JP2009112343A - Endoscope cleaning and sterilizing instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope cleaning and sterilizing instrument having a structure permitting a liquid in a member to be discharged to be unerringly removed in a short time after a cleaning process, the sterilizing process or the rinsing process ends. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing instrument includes circulation ducts 9b, and 18 to 20 circulating the liquid M to a cleaning and sterilizing tank 4, first discharge ducts 10, 19, 59a, 59b, a discharge pump 60, a switching block 10, three-way valves 151 and 152, draining ducts 44 to 46, a discharge block 120 having a constricted portion 122 and sucking the liquid M by causing negative pressure in the channel after driving the discharge pump 60 by the constricted portion 122. The discharge block 120 connects the draining ducts 44 to 46 to the discharge side rather than the constricted portion 122, and further sucks a remaining liquid stored in the switching block 10, the three-way valves 151 and 152 by the negative pressure through the draining ducts 44 to 46. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus including a plurality of ducts in an apparatus main body for automatically cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope.

  In recent years, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. An endoscope used in the medical field observes an organ in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, or inserts into an insertion channel of a treatment instrument provided in the endoscope as necessary. Various treatments can be performed using the treatment tool.

  Endoscopes in the medical field are used by being inserted into body cavities, particularly for the purpose of examination and treatment. Therefore, after use, cleaning and disinfection are necessary for reuse. As a method for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope, for example, a method using an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus) is well known.

  If the cleaning / disinfecting device is used, the endoscope is only set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank of the cleaning / disinfecting device, and the endoscope is automatically cleaned, disinfected, rinsed, drained, etc. (hereinafter referred to as cleaning). (Referred to as a disinfection process). At this time, the endoscope is cleaned and disinfected not only in the outer surface of the endoscope but also in a plurality of pipelines such as known air supply / water supply pipelines and treatment instrument insertion pipelines. The

  In addition, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus performs the above-described cleaning / disinfecting process. Therefore, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus includes a water supply line that supplies tap water to the cleaning / disinfecting tank, a detergent line that supplies detergent to the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and a cleaning / disinfecting tank. On the other hand, in the chemical solution line that supplies the disinfectant, the circulation line that circulates the liquid to the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and the various liquid lines in the endoscope set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank Multiple pipes such as a supply channel, a chemical recovery line that collects the disinfectant in the cleaning / disinfecting tank in the chemical tank, and a discharge pipe that discharges the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank outside the cleaning / disinfecting device It has a road.

  Further, in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, a supply or discharge pump, a switching block or a valve body for switching the flow of the liquid in the plurality of pipes, etc., in the middle of the various pipes provided in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, etc. Generally, a variable member is provided.

  Here, after the endoscope cleaning process, the disinfection process, and the rinsing process are completed, the cleaning / disinfection tank of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the discharge pipe, various pipes connected to the discharge pipe, and the discharge pipe are connected. In addition to being unsanitary when residual liquid remains in variable members (hereinafter collectively referred to as discharge target members) intervened in various pipe lines, the cleaning liquid or Since the disinfecting liquid is diluted and the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid may not be used at an appropriate concentration, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus always performs a draining process after each process. Specifically, in the draining process, by driving the discharge pump, the liquid in the discharge target member is discharged out of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus by its own weight through the discharge pipe.

  Also, in order to discharge the liquid in the discharge target member more reliably, in the main body of the device, the discharge pipe and various pipes connected to the discharge pipe are inclined to the discharge port, or a discharge pump is usually installed. Cleaning that has a configuration in which the liquid can be surely discharged out of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus without remaining liquid by driving for longer or by sending air into the member to be discharged to push out the remaining liquid. Disinfection devices are also well known.

A cleaning / disinfecting apparatus having a configuration for reliably discharging the liquid in the discharge target member as described above is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
JP 2006-239313 A

  However, in the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to reliably discharge the liquid in the discharge target member, the draining process is performed by driving the discharge pump longer than usual or by supplying air. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the draining process becomes longer than usual.

  Furthermore, since the variable member such as the switching block or the valve body has a housing, liquid is easily stored in the housing, so that it takes more time to reliably discharge the remaining liquid in the housing. There was also a problem of end.

  The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a configuration in which the liquid in the discharge target member can be reliably removed in a short time after the completion of the cleaning process, the disinfection process, or the rinsing process. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus having a plurality of ducts in an apparatus body for automatically cleaning / disinfecting an endoscope. A circulation line that circulates liquid to a cleaning / disinfecting tank in which the endoscope is disposed, and the cleaning / disinfecting tank and the circulation line that form the plurality of pipes A first discharge pipe for discharging the liquid inside the apparatus main body, a discharge pump provided in a midway position of the first discharge pipe, and a midway position of the circulation pipe, A variable member configured to change the flow of the liquid; a second discharge pipe configured to form the plurality of pipes; and a second discharge pipe configured to discharge the remaining liquid stored in the variable member; and the first discharge pipe. The first discharge pipe provided on the outflow side of the discharge pump at a midway position in the path A throttle part for restricting the flow path of the liquid, and by the throttle part, after the discharge pump is driven, a negative pressure is generated in the flow path so that the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank and the circulation line is A suction member that sucks the suction member, and the suction member is connected to the second discharge pipe on the outflow side of the throttle portion, and the negative pressure causes the second discharge pipe to pass through the second discharge pipe. The residual liquid stored in the variable member is further sucked.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus having a configuration capable of reliably removing a liquid in a discharge target member in a short time after completion of a cleaning process, a disinfection process, or a rinsing process. Can do.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus showing the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an endoscope showing a state in which the top cover of FIG. 1 is opened and the endoscope can be stored in a cleaning / disinfecting tank. It is a perspective view of a washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus.

