JP2009125231A - Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus and method of detecting connection of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the connection state of a supply nozzle and various kinds of caps when the supply nozzle is automatically connected to the caps of various kinds of conduits of an endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus 2 is used for automatically washing and disinfecting a used endoscope 20. A control part 102 provided inside drives a flow sending part 101 to send fluid, simultaneously drives an automatic attachment part 105 to automatically connect a first fluid supply unit 50 to a mounting part 23 for the conduit, then compares the flow rate of the fluid detected by a flow rate detection part 100 and normal flow rate range data stored beforehand in a data recording part 103, decides the connection state of the mounting part 23 for the conduit of the endoscope 20 and the first fluid supply unit 50 on the basis of the compared result, and when the connection state is a non-connection state, generates signals for raising an alarm and outputs them to a result display part 104. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for automatically cleaning / disinfecting an endoscope and a connection detection method for the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

  Endoscopes used for the purpose of inspection and treatment in body cavities are used not only for the outer surface of the insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity, but also for air / water supply lines, suction lines, forward water supply lines, and treatment instrument insertion Dirt also adheres to each endoscope duct such as a duct. For this reason, it is necessary to clean and disinfect used endoscopes not only on the outer surface but also in each pipeline.

  In general, when performing an endoscope cleaning process and a disinfection process using a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the endoscope is first housed and set in a cleaning / disinfecting tank of the apparatus body. Next, in order to clean and disinfect the endoscope pipeline, various supply nozzles provided in the cleaning and disinfecting tank for supplying fluid such as liquid and gas into the endoscope pipeline, and the outside of the endoscope A base of each pipe line opened on the surface is connected via a tube or the like.

  Furthermore, in order to check whether or not a hole or the like communicating with the outside is formed inside the endoscope, that is, in order to perform a water leakage check whether or not there is a water leakage point, water leakage communicating with the inside of the endoscope A detection base and a water leakage detection nozzle for supplying gas among the supply nozzles are connected via a tube or the like.

  Next, after the lid is closed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank, the processing start switch is turned on. Then, first, after a predetermined amount of gas has been supplied from the water leakage detection nozzle into the endoscope through the nozzle for water leakage detection, the water leakage check is performed by the sensor of the cleaning / disinfecting device measuring the pressure, etc. Done.

  Thereafter, if the water leakage check is OK, the washing process is started, and then the disinfection process is started. In the cleaning process, first, a cleaning liquid is supplied into the cleaning / disinfecting tank. Then, after the washing liquid reaches a predetermined water level, washing is started. The washing liquid circulates and the outer surface of the endoscope is washed by the water flow.

  At this time, the cleaning liquid discharged from each supply nozzle and sucked by the circulation pump in the cleaning / disinfecting tank is introduced into each endoscope channel via a tube and a channel connection port. As a result, the inside of each endoscope duct is cleaned by the water pressure of the introduced cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid introduced into the endoscope pipeline is not limited to the cleaning liquid sucked by the circulation pump.

  When the washing process is completed, the process proceeds to the disinfection process. Before that, the washing liquid in the outer surface of the endoscope and the pipe line is washed out with a predetermined filtered tap water. If it transfers to a disinfection process, it will replace with the washing | cleaning liquid supplied in the washing | cleaning process mentioned above, and will supply the disinfection liquid adjusted to the predetermined density | concentration to a washing | cleaning disinfection tank.

  Further, at this time, the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank discharged from each supply nozzle and sucked by the circulation pump is introduced into each endoscope pipe line through the tube and each base by the water pressure of the circulation pump. The The disinfecting liquid introduced into the endoscope conduit is not limited to the disinfecting liquid sucked by the circulation pump. After the disinfecting liquid is supplied to the outer surface of the endoscope and the duct, the endoscope is immersed in the disinfecting liquid for a while to disinfect. After the disinfection process is completed, the disinfectant is washed away with a predetermined filtered tap water. After that, by supplying air or alcohol into the endoscope outer surface and the endoscope conduit, the drying of the endoscope outer surface and the endoscope conduit is promoted, and a series of steps is completed. To do. By the way, such an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is provided with various supply nozzles in the endoscope cleaning tank in order to clean and disinfect not only the outer surface of the endoscope but also the endoscope channel. .

  Therefore, when using an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus to wash and disinfect the endoscope, as described above, each of the conduits corresponds to each of the pipe caps in the endoscope. It is necessary to connect a tube from each supply nozzle.

  However, when the endoscope has a large number of conduits inside, that is, when the number of caps is large, it takes time to connect the tubes, and the tube connection work is manual. If the number increases, the time required for confirming whether or not the connection is correctly increased, and as a result, the time required for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope increases.

Therefore, in view of such a demand, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, in the cleaning and disinfecting process, the endoscope can be automatically connected to the nozzles of various conduits of the endoscope. Disinfection devices have been proposed.
JP 2006-6568 A

  By the way, in the prior art including such a patent document 1, as a method of detecting the connection between the supply nozzle and the caps of various pipes of the endoscope, an automatic attachment / detachment unit including the supply nozzle and the endoscope are used. When the base is connected, these are configured to be electrically conductive, and by detecting the presence or absence of current flowing by applying a voltage to the automatic detachable unit, the presence or absence of electrical continuity, i.e., A connection detection method for detecting a connection state between an endoscope base and the supply nozzle has been used.

  However, in such a connection detection method, a leakage current may be generated from the endoscope mouthpiece or the supply nozzle. Therefore, depending on the applied voltage, there is a risk of electric shock when the operator touches. There was inconvenience that there was. In addition, in order to prevent the occurrence of such a leakage current, a complicated configuration such as providing an insulating member or the like is required, and as a result, the cost of the entire endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus becomes expensive.

  Further, when the base and the supply nozzle are configured using conductive rubber as a member for electrically connecting the base of the endoscope and the supply nozzle, deterioration of the conductive rubber or Variations in conductivity due to mass production are also conceivable. In this case as well, there is a disadvantage that the connection state between the mouthpiece of the endoscope and the supply nozzle cannot be detected accurately.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and automatically detects the connection state between the supply nozzle and various bases when the supply nozzle is automatically connected to the bases of various pipes of the endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can be used and a method for detecting the connection of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

  An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that automatically cleans and disinfects an endoscope, a cleaning / disinfecting tank that houses the endoscope, and the cleaning / disinfecting tank that is stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank. After being attached to the attachment part of the endoscope and attached to the attachment part, the endoscope is inserted into a pipe base that communicates with the internal pipe line of the endoscope provided in the attachment part, A fluid supply unit having a supply base for sending a fluid to a pipeline, a moving mechanism for moving the fluid supply unit to an attachment position and a withdrawal position with respect to the attachment portion, and a supply base of the fluid supply unit. A fluid supply unit that supplies the fluid; a flow rate detection unit that detects a flow rate of the fluid sent by the fluid supply unit; and a preset normal flow rate of the internal pipe of the endoscope A storage unit for storing range data; and the mobile device And the fluid supply unit, wherein the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection unit is compared with the flow rate range data stored in the memory, and the endoscope is based on the comparison result. And a controller that generates and outputs a signal for prompting a warning when the connection state is a non-connection state. Yes.

