JP2009018050A - Endoscope washer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope washer capable of saving a space of an installation area and washing a plurality of endoscopes. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope washer can solve the problem by forming elongate washing tubs for storing and washing endoscopes and aligning a plurality of washing tubs in a transverse direction. The ratio of the length of the transverse direction to the length of the longitudinal direction is 2 or more in the longitudinal direction/transverse direction. Operation means is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of each washing tub, and endoscope-positioning means is provided in the washing tub on the side where the operation means is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning machine that automatically cleans an endoscope, and more specifically, an endoscope that can use an installation space with good efficiency and can clean a plurality of endoscopes. It relates to a washing machine.

As is well known, an endoscope is inserted into a living body such as a human body and used for diagnosis and treatment of organs, collection of specimens, and the like.
An endoscope is basically a connector that is connected to an insertion part to be inserted into a human body, an operation part to operate the endoscope such as an operation of the insertion part and air / water supply, an air supply source, a suction pump, etc. (LG (Light Guide) connector) and a universal cord (supply hose) for connecting the connector, the operation unit, and the insertion unit.

An endoscope is used repeatedly in common with a plurality of patients. Therefore, after use, it is necessary to perform thorough hygiene management and thoroughly clean each time it is used in order to completely prevent infection of bacteria through the endoscope.
For this reason, various endoscope cleaning machines for automatically cleaning an endoscope have been put into practical use.

As a typical configuration of an endoscope cleaning machine, an endoscope having a cleaning tank and a long tubular cleaning tube communicating with the cleaning tank as shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 Mirror washing machines are known.
In this endoscope cleaning machine, the insertion section of a thin and long endoscope is stored in a cleaning tube, and the operation section of the endoscope, connector (connector section), and universal cord (universal cord section) are used as a cleaning tank. The endoscope is cleaned, for example, by circulating a cleaning solution or a disinfecting solution through a path including a cleaning tank and a cleaning tube (or disinfecting the disinfecting solution only).

In addition, as another configuration of the endoscope cleaning machine, as shown in Patent Document 3, it does not have a cleaning tube that accommodates the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the operation portion, the connector, the insertion portion, In addition, an endoscope cleaner having a configuration in which a universal cord is accommodated to perform cleaning is known.
In this endoscope cleaning machine, as shown in Patent Document 3, the insertion portion of the endoscope and the universal cord are accommodated in a cleaning tank in a state of being wound in an arc shape or a spiral shape. The endoscope is cleaned by circulating a cleaning solution and a disinfecting solution through the path including the tank and a path including the cleaning tube (or only the immersion of the disinfecting solution).

JP 2002-52033 A JP 2006-334405 A JP 2006-68095 A

  By the way, in a large hospital or the like, it is often necessary to clean a large number of endoscopes when examinations are concentrated. Therefore, in such hospitals, a plurality of endoscope cleaning machines are installed side by side to cope with the cleaning of a large number of endoscopes.

Here, in the endoscope washing machine which winds the insertion part of the endoscope and the universal cord as disclosed in Patent Document 3 and accommodates the endoscope in the washing tank, a circular or square washing tank is required. For this reason, the cleaning tank is appropriately sized in any direction, that is, in order to arrange a plurality of units (as well as an apparatus having a plurality of cleaning tanks), a large installation place is required. .
Further, in the endoscope cleaning machine having the cleaning tube disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the universal cord portion is usually wound and accommodated in the cleaning tank. A washing tank is required, and similarly, a large installation place is required.

However, in some hospitals and the like, a room in which an endoscope cleaning machine such as an endoscope room is installed is often not large enough.
Therefore, there may be cases where it is not possible to install a sufficient number of endoscope cleaners (endoscope washing tanks) that can handle the cleaning of a large number of endoscopes. In order to install an endoscope cleaning machine, it is necessary to sacrifice the space for installing other devices.

  Furthermore, in these endoscope cleaning machines, it takes time and effort to wind the insertion portion and the universal cord in order to store the endoscope in the cleaning tank, and to store the insertion portion of the endoscope in the cleaning tube. In other words, it takes time and labor to set the endoscope to the endoscope cleaning machine, and the burden on the operator is large.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, an endoscope cleaning machine that can effectively use an installation space and can simultaneously clean a plurality of endoscopes. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention is an endoscope cleaning machine for cleaning an endoscope, a cleaning tank for storing the endoscope to be cleaned is long, and Provided is an endoscope cleaner having a plurality of cleaning tanks arranged in a short direction of the cleaning tank.

  In such an endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, it is preferable that one cleaning tank has a configuration that accommodates only one endoscope, and the length of the cleaning tank in the short direction is 40 cm. The ratio of the length in the short side direction to the length in the long side direction is preferably 2 or more in the longitudinal direction / short side direction, and the operating means is provided on one side of the cleaning tank longitudinal direction. Preferably, the endoscope positioning means is provided on the side of the cleaning tank where the operation means is provided, and further includes a lid for the cleaning tank, and the lid is transparent. Preferably there is.

According to the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a large number of cleaning tanks are installed as compared with the prior art by effectively using the installation space of the endoscope cleaning machine in a hospital or a medical examination facility. can do.
In hospitals and the like, endoscope cleaning machines are usually arranged at the edge of a room such as near a wall, and when a plurality of endoscope cleaning machines are installed, they are arranged side by side at the edge of the room. Here, in an endoscope cleaning machine that has a conventional insertion part or the like and winds an endoscope in a cleaning tank and an endoscope cleaning machine that has a cleaning tube, the cleaning tank becomes circular or square. Therefore, when a plurality of endoscope cleaners are installed side by side, there is a case where a sufficient number of endoscope cleaners cannot be arranged because space is taken in the width direction (array direction).
On the other hand, the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, which has a long cleaning tank and is arranged in the short direction (width direction) of the cleaning tank and has a plurality of cleaning tanks arranged in the width direction, Since the size of the cleaning tank is small, the size in the width direction with respect to the number of cleaning tanks can be reduced as compared with the conventional endoscope cleaning machine. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce the space in the width direction with respect to the number of cleaning tanks even when a plurality of units are installed side by side. Therefore, according to the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, a plurality of endoscopes can be cleaned at the same time, and at the edge of a room such as a wall as compared with a conventional endoscope cleaning machine. Many washing tanks can be arranged. That is, according to the present invention, a plurality of endoscopes can be cleaned at a time, and a large number of cleaning tanks can be arranged at the edge of the room. The space in which the machine is installed can be used efficiently, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the device substantially and arrange a large number of washing tanks in a small installation space. It is possible to cope with the washing of the endoscope and the like.

