JP5949155B2 - Centrifuge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a centrifuge that rotates a rotating body (rotor) at high speed, and more particularly to control of a display device that displays conditions for centrifugal operation and the like.

A centrifuge is a known device that performs sample separation and the like by rotating a rotor containing a sample at high speed. The user inputs various operating conditions such as the number of rotations of the rotor, the operating time (centrifugation time), the holding temperature, the acceleration gradient, and the deceleration gradient in accordance with the sample to be separated from the input device.
Moreover, as shown in Patent Document 1, during the centrifugal operation of the centrifuge, the conditions set in the display device and the actual state are displayed. In many cases, these displays are multifunctionally displayed using an LCD (liquid crystal display) called a flat display.

  Here, the adjustment screen of the display part in the conventional centrifuge (centrifuge) is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display unit in a conventional centrifuge. The screen 121 is provided with a plurality of tabs (“Run Screen”, “Menu”, “Custom”). When “Backlight setting” is selected from the Custom, the screen 121 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. In the conventional centrifuge, a liquid crystal display with a backlight is used, and the user can adjust the brightness of the backlight from the screen 121 shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted in 10 steps, and the backlight brightness can be set in 10 steps by touching the down icon 134 or the UP icon 135 with a finger. It is. The user can identify the state of the set brightness by the display mode of the 10-level display bar 130 arranged from the left side to the right side. The state of FIG. 7 shows a state where seven bars from the left are displayed brightly. The three black bars on the right side are not displayed (dark state). As described above, the adjustment in 10 steps can be performed, so that an optimum display state according to the intention of the customer (user) and the installation environment (ambient brightness) can be obtained.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation time chart of display control in a conventional centrifuge. The vertical axis shows the rotational speed of the rotor (unit: rpm), the state of the user's operation (key operation) on the display unit, and the display brightness level (MAX to MIN, backlight OFF). It shows the transition. Here, as shown by the curve of the rotational speed 141, rotor moves to an acceleration state motor is started at time t _1, the process proceeds to settle the state at time t _2, the shifts from time t ₃ to the deceleration state , rotation of the rotor is stopped at time t _4. At this time, the user performs an input operation (key operation) at the timing indicated by the thick line 142. Regardless of the key operation, the display brightness 143 of the display unit is constant at the brightness set by the user in FIG. . Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the maximum luminance (MAX, a state where all the bars in FIG. 7 are displayed brightly) and the minimum luminance (MIN, only one bar on the left side in FIG. 7 are displayed brightly. Is displayed with the brightness set by the user during

JP 2000-301029 A

  Various energy-saving functions have been realized in centrifuges due to a further increase in energy-saving awareness in recent years, but the inventors have an automatic light-off function for the liquid crystal backlight, like the display unit in personal computers and other devices. Considered adoption. However, in the centrifuge, there is a problem to be examined as to when to turn off the light. Further, it has been found that it is essential to display the operation state during the rotor operation from the viewpoint of safety, and it is not preferable that the display content cannot be visually recognized by turning off the backlight.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and its object is to provide a centrifuge that realizes an energy saving function by dimming the light of the display unit so as not to disturb the display of the operation status during rotation of the rotor. Is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a centrifuge capable of operating a dimming or extinguishing function of a display unit in accordance with the rotation state of a rotor.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a centrifuge having a dimming mode configured so as not to hinder identification of the rotational state of a rotor by a user.

  The characteristics of representative ones of the inventions disclosed in the present application will be described as follows.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a drive unit that rotates a rotor that holds a sample, a control unit that controls rotation of the rotor, an operation unit that receives an input, and a display unit that displays information indicating an operation status. In the centrifuge that rotates the rotor under the input conditions, the display unit has a function to adjust the brightness, and when the input by the operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time, it is controlled to reduce the brightness A dimming mode is provided. The operation unit and the display unit can be configured by a touch panel type liquid crystal display having a backlight or a touch panel type EL display.

