Environment control device

Abstract

To enhance visibility in a working chamber of an environment control device.SOLUTION: The environment control apparatus includes a working chamber in which a task of handling a substance that affects a human body (hazardous substance), a task requiring the inside of the working chamber to be maintained in a sterile state or a dust-free state, a task requiring the inside of the working chamber to be maintained in a certain air state, or a task involving a combination of these tasks is performed, a door for opening and closing the working chamber, the door having an observation part through which the inside of the working chamber is visible from the outside of the working chamber, and a light source provided along one or more edges of the observation part to emit light toward the inside of the working chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control device for work in a work room where substances that affect the human body (hazardous substances) are handled, or work that requires maintaining a sterile or dust-free state in the work room, or work that requires maintaining a certain air condition (low oxygen, low humidity, etc.) (this naturally includes work that meets two or more of the three aforementioned work-related requirements). Such environmental control devices are either open or closed. Typical examples of open-type environmental control devices (airflow control devices) include clean benches and biohazard cabinets. Examples of closed-type environmental control devices include isolators and glove boxes. The environmental control device in this specification may be either open or closed. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an environmental control device used for the above-mentioned purposes. The environmental control device has a work chamber (work space), and air circulates within this work chamber and a return chamber communicating with it. The circulating air passes through a HEPA filter, thereby maintaining the air within the work chamber in a clean state.

[0003] The front opening of the work chamber can be opened and closed with a door. When closed, the door airtightly seals the front opening, preventing contaminants in the work chamber from leaking outside (such as a laboratory or clean room where the environmental control device is installed). Alternatively, it prevents bacteria and dust from entering the work chamber from the outside. Alternatively, it prevents both (the outflow of contaminants and the inflow of bacteria and dust). The door is formed of a frame hinged to the device body and a transparent plate made of glass, acrylic, or the like attached to the frame. Gloves are airtightly attached to the transparent plate, allowing workers to visually observe work objects in the work chamber through the transparent plate while working on the work objects through the gloves.

[0004] When a worker standing in front of the environmental control device peers into the work chamber through the transparent panel, the lighting in a laboratory or clean room casts a shadow on the worker. This reduces visibility. To solve this problem, lighting fixtures can be installed on the ceiling or walls of the work chamber. However, this method irradiates light perpendicular to the worker's line of sight (the normal direction of the transparent panel) or nearly so, casting a shadow on the work object if there is an obstacle inside. Another option is to install lighting fixtures outside the transparent panel. This method is closer to the worker's line of sight than lighting fixtures installed on the ceiling or walls of the work chamber, making it less likely to cast a shadow. However, this method can be problematic because it can be a nuisance to the worker while they are working. Furthermore, the exposed lighting fixtures in the room increase the surface area on which bacteria and dust can accumulate, making cleaning difficult. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-296889 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an environmental control device equipped with a lighting device that allows a worker to clearly see the inside of a work chamber through an observation section such as a transparent plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided an environmental control device comprising: a workroom in which work is carried out that involves handling substances that have an effect on the human body (hazardous substances), work that requires the interior to be kept sterile or dust-free, work that requires the interior to be kept in a constant state of air, or a combination of these works; a door for opening and closing the workroom, the door having an observation section that allows the interior of the workroom to be viewed from outside; and a light source that is provided along one or more edges of the observation section and that irradiates light into the workroom.

[0008] Further features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and in the detailed description. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, visibility inside the work chamber can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the environmental control device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing section II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of region III in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a view of the environmental control device with the door open, looking up from the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An environmental control device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figures 1 to 4 show an isolator as a sealed environmental control device as an example of an environmental control device. The sealed environmental control device shown in the figures is also called a glove box because a glove box is provided on the door.

[0012] The components of the illustrated environmental control device, excluding the lighting device attached to the door, also include novel configurations. However, the components excluding the lighting device may be configured using configurations well known in the art. Therefore, the components excluding the lighting device will be only briefly described below.

[0013] The environmental control device 1 has a work chamber 10 at its front. Within the work chamber 10 of the environmental control device 1, work is carried out that involves handling substances that have an effect on the human body (hazardous substances), work that requires the work chamber 10 to be kept sterile or dust-free, work that requires maintaining a certain air condition (low oxygen, low humidity, etc.), or a combination of these works.

[0014] The work chamber 10 is defined by a plurality of panels (plate-shaped walls) that are airtightly connected. An opening is provided in the front panel of the work chamber 10, and this opening can be opened and closed by a door 12. If the environmental control device 1 is an isolator, the work chamber 10 can be closed airtight by the door 12. In other words, by closing the door 12, the inside of the work chamber 10 is isolated and sealed from the outside (such as a laboratory or clean room in which the environmental control device is installed). The door 12 can be opened and closed via a hinge 13 provided at its upper end, as shown in FIG. 2. The configuration of the door 12 will be described in detail later.

[0015] A plurality of gloves 14 (work gloves) are airtightly attached to the door 12 (transparent plate 122, described in detail later). A worker in front of the environmental control device 1 can work on objects in the work chamber 10 through the gloves 14 without coming into contact with the atmosphere inside the work chamber 10.

