JP2005270142A - Washing and disinfecting apparatus for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing and disinfecting apparatus for an endoscope facilitating the installation of the endoscope in a washing tub without any connecting work of a plurality of connecting tubes of the washing and disinfecting apparatus for the endoscope to the various types of conduits of the endoscope and surely washing and disinfecting the various types of conduits of the endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: This washing and disinfecting apparatus for the endoscope is provided with a fluid feed conduit movable between a retreat position separating from the conduit of the endoscope installed in a predetermined position in the washing tub, and a first use position advancing from the retreat position to the conduit side of the endoscope and connected to the conduit; and a fluid conduit driving mechanism recognizing the installation of the endoscope in the predetermined position in the washing tub and automatically moving the fluid feed conduit from the retreat position to the first use position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

  In recent years, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. Endoscopes used in the medical field include various types of treatment tools that are used to observe organs in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, or inserted into an insertion channel of a treatment tool as necessary. Can be treated.

  In particular, an endoscope in the medical field is used by being inserted into a body cavity for the purpose of examination and treatment, and therefore it is necessary to wash and disinfect the endoscope. When cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope, an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is used. The endoscope is set in a cleaning tank of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, and is cleaned, disinfected, rinsed and drained.

  In addition, the endoscope has a plurality of pipes such as an air / water supply pipe and a forceps port. It is necessary that the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid sufficiently pass through these pipe lines, and the cleaning and disinfection are surely performed.

As such an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope and various pipes provided therein, for example, there is one proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-253029. .
JP 09-253029 A

  However, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the proposal, when the endoscope is set in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the user can connect a plurality of endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatuses to various pipelines of the endoscope. The cumbersome work of connecting the connecting tube must be done. Moreover, predetermined connection strength is required for each connection part of the various conduits of the endoscope and the plurality of connection tubes, and the connection is left to the user.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these circumstances. When the endoscope is cleaned or disinfected, the user can connect a plurality of connection tubes of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus to various types of endoscopes. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can easily set an endoscope in a cleaning tank without being connected to a conduit, and that can reliably clean and disinfect various conduits of the endoscope. .

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention has a retracted position separated from an endoscope conduit installed at a predetermined position in the cleaning tank, and moves forward from the retracted position toward the endoscope conduit. Recognizing that the fluid supply pipe line movable between the first use position connected to the pipe line and the endoscope is installed at a predetermined position in the washing tub, the fluid supply pipe automatically An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprising a fluid conduit driving mechanism that moves a path from a retracted position to a first use position.

  According to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention, the user can easily connect the endoscope to the cleaning tank without connecting a plurality of connection tubes of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus to various conduits of the endoscope. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can be set and can reliably clean and disinfect various pipelines of the endoscope can be realized.

(First embodiment)
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. In the present embodiment, the endoscope 1 having a shape as shown in FIG. 2 is set in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 and cleaned and disinfected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 includes a tank (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning tank) 2 for cleaning or disinfecting the endoscope 1 and a top cover provided on the upper part of the cleaning tank 2. 3.

  In addition, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the endoscope 1 which is the object to be cleaned / disinfected is set in the cleaning tank 2. The endoscope 1 is set so that the operation portion 1a and the insertion portion 1b are held at predetermined positions inside the washing tub 2 by the operation portion holding member 4 and the plurality of insertion portion holding members 5.

  The operation unit holding member 4 has a sensor (not shown) that recognizes and detects that the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 is set, for example, an optical sensor or a contact sensor.

  A water level detection sensor 6 for detecting the level of the circulating fluid circulating inside the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 40 and a nozzle 18 serving as an inlet for the diluted circulating fluid are provided on one wall surface inside the cleaning tank 2. It has been.

  The water level detection sensor 6 detects that the liquid level of the circulating fluid stored in the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 has reached at least two levels which are different heights from the inner bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2. For this purpose, it has two liquid level detectors. One liquid level detection unit (hereinafter referred to as a first liquid level detection unit) circulates closer to the bottom side of the washing tub 2 than the other liquid level detection unit (hereinafter referred to as a second liquid level detection unit). It is provided so that a predetermined water level of the liquid can be detected. The second liquid level detector is provided so that the endoscope 1 set in the washing tub 2 can detect a predetermined water level of the circulating fluid that is sufficiently submerged.

  A faucet 16 for supplying tap water as a diluting circulating liquid outside the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is communicated with a nozzle 18 provided on the inner wall surface on the upper side of the cleaning tank 2 and a water supply line 15. To be connected. In the middle of the water supply line 15, a water supply valve 17 of an electromagnetic valve for supplying and stopping tap water and the like in order from the faucet 16 side, a water supply filter 10 for filtering tap water, and a backflow of circulating fluid are prevented. A check valve 11 is interposed. In order to supply and stop the tap water, the water supply valve 17 is supplied with a control signal from the control circuit 200, and the internal valve opens and closes. The nozzle 18 is also in communication with a disinfectant injection line 33 connected at one end to the water supply system line 15. Further, the other end of the disinfectant injection line 33 is connected to communicate with a disinfectant tank 32 in which the disinfectant is stored. An amount of disinfecting liquid that can sufficiently immerse the endoscope 1 set in the cleaning tank 2 is stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 32. Further, the number of effective uses of the disinfecting process, which will be described later, is determined, and the disinfectant is replaced after the number of effective uses.

  An injection pump 34 and a check valve 12 are interposed in the disinfecting liquid injection pipe 33 in order from the disinfecting liquid tank 32 side. The disinfecting liquid tank 32 is also connected to the chemical liquid recovery line 23. This chemical solution recovery line 23 is connected to communicate with a drain port 14 provided on the bottom surface of the washing tub 2, and a switching valve 13 is provided between the disinfectant tank 32 and the drain port 14. The switching valve 13 is also connected to the drain line 35.

  The switching valve 13 can connect the washing tub 2 and the drainage pipe 35 or the washing tank 2 and the chemical solution recovery pipe 23 by switching the internal valve. Moreover, the switching valve 13 can also close an internal valve so that both the drainage pipe line 35 and the chemical | medical solution collection pipe line 23 may not be connected with the washing tank 2 simultaneously.

  The drain pump 28 sucks the circulating fluid in the washing tub 2 from the drain line 35 side and sends it out to the drain hose 42 (see FIG. 2) described later. Thus, the circulating fluid stored in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 40.

  The injection pump 34, the switching valve 13 and the drainage pump 28 are also electrically connected to the control circuit 200 described above. The switching valve 13 and the drainage pump 28 are opened, closed, started and stopped by the control circuit 200. Etc. are controlled.

  The washing tank 2 also has a circulating fluid suction port 20 on the bottom surface and a circulating fluid outlet 7 on one wall surface. The circulating fluid suction port 20 and the circulating fluid outlet 7 are connected to communicate with each other through a circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting conduit 9. A circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 is provided in the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting conduit 9. One end of an in-pipe cleaning line 19 is connected to the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting conduit 9 between the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 and the circulating fluid suction port 20.

  The other end of the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19 is connected so as to communicate with the air supply pipe 30. Further, the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19 is provided with an in-pipe cleaning pump 21 and a check valve 36 in order from the side connected to the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pipe line 9.

  One end of the air supply conduit 30 is connected to the compressor 31, and the other end is connected to the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 25. The air supply line 30 is provided with a check valve 29 between the compressor 31 and a connection part connected to the in-pipe washing line 19.

  The electromagnetic on-off valve 25 is also connected to a branch pipe 27 that branches in three directions. The branch ends where these branch pipes 27 branch in three directions are connected to three electromagnetic opening / closing valves 24a, 24b, 24c each having a flow rate sensor.

  These three electromagnetic open / close valves are respectively connected to three liquid feeding tubes 58 communicating with a pipe cleaning nozzle 54 (see FIG. 3) described later of the pipe joint portion 22.

  The pipe joint part 22 is inserted through a hole provided in the side wall of the washing tub 2. The pipe joint portion 22 is advanced toward the inside of the washing tub 2 or retracted away from the inside by the driving mechanism 26 described later.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 in a state where the endoscope 1 is installed in the cleaning tank 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 includes an operation panel 41 including various switches and a display panel for starting or stopping each process on one side surface of the exterior member. The operation panel 41 is electrically connected to the control circuit 200 inside the apparatus, and supplies various instruction signals to the control circuit 200.

  The control circuit 200 also supplies control signals to various pumps and various electromagnetic valves of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Further, a drainage hose 42 for draining the internal circulating fluid to the outside extends from the main body of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

  A hole is provided in one inner wall surface of the cleaning tub 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, and the pipe joint portion 22 is connected to the operation portion 1 a of the endoscope 1 installed in the cleaning tub 2 from the hole. It extends towards. A sealing member 55 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is provided in the hole of the washing tub 2.