  According to another feature of the present invention, control is performed so that the light is not dimmed when the rotor is accelerated and decelerated even when input from the operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time. In addition, the execution of the dimming mode can be set to either when the rotor is stopped or / and during operation. In addition, a predetermined time for executing the dimming mode can be set from the operation unit, and when the state change to acceleration or deceleration of the rotor occurs during execution of the dimming mode, the reduced brightness is restored. I did it. In addition, when the centrifuge malfunctions during the dimming mode, the reduced brightness is restored.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the display unit has a function of adjusting the brightness, and when the input by the operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time, the dimming mode for reducing the brightness is provided. A centrifuge that can save money can be realized. Further, even if the input from the operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time, it is not dimmed at the time of acceleration and deceleration of the rotor, so that it is easy to see the display unit when the rotation of the rotor is changing and monitoring is preferable. It can be maintained in a state .
According to the invention of claim 2, since the operation unit and the display unit are touch panel type liquid crystal displays having a backlight, the lifetime of the backlight can be extended by the dimming mode.
According to the invention of claim 3, since the operation unit and the display unit are touch panel type EL displays, they can be effectively dimmed when the necessity for monitoring by the user is reduced, and in operation in a dark room, etc. no glare than necessary, it is possible to realize a user-friendly centrifuge.
According to the invention of 請 Motomeko 4, reducing the execution of the dimming mode during stoppage of the rotor, or / and, since it is possible to set either during operation, when the need for monitoring by the user of a low state Can be lighted.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined time for executing the dimming mode can be set from the operation unit, it is possible to realize a dimming mode that is easy to use according to the user's preference.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the state change to acceleration or deceleration of the rotor occurs during execution of the dimming mode, the reduced brightness is returned to the original state. It can be easily recognized that the operating state of the centrifuge has changed due to the release.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the abnormality occurs in the centrifuge during execution of the dimming mode, the reduced brightness is restored, so that the possibility of overlooking the occurrence of the abnormality can be reduced.

  The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the whole structure of the centrifuge 1 which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit 20 and is a screen when setting the brightness of the backlight. It is an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit 20 and is a screen when setting the eco mode. It is an operation | movement time chart of the display control in the centrifuge 1 of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the display control procedure in the centrifuge 1 of a present Example. It is an example of the display screen displayed on the operation display part 20 in a 2nd Example. It is an example of the display screen of the conventional centrifuge, and is a screen when setting the eco mode. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement time chart of the display control of the conventional centrifuge.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part in the following figures, and repeated description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the overall configuration of a centrifuge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The centrifuge 1 includes a rotation chamber 5 inside the main body, the rotation chamber 5 is closed by a door 3, and a motor 4 is provided below the rotation chamber 5 as a drive source. A shaft (output shaft) 16 that transmits rotational torque from the motor 4 extends so as to protrude into the rotary chamber 5, and the rotor 2 is set on a crown 17 provided at the tip of the shaft 16. A substantially cylindrical shaft case 14 is disposed around the shaft 16 to prevent moisture and the like from entering the motor 4. The cooling device 18 cools the inside of the rotating chamber 5 by flowing a refrigerant through a cooling pipe 18a wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 13, and a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant such as Freon gas is used. There are various types of compressors for the refrigeration cycle, but it is preferable to install a variable speed compressor using an inverter because the cooling capacity can be improved. A heat insulating material (not shown) is provided around the chamber 13 and the cooling pipe 18 a and inside the door 3 that closes the rotating chamber 5.

