Sterilization device

Abstract

To report, to an operator, a fact that, a cart is drawn from a sterilization chamber before start of a sterilization step, after putting a cart storing therein an object to be sterilized into the sterilization chamber.SOLUTION: A sterilization device comprises: a cart 50 for storing an object to be sterilized; a sterilization chamber 32 capable of storing the cart 50; a start switch 72 operated for starting a sterilization step by an operator; a control part 70 for controlling so as to execute the sterilization step when the start switch 72 is turned on; sensors 38, 40 for detecting putting in and drawing of the cart 50; and a warning device 76 for outputting a warning to an operator when the sensors 38, 40 detect that the cart 50 is drawn from the sterilization chamber 32 in a state in which the start switch 70 is not turned on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes objects to be sterilized using a sterilizing agent such as steam or ethylene oxide gas. [Background technology]

[0002] In hospitals and other facilities, it is necessary to sterilize items that require sterilization, such as medical bandages, scalpels, forceps, surgical gowns, etc. To sterilize such items, a steam sterilizer having a pressure vessel for containing the items is often used. In a typical steam sterilizer, saturated steam is introduced into a pressure vessel, pressurized and heated, and a predetermined pressure and temperature are maintained for a certain period of time to sterilize the object to be sterilized.

[0003] In addition, items made of non-heat-resistant plastics, rubber, etc. that are not suitable for sterilization with high-pressure steam are sterilized using an ethylene oxide gas sterilization device that uses ethylene oxide gas, which can be sterilized at low temperatures.

[0004] In these sterilization devices, accidentally opening the sterilization chamber door can result in the leakage of high-temperature, high-pressure steam or toxic ethylene oxide gas, which is extremely dangerous. It also interrupts the sterilization process, requiring it to be restarted.

[0005] Therefore, a sterilization apparatus has been proposed that checks for abnormalities in the door locking means not only before the start of the preparation process but also before the sterilization process to prevent the risk of gas leakage (for example, Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5910853). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5910853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The worker who uses the sterilization equipment first turns on the power to the sterilization equipment, opens the door, places the cart containing the items to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber, closes the door, and then turns on the start switch to begin the sterilization process. The door locking mechanism operates after the start switch is turned on, preventing the door from being opened accidentally during the sterilization process.

[0008] In this way, the door locking mechanism in the sterilization apparatus only operates when the operator turns on the start switch that starts the sterilization process. On the other hand, the door can be opened freely unless the start switch is turned on. This means that after placing the cart inside the sterilization chamber, it is possible to take actions such as pulling the cart out of the chamber and adding more items to be sterilized.

[0009] However, conventional sterilization devices cannot handle the following situations: For example, if an operator places a cart containing items to be sterilized into the sterilization chamber and then leaves the sterilization device without starting the sterilization process (without turning on the start switch), the door can be opened and closed because the start switch has not yet been turned on, and other operators may mistakenly believe that the items to be sterilized inside the sterilization device have already been sterilized and pull out the cart.

[0010] If the cart is pulled out from the sterilizer under the mistaken impression that sterilization has been completed, an accident may occur, such as using an unsterilized object. Therefore, if the cart is placed in the sterilization chamber and then removed from the sterilization chamber before the sterilization process begins, it is desirable to inform the operator that the sterilization process has not yet been carried out.

[0011] There are also types of sterilization devices that do not use carts but store items in a sterilization chamber. In the case of such devices, if an operator places an item in the sterilization chamber and then leaves the sterilization chamber without starting the sterilization process (without turning on the start switch), the door can be opened and closed because the start switch has not yet been turned on, and other operators may mistakenly believe that the items stored in the sterilization chamber have already been sterilized and open the door to try to remove the items.

[0012] In this way, if the sterilization chamber door is opened under the mistaken impression that sterilization is complete even though the sterilization process has not yet begun, an accident may occur, such as using unsterilized items. Therefore, if the door is opened after the items to be sterilized have been placed in the sterilization chamber and before the sterilization process begins, it is desirable to inform the operator that the sterilization process has not yet been carried out.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a sterilization apparatus that can notify the operator if a cart containing items to be sterilized is removed from the sterilization chamber after being placed in the sterilization chamber before the sterilization process begins. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A sterilization apparatus according to the present invention comprises a cart for storing objects to be sterilized, a sterilization chamber capable of storing the cart and performing a sterilization process on the objects stored in the cart, a start switch operated by an operator to start the sterilization process, a control unit that controls the sterilization process to be carried out when the start switch is turned on, a sensor that detects the insertion and removal of the cart, and a warning device controlled by the control unit to issue a warning to the operator when the sensor detects that the cart has been removed from the sterilization chamber while the start switch is not turned on. The cart is provided with a sensing unit that causes the sensor to sense the objects to be sterilized, below a storage unit that stores the objects to be sterilized. The sensor is provided on either the left or right side opening side when viewed from the front of the sterilization chamber opening, and senses the passage of the cart with respect to the sensing unit of the cart. The sensor has a first sensor on either the left or right side opening side when viewed from the front of the sterilization chamber opening, and a second sensor provided below the first sensor. The sensing unit has a first sensing unit that is sensed by the first sensor, and a second sensing unit that is provided below the first sensor and on the side of the cart in the direction of exiting the sterilization chamber and is sensed by the second sensor. The control unit determines that the cart has entered the sterilization chamber when the second sensor detects the second sensing unit after the first sensor detects the first sensing unit, and determines that the cart has been withdrawn from the sterilization chamber when the first sensor detects the first sensing unit after the second sensor detects the second sensing unit. It is characterized by the following. By adopting this configuration, if it is detected that the cart is being pulled out before the sterilization process has been carried out, a warning can be given to the operator, thereby preventing accidents such as the reuse of unsterilized items. Furthermore, with this configuration, the sensing unit is located below the storage section of the cart, so the items to be sterilized or the supports and baskets that make up the cart do not get in the way, and the sensor can reliably recognize the cart. Furthermore, with this configuration, the entry of the cart into the sterilization chamber and the withdrawal of the cart from the sterilization chamber can be reliably detected by the sensor.