  As shown in the figure, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is an apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope 100, and is openable and closable on the apparatus main body 2 and an upper portion thereof via, for example, a hinge (not shown). The main part is constituted by the top cover 3 which is a connected lid.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the top cover 3 is closed to the apparatus main body 2, the apparatus main body 2 and the top cover 3 are disposed at positions where the apparatus main body 2 and the top cover 3 face each other. For example, it is configured to be fixed by a latch 8.

  A detergent / alcohol tray 11 is disposed in front of the apparatus main body 2 so that it can be pulled out to the front of the apparatus main body 2, for example, at the front of the apparatus main body 2 in the drawing (hereinafter referred to as the front surface). ing.

  The detergent / alcohol tray 11 includes a detergent tank 11a in which a cleaning agent, which is a liquid used for cleaning the endoscope 100, and a liquid used for drying the endoscope 100 after cleaning and disinfection. An alcohol tank 11b in which a certain alcohol is stored is housed, and the detergent / alcohol tray 11 can be pulled out, so that the tanks 11a and 11b can be replenished with a predetermined liquid.

  The detergent / alcohol tray 11 is provided with two windows 11m, and the operator can check the remaining amounts of the cleaning agent and alcohol injected into the tanks 11a and 11b through the windows 11m. It is like that. This cleaning agent is a concentrated detergent that is diluted to a predetermined concentration with tap water that has been filtered by a water supply filter (not shown). In the present embodiment, in the following description, a mixed liquid of the cleaning agent and the tap water is referred to as a cleaning liquid.

  In addition, a cassette tray 12 is disposed on the front surface of the apparatus main body 2, for example, at the upper portion of the right half, so that it can be pulled out forward of the apparatus main body 2. The cassette tray 12 contains a chemical bottle 12a into which a disinfecting liquid such as peracetic acid, which is a liquid used for disinfecting the endoscope 100, is stored, and the cassette tray 12 can be pulled out. Thus, the chemical solution bottle 12a can be set in a predetermined manner.

  Further, on the front surface of the apparatus main body 2, a sub operation panel 13 having a cleaning / disinfecting time display, an instruction button for heating the disinfecting liquid, and the like is disposed on the cassette tray 12. Yes. In addition, a top cover 3 closed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 is opened above the apparatus main body 2 as shown in FIG. Pedal switch 14 is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning and disinfection start switch of the apparatus main body 2 and the setting of the cleaning and disinfection mode selection switch and the like are arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2, for example, near both ends on the front side close to the operator. A main operation panel 25 provided with switches is provided.

  Moreover, it was connected to the water tap 5 (refer FIG. 3) mentioned later for supplying a tap water to the apparatus main body 2 in the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 and the back side facing the front surface which an operator adjoins. A water supply hose connection port 31 to which a water supply hose 31a (see FIG. 3) described later is connected is provided. A mesh filter for filtering tap water may be provided at the water supply hose connection port 31.

  Furthermore, a cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 in which the endoscope storage opening can be stored is provided in the substantially central portion of the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 and whose endoscope storage opening is opened and closed by the top cover 3. The cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 includes a tank main body 50 and a terrace portion 51 provided continuously around the outer peripheral edge of the endoscope storage port of the tank main body 50.

  When the endoscope 100 after use is cleaned and sterilized, the tank body 50 can be accommodated, and the tank body 50 is supplied to the tank body 50 on the bottom surface 50t which is the surface inside the tank. In addition to draining the cleaning liquid, water, alcohol, disinfecting liquid, etc., from the tank body 50, a first drain port 55 is provided for supplying the liquid again from the water supply circulation nozzle 24 described later to the tank body 50. .

  In addition, a connecting tube 75 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is supplied with cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid, and the like supplied to the tank body 50 at an arbitrary position on the circumferential side surface 50s that is a surface inside the tank body 50. A circulation port 56 is provided to supply each pipe line provided in the endoscope 100. The circulation port 56 may be provided with a mesh filter for filtering the cleaning liquid or the like.

  The circulation port 56 described above may be provided on the bottom surface 50t of the tank body 50. If the circulation port 56 is provided on the bottom surface 50t of the tank body 50, the supply timing of cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid, etc., to each pipeline of the endoscope 100 can be advanced. Further, when the user replaces the mesh filter or the like provided in the circulation port 56, it is advantageous that the operator can easily approach if it is provided on the bottom surface.

  The tank body 50 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is further provided with an ultrasonic transducer and a heater (not shown), and the cleaning case 6 is provided at a substantially central portion of the bottom surface 50t of the tank body 50. Yes. The ultrasonic vibrator is for ultrasonically cleaning or rinsing the outer surface of the endoscope 100 by applying vibration to the cleaning water or tap water stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. The heater is for heating the cleaning liquid, tap water, etc. stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 to a predetermined temperature.

  The cleaning case 6 accommodates removable parts such as buttons such as each scope switch of the endoscope 100 that are attached to the endoscope 100. As a result, the buttons and the removed parts are cleaned and disinfected together with the endoscope 100.

A water level sensor 32 with a cover for detecting the water level of the cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid, etc. supplied to the tank body 50 is provided at an arbitrary position on the side surface 50s of the tank body 50.
Dilute the tank body 50 from the detergent tank 11a to a surface other than the terrace surface 51t of the terrace 51 by a tap water with a detergent pump (not shown) to a predetermined concentration. The disinfecting liquid nozzle 23 for supplying the disinfecting liquid from the detergent nozzle 22 for supplying the cleaning agent and the chemical liquid tank 58 (see FIG. 3) to be described later by the chemical liquid pump 65 (see FIG. 3) to be described later. It is arranged.

  Further, cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid, or the like for supplying water to the tank body 50 or sucked from the first drain outlet 55 of the tank body 50 on a surface parallel to the bottom surface 50t of the tank body 50 of the terrace portion 51. Is provided with a water supply circulation nozzle 24 for supplying the water to the tank body 50 again. The detergent nozzle 22, the disinfectant liquid nozzle 23, and the water supply circulation nozzle 24 may be disposed on the terrace surface 51t.

