JP2009160250A - Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively cool an endoscope or a storage tank after disinfection. <P>SOLUTION: An absorption type heat pump 137 absorbs waste heat of the disinfected storage tank 9 by a heat absorbing tube 149. When a regenerating device 143 is heated by the heat of the heat absorbing tube 149, water stored in an evaporator 141 evaporates, and a refrigerant in a refrigerant tube 147 is cooled by the vaporization heat. The refrigerant tube 147 absorbs the heat of ambient air by a heat absorption section 147a, and generates a cold air colder than the outside temperature. An electric fan 138 cools the storage tank 9 and the endoscope 8 by delivering cold air to the storage tank 9. Warm water warmed up by the cooling of the absorber 142 and a condenser 144 is stored in a warm water tank 74 and used for cleaning and the like of subsequent endoscopes 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus and method for cleaning an endoscope and sterilizing with high-temperature and high-pressure steam.

  2. Description of the Related Art Medical endoscopes used for inspection and treatment of living body cavities are cleaned, disinfected or sterilized after use in order to prevent nosocomial infections via the endoscope. In order to effectively and efficiently perform endoscope cleaning and sterilization, an endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus that can automatically perform an endoscope cleaning process and a sterilization process is used.

  In the cleaning process, the endoscope is cleaned by supplying water and a detergent into the storage tank in which the endoscope is stored. In the sterilization process, the endoscope is sterilized by supplying high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the storage tank after cleaning. Since the endoscope and the storage tank after sterilization are in a high temperature state, it has not been possible to proceed to the next step until the endoscope and the storage tank are naturally cooled.

In order to be able to move to the next step immediately after sterilization, a sterilization method for cooling the endoscope has been invented (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the present invention, the outside air is blown to the outer surface of the endoscope and the inner conduit to cool it.
JP 2004-121404 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the air blown to the endoscope is outside air, the cooling effect is low.

  An object of the present invention is to effectively cool an endoscope after sterilization.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention includes a cleaning unit that supplies water into a storage tank in which an endoscope is stored to clean the endoscope, and a cleaned endoscope. And sterilizing means for sterilizing the endoscope by supplying high-temperature and high-pressure steam into a storage tank in which the mirror is stored. Further, the apparatus includes a cooling unit that generates a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature and cools the endoscope or the storage tank after sterilization using the refrigerant, or the endoscope and the storage tank.

  The cooling means generates a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature using waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank.

  A heat pump may be used as the cooling means. The heat pump includes an evaporator that evaporates the liquid, an absorber that absorbs the vapor of the liquid generated by the evaporator, a regenerator that re-evaporates the liquid absorbed by the absorber, and a condensation that condenses the vapor evaporated by the regenerator. An absorption heat pump having a vessel may be used. The waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank is added to the regenerator as a heat source for evaporating the liquid, using the heat of vaporization when the liquid is evaporated in the evaporator A refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature can be generated.

  You may provide the water storage means which cools an absorber and a condenser, and stores the warmed water heated up.

  You may provide the 1st warm water supply means which supplies the warm water stored by the water storage means in a storage tank at the time of washing | cleaning of an endoscope.

  You may provide the 2nd warm water supply means which supplies warm water to the exterior from a water storage means.

  A thermoelectric element may be used as the cooling means. As the thermoelectric element, an endoscope or a storage tank, or a thermoelectric conversion element that generates power using waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope and the storage tank, and an electric temperature generated by the thermoelectric conversion element are driven, Alternatively, a Peltier element that generates a refrigerant having a lower temperature may be used.

  The endoscope cleaning and sterilization method of the present invention includes a cleaning process for cleaning an endoscope housed in a storage tank, a sterilization process for sterilizing a cleaned endoscope with high-temperature and high-pressure steam, and a temperature higher than an outside air temperature. And a cooling step for cooling the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope or the storage tank.

  In the cooling step, a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature may be generated using waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank.

  Hot water may be generated using waste heat generated when a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature is generated, and the hot water may be used in the cleaning process.

  According to the present invention, since the endoscope or the storage tank, or the endoscope and the storage tank are cooled with the refrigerant lower than the outside air temperature, the cooling effect is improved as compared with the case where the outside air is blown.

  Since the waste heat after sterilization is used to generate a refrigerant lower than the outside air temperature, the heat energy used for sterilization can be used effectively. Moreover, since warm water is generated using the waste heat generated when the refrigerant is generated and the warm water is used for cleaning the endoscope, the thermal energy can be used more effectively and the cleaning effect is improved.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. An endoscope cleaning and sterilization apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus) 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 automatically performs a cleaning process and a sterilization process of an endoscope used for examination. In the cleaning process, the endoscope is cleaned with a cleaning solution, and the endoscope is rinsed with water. In the sterilization process, the endoscope is sterilized with high-temperature and high-pressure steam.