[0016] The control unit may also be characterized in that if the start switch is not turned on for a predetermined time after the operator has completed preparations for the sterilization process, the control unit controls the warning device to issue a warning to the operator. This configuration makes it possible to prevent forgetting to start the sterilization process.

[0020] A sterilization apparatus according to the present invention comprises a cart for storing items to be sterilized, a sterilization chamber capable of storing the cart and in which a sterilization process is carried out on the items to be sterilized stored in the cart, a start switch operated by an operator to start the sterilization process, a control unit that controls the sterilization process to be carried out when the start switch is turned on, a sensor that detects the insertion and removal of the cart, and a warning device that is controlled by the control unit to issue a warning to the operator when the sensor detects that the cart has been removed from the sterilization chamber while the start switch is not turned on, and the cart is provided with a sensing unit that causes the sensor to sense, below the storage unit that stores the items to be sterilized, and the sensor is provided on either the left or right side opening side when looking at the opening of the sterilization chamber from the front, and detects the passage of the cart with the sensing unit of the cart, The sensing unit has a third sensing unit provided on the side of the cart in the direction of entry into the sterilization chamber and a fourth sensing unit provided on the side of the cart in the direction of exit from the sterilization chamber, and the third sensing unit and the fourth sensing unit are colored in different colors. The sensor has a support detection sensor that detects a support constituting the cart on either the left or right side opening side when looking at the opening of the sterilization chamber from the front, and an image sensor that photographs the third sensing unit and the fourth sensing unit. The control unit controls the image sensor to start an image capturing operation at a predetermined frame rate when the support detection sensor detects a support of the cart, and When the sensor next detects a support of the cart, the image sensor is controlled to end its photographing operation, and the image sensor is controlled to determine whether the third or fourth sensor was photographed first based on the colors of the third and fourth sensors in the multiple images photographed by the image sensor, and when it is determined that the third sensor was photographed before the fourth sensor, it is determined that the cart has entered the sterilization chamber, and when it is determined that the fourth sensor was photographed before the third sensor in the multiple images photographed by the image sensor, it is determined that the cart has been removed from the sterilization chamber. is doing. By adopting this configuration, if it is detected that the cart is being pulled out before the sterilization process has been carried out, a warning can be given to the operator, thereby preventing accidents such as the reuse of unsterilized items. Furthermore, with this configuration, the sensing unit is located below the storage section of the cart, so the items to be sterilized or the supports and baskets that make up the cart do not get in the way, and the sensor can reliably recognize the cart. Also, According to this configuration, the two sensing parts of the cart are distinguished by color, so that the direction of the cart being put in or taken out can be detected reliably.

[0022] A sterilization apparatus according to the present invention comprises a cart for storing objects to be sterilized, a sterilization chamber capable of storing the cart and in which the objects stored in the cart are sterilized, a start switch operated by an operator to start the sterilization process, a control unit that controls the sterilization process to be carried out when the start switch is turned on, a sensor that detects the insertion and removal of the cart, and a warning device controlled by the control unit to issue a warning to the operator when the sensor detects that the cart has been removed from the sterilization chamber while the start switch is not turned on, wherein the sensor is a tape switch located on the floor surface outside the apparatus relative to the opening of the sterilization chamber, The tape switches include a first tape switch and a second tape switch disposed at a predetermined distance from the first tape switch and closer to the opening of the sterilization chamber than the first tape switch, and the control unit determines that the cart has entered the sterilization chamber when the second tape switch detects after the first tape switch detects, and determines that the cart has been withdrawn from the sterilization chamber when the first tape switch detects after the second tape switch detects. It states that: With this configuration, there is no need to provide sensors or sensing units on the cart or sterilization device, so the tape switch can reliably detect when the cart enters or is withdrawn from the sterilization chamber without significantly increasing costs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] With the sterilization apparatus of the present invention, if a cart containing items to be sterilized is placed in the sterilization chamber and then removed from the chamber before the sterilization process begins, the operator can be notified of this, thereby preventing accidents such as using unsterilized items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the sterilization apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the sterilization apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a start switch displayed on a display unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit up to the start of the sterilization process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cart provided with two sensing units of different colors. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the cart entering the sterilization chamber in an embodiment in which two sensing units of different colors are provided. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the cart being pulled out of the sterilization chamber in an embodiment in which two sensing units of different colors are provided. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an embodiment in which a tape switch is arranged. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an embodiment in which a tape switch is arranged. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front view of a second embodiment of the sterilizer. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system of a second embodiment of the sterilization apparatus. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit of the second embodiment up to the start of a sterilization process. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of sensors according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] (First embodiment) Figure 1 shows the sterilization device from the front. The sterilization apparatus 30 described here is a steam sterilization apparatus, and has a door on the front (the door is shown open in Figure 1), which opens to the sterilization chamber 32 when the door is opened. The door may open in any way, such as by opening forward, sliding up and down, or sliding sideways. Furthermore, the sterilization apparatus 30 of this embodiment sterilizes the objects to be sterilized by storing the objects in a cart and storing the cart in the sterilization chamber 32. The structure of the cart will be described later.

