JP2001128938A - Cleaning/disinfecting device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning/disinfecting device for an endopscope for effectively preventing the intrusion of water inside its interior, and good in operability and low in cost. SOLUTION: The cleaning/disinfecting device for the endoscope is provide with an external member for covering the side circumferential surface of a cleaning tank 2 installed in the endoscope, a cover 52 for covering the upper surface of the cleaning tank 2, a hinge unit 53 for openably supporting the cover 52 with regard to the cleaning tank 2, and a latch mechanism 54 or retaining the cover 52 in the closed condition with regard to the cleaning tank 2, and the latch mechanism 53 has an arm 55 provided to the cover 52 and is projected from a groove part 58 formed in the nearly vertical surface 57 of an external member 51, and the device has also a hook 59 for holding the cover 52 in the closed condition by engaging the hook 59 with the arm 55.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope with a cleaning and disinfecting liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, an openable and closable lid is provided at an upper opening of a cleaning tank containing a cleaning and disinfecting liquid. Closed to prevent splashing of the disinfectant. The lid is opened and closed when the endoscope is installed in the cleaning tank and when the cleaned endoscope is removed. The lid is pivotally mounted on one side to a cleaning tank side by a hinge or the like, and is opened by releasing a lock mechanism provided on the other side.

FIGS. 9A to 9C show a lock mechanism used in such an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. This conventional locking mechanism has a receiving b having a concave portion for accommodating a U-shaped arm a attached to a lower surface of a lid at a front end, and a latch c opposed to the receiving b. The receiving b and the latch c are pivotally attached to the main body on the cleaning tank side by pivots d and e, respectively, and are urged upward at their respective opposite ends. These receipts b and contributions c
The arm a is received through an opening that opens upward.

In the state shown in FIG. 1A, the receiving member b engages with the latch c while the arm a is accommodated in the concave portion at the tip thereof. These receipts b and latches c are respectively connected to the respective axes d and e.
Therefore, the arms a are locked to each other, and the arm a is held in the recess of the receiving b. Then, as shown in (B), when the latch c is rotated counterclockwise against the urging force, the engagement with the catch b is released. As a result, the receiving b is rotated counterclockwise by the urging force as shown in (C), the concave portion at the tip is directed upward, and the arm a is released.

Conversely, when the arm a is pressed downward from the state shown in FIG. 2C, the receiving b rotates clockwise about the pivot d. As a result, as shown in FIG.
After being rotated counterclockwise and receiving the lower end of the receiving a,
The state returns to the state shown in FIG.

As a means for releasing such a lock mechanism, there is a button using a button for manually releasing the lock of the receiving member a by the latch c or a foot switch having an electric contact of a solenoid for releasing the lock. . Further, in the case where the above-mentioned lock mechanism is not provided, there is a device in which the rear side of the lid is connected to a foot pedal via a wire or a link, and the lid is directly pulled open by the foot pedal.

[0007] Some springs use a spring hinge as a hinge for pivotally attaching the lid to the cleaning tank side, and some have a shock absorber for adjusting the opening speed of the lid.

[0008]

However, in the conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, when the lid is opened and the lock is released by pushing the button by hand, a force is required to operate the button. In addition, it cannot be operated when the hand is occupied. In addition, when the electric contact of the unlocking solenoid is provided in the foot switch, expensive components such as the solenoid and the foot switch are required, and further, the operation cannot be performed when the power is cut off. In addition, if the rear side of the lid is pulled open with a foot pedal via a wire or link, the wire or link becomes longer, which increases the cost, and when the foot pedal is pushed down less, a large depressing force is required, Poor operability. Since such a lock mechanism requires an opening that opens upward, it is inconvenient for taking waterproof measures against internal devices.

