JP2005007217A - Autoclave operation monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoclave operation monitoring device provided with a process monitor which clearly displays an operational mode selected for an autoclave, a process completed in the operational mode and a process in progress at present. <P>SOLUTION: The autoclave operation monitoring device is provided with a process monitor 3 having a plurality of light-emitting means L1 to L8; the light-emitting means of the light-emitting means which corresponds to a process not yet starting a currently selected operation mode emits light in a first light-emitting mode; a light-emitting means of the light-emitting means which corresponds to a process currently in the process of the selected operational mode emits light in a second light-emitting mode; and a light emitting means of the light-emitting means which corresponds to a process already completing the currently selected operation mode emits light in a third light-emitting mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an autoclave operation monitoring apparatus that monitors the operation of an autoclave. More specifically, the operation mode selected by the autoclave, the process up to that operation mode, and the current process is in progress. The present invention relates to an autoclave operation monitoring apparatus including a process monitor for clearly displaying the above, and an autoclave operation monitoring apparatus including an operation monitor for directly displaying that the autoclave is in operation and in a dangerous process.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An autoclave is a device that heats and keeps heat in a sealed container, for example, in order to sterilize medical supplies, culture fungi, or dissolve things. You can drive in driving mode.
[0003]
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a display unit of a process monitor used for monitoring the operation of the autoclave according to the prior art.
This process monitor displays which process in each operation mode is currently in progress by light emission by the light emitting means.
[0004]
That is, for example, in the sterilization heat retention mode shown in FIG. 11B, when the start switch is pressed, “preparation”, “temperature rise”, “sterilization”, “sterilization end”, “exhaust” are performed as the process proceeds. The light emitting means displayed as “Cooling”, “Heat retention”, and “Complete” blink sequentially (“sterilization” blinks in the figure), and finally the light emitting means displayed as “Complete” blinks.
In the melting mode shown in FIG. 11C, when the start switch is pressed, “preparation”, “temperature increase”, “melting”, “temperature decrease”, and “complete” are displayed as the process proceeds. The light emitting means that are blinking sequentially (in the figure, “temperature rise” blinks), and finally the light emitting means that is displayed as “completed” blinks.
[0005]
Whether or not the autoclave that can be operated in the various operation modes described above is in operation depends indirectly on whether any of the process lamps in the process monitor is flashing or whether the completion lamp is flashing. Is displayed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, when the inside of the autoclave is still hot, if the autoclave is opened, the contents inside may suddenly boil, which is extremely dangerous. Even if the autoclave is not opened, the inside of the autoclave may be at high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, to prevent accidents, the operation history (for example, information that the inside was at high pressure until just before) and the current progress are ongoing. It is necessary to fully understand and monitor the operation. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that an electrical error occurs in the process monitor, it is important to be able to grasp which process has been completed in order to determine the subsequent processing of the workpiece.
[0007]
In this regard, when using the above-described prior art, it is not directly displayed which process in each operation mode has been completed, and the autoclave is in operation and in a dangerous process. Etc. were not directly displayed.
[0008]
Therefore, in order to further improve the safety when using the autoclave, the present invention determines which operation mode is selected for the autoclave, how far the process in the operation mode is completed, and which process is currently in progress. A first problem is to propose an autoclave operation monitoring device including a process monitor that clearly displays, and an operation monitor that directly displays that the autoclave is in operation and in a dangerous process. The second problem is to propose an autoclave operation monitoring device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first problem of the present invention described above has been solved by the autoclave operation monitoring device according to claim 1.
That is, the autoclave can be operated in any two or more operation modes of, for example, a sterilization mode, a sterilization heat retention mode, a dissolution heat retention mode, and a dissolution mode. In the autoclave operation monitoring device according to claim 1, the autoclave operation monitoring device according to claim 1 has a plurality of light emitting means, and is currently selected among the light emitting means. The light emitting means corresponding to the process that has not started yet in the operation mode emits light in the first light emission mode, and the light emission corresponding to the process currently in progress in the currently selected operation mode in the light emission means. Means emits light in the second light emitting mode, and the light emitting means corresponding to the process of the light emitting means that has been completed so far in the currently selected operation mode is the third light emitting mode. And a step monitor which emits light.
