JP2020031671A - Cleaning/sterilization apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cleaning/sterilization apparatus capable of easily detecting a deviation of a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor from a normal value to determine whether calibration thereof is necessary.SOLUTION: An apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing an object to be treated includes a treatment tank 2 for accommodating the object to be treated, a pressure sensor 27 for detecting an absolute pressure in the treatment tank 2, a temperature sensor 28 for detecting a temperature in the treatment tank 2, and calibration determination means. The calibration determination means determines the necessity of calibration of the pressure sensor 27 and the temperature sensor 28 based on (a) whether a temperature difference between a saturated temperature at the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 is equal to or greater than a set value, and (b) whether a pressure difference between a saturated pressure at the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 is equal to or greater than a set value, under a saturated steam environment in the treatment tank 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing an object to be processed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a steam sterilization apparatus that accommodates an object to be sterilized in a sterilization tank and sterilizes with steam is known. In this apparatus, the pressure and temperature in the sterilization tank are detected and controlled by a pressure sensor (10) and a temperature sensor (9).

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 below, the pressure in the cleaning tank (20) is reduced by the exhaust device (30) to boil the cleaning liquid (24), and then the leak valve (26) is opened to conduct the cleaning. There is also known a cleaning apparatus for cleaning an object to be cleaned by introducing outside air into a liquid phase from an air port (25a). This device is also controlled based on the pressure and temperature in the cleaning tank.

JP-A-2003-24418 (paragraph 0009, FIG. 1) JP-A-10-10509 (column for abstract, paragraphs 0031, 0035, FIG. 1)

  None of the conventional apparatuses for cleaning or sterilizing an object to be processed can detect a deviation (deviation from a normal value) of a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. Conventionally, it has not been possible to easily know whether or not the detected values of these sensors have shifted, and the only option is to calibrate each sensor using a calibration device. Further, in the conventional device, a pressure sensor for detecting a gauge pressure (relative pressure) is used, and the detected pressure is affected by the weather and altitude. From this point, the sensor displacement can be detected by the device alone. Did not.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning / sterilizing apparatus capable of easily detecting a deviation from a normal value of a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor and determining whether calibration is necessary or not.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is an apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing an object to be processed, wherein a processing tank in which the object to be processed is stored, A pressure sensor for detecting an absolute pressure in the processing tank, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the processing tank, and a saturated temperature at a pressure detected by the pressure sensor under a saturated steam environment in the processing tank. Whether the temperature difference from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a set value, or (b) whether the pressure difference between the saturated pressure at the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than the set value And a calibration determining means for determining whether or not each sensor needs to be calibrated.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a pressure sensor (and a pressure sensor for detecting an absolute pressure) and a temperature sensor are used to easily calculate a normal value of each sensor under a saturated steam environment in a processing tank. By detecting the deviation, it is possible to determine whether or not calibration is necessary. Specifically, based on (a) the temperature difference between the saturated temperature corresponding to the detected pressure and the detected temperature, or (b) the pressure difference between the saturated pressure corresponding to the detected temperature and the detected pressure, it is necessary to calibrate each sensor. Can be determined.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for sterilizing an object to be processed, while the processing tank is being filled with steam, the calibration determining means determines whether or not each sensor needs to be calibrated. Item 2. The apparatus according to item 1.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the steam sterilizer, while the processing tank is filled with the steam, the calibration determination unit can determine whether or not the calibration of each sensor is necessary. In the operation involving this determination, there may be an object to be processed in the processing tank (that is, it may be determined in the sterilization operation), or there may be no object to be processed (that is, in the test operation). May be used).

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is an apparatus for cleaning an object to be processed, wherein the calibration determination means determines whether or not the calibration of each sensor is necessary while boiling the liquid stored in the processing tank under reduced pressure. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the immersion cleaning apparatus, it is possible to determine whether or not each sensor needs to be calibrated by the calibration judging means while the storage liquid in the processing tank is boiling under reduced pressure. In the operation involving this determination, there may be an object to be processed in the processing tank (that is, it may be determined in the cleaning operation), or there may be no object to be processed (that is, in the test operation). May be used).

