JP2009160236A - Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus which prevents a deterioration in sensing precision of a detecting means without carrying out a cleaning operation by wiping dirt adhered to an optical path of a sensing beam when attaching and detaching a cleaning brush unit. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprises the cleaning brush unit 40, a marker sensor 38, and a wiping member 49. The cleaning brush unit 40 is arranged on a cleaning brush unit mounting movable base 60 installed on a main unit 4 having a washing tub. A tube section having a brush section on the distal side and a sensing section in the middle and on the outer surface is wound and housed within the cleaning brush unit 40. The marker sensor 38 senses the sensing section arranged on the outer surface of the tube section derived from the cleaning brush unit 40 by means of changes of light receiving amount of a sensing beam. The wiping member 49 is arranged on the cleaning brush unit 40 and wipes dirt adhered to the light path of the sensing beam. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting a surface of an endoscope and an endoscope duct after use.

  An endoscope is inserted into a body cavity for the purpose of examination and treatment. Endoscopes inserted into body cavities not only have body fluids and dirt attached to the outer surface of the insertion part, but also endoscope lines such as a suction line that also serves as a treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion part. Body fluids, filth, etc. also adhere inside. Therefore, in the endoscope after use, it is necessary to clean and disinfect the outer surface and the endoscope conduit.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic endoscope cleaning brush insertion device for automatically inserting a cleaning brush into an endoscope channel of an endoscope after use. In this endoscope cleaning brush automatic insertion device, the brush driving means moves the cleaning brush forward and backward when at least one of the cleaning brush is sent into the endoscope pipe or pulled out from the pipe. It was going to drive forward and backward while repeating. And the exit side brush detection sensor is arrange | positioned in the front position of the exit of the pipe line in a waste_water | drain tray, and the entrance side brush detection sensor is arrange | positioned in the middle of the channel pipe line member. Therefore, in the endoscope automatic cleaning brush insertion device, the outlet brush detection means detects that the cleaning brush has reached the outlet of the pipeline, and the inlet brush detection means causes the cleaning brush to move inside the pipeline. The cleaning brush can be automatically inserted by detecting that it has returned to the entrance of the pipeline.
JP-A-8-275717

  However, in the automatic cleaning brush insertion device for an endoscope of Patent Document 1, when the entrance-side brush detection means and the exit-side brush detection means are optical sensors including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, the light projecting unit If at least one of the light projecting surface or the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit is soiled, the amount of received light is reduced by the soiling and the detection accuracy is lowered. Therefore, in an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that uses an optical sensor type detection means, it is necessary to periodically perform a cleaning operation to wipe off dirt on the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and removes dirt adhering to the optical path of the detection light beam when the cleaning brush unit is attached / detached without performing a cleaning operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that prevents the deterioration of the endoscope.

  An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention includes an endoscope provided in the endoscope, which is detachably disposed in a unit disposition portion provided in an apparatus main body including a cleaning tank in which the endoscope is installed. A cleaning brush unit comprising a brush insertion portion formed by a transparent member provided with a plurality of markers provided on the outer surface of a midway portion, in a wound state, provided with a brush portion for brushing and cleaning the pipeline, and the cleaning The marker provided on the outer surface of the brush insertion portion led out from the brush unit into the hole of the channel pipe member provided in the apparatus main body receives the detection light beam emitted from the light projecting portion. Marker detecting means for detecting whether or not the light has entered the cleaning unit, and provided in the cleaning brush unit, and when the cleaning brush unit is disposed at the endoscope channel cleaning / disinfecting position, from the light projecting unit to the light receiving unit In And comprising a wiping member wiping the dirt adhering to the selfish optical path of the emitted detection light.

  According to this configuration, the wiping member provided in the cleaning brush unit wipes off the dirt that prevents the detection light beam from being emitted from the light projecting unit and the dirt that prevents the detection light beam from entering the light receiving unit.

  According to the present invention, an endoscope which prevents the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the detection means by wiping off the dirt adhering to the optical path of the detection light beam when the cleaning brush unit is attached / detached without performing a cleaning operation. A cleaning / disinfecting device can be realized.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state where the cleaning brush unit is mounted on a cleaning brush unit mounting table. FIG. 3 is a perspective view including a partial cross-sectional view, FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the relationship among a cleaning brush unit, a suction conduit cleaning nozzle, and a suction conduit arrangement portion of an endoscope, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning brush unit. 5 is a front view of the cleaning brush unit shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a view of the cleaning brush unit shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the cleaning brush, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view for explaining the relationship between the marker detection sensor, the channel pipe member, and the brush lead-out part, and FIG. FIG. 10 shows a cleaning brush unit mounted. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the cleaning brush unit placed on the table is moved toward the pipe connecting member, and FIG. 11 shows the endoscope brush cleaning performed by the cleaning brush unit placed on the cleaning brush unit mounting table. It is a figure which shows the state arrange | positioned in the disinfection position.

  As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system, which includes an endoscope 2 and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device 3. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 is an apparatus that cleans and disinfects the outer surface of the endoscope 2 and the endoscope duct. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 includes an apparatus main body 4 and a top cover 5. A cleaning tank 6 having a predetermined opening shape and depth is provided in the upper part of the apparatus body 4.