  The device 2 includes a box-shaped device body 5 and a lid 7 that is attached to the upper portion of the device body 5 by a hinge 6 so as to be opened and closed. On the upper surface of the apparatus main body 5 that is opened and closed by the lid 7, there is provided a storage tank 9 in which the used endoscope 8 is stored. The storage tank 9 is formed of a metal plate having excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, etc., such as stainless steel.

  The lid | cover 7 and the storage tank 9 are formed so that it can endure high temperature / high pressure steam. Although not shown in detail, a lock mechanism is provided for locking so that the lid 7 is not opened by the pressure in the storage tank 9 during sterilization.

  An operation panel 12 and a display panel 13 are disposed in front of the upper surface of the apparatus body 5. The operation panel 12 includes a large number of buttons for instructing the setting regarding the contents of the various processes and the start / stop of cleaning. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used for the display panel 13 and displays various setting screens, remaining processing time, a warning message when a trouble occurs, and the like.

  In the storage tank 9, a supply port 16, a channel cleaning port 17, a small article cleaning basket 18, a waste liquid port 19, an exhaust port 20, an airtight test port 21 and the like are provided.

  The supply port 16 is arranged at the side corner of the storage tank 9. The supply port 16 includes a water supply port 24, a detergent supply port 25, and a steam supply port 26 that supply water, detergent (for example, liquid enzyme detergent) and high-temperature / high-pressure steam to the storage tank 9, respectively. The water supply port 24 and the supply ports 25 and 26 are formed by pipes bent so that the front ends thereof are directed into the storage tank 9.

  The endoscope 8 accommodated in the accommodating tank 9 is cleaned with a cleaning liquid in which water supplied from the water supply port 24 and detergent supplied from the detergent supply port 25 are mixed. After the endoscope 8 is cleaned, the endoscope 8 is rinsed with water supplied from the water supply port 24. The cleaned endoscope 8 is sterilized with high-temperature high-pressure steam supplied from the steam supply port 26.

  The endoscope 8 is placed in the vicinity of the channel cleaning port 17 in which the hand operation unit 29 is provided on the side surface of the storage tank 9. The insertion portion 30 and the universal cord 31 are accommodated in the storage tank 9 in a state of being wound around the small item cleaning basket 18 disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the storage tank 9.

  The channel cleaning port 17 is provided with a suction channel coupler 34, an air / water channel coupler 35, and a forceps channel coupler 36, which are tube couplers. The couplers 34 to 36 are connected to the suction button mounting port 40, the air / water feeding button mounting port 41, and the forceps port 42 of the hand operation unit 29 via the tubes 37 to 39.

  The channel cleaning port 17 is a suction channel that feeds water, cleaning liquid, compressed air, alcohol, high-temperature and high-pressure steam, etc., through the couplers 34 to 36 and tubes 37 to 39, which is an internal conduit of the endoscope 8, and air supply・ Supply in the water supply channel and forceps channel.

  The accessory washing basket 18 is, for example, a circular cage having an upper opening, and accessory components such as a suction button 45, an air / water supply button 46, and a forceps port cap 47 removed from the hand operation unit 29 of the endoscope 8. Is housed. A cleaning nozzle 48 for spraying water or the like on the stored small parts is provided under the small article cleaning basket 18.

  The waste liquid port 19 is provided at the bottom corner of the storage tank 9. The waste liquid port 19 discharges used water and cleaning liquid from the storage tank 9 as waste liquid. The exhaust port 20 is provided on the side surface of the storage tank 9. The exhaust port 20 exhausts the air in the storage tank 9 being cleaned and the high-temperature high-pressure steam in the storage tank 9 after sterilization to the outside of the apparatus main body 5.

  The airtight test port 21 is provided on the side surface of the storage tank 9. The airtight test port 21 is used for an airtight test of the endoscope 8, is connected to a waterproof cap (not shown) attached to the connector portion 51 of the endoscope 8, and supplies air into the endoscope 8. Do.

  FIG. 3 shows a piping system related to cleaning and sterilization in the apparatus main body 5. A rubber heater 54 is attached to the lower surface of the storage tank 9. The rubber heater 54 heats the cleaning liquid or water stored in the storage tank 9.

