JP2006043190A - Endoscope washing and disinfecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope washing and disinfecting device in which soiled things, chemicals, etc. can completely be removed and discharged in a washing and disinfecting tank and a washing treatment and a disinfecting treatment can stably be carried out for a long period of time. <P>SOLUTION: In the endoscope washing and disinfecting device 1, the washing and disinfecting tank 3 has a nearly circular cross section in a horizontal direction, and has a contraction part 37 where its cross section area is gradually reduced downward. Below the contraction part 37, a discharge port 38 is formed. Above the contraction part 37, a nozzle 39 for discharging water so as to turn along the inner wall surface of the contraction part 37 toward the discharge part 38 is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

  In general, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is a state where an endoscope is set in a cleaning / disinfecting tank for processing, and by applying a cleaning liquid or a disinfecting liquid to the endoscope by shower spraying or immersion, The endoscope is cleaned and disinfected.

  In the conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the cleaning / disinfecting tank has a rectangular box shape opened upward, and the bottom surface is substantially horizontal, and between the side wall surfaces or between the side wall surface and the bottom surface. A corner is formed on the base (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in such an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, since the bottom surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank is substantially horizontal, the cleaning liquid after cleaning, the disinfecting liquid after disinfection, and dirt removed from the endoscope by cleaning are removed. In some cases, it remained on the bottom without flowing to the outlet. Further, since the corner is formed, the cleaning liquid, the disinfectant, and the dirt are likely to remain in the corner.

  In this way, cleaning liquid, disinfectant, and dirt remaining on the bottom and corners will stick to the bottom and corners if left unattended, so the inside of the cleaning and disinfecting tank cannot be kept clean and stable over a long period of time. It becomes difficult to perform cleaning and disinfection.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-243921

  The purpose of the present invention is to prevent the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid, the dirt, etc. from remaining in the cleaning / disinfecting tank after cleaning or after disinfection, and the endoscope cleaning that can stably perform the cleaning process and the disinfection process over a long period of time. It is to provide a disinfection device.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (13) below.
(1) A cleaning / disinfecting tank is provided for performing at least one of cleaning and disinfection on the endoscope, and the endoscope is cleaned by applying a cleaning liquid or applying a disinfecting liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device for disinfecting,
The cleaning and disinfecting tank has a converging portion whose cross section in the horizontal direction is substantially circular, and whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases downward,
A discharge port is provided below the convergent part,
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, wherein a supply port for discharging liquid is provided above the converging unit so as to be swung along the inner wall surface of the converging unit toward the discharge port.

  Thereby, the liquid discharged from the supply port is swung in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and then discharged from the discharging port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, dirt, etc. from remaining on the surface, and the cleaning disinfecting tank is kept clean. As a result, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention can perform a cleaning process and a disinfecting process stably over a long period of time.

  (2) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to (1), wherein the convergent portion has a substantially inverted conical shape.

  Accordingly, with a relatively simple configuration, the liquid discharged from the supply port is swung in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and then discharged from the discharging port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (3) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the supply port discharges a liquid when the liquid is discharged from the discharge port.

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging portion of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (4) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein an amount of liquid discharged from the supply port is 0.2 to 20 (L / min).

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (5) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a discharge pressure of the liquid from the supply port is 10 to 500 (kPa).

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (6) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the liquid discharged from the supply port is water.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid, dirt, and the like from remaining in the cleaning / disinfecting tank after cleaning or disinfection, while reducing the environmental load.

  (7) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the supply port has a function of discharging at least one of a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid into the cleaning / disinfecting tank. apparatus.

  As a result, when cleaning liquid or disinfecting liquid is supplied into the cleaning / disinfecting tank, the retention of the cleaning liquid or disinfecting liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank is reduced, so that the cleaning liquid or disinfecting liquid can adhere to the cleaning / disinfecting tank. It can prevent more reliably. Further, since the supply port serves both for discharging liquid and discharging cleaning liquid and disinfecting liquid, the apparatus configuration is simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  (8) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein an angle formed by an inner wall surface of the convergent portion and a horizontal plane is 25 to 60 °.

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (9) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein an angle formed between an inner wall surface of the convergent portion and a horizontal plane gradually decreases downward.