  The control device 7 drives and controls the cooling device 18 based on the temperature of the rotating chamber 5 detected by the temperature sensor 15, and controls the rotating chamber 5 to a predetermined temperature. The control device 7 performs not only control of the motor 4 and the cooling device 18 but also overall control associated with the operation of the centrifuge 1 such as display of various information on the operation display unit 20 and acquisition of input data. When the operation display unit 20 uses a touch-panel type liquid crystal display having a backlight, an operation unit that receives input by the user such as a centrifugal condition and a display unit that displays information indicating the driving situation can be realized integrally. The centrifuge can be easily installed and used. Note that the configuration of the operation display unit 20 is not limited to an integrated configuration using a touch panel type liquid crystal display having a backlight, but the operation unit is realized by an input unit such as a button or a keyboard, and the display unit is luminance or brightness. A display device, a lamp device, and other display devices capable of adjusting the height may be used, and a part or all of the input unit and the display unit may be separated.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit 20 and is a screen 21 when the backlight is set. A plurality of tabs (“Run Screen”, “Menu”, “Custom”) are provided on the screen 21, and when “Backlight setting” is selected from the Custom, a screen shown in the drawing is displayed. The point that the user can adjust the brightness of the backlight from this screen 21 is the same as the conventional example shown in FIG. The brightness of the backlight can be adjusted to 10 levels, and the backlight brightness can be set to 10 levels by selecting the Down icon 34 or the UP icon 35 (for example, the user touches the icon with a finger). it can. The user can identify the state of the set brightness by the display mode of the 10-level display bar 130 arranged from the left side to the right side. The figure shows a state where seven bars from the left are displayed brightly. The down icon 34 or the UP icon 35 has a display position different from that of the down icon 134 or the UP icon 135 shown in FIG. 7, but the operation when the icon is selected is the same as the conventional example shown in FIG. It is. In this embodiment, an icon 36 is provided on the lower left side of the screen 21. The icon 36 functions as a changeover switch that enables or disables the energy saving function according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the icon 36 is created by a combination of the leaf illustration and the letter “eco”, but the design of the eco icon itself is arbitrary. Below the icon 36, there is a character 36a indicating whether the energy saving function (dimming mode) according to the present embodiment is “valid” (set state) or “invalid” (not set state). Is displayed. In the state of FIG. 2, the icon 36 is thinly displayed, and a character 36 a indicates that the state is “invalid”. When the user touches the icon 36 on this screen, the energy saving function (dimming mode) is switched to “valid” and the display state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit 20 and is a screen when the backlight is set. When the user touches and selects the icon 36 from the display state of FIG. 2, the energy saving function (dimming mode) becomes “valid”, and the display state of the icon 36 becomes a bright display. In addition, the character 36a is switched to “valid” indicating that the energy saving function is set. On the right side of the icon 36, a setting window for a waiting time 37 until the energy saving function is activated is displayed. This waiting time is a time from some action to the activation of the energy saving function. When the waiting time elapses from any action to the next action, the operation display unit 20 according to the present embodiment is “dimmed”. . This waiting time 37 (15 minutes in this figure) can be arbitrarily set by the user, and when the user selects a setting window for the waiting time 37 (for example, touching with a finger), a screen for inputting a numerical value is popped up. However, since a known method may be used for the screen for inputting this numerical value, description thereof is omitted. On the right side of the setting window for the waiting time 37, a check box 38 for limiting the state of "dimming" only when the rotor 2 is stopped, and a check box for dimming not only when the rotor 2 is stopped but also during operation. 39 is displayed. The user can designate when to execute the dimming mode by making a selection by touching either one of the check boxes 38 or 39. In the screen of FIG. 3, after 15 minutes have passed without any next action being performed, the backlight of the operation display unit 20 is dimmed. This dimming is performed only while the rotor 2 is stopped, This shows a situation where the light is not dimmed while the rotor 2 is rotating.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation time chart of display control in the centrifuge 1 of the present embodiment. The vertical axis represents the rotation speed (unit: rpm) of the rotor 2, the status of the operation (key operation) by the user in the operation display unit 20, and the size of display luminance (set luminance, maximum luminance MAX, minimum luminance MIN, backlight OFF). The horizontal axis shows the transition of time. Here, as shown by the curve of the rotational speed 41, the rotor 2 is shifted to the accelerating state by starting the motor 4 at time t _5, it moves the settling state at time t _6, transition from time t ₁₂ to the deceleration state and, rotation of the rotor 2 is stopped at time _{t 13.} At this time, the user performs an input operation to the operation display unit 20 at the timing indicated by the thick line 42, and the control device 7 monitors the operation status. Then, the elapsed time from the end of the input operation is monitored, and it is determined whether or not the first threshold value (time T ₁ ) and the second threshold value (time T ₂ , where T ₂ > T ₁ ) have elapsed. When the time elapses, predetermined control (backlight dimming or backlight off) is performed.

For example, when a key operation by the user at time t ₁ is performed, the control unit 7 monitors the subsequent elapsed time, when it is determined that the predetermined time T ₁ is elapsed at time t _2, the minimum luminance of the backlight level ( MIN), the display portion is dimmed. Further, the control device 7 monitors the elapsed time from the key operation at time t ₁ , and turns off the backlight when the elapsed time (= t ₃ −t ₁ ) reaches T ₂ at time t ₃ . Next, when the operation display unit 20 again is touched by the user at time t _4, the control unit 7 turns on the backlight off. The brightness at the time of lighting is between MIN and MAX, and is the brightness set on the screen 22 in FIG. Further, T ₂ may be a value obtained by adding a predetermined time to T ₁ , for example, T ₂ = T ₁ +10 (min), but T ₂ may be configured to be set independently of T _1. .

Next, when a key operation by the user is performed, the elapsed time is monitored by the control device 7 from the performed time. Incidentally, if the following key operation before reaching the time T ₁ in this monitoring is performed, the count-up of the elapsed time is cleared, it is performed again incremented. Here, in the present embodiment, in counting up when there is no key operation, if the rotation of the rotor 2 is not constant, the counting up is not performed. This is because, from an empirical rule that abnormality due to some reason such as imbalance is likely to occur mainly during the rotation fluctuation of the rotor, the display on the operation display unit 20 can always be grasped during the rotation fluctuation of the rotor. It is because it wants. In this embodiment the monitoring of key operation interval time by the control device 7 from the time t ₆ the acceleration of the rotor 2 is completed is resumed, by dimming the backlight at time t ₇ to the time T ₁ from the time t ₆ has elapsed Set to minimum brightness state (MIN). The control apparatus 7 performs continues to monitor the elapsed time, at time t ₈ to time T _2, it has elapsed from the time t ₆ was set to not turn off the backlight. This is because the rotation state must be monitored while the rotor 2 is rotating, so that the user wants to maintain a state in which the display contents can be confirmed even when the backlight is minimum. By configuring in this way, it is possible to realize a centrifuge that is not only convenient but also safe.

