JP2006034461A - Cleaning/disinfecting device for endoscope and cleaning brush for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning/disinfecting device for endoscopes, which enables the reliable and smooth cleaning of the inside of pipes provided on an insertion portion of an endoscope by using a cleaning brush without changing cleaning brushes for endoscopes regardless of differences of models of the endoscopes. <P>SOLUTION: The cleaning brush 71 comprises a brush part 71a and an insulative shaft part 71b. The brush part 71a is mainly constituted of a brush hair part 71c, a plastic film 71d, and an artificial muscle part 71e which is a dimension varying means. The plastic film 71d is an elastic resin member with shrink properties. The artificial muscle part 71e is tubular and is constituted of conducting polymer actuators. The dimension of the artificial muscle part 71e, constituted of the conducting polymer actuators, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the brush, i.e., the outside diameter changes by supplying a current. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that automatically cleans and disinfects a used endoscope, and an endoscope cleaning brush used when cleaning the inside of a used endoscope.

  An endoscope used for the purpose of inspection and treatment in a body cavity is not only the outer surface of the insertion part inserted into the body cavity, but also the suction / air supply channel and forceps channel provided in the insertion part. Dirt adheres to the inside of each pipe line. Therefore, the endoscope is cleaned and disinfected after use.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-263066 discloses an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for cleaning / disinfecting an endoscope. In this endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the disinfecting process are performed as cleaning / disinfecting processes without complicated operations, and the properties of the electrolyzed water used for cleaning / disinfecting are determined according to the degree of contamination of the endoscope. It is adjusting.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-310550 discloses an endoscope for washing an air supply / water supply conduit and a suction conduit that also serves as a treatment instrument channel provided in an insertion portion of an endoscope using a wire brush. A cleaning device is shown. In this endoscope cleaning apparatus, by precisely controlling the feeding length and the pullback length of the wire brush to be inserted into the endoscope channel, cleaning leakage occurs in the channel and the wire brush or The endoscope is prevented from being damaged.
JP 2002-263066 A JP 2003-310550 A

  However, the insertion portion of the endoscope has a different length dimension and inner diameter dimension of the pipe line for each model. For this reason, even when the feed length and the pull back length are accurately controlled as described in the endoscope cleaning apparatus of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-310550, If the outer diameter is small, the inner surface of the pipe may be washed away. On the other hand, if the outer diameter of the brush part is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe line, it is difficult not only to smoothly insert the brush part into the pipe line, but also the inside of the pipe may be damaged, There is a risk of malfunction of the brush. Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which the diameter of the pipe line changes stepwise, for example, both the above-described problems may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Regardless of the type of endoscope, brushing washing in a pipe line provided in an insertion portion of the endoscope can be performed with an endoscope washing brush. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that can be surely and smoothly carried out without replacing the body.

The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention is an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that disposes an endoscope in a cleaning / disinfecting tank and performs cleaning / disinfecting of the endoscope,
A central tower for supplying a fluid for cleaning and disinfecting to a pipe line provided in the endoscope in a coupled state is disposed at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the cleaning and disinfecting tank. In the configuration
The central tower has a predetermined amount of a cleaning brush for an endoscope provided with dimension changing means for changing at least one of an outer diameter dimension of the brush part or a length dimension of the handle part, and a handle part of the endoscope cleaning brush by a predetermined amount. And a handle portion advancing / retreating mechanism portion for performing a feeding operation or a predetermined amount returning operation.

On the other hand, the endoscope cleaning brush is an endoscope cleaning brush comprising a brush part and a handle part,
At least one of the brush part or the handle part is provided with an artificial muscle part that changes the dimension in the brush longitudinal axis direction or the dimension orthogonal to the brush longitudinal axis direction.

  According to this structure, the outer diameter dimension of the brush part or the length dimension of the handle part is provided in the insertion part length dimension of the endoscope to be cleaned or the endoscope to be cleaned by the dimension changing means of the cleaning brush. It is matched to the inner diameter of the pipe line. In addition, the handle portion advancement / retraction mechanism can set the amount of the handle portion to be sent out and the amount to be withdrawn so that the pipe can be thoroughly washed.

  On the other hand, by changing the expansion and contraction of the artificial muscle portion, the outer diameter size or length size of the brush portion or the length of the handle portion in consideration of the inner diameter size of the conduit provided in the endoscope to be cleaned The dimensions are changed to the desired dimensions. Therefore, when performing brushing cleaning in the pipeline, a single endoscope cleaning brush can be used without preparing a plurality of endoscope cleaning brushes.

  According to the present invention, regardless of the type of endoscope, brushing washing in a pipe line provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope can be reliably and smoothly performed without replacing the endoscope cleaning brush. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can be performed easily can be realized.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 18 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cleaning part of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, and FIG. Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the central tower and the turntable, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the central tower, and Fig. 6 is a state installed on the turntable. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the diameter of the brush portion and the voltage, FIG. 11 is a sectional view for explaining the brush portion at a voltage of 0 volt, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the brush portion at a voltage of A volt. FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a circuit configuration, FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an endoscope, and FIG. 15 is a view showing the central tower and the operation part of the endoscope main body, FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which the operation part of the endoscope main body is coupled to the central tower, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the brushing washing process. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a state in which the brush portion of the cleaning brush advances in the suction conduit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 includes an apparatus main body 3 and a cleaning cover 5. A cleaning unit 4 having a cleaning / disinfecting tank (hereinafter abbreviated as a cleaning tank) 4a in which an endoscope, which will be described later, which is an object to be cleaned / disinfected, is installed is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 3. The cleaning cover 5 is provided in the apparatus main body 3 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  A sub operation panel 51, an alcohol indicator 53, a detergent indicator 54, a power switch 56, and a front door 3a are provided on the front surface of the apparatus body 3. The sub operation panel 51 is provided with various display units such as a cleaning time display unit and a disinfection time display unit, and various buttons such as a function check button and a disinfectant preparation button. The alcohol indicator 53 and the detergent indicator 54 are for visually confirming the remaining amount of alcohol and detergent, and are provided, for example, on the left side of the front surface. The front door 3 a is provided below the alcohol indicator 53, the detergent indicator 54, and the sub operation panel 51.

  A drain hose 82a extends from the lower back of the apparatus body 3. The drain hose 82a is connected to an external drain port.

