JP2009207742A - Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To deodorize the offensive smell of peracetic acid from the inside of a washing tank after the disinfection of an endoscope is completed. <P>SOLUTION: After the disinfection of the endoscope is completed, a water pump 89 is driven to supply a decomposing solution 87 into the washing tank 31. After the supply of the decomposing solution 87, a solenoid valve 72 is opened to supply a predetermined amount of water into the washing tank 31. An electromotive three-way valve 69 and a four-way valve 107 are changed over to connect not only a liquid supply passage 68 and a first circulation passage 102 but also a channel washing passage 109 and a second circulation passage 103. Water pumps 104 and 105 are driven to circulate water mixed with the decomposing solution 87. Catalase being the decomposing solution 87 decomposes a disinfection liquid 80 being peracetic acid and deodorizes the offensive smell in the washing tank 31 and the respective supply passages. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus and method using peracetic acid for disinfecting an endoscope.

  An endoscope is known as a medical device used for inspection and treatment in a body cavity of a living body. The endoscope includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity. The insertion portion is a flexible rod-like body, and includes an imaging portion that images the inside of the body cavity and various channels such as a forceps channel through which the treatment tool is inserted. In the endoscope after use, bodily fluids and dirt are attached to the outer surface of the insertion portion and each channel provided in the insertion portion. Since pathogenic bacteria and viruses contained in body fluids and filth cause nosocomial infections, endoscopes after use are always cleaned and disinfected.

  In order to efficiently clean and disinfect an endoscope, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is used. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus stores a used endoscope in a cleaning tank, and automatically performs a cleaning process, a disinfection process, and a rinsing process.

  In the washing step, water, detergent, or the like is sprayed onto the endoscope to wash away body fluids and dirt attached to the outer surface and each channel. The water used in the cleaning process is discharged out of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. In the disinfecting process, the endoscope is immersed in a disinfecting solution, and pathogenic bacteria and viruses that have not been removed in the cleaning process are removed, or pathogenicity is lost. The disinfecting liquid used in the disinfecting process is returned to the disinfecting liquid tank in which the disinfecting liquid is stored. The rinsing process is performed after the cleaning process and the disinfecting process, and the water after cleaning attached to the endoscope or the disinfecting liquid is rinsed with clean water.

  For the disinfectant, for example, high-level disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde, ophthalphthalaldehyde and peracetic acid are used. Glutar Aldecht has the longest track record of use in endoscope cleaning and disinfecting devices, and its operation method has been established. However, glutaraldehyde has drawbacks such as high volatility and volatile components that are harmful to the human body, the presence of resistant bacteria, and a long disinfection time. Therefore, switching from glutaraldehyde to off-phthalphthalaldehyde and peracetic acid is now progressing.

  Peracetic acid has an excellent property of having the highest disinfection effect and little adverse effect on the human body. However, there is a problem that the working environment for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope deteriorates due to the very strong odor of peracetic acid.

A conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus attaches an activated carbon filter to a vent hole of a disinfectant tank, and adsorbs and deodorizes peracetic acid odor components (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, in order to eliminate the odor of peracetic acid from the periphery of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, a ventilation facility is provided in the room where the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is installed. Since the odor of peracetic acid is heavier than air and stays near the floor, special ventilation equipment is required to ventilate near the floor.
JP 2007-267974 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-188087

  Since the odor of peracetic acid is very strong, it is difficult to completely deodorize with an activated carbon filter. In addition, activated carbon has a rapid decrease in adsorption power for adsorbing odor components, so the activated carbon filter must be periodically replaced.

  It is not only through the vent holes of the disinfectant tank that the odor of peracetic acid leaks from the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device. If the top cover of the cleaning tank is opened after the endoscope has been disinfected, the odor of peracetic acid remaining in the cleaning tank leaks out of the apparatus. The operator sucks a strong odor of peracetic acid when removing the endoscope from the cleaning tank.

  Ventilation equipment such as a vent and a ventilator is generally installed at a high position in the room. Therefore, the special ventilation equipment corresponding to the odor of peracetic acid is expensive.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the odor of peracetic acid in the washing tank.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention stores a decomposition solution for decomposing peracetic acid in the decomposition solution storage means. The decomposition liquid storage means and the cleaning tank are connected by a decomposition liquid supply path, and the decomposition liquid flows from the decomposition liquid storage means to the decomposition liquid supply path by the decomposition liquid supply means. The decomposition liquid supply control means operates the decomposition liquid supply means after the disinfection of the endoscope is completed and the peracetic acid is discharged from the cleaning tank, and supplies the decomposition liquid into the cleaning tank from the decomposition liquid supply path. .