[0027] A display unit 34, a printer 35, an operation indicator light 36, etc. are provided on the front of the sterilization apparatus 30 in locations other than where the door is provided. Display unit 34 is of touch panel type, and not only displays operation details to the operator, but also allows the operator to input operation details. As will be described later, a start switch for starting the sterilization process is also displayed on display unit 34. After the operator inputs and sets the operation process and other settings displayed on display unit 34, the start switch is displayed on display unit 34. The operator touches the start switch displayed on display unit 34 to start the sterilization process.

[0028] The operation indicator light 36 is provided above the sterilization chamber 32 in the sterilization apparatus 30 and has lamps of multiple colors. The operation indicator light 36 lights up one of the colors during the sterilization process, allowing the operator to know the progress of the current sterilization process.

[0029] A sensor is provided on the side of the opening end of the sterilization chamber 32 of the sterilization device 30 to detect the insertion and removal of the cart into and from the sterilization chamber 32. The sensor is positioned close to the bottom of the side of the opening end so that it can detect the sensing unit located below the cart's storage section. In this embodiment, the sensors are provided on the right side of the sterilization chamber 32 when viewed from the front. The sensors are composed of a first sensor 38 arranged on the upper side and a second sensor 40 located below the first sensor 38. The first sensor 38 and the second sensor 40 are positioned in different height directions, but their width directions (the direction in which the cart is loaded and unloaded) are the same.

[0030] The configuration of the cart is shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a side view of the cart, Figure 3 is a front view of the cart, and Figure 4 is a plan view of the cart. Cart 50 comprises a bottom plate 52, four support posts 54 extending upward from the four corners of bottom plate 52, and a plurality of shelves 56 arranged at specified intervals between each of the support posts 54. Items to be sterilized are placed on shelves 56. As shown in Figure 4, shelves 56 have long holes 57 formed across their entire surface, allowing items to come into contact with steam, the sterilant, as much as possible. In this embodiment, four shelves 56 are arranged vertically, but the number of shelves 56 can be changed appropriately according to the size of the items to be sterilized.

[0031] Wheels 58 that are installed on the floor surface are provided below the bottom plate 52. The wheels 58 are configured to rotate freely, so that an operator can push the cart 50 to move it and store it inside the sterilization chamber 32, and can also pull the cart 50 out of the sterilization chamber 32.

[0032] Sensing sections, which are the areas sensed by the sensors, are provided between the lowest shelf 56 and the bottom plate 52, between the front-to-rear support columns 54, on the left and right sides of the cart 50 when viewed from the front. Since no items to be sterilized are present between the lowest shelf 56 and the bottom plate 52, the sensor can accurately detect anything. The sensing section has a first sensing section 60 provided at a position where the first sensor 38 senses, and a second sensing section 62 provided at a position where the second sensor 40 senses.

[0033] In this embodiment, a reflective photoelectric sensor is used as the sensor. Therefore, the sensing unit provided on the cart 50 is specifically a reflector that reflects light. A simple metal plate can also be used as the reflector. When the first sensing unit 60 reflects the light emitted by the first sensor 38, the first sensor 38 recognizes that the first sensing unit 60 is in that location. When the second sensing unit 62 reflects the light emitted by the second sensor 40, the second sensor 40 recognizes that the second sensing unit 62 is in that location. The sensor for detecting the insertion and removal of the cart is not limited to a photoelectric sensor, and a limit switch or a proximity switch may also be used.

[0034] The first sensing unit 60 is disposed in the gap between the lowest shelf plate 56 and the bottom plate 52, and is located above the second sensing unit 62. Therefore, the second sensing unit 62 is located below the first sensing unit 60. The first sensing unit 60 is located closer to the cart 50 entering the sterilization device 30 than the second sensing unit 62, and the second sensing unit 62 is located closer to the cart 50 exiting the sterilization device 30 than the first sensing unit 60. That is, when the cart 50 enters the sterilization chamber 32 of the sterilization device 30, the first sensor 38 first detects the first detecting portion 60, and then the second sensor 40 detects the second detecting portion 62. On the other hand, when the cart 50 is pulled out from the sterilization chamber 32 of the sterilization device 30 , the second sensor 40 first detects the second detecting portion 62 , and then the first sensor 38 detects the first detecting portion 60 .

