JP2009118916A - Channel switching device, and endoscope washing/disinfection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple-structured channel switching device capable of intentionally feeding a fluid into the space between a ball valve and a housing. <P>SOLUTION: The channel switching device comprises a housing part 161; ports 163-165; the ball valve 168 rotatably mounted inside the housing part 161 for switching the communication of one port with another port with the rotation by a channel 168r disposed inside; a motor unit to rotate the ball valve 168; and a sensor disposed at a first rotation position of the ball valve 168 where one port communicates with another port by the channel 168r inside the motor unit for detecting the rotation position of the ball valve 168. In addition, a sensor is further mounted at a second rotation position of the ball valve 168 where one port communicates with another port and where the channel 168r communicates with the spaces 169a-169c inside the motor unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a ball-like switch that is provided in a housing portion so as to be rotatable, and switches communication of one of the plurality of ports to one port by a communication channel provided therein by rotation. The present invention relates to a flow path switching device including a valve and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device.

  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 cleans and disinfects not only the outer surface of the endoscope but also the endoscope channels such as known air / water supply channels and treatment instrument insertion channels inside the endoscope. Is done.

  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, a chemical liquid line for supplying a disinfectant, a circulation line for circulating the liquid to the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and a liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank are supplied into the endoscope line set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank. There are multiple pipe lines such as a channel pipe for use, a chemical liquid recovery pipe 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 to the outside of the cleaning / disinfecting device. It has.

  Furthermore, in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, a flow path switching device that simplifies the plurality of pipe configurations by switching the flow of fluid in the plurality of pipes to a middle position of various pipes included in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, For example, a configuration in which a three-way valve unit having three connection ports for each pipeline and a communication channel is provided is well known.

  By the way, since the conventional three-way valve unit has a configuration in which the communication of one of the two ports with respect to the common port is switched by moving the valve by a motor, only two types of communication between the pipes are switched. There was a problem that it was not possible and was not easy to use.

  If the three-way valve unit is not provided in the cleaning / disinfecting device so that the common port is located on the lower side of the three-way valve unit, the remaining liquid of cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, rinsing water, etc. in the housing of the three-way valve unit. However, there is a problem that the position where the three-way valve unit is provided is limited because the disinfecting liquid is diluted by the remaining liquid during the disinfecting process, for example, because it remains in the housing without coming out of the common port.

  Furthermore, when supplying fluid from the common port to one of the other two ports, the conventional three-way valve unit has an angle between the common port and one of the other two ports of 90 °. In other words, since the three-way valve unit has a T-shaped communication flow path, there is a problem that the pressure loss in the flow path is large and the flow rate flowing through the communication flow path is reduced. It was.

  In view of the above problems, Patent Document 1 provides a spherical space in the housing, and is provided in a Y shape in a state in which the three ports are viewed from the housing at equal intervals. A three-way valve unit is disclosed in which a ball valve having a V-shaped communication channel is disposed in a plan view in the space.

  According to such a configuration, for switching the communication of one port with respect to one port, a ball-shaped switching valve (hereinafter referred to as a ball valve) is rotated, and the V-shaped communication in the ball valve is performed. Since the flow path can be performed only by communicating with two ports, the communication between the pipe lines connected to each port can be switched to three types by a ball valve, and the position where the three-way valve unit is provided is Because it is not limited, it is easy to use.

Further, since the three ports are provided in a Y shape with respect to the housing, and the communication flow path communicating between the two ports is formed in a V shape in the ball valve, the communication flow path Thus, when the two ports communicate with each other, the flow rate flowing through the communication channel is not reduced due to pressure loss.
JP 2002-206831 A

  However, in the three-way valve unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the space in which the ball valve in the housing is disposed is formed in a spherical shape. To form the space in a spherical shape, a forming method such as injection is used. However, since it is technically difficult, it must be formed by combining a plurality of blocks, and the formation becomes complicated, and more sealing materials must be used to maintain water tightness between the plurality of blocks. There was a problem.

  Furthermore, the ball valve is rotated from the state in which the second port is communicated with the first port by the ball valve communication channel in the state of flowing the liquid, and the third port is When the port is communicated, liquid may enter the space between the ball valve and the housing. To remove the liquid, a drain pipe for drainage is provided, or a subsequent air supply process is performed. It was necessary to take time-consuming measures such as removing the ball valve by moving it many times. In addition, when the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid is intentionally flowed in the space, there is a problem that it takes a lot of time because the ball valve is moved several times when there is liquid in the valve.

  An object of the present invention is made in view of the above problems, and is a flow path switching device capable of intentionally supplying a fluid to a space between a ball valve and a housing with a simple configuration. The object is to provide a mirror cleaning and disinfecting device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a flow path switching device according to the present invention includes a housing portion, a plurality of ports provided in the housing portion and communicating with the housing portion, and a height direction of the housing portion within the housing portion. A ball-shaped switching valve provided to be rotatable in a direction orthogonal to the one of the plurality of ports and switching the communication of one of the other ports with respect to one port by a communication flow path provided therein by rotation. A motor unit for rotating the switching valve; and a first rotation of the switching valve in which any one of the other ports communicates with the one port by the communication channel in the motor unit. And a sensor for detecting a rotational position of the switching valve provided in a moving position, and the communication flow path in the motor unit has the one port. The sensor is further provided at a second rotation position of the switching valve that communicates with any one of the other ports with respect to the gap and communicates with a space between the switching valve and the housing portion. It is characterized by that.