Again the key operation by the user is performed at time t _9, the control device 7 restores the backlight was dimmed setting brightness. The brightness at the time of lighting is between MIN and MAX, and is the brightness set on the screen 22 in FIG. Then, the control unit 7 monitors the key operation interval time is resumed by, is dimmed backlight again at time t ₁₁ the time T ₁ after minimizing luminance state (MIN) and. Then, when the rotor 2 is decelerated state at time t _12, the control unit 7 suspends the monitoring of key operation interval time by resumes monitoring of key operation interval time from the rotor 2 is stopped at time t _13. Then, the dimmed backlight at time _{t 14} to the time _{T 1} is elapsed from time _{t 13} to the minimum luminance state (MIN) and. Next, since the key operation is performed by the user at time t _15, the control device a backlight 7 is turned by the luminance which is set a backlight was dimmed. It should be noted that at the end of the centrifugal separation operation (after completion of the predetermined rotation of the rotor 2), the backlight is not dimmed or extinguished until the user opens the door, and the operation is completed for the user. It may be configured to prompt.

  Next, the display control procedure in the centrifuge 1 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The control shown in FIG. 5 can be executed by software by executing a program in the control device 7 having a microcomputer (such as a general-purpose microcomputer). The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 starts when the power source of the centrifuge 1 is turned on, and is executed in the background while the power source is on. First, when the power source of the centrifuge 1 is turned on, the control device 7 clears the dimming timer to zero (step 51). This dimming timer is an integrating means for counting the elapsed time from some action, and can be realized by using a timer means included in the microcomputer in this embodiment. Next, the control device 7 performs counting by the dimming timer (counting up, step 52).

  Next, the control device 7 determines whether or not an error has occurred (step 53). The error here is an abnormal state of the control items monitored by the control device 7 during the centrifugal operation. For example, the rotor 2 is stopped due to an abnormality occurring due to some cause, the rotor 2 is not accelerated, or the rotation is defective. Temperature abnormality in the chamber chamber. If such an error has occurred, the control device 7 sets the brightness of the operation display unit 20 to the maximum and alerts the user (step 60), and returns to step 51. At this time, not only the brightness may be set to the maximum but also the sound may be output instead, or an error display may be displayed on the operation display unit 20. Further, an error may be displayed on the operation display unit 20 after setting the luminance to the maximum.

  Next, the control device 7 determines whether the rotor 2 is accelerating or decelerating (step 54). Here, the fact that the rotor 2 is accelerating or decelerating is a state to be watched by the user, so that the luminance set by the user on the screen 21 in FIG. Displayed by setting (step 61), the process returns to step 51. In step 54, when the rotor 2 is not accelerating or decelerating, for example, when the rotor 2 is stopped or rotating at a constant speed (during settling), the control device 7 determines whether or not the dimming mode is ON (valid) ( Step 55). Whether the dimming mode is ON or OFF can be determined based on the selection state of the icon 36 in FIG. 2, and when the dimming mode is OFF (valid), the luminance set by the user on the screen 21 in FIG. Is displayed (step 61), and the process returns to step 51.

  If the dimming mode is ON in step 55, the control device 7 determines whether or not the user has operated the operation display unit 20 (step 56). If there is an operation, the control device 7 sets it on the screen 21 in FIG. Is displayed by the set luminance, that is, the backlight setting (step 61), and the process returns to step 51. In step 56, if there is no operation, it is determined whether or not the value of the dimming timer being counted is greater than the set time T2 (step 57). If it is greater, is the rotor 2 stopped? (Step 58). If the rotor 2 is stopped, the backlight is turned off (step 59), and the process returns to step 52. Whether or not the rotor 2 is stopped can be easily determined from the output of a known rotation detecting means in which the control device 7 monitors the rotation of the motor 4 in real time by a rotation detection sensor (not shown). Depending on the type of liquid crystal display used for the operation display unit 20, when the backlight is turned off, the screen cannot be seen at all. However, when the rotation of the rotor 2 is stopped, the screen cannot be seen. However, there is no problem.