[0010]
The operation of the light emission means of the process monitor will be specifically described. For example, when the autoclave is operating in the sterilization mode, each process is performed in accordance with the progress of the sterilization mode heating process, sterilization process, exhaust process, and cooling process. The light emitting means corresponding to the light emits light while sequentially changing the light emission mode. That is, when the process currently in progress is a sterilization process, the light emitting means corresponding to the temperature raising process that has already been completed emits light in the third light emission mode (for example, red lighting), and the current sterilization process is performed. The corresponding light emitting means emits light in the second light emitting mode (for example, yellow / red alternate lighting), and the light emitting means corresponding to the exhaust process and the temperature lowering process that have not started yet are in the first light emitting mode (for example, yellow lighted). Flashes on. When the process proceeds to the exhaust process, the light emitting means corresponding to the temperature raising process and the sterilization process emit light in a third light emission mode (for example, red lighting) that means the end process, and the light emitting means corresponding to the exhaust process. Means that the light emitting means emits light in the second light emission mode (for example, alternate lighting of yellow / red), which means that the process is currently in progress, and the light emission means corresponding to the temperature lowering process has not yet started. Light is emitted in the first light emission mode (for example, yellow lighting).
[0011]
An autoclave equipped with a process monitor that emits light in the light emission mode as described above clearly indicates which operation mode is selected by the autoclave, how far the operation mode has been completed, and which process is currently in progress. It can be recognized.
[0012]
Further, the above-described second problem of the present invention has been solved by the autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to the sixth aspect.
That is, in the autoclave operation monitoring device according to the sixth aspect, when the autoclave is in operation and the inside does not reach a predetermined pressure and / or temperature, light is emitted in the fourth light emission mode, and the autoclave is in operation. And an operation monitor having light emitting means for emitting light in the fifth light emission mode when the inside is above the predetermined pressure and / or temperature.
[0013]
The operation of the light emission means of the operation monitor will be specifically described. For example, when the autoclave is operating in the sterilization mode, when the start switch is first pressed and the operation is started, the light emission means is in the fourth light emission mode (for example, The temperature and pressure inside the autoclave gradually increase, but the light emitting means emits the fourth light while the pressure inside the autoclave does not reach a predetermined pressure (for example, 5.6 kPa). The light emission in the mode (for example, yellow lighting) is maintained. When the pressure inside the autoclave becomes a predetermined pressure (for example, 5.6 kPa) or more, the light emitting means emits light in the fifth light emission mode (for example, red lighting). Thereafter, the sterilization process is completed, the temperature and pressure inside the autoclave are lowered, and when the pressure inside the autoclave becomes a pressure less than a predetermined pressure (for example, 5.6 kPa), the light-emitting means is again in the fourth light-emitting mode (for example, Flashes yellow).
In addition, you may comprise so that the light emission mode of the said light emission means may change with temperature (for example, it has not reached 100 degreeC, or is 100 degreeC or more) instead of the said pressure.
[0014]
The autoclave having the operation monitor that emits light in the light emission mode as described above explicitly indicates that the autoclave is in operation by the operation monitor emitting light, and the light emission mode, that is, the fourth light emission mode ( For example, whether or not the autoclave is in a dangerous process can be clearly recognized depending on whether it is in the yellow emission mode or in the fifth light emission mode (for example, in the red emission mode).
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view of the appearance of an autoclave 1 including an autoclave operation monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the operation panel 2 provided in the autoclave 1 of FIG. The operation panel 2 in FIG. 2 includes a process monitor 3 and an operation monitor 4. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the process monitor 3 portion of FIG.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 3, the process monitor 3 includes first to eighth light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, and L8.
[0018]
The first light emitting means L1 functions as a first temperature raising process display section, and the second light emitting means L2 functions as a second temperature raising process display section. Moreover, the 3rd light emission means L3 functions as a sterilization process display part, and the 4th light emission means L4 functions as a melt | dissolution process display part. Further, the fifth light emitting means L5 functions as an exhaust process display section, the sixth light emitting means L6 functions as a first temperature lowering process display section, and the seventh light emitting means L7 functions as a heat retention process display section. The eighth light emitting means L8 functions as a second temperature lowering process display unit.
[0019]
In addition, the first to eighth light emitting means L1 to L8 are the light emitting means corresponding to the steps that have not yet started in the currently selected operation mode, in the first light emitting mode (for example, yellow lighting). The light emitting means corresponding to the process currently in progress in the currently selected operation mode emits light in the second light emission mode (for example, yellow / red alternate lighting), and further the current operation mode selected. The light emitting means corresponding to the processes completed up to now is controlled by the control unit 5 described later so as to emit light in the third light emission mode (for example, red lighting).