  The opening of the cleaning tank 6 is closed by a top cover 5 that is installed in the apparatus main body 4 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the opening of the cleaning tank 6 is closed with the top cover 5, the one surface side of the top cover 5 is in close contact with the packing 4a provided around the opening to maintain a watertight state. Accordingly, during cleaning and disinfection, liquids such as cleaning liquid and rinsing water supplied into the cleaning tank 6 are prevented from scattering outside the apparatus main body 4.

  The top cover 5 is formed of a hard and light-transmitting resin member, a so-called transparent resin member or translucent resin member, in a predetermined shape. Accordingly, the user can visually observe the inside of the cleaning tank 6 through the top cover 5 even when the opening of the cleaning tank 6 is closed by the top cover 5.

  The endoscope 2 includes, for example, an operation unit 21 and a flexible insertion unit 22 that extends from the operation unit 21. The operation section 21 is provided with an air / water supply pipe arrangement section 23 and a suction pipe arrangement section 24. The air / water supply conduit arrangement portion 23 includes an end opening of an unillustrated air supply conduit, which is an endoscope conduit of the endoscope 2, an end opening of a water supply conduit, and an end of a sub-water supply conduit. An opening, a water leakage detection nozzle, and the like are provided. On the other hand, in the suction conduit arrangement portion 24, an end opening of a suction conduit (see reference numeral 22a in FIG. 3) that also serves as a treatment instrument channel, which is one of the endoscope conduits of the endoscope 2, is provided. Is provided.

  During the endoscopic inspection, the end of the air / water supply pipe arrangement portion 23, the end of the air supply pipe, the end of the water supply pipe, and the end of the sub-water supply pipe are connected to the endoscope 2. An air supply tube (not shown) for supplying a gas such as air or a liquid such as water and a water supply tube (not shown) are connected to the end opening of the suction conduit 22 a of the suction conduit arrangement portion 24. A suction tube (not shown) is connected.

  The used endoscope 2 is installed in the cleaning tank 6 while being accommodated in, for example, a dedicated endoscope holding tray (hereinafter abbreviated as a tray) 7. On the upper surface side of the tray 7, an accommodation recess 71 for accommodating the endoscope 2 in a predetermined position is provided. The accommodating recess 71 is formed in a predetermined shape in consideration of the outer shape of the operation portion 21 of the endoscope 2 to be accommodated, the diameter and length of the insertion portion 22, and the like. That is, the accommodation recess 71 includes an operation part accommodation part 72 in which the operation part 21 is accommodated, and an insertion part accommodation part 73 in which the insertion part 22 is accommodated.

  The outer shape of the operation unit 21 of the endoscope 2 or the diameter or length of the insertion unit 22 varies depending on the application. Therefore, in a facility that owns multiple types of endoscopes 2, a dedicated tray 7 corresponding to each endoscope 2 is prepared.

  A cleaning nozzle attaching / detaching portion is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank 6. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 according to this embodiment includes an air / water supply line cleaning unit 31 and a suction line cleaning unit 32 as cleaning nozzle attachment / detachment units. A fluid supply unit 33 is provided in the air / water supply pipe cleaning unit 31, and a suction pipe cleaning nozzle 34 is provided in the suction pipe cleaning unit 32.

  The fluid supply unit 33 includes an opening at the end of the air / water supply pipe provided in the air / water supply pipe arrangement part 23 constituting the operation part 21 of the endoscope 2 housed in the tray 7, and an end of the water supply pipe. A gas supply nozzle, a water supply nozzle, a sub-water supply nozzle, and a water-leakage detection nozzle communication unit (not shown) connected to the part opening, the end opening of the sub-water supply conduit, and the water leakage detection nozzle, respectively. On the other hand, the suction pipe cleaning nozzle 34 is connected to a connection port 24 a that is an end opening of the suction pipe provided in the suction pipe arrangement portion 24.

  A brush unit storage opening 35 is provided at the edge of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 and in the vicinity of the suction pipe cleaning nozzle 34. A cleaning brush unit 40 to be described later is mounted on a cleaning brush unit mounting moving base 60 which is a cleaning unit disposition portion shown in FIG. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the cleaning brush unit 40 includes a brush lead-out portion 41 and a brush storage portion 42 including a hollow portion 42 a. The brush lead-out part 41 and the brush storage part 42 are separate members, and are integrally formed by welding, for example. The brush outlet 41 is provided with a fluid inlet (see reference numeral 48 in FIG. 2).

  The brush lead-out portion 41 is connected to a base end portion of a channel pipe member that serves as both a fluid supply path and a brush lead-out path (see reference numeral 37 in FIGS. 2 and 3, hereinafter abbreviated as a pipe member). It is configured. The distal end side portion of the pipe line member 37 is connected to the suction pipe line cleaning nozzle 34. The inner diameter of the pipe member 37 is set to d1.

  At a predetermined position on the outer surface of the pipe member 37, a marker detection sensor 38 which is a marker detection means for detecting a marker described later is provided. The marker detection sensor 38 is configured by arranging a light projecting unit 38b and a light receiving unit 38c on a sensor arrangement member 38a having a U-shaped cross section. The pipe member 37 is formed of a transparent resin member having light permeability. In the present embodiment, the pipe member 37 is formed with an opposing flat surface portion 37a, and the light projecting surface of the light projecting portion 38b and the light receiving surface of the light receiving portion 38c are in close contact with the flat surface portion 37a. Therefore, dust is prevented from entering and soiling the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 38c.