  In the endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 1 b is installed so as to be locked to a plurality of insertion portion holding members 5 provided in the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Further, the operation unit 1a is installed on the operation unit holding member 4 so as to be positioned at a predetermined position. A pipe joint part 22 is connected to the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1, and a plurality of endoscope pipes 59 of the endoscope 1 to be described later and a plurality of pipe washing nozzles 54 of the pipe joint part 22. Communicate. As described above, the operation unit holding member 4 is provided with an optical sensor that detects that the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 is set in a predetermined manner. The position where the plurality of cleaning nozzles 54 and the plurality of endoscope channels 59 are connected to each other is the first use position of various steps of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the pipe joint portion 22 connected to the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pipe joint portion 22 has a pipe shape through which the liquid feeding tube 58 is inserted from the base end side. The pipe joint portion 22 includes two sensor detection members provided on the distal end side by a connecting portion 22a that is detachably connected to the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 and a fixing member such as a screw on the proximal end surface. And a convex portion 22b.

  Further, a gear groove 22c is formed on the base end side surface of the pipe joint portion 22, and the gear groove 22c meshes with a feed gear 56 rotated by a motor (not shown). These motors, feed gear 56, and the like constitute the drive mechanism 26 described above. Note that the position of the pipe joint part 22 shown in FIG. 3, that is, the position before the pipe joint part 22 is connected to the operation part 1 a of the endoscope 1 is the retracted position of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Is done.

  The control circuit 200 is electrically connected to the sensor 57 shown in FIG. The sensor 57 supplies a detection signal to the control circuit 200 when one of the two convex portions 22 b on the proximal end side of the pipe joint portion 22 passes. That is, the two convex portions 22b are separated from each other in the movement direction of the pipe joint portion 22 at the proximal end portion of the pipe joint portion 22 so that the pipe joint portion 22 matches a predetermined advance distance or reverse distance. A stop signal for stopping the motor of the drive mechanism 26 by passing through the sensor 57 is supplied from the control circuit 200. Therefore, the pipe joint part 22 is limited in a predetermined moving distance to move forward or backward toward the endoscope 1.

  Three liquid feeding tubes 58 are inserted into the pipe joint portion 22, and these liquid feeding tubes 58 extend from the proximal end side of the pipe joint portion 22. The pipe joint portion 22 is inserted into a ring-shaped seal member 55 made of an elastic body provided in a hole in the side wall of the washing tub 2. Since the seal member 55 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe joint portion 22 due to its elastic deformation, the inner side of the washing tub 2 even if the pipe joint portion 22 slides in a direction substantially orthogonal to the wall surface of the washing tub 2. And the outside can keep watertight.

  Next, the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1 and the connecting part 22a of the pipe joint part 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 and the connecting portion 22a side of the pipe joint portion 22. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the endoscope 1 has an air / water supply conduit and suction pipe having both ends open from the substantially cylindrical operation portion 1 a to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 1 b (see FIG. 2). Three endoscopic ducts 59 which are a path and a forceps port are inserted. The endoscope has a hook 51 integrated with the operation unit 1a on the surface of the operation unit 1a on the proximal end side.

  The hook 51 has a claw part whose chamfer is partly chamfered at the distal end portion thereof, and has a stagnation portion cut out at an acute angle with respect to a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction at the proximal end portion. When a downward force is applied to the hook portion of the base end portion toward the paper surface of FIG. 4, the hook 51 has the claw portion of the tip portion facing the paper surface of FIG. 4 with the joint portion with the operation portion 1a as a fulcrum. Can be moved upward.

  The connecting portion 22a of the pipe joint portion 22 has a substantially cylindrical shape with one end closed by an end face member 22b. The connecting portion 22a has an inner peripheral surface shape that is substantially the same as the outer peripheral surface shape of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1, and has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the operation portion 1a.

  The connecting portion 22 a has a hook hole 52 that is a long hole for hooking a claw portion of the hook 51 in the operation portion 1 a of the endoscope 1, and a plurality of small holes 53. The length of the hook hole 52 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the claw portion in the longitudinal direction of the hook 51 by a predetermined amount.

  Further, the connecting portion 22a has a plate member 22c that closes the pipe line closer to the base end side than the positions of the hook hole 52 and the small hole 53, and the connecting portion 22a is circulated through the plate member 22c. It has three pipe cleaning nozzles 54 that are liquid supply pipes.

  Each of these pipe cleaning nozzles 54 also penetrates the end face member 22b of the connecting portion 22a, is supported at two points by the plate member 22c and the end face member 22b, and is fixed to them. Further, the pipe washing nozzle 54 is a pipe having both ends of a substantially conical shape, and the base end thereof is connected to the liquid feeding tube 58 inserted through the pipe joint of the pipe joint portion 22, and an O-ring 60 is provided at the tip portion. have. In addition, in the position of the pipe joint part 22 shown in FIG. 4, the position of the pipe cleaning nozzle 54 which is a fluid supply pipe is the second retracted position of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of use of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus 40 concerning this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the operator opens the top cover 3 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, and the endoscope 1 that is the object to be cleaned / disinfected is washed in the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Set to.

At that time, the operator sets the operation portion 1 a of the endoscope 1 on the operation portion holding member 4 in the washing tub 2 so that the end surface of the operation portion 1 a faces the pipe joint portion 22. In addition, the operator can adjust the hook 51 of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 so that the hook hole 52 of the connecting portion 22a of the pipe joint portion 22 is linear in the longitudinal direction of the pipe joint portion 22. The operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1 is installed on the operation unit holding member 4. Furthermore, the insertion portion 1b of the endoscope 1 is set while selecting a plurality of insertion portion holding members 5 arbitrarily. When setting the insertion portion 1b of the endoscope 1 to the insertion portion holding member 5, it is preferable that the operator sets the curve of the insertion portion 1b so as to draw a smooth curve.

  A detection sensor of the operation unit holding member 4, here an optical sensor, recognizes and detects that the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1 is set in a predetermined direction, and supplies a detection signal to the control circuit 200. Upon receiving this detection signal, the control circuit 200 supplies a drive signal to the drive mechanism 26, and a motor inside the drive mechanism 26 rotates the feed gear 56 (see FIG. 3). The rotation direction of the feed gear 56 is an arrow A direction shown in FIG. Accordingly, since the gear groove 56a of the feed gear 56 and the gear groove 22c of the pipe joint portion are engaged with each other, when the feed gear 56 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the pipe joint portion 22 moves in the direction of arrow B, that is, It automatically advances toward the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the pipe joint portion 22 is fitted into the proximal end portion of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1, the distal end portion of the connecting portion 22a is on the surface where the hook portion of the hook 51 is chamfered. It abuts and pushes the claw portion of the hook 51 upward toward the paper surface of FIG. Furthermore, the pipe joint part 22 moves forward to the endoscope 1 side, so that the claw part of the hook 51 is fitted into the hook hole of the connecting part 22a. As shown in FIG. 5, the pipe joint portion 22 is configured so that the distal end of the pipe washing nozzle 54 is inserted into three endoscope pipes 59 that respectively pass through the endoscope 1. Move forward to 1 side.

  At the position of the pipe joint portion 22 shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 22 b is positioned and fixed on the base end surface of the pipe joint portion 22 so that the sensor 57 can detect the convex portion 22 b of the pipe joint portion 22. The That is, under the control of the control circuit 200, the pipe joint portion 22 advances toward the endoscope 1 to the position shown in FIG. 5 and stops at a position where the tip of the connecting portion 22a contacts the end surface of the operation portion 1a. The

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the O-ring 60 provided at the distal end portion of the pipe cleaning nozzle 54 comes into contact with the opening of the endoscope pipe 59 so that the pipe cleaning nozzle 54 and the endoscope pipe 59 communicates with water tightness.

  Further, the operator injects a predetermined amount of detergent into the washing tank 2 so as not to directly touch the endoscope 1.

  Next, the operator closes the top cover 3 and presses the start switch on the operation panel 41 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 2 to start the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. .

Hereinafter, the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described in detail.
The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 starts the cleaning process of the endoscope 1 when the start switch of the operation panel 41 is pressed. First, the water supply valve 17 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is opened, and the diluting fluid, here tap water, passes through the water supply filter 10 and the check valve 11 interposed in the water supply line 15 from the faucet 16 as a water supply source. Then, it is supplied from the nozzle 18 into the washing tank 2.

  Water supply is continued until the surface of the tap water comes into contact with one liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6 on the wall surface of the washing tub 2. When tap water comes into contact with the first liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6, a detection signal is supplied from the water level detection sensor 6 to the control circuit 200. The control circuit 200 to which the detection signal is supplied supplies a drive signal to the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 and the in-pipe washing pump 21, opens the valve inside the electromagnetic on-off valve 25, and turns on the in-pipe washing pump 21. To drive. At this time, tap water is continuously supplied from the nozzle 18 into the washing tub 2.