Further, since the conventional spring hinge on which such a lid is pivotally mounted has a narrow spring pressure adjustment range, when the load of the lid changes due to a change in the specification of the lid or the mounting of options, etc. Was sometimes difficult to do. Also,
Since the opening angle of the lid is also fixed in a narrow range of, for example, about 60 °, it cannot be said that the usability is good. In addition, when a shock absorber is attached to adjust the opening speed, the opening / closing mechanism becomes large, and it is difficult to secure a mounting place.

[0010] The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and effectively prevents water from entering the interior.
An object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus with good operability.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cleaning tank for installing an endoscope for cleaning and disinfecting, an exterior member for covering a side peripheral surface of the cleaning tank, and a cleaning tank. A lid for covering the upper surface of the tank, a lid opening / closing support means for supporting the lid so as to be openable and closable with respect to the cleaning tank, and a holding means for holding the lid in a closed state with respect to the cleaning tank When,
In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope with a cleaning and disinfecting liquid, the holding mechanism includes at least a locking means provided on the lid and a substantially vertical surface of the exterior member. And an engaging means which is provided so as to protrude from a groove formed in the lid and which holds the lid in a closed state by engaging with the locking means.

The engaging means includes an engaging arm protruding from the groove and having an engaging portion for engaging with the locking means, and the engaging arm is rotatably supported. Turning support means for allowing movement between a first position for engaging with the locking means and a second position for releasing the locking means, and moving the engagement arm in the direction of the second position. Urging means for urging, rotation restricting means for restricting rotation of the engaging arm when the engaging arm is engaged with the locking means, and rotation restricting by the rotation restricting means. And releasing means for releasing.

[0013] Further, the lid opening / closing support means includes a rotation support portion for rotatably supporting the lid, an urging means for urging the lid in an open state, and a cover for the lid. A cam means having a cam surface having a radius which increases in accordance with the degree of the open state of the lid and which rotates in conjunction with the rotation, and It is preferable to have a pressing member that is pressed down by the cam surface and presses the cam surface, and a pressing force adjusting unit that adjusts a pressing force of the pressing member against the cam surface.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 50, an opening is provided above the cleaning tank 2 in which the endoscope 1 is installed, and the lid 3 is installed in this opening. When the operator sets the endoscope 1 to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2, the operator opens the lid 3 and sets it at a predetermined position.

The lid 3 is attached to the washing tank 2 by a hinge unit 43. The hinge unit 43 applies a spring force in a direction in which the lid 3 is opened. When the lid 3 is closed, a latch mechanism provided in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus disposes an arm attached to the lid 3 by its hook. It is held in a caught state. An opening arm provided on the latch mechanism is connected to a lid opening foot pedal via a rod or a wire, and when the lid opening foot pedal is depressed, the latch mechanism is attached to the lid 3. Is released, and the lid 3 is urged by the spring force of the hinge unit 43 and can be opened to a predetermined position.

At the bottom of the cleaning tank 2, a vibration plate 4 having an ultrasonic vibrator attached to the bottom is provided, and oscillates ultrasonic vibrations in the cleaning disinfectant in the cleaning tank 2. Further, a tower 5 for reducing the amount of liquid contained in the washing tank 2 is provided at the center of the washing tank 2. Inside the tower 5, a heater 6 for heating and keeping the liquid in the washing tank 2 is provided.

An air pump 40 arranged outside the washing tank 2 is connected to a leak detecting connection port 38 of the washing tank 2 via a leak detecting pipe 39. By connecting the endoscope 1 to the water leak detection connection port 38 via the water leak detection tube 37, water leak of the endoscope 1 can be detected.

Liquid jet port 7 for jetting high-pressure water into cleaning tank 2
, A pump 8 for flowing liquid washing through a pipe 9 for flowing liquid cleaning.
Are connected to each other. The suction side of this pump 8
It is connected to the circulating fluid suction port 20 at the bottom of the washing tank. The flowing liquid cleaning pump 8 jets the cleaning / disinfecting liquid sucked from the circulating liquid suction port 20 as high-pressure water from the jet port 7. As a result, the object to be cleaned placed in the vicinity of the jet port 7 is cleaned very well.

