JP2009165609A - Endoscope cleaning and sterilizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple structure that removes water from various supply nozzles to be connected with the mouthpieces of various ducts of an endoscope, and also prevents the entrance of water into the mouthpiece of its water leakage detection duct. <P>SOLUTION: An endoscope cleaning and sterilizing device 2 comprises a first fluid supply unit 50 having a water leakage detection nozzle 54 and a plurality of fluid supply nozzles 51 to 53 to supply fluid to the internal ducts, a movement mechanism 98, a fluid supply section, water removal means (100 to 104) to remove the fluid attached to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 or the plurality of fluid supply nozzles 51 to 53, and a control section 105 that controls the driving of a water removal means to remove the fluid attached to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 or any of the nozzles 51 to 53 when the fluid supply unit 50 has moved to a position of breakaway from the duct installation section 23 by the control of the movement mechanism 98. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for automatically detecting leakage and cleaning / disinfecting an endoscope.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  At this time, the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank, which is discharged from each supply nozzle and sucked by the circulation pump, is introduced into each endoscope pipe line through the tube and each base by the water pressure of the circulation pump. Is done. The disinfecting liquid introduced into the endoscope conduit is not limited to the disinfecting liquid sucked by the circulation pump.

  After the disinfecting liquid is supplied to the outer surface of the endoscope and the duct, the endoscope is immersed in the disinfecting liquid for a while to disinfect. After the disinfection process is completed, the disinfectant is washed away with a predetermined filtered tap water. After that, by supplying air or alcohol into the endoscope outer surface and the endoscope conduit, the drying of the endoscope outer surface and the endoscope conduit is promoted, and a series of steps is completed. To do. By the way, such an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is provided with various supply nozzles in an endoscope cleaning tank in order to clean and disinfect not only the outer surface of the endoscope but also the endoscope duct. Yes.

  Therefore, when an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is used to clean and disinfect the endoscope, as described above, all the conduits in the endoscope correspond to each conduit. It is necessary to connect a tube from each supply nozzle.

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

Therefore, in view of such a requirement, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, various supply nozzles can be automatically connected to the caps of various pipes of the endoscope in the cleaning / disinfecting process. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus has been proposed.
JP 2006-6568 A

  However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank is drained when the various supply nozzles are separated from the caps of the various pipelines of the endoscope after the cleaning / disinfecting process is completed. However, even if the disinfecting liquid used thereafter is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank, the various supply nozzles are configured to have concave shapes that fit into the caps of various pipe lines. There were also inconveniences such as water droplets remaining, which was not hygienic.

  In addition, if there is water droplets in the water leakage detection nozzle, when performing the water leakage detection process for the endoscope to be cleaned and disinfected next, the gas is introduced into the internal pipe via the water leakage pipe cap of the endoscope. There is also a disadvantage that the water drops may enter and damage the endoscope.

  The prior art of Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest any means for removing water from various supply nozzles, and has not yet solved the above problems.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and with a simple configuration, water can be removed from various supply nozzles connected to the caps of various pipes of an endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of preventing water from entering a base for a leakage detection pipe of an endoscope.

  The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that automatically cleans and disinfects an endoscope, and is attachable to and detachable from a mounting portion of the endoscope housed in a cleaning and disinfecting tank. After being mounted on the mounting portion, the fluid is inserted into a water leak pipe cap and a plurality of pipe caps that communicate with the internal pipe of the endoscope disposed in the mounting portion, and fluid is inserted into the internal pipe. A fluid supply unit having a water leakage detection nozzle and a plurality of supply nozzles, a moving mechanism for moving the fluid supply unit to a mounting position and a withdrawal position with respect to the mounting portion, and The fluid supply unit that supplies the fluid to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles, and the fluid attached to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit are removed. Water removal means for When the fluid supply unit is moved to the withdrawal position with respect to the mounting portion by controlling the moving mechanism, the water removal means is driven to adhere to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles. And a controller that controls to remove water from the fluid.

  According to the present invention, water can be removed from various supply nozzles connected to the caps of the various pipelines of the endoscope with a simple configuration, and the leak detection pipe cap of the endoscope can be removed. It becomes possible to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of preventing water from entering.

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

(First embodiment)
1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state where a top cover is opened, and FIG. 2 is an internal view of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state where the endoscope is accommodated in the endoscope holding tray and the top cover is closed, and FIG. 3 shows a part of the configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in FIG. FIG. 4 shows the first fluid supply unit of FIG. 1, the moving mechanism of the first fluid supply unit, and the conduit mounting portion of the endoscope operation unit. FIG. 5 is a side view of only the first fluid supply unit and the pipe mounting portion of FIG. 3 as viewed from the XV direction, and FIG. 6 is the shape of the tip of the first fluid supply unit of FIG. 7 is a front view seen from the direction of XVI, and FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the pipe mounting portion and the first fluid supply unit along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first fluid supply unit and the conduit mounting portion in a state where the first fluid supply unit of FIG. 7 is mounted on the conduit mounting portion, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the main part of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. It is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The leak detection pipe cap 74 is formed with a bottom, and a coil spring (not shown) is fitted therein, and as shown in FIG. 7, a seal portion 74s is interposed via the coil spring (not shown). A valve body 74b having a through hole is inserted. Note that a communication hole 74r that communicates with the inside of the endoscope 20 is formed at the bottom of the leak detection pipe base 74.