  An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus having the flow path switching device according to claim 1, wherein the switching valve is rotated by detection of the sensor. And the control unit rotates the switching valve to the second rotation position and detects the second rotation by the detection of the sensor provided at the second rotation position. Control is performed to supply fluid to the port communicating with the communication passage in a state where the communication channel communicates with the space at a position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flow path switching device and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device that can intentionally supply fluid to the space between the ball valve and the housing with a simple configuration.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, the flow path switching device is shown by taking a three-way valve unit as an example. The three-way valve unit will be described as being used in a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus having a three-way valve unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the top cover of FIG. 1 is opened and an endoscope can be stored in the 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). A main part is constituted by a 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 stores a chemical bottle 12a used when disinfecting the endoscope 100, for example, into which a disinfecting liquid such as peracetic acid has been injected. 12a can be set to a predetermined value.

  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, the outline of the internal configuration of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of FIG.

  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 conduit 9a. The other end of the water supply pipe 9a is connected to a switching block 10 composed of an electromagnetic valve, and a check valve is interposed at a midway position of the water supply pipe 9a.

  The switching block 10 is connected to a water supply line 9 b communicating with the water supply circulation nozzle 24 and one end of the liquid line 18. The switching block 10 switches communication between the water supply line 9a and the liquid line 18 with respect to the water supply line 9b by an internal valve (not shown) by drive control of the control unit 200 provided in the apparatus main body 2. .

  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. Examples of the liquid M include tap water, disinfecting liquid, cleaning liquid, and alcohol.

  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 is easily stored in the housing of the switching block 10 when switching the communication of the water supply line 9a and the liquid line 18 to the water supply line 9b. Further, the switching block 10 may be connected to one end of a drain pipe 44 that promotes the discharge of the remaining liquid M stored in the housing of the switching block 10.

  In this case, a check valve 61 is provided in the middle of the drain line 44 and in the vicinity of the switching block 10 to accelerate the discharge of the remaining liquid M stored in the housing of the switching block 10 by intake air. Good.

  A circulation port 56 disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is connected to one end of the channel line 21. 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 the liquid pipe line 20 is connected to the switching valve 57. The other end of the liquid pipe line 20 is connected to a three-way valve unit 151 constituted by, for example, a three-way ball valve. The detailed configuration of the three-way valve unit 151 will be described later.

  The three-way valve unit 151 is connected to a chemical solution recovery pipe 69 communicating with the chemical tank 58 and one end of the liquid pipe 19. The three-way valve unit 151 includes a motor unit 162 (described later) through communication control of any two of the liquid pipe 20, the chemical liquid recovery pipe 69, and the liquid pipe 19 by driving control of the control unit 200. 4), and can be switched by a ball valve 168 (see FIG. 5) to be described later.

  Furthermore, one end of a drain line 46 that facilitates discharge of the remaining liquid M stored in a housing portion 161 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, of the three-way valve unit 151 is connected to the three-way valve unit 151. It doesn't matter.

  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 64 k at one end of the chemical liquid pipe 64 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 line 19 is connected to a three-way valve unit 152 constituted by, 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. 3, one end of the discharge pipe 59 a and the other end of the liquid pipe 18 are connected to the three-way valve unit 152. The three-way valve unit 152 switches the communication of any two of the liquid pipe 19, the discharge pipe 59 a, and the liquid pipe 18 by an internal ball valve by driving control of the control unit 200. is there. The three-way valve unit 152 has the same configuration as the three-way valve unit 151 described above.

  Similarly to the three-way valve unit 151, the three-way valve unit 152 includes a housing portion that holds an internal ball valve, and the housing portion is a portion where the liquid M is easily stored. 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, residual liquid is easily stored in the housing portion.

  Furthermore, one end of a drain line 45 that facilitates discharge of the remaining liquid M stored in the housing portion of the three-way valve unit 152 may be connected to the three-way valve unit 152.

  In this case, a check valve 62 is provided in the middle of the drain line 45 and in the vicinity of the three-way valve unit 152 to accelerate the discharge of the remaining liquid M stored in the housing portion of the three-way valve unit 152 by intake air. It is good to have been.

  A discharge block 120 is interposed at the midpoint of the discharge pipe 59 a and at the lowest part of the apparatus body 2 in the height direction. The discharge block 120 has an aspirator shape, and drives the discharge pump 60 to transfer the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 to the outside of the apparatus main body 2 via the liquid pipes 20 and 19 and the discharge pipe 59a. When the liquid is discharged, a negative pressure is generated in the flow path in each pipeline, and the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and each of the pipelines 20, 19, 59a is sucked.

  Further, when the drain pipe lines 45 to 46 are provided, the other ends of the drain pipe lines 45 to 46 are preferably connected to the discharge block 120. As a result, after the discharge pump 60 is driven, the residual liquid in the switching block 10 and each of the three-way valve units 151 and 152 is sucked through the drain lines 44 to 46 due to the negative pressure generated by the discharge block 120. Thereafter, the gas is discharged from the discharge pipe 59a.

  Next, the configuration of the above-described three-way valve units 151 and 152 will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the three-way valve unit 151 and the three-way valve unit 152 have the same configuration, the three-way valve unit 151 will be described as an example in the following description.

  4 is an enlarged perspective view of the three-way valve unit of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the three-way valve unit viewed from above with the motor unit removed from the three-way valve unit of FIG. 4, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a three-way valve unit along a VI-VI line in FIG. 4 in a state where a flow path of an A port and a flow path of a B port communicate with each other.