[0020]
The operation monitor 4 includes a light emitting means L9, and displays whether the autoclave 1 is in operation and whether the autoclave 1 is above a predetermined pressure and / or temperature by changing the light emission mode. Is configured to do.
That is, the light emitting means L9 emits light in the fourth light emission mode (for example, yellow lighting) when the autoclave 1 is in operation and the inside does not reach a predetermined pressure and / or temperature, and the autoclave 1 is in operation. However, when the internal pressure is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure and / or temperature, control is performed by the controller 5 described later so that light is emitted in the fifth light emission mode (for example, red lighting).
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit 5 of the autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the control unit 5 includes an operation mode selection key K (K1, K2, K3...) For selecting an operation mode, a start switch S1 for starting the operation of the autoclave 1, and a stop switch S2 for ending the operation. A pressure sensor P for detecting the pressure inside the autoclave 1 and a first AD converter AD1 for converting the output signal into a digital signal; a temperature sensor T for detecting the temperature inside the autoclave 1; A second AD converter AD2 that converts the signal, a heater H that heats the inside of the autoclave 1, a heater control unit SSR that controls the amount of heat generated by the heater H, an exhaust valve V that exhausts the gas inside the autoclave 1, and A driver VD for controlling the exhaust valve V is provided.
[0022]
The control unit 5 also receives a signal from the operation mode selection key K, a signal from the start switch S1 or the stop switch S2, and the pressure sensor P through the first AD converter AD1. Based on the signal and a signal sent from the temperature sensor T via the second AD converter AD2, the heater H is controlled via the heater controller SSR, and the exhaust valve V is controlled via the driver VD. The microcomputer M to be controlled, the process monitor 3 having the light emitting means L1... L8 whose light emission and light emission mode are controlled by the microcomputer M, and the light emission means L9 whose light emission and light emission mode are similarly controlled by the microcomputer M. And an operation monitor 4 having
The microcomputer M includes a known central control unit (CPU) and auxiliary units such as a memory, an interface, and a power source for ensuring the operation of the CPU.
[0023]
Each of the light emitting means L1 to L8 having the first to third light emission modes of the process monitor 3 can be realized as a combination of a yellow light emitting diode (Y) and a red light emitting diode (R).
That is, only the yellow light emitting diode (Y) emits light in the first light emitting mode (yellow lighting), and the yellow light emitting diode (Y) and red light emitting diode (R) in the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting). ) Alternately flashing, and in the third light emission mode (red lighting), only the red light emitting diode (R) emits light.
[0024]
The light emitting means L9 having the fourth and fifth light emission modes of the operation monitor 4 can also be realized by including a yellow light emitting diode (Y) and a red light emitting diode (R).
That is, it can be realized by causing only the yellow light emitting diode (Y) to emit light in the fourth light emitting mode (lighting yellow), and causing only the red light emitting diode (R) to emit light in the fifth light emitting mode (red lighting).
[0025]
Each light emitting means L1... L8 and L9 having a plurality of light emission modes can be realized by using a single light emitting diode whose emission color can be controlled by an applied voltage, or other types of light emitting elements. is there. Naturally, the change in the light emission mode can be realized in various forms other than the combination of continuous lighting, flashing lighting, and red and yellow.
[0026]
As one embodiment of the present invention, as in the operation panel 2 shown in FIG. 2, among the operation mode selection keys K, the key K1 is the sterilization mode, the key K2 is the sterilization heat retention mode, the key K3 is the dissolution heat retention mode, and the key K4. An example of the control operation by the control unit 5 of the process monitor 3 and the operation monitor 4 described above will be described below in the case where is set as a key for selecting each melting mode.
[0027]
The sterilization mode includes a first temperature raising process, a second temperature raising process, a sterilization process, an exhaust process, and a first temperature lowering process in order, and the sterilization heat retention mode includes the first temperature raising process, It consists of a second temperature raising step, a sterilization step, an exhausting step, a heat retention step, and a second temperature lowering step, and the dissolution heat retention mode is in order from the first temperature raising step, the dissolution step, the heat retention step, and the second temperature lowering step. Further, the dissolution mode is composed of a first temperature raising step, a melting step, and a first temperature lowering step in this order.