  The connection detection method of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is a connection detection method of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for automatically cleaning / disinfecting the endoscope, and the connection detection method of the endoscope housed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank. A mounting part has a detachable fluid supply unit. After the fluid supply unit is mounted on the mounting part, the moving unit communicates with an internal conduit of the endoscope disposed in the mounting part. An automatic insertion procedure for inserting a supply cap for feeding fluid into the internal conduit disposed in the fluid supply unit, and supplying the fluid to the supply cap of the fluid supply unit A fluid supply procedure, a flow rate detection procedure for detecting a flow rate of the fluid sent by the fluid supply procedure, a flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection procedure, and the interior of the endoscope set in advance Normal flow rate range data The flow rate range data stored in the storage unit is compared, and based on the comparison result, the connection state between the attachment unit of the endoscope and the fluid supply unit is determined. A control procedure for generating and outputting a signal for prompting a warning in some cases.

  According to the present invention, when the supply nozzle is automatically connected to the bases of the various conduits of the endoscope, the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus capable of detecting the connection state between the supply nozzle and the various bases, and It is possible to provide a connection detection method for the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(One embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state in which a top cover is opened, and FIG. 2 is an endoscope on the endoscope holding tray of FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus in a state where the top cover is opened, and FIG. 3 shows a part of the configuration of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of FIG. 1 together with the tray and the operation unit of the endoscope. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first fluid supply unit of FIG. 1, the moving mechanism of the first fluid supply unit, and the pipe mounting portion of the endoscope operation section. FIG. The side view which looked at only the 1st fluid supply unit and the attachment part for pipe lines from the direction of XV, FIG. 6 is the front view which looked at the shape of the front-end | tip part of the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 3 from the direction of XVI 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the mounting of the first fluid supply unit of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first fluid supply unit, the support unit, and the pipeline mounting portion of FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical circuit configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a connection detection method for the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of control by the control unit, FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between time and flow rate for explaining the control method by the control unit of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is time-flow rate for explaining another detection method. FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a connection state between the first fluid supply unit and the pipe mounting portion.

  First, the overall configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus have an automatic supply nozzle connected to the caps of various pipes of the endoscope. The configuration of the automatic connection mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 is an apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope 20, a treatment tool, and the like, and includes a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus main body (hereinafter simply referred to as an apparatus main body) 3 and The main part is constituted by the top cover 4 connected to the upper part of the upper part via a hinge 4a so as to be opened and closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 having a predetermined depth for opening and closing the endoscope opening opening upward by the top cover 4 is formed in the upper part of the apparatus main body 3. Yes. The cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 can accommodate an endoscope 20 and an endoscope holding tray 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as a tray) described later.

  Further, when the top cover 4 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 3, a packing 5 a that keeps the apparatus main body 3 and the top cover 4 watertight is disposed at a position surrounding the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 at the top of the apparatus main body 3. It is installed.

  In addition, on the front surface of the apparatus main body 3, for example, on the side close to the operator, various input operation switches such as a cleaning / disinfection operation start switch, a cleaning / disinfection mode selection switch, etc. An operation panel 8 for displaying such as is provided.

  The top cover 4 is formed using a hard and light-transmissive resin member, for example, a transparent resin member or a translucent resin member. Therefore, even when the endoscope accommodation opening of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 is closed by the top cover 4, the inside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 is visually observed through the top cover 4.

  At a predetermined position of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 of the apparatus main body 3, for example, a position on the side closer to the operator where the operation panel 8 is disposed, a tray holding member 6 having a holding portion 6a to which the tray 10 can be attached and detached is provided. Yes.

  The tray holding member 6 is, for example, rotated between a loading / unloading position directed obliquely upward to load / unload the tray 10 and a storage position parallel to the bottom surface 5t of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 that stores the tray 10 in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5. It has a configuration that can be rotated and moved by a moving pin.

  A first opening / closing projection 7a is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom surface 5t of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, for example, at a position on the operator separating side where the hinge 4a is disposed, and a water supply is provided in the vicinity of the first opening / closing projection 7a. A mouth 16c is provided. Further, a second opening / closing projection 7b is provided in the approximate center of the bottom surface 5t, and a drain port 17c is provided in the vicinity of the second opening / closing projection 7b.

  The first opening / closing projection 7a is for pressing and opening a lid member 16a (to be described later) of the tray 10 when the tray 10 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, and the second opening / closing projection 7b is to be described later. The lid member 17a to be pressed is opened.

  The water supply port 16c supplies cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, rinsing water, etc. into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, and the drain port 17c supplies cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, rinsing water, etc. in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, It is discharged from the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5.

  On the outer periphery of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, for example, on the operator separation side, a fluid supply unit for fluid conduit (hereinafter referred to as a first fluid supply unit) 50 and a fluid supply unit for treatment instrument insertion conduit (hereinafter referred to as a first fluid supply unit). 2) (referred to as fluid supply unit 2). The first fluid supply unit constitutes the fluid supply unit.

  The first fluid supply unit 50 moves away (protrudes) in the direction orthogonal to the side surface 5s from the side surface 5s of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 by the moving mechanism 98 (see FIG. 3) to be described later, or close to it. And are arranged to move. The detailed configuration of the first fluid supply unit 50 will be described later.

  Further, the treatment instrument insertion pipe supply nozzle 61 disposed at the tip of the second fluid supply unit 60 is disposed so as to protrude into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 from the side surface 5 s of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tray 10 in which the used endoscope 20 or the like is accommodated can be attached to and detached from the holding portion 6 a of the tray holding member 6 disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 of the apparatus body 3. ing.

  The endoscope 20 that can be accommodated in and removed from the tray 10 includes an operation unit 21 and a flexible insertion unit 22 that is connected to the operation unit 21 to form a main part.

  Further, a forward water supply pipe 71s (see FIG. 7), which is a fluid pipe for feeding water or the like forward from the opening at the tip of the insertion part 22, into the operation part 21 and the insertion part 22, and the insertion part 22 A water supply pipe 72s (see FIG. 7), which is a fluid pipe for supplying water or the like from an opening facing the objective lens, is provided on the surface of the objective lens provided on the front end surface of the objective lens.

  Furthermore, a fluid conduit for supplying air or the like from the opening facing the objective lens to the surface of the objective lens disposed on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 22 inside the operation portion 21 and the insertion portion 22. An air supply conduit 73s (see FIG. 7) and a treatment instrument insertion conduit (not shown) for projecting the treatment instrument from the opening at the distal end of the insertion portion 22 are provided.

  In the operation part 21, a pipe attachment part 23 and a treatment instrument attachment part 24 are arranged so as to protrude obliquely from the operation part 21 toward the base end side opposite to the insertion part 22 in the longitudinal direction of the operation part 21. Has been. The conduit mounting portion 23 and the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 are spaced apart from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid pipe cap has an opening on the operation portion 21 side of the forward water supply conduit disposed in the operation portion 21 and the insertion portion 22 on the distal end surface 23 s of the attachment portion 23 for the conduit. A forward water supply pipe base 71, a water supply pipe base 72 which is a fluid pipe base having an opening on the operation part 21 side of the water supply pipe, and a fluid pipe opening having an opening on the operation part 21 side of the air supply pipe An air supply pipe base 73, which is gold, is disposed so as to protrude from the distal end surface 23s.