  Further, a cleaning liquid, water, alcohol, disinfecting liquid, air, or the like is provided on a pipe 51 provided inside the endoscope 100 on the surface 51f of the terrace surface 51t on the side facing the operator proximity position 4k. A plurality of air supply / water supply / forceps port 33, forceps raising port 34, and water leakage detection port 35 are provided.

  Next, based on FIGS. 3-5, the outline of the internal structure of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 1 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing the internal configuration of the three-way valve of FIG. 3 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows a mode that it inhales from the check valve interposed by the drain pipe line connected to the three-way valve, and discharges the residual liquid in a three-way valve through the drain pipe line.

  In the following description, the configuration other than the main part is well known and will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is configured such that one end of a water supply hose 31 a is connected to a water supply hose connection port 31, and the other end of the water supply hose 31 a is connected to an external water tap 5. Is provided.

  The water supply hose connection port 31 communicates with one end of the water supply pipe line 9a constituting the plurality of pipe lines. The other end of the water supply pipe 9a is connected to a switching block 10 composed of an electromagnetic valve that is a variable member, and a check valve is interposed at a midway position of the water supply pipe 9a.

  Connected to the switching block 10 are a water supply pipe 9b that forms a plurality of pipes communicating with the water supply circulation nozzle 24 and one end of a liquid pipe 18 that forms a plurality of pipes. The switching block 10 switches communication between the water supply pipe 9a, which is another pipe with respect to the water supply pipe 9b, which is one pipe, and the liquid pipe 18, which is another pipe, by an internal valve (not shown). It is.

  That is, the water supply line 9 b communicates with either the water supply line 9 a or the liquid line 18 by the switching operation of the switching block 10. Therefore, the switching block 10 switches the supply of the tap water via the water supply line 9 a and the liquid M via the liquid line 18 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. The liquid M is composed of tap water, disinfecting liquid, cleaning liquid, alcohol and the like. Further, the water supply line 9 b and the liquid line 18 constitute a circulation line for circulating the liquid M to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  The switching block 10 includes a housing that holds an internal valve. The housing is a part where the liquid M is easily stored. This is because the residual liquid Z is easily stored in the housing of the switching block 10 when switching the communication between the water supply line 9a and the liquid line 18 with respect to the water supply line 9b. Furthermore, one end of a drain line 44 that is a second discharge line that constitutes a plurality of lines that discharge the residual liquid Z of the liquid M stored in the housing of the switch block 10 is connected to the switch block 10. ing.

  A check valve 61, which is a check valve 61 that promotes the discharge of the residual liquid Z of the liquid M stored in the housing of the switching block 10 by intake air, is provided in the middle of the drain conduit 44 and in the vicinity of the switching block 10. It has been.

  The circulation port 56 disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is connected to one end of the channel line 21 constituting a plurality of lines. A channel pump 26 is interposed in the middle of the channel line 21, and the other end of the channel line 21 communicates with each air / water supply / forceps port 33 (in FIG. 3). Only one air / water supply / forceps port 33 is shown). Although not shown, the other end of the channel duct 21 communicates with the forceps raising port 34 described above.

  As a result, the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 discharged from the circulation port 56 passes through the connection tube 75 connected to the ports 33 and 34 by the channel line 21 after the channel pump 26 is driven. It is supplied to each pipeline in the endoscope 100.

  The channel line 21 is connected to a line for supplying alcohol in the alcohol tank 11b, which is not shown.

  The first drain port 55 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is provided with an openable / closable switching valve 57 for discharging the liquid M to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 by a valve switching operation.

  One end of a liquid pipe 20 constituting a plurality of pipes is connected to the switching valve 57. The liquid line 20 constitutes a circulation line and also constitutes a first discharge line for discharging the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and the circulation line to the outside of the apparatus body 2. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the liquid pipe 20 is connected to a three-way valve 151 that is a valve body that constitutes a variable member made of, for example, a three-way ball valve. The three-way valve 151 is connected to a chemical recovery pipe 69 constituting a plurality of pipelines communicating with the chemical tank 58 and one end of a liquid pipeline 19 constituting the plurality of pipelines. The communication between the chemical solution recovery line 69 which is another line with respect to the liquid line 20 and the liquid line 19 which is another line is switched by a ball valve 77 which can be switched by an internal motor 78. .

  That is, the liquid pipe line 20 communicates with either the chemical liquid recovery pipe line 69 or the liquid pipe line 19 by the switching operation of the three-way valve 151. Therefore, the three-way valve 151 is a valve for switching whether the disinfecting liquid S discharged from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 through the liquid conduit 20 is collected in the chemical liquid tank 58 or discharged outside the apparatus main body 2. The liquid line 19 constitutes a circulation line and a first discharge line.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the three-way valve 151 includes a housing 151 h that holds an internal ball valve 77, and the gap 79 between the housing 151 h and the ball valve 77 stores the liquid M. It is an easy part. This is because the residual liquid Z is easily stored in the gap 79 of the housing 151 h when switching the communication between the liquid pipe 19 and the chemical recovery pipe 69 with respect to the liquid pipe 20.

  Furthermore, one end of a drain line 46, which is a second discharge line constituting a plurality of lines for discharging the residual liquid Z of the liquid M stored in the gap 79 of the three-way valve 151, is connected to the three-way valve 151. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the middle of the drain line 46, in the vicinity of the three-way valve 151, a check that promotes the discharge of the residual liquid Z of the liquid M stored in the gap 79 of the three-way valve 151 by intake air. A check valve 63, which is a valve, is provided.