  The valve body 74b is normally closed by the seal portion 74s being pressed by a coil spring against the seal surface 74m on the distal end surface 23s side, and the leak detection pipe cap 74 is disposed in the leak detection nozzle 54 described later. The seal portion 74s of the valve body 74b is opened only when the seal portion 74s is pressed from the seal surface 74m to the bottom portion side of the water leak detection pipe base 74.

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

  When the first fluid supply unit 50 is attached to the pipe attachment portion 23, the forward water supply pipe base 71 is a forward water supply nozzle 51 (described later) of the first fluid supply unit 50 (FIGS. 5 and 7). The water supply pipe cap 72 is inserted into a water supply nozzle 52 (see FIGS. 5 and 7), which will be described later, of the first fluid supply unit 50. is there.

  Further, the air supply pipe mouthpiece 73 is configured so that the air supply nozzle 53 (FIGS. 5 and 5), which will be described later, of the first fluid supply unit 50 when the first fluid supply unit 50 is attached to the pipe attachment portion 23. 7), and the leak detection pipe cap 74 is inserted into the pipe mounting portion 23 when the first fluid supply unit 50 is mounted. Is inserted into a water leakage detection nozzle 54 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) described later.

  The leak detection pipe cap 74 constitutes the leak detection pipe cap.

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, an opening 100a through which a water removal nozzle 100 constituting a water removal means described later is inserted is formed on the bottom surface of the housing recess 11 in the vicinity of the pipe receiving portion 14.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, a water removal nozzle 100 constituting a water removal means described later is provided on the bottom surface 5 t of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5 so as to face the first fluid supply unit 50. When the tray 10 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, the water removal nozzle 100 is inserted into the opening 100 a of the tray 10.

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

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

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

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

  Next, a specific configuration of the first fluid supply unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first fluid supply unit 50 includes four tubular members 61 to 64 that penetrate through the side surface 5 s so as to be orthogonal to the side surface 5 s and protrude into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5. A front end portion 58 through which the front ends of 61 to 64 are inserted and fixed, and the front end is connected to the front end portion 58 and covers the outer periphery protruding from the side surface 5s of each tubular member 61 to 64, for example, a rubber member A cylindrical bellows-like member 56 having a rectangular cross section is formed.

  The four tubular members 61 to 64 protrude in a row so as to be parallel to each other on the same plane. Further, although not shown, a relief communicating hole is formed at a predetermined position of the tubular member 64. Furthermore, a moving hole (not shown) into which a part of the moving member 91 is inserted is formed in the tubular member 64 in order to move the water leakage detection pin 55 described later to the insertion position.

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

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

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

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

  Further, after the claw portion 94 is locked to the fixed member 92, the moving member 91 is fitted into a moving hole (not shown) of the tubular member 64, and only the nozzle engaging portion 55 in the tubular member 64 is connected to the pipe line. A moving pin (not shown) is formed to be moved to the mounting portion 23 side.

  The position sensor 84 detects the position of the moving member 91, that is, the position of the first fluid supply unit 50, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 105 (see FIG. 11). And the control part 105 controls the drive of the moving mechanism 98 based on the received detection result.

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

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

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

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

  Next, the structure which becomes the principal part of the 1st fluid supply unit 50 is demonstrated using FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a forward water supply nozzle 51, which is a fluid supply nozzle, is disposed at the distal end of the tubular member 61 on the distal end portion 58 side, and at the distal end on the distal end portion 58 side of the tubular member 62, A water supply nozzle 52, which is a fluid supply nozzle, is disposed, and an air supply nozzle 53, which is a fluid supply nozzle, is disposed at the distal end of the tubular member 63 on the distal end portion 58 side, and the distal end portion 58 of the tubular member 64. A water leakage detection nozzle 54 is disposed at the tip on the side.
The water leakage detection nozzle 54 constitutes the water leakage detection base, and the forward water supply nozzle 51, the water supply nozzle 52 and the air supply nozzle 53 each constitute a supply base.

  The forward water supply nozzle 51 is disposed coaxially with the forward water supply pipe base 71, the water supply nozzle 52 is disposed coaxially with the water supply pipe base 72, and the air supply nozzle 53 is provided with the air supply nozzle 53. As shown in FIG. 6, the water leak detection nozzle 54 is arranged on the same plane as the result of the fact that the water leak detection nozzle 54 is arranged coaxially with the water leak detection pipe base 74. Arranged in a row.