  In addition, a water leak detection pipe cap 74 having an opening communicating with the inside of the endoscope 20 is disposed on the distal end surface 23s so as to protrude from the distal end surface 23s. The leak detection pipe cap 74 is located closer to the distal end surface 23 s than the caps 71 to 73.

  The leak detection pipe cap 74 is formed with a bottom, and a coil spring 74d is fitted therein. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 14, a valve body 74b having a flange 74f is inserted into the coil spring 74d. Has been. The flange 74f is fitted into the coil spring 74d. In addition, a communication hole 74 r that communicates with the inside of the endoscope 20 is formed on the outer periphery of the leak detection pipe base 74.

  The valve body 74b is normally closed because the flange 74f is positioned on the distal end surface 23s side of the communication hole 74r, and a water leakage detection nozzle 54 described later is inserted into the water leakage detection pipe cap 74. The valve 74b is opened only when the flange 74f of the valve body 74b is pressed to the bottom side of the leak detection pipe base 74 rather than the communication hole 74r.

  Further, the front water supply pipe base 71, the water supply pipe base 72, the air supply pipe base 73, and the water leakage detection pipe base 74 are arranged in parallel on the distal end surface 23s.

  When the first fluid supply unit 50 is attached to the pipe attachment portion 23, the forward water supply pipe base 71 is located in a forward water supply nozzle 51 (see FIG. 5) described later of the first fluid supply unit 50. Further, the water supply pipe cap 72 is inserted into a water supply nozzle 52 (see FIG. 5) described later of the first fluid supply unit 50.

  In addition, the air supply pipe mouthpiece 73 is configured so that the air supply nozzle 53 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, of the first fluid supply unit 50 when the first fluid supply unit 50 is attached to the pipe attachment portion 23. Further, the leak detection pipe cap 74 is inserted into the pipe mounting portion 23 when the first fluid supply unit 50 is mounted, which will be described later. A water leakage detection nozzle 54 (see FIG. 5) is inserted. Each of the nozzles 51 to 53 is configured as a supply nozzle.

  A treatment instrument insertion pipe cap 24a (see FIG. 3) having an opening on the operation section 21 side of the treatment instrument insertion conduit disposed in the operation section 21 and the insertion section 22 is provided on the distal end surface of the treatment instrument mounting section 24. It is arranged. The treatment instrument insertion conduit mouthpiece 24a includes a treatment instrument insertion conduit supply nozzle 61 (see FIG. 1) disposed at the tip of the second fluid supply unit 60 when cleaning and disinfecting the treatment instrument insertion conduit. For example, it is connected with a tube or the like. Note that the treatment instrument insertion conduit supply nozzle 61 may be automatically inserted into the treatment instrument delivery conduit base 24a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an accommodation recess 11 for accommodating and arranging such an endoscope 20 at a predetermined position is provided on the upper surface of the tray 10. The accommodating recess 11 is formed in a predetermined shape in consideration of the outer shape and length of the operation portion 21 and the insertion portion 22 of the endoscope 20 to be accommodated, and the operation portion 21 is disposed. The operation portion accommodating portion 12 and the insertion portion accommodating portion 13 in which the insertion portion 22 is disposed.

  Therefore, when using a plurality of types of endoscopes 20 having different outer shapes and length dimensions of the operation unit 21 and the insertion unit 22, a plurality of trays 10 corresponding to each type of endoscope 20 are prepared. The

  When the endoscope 20 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 11 in the operation portion accommodating portion 12, the conduit receiving portion 14 in which the conduit mounting portion 23 and the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 of the endoscope 20 are accommodated, A treatment instrument receiving portion 15 is provided.

  An opening 14a is formed in the pipe receiving portion 14 so that the distal end in the protruding direction of the pipe mounting portion 23 is inserted. The distal end in the protruding direction of the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 is inserted in the treatment instrument receiving portion 15. Opening 15a is formed.

  A first water supply / drain port 16 for supplying and draining cleaning water, disinfecting water, and the like is formed at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the operation unit storage unit 12. The first water supply / drain port 16 is positioned in the vicinity of the proximal end side of the operation portion 21 of the endoscope 20 when the endoscope 20 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 11, and the tray 10 is placed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5. It is formed so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the water supply port 16c when accommodated.

Moreover, the 2nd water supply / drain port 17 for supplying and discharging washing water, disinfection water, etc. in the predetermined position of the bottom face of the insertion part accommodating part 13 is formed. The second water supply / drain port 17 is positioned in the vicinity of the distal end surface side of the insertion portion 22 of the endoscope 20 when the endoscope 20 is housed in the housing recess 11, and the tray 10 is placed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5. It is formed so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the drain port 17c when accommodated.

  Further, lid members 16a and 17a that can be freely opened and closed are provided at the respective water supply and drain ports 16 and 17. The lid members 16a and 17a are configured such that the water supply / drain ports 16 and 17 are always kept closed by the own weight or the urging force of the urging member (not shown) in addition to the own weight.

  Therefore, when the used endoscope 20 is housed in the housing recess 11, dirt, body fluid, and the like attached to the endoscope 20 are prevented from leaking from the water supply / drain ports 16 and 17. For this reason, the endoscope 20 can be transported hygienically in a state where the endoscope 20 is housed in the housing recess 11 of the tray 10.

  A mounting portion 18 is formed on one side of the tray 10 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in FIG. When the tray 10 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 of the apparatus main body 3, the attaching part 18 is fitted into the holding part 6a of the tray holding member 6 disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, and the holding part 6a. For example, it is formed in a U shape in accordance with the internal shape.

  A conveying grip 19 is formed on both sides of the tray 10 in the longitudinal direction in FIG. The transport grip 19 is gripped when the tray 10 in which the endoscope 20 is housed is transported, and is formed so as to protrude to the lower surface side of the tray 10. For this reason, after the tray 10 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, it does not interfere with the transport grip 19 top cover 4.

  A wireless tag 10 a is formed on the upper surface of the tray 10. Identification information indicating the type and the like of the endoscope 20 accommodated in the accommodation recess 11 of the tray 10 is registered in the wireless tag 10a.

  When the endoscope 20 is accommodated and disposed in the accommodation recess 11 of the tray 10 configured in this way, the insertion portion 22 is accommodated and disposed in the insertion portion accommodation portion 13, and the operation portion 21 is mounted on the conduit. The distal end side of the portion 23 is inserted into the opening 14a of the conduit receiving portion 14, and the distal end side of the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 is inserted into the opening 15a of the treatment instrument receiving portion 15. As a result, the conduit mounting portion 23 is inserted. The treatment instrument mounting portion 24 is positioned and arranged at a predetermined position of the operation portion accommodating portion 12.

  Specifically, when the tray 10 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, the tray 10 is defined such that the position of the pipe mounting portion 23 faces the first fluid supply unit 50, and the treatment tool The position of the mounting portion 24 is defined so as to face the second fluid supply unit 60.