  The detection light, which is a detection light beam emitted from the light projecting portion 38 b of the marker detection sensor 38, passes through one flat portion 37 a formed on the pipe member 37 and enters the pipe member 37. Then, the light passes through the pipe member 37, passes through the other flat portion 37a, and enters the light receiving portion 38c.

  The brush lead-out part 41 has a fluid supply line (hereinafter abbreviated as supply line) 43 and a brush run-out adjustment line (hereinafter abbreviated as adjustment line) 44, and is made of a transparent resin member. ing. The supply pipeline 43 is a first pipeline and includes a supply hole 43a. On the other hand, the adjustment conduit 44 is a second conduit and includes a brush lead-out hole (hereinafter abbreviated as lead-out hole) 44a.

  The outer diameter of the supply pipe 43 is D2, and the inner diameter of the supply hole 43a is d3. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the adjustment pipe 44 is D4, and the inner diameter of the outlet hole 44a is d5. The central axis of the adjustment pipe 44 and the central axis of the supply pipe 43 are concentric, and the supply hole 43 a is provided on the outer peripheral side of the adjustment pipe 44. For example, the adjustment pipe 44 and the supply pipe 43 are integrally formed by four ribs 45. The number of ribs 45 is not limited to four, and may be more or less.

  In the present embodiment, the adjustment pipeline 44 is configured to protrude a predetermined amount (L1) from the distal end surface of the supply pipeline 43. A pair of dirt wiping projections 44 b are provided to face each other from the outer surface on the distal end side of the adjustment conduit 44. The width dimension w of the convex portion 44b is set to a predetermined width dimension in order to prevent the detection light from being emitted and impeded by dirt.

  A wiping member 49, which is a wiping member, is disposed on the front end surface of the dirt wiping convex portion 44b and in the vicinity thereof. The wiping member 49 is a so-called wiping cloth obtained by specially processing ultrafine fibers, and wipes off dirt adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 37 that faces the flat portion 37 a of the pipe member 37. . The wiping cloth is excellent in wiping property, prevents damage to the object to be wiped, and prevents re-attachment of the wiped dirt.

  In the wiping member 49, after the adjustment pipe 44 is inserted into the pipe member 37 having the inner diameter dimension d1, the supply pipe 43 is connected to the pipe member 37, and the cleaning brush unit 40 is used as the endoscope pipe. The dirt adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 37 is wiped off until it is arranged at the cleaning / disinfecting position, that is, while moving in the pipe member 37.

  Reference numeral 43b denotes a pair of positioning grooves, which are provided in a positional relationship facing each other as shown in FIGS. In the positioning groove 43b, a positioning pin (see reference numeral 61 in FIG. 10) provided integrally with the cleaning brush unit placement moving base 60 is arranged.

  In addition, reference numeral 44c in FIG. 5 is a supply hole, and a pair of wiping projections 44b having a width dimension w project from the outer surface of the adjustment pipe 44, so that the fluid supplied through the supply hole 43a is supplied. This is to prevent the supply amount from being lowered, and is appropriately formed.

  Reference numeral 46 denotes an O-ring, and the O-ring 46 is disposed on the supply pipe 43 on the brush storage section 42 side. The O-ring 46 is connected to the pipe member 37 having the inner diameter d1 in the state where the supply pipe line 43 is connected, that is, in the state where the cleaning brush unit 40 is disposed at the endoscope pipe line cleaning / disinfecting position. Maintains a watertight state in close contact with the inner peripheral surface.

  Between the inner diameter dimension d1 of the pipe line member 37, the outer diameter dimension D2 of the supply pipe line 43, the inner diameter dimension d3 of the supply hole 43a of the supply pipe line 43, and the outer diameter dimension D4 of the adjustment pipe line 44, The relationship of d1 ≧ D2> d3> D4 is set so that the flow rate of the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water supplied from the supply pipe 43 to the pipe member 37 is ensured.

  In the hollow portion 42a, the brush housing portion 42 is provided with a tube portion 51 which is a long brush insertion portion of the cleaning brush 50, a driving roller 47a composed of an elastic member for moving the tube portion 51 forward and backward, and a passive roller 47a. A roller 47b is provided.

  The tube portion 51 is sandwiched between the driving roller 47a and the passive roller 47b in a predetermined pressing state. The passive roller 47b is provided with a rotation shaft (not shown), and is rotatably supported by a fixture (see reference numeral 47c in FIG. 2) provided in the hollow portion 42a.

  The drive roller 47a is provided with a drive shaft (not shown), and is rotatably supported by a predetermined portion of the brush storage portion 42 in an airtight state. A roller side engagement portion formed by cutting out a predetermined shape is provided at the lower end portion of the drive shaft of the drive roller 47a. The roller side engaging portion is configured to engage with a motor side engaging portion fixed to a motor shaft of a motor disposed on the cleaning brush unit placement moving table 60.

  The tube part 51 is wound and accommodated in the hollow part 42a as shown by the broken line in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning brush 50 includes a tube part 51 and a brush part 52. The brush part 52 is configured by planting brush hair for brushing and cleaning an object on the tip side part of the tube part 51.

  The tube portion 51 is a long and transparent tube body having flexibility, and the outer diameter dimension is set to D6. The length dimension of the tube part 51 is set so that the endoscope having the longest insertion part can be cleaned and disinfected. Therefore, a plurality of detection units 53 that are markers for detecting the amount of the tube unit 51 to be fed are provided at a predetermined position on the distal end side and a predetermined position on the proximal end side of the tube unit 51 including the brush unit 52. The proximal-side detection unit 53 is provided so as to correspond to the length dimension of the insertion unit.