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (10) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the converging unit is formed over the entire area in the vertical direction of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is swung in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank over the entire area in the vertical direction of the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and then discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank. Is done. As a result, the inside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank can be kept clean.

  (11) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein a plurality of the supply ports are provided.

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (12) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to (11), wherein the plurality of supply ports are substantially evenly distributed in a circumferential direction of the convergent portion.

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  (13) The above (1) configured such that the liquid discharged from the supply port flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the converging unit and then is discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12).

  As a result, the liquid discharged from the supply port is more reliably discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after rotating in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent a cleaning agent, a disinfectant solution, filth and the like from adhering to a cleaning / disinfecting tank, and to keep the inside of the tank clean and to stably perform cleaning and disinfecting treatment over a long period It is possible to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of performing the above.

  Hereinafter, an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

1 is an overall view showing an appearance of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 and 5 are FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the washing | cleaning disinfection tank with which the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 and an upper lid 10.

  A cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 for cleaning the endoscope 100 to be cleaned / disinfected is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus body 2. Inside the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, a support base 4 on which the endoscope 100 is placed is provided. The cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 will be described in detail later.

  The apparatus main body 2 is provided with an operation panel 21 and a display panel 22. The operation panel 21 is provided with buttons (not shown) for inputting various settings relating to the contents of the cleaning / disinfection work and instructions for starting the work. The display panel 22 displays various contents such as the remaining time of the work, the time until the work is finished, and a warning when a trouble occurs.

  On the other hand, the upper lid 10 is attached to the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 through a hinge (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed. The upper lid 10 is closed at the time of cleaning / disinfection to prevent scattering of the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a water supply tank 5 and a disinfecting liquid tank 6 are incorporated in the apparatus main body 2, and a replenishment pipe line 52 with a water supply valve 51 interposed above the water supply tank 5. Connected at one end. The other end of the supply pipe 52 is connected to a tap faucet (not shown). A cleaning liquid tank 7 incorporated in the apparatus main body 2 is connected to the upper part of the water supply tank 5 via an electromagnetic valve 71. The cleaning liquid tank 7 stores a cleaning liquid for cleaning the water supply system and the endoscope 100.

  Three cleaning liquid supply pipes 53, 54, 59 are connected to the bottom of the water supply tank 5, and one of the cleaning liquid supply pipes 53 leads to a cleaning nozzle 55 provided in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, The other cleaning liquid supply pipe 54 communicates with a channel water supply base 56 provided on the side wall in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3. Further, the cleaning liquid supply pipe 59 communicates with a nozzle 39 connected in the vicinity of the upper end of the converging unit 37 provided at the bottom of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3.

  The cleaning water (tap water) and the cleaning liquid are supplied from the water supply tank 5 to the cleaning liquid supply pipes 53, 54, 59 simultaneously by the operation of the cleaning pump 57. One end of a water supply tube 58 is detachably connected to the channel water supply base 56. The other end of the water supply tube 58 is detachably connected to a channel cap (not shown) of the endoscope 100.

  On the other hand, two disinfectant supply pipes 61 and 62 are connected to the bottom of the disinfectant tank 6, and one disinfectant supply pipe 61 communicates with the cleaning disinfecting tank 3, and the other disinfectant supply The pipe 62 communicates with the channel water supply base 56 in parallel with the cleaning liquid supply pipe 54. The disinfecting liquid is supplied from the disinfecting liquid tank 6 to the disinfecting liquid supply pipes 61 and 62 simultaneously by the operation of the disinfecting liquid pump 63.

  On the inner wall portion of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, a base portion 31 that is sufficiently higher than the portion to be described above is formed on a side portion thereof, avoiding the portion on which the endoscope 100 is placed. An in-device inlet 32 and an air vent 33 are provided on the upper surface of the base 31. The in-apparatus inlet 32 is for injecting a disinfectant for disinfection into the water supply tank 5. The in-device inlet 32 is normally closed with a first cap 34. Further, the air vent 33 is for venting air from the water supply tank 5.