  After the endoscope 20 is housed in the housing recess 11, the tray 10 is locked to the tray holding member 6 located at the loading / unloading position as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1. At this time, the mounting portion 18 of the tray 10 is fitted into the holding portion 6a of the tray holding member 6, and then the tray holding member 6 is manually or automatically moved from the loading / unloading position to the storing position in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5. As the tray holding member 6 is rotated, the tray 10 disposed on the tray holding member 6 is accommodated in a predetermined position in the washing / disinfecting tank 5 as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the lid member 16a is pushed up by the first opening / closing projection 7a projecting from the bottom surface 5t of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 to open the first water supply / drain port 16, and the lid member by the second opening / closing projection 7b. 17a is pushed up, and the second water supply / drain port 17 is opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the position of the conduit mounting portion 23 is positioned so as to face the first fluid supply unit 50, and the position of the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 is set to the second fluid supply unit 60. It is located so as to oppose.

  Thereafter, the top cover 4 is moved manually or automatically in the closing direction, and the endoscope accommodating port of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 is closed as shown in FIG. At this time, the top cover 4 and the apparatus main body 3 are kept watertight by the packing 5 a provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 3. Therefore, the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 is not scattered outside the apparatus main body 3 during the cleaning / disinfecting.

  Next, a specific configuration of the first fluid supply unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first fluid supply unit 50 has four tubular members 61 to 64 penetrating perpendicularly to the side surface 5 s and protruding into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, and each tubular member. A front end portion 58 through which the front ends of 61 to 64 are inserted and fixed, and the front end is connected to the front end portion 58 and covers the outer periphery protruding from the side surface 5s of each tubular member 61 to 64, for example, a rubber member The main part is composed of a cylindrical bellows-like member 56 having a rectangular cross section.

  The four tubular members 61 to 64 protrude in a row so as to be parallel to each other on the same plane. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a relief communication hole 64 r is formed at a predetermined position of the tubular member 64.

  Furthermore, a moving hole 64h (see FIG. 9) into which a part of the moving member 91 is inserted is formed in the tubular member 64 in order to move the water leakage detection nozzle 54 described later to the insertion position.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first fluid supply unit 50 extends from the side surface 5s of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 to the side surface 5s so as to protrude into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 in a direction orthogonal to the side surface 5s. It is fixed. Specifically, a support unit 90 constituting a moving mechanism 98 that supports and fixes the first fluid supply unit 50 is disposed on the back surface side of the side surface 5s. The moving mechanism 98 constitutes the moving mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support unit 90 includes a fixed member 92, a moving member 91, a claw portion 94 disposed on the fixed member 92, and a position sensor 84 disposed on the moving member 91. The rack gear 93 constitutes a main part.

  A bottom surface for supporting the base ends of the tubular members 61 to 64 via the coil springs 31 to 34 is formed on the base end side of the fixing member 92, and the tubular members 61 to 64 are inserted on the distal end side. Four insertion holes are formed.

  The moving member 91 is formed with four interlocking holes through which the tubular members 61 to 64 are inserted. The moving member 91 is a member that is movable together with the tubular members 61 to 64 by a rack gear 93 to a mounting position close to the pipe mounting section 23 and a disengagement position separated from the pipe mounting section 23. The nail | claw part 94 fixes the moving member 91 to an initial mounting position.

  Further, after the claw portion 94 is locked to the fixed member 92 on the moving member 91, the moving member 91 is inserted into the moving hole 64 h of the tubular member 64, and only the water leakage detection nozzle 54 in the tubular member 64 is connected to the pipe mounting portion 23. A moving pin 91p (see FIG. 8) that moves to the side is formed.

  The position sensor 84 detects the position of the moving member 91, that is, the position of the first fluid supply unit 50, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 102 (see FIG. 10).

  The rack gear 93 is a gear that is rotatably abutted on the side surface of the moving member 91 and is rotated by a drive unit 80 described later to move the moving member 91 to the mounting position, the initial mounting position, and the withdrawal position.

  Further, a drive unit 80 constituting a moving mechanism 98 that drives the support unit 90 is disposed on the back surface side of the side surface 5s. The drive unit 80 includes a motor 81 and a reduction gear train 82 configured by meshing a plurality of pinion gears, and the reduction gear train 82 rotates as the motor 81 rotates. Thus, the rack gear 93 meshing with the reduction gear train 82 is decelerated and rotated.

  From this, when the motor 81 is rotated in one direction, the rotational force is reduced by rotating the rack gear 93 in one direction due to the engagement of the reduction gear train 82 and the rack gear 93, and this rotation is moved. By being transmitted to the side surface of the member 91, the moving member 91 moves from the escape position to the mounting position at a low speed.

  Further, when the motor 81 is rotated in the other direction opposite to the one direction, the rotational force is reduced in the other direction opposite to the one direction by the meshing of the reduction gear train 82 and the rack gear 93. As the rotation is transmitted to the side surface of the moving member 91, the moving member moves from the mounting position to the withdrawal position at a low speed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a forward water supply nozzle 51 as a fluid supply nozzle is disposed at the distal end of the tubular member 61 on the distal end portion 58 side, and a fluid is present at the distal end on the distal end portion 58 side of the tubular member 62. A water supply nozzle 52 that is a supply nozzle is disposed, and an air supply nozzle 53 that is a fluid supply nozzle is disposed at the distal end of the tubular member 63 on the distal end portion 58 side, and the distal end of the tubular member 64 on the distal end portion 58 side. In addition, a water leakage detection nozzle 54 is provided.

  The front water supply nozzle 51 is disposed coaxially with the forward water supply pipe base 71, the water supply nozzle 52 is disposed coaxially with the water supply pipe base 72, and the air supply nozzle 53 is As shown in FIG. 6, the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is arranged on the same plane as the water supply detection pipe cap 74. They are arranged in a row in parallel.

  Although not shown, the forward water supply nozzle 51 is branched from a common pipe having one end connected to the agitation tank, on the outer periphery of the other end protruding from the front end surface 58s of the pipe 51k arranged in the tubular member 61. It is connected as shown in FIG. 7, and a pipe line 51k is opened at the tip.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the water supply nozzle 52 is branched from a common pipe having one end connected to the agitation tank, on the outer periphery of the other end protruding from the front end surface 58s of the pipe 52k disposed in the tubular member 62. 7 is connected, and a pipe 52k is opened at the tip.

  Although not shown, the air supply nozzle 53 is branched from a common pipe having one end connected to the stirring tank, and is provided on the outer periphery of the other end protruding from the distal end surface 58s of the pipe 53k disposed in the tubular member 61. It is connected as shown in FIG. 7, and a pipe line 53k is opened at the tip.

  The water leakage detection nozzle 54 is connected as shown in FIG. 7 to the outer periphery of the other end protruding from the front end surface 58s of the pipe 54k connected at one end to a water leakage detection pump (not shown). The pipe 54k is opened in three directions, the tip and the side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a relief communication hole 54 r is formed at a predetermined position of the water leakage detection nozzle 54. The communication hole 54r is configured to match the communication hole 64r formed in the tubular member 64 when the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is moved to a relief position to be described later, thereby exhausting the air in the pipe line 54k outward. To do. Further, a pin groove 54 p into which the moving pin 91 p of the moving member 91 is fitted is formed at the proximal end portion of the water leakage detection nozzle 54.