  As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the washing | cleaning part 4 is mainly comprised by the washing tank 4a and the step part 4b which forms the circumference | surroundings of the washing tank 4a. The washing tank 4a has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. A drain port 42 is provided on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 4a. In addition, a turntable 8 having a bearing hole 62 and the like is disposed at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 4a. A center tower 70 having a suction pipe connection port 76a and an air / water supply pipe connection port 77a on the notch surface 78 is detachably installed on the turntable 8. Further, a circulation port 21 is provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the cleaning tank 4a.

  A detergent nozzle 22, a disinfecting liquid nozzle 23, and a water supply / circulation nozzle 24 are disposed at one corner on the rear side of the stepped portion 4b. Nozzle openings (not shown) of the respective nozzles 22, 23, 24 are arranged so as to face the cleaning tank 4a. A main operation panel 55 that also serves as information acquisition means is provided on the upper front surface of the stepped portion 4b. The main operation panel 55 is provided with various buttons such as a start button and a display unit for displaying a cleaning / disinfecting process step by step. Furthermore, the water supply hose connection port 14b is provided in the upper surface of the back side of the step part 4b. The other end of the water supply hose 80a whose one end is connected to the water tap is connected to the water supply hose connection port 14b.

  Reference numerals 65 and 66 are connecting holes which will be described later. Further, the central tower 70 may be a disposable type or a reuse type, and will be described later as a disposable type in the present embodiment.

The internal configuration of the apparatus main body 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the apparatus main body 3 is provided with a detergent tank 11 for storing a liquid detergent, a disinfecting liquid tank 12 for storing a disinfecting liquid, an alcohol tank 13 for storing alcohol, and tap water supplied from a water tap 80. A water filter device 14 for filtering and an air filter device 15 for removing dust in the air supplied from a compressor 34 described later are disposed. The disinfecting liquid stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 12 is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

  The disinfectant tank 12 is fixed in the apparatus main body 3. On the other hand, the detergent tank 11, the alcohol tank 13, the water filter device 14, and the air filter device 15 are placed on the trays 11a, 13a, 14a, and 15a, respectively. Each of the trays 11a, 13a, 14a, and 15a can be pulled forward while the front door 3a of the apparatus body 3 is opened. Therefore, liquid can be replenished or parts can be replaced by pulling out the tray. In addition, in this figure, the state which each tray 11a, 13a, 14a, 15a was pulled out is shown.

The disinfectant tank 12 is fixed in the apparatus main body 3. For this reason, when the disinfectant tank 12 is replenished with the disinfectant, the following procedure is performed.
First, the front door of the apparatus body 3 is opened. Next, the concentrated disinfecting liquid bottle 17 filled with the disinfecting liquid is connected to the bottle connector 16 provided inside the apparatus. Then, the disinfecting liquid tank 12 is replenished with the concentrated disinfecting liquid. At that time, the tap water filtered by the water filter device 14 is supplied into the disinfectant tank 12 through the dilution valve 18 which is an electromagnetic valve. Therefore, the disinfecting liquid diluted to a predetermined concentration is stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 12.

  When supplying tap water from the tap 80 into the water filter device 14, the water supply valve 14A is opened. As a result, tap water is fed into the water filter device 14 via the supply line 14c.

  The detergent tank 11 and the detergent nozzle 22 are connected by a detergent conduit 22a. A detergent pump 27 is disposed in the middle of the detergent conduit 22a. The disinfecting liquid tank 12 and the disinfecting liquid nozzle 23 are connected through a disinfecting liquid pipe line 23a. A chemical liquid pump 28 is disposed in the middle of the disinfecting liquid conduit 23a.

  The water filter device 14 and the circulation nozzle 24 are connected via a water supply pipe 14d and a water / circulation pipe 24a. The water supply line 14d and the water supply / circulation line 24a are connected via a three-way switching valve 29 which is an electromagnetic valve. In addition to the water supply / circulation conduit 24a and the water supply conduit 14d, the three-way switching valve 29 is connected to a first circulation conduit 21a communicating with the circulation port 21. A circulation pump 30 is disposed in the middle of the first circulation pipe 21a. Therefore, by selectively switching the three-way switching valve 29, the water supply / circulation conduit 24a is in communication with the water supply conduit 14d or the first circulation conduit 21a.

  When the water supply / circulation conduit 24a and the water supply conduit 14d are in communication with each other, tap water supplied from the water tap 80 and filtered by the water filter device 14 is ejected from the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 into the washing tank 4a. Is done. On the other hand, when the water supply / circulation conduit 24a and the first circulation conduit 21a are in communication with each other, the wash water stored in the cleaning tank 4a taken from the circulation port 21 by the circulation pump 30 from the water supply / circulation nozzle 24. Alternatively, disinfecting water is jetted into the cleaning tank 4a. This causes the wash water or disinfectant water to circulate.

  A second circulation pipe 21b branches off from the middle of the first circulation pipe 21a. The second circulation pipe 21b communicates with a channel block (hereinafter abbreviated as CH block) 31 that is a fluid branch terminal. A channel pump (hereinafter abbreviated as “CH pump”) 32 and a channel check valve (hereinafter abbreviated as “CH check valve”) 33 in order from the circulation port 21 side in the middle of the second circulation pipe 21 b Is arranged. The CH check valve 33 prevents washing water or disinfecting water from flowing from the CH block 31 side to the CH pump 32 side. Therefore, by driving the CH pump 32, the cleaning water or the disinfecting water stored in the cleaning tank 4a flows from the circulation port 21 to the CH block 31 side.

  In addition to the second circulation line 21 b, the CH block 31 is an air line 15 b communicating with the air filter device 15, an alcohol line 13 b communicating with the alcohol tank 13, and a solenoid valve provided in the drain port 42. A bypass conduit 43 a communicating with the valve 43 is connected.

  An air check valve 35 is disposed in the middle of the air line 15b. The air check valve 35 prevents liquid such as tap water and washing water from flowing from the CH block 31 side to the air filter device 15 side. An alcohol pump 13A and an alcohol valve 36, which is an electromagnetic valve, are disposed in the middle of the alcohol conduit 13b in this order from the alcohol tank 13 side. The alcohol in the alcohol tank 13 is supplied to the CH block 31 via the alcohol valve 36 by the alcohol pump 13A. A bypass valve 45, which is an electromagnetic valve, is provided in the middle of the bypass conduit 43a. A fluid supply pipe 81 branches off from the middle part of the bypass pipe 43a. A fluid electromagnetic valve (hereinafter abbreviated as electromagnetic valve) 7 a is provided in the middle of the fluid supply pipe 81.