Also, when carrying an endoscope, in order to avoid contact with the floor, etc., the insertion part and universal cord should be folded (or folded), and the operation part and connector should be held in one hand. On the other hand, it often has a bent portion such as an insertion portion.
Therefore, according to the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention having a long cleaning tank, the cleaning tank can be quickly and easily carried as it is carried without performing the operation of winding the insertion portion or the like. An endoscope can be set in

  Hereinafter, the endoscope washing machine of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an endoscope cleaner according to the present invention. 1A is a perspective view, and FIG. 1B is a side view. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the endoscope cleaning machine (a lid 20 described later is omitted).
An endoscope cleaning machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning machine 10) shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that automatically cleans an endoscope 50. The cleaning machine 10 includes two cleaning tanks (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning tank 14 collectively), which are a first cleaning tank 14a and a second cleaning tank 14b, as cleaning tanks that house the endoscope 50 and perform cleaning. The two endoscopes 50 can be cleaned simultaneously and asynchronously (independently).

As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning machine 10 has three tanks, a cleaning liquid tank 100, a disinfecting liquid tank 102, and an alcohol tank 104, in the lower part of the cleaning tank 14. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning machine 10 includes a cleaning liquid pump 106, a disinfecting liquid pump 108, an alcohol pump 110, and the like. In other words, the cleaning machine 10 has two cleaning tanks, a first cleaning tank 14a and a second cleaning tank 14b, and is a device that can clean two endoscopes 50 simultaneously and asynchronously. A tank for storing the processing liquid and a pump for supplying the processing liquid are shared by the two cleaning tanks 14.
In addition, a piping system as shown in FIG. 5 is formed in the cleaning machine 10 in order to clean the endoscope with a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid, or the like.
These will be described in detail later.

  In the cleaning machine 10, the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b accommodate the endoscope 50, and are cleaned with the cleaning liquid (cleaning process), rinsed with tap water (rinsing process after cleaning), disinfecting liquid. The endoscope 50 is cleaned by performing four steps of disinfection (disinfection step) by rinsing and rinsing with tap water (rinsing step after disinfection).

Note that the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention may be configured to accommodate a plurality of endoscopes 50 such as two in one cleaning tank, and may be capable of cleaning a plurality of endoscopes simultaneously. However, when a plurality of endoscopes 50 are accommodated in one cleaning tank, the endoscopes 50 may overlap with each other and the cleaning performance may deteriorate. Therefore, the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention preferably has a configuration in which only one endoscope 50 is accommodated in one cleaning tank.
Moreover, although the washing machine 10 of the example of illustration has the two washing tanks 14, this invention is not limited to this, It is also preferable to have the 3 or more washing tanks 14. FIG.

  In the illustrated latent image machine 10, the first cleaning tank 14 a and the second cleaning tank 14 b have exactly the same configuration, so the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the following description will be given as the cleaning tank 14. .

As described above, the cleaning tank 14 (the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b) houses and cleans the endoscope 50. In the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning tank 10 has a long shape (planar (upper surface) shape), and two tanks are arranged in the short direction (width direction). The upper surface of the cleaning tank 14 is opened and closed by the lid body 20.
In the endoscope 50, as shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 are normally folded in half (in the case of a long endoscope, it is folded in a zigzag manner), and the bottom surface (floor surface) 22 of the cleaning tank 14 is obtained. It is accommodated in the washing tank 14 so that it may be mounted in this.
Moreover, in the cleaning machine 10 of the illustrated example, the cleaning tank 14 is configured to accommodate only one endoscope 50 as described above, as described above.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, although omitted to clearly show the configuration of the present invention, each channel of the endoscope 50 such as a forceps channel and an air / water supply channel (its channel) A port for connecting a base and a connecting portion), an introduction port for introducing a treatment liquid such as cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14, and the like are provided.
These will be described in detail later.

  The cleaning machine 10 of the present invention has such a long cleaning tank 14 and a plurality of the cleaning tanks 14 in the width direction (short direction of the cleaning tank 14 (arrow x direction in FIG. 2)). By arranging the arrangement, the space of the room in which the cleaning machine 10 is installed is effectively used, that is, the apparatus is practically reduced in size, and a plurality of cleaning tanks 14 are arranged in a narrow space, and a plurality of inside This makes it possible to clean the endoscope.

As described above, in a large hospital or the like, it may be necessary to clean a large number of endoscopes. In order to cope with this, a plurality of endoscope cleaning machines are installed side by side.
Here, in hospitals or the like, usually, when installing a plurality of endoscope cleaning machines, they are arranged side by side on the edge of a room such as a wall. However, in the endoscope cleaning machine in which the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 of the conventional endoscope 50 are wound and accommodated, the cleaning tank becomes a square shape or a circular shape. Even if the washing machines (washing tanks) are arranged, the width is increased in the arrangement direction, and many washing tanks cannot be arranged at the edge of the room.

On the other hand, the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention has a configuration in which a long cleaning tank 14 is provided and a plurality of the cleaning tanks are arranged in the width direction (that is, the short direction). Therefore, the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention is smaller in the width direction of the cleaning tank 14 than the conventional endoscope cleaning machine. Moreover, the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention has a plurality of cleaning tanks 14 arranged in the width direction. Therefore, the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention can perform cleaning of the plurality of endoscopes 50 at the same time, and has a size in the width direction with respect to the number of cleaning tanks as compared with the conventional endoscope cleaning machine. The space in the width direction can be reduced with respect to the number of cleaning tanks even when a plurality of units are arranged side by side.
That is, according to the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, a plurality of endoscopes 50 can be cleaned at the same time, and a large number of cleaning tanks 14 can be arranged at the edge of a room such as a wall. It is possible to efficiently use the indoor space in which the endoscope cleaning machine such as the above is installed. Thus, the cleaning machine 10 can be substantially downsized and a large number of cleaning tanks 14 can be arranged with a small installation space. In addition, it is possible to suitably cope with a case where a large number of endoscopes are simultaneously cleaned in a non-large room.
In addition, it is preferable that one endoscope 50 be housed in one washing tank 14 as in the cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example, so that one good washing tank 14 can have one good inside. A plurality of endoscopes 50 can be cleaned at the same time while maintaining the cleanability of the endoscope 50 (independent cleaning of the endoscope 50).