  Further, a cylindrical member 55 is provided on the outer periphery protruding from the front end surface 58 s of the front end portion 58 of the water leakage detection nozzle 54, coaxially with the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and covering the outer periphery of the water leakage detection nozzle 54. ing.

  In addition, the tubular member 55 contacts the tip end surface of the leak detection pipe cap 74 when the first fluid supply unit 50 is mounted on the pipe mounting portion 23, so that the leak detection pipe cap 74 The outer periphery is covered, and the space between the leak detection pipe cap 74 and the inside of the cylindrical member 55 is sealed in a watertight manner.

  With such a configuration, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2, the first and second fluid supply units 50, 60 are automatically applied to the conduit mounting portion 23 and the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 of the endoscope 20. Detachable.

  Next, an electrical circuit configuration of such an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a flow rate detection unit 100, a flow feeding unit 101, a control unit 102 for controlling the entire endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2, The data recording unit 103, the result display unit 104, and the first and second fluid supply units 50 and 60 can be automatically attached to and detached from the conduit mounting unit 23 and the treatment instrument mounting unit 24 of the endoscope 20. The main part is composed of the automatic attaching / detaching unit 105.

  The flow feeding unit 101 constitutes the fluid supply unit. For example, the disinfecting liquid or the cleaning liquid provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 is supplied to the front water feeding nozzle 51 of the first fluid supply unit 50, The cleaning / disinfecting pump supplied to the nozzle 52 for air and the nozzle 53 for supplying air, and the water leakage detecting pump for supplying a gas such as air to the water leakage detecting nozzle 54 of the first fluid supply unit 50.

  The flow rate detection unit 100 is configured using, for example, a flow rate sensor, detects the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the nozzles 51 to 54 of the first fluid supply unit 50 by the flow sending unit 101, and detects the detection result. Output to the control unit 102. The flow rate detection unit 100 constitutes the flow rate detection unit.

  The control unit 102 is electrically connected to a data recording unit 103 that constitutes the data recording unit. The data recording unit 103 is constituted by, for example, a memory, and is set in advance as an internal pipeline of the endoscope 2, that is, a forward water supply pipeline 71s, a water supply pipeline 72s, an air supply pipeline 72s, and the like (see FIG. 7) is stored in the normal flow range data of the internal pipeline.

  The flow rate range data stored in the data recording unit 103 can be freely changed by setting the input operation on the operation panel 8.

  The result display unit 104 is provided in, for example, the operation panel 8 (see FIG. 1), and includes first and second fluid supply units 50 and 60, a conduit mounting unit 23, and a treatment instrument mounting unit 24. The display unit displays the determination result of the connection state, and the sound generation unit notifies the determination result by reproducing the sound.

  In addition, the automatic attachment / detachment unit 105 automatically connects the pipe mounting part 23 and the treatment tool mounting part 24 of the endoscope 20 and the first and second fluid supply units 50 and 60 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2. It comprises a drive unit 80, a support unit 90, a moving mechanism 98, etc. (see FIG. 3) for making them detachable.

  The control unit 102 controls the entire endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2, specifically the flow sending unit 101, the automatic attachment / detachment unit 105, and the result display unit 104, and the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection unit 100. And the flow rate range data stored in the data recording unit 103, and based on the comparison result, the connection state between the pipe mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20 and the first fluid supply unit 50 is determined. When the connection state is a non-connection state, a signal for prompting a warning is generated and output to the result display unit 104.

  In the present embodiment, the flow rate detection unit 100 is configured using a flow rate sensor, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured using a pressure sensor. In this case, in order to correspond to this pressure sensor, in the data recording unit 103, instead of the flow rate range data, preset internal pipelines of the endoscope 2 (forward water supply pipeline 71s, water supply pipeline 72s). And the pressure range data at the normal time of the air supply pipe line 72s (see FIG. 7) is stored.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10, 11, 12, and 14 to 16.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first fluid supply unit of FIG. 3 is normally attached to the pipe attachment portion, and FIG. 15 is a diagram in which the first fluid supply unit cannot be normally attached to the pipe attachment portion. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first fluid supply unit can be mounted on the pipe mounting portion, but a part of the internal pipe is clogged.

  14 to 16 show an initial state in which the water leakage detection nozzle 54 does not press the valve body 74b in the water leakage detection pipe base 74, and the pipe mounting portion 23 and the actual mounting part 23 are shown. Regarding the determination of the connection state with the first fluid supply unit 50, the water leakage detection nozzle 54 presses the valve body 74 b and gas enters the endoscope 20 through the communication hole 74 r of the water leakage detection pipe cap 74. It is assumed that this is performed after the water leakage detection step for checking whether or not a water leakage location is formed in the endoscope 20 due to air being fed.

  First, the endoscope 20 is accommodated in the tray 10 as described above, and the tray 10 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 of the apparatus main body 3 as described above. It arrange | positions so that the 1st fluid supply unit 50 may be opposed.

  Thereafter, the top cover 4 is moved manually or automatically in the closing direction, and the endoscope accommodation opening of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 is closed as shown in FIG.

  When the automatic connection mode is executed by the operator via the operation panel 8, the control unit 102 reads and starts the program shown in FIG. 11 from a memory (not shown).

  That is, the control unit 102 turns on the water leakage detection pump (not shown) of the flow sending unit 101 when the first fluid supply unit 50 is installed in the pipeline installation unit 23 by the process of step S1. To do. As a result, air is supplied from the water leakage detection pump 97 to the pipe line 54k, and air is ejected from the water leakage detection nozzle 54 connected to the tip of the pipe line 54k.

  At the same time, the control unit 102 turns on a cleaning / disinfecting pump (not shown) of the flow sending unit 101. As a result, the disinfecting liquid or the cleaning liquid is ejected from the forward water supply nozzle 51, the water supply nozzle 52, and the air supply nozzle 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50.

  Note that the amount of the disinfectant or cleaning liquid ejected from these nozzles 51 to 53 is small. Moreover, you may perform the ejection process of the disinfection liquid or the washing | cleaning liquid by each nozzle 51-53 after a water leak detection process.

  Next, the control unit 102 connects the endoscope 20 and the automatic attachment / detachment unit 105 through the process of step S2. That is, the control unit 102 controls the operation of the drive unit 80, the moving mechanism 98, and the like (see FIG. 3), and the first supply unit 50 is connected to the conduit mounting unit 23 of the endoscope 20.

  In this case, the control unit 102 turns on the motor 81. As a result, the reduction gear train 82 is rotated, and the rack gear 93 meshed with the reduction gear train 82 is decelerated and rotated in one direction, so that the moving member 91 moves in the direction of the pipe mounting portion 23. Moved at low speed.

  Along with this, the first fluid supply unit 50 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the side surface 5s in the direction of the pipe mounting portion 23. At this time, the moving position of the first fluid supply unit 50 is detected by the position sensor 84 (see FIG. 5), and the detection result is transmitted to the control unit 102, and the rotation of the motor 81 is controlled by the control unit 102. Controlled by

  Further, the first fluid supply unit 50 is moved in the direction of the pipe mounting portion 23 while air is being blown out from the water leakage detection nozzle 54. Further, the first fluid supply unit 50 is moved in the direction of the pipe mounting portion 23 while the disinfecting liquid or the cleaning liquid is ejected from the nozzles 51 to 53.