  Accordingly, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 2 and mixed with the detergent and tap water passes through the in-pipe cleaning line 19 communicating with the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting line 9 from the circulating liquid suction port 20. Suction is performed by the in-pipe cleaning pump 21. The in-pipe cleaning pump 21 sends the suctioned cleaning liquid to the check valve 36 side of the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19. The sent cleaning liquid passes through the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19, passes through the check valve 36, and is sent to the branch pipe 27 that communicates with the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19. The valve 25 is reached. Here, the cleaning liquid in the branch line 27 does not flow into the air supply line 30 by the check valve 29 on the air supply line 30 side.

  Since the solenoid on / off valve 25 is open, the washing liquid is divided into three pipes by the branch pipe 27, and passes through the solenoid on / off valves 24 a to 24 c and the liquid feeding tube 58 of the pipe joint portion 22. Then, the liquid is supplied, that is, ejected from the pipe cleaning nozzle 54 to the inside of the endoscope pipe 59 of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 at a predetermined flow rate.

  While the above-described endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 continues to operate, when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning tank 2 touches the second liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6, the water level detection sensor 6 A detection signal is supplied to the control circuit 200. The control circuit 200 to which the detection signal is supplied supplies a drive signal to the water supply valve 17 and closes the valve of the water supply valve 17. Accordingly, the tap water from the tap 16 is stopped from being supplied from the nozzle 18 into the washing tub 2 by closing the valve inside the water supply valve 17. Further, the second liquid level detection part of the water level detection sensor 6 is set to a height at which the endoscope 1 is sufficiently submerged from the bottom surface of the washing tub 2. That is, the endoscope 1 set in the washing tank 2 is sufficiently immersed in the washing liquid.

  Next, a drive signal is supplied to the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 by the control circuit 200, and the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 is driven. At this time, the in-pipe washing pump 21 continues to be driven, and the washing liquid in the washing tank 2 is ejected from the circulating liquid suction port 20 into the washing tank 2 through two paths. That is, the two paths are the inside of the endoscope 1 in which the cleaning liquid sucked from the circulating liquid suction port 20 by the above-described pipe cleaning pump 21 is passed through the pipe cleaning nozzle 54 of the pipe joint portion 22. In the first circulating fluid path ejected toward the endoscope line 59 and the other paths, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the circulating liquid suction port 20 through the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting line 9 to the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8. This is a second circulating fluid path that is sucked by the circulating fluid outlet 7 and is supplied to the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting conduit 9 on the circulating fluid outlet 7 side and ejected from the circulating fluid outlet 7 to the cleaning tank 2.

  The cleaning liquid circulating through the first circulating fluid path mainly cleans the end face of the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1 and the inside of various pipes that are inserted into the endoscope 1. Further, in the cleaning liquid circulating in the second circulating fluid path, the circulating fluid outlet 7 cleans the outer surface of the endoscope 1.

  A cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is performed for a predetermined time. During this cleaning process, the pipe joint portion 22 moves forward or backward at least one reciprocation toward the endoscope 1. Specifically, the pipe joint part 22 shown in FIG. 5 has a position where the tip of the pipe washing nozzle 54 of the connecting part 22a is inserted into the endoscope pipe 59 of the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1. The pipe cleaning nozzle 54 of the connecting portion 22a shown in FIG. 4 is reciprocated at least once during the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 to a position away from the endoscope pipe 59. When the control circuit 200 supplies the drive signal to the motor of the drive mechanism 26 at least once for a predetermined time, the feed gear 56 shown in FIG. 3 is rotated in the direction of arrow A and in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A. The pipe joint portion 22 is moved in two directions, forward and backward, toward the endoscope 1. The movement distance in these two directions is, for example, about 2 mm, and the interval between the two convex portions on the proximal end side of the pipe joint portion 22 is also set at an interval of 2 mm in accordance with the movement distance. The two-way operation of the pipe joint portion 22 is performed during the cleaning process of the endoscope 1.

  Note that the length of the hook hole 52 in the connecting portion 22a in the longitudinal direction is the length of the claw portion in the longitudinal direction of the hook 51 of the endoscope 1 to be inserted so that the pipe joint portion 22 can sufficiently move in two directions. That is, it has a length of the portion to be inserted plus 2 mm or more.

  Further, in the state where the position of the pipe joint part 22 shown in FIG. 4, that is, the endoscope pipe line 59 of the endoscope 1 and the distal end portion of the connecting part 22a of the pipe joint part 22 are separated from each other. The flow of the cleaning liquid sprayed to the end surface of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 is a flow that flows out from the distal end of the insertion unit 1b to the cleaning tank 2 through the endoscope channel 59 of the endoscope 1 and the connection unit. It is divided into a flow flowing out from the small hole 53 of 22a to the washing tub 2.

  At the position of the pipe joint portion 22 shown in FIG. 5, the O-ring 60 of the pipe washing nozzle 54 of the connecting portion 22a comes into contact with the open end of the endoscope pipe 59 of the endoscope 1, so The flow flows out from the distal end of the insertion portion 1 b to the cleaning tank 2 through the endoscope channel 59 of the endoscope 1. Therefore, the cleaning liquid circulating in the first path is inserted through the endoscope 1 by the two-way movement of the pipe joint portion 22 moving forward or backward toward the endoscope 1. The cleaning of 59 and the end face side of the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1 are mainly cleaned.

  Further, during a predetermined operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the flow rate sensors of the electromagnetic opening / closing valves 24a-24c constantly measure the flow rate of the cleaning liquid passing through the electromagnetic opening / closing valves 24a-24c. When cleaning liquid of a predetermined flow rate or less passes through the solenoid on-off valves 24a to 24c, the flow sensor supplies a warning signal to the control circuit 200, and the control circuit 200 displays a warning on the operation panel 41 and warns the buzzer. Give instructions to play sounds. When this warning signal is supplied to the control circuit 200 for a predetermined time, the control circuit 200 supplies a stop signal to various devices of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 to stop the respective driving.

  When a predetermined cleaning process time elapses, the control circuit 200 supplies a stop signal to the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 and the in-pipe cleaning pump 21 that are being driven, and a driving signal to the switching valve 13 and the drainage pump 28. To do. The circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 and the in-pipe cleaning pump 21 are stopped. In addition, the switching valve 13 to which the drive signal is supplied opens an internal valve to the drainage pipe line 35 side so that the washing tub 2 and the drainage pipe line 35 communicate with each other. Simultaneously with the operation of the switching valve 13, the drain pump 28 starts to be driven by a drive signal from the control circuit 200, and sends the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 to the drain hose 42 from the drain pipe 35 on the cleaning tank 2 side. . Accordingly, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Since the washing liquid is sufficiently discharged, when the drain pump 28 is driven for a predetermined time, the control circuit 200 supplies a stop signal to the drain pump 28 and supplies a drive signal to the switching valve 13. Thus, the drain pump 28 stops driving, and the switching valve 13 closes the internal valve.

  Thus, the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is completed, and then the rinsing process of rinsing the endoscope 1 is started.

Hereinafter, the rinsing process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described, but the same operation as the cleaning process will be briefly described.
First, a drive signal of the control circuit 200 is supplied to the water supply valve 17, and the water supply valve 17 opens an internal valve, and tap water is supplied from the faucet 16 to the tank of the washing tub 2 from the nozzle 18. Similarly to the washing step, when tap water comes into contact with the first liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6, the valve inside the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 is opened and the in-pipe washing pump 21 is driven. At this time, tap water is continuously supplied from the nozzle 18 into the washing tub 2.

  Since the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 is open, the rinsing water, which is tap water, is divided into three pipes by the branch pipe 27 and is passed from the pipe washing nozzle 54 to the end face of the operation section 1a of the endoscope 1. Inject at a predetermined flow rate.

  While the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 described above continues to operate, when the liquid level of the tap water touches the second liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6, water supply from the nozzle 18 into the cleaning tank 2 is stopped. Is done. At this time, the endoscope 1 set in the washing tub 2 is sufficiently immersed in rinsing water.

  Next, the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 is driven, the in-pipe cleaning pump 21 is also continuously driven, and the rinsing water in the cleaning tank 2 is supplied from the circulating liquid suction port 20 to the first circulating liquid path and the second circulating water. Circulate the circulating fluid path.

  The rinsing water circulating through the first circulating fluid path mainly rinses the end surface of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 and various pipes inserted into the endoscope 1, and circulates through the second circulating fluid path. As for the rinsing water, the circulating fluid outlet 7 rinses the outer surface of the endoscope 1.

