JP2009072363A - Endoscope washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope washing machine capable of suitably draining an endoscope and the inside of a washing tub and suitably suppressing the dilution/degradation and decrease of disinfection liquid which is repeatedly used. <P>SOLUTION: By providing a rack in a mesh shape or the like which is supported by an elastic body inside the washing tub to house the endoscope, fixing a vibrator in a rod shape or the like to the rack and making fluid flow in a flow path including the vibrator, the problem is solved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning machine that automatically cleans an endoscope, and more particularly, to an endoscope cleaning machine that can suppress deterioration and wasteful consumption of a disinfecting solution and can shorten processing time.

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.
As is well known, an endoscope basically includes an insertion portion to be inserted into the human body, an operation portion for operating the endoscope such as operation of the insertion portion and air supply / water supply, an air supply source and suction. A connector (LG (Light Guide) connector) connected to a pump or the like, and a universal cord (LG flexible portion) that connects the connector, the operation unit, and the insertion unit are configured.

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 an example, the endoscope cleaning machine includes an endoscope insertion portion and a universal cord as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and accommodates the endoscope in a cleaning tank, and includes this cleaning tank. There is known an apparatus for cleaning an endoscope by circulating a cleaning solution or a disinfecting solution in a route including a cleaning tank in the route (or disinfecting solution is only immersed).

Such endoscope cleaning machines generally have a cleaning process for cleaning the endoscope with a cleaning liquid, or further rinsing with water, a disinfection process for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting liquid, tap water, etc. The endoscope is rinsed by performing a rinsing process in which the endoscope is rinsed to remove the disinfectant solution and the like.
Further, in an endoscope cleaning machine, cleaning of the exterior (outer skin) of the endoscope generally includes a cleaning tank containing a processing liquid such as a cleaning liquid or a disinfecting liquid in a state where the endoscope is immersed in the cleaning tank. It is performed by circulating in a predetermined route (the disinfectant may be only immersed). In addition, in endoscope cleaning machines, treatment liquid is circulated (same as above) not only inside the endoscope but also inside the endoscope pipes such as the forceps channel and air / water channel. Do.
Since the pipe in the endoscope is difficult to drain, when processing is completed, air is introduced into the pipe and the processing liquid is pushed out. On the other hand, the processing liquid in the cleaning tank in which the endoscope is accommodated is drained from the cleaning tank by gravity drop or drainage pump after the processing is completed.

JP 2006-68095 A

Here, in a general endoscope washer, the disinfectant is collected and repeatedly used until a predetermined number of times of cleaning.
However, since the processing liquid in the cleaning tank is merely drained from the cleaning tank after the process is completed, the processing liquid remains in the cleaning tank or outside the endoscope. Therefore, the processing liquid (cleaning liquid or water used for rinsing) in the cleaning process is mixed into the disinfecting liquid, and the disinfecting ability is reduced. Furthermore, even if the disinfecting liquid is drained and collected from the cleaning tank after the disinfection process is completed, the disinfecting liquid remains in the cleaning tank and the like, and is drained together with the rinse liquid in the subsequent rinsing process. The amount of the disinfectant decreases each time the operation is performed, that is, the consumption of the disinfectant increases.

  Moreover, in a normal endoscope cleaning machine, the time for draining water after draining from the cleaning tank is ensured in each step, so that the processing time for endoscope cleaning becomes long.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and in an endoscope cleaning machine that performs cleaning / disinfection of an endoscope by performing a cleaning process, a disinfection process, a rinsing process, etc. After the end of the process or after the endoscope cleaning, the amount of treatment liquid adhering to / remaining in the endoscope or the cleaning tank can be reduced, thereby suppressing the deterioration and reduction of the disinfecting liquid, Furthermore, it is providing the endoscope washing machine which can shorten processing time.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention has a cleaning tank for cleaning the endoscope and a large number of openings on the bottom surface supported by the elastic body in the cleaning tank. A rack for holding the endoscope; a vibrator fixed to the rack; a flow path for flowing a fluid in a flow path including the vibrator; fluid supply means for flowing a fluid to the flow path; and the flow path And an adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the endoscope.

In such an endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, the endoscope has a detecting means for detecting the weight of the endoscope, and the adjusting means has the flow path according to the weight of the endoscope detected by the detecting means. It is preferable to adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the first and second vibrations of the oscillator and the Karman vortex street determined by the flow rate of the liquid in the flow path, the weight of the rack and the endoscope, In addition, when the natural frequency determined by the elastic body is set to the second frequency, the adjusting means is configured so that a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is within a predetermined range. The flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path is preferably adjusted, and the detection means further includes a weight measurement means for the endoscope, a weight input means for the endoscope, and a model detection of the endoscope. Preferably one or more of the means.
Alternatively, in the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, the endoscope cleaning machine has detection means for detecting the vibration state of the rack, and the adjustment means flows in the flow path according to the vibration state of the rack detected by the detection means. It is preferable to adjust the flow rate of the fluid.
Further, in the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, the fluid supply means is variable in output, and the adjustment means adjusts the output of the fluid supply means to adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. It is preferable to adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path, and the adjustment means preferably adjusts the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path by adjusting the flow rate by the throttle means. .

The endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention having the above-described configuration has a net-like rack supported in the cleaning tank by an elastic body, holds the endoscope in this rack, and has a rod-like vibrator on the rack. The fluid is fixed and a fluid such as water is allowed to flow through a predetermined flow path including the vibrator.
By flowing a fluid through this flow path, a Karman vortex is generated on the downstream side (downstream in the liquid flow direction) of the vibrator, which vibrates the vibrator and vibrates the rack that houses the endoscope. Therefore, according to the present invention, after draining from the cleaning tank, by flowing the fluid through the flow path, the rack and the endoscope are vibrated, or the cleaning tank is also vibrated through the elastic body. The treatment liquid adhering / remaining on the endoscope, the rack, and the endoscope can be removed so as to be shaken off by this vibration. In addition, since the present invention has an adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid, an optimum vibration can be obtained according to the weight of the endoscope, the number of endoscopes accommodated in a rack (cleaning tank), and the like. Thus, the flow rate of the fluid can be adjusted.