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

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

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

  The water leakage detection nozzle 54 is provided on the outer periphery of the other end protruding from the front end surface 58s of the pipe 54K, one end of which is connected to a water leakage detection pump (not shown) via a water leakage detection pipe 55M (FIG. 9). 7 and is connected as shown in FIG. 7, and a pipe line 54K is opened in three directions, the tip and the side.

  Although not shown, a relief communication hole is formed at a predetermined position of the water leakage detection nozzle 54. This communication hole is aligned with a communication hole (not shown) formed in the tubular member 64 when the water leakage detection pin 55 of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is moved to the relief position. Exhaust the air inside. Further, the proximal end side of the pipe line 54K communicates with a water leak detection pipe line 55M (see FIG. 9) for performing water leak detection via the internal pipe line of the water leak detection pin 55.

  Further, the front water supply nozzle 51, the water supply nozzle 52, the air supply nozzle 53, and the water leakage detection nozzle 54 are a front water supply pipe base 71, a water supply pipe base 72, an air supply pipe base 73, and a water leakage detection. It has fitting parts 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A that fit into the pipe cap 74, respectively.

  Further, inside these fitting portions 51, 52A, 53A, 54A, a forward water supply pipe base 71, a water supply pipe base 72, an air supply pipe base 73 and a water leakage detection pipe base 74 are inserted. Engagement portions 51B, 52B, 53B, and 54B, which are positioned by abutting the respective front end surfaces thereof, are disposed.

  The fitting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A are made of an elastic member such as silicon rubber.

  As a result, when the first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to the pipe mounting portion 23, each of the supply nozzles 51 to 54 and each of the supply caps 71 is elastically generated by the fitting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A. The connection state with -74 can be made watertight.

  In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the various supply nozzles 51 to 54 connected to the various pipe caps 71 to 74 of the endoscope 20 can be dehydrated and the endoscope Improvements have been made to prevent water from entering the leak detection pipe nozzle 54 of the mirror 20.

  A specific configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaning / disinfecting liquid attached to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50. When the first fluid supply unit 50 is moved to the withdrawal position with respect to the conduit mounting portion 23 by controlling the water removal means for removing the fluid and the drive unit 80 of the moving mechanism 98. And a control unit 105 configured to control the water adhering to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 by driving the water means.

  In FIG. 9, the configuration of the moving mechanism 98 and the drive unit 80 is simplified, but the detailed configuration is as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  That is, as described above, the gear group such as the rack gear 93 is engaged with the moving member 91 of the support unit 90 constituting the moving mechanism 98, and the motor 81 is engaged with the gear group via the reduction gear train 82. Yes. When the rotation of the motor 81 is transmitted to the side surface of the moving member 91, the moving member 91 moves from the withdrawal position to the mounting position at a low speed.

  Further, by reversing the rotation of the motor 81, the moving member 91 moves from the mounting position to the withdrawal position at a low speed.

  Further, the water leakage detection pin 55 is inserted into the tubular member 64 so as to be able to move forward and backward, and a moving member 91a is fixed to the base end side thereof.

  Although not shown in the figure, the moving member 91a is engaged with a gear group such as a rack gear, and the gear group is engaged with a motor 81a via a reduction gear train. The rotation of the motor 81a is transmitted to the side surface of the moving member 91a, so that the moving member 91a moves at a low speed from the escape position to the mounting position when water leakage is detected.

  Further, by reversing the rotation of the motor 81a, the moving member 91a is moved at a low speed from the mounting position at the time of water leakage detection to the withdrawal position.

  The rotational driving of the motors 81 and 81a is controlled by the control unit 105.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the water removing means constituting the main part of the present embodiment supplies alcohol to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50. By spraying compressed air after spraying, water such as a cleaning / disinfecting liquid adhering to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 is removed.

  Specifically, the water removal means includes a water removal nozzle 100, a switching valve 101, a pump 102, and a compressor 104.

  The pump 102 is a pump that sucks up the alcohol 103 a in the alcohol tank 103. The compressor 104 generates compressed air.

  The switching valve 101 switches between the alcohol 103 a sucked up by the pump 102 and the compressed air from the compressor 104 and sends it out.

  The water removal nozzle 100 is connected to the output side of the switching valve 101 and is provided in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 5, and sprays alcohol 103a or compressed air toward the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53. And at least one or more nozzles for removing water.

  A plurality of water removal nozzles 100 may be provided and connected to the switching valve 101. For example, four water removal nozzles 100 corresponding to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 are provided, and the fluid adhered to the corresponding supply nozzles 51 to 54 by the respective water removal nozzles 100. You may comprise so that water removal may be performed. Further, the number of water removal nozzles 100 is not particularly limited, and the number of water removal nozzles 100 may be provided so as to effectively remove water.

  Moreover, it does not specifically limit about the nozzle shape of the nozzle 100 for water removal, It is comprised in the shape which can supply alcohol or compressed air effectively with respect to the nozzles 51-54 for various supplies. It is desirable.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the fluid adhering to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 is removed by blowing alcohol and compressed air from the water removal nozzle 100. The water leakage detection nozzle 54 may be configured to remove water only. In such a case, a single water removal nozzle 100 may be provided.