  The rinsing process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is performed for a predetermined time, and during the execution of the rinsing process, the pipe joint portion 22 moves forward or backward at least once back and forth toward the endoscope 1. .

  Further, in the state where the position of the pipe joint part 22 shown in FIG. 4, that is, the endoscope pipe line 59 of the endoscope 1 and the distal end portion of the connecting part 22a of the pipe joint part 22 are separated from each other. The flow of rinsing water ejected to the end face of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 flows through the endoscope channel 59 of the endoscope 1 from the distal end of the insertion unit 1b to the washing tub 2 and the connecting unit. It is divided into a flow flowing out from the small hole 53 of 22a to the washing tub 2.

  In the position of the pipe joint part 22 shown in FIG. 5, the O-ring 60 of the pipe washing nozzle 54 of the connecting part 22a contacts the opening end of the endoscope pipe line 59 of the endoscope 1. The flow flows out from the distal end of the insertion portion 1 b to the cleaning tank 2 through the endoscope channel 59 of the endoscope 1.

  Accordingly, the rinsing water circulating in the first path is inserted into the endoscope 1 by the two-way movement of the pipe joint portion 22 moving forward or backward toward the endoscope 1. The rinse of 59 and the end surface side of the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1 are mainly rinsed.

  Further, while the rinsing water is circulating in the first circulating fluid path, the flow rate sensors of the electromagnetic on / off valves 24a to 24c constantly measure the flow rate of the rinsing water that passes through the inside of the electromagnetic on / off valves 24a to 24c. . When rinsing water of a predetermined flow rate or less has passed through the electromagnetic on-off valves 24a to 24c, the control circuit 200 instructs the operation panel 41 to display a warning and sound a buzzer. When this warning is continued for a predetermined time, driving of various devices of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is stopped.

  When a predetermined rinsing process time elapses, the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 and the in-pipe cleaning pump stop driving. Moreover, the switching valve 13 opens an internal valve to the drainage pipe line 35 side, makes the washing tank 2 and the drainage pipe line 35 communicate, and the drainage pump 28 starts driving. Accordingly, the rinsing water stored in the washing tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope washing / disinfecting device 40. Since the rinsing is sufficiently discharged, the drain pump 28 stops driving after a predetermined time.

  At this time, the pipe joint part 22 is located at the position where the endoscope 1 is advanced to the operation part 1a side, that is, the tip part of the pipe washing nozzle 54 of the connecting part 22a in the state shown in FIG. It stops at the position where it is inserted into the endoscope duct 59.

  Next, the control circuit 200 supplies a drive signal to the compressor 31. The compressor 31 is driven to supply compressed air to the air supply line 30. The compressed air passes through the check valve 29 of the air supply pipe 30, protrudes into the branch pipe 27, passes through the liquid feeding tube 58 of the pipe joint portion 22 and the pipe cleaning nozzle 54, and then passes through the endoscope 1. It protrudes into the endoscope duct 59. Further, the check valve 36 of the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19 prevents the compressed air from the compressor 31 from protruding from the check valve 36 into the inside of the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19.

  Further, the compressed air protruding into the endoscope pipeline 59 sends the remaining water inside the endoscope pipeline 59 to the distal end side of the insertion portion 1 b of the endoscope 1, and the distal end of the endoscope pipeline 59. Protrudes from the side opening. Accordingly, the remaining water inside the endoscope channel 59 flows into the washing tank 2 from the opening on the distal end side of the endoscope channel 59, and the inside of the endoscope channel 59 is dehydrated.

  After the above-described rinsing process is completed, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 subsequently performs the disinfection process. Also in the description of the following disinfection process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the same configuration and operation as the above-described cleaning process and the rinsing process will be briefly described. Further, until the above-described rinsing process is completed, the switching valve 13 closes the chemical solution recovery conduit 23 and the drain port 14 by an internal valve.

Next, the disinfection process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described in detail.
First, the control circuit 200 supplies a drive signal to the injection pump 34 and sends the disinfecting liquid stored in the tank of the disinfecting liquid tank 32 to the side of the disinfecting liquid injection pipe 33 connected to the water supply line 15. . This washing liquid passes through the check valve 12 of the disinfecting liquid injection pipe 33, is sent to the water supply system pipe 15, and flows into the washing tank 2 from the nozzle 18. At this time, the disinfectant liquid does not flow into the water supply filter 10 side of the water supply system pipe line but is sent to the nozzle 18 side by the check valve 11 of the water supply system pipe line 15.

  When the endoscope 1 set in the washing tub 2 is sufficiently submerged in the disinfectant, the control circuit 200 supplies a stop signal to the injection pump 34 and supplies the in-pipe washing pump 21 with the stop signal. Supply drive signals. Specifically, the control circuit 200 supplies the stop signal to the infusion pump 34 and the drive signal to the in-pipe cleaning pump 21 at the timing when the level of the disinfecting liquid is detected by the second liquid level detection sensor 6. It is when it is detected by the part.

  The in-pipe cleaning pump 21 is driven in response to a drive signal from the control circuit 200. Thus, the disinfectant solution circulates in the first circulating fluid path as in the washing step. Accordingly, the disinfectant solution is ejected from the pipeline cleaning nozzle 54 of the pipeline joint portion 22 into the pipeline of the endoscope pipeline 59 of the endoscope 1. Further, the pipe joint unit 22 is supplied with the drive signal at least once from the control circuit 200 to the drive mechanism 26 even during the sterilization process, and at least one reciprocating forward movement and backward movement toward the endoscope 1. The operation is performed, and the disinfectant is jetted onto the base end surface of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 during the backward movement. That is, in the state where the position of the pipe joint portion 22 shown in FIG. 4, that is, the endoscope pipe line 59 of the endoscope 1 and the distal end portion of the connecting portion 22a of the pipe joint portion 22 are separated from each other. The flow of the disinfecting liquid ejected to the end face of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 flows through the endoscope channel 59 of the endoscope 1 and flows out from the distal end of the insertion unit 1b to the washing tub 2 and the connection unit. It is divided into a flow flowing out from the small hole 53 of 22a to the washing tub 2.

  Further, during the sterilization process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the driving signal from the control circuit 200 is supplied to the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 so that the disinfecting liquid is circulated through the second circulating liquid path. The liquid washing / disinfecting pump 8 may be driven.

  Therefore, the outer surface of the endoscope 1 is exposed to the disinfecting liquid stored in the tank of the washing tank 2, and the operation unit 1a and the internal endoscope channel 54 circulate through the first circulating liquid path. It is disinfected with disinfectant.

  After elapse of the predetermined time, the control circuit 200 supplies a drive signal to the switching valve 13. Upon receiving the drive signal, the switching valve 13 opens an internal valve so that the chemical solution recovery line 23 communicates with the drain port 14. That is, the chemical solution recovery conduit 23 communicates with the inside of the washing tank 2. Accordingly, the disinfecting liquid stored in the washing tank 2 is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 32.

  Thus, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 ends the disinfection process and starts the above-described rinsing process again. Since the rinsing process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is the same as that described above, the description thereof is omitted. In addition, as described above, the drainage pump 28 is operated while the dehydration of the endoscope channel 59 inserted through the endoscope 1 is performed for a predetermined time by the compressed air from the compressor 31 that is a rinsing process. The rinsing water in the washing tank 2 is driven and discharged from the drain hose 42 to the outside of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus 40. In the rinsing process after the sterilization process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the drainage pump 28 continues to drive for a predetermined time after the compressor 31 has stopped driving in response to a stop signal from the control circuit 200. While the drainage pump 28 is driven, the switching valve 13 is opened so that the drainage pipe 35 and the drainage port 14 communicate with each other. As a result, substantially all of the rinsing water in the washing tub 2 is drained from the drain outlet 14 to the outside of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

  Finally, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, various electromagnetic valves and the like controlled by the control circuit 200 return to a predetermined initial setting position, and the cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 1 are finished. Thereafter, the operator opens the top cover 3 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 and removes the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 from the connecting portion 22a of the pipe joint portion 22. Specifically, the end of the hook 51 of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1, that is, the end opposite to the claw of the hook 51 is pushed with the thumb or the like, and is caught in the claw hole of the pipe joint unit 22. The claw part of the hook 51 is removed, and the pipe joint part 22 and the operation part 1a are detached. More specifically, when the end of the hook 51 is pushed downward toward the paper surface of FIG. 4, the claw portion of the hook 51 of the operation unit 1a moves upward toward the paper surface of FIG. And separated from the claw hole of the connecting portion 22a of the pipe joint portion 22.

  Then, the operator disengages the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 from the operation unit holding member 4 and the insertion unit 1b from the insertion unit holding member 5, and the endoscope 1 is washed in the washing tank of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 40. The work is finished by taking it out of 2.

