JP2000237131A - Endoscope washing/disinfecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope washing/disinfecting device capable of increasing the opening/closing switching speed with a small valve opening/closing mechanism, improving reliability, maintaining the valve position at the time of a power cutoff, with no error for opening/closing switching, and easy to dry a washing tank with the drain port section of the washing tank kept open in no use. SOLUTION: This device is provided with valve opening/closing mechanisms 13A, 13B using self-holding type keep solenoids 43a, 43b on a pipe selector valve mechanism 13 properly sorting the waste liquid from the drain port of a washing tank to a chemical recovery path 42 and a drain pipe 35 and permanent magnets holding the valve opened/closed states by the solenoids 43a, 43b when the excitation to the solenoids 43a, 43b is cut off.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope in a cleaning tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a used endoscope is set in a cleaning tank of an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, and is cleaned and disinfected in the cleaning tank. For example, in an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 24530/1990, two downstream pipes are respectively connected to a discharge pipe for discharging the liquid in the cleaning tank to the outside. Here, one downstream pipeline is formed by a pipeline for collecting in the recovery tank, and the other downstream pipeline is formed by a drain pipeline for discharging outside the apparatus.

[0003] A line switching valve is provided at a connecting portion connecting the discharge line and the two downstream lines.
The pipeline switching valve is provided with two valves that respectively open and close two downstream pipelines. These two valves are opened and closed by a single operating shaft that moves in the horizontal direction by a drive mechanism that combines a motor and a gear mechanism.

Further, in the pipeline switching valve of the device disclosed in the publication, a photo sensor for controlling the valve position is provided. A state in which a pipe for guiding the liquid in the cleaning tank to the outside of the tank by the pipe switching valve is communicated with a pipe for recovery in the recovery tank, and a state in which the pipe is communicated with a drain pipe for discharge outside the apparatus. It is configured to switch arbitrarily.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 60-166302 discloses an on-off valve for opening and closing a pipe for collecting the liquid in the cleaning tank into the recovery tank and an on-off valve for opening and closing a drain pipe for discharging the liquid outside the apparatus. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is disclosed in which shafts for driving these on-off valves are directly connected to independent solenoids, respectively, and two conduits are switched by a combination of opening and closing operations of the two on-off valves.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
In the case of a motor type in which two open / close valves are opened and closed by a drive mechanism combining a motor and a gear mechanism as in the publication, the following problem occurs.

(1-1) Since two on-off valves are linearly slid in the axial direction by one operating shaft, the moving amount of the operating shaft is large, and the motor itself is large. There is a problem that the entire driving mechanism becomes very large.

(1-2) The operation is slow to ensure the motor torque. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to switch the pipeline, and the total time for performing the process of the entire endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is extended.

(1-3) The position of the two on-off valves is controlled by detecting the light-shielding plate attached to the operating shaft with a photo sensor. Therefore, when the light shielding plate is bent or the photo sensor is blocked by some external factor, a malfunction may occur, and the position control of the two on-off valves may not be accurately performed.

(1-4) There is a problem that the number of components of the entire drive mechanism of the pipeline switching valve is large and the cost is high.

In the case of a switching valve in which two solenoids open two on-off valves directly with two solenoids, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 60-166302, there are the following problems.

(2-1) Since the on-off valve cannot be kept open when the power of the entire apparatus is turned off, a drain port of the washing tank is used to dry the inside of the washing tank when not in use as a washing machine. There is a problem that it cannot be opened to the drain pipe. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform an important operation for ensuring hygiene that the inside of the cleaning tank is dried.

(2-2) If a power failure occurs during the recovery of the chemical solution in the cleaning tank, the recovery operation is stopped, and if the chemical solution remains in the cleaning tank, the cleaning and disinfecting substance is removed. There is a possibility that it may be damaged by being immersed in the chemical solution in the cleaning tank for an unnecessarily long time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the size of a valve opening / closing mechanism, increase the speed of switching between opening and closing, eliminate errors in switching between opening and closing, and improve reliability. It is possible to maintain an arbitrary valve state even when the power supply of the apparatus is turned off, and to keep the drain pipe of the cleaning tank open to a state of communicating with the drain pipe downstream side when not in use. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus which can hold the cleaning bath easily, and can maintain the valve position at the time of power failure.

[0015]

According to the present invention, a plurality of downstream pipes are connected to a discharge port for discharging the liquid in the washing tank to the outside, and a space between the discharge port and each downstream pipe is provided. In an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus provided with a line switching means for appropriately distributing the drainage from the discharge port to each of the downstream pipes at a connecting portion to be connected, a solenoid is used for the pipe switching means. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus characterized in that a valve opening / closing mechanism is provided and holding means for holding a valve opening / closing state by the solenoid when power supply to the solenoid is cut off is provided.