Therefore, according to the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, after the cleaning process (for example, cleaning with the cleaning liquid and rinsing with tap water) is completed, the disinfecting liquid is supplied to the cleaning tank to perform the disinfecting process. It can control that a disinfectant is diluted and deteriorated. Further, even after the disinfection process is completed, the endoscope can be cleaned by vibrating the rack to remove and disinfect the disinfectant that has adhered to the endoscope, the rack, and the inner wall of the cleaning tank. It is also possible to suppress a decrease in the disinfectant solution.
Furthermore, since the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention can remove water (rinsing liquid) adhering to the endoscope by the vibration of the rack even after the final rinsing step, the endoscope is removed from the cleaning tank. When taking out, inconveniences such as water drops falling and wetting around the endoscope cleaning machine can be reduced, and in order to prevent such inconveniences, the trouble of wiping off moisture adhering to the endoscope is also reduced. Can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the treatment liquid adhering to / remaining on the endoscope, the rack, and the inner wall of the cleaning tank can be removed by vibrating the rack that houses the endoscope after each step is completed. The time for draining can be made unnecessary (or shorter than usual), and as a result, the processing time for endoscope cleaning can also be shortened.

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

  As is well known, as an endoscope cleaning machine, an endoscope cleaning machine such as the endoscope cleaning machine 10 shown below or the endoscope cleaning machine disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has an endoscope. In addition to an apparatus configured to house all components and perform cleaning, various apparatuses are known, and the present invention can be used in any apparatus.

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 schematic top view of the endoscope cleaning machine (a lid 20 to be described later is omitted).
An endoscope cleaning machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning machine 10) shown in FIG. 1 includes an insertion unit 52 to be inserted into the body, an operation unit 56 for operating the endoscope 50, and facilities (air supply) of a facility such as a hospital. This is a device for performing automatic cleaning of a known endoscope 50, which includes a connector 58 for connecting to a power source or a suction source), a universal cord 54 for connecting the operation portion 56 and the connector 58, and the like.
The cleaning machine 10 includes two cleaning tanks, a first cleaning tank 14a and a second cleaning tank 14b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a cleaning tank 14) as cleaning tanks that house the endoscope 50 and perform cleaning. The two endoscopes 50 can be cleaned simultaneously and asynchronously (independently).

  In the washing machine 10, the washing tank 14 (14a and 14b) accommodates the endoscope 50, a washing process for washing with a washing liquid and a rinsing with tap water, a disinfection process for carrying out disinfection with a disinfecting liquid, and a water supply The endoscope 50 is cleaned by performing three steps, a rinsing step of rinsing with water.

As an example, the cleaning tank 14 has a rectangular planar shape (upper surface shape), and is formed by arranging two cleaning tanks 14 in the lateral direction.
One end side of the cleaning tank 14 in the longitudinal direction (the left side in FIG. 1B and the lower side in FIG. 2) is the front side of the cleaning machine 10. In the cleaning machine 10, on the front side, an operation panel 26 for operating the cleaning machine 10, a start button 28 for instructing start of endoscope cleaning, and a foot pedal 30 (30a and 30a for opening / closing the lid 20). 30b) etc. are arranged.
Further, the cleaning machine 10 includes a tank, a pump, and a piping system for supplying a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid, and the like to the cleaning tank 14. This will be described in detail later.

The cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example basically stores one endoscope 50 in one cleaning machine 14 and cleans the endoscope 50. The machine is not limited to this, and a plurality of endoscopes 50 such as two can be accommodated in one cleaning tank 14 and the plurality of endoscopes may be simultaneously cleaned.
Moreover, although the washing machine 10 in the illustrated example includes two cleaning tanks 14, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of the cleaning tanks 14 may be one, or three or more cleaning tanks 14 may be included. May be. Furthermore, the arrangement direction of the cleaning tanks 14 is not limited to the short direction in the illustrated example, and a plurality of cleaning tanks 14 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, in the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention, the shape of the cleaning tank is not limited to a rectangular shape, and various shapes such as a circular shape and a square shape can be used.

As described above, the cleaning tank 14 (the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b) accommodates and cleans one endoscope 50. The cleaning tank 14 is provided with a lid 20 that swings around a fulcrum 24, and the lid 20 opens / closes the inside (upper surface) of the cleaning tank 14.
1 and 2 (further, FIG. 3 to be described later) are omitted for the sake of clarity of the configuration of the cleaning machine 10, but the cleaning tank 14 includes a forceps channel, an air / water supply channel, and the like. A port for connecting each channel of the endoscope 50 (its base and connection portion), an introduction port for introducing a processing liquid such as a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid into the cleaning tank 14 and the like are provided. These will be described in detail later.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, a rack 32 is accommodated / supported in the cleaning tank 14, and the endoscope 50 is accommodated / held in the rack 32 as shown in FIG. 14 (set in the washing machine 50). If necessary, the rack 32 may include an operation unit 56 of the endoscope 50, positioning means for the connector 58, and the like.
In the cleaning machine 10, the rack 32 is a net-like rectangular parallelepiped whose one long surface is open, and is supported in the cleaning tank 14 fixedly or detachably with the open surface facing up.

That is, the endoscope 50 is accommodated in the rack, that is, in the cleaning tank 14 from the open surface of the rack 32 with the lid 20 opened.
Further, in the cleaning machine 10 having the long cleaning tank 14, the endoscope 50 normally folds the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 as shown in FIG. 2 (in the case of a long endoscope). It is folded and stored in the cleaning tank 14 (rack 32). In the cleaning machine 10 of the illustrated example, the endoscope 50 can be easily accommodated in the cleaning tank 14 without trouble such as winding of the insertion portion 52 of the endoscope 50 and the universal cord 54.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows the inside of the cleaning tank 14. 3 is a view showing a state in which the front wall of the cleaning tank 14 is removed when the inside of the cleaning tank is viewed in the same direction as FIG. 1B, that is, the right side in the figure is the front side. Become.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, elastic bodies 34 are arranged at the four corners of the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 14. The rack 32 is placed on the elastic body 34 and is accommodated in the cleaning tank 14 in a state where the four corners (and the vicinity thereof) are supported. The rack 32 is supported by the elastic body 34 so as to vibrate in the cleaning tank 14 by being placed on and supported by the elastic body 34 in the cleaning tank 14.
Therefore, in the endoscope 10, the rack 32 is placed on the elastic body 34 and supported in the cleaning tank 14 as described above, and the rack 32 and the inner wall surface of the cleaning tank 14 (and the lid 20 are further covered). And the lower surface) are configured to ensure a sufficient gap for the rack 32 to vibrate.