  7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the flow path of the B port and the flow path of the C port of the three-way valve unit communicate with each other, and FIG. 8 shows the flow of the C port and the flow of the A port of the three-way valve unit. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the flow path is in communication with each other. FIG. 9 shows that the flow path of the B port and the flow path of the C port of the three-way valve unit communicate with the space between the ball valve and the housing portion. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a circuit that performs rotation control of the ball valve of FIG. 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the three-way valve unit 151 has a housing portion 161 having, for example, a hexagonal shape in a state viewed from above in the height direction H, and the height of the housing portion 161. A motor unit 162 is provided above the direction H.

  The flow paths 163r, 164r, and 165r communicate with the interior of the housing part 161 so as to be Y-shaped with respect to the housing part 161 at regular intervals, for example, when viewed from above in the height direction H. Ports 163 to 165 are provided. Hereinafter, the three ports are referred to as an A port 163, a B port 164, and a C port 165.

  Each of the ports 163 to 165 is a port to which one of the liquid pipelines 19 and 20 and the chemical solution recovery pipeline 69 is connected. For example, the liquid pipeline 20 is connected to the A port 163, and the B port 164 is connected to the A port 163. Is connected to the chemical recovery line 69, and the C port 165 is connected to the liquid line 19. The connection of the pipes 19, 20, 69 to the ports 163 to 165 is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the inside of the housing part 161 has a hexagonal shape, for example, as viewed from above in the height direction H, and a metallic member such as stainless steel, which is a switching valve inside. A ball-shaped ball valve 168 constituted by the motor unit 162 is rotatably provided in a direction P perpendicular to the height direction H of the housing portion 161.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the ball valve 168 is viewed from above in the height direction H in a plan view, substantially in the center and is not penetrating the flow path 168 r described later and is along the height direction H. The shape in plan view is formed with, for example, a rectangular bottomed hole 168h, and is rotated by a motor 185 in the motor unit 162 in the bottomed hole 168h, for example, as shown in FIG. A rotating shaft 188 having a slidable shape is inserted. As a result, the ball valve 168 rotates in the direction P by the rotational force applied to the rotation shaft 188 by the motor 185.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a sensor plate 190 having a cam portion 190c is also fitted into the rotation shaft 188. The sensor plate 190 is disposed in the motor unit 162. As a result, the sensor plate 190 rotates in the direction P in synchronization with the ball valve 168 as the rotating shaft 188 rotates.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the housing portion 161, between the ball valve 168 and each of the ports 163 to 165, there is a channel having a channel communicating with each of the channels 163r to 165r. A seal member 167 made of a member, for example, Teflon (registered trademark) is provided.

  The sealing material 167 maintains watertightness between the ball valve 168 and each of the ports 163 to 165 by being in close contact with the ball valve 168 via an O-ring 170 (see FIG. 6) in the housing portion 161. And prevents leakage of liquid from the port closed by the ball valve 168.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, spaces 169 a to 169 c are formed between the ball valve 168, the sealing material 167, and the housing portion 161 inside the housing portion 161.

  The spaces 169a to 169c are necessarily formed in the housing portion 161 unless the space inside the housing portion 161 is formed in a shape along the ball valve 168, that is, unless it is formed in a ball shape.

  As described above, since it is extremely difficult to form a ball-shaped space in the housing portion 161 by an easy method such as injection molding, the space in the housing is formed in another shape, and the space This is because if the ball valve 168 is disposed in the space, a space is always formed. The spaces 169a to 169c communicate with each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a flow path 168 r that is a communication flow path having a shape viewed in plan from above in the height direction H or a V-shaped cross section is formed inside the ball valve 168. . The ball valve 168 communicates with any one of the three ports 163 to 165 with respect to one port, for example, the flow path 164r of the port 164 and the flow path 165r of the port 165 with respect to the flow path 163r of the port 163. Any one of the above communication is switched by a flow path 168r provided inside by rotation by the motor unit 162.

  As shown in FIG. 10, four sensors 181 to 184 including a micro switch, a photo sensor, and the like that detect the cam portion 190 c of the sensor plate 190 are provided in the motor unit 162. The four sensors 181 to 184 are turned on and off depending on the rotational position of the cam portion 190c.

  In the motor unit 162, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the sensors 181 to 183 communicate with one of the three ports 163 to 165 through one of the three ports 163 to 165 by the flow path 168r. The ball valve 168 is provided at the first rotational position.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the sensor 184 has one of the three ports 163 to 165 communicated with one port through the flow path 168r, as shown in FIG. The flow path 168r is provided at the second rotational position of the ball valve 168 communicating with any one of the spaces 169a to 169b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the sensor plate 190 is provided between the sensor 182 and the sensor 183 with respect to the rotation direction. The sensor 184 may be provided between the sensor 181 and the sensor 182, or may be provided between the sensor 181 and the sensor 183.

  The sensors 181 to 184 are electrically connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 3), and the ball valve 168 rotates based on the detection results from the sensors 181 to 184. Thus, the drive control of the motor 185 is performed.

  Further, as will be described later, the control unit 200 has a space 169a in the housing part 161 that communicates with the flow path 168r when the ball valve 168 is located at the second rotation position as shown in FIG. Control to supply liquid to 169b is performed.

  Specifically, the B port 164 to which the chemical solution recovery pipe 69 is connected and the C port 165 to which the liquid pipe 19 is connected communicate with each other via the flow path 168r, and the flow path 168r is provided in the housing portion 161. In a state where the spaces 169a and 169b communicate with each other, the discharge pump 60 is driven to control the supply of the disinfecting liquid S in the chemical liquid tank 58 to the spaces 169a and 169b. The disinfecting liquid S supplied to the spaces 169a and 169b is supplied to the space 169c communicating with the spaces 169a and 169b along the outer periphery of the ball valve 168, and then discharged from the drain pipe 46.