[0035] As described above, it is possible to determine whether the cart 50 has entered the sterilization chamber 32 or has been removed from the sterilization chamber 32 depending on the order in which the two sensors detect the cart 50. By detecting the direction of movement of the cart 50 in this manner, it is possible to determine whether the cart 50 containing the items to be sterilized has been removed from the sterilization chamber after being placed in the sterilization chamber and before the sterilization process begins.

[0036] In this embodiment, sensors are provided on both sides of the cart 50 in the direction of insertion and removal of the cart. In Figures 2 and 4, the direction toward the right side of the drawing is the direction of entry into the sterilization chamber 32, and in this embodiment, the sensors are provided on the right side of the sterilization chamber 32 when viewed from the front, so the insertion and removal of the cart 50 is detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 62 located on the right side of the drawing. The first sensor 60 and the second sensor 62 located on the left side of Figures 2 and 4 are detected by the first sensor 38 and the second sensor 40 when the direction of entry of the cart 50 into the sterilization chamber 32 is reversed. In this way, by providing the sensing parts on both the left and right sides of the direction in which the cart is taken in and out, the sensor can detect the cart being taken in and out even if the cart is taken in and out of the sterilization chamber upside down.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the control system of this embodiment. The operation of the sterilization device 30 is controlled by controlling the vacuum pump and each valve based on control signals from the control unit 70, and the sterilization process is carried out. The control unit 70 is composed of a CPU, memory, etc., and operates based on an operating program stored in advance in the memory. A power switch 74 is connected to the control unit 70. The power switch 74 is a switch for turning on and off the power to the entire sterilization apparatus 30. The operator can start the operation of the sterilization apparatus 30 by first turning on the power switch 74.

[0038] A start switch 72 is also connected to the control unit 70. In this embodiment, the start switch 72 is assumed to be a switch displayed on the touch panel display unit 34, but it may also be a physical switch. In this embodiment, after the operator turns on the power switch 74, the display unit 34 displays the processes that the operator can perform, and the operator operates the display unit 34 to input or select the process to be performed. Once the operator has completed the necessary settings before starting the sterilization process, the control unit 70 displays the message "Do you want to start?" along with a "Start" button and a "Cancel" button, as shown in Figure 6. This "Start" button is the start switch 72. To start the sterilization process according to the displayed sterilization process details, the operator presses start switch 72. When control unit 70 detects that start switch 72 has been pressed, control unit 70 controls the vacuum pump and each valve to carry out the sterilization process.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 70 has a timer function 79, and if the start switch 72 is not pressed within a predetermined time after the operator has completed preparations (after the message "Do you want to start?" and the "Start" and "Cancel" buttons in Figure 6 are displayed), the warning device 76 may warn the operator that the sterilization process has not started.

[0040] The control unit 70 is connected to the first sensor 38 and the second sensor 40. The control unit 70 can detect whether the cart 50 is being moved into or out of the sterilization chamber 32 based on the on / off states of the first sensor 38 and the second sensor 40.

[0041] Furthermore, a warning device 76 is connected to the control unit 70. The warning device 76 may be one that issues a warning to the worker audibly by emitting a sound or the like, and / or one that issues a warning to the worker visually. In this embodiment, the warning device 76 includes three specific components: a speaker that emits a warning sound (including voice) to the worker, a display unit 34 that displays the warning in text, and an operation indicator light 36 that warns the worker by changing color or flashing.

[0042] Next, the control flow regarding the loading and unloading of the cart by the control unit will be described with reference to FIG. When the operator turns on the power switch 74, the control unit 70 of the sterilization device 30 starts up (step S100). The operator then operates the touch panel display unit 34 to set the sterilization process to be performed. The operator then places the items to be sterilized in the cart 50, and moves the cart 50, after storing the items, into the sterilization chamber 32. The control unit 70 detects that the cart 50 has entered the sterilization chamber 32 using the first sensor 38 and the second sensor 40 (step S102). After placing the cart 50 inside the sterilization chamber 32, the operator closes the door to the sterilization chamber 32. The control unit 70 detects that the door has been closed using the door opening / closing sensor 78 (step S103).

[0043] When the control unit 70 detects that the door has been closed and determines that the settings required for the sterilization process have been completed, it causes the display unit 34 to display the start switch 72 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S104). After the start switch 72 is activated (that is, after preparations for starting the sterilization process are complete), the control unit 70 measures time using the timer function 79 (step S105). If the control unit 70 determines that the start switch 72 is not turned on within a predetermined time after the start switch 72 is displayed, the control unit 70 controls the warning device 76 to warn the operator (step S109). This warning is intended to prevent forgetting to start the sterilization process, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a speaker (not shown) sounds or sounds a buzzer to notify the operator that the sterilization process has not started; a display 34 indicates that the process has not started; or the operation indicator light 36 displays or flashes a lamp to notify the operator that the process has not started. The warning device 76 continues to issue a warning until the operator turns on the start switch 72.

