plates 45, 46 extend in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and are disposed parallel to each other with a gap therebetween in the vertical direction. The two plates 45, 46 are also called parallel plates. The plate 46 is disposed below the plate 45. The vaporizer 42 is provided with a supply port and an outlet. The supply port is disposed in the approximate center of the plate 46. The liquid sterilant is supplied from the distributor 35 to the supply port. The supply port supplies the liquid sterilant to the gap between the two plates 45, 46. The gap is a flow path (passage) of the sterilant. The outlet is constituted by the outer edge of the two plates 45, 46 that is open to the outside in the gap between the two plates 45, 46. The sterilant between the two plates 45, 46 flows out of the gap between the two plates 45, 46 from the outlet.

[0035] The inner heater 43 is disposed below the shelf 23 in the sterilization chamber 11a. The inner heater 43 is provided around the two plates 45, 46 of each of the two sets 47. The inner heater 43 is a single sheath heater that is bent.

[0036] Next, the door 22 of the sterilization chamber 11 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a part including the sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view showing an example of a part including the sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Note that, below, each part will be described with the door 22 closed.

[0037] 2 and 3, the door 22 has a wall 51 and a transparent member 52. An endless seal member 53 is interposed between the wall 51 and the main body 21. The wall 51 is an outer wall of the sterilization chamber 11.

[0038] The wall 51 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X direction. The thickness direction of the wall 51 coincides with the X direction. That is, the X direction is the thickness direction of the wall 51. The wall 51 has an outer surface 51a and an inner surface 51b opposite the outer surface 51a. The wall 51 is also provided with a window 51c. The window 51c is a hole penetrating the wall 51 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the wall 51. The window 51c opens to the outer surface 51a and the inner surface 51b. The window 51c communicates with the sterilization chamber 11a. The wall 51 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0039] The transparent member 52 is fixed to an outer surface 51a of the wall 51 and closes the window 51c. An endless seal member 54 is interposed between the transparent member 52 and the wall 51. Visible light passes through the transparent member 52. The transparent member 52 is, for example, glass.

[0040] The transmitting member 52 has an outer surface 52a and an inner surface 52b opposite to the outer surface 52a. The transmitting member 52 has an opposing portion 52d that faces the wall 51 in the thickness direction of the wall 51 on the outer periphery.

[0041] A window heater 61 is fixed to the transparent member 52. The window heater 61 is, for example, a film heater. Note that the window heater 61 is not limited to a film heater. The window heater 61 is provided at a position that does not face the window 51c in the thickness direction (X direction) of the wall 51. Specifically, the window heater 61 is fixed to the facing portion 52d. The window heater 61 is formed in, for example, a rectangular frame shape.

[0042] Further, a temperature sensor 55 is attached to the transmitting member 52. Specifically, the temperature sensor 55 is fixed to the inner surface 52b of the transmitting member 52. The temperature sensor 55 detects the temperature of the transmitting member 52.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, a cover 71 is attached to the door 22. The cover 71 is disposed on the outside of the wall 51 and covers the transparent member 52. A storage chamber 74 is formed between the cover 71 and the wall 51. The window heater 61 is stored in this storage chamber 74. The storage chamber 74 is sealed. The storage chamber 74 remains sealed regardless of whether the door 22 is open or closed. Air is put into the storage chamber 74. This air is put in when the sterilization device 1 is manufactured. The pressure of the storage chamber 74 is approximately the same as atmospheric pressure. Air is an example of a gas. The gas may be something other than air.

[0044] The cover 71 has a base 72 and a transparent member 73. The base 72 has a wall 72a extending in a direction perpendicular to the X direction, and a cylindrical peripheral wall 72b extending from the outer periphery of the wall 72a to the wall 51 of the door 22 and fixed to the wall 51. A window 72c is provided in the wall 72a. The window 72c is a hole penetrating the wall 72a in the thickness direction (X direction) of the wall 72a. The base 72 is made of, for example, stainless steel. In addition, the surface of the base 72 can be painted.