  As a result, according to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of endoscope pipelines 59 that pass through the interior of the endoscope 1 are connected portions of the pipeline joint portion 22. The tip of the pipe line washing nozzle 54a is automatically inserted, and washing liquid, rinsing water or disinfecting liquid is ejected from the line washing nozzle 54. Furthermore, since the pipe joint part 22 moves forward or backward at least once in the endoscope 1, cleaning liquid, rinsing water or disinfecting liquid is supplied to the end face of the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1 as a pipe cleaning nozzle. 54 is ejected. Therefore, when setting the endoscope 1 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the operator can easily connect the plurality of connection tubes and the like to the endoscope conduit 59 of the endoscope 1 without connecting them. The endoscope 1 can be set in the washing tank 2.

  Further, when the branch pipe 27 is passed below the predetermined flow rate of the washing liquid, the rinsing water or the disinfecting liquid circulating inside the pipe joint portion 22, the electromagnetic of the pipe branched into three of the branch pipe 27 is provided. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 40 generates a warning message on the operation panel and a warning sound from the inside by the flow meters provided in the on-off valves 24a to 24c to notify the operator of the abnormality. Further, when these warnings are continued for a predetermined time, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 automatically stops various driving devices.

  Therefore, the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1 and the endoscope channel 59 inserted therethrough are reliably cleaned and disinfected.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the description of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment, the same configuration and operation as those of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment are simply described using the same reference numerals. . Further, the endoscope 1 used in the present embodiment has the shape of a generally used operation unit 1a.

  FIG. 6 is a partial configuration diagram of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 showing the inside of a part where the endoscope 1 is set in the tank of the cleaning tank 2 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment. It is.

  The endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 6 includes an operation unit 1a having an operation knob, various switches, and the like, an insertion unit 1b extending from the operation unit 1a, and a universal cord 1c. Further, one side surface of the operation unit 1a has openings of an air supply / water supply conduit 70 and a suction conduit 71 which are endoscope conduits 59 communicating with the inside of the insertion portion 1b.

  The endoscope 1 is placed at a predetermined position in the washing tub 2 by a plurality of operation portion holding members 4 and a plurality of insertion portion holding members 5 provided in the washing tub 2 of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus 40. It is set. The setting of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 to the operation unit holding member 4 will be described in detail. The operation unit 1a includes two pipes whose openings on the air supply / water supply pipeline 70 and the suction pipeline 71 on one side are described later. It is held and fixed in a predetermined direction by the three operation unit holding members 4 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 so that the opening is directed to the road cleaning nozzle 73 side.

  The operation part holding member 4 is a position where the openings of the air / water supply pipe line 70 and the suction pipe line 71 of the operation part 1a are opposed to the tips of the two pipe line washing nozzles 73, respectively. On the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 73, the opening is positioned on the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 so that the centers of the openings are located at the respective positions. More specifically, two of the three operation unit holding members 4 are U-shaped in accordance with the shape of the gripping portion of the operation unit 1a on the side where the insertion unit 1b extends. The gripping portions of the operation unit 1a are sandwiched. Further, the remaining one operation portion holding member 4 abuts on the side surface opposite to the side surface of the operation portion 1a having the air / water supply conduit 70 and the suction conduit 71 in the vicinity of the universal cord 1c extending from the operation portion 1a. And is fixed to the bottom surface of the washing tub 2.

  Next, the configuration of the above-described pipe washing nozzle 73 will be described in detail. Two pipe cleaning nozzles 73 are inserted into the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 so as to penetrate the side wall. A seal member 74 is provided on the side wall of the washing tub 2 where the pipe washing nozzle 73 is inserted in order to maintain water tightness.

  Since the two pipe washing nozzles 73 have the same configuration, the one pipe washing nozzle 73 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 7 is a view showing a section of the pipe line washing nozzle 73. At the position of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retreat position and the second retreat position of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 are obtained.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is a substantially L-shaped pipe having two flanges 73a and 80 provided at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction. The pipe washing upper nozzle 73 has an O-ring 75 on the outer periphery of the distal end portion, and a proximal end portion on the longitudinal axis is connected to the solenoid shaft 77a. The pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is inserted through the side wall of the cleaning tank 2 between the two flanges 73a and 80.

  Of the two flanges 73a and 80, the flange 80 on the front end side has a flange surface that faces and abuts one surface of a stopper 82 that is an L-shaped plate member fixed to the bottom surface of the washing tub 2. The other proximal end side flange 73a has a surface that comes into contact with one end of a spring 81 to be described later.

  In the pipe cleaning nozzle 73, a spring 81 is interposed between the seal member 74 of the cleaning tank 2 and the flange 73a. By the spring action of the spring 81, the pipe washing nozzle 73 is pressed to the outside of the washing tub 2, so that a part of the flange surface of the flange 80 of the pipe washing nozzle 73 is a part of one surface of the stopper 82. In normal contact. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7, the length from the flange 80 of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 to the tip of the air supply / water supply pipe 70 of the endoscope 1 set in the cleaning tank 2 is This is the length of separation from the pipe cleaning nozzle 73. In other words, in the above-described state, the cleaning tank 2 is provided so that the opening of the air / water supply conduit 70 of the endoscope 1 set in the cleaning tank 2 and the tip of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 are separated from each other. The stopper 82 is positioned and fixed to the bottom surface of the washing tub 2. Further, the side surface of the operation portion 1 a having the openings of the air / water supply conduit 70 and the suction conduit 71 of the endoscope 1 set in the washing tub 2 is substantially parallel to the surface of the stopper 82 facing the side surface. In addition, the stopper 82 is positioned and fixed to the washing tub 2. In addition, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is moved toward the endoscope 1 by the drive mechanism 26 described later. The pipe cleaning nozzle 73 has a distal end portion of the endoscope pipe 70 of the endoscope 1. It has a length that contacts the opening.

  A liquid feeding tube 76 is connected to the opening portion on the proximal end side of the pipe line washing nozzle 73. The liquid feeding tube 76 communicates with the branch conduit 27 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment. In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, the branch conduit 27 is a bifurcated conduit.

  The solenoid shaft 77 a connected to the proximal end portion of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 has the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73. The solenoid shaft 77a is inserted into a solenoid body 77 that is electrically connected to the control circuit 200, and the solenoid shaft 77a and the solenoid body 77 constitute the drive mechanism 26.

  The solenoid body 77 is fixed to a mounting plate 78 fixed to a frame portion (not shown) of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the description of the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 on the air / water supply pipe 70 side of the endoscope 1 will be described among the two pipe cleaning nozzles 73, and the suction pipe Since the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 on the path 71 side has the same configuration and operation, the description thereof is omitted.
Similar to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 of the first embodiment, the operator first opens the top cover 3 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 and removes the endoscope 1 as the object to be cleaned / disinfected. Set in the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. At that time, the operator can connect the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 to the operation portion holding member 4 in the washing tub 2, and the side surface having an opening such as the air / water supply conduit 70 of the operation portion 1a has a conduit washing nozzle. Set to a predetermined position so as to face 73. Further, the insertion portion 1b and the universal cord 1c of the endoscope 1 are set while selecting a plurality of insertion portion holding members 5. When setting the insertion portion 1b and the universal cord 1c of the endoscope 1 to the insertion portion holding member 5, it is preferable that the operator sets the curvature of the insertion portion 1b so as to draw a smooth curve.

  A detection sensor of the operation unit holding member 4, here an optical sensor, detects that the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1 is set in a predetermined direction, and supplies a detection signal to the control circuit 200. Upon receiving this detection signal, the control circuit 200 supplies a drive signal to the drive mechanism 26, and the solenoid body 77 of the drive mechanism 26 pushes the solenoid shaft 77a toward the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 side.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 connected to the solenoid shaft 77a protrudes toward the air / water supply pipe 70 of the operation section 1a of the endoscope 1.

  The O-ring 75 provided at the tip of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is in contact with the opening of the air / water feeding pipe 70, and the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 and the air / water feeding pipe 70 are connected. The position where the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is connected to the air / water supply pipe 70 of the endoscope 1 is the first use position of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

  Further, the operator injects a predetermined amount of detergent into the washing tank 2 so as not to directly touch the endoscope 1.

  Next, the operator closes the top cover 3, presses the start switch on the operation panel 41 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, and operates the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

Hereinafter, the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described in detail.
The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 starts the cleaning process of the endoscope 1 when the start switch of the operation panel 41 is pressed. First, the water supply valve 17 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 40 is opened, and cleaning water, here tap water, is supplied from the nozzle 18 into the tank of the cleaning tank 2 from the faucet 16 which is a water supply source.