[0028]
In addition, the first temperature raising step means that when the sterilization mode and the sterilization heat retention mode are selected, an internal temperature of 100 ° C. or more is detected after the start switch S1 is pressed, and the exhaust valve V is fully closed. When the melting and warming mode and the melting mode are selected, this means the time from when the start switch S1 is pressed until the melting set temperature is reached. While this process is in progress, the first light emitting means L1 shown in FIG. 3 emits light in the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0029]
The second temperature raising step means from the fully closed exhaust valve V to reaching the sterilization set temperature following the first temperature raising step when the sterilization mode and the sterilization heat retention mode are selected. While this process is in progress, the second light emitting means L2 shown in FIG. 3 emits light in the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0030]
The sterilization process means from the time when the sterilization mode and the sterilization heat retention mode are selected until the stop switch S2 is pressed until the sterilization set time elapses. While this process is in progress, the third light emitting means L3 shown in FIG. 3 emits light in the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0031]
The dissolution step means from the arrival of the dissolution set temperature to the passage of the dissolution set time following the first temperature raising step when the dissolution heat retention mode and the dissolution mode are selected. While this step is in progress, the fourth light emitting means L4 shown in FIG. 3 emits light in the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0032]
The exhaust process means from the end of the sterilization process to the end of full opening of the exhaust valve V when the sterilization mode and the sterilization heat retention mode are selected. While this step is in progress, the fifth light emitting means L5 shown in FIG. 3 emits light in the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0033]
The first temperature lowering step means the time from when the exhaust valve V is fully opened until the internal temperature of 60 ° C. is detected when the sterilization mode and the dissolution mode are selected. While this step is in progress, the sixth light emitting means L6 shown in FIG. 3 emits light in the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0034]
Furthermore, the heat retention step means from the end of the exhausting step or the dissolution step until the stop switch S2 is pressed or until the heat retention set time elapses when the sterilization heat retention mode and the dissolution heat retention mode are selected. While this step is in progress, the seventh light emitting means L7 is configured to emit light in the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0035]
The second temperature lowering step means from the end of the heat retention step until the internal temperature of 60 ° C. is detected when the sterilization heat retention mode and the dissolution heat retention mode are selected. While this step is in progress, the eighth light emitting means L8 emits light in the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0036]
FIG. 5 shows a process performed by the control unit 5 when one of the operation mode selection keys K (K1, K2, K3...) Is pressed when the operation mode selection key K is set in the above embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the monitor 3. At this stage, since no process in each operation mode has been started, all the light emitting means corresponding to the selected operation mode emit light in the first light emission mode (lights in yellow).
[0037]
That is, when the key K1 is pressed and the sterilization mode is selected, the light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L5, and L6 are lit yellow (see FIG. 6A). In addition, when the key K2 is pressed and the sterilization heat retention mode is selected, the light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L5, L7, and L8 are lit yellow (see FIG. 6B). Further, when the key K3 is pressed and the melting and keeping mode is selected, the light emitting means L1, L4, L7, and L8 are lit yellow (see FIG. 6C). When the key K4 is pressed and the melting mode is selected, the light emitting means L1, L4, and L6 are lit yellow (see FIG. 6D).
[0038]
The operation mode selection key K is activated only when the operation is stopped, that is, before the start switch S1 is pressed or after the stop switch S2 is pressed, and cannot be selected otherwise. It is preferable to be in a crystallization state.
[0039]
In FIG. 7, the sterilization mode is selected by pressing the key K1, the sterilization mode is started by pressing the start switch S1, and the operation control of the process monitor 3 by the control unit 5 until the sterilization mode ends. It is the flowchart which showed an example. When the sterilization mode is selected, the light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L5, and L6 are lit in the first light emission mode (yellow light) as described above.
[0040]
Subsequently, when the controller 5 recognizes that the start switch S1 has been pressed, the heater H is controlled via the heater controller SSR, and heating is started. At this time, since the first temperature raising step is in progress, the controller 5 changes the first light emitting means L1 to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) as shown in FIG.