Further, the suction port 20 is connected to the suction side of a pump 21 for cleaning the inside of the scope conduit whose discharge side is connected to the pipeline 19 for cleaning the inside of the scope pipeline. From the cleaning pipe 19 in the scope pipe, a pipe 27 communicating with the channel connection port 22 and a pipe 24 communicating with the ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23 are branched. An electromagnetic on-off valve 25 is inserted, and an electromagnetic on-off valve 26 is inserted in the pipeline 24.

The channel connection port 22 is connected to various channels of the endoscope 1 installed on the endoscope operation section holding section 41 via an endoscope channel cleaning tube 28. A part of the endoscope operation unit holding unit 41 is movable, and when the endoscope 1 is set in the cleaning tank 2,
The endoscope 1 can function as a temporary table that facilitates the installation work.

An air supply line 30 is connected via a check valve 29 in the middle of the in-scope line cleaning line 19 connected to the channel connection port 22. By blowing out compressed air from the compressor 31 through the various channel connection ports 22 and the ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23 of the endoscope 1 through the air supply pipe 30,
Water removal can be performed.

Further, the cleaning tank 2 is connected to a disinfecting liquid tank 32 through a pipe 33 interposed with an injection pump 34. Chemical recovery line 4 extending from this disinfectant tank 32
2 and a drain pipe 35 inserted through a drain pump 36 are connected to a drain port 14 of the washing tank 2 via a pipe switching valve mechanism 13. The line switching valve mechanism 13 transfers the liquid in the cleaning tank 2 through the drain port 14 of the cleaning tank 2 to the drain pipe 35.
And a valve mechanism for arbitrarily distributing the liquid to the chemical liquid recovery pipe line 42.

Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 50 will be described. First, when using the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 50, the used endoscope 1 is set in the cleaning tank 2, and the endoscope 1 and the connection port 38 for water leakage detection are connected by the water leakage detection tube 37. I do.

Thereafter, when the water leak detection switch on the operation panel is pressed, the washing water from the water supply source such as tap water is supplied to the water supply system line 1 through the water supply filter 10 and the check valve 11.
5, the water is supplied from the injection port 18 into the cleaning tank 2.
Then, when a certain amount of water is stored in the washing tank 2, the air pump 40 operates, and air is sent into the water leakage detection pipe of the endoscope 1 via the water leak detection pipe 39 and the water leak detection tube 37. . If a hole such as a pinhole is present in the endoscope 1, bubbles can be generated from the endoscope 1 so that the endoscope 1 can be visually identified.

After the completion of the water leak detection, the water stored in the washing tank 2 is drained from the washing tank 2. Thereafter, the water leak detection tube 37 is connected to the endoscope 1 and the water leak detection connection port 38.
The endoscope channel cleaning tube 28 is connected to the endoscope 1 and the channel connection port 22.

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

An example of the operation after the start of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus will be described. First, in the cleaning step, the water supply valve 17 is first opened, and the cleaning water from the water supply source 16 such as tap water is inserted through the water supply filter 10. The water is supplied into the washing tank 2 from the water supply pipe 15 and the inlet 18. Before starting the cleaning step, a predetermined amount of detergent is poured into the cleaning tank 2.

Then, when a certain amount of water is supplied, the flowing liquid washing is started, and when the water level in the washing tank 2 reaches the designated position, the water supply valve 17 is closed. In this step, large dirt, soft dirt, light dirt, etc. attached to the endoscope 1 are washed. That is, such contaminants are removed by the swirling liquid flow formed in the cleaning tank 2 or the impact force of the liquid jetted from the flowing liquid jet port 7.

When the preset process time of the flowing liquid cleaning is completed, ultrasonic cleaning is subsequently performed. In the ultrasonic cleaning, hard dirt attached to the endoscope 1 and dirt on a complicated shape part are strongly removed. After that, when the ultrasonic cleaning step is completed, the flowing liquid cleaning is performed again. In the ultrasonic cleaning liquid washing step, dirt that has been removed from the endoscope 1 by being swollen in the previous ultrasonic cleaning step is removed.