[0044] Furthermore, if the control unit 70 detects that the start switch 72 has been turned on before the predetermined time has elapsed (step S106), it starts the sterilization process (step S107). Once the sterilization process has started, the control unit 70 can automatically lock the door to prevent the operator from opening it.

[0045] In addition, when the control unit 70 detects that the door has been opened by the door opening / closing sensor 78 (step S108) without the start switch 72 being turned on, and then detects that the cart 50 has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber 32 (step S110), it controls the warning device 76 to warn the operator (step S112). The warning alerts the operator that the items to be sterilized stored in the cart have not yet been sterilized, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a sound or buzzer from a speaker (not shown) to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized; a message indicating that the items have not been sterilized is displayed on the display unit 34; or a lamp or flashing light on the operation indicator light 36 to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized.

[0046] After the warning, the operator places the cart 50 back into the sterilization chamber 32, closes the door, and turns on the start switch 72, which causes the control unit 70 to start the sterilization process (step S107).

[0047] Next, an embodiment in which two sensor units 64, 66 of different colors are provided on the cart 50 will be described, in which the case of determining whether the cart 50 is being put in or taken out will be described. Note that the same components as those described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0048] Figure 8 shows a side view of the cart. A sensing part, which is the part sensed by the sensor, is provided on either the left or right side of the cart 50 when viewed from the front, between the lowest shelf board 56 and the bottom board 52 of the cart 50 and between the front-rear support columns 54. The sensing section has a third sensing section 64 provided on the side in the direction of approach to the sterilization device 30 and a fourth sensing section 66 provided on the side in the direction of exit from the sterilization device 30.

[0049] The third sensing section 64 and the fourth sensing section 66 each have a different color on their surface. For example, it is advisable to use two colors that are easy to distinguish, such as "blue" for the third sensing section 64 and "red" for the fourth sensing section. Furthermore, if the two colors are complementary colors, the contrast will be strong, making them easier to distinguish. The third sensing portion 64 and the fourth sensing portion 66 may be configured by painting them in different colors, or by attaching materials of different colors to them.

[0050] 9 and 10 show the sensors provided in the sterilization device 30. In this embodiment, a support detection sensor 67 and an image sensor 68 are provided on the side of the opening end of the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 of the sterilization device 30 as sensors for detecting the entry and exit of the cart into the sterilization chamber 32. The support detection sensor 67 is configured by, for example, a photoelectric sensor, and detects the support 54 of the cart 50 . The image sensor 68 is a sensor such as a CCD or C-MOS that can capture images at a predetermined frame rate.

[0051] The support column detection sensor 67 and the image sensor 68 are connected to the control unit 70. Hereinafter, the determination of whether the cart 50 is being taken in or out by the control unit 70 will be described. When the cart 50 enters or is withdrawn from the sterilization chamber 32 of the sterilization device 30, the support detection sensor 67 detects the support 54 at either the front or rear end of the cart 50 in the direction of entry. After detecting the support 54 of the cart 50, the control unit 70 starts the image sensor 68 to take images. The image sensor 68 continuously takes images of the cart at a preset frame rate. Then, when the support detection sensor 67 detects the support 54 at either the leading end or the trailing end of the cart 50 in the direction of entry, the control unit 70 causes the image sensor 68 to end its photographing operation.

[0052] The detection of the support 54 by the support detection sensor 67 functions as a switch to start and stop the operation of the image sensor 68. Since the third sensor 64 and the fourth sensor 66 are provided between two support pillars provided at the front and rear of the traveling direction, it is only necessary to drive the image sensor 68 between the two support pillars 54 provided at the front and rear of the traveling direction, and this is the configuration that is adopted.

[0053] Thus, the support detection sensor 67 must detect the support 54 of the cart 50 either before or at the same time that the image sensor 68 reaches each of the sensing portions 64, 66. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, if the distance from the support 54 of the cart 50 to the third sensing unit 64 and the distance from the support 54 to the fourth sensing unit 66 are A, and the distance between the support detection sensor 67 and the image sensor 68 is B, it is preferable to make A≧B.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, if the support detection sensor 67 is positioned closer to the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 than the image sensor 68, when the cart 50 is entered into the sterilization chamber 32, the support detection sensor 67 will detect the support 54 before the image sensor 68, so the distance A from the support 54 to the third sensing unit 64 and the distance B between the support detection sensor 67 and the image sensor 68 can have any relationship. However, as shown in Figure 10, if the support column detection sensor 67 is positioned closer to the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 than the image sensor 68, then when the cart 50 is pulled out of the sterilization chamber 32, the image sensor 68 will reach the support column 54 before the support column detection sensor 67. For this reason, even if the image sensor 68 reaches the support column 54 before the support column detection sensor 67, by setting A > B, the support column detection sensor 67 will detect the support column 54 either before the image sensor 68 reaches the third sensing unit 64 or at the same time as the image sensor 68 reaches the third sensing unit 64, and the control unit 70 can start the operation of the image sensor 68.