Furthermore, as described above, normally, when carrying the endoscope 50, the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 are folded in half so that the endoscope 50 does not come into contact with the floor surface (long inner In the case of an endoscope, it is folded in a zigzag manner, and has an operation portion 56 and a connector (LG (Light Guide) connector) 58 in one hand, and a bent portion of the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 (or In many cases, the endoscope is carried with the vicinity thereof.
Therefore, according to the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention having the long cleaning tank 14, like the conventional endoscope cleaning machine, the insertion part 52 of the endoscope 50 or the like can be wound or spirally cleaned. As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 50 can be accommodated in the washing tank 14 quickly and easily without carrying out a laborious operation such as insertion of the endoscope. The endoscope 50 can be set on the machine 10.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, the size x in the width direction (short side direction) and the size y in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 14 having a long shape (a region in which the endoscope 50 is accommodated) are shown in FIG. There is no particular limitation. Here, in the present invention, the long washing tank 14 preferably has a size x in the width direction of 40 cm or less, particularly about 20 to 40 cm, and a ratio of the size in the longitudinal direction to the width direction (longitudinal direction / width direction). (Ratio of (y / x)) is 2 or more, particularly 4 or more.
According to the study by the present inventors, since the cleaning tank 14 has the long shape as described above, most of the endoscopes 50 currently used can be easily and easily cleaned. In addition to being able to be accommodated in both the width direction and the longitudinal direction, it is possible to suitably prevent the washing machine 10 from being unnecessarily large and to improve the use efficiency of the installation space.

In the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, the shape of the cleaning tank is not limited to a rectangle as shown in the illustrated example, and may be, for example, a trapezoid as shown in FIG. The shape as shown in 3 (B) (so-called tall shape) may be used.
Thus, in the present invention, various shapes can be used as the shape of the cleaning tank. However, as an example, the size of the cleaning tank depends on the shape of the cleaning tank as shown by a dotted line in FIG. Assuming the smallest rectangle inscribed in the washing tank, the long side direction of this rectangle is the longitudinal direction, and the length of the long side of this rectangle is the size y in the longitudinal direction of the washing tank, the short side of this rectangle Is the size x in the width direction of the cleaning tank.

Further, the height of the cleaning tank 14 (height of the upper end portion (upper collar) of the cleaning tank 14) is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 60 to 100 cm, particularly about 70 to 90 cm.
According to the study by the present inventors, when the height of the cleaning tank 14 is in the above range, when the various operations are performed with the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 14 as the front surface, even a small operator, The endoscope 50 can be set in the cleaning machine 10 without difficulty.

  The cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example has a cleaning machine on one side in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 14 (preferably near the end of the same side of the cleaning machine 10 and / or the end face on the same side). 10 is an operation panel 26 for operating the endoscope 10, a start button 28 for endoscope cleaning, and a foot pedal 30 for opening and closing the lid 20 (a pedal 30a for the first cleaning tank 14a and a foot pedal 30b for the second cleaning tank 14b). In the washing machine 10 such as the above, operating means used for regular washing is provided. That is, in the cleaning machine 10, one side in the longitudinal direction is a side (that is, the front surface) that performs each operation of cleaning the endoscope 50.

  In the present invention, it is determined which side in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 14 is based on the longitudinal center of the bottom surface 22 of the cleaning tank 14.

  Thus, by providing one side in the longitudinal direction as the front surface and providing the operation means of the cleaning device 10 on the front surface side, it becomes possible to arrange the cleaning devices 10 in the width direction more favorably. The operability when the washing machines 10 are arranged can be secured.

On the bottom surface 22 of the cleaning tank 14 (the bottom surface 22 is preferable, but the inner surface of the cleaning tank 14 is also acceptable), positioning means for the operation unit 56, the connector 58, the universal cord 54, the insertion unit 52, and the like of the endoscope 50 It is preferable to have. In particular, it is preferable to have positioning means for the operation portion 56 of the endoscope 50 and the connector 58 on the front side (the side where the operation means is disposed) in the cleaning tank 14.
In the cleaning layer 14 in the illustrated example, similarly to the engaging portion 34 (34a and 34b) that engages and positions the operation portion 56 of the endoscope 50 so as to stand on the bottom surface 22 on the upper side, It has an engaging member 36 (36a and 36b) that engages and positions the connector 58. Therefore, the endoscope 50 is positioned at the predetermined position of the cleaning machine 10, that is, the cleaning tank 14 (bottom surface 22), with the operation portion 56 positioned by the engaging member 34 and the connector 58 positioned by the engaging member 36. .

By having such an endoscope positioning means, the endoscope 50 can be appropriately set in the cleaning machine 10 (cleaning tank 14) more easily and quickly.
Further, the operation unit 56 and the connector 58 are heavy members among the endoscope 50. Therefore, in this way, the configuration having the positioning means for the operation unit 56 and the connector 58 on the front side, that is, the operation unit 56 and the connector 58 are arranged on the front side in the longitudinal direction, and the endoscope is accommodated in the cleaning tank 14. By setting it as the structure (set to the washing machine 10), the burden on the operator when the endoscope 50 is accommodated in the washing tank 14 can be reduced.

Note that various known means can be used as positioning means for each part of the endoscope 50 such as an operation part or a connector provided on the bottom surface 22 or the like.
As an example, there are exemplified a recess for loosely fitting or accommodating a predetermined portion of the operation portion or the like, an engaging member for engaging with each portion of the endoscope 50, and the like.

The positioning means may also serve as a fixing means for each part of the endoscope 50, or may have a fixing means for fixing each part of the endoscope 50 separately from the positioning means.
In addition, in order to smoothly accommodate the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 in the cleaning tank 14, the bottom surface 22 has no convex portions other than the positioning means and the fixing means of the endoscope 50. Is preferred.

In the cleaning machine 10, the lid 20 of the cleaning tank 14 is centered on a fulcrum 24 provided in the vicinity of the end on the opposite side (one in the longitudinal direction) of the front surface of the cleaning tank 14 as shown in FIG. By rotating (swinging), the cleaning tank 14 (the upper surface) is opened and closed. That is, in the cleaning machine 10, the lid 20 rotates so that the front end moves up and down to open and close the cleaning tank 14.
As described above, the lid 20 can be opened and closed from the front side of the cleaning machine 10, so that the endoscope 50 can be easily accommodated in the cleaning tank 14.