After the washing process is completed, the pipeline switching valve mechanism 1
3 makes the drain port 14 communicate with the drain pipe 35. At the same time, the drain pump 36 is driven, and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside. Thereafter, the water supply valve 17 is opened to supply new water into the cleaning tank 2, and the in-scope pipe line cleaning pump 21 is driven to perform rinsing.

During the rinsing step, the electromagnetic switching valves 25 and 26 are alternately opened and closed for a preset time and number of times, so that rinsing water is sent to the ceiling washing pipe 24 and ejected from the ceiling washing nozzle 23. The ceiling surface of the washing tank 2 is washed with rinsing water.

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 operated. By switching the opening and closing of the electromagnetic on-off valves 25 and 26, air is sent into various channels of the endoscope 1 through the channel connection port 22, and air is also sent to the ceiling surface cleaning nozzle 23. Draining of the endoscope 1 and the ceiling cleaning pipe 24 is performed.

After the rinsing step is completed, a disinfection step is subsequently performed. In this disinfection process, the disinfectant tank 32
Is supplied from the injection port 18 to the cleaning tank 1 by the injection pump 34 through the injection line 33.
Check valve 11 and disinfectant injection line 3 in water supply system line 15
The check valve 12 in 3 prevents backflow of the water supply and the disinfectant.

The entire endoscope 1 is completely immersed in the disinfectant stored in the cleaning tank 2, and the disinfectant in the cleaning tank 2 is connected to the channel by turning on the pump 21 for cleaning in the scope conduit. It is supplied to the mouth 22 and disinfection of both the outside of the endoscope 1 and the inside channel is performed. In this disinfecting process, the disinfecting liquid is circulated in all the dirt pipes in the cleaning and disinfecting device 50, so that the inside of the cleaning and disinfecting device 50 can be automatically disinfected together with the endoscope 1. And
After a lapse of a predetermined time, the pipe switching valve mechanism 13 sets the drain port 1
4 is communicated with the chemical solution collection pipe 42, and the disinfectant is collected in the disinfectant tank 32.

Following the end of the disinfection step, the rinsing step is performed again. After the rinsing step, the drainage of the channel or pipe 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 last step is completed, the pipeline switching valve mechanism 13 is kept in a state where the drain port 14 communicates with the drain pipeline 35 so that water does not remain in the cleaning tank 2.

FIG. 2 shows an entire automatic opening mechanism for opening and closing the lid of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 50, and FIG. 3 shows a part of a latch mechanism used for the automatic opening mechanism. In this embodiment, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 50 has an exterior member 51 that covers the side peripheral surface of the above-described cleaning tank 2, and a lid 52 that covers the opening of the cleaning tank 2 is provided above the exterior member 51. It is pivotally connected by a hinge unit 53 which is an opening and closing support means. By holding the edge on the side opposite to the hinge unit 53 by a latch mechanism 54 as a holding means, the opening of the cleaning tank 2 can be held in a closed state. 2 and 3
As shown in FIG. 5, the latch mechanism 54 is provided with a locking means provided on the lid, that is, a substantially U-shaped arm 55 projecting from the lower surface of the lid 52, and a hook as an engaging means attached to the exterior member 51. By locking at 59, the lid 52 is kept closed.

The exterior member 51 of the present embodiment has a concave portion 56 formed on the upper edge thereof, and the tip of the hook 59 is inserted into the concave portion 56 through a groove 58 formed in a substantially vertical surface 57 that defines the concave portion 56. To protrude. This recess 56
Is open on the upper surface and side surfaces of the exterior member 51, and receives the hook 59 from the upper surface side. Since the groove 58 for projecting the hook 59 is formed on the substantially vertical surface 57 of the concave portion 56, there is no possibility that water droplets or the like enter the exterior member 51 through the groove 58. Exterior member 51
, And even if a water droplet or the like enters the concave portion 56, it is immediately discharged to the outside. The groove 58 is
Obviously, instead of the substantially vertical wall 57 shown in the figure, it may be formed on one of a pair of vertical walls opposed to each other with the substantially vertical wall 57 interposed therebetween.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show details of the latch mechanism 54. The solid line in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5B show a state in which the latch mechanism 54 releases the lid 52 and opens the lid 52. ing. The imaginary line in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A show a state in which the hook 59 holds the arm 55 of the lid 52 and holds the lid 52 in a closed state.

