JP2002272682A - Washing and disinfection system and medical device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing and disinfection system unaffecting the installability of an endoscope. SOLUTION: The system includes a medical device having a data storage means, a first communication means, and a first electrical connection means and capable of making communication via the first electrical connection means, a watertight means with a communication function, detachably attached to the first electrical connection means in a watertight condition and having a second electrical connection means for connection to the first electrical connection means, and a second communication means for making communications with the medical device via the second electrical connection means and with the outside without contact, a washing and sterilizing device having a third communication means for making communication with the second communication means without contact and adapted for washing and sterilizing the medical device, and a control means provided in the washing and disinfecting device for controlling the washing and disinfecting device according to the results obtained when the data retained by the data storage means are obtained by the first, second and third communication means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a cleaning and disinfecting system and a medical device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting system is equipped with an automatic operation program for efficiently cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope. These programs include some programs that automatically execute processing steps defined in advance, and programs that allow a user to manually set processing steps.

In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting system described above, a processing program is set so that most endoscopes can be surely cleaned and disinfected. However, depending on the type of scope, there is a considerable margin for cleaning and disinfecting. Disinfection may be performed. In addition, it has become necessary for a user to record and manage when and what processing is performed on an endoscope to be cleaned / disinfected.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-260523 discloses a method of providing a memory means for storing information such as endoscope model name and serial number in an endoscope body, and providing a reading means in an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system. Accordingly, a configuration in which the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system recognizes endoscope information is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-24220 discloses means for transmitting and receiving cleaning data via a waterproof cap.

Conventionally, when cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope, an operator visually confirms that the waterproof cap has been attached to the endoscope in order to securely attach the waterproof cap for protecting the electrical contact portion. After many confirmations, the cleaning and disinfection process had begun.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system, the data transmission / reception path is performed in a wired manner using a cable, and the data transmission / reception cable and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting are used. The installation of the endoscope is restricted by the restriction of the connection position to the system, and when the endoscope is installed in an unauthorized position, it is necessary to consider the damage to the endoscope and the effect on the cleaning and disinfection function. there were.

[0008] Further, when the endoscope is washed and disinfected, if the waterproof cap is forgotten, the electrical contacts and circuits of the endoscope will be flooded, and the endoscope will be broken. They couldn't do a mirror examination or had to pay a lot of repairs.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning and disinfecting system which does not affect the installation property of an endoscope.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical device capable of preventing the electric contacts and circuits of the endoscope from being flooded by preventing the user from forgetting to attach the prevention cap.

[0011]

To achieve the above object, a cleaning and disinfecting system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a data storage unit, a first communication unit, and a first electrical connection unit. A medical device communicable via the first electrical connection means, detachably attached to the first electrical connection means in a waterproof manner, and connected to the first electrical connection means; A second communication means for communicating with the medical device via the second electrical connection means and for performing non-contact communication with the outside. A washing / disinfecting device for washing / disinfecting the medical device, and a washing / disinfecting device for washing / disinfecting the medical device, the washing / disinfecting device having a third communicating means for communicating without contact with the second communicating means, The data stored in the data storage means is 1 communication means, based on the result acquired by the second communication means and said third communication means and a control means for controlling the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the cleaning and disinfecting system according to the first aspect, the waterproof means with a communication function detects connection to the first electrical connection means. Means for starting communication with the medical device and the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus based on the detection result of the connection detecting means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a communication means for communicating with the outside, a connection portion electrically connectable to the outside, and a waterproof cap for preventing fluid from entering the connection portion are mounted. Detecting means for detecting that the waterproof cap is attached, and performing communication enabling cleaning by detecting the mounting of the waterproof cap.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 to which an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system of the present invention is applied. The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 1 includes a cleaning tank 2 for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope as a medical device, and a top cover 3 for preventing scattering of a chemical solution or the like in a processing step.
And a control panel 4 for setting a processing process program and the like, and a chemical / detergent storage section 5 for storing a cleaning liquid / disinfectant used for cleaning / disinfection. A communication window 6 for infrared communication is provided in the cleaning tank 2.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the appearance of the endoscope 7 and the waterproof cap (waterproof means) 9.