Then, an on-off valve for opening and closing a plurality of downstream pipes connected to the discharge port of the cleaning tank is driven by a solenoid, and a valve between the discharge port of the cleaning tank and the plurality of downstream pipes is driven. Switches the connection state of the pipeline. At this time, the open / closed state of the on-off valve driven by the attraction force of the solenoid is held by a permanent magnet or a latch mechanism so that the open / closed state of the on-off valve at that time can be maintained even when the power applied to the solenoid is cut off. .
By driving each open / close valve with the solenoid,
The valve opening / closing mechanism can be made smaller, and the opening / closing switching speed can be increased. Further, since the position of the on-off valve is determined only by the ON / OFF control of the solenoid, there is no positional error and the reliability can be improved. In addition, by holding the position of the open / close valve with a simple holding mechanism such as a latch solenoid or a latch catch, any valve state can be maintained even when the device is turned off. For the purpose of drying, the drain port of the washing tank can be held open to the drain pipe side of the apparatus, and the valve position at that time can be maintained even during a power failure.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present embodiment. In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present embodiment, a cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope 1 is provided. A used endoscope 1 is installed inside the cleaning tank 2.

On the upper surface of the cleaning tank 2, a lid 3 for closing the opening on the upper surface is mounted. Further, on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2, a diaphragm 4 to which, for example, a Langevin type ultrasonic vibrator is attached is disposed. Then, ultrasonic vibration is oscillated from the vibration plate 4 into the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2.

A tower 5 is provided at the center of the washing tank 2 for the purpose of reducing the amount of liquid in the washing tank 2. Inside the tower 5, a heater 6 for heating and keeping the liquid in the washing tank 2 is provided. Further, the endoscope operation unit holding unit 41 is provided in the tower 5.
Is provided. The endoscope operating section holding section 41 is configured to move so that a part thereof becomes a temporary placing table so that the endoscope 1 can be easily set when the endoscope 1 is set in the cleaning tank 2.
Further, a ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23 is protruded from the upper surface of the tower 5.

A washing liquid outlet 7, an inlet 18, a channel connecting port 22, and a water leak detecting connecting port 38 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cleaning tank 2. Further, the cleaning tank 2
A drain port (discharge port portion) 14 and a circulating fluid suction port 20 are provided on the inner bottom surface of the container.

Here, one end of the water supply pipe 15 is connected to the injection port 18. The other end of the water supply system pipe 15 is connected to a water supply source 16 such as tap water. Further, a water supply valve 17 and a water supply filter 1
0 and a check valve 11 are interposed respectively. Then, for example, washing water from a water supply source 16 such as tap water is supplied to the washing tank 2 from the inlet 18 through the water supply valve 17, the water supply filter 10, and the check valve 11 via the water supply system pipe 15. It has become.

The main body of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is provided with a flowing liquid cleaning pipe 9 and a cleaning pipe 19 in the scope pipe. One end side (suction side) of the flowing liquid cleaning pipe 9 and the cleaning pipe 19 in the scope pipe is connected to a circulating liquid suction port 20.

The other end (spout side) of the flow washing channel 9 is connected to the flow outlet 7. Further, a pump 8 for flowing liquid washing is provided in the middle of the flowing liquid cleaning pipe 9. When the pump 8 is driven, the cleaning tank 2
The liquid in the circulating fluid suction port 20 flows through the rinsing liquid washing pipe 9
The high-pressure water sucked into the inside and discharged from the discharge port of the flowing liquid cleaning pump 8 is sent to the flowing liquid outlet 7 through the flowing liquid cleaning pipe 9, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the flowing liquid outlet 7 to the cleaning tank. 2 are injected. Since the high-pressure water is jetted from the jet port 7, an object to be washed located in the vicinity is washed very well.

A pump 21 for cleaning the inside of the scope conduit is provided in the middle of the conduit 19 for cleaning the inside of the scope conduit. Further, two pipes 24 and 27 are branched and formed on the discharge side of the cleaning pump 21 in the scope pipe in the pipe 19.

Here, one of the branch pipes 24 is connected to a ceiling washing nozzle 23 via an electromagnetic on-off valve 26.
Further, the other branch line 27 is connected to the channel connection port 22 via the electromagnetic on-off valve 25.

One end of an endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 provided in the cleaning tank 2 is connected to the channel connection port 22. The other end of the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 is connected to various channels of the endoscope 1 installed on the endoscope operation unit holding unit 41.

Then, the pump 21 for cleaning the inside of the scope pipeline is provided.
During driving, the liquid in the flowing liquid washing pipe 9 is sucked into the pump 21 side, and the high-pressure water discharged from the discharge port of the pump 21 flows through the two branch pipes 19 through the washing pipe 19 in the scope pipe. 27 and 24, respectively. Here, the high-pressure water supplied to the conduit 27 is sent to the channel connection port 22 via the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 and flows into various channels of the endoscope 1 through the endoscope conduit cleaning tube 28. It has become. Further, the high-pressure water supplied to the pipe 24 side is sent to the ceiling cleaning nozzle 23 via the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 26, and is jetted from the ceiling cleaning nozzle 23 into the cleaning tank 2.

Further, upstream of the branch of the two pipes 24 and 27 in the cleaning pipe 19 in the scope pipe,
The distal end of the air supply pipe 30 in which the check valve 29 is interposed is connected. A compressor 31 is connected to a base end of the air supply pipe 30. When the compressor 31 is driven, the compressed air from the compressor 31 is also sent to the various channel connection ports 22 of the endoscope and the ceiling washing nozzle 23 to remove water.