The hook 59 of the latch mechanism 54 is formed as an elongated arm, that is, an engagement arm having a C-shaped mouth portion 59c as an engagement portion for receiving the arm 55 of the exterior member 51 at the distal end. The intermediate portion is pivotally connected to the exterior member 51 via 68. A coiled tension spring 60 having one end fixed to the exterior member 51 is attached to the base end of the hook 59. The coiled tension spring 60 allows the coiled tension spring 60 to rotate clockwise about the shaft 68. It is biased to rotate. The base end of the hook 59 to which the spring 60 is attached is positioned between the position where the arm 55 is locked by the release arm 61 serving as the rotation restricting means,
In the release position and is selectively retained.

The release arm 61 is connected to the exterior member 5 via a shaft 67.
1 and is urged counterclockwise about the shaft 67 by a spring 62 mounted on the shaft 67.
The release arm 61 has a sliding surface 61 a and a locking surface 61 b adjacent to each other at a protrusion protruding above the shaft 67, and the sliding surface 61 a is formed at a base end of the hook 59. In a state where the hook 59 is engaged with the moving surface 59a, the hook 55 is biased by the spring 60 as shown in FIG.
Is placed in the release position. In this position, hook 5
9 is rotated counterclockwise against the urging force of the spring 60, the sliding surface 59a of the hook 59 slides on the sliding surface 61a of the release arm 61, and the release arm 61 is pivoted about the shaft 67. Rotate clockwise. When the leading end of the sliding surface 59a exceeds the sliding surface 61a, the release arm 61
5A, the hook locking surface 59b and the locking surface 61b of the release arm 61 abut against each other as shown by a solid line in FIG. Thereby, the hook 59 is
As shown in FIG. 5A, the arm 55 is located at a position where the arm 55 is locked against the urging force of the spring 60.

The release arm 61 according to the present embodiment is
Is connected to a lid-opening foot pedal unit 64 attached below the cleaning device 50 via a wire or a rod 63 serving as a releasing means for releasing the rotation restriction of the hook 59. ing.

When the lid 52 is opened, the foot pedal 64a of the foot pedal unit 64 is lightly depressed downward, and the rod 63 connected to the foot pedal 64a is pulled downward. The release arm 61 connected to the upper end of the rod 63 is used in FIG.
As shown by the imaginary line in FIG. As a result, the release arm 61 rotates the hook 59 counterclockwise about the shaft 68 via the locking surface 61b. When the locking surface 61b exceeds the base end of the hook 59, the engagement between the release arm 61 and the hook 59 is released, and the hook 59 is rotated clockwise by the urging force of the spring 60, and is turned clockwise in FIG. It is arranged at the position shown in B).
The mouth 59c formed at the tip of the hook 59 has a sufficient size or depth to prevent interference with the arm 55 when the hook 59 is rotated counterclockwise by the release arm 61. .

In the position shown in FIG.
Is disposed with the mouth portion 59c at the distal end thereof facing upward, thereby opening the arm 55 of the lid 52 that has been held. The springs 62 and 65 return the release arm 61 and the foot pedal 64 to their original positions, respectively. The lid 52 with the arm 55 released is opened upward by the urging force of a spring of a hinge unit 53 connecting the lid 52 to the exterior member 51.