[0055] The image sensor 68 may be disposed closer to the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 than the support column detection sensor 67 . In this case too, if A≧B, when the cart 50 is entered into the sterilization chamber 32, the support detection sensor 67 detects the support 54 either before the image sensor 68 reaches the third sensing unit 64 or at the same time as the image sensor 68 reaches the third sensing unit 64, and the control unit 70 starts operation of the image sensor 68, so that the support detection sensor 67 can cause the image sensor 68 to function as a switch to start and stop operation. If the image sensor 68 is positioned closer to the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 than the support detection sensor 67, when the cart 50 is pulled into the sterilization chamber 32, the support detection sensor 67 will detect the support 54 before the image sensor 68, so the distance A from the support 54 to the third sensing unit 64 and the distance B between the support detection sensor 67 and the image sensor 68 can have any relationship.

[0056] Furthermore, since the support detection switch 67 may be configured to detect any position on the support 54, it does not have to be located at the same height horizontally as the image sensor 68, and may be located at a higher position than the image sensor 68.

[0057] The control unit 70 finds the third sensing unit 64 and the fourth sensing unit 66 from the multiple images captured by the image sensor 68. For example, if the third sensing unit 64 is blue and the fourth sensing unit 66 is red, the control unit 70 stores in advance that the third sensing unit 64 is blue and the fourth sensing unit 66 is red. Then, the control unit 70 determines in what order the third sensing unit 64 and the fourth sensing unit 66 were captured in the multiple images captured by the image sensor 68. In this determination, the control unit 70 checks whether the multiple images captured by the image sensor 68 were captured in the order blue → red or red → blue.

[0058] If the images were taken in the order of blue → red, the cart 50 moved in the order of the third sensor 64 → the fourth sensor 66, and the control unit 70 can determine that the cart has entered the sterilization device 30. If the images were taken in the order of red → blue, the cart 50 moved in the order of the fourth sensor 66 → the third sensor 64, and the control unit 70 can determine that the cart has been removed from the sterilization device 30.

[0059] Next, an embodiment will be described in which a tape switch is used as a sensor for detecting a cart. Note that the same components as those described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. A tape switch is a type of contact sensor that has two electrode plates spaced apart within a thin, long, tape-like synthetic resin. When a load is applied, the two electrode plates come into contact, causing the switch to become conductive.

[0060] Figure 11 shows a side view of a tape switch installed on the floor outside the sterilization equipment, and Figure 12 shows a plan view of a tape switch installed on the floor outside the sterilization equipment. A first tape switch 82 is installed on the floor surface 80 outside the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 of the sterilization device 30, from the side away from the opening, and a second tape switch 84 is installed a predetermined distance away from the first tape switch 82 and closer to the opening of the sterilization device 30. The first tape switch 82 and the second tape switch 84 are each connected to the control unit 70. When the cart 50 passes over each of the tape switches 82, 84, the tape switches 82, 84 are turned on, and the control unit 70 detects that each of the tape switches 82, 84 has been turned on.

[0061] When the control unit 70 detects that the wheels 58 of the cart 50 have first passed the first tape switch 82 and then passed the second tape switch 84, it can determine that the cart 50 has entered the sterilization chamber 32. When the control unit 70 detects that the wheels 58 of the cart 50 have first passed the second tape switch 84 and then passed the first tape switch 82, it can determine that the cart 50 has been withdrawn from the sterilization chamber 32.

[0062] In the embodiment employing the tape switch, the control operation of the control unit 70 is the same as that shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when the operator turns on the power switch 74, the control unit 70 of the sterilization apparatus 30 starts up (step S100). The operator then operates the touch panel display unit 34 to set the sterilization process to be performed. The operator then places the items to be sterilized in the cart 50, and moves the cart 50 into the sterilization chamber 32 after placing the items therein. The control unit 70 detects that the cart 50 has entered the sterilization chamber 32 using the first tape switch 82 and the second tape switch 84 (step S102). After placing the cart 50 inside the sterilization chamber 32, the operator closes the door to the sterilization chamber 32. The control unit 70 detects that the door has been closed using the door sensor 78 (step S103).

[0063] When the control unit 70 detects that the door has been closed and determines that the settings required for the sterilization process have been completed, it causes the display unit 34 to display the start switch 72 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S104). After the start switch 72 is activated (that is, after preparations for starting the sterilization process are complete), the control unit 70 measures time using the timer function 79 (step S105). If the control unit 70 determines that the start switch 72 is not turned on within a predetermined time after the start switch 72 is displayed, the control unit 70 controls the warning device 76 to warn the operator (step S109). This warning is intended to prevent forgetting to start the sterilization process, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a speaker (not shown) sounds or sounds a buzzer to notify the operator that the sterilization process has not started; a display 34 indicates that the process has not started; or the operation indicator light 36 displays or flashes a lamp to notify the operator that the process has not started. The warning device 76 continues to issue a warning until the operator turns on the start switch 72.

[0064] Furthermore, if the control unit 70 detects that the start switch 72 has been turned on before the predetermined time has elapsed (step S106), it starts the sterilization process (step S107). Once the sterilization process has started, the control unit 70 can automatically lock the door to prevent the operator from opening it.