  Further, a pressurized air supply port 35 communicating with the air pump 8 incorporated in the apparatus main body 2 is provided on the side wall in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3. One end of an endoscope pressurizing tube 36 is detachably connected to the pressurized air supply port 35. The other end of the pressurizing tube 36 is detachably connected to a vent hole (not shown) of the endoscope 100.

  Inside the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, a support base 4 on which the endoscope 100 to be cleaned / disinfected is placed is detachably provided.

The support base 4 is formed in a lattice shape at a pitch at which the endoscope 100 can be placed by a plurality of wires. The material constituting the wire is not particularly limited as long as it is resistant to the cleaning agent and the disinfecting liquid (hereinafter also referred to as chemical liquid) to be used, and examples thereof include various metal materials and various resin materials. It is done.
A discharge port 38 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3.

One end of a discharge pipe 69 is connected to the discharge port 38 via a solenoid valve 68. The other end of the discharge pipe 69 is connected to the upper part of the disinfecting liquid tank 6 and a discharge pump 93 for discharging to the outside of the apparatus via a switching valve 91. The switching valve 91 has a function of switching the discharge destination of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 38 to the disinfecting liquid tank 6 or the discharge pump 93.
Here, the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 has a converging portion 37 whose inner space has a substantially inverted conical shape. The inner space extends upward from the converging portion 37 in a cylindrical shape, and has an opening. is doing. The converging portion 37 has a relatively simple configuration with the inner space having an inverted conical shape, and the cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction gradually decreases downward. A discharge port 38 is provided below the converging unit 37.

  In addition, a nozzle 39 that discharges water along the inner wall surface of the converging unit 37 with a horizontal component is attached to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3. The nozzle 39 is provided with the supply port 39 </ b> A facing the upper position of the converging part 37 so that water is discharged along the inner wall surface of the converging part 37 with a horizontal component.

  By being configured in this way, the water discharged from the supply port 39A swirls in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the converging part 37 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, and then from the discharge port 38 to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3. Discharged. The water swirling in this way ishes away the cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, dirt, etc. adhering to the inner wall surface of the converging part 37 and prevents the cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, dirt, etc. from remaining on the inner wall surface of the converging part 37. The inside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 is kept clean. As a result, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 can perform a cleaning process and a disinfection process stably over a long period of time.

  The angle θ formed by the inner wall surface of the convergent portion 37 and the horizontal plane is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25 to 60 °. By setting the angle θ within this range, the waste and chemicals removed from the endoscope 100 can be more effectively poured into the discharge port 38 and discharged during drainage.

  On the other hand, when the angle θ is smaller than the lower limit value, depending on the discharge pressure or flow rate of the water discharged from the supply port 39A, the filth or chemical removed from the endoscope 100 is poured into the discharge port 38. It becomes difficult. On the other hand, when the angle θ is larger than the upper limit value, the water discharged from the supply port 39A is circumferentially along the inner wall surface of the converging portion 37 depending on the discharge pressure or flow rate of the water discharged from the supply port 39A. Therefore, it becomes difficult to pour dirt and chemicals removed from the endoscope 100 into the discharge port 38. Moreover, since the converging part 37 becomes deep and a lot of space is required, the apparatus is increased in size.

  In such a converging unit 37, cleaning water (tap water) is discharged from the nozzle 39 at the time of drainage, so that filth and chemicals removed from the endoscope 100 can be reliably supplied to the discharge port 38. Can be poured and discharged.

  That is, at the time of drainage, the cleaning water supplied from the water supply tank 5 is discharged from the nozzle 39 into the discharge port 38 through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 59. At this time, water is discharged substantially in the horizontal direction. Then, the discharged water flows diagonally downward due to the relationship between the gravity and the initial velocity. Thereby, water flows into the discharge port 38 while circling the wall surface of the convergent portion 37 along the wall surface of the convergent portion 37.

  Thus, since the water discharged from the nozzle 39 is concentrated and discharged in large quantities, a main flow is formed. As a result, the main flow flows along the wall surface of the converging portion 37, so that a swirl is formed in the flowing water, and a swirl flow that is drawn three-dimensionally is formed because this flow is directed downward. Therefore, the filth and the chemical solution at the peripheral edge of the convergent portion are quickly conveyed to the central discharge port 38 by the swirling flow formed, and are sent into the discharge port 38.