In the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, the opening and closing of the lid is not limited to being performed in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 14, and the lid is opened and closed in the short direction of the cleaning tank. Also good.
Further, the lid is not limited to a configuration that rotates around a fulcrum and opens and closes, and may be a sliding lid (shutter). In this case, when the shutter opens and closes in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank, it is preferable that the shutter opens from the upper side of the bottom surface of the cleaning tank. Similarly, this side is the side where various operations are performed. (Front surface) is preferable.

In the cleaning machine 10, the shape of the lid 20 of the cleaning tank 14 is not particularly limited, and the cleaning tank 14 (inside the tank) can be closed, preferably substantially airtight (particularly preferably airtight). Various configurations and shapes according to the shape of the cleaning tank 14 can be used.
In the cleaning machine 10 shown in the drawing, the lid 20 is opened and closed by a foot pedal 30 provided on the front side of the cleaning machine 10 as in various endoscope cleaning machines. The lid 20 can be opened and closed by the foot pedal 30 by using known means used in various endoscope washing machines.

Here, the cleaning machine 10 reduces the amount of processing liquid introduced into the cleaning tank 14 to reduce running costs and prevent environmental pollution. Furthermore, the disinfecting liquid that is normally used multiple times is washed once. It is preferable to be able to cope with a single-shot cleaning that is discarded in a suitable manner.
Therefore, in the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, a convex portion is provided (formed) on the lower surface of the lid 20 (the side facing the bottom surface 22 of the cleaning tank 14), and an extra space (inside the cleaning tank 14) It is also preferable to fill the space in which the endoscope 50 does not exist with the convex portion of the lid and reduce the amount of the processing liquid introduced into the cleaning tank 14.

The lid 20 can be formed of various materials as long as it has sufficient resistance to a treatment liquid such as a cleaning liquid or a disinfecting liquid. Here, it is preferable that the lid 20 is transparent and allows the operator to visually observe the inside of the cleaning tank 14 with the lid of the cleaning tank 14 covered.
As will be described later, the cleaning machine 10 can perform a water leak test for confirming that each channel of the endoscope 50 is free of damage such as holes. Here, the preferable timing of the water leakage inspection is, for example, when the endoscope 50 to be cleaned is set in the cleaning machine 10 (cleaning tank 14) and tap water for performing the cleaning process is introduced into the cleaning tank 14. is there. The water leakage test is performed by pressurizing each channel of the endoscope 50 from the outside with air and confirming whether or not bubbles are generated from the distal end of the insertion portion. Therefore, by making the lid 20 transparent, it is possible to set the endoscope 50 for cleaning and perform a water leak test with the lid 20 closed. Moreover, the state of the endoscope 50 can be confirmed even during cleaning by making the lid 30 transparent.

In the cleaning machine 10 shown in the drawing, as a preferred mode, the front surface of the cleaning machine 10 (the shape of the housing on the front surface side) is concave as shown in FIG.
As described above, the cleaning machine 10 normally houses the endoscope 50 in the long cleaning tank 14 from the front side with the endoscope 50 folded, and sets the endoscope 50. When performing such operations, humans often bend their knees unconsciously. Therefore, like the cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example, by making the front surface concave, it is possible to suppress the knee from hitting the front surface of the cleaning machine 10 and to suitably prevent the operation of bending the knee. This makes it possible to set the endoscope 50 in the washing machine 10 with better operability.
The concave shape of the front surface of the washing machine 10 is not particularly limited, but according to the study of the present inventor, the amount of the dent (the most concave surface from the foremost plane when assuming no dent) A concave shape in which the distance to (position) is about 40 to 60 cm and the height from the installation surface of the apparatus to the most recessed position is about 40 to 70 cm is preferable. Is preferred. In the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, since the front surface is concave in the vertical direction, a suitable effect can be obtained, so the horizontal direction may be the same surface.

The washing machine 10 of the present invention preferably has an IC tag reader (IC tag reading means). This is particularly suitable when the cleaning tank 14 has a configuration for positioning the endoscope 50 on the front side such as the bottom surface 22.
In recent years, in order to manage the cleaning history and inspection history of the endoscope 50, an IC tag in which the identification information of the endoscope 50 is recorded may be attached to the endoscope 50. As described above, when the IC tag is attached to the endoscope 50, the IC tag is often attached to the operation unit 56. However, when the cleaning tank 14 has positioning means for the endoscope 50, the operation unit 56, that is, The IC tag is also located in a predetermined area in the cleaning tank 14 (cleaning machine 10).
Therefore, by providing an IC tag reader in the cleaning machine 10 according to the position of the positioning means of the operation unit 56 of the endoscope 50, it is particularly necessary to hold the IC tag of the endoscope 50 over the IC tag reader. Exchange information.

In the present invention, the attachment position of the IC tag reader is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set according to the position of the positioning means of the operation unit of the endoscope 50, but is preferably attached to the lid body 20.
As described above, in the present invention, it is preferable to set the endoscope 50 by placing it on the bottom surface 22 so that the operation unit 56 is located at a predetermined position in the cleaning tank 14. Therefore, by providing the IC tag reader on the lid 20 of the cleaning tank 14, the information of the IC tag attached to the endoscope 50 can be read reliably. Recently, it is conceivable that the operator also carries the IC tag and manages the information of the operator who cleaned the endoscope 50. However, by providing an IC tag reader on the lid 20, the endoscope 50 is provided. At the time of cleaning operation, the operator's IC tag can be brought close to the IC tag reader, and the operator's IC tag can be read without performing operations such as holding the IC tag.

  As described above, below the cleaning tank 14 (the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b) of the cleaning machine 10, a tank for filling various processing liquids, a pump for supplying and circulating each processing liquid, and the like. , Piping for supplying, circulating, and discharging (waste liquid) through a predetermined path is arranged.

Specifically, as described above, there are three tanks: the cleaning liquid tank 100 filled with the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid tank 102 filled with the disinfecting liquid, and the alcohol tank 104 filled with alcohol for alcohol flush. Further, the cleaning machine 10 includes a cleaning liquid pump 106 for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning tank 14, a disinfecting liquid pump 108 for supplying a disinfecting liquid to the cleaning tank 14, and an alcohol for supplying alcohol to the cleaning tank 14. It has a pump 110 and the like. The first cleaning tank 14a is provided with a circulation pump 182a, and the second cleaning tank 14b is provided with a circulation pump 182b.
Further, the cleaning machine 10 has an air pump 116 that supplies air for discharging the processing liquid in each channel of the endoscope 50, and an air pump 114 for detecting water leakage of the endoscope 50. Is provided with an air filter 120 for cleaning air (air supplied to the endoscope 50). Further, the cleaning machine 10 is provided with a filter 166 for cleaning tap water introduced into the cleaning machine 10 (see FIG. 5).