  Due to the ejection of the moving air, the liquid between the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the cylindrical member 55 covering the outer periphery of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is removed, and the liquid leakage detection nozzle 54 is opposed to the water leakage detection nozzle 54. The liquid adhering to the vicinity of the water leak detection pipe cap 74 of the pipe mounting portion 23 is removed.

  Note that the amount of air ejection at this time is variable, and if the amount of air supplied to the inside of the endoscope 20 for water leakage check is increased, droplets can be removed more effectively. .

  Next, the first fluid supply unit 50 is moved in the direction of the pipe mounting portion 23 to the initial mounting position, so that the tip of the cylindrical member 55 is leaked as shown in FIGS. It is brought into contact with the front end surface of the detection pipe base 74. As a result, the space between the leak detection pipe cap 74 and the inside of the cylindrical member 55 is sealed in a watertight manner.

  At this time, the tip of the front water supply pipe 71s of the front water supply pipe base 71s of the pipe attachment portion 23 is inserted into the pipe 51k of the front water supply nozzle 51 of the first fluid supply unit 50, The tip of the water supply pipe 72 s of the water supply pipe base 72 is inserted into the pipe 52 k of the water supply nozzle 52, and the air supply pipe 73 s of the air supply pipe base 73 is inserted into the pipe 53 k of the air supply nozzle 53. The tip is inserted. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the claw portion 94 is locked to the proximal end side of the fixing member 92.

  Next, in a state where the moving pin 91p of the moving member 91 is fitted into the pin groove 54p of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 through the moving hole 64h of the tubular member 64, the first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to the pipe mounting portion. The first fluid supply unit 50 is mounted on the conduit mounting portion 23 by further moving to the mounting position in the direction 23.

  Note that the position sensor 84 detects whether or not the first fluid supply unit 50 has moved to the mounting position. That is, when the position sensor 84 detects that the first fluid supply unit 50 has been moved to the mounting position, the control unit 102 stops the rotation of the motor 81.

  Specifically, since the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is coaxial with the water leakage detection pipe cap 74, only the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is slidably fitted between the moving pin 91p and the pin groove 54p of the moving member 91. As a result, it is inserted into the leak detection pipe cap 74.

  Thereafter, the valve body 74b is pressed by the water leakage detection nozzle 54, whereby the flange 74f is pressed to the bottom side of the water leakage detection pipe cap 74 from the communication hole 74r, and the valve body 74b is opened. As a result, the conduit 54k communicates with the inside of the endoscope 20 through the opening on the side surface of the conduit 54k.

  Next, the control unit 102 sends a predetermined amount of air into the endoscope 20 from a water leakage detection pump (not shown), and performs a water leakage check inside the endoscope 20.

  Thereafter, the controller 102 moves the moving member 91 backward until only the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is aligned with the communication hole 54r formed in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the communication hole 64r formed in the tubular member 64. Retreat with.

  As a result, the air inside the endoscope 20 is relieved from the communication holes 54r and 164r through the conduit 54k, that is, the inside of the endoscope 20 is released to the atmosphere.

  Then, the control unit 102 performs control so that the motor 81 is turned on. As a result, the rack gear 93 that meshes with the reduction gear train 82 is decelerated and rotated in multiple directions opposite to the one direction before the movement, so that the moving member 91 approaches the side surface 5s in the direction orthogonal to the side surface 5s. It is moved at low speed in the direction. As a result, the water leakage detection nozzle 54 of the first fluid supply unit 50 is withdrawn from the conduit mounting portion 23 to the initial mounting position as shown in FIGS.

Each of the nozzles 51 to 53 remains in close contact with the cap of the pipe mounting portion 23.

  In this way, when the water leakage detection step is completed, the control unit 102 executes the processing after step S3 for executing the connection detection method.

  That is, the flow rate of the fluid supplied to each nozzle 51 to 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50 is detected by the flow rate detection unit 100, and the detection result is output to the control unit 102.

  Thereafter, the control unit 102 compares the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection unit 100 with the flow rate range data stored in the data recording unit 103 in the process of step S4.

  In this case, when the control unit 102 determines in the subsequent determination process of step S that the detected fluid flow rate is larger than the normal flow rate range data, in the subsequent step S6, the first supply unit 50 is controlled. It is determined that the connection between the nozzles 51 to 53 and the pipe mounting portion 23 is not connected, that is, the contact state is incomplete, and a signal for prompting a warning is generated and output to the result display unit 104 To do.

  Thus, the operator is warned by the display by the result display unit 104 or the reproduction of sound. And the control part 102 stops this connection detection program and a washing | cleaning and disinfection process by the process of subsequent step S8.

  Specifically, the control unit 102 turns off a cleaning / disinfecting pump (not shown) of the flow sending unit 101. As a result, the disinfecting liquid or the cleaning liquid ejected from the forward water supply nozzle 51, the water supply nozzle 52, and the air supply nozzle 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50 is stopped. In addition, the control unit 102 controls the automatic attachment / detachment unit 105 to remove the first fluid supply unit 50 from the duct mounting unit 23 of the endoscope 20, thereby stopping the cleaning and disinfection process.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the connection between the nozzles 51 to 53 of the first supply unit 50 and the pipe mounting portion 23 in the non-connected state, that is, the intimate contact state. .
In the example shown in FIG. 15, the front water supply nozzle 51 and the water supply nozzle 52 are bent without being inserted into the corresponding bases 71 and 72, respectively, so that the close contact state is incomplete.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the detected fluid flow rate is not larger than the normal flow rate range data, the detected fluid flow rate is again normal by the subsequent step S7 determination processing. It is determined whether or not it is smaller than the flow rate range data. If it is determined to be smaller, the process proceeds to step S9. If it is determined not to be smaller, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S9, the control unit 102 closes the state of the internal pipeline of the endoscope 20, that is, the internal pipeline of any one of the forward water supply pipeline 71s, the water supply pipeline 72s, and the air supply pipeline 73s. It is determined that it is in a state, and a signal for prompting a warning is generated and output to the result display unit 104.

  Thus, the operator is warned by the display by the result display unit 1 or the reproduction of sound. And the control part 102 stops this connection detection program and a washing | cleaning and disinfection process like the above by the process of following step S8.

In addition, FIG. 16 shows an example in which the state of any one of the forward water supply pipe 71s, the water supply pipe 72s, and the air supply pipe 73s of the endoscope 20 is a clogged closed state. .
In the example shown in FIG. 16, the foreign material 150 is interposed in the forward water supply pipe 71 s and is closed.

  On the other hand, since it is determined in step S10 that the detected fluid flow rate is not smaller than the normal flow rate range data, the control unit 102 determines that the detected fluid flow rate is within the normal range. Then, the cleaning and disinfection steps are continued, and then the cleaning and disinfection steps are terminated in the subsequent step S.