  Next, the effect | action of this Embodiment comprised in this way is demonstrated using FIGS. In addition, the effect | action shown below demonstrates an example of rotation control of the ball valve 168 of the three-way valve unit 151. FIG. Since other operations are well known, description thereof will be omitted.

  First, when the disinfecting liquid S in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is collected in the chemical tank 58, that is, the flow path 163r of the A port 163 to which the liquid conduit 20 is connected and the B port to which the chemical recovering conduit 69 is connected. When communicating with the channel 164r of 164, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 200 inputs the drive signal W1 (ABOPEN) to the sensor 183, and the sensor 183 detects the off from the cam unit 190c. The motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor plate 190 is moved, and the sensor plate 190 and the ball valve 168 are rotated to the first rotation position via the rotation shaft 188.

  As a result, the sensor 183 detects that the ball valve 168 has reached the position where only the flow path 163r of the A port 163 and the flow path 164r of the B port 164 communicate with each other by the flow path 168r, as shown in FIG. When rotated, the sensor 183 inputs a feedback signal W2 (AB) indicating that the A port 163 and the B port 164 are communicated to the control unit 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  In this state, when the control unit 200 performs control to open the switching valve 57, the disinfecting liquid S in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 flows from the liquid pipe 20 to the flow path 163r of the A port 163 and the flow of the ball valve 168. The liquid is recovered in the chemical liquid tank 68 via the path 168r, the flow path 164r of the B port 164, and the chemical recovery pipe 69.

  Further, when the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 or when the liquid M is supplied again from the water supply circulation nozzle 24 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, that is, the A port 163 to which the liquid pipe 20 is connected. When the flow path 163r of the C port 165r is connected to the flow path 165r of the C port 165 to which the liquid pipe 19 is connected, the control unit 200 inputs the drive signal W1 (CAOPEN) to the sensor 182 and The motor 185 is driven from the cam portion 190c to a position where it is detected to be off, and the sensor plate 190 and the ball valve 168 are rotated to the first rotation position via the rotation shaft 188.

  As a result, the sensor 182 detects that the ball valve 168 has reached the position where only the flow path 163r of the A port 163 and the flow path 165r of the C port 165 communicate with each other by the flow path 168r, as shown in FIG. When rotated, the sensor 182 inputs a feedback signal W2 (CA) indicating that the A port 163 and the C port 165 communicate with each other to the control unit 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  In this state, when the control unit 200 performs control for opening the switching valve 57 and performs control for driving the discharge pump 60, the liquid M in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 flows from the liquid pipe 20 to the A port 163. It is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 through the flow path 163r, the flow path 168r of the ball valve 168, the flow path 165r of the C port 165, and the liquid conduit 19, or is supplied again to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 from the water supply circulation nozzle 24. Is done.

  Further, when the disinfecting liquid S in the chemical liquid tank 58 is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 or when it is again supplied from the water supply circulation nozzle 24 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, that is, the chemical liquid recovery pipe 69 is connected to B. When communicating the flow path 164r of the port 164 and the flow path 165r of the C port 165 to which the liquid conduit 19 is connected, the control unit 200 inputs the drive signal W1 (BCOPEN) to the sensor 181. Then, the motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor 181 detects off from the cam portion 190c, and the sensor plate 190 and the ball valve 168 are rotated to the first rotation position via the rotation shaft 188.

  As a result, the sensor 181 detects that the ball valve 168 has reached the position where only the flow path 164r of the B port 164 and the flow path 165r of the C port 165 communicate with each other by the flow path 168r, as shown in FIG. When rotated, the sensor 181 inputs a feedback signal W2 (BC) indicating that the B port 164 and the C port 165 communicate with each other to the control unit 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  In this state, when the control unit 200 performs control to drive the discharge pump 60, the disinfecting liquid S in the chemical liquid tank 68 flows from the chemical liquid recovery pipe 69 to the flow path 164 r of the B port 164 and the flow of the ball valve 168. It is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 via the path 168r, the flow path 165r of the C port 165, and the liquid pipe path 19, or is supplied again to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 from the water supply circulation nozzle 24.

  Further, when supplying the disinfecting liquid S in the chemical tank 58 to the spaces 169a to 169c in the housing portion 161 of the three-way valve unit 151, that is, the flow path 164r of the B port 164 to which the chemical recovery pipe 69 is connected, When the flow path 165r of the C port 165 to which the liquid pipe 19 is connected is communicated and the flow path 168r of the ball valve 168 is communicated with the spaces 169a and 169b, the control unit 200 generates the drive signal W1. (BCOPEN) is input to the sensor 181, and the motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor 184 detects the OFF from the cam portion 190 c, and the sensor plate 190 and the ball valve 168 are connected to the second through the rotating shaft 188. Rotate to the pivot position.