[0041]
When the heating proceeds and the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 reaches 100 ° C. or higher, the control unit 5 fully closes the exhaust valve V via the driver VD, and the process starts from the first temperature raising step to the second temperature raising step. Is in progress. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 5 changes the first light emitting means L1 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting) which means the end of the process, and the second light emitting means L2 is being processed. Change to the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0042]
When the sterilization temperature is reached, the second temperature raising step is completed and the sterilization step is in progress. Therefore, the control unit 5 changes the second light emitting means L2 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting). Then, the third light emitting means L3 for displaying the sterilization process is changed to the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) meaning that the process is in progress.
[0043]
Subsequently, when the control unit 5 recognizes that the stop switch S2 has been pressed or recognizes that the sterilization set time has elapsed, the heater H is controlled via the heater control unit SSR to end the heating. At this time, since the sterilization process is completed and the exhaust process is in progress, the control unit 5 changes the third light emitting means L3 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting) as shown in FIG. The light emitting means L5 of No. 5 is changed to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) meaning that the process is in progress.
[0044]
When the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 becomes 100 ° C. or lower, the exhaust valve V is fully opened via the driver VD, the exhaust process is finished, and the first temperature lowering process is in progress. Therefore, the control unit 5 changes the fifth light emitting means L5 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting) and the sixth light emitting means L6 to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternately lighting) as shown in FIG. ).
[0045]
Subsequently, when the control unit 5 recognizes that the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 has become 60 ° C. or lower, all the steps are completed, and the sixth light emitting means L6 is also changed to the third light emitting mode (red lighting). The As a result, the light emission modes of all the light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L5, and L6 that are turned on when the sterilization mode is selected are in the state of the third light emission mode (red lighting) meaning the end of the process. Indicate that all steps in sterilization mode have been completed.
[0046]
Further, FIG. 8 shows a process monitor by the control unit 5 until the key K2 is pressed to select the sterilization heat retention mode, and then the start switch S1 is pressed to start the sterilization heat retention mode. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control 3.
When selecting the sterilization heat retention mode, as described above, the light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L5, L7, and L8 are lit in the first light emission mode (yellow lighting).
[0047]
Subsequently, when the control unit 5 recognizes that the start switch S1 has been pressed, heating is started in the same manner as in the sterilization mode, and the first temperature raising step is in progress. Therefore, the control unit 5 changes the first light emitting means L1 to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) as shown in FIG.
[0048]
When heating proceeds and the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 reaches 100 ° C. or higher, the process is in progress from the first temperature raising step to the second temperature raising step. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 5 changes the first light emitting means L1 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting), and the second light emitting means L2 is a second signifying that the process is in progress. Change to flash mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0049]
When the sterilization temperature is reached, the second temperature raising step is completed and the sterilization step is in progress. Therefore, the control unit 5 causes the second light emitting means L2 to emit the third light as in the sterilization mode. The mode is changed to red (lights red), and the third light emitting means L3 for displaying the sterilization process is changed to the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternately lit) meaning that the process is in progress.
[0050]
Subsequently, when the control unit 5 recognizes that the sterilization set time has elapsed, the heating is terminated and the exhaust process is in progress, so that the third light emitting means L3 emits the third light emission as shown in FIG. The mode is changed to the mode (red lighting), and the fifth light emitting means L5 is changed to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) meaning that the process is in progress.
[0051]
When the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 becomes 100 ° C. or lower, the exhaust valve V is fully opened, the exhaust process is completed, and the heat retaining process is in progress. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 5 changes the fifth light emitting means L5 to the third light emitting mode (lights in red), and changes the seventh light emitting means L7 for displaying the heat retaining process to the second light emitting mode ( Change to yellow / red alternately.
[0052]
Subsequently, when the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 reaches the heat retaining temperature, the control of the heater H is started again, the exhaust valve V is fully closed and the heat retaining process is maintained, and then the stop switch S2 is pushed or the heat retaining is performed. When the set time elapses, the control of the heater H is finished and the exhaust valve V is fully closed. At this time, since the heat retaining process is finished and the second temperature lowering process is in progress, the seventh light emitting means L7 changes to the third light emitting mode (red lighting) which means the end of the process, and the eighth light emitting means. L8 changes to the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) meaning that the process is in progress.
[0053]
Subsequently, when the control unit 5 recognizes that the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 has become 60 ° C. or lower, all the steps are completed, and the eighth light emitting means L8 is also changed to the third light emitting mode (red lighting). The As a result, the light emission modes of all the light emitting means L1, L2, L3, L5, L7, and L8 that are turned on when the sterilization heat retention mode is selected are in the third light emission mode (red light), and the operator is sterilized. Displays that all processes in the heat retention mode have been completed.