  And the fluids, such as tap water, washing water, disinfection water, air, etc. which are supplied to CH block 31 via each pipe line 13b, 15b, and 21b, are provided in the bottom of washing tank 4a for every process. It is supplied to the inside of the central tower 70 provided in the cleaning tank 4a through the turntable 8.

  A compressor 34 is connected to the air filter device 15. The compressed air supplied from the compressor 34 is ejected to the CH block 31 side through the air filter device 15. A branch line 34c communicating with the exhaust valve 34b is provided in the middle of the air supply line 34a that connects the compressor 34 and the air filter device 15. The exhaust valve 34 b adjusts the pressure of the compressed air supplied from the compressor 34.

  From the switching valve 43 provided in the drain outlet 42, a bypass pipe 43a, a drain pipe 44a communicating with the main body drain 82, and a disinfecting liquid discharge pipe 12a communicating with the disinfecting liquid tank 12 extend. A drainage pump 44 is provided in the middle of the drainage pipe 44a.

  Accordingly, the drainage pump 44 is driven in a state where the switching valve 43 corresponding to the drainage pipe 44a is selectively switched from the closed state to the open state, thereby washing water or rinsing stored in the washing tank 4a. Water or the like is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 44a and the main body drain port 82.

  On the other hand, the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 4a is returned to the disinfecting liquid tank 12 by selectively switching the switching valve 43 corresponding to the disinfecting liquid discharge conduit 12a from the closed state to the open state. That is, the disinfecting liquid diluted to a predetermined concentration and stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 12 is used repeatedly, and is replaced after a predetermined number of disinfection steps. When exchanging the disinfecting liquid, the disinfecting liquid is discharged from the disinfecting liquid drain port 48 communicated with the disinfecting liquid tank 12, and then the disinfecting liquid diluted to a predetermined concentration in the disinfecting liquid tank 12 as described above. Is stored.

  The various pumps 13A, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 44 and the various solenoid valves 18, 29, 31, 36, 43, 44, 45, etc. are provided on the CPU board provided in the apparatus main body 3. It is controlled for each process by the control unit 46 configured as follows. In addition, predetermined power is supplied to the control unit 46 via the power supply unit 47. The power supply unit 47 is connected to an external outlet via an electric cable. Reference numeral 9 denotes a brush drive unit which will be described later, and reference numeral 10 denotes a high voltage power supply unit which will be described later, which is a power supply unit for variable dimensions.

  Furthermore, a high-pressure nozzle (not shown) is connected to a water-supply / circulation pipe line 24a that connects the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 and the three-way switching valve 29 shown in FIG. 3 via a high-pressure pump (not shown). Similarly to the water supply / circulation nozzle 24, liquid such as tap water or washing water is ejected from the high pressure nozzle into the cleaning tank 4a at a high pressure. That is, by ejecting liquid from the high-pressure nozzle and the water supply / circulation nozzle 24, a water flow is generated in the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 4a. As a result, the outer surface of the endoscope main body 101 can be washed and rinsed by a water flow.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a driving force transmission shaft 73 a, an air / water supply pipe side connection pipe 85 and a suction pipe side connection pipe 86 constituting the handle portion mechanism part project from the lower surface of the central tower 70 in the drawing. . An O-ring 85 a that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first connection hole 65 described later is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the middle part of the air / water supply pipe side connection pipe 85. Further, an O-ring 86 a that is in close contact with an inner peripheral surface of a second connection hole 66 described later is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the suction pipe side connecting pipe 86.

  On the other hand, a turntable arrangement hole 4c is formed in the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 4a. A disc-shaped rotating table 8 is rotatably disposed in the rotating table disposing hole 4c. The driving force transmission shaft 73a is located substantially at the center of the central tower 70.

  The rotary base 8 has a bearing hole 62 in which the driving force transmission shaft 73a is disposed, a first connection hole 65 and a second connection hole 65 in which an air / water supply pipe side connection pipe 85 and a suction pipe side connection pipe 86 are respectively disposed. A connecting hole 66 is provided.

  An O-ring arrangement groove 8 a that is a circumferential groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the turntable 8. An O-ring 64 having a predetermined urging force is arranged in the O-ring arrangement groove 8a. The turntable 8 provided with the O-ring 64 is press-fitted and placed in a turntable arrangement hole 4c formed in the cleaning tank 4a. In this press-fitted arrangement state, watertightness between the turntable 8 and the turntable arrangement hole 4 c is held by the O-ring 64. Further, in this press-fitted arrangement state, by applying an external force larger than the urging force of the O-ring 64 to the rotation table 8 in the rotation direction, the rotation table 8 rotates with respect to the cleaning tank 4a.

  On the lower surface of the turntable 8, a first tube connecting pipe 83a and a second tube connecting pipe 83b and a motor 61 constituting a handle part advance / retreat mechanism part are provided. The tube connection pipes 83a and 83b communicate with the connection holes 65 and 66, respectively. The tube connection pipes 83a and 83b are connected to the end of the first fluid branch tube 81a and the end of the second fluid branch tube 81b branched from the fluid supply pipe 81, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the central tower 70 is provided with a handle portion storage space 70 a, a suction conduit hole 76, and an air / water supply conduit hole 77. A magnet unit 75 is disposed along a notch surface 78 at a predetermined position of a notch surface 78 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the central tower 70.

  The handle portion storage space 70a is a space portion whose cross-sectional shape is formed in a substantially semicircular shape, for example. In the handle portion storage space 70a, an elongated handle portion 71b constituting an endoscope cleaning brush (hereinafter abbreviated as a cleaning brush) 71, which will be described later, is stored in a wound state. On the bottom surface of the handle portion storage space 70a is connected to the suction pipe side connecting pipe 86 and is supplied with a fluid such as tap water, washing water, disinfecting water, alcohol water or air supplied to the CH block 31. A supply hole 72 is provided.

  An opening of a suction conduit (see reference numeral 106 in FIG. 14) provided in the endoscope main body 101 is arranged to face the suction conduit connection port 76a of the suction conduit hole 76a. . The suction pipe hole 76 accommodates a brush part 71a provided on the distal end side of the handle 71b.