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the washing | cleaning / sterilization apparatus of this invention, the deviation from the normal value of a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor can be easily detected, and the necessity of a calibration can be determined.

It is the schematic which shows the steam sterilization apparatus of Example 1 of this invention, and has shown some cross sections. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sensor calibration determination process of the steam sterilizer of FIG. 1 (and the immersion cleaning device of FIG. 3). It is the schematic which shows the immersion cleaning apparatus of Example 2 of this invention, and has shown some cross sections.

  Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an example in which the present invention is applied to a device for sterilizing an object to be treated with steam (steam sterilizer) will be described as Example 1, and then, as Example 2, an apparatus for immersing the object to be treated in a liquid and washing it. An example in which the present invention is applied to an (immersion cleaning device) will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a steam sterilization apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a part of the apparatus is shown in cross section.

  The steam sterilizer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a processing tank 2 in which an object to be processed (for example, a medical instrument) is stored, and a decompression unit that suctions and discharges gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside to depressurize the processing tank 2. 3, decompression means 4 for introducing outside air into the depressurized processing tank 2 to repressurize the processing tank 2, steam supply means 5 for supplying steam (saturated steam) into the processing tank 2, and processing tank A drain discharge means 6 for discharging condensed water of steam from the inside of the tank 2, an exhaust means 7 for discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside by a pressure difference from the atmospheric pressure, and a control means for controlling each of the means 3 to 7 (Not shown).

  The processing tank 2 is a hollow container that resists decompression and pressurization of the internal space, and is typically formed in a substantially rectangular box shape. The processing tank 2 can be opened and closed by a door. The door may be provided on both the front and back of the processing tank 2. By closing the door, the opening of the processing tank 2 can be closed airtightly.

  In this embodiment, a steam jacket 8 is provided on the outer wall of the processing tank 2 to warm the inside of the processing tank 2 from the outside. Specifically, the steam sterilizer 1 includes an inner can 9 and an outer can 10, the processing tank 2 is configured by the inner can 9, and a gap between the inner can 9 and the outer can 10 is a steam jacket 8. You. Steam is supplied to the steam jacket 8 via a jacket steam supply passage (not shown), and condensed water of the steam is discharged to the outside via a jacket drain discharge passage (not shown).

  The pressure reducing means 3 sucks and discharges the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside via the exhaust path 11. A vacuum valve 12, a water-sealed vacuum pump 13, and a check valve 14 are provided in an exhaust path 11 from inside the processing tank 2. By opening the vacuum valve 12 and operating the vacuum pump 13, the gas in the processing tank 2 can be sucked and discharged to the outside, and the pressure in the processing tank 2 can be reduced. When the vacuum pump 13 operates, the vacuum pump 13 is supplied with sealed water.

  The pressure recovery means 4 introduces outside air into the processing tank 2 under reduced pressure via an air supply path 15. An air filter 16, an air supply valve 17, and a check valve 18 are provided in an air supply path 15 into the processing tank 2. When the air supply valve 17 is opened in a state where the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced, outside air can be introduced into the processing tank 2 by a differential pressure, and the pressure in the processing tank 2 can be restored.

  The steam supply means 5 supplies steam into the processing tank 2 via the steam supply path 19. The steam supply path 19 is provided with a steam supply valve 20. By opening the steam supply valve 20, saturated steam from a steam supply source (not shown) can be supplied into the processing tank 2.

  The drain discharge means 6 discharges steam condensed water from the inside of the processing tank 2 via a drain discharge path 21. A steam trap 22 and a check valve 23 are provided in a drain discharge path 21 from inside the processing tank 2. During the supply of steam into the treatment tank 2 by the steam supply means 5, the condensed water of the steam is discharged out of the treatment tank 2 by the drain discharge means 6.