One end of a water leak detection pipe 39 is connected to the water leak detection connection port 38. The other end of the water leak detection pipe 39 is connected to an air pump 40. Further, one end of a water leak detection tube 37 provided in the cleaning tank 2 is connected to the water leak detection connection port 38. The other end of the water leak detection tube 37 is connected to the endoscope 1. Then, the air sent from the air pump 40 is supplied to the endoscope 1 via the water leak detection pipe 39 and the water leak detection tube 37, whereby the water leak of the endoscope 1 is detected.

Further, a disinfectant tank 32 is provided on the main body of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. The disinfectant tank 32 is connected to one end of a chemical recovery passage 42 as an inflow conduit and one end of a disinfectant injection conduit 33 as an outflow conduit. Here, the other end of the chemical solution recovery path 42 is connected to the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 via a pipe switching valve mechanism (pipe switching means) 13 described later.

An injection pump 34 is interposed in the disinfectant injection line 33. Furthermore, this disinfectant injection line 3
The discharge side of the injection pump 34 in 3 is connected to the water supply line 15 downstream of the check valve 11 via the check valve 12.

The pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 is connected to the drain 14 via a drain pipeline 48 which is an upstream pipeline. Furthermore, one end of each of a chemical liquid recovery path 42 and a drain pipe 35 which is a downstream pipe is connected to the pipe switching valve mechanism 13. Here, the other end of the drain pipe 35 is communicated to the outside of the apparatus via a drain pump 36.

Further, the liquid in the cleaning tank 2 drained from the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 through the drain port 48 is supplied to the drain pipe 35 and the chemical recovery path 42 inside the pipe switching valve mechanism 13.
And a valve opening / closing mechanism 13A for arbitrarily distributing the information.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a pipeline switching valve mechanism 1.
3 shows an example. This line switching valve mechanism 13
Is provided with a substantially box-shaped housing 13B. In FIG. 2B, a housing 13B is provided with a connection base 13Ba that protrudes from one side surface in FIG. Further, two connection bases 13Bb and 13Bc protrude from the bottom surface of the housing 13B as shown in FIG. The chemical connection pipe 42 is connected to one connection base 13Bb, and the drain pipe 35 is connected to the other connection base 13Bc.

In FIG. 2B, the arrow A indicates the cleaning tank 2.
This is the direction in which the washing water or the chemical from the drain port 14 enters the pipe switching valve mechanism 13 through the drain pipe 48. Further, in FIG. 2A, the arrow B indicates the direction in which the chemical in the cleaning tank 2 is collected in the chemical tank 32 through the chemical collection pipe 42,
The arrow C indicates the direction in which the cleaning water or the chemical solution in the cleaning tank 2 is drained to the drain pipe 35.

Inside the housing 13B, the seal packings 49a and 49b mounted on the inner ends of the two connection bases 13Bb and 13Bc, and the two connection bases 13Bb and 13Bc are individually opened and closed. On-off valves 47A and 47B are provided. Here, the one open / close valve 47A is urged in a direction to press the valve body 47a in a direction to close the valve shaft 45a, a valve body 47a fixed to one end of the valve shaft 45a, and the connection base 13Bb. A valve spring 46a is provided. Further, the other on-off valve 47B is similarly urged in the direction of pressing the valve body 47b in a direction to close the valve shaft 47b, the valve body 47b fixed to the lower end portion of the valve shaft 45b, and the connection base 13Bc. And a valve spring 46b.

Further, on the housing 13B, a self-holding keep solenoid 43 constituting a valve opening / closing mechanism 13A for individually opening / closing the opening / closing valves 47A, 47B is provided.
a and 43b are provided. Each keep solenoid 43
a, 43b of the solenoid shafts 44a, 44b
7A and 47B are connected to the upper end of the valve shaft 45b via a connecting pin. Here, each keep solenoid 43a,
A permanent magnet (not shown) is provided inside 43b.

And two keep solenoids 43a,
43b, for example, when a current on the suction side is passed through the keep solenoid 43b on the open / close valve 47B side,
Since the solenoid shaft 44b is attracted upward by the magnetic force of the keep solenoid 43b which is energized, the valve shaft 45b and the valve body 47b connected to the solenoid shaft 44b also rise (the state shown in FIG. 2 (A)), and the cleaning tank. 2 drainage pipeline 48
And the pipe in which the valve body 47b is open, here the drain pipe 35
It is designed to open between the two. Further, the solenoid shaft 44b that has been once sucked is connected to the keep solenoid 43b.
In this state, even if the power switch is turned off or the power supply is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the pipeline state can be maintained.

At this time, the valve element 4 on the other open / close valve 47A side
7a is a packing 49a by the spring force of the valve spring 46a.
, And is in a state of closing the chemical recovery pipe line 42.

When a current on the release side is supplied to the keep solenoid 43b, a magnetic force opposite to that of the permanent magnet is generated, and the solenoid shaft 44b is opened. Therefore, the solenoid shaft 44b is returned downward by the valve spring 46b, and the valve body is attached to the packing 49b. 47b is pressed to close the drain pipe 35. The operation of the other keep solenoid 43a is the same, and the open / close valve 47A of the chemical liquid recovery pipe 42 is similarly opened / closed by the keep solenoid 43a.