  An opening of an air / water supply conduit (see reference numeral 107 in FIG. 14) provided in the endoscope main body 101 is disposed opposite to the air / water supply conduit connection port 77a of the hole 77 for the air / water supply conduit. It has become so. The air / water supply pipe hole 77 is composed of a large diameter hole 77b and a small diameter hole 77c. The small-diameter hole 77c communicates with the air / water supply pipe side connection pipe 85 and is supplied with fluid such as tap water, washing water, disinfecting water, alcohol water or air supplied to the CH block 31. A road-side supply hole 79 is provided.

  When the central tower 70 is installed on the turntable 8, the driving force transmission shaft 73 a is opposed to the bearing hole 62 and the connection pipes 85 and 86 are opposed to the coupling holes 65 and 66 as shown in FIG. 4. The drive force transmission shaft 73a is disposed in the bearing hole 62 and the connection pipes 85 and 86 are disposed in the coupling holes 65 and 66 as indicated by the one-dot chain line arrow in the figure. As a result, the central tower 70 is installed on the turntable 8 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the connection holes 65 and 66 provided in the turntable 8 and the connection pipes 85 and 86 provided in the central tower 70 are the bearing holes 62 and the central tower 70 provided substantially at the center of the turntable 8. Are provided at asymmetric positions with respect to the driving force transmission shaft 73a provided at the approximate center. This is because when the connecting pipes 85 and 86 and the driving force transmission shaft 73a provided in the central tower 70 are disposed in the coupling holes 65 and 66 and the bearing hole 62, the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70 is always provided. This is for arranging the rotary table 8 in a predetermined positional relationship. This prevents the central tower 70 from being installed in a different positional relationship with respect to the turntable 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the suction pipe hole 76 and the handle portion storage space 70a communicate with each other through a communication passage 76b. A roller arrangement portion 70b, which is a space portion having a cross-sectional shape formed in an elongated hole shape, is provided in the middle portion of the communication path 76b.

  The roller arrangement portion 70b is provided with a driving force transmission shaft 73a and a driven shaft 74a that constitute the handle portion advance / retreat mechanism portion. A first roller 73 that constitutes a driving roller and a second roller 74 that constitutes a driven roller are fixed to the shafts 73a and 74a. And between the outer peripheral surfaces of the 1st roller 73 and the 2nd roller 74, it arrange | positions in the state in which the handle | pattern part 71b of the washing brush 71 was press-contacted.

  In a state where the central tower 70 is installed with respect to the turntable 8, the driving force transmission shaft 73 a is engaged with the motor shaft 67 of the motor 61 provided on the lower surface of the turntable 8. In this engaged arrangement state, the motor shaft 67 is rotated by driving the motor 61. The motor 61 rotates the motor shaft 67 in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction based on the control signal output from the control unit 46.

  The rotation of the motor shaft 67 transmits the rotational force to the driving force transmission shaft 73a engaged with the motor shaft 67. Then, the first roller 73 fixed to the driving force transmission shaft 73a is rotated. As a result, the handle 71b sandwiched between the first roller 73 and the second roller 74 in a pressure contact state is moved forward and backward in the outward or inward direction of the central tower 70. At this time, the second roller 74 rotates as the handle portion 71b moves forward and backward.

  That is, the handle 71 b of the cleaning brush 71 can be sent out from the inside of the suction duct hole 76 of the central tower 70 by the rotation of the first roller 73, and the handle 71 b being sent out can be pulled back. It has become. Then, by counting the number of rotations of the motor shaft 67 that rotates the first roller 73 with an encoder (not shown), the control unit 46 can control the sending amount or the returning amount.

  In the state where the central tower 70 is installed with respect to the turntable 8, the air supply / water supply conduit side connection pipe 85 is engaged and arranged in the first connection hole 65, so that the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 85 a becomes the first connection hole 65. In close contact with the inner peripheral surface, the watertightness of the engaging portion between the first connection hole 65 and the air / water supply pipe side connection pipe 85 is maintained. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the suction pipe side connection pipe 86 is engaged and disposed in the second connection hole 66, so that the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 86 a is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second connection hole 66, The watertightness of the engaging portion between the second connecting hole 66 and the suction pipe side connecting pipe 86 is maintained.

  An O-ring 67 a for maintaining watertightness is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the motor shaft 67, and the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 67 a is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 62. As a result, the watertightness of the engaging portion between the motor 61 side and the bearing hole 62 is maintained.

  The central tower 70 is divided into two parts, for example, a lid part 70A and a main body part 70B at a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7, and the lid part 70A and the main body part 70B are integrated by a fastening means (not shown). To be concluded.

Here, the configuration and operation of the cleaning brush will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning brush 71 includes a brush portion 71a and an elongated handle portion 71b formed of, for example, a Teflon (registered trademark) tube having insulation properties.

  The brush part 71a is mainly composed of a brush bristle part 71c, a resin film 71d, and an artificial muscle part 71e which is a dimension variable means. The brush bristle portion 71c is configured by, for example, planting brush hairs made of plant fibers or chemical fibers into the resin film 71d. The resin film 71d is an elastic resin member having stretchability. The artificial muscle portion 71e is tubular and is composed of a conductive polymer actuator. In addition, you may make it form a brush bristle part directly in resin film 71d.

  The artificial muscle portion 71e is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the handle portion 71b, and is fixed integrally with an adhesive, for example. The resin film 71d is integrally disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the artificial muscle portion 71e by a covering arrangement or an adhesive. An electric wire 71f extends from the artificial muscle portion 71e. The electric wire 71f is inserted into the handle 71b and electrically connected to a connector 71g provided at the base end of the handle 71b.

  The artificial muscle portion 71e formed of the conductive polymer actuator changes the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the brush longitudinal axis direction, that is, the outer diameter dimension, when electric current is supplied. Specifically, by changing the voltage of the artificial muscle portion 71e from 0 volts to A3 volts as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the artificial muscle portion 71e contracts and the outer diameter of the brush portion 71a is changed to that shown in FIG. The outer diameter dimension φ shown in the figure changes to the outer diameter dimension φ3 shown in FIG.

  That is, since the expansion level of the artificial muscle portion 71e changes as shown by the curve in FIG. 10, by controlling the voltage applied to the artificial muscle portion 71e by the control portion 46, the outer diameter dimension of the brush portion 71a is appropriately set as desired. Can be set to the dimension.