[0054]
Further, FIG. 9 shows a process monitor by the control unit 5 until the key K3 is pressed to select the melting and warming mode, and then the start switch S1 is pressed to start the melting and warming mode and the melting and warming mode ends. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control 3.
When the dissolution and heat retention mode is selected, as described above, the light emitting means L1, L4, L7, and L8 are lit in the first light emission mode (yellow lighting).
[0055]
When the start switch S1 is pressed, the control of the heater H is started. Accordingly, since the first temperature raising step is in progress, the light emitting means L1 is changed to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternate lighting).
[0056]
Subsequently, when the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 reaches the set melting temperature, the first temperature raising step is completed and the melting step is in progress. Therefore, the first light emitting means L1 has the third light emitting mode ( The fourth light emitting means L4 changes to the second light emitting mode (yellow / red alternately lit).
[0057]
When the set melting time has elapsed, the control of the heater H is terminated, the melting process is terminated, and the heat retaining process is in progress. Therefore, the control unit 5 changes the fourth light emitting means L4 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting) as shown in FIG. 9, and changes the seventh light emitting means L7 to the second light emitting mode (alternate yellow / red). Change to lit).
[0058]
Subsequently, when the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 reaches the heat retaining temperature, the control of the heater H is started again, the exhaust valve V is fully closed and the heat retaining process is maintained, and then the stop switch S2 is pushed or the heat retaining is performed. When the set time elapses, the control of the heater H is finished and the exhaust valve V is fully closed. At this time, since the heat retaining process is finished and the second temperature lowering process is in progress, the control unit 5 changes the seventh light emitting means L7 to the third light emitting mode (red lighting), and the eighth light emitting means. L8 is changed to the second light emission mode (yellow / red alternate lighting) meaning that the process is in progress.
[0059]
When the internal temperature of the autoclave 1 becomes 60 ° C. or lower, all the steps are completed, and the eighth light emitting means L8 is also changed to the third light emitting mode (red lighting). As a result, the light emission modes of all the light emitting means L1, L4, L7, and L8 that are turned on when the dissolution heat retention mode is selected are in the third light emission mode (red light emission). The completion of the process is displayed.
[0060]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the control operation of the operation monitor 4 by the control unit 5 during operation in the various operation modes.
As shown in this flowchart, the ninth light emitting means L9 of the operation monitor 4 is turned off when not in operation, that is, before the start switch S1 is pressed or after the stop switch S2 is pressed.
[0061]
When the internal pressure of the autoclave 1 does not reach a predetermined pressure, for example, 5.6 kPa during operation, the ninth light emitting means L9 emits light in the fourth light emission mode (lights yellow). When the internal pressure of the autoclave 1 is a predetermined pressure, for example, 5.6 kPa or more during operation, the ninth light emitting means L9 emits light in the fifth light emission mode (red lighting).
[0062]
By the light emission operation of the operation monitor 4, the operator can recognize that the autoclave 1 is in operation when the operation monitor 4 emits light, and whether or not the light emission mode, that is, the fourth light emission mode (yellow lighting) is set. Whether or not the autoclave 1 is in a dangerous process can be clearly recognized depending on whether the light emission mode is the fifth light emission mode (lit in red).
[0063]
As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the otoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Of course, changes are possible.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention described above, not only the process currently in progress in each operation mode, but also all the processes in the operation mode are displayed, and the processes that have already been completed are directly displayed. Therefore, the operator can easily understand at what stage the current process is in the operation mode.
Further, according to the present invention of claim 6, the operator can directly recognize whether or not the autoclave is in operation and whether or not the autoclave is in a dangerous process.
Such a measure is extremely effective in preventing an accident caused by carelessness of an operator, particularly an operator who is not used to using the apparatus, and has an effect of providing a highly safe autoclave.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view of the appearance of an autoclave including an autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation panel provided in the autoclave shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view further enlarging the process monitor portion of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control unit of the autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process monitor control operation by the control unit when any of the operation mode selection keys is pressed.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a light emission state of a process monitor when an operation mode is selected, where (a) is a sterilization mode selection, (b) is a sterilization heat retention mode selection, and (c) is a dissolution heat retention. When the mode is selected, (d) shows the time when the dissolution mode is selected.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control of a process monitor by a control unit during operation when a sterilization mode is selected.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control of the process monitor by the control unit during operation when the sterilization heat retention mode is selected.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control of the process monitor by the control unit during the operation when the dissolution and heat retention mode is selected.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the operation monitor by the control unit during operation in various operation modes.