  In the storage tank 9, in addition to the above-described supply port 16 and the like, a float type liquid level sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as LS) 57 for detecting the level of water and cleaning liquid, and water, cleaning liquid or high temperature / high pressure steam A temperature sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as TE) 58 and the like are provided. Reference numerals 59 and 60 denote an electromagnetic valve and an air filter (hereinafter abbreviated as AF) connected to the passage 20a of the exhaust port 20. The electromagnetic valve 59 is closed during sterilization to prevent the discharge of high temperature and high pressure steam. The AF 60 removes germs and the like from the exhaust steam.

  Reference numeral 63 denotes a water supply channel that is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body 5 and connected to a tap water faucet. The water supply path 63 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 64 and a water filter (hereinafter abbreviated as WF) 65 for capturing foreign matter and bacteria from the faucet side. The water supply path 63 is branched into a cleaning water supply path 66 and a steam water supply path 67 immediately after the WF 65. The cleaning water supply channel 66 is connected to the water supply port 24 via an electric three-way valve 68.

  An internal hot water supply path 73 to which an electromagnetic valve 71 and a water pump (hereinafter abbreviated as WP) 72 are connected is connected to the cleaning water supply path 66. An end of the internal hot water supply path 73 is connected to the hot water tank 74. The hot water tank 74 stores hot water generated when the storage tank 9 after sterilization is cooled. The internal hot water supply path 73 supplies hot water to the water supply port 24 via the cleaning water supply path 66 when the electromagnetic valve 71 is opened and the WP 72 is driven.

  The hot water flows into the hot water tank 74 through the recovery path 75. The hot water tank 74 is provided with an external hot water supply path 76 that supplies hot water to the outside of the device 2 so that hot water can be used outside the device 2. The hot water tank 74 is provided with a water amount sensor 77 and a water temperature sensor 78 for measuring the amount and temperature of hot water stored. The measurement results of the sensors 77 and 78 are displayed on the display panel 13, for example.

  The steam supply channel 67 is connected to the steam generation unit 81 via the electromagnetic valve 80. The steam generation unit 81 is, for example, a boiler, and compresses and heats the water supplied from the steam supply channel 67 to generate high-temperature and high-pressure steam of, for example, 130 ° C. and 2 atm. The high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated by the steam generator 81 is supplied from the steam supply port 26 into the storage tank 9 through the steam supply path 83 to which the electromagnetic valve 82 is connected.

  A detergent supply path 86 is connected to the detergent supply port 25. The other end of the detergent supply path 86 is connected to a detergent tank 87 that contains detergent. Connected to the detergent supply path 86 is a WP 88 that pumps detergent from the detergent tank 87.

  A waste liquid passage 91 provided so as to be connected to the outside of the apparatus main body 5 is connected to the waste liquid port 19. The waste liquid path 91 is provided with a solenoid valve 92 and a WP 93. When the electromagnetic valve 92 is opened and the WP 93 is driven, the cleaning liquid or water stored in the storage tank 9 is discharged out of the apparatus 2 through the waste liquid path 91.

  In addition to the waste liquid path 91, a circulation path 96 for circulating the cleaning liquid or water stored in the storage tank 9 during the cleaning process is connected to the waste liquid port 19. The circulation path 96 is bifurcated on the way. One first branch circuit 97 is connected to a WP 98 and an electric three-way valve 68.

  When the electric three-way valve 68 is switched to the circulation path 96 side and the WP 98 is driven, the cleaning liquid or water discharged from the waste liquid port 19 flows in the circulation path 96 and the first branch circulation path 97, WP 98, The water flows into the cleaning water supply channel 66 through the three-way valve 68, and is supplied again into the storage tank 9 from the water supply port 24. Thereby, since the washing | cleaning liquid or water in the storage tank 9 is stirred, a cleaning power and a rinsing power improve. In addition, the concentration gradient of the cleaning liquid can be leveled.

  Liquid supply / air supply paths 106 to 109 provided with electromagnetic valves 101 to 104 are connected to the couplers 34 to 36 of the channel cleaning port 17 and the cleaning nozzle 48 of the accessory cleaning basket 18, respectively. The liquid feeding / air feeding paths 106 to 109 are grouped into one channel cleaning path 110. A four-way valve 111 is connected to the channel cleaning path 110.

  An alcohol supply path 114 is connected to one end side of the four-way valve 111. A solenoid valve 115 and a WP 116 are connected to the alcohol supply path 114. The end of the alcohol supply path 114 is connected to an alcohol tank 117 in which alcohol for drying the internal pipe of the endoscope 8 is stored.