  Driving of the pump 102, the switching valve 101, and the compressor 104 is controlled by the control unit 105.

  As described above, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2, the first and second fluid supply units 50, 60 are connected to the conduit mounting portion 23 and the treatment instrument mounting portion 24 of the endoscope 20. It becomes automatically removable.

  When the first fluid supply unit 50 is detached from the conduit mounting part 23 to the withdrawal position after the cleaning / disinfecting process, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 is driven by the waterproof unit under the control of the control unit 105. Thus, by spraying alcohol or compressed air from the water removal nozzle 100 to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53, the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53. For example, it is possible to remove water such as a cleaning / disinfecting solution attached thereto.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the effect | action characteristic of this Embodiment has the characteristic in the dewatering process performed after a washing | cleaning disinfection process, it abbreviate | omits and demonstrates the leak detection process and the washing | cleaning disinfection process for simplification of description.

  In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, when the automatic connection mode is executed by the operator via the operation panel 8, the control unit 105 causes the drive unit 80, the moving mechanism 98, and the like (FIGS. 3 and 3). 9), the first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20. Thus, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 performs the water leakage detection process and the cleaning / disinfecting process of the endoscope 20.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the cleaning and disinfecting process of the endoscope 20 by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 2 is completed.

  At this time, since the control unit 105 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 controls the cleaning / disinfecting process by the program, the control unit 105 recognizes that the cleaning / disinfecting process is completed, and at the same time, a storage unit (not shown) of the program shown in FIG. Read from and start.

  That is, the control unit 105 removes water from the connection cap (the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53) when the cleaning / disinfecting process of the internal pipe line of the endoscope 20 is completed in the process of step S1. Start the process.

  Next, in step S2, the control unit 105 controls the motor 81 to rotate in the reverse direction, and moves the moving member 91 from the mounting position to the withdrawal position at a low speed, so that the first fluid The water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the supply unit 50 are separated from the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20.

  And the control part 105 drives the switching valve 101 by the process of step S3, and makes the alcohol tank 103 and the water removal nozzle 100 communicate.

  Thereafter, the control unit 105 drives the pump 102 in the process of step S4 so that the sucked alcohol 103a is removed by the water removal nozzle 100 and the plurality of supply nozzles via the switching valve 101. It sprays so that it may spray toward 51-53.

  At this time, the controller 105 sets an internal timer (not shown) and measures the time. Then, the control unit 105 determines whether or not a predetermined time determined by the timer has elapsed in the determination process in the subsequent step S5. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control unit 105 performs the process. In step S6, when it is determined that the time has not elapsed, the determination process is repeated until a predetermined time determined by the timer elapses.

  In the determination process in step S5, a measurement time by a timer (not shown) is compared with a predetermined time. However, the present invention is not limited to this timer. For example, the delivery flow rate is measured on the output side of the switching valve 101. The flow rate sensor may be provided, and the determination process may be performed by comparing the detected flow rate value from the flow rate sensor with a preset flow rate value. Moreover, you may use combining the measurement time by a timer, and the measurement flow volume by a flow sensor. Thereby, the injection control of the alcohol 103a can be performed with high accuracy.

  And in the process of step S6, the control part 105 stops the pump 102, and stops the injection of the alcohol 103a by the nozzle 100 for water removal.

  Then, the control part 105 drives the switching valve 101 by the process of step S7, and makes the compressor 104 and the water removal nozzle 100 communicate.

  And the control part 105 drives the compressor 104 by the process of step S8, and the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and several nozzles for supply are supplied by the water removal nozzle 100 through the switching valve 101 for the generated compressed air. Air is blown toward 51-53.

  At this time, the control unit 105 sets an internal timer (not shown) and measures the time as in the process of step S4.

  Then, the control unit 105 determines whether or not a predetermined time measured by the timer has elapsed in the subsequent determination process of step S9. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control unit 105 performs the process. When the process proceeds to step S10 and it is determined that the time has not elapsed, the determination process is repeated until a predetermined time measured by the timer elapses.

  In the determination process in step S9, the measurement time by a timer (not shown) is compared with a predetermined time. However, as in the determination process in step S5, the timer is not limited to this timer. The flow rate sensor for measuring the delivery flow rate may be provided on the output side of 101, and the determination process may be performed by comparing the detected flow rate value from the flow rate sensor with a preset flow rate value. Moreover, you may use combining the measurement time by a timer, and the measurement flow volume by a flow sensor. As a result, it is possible to accurately control the supply of compressed air.

  In the process of step S10, the control unit 105 stops the compressor 104, stops the supply of compressed air by the water removal nozzle 100, and performs the water removal process of this connection base in the subsequent process of step S11. Complete.

  According to such a water removal step, the alcohol 103a is injected to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 through the water removal nozzle 100, for example, the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of water leakage detection nozzles 54 and 53. Water can be removed by blowing away a fluid such as a cleaning / disinfecting liquid adhering to the supply nozzles 51 to 53.