  Here, when one of the liquid line 19 and the chemical solution recovery line 69 communicates with the liquid line 20 by the ball valve 77, the air E is difficult to be sucked into the three-way valve 151. Therefore, the inside of the three-way valve 151 and the inside of the drain line 46 are in a vacuum state, and the residual liquid in the gap 79 is difficult to be discharged through the drain line 46 due to suction of the discharge block 120 described later and the own weight of the residual liquid Z. It has become.

  However, since the check valve 63 is provided in the middle of the drain conduit 46, even if either the liquid conduit 19 or the chemical recovery conduit 69 communicates with the liquid conduit 20, When discharging the residual liquid Z through the drain pipe 46, as shown in FIG. 5, it becomes possible to introduce the air E into the drain pipe 46, so that the residual liquid Z in the gap 79 is Due to the suction of the discharge block 120 and the dead weight of the residual liquid Z, which will be described later, it becomes easy to discharge through the drain conduit 46.

  The check valve 63 may be provided so as to communicate with the gap 79 of the three-way valve 151 as indicated by a dotted line in FIG.

  The chemical liquid tank 58 is connected to the other end of a pipe line (not shown) having one end connected to the chemical liquid bottle 12a so that the disinfecting liquid from the chemical liquid bottle 12a is supplied. In addition, a suction port 64k at one end of a chemical liquid pipe 64 constituting a plurality of pipes is opened in the chemical liquid tank 58, and the other end of the chemical liquid pipe 64 is connected to the disinfecting liquid nozzle 23. Further, a chemical liquid pump 65 for lifting the disinfecting liquid S in the chemical liquid tank 58 to the disinfecting liquid nozzle 23 is interposed in the middle position of the chemical liquid pipe line 64.

  The other end of the liquid pipe 19 is connected to a three-way valve 152 which is a valve body constituting a variable member made of, for example, a three-way ball valve. In addition, a discharge pump 60 is interposed in the middle of the liquid pipeline 19.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the three-way valve 152 is connected to one end of a discharge pipe 59 a constituting a plurality of pipes and the other end of the liquid pipe 18. The communication between the discharge pipe 59a which is another pipe with respect to the path 19 and the liquid pipe 18 which is another pipe is switched by an internal ball valve 77. The three-way valve 152 has the same configuration as the three-way valve 151 described above.

  That is, the liquid pipe line 19 communicates with either the discharge pipe line 59 a or the liquid pipe line 18 by the switching operation of the three-way valve 152. Therefore, the three-way valve 152 discharges the liquid M discharged from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 via the liquid pipes 20 and 19 to the outside of the apparatus main body 2 via the discharge pipe 59a or via the liquid pipe 18. Thus, it is a valve for switching whether to supply again from the water supply circulation nozzle 24 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. The discharge pipe 59a constitutes a first discharge pipe.

  Similarly to the three-way valve 151, the three-way valve 152 includes a housing 152h that holds an internal ball valve 77, and a gap 79 between the housing 152h and the ball valve 77 is a portion where the liquid M is easily stored. ing. This is because when the communication between the liquid pipe 18 and the discharge pipe 59a is switched with respect to the liquid pipe 19, the residual liquid Z is easily stored in the gap 79 of the housing 152h.

  Furthermore, one end of a drain line 45 that is a second discharge line that constitutes a plurality of lines for discharging the remaining liquid M stored in the gap 79 of the three-way valve 152 is connected to the three-way valve 152. ing.

  A check valve 62, which is a check valve 62 that promotes the discharge of the residual liquid Z of the liquid M stored in the gap 79 of the three-way valve 152 by intake air, in the middle of the drain pipe 45 and in the vicinity of the three-way valve 152. Is provided.

  Here, when one of the liquid pipe 18 and the discharge pipe 59a communicates with the liquid pipe 19 by the ball valve 77, the air E is difficult to be sucked into the three-way valve 152. Therefore, the inside of the three-way valve 152 and the drain pipe 45 are in a vacuum state, and the residual liquid Z in the gap 79 is difficult to be discharged through the drain pipe 45 by suction of the discharge block 120 described later and the own weight of the residual liquid Z. It has become.

  However, as shown in FIG. 5, since the check valve 62 is provided in the middle of the drain line 45, either the liquid line 18 or the discharge line 59 a communicates with the liquid line 19. Even when the residual liquid Z is discharged through the drain pipe 45, the air E can be introduced into the drain pipe 45, so that the residual liquid Z in the gap 79 will be described later. Due to the suction of the discharge block 120 and the dead weight of the residual liquid Z, it becomes easy to discharge through the drain line 45.

  The check valve 62 may be a three-way valve 152 or may be provided so as to communicate with the gap 79 as shown by a dotted line in FIG.

  A discharge block 120, which is a suction member, is interposed in the middle of the discharge pipe 59a and at the lowest position in the height direction of the apparatus main body 2, and each drain pipe 44, 45 is inserted into the discharge block 120. , 46 are connected to the other end. Hereinafter, the configuration of the suction member 120 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  6 is a partial sectional view showing the discharge block of FIG. 3 in an enlarged manner, FIG. 7 is a view showing the third space of the discharge block of FIG. 6 together with the backflow prevention member, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a backflow prevention member of 6 closes a second space of the discharge block.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge block 120 includes a housing part 120h, and the housing part 120h includes a first space 121r1, a second space 121r2, a third space 121r3, and a fourth space 121r4. And a fifth space 121r5.

  Specifically, the other ends of the three drain pipes 44 to 46 are connected to the first space 121r1, and a second space which is a communication space is formed on the bottom side in the height direction of the first space 121r1. A third space 121r3 is formed through the space 121r2.

  The other end of the discharge pipe 59a is connected to the fifth space 121r5 on the bottom side in the height direction of the third space 121r3, and the second space 121r5 has the second end in the discharge direction H on the second side. A restricting portion 122 that restricts the flow path of the space 121r5 is formed. That is, the second space 121r5 has an aspirator shape.