  FIG. 12 shows the relationship between time and flow rate when the connection detection method is actually implemented by such a control unit 102.

  As shown in FIG. 12, for example, when the operation start of the cleaning / disinfecting pump (not shown) of the flow sending unit 101 by the process of step S1 and the operation start of the automatic attachment / detachment unit by step S2 are time t0, From time t0, a disinfecting liquid or a cleaning liquid having a predetermined flow rate is ejected from the forward water supply nozzle 51, the water supply nozzle 52, and the air supply nozzle 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50.

  And in operation completion time t1 of the automatic attachment / detachment part by step S2, each nozzle 51-53 of the 1st fluid supply unit and each mouthpiece 71-73 of the attachment part 23 for ducts of endoscope 20 are as follows. Each is inserted and connected as shown in FIG.

  The fluid flow rate detection of the flow rate detection unit 100 by the process of step S3 is performed, for example, at time t2 after a predetermined period from time t1. That is, by detecting the flow rate of the fluid after a predetermined period, it is possible to detect a stable flow rate when the first flow rate supply unit 50 and the conduit mounting portion 23 are normally connected.

  Here, the control part 102 performs the determination process after step S4 as mentioned above after the time t2.

  In this case, the normal flow range data stored in the data recording unit 103 is flow range data within the normal range 106 of the lower limit value LL and the upper limit value LH, as shown in FIG.

  For example, in the released state before the first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to and closely contacted with the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20, or in the leaked state where the close contact state is incomplete, the flow rate of the flow rate detection unit 100 The detection result of the sensor is a relatively high flow rate value.

  Therefore, if the determination process in step S5 is larger than the flow rate range data in the normal range 106, there is a flow rate value of the detected flow rate in the incomplete contact range 107 shown in FIG. As a result, the process of step S6 is executed.

  Further, in the state where the first fluid supply unit 50 is in close contact with the pipe mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20, the pipe resistance of the internal pipes 71s, 72s, 73s of the endoscope 20 is high. The flow rate detection unit 100 is in a released state before the first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to and closely contacted with the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20 or a leakage state in which the close contact state is incomplete. The flow rate sensor detects a low flow rate value.

That is, in the determination process of step S7, if it is not smaller than the flow range data in the normal range 107, there is a flow value of the detected flow rate in the normal range 107 of the normal flow range data shown in FIG. Assuming that the state is normal, the process of step S10 is executed.
In addition, the first fluid supply unit 50 is in close contact with the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20, and foreign matter 150 or the like is mixed in a part of each of the internal conduits 71s, 72s, 73s of the endoscope 20. In this case, the internal pipe line is clogged and is in a closed state. Therefore, the released state before the close contact, or the leaked state in which the close contact state is incomplete, and the close state are in two states. The detection result of the flow rate sensor of the flow rate detection unit 100 is a lower flow rate value than the case.

  Accordingly, when the determination process in step S7 is smaller than the flow rate range data in the normal range 107, there is a flow rate value of the detected flow rate in the clogging range 108 shown in FIG. 12, and the internal pipeline as shown in FIG. The processing of step S9 is executed on the assumption that the foreign matter 150 or the like is mixed in part of 71s, 72s, and 73s, resulting in clogging.

  The flow rate data in the normal range 106, the flow range data in the incomplete contact range 107, and the flow separation data in the clogging range 108 are different depending on the type of the endoscope 20 to be connected. Is expected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the identification information of the connected endoscope 20 is captured by the wireless tag 10a as the identification unit, and the normal range 106 corresponding to the identified endoscope 20 is controlled by the control unit 102. It is also possible to set the respective flow rate values of the flow rate range data in the flow rate range data, the flow rate range data in the incomplete contact range 107, and the flow separation range data in the clogging range 108.

  In addition, various flow values such as normal flow range data corresponding to the type of the endoscope 20 are stored in the data recording unit 103 in advance, and the control unit 102 uses the endoscope identified by the wireless tag 10a. Various flow values such as normal flow range data corresponding to 20 may be read and set.

  Therefore, as described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically detect the presence or absence of electrical continuity without using a connection detection method for detecting the connection state between the endoscope base and the supply nozzle. In particular, when the nozzles 51 to 53 are connected to the bases 71 to 73 of the various pipelines of the endoscope 20, the connection state between the supply nozzles 51 to 53 and the various bases 71 to 73 can be detected.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to use a member such as conductive rubber and no leakage current is generated, connection detection can be performed without providing an insulating member or the like for preventing the occurrence of leakage current. Since the flow rate sensor used in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus can be used as the flow rate detecting unit 100, the cost of the entire endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 can be reduced as a result.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the connection state between the first flow rate supply unit 50 and the pipe mounting portion 23 is detected using the flow rate value detected by the flow rate detection unit 100 has been described. However, in order to perform stable flow rate detection by the flow rate detection unit 100, for example, time until time t2 shown in FIG. 12 is required, and therefore it is preferable to reduce the time until connection detection determination is performed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in a modified example of FIG. 13 to be described later, it is possible to shorten the time until the connection detection determination. FIG. 13 shows a modification of the connection detection method, and is a graph for explaining the slope of the time-flow rate value in region A in FIG.

  In this modification, connection detection is performed by paying attention to the slope of the time-flow rate value in the area A in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, a predetermined time during the falling of the flow rate waveform after time t1 is set as t3, and the control unit 102 uses the calculation unit 102a provided in the control unit 102, The gradient of the flow rate value from time t2 to time t3 is obtained.

  In addition, the data recording unit 103 stores in advance normal range inclination data within the range of the flow rate inclinations aH and aI when in a normal close contact state. Whether or not there is a connection is detected in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, depending on whether or not the gradient of the flow rate value obtained by the calculation unit 102 a is within the range of the normal range gradient data stored in the data recording unit 103.

  The normal range inclination data may be calculated by the calculation unit 102a of the control unit 102 and stored in the data recording unit 103 when the normal range is in a close contact state. In this case, the calculation unit 102a can obtain normal range inclination data using the following formulas: ah = L3H-L1 / t3-t1, aI = L3I-L1 / t3-t1.

  Therefore, according to this modification, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the time until connection detection can be shortened with a simple configuration.

  By the way, in the present invention, for the purpose of reducing the cost of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2, a technique described later is also used. Such a technique will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus using two conventional flow meters, and FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 </ b> A connects the endoscope 20 to the cleaning tank 5, circulates the liquid in the cleaning tank 5 with the pump 116, and switches the electromagnetic valve 110. It is possible to send liquid to one pipe line.

  In addition, a second flow meter 113 is disposed in this circulation path, and the flow rate per pipe line can be measured by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 110. By detecting this flow rate, the presence or absence of clogging in the internal conduit of the endoscope 20 is detected.

  In order to accelerate the drying of the endoscope duct by alcohol, the first fluid is sucked up by the pump 114 from the alcohol bottle 115 and the supply amount of alcohol is detected by the first flow meter 112. The liquid was fed into a channel block provided in the supply unit 50, and was fed into the internal conduit of the endoscope 20 using an air feeding means such as a compressor.