  Further, the compressed air is supplied to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 via the water removal nozzle 100, for example, the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53. In addition, even if the cleaning / disinfecting liquid and the alcohol 103a that cannot be removed by the alcohol 103a remain, the water can be removed by drying the various supply nozzles 51 to 54.

  Therefore, since the fluid adhered to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 can be removed, even when the next endoscope 20 is newly subjected to the water leakage detection process and the cleaning / disinfecting process, A fluid such as a cleaning disinfectant does not enter the internal pipe line 74r via the leak pipe pipe cap 74.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, water can be removed from the various supply nozzles 51 to 54 connected to the various pipe caps 71 to 74 of the endoscope 20 with a simple configuration. As well as being hygienic, it is possible to prevent water from entering the leak detection pipe base 74 of the endoscope 20 without damaging the endoscope 20 that is subsequently performed. There is an effect that the water leakage detection step can be normally performed.

(Second Embodiment)
11 and 12 show a second embodiment of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 11 shows the electrical configuration of the main part of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control example of the control unit in FIG. 11 and 12, the same components and the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted. Only different parts will be described.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment has a nozzle for water leakage detection by injecting or feeding alcohol 103a or compressed air through the water removal nozzle 100 as in the first embodiment. Instead of removing water from the nozzles 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53, the water leaks by sucking the inside of the pipes 61 to 64 communicating with the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53, respectively. The water removal means is configured to remove water adhering to the detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the water removal means provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 includes a suction pump 108, a switching valve 106, a leak detection pipe switching valve 110, and a check. And a valve 109.

  The suction pump 108 includes tubular members 61 to 64 which are pipes for supplying a fluid such as cleaning / disinfecting liquid or gas to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50. The fluid in these pipe lines is sucked in communication with

  The switching valve 106 switches between a supply conduit 107 that supplies fluid to each of the supply nozzles 51 to 53 and a suction conduit 108 </ b> A that sucks fluid by the suction pump 108.

  The leak detection pipe switching valve 110 switches between the leak detection pipe 55M in the leak detection pin 55 communicating with the pipe 54K in the leak detection nozzle 54 and the suction pipe 108A sucked by the suction pump 108. Is. A leak detection pipe member 55L communicating with the leak detection pipe 55M is connected to the rear end side of the leak detection pipe switching valve 110. The leak detection pipe member 55L includes a leak detection (not shown). Air is sent by the pump.

  The check valve 109 is provided between the suction pipe 108A and the water leak detection pipe switching valve 110, and prevents the backflow of fluid to the water leak detection pipe 55M.

  The drive of the switching valve 106, the suction pump 108, and the water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110 is controlled by the control of the control unit 105.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the effect | action characteristic of this Embodiment has the characteristic in the dewatering process performed after a washing | cleaning disinfection process, it abbreviate | omits and demonstrates the leak detection process and the washing | cleaning disinfection process for simplification of description.

  In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, when the automatic connection mode is executed via the operation panel 8 by the operator, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 105 causes the drive unit 80 to be driven. The first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20 by controlling the operation of the moving mechanism 98 and the like (see FIGS. 3 and 11). Thus, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 performs the water leakage detection process and the cleaning / disinfecting process of the endoscope 20.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the cleaning and disinfecting process of the endoscope 20 by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 2 is completed.

  At this time, since the control unit 105 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 controls the cleaning / disinfecting process by the program, the control unit 105 recognizes that the cleaning / disinfecting process is completed, and at the same time, a storage unit (not shown) of the program shown in FIG. Read from and start.

  That is, the control unit 105 removes water from the connection cap (the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53) when the cleaning / disinfecting process of the internal pipe line of the endoscope 20 is completed in the process of step S1. Start the process.

  Next, in step S2, the control unit 105 controls the motor 81 to rotate in the reverse direction, and moves the moving member 91 from the mounting position to the withdrawal position at a low speed, so that the first fluid The water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the supply unit 50 are separated from the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20.

  Then, in the process of step S20, the control unit 105 drives the water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110 to connect the suction pipe 108A of the suction pump 108 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M of the water leakage detection nozzle 54. Let

  Thereafter, the control unit 105 drives the suction pump 108 in the process of step S21, thereby causing the water leakage detection pipe 55M and the water leakage detection nozzle 54 to pass through the suction pipe 108A, the water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110. The fluid such as cleaning disinfectant and tap water remaining inside is aspirated.

  In this case, a check valve 109 is provided between the suction pipe 108A and the water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110, and the backflow of fluid to the water leakage detection pipe 55M is prevented.

  In addition, the control part 105 drives the switching valve 106, the disinfecting liquid, tap water, etc. which remain in each supply nozzle 51-53 via the inside of the tubular members 61-74 connected to each supply nozzle 51-53. The fluid may be aspirated.