  As a result, the sensor 184 detects OFF, and the flow path 168r communicates with the flow path 164r of the B port 164 and the flow path 165r of the C port 165 as shown in FIG. When the ball valve 168 is rotated to a position where the path 168r communicates with the spaces 169a and 169b, the sensor 184 sends a feedback signal W3 (Middle Position) indicating that the B port 164 and the C port 165 communicate with each other. Input to the control unit 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  In this state, when the control unit 200 performs control to drive the discharge pump 60, the disinfecting liquid S in the chemical liquid tank 68 flows from the chemical liquid recovery pipe 69 to the flow path 164 r of the B port 164 and the flow of the ball valve 168. It supplies to each space 169a-169c via the path | route 168r, and each space 169a-169c is disinfected. The disinfecting liquid S after disinfection is discharged out of the apparatus main body 2 from the liquid conduit 19 or the drain conduit 46.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, four sensors 181 to 184 that are switched on and off depending on the rotational position of the cam portion 190c are provided in the motor unit 162 of the three-way valve unit 151. As shown in FIG. 9, in the three ports 163 to 165, one of the other ports communicates with one port by the flow path 168r, and the flow path 168r has any of the spaces 169a to 169b. It is shown that the ball valve 168 communicated with the second valve is provided at the second rotational position.

  In addition, after the ball valve 168 is rotated to the second rotation position, the control unit 200 communicates any two of the three ports 163 to 165 via the flow path 168r. In a state in which 168r communicates with any of the spaces 169a to 169c in the housing portion 161, the liquid M, for example, the disinfecting liquid S is supplied to the communicating port, and the spaces 169a to 169c are disinfected through the flow path 168r. It was shown that the liquid S was supplied.

  According to this, in the three-way valve unit 151, the fluid can be positively easily supplied to the spaces 169a to 169c in the housing portion 161 in which the liquid M is likely to remain. A three-way valve unit and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can intentionally supply fluid to 169a to 169c can be provided.

Hereinafter, modifications will be described.
In the present embodiment, it has been shown that the disinfecting liquid S is supplied to the spaces 169a to 169c in the housing portion 161 in the three-way valve unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ports 163 to 165 of the three-way valve unit 151 are provided. Of course, other cleaning liquids, liquids such as rinsing water, and air may be supplied, that is, any fluid may be supplied.

  In the present embodiment, the ball valve 168 is moved to the second rotation position using the sensor 184. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotation of the rotation shaft 188 can be performed without using the sensor 184. The ball valve 168 may be moved to the second rotational position by controlling the moving time or by performing pulse control on the motor 185 by configuring the motor 185 from a step motor.

  In the present embodiment, in the three-way valve unit 151, the liquid port 20 is connected to the A port 163, the chemical solution recovery line 69 is connected to the B port 164, and the C port 165 is connected to the C port 165. Although it has been shown that the liquid pipe 19 is connected, it goes without saying that other pipes in the apparatus main body 2 may be connected to the ports 163 to 165.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the flow path switching device has been illustrated by taking the three-way valve unit 151 as an example, but the present invention can be applied to the three-way valve unit 152 and other three-way valve units (not shown). Of course, the same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the flow path switching device has been described by taking a three-way valve unit as an example, but it can be applied to a device having three or more ports, such as a four-way valve unit. Nor.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the flow path switching device has been described as being used in a cleaning / disinfecting device, but it is needless to say that it may be used in other devices.

As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained. That is,
(1) a housing part having a triangular space having a triangular cross-section inside;
Three ports communicating with the triangular space by opening one by one for the three sides of the housing part constituting the triangular space;
By closing the communication of any of the three ports to the triangular space, having an outer peripheral shape that matches the three sides in the triangular space, and having a long hole along any of the three sides. A valve body communicating the two ports that are not blocked;
A valve body moving member having a crankshaft fitted in the elongated hole, and having a rotation shaft parallel to the crankshaft connected to the crankshaft in the center of the triangular space in a plan view;
Comprising
With the rotation of the rotation shaft, the valve body rotated by reciprocating the crankshaft between one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the long hole has an outer peripheral surface of the three sides. A flow path switching device characterized in that, by being along one of the sides, the communication of the port with the triangular space on the one side along which the outer peripheral surface extends is blocked.

(2) An endoscope cleaning apparatus comprising the flow path switching device according to appendix 1,
A control unit for rotating the rotation shaft;
The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, wherein the control unit rotates the rotating shaft to a position where the valve body closes any one of the three ports.

  (3) The control unit rotates the rotation shaft to a position where the valve body moves so that all the three ports communicate with the triangular space. Endoscopic cleaning disinfection device.

  By the way, in the three-way valve units 151 and 152 which are the flow path switching devices shown in the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 described above, balls 169a to 169c between the housing portion 161 and the ball valve 168 are placed in the balls. When the valve 168 is switched, the liquid M tends to remain. To discharge the liquid M from the spaces 169a to 169c, the drain pump 60 is driven longer than usual in the draining process or the drain pipe as described above. The passages 45 and 46 need to be connected to the three-way valve units 151 and 152, respectively, and the drain pipes 45 and 46 need to be provided with the check valves 62 and 63 as described above. There has been a problem that the pipe configuration becomes complicated.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the flow path switching device that prevents the liquid M from remaining in the space in the flow path switching device will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the flow path switching device will be described by taking a three-way valve unit used in the cleaning / disinfecting device 1 as an example.

  11 is a schematic top view of the three-way valve unit viewed from above in a state where the motor unit is removed from the three-way valve unit showing this configuration, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the valve body moving member of FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve body of FIG. 11, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the three-way valve unit of FIG. 11, and FIG. 24 is a modification in which the crankshaft of FIG. 11 is always located at the center of the long hole of the valve body. It is a perspective view shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the three-way valve unit 251 has a housing part 261 having a hexagonal shape as viewed from above in the height direction H, and the height of the housing part 161. A motor unit 262 is provided above the direction H.