The endoscope main body is provided with an electric contact 8 for transmitting and receiving data such as images, so that the endoscope can be used for cleaning and disinfection.
A waterproof cap 9 is attached to prevent liquid and gas from entering. The waterproof cap 9 is provided with a transmission / reception window 10 for infrared communication and a battery replacement window 11. When a normal endoscope is used, the endoscope main body is connected to a light source device (not shown), and a scope cable (not shown) is connected to the electric contact portion 8 to be connected to a video processor (not shown). .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an internal circuit of the endoscope 7. As shown in FIG. The internal circuit mainly includes a power supply stabilizing unit 24 for stabilizing a supplied voltage to a circuit level, a power supply monitoring unit 27 for monitoring a supplied power level and controlling a reset signal, and manufacturing an endoscope. It comprises a memory unit 23 as data storage means for recording data such as a number, a model name, a use history, a cleaning / disinfection history, a repair history, and the like, and a control unit 20 for transmitting / receiving signals and controlling the memory unit 23. In the electric contact portion as the first electric connection means,
Power supply pin 25, GND pin 26, and signal transmission / reception pin 2
1 and 22 are provided. Further, an infrared communication control unit (first communication means) for performing infrared data communication with the waterproof cap 9 is provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an internal circuit of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. The internal circuit mainly includes a power stabilizing unit 30 for stabilizing a supplied voltage to a circuit level, a power monitoring unit 31 for monitoring a supplied power level and controlling a reset signal, and a device for controlling the device. , A memory unit 33 for recording operation data such as process history and abnormal history, and a panel control unit 3 for controlling display and SW input of the control panel 4.
4, a drive unit 35 for performing cleaning and disinfection by operating electric devices such as a pump and a solenoid valve, and a sensor control unit 36 for monitoring sensor input values such as a temperature sensor, a water level sensor, and a top cover position sensor. A communication control unit 37 for performing data communication with a connected computer (not shown) such as a history of cleaning and disinfection, and an infrared communication control unit for performing infrared data communication with the waterproof cap (third communication means) 38, and a control unit (control means) 32 for controlling them.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the infrared communication control unit 38. This circuit includes a controller 41 for controlling data input / output from / to the control unit 32 and a control signal, a modulation circuit 42 for modulating a transmission signal, and a red circuit for converting data into infrared light and transmitting the same. An external light emitting element 43, an infrared light receiving element 45 for receiving infrared data and converting it into an electric signal, and a demodulation circuit 44 for demodulating the converted electric signal.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an internal circuit of the waterproof cap 9. The internal circuit includes a battery unit 58 serving as a power source for the internal circuit of the waterproof cap 9 and the internal circuit of the endoscope 7, and a power stabilizing unit 5 for stabilizing a voltage supplied from the battery unit 58 to a circuit level.
7, a power monitoring unit 56 for monitoring the supplied power level and controlling a reset signal, a memory unit 55 for recording a program for controlling the device and data acquired from the endoscope 7, Infrared communication control unit (second communication means) 5 for performing infrared data communication with the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1
4, a detection unit (connection detection means) 50 for detecting that the endoscope 7 is attached to the endoscope 7, and a control unit 53 for controlling the detection unit.

Power contact pins 60 and GN are provided at the electric contact portions as second electric connection means so as to be paired with the endoscope 7 side.
A D pin 61 and signal transmission / reception pins 51 and 52 are provided. A short-circuit prevention circuit 59 for preventing discharge due to short-circuit is provided between the power supply pin 60 and the battery unit 58.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.
When cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 7, the user first connects the waterproof cap 9 to the endoscope 7. With this operation, the connection detection unit in the waterproof cap 9 is activated, the electrical connection between the endoscope 7 and the waterproof cap 9 is secured, and the power supply voltage is supplied to both of them from the battery in the waterproof cap 9. Next, the endoscope 7 is mounted on the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, and the top cover 3 is closed.

Then, the control unit 3 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1
2 detects this and transmits a request signal to the waterproof cap 9 via the infrared communication control unit 38. The request signal is sent to the control unit 53 via the infrared communication control unit 54 in the waterproof cap 9.
Reaches The control unit 53 that has recognized the request signal requests the requested data to the control unit 20 in the endoscope 7.

The control unit 20 in the endoscope 7 reads out the requested data from the memory unit 23 and sends it to the control unit 53 in the waterproof cap 9. Waterproof cap 9 that received data
The control unit 53 sends the same data to the control unit 32 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 via the infrared communication control unit 54. The control unit 32 that has recognized the data displays the data on the control panel 4 based on the data, selects and operates a necessary failure detection process,
Processing such as selection and operation of the optimal automatic cleaning / disinfecting process is performed.

FIG. 7 shows the control panel 4 at this time.
Shows the display state of. The failure detection process includes water leakage detection, pipe blockage detection, CCD failure detection, optical fiber breakage rate detection, and the like.

The data transmitted and received at this time include a model number of the endoscope, shape recognition information, a serial number, a previous use date and time,
For previous use environment information, previous connected device information, previous operator information, previous test subject information, use status information for infectious diseases, previous cleaning / disinfection date / time, previous cleaning / disinfection time, and previous cleaning / disinfection The name of the detergent / disinfectant used, the detergent used in the previous cleaning / disinfection
Disinfectant temperature, failure information, repair history, and the like. Data communication between the waterproof cap 9 and the endoscope 7 may be performed when both are connected.