In step 58, the value of the dimming timer counting is greater than the set time T _2, and, if the rotor 2 is rotating, the control device 7 at the minimum (Fig. 2 a backlight setting In the setting state in which only one display bar 130 is on the left side), display on the operation display unit 20 is performed (step 63), and the process returns to step 52.

In step 57, the value of the dimming timer counting is equal to or set time T _2, or smaller, it is determined whether the dimming timer is greater than T ₁ (step 62), if larger The control device 7 sets the backlight to the minimum (setting state in which only one display bar 130 is on the left side in FIG. 2), displays on the operation display unit 20 (step 63), and returns to step 52. If it is equal to or smaller than T _{1 in} step 62, the control device 7 displays the operation display unit 20 according to the brightness set by the user in FIG. 2 (step 64), and returns to step 52. The backlight that has been dimmed or turned off can be input again by the user from the operation display unit, or the rotation state of the rotor 2 can be changed (from the stop to the acceleration state, or from the constant speed rotation to the deceleration state). ) Is displayed at the brightness set by the user in step 61.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to set whether or not the dimming mode of the display unit is turned on. When the setting is on (valid), no operation state of the input unit continues for a predetermined time. Since the light is dimmed, energy consumption can be saved and the lifetime of the backlight can be extended. Further, when the dimming mode setting is on (valid), and the second threshold value (time T ₂ ) elapses after the dimming state continues, the back is limited to the case where the rotation of the rotor 2 is stopped. Since the light is turned off, further energy saving can be realized. Since the backlight is always displayed when the rotor 2 rotates, the user can check the operating status from the display unit (operation display unit 20) while the rotor 2 is rotating.

FIG. 6 is an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit 20 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the screen 23 is displayed when the backlight is set when the backlight is not turned off. Here, the same reference numerals are assigned to the displays or icons having the same functions as those of the display screen of FIG. Although the icon 36 is the same in that it performs the function of a changeover switch that enables or disables the energy saving function according to the present embodiment, the waiting time (first threshold value T ₁ ) can be set. There is no screen for selecting whether the light is dimmed only when the vehicle is stopped or during operation. Further, the backlight is dimmed only when the rotor 2 is stopped. When the rotor 2 is rotating, the backlight is diminished regardless of whether it is accelerating, settling, or decelerating. It was configured not to perform light. With this configuration, when the backlight is turned off, the user can uniquely determine that the rotor 2 does not rotate. Therefore, a centrifuge that is very easy to use can be realized depending on the user of a specific application. Further, since the backlight is always turned on while the rotor 2 is rotating, the contents displayed on the operation display unit 20 can be immediately recognized.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Example, A various change is possible within the range which does not deviate from the meaning. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a liquid crystal display with a backlight is used as the display unit. However, the display unit is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and is not limited to a liquid crystal display. It may be realized by any display means that can change the above. The dimming mode operation status and waiting time may be configured to be more finely controlled according to conditions such as rotor type, set rotational speed, and set temperature, and the control device can be monitored by the user. You may comprise so that execution of a light reduction mode may be judged according to whether it is a required condition, for example according to the temperature condition of the rotation chamber 5, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Centrifuge 2 Rotor 3 Door 4 Motor 5 Rotating chamber 7 Control device 13 Chamber 14 Shaft case 15 Temperature sensor 16 Shaft 17 Crown 18 Cooling device 18a Cooling piping 20 Operation display parts 21, 22, and 23 Screen 34 Down icon 35 For UP Icon 36 Icon 36a Character 37 Wait time 38, 39 Check box 41 Rotation speed 42 Thick line (key operation) 43 Display brightness (brightness of setting)
121 Screen 130 Display bar 134 Down icon 135 Up icon 141 Rotation speed 142 Thick line (key operation)
143 Display brightness

Claims (7)

A drive unit that rotates a rotor that holds a sample; a control unit that controls rotation of the rotor;
In the centrifuge that has an operation unit that accepts input and a display unit that displays information indicating an operation state, and rotates the rotor under the input conditions.
The display unit has a function of adjusting brightness,
When the input by the operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time, a dimming mode for reducing the brightness is provided ,
The centrifuge is characterized in that it is not dimmed when the rotor is accelerated and decelerated even when the input by the operation unit is not performed for the predetermined time .   The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the display unit are touch panel type liquid crystal displays having a backlight.   The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the display unit are touch panel EL displays. The execution of the dimming mode, during stop of the rotor, or / and, centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that it is set to one during operation. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined time for executing the dimming mode can be set from the operation unit. During the dimming mode, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that undo acceleration or brightness state change dropped in when caused to deceleration of the rotor Centrifuge. When abnormality in the centrifuge during the dimming mode occurs, centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 5, characterized in that to maximize the brightness dropped.

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