  Water supply is continued until the surface of the tap water comes into contact with one liquid level detection part of the water level detection sensor 6 on the wall surface of the washing tub 2, and when the tap water comes into contact with the first liquid level detection part of the water level detection sensor 6, The valve inside the on-off valve 25 is opened, and the in-pipe washing pump 21 is driven. At this time, tap water is continuously supplied from the nozzle 18 into the washing tub 2.

  Therefore, the washing liquid mixed with the detergent and tap water stored in the washing tank 2 passes through the washing line 19 in the pipeline that communicates from the circulating fluid suction port 20 to the circulating fluid washing and disinfecting pipeline 9, Suction is performed by the in-road cleaning pump 21. The in-pipe cleaning pump 21 sends the suctioned cleaning liquid to the check valve 36 side of the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19. The sent cleaning liquid passes through the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19, passes through the check valve 36, and is sent to the branch pipe 27 that communicates with the in-pipe cleaning pipe 19. The valve 25 is reached. The washing liquid is divided into two pipes by the branch pipe 27, passes through the electromagnetic on-off valves 24 a to 24 b and the liquid feeding tube 76, respectively, and passes through the distal end opening of the pipe washing nozzle 73 to operate the operation unit of the endoscope 1. It injects in the side surface which has the 1a air / water supply pipe line 70 etc. in predetermined flow volume.

  Next, when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid supplied to the washing tub 2 touches the second liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6, the water supply from the nozzle 18 into the cleaning tub 2 is stopped. Further, the second liquid level detection part of the water level detection sensor 6 is set to a height at which the endoscope 1 is sufficiently submerged from the bottom surface of the washing tub 2. That is, the endoscope 1 set in the washing tank 2 is sufficiently immersed in the washing liquid.

  Next, the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 is driven, and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is cleaned from the circulating liquid suction port 20 through two paths, the first circulating liquid path and the second circulating liquid path. It is ejected into the tank 2. Of these two paths, the first circulating liquid path is the direction in which the cleaning liquid sucked from the circulating liquid suction port 20 by the above-described in-pipe cleaning pump 21 is directed from the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 toward the endoscope 1. It is a route that is ejected. Since the second circulating fluid path is the same path as the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The cleaning liquid circulating in the first circulating fluid path mainly cleans the end surface of the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1 and various pipes that are inserted into the endoscope 1. Further, in the cleaning liquid circulating in the second circulating fluid path, the circulating fluid outlet 7 cleans the outer surface of the endoscope 1.

  A cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is performed for a predetermined time. During this cleaning process, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 moves forward or backward at least one reciprocation toward the endoscope 1. Specifically, the distal end portion of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 shown in FIG. 8 is inserted into the air / water supply pipe 70 of the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 and the pipe cleaning nozzle 54 shown in FIG. During the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the air-feeding pipeline 70 is reciprocated at least once to a position separated from the opening of the air / water supply conduit 70. More specifically, when the current from the control circuit 200 to the solenoid body 77 is stopped, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 moves to the right side toward the paper surface of FIG. A part of the flange surface comes into contact with a part of the surface of the opposing stopper 82 and stops. When a current is supplied again from the control circuit 200 to the solenoid body 77 that is the drive mechanism 26 after a predetermined time has elapsed, the solenoid body 77 pushes the solenoid shaft 77a to the left side as viewed in FIG. Accordingly, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 connected to the solenoid shaft 77a is pushed out toward the opening of the air / water supply pipe 70 of the endoscope 1, and a part of its tip is supplied with air as shown in FIG. Insert into the water supply line 70. These operations are performed at least once during execution of the cleaning process of the endoscope 1.

  At the position of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 shown in FIG. 8, the O-ring 75 of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is in contact with the open end of the air / water supply pipe 70 of the endoscope 1, so It flows into the washing tub 2 through the inside of the air / water supply conduit 70 of the endoscope 1 from the tip of the insertion portion 1b.

  Accordingly, the cleaning liquid circulating in the first path is cleaned in the air / water supply conduit 70 that passes through the interior of the endoscope 1 by moving the conduit joint portion 22 in the front-rear direction toward the endoscope 1. And the side surface side which has the air / water supply pipeline 70 of the operation part 1a is mainly washed.

  In addition, during a predetermined operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the flow rate sensors of the electromagnetic on / off valves 24a to 24b constantly measure the flow rate of the cleaning liquid that passes through the inside of the electromagnetic on / off valves 24a to 24b. When cleaning liquid of a predetermined flow rate or less passes through the electromagnetic on-off valves 24a to 24b, the flow sensor supplies a warning signal to the control circuit 200, and the control circuit 200 displays a warning on the operation panel 41 and a buzzer. Give instructions to sound a warning sound. When this warning signal is supplied to the control circuit 200 for a predetermined time, the control circuit 200 supplies a stop signal to various devices of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 to stop the respective driving.

  When the predetermined cleaning process time has elapsed, the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 and the in-pipe cleaning pump are stopped. Moreover, the switching valve 13 opens an internal valve to the drainage pipe line 35 side, and makes the washing tub 2 and the drainage pipe line 35 communicate. Simultaneously with the operation of the switching valve 13, the drainage pump 28 starts to drive, and feeds the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 to the drainage hose 42 from the drainage pipe 35 on the cleaning tank 2 side. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Since the washing liquid is sufficiently discharged, when the drain pump 28 is driven for a predetermined time, the drain pump 28 stops driving and the switching valve 13 closes the internal valve.

  Thus, the cleaning process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is completed, and then the rinsing process of rinsing the endoscope 1 is started.

Hereinafter, the rinsing process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described, but the same operation as the cleaning process will be briefly described.
First, tap water is supplied from the nozzle 16 into the washing tank 2 from the nozzle 18. Similarly to the washing step, when tap water comes into contact with the first liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6, the valve inside the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 is opened and the in-pipe washing pump 21 is driven. At this time, tap water is continuously supplied from the nozzle 18 into the washing tub 2.

  Since the electromagnetic on-off valve 25 is open, the rinsing water, which is tap water, is divided into two pipes by the branch pipe 27 and is supplied from the pipe washing nozzle 73 to the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1. It injects in the side surface which has openings, such as the water supply pipe line 70, in predetermined flow volume.

  While the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 described above continues to operate, when the second liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6 detects the liquid level of tap water, water supply from the nozzle 18 into the cleaning tank 2 is stopped. The At this time, the endoscope 1 set in the washing tub 2 is sufficiently immersed in rinsing water.

  Next, the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 is driven, the in-pipe cleaning pump 21 is also continuously driven, and the rinsing water in the cleaning tank 2 is supplied from the circulating liquid suction port 20 to the first circulating liquid path and the second circulating water. Circulate the circulating fluid path.

  The rinsing process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is performed for a predetermined time, and during the execution of the rinsing process, the pipe joint portion 22 moves forward or backward at least once back and forth toward the endoscope 1. .

  Accordingly, the rinsing water circulating in the first path is rinsed in the air / water supply conduit 70 inserted through the endoscope 1 by the movement of the conduit cleaning nozzle 73 toward the endoscope 1 in two directions. And the side surface which has the opening part of the air supply / water supply pipe line 70 of the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1 is mainly rinsed.

  Further, while the rinsing water is circulating in the first circulating fluid path, the flow rate sensors of the electromagnetic on-off valves 24a to 24b constantly measure the flow rate of the rinsing water passing through the inside of the electromagnetic on-off valves 24a to 24b. . When rinsing water of a predetermined flow rate or less passes through the electromagnetic on-off valves 24a to 24b, the control circuit 200 instructs the operation panel 41 to display a warning and to sound a buzzer. When this warning is continued for a predetermined time, driving of various devices of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is stopped.

  When a predetermined rinsing process time elapses, the circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 and the in-pipe cleaning pump stop driving. Moreover, the switching valve 13 opens an internal valve to the drainage pipe line 35 side, makes the washing tank 2 and the drainage pipe line 35 communicate, and the drainage pump 28 starts driving. Accordingly, the rinsing water stored in the washing tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope washing / disinfecting device 40. Since the rinsing is sufficiently discharged, the drain pump 28 stops driving after a predetermined time.

  At this time, the distal end portion of the pipe washing nozzle 54 in the state shown in FIG. 8 stops at a position where it is inserted into the opening of the air / water supply pipe line 70 of the endoscope 1.

  Next, the compressor 31 is driven to supply compressed air to the air supply line 30. The compressed air passes through the pipe line cleaning nozzle 73 and protrudes into the air / water supply pipe line 70 of the endoscope 1.

  Further, the compressed air protruding into the endoscope pipeline 59 sends the remaining water inside the endoscope pipeline 59 to the distal end side of the insertion portion 1 b of the endoscope 1, and the distal end of the endoscope pipeline 59. Protrudes from the side opening.