When the failure detection step / washing / disinfecting step is completed, the data relating to the step is recorded in the memory unit 33 in the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus 1 and follows the same path as the previous one. Is also recorded in the memory unit 23 of the.

When a computer (not shown) is connected to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, data is transmitted via the communication control unit 37 in the same manner.

If a catastrophic failure is found in the endoscope 7, or if the washing / disinfecting process is not completed normally for some reason, a message to that effect is displayed on the control panel 4. The memory unit 33
Will be recorded.

After the washing / disinfecting process is completed, the endoscope 7 is taken out of the washing tank 2, and after the moisture is wiped off, the waterproof cap 9 is removed and stored for use in the next inspection.

By the way, the endoscope 7 has a pipe through which gas and liquid are passed, and requires cleaning and disinfection. Therefore, detergent and disinfectant are sent through the washing tube,
Cleaning and disinfection is being performed. Therefore, in cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 7, it is an essential condition that the cleaning tube is properly mounted.

FIG. 8 is an external view of the washing tube 12 when the endoscope 7 is mounted on the washing tank 2. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a state in which the endoscope 7, the cleaning tube 12, and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 are connected. Wash tube 12
Are provided at both ends with bases 13 for connecting the endoscope 7 and the washing tank 2 respectively. The base 13 has an electrode 13-
1 is provided, and the endoscope 7 side and the cleaning tank 2 side are electrically connected. A cleaning tube 12 and an endoscope 7 are provided on the cleaning tank 2 side.
Is provided.

In such a configuration, when cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 7, the user first attaches the cleaning tube 12 to the endoscope 7.
Connect. By this operation, the electrical connection between the endoscope 7 and the washing tube 12 is secured. Next, the endoscope 7 is disposed in the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 and the top cover 3 is closed.

By this operation, the electrical connection between the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 and the cleaning tube 12 is secured, and at the same time, the electrical connection between the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 and the endoscope 7 is secured.
The conduction detection circuit 50 in the device 1 becomes active.

When the continuity detecting circuit 50 is not activated, the control unit 32 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 notifies the user by displaying on the control panel 4 or buzzer.

FIG. 10 shows an RFID instead of an electrical continuity.
This is an example of using (Radio Frequency Identification automatic transponder). In this example, by providing the boost coil 51 in the washing tube 12, the connection can be detected in a non-contact manner. Therefore, improvement in durability can be expected.

According to the first embodiment, the endoscope has data storage means, the waterproof cap has communication means with the endoscope,
Infrared communication means with an endoscope washer / disinfector, battery,
Since the infrared communication means is provided in the endoscope connection detecting means and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, it is possible to perform data communication between the endoscope and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus without using a cable. Will be possible.

In this embodiment, when the endoscope is washed and disinfected, a waterproof cap is attached to protect the electric contacts. As described above, since the data transmitting / receiving means is provided in the waterproof cap, it is only necessary to attach the waterproof cap to the endoscope and set the endoscope in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. There is no need to connect to the device,
In addition, the communication cable does not interfere with the setting.

(Supplementary Note) In medical equipment cleaning and disinfection (sterilization) systems,
A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting (sterilizing) medical devices, a medical device having communication means and data storage means,
The washing / disinfecting device is provided with a communication unit and a data storage unit, and the waterproofing unit communicates with the washing / disinfecting device. Means for cleaning and disinfecting a medical device, comprising: means for communicating with the medical device.

2. The medical device is an endoscope. 3. The cleaning / disinfecting system according to item 1.

3. The waterproof means has a waterproof cap structure. Or 2. 3. The cleaning / disinfecting system according to item 1.

4. 2. The communication means between the washing / disinfecting device and the waterproof cap comprises infrared rays. 3. The cleaning / disinfecting system according to item 1.

5. The power generation means inside the waterproof means has a battery structure. Or 2. 3. The cleaning / disinfecting system according to item 1.

6 The waterproofing means has a detecting means for detecting that it is connected to the medical device. Or 2. 3. The cleaning / disinfecting system according to item 1.

(Second Embodiment) First, as shown in FIG. 11, when cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope 101, a waterproof cap 102 is attached to an EL connector portion 103,
Make sure that the L connector section 103 does not flood.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a cleaning and disinfecting device 104 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 101. FIG. The endoscope 101 with the waterproof cap 102 attached is set in the cleaning tank 106, the top cover 107 is closed, and the start switch on the control panel 108 is pressed to start the cleaning process. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting device 104 is
The endoscope 101 communicates with the endoscope 101 through the communication window 105 provided therein, and when the communication is established, the washing / disinfection process is started for the first time. This confirmation communication is always performed before a step of putting water or other liquid into the cleaning tank 106, such as a water leak detection step of inspecting a pinhole of the endoscope 101.