  The four-way valve 111 is connected to the second branch circulation path 120 of the circulation path 96. The second branch circuit 120 is provided with a WP 121. The WP 121 sucks the liquid stored in the storage tank 9 in each process, passes through the channel cleaning path 110, the liquid feeding / air feeding paths 106 to 109, the couplers 34 to 36 of the channel cleaning port 17, and the small object cleaning. Liquid is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 48 of the car 18.

  An air supply path 124 is connected to the four-way valve 111. The air supply path 124 is provided with an air pump (hereinafter abbreviated as AP) 125 and two AFs 126 and 127. The AP 125 compresses clean air in which foreign matter and bacteria are captured by the two AFs 126 and 127, and blows the compressed air into the air supply path 124. The compressed air is used when removing water droplets from the internal pipe of the endoscope 8 after cleaning and disinfection.

  Further, a steam branching path 130 connected to the steam generating unit 81 is connected to the channel cleaning path 110. The high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated by the steam generator 81 is also supplied to the internal pipe of the endoscope 8 through the steam branch 130.

  The airtight test port 21 is connected to a test path 134 through which air purified by trapping foreign matter by the AF 132 is supplied by the AP 133. The passages and the hot water tank 74 are preferably covered with a heat insulating material so that the heat of water and cleaning liquid is not dissipated.

  FIG. 4 shows an absorption heat pump 137 (hereinafter abbreviated as a heat pump) for cooling the storage tank 9 and its piping system. Since the storage tank 9 is schematically illustrated, the storage tank 9 is different in shape from the storage tank 9 shown in FIGS.

  The heat pump 137 is provided in the apparatus main body 5 and generates a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature, for example, cold air, when the storage tank 9 after sterilization is cooled. The cool air of the refrigerant generated by the heat pump 137 is blown to the storage tank 9 by the electric fan 138. The storage tank 9 is cooled by the cold air blown from the electric fan 138.

  The heat pump 137 includes an evaporator 141, an absorber 142, a regenerator 143, and a condenser 144. The evaporator 141, the absorber 142, the regenerator 143, and the condenser 144 are each composed of a vacuum container whose interior is kept in a vacuum.

  The evaporator 141 is passed through a refrigerant pipe 147 having a heat absorption part 147 a disposed in the vicinity of the electric fan 138. The refrigerant pipe 147 is formed of a metal having high thermal conductivity and is an endless circulation pipe. A gas or liquid refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant pipe 147.

  The regenerator 143 is passed with a heat absorption tube 149 disposed close to or in contact with the outer periphery of the storage tank 9. The endothermic tube 149 is formed of a metal having high thermal conductivity and is bent so as to increase the endothermic area. The heat absorption pipe 149 is an endless circulation line like the refrigerant pipe 147, and a gas or liquid heat medium is sealed inside.

  A water cooling pipe 151 is passed through the absorber 142 and the condenser 144. The water cooling tube 151 is formed of a metal having high thermal conductivity, like the refrigerant tube 147 and the like. One end of the water cooling pipe 151 in front of the absorber 142 is connected to the water supply via the electromagnetic valve 152. The other end of the water cooling pipe 151 after the condenser 144 is connected to the recovery path 75.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the evaporator 141 stores water 155. A circulation pipe 156 that circulates the water 155 in the evaporator 141 is provided at the lower portion of the evaporator 141. Connected to the circulation pipe 156 are a WP 157 and a nozzle 158 for distributing water 155 in the evaporator 141. A steam pipe 159 that sends steam generated in the evaporator 141 to the absorber 142 is connected to the upper portion of the evaporator 141. A part of the refrigerant pipe 147 is accommodated in the evaporator 141.

  The absorber 142 stores an absorbent (for example, lithium bromide, zeolite, etc.) 162 that absorbs water. The absorbent 162 has a property of generating heat when absorbing water and releasing the absorbed water. Further, the amount of water that can be held per unit volume of the absorbent 162 is determined.

  A regenerator pipe 163 is connected to the lower part of the absorber 142 to send the absorbent 162 diluted by absorbing water to the regenerator 143. A WP 164 is connected to the regeneration tube 163. Further, a nozzle 165 for distributing the absorbent 162 is connected in the absorber 142.

  In the regenerator 143, the absorbent 162 sent from the absorber 142 is stored. Connected to the lower part of the regenerator 143 is a return pipe 168 for returning the absorbent 162 concentrated by evaporation of water to the absorber 142. The regeneration pipe 163 and the return pipe 168 are connected to the heat exchanger 169. The absorbent 162 flowing through the regeneration pipe 163 and the return pipe 168 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 169. The end of the return pipe 168 is connected to the nozzle 165. Connected to the upper part of the regenerator 143 is a water vapor pipe 170 for sending water vapor generated in the regenerator 143 to the condenser 144. A part of the heat absorption tube 149 is accommodated in the regenerator 143.