  The support of the rack 32 by the elastic body 34 is not limited to the four corners in the illustrated example. If the rack 32 can be reliably supported and the rack 32 can vibrate, for example, For example, a method of supporting the rack 32 in a part or the entire area of the two opposing sides, a method of supporting the rack 32 in a part or the entire area of the four sides of the rack end may be used.

In the endoscope 10, the elastic body 34 is not particularly limited, and has sufficient resistance to the endoscope cleaning treatment liquid (cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, tap water for rinsing), and Any known elastic body such as a spring or various rubber (resin material) blocks can be used as long as the rack 32 accommodating the endoscope 50 can be supported so as to vibrate.
Further, the spring constant of the elastic body 34 is not particularly limited, and similarly, it is sufficient that the rack 32 accommodating the endoscope 50 can be supported so as to vibrate. For example, the weight and number of the endoscopes 50 accommodated, the rack What is necessary is just to determine suitably according to the weight etc. of 32.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the illustrated example, the cleaning tank 14 is provided with drain ports 144 (144a and 144b) for draining the processing liquid from the cleaning tank 14.
In the illustrated example, as an example, the end of the cleaning tank 14 on the back side (the opposite side of the front side) and the center in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 14 (hereinafter referred to as the width direction). Formed at the lower end. Further, the cleaning tank 14 has an inflow port 138 (138a and 138b) for circulating the processing liquid at the end on the front surface side and in the center in the width direction.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4 which is a piping diagram of the washing machine 10 to be described later, the drain port 144 includes a water suction port of the circulation pump 182 (182a and 182b), a valve 190 (190a and 190b), and a valve. 198 (198a and 198b) are connected.
Furthermore, the discharge port of the circulation pump 182 is connected to the inlet 138 of the cleaning tank 14 via a valve 184 (184a and 184b), and further, the water supply port of the cleaning tank 14 via a valve 180 (180a and 180b). 136 (136a and 136b).
In the illustrated example, the circulation pump 182 is a pump whose output (discharge amount) is variable.

Therefore, when the processing liquid exists in the cleaning tank 14, the valves 180, 190 and 198 are closed, the valve 184 is opened, and the circulation pump 182 is driven, as shown by the arrow y in FIG. The treatment liquid can be circulated by flowing the treatment liquid into the cleaning tank 14 through the flow path that enters from the inlet 138 and is discharged from the drain outlet 144.
In the cleaning machine 10 shown in the drawing, the processing liquid for vibrating the rack 32 described later is circulated by the circulation pump 182 that cleans the endoscope 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the circulation pump for cleaning the endoscope, a pump for feeding the treatment liquid to vibrate the rack 32 may be provided.

In addition, a fixing member 40 is fixed below the central portion of the rack 32 in the width direction. In the illustrated example, the fixing member 40 is a square plate member.
The vibrator 36 is fixed to the lower surface of the fixing member 40. For example, the vibrator 36 is a cylindrical bar-like member, and is fixed below the lower surface of the fixing member 40, that is, below the rack 32 so as to stand up against the flow of the processing liquid when the processing liquid is circulated by the circulation pump 182. Is done. That is, the vibrator 36 is fixed under the rack 32 so as to stand upright with respect to the flow path from the inlet 138 to the drain outlet 144 in the cleaning tank 14.
The vibrator 36 is not limited to being fixed to the fixing member 40 fixed to the rack 32, and may be directly fixed to the rack 32, or may be fixed to the rack 32 via another member. May be. That is, the vibrator 36 can be installed by various methods as long as it stands in the flow path of the processing liquid during circulation and is integrally fixed to the rack 32.

Here, in the illustrated example, a flow path from the inflow port 138 to the drain outlet 144 is formed in the cleaning tank 14, and therefore the vibrator 36 standing up with respect to this flow path is the cleaning tank 14. It arrange | positions at the rack 32 so that it may stand with respect to the bottom face.
Preferably, the vibrator 36 is perpendicular to (or substantially perpendicular to) the flow path (flow) of the processing liquid during circulation in order to suitably generate vibration due to generation of Karman vortices by the vibrator 36 described later. Is set up. That is, it is preferable that the vibrator 36 is disposed on the rack 32 so as to stand vertically (same as before) with respect to the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 14.
In the cleaning machine 10, the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 14 may be slightly inclined from the front side toward the back side in order to enhance drainage from the cleaning tank 14.

As is well known, when a non-streamline object (dull object) is in a flow, flow separation occurs on the surface of the object, and a vortex called Karman vortex is generated downstream of the object. The object vibrates due to the generation of the vortex. In particular, when the object is rod-shaped and is erected with respect to the flow, the rod-shaped object vibrates in a direction perpendicular to both the fluid flow and the direction in which the rod extends.
As described above, the cleaning tank 14 can circulate the processing liquid in the flow path from the inlet 138 to the drain outlet 144 by the circulation pump 182, and the rod-like vibrator 36 fixed to the lower surface of the rack 32 , Standing up with respect to the flow of the treatment liquid.

Therefore, by circulating the processing liquid in the flow path (in the direction of arrow y) from the inlet 138 to the drain outlet 144, a Karman vortex is generated downstream of the vibrator 36, whereby the vibrator 36 is moved in the width direction. Vibrate.
Here, the vibrator 36 is fixed to a fixing member 40 fixed to the rack 32 (that is, the vibrator 36 is fixed to the rack 32). The rack 32 is supported (held) in the cleaning tank 14 by an elastic member 34.
Therefore, in the cleaning machine 10, the vibration of the vibrator 36 is transmitted to the rack 32 to vibrate the rack 32, and the endoscope 50 housed in the rack 32 also vibrates, or further, the vibration of the rack 32 is vibrated. It is transmitted to the cleaning tank 14 through the elastic member 34, and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 14 also vibrates.

Therefore, for example, the drainage of the processing liquid from the cleaning tank 14 in each process is controlled so that the liquid level of the processing liquid is lower than the lower end of the rack 32 and sufficient for circulation and the vibrator 36 is sufficient for the processing liquid. In the state where the amount of the treatment liquid immersed in the cleaning tank 14 is present, the drainage of the treatment liquid is stopped, and the valves 180, 190 and 198 are closed as described above, and the valve 184 is opened. By driving the circulation pump 182 and circulating the processing liquid in a flow from the inlet 138 toward the drain 144, the rack 32, the endoscope 50, and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 14 can be vibrated. The treatment liquid adhering / remaining on the endoscope 50 and the rack 32, or further on the inner surface of the cleaning tank 14 can be removed by shaking.
As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration or reduction of the disinfecting liquid that is collected and used repeatedly until the predetermined number of times of cleaning is completed, and shorten the cleaning processing time.