  Accordingly, the remaining water inside the endoscope channel 59 flows into the washing tank 2 from the opening on the distal end side of the endoscope channel 59, and the inside of the endoscope channel 59 is dehydrated.

  After the above-described rinsing process is completed, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 subsequently performs the disinfection process. Also in the description of the following disinfection process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the same configuration and operation as the above-described cleaning process and the rinsing process will be briefly described. Further, until the above-described rinsing process is completed, the switching valve 13 closes the chemical solution recovery conduit 23 and the drain port 14 by an internal valve.

Next, the disinfection process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described in detail.
First, the disinfecting liquid stored in the tank of the disinfecting liquid tank 32 is sent to the side of the disinfecting liquid injection line 33 connected to the water supply line 15. This disinfecting liquid is fed into the water supply line 15 and flows into the washing tank 2 from the nozzle 18.

  When the endoscope 1 set in the cleaning tank 2 is sufficiently submerged in the disinfecting liquid, the injection pump 34 is stopped and the in-pipe cleaning pump 21 starts to be driven. The timing at which the control circuit 200 supplies the stop signal to the injection pump 34 and the drive signal to the in-pipe washing pump 21 is detected by the second liquid level detection unit of the water level detection sensor 6 as the liquid level of the disinfecting liquid. It's time.

  The in-pipe cleaning pump 21 is driven, and the disinfecting liquid circulates in the first circulating liquid path as in the cleaning process. Accordingly, the disinfectant is ejected from the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 into the air / water supply pipe 70 of the endoscope 1. In the disinfection process, the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is supplied and stopped with current from the control circuit 200 to the solenoid body 77 of the drive mechanism 26 and moves back and forth at least once toward the endoscope 1. .

  Further, during the sterilization process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the driving signal from the control circuit 200 is supplied to the circulating liquid cleaning / disinfecting pump 8 so that the disinfecting liquid is circulated through the second circulating liquid path. The liquid washing / disinfecting pump 8 may be driven.

  Therefore, the outer surface of the endoscope 1 is exposed to the disinfecting liquid stored in the tank of the washing tank 2, and the operation unit 1a and the internal air / water supply conduit 70 circulate through the first circulating liquid path. It is disinfected with disinfectant.

  After the elapse of a predetermined time, the switching valve 13 opens an internal valve so that the chemical solution recovery line 23 communicates with the drain port 14. Therefore, the disinfecting liquid stored in the washing tank 2 is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 32.

  Thus, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 ends the disinfection process and starts the above-described rinsing process again. Since the rinsing process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 is the same as that described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, as described above, the drainage pump 28 is operated while the dewatering of the air / water supply conduit 70 inserted through the endoscope 1 is performed for a predetermined time by the compressed air from the compressor 31 in the rinsing process. The rinsing water in the washing tank 2 is driven and discharged from the drain hose 42 to the outside of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus 40. In the rinsing process after the sterilization process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the drainage pump 28 continues to drive for a predetermined time after the compressor 31 has stopped driving in response to a stop signal from the control circuit 200. While the drainage pump 28 is driven, the switching valve 13 is opened so that the drainage pipe 35 and the drainage port 14 communicate with each other. As a result, substantially all of the rinsing water in the washing tub 2 is drained from the drain outlet 14 to the outside of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

  Finally, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, various electromagnetic valves and the like controlled by the control circuit 200 return to a predetermined initial setting position, and the cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 1 are finished. Thereafter, the operator opens the top cover 3 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the operation part 1 a of the endoscope 1 from the operation part holding member 4, and the insertion part 1 b and the universal cord 1 c from the insertion part holding member 5. The operation is completed by removing the endoscope 1 from the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40.

  As a result, in addition to the effects of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 in the first embodiment, according to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 of the present embodiment, the operation unit 1a of the existing endoscope 1 An endoscope corresponding to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 because the distal end portion of the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is inserted into or removed from the driving mechanism 26 in the air / water supply pipe 70 and the suction pipe 71 provided on one side. No need to buy one.

  In addition, since the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 installed on the three operation unit holding members 4 is easily positioned and the direction thereof is regulated, the air supply / water supply pipeline 70 and the suction of the operation unit 1a are regulated. The central axis of each opening of the pipe line 71 can be located on substantially the same axis as the longitudinal axis of each of the two pipe washing nozzles 73 extending from one wall surface of the washing tank 2. Accordingly, the two pipe cleaning nozzles 73 can be reliably inserted into the openings of the air / water supply pipe 70 and the suction pipe 71 of the endoscope 1.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 will be described. In the description of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment, the same configuration and operation as those of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are also described. The same reference numerals are assigned and omitted for explanation.

  FIG. 9 is a partial view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 showing the inside of a portion where the endoscope 1 is set in the tank of the cleaning tank 2 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the inside.

  The two operation part holding members 4 protruding so as to be orthogonal to the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 9 are respectively inserted into the guide holes 1d of the operation part 1a of the endoscope 1. Yes. The endoscope 1 is positioned and installed at a predetermined position in the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 by the two operation unit holding members 4. In a state where the endoscope 1 is installed, the endoscope 1 includes the central axis of each of the air / water supply conduit 70 and the suction conduit 71 of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 and two tubes. Positioning is performed on substantially the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the road washing nozzle 73. Note that the two pipe washing nozzles 73 and their peripheral configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The two operation portion holding members 4 protruding from the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 are respectively inserted into holes of the contactor 100 that integrates the two, and between the contactor 100 and the bottom surface of the washing tub 2, A spring 94 is provided in each of the two operation unit holding members 4. Further, the detection switch 95 (see FIG. 10) is covered with a rubber cover 98 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the surface and contacts one side surface of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1. Is provided.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit holding member 4 and the detection switch 95 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning tank 2 in which the endoscope 1 is set on the operation unit holding member 4 of the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. Moreover, in the following description, although two operation part holding members 4 are provided in the washing tub 2, since each has the same structure, only one of the two operation part holding members 4 will be described, and the other Description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the operation section holding member 4 is inserted so as to be substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. The operation portion holding member 4 has a cylindrical shape with one end closed, and has a convex portion and a flange in the middle thereof.

  The convex portion of the operation portion holding member 4 is in contact with the hole surface of the guide hole 1d of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1 and holds the operation portion 1a. Further, the proximal end portion of the operation unit holding member 4 is inserted into the inside of the apparatus on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. The outer periphery of the base end portion of the operation portion holding member 4 is fixed by a fixing nut 92, which is a fixing member, and a washer 93 that comes into contact with the fixing nut 92 is provided closer to the washing tub 2 than the fixing nut 92. Further, the packing 99 provided in the washing tub 2 has its hole surface in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the operation portion holding member 4, one end surface of the surface of the cleaning tub 2 inside the apparatus and the other end surface of the washer 93. In contact with the surface of the washing tub 2 side and in close contact therewith. Thus, the inside and outside of the washing tub 2 are kept watertight. That is, the operation part holding member 4 is fixed to the washing tank 2 so that the bottom surface of the washing tank 2 is sandwiched between the flange of the operation part holding member 4 and the packing 99.

  The operation portion holding member 4 protruding inside the washing tub 2 is provided with a spring 94 which is in contact with one end of the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 and is in contact with the other end of the spring 94 and has a magnet inside. It is loosely inserted into the hole of the child 100. The spring 94 normally pushes up the contact 100 in a direction away from the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 when the endoscope 1 is not set in the cleaning tank 2. In addition, since the outer peripheral diameter of the portion where the convex portion of the operation unit holding member 4 described above is larger than the hole diameter of the contact 100, the contact 100 is prevented from coming off the operation unit holding member 4.

  A reed switch 91 is embedded in the operation unit holding member 4 and is electrically connected to the control circuit 200 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 by a lead wire. The reed switch 91 supplies an ON signal to the control circuit 200 when the magnet of the contactor 100 approaches a predetermined distance.

Next, the detection switch 95 shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
The detection switch 95 is inserted into a predetermined hole of the cleaning tub 2, and the flange is in contact with the bottom surface of the cleaning tub 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the hole on the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 is provided within the range of the surface facing the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 of the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1. Protrudes in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 toward the inside of the washing tub 2. Further, the base end portion of the detection switch 95 has, for example, a fixing nut 96 which is a fixing member, and a washer 97 between the fixing nut 96 and the surface of the washing tub 2 on the inside of the apparatus.