  The condenser 144 stores water 155 generated by condensing the water vapor sent from the regenerator 143. A water supply pipe 173 that supplies water 155 to the evaporator 141 is connected to the lower portion of the condenser 144. A part of the water-cooled tube 151 is accommodated in the condenser 144.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 2 includes a CPU 176 that controls the entire apparatus in an integrated manner. A ROM 177 that stores a control program and various data, and a RAM 178 that is an execution area of the control program read from the ROM 177 are provided.

  The apparatus 2 includes an LCD driver 180 that is controlled by the CPU 176 to drive the display panel 13, a valve driver 181 that drives each electromagnetic valve, and a motor driver 182 that drives the electric three-way valve 68. Further, a WP driver 183 that drives each WP, an AP driver 184 that drives each AP, a heater driver 185 that drives the rubber heater 54, and a boiler control circuit 186 that drives the steam generator 81 are provided.

  Next, a processing procedure for cleaning and sterilizing the endoscope 8 by the apparatus 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The endoscope 8 is washed with water with a sink or the like (preliminary washing) immediately after the inspection is completed, and is washed away before the attached dirt or the like becomes dry and difficult to fall off. Note that it is preferable to turn on the power of the apparatus 2 so that the endoscope 8 can be cleaned immediately after the preliminary cleaning.

  Small parts such as the suction button 45, the air / water supply button 46, and the forceps port cap 47 are removed from the hand operation unit 29 of the endoscope 8 and accommodated in the small article cleaning basket 18. The hand operating section 29 is placed in the vicinity of the channel cleaning port 17, and the insertion section 30 and the universal cord 31 are wound around the accessory cleaning basket 18 and stored in the storage tank 9.

  Tubes 37 to 39 are respectively attached to the suction channel coupler 34, the air / water channel coupler 35, and the forceps channel coupler 36 of the channel cleaning port 17. The tubes 37 to 39 are connected to a suction button mounting port 40, an air / water feeding button mounting port 41, and a forceps port 42 of the endoscope 8, respectively.

  When the start operation is performed from the operation panel 12 after the lid 7 is closed and locked, cleaning and sterilization of the endoscope 8 is started. The CPU 176 confirms the amount of hot water in the hot water tank 74 by the water amount sensor 77. When there is hot water in the hot water tank 74, the electromagnetic valve 71 is opened and the WP 72 is driven.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water in the hot water tank 74 is confirmed by the water amount sensor 77, the CPU 176 switches the control so that the hot water tank 74 is washed with tap water when there is no hot water or when there is little. The CPU 176 opens the electromagnetic valve 64 and switches the electric three-way valve 68 to the water supply path 63 side.

  Hot water or water that has flowed through the cleaning water supply channel 66 is jetted from the water supply port 24 toward the endoscope 8. The CPU 176 drives the WP 88 simultaneously with the start of water supply to the storage tank 9 to discharge a predetermined amount of detergent into the storage tank 9 from the detergent supply port 25. Thereby, in the storage tank 9, the washing | cleaning liquid with which warm water or water and the detergent were mixed is produced | generated.

  The amount of cleaning liquid in the storage tank 9 is detected by the liquid level sensor 57. The CPU 176 stops the supply of warm water or water when warm water or water is supplied so that the endoscope 8 is completely immersed in the cleaning liquid. The supply of hot water is stopped by closing the solenoid valve 71 and the WP 72, and the supply of water is stopped by closing the solenoid valve 64.

  The CPU 176 controls the heater driver 185 to drive the rubber heater 54. The heat of the rubber heater 54 is transmitted to the cleaning liquid through the storage tank 9. The temperature of the cleaning liquid is detected by the temperature sensor 61. The CPU 176 controls the rubber heater 54 so that the cleaning liquid maintains a predetermined temperature. In addition, when the hot water in the hot water tank 74 is supplied to the storage tank 9, the heating time is shorter than in the case of water.

  The CPU 176 drives the WP 98 by switching the electric three-way valve 68 to the WP 98 side. The cleaning liquid discharged to the waste liquid port 19 flows through the circulation path 96, the first branch circulation path 97, and the cleaning water supply path 66 and is circulated and supplied to the storage tank 9 again. Thereby, the washing | cleaning liquid in the storage tank 9 is stirred and a cleaning power improves. Further, since the concentration gradient of the cleaning liquid is leveled, the same cleaning power can be obtained in the entire area of the storage tank 9.