A control system of the control unit 46 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the control unit 46 includes various pumps 13A, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 44 as drive systems, various solenoid valves 18, 29, 31, 36, 43, 44, 45, a motor 61, and the like. The artificial muscle portion 71e, various sensors, and various operation panels 51 and 55 are connected.

  The control unit 46 controls driving of various pumps, various electromagnetic valves and the like based on instruction signals from the various operation panels 51 and 55. The control unit 46 is supplied with various detection signals from various sensors such as a pressure sensor (not shown), a water level sensor, and a position detection sensor which are input side sensors. The controller 46 appropriately controls various pumps, various electromagnetic valves and the like based on the detection signals. And the control part 46 performs operation | movement control according to the various washing | cleaning disinfection process programs set with each operation panel 51,55.

Here, the configuration of the endoscope 100 cleaned by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the endoscope 100 includes an endoscope main body 101 and a universal cord 103. The endoscope main body 101 and the universal cord 103 are detachable, and the universal cord 103 is a disposable type. For this reason, the universal code 103 is discarded after the end of the endoscopy. Therefore, the endoscope body 101 is the only part that requires cleaning and disinfection each time the endoscopy is completed.

  The endoscope main body 101 includes an operation unit 104 on the hand side and an insertion unit 105 extending from the operation unit 104. A universal cord connector portion (hereinafter abbreviated as a cord connecting portion) 105 a is provided at a boundary portion between the operation portion 104 and the insertion portion 105. A cord side connector portion 103a provided at the base end of the universal cord 103 is integrally coupled to the cord connecting portion 105a.

  In the insertion portion 105 of the endoscope body 101, a suction conduit 106, an air / water supply conduit 107, and the like are disposed substantially linearly from the cord connecting portion 105a toward the distal end surface. Openings of the respective pipes 106 and 107 are formed in the cord connecting portion 105a and the front end surface.

  On the distal end surface of the endoscope main body 101, an observation optical unit 110 provided with an imaging element such as a CCD and an illumination unit 111 provided with an illumination element such as an LED are disposed. The imaging element and the illumination element are electrically connected to an endoscope side control circuit (not shown) provided in the operation unit 104. The endoscope-side control circuit has a built-in power supply circuit, and supplies light emission power to the illumination element. Furthermore, the endoscope side control circuit includes a receiving unit that receives an image signal captured by the image sensor, an operation signal input unit, and the like.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the operation unit 104, operations such as a trackball 113 that is operated to direct the distal end of the endoscope in a desired direction, and scope switches 114a, 114b, and 114c that perform various operation instructions such as air supply and water supply A switch is provided. An operation signal output from each operation switch is input to an operation signal input unit provided in the endoscope side control circuit.

  On the other hand, the universal cord 103 is provided with a cord-side suction conduit 106a and a cord-side air / water supply conduit 107a corresponding to the suction conduit 106 and the air / water supply conduit 107 of the endoscope body 101.

  A scope connector portion 103 b is provided at the base end portion of the universal cord 103. The scope connector 103b is connected to an endoscope control unit (not shown). In the endoscope control unit, the rear portion of the suction device for supplying a negative pressure to the suction pipe 106, the air supply / water supply pipes 107a, 107 are supplied with water, and the air supply / water supply pipes 107a, 107 are supplied with air. For this purpose, an air / water supply mechanism or the like is provided.

  In the present embodiment, magnet units 102 and 102a are provided in the cord connecting portion 105a and the cord side connector portion 103a, respectively. For this reason, both connector parts 103a and 103b are fixed by the attractive force which the magnet units 102 and 102a have.

  When the cord connecting portion 105a and the cord side connector portion 103a are integrally coupled, the magnet side unit 102 provided in the cord connecting portion 105a is positioned with respect to the cord connecting portion 105a in a predetermined state. And the magnet unit 102a provided in the cord side connector portion 103a are joined by the magnet's attracting force. As a result, the suction pipe 106 and the cord-side suction pipe 106a are in communication with each other, and the air / water supply pipe 107 and the cord-side air / water supply pipe 107a are in communication.

  The magnet unit 75 provided on the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70 and the magnet unit 102a provided on the cord side connector portion 103a of the universal cord 103 described above have the same configuration.

  Further, the coupling between the two connector portions 103a and 103b is not limited to the magnet's attracting force, and may be a mechanical coupling means such as screwing. Further, the cord side connector portion 103a is provided with a forceps port 108 that branches and communicates with the cord side suction conduit 106a. The forceps port 108 is configured to be freely closed by a forceps plug 109.

  Further, the control unit of the endoscope control unit controls the operation of displaying an endoscope image on a monitor (not shown) that is an external device based on, for example, a video signal transmitted from the endoscope side control circuit, and each operation signal. Based on the above, suction, air supply, water supply, etc. are performed by controlling the operation of the valves provided in the mechanisms connected to the pipes 106, 106a, 107, 107b.

  The endoscope control circuit provided in the endoscope main body 101 is provided with a memory element that constitutes an information acquisition unit (not shown). Various information and various recognition information of the endoscope body 101 are recorded in this memory element.

  Reference numeral 105A denotes a contact sensor. It is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 105 of the endoscope body 101, and detects, for example, the contact pressure between the distal end portion of the insertion portion 105 and the body cavity wall.

Cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope main body 101 by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 configured as described above will be described.
After the endoscopic examination is completed, the user removes the universal code 103 from the endoscope main body 101 and discards the universal code 103. Then, the endoscope body 101 is cleaned and disinfected.

  At that time, the user first pre-cleans the endoscope body 101. Next, the endoscope is fully washed at the sink. As a result, the endoscope body 101 that has been fully cleaned is ready for the cleaning and disinfecting process by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 2. On the other hand, the user installs the central tower 70 on the turntable 8 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2.

  Next, the user installs the endoscope main body 101 at a predetermined position in the cleaning tank 4a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the user places the cord connecting portion 105 a of the operation portion 104 on the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70. At this time, the user rotates the central tower 70 as appropriate so as to adjust the notch surface 78 to a predetermined position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the magnet unit 75 provided on the notch surface 78 and the magnet unit 102 provided on the cord connecting portion 105a are opposed to each other, and the cord connecting portion 105a is attached to the notch surface 78 by suction. Combine and place together. At this time, the suction conduit hole 76 of the central tower 70 is in communication with the suction conduit 106 of the endoscope main body 101, and the air / water supply conduit hole 77 is communicated with the air / water supply conduit 107. Will be in communication.