  The throttle unit 122 drives the discharge pump 60 to cause the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 to flow into the liquid pipes 20 and 19 that constitute the first discharge pipe, the discharge pipe 59a, and a discharge pipe 59b described later. When discharging to the outside of the apparatus main body 2 through a negative pressure, a negative pressure is generated in the flow path in each first discharge pipe, and the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and each pipe 20, 19, 59a is generated. It is formed to suck.

  In the discharge block 120, a fourth space 121r4 communicating with the fifth space 121r5 is formed on the leading end side in the discharge direction H of the fifth space 121r5, that is, the outflow side, and a plurality of fourth spaces 121r4 are formed in the fourth space. And a discharge pipe 59b constituting the first discharge pipe.

  A third space 121r3 that communicates with the fourth space 121r4 is formed in the upper part of the fourth space 121r4 in the height direction. As a result, after the discharge pump 60 is driven, the residual liquid Z in the switching block 10 and each of the three-way valves 151 and 152 is caused by the negative pressure generated by the throttle unit 122, in each drain pipe 44 to 46, in the first space. It is sucked into the fourth space 121r4 via the 121r1 to the third space 121r3, and then discharged from the discharge pipe 59b.

  When the discharge block 120 is not provided, that is, when the drain lines 44 to 46 are simply connected to the first discharge lines 19, 20, 59a, 59b, the switching block 10 and the three-way valves Since the residual liquid Z in 151 and 152 is discharged only by its own weight, the residual liquid Z is not necessarily discharged reliably, but in this embodiment, the residual liquid Z is sucked by the discharge block 120. Therefore, the remaining liquid Z in the switching block 10 and each of the three-way valves 151 and 152 is configured to be surely discharged through the drain pipes 44 to 46.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, four claw parts 123 are formed at the bottom of the third space 121r3 and extend upward in the height direction, and the four claw parts 123 have a backflow prevention. A ball 124 as a member is placed. Therefore, a gap 125 is formed between the ball 124 and the bottom of the third space 121r3 so that the residual liquid Z from the second space 121r2 flows into the fourth space 121r4.

  The ball 124 has a larger diameter than the flow path of the second space 121r2. As shown in FIG. 8, in the first discharge pipe, when the flow path of the discharge pipe 59b provided on the outflow side from the discharge block 120 is blocked by the foreign matter 200, for example, The liquid M discharged from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 flows back into the third space 121r3, and flows back into the drain pipes 44 to 46 via the second space 121r2 and the first space 121r1. This is because the ball 124 is lifted from the claw portion 123 due to the backflow in the third space 121r3 and blocks the second space 121r2.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
The operation of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 will be described by taking the operation of the draining step after rinsing as an example. In addition, the effect | action at the time of washing | cleaning disinfection in each pipe line in the other apparatus main body 2, and the effect | action at the time of washing | cleaning disinfection of the outer surface of the endoscope 100 and the endoscope pipe line which the endoscope 100 comprises Is well known, and the description thereof is omitted.

  First, when a predetermined button operation on the main operation panel 25 is performed by the user, a water draining process is executed.

  Specifically, first, the liquid block 18 and the water supply line 9b are switched by the switching block 10 and the liquid line 20 and the liquid line 19 are switched by the three-way valve 151. Furthermore, after the liquid pipe 19 and the discharge pipe 59a are switched by the three-way valve 152, the switching valve 57 is opened and the discharge pump 60 is driven.

  As a result, the rinsing water in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is discharged from the discharge pipe 59b through the liquid pipes 20, 19, the discharge pipe 59a, the fifth space 121r5 of the discharge block 120, and the fourth space 121r4. It is discharged out of the main body 2.

  At this time, since the above-described throttle portion 122 is formed in the fourth space 121r4 of the discharge block 120, the throttle portion 122 causes the flow path in the first discharge pipes 20, 19, 59a, and 59b. A negative pressure is generated, and the rinsing water in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and each of the pipes 20, 19, and 59a is sucked using the negative pressure, so that the rinsing water remains in each pipe. Instead, the rinsing water is surely discharged from the discharge pipe 59b.

  Further, as described above, the residual water Z of the rinsing water is easily stored in the switching block 10 and the three-way valves 151 and 152, but the check valve 61 for intake is provided in each drain line 44 to 46. To 63, and the other ends of the drain pipes 44 to 46 are connected to the throttle part 122 of the fifth space 121r5 via the first space 121r1 to the third space 121r3 of the discharge block 120. As a result, the residual liquid Z in the switching block 10 and the three-way valves 151 and 152 becomes the residual liquid Z due to the intake air from the check valves 61 to 63 by communicating with the fourth space 121r4 provided on the outflow side. Due to its own weight and the negative pressure by the throttle portion 122, it is reliably sucked into the discharge block 120 via the drain pipe lines 44 to 46 and discharged from the discharge pipe 59b.

  In the draining of the rinsing water, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the flow path of the discharge pipe 59b is blocked by the foreign matter 200, each pipe 20, 19, 59a and the rinsing water discharged through the spaces 121r5 and 121r4 of the discharge block 120 flow back into the third space 121r3, but due to the reverse flow, the ball 124 flows into the flow path of the second space 121r2. Therefore, it does not flow back to the drain pipes 44 to 46.

  After the rinsing water in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and the first discharge pipes 20, 19, 59a is discharged, the ball valve 77 of the three-way valve 152 is switched so that the liquid pipe 18 and the discharge pipe 59a communicate with each other. As a result, the rinsing water in the water supply pipe line 9b and the liquid pipe line 18 is reliably discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 through the discharge pipe lines 59a and 59b due to its own weight and suction of the discharge block 120.