  Here, in the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, as a preferred mode, various filters such as the air filter 120 and the filter 166 that need to be directly maintained by the operator, and the operator need to replenish the processing liquid. As shown conceptually in FIG. 4, the treatment liquid tanks such as the cleaning liquid tank 100, the disinfecting liquid tank 102, and the alcohol tank 104 are arranged on the front side of the cleaning machine 10 (the side on which the operating means is arranged). The

Various filters such as an air filter 120 for cleaning the air supplied by the first air pump 114 and the second air pump 116 and a filter 166 for cleaning tap water used for preparation and rinsing of the cleaning liquid are regularly used. Alternatively, it is necessary to clean or replace when it becomes dirty beyond a predetermined state. In addition, the cleaning liquid tank 100 and the alcohol tank 104 need to be replenished (filled) with the cleaning liquid and the alcohol according to the consumption of each processing liquid. When cleaning is performed, it is necessary to fill the disinfectant tank 102 with the stock solution of the disinfectant.
Here, as described above, the washing machine 10 is often arranged at the edge of the room at the installation position of the endoscope room or the like. Naturally, the washing machine 10 has the front side as the edge (wall) of the room. Are arranged to be reversed. Therefore, in this way, parts that require maintenance at a predetermined frequency, such as the air filter 120 and the filter 166, tanks that require direct replenishment of processing liquid, such as the cleaning liquid tank 100 and the alcohol tank 104, etc. By disposing the portion that needs to be accessed by the operator on the front side, it is possible to easily perform maintenance, replenishment, and the like, and it is possible to realize the cleaning machine 10 that is excellent in workability.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, the tanks to be held are not limited to the cleaning liquid tank 100, the disinfecting liquid tank 102, and the alcohol tank 104. For example, a water tank for storing tap water may be provided so that the endoscope 50 can be cleaned even when the water is shut off.
Further, the lower region of the cleaning tank 14 of the cleaning machine 10 has a double structure such as a double pan structure, and even if the processing liquid leaks from the cleaning tank 14 or each tank, the outside of the cleaning machine 10 It is preferable to prevent the leakage of the processing liquid into the water.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of the piping system of the illustrated (endoscope) washing machine 10.
As described above, the cleaning machine 10 has two cleaning tanks, the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b.
However, the cleaning machine 10 includes a tank that stores a processing liquid for cleaning the endoscope, that is, a cleaning liquid tank 100 that stores the cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid tank 102 that stores the disinfecting liquid, and alcohol for alcohol flushing. There is only one alcohol tank 104 that stores water, that is, it is shared by the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b. Further, the cleaning liquid pump 106 that supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 100 to the cleaning tank 14, the disinfecting liquid pump 108 that supplies the disinfecting liquid from the disinfecting liquid tank 102 to the cleaning tank 14, and the alcohol is supplied from the alcohol tank 104 to the cleaning tank 14. There is only one alcohol pump 110 to be used, that is, the alcohol pump 110 is shared by the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b.
These pumps may be any of various known pumps, but it is of course preferable to use a metering pump, and when each tank is located below the washing tank 14. It is preferable to use a self-contained metering pump such as a diaphragm pump.

  Further, a first air pump 114 for detecting water leakage in each channel of the endoscope 50, a second air pump 116 for supplying air for discharging the processing liquid into each channel of the endoscope 50, and There is also only one drainage pump 118, that is, it is shared by the two washing tanks 14. Air filters 120 are provided at the air inlets of the first air pump 114 and the second air pump 116.

In the illustrated example, the disinfecting liquid tank 102 includes a level sensor 102L for measuring the amount of the disinfecting liquid in the tank, and a disinfecting liquid bottle B filled with the disinfecting liquid that supplies the disinfecting liquid to the disinfecting liquid tank 102. A mounting portion 102A is provided. In the illustrated example, as an example, two attachment portions 102A are provided. The disinfecting liquid tank 102 is provided with a deodorizing filter 102F for preventing the smell of the disinfecting liquid from leaking outside. The disinfecting liquid tank 102 may further include an air filter for preventing foreign substances such as dust and germs from entering the disinfecting liquid tank 102.
The cleaning machine 10 is configured so that the disinfecting liquid bottle B can be attached until the next replenishing of the disinfecting liquid, and the disinfecting liquid bottle B is used as a cover body of the mounting portion 102A, that is, the disinfecting liquid tank 102 cover body. You may make it act.

  The cleaning liquid tank 100 is provided with a check valve 100V for preventing the cleaning liquid from being discharged from the cleaning liquid tank 100. Further, the alcohol tank 104 is also prevented from discharging alcohol from the alcohol tank 104. A check valve 104V is provided.

Below, the piping system with respect to each washing tank 14 is demonstrated.
Here, since the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b have many parts having the same configuration in the piping system, the following description will be made with the first cleaning tank 14a as a representative, and the second cleaning tank 14b will be described. Will be described as necessary.

In the first washing tank 14a (second washing tank 14b), a forceps raising port 124a (124b) for connecting a forceps raising channel of the endoscope 50 (the mouthpiece (connector portion), hereinafter the same), Forceps port 126a (126b) for connecting a forceps channel for inserting the forceps, air / water supply port 128a (128b) for connecting the air / water supply channel, and connection for the suction channel A suction port 130a (130b) is provided.
In addition, an introduction port for introducing each processing solution is provided in the first cleaning tank 14a. Specifically, a cleaning liquid port 132a (132b) for introducing the cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid port 134a (134b) for introducing the disinfecting liquid, and a water supply port 136a (136b) for introducing tap water are formed. An air port 138a (138b) for introducing air for detecting water leakage and a drain port 144a (144b) are further provided in the first cleaning tank 14a.
Further, the first cleaning tank 14a is provided with a circulation pump 182a (182b) for circulating the processing liquid (cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, tap water, etc.) in the tank.

The first cleaning tank 14a also heats the level sensor 142a (142b) for detecting the amount of liquid in the tank, the thermometer TE for measuring the liquid temperature in the tank, and the liquid in the tank. A heater H is provided.
As an example, the level sensor 142a can detect the amount of liquid in four stages (or four level sensors are provided).