With the lid 52 released in this manner, only the lower jaw of the mouth 59c at the tip of the hook 59 projects from the groove 58 into the recess 56. In this state, the lid 52
Is closed, the arm 55 moves into the concave portion 56, and as shown in FIG. 5B, the lower jaw portion of the hook 58 protruding into the concave portion 56 is pushed down, and Get into it. At this time, the hook 59 rotates about the shaft 68, presses the sliding surface 61a of the release arm 61, and rotates the release arm 61 clockwise. Then, when the base end of the hook 59 moves beyond the sliding surface 61a, the release arm 61 is rotated counterclockwise by the urging force of the spring 62, and as shown in FIG. The stop surface 61b is engaged with the locking surface 59b of the hook 59. As a result, the arm 55 moves the latch mechanism 54 against the urging force of the hinge unit 53.
Is held.

The latch mechanism 54 includes a foot pedal 64a provided below the washing tank 2 or the exterior member 50.
Can be unlocked by the latch mechanism 54 by depressing the foot pedal 64a, so that the lid can be opened with a small amount of light operation without using hands. .

FIG. 6 shows details of the hinge unit 53. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the hinge unit 53
Lid mounting plate 74 mounted on lid 52 of cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 50
And the lid 5 attached to the washing tank 2 or the exterior member 51.
And a housing 78 for rotatably supporting the housing 2. A shaft 73 having a cam means, that is, a cam 69 provided at a central portion thereof passes through a pair of arm portions extending from the side wall 80 of the housing 78 and a pair of plate portions 71 connected to the lid mounting plate 74. On the shaft 73, a bush for smoothing the movement is mounted at a portion penetrating the side wall 80 and the plate portion 71. Further, the cam 69 is wound in opposite directions on both sides, and the lid 52 is opened in the opening direction. A torsion spring 70, which is a biasing means for biasing the spring, is mounted. The cam 69 is screwed to the plate portion 71 side, rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the lid 52, and has a cam surface having a radius that increases according to the degree of the open state of the lid 52. . Reference numeral 72 indicates a retaining ring of the shaft 73.

The torsion spring 70 is locked at both ends by a spring holding plate 75 fixed to the side wall 80, and the central tag portion is locked by the lid mounting plate 74, and is fixed to the housing 78 or the exterior member 51. Lid mounting plate 74 or lid 52
Bias in the opening direction. In order to prevent the lid 52 from being rapidly opened by the torsion spring 70, a shock absorber 77 as a pressing member is attached to the housing 78 via a stopper plate 76. When the cover 52 is opened, the shock absorber 77 is pressed down by the cam surface of the cam 69 and presses the cam surface.
The movement of the lid mounting plate 74 or the lid 52 is buffered. As described above, the shock absorber 77 is housed in the housing 78, and the hinge 69 is formed into an extremely compact structure by operating the shock absorber 77 with the cam 69 provided at the center of the shaft 73.

In order to adjust the urging force of the torsion spring 70, an elongated hole (not shown) is formed in the arm 80 along the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 6B.
The fixing screw 79 of the spring holding plate 75 is inserted through the elongated hole. When lifting the heavy lid, use the torsion spring 70
6 in the direction in which both end portions are pushed into the housing 78, ie, FIG.
(A), the spring holding plate 75 is moved leftward. Further, by adjusting the amount A of the shock absorber 77 coming out of the stopper plate 76, the pressing force against the cam surface of the cam 69 can be adjusted, and the opening angle of the lid 52 can be arbitrarily adjusted.