[0045] The transparent member 73 is fixed to the wall 72a and closes the window 72c. Specifically, the transparent member 73 is fitted in the window 72c. Visible light passes through the transparent member 73. The transparent member 73 is made of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic. The transparent member 73 may be made of glass.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sterilization device 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 3 is connected to the outer heaters 25A and 25B, the liquid phase pump 32, the concentrator 33, the solenoid valve 34, the inner heater 43, the vacuum pump 37, the solenoid valve 38, the window heater 61, the vacuum gauge 39, the temperature sensors 48 and 55, and the like. The control device 3 controls the concentrator 33, the solenoid valve 34, the inner heater 43, the vacuum pump 37, the solenoid valve 38, the window heater 61, and the like. The control device 3 controls each heater (the outer heaters 25A and 25B, the inner heater 43, and the window heater 61) independently. For example, the control device 3 controls the outer heaters 25A and 25B and the inner heater 43 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 48, and controls the window heater 61 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 55. It should be noted that a temperature sensor may be provided in the heating / vaporizing unit 36, and the control device 3 may control the inner heater 43 based on the detection result of this temperature sensor.

[0047] The control device 3 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). In other words, the control device 3 is a computer. The CPU reads and executes programs stored in the ROM, etc. The RAM temporarily stores various data used when the CPU executes the programs and performs various arithmetic processing.

[0048] Next, the operation of the sterilizer 1 will be described. The following operation is controlled by the control device 3. In the following operation, the outer heaters 25A, 25B and the window heater 61 are operating, and the outer heaters 25A, 25B heat the sterilization chamber 11a from outside the sterilization chamber 11a, and the window heater 61 heats the transparent member 52. In addition, the sterilizer 1 reduces the pressure in the sterilization chamber 11a and in the space in the fluid circuit between the sterilization chamber 11a and the solenoid valve 34 by the vacuum pump 37 with the solenoid valve 34 closed. The sterilizer 1 opens the solenoid valve 34 when the pressure in the sterilization chamber 11a drops to a specified pressure. As a result, the sterilant discharged from the concentrator 33 advances toward the sterilization chamber 11a and is caused to flow into each heating / vaporization unit 36 ​​by the distributor 35. In each heating / vaporization unit 36, the sterilant advances from the supply port to between the two plates 45, 46, and is heated by the inner heater 43 between the two plates 45, 46. As a result, the sterilant expands thermally between the two plates 45, 46, is drawn into a vacuum, and spreads concentrically, instantly increasing the contact area between the two plates 45, 46. At this time, the inner heater 43 heats the sterilant to promote vaporization of the sterilant. As a result, the sterilant instantly evaporates to the saturated water vapor pressure between the two plates 45, 46. That is, the sterilant vaporizes between the two plates 45, 46. This suppresses the time difference between the vaporization of the water molecules in the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution and the vaporization of the hydrogen peroxide molecules. Here, the ratio of hydrogen peroxide and water in the vaporized sterilant (gas) is 60% hydrogen peroxide and 40% water, or close to that value.

[0049] The gaseous sterilant flows out from the outlets of the two plates 45, 46 into the sterilization chamber 11a outside the two plates 45, 46. The gaseous sterilant that has entered the sterilization chamber 11a flows upward and comes into contact with the object 100 to be sterilized placed on the shelf 23. This sterilizes the object 100 to be sterilized. In this manner, the sterilant is vaporized in the vaporizer 42 directly below the shelf 23, and the vaporized sterilant reaches the object 100 to be sterilized on the shelf 23. Therefore, the sterilant vaporized in the vaporizer 42 can reach the object 100 to be sterilized in a relatively short time and over a short distance. Therefore, the ratio of hydrogen peroxide and water in the gas that has reached the object 100 to be sterilized is likely to be maintained at or close to 60% hydrogen peroxide and 40% water.