  The evacuation unit 7 derives gas from the pressurized processing tank 2 via the evacuation path 24. An exhaust valve 25 and a check valve 26 are provided in an exhaust path 24 from inside the processing tank 2. When the exhaust valve 25 is opened in a state where the inside of the processing tank 2 is pressurized, the gas in the processing tank 2 can be led out to the outside by the differential pressure, and the pressure in the processing tank 2 can be reduced.

  The processing tank 2 is provided with a pressure sensor 27 for detecting a pressure in the processing tank 2 and a temperature sensor 28 for detecting a temperature in the processing tank 2. As the pressure sensor 27, a sensor capable of detecting an absolute pressure is used. The temperature sensor 28 is not particularly limited, but for example, a temperature measuring resistor is used. The installation positions of the sensors 27 and 28 are not limited to the illustrated example, and may be arranged, for example, so as to be adjacent to the upper part of the processing tank 2.

  The control means is a controller (not shown) that controls the means 3 to 7 based on the detection signals of the sensors 27 and 28, the elapsed time, and the like. Specifically, in addition to the vacuum valve 12, the vacuum pump 13, the air supply valve 17, the steam supply valve 20, and the exhaust valve 25, the pressure sensor 27, the temperature sensor 28, and the like are connected to the controller. Then, as described below, the controller can execute the sterilization operation of the processing object stored in the processing tank 2 according to a predetermined procedure (program). Further, the controller also functions as a calibration determination unit described later. Note that the controller is also connected to a control panel including, for example, a touch panel, various operation buttons, a speaker, and the like. The control panel enables setting of an operation mode, operation conditions, and the like, and various outputs. .

  In the sterilization operation, typically, a preheating step, a pretreatment step, a sterilization step, an exhaustion step, and a drying step are sequentially performed. Hereinafter, each step will be described. In the initial state, the supply valve 17 and the exhaust valve 25 are open, the other valves 12, 20 are closed, and the vacuum pump 13 is stopped. During or before or after the preheating step, the object to be processed is accommodated in the processing tank 2, and the door of the processing tank 2 is closed airtightly. At this time, the air supply valve 17 and the exhaust valve 25 are also closed.

  In the preheating step, the inside of the processing tank 2 is heated. Specifically, by supplying steam into the steam jacket 8 and maintaining the inside of the steam jacket 8 at a predetermined pressure, the inside of the processing tank 2 is heated to and maintained at a predetermined temperature. After a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the preheating step, the pretreatment step is started, and the contents of the preheating step are continuously performed in each of the subsequent steps.

  In the pretreatment step, air in the treatment tank 2 is eliminated. Specifically, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized by the depressurizing means 3, and may be accompanied by steam feeding by the steam feeding means 5. Further, after once decompressing the inside of the processing tank 2 by the decompression means 3, the steam supply by the steam supply means 5 and the decompression by the decompression means 3 may be repeated, or the steam supply by the steam supply means 5 may exceed the atmospheric pressure. When the inside of the treatment tank 2 is pressurized, the steam supply by the steam supply unit 5 and the exhaust by the exhaust unit 7 may be accompanied. In any case, after air is eliminated from the inside of the treatment tank 2, the inside of the treatment tank 2 is finally pressurized to a sterilization temperature or a sterilization pressure by the steam supply by the steam supply means 5. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 reaches the sterilization temperature or when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 reaches the sterilization pressure, the process proceeds to the next step.

  In the sterilization step, the processing object in the processing tank 2 is sterilized with steam. Specifically, the steam supply means 5 is controlled so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 maintains the sterilization temperature (typically 121 ° C. or 135 ° C.), and the sterilization time is maintained. Sterilize the object inside. Alternatively, by controlling the steam supply means 5 so that the detection pressure of the pressure sensor 27 maintains the sterilization pressure (saturated steam pressure corresponding to the sterilization temperature) and maintaining the sterilization time, the object to be processed in the processing tank 2 is maintained. Sterilize. Thereafter, the steam supply by the steam supply means 5 is stopped, and the process proceeds to the next step.