[0016] In addition to the work chamber 10, the environment control device 1 is provided with a return chamber (return passage) 16, which is a non-work space. Air circulates between the work chamber 10 and the return chamber 16, and is purified by passing through an air filter such as a HEPA filter (including high-performance filters such as ULPA) during circulation. A purified atmosphere is maintained within the work chamber 10. An example of such an air circulation system is described below.

[0017] The return chamber (return passage) 16 is a space that is approximately inverted L-shaped in vertical cross section and is provided above and behind the work chamber 10. A fan filter unit 18 is attached to the ceiling panel (ceiling wall) 10a of the work chamber 10. The fan filter unit 18 is a disassembly assembly that has one or more fans 181, one or more HEPA filters 182, and a cover 183.

[0018] When the fan 181 of the fan filter unit 18 is operated, the air in the return chamber 16 passes through the HEPA filter 182 and is blown downward into the working chamber 10, and this air passes through the HEPA filter 22 provided on the back panel (rear wall) 10b of the working chamber 10 and flows out into the return chamber 16, passes through the return chamber 16 and returns to the fan filter unit 18, and is blown out again into the working chamber 10. As the air circulates, the air is repeatedly filtered by the HEPA filter, thereby purifying the air in the working chamber 10.

[0019] An air supply unit 24 is provided on the left side of the upper part of the return chamber 16, and an exhaust unit (not shown in the drawing) is provided on the left side. The air supply unit 24 introduces outside air into the return chamber 16, and the exhaust unit 26 exhausts the air inside the return chamber 16 to the outside. A decontamination gas can be supplied into the work chamber 10 from a decontamination gas supply unit.

[0020] The configuration of the air circulation system is not limited to the above, and may be replaced with any known configuration, for example.

[0021] Next, a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the door 12 and the lighting unit 200 provided thereon will be described in detail.

[0022] The door 12 is rectangular overall. The door 12 has a frame 121 and a rectangular transparent plate 122 attached to the frame 121. In this embodiment, the transparent plate 122 functions as an observation section. The frame 121 and the front panel 10c of the housing of the environmental control device 1 are connected via a hinge (hinge joint) 13. This allows the door 12 to pivot around the axis of the hinge 13. Dampers 15 for assisting the door 12 in opening and closing are provided on the left and right sides of the door 12.

[0023] The globe 14 is airtightly attached to the transparent plate 122 .

[0024] The observation section may be configured with any material that allows the interior to be viewed, and a transparent plate is preferably used. Transparent plate 122 may be, for example, a glass plate or an acrylic plate. Transparent plate 122 is airtightly attached to frame 121. A sealant 123 is attached to the inner surface of frame 121, i.e., the surface that faces front panel 10c when door 12 is closed.

[0025] A plurality of sealing handles 124 (14 in the illustrated example) are attached to the frame 121. The number of sealing handles is not limited as long as sealing is possible. By closing the door 12 and operating the sealing handles 124, the frame 121 is pressed toward the front panel 10c, which crushes the sealing material 123. This allows the door 12 to airtightly close the opening of the front panel 10c. Alternatively, a tube-sealed door may be used. After the door 12 is closed, compressed air is passed through a tube wound around the frame 121 to expand the tube, thereby airtightly closing the opening of the front panel 10c. Alternatively, a sealing material may be fitted around the front of the door 12 or fixed by adhesive, and the door 12 can be pressed against the flat surface of the opening of the device and then clamped with clips or screws to airtightly close it.

[0026] As shown in particular in FIG. 4 , LED light sources 126 that emit light toward the inside of the work chamber 10 are provided along the upper edge 125a, left edge 125b, and right edge 125c of the transparent plate 122. In one embodiment, the LED light source 126 is formed in a strip shape (a long, thin, flat plate shape) and has a plurality of LED light-emitting elements arranged in a line. The LED light source 126 may be similar to a tape light. The LED light source 126 may also be provided along the lower edge of the transparent plate 122.

[0027] The light source is not limited to an LED, and any light source that can achieve the effects of the present invention will suffice. However, it is preferable to use an LED light source because it can reduce the installation space.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, two LED light sources 126 are provided on the top edge 125a, and one LED light source 126 is provided on each of the left edge 125b and right edge 125c (see FIG. 4).

[0029] The LED light sources 126 are provided on the outer surface of the transparent plate 122 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the work chamber 10). The LED light sources 126 are covered by a cover 127 having a roughly U-shaped cross section. Each LED light source 126 is housed inside the U-shape. The cover 127 extends close to the frame body 121 and is attached to the frame body 121 by appropriate attachment means, such as a plurality of screws (bolts 128). Note that in Figures 1 and 3, the cover 127 is not visible because it is located behind the LED light sources 126.

[0030] The cover 127 can be made of, for example, a metal material, but from the perspective of improving the appearance and commercial value, it can be made of stainless steel with a polished outer surface or plated steel material. Alternatively, it can be made of a resin material. In these cases, it is preferable that the frame 121 is also made of a material that has the same appearance as the cover 127. It is also preferable that the frame 121 and the cover 127 are roughly flush. This improves the appearance and also makes cleaning easier.