  Here, the user closes the cleaning cover 5, turns on the power switch 56, and sets a process program for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope main body 101 using the operation panels 51 and 55. At this time, the inner diameter dimension of the suction conduit 106 provided in the insertion part 105 of the endoscope main body 101 to be cleaned and disinfected and the length dimension of the insertion part 105 are input.

  Then, the control unit 46 built in the apparatus main body 3 outputs a control signal to the high-voltage power supply unit 10 based on the input inner diameter dimension, and is suitable for the artificial muscle unit 71e provided in the brush unit 71a. Add voltage. As a result, the outer diameter dimension of the brush part 71a accommodated in the suction pipe hole 76 is changed to an optimum dimension for cleaning in the pipe.

  Thereafter, when the user operates a start button provided on the operation panel 55, for example, the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 2 starts cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope main body 101.

  Information acquisition means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving various information signals, various recognition information signals and the like recorded in the memory element of the endoscope main body 101 to the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 2 and the endoscope main body 101. A configuration in which an outer diameter of the brush portion 71a is automatically changed by recognizing various information signals and various recognition information signals of the endoscope main body 101 by the control unit 46 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 It may be.

  Thus, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, when the user installs the endoscope main body 101 in the cleaning tank 4a, the magnet unit 75 and the cord provided on the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70 and the cord This is a configuration in which the cord connecting portion 105a is integrally connected to the notch surface 78 by facing the magnet unit 102 provided in the connecting portion 105a and by suction. Therefore, the suction conduit 106 and the air / water supply conduit 107 provided in the endoscope main body 101, the suction conduit hole 76 and the air / water supply conduit hole 77 of the central tower 70 are connected to the tube. There is no need to connect them with the same. Therefore, the working time can be greatly shortened, and the occurrence of problems due to tube connection mistakes or poor connections can be prevented.

The cleaning process by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 and the brushing cleaning in the pipeline will be described.
When the start button is turned on, the following operation is started under the control of the control unit 46. First, tap water is supplied from the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 into the cleaning tank 4a. And water supply is performed until the water level in the washing tank 4a reaches a preset water level at a predetermined water level. When the water level of the washing water reaches the set water level, the communication state between the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 and the water filter device 14 is interrupted, and the water supply ends.

  Next, the CH pump 32 is driven, and water in the cleaning tank 4 a is sucked from the circulation port 21. Then, the sucked water flows from the CH pump 32 to the connection holes 65 and 66 of the turntable 8 through the CH check valve 33, the CH block 31, and the electromagnetic valve 7a. As a result, water flows into the suction pipe side supply hole 72 and the air / water supply pipe side supply hole 79 of the central tower 70.

  Next, the detergent pump 27 is driven, and an appropriate amount of liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 11 is ejected from the detergent nozzle 22 into the washing tank 4a. Washing water is generated by mixing a liquid detergent into the tap water stored in the washing tank 4a. And the washing process starts.

  In the cleaning process, washing water stored in the cleaning tank 4a is ejected from a high pressure nozzle (not shown) provided in the cleaning tank 4a, and a water flow is generated in the cleaning tank 4a. The outer surface of the endoscope main body 101 is washed by this water flow. In addition, the three-way switching valve 29 and the CH block 31 are operated to connect the circulation port 21 with the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 and the turntable 8. Here, when the circulation pump 30 is driven, washing water is ejected from the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 and the washing water is circulated. At the same time, the washing water is supplied to the pipes 106 and 107 of the endoscope main body 101 by the ejection pressure of the CH pump 32 through the notch surface 78 of the turntable 8 and the central tower 70, and the drinking pipe 106 The inside is brushed and washed. Then, washing is continued until a preset washing time is reached.

  When the set time is reached, it is determined that the washing is finished and the washing water is drained. The washing water is drained by operating the switching valve 43 provided at the drain port 42 at the bottom of the washing tank 4a. That is, the drain port 42 and the main body drain port 82 are communicated with each other, and the drain pump 44 is driven in this state. As a result, the washing water in the washing tank 4a is forcibly drained.

  When the drainage is completed, the switching valve 43 is operated to block the drainage port 42, and the three-way switching valve 29 is further operated to shut off the circulation port 21 and the water supply / circulation nozzle 24, and then the disinfection process is started.

  In the disinfection process, first, the chemical pump 28 is driven. Then, the disinfecting liquid stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 12 is supplied from the disinfecting liquid nozzle 23 into the cleaning tank 4a. In this state, since the circulation port 21 and the turntable 8 are in communication with each other, when the CH pump 32 is driven, the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 4 a is passed through the central tower 70 to the endoscope body 101. Flow into each of the pipes 106 and 107. Then, after the water level of the disinfecting liquid supplied to the cleaning tank 4a reaches the set water level, the disinfecting liquid is circulated for a set time.

  Then, when the set time is reached, the driving of the CH pump 32 is stopped. Thereafter, the endoscope main body 101 is immersed in the disinfecting solution for a set time. At this time, the disinfectant is evenly distributed in the pipes 106 and 107 of the endoscope main body 101.

  Next, when the immersion time reaches the set time, it is determined that the disinfection is completed, and the disinfecting liquid is collected. Since the disinfecting liquid is repeatedly used for a certain number of times, the switching valve 43 is operated, and the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 4 a is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 12 through the drain port 42.

  When the collection of the disinfectant is completed, the process proceeds to a rinsing process. In the rinsing step, first, the three-way switching valve 29 is switched to allow the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 and the water filter device 14 to communicate with each other, and the tap water filtered by the water filter device 14 from the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 is stored in the washing tank 4a. To supply. When the tap water reaches a predetermined water level, the three-way switching valve 29 is switched to circulate the tap water stored in the cleaning tank 4a in the same manner as the cleaning step. Then, after the set time has elapsed, the tap water used for rinsing is drained.

  When drainage of tap water is completed, the process moves to the air supply process. In the air supply process, the CH block 31 is driven, and the compressor 34 and the turntable 8 communicate with each other. Then, compressed air is supplied into the ducts 106 and 107 of the endoscope main body 101 through the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70. As a result, the inside of the pipes 106 and 107 is drained and dried.

  When the air supply time by the compressor 34 reaches the set time, the air supply process is ended and the compressor 34 is stopped. Thereafter, an alcohol flush process is started. In the alcohol flush process, the CH block 31 is driven to allow the alcohol tank 13 and the turntable 8 to communicate with each other. Then, the alcohol pump 13A is driven to feed a small amount of the alcohol stored in the alcohol tank 13 to the pipe lines 106 and 107 of the endoscope main body 101 through the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70. .