  Further, the inner shapes of the fitting portions 51A to 54A of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the supply nozzles 51 to 53 are configured in a tapered shape, or the opening diameters of the fitting portions 51A to 54A are each tubular. You may comprise so that the suction efficiency may be improved by comprising so that the diameter of the pipe line in the members 61-64 may be the same or the difference of a diameter may be made small.

  When starting the suction operation in step S21, the control unit 105 sets an internal timer (not shown) and measures the time.

  Then, the control unit 105 determines whether or not a predetermined time determined by the timer has elapsed in the determination process in the subsequent step S5. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control unit 105 performs the process. When the process proceeds to step S22 and it is determined that the time has not elapsed, the determination process is repeated until a predetermined time determined by the timer elapses.

  In the determination process in step S5, the measurement time by a timer (not shown) is compared with a predetermined time as in the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this timer. For example, the suction pump A flow rate sensor for measuring the suction flow rate is provided on each of the supply nozzles 108 or on the leakage detection nozzle side of the leakage detection pipe switching valve 110, and a detected flow rate value from the flow rate sensor and a preset flow rate value are set. The determination process may be performed so as to compare. Moreover, you may use combining the measurement time by a timer, and the measurement flow volume by a flow sensor. This makes it possible to accurately control the fluid suction.

  In step S22, the control unit 105 stops the suction pump 108 to stop the suction of the fluid remaining in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M.

  Thereafter, in step S23, the control unit 105 drives the water leakage detection pipeline switching valve 110 to connect the subsequent water leakage detection pipeline member 55L and the water leakage detection pipeline 55M to the next internal view. After preparing for the leak detection process of the mirror 20, the water removal process of this connection cap is completed by the process of step S24.

  In the above description, the suction operation of the residual water in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M has been mainly described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each supply nozzle is driven by driving the switching valve 106. 51-53 and the pipes in the tubular members 61-63 are also configured to perform the residual water suction operation simultaneously or independently with the residual water suction operation in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M. You may control.

  According to such a water removal process, the fluid such as tap water attached to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M is sucked into the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M. It becomes possible to remove water.

  Furthermore, the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 63 and the respective tubular members 61 are sucked in the respective pipe lines of the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 63 and the respective tubular members 61 to 63 simultaneously or independently with the suction operation. It is also possible to remove water such as the cleaning / disinfecting liquid adhering in each of the pipes 63 to 63.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it becomes possible to remove water such as tap water adhering to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M with a simple configuration, which is hygienic. Of course, since it is possible to prevent water from entering the leak detection pipe cap 74 of the endoscope 20, the leak detection process is normally performed without damaging the endoscope 20 that is subsequently performed. It has the effect that it can be performed.

  In addition, a plurality of supply nozzles 51 can be obtained by aspirating the insides of the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 63 and the tubular members 61 to 63 simultaneously or independently with the suction operation of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the like. Since the fluid such as the cleaning / disinfecting liquid adhering to each of the pipe lines of the pipes 63 to 63 and the tubular members 61 to 63 can be removed, hygiene is improved.

(Third embodiment)
13 and 14 show a third embodiment of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 13 shows the electrical configuration of the main part of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control example of the control unit in FIG. In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the same components and the same processes as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted. Only different parts will be described.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the third embodiment is an improvement of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the second embodiment, and includes a water leakage detection nozzle 54 and a plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53. The water removal means is configured to remove the fluid adhering to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 by supplying compressed air into the pipes 61 to 64 respectively communicating with each other. ing.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the water removal means provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 includes a compressor 104, a switching valve 106, a water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110, and a check valve. 109.

  The compressor 104 is connected to the tubular members 61 to 64 which are pipes for supplying a fluid such as cleaning / disinfecting liquid or gas to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the first fluid supply unit 50. Compressed air that is communicated and sent into the pipes is generated and sent.

  The switching valve 106 switches between a supply conduit 107 that supplies fluid to the supply nozzles 51 to 53 and an air supply conduit 104 </ b> A that supplies compressed air by the compressor 104.

  The water leakage detection pipeline switching valve 110 switches between the water leakage detection pipeline 55M in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the air supply pipeline 104A through which compressed air is fed by the compressor 104. The check valve 109 is provided on the air supply line 104A between the switching valve 106 and the compressor 104, and prevents the backflow of fluid to the compressor 104 side and the water leakage detection line switching valve 110 side. is there.

  The driving of the switching valve 106, the compressor 104, and the water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110 is controlled by the control unit 105.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the effect | action characteristic of this Embodiment has the characteristic in the dewatering process performed after a washing | cleaning disinfection process, it abbreviate | omits and demonstrates the leak detection process and the washing | cleaning disinfection process for simplification of description.

  Similarly to the second embodiment, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment is operated by the controller 105 when the automatic connection mode is executed via the operation panel 8 by the operator. The first fluid supply unit 50 is connected to the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20 by controlling the operation of the movement mechanism 98 and the like (see FIGS. 3 and 13). Thus, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 performs the water leakage detection process and the cleaning / disinfecting process of the endoscope 20.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the cleaning and disinfecting process of the endoscope 20 by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 2 is completed.