  The amount of water discharged from the nozzle 39 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 to 20 (L / min). By discharging water in the above-mentioned range from the nozzle 39 during drainage through the discharge port 38, a swirl flow is effectively formed in the running water, and the filth and chemicals removed from the endoscope 100 are more reliably discharged. Can be poured into. On the other hand, when the amount of water discharged from the nozzle 39 is out of the above range, it becomes difficult to form a swirling flow in the flowing water, and the filth and chemicals removed from the endoscope 100 are sufficiently discharged. May not flow into the converging portion 37 and may remain on the wall surface of the converging portion 37.

  Moreover, it is although it does not specifically limit as a discharge pressure of the water (washing water) from the nozzle 39, It is preferable that it is 10-500 (kPa). By discharging water from the nozzle at the discharge pressure in the above range at the time of drainage, a swirl flow is effectively formed in the flowing water at the time of drainage, and the filth and the chemical liquid removed from the endoscope are more reliably discharged. Can be poured into. On the other hand, when the discharge pressure of the water discharged from the nozzle 39 is outside the above range, it becomes difficult to form a swirling flow in the running water, and the filth and chemicals removed from the endoscope are sufficiently discharged. May not flow into the converging portion 37 and may remain on the wall surface of the converging portion 37.

The nozzle 39 may be disposed horizontally with respect to the opening of the convergent portion 37 or may be disposed at an angle. By arranging with an angle, a swirl flow can be formed more effectively. In that case, the angle formed by the axis of the nozzle 39 and the horizontal plane is preferably −60 to + 60 °, and more preferably +25 to + 60 °. Thereby, a swirl flow can be formed more effectively. The angle is defined as + when the axis of the nozzle 39 is tilted upward and-when it is tilted downward.
Next, a cleaning / disinfecting method using the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described.

  The cleaning and disinfection processes are roughly classified as follows: Leak detection process → 2. Washing process → 3. Rinse process → 4. Disinfection process → 5. This is a rinsing step (→ 6. Drying step (including alcohol flush)). Hereinafter, each step will be described.

<1. Leakage detection process>
One end of the pressurizing tube 36 is connected to the pressurized air supply port 35 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, and the other end of the pressurizing tube 36 is connected to the vent hole of the endoscope 100. When a start button (not shown) is pressed on the operation panel 21 shown in FIG. 1, first, the air pump 8 is activated, and the inside of the endoscope 100 is pressurized by the air from the pressurized air supply port 35. Is done.

  At the same time, the cleaning pump 57 operates with the electromagnetic valve 68 closed. Thereby, the inside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 is stored, and the endoscope 100 is immersed in the water.

  On the other hand, by the operation of the above-described washing pump 57, liquid is also fed into the channel of the endoscope 100, and bubbles adhering to the inner wall of the channel are washed away and removed.

  Thereafter, after reaching the immersion water level, the cleaning pump 57 is stopped, and at this point, the user visually checks whether or not the leaked air from the leaked part is released as bubbles and floats. That is, since the air pump 8 continues to operate, when there is a leaking part, it can be visually observed that bubbles are generated from the corresponding part.

<2. Cleaning process>
The water supply valve 51 is opened and tap water is sequentially supplied to the water supply tank 5, and the electromagnetic valve 71 is opened and the cleaning liquid is sequentially supplied to the water absorption tank 5.

  Also, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the water supply tank 5 to the cleaning nozzle 55 and the channel water supply base 56 by the operation of the cleaning pump 57, and the endoscope outer surface and the inside of the channel are cleaned. At this time, the solenoid valve 68 is open, and the discharge destination of the switching valve 91 is the discharge pump 93, which is sequentially drained to the outside of the apparatus.

  The cleaning liquid is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include neutral (including enzymes) and alkaline cleaning liquids.

  In addition, the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the time of cleaning is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 20 to 60 ° C. in consideration of the resistance of the endoscope 100. If the temperature is too low, cleaning may not be performed efficiently depending on the type of cleaning liquid. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, depending on the material constituting the endoscope 100, the endoscope 100 may be affected by the resistance of the endoscope 100, such as part of the endoscope 100 being deformed or denatured by heat. is there.