If the communication is not established, a display indicating a communication error is displayed on a display on the control panel 108 of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 104, and a buzzer of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 104 emits a warning sound. Urges the person to confirm the installation of the waterproof cap.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the communication circuit. The oscillating unit 200 includes the cleaning / disinfecting device 104 side.
The apparatus includes a modulation unit 201, a demodulation unit 202, and a controller 203, and the controller 203 can communicate with the main body control circuit 204.

The endoscope 101 is connected to the stabilizing circuit 20.
5, demodulation circuit 206, modulation circuit 207, converter 208,
The endoscope 101 includes a main control unit 209 and a memory 210.
, A waterproof cap 102 is attached.

The versatility of the waterproof cap 102 with respect to various endoscopes 101 is enhanced by simplifying the circuit configuration on the waterproof cap 102 side.

According to the above-described second embodiment, the endoscope and the cleaning / disinfecting device each have a function of performing remote communication, and the remote communication circuit on the endoscope side operates only when the waterproof cap is attached. Like that. That is, the communication for confirming the attachment of the waterproof cap is performed before the start of the washing / disinfecting process, and the process is started only when OK is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to attach the waterproof cap. The contact and the circuit can be prevented from being flooded.

(Supplementary Note) In an endoscope having a means for remote communication with an external device, a part of the communication circuit is provided in a waterproof cap, and remote communication can be performed only when the waterproof cap is attached. A cleaning / disinfecting system characterized in that the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and the endoscope communicate with each other immediately before starting to check whether the waterproof cap is attached.

[0054]

According to the present invention, since the data transmission / reception means is provided in the waterproof means, it is only necessary to attach the endoscope to the waterproof means and set the endoscope in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. This eliminates the need for connecting to the cleaning and disinfecting device, and prevents the communication cable from hindering the setting.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to attach the waterproof cap when cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope, so that the operator of the endoscope can safely mount the endoscope on the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of an endoscope and a waterproof cap.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an internal circuit of the endoscope.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an internal circuit of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an infrared communication control unit 38.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an internal circuit of the waterproof cap.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display state of the control panel 4 when the endoscope is being cleaned and disinfected.

FIG. 8 is an external view of a cleaning tube when the endoscope 7 is mounted on the cleaning tank 2.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a state in which the endoscope 7, the cleaning tube 12, and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 are connected to each other.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an RFID is used instead of electrical conduction.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which a waterproof cap 102 is attached to an EL connector section 103 of the endoscope.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a cleaning and disinfecting device 104 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 101.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a communication circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 Cleaning tank 3 Top cover 4 Control panel 5 Chemical solution / detergent storage unit 6 Transmitter / receiver unit 7 Endoscope body 8 Electrical contact unit 9 Waterproof cap 10 Transmitter / receiver window 11 Replacement window 12 Cleaning tube 13 Electrode

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiaki Noguchi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masaki Gomachi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Jun Hasegawa, the inventor 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (72) Katsuya Suzuki, Inventor Katsuya Suzuki 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C058 AA14 AA15 4C061 GG07 GG09 JJ17 JJ19

Claims (3)

[Claims] A medical device having a data storage unit, a first communication unit, and a first electric connection unit, the medical device being communicable via the first electric connection unit; A second electrical connection unit that is detachably attached to the connection unit in a waterproof manner and is connected to the first electrical connection unit; and the second electrical connection unit is connected to the second electrical connection unit via the second electrical connection unit. A waterproofing means with a communication function having a second communication means for communicating with the medical device and communicating with the outside in a non-contact manner; and a third means for communicating in a non-contact manner with the second communication means. A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus having a communication unit and cleaning and disinfecting the medical device; and a first communication unit, the second communication unit, and the data provided in the cleaning and disinfecting device, the data being stored in the data storage unit. The result obtained by the third communication means Control means for controlling the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus based on the cleaning means. 2. The waterproofing means with communication function according to claim 1, wherein:
Further comprising connection detection means for detecting connection to the electrical connection means, and starting communication with the medical device and the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus based on a detection result of the connection detection means. The cleaning and disinfecting system according to claim 1. 3. A detecting means for detecting that a communication means for performing communication with the outside, a connecting portion electrically connectable to the outside, and a waterproof cap for preventing fluid from entering the connecting portion. A medical device, comprising: a communication unit that performs communication that enables washing by detecting the attachment of the waterproof cap by the detection unit.