The detection unit 53 blocks the detection light emitted from the light projecting unit 38b, and is configured by providing a coating or heat shrinkable tube on the outer surface of the tube unit 51. The outer diameter dimension of the tube part 51 in the portion where the detection part 53 is provided is configured to be substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the tube part 51. Thus, by setting the outer diameter dimension of the tube part 51 of the part where the detection part 53 is provided and the part where the detection part 53 is not provided to the same dimension, the tube part 51 is easily wound in the brush storage part. Can be stored. Further, the tube portion 51 can be smoothly fed out by the rollers 47a and 47b.
In addition, the detection part 53 provided in the tube part 51 is taken as the 1st detection part 53a, the 2nd detection part 53b, and the 3rd detection part 53c in order from the front end side.

  A relationship of 2 × D6> d5 is set between the outer diameter D6 of the tube portion 51 and the inner diameter d5 of the lead-out hole 44a formed in the adjustment conduit 44. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, even when the position of the tube portion 51 moves to the position indicated by the solid line or the position indicated by the broken line in the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44 as shown in FIG. The detection light indicated by the two-dot chain line emitted from the light projecting unit 38 b is blocked by a part of the tube unit 51.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the detection light is emitted from the light projecting portion 38b so as to be orthogonal to the central axis of the pipe member 37, a transparent tube portion is provided in the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44. If 51 is arrange | positioned, a detection light will permeate | transmit the pipe line member 37, the adjustment pipe line 44, the tube part 51, the adjustment pipe line 44, and the pipe line member 37, and will inject into the light-receiving part 38c.

  On the other hand, when the detection unit 53 is disposed in the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44, part or all of the detection light emitted from the light projecting unit 38b is blocked by the detection unit 53 in the outlet hole 44a. The amount of light received incident on the light receiving unit 38c is reduced or prevented. That is, when the detecting portion 53 is arranged in the lead-out hole 44a by the deflection of the tube portion 51 passing through the lead-out hole 44a being restricted by the lead-out hole 44a, the light-receiving portion 38c is emitted from the light projecting portion 38b. The amount of detection light incident on the light beam changes as compared with the case where the tube portion 51 passes, so that the detection of the detection portion 53 by the marker detection sensor 38 can be reliably performed.

The operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system 1 configured as described above will be described.
When cleaning and disinfecting the used endoscope 2 with the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 3, the user places a tray in which the used endoscope 2 is disposed in the housing recess 71 as shown in FIG. 1. 7 is installed in the washing tank 6 in a predetermined state.

  In addition, the user places the cleaning brush unit 40 in a predetermined state on the cleaning brush unit mounting moving base 60 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10 through the brush unit storage opening 35 of the apparatus body 4. At this time, the positioning pins 61 erected on the cleaning brush unit placement moving table 60 are disposed in the positioning grooves 43 b provided in the supply pipeline 43. Thus, the pair of wiping members 49 are arranged in a parallel positional relationship with respect to the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving unit 38c of the marker detection sensor 38.

  Next, the user operates the lever 62 in order to move the cleaning brush unit placement moving table 60 toward the pipe line member 37. Then, the cleaning brush unit placement moving table 60 moves toward the pipe member 37 as indicated by an arrow A along the longitudinal axis of the pipe member 37. Then, the adjustment pipeline 44 including the wiping projection 44 b and the wiping member 49 is inserted into the first inner hole 37 c of the pipeline member 37.

  Furthermore, when the user operates the lever 62, the cleaning brush unit placement moving base 60 further moves toward the pipe line member 37 side. Then, the adjustment pipe 44 is inserted from the first inner hole 37c of the pipe member 37 into the second inner hole 37d. Then, the wiping member 49 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d.

  Here, when the user further operates the lever 62, the cleaning brush unit placement moving base 60 further moves further toward the pipe line member 37 side. At this time, the wiping member 49 in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d moves while remaining in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d. That is, the dirt adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d including the detection light passing point that is the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 37 facing the flat portion 37a is wiped by the wiping member 49 by the width w. It is done.

  When the user completes the operation of the lever 62 up to a predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 11, the distal end surface of the supply conduit 43 constituting the brush outlet 41 of the cleaning brush unit 40 is provided on the conduit member 37. It contacts the positioning step 37b. That is, when the cleaning brush unit 40 is placed at the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting position, the dirt adhering to the vicinity of the detection light passing point which is the inner peripheral surface of the conduit member 37 is wiped off. ing.

  At this time, the detection light emitted from the light projecting portion 38b of the marker detection sensor 38 enters the pipe member 37 from the flat portion 37a on one side and is contaminated by the wiping member 49 facing the flat portion 37a. The light passes through the wiped inner peripheral surface of the width w and is emitted toward the adjustment pipe 44 disposed in the second inner hole 37d. Thereafter, the detection light passes through the adjustment pipe 44 and enters the pipe member 37 from the inner peripheral surface of the width w where the dirt is wiped off by the wiping member 49 facing the other flat portion 37a. Thereafter, the light is emitted from the other plane portion 37a and enters the light projecting portion 38b. That is, the detection light is emitted from the light projecting portion 38b of the marker detection sensor 38 toward the adjustment conduit 44 of the second inner hole 37d, and the detection light transmitted through the adjustment conduit 44 is incident on the light receiving portion 38c. Is prevented by dirt adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d.