  The above is not limited to the rinsing water, and the same applies to the case where the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid are discharged.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge block 120 is provided on the outflow side of the discharge pump 60 in the middle position of the first discharge pipes 20, 19, 59 a, 59 b, and is formed in the discharge block 120. The liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and each of the pipes 18, 9b, 20, 19, 59a is reliably sucked and discharged by the negative pressure by the throttle unit 122 that restricts the flow path of the first discharge pipe that has been made. At the same time, it is shown that the residual liquid Z of the liquid M in the switching block 10 and the three-way valves 151 and 152 is reliably sucked and discharged via the drain pipes 44 to 46 connected to the discharge block 120.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, it showed that the check valves 61-63 were each provided in the middle position of each drain pipeline 44-46.

  According to this, the negative pressure by the throttle portion 122 of the discharge block 120 ensures that the discharge pump 60 is not driven longer than usual, or air is not supplied to each pipe line after the draining process. In addition, the liquid M in the discharge target member composed of the pipes 18, 9 b, 20, 19, 59 a, the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, the switching block 10, and the three-way valves 151, 152 is discharged outside the apparatus main body 2 without residual liquid. be able to.

  In addition, even if each pipe line communicates with the switching block 10 and the three-way valves 151 and 152 and is in a sealed state, the check valves 61 to 63 can perform intake air. The residual liquid Z in the three-way valves 151 and 152 can be sucked by the discharge block 120 more reliably.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ball 124 provided in the third space 121r3 of the discharge block 120 is formed to have a larger diameter than the flow path diameter of the second space 121r2, and thus the discharge conduit 59b. When the foreign matter 200 is clogged and the liquid M flows backward, the ball 124 blocks the flow path of the second space 121r2, and thus the flowed liquid M may flow backward to the drain pipes 44 to 46. Absent.

  From the above, it is possible to provide the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 having a configuration capable of reliably removing the liquid M in the discharge target member in a short time.

  In the present embodiment, the three-way valves 151 and 152 and the switching block 10 are shown as examples of variable members in which the liquid M is liable to remain. However, the liquid M also remains in the discharge pump 60. Cheap. Therefore, it is a matter of course that a drain conduit that connects the discharge pump 60 to the discharge block 120 may be provided separately, and the remaining liquid of the discharge pump 60 may be sucked from the discharge block 120. Even in this case, a check valve may be provided in the drain line.

  Hereinafter, another modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an outline of a modification of the internal configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid discharged from the first drain port of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 via the first discharge pipes 20, 19, 59a, 59b, It was shown that it was supplied again to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 through the circulation lines 20, 19, 18, 9b. That is, the liquid pipe line 20 and the liquid pipe line 19 are shown to serve as the first discharge pipe and the circulation pipe by the three-way valve units 151 and 152.

  Not limited to this, the first discharge pipe and the circulation pipe may be provided separately in the apparatus main body 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, in this configuration, the switching valve 57 is constituted by a three-way switching valve, and the switching valve 57 includes a chemical solution recovery line 69, a discharge line 59 a, and a circulation pipe. Each end with the path 180 is connected.

  The other end of the chemical solution recovery pipe 69 opens to the chemical solution tank 58. Therefore, when the switching valve 57 is switched so as to communicate with the chemical liquid recovery line 69, the disinfecting liquid S in the cleaning / disinfecting tank is recovered in the chemical liquid tank 58 via the chemical liquid recovery line.

  In addition, the other end of the discharge pipe 59a is connected to the discharge block 120 described above. In addition, the above-mentioned discharge pump 60 is interposed in the middle position of the discharge pipe 59a. Therefore, when the discharge pump 60 is driven after the switching valve 57 is switched to communicate with the discharge pipe 59a, the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is discharged from the discharge pipe 59a, the discharge block 120, It is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 through the discharge pipe 59b.

  The other end of the circulation line 180 is connected to the switching block 10, and a circulation pump 160 is interposed in the middle position of the circulation line 180. Therefore, after the switching valve 57 is switched so as to communicate with the circulation pipe 180, when the circulation pump 160 is driven, the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is supplied to the circulation pipe 180, the switching block 10, the water supply. The water is again supplied from the water supply circulation nozzle 24 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 through the pipe line 9b.

  The other configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 3 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Even in such a configuration shown in FIG. 22, the discharge pump 60 is driven longer than usual due to the negative pressure by the throttle portion 122 of the discharge block 120, or air is supplied into each pipe line after the draining process. Even without supplying air, the liquid M in each pipe 59a can be reliably discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 without residual liquid.

  Further, the liquid M in the switching block 10 can be reliably discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 via the drain conduit 44 by the negative pressure generated by the throttle portion 122 of the discharge block 120. Other effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a conventional liquid detection sensor for detecting the completion of the discharge of liquid from the cleaning / disinfecting tank is provided in a liquid conduit communicating with the cleaning / disinfecting tank. It is a figure which shows the state which detected that discharge | emission of the liquid from the washing | cleaning disinfection tank was complete | finished by 9 liquid detection sensors.

  By the way, conventionally, in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, as a method for detecting the discharge of the liquid M such as the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid, and the rinsing water from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, liquid levels of different heights are detected in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. Two or more liquid level detectors are provided, and after the first liquid level is detected by the liquid level detector, the time difference until the second liquid level lower than the first liquid level is detected, A method of detecting the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 by estimating the estimated drainage time by counting by a control unit (not shown) of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is well known.

  However, this method has a problem that complicated control is required to detect the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 because software for counting the estimated drainage time must be incorporated in the control unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a capacitance type liquid detection sensor 90 is provided in the above-described liquid conduit 20 communicating with the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, and as shown in FIG. A technique for detecting the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 when the liquid detection sensor 90 detects a change in the water level without contact with the liquid M when it falls below the sensor 90 is also well known.

  Further, the liquid pipe 20 is made of a transparent member, and a light detection sensor is provided in the liquid pipe 20, and reflection of light from the liquid pipe 20 by the light detection sensor when the liquid M flows through the liquid pipe 20. A method for detecting the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 using the above is also well known.