[0050] At this time, the inner heater 43 heats (warms) the object 100 to be sterilized. That is, the inner heater 43 heats the object 100 to be sterilized when the sterilizing agent supply unit 12 supplies the sterilizing agent to the sterilization chamber 11a. Specifically, the inner heater 43 sterilizes the object 100 to be sterilized by radiant heat. The inner heater 43 is controlled by the control device 3 so that the temperature inside the case 41 detected by the temperature sensor 48 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 55°C ± 5%). As an example, the inner heater 43 is controlled so that the temperature of the case 41 becomes a predetermined temperature during the sterilization process or heating (warming), and is controlled so that the temperature of the case 41 becomes 55°C during standby (when sterilized). This temperature during standby is the same as the temperature at a location relatively far from the case 41 in the sterilization chamber 11a.

[0051] After the above process, the sterilization apparatus 1 opens the solenoid valve 38 to return the sterilization chamber 11a to atmospheric pressure. The above process is repeated a specified number of times. Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber 11a during the sterilization operation performed by the sterilization apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Line L1 in Fig. 5 indicates the pressure inside the sterilization chamber 11a.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the sterilization apparatus 1 increases the temperature of the sterilization chamber 11a, which contains the object to be sterilized 100 and to which a sterilizing agent is supplied, above room temperature. The sterilization apparatus 1 includes a sterilization chamber 11 and a window heater 61 (heating section). The sterilization chamber 11 has a wall 51 (outer wall) provided with a window 51c, and a transparent member 52 that covers the window 51c and transmits visible light, and has the sterilization chamber 11a provided therein. The window heater 61 is provided at a position not facing the window 51c in the thickness direction (X direction) of the wall 51, and heats the transparent member 52.

[0053] According to this configuration, since the window heater 61 heats the transparent member 52, condensation of the sterilizing agent on the transparent member 52 is suppressed even if a temperature difference occurs between the inside and outside of the sterilizing chamber 11a. This is thought to be because, for example, the heat of the window heater 61 is transferred to the sterilizing agent near the inner surface 52b of the transparent member 52 via the transparent member 52, thereby indirectly compensating for a decrease in the kinetic energy of the sterilizing agent molecules and suppressing condensation. In addition, since the transparent member 52 is provided at a position that does not face the window 51c in the thickness direction of the wall 51, the window heater 61 does not prevent observation of the state inside the sterilizing chamber 11a through the transparent member 52. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is easy to observe the state inside the sterilizing chamber 11a through the transparent member 52.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, condensation of the sterilizing agent is suppressed, so that a decrease in the concentration of the gaseous sterilizing agent in the sterilization chamber 11a is suppressed, and thus a decrease in the sterilizing action of the sterilizing agent is suppressed.

[0055] In this embodiment, the window heater 61 heats the transparent member 52, which prevents the temperature in the vicinity of the window 51c in the sterilization chamber 11a from decreasing, thereby preventing the occurrence of places in the sterilization chamber 11a where the sterilization effect is locally reduced (so-called cold spots).

[0056] In this embodiment, the entire window heater 61 is disposed outside the sterilization chamber 11.

[0057] According to this configuration, the window heater 61 is not exposed to the vacuum inside the sterilization chamber 11, so there is no need for the window heater 61 or the electric wires that supply power to the window heater 61 to have the strength to withstand the vacuum or the pressure change between the vacuum and the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the costs of the window heater 61 and the electric wires.

[0058] Here, if the sterilant condenses, removing the condensed sterilant from the sterilization chamber 11 takes extra time because it is necessary to vaporize the liquefied sterilant and then suck it out using the vacuum pump 37. In contrast, in this embodiment, condensation of the sterilant is suppressed, so the above-mentioned extra time is unlikely to occur.