Thereafter, the user closes the top cover 5. This completes the preparation for endoscope cleaning and disinfection.
Next, the user operates a start switch on an operation panel (not shown) provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3. Then, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 sequentially executes a cleaning process, a rinsing process, a disinfecting process, and a rinsing process again in accordance with a prescribed program, and finally performs a dehydration process using an alcohol flush. A series of operations for cleaning and disinfecting 2 is completed.

  In the cleaning process, a control unit (not shown) starts detection of the detection unit 53 by the marker detection sensor 38 at the same time as starting control for driving the drive motor. That is, the detection light is emitted from the light projecting unit 38b of the marker detection sensor 38 toward the light receiving unit 38c. When the transparent tube part 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44, the detection light emitted from the light projecting part 38b is the pipe member 37, the adjustment pipe 44, the tube part 51, and the adjustment pipe. The light passes through the path 44 and the pipe line member 37 and enters the light receiving unit 38c with a predetermined amount of received light. During this time, the control unit performs control to advance the tube unit 51.

  On the other hand, when the first detector 53a provided on the distal end side of the tube portion 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44, that is, when the first detector 53a is disposed in the outlet hole 44a. The detection light emitted from the light unit 38b is blocked by the first detection unit 53a, and the detection light does not enter the light receiving unit 38c, or the incident light decreases. That is, the light receiving unit 38c detects that the amount of received light has decreased. Then, the marker detection sensor 38 outputs a notification signal notifying that the first detection unit 53a provided in the tube unit 51 has passed through the outlet hole 44a to the control unit. The control unit that has received the notification signal shifts to the first brushing control that moves forward while moving the brush unit 52 back and forth repeatedly.

  During the first brushing control, when the second detection unit 53b provided in the tube unit 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44, the mark detection light beam emitted from the light projecting unit 38b is the second detection unit. Blocked by 53b. Then, a notification signal for notifying that the second detection portion 53b provided in the tube portion 51 has passed through the outlet hole 44a is output from the marker detection sensor 38 to the control portion. Upon receiving this notification signal, the control unit stops the first brushing control, and then shifts to the second brushing control that moves backward while moving the brush unit 52 back and forth repeatedly.

  During the second brushing control, when the first detection portion 53a provided in the tube portion 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a again, a notification signal is output from the marker detection sensor 38 to the control portion. Upon receiving this notification signal, the control unit stops the second brushing control, and then shifts to the first brushing control again. As a result, the brush portion 52 moves forward again while repeating the forward and backward movement.

  That is, the cleaning brush 50 repeatedly advances or retracts from the suction line cleaning nozzle 34 to the tip opening of the suction line 22a in accordance with a prescribed program, and brushing the suction line 22a by the brush portion 52. Wash.

  Note that the cleaning liquid is always fed into the suction conduit 22a of the endoscope 2 during the cleaning process. Further, when the cleaning process is finished and the rinsing process is executed, the control unit arranges the brush unit 52 at the initial position where the brush unit 52 is moved from the brush lead-out unit 41 of the cleaning brush unit 40 to drive the motor. The detection by the marker detection sensor 38 is stopped.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment cleans the outer surface of the endoscope 2 and the suction conduit 22a, and then executes various processes to clean and disinfect the endoscope 2. When a series of steps for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 2 is completed, the user removes the endoscope 2 together with the tray 7 from the cleaning tank 6 and stores the endoscope 2 in a storage, while the cleaning brush unit 40 has a brush. The unit is removed from the unit storage opening 35, the used cleaning brush unit 40 is discarded, and the cleaning operation is completed.

When the cleaning brush unit 40 disposed at the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting position is removed from the conduit member 37 by operating the lever 62, the lever 62 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d. The wiping member 49 moves while in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole 37d. As a result, dirt adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the width w of the second inner hole 37d including the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 37 facing the flat surface portion 37a exposed to the cleaning liquid or the like in a series of steps. It is wiped off by the wiping member 49.
Thus, a convex part is provided in the front end side part of an adjustment pipe line provided with an outlet hole, and a wiping member is provided on the end surface of the convex part so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the second inner hole of the pipe line member. Yes. For this reason, when arrange | positioning an adjustment pipe line in a pipe line member, it moves to the inner peripheral surface of a 2nd inner hole by moving the wiping member in the state which contacted the inner peripheral surface of the 2nd inner hole. The adhering dirt can be wiped off by the wiping member.

  Further, by arranging the cleaning brush unit on the cleaning brush unit mounting moving table provided with the positioning pin, the positioning pin is arranged in the positioning groove of the supply pipe and is provided on the convex portion of the cleaning brush unit. The positional relationship between the arrangement position of the wiping member and the light projecting part and the light receiving part of the marker detection sensor can be arranged in an optimal state for wiping.

In addition, the wiping member is moved to the endoscope channel cleaning / disinfecting position along the axial direction of the pipe member by operating the lever by operating the lever, so that the wiping member is moved to the second inner hole of the pipe member. Wiping off stains on the inner circumferential surface in the axial direction including the desired inner circumferential surface, the detection light emitted from the light projecting portion of the marker detection sensor is blocked by the dirt adhering to the inner circumferential surface, and the adjusting tube It is possible to reliably prevent the detection light transmitted through the path and the tube part from entering the light receiving part from being blocked by dirt adhering to the inner peripheral surface.