Specifically, as described above, the cleaning machine 10 performs the cleaning process of cleaning with the cleaning liquid and rinsing with tap water, the sterilization process with the disinfecting liquid, and the rinsing process with tap water to perform the endoscope 50. Wash.
Therefore, in the cleaning process (rinsing process), the rack 32 is vibrated as described above to remove and drain the tap water remaining in the endoscope 50 and the like, and the disinfectant used in the next process remains. Dilution / deterioration with tap water can be suppressed. Alternatively, there is a case where rinsing with tap water or the like is not performed after cleaning with the cleaning liquid. In this case, dilution / deterioration / degeneration of the cleaning liquid due to mixing of the cleaning liquid into the disinfecting liquid can be suppressed.
In the disinfection step, the rack 32 is vibrated as described above, so that the disinfecting liquid remaining in the endoscope 50 or the like can be removed and collected, and the decrease in the disinfecting liquid can be suppressed.
Further, in the rinsing process, the rack 32 is vibrated as described above, so that tap water remaining in the endoscope 50 and the like can be removed and drained, so that water droplets drip and wet the periphery of the washing machine 10. In addition, the burden can be reduced even when the endoscope 50 is wiped off.
In addition, since the treatment liquid remaining on the endoscope 50, the rack 32, or the inner surface of the cleaning tank 14 can be removed by vibration, so-called draining time after draining the processing liquid from the cleaning tank 14 is unnecessary. Or it can shorten rather than usual and can shorten processing time of endoscope washing.
Each step will be described in detail later.

As described above, the disinfectant for disinfecting the endoscope is collected and used repeatedly until a predetermined number of times of cleaning, and after a predetermined number of times of cleaning, it is discarded and replenished with a new cleaning solution. Here, in the conventional endoscope cleaning machine, the processing liquid is discharged from the cleaning tank, and when each process is completed, the next process is started without performing anything, and the processing liquid is supplied to the cleaning tank. Therefore, the processing liquid remains in the cleaning tank and the endoscope outer wall, and the disinfecting liquid is diluted / degraded with the remaining processing liquid, so that the disinfecting performance is lowered, and the disinfecting liquid cannot be suitably recovered. Therefore, it is necessary to fill a larger amount of the disinfectant in anticipation of the decrease.
Furthermore, in the conventional endoscope cleaning machine, a drainage time is provided after draining from the cleaning tank in order to drain the water as much as possible after each process.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, as described above, the deterioration and reduction of the disinfectant can be suitably suppressed.
Therefore, according to the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, it is possible to stably perform proper cleaning of the endoscope 50, reduce the use amount (filling amount) of the disinfecting liquid, and suppress the running cost. Further, the time required for the cleaning process of the endoscope 50 can be shortened, and even when the endoscope 50 needs to be repeatedly used, it is possible to cope with it quickly and efficiently.

Here, the cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example includes an adjusting unit 186 that adjusts the flow rate (flow rate) of the circulating processing liquid by adjusting the output of the circulation pump 182.
The adjusting unit 186 acquires the weight (weight information) of the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32 (cleaning tank 14), and adjusts the output of the circulation pump 182 according to the weight of the endoscope 50. .

In order to suitably vibrate the rack 32, it is preferable to resonate the vibration of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 with the vibration of the vibrator 36 by the generation of the Karman vortex.
However, the vibrations of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 are affected by the weight of the endoscope 50. The cleaning machine 10 is required to be able to perform cleaning corresponding to various endoscopes 50, but the weight of the endoscope 50 varies depending on the model, the length of the insertion portion 52, and the like. Further, the number of endoscopes 50 accommodated in the cleaning tank 14 is not limited to one, and in an emergency case, a plurality of endoscopes 50 may be accommodated and simultaneously cleaned. Therefore, if the circulation condition is uniquely determined, the rack 32 may not be sufficiently vibrated depending on the weight and the number of the endoscopes 50.

On the other hand, the washing machine 10 of the present invention has the adjusting means 186, detects the weight of the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32, and adjusts the output of the circulation pump 182 according to this weight, The flow rate of the processing liquid in the cleaning tank 14 is adjusted.
Thereby, the rack 32 can be vibrated optimally according to the type and number of the endoscope 50, and the treatment liquid adhering to / remaining on the endoscope 50 and the like can be suitably removed.

The frequency f _k of the Karman vortex formed by the vibrator 36 is expressed by the formula f _k = St (U / d)
Indicated by
On the other hand, the natural frequency (structural resonance) f _s of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 is expressed by the formula f _s = (k / m) ^1/2 / 2π.
In the above formula, St is the Strouhal number; U is the flow velocity of the fluid; d is the representative dimension of the vibrator 32; and k is the spring constant of the elastic body 34; m is the weight of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 Is the sum of

In the above equation, the Strouhal number St is about 0.21 in the range where the Reynolds number exceeds 1000, and the representative dimension of the vibrator 32 is naturally known, so the Karman vortex frequency f _k (first) 1) can be arbitrarily adjusted by adjusting the flow velocity of the flow standing by the vibrator 32. On the other hand, the spring constant of the elastic body 34 and the weight of the rack 32 are naturally known. Therefore, according to the weight of the endoscope 50, by adjusting the flow rate of the treatment liquid circulating in the circulation pump 182, the frequency of the Karman vortex f _k and the rack 32 and the natural frequency of the endoscope 50 f _s ( The second frequency) can be matched.

Adjusting means 186 detects the weight of the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32, the range difference between the natural frequency f _s is in a predetermined frequency f _k and the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 of the Karman vortex The output of the circulation pump 182 is set / adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the circulating processing liquid (the flow rate of the processing liquid in the flow path from the inlet 138 to the drain outlet 144 in the cleaning tank 14). .
Thereby, the vibration of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 and the vibration of the vibrator 36 due to the generation of the Karman vortex can be brought into resonance or close to resonance, and the rack 32 is vibrated optimally. In addition, the treatment liquid adhering to / remaining on the endoscope 50 or the like can be removed.