  Further, in this step, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the nozzle 39 provided in the converging unit 37 simultaneously with the liquid feeding. As a result, a swirling flow is formed by the cleaning liquid, and dirt and cleaning liquid adhering to the upper peripheral edge and the inner wall surface of the converging portion 37 are quickly carried to the discharge port 38 at the center by this swirling flow and discharged. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent dirt and cleaning liquid removed from the endoscope 100 from remaining on the corners and walls of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 in the rinsing process described later, and to keep the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 clean. Can do. In addition, the influence of the residue on the next process can be prevented, and the cleaning process and the disinfection process can be performed stably over a long period of time.

<3. Rinsing process>
The water supply valve 51 is opened, and tap water is sequentially supplied to the water supply tank 5. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 71 is closed.

  Further, the cleaning pump 57 is operated to supply water from the water supply tank 5 to the cleaning nozzle 55 and the channel water supply base 56 to wash away the cleaning liquid adhering to the endoscope outer surface and the channel. At this time, the solenoid valve 68 is open, and the discharge destination of the switching valve 91 is the discharge pump 93, which is sequentially drained to the outside of the apparatus.

  Further, the temperature at the time of rinsing is not particularly limited, but it is preferably set to about 20 to 60 ° C. in consideration of the resistance of the endoscope 100. If the temperature is too low, rinsing may not be performed efficiently depending on the type of cleaning liquid used in the above-described steps. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, depending on the material constituting the endoscope 100, the endoscope 100 may be affected by the resistance of the endoscope 100, such as part of the endoscope 100 being deformed or denatured by heat. is there.

  In this step, water (washing water) is discharged from the nozzle 39 provided in the converging unit 37 simultaneously with the liquid feeding. As a result, a swirling flow is formed by the water, and the dirt and chemicals adhering to the upper peripheral edge and the inner wall surface of the converging portion 37 are quickly carried to the discharge port 38 at the center by this swirling flow and discharged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dirt and the like removed from the endoscope 100 from remaining on the corners and wall surfaces of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 and to keep the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 clean. In addition, the influence of the residue on the next process can be prevented, and the cleaning process and the disinfection process can be performed stably over a long period of time.

<4. Disinfection process>
By the operation of the sterilizing pump 63, the sterilizing liquid in the sterilizing liquid tank 6 is sent into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 through the nozzle 39, the cleaning nozzle 55 and the channel water supply base 56. At this time, since the solenoid valves 68 and 91 are closed, the disinfecting liquid is accumulated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3, and the endoscope 100 is immersed in the disinfecting liquid. Then, after the liquid feeding is completed, immersion disinfection is performed by leaving it for a predetermined time. After completion of the immersion disinfection, the solenoid valve 68 is opened, the discharge destination of the switching valve 91 is the discharge pump 93, and the disinfecting liquid is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 6 by natural fall.

  The disinfectant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include peracetic acid, glutaraldehyde, orthophthalaldehyde, and the like.

  Further, the temperature of the disinfecting solution at the time of disinfection is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to set the temperature to about 20 to 60 ° C. in consideration of the resistance of the endoscope 100. If the temperature is too low, disinfection may not be performed efficiently depending on the type of disinfectant used. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, depending on the material constituting the endoscope 100, the endoscope 100 may be affected by the resistance of the endoscope 100, such as part of the endoscope 100 being deformed or denatured by heat. is there.

  After discharging the disinfecting liquid, the discharge valve 93 is the discharge destination of the switching valve 91 while the electromagnetic valve 68 is kept open. At this time, since the disinfecting liquid is discharged from the nozzle 39 provided in the converging part 37, a swirling flow is formed by the disinfecting liquid, and the chemical liquid attached to the upper peripheral edge and the inner wall surface of the converging part 37 is this swirling flow. As a result, it is quickly carried to the discharge port 38 in the center and discharged. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the disinfecting liquid removed from the endoscope 100 from remaining on the corners and wall surfaces of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 in the rinsing process described later, and to keep the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 clean. it can. Moreover, the influence on the next process by a residue can also be prevented.

<5. Rinsing process>
In this step, the aforementioned 3. The disinfecting liquid adhering to the endoscope 100 is washed away by the same operation as the rinsing process.