That is, since the user performs the cleaning operation at the same time as the operation of disposing the cleaning brush unit at the endoscope channel cleaning / disinfecting position, the periodic cleaning operation is not necessary.

  In the above-described embodiment, a part of the cleaning brush unit 40 is moved in the second inner hole 37d of the pipe member 37 along the axial direction of the pipe member 37, whereby the plane of the pipe member 37 is obtained. The dirt attached to the inner peripheral surface of the second hole 37d including the inner peripheral surface facing the portion 37a is wiped off. However, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 16 to be described later, the dirt adhered to the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 38c by the wiping member 49 provided in the supply conduit 43 of the cleaning brush unit 40. You may make it wipe off the dirt adhering to directly.

12 to 16 are related to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an endoscope in which a marker detection sensor is provided in a brush unit housing portion in which a cleaning brush unit provided at an edge of the apparatus main body is provided. FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the disposition position of the wiping member provided in the cleaning brush unit, and FIG. 14 is a front view for explaining the disposition position of the wiping member provided in the cleaning brush unit. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the marker detection sensor and the wiping member of the supply pipe line, and FIG. 16 is a cleaning brush unit disposed in the brush unit housing part and suction pipe cleaning. It is a schematic diagram explaining the relationship between a nozzle and the suction line arrangement | positioning part of an endoscope.
As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a brush unit storage unit 80 is provided at the edge of the apparatus main body 4A of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3. A cleaning brush unit 40A is disposed in the brush unit housing 80.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cleaning brush unit 40 </ b> A includes a brush lead-out portion 41 and a brush storage portion 42. The brush lead-out portion 41A and the brush storage portion 42 are separate members, and are integrally configured by welding, for example. The fluid outlet 41A is also provided in the brush outlet 41A.

  The brush lead-out portion 41A has a supply pipeline 43A and an adjustment pipeline 44A, and is made of a transparent resin member. The supply pipe line 43A of the present embodiment has an outer shape including a semicircular part 43c and a square part 43d when viewed from the front. A wiping member 49 that is wider than the width dimension of the light projecting section 38b and the width dimension of the light receiving section 38c, which will be described later, is disposed opposite to the front end side of the rectangular section 43d. The wiping member 49 is fixed to the distal end side of the rectangular portion 43d by adhesion or welding.

  On the other hand, the adjustment conduit 44A of the present embodiment does not protrude from the distal end surface of the supply conduit 43A, and is substantially flush with the distal end surface of the supply conduit 43A or from the distal end surface of the supply conduit 43A. Located on the side. The adjustment pipe 44A and the supply pipe 43A are integrated by a rib. The other configuration of the cleaning brush unit 40A is the same as the configuration of the cleaning brush unit 40, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the brush unit storage portion 80 in which the cleaning brush unit 40A is disposed includes a storage portion in which the brush lead-out portion 41A and the brush storage portion 42 are stored. The storage portion in which the brush lead-out portion 41A is stored is provided with a supply pipeline storage portion 81 in which the supply pipeline 43A is stored. The marker detection sensor 38 is installed in the supply pipeline storage portion 81. .

In the present embodiment, the supply conduit 43A is disposed between the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving unit 38c included in the marker detection sensor 38. In the state where the supply conduit 43A is disposed between the light projecting portion 38b and the light receiving portion 38c, the detection light emitted from the light projecting portion 38b of the marker detection sensor 38 is adjusted to the supply conduit 43A. The light passes through the pipe 44A and the supply pipe 43A and enters the light receiving unit 38c. Reference numeral 37A denotes a channel pipe member (hereinafter abbreviated as a pipe member). The distal end portion of the conduit member 37A is connected to the suction conduit cleaning nozzle 34, and the base end portion is configured to communicate with the supply conduit 43A of the brush lead-out portion 41A.

The wiping member 49 provided in the supply conduit 43A also serves as a mark for notifying the operator of the insertion direction of the cleaning brush unit 40A when the cleaning brush unit 40A is stored in the brush unit storage unit 80.

  When the cleaning brush unit 40A is disposed in the brush unit storage unit 80, the supply line 43A indicated by the solid line in FIG. 15 is moved as indicated by the arrow in FIG. Arranged as shown by the dotted line. At this time, the wiping member 49 passes in contact with the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 38c of the marker detection sensor 38. Accordingly, when the wiping member 49 moves in contact with the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 38c, the dirt and light receiving unit attached to the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit 38b. The dirt adhering to the light receiving surface 38c can be wiped off by the wiping member 49.

  The operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system 1 including the brush unit storage unit 80 in the apparatus main body 4A of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 as described above will be described.

  When cleaning and disinfecting the used endoscope 2 with the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 3, the user places a tray in which the used endoscope 2 is disposed in the housing recess 71 as shown in FIG. 12. 7 is installed in the washing tank 6 in a predetermined state.

  Further, the user stores the cleaning brush unit 40A in the brush unit storage portion 80 of the apparatus main body 4A. At this time, the user performs the storing operation by causing the wiping member 49 provided in the supply pipeline 43 </ b> A to substantially face the marker detection sensor 38 provided in the supply pipeline storage unit 81 of the brush unit storage unit 80. . Then, after being introduced into the supply pipe storage portion 81 provided in the supply pipe 43A, the wiping member 49 provided at the corner on the front end side of the supply pipe 43A is projected by the light projecting portion 38b. It moves in contact with the light surface and the light receiving surface of the light receiving part 38c, and the dirt adhering to the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface is wiped off.