The forceps raising port 124a is connected via a valve 150a (150b), the forceps port 126a is connected via a valve 152a (152b), the air / water supply port 128a is connected via a valve 154a (154b), and the suction port 130a is connected to a valve. Both are connected to valves 158a, 160a, and 162a (158b, 160b, and 162b) via 156a (156b).
Valve 150a, valve 152a, valve 154a, and valve 156a are connected in parallel to one pipe, and valves 158a, 160a, and 162a are similarly connected in parallel to one pipe.
In the cleaning machine 10, the valve is not particularly limited, and a known valve that can be automatically opened and closed such as an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve may be used. However, the valve provided in the line (pipe) for discharging the waste liquid from the cleaning tank 14 and returning the disinfectant liquid to the disinfectant tank preferably uses a motor-operated valve in that the dead space in the valve is small.

The valve 158a (158b) is connected to the alcohol pump 110 of the alcohol tank 104.
Further, the valve 160a (160b) is connected to a second air pump 116 for introducing air into each channel of the endoscope 50.
Further, the valve 162a (162b) is connected to a water supply line 164 for supplying tap water to each part of the washing machine 10.

The water supply line 164 is connected to a faucet or the like of the water supply, and supplies tap water to the washing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 5, a filter 166 for cleaning the tap water from the upstream side, The pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, and the second valve 172 are configured to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the piping system in the apparatus.
The pipe from the valve 162a is connected between the first valve 170 and the second valve 172 of the water supply line 164 (hereinafter, between the valve 162a and the first valve 170 and the second valve 172). For convenience, the water supply pipe 163a (163b) is used. This water supply pipe 163a branches off halfway and is connected to a circulation pump 182a (182b) and a valve 180a (180b) provided in the water supply port 136a of a first cleaning tank 14a (second cleaning tank 14b) described later. .
Further, the second valve 172 is connected to the disinfecting liquid tank 102 and a valve 198a (198b) connected to the discharge port 144a of the first cleaning tank.

On the other hand, the cleaning liquid port 132a is connected to the cleaning liquid pump 106 via a valve 176a (176b). The disinfecting liquid port 134a is connected to the disinfecting liquid pump 108 via a valve 178a (178b). Further, the water supply port 136a is connected to the water supply pipe 163a (163b) via a valve 180a (180b). In other words, the branch pipe branched from the water supply pipe 163a is connected to the valve 180a, that is, the water supply port 136a.
A circulation pump 182a (182b) is connected to the first cleaning tank 14a (second cleaning tank 14b). The circulation pump 182a supplies the liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a to a branch pipe that branches from the water supply pipe 163a and reaches the valve 180a (that is, the water supply port 136a).

An air port 138a for introducing air for detecting water leakage is connected to a pressure reducing valve 186 connected to the first air pump 114 via a valve 184a (184b).
In addition, a pressure gauge 188a (188b) is disposed in the pipe from the air port 138a to the valve 184a. The pressure gauge 188a is preferably a pressure transmitter that outputs a signal to the first air pump 114 when the pressure reaches a predetermined pressure.

The discharge port 144a is connected to the drainage pump 118 via a valve 190a (190b).
The drain pump 118 sends the liquid in the cleaning tank 14 to a drain line 194 having a valve 192. The water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194 are connected to each other upstream of the filter 166 of the water supply line 164 and upstream of the valve 192 of the drainage line 194 via the bypass valve 196.
Further, the pipe between the discharge port 144a and the valve 190a branches in the middle and is connected to the second valve 172 of the water supply line 164 and the disinfectant tank 102 through the valve 198a (198b).

In the cleaning machine 10, the endoscope 50 is basically cleaned in the order of a cleaning process using a cleaning liquid → a rinsing process → a disinfection process using a disinfecting liquid → a rinsing process.
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of cleaning the endoscope 50 by the cleaning machine 10 will be described. In the following description, the first cleaning tank 14a is also representative, but the endoscope can also be cleaned in the same manner in the second cleaning tank 14b. Further, in the following description, all the valves are closed except for the valve described as open in the description of each process in each process, even if not specifically described, and other than the pump described as drive, All are stopped.

First, the operating portion 56 is positioned by the engaging means 34 and the connector 56 is positioned by the engaging means 36, and the endoscope 50 is set at a predetermined position in the first cleaning tank 14a by the operator. The forceps rise channel of the endoscope 50 is connected to the port 124a, the forceps channel to the forceps port 126a, the air / water supply channel to the air / water supply port 128a, and the suction tube channel to the suction port 130a. .
In addition, what is necessary is just to perform the connection with each channel and each channel of the endoscope 50 by the well-known means currently performed with the endoscope washing machine using a connector, a connecting pipe, etc. FIG.

When the setting of the endoscope 50 is completed and an instruction to start cleaning is input, the cleaning machine 10 first performs a cleaning process.
First, the pressure reducing valve 168 and the first valve 170 of the water supply line 164 and the valve 180a connected to the water supply port 136a are opened, the first cleaning is performed from the water supply port 136a via the water supply line 163a. A predetermined amount of tap water is introduced into the tank 14a (introduction of tap water).
When a predetermined amount of tap water is introduced, the valve 176a connected to the cleaning liquid port 132a is opened, the cleaning liquid pump 106 is driven, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 100 to the cleaning liquid port 132a. A predetermined amount of cleaning liquid is supplied (introducing cleaning liquid).

In addition, in the washing machine 10, after the tap water is introduced in the cleaning process (between the tap water introduction and the cleaning liquid introduction), a water leakage detection process described later may be performed as necessary.
Moreover, when not implementing a water leak detection process, you may perform introduction of a tap water, and introduction | transduction of a washing | cleaning liquid in parallel.

When a predetermined amount of tap water and cleaning liquid are introduced into the first cleaning tank 14a, the valve 162a is opened to drive the circulation pump 182, and for example, the valve 150a and forceps port 126a connected to the forceps raising port 124a. The valve 152a connected to the air supply / water supply port 128a and the valve 156a connected to the suction port 130a are sequentially opened for a predetermined time one by one. The valve opening time may be the same or different at each port.
Accordingly, the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a is circulated through each channel of the endoscope 50, and each channel of the endoscope 50 is sequentially cleaned with cleaning water (channel cleaning).

When the channel cleaning is completed, the valve 180a corresponding to the water supply port 136a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven.
Accordingly, the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a is circulated outside the endoscope 50, and the outside of the endoscope 50 is cleaned with cleaning water (external flowing water cleaning).