  However, in these methods, an expensive liquid detection sensor 90 or a light detection sensor is separately used, so that the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is expensive and each sensor is not in contact with the liquid M. Therefore, there is a problem in that there are many restrictions on the mounting position of the liquid detection sensor 90 and the light detection sensor with respect to the liquid pipe line 20.

  Therefore, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can detect the completion of the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 at low cost and easily has been desired.

  A configuration for solving such a problem will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which two electrodes for detecting the completion of the discharge of the liquid from the cleaning / disinfecting tank are provided in the liquid conduit communicating with the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and FIG. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the liquid discharged from the cleaning / disinfecting tank is discharged to a lower water level than the first electrode and the first electrode and the second electrode become non-conductive in the liquid conduit, FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a method for detecting discharge of liquid from the cleaning / disinfecting tank using the two electrodes of FIG. 11.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a conventional electrode arrangement in which two electrodes are provided on the same side in the liquid conduit, and FIG. 15 is an illustration in which two electrodes are provided close to each other in the height direction in the liquid conduit. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a conventional electrode arrangement state. FIG. 16 shows a conventional electrode arrangement state in which two electrodes are provided so as to be separated from each other in the height direction and overlapped when viewed from above. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a liquid conduit and electrodes as viewed from the XVII direction in FIG.

  Further, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modification in which two electrodes are provided in the liquid conduit so as to be separated by a predetermined distance at the same height. FIG. 19 is a diagram in which two electrodes are separated by a predetermined height in the liquid conduit. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modification example in which two electrodes are provided in a liquid conduit so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance in a state viewed from above at the same height. FIG. 21 is a top view of the liquid conduit and electrode of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the liquid conduit 20 communicating with the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, the first electrode 91 is provided on one side 20 i, and the second electrode 92 is in contact with the first electrode 91. Without being, the first electrode 91 in the height direction lower than the first electrode 91, specifically, as shown in FIG. And provided on the other side 20t so as not to overlap in a plan view.

  The first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are made of a conductive member that is resistant to disinfecting liquid and cleaning liquid, for example, stainless steel, and as shown in FIG. The second electrode 92 is connected to the GND and is connected to the comparator 95. Note that a reference voltage (Vref) is input to the comparator 95.

  When such a configuration is used, when the drainage of the liquid M is started from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 through the liquid conduit 20, the liquid M flows through the liquid conduit 20, and as shown in FIG. The electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are electrically connected via the liquid M. At this time, a voltage (Vin) lower than the resistance of the liquid M and the reference voltage (Vref) is input to the comparator 95 (Vin <Vref). Thus, the control unit of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 detects from the output from the comparator 95 that the liquid M has started to be discharged from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  After that, when the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is finished, as shown in FIG. 12, when the water level of the liquid M becomes lower than the first electrode 91 in the liquid conduit 20, the first electrode 91. And the second electrode 92 are in a non-conductive state. At this time, a voltage (Vin) higher than the reference voltage (Vref) is input to the comparator 95 (Vin> Vref). Accordingly, the control unit of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 detects from the output from the comparator 95 that the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 has been completed.

  In the liquid conduit 20, the first electrode 91 is provided on one side 20 i and the second electrode 92 is higher than the first electrode 91 without contacting the first electrode 91. In the downward direction, specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, at a predetermined height A1, for example, below A1 = 2 cm or more, it does not overlap with the first electrode 91 in a plan view when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 14, when the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided on the same side, for example, one side 20i, the liquid pipe is provided on the other side 20t. In the channel 20, even if the liquid M is discharged to a lower water level than the second electrode 92, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are electrically connected by the residual flow P that travels along the side surface of the one side 20 i. And drainage from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is completed. Also regardless of which, if it is non-drainage, there are cases where the control unit is erroneously detected.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, even if the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided on different sides, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are connected in the height direction. For example, when provided close to within 2 cm, even if the liquid M is discharged to a lower water level than the second electrode 92 in the liquid conduit 20, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode Although the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are brought into conduction by the residual flow P due to the surface tension on each of the opposing surfaces of 92 and the drainage from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is completed, This is because the controller may erroneously detect that the liquid has not been drained.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided on different sides and separated in the height direction, As shown, when the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are superposed in a state viewed from above, while the liquid M is flowing through the liquid conduit 20, Although the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 should be conductive, the first electrode 91 becomes an umbrella of the second electrode 92, and the liquid M that hits the first electrode 91 And the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 become non-conductive. As a result, the drainage is completed while the drainage is being performed from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, and the control unit This is because an erroneous detection may occur.

  As shown in FIG. 18, even if the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided at the same height with respect to the liquid conduit 20, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are separated by a predetermined distance A2, for example, A2 = 1 cm or more in the direction V connecting the one side 20i and the other side 20t. If the liquid M is discharged to a lower water level than the electrodes 91, the residual flow P does not cause the electrodes 91 and 92 to be electrically connected.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided at the same height with respect to the liquid conduit 20, and the one side 20i and the other side 20t are connected to each other. Even if they are provided close to each other in the connecting direction V, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided on different sides, and are orthogonal to the height direction and the direction V when viewed from above. If the liquid M is discharged to a lower water level than the electrodes 91, the remaining flow P causes the electrodes 91 and 92 to conduct when the liquid M is discharged to a lower water level than the electrodes 91. There is nothing.

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 18 to 21, if the two electrodes 91 and 92 are provided in the liquid conduit 20, the electrodes 91 and 92 are in contact with the liquid M. Compared to the above, only by devising the arrangement position, the restriction of the attachment positions of the two electrodes 91 and 92 with respect to the liquid pipe line 20 is reduced, so that versatility is enhanced.

  In addition, since the completion of the discharge from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is detected by an electrode made of a conductive member such as stainless steel, it is not necessary to separately use an expensive liquid detection sensor or light detection sensor for detection. The discharge detection of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 can be performed.