  In the evacuation step, steam is discharged from the processing tank 2 under pressure to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2 to near the atmospheric pressure. Specifically, the exhaust valve 25 is opened, and the steam is led out of the processing tank 2. When the set exhaust time has elapsed since the exhaust valve 25 was opened, or when the pressure in the processing tank 2 drops to the set exhaust pressure (atmospheric pressure or a slightly higher pressure), the exhaust valve 25 is closed and the process proceeds to the next step. I do.

  In the drying step, the object to be processed in the processing tank 2 is dried. Typically, the object to be processed in the processing tank 2 is vacuum-dried using the pressure reduction by the pressure reduction means 3 and the pressure reduction by the pressure reduction means 4. After the elapse of the set drying time, the pressure reducing means 3 is stopped, and the pressure in the processing tank 2 is returned to the atmospheric pressure by the pressure reducing means 4 to terminate the sterilization operation.

  As described above, the steam sterilizer 1 includes the pressure sensor 27 and the temperature sensor 28, and the necessity of the calibration of the sensors 27 and 28 can be determined by the calibration determination unit. The result of the determination by the calibration determination means is output to, for example, a display or a speaker. When the steam sterilization apparatus 1 includes a sterilization management device, the date and time of execution of the determination process by the calibration determination unit and the result may be registered in the information storage unit.

  The calibration determination means determines whether the temperature difference (absolute value) between the saturation temperature at the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 is equal to or greater than a set value under a saturated steam environment in the processing tank 2. (B) Whether calibration of each sensor 27, 28 is necessary is determined based on whether the pressure difference (absolute value) between the saturated pressure at the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 is equal to or greater than a set value. I do. Hereinafter, an example of the calibration determination process by the calibration determination unit will be specifically described.

  Note that the above-mentioned "saturated steam environment" refers to a state in which the processing tank 2 is filled with saturated steam, and is typically in the sterilization step in the above-described sterilization operation. However, the state is not limited to the state where the object to be processed is stored in the processing tank 2 (during the sterilization process), and may be a state where the object to be processed is not stored in the processing tank 2. For example, similarly to a leak test (a test for confirming the presence or absence of an air leak in the processing tank 2) and a Bowie-Dick test, a test operation for calibration determination of the sensors 27 and 28 can be executed. During the test operation, the necessity of calibration of each of the sensors 27 and 28 may be determined. In the test operation, similarly to the sterilization operation, after removing air from the processing tank 2, a process of feeding steam into the processing tank 2 and maintaining the same at a predetermined pressure (or a predetermined temperature) is included. It is determined whether or not the calibration at 28 is necessary. However, the predetermined pressure or the predetermined temperature does not need to be the sterilization pressure or the sterilization temperature, and may be lower or higher. Alternatively, the pressure or temperature may be changed stepwise, and it may be determined at each step whether calibration of the sensors 27 and 28 is necessary. Further, after the holding step, the steam is evacuated from the processing tank 2, but the drying step in the sterilization operation can be omitted.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sensor calibration determination process of the steam sterilizer 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Under a saturated steam environment in the processing tank 2 (as described above, the sterilization step in the sterilization operation or the holding step in the test operation), the detection pressure of the pressure sensor 27 and the detection temperature of the temperature sensor 28 are acquired (S1). According to the pressure sensor 27 of the present embodiment, the absolute pressure can be detected without being affected by the altitude of the installation location of the apparatus or the weather.

  Then, it is determined whether the temperature difference (absolute value) between the saturation temperature at the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 is equal to or greater than a set value (S2), and the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the set value (YES in S2). ), A notification to the effect that calibration of each sensor 27, 28 is necessary is issued (S3). The set value is set, for example, at less than 5 ° C. Also, as described above, in step S2, it may be determined whether the pressure difference (absolute value) between the saturated pressure at the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 is equal to or greater than a set value. If the pressure difference is equal to or greater than the set value, a notification is issued to the effect that the sensors 27 and 28 need to be calibrated (S3). In order to realize such a process, the calibration determination means may calculate the saturation temperature from the detected pressure or obtain the saturation pressure from the detected temperature based on a predetermined arithmetic expression (or table) registered in advance. It is configured to be possible.