  Therefore, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2B of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost by reducing the number of flow meters.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 </ b> B is provided with a mix block unit 119 member in which each pipe line can selectively communicate with one pipe line. A flow meter 118 is disposed between the channel block in the first fluid supply unit 50.

  With such a configuration, the first and second flow meters 112 and 113 for measuring the supply amounts of various liquids as in the prior art are not necessary, and the first fluid supply unit is composed of only one flow meter 118. The flow rate supplied to 50 can be measured.

  That is, the flow of liquid from the washing bottle 121 to the internal pipeline of the endoscope 20 and the supply amount of alcohol sent from the alcohol bottle 115 to the channel block of the first fluid supply unit 50 are set to one flow meter 118. Since the flow rate can be measured with this, the number of flow meters can be reduced, so that the cost of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus can be reduced.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The perspective view which shows one embodiment of this invention and shows the whole structure of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state where the top cover is opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state where the endoscope is accommodated in the endoscope holding tray of FIG. 1 and the top cover is opened. The top view which shows a part of structure of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus of FIG. 1 with the operation part of a tray and an endoscope. The perspective view which shows the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 1, the moving mechanism of this 1st fluid supply unit, and the mounting part for pipes of an endoscope operation part. FIG. 5 is a side view of only the first fluid supply unit and the pipe mounting portion of FIG. 3 viewed from the XV direction. The front view which looked at the shape of the front-end | tip part of the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 3 from the XVI direction. Sectional drawing which follows the XVII-XVII line in FIG. The top view which shows the initial state which mounted | wore the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 3 to the mounting part for pipe lines, and shows a 1st fluid supply unit, a support unit, and a pipe line mounting part. Sectional drawing of the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 8, a support unit, and a pipe-line mounting part. The block diagram which shows the electrical circuit structure of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus of this Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a connection detection method of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention and showing a control example by the control unit of FIG. 10. The graph which shows the relationship between time-flow rate for demonstrating the control method by the control part of FIG. The graph which shows the relationship between the time-flow rate for demonstrating the modification of another detection method. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first fluid supply unit of FIG. 3 is normally attached to the pipe attachment part. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st fluid supply unit was not able to be normally mounted | worn to the mounting part for pipe lines. Explanatory drawing which shows the state by which clogging generate | occur | produced in a part of internal pipe line although the 1st fluid supply unit was able to be mounted in the mounting part for pipe lines. The block diagram in the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus using the conventional two flowmeters. The block diagram in the endoscope cleaning disinfection apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device,
3 ... The device body,
4 ... Top cover,
5 ... Cleaning and disinfection tank,
8 ... Control panel,
10 ... Tray,
10a: wireless tag.

20 ... endoscope,
21 ... operation unit,
22 ... insertion part,
23 ... Installation part for pipes,
24. Mounting part for treatment instrument,
50. First fluid supply unit,
51 ... Nozzle for water supply forward,
52 ... Nozzle for water supply,
53 ... Air supply nozzle,
54 ... Nozzle for water leakage detection,
55 ... Cylindrical member,
58s ... tip surface,
71 ... A cap for the front water supply pipeline,
71s ... Forward water supply line,
72 ... Water pipe conduit,
72s ... water supply pipeline,
73 ... a mouthpiece for an air supply duct,
73s ... Air line,
74 ... Cap for leak detection pipe,
80 ... Drive unit,
90 ... support unit,
98 ... Movement mechanism 100 ... Flow rate detection part (flow rate sensor),
101 ... flow section,
102 ... control unit,
102a ... arithmetic unit,
103 ... data recording section,
104 ... result display section,
105: Automatic attachment / detachment unit.

Claims (10)

In an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device that automatically cleans and disinfects an endoscope,
A cleaning / disinfecting tank for housing the endoscope;
It is detachable from the attachment part of the endoscope housed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank, and after being attached to the attachment part, communicates with an internal pipe line of the endoscope provided in the attachment part. A fluid supply unit having a supply base inserted into the pipe base and for sending fluid to the internal pipe;
A moving mechanism for moving the fluid supply unit to a mounting position and a withdrawal position with respect to the mounting portion;
A fluid supply section for supplying the fluid to the supply cap of the fluid supply unit;
A flow rate detection unit for detecting a flow rate of the fluid fed by the fluid supply unit;
A storage unit configured to store flow range data at a normal time of the internal conduit of the endoscope set in advance;
The moving mechanism and the fluid supply unit are controlled, and the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection unit is compared with the flow rate range data stored in the storage, and based on the comparison result, A controller that determines a connection state between the attachment unit of the endoscope and the fluid supply unit, and generates and outputs a signal for prompting a warning when the connection state is a non-connection state;
An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus characterized by comprising:   Further, the control unit determines a state of the endoscope in the internal conduit based on the comparison result, and warns when the state in the internal conduit is a closed state. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal for prompting is generated and output.   When the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection unit is larger than the flow rate range data, the control unit determines that the connection state is a non-connection state, and the flow rate of the fluid is the flow rate range data. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the endoscope is determined to be in a closed state when the endoscope is smaller than the endoscope.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit for inputting a signal from the control unit and prompting a warning or reproducing a sound. .   5. The internal flow rate sensor according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate detection unit is a fluid sensor that measures the flow rate of the fluid or a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the internal conduit. 6. Endoscopic washing and disinfection device.   In the storage unit, the flow rate range data corresponding to a plurality of types of endoscopes connectable to the fluid supply unit is stored in advance, and further, the endoscope is connected to the fluid supply unit. An identification means for identifying the type is provided, and the control unit reads the flow rate range data corresponding to the identification result from the storage unit, and compares the flow rate data with the fluid flow rate from the quantitative flow detection unit. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A method for detecting the connection of an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device for automatically cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope,
A removable fluid supply unit is mounted on the mounting portion of the endoscope housed in a cleaning / disinfecting tank, and the fluid supply unit is mounted on the mounting portion, and then disposed on the mounting portion by a moving mechanism. An automatic insertion procedure for inserting a supply cap for flowing fluid into the internal conduit disposed in the fluid supply unit into a conduit cap communicating with the internal conduit of the endoscope;
A fluid supply procedure for supplying the fluid to the supply cap of the fluid supply unit;
A flow rate detection procedure for detecting a flow rate of the fluid sent by the fluid supply procedure;
The flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection procedure is compared with the flow rate range data of the storage unit that stores preset normal flow rate range data of the internal conduit of the endoscope. Based on the comparison result, a connection state between the attachment part of the endoscope and the fluid supply unit is determined. When the connection state is a non-connection state, a signal for prompting a warning is generated and output. Control procedures;
An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprising:   Further, the control procedure determines a state of the endoscope in the internal conduit based on the comparison result, and warns when the state in the internal conduit is a closed state. 8. The method for detecting connection of an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a signal for prompting is generated and output.   When the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate detection procedure is greater than the flow rate range data, the control procedure determines that the connected state is a disconnected state, and the fluid flow rate is determined by the flow rate range data. 9. The method for detecting connection of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein if it is smaller than that, it is determined that the state of the endoscope in the internal conduit is a closed state.   The endoscope cleaning according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a display procedure for inputting a signal obtained by the control procedure and prompting a warning or reproducing a sound. Disinfection connection detection method.

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