[0065] In addition, if the control unit 70 detects that the door has opened using the door opening / closing sensor 78 without the start switch 72 being turned on (step S108), and then detects that the cart 50 has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber 32 using the first tape switch 82 and the second tape switch 84 (step S110), it controls the warning device 76 to warn the operator (step S112). The warning alerts the operator that the items to be sterilized stored in the cart have not yet been sterilized, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a sound or buzzer from a speaker (not shown) to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized; a message indicating that the items have not been sterilized is displayed on the display unit 34; or a lamp or flashing light on the operation indicator light 36 to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized.

[0066] After the warning, the operator places the cart 50 back into the sterilization chamber 32, closes the door, and turns on the start switch 72, which causes the control unit 70 to start the sterilization process (step S107).

[0067] (Second embodiment) As a second embodiment, a sterilization apparatus that stores objects to be sterilized in a sterilization chamber without using a cart will be described. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0068] The sterilization device 30 is a steam sterilization device, and as shown in FIG. 13, a door 31 is provided on the front, and when the door 31 is opened, a sterilization chamber 32 is opened. The door 31 may be opened in any manner, such as by opening forward, sliding up and down, or sliding sideways.

[0069] A block diagram of the control system of the second embodiment is shown in Figure 14. This Figure 14 is a configuration in which the first sensor 38, the second sensor 40, the first sensing unit 60, and the second sensing unit 62 are omitted from Figure 5, which is the block diagram of the control system in the first embodiment, and the other configurations are the same, so a description of the components of the sterilization apparatus 30 of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0070] FIG. 15 illustrates a control flow regarding the loading and unloading of the cart by the control unit in the second embodiment. When the operator turns on the power switch 74, the control unit 70 of the sterilization apparatus 30 starts up (step S200). The operator then operates the touch panel display unit 34 to set the sterilization process to be carried out. The operator then places the items to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber 32. After placing the items in the sterilization chamber 32, the operator closes the door to the sterilization chamber 32. The control unit 70 detects that the door has been closed by the door open / close sensor 78 (step S202).

[0071] When the control unit 70 detects that the door has been closed and determines that the settings required for the sterilization process have been completed, it causes the display unit 34 to display a start switch 72 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S204). After the start switch 72 is activated (that is, after preparations for starting the sterilization process are complete), the control unit 70 measures time using the timer function 79 (step S205). If the control unit 70 determines that the start switch 72 is not turned on within a predetermined time after the start switch 72 is displayed, the control unit 70 controls the warning device 76 to warn the operator (step S209). This warning is intended to prevent forgetting to start the sterilization process, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a speaker (not shown) sounds or sounds a buzzer to notify the operator that the sterilization process has not started; a display 34 indicates that the process has not started; or the operation indicator light 36 displays or flashes a lamp to notify the operator that the process has not started. The warning device 76 continues to issue a warning until the operator turns on the start switch 72.

[0072] Furthermore, if the control unit 70 detects that the start switch 72 has been turned on before the predetermined time has elapsed (step S206), it starts the sterilization process (step S207). Once the sterilization process has started, the control unit 70 can automatically lock the door to prevent the operator from opening it.

[0073] In addition, when the control unit 70 detects that the door has opened using the door opening / closing sensor 78 without the start switch 72 being turned on (step S208), it controls the warning device 76 to warn the worker (step S210). The warning alerts the operator that the items to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber 32 have not yet been sterilized, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a sound or buzzer from a speaker (not shown) to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized; a message indicating that the items have not been sterilized is displayed on the display unit 34; or a light or flashing lamp on the operation indicator light 36 to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized.

[0074] After the warning, the operator closes the door again and turns on the start switch 72, which causes the control unit 70 to start the sterilization process (step S207).

[0075] (Third embodiment) As a third embodiment, a case where a sensor is provided to detect a cart 50 stored in a sterilization chamber 32 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0076] The sensor in this embodiment is a photoelectric sensor 86, which is provided inside a front panel 88 that is arranged to cover the front side of the sterilization apparatus 30. A door 90 for opening and closing the opening of the sterilization chamber 32 is arranged inside the front panel 88.

[0077] The door 90 in this embodiment is a sliding door that slides laterally, and is slidably disposed inside the front panel 88. The photoelectric sensor 86 is positioned on the front panel 88 so as to face the sterilization chamber 32. Therefore, when the door 90 is open, the photoelectric sensor 86 can detect the presence or absence of the cart 50 inside the sterilization chamber 32.

[0078] When such a configuration is adopted, if the door opening / closing sensor 78 detects that the door 90 is open when the start switch 72 is not turned on, and the photoelectric sensor 86 detects that the cart 50 is stored in the sterilization chamber 32, the control unit 70 controls the warning device 76 to warn the operator.

[0079] The warning alerts the operator that the items to be sterilized stored in the cart have not yet been sterilized, and is given by any one of the following, or a combination of these: a sound or buzzer from a speaker (not shown) to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized; a message indicating that the items have not been sterilized is displayed on the display unit 34; or a lamp or flashing light on the operation indicator light 36 to inform the operator that the items have not been sterilized.