  Three sides 261 ka, 261 kb, 261 kc of a triangular space 261 k described later inside the housing portion 261 so that the shape of the housing portion 261 when viewed from above in the height direction H, for example, is Y-shaped at equal intervals. Are provided with three ports 263 to 265 through which the respective channels 263r, 264r, and 265r open and communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the three ports are referred to as an A port 263, a B port 264, and a C port 265.

  As shown in FIG. 11, for example, a triangular triangular space 261 k is formed in the housing portion 261 in a plan view from above in the height direction. In the triangular space 261 k, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, the port 263 to the triangular space 261k has an outer peripheral surface 271g that coincides with the three sides 261ka to 261kc of the triangular space 261k and has a long hole 271h along any one of the sides 261ka to 261kc. A valve body 271 is provided to connect two ports which are not closed by closing any one of the H.265 connections.

  The valve body 271 is rotatably provided in the triangular space 261k by the drive control of the control unit 200 in the direction P orthogonal to the height direction H by the valve body moving member 280 shown in FIGS. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, the valve body moving member 280 includes a motor 185 of a motor unit 262 provided along the height direction H at the center of the triangular space 261k in a state viewed from above in the height direction H. 10) and a crank shaft 282 along the height direction H parallel to the rotation shaft fitted in the long hole 271h of the valve body 271. The main part is constituted by a connecting member 283 that connects the rotating shaft 281 and the crankshaft 282.

  In the motor unit 262, a motor 185, sensors 181 to 184, and a sensor plate 190 having a cam portion 190c are provided in the same manner as in this embodiment described above. Note that a sensor plate 190 is fitted in the rotation shaft 281, and the sensor plate 190 rotates in synchronization with the rotation shaft 281. In this configuration, the sensor 184 is also provided between the sensor 181 and the sensor 182 and between the sensor 183 and the sensor 184.

  The crankshaft 282 rotates counterclockwise along the rotation locus 282v in the direction P in the triangular space 261k in accordance with the counterclockwise rotation of the rotation shaft 281 by the drive control of the control unit 200. Rotate in sync with

  As a result, the crankshaft 282 reciprocates between one end 271h1 and the other end 271h2 of the long hole 271h of the valve body 271 so that the valve body 271 rotates in the direction P, and the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 271 When 271g is along any one of the sides 261ka to 261kc, the communication of any of the ports 263 to 265 with respect to the triangular space 261k is blocked. That is, the control unit 200 has a function of rotating the rotating shaft 281 to a position where the valve body 271 closes any of the ports 263 to 265.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the valve body moving member 280 is configured such that a crank shaft 282 is inserted into the long hole 271h of the valve body 271 and the other end of the long hole 271h of the valve body 271 by inserting a spring or the like. Even when reciprocating between 271h2 and 271h2, the crankshaft 282 may always be positioned at the center of the long hole 271h.

  Further, the valve body 271 is configured such that the outer peripheral surface 271g of the valve body 271 does not follow any of the sides 261ka to 261kc by the drive control of the control unit 200, so that the ports 263 to 265 are connected to the triangular space 261k. It also has the function of communicating everything. That is, the control unit 200 has a function of causing the valve body 271 to rotate the rotating shaft 281 to a position where all the ports 263 to 265 communicate with the triangular space 261k.

  In the following, the operation of the three-way valve unit 251 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIGS.

  15 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14 with the valve body closing the C port, and FIG. 16 is a state in which the crankshaft is rotated 30 ° counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the crankshaft is rotated by 60 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the A port, the B port, and the C port are communicated with each other.

  18 is a sectional view showing a state in which the crankshaft is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15, and FIG. 19 is a state in which the crankshaft is rotated 120 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing a state in which the valve body closes the A port. FIG. 20 shows a state in which the crankshaft is rotated 180 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. It is sectional drawing.

  21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the crankshaft is rotated by 240 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the valve body blocks the B port, and FIG. 22 is a state in which the crankshaft is counteracted from the state of FIG. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the A port, the B port, and the C port are communicated with each other by rotating clockwise by 300 °. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state where the crankshaft is rotated 360 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which plugged up A port.

  First, when communicating the flow path 263r of the A port 263 and the flow path 264r of the B port 264, the control unit 200 inputs the drive signal W1 (ABOPEN) to the sensor 183 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor 183 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, the rotating shaft 281 is rotated counterclockwise, and the sensor plate 190 and the crankshaft 282 are rotated counterclockwise. .

  As a result, the sensor 183 detects OFF, and as shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surface 271g of the valve body 271 reaches a position along the side 161kc that closes the flow path 265r of the C port 265, that is, the flow of the A port 263. When the crankshaft 282 is rotated counterclockwise along the rotation locus 282v to a position where only the flow path 264r of the path 263r and the B port 264 communicates, the sensor 183 communicates only with the A port 263 and the B port 264. A feedback signal W2 (AB) indicating that it has been input is input to the controller 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185. In this case, the rotation angle of the crankshaft 282 is defined as 0 °.

  Next, when the flow path 264r of the B port 264 and the flow path 265r of the C port 265 are communicated, the control unit 200 inputs a drive signal W1 (BCOPEN) to the sensor 181 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor 181 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, the rotation shaft 281 is rotated counterclockwise, and the sensor plate 190 and the crankshaft 282 are rotated counterclockwise. .

  As a result, when the crankshaft 282 rotates 30 ° counterclockwise along the rotation locus 282v from the state shown in FIG. 15 as shown in FIG. 16, the crankshaft 282 moves to the other end 271h2 side of the long hole 271h. The valve body 271 starts to rotate clockwise around R1 as the rotation center.