  Finally, the endoscope 100 is taken out from the support base 4 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 and subjected to water removal and drying as necessary, and then stored in a storage.

  In the above description, rinsing is performed at the end of each cleaning and disinfecting process, and water is discharged from the nozzle 39 at the time of draining. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a certain point such as the end of the cleaning process. It may be performed only in step 1, or after all steps are completed.

  However, it is preferable to discharge water from the nozzle 39 at the end of each step. Moreover, you may repeat discharge of water in multiple times. Thereby, the effect of this invention can be exhibited to the maximum.

  In the above description, water (cleaning water) is discharged from the nozzle 39 in the rinsing step, but the liquid discharged from the nozzle 39 may be other liquid such as alcohol. Further, the liquid may contain a substance having an excellent cleaning effect.

  In the above description, the nozzle 39 has a function of discharging not only water (cleaning water) but also a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid. However, the nozzle 39 has only a function of discharging water. Also good. In this case, the configuration of the apparatus is simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  Next, an example of an electronic endoscope that is cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an overall view showing an electronic endoscope (electronic scope). Hereinafter, in FIG. 4, the upper side is described as “base end” and the lower side is described as “tip”.

  The electronic endoscope 100 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to a long insertion tube flexible tube 120 having flexibility (softness) and a proximal end portion of the insertion tube flexible tube 120, and is grasped by an operator. An operation unit 160 that operates the entire electronic endoscope 100, a connection unit flexible tube 170 connected to the operation unit 160, and a light source insertion unit 180 connected to the distal end of the connection unit flexible tube 170 have.

  The insertion portion flexible tube 120 is used by being inserted into a body cavity. As shown in FIG. 4, the insertion portion flexible tube 120 has a flexible tube portion 121 from the hand (base end) side, and a bendable bending portion 122 provided at the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 121. is doing.

  An imaging element (CCD) (not shown) that captures a subject image at the observation site is provided on the inner side of the distal end of the bending section 121. This imaging element is provided in the insertion section flexible tube 120, the operation section 160, and the connection. It is connected to an image signal connector 182 provided in the light source insertion portion 180 by an image signal cable (not shown) continuously disposed in the flexible tube 170.

  In addition, a light source connector 181 is provided along with an image signal connector 182 at the tip of the light source insertion portion 180, and the light source connector 181 and the image signal connector 182 are connected to a connection portion of a light source processor device (not shown). The light source insertion unit 180 is connected to the light source processor device. A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the light source processor device via a cable.

  The light emitted from the light source processor device is continuously arranged in the light source connector 181 and the light source insertion portion 180, the connection portion flexible tube 170, the operation portion 160, and the insertion portion flexible tube 120. Through the light guide (not shown), the observation site is irradiated and illuminated from the distal end of the bending portion 122 (insertion portion flexible tube 120). Such a light guide is configured by bundling a plurality of optical fibers made of, for example, quartz, multicomponent glass, plastic, or the like.

  The reflected light (subject image) from the observation site illuminated by the illumination light is imaged by the image sensor. The image sensor outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured subject image. This image signal is transmitted to the light source insertion unit 180 via the image signal cable.

  Then, predetermined processing (for example, signal processing, image processing, etc.) is performed in the light source insertion unit 180 and the light source processor device, and then input to the monitor device. In the monitor device, an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor, that is, an endoscope monitor image of a moving image is displayed.

  A first operation knob 161, a second operation knob 162, a first lock lever 163, and a second lock lever 164 are provided on the upper surface in FIG.

  When each of the operation knobs 161 and 162 is rotated, a wire (not shown) disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube 120 is pulled, and the bending portion 122 is bent in four directions, and the direction of the bending portion 122 is changed. Can be changed.

  When the lock levers 163 and 164 are rotated counterclockwise, the bending state (the bending state in the vertical and horizontal directions) of the bending portion 122 can be fixed (held), respectively, while rotating in the clockwise direction. When operated, the bending portion 122 fixed in a bent state can be released.

  In addition, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of control buttons 165, suction buttons 166, and air / liquid supply buttons 167 are provided on the side surface (circumferential surface) in FIG.