At this time, there is no particular limitation on the difference between the Karman vortex frequency f _k and the natural frequency f _s of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50, depending on the required removal ability of the processing liquid, and the like. What is necessary is just to set suitably. As a preferred example, it is preferable that the frequency f _k of the Karman vortex be smaller than 2 ^1/2 times the natural frequency f _s of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50. That is, the frequency f _k of the Karman vortex and the natural frequency f _{s of} the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 satisfy the expression “frequency f _k <natural frequency f _s × 2 ^1/2 ”. It is preferable to adjust the output of the circulation pump 182 (the flow rate of the circulating processing liquid).
Preferably, the frequency f _k of the Karman vortex, rack 32 and the natural frequency f _s of the endoscope 50 substantially coincide, particularly preferably to match, adjusts the output of the circulation pump 182.

The method for detecting the weight of the endoscope 50 is not particularly limited, and various means can be used.
As an example, the washing tank 14 or the rack 32 is installed on a weighing scale, the weight of the accommodated endoscope 50 is measured, and the measurement result (measurement data) is supplied (or adjusted) to the adjusting means 186. The method by which means 186 goes to take is illustrated. Further, a method of providing an input means (input function) of the weight of the endoscope 50 on the operation panel 26 and supplying the input weight of the endoscope 50 to the adjusting means 186 (same as above) is also exemplified.
In the cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example, as an example, the weight input unit of the endoscope 50 is provided in the operation panel 28, and the weight of the endoscope 50 input through the operation panel 28 is supplied to the adjustment unit 186. Is done.

Moreover, if the model of the endoscope 50 is known, the weight can be known in advance. By using this, a table indicating the relationship between the model and weight of the endoscope 50 is set in the adjusting unit 186, and the adjusting unit 186 detects the model (model information) of the endoscope 50. Thus, a method for detecting the weight of the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32 is also exemplified.
Various methods can be used as the method of detecting the model of the endoscope 50. For example, a method of providing input means for the model of the endoscope 50 on the operation panel 26 is exemplified as in the case of the weight described above. .
In recent years, it has been considered that an IC tag is provided in the endoscope 50 and an IC tag reader is provided in the cleaning machine 10 to manage the cleaning history of the endoscope 50 and the like. Normally, it is considered that the model name of the endoscope 50 is recorded on the IC tag of the endoscope 50 (or may be recorded later), and this is read by the IC tag reader of the cleaning machine 10. Thus, a method for detecting the model of the endoscope 50 can also be used. Alternatively, the weight information of the endoscope 50 may be recorded on the IC tag of the endoscope 50.

In the illustrated example, the adjusting means 86 adjusts the output of the circulation pump 86, that is, the flow rate (flow rate) of the processing liquid sent from the circulation pump 86. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the flow rate of the processing liquid (the flow rate of the fluid in the flow path including the vibrator) can be adjusted by various methods.
For example, the flow rate can be adjusted (having a variable flow restricting function) as the valve 184 disposed in the circulation path of the processing liquid from the cleaning tank 14 to the drain port 144 to the circulation pump 182 to the inlet 138 to the cleaning tank 14. Using a motor valve or the like, the output of the circulation pump 182 is constant (or a pump with a fixed output is used), and the adjusting means 186 adjusts the flow rate with the valve 184 according to the detected weight of the endoscope 50. Accordingly, the flow rate of the circulating processing liquid (the flow rate of the processing liquid in the flow path from the inlet 138 to the drain port 144) may be adjusted.

  In the illustrated example, the weight of the endoscope 50 is detected, and the adjusting means 186 adjusts the flow rate of the processing liquid. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vibration of the rack 32 is detected. Accordingly, the adjusting means 186 may adjust the flow rate of the processing liquid accordingly.

For example, vibration detection means such as an acceleration sensor is provided in the rack 32, and the vibration detection result of the rack 32 is sent to the adjustment means 186.
The adjusting means 186 first drives the circulation pump 182 at a low output (low flow rate), gradually (or stepwise), improves the output, and improves the flow velocity. Here, the adjusting means 186 outputs the output of the circulation pump 182 when the vibration (for example, the vibration frequency or frequency) of the rack 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold according to the vibration detection result of the rack 32 by the vibration detection means. Then, the process liquid is fixed, and thereafter, the processing liquid is circulated at this output, that is, at the flow rate.
In this flow rate adjustment method, the treatment liquid may be circulated at a high speed at first, and the flow rate may be gradually decreased. Of course, this flow rate adjustment method may be performed by a method in which the valve 184 is used as a motor valve or the like and the flow rate is adjusted by the valve 184.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the illustrated example, the rack 32 is supported in the cleaning tank 14 by placing the rack 32 on the elastic body 34 having the rack 32 disposed on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 14. It is not limited to. For example, an elastic body such as a spring is stretched between the rack 32 and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 14, and the rack 32 is floated in the cleaning tank 14 by this elastic body. 32 may be supported in the cleaning tank 14.
The rack is not limited to a housing shape (a bowl shape) whose one surface is open as in the illustrated example, and may simply be a plate shape on which the endoscope 50 is placed. Alternatively, the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention does not place the endoscope on the rack, but stands the rack in the vertical direction and hooks the endoscope 50 by a hook or an engaging member. Thus, the endoscope may be held.
Furthermore, the rack 32 is not limited to the net shape (mesh shape) as in the illustrated example. If the treatment liquid adhering / remaining on the endoscope 50 or the rack inner surface can be drained outside the rack by dropping, Various configurations are available. For example, it may be configured to have a plate-like side surface standing on the periphery of a net-like rack, and the rack is formed by a plate material in which a large number of openings such as punching metal are formed instead of the net. Also good.

Further, the shape of the vibrator 36 is not limited to the cylindrical shape in the illustrated example, but may be a prismatic shape such as a quadrangular prism or a triangular prism, or may be a flat plate shape, or a flat plate member may be provided under the rod-shaped portion. It may be a fixed shape. That is, the shape of the vibrator 36 is a so-called blunt object whose cross section is not streamlined, and does not stop the flow of the liquid (fluid), but causes separation of the flow on its surface and forms a Karman vortex downstream of it. If it is a thing, various shapes can be utilized, and if it is located in the flow path of the fluid (if the flow path includes the vibrator), it is not always necessary to stand up against the flow of the fluid. In the present invention, the number of vibrators is not limited to one, and a plurality of vibrators may be fixed to the rack 32.
In order to obtain a suitable vibration, the vibrator 36 is a rod-like body having a uniform cross-sectional shape in the flow direction in the circulating processing liquid (in the liquid flowing through the liquid flow path), such as a cylindrical shape having a uniform thickness. Is preferred. Further, it is preferable that such a rod-like body is disposed upright with respect to the flow of the processing liquid, and more preferably (vertically) upright.
By forming the vibrator 36 in such a shape, a uniform Karman vortex is generated over the entire area of the vibrator 36 and uniform vibration is obtained. Therefore, the vibrator 36 is more preferably vibrated, Good vibration of the rack 32 can be obtained.