[0031] The LED light source 126 can also be provided on the inner surface of the transparent plate 122. However, from the viewpoints of ease of cleaning, ease of maintenance, prevention of exposure of the LED light source 126 to contamination or a hazardous environment, ease of decontamination work of the work chamber 10, etc., it is preferable to provide the LED light source 126 on the outer surface of the transparent plate 122.

[0032] A power supply socket (not shown (for example, located on the front side of member 129 shown in FIG. 4)) can be provided in, for example, the upper right corner of cover 127, and power can be supplied to the LED light source 126 by inserting a plug (not shown) connected to a power supply device into this socket. The member indicated by reference numeral 129 in FIG. 4 is a power supply circuit and wiring for the LED connected to the plug. Power may also be supplied to the LED light source 126 by passing a power supply line inside hinge 13.

[0033] According to the above embodiment, the shadow of a worker standing in front of the environmental control device 1 (a shadow caused by the illumination light of a laboratory, clean room, etc.) is erased by the light emitted by the LED light source 126. Therefore, a worker standing in front of the environmental control device and looking into the work room 10 through the transparent plate 122 of the door 12 can clearly visually recognize objects (work targets or observation targets) present in the work room 10.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the direction of light emitted from the LED light source 126 is the same as the line of sight of a worker peering into the workroom 10. Furthermore, light is emitted from the upper edge 125a, left edge 125b, and right edge 125c of the transparent plate 122 so as to surround the worker's line of sight. This reduces the likelihood of shadows being cast on objects in the workroom, improving the visibility of the object being observed. The worker typically sits in a chair placed in front of the environmental control device 1, with the worker's line of sight positioned slightly higher than the globe 14, and the worker's line of sight extending from this point of view toward the workroom 10.

[0035] In particular, when globe 14 is attached to transparent plate 122, the shadow cast by globe 14 may impair visibility. However, according to the above embodiment, shadows are less likely to be cast, so that the reduction in visibility caused by globe 14 can be suppressed.

[0036] It is also possible to place a robot arm (not shown) in the work chamber without attaching the globe 14 to the door 12 (transparent plate 122) of the environmental control device, and have a worker standing in front of the door 12 operate the robot arm by remote control while visually checking the work target. In this case, too, attaching the transparent plate 122 to the LED light source 126 in the same way as above reduces the likelihood of shadows being cast, thereby improving workability.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the LED light source 126 is formed in a strip shape, so that the LED light source 126 is compact and the area of ​​the transparent portion of the transparent plate 122 is minimized.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the LED light source 126 is provided in contact with or very close to the surface of the transparent plate 122, so that the distance to the object to be observed is small, thereby minimizing the required luminous energy.

[0039] It is also easy to modify an existing environmental control device by attaching the LED light source 126 (or a set of the LED light source 126 and the cover 127) according to the above embodiment to the transparent plate of the existing environmental control device.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the environmental control device is described as a closed-type environmental control device. However, the environmental control device may also be an open-type environmental control device. In this case, for example, the front opening of the work chamber is opened and closed by a vertically sliding door. Such a sliding door does not need to airtightly close the front opening of the work chamber. In other words, air may enter and exit the work chamber through a gap around the door or a gap near the bottom edge of a slightly opened door. When the internal pressure of the work chamber is positive, air is exhausted from the work chamber through the gap, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the work chamber from outside. This type of environmental control device is called a "clean bench." When the internal pressure of the work chamber is negative, air is sucked from the work chamber through the gap, preventing bacteria and microorganisms from leaking out of the work chamber. This type of environmental control device is called a "biohazard control cabinet" (or a "special cabinet" when handling powder). In such an open-type environmental control device, the vertical sliding door may be formed almost entirely from a transparent plate (observation section), or may have a transparent plate (observation section) attached to a frame. By providing a light source on the edge of such a transparent plate in a manner similar to the light source 126 provided on the transparent plate 122 of the door 12 described above, visibility inside the work chamber can be improved.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1. Environmental control equipment 10 Workroom 12 Doors 122 Observation section (transparent plate) 126 (LED) light source

Claims

1. A workroom is one in which work is carried out that involves handling substances that may affect the human body (hazardous substances), work that requires the interior to be kept sterile or dust-free, or work that requires the air to be kept at a certain level. a door for opening and closing the work chamber, the door having an observation section that allows the inside of the work chamber to be viewed from outside the work chamber; a light source provided along one or more edges of the observation section and configured to irradiate light toward the working chamber; An environmental control device equipped with:

2. The environmental control device according to claim 1 , wherein the observation section is rectangular, and the light sources are provided along at least the top edge, left edge, and right edge of the observation section.

3. The environmental control device according to claim 2 , wherein the light source is also provided along a lower edge of the observation section.

4. The environmental control device according to claim 2 , wherein the light source is a strip-shaped LED light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged along its length.

5. The environmental control device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is attached to an outer surface of the observation unit.

6. 2. The environmental control device according to claim 1, wherein a glove is attached to the observation section, and a worker can insert his or her hand into the glove to operate a work object inside the work chamber.

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