  When it is notified that the sensors 27 and 28 need to be calibrated, the sensors (27 and 28) may be calibrated using a calibration device after the operation (sterilization operation or test operation) is completed. As described above, according to the steam sterilization apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the deviation between the pressure sensor 27 and the temperature sensor 28 can be detected easily and early, and the calibration can be performed.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the immersion cleaning device 29 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and a part of the device is shown in cross section.

  The immersion cleaning device 29 according to the present embodiment includes a processing tank 30 in which an object to be processed (for example, a medical instrument) is stored and a liquid is stored, a heating unit 31 that heats the stored liquid in the processing tank 30, A decompression means 32 for sucking and discharging the gas in the tank 30 to the outside to decompress the inside of the processing tank 30; a liquid phase air supply means 33 for introducing outside air into the liquid phase portion in the depressurized processing tank 30; And a control means (not shown) for controlling the means 31 to 34.

  The processing tank 30 is a hollow container that can withstand reduced pressure in the internal space, and is typically formed in a substantially rectangular box shape. The processing tank 30 is open upward, and the opening can be opened and closed by a door 35. By closing the door 35, the opening of the processing tank 30 can be closed airtightly.

  Although not shown, the treatment tank 30 is provided with a chemical liquid supply means as required in addition to the water supply means and the drainage means. The water supply means is a means for supplying water into the processing tank 30, and the drain means is a means for discharging the water outside the processing tank 30. The chemical solution supply means is a means for supplying a chemical solution into the processing tank 30. A cleaning solution having a desired concentration can be obtained by adding a chemical solution from the chemical solution supply unit to water from the water supply unit.

  The heating means 31 heats the liquid stored in the processing tank 30. The heating means 31 is an electric heater 36 in the illustrated example, but may be a steam heater in some cases.

  The decompression unit 32 sucks and discharges the gas in the processing tank 30 to the outside to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 30. Specifically, the pressure reducing means 32 includes a vacuum generator 37, and the vacuum generator 37 is connected to a gas phase in the processing tank 30 via an exhaust path 38. Although the specific configuration of the vacuum generating device 37 is not particularly limited, typically, the vacuum generating device 37 includes a water-sealed vacuum pump, and may further include a heat exchanger for vapor condensation upstream of the vacuum pump. .

  The liquid phase air supply means 33 introduces outside air into the decompressed liquid phase portion in the processing tank 30 via a liquid phase air supply path 39. At the bottom in the processing tank 30, a liquid-phase air supply nozzle 40 having a number of nozzle holes is provided. A filter 41 and a liquid supply valve 42 are provided in the liquid supply passage 39 to the liquid supply nozzle 40. When the liquid-phase air supply valve 42 is opened in a state where the inside of the processing tank 30 is depressurized, air through the filter 41 can be introduced into the liquid-phase portion in the processing tank 30 due to a differential pressure between the inside and outside of the processing tank 30. it can.

  The gas supply means 34 introduces outside air through the gas supply path 43 into the gas phase portion in the processing tank 30 that has been depressurized. A filter 44 and a gas supply valve 45 are provided in the gas supply path 43 into the processing tank 30. When the gas supply valve 45 is opened in a state where the pressure in the processing tank 30 is reduced, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the processing tank 30 can introduce air through the filter 44 into the gas phase in the processing tank 30. it can.

  The processing tank 30 is provided with a pressure sensor 46 for detecting the pressure in the processing tank 30 and a temperature sensor 47 for detecting the temperature in the processing tank 30. As in the first embodiment, a sensor capable of detecting an absolute pressure is used as the pressure sensor 46. In the illustrated example, the pressure sensor 46 is provided in the gas phase in the processing tank 30, while the temperature sensor 47 is provided in the liquid phase in the processing tank 30. However, the temperature sensor 47 may be provided in the gas phase instead of or in addition to the liquid phase. In that case, the pressure sensor 46 and the temperature sensor 47 may be arranged adjacent to the upper part of the processing tank 30.