  Further, the fixing position of the vibrator 36 is not limited to the position in the illustrated example, and is fixed to the rack 32 integrally and within a certain liquid flow path (that is, the flow path including the vibrator). Can be installed at various positions.

In the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, 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). If it exists, the thing of various structures and shapes according to the shape of the washing tank 14 can be utilized.
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.

The lid 20 can be formed of various materials as long as the lid 20 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.

FIG. 4 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, as shown in FIG. 4, 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, and a disinfecting liquid tank that stores the disinfecting liquid. Both have only one, that is, are shared by the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b. Further, both the cleaning liquid pump 106 that supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 100 to the cleaning tank 14 and the disinfecting liquid pump 108 that supplies the disinfecting liquid from the disinfecting liquid tank 102 to the cleaning tank 14 have only one, that is, The first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b are shared.
In addition, what is necessary is just to utilize well-known various pumps for these pumps, but of course it is preferable to use a metering pump.

  Furthermore, there is only one air pump 116 for supplying air for discharging the processing liquid into each channel of the endoscope 50 and one drain pump 118, that is, two cleaning tanks 14. Sharing. An air filter 120 is provided at the air inlet of the air pump 116.

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.
Further, in the washing machine 10, although various pumps and tanks are shared by the first washing tank 14a and the second washing tank 14b, washing in the first washing tank 14a, the second washing tank 14b, and both washing tanks 14 is independent. And in order to perform asynchronously, as shown in FIG. 6, it has the piping system mutually independent with respect to both the washing tanks 14. As shown in FIG.

In addition, the washing machine 10 of this invention may have a pump, a tank, a piping system, etc. for implementing various processes besides these.
For example, in order to detect water leakage of the endoscope 50, an air pump for applying air pressure into the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54, a base (connector portion) for introducing air into the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 And an air port connected to the air port and a pipe for connecting the air port and the air pump.
Also, alcohol is introduced into each channel of the endoscope that has been cleaned, an alcohol tank for performing an alcohol flush that promotes drying, an alcohol pump for supplying alcohol, and each port described later for the alcohol You may have piping for connecting to.

In the illustrated example, the cleaning liquid tank 100 stores a stock solution of cleaning liquid for cleaning the endoscope 50.
The disinfecting liquid tank 102 stores disinfecting liquid for disinfecting the endoscope 50, and supplies the disinfecting liquid (raw solution) to the disinfecting liquid tank 102. The disinfecting liquid bottle B filled with the disinfecting liquid is used. Mounting portion 102A is provided. In the illustrated example, as an example, two attachment portions 102A are provided.

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. The explanation will be made as necessary.
Although omitted in FIG. 4, as described above, the rack 32 supported by the elastic body 34 is accommodated in the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b.

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 connector part (metal fitting), hereinafter the same)), A forceps port 126a (126b) for connecting a forceps channel for inserting forceps, an air / water supply port 128a (128b) for connecting the air / water supply channel, and a suction port 130a (130b) for connecting the suction channel are 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.
Further, the first cleaning tank 14a is provided with a drain port 144a (144b) for draining the above-described processing liquid.
Further, as described above, the water inlet of the circulation pump 182a (182b) is connected to the drain outlet 144, and the inlet 138a (138b) is connected to the outlet of the circulation pump via the valve 184a (184b). The

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 160a and 162a (160b and 162b) via 156a (156b).
Valve 150a, valve 152a, valve 154a, and valve 156a are connected in parallel to one pipe, and valves 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.

The valve 160a (160b) is connected to an 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 the tap water to the washing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 4, a filter 166 for purifying 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 drain 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).

The valve 190a (190b) is connected to the drain port 144a as described above. The drain port 144a is connected to a drain line 194 having a drain pump 118 through the valve 190a.
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 drain 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 of the illustrated example, the endoscope 50 is basically cleaned in the order of cleaning process → disinfection process → 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 endoscope 50 is accommodated in the rack 32 placed / supported by the elastic body 34 in the first cleaning tank 14a by the operator (the endoscope 50 is set in the cleaning machine 10), and the forceps is raised. 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.

Further, as described above, the weight of the endoscope 50 is input using the operation panel 26, and information on the weight of the endoscope 50 is supplied to the adjusting unit 186.
Adjustment means 186, according to the weight of the endoscope 50, as an example, as described above, the frequency f _k of Karman vortex, and the natural frequency f _s of the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 matches As described above, the output of the circulation pump 182 (that is, the flow rate of the processing liquid flowing from the inlet 138 to the outlet 144) is set.

When the setting of the endoscope 50 is completed and an instruction to start cleaning (and the weight of the endoscope 50) is input, the cleaning machine 10 first cleans the endoscope 50 using the cleaning liquid, and then Then, a cleaning process is performed in which the endoscope 50 is rinsed with tap water to remove the cleaning liquid.
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). The introduction of tap water and the introduction of the cleaning liquid may be performed 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 182a, and as an 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 the 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, and the drain pump 118 is further driven to drain the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 14 from the drain port 144a (cleaning drainage). ).

When all of the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a is drained, the valve 190a and the valve 192 remain open, the valve 160a is opened, the air pump 116 is driven, and the valve connected to the forceps raising port 124a The valve 150a 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 sequentially fed from the forceps raising port 124a, the forceps port 126a, the air / water feeding port 128a, and the suction port 130a to each channel of the endoscope 50, and the cleaning liquid remaining in the channel is endoscopically viewed. It discharges | emits from a mirror, and also drains from the 1st washing tank 14a (washing air supply).