  The detection switch 95 is covered with a rubber cover 98 which is substantially cylindrical and can be elastically deformed. The front end of the rubber cover 98 is closed, and the inner surface of the wash end surface of the rubber cover 98 and the front end surface of the detection switch 95 are opposed to each other. The opening at the base end of the rubber cover 98 has a flange shape, and this flange-shaped portion is sandwiched between the washer 97 of the detection switch 95 and the washing tub 2. That is, the fixing nut 96 of the detection switch 95 closely contacts the flange-shaped portion of the rubber cover 98 with the inner surface of the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 and the surface of the washer 97 of the detection switch 95 facing the surface. Further, the detection switch 95 is fixed to the washing tub 2. Thus, the inside of the washing tub 2 and the inside of the apparatus are kept watertight. Therefore, the detection switch 95 is fixed to the cleaning tank 2 by the flange of the detection switch 95 and the washer 97 with the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 sandwiching the rubber cover 98.

  Further, the detection switch 95 is electrically connected to the control circuit 200 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 and supplies a detection signal to the control circuit 200.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 of this embodiment will be described. Since the cleaning process, the rinsing process, and the disinfecting process in the explanation of the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 are the same as the cleaning process, the rinsing process, and the disinfecting process in the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. To do. Further, in the endoscope 1 installed in the washing tub 2, various operation switches and bending knobs of the operation unit 1a are not shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the operator installs the endoscope 1 in the tank of the cleaning tank 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40. At that time, the operator inserts the operation portion holding members 4 into the two guide holes 1d of the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1, and opens the air / water supply conduit 70 and the suction conduit 71 of the operation portion 1a. The endoscope 1 is set while being pushed toward the washing tub 2 so that the surface having the side faces the side wall surface of the washing tub 2 from which the pipe washing nozzle 73 protrudes.

  When the endoscope 1 is set, as shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1 facing the bottom surface of the washing tub 2 is a contact of the operation unit holding member 4 of the endoscope 1. 100 and the detection switch 95 are pushed to the washing tank 2 side. Specifically, the surface in the vicinity of the guide hole 1 d of the operation unit 1 a facing the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 is in contact with the surface on the operation unit 1 a side of the contact 100, and the cleaning is performed along the longitudinal axis direction of the operation unit holding member 4. The contact 100 is moved toward the tank 2. Accordingly, when the magnet inside the contactor 100 approaches a predetermined distance from the detection sensor 90 inside the operation unit holding member 4, that is, the distance at which the detection sensor 90 can detect the magnetic force of the magnet of the contactor 100, the detection sensor 90. Supplies a detection signal to the reed switch 91. Accordingly, the reed switch 91 is turned on and supplies an ON signal to the control circuit 200.

  Further, the contact portion of the operation portion 1 a that contacts the tip of the rubber cover 98 that covers the detection switch 95 is elastically deformed so that the rubber cover 98 contracts in the direction of the washing tub 2, thereby detecting the inside of the rubber cover 98. The position of the tip of the switch 95 is moved to the washing tub 2 side. Therefore, the detection switch 95 supplies an ON signal to the control circuit 200 when the tip portion thereof moves.

  As a result, when the endoscope 1 is normally set in the washing tub 2 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the detection sensor 90 and the detection switch 95 cause the reed switch 91 and the detection switch 95 to move to the control circuit 200. The ON signal is supplied, and the control circuit 200 supplies the drive mechanism 26 with a drive signal for moving the pipeline cleaning nozzle 73 to the air / water supply pipeline 70 and the suction pipeline 71 of the endoscope 1. Here, the control circuit 200 does not supply a drive signal to the drive mechanism 26 unless the two ON signals from the reed switch 91 and the detection switch 95 are supplied.

  Next, when the pipe cleaning nozzle 73 is connected to the air / water supply pipe 70 and the suction pipe 71 of the endoscope 1, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 sequentially performs a cleaning process, a rinsing process, a disinfection process, and the like. .

  That is, if the endoscope 1 is not normally installed on the operation unit holding member 4 in the cleaning tank 2, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 does not start the cleaning process. At this time, a function for displaying a warning informing the abnormality on the operation panel 41 or generating a warning sound may be provided so that the operator can understand.

  Further, when the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 is detached from the operation unit holding member 4 or moves more than a predetermined amount during various processes of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the detection sensor 90 and the detection switch 95 are used. , The control circuit 200 is supplied with an OFF signal from the reed switch 91 and the detection switch 95. The control circuit 200 displays a warning on the operation panel 41 and stops the driving of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 40 together with a warning sound.

  As a result of the above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment is normally installed in the cleaning tank 2. Otherwise, the various driving operations are stopped, so that the endoscope 1 can be cleaned and disinfected with high safety and reliability. Moreover, if both the detection sensor 90 and the detection switch 95 do not detect that the endoscope 1 is normally installed in the cleaning tank 2, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40 does not perform the following operations and various processes. Therefore, the endoscope 1 can be cleaned and disinfected more reliably.

  In the case where only one of the detection sensor 90 and the detection switch 95 is employed in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 40, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 11, an endoscope 1 in which a groove portion such as a positioning groove 1e is provided in the operation portion 1a may be used.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the connecting portion 22 a of the pipe joint portion 22 may be fixed to one wall surface of the washing tub 2. Therefore, the operation unit 1a of the endoscope 1 may be configured to connect the operation unit 1a so that the operator can fit the detachable hook 106 of the operation unit 1a into the hook hole 52 of the connection unit 22a. By providing some play when connecting the connecting portion 22a of the pipe joint portion 22 and the operation portion 1a of the endoscope 1, a circulating fluid such as a cleaning solution can easily flow into the cleaning tank 2. It has become. Specifically, the circulating fluid from the pipeline washing nozzle 54 is ejected toward the endoscope pipeline 59 on the end face of the operation unit 1 a of the endoscope 1. The circulating fluid collides with the circulating fluid flowing from the distal end of the insertion portion 1b into the tank of the washing tub 2 through the inside of the endoscope duct 59 and the end surface of the operation portion 1a, and from the small hole 53 of the connecting portion 22a. It is divided into the circulating liquid flowing into the washing tank 2. Further, the opening of the endoscope duct 59 of the operation portion 1a and the duct cleaning nozzle 54 are slightly separated by the above-described play due to the jetting power of the circulating fluid.

  Still further, the operation portion holding member 4 and the insertion portion holding member 5 may be hard members or elastically deformable members having a predetermined rigidity.

It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance by which the endoscope is installed in the washing tank 2 of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the pipe-line joint part of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating connection of the connection part 22a of the pipe joint part 22 and the operation part of an endoscope of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating connection of the connection part 22a of the pipe joint part 22 and the operation part of an endoscope of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a partial block diagram which shows the inside of the part in which the endoscope is set to the washing tank of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the pipe line washing nozzle 73 of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the pipe line washing nozzle 73 of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in which the endoscope is set in the cleaning tank of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the third embodiment and partially showing the inside. It is sectional drawing in which the endoscope is set to the washing tank of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and has shown the exterior of the washing tank. It is explanatory drawing with which the endoscope is hold | maintaining the positioning groove of the operation part by the operation part holding | maintenance part. The connecting part of the pipe joint part is an explanatory view fixed to one wall surface of the washing tub 2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope, 1b ... Insertion part, 1a ... Operation part, 2 ... Washing tank, 3 ... Top cover, 4 ... Operation holding member, 5 ... Insertion part holding member, 6 ... Water level detection sensor, 7 ... Circulating fluid jet Outlet, 8 ... Circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting pump, 9 ... Circulating fluid cleaning / disinfecting conduit, 10 ... Feed water filter, 11, 12 ... Check valve, 13 ... Switching valve, 14 ... Drain port, 15 ... Feed water system conduit , 16 ... Faucet, 17 ... Water supply valve, 18 ... Nozzle, 19 ... Pipe for washing in pipe, 20 ... Circulating fluid suction port, 21 ... Pump for washing in pipe, 22 ... Pipe joint, 23 ... Chemical solution Recovery line, 24a to 24c, 25 ... Electromagnetic on-off valve, 26 ... Drive mechanism, 27 ... Branch pipe, 28 ... Drain pump, 29, 36 ... Check valve, 30 ... Air supply line, 31 ... Compressor, 32 ... infusion pump 32 ... disinfectant tank 33 ... disinfectant infusion line 34 ... infusion pump 35 ... Drainage pipe, 40 ... Endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device agent Patent attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

Between the retracted position separated from the pipeline of the endoscope installed at a predetermined position in the washing tank, and the first use position that advances from the retracted position toward the pipeline and connects to the pipeline A fluid supply line movable in
Recognizing that the endoscope is installed at the predetermined position in the washing tank, and automatically moving the fluid supply line from the retracted position to the first use position And an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device.   The fluid conduit drive mechanism is configured to retract the fluid supply conduit at the first use position in the retracted position side direction during at least one of a cleaning process, a disinfection process, and a rinsing process, The endoscope pipe and the fluid supply pipe form a predetermined interval, and are moved to a second use position where the fluid can be supplied to an opening edge of the pipe. Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second use position and the retracted position are the same position.

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