  The control means is a controller (not shown) for controlling the means 31 to 34 based on the detection signals of the sensors 46 and 47, the elapsed time, and the like. Specifically, in addition to the electric heater 36, the vacuum generator 37, the liquid-phase air supply valve 42, and the gas-phase air supply valve 45, the pressure sensor 46, the temperature sensor 47, and the like are connected to the controller. Then, as described below, the controller is capable of executing the cleaning operation of the processing object stored in the processing tank 30 according to a predetermined procedure (program). The controller also functions as a calibration determination unit, as in the first embodiment. Note that the controller is also connected to a control panel including, for example, a touch panel, various operation buttons, a speaker, and the like. The control panel enables setting of an operation mode, operation conditions, and the like, and various outputs. .

  Although a specific operation method of the immersion cleaning device 29 is not particularly limited, for example, the operation is performed as follows. First, after the object to be processed 48 is placed in the processing tank 30, the door 35 of the processing tank 30 is closed airtightly. Thereafter, the liquid is stored in the processing tank 30 until the object 48 is immersed in the liquid. Then, typically, as a washing step, after the liquid in the processing tank 30 is heated to the set temperature by the heating means 31, the depressurizing means 32 is operated to boil the stored liquid under reduced pressure. During the boiling, outside air may be introduced into the liquid phase from the liquid phase supply means 33 to cause the liquid to bump, or external air may be introduced into the gas phase from the gas phase supply means 34 to immediately stop boiling. May be. The boiling under reduced pressure and the supply of air to the liquid phase or gas phase may be repeated.

  When a predetermined end state is satisfied, the pressure inside the processing tank 30 is restored to the atmospheric pressure by the gas-phase air supply means 34 while the heating means 31 and the pressure reducing means 32 are stopped, and the water stored in the processing tank 30 is drained. Note that the washing step may be repeated a plurality of times by replacing (or not replacing) water, or a rinsing step may be performed after the washing step. The washing step and the rinsing step are basically performed in the same manner, although the presence / absence of the introduction of the chemical into the stored water or the type of the chemical are different.

  In the case of the immersion cleaning device 29 of the second embodiment, similarly to the case of the steam sterilization device 1 of the first embodiment, the necessity of calibration of each of the sensors 46 and 47 can be determined by the calibration determination unit. . Specifically, the calibration determination unit sets the temperature difference (absolute value) between the saturation temperature at the detection pressure of the pressure sensor 46 and the detection temperature of the temperature sensor 47 under the saturated steam environment in the processing tank 30. (B) calibration of the sensors 46 and 47 based on whether the pressure difference (absolute value) between the saturation pressure at the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 47 and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 46 is equal to or more than the set value. Is determined.

  The specific contents of the calibration determination processing by the calibration determination means are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and thus the description thereof is omitted. In the case of the second embodiment, the term “under the saturated steam environment” refers to the processing tank. This is a state in which the stored liquid in 30 is boiled under reduced pressure, and is typically in the washing step in the washing operation described above. However, also in the second embodiment, the state is not limited to the state in which the processing object 48 is stored in the processing tank 30 (during the cleaning process), and the state in which the processing object 48 is not stored in the processing tank 30 (during the test operation). ), The necessity of calibration of each of the sensors 46 and 47 may be determined. This test operation includes a step of boiling the stored liquid in the processing tank 30 under reduced pressure, similarly to the washing operation, and it is determined whether or not the sensors 46 and 47 need to be calibrated during the reduced pressure boiling. However, the pressure or temperature at the time of boiling under reduced pressure does not need to be the washing pressure or washing temperature in the washing step, and may be lower or higher. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

  According to the apparatus (steam sterilization apparatus 1 and immersion cleaning apparatus 29) of each of the above embodiments, the pressure sensor 27 (46) for detecting the absolute pressure and the temperature sensor 28 (47) such as a resistance temperature detector are provided. When the inside of the processing tank 2 (30) is in a state of saturated steam (during a sterilization step, during a reduced pressure boiling cleaning step, or during a predetermined test operation), the absolute value of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 (46) is used. The theoretical steam temperature is compared with the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 28 (47), and if there is a difference that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a notification that prompts the calibration of the sensors 27 (46) and 28 (47) is issued. Alternatively, the theoretical steam pressure from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 (47) is compared with the absolute pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 (46). 46), a notice urging the calibration of 28 (47) is issued. Thus, it is possible to easily and early detect a deviation from the normal value of the pressure sensor 27 (46) and the temperature sensor 28 (47) and to perform calibration.