  When the supply pipe line 43 </ b> A reaches the bottom 38 d of 38, the cleaning brush unit 40 </ b> A is stored in the brush unit storage unit 80. At this time, the supply conduit 43A of the brush lead-out portion 41A communicates with the proximal end portion of the conduit member 37, and the cleaning brush unit 40 is placed at the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting position. The wiping member 49 is disposed below the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving unit 38c in the figure after wiping off the dirt adhering to the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface, and then removed from the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving unit 38c. The The supply conduit 43A and the proximal end portion of the conduit member 37 are kept watertight by an O-ring (not shown).

Thereafter, the user closes the top cover 5. This completes the preparation for endoscope cleaning and disinfection.
Next, the user operates a start switch on an operation panel (not shown) provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3. Then, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 sequentially executes a cleaning process, a rinsing process, a disinfecting process, and a rinsing process again in accordance with a prescribed program, and finally performs a dehydration process using an alcohol flush. A series of operations for cleaning and disinfecting 2 is completed.

  Also in the cleaning process of this embodiment, a control unit (not shown) starts detection of the detection unit 53 by the marker detection sensor 38 at the same time as starting control for driving the drive motor. That is, the detection light is emitted from the light projecting unit 38b of the marker detection sensor 38 toward the light receiving unit 38c. When the transparent tube portion 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment conduit 44A, the detection light emitted from the light projecting portion 38b is supplied to the supply conduit 43A, the adjustment conduit 44A, the tube portion 51, and the adjustment tube. The light passes through the passage 44A and the supply conduit 43A and enters the light receiving portion 38c with a predetermined amount of received light. During this time, the control unit performs control to advance the tube unit 51.

  On the other hand, when the first detection part 53a provided on the distal end side of the tube part 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a of the adjustment pipe 44A, the detection light emitted from the light projecting part 38b is blocked by the first detection part 53a. As a result, the detection light does not enter the light receiving portion 38c, or the incident light decreases. That is, the light receiving unit 38c detects that the amount of received light has decreased. Then, the marker detection sensor 38 outputs a notification signal notifying that the first detection unit 53a provided in the tube unit 51 has passed through the outlet hole 44a to the control unit. The control unit that has received the notification signal shifts to the first brushing control that moves forward while moving the brush unit 52 back and forth repeatedly.

  During the first brushing control, when the second detection portion 53b provided in the tube portion 51 passes through the lead-out hole 44a of the adjustment conduit 44A, the mark detection light beam emitted from the light projecting portion 38b is transmitted to the second detection portion. The marker detection sensor 38 outputs a notification signal that notifies the control unit that the second detection unit 53b has passed through the outlet hole 44a. Upon receiving this notification signal, the control unit stops the first brushing control, and then shifts to the second brushing control that moves backward while moving the brush unit 52 back and forth repeatedly.

  During the second brushing control, when the first detection portion 53a provided in the tube portion 51 passes through the outlet hole 44a again, a notification signal is output from the marker detection sensor 38 to the control portion. Upon receiving this notification signal, the control unit stops the second brushing control, and then shifts to the first brushing control again. As a result, the brush portion 52 moves forward again while repeating the forward and backward movement.

  That is, the cleaning brush 50 repeatedly advances or retracts from the suction line cleaning nozzle 34 to the tip opening of the suction line 22a in accordance with a prescribed program, and brushing the suction line 22a by the brush portion 52. Wash.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment cleans the outer surface of the endoscope 2 and the suction conduit 22a, and then executes various processes to clean and disinfect the endoscope 2. When a series of steps for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 2 is completed, the user removes the endoscope 2 together with the tray 7 from the cleaning tank 6 and stores the endoscope 2 in a storage, while the cleaning brush unit 40 has a brush. The unit is removed from the unit storage opening 35, the used cleaning brush unit 40 is discarded, and the cleaning operation is completed.

  When the user removes the cleaning brush unit 40A from the brush unit housing portion 80, the wiping member 49 disposed below the light projecting portion 38b and the light receiving portion 38c in the drawing is the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface of the light projecting portion 38b. The dirt adhering to the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface is wiped off in contact with the light receiving surface of the portion 38c.

  Thus, while providing a marker detection sensor in the brush unit storage part in which a cleaning brush unit is stored, a wiping member is provided in a supply pipe line of a brush lead-out part which constitutes a cleaning brush unit. Then, the cleaning brush unit is stored in the brush unit storage unit. At this time, the supply line of the storage brush unit moves in the supply line storage part. This allows the wiping member to move while in contact with the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit of the marker detection sensor, and wipe off dirt adhering to the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface. .

  Other operations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is an application example of the second embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a marker detection sensor is provided on the cleaning brush unit mounting moving base of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the marker detection sensor 38 may be provided on the cleaning brush unit placement moving table 60, while the wiping member 49 may be provided on the supply conduit 43. At this time, the O-ring 46 is disposed on the tip side from the wiping member 49.

  According to this configuration, when the cleaning brush unit 40B is placed on the cleaning brush unit placement moving table 60, the wiping member 49 is in contact with the light projecting surface of the light projecting unit 38b and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 38c. It moves and wipes off dirt adhering to the light emitting surface and the light receiving surface.