When washing water or a chemical solution is stored in the washing tank 2, the valve bodies 47 of the two on-off valves 47A and 47B are used.
a and 47b are each controlled to be in a closed state. Also,
When the chemical in the cleaning tank 2 is collected in the chemical tank 32, the keep solenoid 43 on the opening / closing valve 47A side of the chemical collection pipe 42 is used.
A current on the suction side is passed through the valve body 47a to open the valve body 47a, and the state is maintained by a permanent magnet.
The drainage line 48 and the collection line 42 from the nozzle 4 are opened. At this time, the valve element 47 on the opening / closing valve 47B side
On the other hand, b is controlled in the closing direction.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, when using the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present embodiment, the used endoscope 1 is set in the cleaning tank 2. At this time,
In order to minimize the amount of liquid used in each of the subsequent steps, the endoscope 1 is wound around the tower 5 in a coiled state, and is installed so that the overall height is reduced. Have been. In this state, the water leakage detection tube 37 is connected to the endoscope 1 and the water leakage detection connection port 38. At this time, the two on-off valves 47A and 47B are held in a closed state.

Thereafter, by pressing a water leak detection switch on an operation panel (not shown), washing water from a water supply source 16 such as tap water is supplied to the water supply system pipe 15 and the water supply valve 17
The inlet 18 through the water supply filter 10 and the check valve 11
From the washing tank 2. Then, when a certain amount of water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2, the air pump 40 operates, and air is sent into the water leak detection pipe of the endoscope 1 via the water leak detection pipe 39 and the water leak detection tube 37. Here, if there is a hole such as a pinhole in the endoscope 1, air bubbles are generated from the endoscope 1, so that the endoscope 1 can be visually identified.

After the end of the water leak detection, the on-off valve 47B of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 is opened, and
The drain pump 36 is driven. Therefore, the water stored in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged from the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 to the drain pipe 4.
After flowing into the housing 13 </ b> B of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 through 8, the water is drained outside through the drain pipeline 35. Then, with all the water in the cleaning tank 2 drained, the water leak detection tube 37 is removed, and the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 is connected to the endoscope 1 and the channel connection port 22.

Thereafter, the respective steps of washing, disinfection, rinsing, and air supply are performed by operating various operation switches on an operation panel (not shown). Here, the user sets the time for cleaning and disinfection, the temperature of the disinfecting solution, and the like on a setting panel (not shown).

As an example of the operation after the start, the water supply valve 17 is first opened in the cleaning step, and the cleaning water from the water supply source 16 such as tap water is supplied to the water supply line 15 and the water supply filter 10 is started. Then, the gas is supplied from the inlet 18 into the cleaning tank 2 through the check valve 11.

Before starting the process, the user injects a predetermined amount of detergent into the cleaning tank 2. Then, when a certain amount of water is supplied into the washing tank 2, the washing with flowing liquid is started. Here, when the water in the washing tank 2 reaches the designated water level, the water supply valve 17 is closed. At this time, the pump 8 for washing the flowing liquid is driven. Then, the liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is sucked into the flowing liquid cleaning pipe 9 from the circulating liquid suction port 20 and the high-pressure water discharged from the discharge port of the flowing liquid cleaning pump 8 is supplied to the flowing liquid cleaning pipe 9. The liquid is sent to the flowing liquid jet port 7 through the passage 9, and is jetted from the flowing liquid jet port 7 into the washing tank 2. Thus, in this step, the large dirt, soft dirt, light dirt, and the like adhering to the endoscope 1 are washed by the liquid flow swirling in the cleaning tank 2 and the impact force of the liquid jetted from the flowing liquid jet port 7. And the dirt is removed.

The endoscope 1 in the cleaning tank 2 is installed around the tower 5 so as to have a lower height in the form of a coil so as to minimize the amount of the disinfecting solution in the subsequent disinfecting step. However, during the washing with the flowing liquid, the endoscope operation section holding section 41 is moved up or down periodically. With this, the endoscope 1 in the shape of a spine
There is a gap in the overlap of the insertion portions, and strong cleaning can be performed reliably.

Then, when the preset process time of the liquid washing is completed, the ultrasonic vibrator of the vibrating plate 4 on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 is driven to perform the ultrasonic cleaning.
In this ultrasonic cleaning, hard dirt attached to the endoscope 1 or
Dirt and the like of the complicated shape part is strongly removed.

Thereafter, when the ultrasonic cleaning step is completed, the flowing liquid cleaning is performed again. In this step, the dirt that has been swollen and peeled off from the endoscope 1 is removed by ultrasonic cleaning. Further, when the cleaning process is completed, the opening / closing valve 47B of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 is opened, the drainage pipe 35 is opened, and at the same time the drainage pump 36 is driven, and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside. You.

After draining of the cleaning liquid, the water supply valve 17 is opened to supply new water into the cleaning tank 2 to perform rinsing, and the scope pipe cleaning pump 21 is driven. At this time, one of the solenoid on-off valves 25 is opened,
The other solenoid on-off valve 26 is kept closed. And
By driving the pump 21, the liquid in the flowing liquid washing pipe 9 is sucked into the pump 21 side, and
The high-pressure water discharged from the discharge port is supplied to the pipe 27 through the cleaning pipe 19 in the scope pipe. Further, the high-pressure water supplied to the pipe 27 side is sent to the channel connection port 22 through the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 and flows into various channels of the endoscope 1 through the endoscope pipe cleaning tube 28.