  While the electronic endoscope 100 is connected to the light source processor device (external device), by pressing each control button 165, various operations of peripheral devices such as the light source processor device and the monitor device (for example, moving images of electronic images) And a still image, an electronic image filing system and an imaging device can be operated and / or stopped, and an electronic image recording device can be operated and / or stopped.

  The suction button 166 and the air / liquid feeding button 167 are respectively formed continuously in the light source insertion portion 180, the connection portion flexible tube 170, the operation portion 160, and the insertion portion flexible tube 120. Has a function of opening and closing a suction channel and an air / liquid feeding channel (both not shown) opened at the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 120 and opened at the other end by the light source insertion portion 180.

  That is, before the suction button 166 and the air / liquid feeding button 167 are pressed, the suction channel and the air / liquid feeding channel are closed (the fluid cannot pass through), When the suction button 166 and the air / liquid feeding button 167 are pressed, the suction channel and the air / liquid feeding channel communicate with each other (the fluid can pass through).

  When the electronic endoscope 100 is used, suction means is connected to the other end of the suction channel, and air / liquid supply means is connected to the other end of the air / liquid supply channel.

  Thereby, in a state where the suction channel is in communication, body fluid or blood in the body cavity can be sucked from the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 120, and in the state where the air / liquid supply channel is in communication, the insertion portion Liquid or gas can be supplied from the distal end of the flexible tube 120 into the body cavity.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where only the bottom of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 is the inverted conical converging part 37 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the cleaning / disinfecting tank is not limited thereto. 3 may be a converging part over the entire vertical direction. In this case, it is preferable to provide the supply port 39A of the nozzle 39 at the uppermost part of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 or in the vicinity thereof. Thereby, the entire inner wall surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 is more reliably kept clean.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the nozzles 39 are arranged in the converging unit 37 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to portions other than the converging unit 37 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3. A nozzle may be arranged. Thereby, not only the converging part 37 but also the adhesion / remaining of the chemical solution and dirt on the wall surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 and the part other than the converging part 37 on the bottom surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 3 can be prevented.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reverse conical shape of the converging portion 37 has been described by taking a symmetrical shape as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the reverse conical shape of the converging portion 37 is an asymmetrical shape. It may be.

  In addition, the shape of the converging part 37 is not limited to the inverted conical shape as long as the cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction gradually decreases downward, and the angle formed by the inner wall surface of the converging part 37 and the horizontal plane faces downward. And may change. In this case, it is preferable that the angle formed by the inner wall surface of the convergent portion and the horizontal plane gradually decreases downward. Thereby, the water discharged from the supply port 39A of the nozzle 39 is more reliably discharged to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank from the discharge port after swirling in the circumferential direction along the inner wall surface of the convergent portion.

  In the above-described embodiment, liquid such as water is discharged from one supply port 39A of the nozzle 39. However, as shown in FIG. 5, liquid such as water is discharged from a plurality of supply ports 39A and 39A ′. You may do it. By doing in this way, even if the degree of the swirling of the liquid on the inner wall surface of the converging part 37 is small, the liquid discharged from the nozzles 39 and 39 ′ is effectively transferred to the inner wall surface of the converging part 37. Can wash away dirt and chemicals. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of supply ports are preferably distributed substantially evenly in the circumferential direction of the convergent portion 37. Thereby, the entire inner peripheral surface of the convergent portion can be effectively cleaned without unevenness.

  Further, the endoscope that is cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention is not limited to an electronic endoscope, and may be an optical endoscope (fiberscope), and medical. It is not limited to the endoscope for use, and may be an endoscope used for industrial use. Furthermore, not only endoscopes but also endoscope-related products such as OCT (optical coherence tomography) probes, cleaning adapters, water bottle tubes, leak tester tubes, and catheters used with endoscopes. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention can also be used for sterilization.

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
(Example)
The endoscope as shown in FIG. 4 is cleaned with an enzyme cleaning solution and disinfected with a glutaral disinfectant (20-24 ° C.) using an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus equipped with a cleaning / disinfecting tank as shown in FIG. Each went.