FIG. 7 shows a hinge unit 53 according to the second embodiment. Two torsion springs 81 are provided, and a sensor 92 for detecting opening and closing of the lid 52 is mounted symmetrically with the shock absorber 90. Adjustment screw 93
Is tightened, the spring pressure adjusting plate 88 is pushed in the direction in which the urging force of the torsion spring 81 increases, and the force for opening the lid 52 can be increased. The cam 83 that presses the shock absorber 90 and the cam 82 that presses the arm of the sensor 92 are:
It is fixed to a lid mounting plate 87 and rotates around a shaft 86. A bush 84 for smooth rotation is inserted into a hole through which a shaft 86 passes between the housing 91 and the lid mounting plate 87. The opening angle of the lid 52 can be arbitrarily set by adjusting the amount A coming out of the fixed plate 89 of the shock absorber 90 as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the hinge unit 53. The lid 5 of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 50 is provided on the lid mounting plate 97.
2 is attached. Instead of the shock absorber in the above-described embodiment, an oil-sealed rotary damper 96 is attached as a shaft from the left and right. Reference numeral 94 denotes a damper fixing plate for fixing both rotary dampers 96. The torsion spring 95 is fixed to the housing 99 as in the first embodiment. The biasing force of the torsion spring 95 can be adjusted by the spring retainer 98.

In the spring hinge for automatically opening the lid of the washing tank, a double torsion spring is used, and a shock absorber and a cam for pushing the shock absorber are arranged at the center thereof, thereby realizing high torque and miniaturization. By providing a mechanism for adjusting the spring pressure, the combination of the load pressure adjustment mechanism of the shock absorber can handle a wide range of lid loads. Also, by making the position of the stopper adjustable,
The opening angle can be easily set freely.

According to the above description, at least the features listed below as additional notes are obtained.

<Supplementary Notes> Below the latch mechanism that holds the washing tank lid closed, a foot pedal is provided to release the latch,
Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device connected to the release arm of the latch mechanism.

This endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus has an inexpensive and hard-to-break structure. The operator holding the object to be cleaned in both hands can open the lid of the cleaning tank by lightly operating the foot without using hands. Therefore, not only can the quality of the product be increased and the cost can be reduced, but also the burden on the operator can be reduced. Because of the mechanical mechanism configuration, the lid can be opened and closed even when the power of the apparatus is turned off, which is convenient for maintenance of the apparatus.

2. When the latch mechanism holding the lid of the cleaning tank is released, the lid is automatically opened by the force of the spring hinge. In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device, the spring hinge uses a double torsion spring to cause a shock to the center. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device that is a small, high-torque spring hinge with an absorber and a cam that pushes it.

In this case, by mounting the strong spring hinge and the shock absorber integrally and miniaturizing them, the attachment to the device becomes easy.

3. When the latch mechanism holding the lid of the cleaning tank is released, the lid is automatically opened by the force of the spring hinge. In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the spring hinge uses the mechanism for adjusting the spring pressure and the load on the shock absorber. A cleaning and disinfecting device for endoscopes that can handle a wide range of lid loads by combining a pressure adjustment mechanism.

This endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus has a combination of a spring pressure adjusting mechanism and a shock absorber adjusting mechanism, so that the adjusting area is increased, so that it can cope with a wide range of lid loads and can control the opening speed in a wide range. It is important that the lid of the endoscope washer disinfection device be slowly opened so that water droplets on the lid do not splash outside.To do so, adjust the spring pressure of the hinge to an appropriate value according to the load on the lid. The hinge had to be redesigned when the load on the lid changed due to specification changes.However, with this endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device, the spring pressure can be easily adjusted over a wide range. Because you can, you can deal with various situations.

4. When the latch mechanism holding the lid of the cleaning tank is released, the lid is automatically opened by the force of the spring hinge. In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device, the spring hinge can easily adjust the opening angle by adjusting the position of the stopper. Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device that can be set freely.

In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the provision of the opening angle control mechanism is very convenient because it can be set according to the height of the user or can be set according to the installation location. In addition, when the angle is adjusted to be constant at the time of shipping or the like, the adjustment can be made by absorbing variations in dimensional accuracy, weight, and spring pressure of components.

Even if the weight of the entire lid unit changes due to the presence or absence of optional parts such as a filter to be placed on the lid, or the type, the opening angle can be adjusted to the same value.