During the rinsing step, the opening and closing of the electromagnetic switching valves 25 and 26 are reversed in a predetermined time and number of times. When the electromagnetic on-off valve 26 is opened, high-pressure water discharged from the discharge port of the pump 21 is supplied to the pipe line 24 through the cleaning pipe 19 in the scope pipe. At this time, the high-pressure water supplied to the pipe 24 side is sent to the ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23 via the electromagnetic on-off valve 26,
It is sprayed from the ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23 into the cleaning tank 2. As a result, the ceiling surface in the cleaning tank 2 is cleaned by the rinse water sprayed through the ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23.

In the latter half of the rinsing step, the pump 21 for cleaning the inside of the scope pipeline is stopped and the compressor 31 is turned on. At this time, the solenoid on-off valve 2
By switching the opening and closing of the air conditioners 5 and 26, the air sent from the compressor 31 is alternately supplied to various channels of the endoscope 1 and to the ceiling cleaning nozzle through the channel connection ports 22, and to various channels of the endoscope 1. Then, draining of the ceiling washing pipe 24 is performed.

Further, after the rinsing step is completed, a disinfection step is subsequently performed. In this disinfection step, first, the two on-off valves 47A and 47B of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 are closed, and the injection pump 34 is driven. As a result, the disinfecting solution in the disinfecting solution tank 32 is
The cleaning solution is supplied from the injection port 18 to the cleaning tank 2 via the disinfecting liquid injection pipe 33. At this time, the check valves 11 and 12 of the water supply system pipe 15 and the disinfectant liquid injection pipe 33 prevent backflow between the water supply and the disinfectant liquid.

Then, the entire endoscope 1 is completely immersed in the disinfecting solution stored in the cleaning tank 2. At this time, the disinfectant in the cleaning tank 2 is supplied to the channel connection port 22 by turning on the pump 21 for cleaning the inside of the scope conduit, and the various channels of the endoscope 1 are disinfected. In this disinfecting step, the disinfecting solution flows through all the dirty pipes in the apparatus, so that the inside of the apparatus can be automatically disinfected.

When the predetermined time has elapsed, the opening / closing valve 47A of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 is opened. As a result, the chemical solution recovery path 42 is opened, and the disinfecting solution in the cleaning tank 2 is collected in the disinfecting solution tank 32.

After the end of the disinfection step, the rinsing step is performed again. After this rinsing step, the drainage of the various channels of the endoscope 1 is completely performed by driving the compressor 31.

Further, after a certain period of time, the drain pump 36
Stops. After the end of the last step, the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 is maintained in a state of being opened to the drainage pipeline 35 by opening the on-off valve 47B so that there is no residual water in the cleaning tank 2.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, a self-holding type keep is provided in the pipe line switching valve mechanism 13 for appropriately distributing the drainage from the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 to the chemical liquid recovery path 42 and the drain pipe 35. Solenoids 43a, 43
In addition to providing valve opening / closing mechanisms 13A and 13B using b, permanent magnets are provided for maintaining the valve opening / closing state by the solenoids 43a and 43b when the power to the solenoids 43a and 43b is cut off. Therefore, even if the power supply of the apparatus is turned off, any valve state can be maintained by the permanent magnets of the self-holding type keep solenoids 43a and 43b, so that the number of parts of the valve opening / closing mechanisms 13A and 13B is reduced and cost is reduced. Can be lowered. Further, the valve opening / closing mechanism 13
Since A and 13B can be designed to be small, there is also an effect that the size can be reduced.

Further, since the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the cleaning tank 2 can be instantaneously and accurately switched, the switching speed for opening and closing can be increased, there is no error in switching between opening and closing, and the process time of the apparatus can be shortened. Has the effect of increasing reliability.

Further, since the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 can be kept open so as to communicate with the drain pipe 35 when the apparatus is turned off when not in use, the drying of the cleaning tank 2 can be performed. This has the effect of being easy to remove and ensuring hygiene.

Further, even if a power failure occurs during the recovery of the chemical solution in the cleaning tank 2 or the user turns off the power switch by mistake, the state of the pipeline is maintained, and the recovery operation is continued. As a result, no chemical liquid remains in the cleaning tank 2, so that the cleaning / disinfecting material is not immersed for an unnecessarily long time, and the safety is improved.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the valve opening / closing mechanism 13A of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 2A and 2B) is as follows. It has been changed as follows.

That is, the pipe switching valve mechanism 13 of the present embodiment is provided with a substantially box-shaped housing 13B as in the first embodiment. The housing 13B has a connection base 13Ba protruding from one side of the housing 13B (see FIG. 2B), and two connection bases 13Bb and 13Bc protruding from the bottom surface of the housing 13B (see FIG. 2B). FIG.
(A)). 3 (A) and 3 (B) show only one of the two connection bases 13Bb and 13Bc. The chemical connection pipe 42 is connected to one connection base 13Bb, and the drain pipe 35 is connected to the other connection base 13Bc. Further, FIG.
In (A) and (B), the arrow B indicates, for example, a direction in which the chemical in the cleaning tank 2 is collected in the chemical tank 32, or a direction in which the cleaning water or the chemical in the cleaning tank 2 is drained through the drain pipe 35. is there.