  At this time, since the control unit 105 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 2 controls the cleaning / disinfecting process by the program, the control unit 105 recognizes that the cleaning / disinfecting process is completed, and at the same time, a storage unit (not shown) of the program shown in FIG. Read from and start.

  That is, the control unit 105 removes water from the connection cap (the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53) when the cleaning / disinfecting process of the internal pipe line of the endoscope 20 is completed in the process of step S1. Start the process.

  Next, in step S2, the control unit 105 controls the motor 81 to rotate in the reverse direction, and moves the moving member 91 from the mounting position to the withdrawal position at a low speed, so that the first fluid The water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 53 of the supply unit 50 are separated from the conduit mounting portion 23 of the endoscope 20.

  In step S30, the control unit 105 drives the water leakage detection pipe switching valve 110 to connect the air supply pipe 104A of the compressor 104 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M of the water leakage detection nozzle 54. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 105 drives the compressor 104 in the process of step S31 to supply the compressed air generated via the air supply conduit 104A and the water leakage detection conduit switching valve 110 to detect the water leakage. Water such as cleaning disinfectant and tap water remaining in the pipe 55M and the water leakage detection nozzle 54 is blown off from the opening of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 to remove water.

  The control unit 105 drives the switching valve 106 to similarly supply compressed air into the tubular members 61 to 74 communicating with the supply nozzles 51 to 53, and remains in the supply nozzles 51 to 53. Water may be removed by blowing a fluid such as a cleaning disinfectant or tap water from the openings of the supply nozzles 51 to 53.

  Further, the inner shapes of the fitting portions 51A to 54A of the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the supply nozzles 51 to 53 are configured in a tapered shape, or the opening diameters of the fitting portions 51A to 54A are each tubular. You may comprise so that the air supply efficiency of compressed air may be improved by comprising so that it may be the same as the pipe line diameter in the members 61-64, or may make the difference of a diameter small.

  At this time, the controller 105 sets an internal timer (not shown) and measures the time. Then, the control unit 105 determines whether or not a predetermined time determined by the timer has elapsed in the determination process in the subsequent step S5. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control unit 105 performs the process. When the process proceeds to step S32 and it is determined that the time has not elapsed, this determination process is repeated until a predetermined time measured by the timer elapses.

  In the determination process of step S5, the measurement time by a timer (not shown) is compared with a predetermined time as in the second embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this timer. For example, the compressor 104 A flow rate sensor for measuring the flow rate of air flow is provided on the output side of the water supply or the water leakage detection father nozzle side of the water leakage detection pipeline switching valve 110, and a detected flow rate value from the flow rate sensor is compared with a preset flow rate value. In this way, the determination process may be performed. Moreover, you may use combining the measurement time by a timer, and the measurement flow volume by a flow sensor. As a result, it is possible to accurately control the supply of compressed air.

  In step S32, the control unit 105 stops the compressor 104 and stops supplying compressed air for removing water remaining in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M. Let

  Thereafter, in the process of step S33, the control unit 105 drives the water leakage detection pipeline switching valve 110 to connect the subsequent water leakage detection pipeline member 55L and the water leakage detection pipeline 55M to the next internal view. After preparing for the water leak detection process of the mirror 20, the water removal process of this connection cap is completed by the process of step S34.

  In the above description, the air supply operation for removing the residual water in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipeline 55M with compressed air has been mainly described. The supply nozzles 51 to 53 and the pipes in the tubular members 61 to 63 are also driven to remain at the same time or independently with the residual water supply operation in the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M. You may control to perform the air supply operation | movement of water.

  According to such a water removal process, the water leakage adhered to the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M by feeding the water leakage detection nozzle 54 and the water leakage detection pipe 55M with compressed air. It becomes possible to remove water such as water.

  Furthermore, by supplying compressed air into the pipe lines of the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 63 and the tubular members 61 to 63 simultaneously or independently with the suction operation, the plurality of supply nozzles 51 to 63 and It is also possible to remove water such as a cleaning / disinfecting liquid adhering to each pipe line of each tubular member 61-63.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  In the first to third embodiments according to the present invention, the control unit 105 may be configured to control the water removal means to be driven continuously or intermittently for a predetermined period (FIG. 10). (Suction operation in step S41 and air supply operation in step S9 shown in FIG. 12, suction operation in step S21 shown in FIG. 12, or air supply operation shown in FIG. 14). This makes it possible to remove water more effectively.