[0062]

As apparent from the above, according to the present invention,
A groove is formed in a substantially vertical plane of an exterior member of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, and engaging means for engaging with a locking means provided on the lid and holding the lid in a closed state is formed by the groove. As a result, the intrusion of water into the interior is effectively prevented, the operability is good, and a low-cost endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is formed.

The engaging means is rotatably supported by an engaging arm, the engaging arm biases the locking means in the direction of the second position, and the engaging arm is When there is provided a rotation restricting means for restricting the rotation of the engagement arm when engaged with the locking means, and a releasing means for releasing the rotation restriction by the rotation restricting means, the releasing means By simply operating, the lid can be opened very easily.

Further, a cam means having a cam surface having a radius which increases in accordance with the degree of the open state of the lid is provided. The cam means is pushed down by the cam surface of the cam means in conjunction with the rotation of the lid. In the case of having a pressing member for pressing the cam surface, and pressing force adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing member against the cam surface, it is possible to easily adjust the opening degree of the lid as necessary. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a circuit configuration of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B show an opening and closing mechanism of a lid of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is a schematic side view, and FIG.
The figure which follows the direction of the A line.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view in which a part of FIG. 2 is enlarged.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the overall structure of a latch mechanism and a pedal unit of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

5A and 5B show the operation of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a lid is closed, and FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the lid is released.

FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of a hinge mechanism for supporting a lid,
(A) is a schematic side view, (B) is an explanatory view along BB line.

7A and 7B show a second embodiment of the hinge mechanism, wherein FIG. 7A is a schematic side view, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory view along the line BB.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a third embodiment of the hinge mechanism.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the structure and operation of a conventional latch mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

2: Cleaning tank, 3, 50: Cleaning and disinfecting device for endoscope, 51:
Exterior member, 52 ... lid, 43, 53 ... hinge unit, 5
4 Latch mechanism, 55 Arm, 56 recess, 57 substantially vertical wall, 58 groove, 59 hook, 61 release arm, 63
... Rod, 64 ... Pedal unit.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B08B 9/027 B08B 9/06 F term (Reference) 3B116 AA12 AB01 BB03 BB22 BB82 BB83 CC01 CC03 CD22 3B201 AA12 AB01 BB03 BB22 BB82 BB83 BB90 BB92 BB94 CB12 CC01 CC12 CD22 4C058 AA15 BB07 CC06 EE01 EE26 JJ06 4C061 AA00 BB00 CC00 DD03 GG07

Claims (3)

[Claims] A cleaning tank for installing an endoscope for cleaning and disinfecting; an exterior member covering a side peripheral surface of the cleaning tank;
A lid for covering the upper surface of the cleaning tank, a lid opening / closing support means for supporting the lid so that the lid can be opened and closed with respect to the cleaning tank, and a lid for holding the lid in a closed state with respect to the cleaning tank. A holding and disinfecting device for an endoscope which has an endoscope for washing and disinfecting the endoscope with a washing and disinfecting solution, wherein the holding means is at least a locking means provided on the lid, and the exterior member An endoscope which is provided so as to protrude from a groove formed substantially in a vertical plane, and which engages with the locking means to hold the lid body in a closed state. Cleaning and disinfecting equipment. 2. The engaging means has an engaging arm projecting from the groove and having an engaging part engaging with the locking means, and the engaging arm is rotatably supported. Rotating support means movable between a first position for engaging the locking means and a second position for releasing the locking means; and Urging means for urging in the direction, rotation restricting means for restricting rotation of the engagement arm when the engagement arm is engaged with the locking means, and rotation by the rotation restriction means. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a release unit configured to release the restriction. 3. The lid opening / closing support means includes: a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the lid; an urging means that urges the lid in a direction of an open state; A cam means having a cam surface having a radius which increases in accordance with the degree of the open state of the lid and which rotates in conjunction with the rotation, and 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressing member that is pressed down by the cam surface and presses the cam surface; and a pressing force adjusting unit that adjusts a pressing force applied to the cam surface by the pressing member. 3. The cleaning and disinfecting device for an endoscope according to the above.