Further, inside the housing 13B, a sealing packing 58 attached to the inner ends of the two connection bases 13Bb and 13Bc, respectively, and the two connection bases 13B
open / close valve 57 for individually opening and closing b and 13Bc
Are provided. Here, each on-off valve 57 has a valve shaft 5
5 and a valve body 57a fixed to one end of the valve shaft 55.
And a valve spring 59 that biases the valve body 57a in a direction to close the connection base 13Bb or 13Bc.

Further, the pipeline switching valve mechanism 1 of the present embodiment
The third valve opening / closing mechanism 13A is provided with a direct-acting solenoid 50 and a catch latch 53. Here, the direct-acting solenoid 50 is provided with a solenoid shaft 51 that is driven to protrude and retract. One end of a link arm 52 is rotatably connected to the tip of the solenoid shaft 51.
This link arm 52 is provided with a pin 6
It is rotatably supported at zero. Further, the other end of the link arm 52 is rotatably connected to a valve shaft 55 of the on-off valve 57.

A spherical portion 56 is formed at the upper end of the valve shaft 55. Further, a catch latch 53 for holding the open state of the on-off valve 57 is provided above the valve shaft 55.
Is arranged. The catch latch 53 is provided with a plurality of holding claws 54 that can be opened and closed. And FIG.
As shown in (B), the spherical portion 56 of the valve shaft 55 is held while being inserted between the holding claws 54 of the catch latch 53.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 3A shows a drain pipe 48 connected to the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 and a pipe in the direction of arrow B (the chemical liquid recovery pipe 42 or the drain pipe 35) in which the on-off valve 57 is kept closed. Indicates a closed state. At this time, the solenoid shaft 51 protrudes above the solenoid 50, and the valve body 57a is held in a state of being pressed against the packing 58 by the spring force of the valve spring 59, and closes the chemical solution recovery pipe 42 or the drain pipe 35. It is in the state where it is.

In this state, when a current is applied to the solenoid 50, the solenoid shaft 51 is drawn into the solenoid 50. With the operation of the solenoid shaft 51, the link arm 52 rotates about the pin 60, the valve shaft 55 moves upward, the valve body 57a is pulled up, and the on-off valve 57
Is opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the spherical portion 56 on the upper portion of the valve shaft 55 is inserted into the catch latch 53, and is held by the holding claws 54 of the catch latch 53.
As a result, a connection is established between the drain pipe 48 connected to the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 and the pipe in the B direction (the chemical liquid recovery pipe 42 or the drain pipe 35). At this time, the valve body 57a
Is mechanically held by the catch latch 53, so that the open / close valve 57 is kept open even when the power is turned off.

Thereafter, the valve shaft 55 is lifted to release the mechanical holding of the catch latch 53 by supplying a current to the solenoid 50 again for a certain time, so that the valve body 57a is closed by the valve spring 59 again. Is pressed against the packing 58.

The on-off valve 57 of the chemical recovery pipe line 42
The opening / closing valve 57 of the drain pipe 35 operates by the same mechanism, and based on the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing valve 57, the drain port 1 of the cleaning tank 2
The communication between the drain pipe 48 connected to the pipe 4 and the pipe in the direction of arrow B (the chemical liquid recovery pipe 42 or the drain pipe 35) can be controlled.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the liquid discharged from the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 is
Opening / closing mechanism 1 of the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 that is appropriately distributed to
3A is provided with a direct-acting solenoid 50 and a catch latch 53. When the power supply to the solenoid 50 is cut off, the open state of the on-off valve 57 is mechanically held by the catch latch 53. Even in the state, an arbitrary valve state can be maintained by the catch latch 53. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the space between the endoscope 1 and the cleaning tank 2 in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 2A and 2B). 4 shows an example of a connector portion to be connected. 4 (A) and 4 (B), reference numeral 69
Denotes a wall surface of the cleaning tank 2. The channel connection port 22 attached to the wall surface 69 of the cleaning tank 2 is provided with a base member 66 forming a conduit and a connector main body 64. The base member 66 is fixed to a wall surface 69 with a nut 68 via a packing 67.

Further, the connector main body 64 is screwed and fixed to the base member 66 via the packing 65. Further, a valve body 62 that opens and closes a pipe, a spring 63 that biases the valve body 62 in a direction to close the internal pipe of the connector body 64, and the like are housed inside the connector body 64. Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the internal conduit of the connector body 64 is closed, the valve body 62
4 is formed so that the position of the end face and the position of the surface coincide.

A ring-shaped packing 70 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 62 and is joined to the valve seat 64 v of the internal conduit of the connector body 64. When the connector main body 64 is opened, the valve body 62 of the channel connection port 22 is pushed in against the spring 63 to separate the valve seat 64v of the connector main body 64 from the packing 70 of the valve body 62, thereby forming a conduit. It is designed to be open.

Further, a ring-shaped rib 74 on the side of the channel connection port 22 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the connector main body 64 on the joint side with the base member 66, and a ring-shaped packing 71 is mounted on the tip end side. ing.

A female connector 61 which is detachably connected to a connector body 64 of the channel connection port 22 is connected to one end of the endoscope conduit cleaning tube 28. The female connector 61 has a push pin 72 in an internal conduit 61a communicating with the endoscope conduit cleaning tube 28.
Are protruding. The push pin 72 is arranged at a position corresponding to the valve body 62 of the channel connection port 22. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the female connector 61, a locking claw 7 is detachably engaged with a rib 74 on the channel connection port 22 side.
3 are provided.