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

The perspective view which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows the whole structure of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of the state by which the top cover was opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in a state where the endoscope is accommodated in the endoscope holding tray of FIG. 1 and the top cover is closed. The top view which shows a part of structure of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of FIG. 1 with the operation part of a tray and an endoscope. The perspective view which shows the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 1, the moving mechanism of this 1st fluid supply unit, and the mounting part for pipe lines of an endoscope operation part. The side view which looked at only the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 3, and the mounting part for pipe lines from the XV direction. The front view which looked at the shape of the front-end | tip part of the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. 3 from the XVI direction. Sectional drawing of the mounting part for pipe lines and the 1st fluid supply unit which follows the XVII-XVII line in FIG. Sectional drawing of the 1st fluid supply unit of the state which mounted | wore the mounting part for pipe lines with the 1st fluid supply unit of FIG. The block block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of the principal part of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment and showing a control example of the control unit in FIG. 9. The block block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of the principal part of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment and showing a control example of the control unit in FIG. 11. The block block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of the principal part of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment and showing a control example of the control unit in FIG. 13.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device,
3 ... The device body,
4 ... Top hippo,
5 ... Cleaning disinfection tank,
8 ... Control panel,
10 ... Tray,
20 ... endoscope,
21 ... operation unit,
22 ... insertion part,
23 ... Installation part for pipes,
50. First fluid supply unit,
51 ... Nozzle for water supply forward,
52 ... Nozzle for water supply,
53 ... Air supply nozzle,
54 ... Nozzle for water leakage detection,
54K ... Water leakage detection pipeline,
55 ... Water leakage detection pin,
55L Water leakage detection pipe members 61-64 ... Tubular members,
71 ... A cap for the front water supply pipeline,
71s ... Forward water supply line,
72 ... Water pipe conduit,
72s ... water supply pipeline,
73 ... a mouthpiece for an air supply duct,
73s ... Air line,
74 ... Cap for leak detection pipe,
80 ... Drive unit,
81, 81a ... motor,
90 ... support unit,
91, 91a ... a moving member,
100a ... opening,
100 ... Nozzle for water removal,
101 ... switching valve,
102 ... pump,
103 ... alcohol tank,
103a ... alcohol,
104: Compressor,
104A ... Air supply line,
105. Control unit,
106: A switching valve.

107 ... supply line,
108: suction pump,
108A ... suction line,
109 ... Check valve,
110: Pipe switching valve for detecting water leakage.

Claims (8)

In an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device that automatically cleans and disinfects an endoscope,
Leakage that is detachably attached to the attachment part of the endoscope housed in a cleaning / disinfecting tank, and communicates with an internal conduit of the endoscope provided in the attachment part after being attached to the attachment part A fluid supply unit having a water leakage detection nozzle and a plurality of supply nozzles inserted into the pipe base and the plurality of pipe bases, and for sending fluid to the internal pipe;
A moving mechanism for moving the fluid supply unit to a mounting position and a withdrawal position with respect to the mounting portion;
A fluid supply unit for supplying the fluid to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit;
A water removal means for removing water from the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit;
When the fluid supply unit is moved to the withdrawal position with respect to the mounting portion by controlling the moving mechanism, the water removal means is driven to adhere to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles. A control unit that controls to remove water from the fluid;
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising:   The water removal means is configured to blow the compressed air after spraying alcohol on the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid adhering to the nozzle is dehydrated.   The dewatering means includes a pump for sucking alcohol in the alcohol tank, a compressor for generating compressed air, a switching valve for switching and sending alcohol sucked by the pump and compressed air from the compressor, Connected to the output side of the switching valve and provided in the washing / disinfecting tank, the water or the compressed air is sprayed toward the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit to remove water. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus has at least one water removal nozzle for performing the operation.   The dewatering means adheres to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles by sucking the inside of the pipe lines communicating with the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit, respectively. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is removed from the fluid.   The dewatering means communicates with each of the pipelines supplying the fluid to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit by the fluid supply unit, and sucks the fluid in these pipelines A suction pump, a switching valve that switches between a supply conduit that supplies the fluid by the fluid supply unit and a suction conduit that sucks the fluid by the suction pump, and a leak detection conduit in the leak detection nozzle And a water leakage detection line switching valve for switching between the suction line and the suction line sucked by the suction pump, and a reverse flow of fluid to the suction line side is provided between the suction line and the water leakage detection line switching valve. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a check valve for preventing the endoscope.   The water removal means is configured to supply compressed air to pipes communicating with the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit, respectively, so that the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply water are supplied. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid adhering to the nozzle is removed.   The dewatering means communicates with each of the pipelines that supply the fluid to the water leakage detection nozzle and the plurality of supply nozzles of the fluid supply unit by the fluid supply unit, and feeds air into these pipelines. A compressor for generating compressed air, a switching valve for switching between a supply line for supplying the fluid by the fluid supply unit and an air supply line for supplying the compressed air by the compressor, and the inside of the nozzle for detecting water leakage A water leakage detection pipe switching valve that switches between a water leakage detection pipe and an air supply pipe that feeds the compressed air by the compressor, and the air supply pipe that communicates with the switching valve. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a check valve that prevents a backflow of fluid to the leak detection pipe switching valve side.   The endoscope cleaning and disinfection according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the water removal means to be driven continuously or intermittently for a predetermined period. apparatus.

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