  Thereafter, when the crankshaft 282 rotates counterclockwise along the 60 ° rotation locus 282v from the state shown in FIG. 15 as shown in FIG. 17, the crankshaft 282 contacts the other end 271h2 of the long hole 271h. It moves to a position, and the valve body 271 further rotates clockwise with respect to R1 as compared with FIG.

  In this state, the sensor 184 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, and as shown in FIG. 17, the flow path 263r of the A port 263, the flow path 254r of the B port 264, and the flow path 265r of the C port 265 When everything is in communication, the sensor 184 inputs a feedback signal W3 (Middle Position) indicating that the A port 163, the B port 164, and the C port 165 are in communication to the control unit 200. Thereafter, when the valve body 271 is stopped at this position, the control unit 200 turns off the drive of the motor 185.

  After that, when the crankshaft 282 rotates counterclockwise along the 90 ° rotation locus 282v as shown in FIG. 18 from the state shown in FIG. 15, the crankshaft 282 slightly moves from the other end 271h2 of the long hole 271h. The valve body 271 is separated and rotates further clockwise than FIG. 17 with R1 as the rotation center.

  After that, when the crankshaft 282 rotates counterclockwise along the 120 ° rotation locus 282v as shown in FIG. 19 from the state shown in FIG. 15, the crankshaft 282 is positioned substantially in the middle of the long hole 271h. .

  As a result, the sensor 181 detects OFF, and as shown in FIG. 19, the outer peripheral surface 271g of the valve body 271 reaches a position along the side 161ka that closes the flow path 263r of the A port 263, that is, the flow of the B port 264. When rotating about the rotation center R1 to a position where only the flow path 265r of the path 264r and the C port 265 communicates, the sensor 181 outputs a feedback signal W2 (BC) indicating that only the B port 264 and the C port 265 communicated. Input to the control unit 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  Next, when the flow path 263r of the A port 263 and the flow path 265r of the C port 265 are communicated, the control unit 200 inputs the drive signal W1 (ACOPEN) to the sensor 182 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor 182 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, the rotating shaft 281 is rotated counterclockwise, and the sensor plate 190 and the crankshaft 282 are rotated counterclockwise. .

  As a result, when the crankshaft 282 rotates 180 degrees counterclockwise along the rotation locus 282v as shown in FIG. 20, the crankshaft 282 contacts one end 271h1 of the long hole 271h. The valve body 271 starts to rotate clockwise with R2 as the rotation center.

  In this state, the sensor 184 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, and as shown in FIG. 20, the flow path 263r of the A port 263, the flow path 254r of the B port 264, and the flow path 265r of the C port 265 When everything is in communication, the sensor 184 inputs a feedback signal W3 (Middle Position) indicating that the A port 163, the B port 164, and the C port 165 are in communication to the control unit 200. Thereafter, when the valve body 271 is stopped at this position, the control unit 200 turns off the drive of the motor 185.

  After that, when the crankshaft 282 rotates counterclockwise along the 240 ° rotation locus 282v from the state shown in FIG. 15 as shown in FIG. 21, the crankshaft 282 is positioned substantially in the middle of the long hole 271h. .

  As a result, the sensor 182 detects OFF, and as shown in FIG. 21, the outer peripheral surface 271g of the valve body 271 reaches a position along the side 161kb that closes the flow path 264r of the B port 264, that is, the flow of the A port 263. When the sensor 182 rotates around R2 to a position where only the flow path 265r of the path 263r and the C port 265 communicates, the sensor 182 outputs a feedback signal W2 (AC) indicating that only the A port 263 and the C port 265 communicated with each other. Enter 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  Next, when communicating the flow path 263r of the A port 263 and the flow path 264r of the B port 264, the control unit 200 inputs the drive signal W1 (ABOPEN) to the sensor 183 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the motor 185 is driven to a position where the sensor 183 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, the rotating shaft 281 is rotated counterclockwise, and the sensor plate 190 and the crankshaft 282 are rotated counterclockwise. .

  As a result, when the crankshaft 282 rotates 300 ° counterclockwise along the rotation locus 282v as shown in FIG. 22, the crankshaft 282 is moved to the other end 271h2 of the long hole 271h. The valve body 271 starts to rotate clockwise around R3 as the rotation center.

  In this state, the sensor 184 detects the off from the cam portion 190c, and as shown in FIG. 21, the flow path 263r of the A port 263, the flow path 254r of the B port 264, and the flow path 265r of the C port 265 When everything is in communication, the sensor 184 inputs a feedback signal W3 (Middle Position) indicating that the A port 163, the B port 164, and the C port 165 are in communication to the control unit 200. Thereafter, when the valve body 271 is stopped at this position, the control unit 200 turns off the drive of the motor 185.

  Thereafter, when the crankshaft 282 rotates counterclockwise along the 360 ° rotation locus 282v from the state shown in FIG. 15 as shown in FIG. 23, the crankshaft 282 is positioned substantially in the middle of the long hole 271h. .

  As a result, the sensor 183 detects OFF, and as shown in FIG. 23, the outer peripheral surface 271g of the valve body 271 reaches a position along the side 161kc that closes the flow path 265r of the C port 265, that is, the flow of the A port 263. When the sensor 183 rotates around R3 to a position where only the flow path 264r of the path 263r and the B port 264 communicates, the sensor 183 sends a feedback signal W2 (AB) indicating that only the A port 263 and the B port 264 are communicated to the control unit. Enter 200. Thereafter, the control unit 200 turns off the driving of the motor 185.