[0059] The sterilization apparatus 1 further includes a cover 71 that is disposed outside the wall 51, covers the transparent member 52, and defines a storage chamber 74 between the wall 51 and the cover 71. The window heater 61 is stored in the storage chamber 74.

[0060] According to this configuration, since the window heater 61 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 74, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the window heater 61.

[0061] Moreover, the transmitting member 52 has a facing portion 52d that faces the wall 51 in the thickness direction of the wall 51. The window heater 61 is fixed to the facing portion 52d.

[0062] According to this configuration, since the window heater 61 is provided at the facing portion 52d of the transparent member 52, the heat of the window heater 61 is easily transferred to the transparent member 52.

[0063] In this embodiment, the storage chamber 74 contains a gas.

[0064] According to such a configuration, there is no need for the cover 71 and the window heater 61 to have a strength sufficient to withstand a vacuum, so that the costs of the cover 71 and the window heater 61 can be prevented from increasing.

[0065] Next, as a reference example, a method of eliminating the temperature difference inside and outside the sterilization chamber 11a will be described as a method of preventing condensation on the permeable member 52. Generally, low-temperature sterilizers are used at 40 to 60°C because they utilize the reaction of chemical agents. If the temperature outside the sterilization chamber 11a is set to about the same as inside the sterilization chamber 11a, it is difficult to achieve compatibility with an environment in which humans can work. Conversely, if the temperature of the sterilization chamber 11a is set to about room temperature, the reactivity of the chemical agents will decrease significantly (if the sterilization temperature is 55°C and the room temperature is 25°C, then according to Arrhenius' law, a temperature drop of 55°C - 25°C = 30°C will reduce the effect by (1 / 2)). 3 = 1 / 8), and the amount of saturated steam decreases logarithmically, so the concentration of sterilizing gas in the sterilization chamber 11a decreases. As a result, the sterilization effect is greatly reduced, so in order to obtain the same sterilization effect, it is necessary to extend the exposure time by the amount of the reduction in sterilization effect, which significantly reduces the throughput when used as a sterilization device.

[0066] Furthermore, if the window 51c is covered with insulating glass having a double layer structure with a dew condensation prevention function without providing the window heater 61, a certain degree of effect is achieved, but the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the sterilization chamber 11a is not eliminated, and since the inside of the sterilization chamber 11a is saturated with the sterilization gas (humidity 100%), condensation is very likely to occur, so the effect is limited.

[0067] <Modification> Next, a modified example will be described. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion including a window heater 61 of a sterilization device 1 of a modified example of the first embodiment. In this modified example, the facing portion 52d of the transparent member 52 is wider in a direction perpendicular to the X direction than the facing portion 52d of Fig. 2. The window heater 61 (window heater 61 shown by a solid line) is provided on the inner surface 51b of the facing portion 52d of the transparent member 52. The window heater 61 is disposed outside the seal member 54. Note that the window heater 61 may be disposed inside the seal member 54 as shown by a dashed line, or may be disposed on the circumferential surface 52c extending from the outer surface 52a to the inner surface 52b of the transparent member 52.

[0068] <Second embodiment> FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a part including the sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the second embodiment.

[0069] 7, this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the position of the window heater 61, etc. The window heater 61 is fixed to the cover 71. Specifically, the window heater 61 is fixed to the inner surface of the lower part of the peripheral wall 72b. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 55 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 74.

[0070] The accommodation chamber 74 also accommodates a fan 81 for moving the gas in the accommodation chamber 74. The fan 81 is disposed, for example, above the window heater 61. The fan 81 operates when power is supplied to the fan 81. The fan 81 is controlled by the control device 3 so as to operate when the window heater 61 is operating.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the window heater 61 is fixed to the cover 71.

[0072] According to this configuration, since the window heater 61 is fixed to the cover 71, there is no need to provide a portion for providing the window heater 61 on the transparent member 52. Therefore, the transparent member 52 can be easily made compact.