[0080] In the above-described embodiments, the sterilization device is not limited to a steam sterilization device, but may be an ethylene oxide gas sterilization device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 30 Sterilizer 32 Sterilization room 34 Display section 35 printers 36 Operation indicator light 38 First Sensor 40 Second sensor 50 Cart 52 Bottom plate 54 Post 56 Shelf 57 long hole 58 wheels 60 1st sensing part 62 2nd sensing part 64 Third sensing section 66 4th sensing part 67 Pillar detection sensor 68 Image Sensor 70 Control Unit 72 Start switch 74 Power switch 76 Warning device 78 Door open / close sensor 79 Timer function 80 floor 82 1st Tape Switch 84 Second Tape Switch 86 Photoelectric Sensor 88 Front Panel 90 Doors

Claims

1. a cart for storing items to be sterilized; a sterilization chamber capable of storing the cart and performing a sterilization process on the objects to be sterilized stored in the cart; a start switch operated by an operator to start the sterilization process; a control unit that controls the sterilization process to be performed when the start switch is turned on; a sensor for detecting the insertion and removal of the cart; a warning device controlled by the control unit to issue a warning to an operator when the sensor detects that the cart has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber while the start switch is not turned on; The cart is provided with a sensing unit that causes the sensor to sense the object to be sterilized, below a storage unit that stores the object to be sterilized, The sensor is provided on either the left or right side opening side when viewed from the front of the sterilization chamber opening, and detects the passage of the cart relative to the detection unit of the cart, and includes a first sensor on either the left or right side opening side when viewed from the front of the sterilization chamber opening, and a second sensor provided below the first sensor; The sensing unit has a first sensing unit sensed by a first sensor, and a second sensing unit disposed below the first sensing unit and on the side of the cart in the direction of exit from the sterilization chamber, and sensed by a second sensor, The control unit When the first sensor detects the first detecting unit and then the second sensor detects the second detecting unit, it is determined that the cart has entered the sterilization chamber; A sterilization apparatus characterized in that, when the first sensor detects the first sensing unit after the second sensor detects the second sensing unit, it is determined that the cart has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber.

2. a cart for storing items to be sterilized; a sterilization chamber capable of storing the cart and performing a sterilization process on the objects to be sterilized stored in the cart; a start switch operated by an operator to start the sterilization process; a control unit that controls the sterilization process to be performed when the start switch is turned on; a sensor for detecting the insertion and removal of the cart; a warning device controlled by the control unit to issue a warning to an operator when the sensor detects that the cart has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber while the start switch is not turned on; The cart is provided with a sensing unit that causes the sensor to sense the object to be sterilized, below a storage unit that stores the object to be sterilized, The sensor is provided on either the left or right side opening side when viewing the opening of the sterilization chamber from the front, and detects the passage of a cart relative to the sensing unit of the cart, the sensing unit includes a third sensing unit provided on the side of the cart in the direction of entry into the sterilization chamber, and a fourth sensing unit provided on the side of the cart in the direction of exit from the sterilization chamber, The third sensing unit and the fourth sensing unit are colored in different colors, The sensor includes a support detection sensor that detects a support constituting a cart on either the left or right side opening side when viewing the opening of the sterilization chamber from the front, and an image sensor that photographs the third sensing unit and the fourth sensing unit, The control unit When the support detection sensor detects a support of the cart, the image sensor is controlled to start a photographing operation at a predetermined frame rate; When the support detection sensor next detects a support of the cart, the image sensor is controlled to end the photographing operation; controlling the image sensor to determine whether the third sensing unit or the fourth sensing unit was first captured based on the colors of the third sensing unit and the fourth sensing unit in a plurality of images captured by the image sensor; If it is determined that the third sensor has been imaged before the fourth sensor, it is determined that the cart has entered the sterilization chamber. A sterilization device characterized in that, when it is determined that the fourth sensing unit was imaged before the third sensing unit in the multiple images taken by the image sensor, it is determined that the cart has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber.

3. a cart for storing items to be sterilized; a sterilization chamber capable of storing the cart and performing a sterilization process on the objects to be sterilized stored in the cart; a start switch operated by an operator to start the sterilization process; a control unit that controls the sterilization process to be performed when the start switch is turned on; a sensor for detecting the insertion and removal of the cart; a warning device controlled by the control unit to issue a warning to an operator when the sensor detects that the cart has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber while the start switch is not turned on; the sensor is a tape switch disposed on the floor surface outside the sterilization chamber opening, The tape switch is a first tape switch and a second tape switch disposed at a predetermined distance from the first tape switch and closer to the opening of the sterilization chamber than the first tape switch; The control unit If the second tape switch is detected after the first tape switch is detected, it is determined that the cart has entered the sterilization chamber, A sterilization apparatus characterized in that, when the first tape switch detects a signal after the second tape switch detects a signal, it is determined that the cart has been pulled out of the sterilization chamber.

4. The control unit A sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that if the start switch is not turned on for a predetermined time after the operator has completed preparations for the sterilization process, the warning device is controlled to issue a warning to the operator.

Images