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a display unit of a process monitor used in a conventional autoclave operation monitoring apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Autoclave
2 Operation panel
3 Process monitor
4 Operation monitor
5 Control unit
L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9 Light emitting means
K (K1, K2, K3 ...) Operation mode selection key
S1 Start switch
S2 Stop switch
P Pressure sensor
AD1 First AD converter
T temperature sensor
AD2 Second AD converter
H heater
SSR heater controller
V exhaust valve
VD driver
M microcomputer

Claims (9)

In an autoclave operation monitoring apparatus that monitors the operation of an autoclave that can be operated in a plurality of operation modes consisting of a plurality of steps, the autoclave operation monitoring device has a plurality of light emitting means, and the currently selected operation mode in the light emitting means. The light emitting means corresponding to the process that has not started yet emits light in the first light emission mode, and the light emitting means corresponding to the process currently in progress in the currently selected operation mode is the second light emitting means. A process monitor that emits light in the light emission mode, and the light emission means corresponding to the process of the currently selected operation mode completed so far in the light emission means emits light in the third light emission mode; the operation of the autoclave; An autoclave operation monitoring apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the process monitor. The autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation modes are any two or more of a sterilization mode, a sterilization heat retention mode, a dissolution heat retention mode, and a dissolution mode. The autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of steps are any two or more of a temperature raising step, a sterilizing step, a dissolving step, an exhausting step, a temperature lowering step, and a heat retaining step. The first light emission mode is yellow lighting, the second light emission mode is yellow / red alternate lighting, and the third light emission mode is red lighting. Autoclave operation monitoring device. The control unit selects an operation mode, an operation mode selection key, a start switch for starting the operation of the autoclave, a stop switch for ending the operation, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the autoclave, and an output signal thereof as a digital signal. A first AD converter that converts the temperature of the autoclave, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the autoclave, a second AD converter that converts the output signal into a digital signal, a heater that heats the interior of the autoclave, and the amount of heat generated by the heater A heater control unit for controlling the exhaust gas, an exhaust valve for exhausting the gas inside the autoclave, a driver for controlling the exhaust valve, a signal from the operation mode selection key, a signal from the start switch or the stop switch, and the pressure From the sensor through the first AD converter Based on the signal sent and the signal sent from the temperature sensor via the second AD converter, the heater is controlled via the heater controller and the exhaust valve is controlled via the driver. The autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a microcomputer, wherein the microcomputer controls light emission and light emission mode of the light emitting means of the process monitor. In the autoclave operation monitoring device that monitors the operation of the autoclave, when the autoclave is in operation and the inside does not reach a predetermined pressure and / or temperature, light is emitted in the fourth light emission mode, and the autoclave is in operation. An operation monitor having a light emitting means that emits light in the fifth light emission mode when the internal pressure is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure and / or temperature, and an autoclave operation and a control unit that controls the operation monitor operation. An autoclave operation monitoring device. The autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fourth light emission mode is yellow lighting, and the fifth light emission mode is red lighting. The autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined pressure is about 5.6 kPa, and the predetermined temperature is about 100 ° C. The control unit selects an operation mode, an operation mode selection key, a start switch for starting the operation of the autoclave, a stop switch for ending the operation, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the autoclave, and an output signal thereof as a digital signal. A first AD converter that converts the temperature of the autoclave, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the autoclave, a second AD converter that converts the output signal into a digital signal, a heater that heats the interior of the autoclave, and the amount of heat generated by the heater A heater control unit for controlling the exhaust gas, an exhaust valve for exhausting the gas inside the autoclave, a driver for controlling the exhaust valve, a signal from the operation mode selection key, a signal from the start switch or the stop switch, and the pressure From the sensor through the first AD converter Based on the signal sent and the signal sent from the temperature sensor via the second AD converter, the heater is controlled via the heater controller and the exhaust valve is controlled via the driver. The autoclave operation monitoring apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a microcomputer, wherein the microcomputer controls light emission and light emission mode of the light emitting means of the operation monitor.

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