  Further, the CPU 176 opens the electromagnetic valves 101 to 104 and switches the four-way valve 111 to the second branch circulation path 120 side to drive the WP 121. The cleaning liquid in the storage tank 9 flows through the waste liquid port 19, the circulation path 96, the second branch circulation path 120, the channel cleaning path 110, and the liquid / air supply paths 106 to 109, and the couplers 34 of the channel cleaning port 17. To 36 and the tubes 37 to 39 to be supplied to the internal conduit of the endoscope 8. Thereby, the inside of the suction channel, the air / water supply channel, and the forceps channel of the endoscope 8 is washed.

  The CPU 176 opens the electromagnetic valve 92 and drives the WP 93 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The cleaning liquid used in the cleaning process flows through the waste liquid port 19 and the waste liquid path 91 and is discharged out of the apparatus main body 5. In order to prevent the cleaning liquid from remaining in the circulation path 96 or the like, the driving of the WPs 98 and 121 is stopped after the discharge of the cleaning liquid.

  Rinsing is performed to remove the cleaning liquid from the endoscope 8. The CPU 176 opens the electromagnetic valve 71 again to drive the WP 72, or opens the electromagnetic valve 64. The storage tank 9 is supplied with warm water or water in such an amount that the endoscope 8 is completely immersed. After supplying warm water or water, the CPU 176 drives the WPs 98 and 121 to circulate water, thereby rinsing the outer surface of the endoscope 8 and the internal conduit.

  The CPU 176 discharges water used for rinsing out of the apparatus main body 5 after a predetermined time has elapsed. After the water discharge is finished, the driving of the WP 98, 121 is stopped.

  After the end of rinsing, the sterilization process of the endoscope 8 is started. The CPU 176 opens the electromagnetic valves 64 and 80 and supplies tap water to the steam generation unit 81. The steam generation unit 81 generates high-temperature and high-pressure steam by heating and compressing the supplied water. Further, the electromagnetic valve 59 opened during the cleaning is closed, and the inside of the storage tank 9 is completely sealed.

  When the electromagnetic valve 82 is opened, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is supplied into the storage tank 9 from the steam supply port 26 through the steam supply path 83. The high-temperature and high-pressure steam passes through the steam branch 130, the channel cleaning path 110, the liquid / air supply paths 106 to 109, the endoscopes via the couplers 34 to 36 and the tubes 37 to 39 of the channel cleaning port 17. Eight internal pipes are supplied. Thereby, the outer surface of the endoscope 8 and the internal conduit are sterilized.

  After completion of sterilization, the electromagnetic valve 82 is closed. Further, the electromagnetic valve 59 is opened, and the high-temperature and high-pressure steam in the storage tank 9 is released to the outside.

  After sterilization of the endoscope 8, cooling of the storage tank 9 is started. The CPU 176 drives the WP 157 and 164 of the heat pump 137 and opens the electromagnetic valve 152 connected to the water-cooled pipe 151.

  The water 155 in the evaporator 141 moves through the circulation pipe 156 by the WP 157 and is distributed from the nozzle 158. Since the inside of the evaporator 141 is a vacuum, the distributed water 155 evaporates to generate water vapor.

  The water vapor generated in the evaporator 141 is sent to the absorber 142 through the water vapor pipe 159. The absorbent 162 absorbs the water vapor in the water vapor pipe 159 and keeps the atmospheric pressure in the absorber 142 constant. In addition, since the inside of the absorber 142 is cooled by the water flowing through the water-cooled pipe 151, water is not released from the absorbent 162. The absorbent 162 diluted by absorbing water vapor flows through the regeneration pipe 163 by the WP 164 and is sent to the regenerator 143.

  The heat medium in the endothermic tube 149 takes away waste heat after sterilization from the storage tank 9 and circulates in the endothermic tube 149 due to a density difference due to temperature. The inside of the regenerator 143 is heated by a heat medium that has been heated from the storage tank 9 through the heat absorption pipe 149 to remove waste heat. The absorbent 162 sent from the absorber 142 to the regenerator 143 releases water vapor absorbed by heating with the heat medium, and is regenerated so that it can absorb water vapor again. The regenerated absorbent 162 is distributed through the return pipe 168 and from the nozzle 165 into the absorber 142.