[0073] The sterilization device 1 is also provided with a fan 81 that is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 74 and causes the gas in the accommodation chamber 74 to circulate.

[0074] According to this configuration, the gas within the storage chamber 74 is heated by the window heater 61 and circulated by the fan 81, so that the heat of the window heater 61 is more easily transmitted to the transmitting member 52 via the gas.

[0075] <Third embodiment> Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a part including the sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the third embodiment. Fig. 9 is a front view exemplarily showing a part including the sterilization chamber 11 of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sterilization apparatus 1 of the third embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the window heater 61. The window heater 61 of the present embodiment is, for example, a tube heater. The window heater 61 has a shape wound around the window 51c when viewed in the thickness direction of the wall 51. The window heater 61 has a first portion 61a and a second portion 61b. The first portion 61a is overlapped on the outer surface 52a of the transparent member 52 and fixed to the outer surface 52a. The second portion 61b is connected to the first portion 61a, overlapped on the outer surface 51a of the wall 51 and fixed to the outer surface 51a. The window heater 61 is entirely provided outside the sterilization chamber 11. The window heater 61 may be a sheath heater. The window heater 61 may also be overlapped on the peripheral surface 52c of the transparent member 52 and fixed to the peripheral surface 52c.

[0077] In the second portion 61b, the interval between the multiple portions 61d arranged in an orthogonal direction (Y direction or Z direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall 51 is smaller than the interval between the multiple portions 61c arranged in the orthogonal direction in the first portion 61a. That is, the ratio (density) of the second portions 61b to a predetermined unit area is smaller than the ratio (density) of the first portions 61a to a predetermined unit area. In other words, the current density in the arrangement region of a predetermined unit volume is smaller in the second portions 61b than in the first portions 61a.

[0078] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the outer heater 25B (FIG. 4) and the temperature sensor 55 (FIG. 4) are not provided.

[0079] In this embodiment, the control device 3 controls the window heater 61 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 48. The control device 3 performs heating by the window heater 61 until the temperature of the inner surface 52b of the transparent member 52 becomes the same as a target temperature (for example, the temperature at the center of the sterilization chamber 11a).

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, the window heater 61 has the first portion 61a fixed to the transparent member 52, and the second portion 61b fixed to the first portion 61a and the wall 51.

[0081] According to this configuration, both the transparent member 52 and the wall 51 can be heated by one window heater 61. Therefore, the number of parts of the sterilization device 1 can be reduced compared to the case where the transparent member 52 and the wall 51 are heated by separate heating units.

[0082] The window heater 61 is wound around the window 51c when viewed in the thickness direction (X direction) of the wall 51. In the second portion 61b, the intervals between the multiple portions 61d aligned in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall 51 are smaller than the intervals between the multiple portions 61c aligned in the orthogonal direction in the first portion 61a.

[0083] According to this configuration, the intervals between the multiple parts 61d arranged in the second part 61b in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall 51 are smaller than the intervals between the multiple parts 61c arranged in the orthogonal direction in the first part 61a, so that the temperature of the wall 51 is likely to be prevented from rising too much. Therefore, the difference between the temperature of the door 22 and the temperature of the transparent member 52 is prevented from occurring.

[0084] In this embodiment, the window heater 61 is entirely provided outside the sterilization chamber 11.

[0085] With this configuration, partial differences in the pressure acting on the window heater 61 are less likely to occur compared to when a part of the window heater 61 is provided outside the sterilization chamber 11 and another part of the window heater 61 is provided inside the sterilization chamber 11.

[0086] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 55 is not provided.

[0087] This configuration can simplify the configuration and reduce the cost of the sterilization device 1. Note that the temperature sensor 55 can be easily fixed to the sterilization chamber 11 by screws, for example, because the sterilization chamber 11 is made of stainless steel.