  As described above, in this configuration, the triangular space 261k having a triangular shape in plan view from the height direction H is formed in the housing portion 261 of the three-way valve unit 251, and a long hole is formed in the triangular space 261k. A valve that closes the communication of each of the ports 263 to 265 to the triangular space 261k by rotating the crankshaft 282 fitted into the 271h counterclockwise along the rotation locus 282v in synchronization with the rotation shaft 281. The body 271 is shown to be provided.

  According to such a configuration, even if the valve body 271 is provided in the triangular space 261k, the space between the triangular space 261k and the valve body 271 is all in communication with one of the ports 263 to 265. Thus, the configuration of the three-way valve unit 251 that prevents the liquid M from remaining in the space in the three-way valve unit 251 can be provided.

  In this configuration, the flow path switching device is shown by taking the three-way valve unit 251 as an example. However, it goes without saying that it can be applied to a device having three or more ports such as a four-way valve unit. Absent.

  Further, in this configuration, the sensor 184 is used to indicate that all the ports 263 to 265 communicate with the triangular space 261k. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 281 can be performed without using the sensor 184. All the ports 263 to 265 may be communicated with the triangular space 261k by controlling the moving time or by performing the pulse control on the motor 185 by configuring the motor 185 from a step motor.

  Further, in this configuration, the flow path switching device is shown to be used for a cleaning / disinfecting device, but it is needless to say that it may be used for other devices.

The perspective view of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus which comprises the three-way valve unit which shows this Embodiment. The perspective view of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus which shows the state which the top cover of FIG. 1 was open | released and an endoscope can be accommodated in a washing | cleaning disinfection tank. The figure which shows the outline of the internal structure of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of FIG. The expansion perspective view of the three-way valve unit of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the three-way valve unit viewed from above in a state where the motor unit is removed from the three-way valve unit of FIG. 4. Sectional drawing which shows the three-way valve unit in alignment with the VI-VI line in FIG. 4 in the state which the flow path of A port and the flow path of B port are connecting. Sectional drawing which shows the state which the flow path of B port of a three-way valve unit and the flow path of C port are connecting. Sectional drawing which shows the state which the flow path of C port of the three-way valve unit and the flow path of A port are connecting. Sectional drawing which shows the state which the flow path of B port and the flow path of C port of a three-way valve unit are connected to the space between a ball valve and a housing part. The figure which shows the outline of a structure of the circuit which performs rotation control of the ball valve of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the three-way valve unit viewed from above in a state where the motor unit is removed from the three-way valve unit showing the present configuration. The perspective view which shows the valve body moving member of FIG. The perspective view which shows the valve body of FIG. The perspective view of the three-way valve unit of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the cross section which follows the XV-XV line | wire in FIG. 14 in the state which the valve body block | closed C port. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the crankshaft is rotated 30 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the crankshaft is rotated by 60 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the A port, the B port, and the C port are communicated with each other. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the crankshaft is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the crankshaft is rotated 120 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the valve body closes the A port. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the crankshaft is rotated 180 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the A port, the B port, and the C port are communicated with each other. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the crankshaft is rotated by 240 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the valve body closes the B port. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the crankshaft is rotated by 300 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the A port, the B port, and the C port are communicated with each other. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the crankshaft is rotated 360 ° counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 15 and the valve body closes the A port. The perspective view which shows the modification which the crankshaft of FIG. 11 is always located in the center of the long hole of a valve body.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Cleaning and disinfection device (Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device)
151. Three-way valve unit (flow path switching device)
152. Three-way valve unit (flow path switching device)
161 ... Housing unit 162 ... Motor unit 163 ... A port 164 ... B port 165 ... C port 168 ... Ball valve (switching valve)
168r ... flow path (communication flow path)
169a ... space 169b ... space 169c ... space 181 ... sensor 182 ... sensor 183 ... sensor 184 ... sensor 200 ... control unit 251 ... three-way valve unit (flow path switching device)
261 ... Housing portion 261k ... Triangular space 261ka ... One side of triangular space 261kb ... One side of triangular space 261kc ... One side of triangular space 263 ... Port 264 ... Port 265 ... Port 271 ... Valve body 271g ... Outer peripheral surface of valve body 271h ... long hole 271h1 ... one end of the long hole 271h2 ... other end of the long hole 280 ... valve body moving member 281 ... rotating shaft 282 ... crankshaft H ... height direction of the housing part P ... direction perpendicular to the height direction

Claims (2)

A housing part;
A plurality of ports provided in the housing portion and communicating with the housing portion;
Inside the housing part, provided in a direction orthogonal to the height direction of the housing part so as to be freely rotatable, communication with any one of the plurality of ports with respect to one port is provided inside by rotation. A ball-shaped switching valve that is switched by the communication channel,
A motor unit for rotating the switching valve;
Rotation of the switching valve provided in the first rotation position of the switching valve in which the other port communicates with the one port by the communication channel in the motor unit. A sensor for detecting the position;
Comprising
In the motor unit, the communication flow path is configured such that one of the other ports communicates with the one port, and communicates with a space between the switching valve and the housing portion. The flow path switching device, wherein the sensor is further provided at a second rotation position. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising the flow path switching device according to claim 1,
A controller for rotating the switching valve based on the detection of the sensor;
The control unit rotates the switching valve to the second rotation position by the detection of the sensor provided at the second rotation position, and at the second rotation position, An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, wherein control is performed to supply a fluid to the port communicating with the communication passage in a state where the communication channel communicates with the space.

Images