When the external running water cleaning is performed for a predetermined time, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, the drain pump 118 is driven, and the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 14 is drained (cleaning drain).
When all the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 14 is drained, the valve 190a and the valve 192 remain open, and the valve 160a is opened to drive the second air pump 116 and connected to the forceps raising port 124a. The valve 150a, the valve 152a connected to the forceps port 126a, the valve 154a connected to the air / water supply port 128a, and the valve 156a connected to the suction port 130a are sequentially opened one by one.
As a result, air is sent to each channel of the endoscope 50 from the forceps raising port 124a, the forceps port 126a, the air / water supply port 128a, and the suction port 130a, and the cleaning liquid remaining in the channel is discharged from the endoscope. Yes (cleaning air supply).

The cleaning process is thus completed, and then a rinsing process after cleaning is performed.
The rinsing process after cleaning is basically performed in the same manner as the cleaning process except that the cleaning liquid is not introduced into the first cleaning tank 14.
That is, first, the pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, and the valve 180a are opened to introduce a predetermined amount of tap water into the first cleaning tank 14a (introduction of tap water).
After introducing a predetermined amount of tap water into the first cleaning tank 14a, the valve 162a is opened, the circulation pump 182 is driven, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are one by one. In the same manner as the channel cleaning, the channels are sequentially opened, and each channel of the endoscope 50 is sequentially rinsed with tap water. Thereafter, the valve 180a is opened, and the circulation pump 182 is driven, In the same manner as in running water cleaning, external running water rinsing is performed by rinsing the exterior of the endoscope 50 with tap water.
When the external running water rinsing is completed, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, the drainage pump 118 is driven, and the drainage in the rinsing process is performed in the same manner as the cleaning drainage, and then the valve 160a is opened and the second air pump 116, the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are sequentially opened one by one, and air is supplied in the rinsing process in the same manner as the cleaning air supply. finish.

When the rinsing process after cleaning is completed, a disinfection process is then performed.
In the disinfecting process, first, the valve 178a connected to the disinfecting liquid port 134a is opened, the disinfecting liquid pump 108 is driven, and a predetermined amount of disinfecting liquid is introduced into the first cleaning tank 14a (disinfecting liquid introduction).

When a predetermined amount of the disinfectant is introduced into the first cleaning tank 14a, disinfection in each channel of the endoscope 50 is performed in the same manner as the above-described channel cleaning.
That is, the valve 162a is opened to drive the circulation pump 182, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a connected to the ports that connect the respective channels of the endoscope one by one sequentially. Open for a predetermined time. Thereby, the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a is circulated through each channel in the endoscope 50, and each channel of the endoscope 50 is sequentially disinfected with the disinfecting liquid (channel disinfection).

When the channel disinfection is completed, disinfection outside the endoscope 50 is performed in the same manner as the above-described external running water cleaning.
That is, the valve 180a corresponding to the water supply port 136a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven to circulate the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a outside the endoscope 50, and the endoscope 50 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid. Perform external disinfection (external running water disinfection).

When external running water disinfection is performed for a predetermined time, the valve 198a connected to the discharge port 144a is opened, and the disinfecting liquid is returned to the disinfecting liquid tank 102 (disinfecting liquid recovery).
In the cleaning machine 10 shown in the drawing, a pump or the like is not used to collect the disinfecting liquid, and the disinfecting liquid is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 102 by dropping due to its own weight.

When the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 14 is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 102, air is supplied to each channel of the endoscope 50 in the same manner as the cleaning air supply.
That is, the valve 160a is opened to drive the second air pump 116, and the valves 150a, 152a, 154a, and 156a are sequentially opened one by one. As a result, air is sent to each channel of the endoscope 50 from the forceps raising port 124a, the forceps port 126a, the air / water supply port 128a, and the suction port 130a, and the disinfectant remaining in the channel is supplied to the endoscope 50. (Disinfection air supply).

The sterilization process is thus completed, and then a rinsing process after sterilization is performed.
The rinsing process after disinfection is basically performed in the same manner as the rinsing process after the cleaning.
That is, first, the pressure reducing valve 168, the valve 180a, and the first valve 170 are opened to introduce a predetermined amount of tap water into the first cleaning tank 14a (introduction of tap water).
When the tap water introduction is completed, the valve 162a is opened to drive the circulation pump 182, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are sequentially opened for a predetermined time one by one. To rinse the channels of the endoscope 50. Next, the valve 180a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven to rinse the outside of the endoscope 50 with tap water.
When the external water rinsing is completed, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, and the drain pump 118 is driven to drain the rinsing process. Thereafter, the valve 160a is opened to drive the second air pump 116, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are sequentially opened one by one to supply air in the rinsing process. The rinsing process after the disinfection process ends.

  When the rinsing process after the disinfection process is finished, the washing of the endoscope 50 by the washing machine 10 is finished, and the operator is informed that the washing of the endoscope 50 is finished due to, for example, display display or generation of warning sound. To do.

  As described above, the washing machine 10 shares many items such as a tank and a pump with the first washing tank 14a and the second washing tank 14b. Since both the water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194 have independent piping systems, both the washing tanks 14 can perform the same process at the same time, or can perform different processes at the same time (asynchronous with the two washing tanks 14). Can also be performed.

  In the cleaning machine 10, the endoscope 50 is basically cleaned as described above, but the cleaning machine 10 can perform various processes in addition to such cleaning.

As an example, if necessary, an alcohol flush for promoting drying in each channel of the endoscope 50 after washing can be performed.
When performing the alcohol flush, after the cleaning is completed, the valve 158a is opened to drive the alcohol pump 110, and the valve 150a connected to the forceps raising port 124a, the valve 152a connected to the forceps port 126a, The valve 154a connected to the air / water supply port 128a and the valve 156a connected to the suction port 130a are sequentially opened one by one for a predetermined time.
Next, in the same manner as the air supply in each step, the valve 160a is opened to drive the second air pump 116, and the valve 150a, valve 152a, valve 154a, and valve 156a are sequentially opened one by one. Then, air is supplied into each channel of the endoscope 50 to discharge alcohol, and drying by air supply is performed.
Further, the drain port 144a, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, and the drain pump 118 is driven to drain the alcohol discharged into the first cleaning tank 14a.

  The washing machine 10 can also perform self-disinfection by disinfecting the water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194 with a disinfectant.