  The cleaning / sterilizing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the configuration (including control) of each of the above embodiments, and can be changed as appropriate. In particular, it is an apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing an object to be processed, and a processing tank 2 (30) for accommodating the object to be processed, and a pressure sensor 27 (46) for detecting an absolute pressure in the processing tank 2 (30). A temperature sensor 28 (47) for detecting the temperature in the processing tank 2 (30), and {a} detection of the pressure sensor 27 (46) in a saturated steam environment in the processing tank 2 (30). Whether the temperature difference between the saturation temperature at the pressure and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 (47) is equal to or greater than a set value, {b} the saturation pressure at the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28 (47) and the pressure sensor 27 (46) If there is provided a calibration determination unit that determines whether or not the calibration of the sensors 27 (46) and 28 (47) is necessary based on whether the pressure difference from the detected pressure of (2) is equal to or greater than the set value, The structure can be changed appropriately.

  For example, saturated steam is supplied into the processing tank 2 (30), saturated water is generated by heating the stored water in the processing tank 2 (30), or the stored water in the processing tank 2 (30) is depressurized. An operation (step) of filling the inside of the processing tank 2 (30) with the saturated steam depending on whether to generate saturated steam by boiling, etc., and each sensor 27 (46) under the saturated steam environment in the processing tank 2 (30). , 28 (47), the specific configuration of the cleaning / sterilizing apparatus can be appropriately changed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steam sterilizer 2 Processing tank 3 Decompression means 4 Decompression means 5 Steam supply means 6 Drain discharge means 7 Exhaust means 8 Steam jacket 9 Inner can 10 Outer can 11 Exhaust path 12 Vacuum valve 13 Vacuum pump 14 Check valve 15 Air supply Path 16 Air filter 17 Air supply valve 18 Check valve 19 Steam supply path 20 Steam supply valve 21 Drain discharge path 22 Steam trap 23 Check valve 24 Exhaust path 25 Exhaust valve 26 Check valve 27 Pressure sensor 28 Temperature sensor 29 Immersion cleaning Apparatus 30 Processing tank 31 Heating means 32 Decompression means 33 Liquid phase air supply means 34 Gas phase air supply means 35 Door 36 Electric heater 37 Vacuum generator 38 Exhaust path 39 Liquid phase air supply path 40 Liquid phase air supply nozzle 41 Filter 42 Liquid Phase gas supply valve 43 Gas phase gas supply path 44 Filter 45 Gas phase gas supply valve 46 Pressure sensor 47 Temperature sensor 48 Workpiece

Claims (3)

An apparatus for cleaning or sterilizing an object to be processed,
A processing tank in which an object to be processed is stored;
A pressure sensor for detecting an absolute pressure in the processing tank,
A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the processing tank,
Under a saturated steam environment in the processing tank, (a) whether a temperature difference between a saturation temperature at a pressure detected by the pressure sensor and a temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or more than a set value, or (b) detection by the temperature sensor A calibration determination unit configured to determine whether calibration of each of the sensors is necessary based on whether a pressure difference between a saturation pressure at a temperature and a detection pressure of the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a set value. In an apparatus for sterilizing an object to be processed,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein while the processing tank is being filled with steam, the calibration determination unit determines whether or not calibration of each of the sensors is necessary. 3. In an apparatus for cleaning an object to be processed,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calibration judging unit judges whether or not calibration of each of the sensors is necessary while the storage liquid in the processing tank is boiling under reduced pressure. 3.

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