When the female connector 61 is connected to the channel connection port 22, the connector body 64 of the channel connection port 22 is inserted into the female connector 61. At this time, the push pin 7 inside the female connector 61
2 pushes the valve body 62 of the channel connection port 22, and the packing 7 of the valve body 62 is moved from the valve seat 64 v of the connector body 64.
0 is cut off to form a conduit. At this time, the packing 71 of the connector main body 64 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the female connector 61, and has a structure for keeping secret from the surroundings.

At the time of connection, as shown in FIG. 4A, the tip of the locking claw 73 of the female connector 61 is hooked on the rib 74 on the channel connection port 22 side, and the female connector 6
The connection between 1 and the connector main body 64 of the channel connection port 22 is prevented from being accidentally disconnected. That is,
The connection between the female connector 61 and the connector body 64 of the channel connection port 22 is prevented from being released unless the other end of the lock claw 73 is pushed in to release the engagement between the tip of the lock claw 73 and the rib 74. When the female connector 61 and the connector main body 64 of the channel connection port 22 are disconnected, the valve body 62 is pushed back by the spring 63 to a position where the internal conduit of the connector main body 64, which is the original position, is closed. I have.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the valve 6
When the packing 2 and the packing 70 are damaged, the connector main body 64 is detached from the base member 66 from the inside of the cleaning tank 2, and the maintenance of the connector main body 64 can be performed. Therefore, the exterior parts of the device are removed and the channel connection port 22 is opened from inside the device.
Since there is no need to remove the whole, maintenance is very easy.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the valve body 62 is formed such that the position of the end face of the connector body 64 coincides with the position of the surface when the internal conduit of the connector body 64 is closed. Therefore, even if the channel connection port 22 is mounted upward, there is no residual liquid such as water droplets on the surface, and the structure is hygienic.

FIGS. 5A to 5D show FIGS.
9B shows a modified example of a connector section for connecting between the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 and the cleaning tank 2 in the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of FIG. 5 (A) to 5 (D)
This is an example for explaining a means for preventing an error in each combination when there are a plurality of endoscope channel cleaning tubes 28 and channel connection ports 22 in combination.
Here, two types of female connectors are used as the female connector 61 of the endoscope channel cleaning tube, that is, FIG.
(A) a first female connector 61a shown in (B),
Second female connector 61b shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D
5B. Similarly, as the connector body 64 of the channel connection port 22, two types of connector bodies, namely, a first connector body 64a shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D, and FIG. ) And a second connector main body 64b shown in FIG.

First, FIG. 5A shows a combination of the second connector main body 64b of the channel connection port 22 and the first female connector 61a of the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28, which are not compatible with each other. An example of a state where connection is not possible is shown. Here, the holding claws 7 of the first female connector 61a
3a collides with the rib 74b of the second connector main body 64b, making it difficult to insert. In the case of forcible pushing, the projection 75 of the connector main body 64b hits the entrance of the female connector 61a and is not connected.

FIG. 5B shows the first connector body 64a of the channel connection port 22 and the first female connector 61 of the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 which correspond to each other.
a shows a state in which both are connected. Here, the female connector 61a of the endoscope conduit cleaning tube 28 and the first channel connection port 22 corresponding to the female connector 61a are provided.
Is properly fitted to the connector main body 64a. In this state, the holding claws 73a of the female connector 61a
Are correctly engaged over the ribs 74a of the first connector body 64a having the corresponding shape.

FIG. 5C shows the second connector main body 64b of the channel connection port 22 and the second female connector 61 of the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 which correspond to each other.
b shows a state where both are connected. Here, the female connector 61b of the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 and the second channel connection port 22 corresponding to the female connector 61b are provided.
Is properly fitted to the connector main body 64b. Also in this case, the retaining claws 73b of the female connector 61b are correctly engaged with the ribs 74b of the second connector body 64b having the corresponding shape.

FIG. 5D shows a combination of the first connector main body 64a of the channel connection port 22 and the second female connector 61b of the endoscope channel cleaning tube 28, which are not compatible with each other. Another example of a state where connection is not possible is shown. Here, the thickness of the first connector body 64a is
Is thicker than the entrance of the female connector 61b.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows. (Additional Item 1) In an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, a switching valve mechanism for appropriately distributing a liquid in a cleaning tank to a plurality of conduits uses a solenoid for opening and closing the valve, and has a holding means for holding an open state. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device characterized by having.

(Additional Item 2) An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the additional item 1, wherein a keep solenoid is used for the holding means.

(Additional Item 3) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the additional item 1, wherein a latch catch is used for the holding means.

(Prior Art in Appendix 1) The current pipeline switching valve mechanism combines a motor and a gear to move two valves horizontally with one shaft to move the liquid in the cleaning tank out of the tank. The guiding conduit is arbitrarily switched between a collecting conduit in the collecting tank and a draining conduit discharging to the outside of the apparatus, and the valve position is controlled by a photo sensor. There is also a method in which a shaft for driving a valve is directly connected to each of two solenoids, and two pipe lines are switched by a combination of opening and closing of the valve.