[0088] For example, in each embodiment, the window 51c and the transparent member 52 are provided in the wall 51 of the door 22, but are not limited thereto. The window 51c and the transparent member 52 may be provided in any of the upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, the left wall, and the rear wall 21e of the main body 21 in the sterilization chamber 11, or may be provided in two or more (i.e., a plurality of) parts of the wall 51, the upper wall 21a, the lower wall 21b, the right wall 21c, the left wall, and the rear wall 21e of the door 22.

[0089] For example, window 51c and transparent member 52 may be provided on both wall 51 of door 22 and upper wall 21a of main body 21 (single door specification). In this case, for example, window 51c on wall 51 may be provided for checking the inside of sterilization chamber 11a, and window 51c on upper wall 21a may be provided to illuminate (brighten) the inside of sterilization chamber 11a with a light source (e.g., an LED) provided outside sterilization chamber 11a so that sterilization chamber 11a can be observed. The light source is provided outside sterilization chamber 11a so that it is not affected by the vacuum or sterilizing agent.

[0090] As another example, window 51c and transparent member 52 may be provided in wall 51 of door 22, rear wall 21e of main body 21, and upper wall 21a of main body 21. In this case, for example, window 51c in wall 51 and window 51c in rear wall 21e may be provided for checking the inside of sterilization chamber 11a, and window 51c in upper wall 21a may be provided to illuminate (brighten) the inside of sterilization chamber 11a with a light source (e.g., LED) provided outside sterilization chamber 11a so that sterilization chamber 11a can be observed. In this case, rear wall 21e of main body 21 may be configured as a door (double door specification).

[0091] Although some embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0092] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, a sterilization device 1 having a novel configuration that allows easy observation of the state inside the sterilization chamber 11a through the transmitting member 52 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...sterilization device, 11...sterilization cabinet, 11a...sterilization room, 51...wall (outer wall), 51c...window, 52...transparent member, 52d...opposing part, 61...window heater (heating part), 61a...first part, 61b...second part, 61c, 61d...part, 71...cover, 74...storage chamber, 81...fan, 100...object to be sterilized.

Claims

1. In a sterilization apparatus, the temperature of a sterilization chamber in which an object to be sterilized is contained and a sterilizing agent is supplied is made higher than room temperature, A sterilization cabinet having an outer wall provided with a window and a transparent member that covers the window and transmits visible light, and in which the sterilization chamber is provided; a heating unit provided at a position not facing the window in a thickness direction of the outer wall and configured to heat the transparent member; A cover is disposed on the outside of the outer wall, covers the transparent member, and forms a storage chamber between the outer wall and the cover; Equipped with The heating unit is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. Sterilizer.

2. In a sterilization apparatus, the temperature of a sterilization chamber in which an object to be sterilized is contained and a sterilizing agent is supplied is made higher than room temperature, A sterilization cabinet having an outer wall provided with a window and a transparent member that covers the window and transmits visible light, and in which the sterilization chamber is provided; a heating unit provided at a position not facing the window in a thickness direction of the outer wall and configured to heat the transparent member; Equipped with The heating unit has a first portion fixed to the transparent member and a second portion connected to the first portion and fixed to the outer wall. Sterilizer.

3. The transparent member has an opposing portion that faces the outer wall in the thickness direction, The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the heating unit is fixed to the opposing unit.

4. The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the heating unit is fixed to the cover.

5. The sterilization device according to claim 4, further comprising a fan accommodated in the accommodation chamber and for circulating gas within the accommodation chamber.

6. The sterilizer according to claim 1 , wherein the heating unit has a first portion fixed to the transparent member, and a second portion connected to the first portion and fixed to the outer wall.

7. The heating section has a shape wrapped around the window when viewed in a thickness direction of the outer wall, The sterilization device according to claim 2 or 6, wherein the intervals between the multiple portions arranged in the second portion in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the outer wall are smaller than the intervals between the multiple portions arranged in the perpendicular direction in the first portion.

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