  Further, by directly detecting the liquid M in the liquid conduit 20 using the two electrodes 91 and 92, it is possible to detect the discharge of the liquid M with high accuracy and to count the discharge time. Therefore, it is not necessary to incorporate software for counting the estimated drainage time in the control unit.

  From the above, it is possible to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can accurately detect the completion of the discharge of the liquid M from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 at a low cost.

The perspective view of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus which shows this Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state where the top cover of FIG. 1 is opened and the endoscope can be stored in a cleaning / disinfecting tank. The figure which shows the outline of the internal structure of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows the internal structure of the three-way valve of FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which intake is performed from a check valve interposed in a drain line connected to the three-way valve in FIG. 4 and residual liquid in the three-way valve is discharged through the drain line. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged discharge block of FIG. 3. The figure which shows the 3rd space of the discharge block of FIG. 6 seeing from a upper side with a backflow prevention member. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the backflow prevention member of FIG. 6 blocks a second space of the discharge block. The figure which shows schematically the state by which the conventional liquid detection sensor which detects that discharge | emission of the liquid from the washing | cleaning disinfection tank was completed was provided in the liquid pipe line connected to a washing | cleaning disinfection tank. The figure which shows the state which detected that discharge | emission of the liquid was complete | finished from the washing | cleaning disinfection tank by the liquid detection sensor of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the state by which the two electrodes which detect that discharge | emission of the liquid from the washing | cleaning disinfection tank was complete | finished were provided in the liquid pipe line connected to a washing | cleaning disinfection tank. The figure which shows the state from which the liquid discharged | emitted from the washing | cleaning disinfection tank in FIG. 11 was discharged | emitted to the low water level rather than the 1st electrode, and the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode became non-conduction. The circuit diagram which shows the discharge | emission detection method of the liquid from a washing | cleaning disinfection tank using two electrodes of FIG. The figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the conventional electrode which provided two electrodes on the same side in the liquid pipe line. The figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the conventional electrode which provided two electrodes adjacent to the height direction in the liquid pipe line. The figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the conventional electrode which provided two electrodes so that it might mutually overlap in the state seen from the upper direction while separating from a height direction in a liquid pipe line. The figure which shows the liquid conduit and electrode which looked at FIG. 16 from the XVII direction. The figure which shows the modification which provided two electrodes so that predetermined distance might be separated in the same height in a liquid conduit. The figure which shows the modification which provided two electrodes on the different side while separating two electrodes in the liquid pipe line by predetermined height. The figure which shows the modification which provided two electrodes so that a predetermined distance might be spaced apart in the state looked at from the upper direction in the liquid pipe line. FIG. 21 is a top view of the liquid conduit and electrode of FIG. 20. The figure which shows the outline of the modification of the internal structure of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Cleaning and disinfection device (Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device)
2 ... Main body 4 ... Cleaning disinfection tank 9a ... Water supply pipe (other pipes)
9b ... Water supply pipeline (circulation pipeline), (one pipeline)
10. Switching block (variable member)
18 ... Liquid pipe (circulation pipe), (other pipe)
19 ... Liquid pipe (circulation pipe), (first discharge pipe), (one pipe), (other pipe)
20 ... Liquid pipeline (circulation pipeline), (first discharge pipeline), (one pipeline)
21 ... Channel line 44 ... Drain line (second discharge line)
45 ... Drain line (second discharge line)
46 ... drain line (second discharge line)
59a ... discharge pipe (first discharge pipe), (other pipes)
59b ... discharge line (first discharge line)
60 ... Drain pump 61 ... Check valve (check valve)
62 ... Check valve (check valve)
63 ... Check valve (check valve)
64 ... Chemical solution pipeline 69 ... Chemical solution recovery pipeline (other pipelines)
100 ... endoscope 120 ... discharge block (suction member)
120h ... housing 121r2 ... second space (communication space)
122: Throttle part 124 ... Ball (backflow prevention member)
151 ... Three-way valve (variable member), (Valve)
152 ... Three-way valve (variable member), (Valve)
160 ... circulation pump 180 ... circulation line M ... liquid

Claims (4)

An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus having a plurality of pipes in an apparatus body for automatically cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope,
A circulation line that circulates a liquid with respect to a cleaning / disinfecting tank in which the endoscope is disposed;
A first discharge pipe for discharging the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank and the circulation pipe to the outside of the apparatus main body, which constitutes the plurality of pipes;
A discharge pump provided in a midway position of the first discharge pipe;
A variable member that is provided at a midway position of the circulation pipe and that varies the flow of the liquid;
A second discharge pipe for discharging the residual liquid of the liquid stored in the variable member, which constitutes the plurality of pipes;
In the midway position of the first discharge pipe, there is a throttle portion provided on the outflow side of the discharge pump and throttles the flow path of the first discharge pipe. A suction member for generating a negative pressure in the flow path and sucking the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank and the circulation pipe after
Comprising
The suction member is connected to the second discharge pipe on the outflow side of the throttle portion, and is stored in the variable member via the second discharge pipe due to the negative pressure. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, wherein the residual liquid is further sucked. The second discharge pipe is connected to a housing part included in the suction member, and the liquid flows into the housing part from the second discharge pipe to the first discharge pipe. A backflow prevention member having a diameter larger than that of the communication space in which the second discharge pipe is communicated,
The backflow prevention member closes the communication space by backflow of the liquid in the housing portion only when the outflow side of the suction member of the first discharge pipe is closed. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is prevented from flowing back into the second discharge pipe.   3. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein a check valve is provided at a midway position of the second discharge pipe to accelerate discharge of the remaining liquid stored in the variable member by intake air. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus described.   The variable member is a switching block or a valve body having a function of switching the flow of the liquid from one of the plurality of pipes to the communication of one of the other pipes. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images