(Problem to be Solved by Additional Item 1) In the case of the motor type, since the two valves are slid linearly, the amount of movement of the shaft is large, and the motor itself is also large. The whole is very large.
Since the operation is slow in order to secure the motor torque, it takes time to switch the pipeline, and there is a problem that the total process time is extended. The position of the valve is controlled by reading the light-shielding plate attached to the axis with a photosensor.However, the light-shielding plate bends due to some external factor or the photosensor is interrupted, causing malfunctions. In some cases, position control could not be performed. There is a problem that the number of components is large and the cost is high.

On the other hand, in order to solve the above problem, there is a switching valve in which the valve is directly opened by a solenoid, but there is a problem that the valve cannot be kept open when the power of the apparatus is turned off. Was. Opening the drain port of the tank to a drain pipe in order to dry the inside of the washing tank when not in use as a washing machine is a problem because it is important for ensuring hygiene. If a power failure occurs during the recovery of the chemical in the cleaning tank, the recovery operation stops, the chemical remains in the cleaning tank, and the cleaning and disinfectant is crushed for an unnecessarily long time and damaged. Might be.

(Purpose of Additional Item 1) The purpose is to solve the above problem.

(Means for Solving the Problem in Additional Item 1)
The valve that opens and closes the pipeline for switching is driven by a solenoid, the state of the valve driven by the attraction of the solenoid is held by a permanent magnet or a latch mechanism, and even if the power applied to the solenoid is shut off, the valve at that time By being able to maintain the state, 4. Solved the problems described in the section. That is, by driving with a solenoid, the size of the mechanism can be reduced, the switching speed of opening and closing can be increased, and ON / O of the solenoid can be turned on / off.
Since the position of the valve is determined only by the control of the FF, there is no position error and the reliability can be improved. In addition, by holding the position of the valve with a simple holding mechanism such as a latch solenoid or a latch catch, any valve state can be maintained even when the power of the apparatus is turned off. The drain line of the washing tank can be left open to the drain line side of the apparatus for the purpose of drying the washing tank when the apparatus is not in use. Further, even at the time of a power failure, the valve position at that time can be maintained.

(Effects of Additional Items 1 to 3) The direction in which the liquid is discharged from the cleaning tank can be instantaneously and accurately switched, which has the effect of reducing the processing time of the apparatus and increasing the reliability. Since the switching valve mechanism can be designed to be small, there is also an effect that the production can be downsized. Since the number of parts is reduced, the cost can be reduced. Since the valve can be kept open when the device is turned off, the drain of the tank can be opened to the drain to dry the inside of the washing tank when not in use. There is. Even if a power failure occurs during the recovery of the chemical in the cleaning tank or the user turns off the power switch by mistake, the pipe line status is maintained and the recovery operation is continued. Since there is no residue, the object to be washed and disinfected is not immersed for an unnecessarily long period of time, so that there is an effect of improving safety.

[0096]

According to the present invention, a valve opening / closing mechanism using a solenoid is provided in a line switching means for appropriately distributing the drainage from the discharge port of the cleaning tank to each downstream line, and the power supply to the solenoid is cut off. At the same time, the holding means for holding the valve open / closed state by the solenoid is provided. Any valve state can be maintained even when the power is turned off.In addition, when not in use, the drainage port of the cleaning tank can be kept open so as to communicate with the downstream pipe for drainage. In addition, the washing tank can be easily dried, and the valve position at that time can be maintained even during a power failure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view and a side view, respectively, showing a line switching valve mechanism in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a pipeline switching valve mechanism in an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A) shows a state in which the pipeline is closed by the pipeline switching valve. FIG. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main part, showing a state where the conduit is opened by the conduit switching valve.

FIG. 4 shows a connector section for connecting between an endoscope conduit cleaning tube and a cleaning tank in the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein (A) shows a connector of a channel connection port. FIG. 4B is a side view showing a connection state between the main body and the female connector of the endoscope conduit cleaning tube, and FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a modified example of a connector section for connecting an endoscope conduit cleaning tube and a cleaning tank in the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein (A) shows a channel connection; FIG. 4B is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the second connector main body of the mouth and the first female connector of the endoscope channel cleaning tube are combined, and FIG. A longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the first female connector of the endoscope channel cleaning tube is combined with the first female connector;
(C) is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the second connector body of the channel connection port and the second female connector of the endoscope channel cleaning tube are combined, and (D) is a channel connection port. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the first connector main body and the second female connector of the endoscope channel cleaning tube are combined.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 2 Cleaning tank 13 Pipeline switching valve mechanism (Pipeline switching means) 13A, 13B Valve opening / closing mechanism 14 Drainage port (Drain port) 35 Drainage pipe (Downstream side pipe) 42 Chemical recovery path (Downstream side) 43a, 43b Self-holding keep solenoid

Claims (1)

[Claims] A plurality of downstream pipes are connected to a discharge port for discharging the liquid in the cleaning tank to the outside, and the discharge port is connected to a connection section connecting the discharge port and each downstream pipe. In an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus provided with a pipe switching means for appropriately disposing the drainage from the outlet to the respective downstream pipes, a valve opening / closing mechanism using a solenoid is provided in the pipe switching means, An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, further comprising: holding means for holding a valve open / closed state by the solenoid when power supply to the solenoid is cut off.