  Next, the CH block 31 is driven again, and the turntable 8 is communicated with the compressor 34. Here, the compressor 34 is driven to supply compressed air to the pipe lines 106 and 107 of the endoscope main body 101 through the notch surface 78 of the central tower 70. Then, alcohol reaches the pipes 106 and 107 of the endoscope main body 101 together with the compressed air. Here, when the alcohol reaches the pipes 106 and 107, evaporation of water slightly remaining in the pipes 106 and 107 is promoted, and the insides of the pipes 106 and 107 are quickly dried. . Then, when the supply of compressed air reaches the set time, the alcohol flush process is terminated.

  This process ends all the steps. Thereafter, the user opens the cleaning cover 5, separates the cord connecting portion 105 a and the notch surface 78, and takes out the endoscope body 101 from the cleaning portion 4. Further, since the central tower 70 is a disposable type, after the endoscope main body 101 is cleaned and disinfected, it is removed from the turntable 8 and discarded.

Here, with reference to FIG. 17, the brushing washing in the pipe line will be described.
While the cleaning process is started and tap water is being supplied, the control unit 46 outputs a control signal to the high-voltage power supply unit 10 based on the input inner diameter, and the artificial part provided in the brush unit 71a. An appropriate voltage is applied to the muscular portion 71e, and the outer diameter size of the brush portion 71a accommodated in the suction conduit hole 76 is changed to an optimum size for cleaning the suction conduit 106.

  When the controller 46 confirms that the water level in the cleaning tank 4a has reached the predetermined water level as shown in step S1, the controller 46 controls the water supply / circulation nozzle 24 and the water as shown in step S2. The communication state with the filter device 14 is shut off, the water supply is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the control unit 46 drives the CH pump 32 to suck the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 4a from the circulation port 21, and sucks the sucked water from the CH pump 32 to the CH check valve 33, CH. It is made to supply to the connection holes 65 and 66 of the turntable 8 through the block 31 and the electromagnetic valve 7a. As a result, the washing water is sent into the suction pipe side supply hole 72 and the air / water supply pipe side supply hole 79 of the central tower 70.

  Next, in step S <b> 4, the control unit 46 outputs a predetermined control signal to the brush drive unit 9. Then, the motor 61 is driven, the first roller 73 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 18, and the handle 71b is sent out as described above. As a result, the brush portion 71a advances in the distal direction as shown in the drawing through the suction pipe 106 to which the washing water is supplied.

  In step S <b> 5, the control unit 46 calculates the feed amount of the handle 71 b from the rotation amount of the first roller 73, while confirming the feed amount based on the length information of the insertion unit 105. Here, when the control unit 46 determines that the feed amount of the handle 71b has not yet reached the amount that the brush portion 71a reaches the tip opening, the feed is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined by the control unit 46 that the feed amount of the handle portion 71b has reached the amount that the brush portion 71a reaches the tip opening, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S <b> 6, the control unit 46 outputs a control signal to the brush drive unit 9 to reverse the rotation direction of the first roller 73. That is, by rotating the first roller 73 in the clockwise direction in the drawing, the pulling back of the handle 71b is started and the brush portion 71a that has reached the tip opening starts to retreat.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 46 obtains the pullback amount of the handle 71 b by calculation from the rotation amount of the first roller 73, while confirming the pullback amount based on the length information of the insertion unit 105. Here, when the controller 46 determines that the retraction amount of the handle portion 71b has not reached the amount that the brush portion 71a is accommodated in the suction duct hole portion 76, the retraction operation is continued. On the other hand, if the controller 46 determines that the amount of pullback of the handle 71b has reached the amount that the brush 71a is accommodated in the suction conduit hole 76, the process proceeds to step S8, and the washing set time Confirm. Here, if the set time has been reached, the brushing washing is terminated. On the other hand, if the set time has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S4 again to perform brushing washing.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the brush portion of the cleaning brush for cleaning and disinfecting at least the suction conduit of the used endoscope body is configured with the conductive polymer actuator, and the outer diameter is determined by the supplied current. By providing an artificial muscle part whose dimensions change, the outer diameter of the brush part is the optimum dimension for cleaning the inside of the pipeline by changing the voltage applied to the artificial muscle part and expanding and contracting the artificial muscle part. It is possible to clean the inside of the pipeline reliably.

  Also, before starting the cleaning operation, input the inner diameter dimension of the suction conduit provided in the insertion part of the endoscope body to be cleaned and sterilized and the length dimension of the insertion part via the operation panel, or The control unit recognizes various information signals and various recognition information signals of the endoscope main body via an antenna provided in the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, and automatically sets the voltage applied to the artificial muscle portion constituting the brush portion. Thus, the outer diameter dimension of the brush portion can be changed during the process, so that the washing can be performed smoothly.

  By these, without preparing a cleaning brush having a plurality of types of brush portions, that is, regardless of the type of endoscope, one type of cleaning brush is prepared and the cleaning operation in the pipeline is efficiently performed. be able to.

  In this embodiment, during brushing washing, the handle 71b is continuously sent out, and then the operation of continuously pulling back again is described. However, the first roller is intermittently turned clockwise and counterclockwise. Further, it is possible to perform the brushing washing in the feeding direction and the pulling-back direction by performing the feeding and pulling-back by rotating them with predetermined control and moving the washing brush forward and backward in the suction conduit 106.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the endoscope is used, a configuration in which the inside of the suction pipe 106 where the patient's filth, mucous membrane, etc. are likely to adhere is brushed and washed is shown. You may make it the structure penetrated. In that case, a handle storage space for storing two types of cleaning brushes 71 is provided in the central tower 70, and a handle advance / retreat mechanism is provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit obtains the feed amount and the return amount from the rotation amount of the first roller by calculation, while confirming the feed amount and the return amount based on the length information of the insertion portion. Therefore, for example, in a configuration where the diameter of the pipe provided in the insertion portion changes in the middle, the diameter of the brush part is adjusted in accordance with the change in the pipe system by acquiring the pipe information in advance. It can be changed and washed in the pipeline.

  19 and 20 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the washing brush, and FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the length dimension and voltage of the artificial muscle portion. It is a figure explaining the relationship.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the cleaning brush 71A in the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a brush portion 71a having a diameter similar to that of the cleaning brush 71 and a slender handle 71h whose length is changed. ing.