  The absorbent 162 is heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 169 while flowing between the absorber 142 and the regenerator 143 through the regeneration pipe 163 and the return pipe 168. That is, the heat of the absorbent 162 flowing through the return pipe 168 is given to the absorbent 162 flowing through the regeneration pipe 163, and the absorbent 162 flowing through the return pipe 168 is cooled by the absorbent 162 of the regeneration pipe 163. Thereby, the absorber 162 sent to the regenerator 143 can be made high temperature, the absorber 162 returned to the absorber 142 can be made low temperature, and the efficiency of the heat pump 137 can be improved more.

  The high-temperature steam released from the absorbent 162 by the regenerator 143 is sent to the condenser 144 through the steam pipe 170. Since the inside of the condenser 144 is cooled by the water flowing through the water cooling pipe 151, the water vapor from the regenerator 143 is condensed into water 155. Water 155 is returned to the evaporator 141 through a water supply pipe 173.

  When the heat pump 137 repeats the above steps, the inside of the evaporator 141 is cooled by the heat of vaporization when the water 155 evaporates. The refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 147 is cooled by the evaporator 141 and circulates in the refrigerant pipe 147 due to a density difference due to temperature. In that case, the heat absorption part 147a takes away the heat of surrounding air, and produces | generates cool air whose temperature is lower than external temperature. The cold air is blown into the storage tank 9 by the electric fan 138. Thereby, the storage tank 9 is cooled.

  The water flowing through the water-cooled pipe 151 absorbs the heat of the absorber 142 and the condenser 144 and rises in temperature to become hot water. The hot water is stored in the hot water tank 74 by the recovery path 75. The hot water stored in the hot water tank 74 is used for cleaning and rinsing the endoscope 8 next time. Further, it is used externally through the external hot water supply path 76.

  The CPU 176 closes the electromagnetic valve 152 and stops the WPs 157 and 164 after the storage tank 9 is cooled and after a predetermined time has elapsed or after confirming that the temperature of the storage tank 9 has decreased, by a sensor or the like. Finish cooling. The four-way valve 111 is switched to the air supply path 124 side, the AP 125 is driven, and compressed air is blown to the internal pipe line of the endoscope 8 to remove water droplets. Next, the four-way valve 111 is switched to the alcohol supply path 114 side, the electromagnetic valve 115 is opened, the WP 116 is driven, and the internal pipe line is dried with alcohol.

  As described above, since the cooling effect of the device 2 of the present embodiment is improved as compared with the case where the outside air is blown, the cooling time is shortened and the operating rate of the endoscope 8 is improved. Moreover, since the refrigerant | coolant lower than external temperature is produced | generated using the waste heat of sterilization, and the storage tank 9 is cooled with this refrigerant | coolant, thermal energy can be used effectively. Furthermore, since the hot water is generated with the waste heat generated when the refrigerant is generated, and is used for storage, washing, etc., the utilization efficiency of the heat energy is further improved.

  In the said embodiment, although the refrigerant | coolant whose temperature is lower than external temperature was produced | generated using the absorption heat pump 137, you may use a compression heat pump.

  Moreover, you may produce | generate the refrigerant | coolant whose temperature is lower than external temperature using a Peltier device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a Peltier element 191 is attached to a blower pipe 190 formed of a metal having high thermal conductivity, and a Seebeck element 192 that is a thermoelectric conversion element is attached to the outer surface of the storage tank 9. Between the Peltier element 191 and the Seebeck element 192, for example, a power supply unit 193 having a charging circuit, a secondary battery, a power supply circuit, and the like is provided.

  The Seebeck element 192 generates power using waste heat of the storage tank 9 after sterilization. The electricity generated by the Seebeck element 192 is charged into the secondary battery by the charging circuit of the power supply unit 193 and supplied to the Peltier element 191 by the power supply circuit. The Peltier element 191 is driven by electricity supplied from the power supply unit 193 and cools the air duct 190. The air in the blower pipe 190 is cooled to a temperature lower than the outside air temperature by the blower pipe 190 and is blown into the storage tank 9 by the rotation of the electric fan 195.

  Thereby, the storage tank 9 can be cooled more effectively than when the outside air is blown. Further, since the Peltier element 191 can be driven by the waste heat of the storage tank 9, the heat used for sterilization can be effectively used. Furthermore, since the electricity generated by the Seebeck element 192 is stored in the power supply unit 193, waste heat can be effectively utilized even if there is a time lag between sterilization and cooling.