When the cleaning with the cleaning liquid is completed, rinsing with tap water is then performed. In the present invention, what is used for rinsing (the same applies to a washing step described later) is not limited to tap water, and may be ion-exchanged water, pure water, or the like.
The rinsing is basically performed in the same manner as the cleaning with the cleaning liquid 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. The channels are sequentially opened, and each channel of the endoscope 50 is sequentially rinsed with tap water in the same manner as the channel cleaning. Thereafter, the valve 180a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven, In the same manner as in running water washing, external running water rinsing is performed in which the outside of the endoscope 50 is rinsed with tap water.
When the external running water rinsing is completed, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, the drain pump 118 is driven, and the tap water in the first cleaning tank 14a is drained from the drain outlet 144a in the same manner as the cleaning drain.

Here, the drainage of the tap water is stopped at a predetermined position where the liquid level of the tap water is equal to or lower than the lower end of the rack 32.
Next, the valve 184 is opened to drive the circulation pump 182a. At this time, the adjusting means 186 adjusts the output of the circulation pump 182 to the output set previously. Thereby, as mentioned above, the tap water is circulated including the flow path in the cleaning tank 14a from the inlet 138a to the drain outlet 144a. Due to this circulation, the vibrator 36 is vibrated, whereby the rack 32, the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32, or the first cleaning tank 14a vibrates, and the rack 32, the endoscope 50, the first The cleaning liquid adhering / remaining in the cleaning tank 14a and the like is removed.

  When the tap water is circulated for a predetermined time, the circulation is stopped, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened again, the drain pump 118 is driven, and the tap water in the first cleaning tank 14a is drained in the same manner as the cleaning drainage. Drain from the drainage port 144a.

  When drainage of tap water from the first cleaning tank 14a is completed, the valve 160a is opened and the air pump 116 is driven, and the valve 150a, valve 152a, valve 154a, and valve 156a are turned on in the same manner as the previous cleaning air supply. Then, one by one is opened, and the tap water is drained from each channel and the first cleaning tank 14a in the same manner as the cleaning air supply, and the cleaning process is completed.

In the cleaning machine 10, after the cleaning process is completed, a disinfection process for disinfecting the endoscope 50 using a disinfectant is then performed.
In the present invention, since the tap water remaining in the rack 32 and the endoscope 50 is removed by the vibration of the rack 32 and the like, the time for draining can be made unnecessary (or shorter than usual). Therefore, the time from the end of the cleaning process to the start of the disinfection process can be shortened. This also applies to the end / start of other processes.

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).
In the cleaning machine 10, the tap water adhering to / remaining on the rack 32, the endoscope 50, and the inner surface of the cleaning tank is removed by the vibration of the rack 32 and the like as described above. It can suppress suitably that the disinfection liquid introduce | transduced into the washing tank 14a is diluted / deteriorated with a tap water. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to stably perform proper disinfection of the endoscope 50 with the disinfecting liquid with little deterioration with respect to the preset number of times of disinfecting liquid.

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 is opened, the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 14a is drained from the drain port 144a, and 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.

Here, the drainage of the disinfectant is also stopped at a predetermined position where the level of the disinfectant is below the lower end of the rack 32.
Next, the valve 184 is opened to drive the circulation pump 182a. Also in this case, the adjusting means 186 adjusts the output of the circulation pump 182 to the output set previously. Thereby, as mentioned above, the disinfectant is circulated including the flow path in the cleaning tank 14a from the inlet 138a to the drain outlet 144a. Due to this circulation, the vibrator 36 is vibrated, whereby the rack 32, the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32, or the first cleaning tank 14a vibrates, and the rack 32, the endoscope 50, the first The disinfecting liquid adhering / remaining in the cleaning tank 14a is removed and dropped into the circulating disinfecting liquid.

When the disinfecting liquid is circulated for a predetermined time, the circulation is stopped, the valve 198a is opened again, and the disinfecting liquid recovery is resumed.
Here, as described above, the disinfecting liquid collected after the resumption also returns the disinfecting liquid adhering to the endoscope 50, the rack 32, etc., so that the recovery rate of the disinfecting liquid can be improved. , Can reduce the weight loss of the disinfectant.

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 with the valve 198a being opened.
That is, the valve 160a is opened to drive the 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. The disinfecting liquid discharged from the air (disinfecting air supply) and remaining in each channel is also collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 102, and the disinfecting process is completed.

  In the washing machine 10, after the disinfection process is completed, a rinsing process for rinsing the endoscope 50 using tap water is then performed.

The rinsing step is basically performed in the same manner as the rinsing with tap water in the washing step.
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 running water rinsing is completed, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, and the drain pump 118 is driven to drain the tap water used for rinsing from the first washing tank 14a.

This drainage is also stopped at a predetermined position where the level of the tap water is below the lower end of the rack 32.
Next, the valve 184 is opened to drive the circulation pump 182a. Also in this case, the adjusting means 186 adjusts the output of the circulation pump 182 to the output set previously. Thereby, as mentioned above, the tap water is circulated including the flow path in the cleaning tank 14a from the inlet 138a to the drain outlet 144a. Due to this circulation, the vibrator 36 is vibrated, whereby the rack 32, the endoscope 50 accommodated in the rack 32, or the first cleaning tank 14a vibrates, and the rack 32, the endoscope 50, the first The cleaning liquid adhering / remaining in the cleaning tank 14a and the like is removed.

  When the tap water is circulated for a predetermined time, the circulation is stopped, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened again, the drain pump 118 is driven, and the tap water in the first cleaning tank 14a is drained in the same manner as the cleaning drainage. Drain from the drainage port 144a.

  When the drainage is completed, the valve 160a is opened to drive the air pump 116, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are sequentially opened one by one, and the rinsing process is performed. In this step, the rinsing process is completed.

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.
Here, in the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, as described above, the tap water that adheres / residues to the endoscope 50 due to the vibration of the rack 32 when draining the tap water used for rinsing from the first cleaning tank 14a. Since water is removed, even when the endoscope 50 is taken out from the first cleaning 14a, inconveniences such as the periphery of the cleaning machine 10 getting wet with water droplets attached to the endoscope 50 can be suitably suppressed.

  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, it is possible to perform the same process in both cleaning tanks 14 at the same time. ) Can also be performed.

  In the cleaning machine 10, the disinfecting liquid tank B is replenished with a new disinfecting liquid by attaching the disinfecting liquid bottle B filled with the disinfecting liquid to the mounting portion 102A.

  As an example, when the number of repeated use of the disinfecting liquid reaches a predetermined number in the cleaning machine 10 and the cleaning of the endoscope of this time is finished, first, the valve 178a connected to the disinfecting liquid port 136a is opened to disinfect The liquid pump 108 is driven to introduce a predetermined amount of disinfectant 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. By this circulation, the inside of the washing machine 10 is self-disinfected.