  The handle 71h is mainly composed of a resin film 71i and, for example, a plurality of tubular artificial muscles 71k, 71m, 71n,. The resin film 71i is an elastic resin member having insulating properties and stretchability. The artificial muscle portion 71k is tubular and is composed of a conductive polymer actuator.

  The artificial muscle portion 71k is integrally fixed to the resin film 71i with, for example, an adhesive. Electric wires 71z extend from the artificial muscle portion 71k. The electric wires 71z are inserted into through holes provided in the artificial muscle portions 71k, 71m, 71n,... And electrically connected to a connector portion 71g provided at the base end portion of the handle portion 71h. Yes.

  The artificial muscle portions 71k, 71m, 71n,... Configured by the conductive polymer actuators change in the direction parallel to the brush longitudinal axis direction, that is, the length dimension, when current is supplied. Specifically, a switch portion (not shown) is provided in the electric wire 71z extending from each artificial muscle portion 71k, 71m, 71n,..., And the electric wire 71z extending from the desired artificial muscle portion 71k, 71m, 71n,. By turning on / off the switch part provided and changing the voltage from 0 volt to A3 volt, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the predetermined artificial muscle parts 71k, 71m, 71n,. When the length dimension changes from the L0 dimension to the L3 dimension, the length dimension of the handle portion 71h appropriately changes.

  That is, since the expansion / contraction level of the artificial muscle portions 71k, 71m, 71n,... Changes as shown by the curve in FIG. 20, the voltage applied to the artificial muscle portions 71k, 71m, 71n,. By controlling, the length dimension of the handle 71h can be set to a desired value.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the artificial muscle portion is provided in the handle portion of the cleaning brush by the artificial muscle portion that is configured by the conductive polymer actuator and whose length changes depending on the supplied current. By changing the applied voltage to expand and contract the artificial muscle portion, the length of the handle portion can be set to an optimum size for cleaning the inside of the pipeline, and the inside of the pipeline can be washed reliably.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which a plurality of artificial muscle portions 71k, 71m, 71n,... Are continuously arranged in the resin film 71i. The structure provided in 71i may be sufficient.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first roller is intermittently rotated with predetermined control in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, thereby feeding out and pulling back and moving the cleaning brush forward and backward in the suction line. The brushing washing in the feeding direction and the pulling back direction is performed. However, the brushing washing may be performed by extending and retracting the washing brush in the suction line by expanding and contracting the artificial muscle portion.

  The cleaning brush in the embodiment described above is a constituent member of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, but has at least one of a brush part or a handle part configured to include an artificial muscle part, and an artificial muscle part A cleaning brush provided with a control unit for controlling the voltage applied to the power source and a power supply unit may be configured as a single cleaning tool. Thus, an endoscope having pipes having various diameters and lengths can be cleaned by preparing one cleaning brush.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

1 to 18 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus. A perspective view showing a cleaning part of an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus Block diagram illustrating the configuration of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus A perspective view explaining the central tower and the turntable Cross section of the central tower View from above of the central tower installed on the turntable AA line sectional view shown in FIG. BB sectional view shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the cleaning brush The figure explaining the relationship between the diameter dimension of a brush part and a voltage Sectional drawing explaining the brush part in voltage 0 volt Sectional drawing explaining the brush part in voltage A volt Block diagram for explaining the circuit configuration The figure explaining the example of composition of an endoscope The figure which shows the central tower and the operation part of the endoscope body The figure which shows the state by which the operation part of the endoscope main body was unitedly arranged by center tower Flow chart explaining the brushing washing process The figure explaining the state which the brush part of the cleaning brush is advancing in the suction line 19 and 20 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the cleaning brush. The figure explaining the relationship between the length dimension of an artificial muscle part and voltage

Explanation of symbols

2. Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device
4a ... Cleaning and disinfection tank
8 ... turntable
70 ... Central tower 71 ... Endoscope cleaning brush (cleaning brush)
71a ... Brush part 71c ... Brush bristle part 71d ... Resin film 71e ... Artificial muscle part 71f ... Wire 71g ... Connector part agent Patent attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (6)

An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device for disposing an endoscope in a cleaning and disinfecting tank and cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope,
A central tower for supplying a fluid for cleaning and disinfecting to a pipe line provided in the endoscope in a coupled state is disposed at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the cleaning and disinfecting tank. In the configuration
The central tower is
An endoscope cleaning brush provided with dimension changing means for changing at least one of the outer diameter dimension of the brush part or the length dimension of the handle part;
A handle advancing / retreating mechanism that performs an operation of feeding a predetermined amount of the handle portion of the cleaning brush for endoscope or an operation of pulling back a predetermined amount;
An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprising: An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising the endoscope cleaning brush and the handle part advance / retreat mechanism unit on a central tower disposed at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank,
Furthermore, a control unit, and an information acquisition means for acquiring information possessed by the endoscope,
2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs operation control of the dimension variable unit and the handle portion advance / retreat mechanism unit based on endoscope information obtained by the information acquisition unit. Mirror cleaning and disinfection device. The dimension variable means includes an artificial muscle portion composed of a conductive polymer actuator disposed on the brush portion or the handle portion, and a dimension variable power source portion electrically connected to the artificial muscle portion. Prepared,
The control unit outputs a control signal to the dimension variable power source unit based on the endoscope information, and controls the voltage supplied to the artificial muscle unit, whereby the outer diameter size of the brush unit or the The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length dimension of the handle portion is set to be changed. In an endoscope cleaning brush comprising a brush part and a handle part,
An endoscope cleaning brush characterized in that at least one of the brush part or the handle part is provided with an artificial muscle part for changing a dimension in the brush longitudinal axis direction or a dimension perpendicular to the brush longitudinal axis direction. . The brush part is
An artificial muscle portion that changes a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the brush longitudinal axis direction with a conductive polymer actuator disposed so as to cover the distal end portion of the handle portion having insulating properties;
A stretchable resin film coated on the artificial muscle part;
A brush bristle portion that is provided integrally or by flocking to this resin film;
The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 4, further comprising: The handle is
A tube body having insulation and stretchability;
An artificial muscle portion that is disposed in the tube body and changes the dimension in the brush longitudinal axis direction by at least one conductive polymer actuator;
The endoscope cleaning brush according to claim 4, further comprising:

Images