  Thereafter, the cleaning brush unit 40B placed on the washing brush unit placement moving table 60 is moved to the pipe member 37 side by the user operating the lever 62. Then, the distal end surface of the supply conduit 43 abuts on a positioning step portion 37b provided on the conduit member 37, and the cleaning brush unit 40 is disposed at the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting position.

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

1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting system. The perspective view including the partial cross section explaining the state which mounted the cleaning brush unit on the cleaning brush unit mounting base The figure explaining the relationship between the cleaning brush unit, the suction pipe cleaning nozzle, and the suction pipe arrangement portion of the endoscope Diagram explaining the cleaning brush unit Front view of the cleaning brush unit of FIG. 4 and 5 when the cleaning brush unit is viewed from above. The figure explaining the composition of a cleaning brush Front view for explaining the relationship between the marker detection sensor, the channel pipe member, and the brush outlet The figure explaining the light beam for a mark detection which passes through the inside of a lead-out hole, and the state where the tube part of a cleaning brush has shaken in a lead-out hole The figure explaining the state which has moved the cleaning brush unit mounted in the cleaning brush unit mounting base toward the pipe line connection member The figure which shows the state by which the cleaning brush unit mounted in the cleaning brush unit mounting base has been arrange | positioned in the endoscope channel washing | cleaning disinfection position FIGS. 12 to 16 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 shows an endoscope in which a marker detection sensor is provided in a brush unit housing portion in which a cleaning brush unit provided at an edge of the apparatus main body is provided. Diagram explaining the cleaning and disinfecting device Side view explaining the arrangement position of the wiping member provided in the cleaning brush unit Front view explaining the arrangement position of the wiping member provided in the cleaning brush unit The figure explaining the relationship between the light projection part and light-receiving part of a marker detection sensor, and the wiping member of a supply pipe line The schematic diagram explaining the relationship between the washing | cleaning brush unit arrange | positioned at the brush unit accommodating part, the suction line washing | cleaning nozzle, and the suction line arrangement | positioning part of an endoscope FIG. 9 is an application example of the second embodiment, and illustrates a configuration example in which a marker detection sensor is provided on the cleaning brush unit mounting moving base of the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope cleaning disinfection system 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Endoscope cleaning disinfection device
4 ... Device body 37 ... Pipe line member 37a ... Plane part 37b ... Step part
37c ... 1st inner hole 37d ... 2nd inner hole 38 ... Marker detection sensor
38b ... Light projecting unit 38c ... Light receiving unit 40 ... Cleaning brush unit
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Brush lead-out part 42 ... Brush storage part 43 ... Supply pipe line 43a ... Supply hole 44 ... Adjustment pipe line 44a ... Lead-out hole 44b ... Convex part 49 ... Cleaning member 50 ... Cleaning brush 51 ... Tube part 52 ... Brush part 53 ... Detector 60 ... Moving brush unit mounting table 61 ... Pin 62 ... Lever

Claims (5)

A brush portion that brushes and cleans an endoscope duct provided in the endoscope, which is detachably disposed in a unit disposed portion provided in the apparatus main body including a cleaning tank in which the endoscope is installed, is provided on a distal end side. A cleaning brush unit containing a brush insertion portion formed of a transparent member provided with a plurality of markers on the outer surface of the intermediate portion in a wound state, and
The marker provided on the outer surface of the brush insertion portion led out from the cleaning brush unit into the hole of the channel pipe member provided in the apparatus main body is detected light emitted from the light projecting portion. Marker detection means for detecting by a change in the amount of light received at the light receiving unit,
The cleaning brush unit is attached to the optical path of the detection light beam emitted from the light projecting unit toward the light receiving unit when the cleaning brush unit is disposed at least at the endoscope channel cleaning / disinfecting position. A wiping member for wiping off dirt
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising: By moving the unit disposition portion where the cleaning brush unit is disposed in the axial direction of the channel conduit member and disposing the tip portion of the cleaning brush unit in the hole of the channel conduit member. In the configuration in which the cleaning brush unit is disposed at the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting position,
The light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of the marker detecting means are placed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the channel conduit member, while the wiping member is disposed in the hole of the channel conduit member. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is provided on a distal end side of the distal end portion of the cleaning brush unit. The cleaning brush unit includes: a brush storage portion including a hollow portion in which the brush insertion portion is stored in a wound state; and a brush lead-out portion including the tip portion disposed in the hole of the channel pipe member. Configured,
The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the wiping member is provided on a front end surface side of a pair of opposing convex portions protruding from an outer surface on a front end side of the brush lead-out portion.   4. A positioning member for determining an installation direction of the cleaning brush unit is provided in the unit arrangement portion, and a groove into which the positioning member is engaged is provided in the cleaning brush unit. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1. The cleaning brush unit includes a brush housing portion having a hollow portion in which the brush insertion portion is housed in a wound state, and a brush lead-out hole for leading the brush insertion portion into the hole of the channel pipe member. It consists of a brush derivation unit,
By disposing the cleaning brush unit in the unit disposition portion, the brush outlet hole of the brush outlet portion and the hole of the channel conduit member communicate with each other so that the cleaning brush unit can clean the endoscope conduit. In the configuration arranged in the disinfection position,
The light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of the marker detecting means are arranged to face each other with the brush lead-out portion of the cleaning brush unit disposed in the unit disposing portion, while the wiping member is disposed in the cleaning brush unit. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is provided in the brush outlet portion.

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