The cleaning solution and disinfecting solution used are as follows.
Enzyme cleaning solution: ENDOZIME AW (Luhof)
Glutaral disinfectant: Cidexplus 28 (Johnson-End-Johnson)
In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the bottom surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank was formed in an inverted cone shape, and the angle of the inclined surface was 30 °.

  Moreover, it carried out in order of the washing | cleaning process, the rinsing process, the disinfection process, and the rinse process, and in each process, the liquid (cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid) was discharged from the nozzle distribute | arranged to the convergence part. The liquid discharge amount at this time was 5 L / min, and the discharge pressure was 100 kPa.

(Comparative example)
The endoscope was cleaned with an enzyme cleaning solution and disinfected with a glutaral disinfectant (20-24 ° C.) in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a square columnar cleaning disinfection tank was used. ).

<Evaluation>
By measuring the amount of glutaral in the liquid adhering to the cleaning / disinfecting tank of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus after the completion of all the processes, the drainage inside the cleaning / disinfecting tank was evaluated. The amount of glutaral was measured using chromatography.

  As a result, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the example, the measurement amount was less than the detection limit, and glutaral could not be detected.

  On the other hand, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the comparative example, the measurement amount was 15 ppm, which was inferior to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the example.

1 is an overall view showing an appearance of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically schematic structure of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a cleaning / disinfecting tank provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a general view which shows an electronic endoscope (electronic scope). It is a typical perspective view which shows the other example of the washing | cleaning disinfection tank with which the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus of this invention was equipped.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 10 Upper cover 2 Apparatus main body 21 Operation panel 22 Display panel 3 Cleaning / disinfection tank 31 Base part 32 Inlet in apparatus 33 Air vent 34 First cap 35 Pressurized air supply port 36 Endoscope addition Pressure tube 37 Condensing part 38 Discharge port 39 Nozzle 39A Supply port 39A 'Supply port 4 Endoscope support base 5 Water supply tank 51 Water supply valve 52 Supply pipes 53, 54, 59 Cleaning liquid supply pipe 55 Cleaning nozzle 56 Channel water supply base 57 Cleaning pump 58 Water supply tube 6 Disinfecting liquid tank 61, 62 Disinfecting liquid supply pipe 63 Disinfecting liquid pump 68 Disinfecting liquid recovery electromagnetic valve 69 Discharge pipe 7 Cleaning liquid tank 71 Electromagnetic valve 8 Air pump 91 Switching valve 93 Discharge pump 100 Electronic internal view Mirror 120 Insertion section Flexible tube 121 Flexible tube section 122 Bending section 160 Operation section 161 First operation Bed 162 second operating knob 163 first locking lever 164 the second lock lever 165 control button 166 suction button 167 air-feeding button 170 connected flexible tube 180 light source inserting portion 181 light source connector 182 image signal connector

Claims (13)

A cleaning / disinfecting tank is provided for performing at least one of cleaning and disinfecting treatment on the endoscope. In the cleaning / disinfecting tank, the endoscope is cleaned by applying a cleaning liquid, or by applying a disinfecting liquid. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device that performs
The cleaning and disinfecting tank has a converging portion whose cross section in the horizontal direction is substantially circular and whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases downward,
A discharge port is provided below the convergent part,
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, wherein a supply port for discharging liquid is provided above the converging unit so as to be swung along the inner wall surface of the converging unit toward the discharge port.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convergent portion has a substantially inverted conical shape.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply port discharges liquid at the time of drainage through the discharge port.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an amount of liquid discharged from the supply port is 0.2 to 20 (L / min).   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a discharge pressure of the liquid from the supply port is 10 to 500 (kPa).   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid discharged from the supply port is water.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the supply port has a function of discharging at least one of a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid into the cleaning / disinfecting tank.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an angle formed by an inner wall surface of the convergent portion and a horizontal plane is 25 to 60 °.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an angle formed by an inner wall surface of the convergent portion and a horizontal plane gradually decreases downward.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the converging unit is formed over the entire area in the vertical direction of the cleaning / disinfecting tank.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the supply ports are provided.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of supply ports are substantially evenly distributed in a circumferential direction of the convergent portion. The liquid discharged from the supply port is configured to be discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank after spirally flowing along the inner wall surface of the converging unit. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of the above.

Images