When the disinfecting liquid is circulated for a predetermined time in the path including the water supply line 164 and the draining line 194, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, and the draining pump 118 is driven to discharge the disinfecting liquid. 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.
Here, in the cleaning machine 10 of the present invention, as described above, when the disinfecting liquid is collected from the cleaning tank 14 in the disinfection process, it adheres / remains on the endoscope 50 or the rack 32 due to vibration of the rack 32 or the like. The disinfectant solution is also removed / collected, that is, the recovery rate of the disinfectant solution that is repeatedly used is higher than usual, and the decrease of the disinfectant solution by the endoscope cleaning is small. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the replenishment amount of the disinfectant as compared with the normal case.

The cleaning machine 10 in the illustrated example has one cleaning liquid tank 100 and one poison liquid tank 102 for each of two cleaning tanks 14, and one cleaning liquid pump 106 and one disinfecting liquid pump 108. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the endoscope cleaning machine of the present invention has two cleaning liquid tanks 100 and a disinfecting liquid tank 102 each, and has two cleaning liquid pumps 106 and a disinfecting liquid pump 108, and these supply systems In regard to the above, the first cleaning tank 14a and the second cleaning tank 14b may have completely independent piping systems. Or the structure which sends a process liquid to the two washing tanks 14 with one pump with respect to the two washing liquid tanks 100 (disinfection liquid tank 102) may be sufficient.

In the above example, the treatment liquid remaining in the cleaning tank 14 is used and circulated to vibrate the vibrator 36, that is, the rack 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a liquid reservoir 188 is provided in the middle of the circulation path of the washing tank 14, the drain port 144, the circulation pump 182, the inlet 138, and the washing tank 14, and used for rinsing in the washing process. And a predetermined amount of water used in the rinsing process (the amount of liquid that is not more than the lower end of the rack 32 and can be sufficiently immersed in the vibrator 36 when it is circulated) in the liquid reservoir 188. Store it. Alternatively, the pressure reducing valve 168 and the first valve 170 may be opened, and the tap water may be stored in the liquid reservoir 188.
With this configuration, when processing such as cleaning and disinfection in each step is completed, all the processing liquid in the cleaning tank 14 is discharged, and the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 188 is circulated in the same manner as before. The rack 32 may be vibrated.

Further, instead of using the circulation pump 182, the vibrator 36, that is, the rack 32 may be vibrated by flowing tap water through the cleaning tank 14.
As apparent from the piping system diagram of FIG. 4, in the washer 10, the pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, and the valve 184 are opened, and the valves 190 a and 192 are opened. The tap water can flow into 14, flow through the washing tank 14, and can be discharged from the drain outlet 144.
Accordingly, a variable flow rate valve such as a motor valve is used as the valve 184, and the flow rate is adjusted by the valve 184 in accordance with the weight of the endoscope 50 and the vibration state of the rack 32. By flowing the tap water, the treatment liquid can be removed from the endoscope 50 and the like by vibrating the vibrator 36, that is, the rack 32, with the tap water.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to circulating the liquid even when the treatment liquid or the like is caused to flow through the flow path including the vibrator fixed to the rack using a pump. The liquid may be drained as it is.
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the valve 190 and the valve 192 connected to the drain outlet 144 are opened, and the valve 184 is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven, so that the liquid in the liquid reservoir 188 is discharged. In the flow path from the inlet 138 to the drain outlet 144, the washing tank 14 is flown to vibrate the vibrator 36, that is, the rack 32, and the liquid discharged from the drain outlet 144 passes through the valves 190 and 192. You may drain as it is.

  In the present invention, not only a liquid but also a gas such as air can be used as a fluid for vibrating the vibrator 36.

  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. It is a figure which shows notionally the inside of the washing tank of the endoscope washing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows notionally the piping system of the endoscope washing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows notionally another example of the endoscope washing machine of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 (Endoscope) washing machine 14 Washing tank 20 Lid 24 Support point 26 Operation panel 28 Start button 30 Foot pedal 32 Rack 34 Elastic body 36 Vibrator 40 Fixing member 50 Endoscope 52 Insertion part 54 Universal code 56 Operation part 58 Connector 100 Cleaning liquid tank 102 Disinfecting liquid tank 106 Cleaning liquid pump 108 Disinfecting liquid pump 116 Air pump 118 Drain pump 120 Air filter 124a, 124b Forceps lifting port 126a, 126b Forceps port 128a, 128b Air supply / water supply port 130a, 130b Suction port 132a, 132b Cleaning liquid port 134a, 134b Disinfecting liquid port 136a, 136b Water supply port 138a, 138b Inlet port 144a, 144b Drain port 163a, 163b Water supply pipe 164 Water supply line 166 Motor 168 pressure reducing valve 170 first valve 172 second valve 182a, 182b circulation pump 186 adjusting means 194 drain line

Claims (7)

An endoscope cleaning machine for cleaning an endoscope,
A cleaning tank for cleaning the endoscope;
A rack for holding the endoscope having a large number of openings on the bottom surface, which is supported in the cleaning tank by an elastic body;
A vibrator fixed to the rack;
A flow path for flowing a fluid in the flow path including the vibrator;
Fluid supply means for flowing a fluid through the flow path;
An endoscope cleaning machine comprising adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow path.   2. The detection unit according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a weight of the endoscope, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path according to the weight of the endoscope detected by the detection unit. Endoscope cleaning machine. The oscillator and the Karman vortex street frequency determined by the flow velocity of the liquid in the flow path are the first frequency, the weight of the rack and the endoscope, and the natural frequency determined by the elastic body is the second frequency. When assuming the frequency,
The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path so that a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is within a predetermined range. washing machine.   The endoscope cleaning according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection means is one or more of a weight measurement means for the endoscope, a weight input means for the endoscope, and a model detection means for the endoscope. Machine.   2. The detection unit according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a vibration state of the rack, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path according to the vibration state of the rack detected by the detection unit. Endoscope washing machine.   6. The fluid supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fluid supply unit has a variable output, and the adjustment unit adjusts a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path by adjusting an output of the fluid supply unit. Endoscope cleaning machine.   The flow rate of the fluid which flows into the said flow path is provided, The said adjustment means adjusts the flow velocity of the fluid which flows into the said flow path by the flow volume adjustment by this throttle means. Endoscope washing machine.

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