In this self-disinfection step, first, the valve 178a connected to the disinfecting liquid port 136a is opened, the disinfecting liquid pump 108 is driven, and a predetermined amount of disinfecting liquid is introduced into the first cleaning tank 14a.
Next, the valve 190a connected to the drain port 144a, the bypass valve 196, the pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, the valve 180a connected to the water supply port 136a are opened, the drain pump 118 is driven, and the water supply line 164 and A disinfectant solution is circulated through a route including the drainage line 194.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the illustrated example, as a preferable example, when the self-disinfection is completed, the disinfecting liquid in the apparatus is discharged, and the new disinfecting liquid is filled in the disinfecting liquid tank 102.
That is, when the disinfecting liquid is circulated for a predetermined time in a path including the water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, the drainage pump 118 is driven, and the disinfecting liquid is discharged. Further, the valve 178a is opened, the disinfecting liquid pump 108 is driven, and all the disinfecting liquid remaining in the disinfecting liquid tank 102 is put into the first cleaning tank 14a and discharged.
When all the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning machine 10 is discharged, the pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, and the second valve 172 are opened, and a predetermined amount of tap water is poured into the disinfecting liquid tank 102. Next, the disinfectant bottle B is attached to the two attachment portions 102A by the operator. The disinfecting liquid is introduced into the disinfecting liquid tank 102 by its own weight, for example, and the disinfecting liquid tank 102 is filled with a new disinfecting liquid.

In addition, as described above, in the cleaning machine 10, if necessary, after the introduction of tap water in the cleaning process, water leakage detection is performed to detect damage to each channel of the endoscope 50, perforations, and the like. Also good.
When performing the water leakage detection step, when the endoscope 50 to be cleaned is set in the first cleaning tank 12a, the air port 138a (138b) and the pressure for water leakage detection provided in the endoscope 50 are used. Connect the mouth. When the introduction of tap water in the cleaning process is completed, the first air pump 114 is driven to open the pressure reducing valve 186 and the valve 184a. When the value measured by the pressure gauge 188a reaches a predetermined pressure, the driving of the first air pump 114 is stopped. This stop is preferably automatically performed in response to a signal from the pressure gauge 188a to the first air pump 114 according to the pressure measurement result.
When the pressurization is completed, it is visually confirmed whether or not bubbles are emitted from the endoscope 50. If bubbles are emitted, any channel of the endoscope 50 may be leaking. Therefore, the cleaning of the endoscope 50 is stopped at this point. Alternatively, when the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 188a falls below a predetermined value within a predetermined time, any channel of the endoscope 50 may be leaked. The cleaning of the endoscope 50 is stopped. In addition, the pressure gauge 188a may issue a warning that any channel of the endoscope 50 is leaking when the pressure becomes a predetermined value or less.
It should be noted that the timing of performing water leak detection is not limited to the tap water introduction in the cleaning process, and of course, the water leak detection should be performed at various timings such as the timing according to the execution instruction input appropriately input. It may be.

  The cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example has one cleaning liquid tank 100, a disinfecting liquid tank 102, and an alcohol tank 104 for two cleaning tanks 14, and each has one cleaning liquid pump 106 and a disinfecting liquid. Although it has the pump 108 and the alcohol pump 100 (namely, one pump in each tank), this invention is not limited to this.

For example, the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention has two cleaning liquid tanks 100, a disinfecting liquid tank 102, and an alcohol tank 104, and each includes two cleaning liquid pumps 106, a disinfecting liquid pump 108, and It has the alcohol pump 100, and regarding these supply systems, the 1st washing tank 14a and the 2nd washing tank 14b may have a completely independent piping system.
Further, each has two cleaning liquid tanks 100, a disinfecting liquid tank 102, and an alcohol tank 104, and each has one cleaning liquid pump 106, a disinfecting liquid pump 108, and an alcohol pump 100. The first and second cleaning tanks 14 a and 14 b may have a tank independently, and the pump may be shared by the two cleaning tanks 14.
Further, each has one cleaning liquid tank 100, a disinfecting liquid tank 102, and an alcohol tank 104, and each has two cleaning liquid pumps 106, a disinfecting liquid pump 108, and an alcohol pump 100, The tank may be shared by the two cleaning tanks 14, and the pump for supplying the processing liquid may be configured independently by the first cleaning tank 14 a and the second cleaning tank 14 b.

  Although the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

It is a conceptual diagram of an example of the endoscope washing machine of this invention, Comprising: (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a side view. It is a figure which shows notionally the upper surface of the endoscope washing machine shown in FIG. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows notionally another example of the shape of the washing tank of the endoscope washing machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the position of the tank of the endoscope washing machine shown in FIG. It is a piping system diagram of the endoscope cleaning machine shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 (Endoscope) washing machine 14 Washing tank 14a 1st washing tank 14b 2nd washing tank 20 Cover body 22 Bottom face 24 Support point 26 Operation panel 28 Start button 30 Foot pedal 34, 36 Engagement member 50 Endoscope 52 Insertion part 54 Universal Code 56 Operation Unit 58 Connector 100 Cleaning Liquid Tank 102 Disinfecting Liquid Tank 104 Alcohol Tank 106 Cleaning Liquid Pump 108 Disinfecting Liquid Pump 110 Alcohol Pump 114 First Air Pump 116 Second Air Pump 118 Drainage Pump 120 Air Filter 124a, 124b Forceps Lifting Port 126a , 126b Forceps port 128a, 128b Air / water supply port 130a, 130b Suction port 132a, 132b Cleaning liquid port 134a, 134b Disinfecting liquid port 136a, 136 Water supply port 138a, 138b Air Port 142a, 142b Level sensor 144, 144b Drain port 163a, 163b Water supply pipe 164 Water supply line 166 Filter 168, 186 Pressure reducing valve 170 First valve 172 Second valve 182a, 182b Circulation pump 188a, 188b Pressure gauge 194 Drain line

Claims (5)

An endoscope cleaning machine for cleaning an endoscope,
An endoscope washer having a long washing tank for storing an endoscope to be washed, and further having a plurality of washing tanks arranged in a short direction of the washing tank.   The endoscope cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein one of the cleaning tanks has a configuration that accommodates only one endoscope.   The length in the short direction of the cleaning tank is 40 cm or less, and the ratio of the length in the short direction to the length in the long direction is 2 or more in the long direction / short direction. Endoscope cleaning machine.   The operation means is provided on one side of the cleaning tank longitudinal direction, and the endoscope positioning means is further provided on the side of the cleaning tank where the operation means is provided. The endoscope cleaning machine described.   The endoscope cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lid for the cleaning tank, wherein the lid is transparent.

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