  A plurality of Peltier elements 191 may be attached in order to enhance the cooling effect of the air duct 190. A plurality of Seebeck elements 192 may be attached to the storage tank 9 in order to further effectively use the waste heat of the storage tank 9. Further, warm water may be generated using waste heat generated when the Peltier element 191 cools the air duct 190, and stored to be used for cleaning the endoscope 8. Furthermore, although the Seebeck element 192 is used, power generation may be performed using a Peltier element. Further, without using the Seebeck element 192, electricity may be supplied from the power supply circuit of the sterilization cleaning apparatus to the Peltier element 191 for driving.

  In each of the above embodiments, cool air is blown into the storage tank 9 to cool it. However, cold air may be supplied to the endoscope 8 or both the endoscope 8 and the storage tank 9 to cool it. Further, as the refrigerant, the storage tank 9 may be cooled by cooling a liquid such as water. In this case, the cooling may be performed by flowing water into a cooling path disposed close to the outer surface of the storage tank 9. Alternatively, the outer surface of the storage tank or the endoscope 8 may be directly cooled by cooling.

  In addition, an absorption heat pump, a compression heat pump, a Peltier element, and a Seebeck element may be used in appropriate combination to generate a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature.

  Further, although the gravity type cleaning and sterilizing apparatus 2 that does not depressurize the inside of the storage tank 9 in which the endoscope 8 is stored before sterilization has been described as an example, the present invention is also applied to a prevacuum type cleaning and sterilizing apparatus that depressurizes before sterilization. Can be applied.

  Moreover, the apparatus of each embodiment may be provided with a disinfection function using a disinfectant solution.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance shape of an endoscope washing | cleaning sterilization apparatus. It is a top view which shows the structure of a storage tank. It is a piping diagram which shows the piping system regarding the washing | cleaning and sterilization in an apparatus main body. It is explanatory drawing which shows the piping system regarding cooling of a storage tank. It is the schematic which shows the structure of an absorption heat pump. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an endoscope washing | cleaning sterilization apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning and sterilization procedure of an endoscope. It is explanatory drawing of embodiment which produces | generates a refrigerant | coolant with a Peltier device.

Explanation of symbols

2 Endoscope cleaning sterilizer 8 Endoscope 9 Reservoir 74 Hot water tank 137 Absorption heat pump 147 Refrigerant pipe 149 Endothermic pipe 151 Water-cooled pipe 191 Peltier element 192 Seebeck element

Claims (12)

A cleaning means for cleaning the endoscope by supplying water into a storage tank in which the endoscope is stored;
Sterilization means for sterilizing the endoscope by supplying high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the storage tank in which the cleaned endoscope is stored;
And a cooling means for generating a refrigerant having a temperature lower than an outside air temperature and cooling the endoscope or the storage tank after sterilization using the refrigerant, or the endoscope and the storage tank. Endoscope cleaning sterilizer.   The said cooling means produces | generates the refrigerant | coolant whose temperature is lower than external temperature using the waste heat after sterilization of the said endoscope or an accommodating tank, or the said endoscope and an accommodating tank. The endoscope cleaning and sterilization apparatus described.   The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit includes a heat pump.   The heat pump is an evaporator that evaporates liquid, an absorber that absorbs vapor of the liquid generated in the evaporator, a regenerator that re-evaporates the liquid absorbed in the absorber, and evaporates in the regenerator An absorption heat pump having a condenser for condensing the vapor, for adding waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank to the regenerator to evaporate the liquid The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a refrigerant having a temperature lower than an outside air temperature is generated by using heat of vaporization when the liquid is evaporated by the evaporator as a heat source.   5. The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising water storage means for storing warm water heated by cooling the absorber and the condenser.   6. The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising first hot water supply means for supplying hot water stored in the water storage means into the storage tank when the endoscope is cleaned.   7. The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising second hot water supply means for supplying hot water from the water storage means to the outside.   The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit includes a thermoelectric element.   The thermoelectric element is driven by the electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion element and the thermoelectric conversion element that generates power using waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank. The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the endoscope is a Peltier element that generates a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature. A cleaning step of cleaning the endoscope stored in the storage tank;
A sterilization step of sterilizing the cleaned endoscope with high temperature and high pressure steam;
An endoscope cleaning and sterilizing method comprising: generating a refrigerant having a temperature lower than an outside air temperature, and cooling the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank.   The cooling process generates a refrigerant having a temperature lower than an outside air temperature using waste heat after sterilization of the endoscope or the storage tank or the endoscope and the storage tank. The endoscope cleaning and sterilization method described.   The endoscope cleaning and sterilizing method according to claim 11, wherein hot water is generated using waste heat generated when generating a refrigerant having a temperature lower than an outside air temperature, and the hot water is used in the cleaning step. .

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