  The decomposition liquid supply control means supplies water into the cleaning tank supplied with the decomposition liquid by a water supply means for supplying water into the cleaning tank. The water mixed with the decomposition solution is circulated in the supply path in which the washing tank and peracetic acid are flowed. According to this, since the decomposition liquid can be spread in the cleaning tank and the supply path, the deodorizing effect is improved.

  As the cracked liquid supply means, a sprayer that sprays the cracked liquid into the washing tank may be used. The odor in the atmosphere of the washing tank can be effectively deodorized.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting method of the present invention includes a disinfection step of disinfecting the endoscope by supplying peracetic acid into a cleaning tank in which the endoscope is housed, and a cleaning tank in which the peracetic acid is discharged. A deodorizing step of supplying a decomposition solution for decomposing acetic acid and deodorizing the odor of peracetic acid remaining in the washing tank.

  In the deodorization step, water may be supplied into the cleaning tank supplied with the decomposition liquid, and the water mixed with the decomposition liquid may be circulated in the supply path in which the cleaning tank and peracetic acid are flowed.

  In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus and method, a decomposing enzyme that decomposes peracetic acid or an alkaline detergent that is added to water when the endoscope is cleaned can be used as the decomposition solution.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the odor of peracetic acid leaking from the cleaning tank when the endoscope after cleaning and disinfection is taken out from the cleaning tank. Thereby, the working environment of the room where the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is installed can be improved. In addition, since no special ventilation equipment is required, the cost required for installing the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus can be reduced.

  An endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an endoscope that is cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention. The endoscope 10 includes an insertion unit 11 that is inserted into a body cavity of a living body, and an operation unit 12 that operates the insertion unit 11.

  The insertion part 11 is a rod-shaped body having a circular cross section and has flexibility. At the distal end of the insertion unit 11, an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the body cavity and an imaging unit (not shown) that images the inside of the body cavity are provided. In the insertion portion 11, an air / water feeding channel 15 and a forceps channel 16, one end of which is exposed from the distal end of the insertion portion 11, are provided. A suction channel 17 is connected to the forceps channel 16.

  The operation unit 12 is provided with a forceps port 20, an air / water supply button 21, and a suction button 22. The forceps port 20 is fitted with a forceps port cap 23 that is removed during use. The air / water supply button 21 and the suction button 22 are detachably attached to the mounting ports 12a and 12b. The forceps port cap 23, the air / water supply button 21, and the suction button 22 are removed from the operation unit 12 when the endoscope 10 is cleaned.

  In the universal cord 25 and the connector unit 26 connected to the operation unit 12, the air / water supply channel 15 and the suction channel 17, and the wiring of the illumination unit and the imaging unit are incorporated. The connector portion 26 is provided with a contact portion for connecting the wiring to the light source device and the video processor. At the time of cleaning the endoscope 10, a waterproof cap 27 (see FIG. 3) that covers the contact portion and waterproofs is attached to the connector portion 26.

  An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus) 28 shown in FIG. 2 includes a box-shaped apparatus main body 30. A cleaning tank 31 in which the used endoscope 10 is accommodated is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The cleaning tank 31 is a water tank having an open top, and is formed of a metal plate having excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, etc., such as stainless steel.

  An operation panel 33 and a display panel 34 are arranged in front of the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The operation panel 33 includes a number of buttons for instructing various settings related to cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 10 and starting or stopping of cleaning and disinfection. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used for the display panel 34, and various setting screens, remaining time of each process, a warning message when a trouble occurs, and the like are displayed.

  An openable / closable bottle storage tray 36 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 30. In the bottle storage tray 36, a dedicated cassette bottle for supplying high-concentration peracetic acid as a disinfectant used for disinfecting the endoscope 10 is stored. The cassette bottle is provided in a state where a high concentration of peracetic acid is stored, and is stored in the bottle storage tray 36. The accommodated cassette bottle is connected to a disinfectant tank built in the apparatus main body 30, and supplies high concentration peracetic acid into the disinfectant tank.

  On the side of the bottle storage tray 36, there is similarly provided a chemical tray 38 that can be opened and closed. In the chemical liquid tray 38, a detergent tank, a decomposition liquid tank, and an alcohol tank are accommodated. In the detergent tank, a detergent used for cleaning the endoscope 10 is stored. A liquid enzyme that decomposes peracetic acid, which is a disinfectant, is stored in the decomposition liquid tank. The alcohol tank stores alcohol that flows into each channel after the endoscope 10 is cleaned and disinfected.

  A top cover 40 for opening and closing the cleaning tank 31 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The top cover 40 is a rectangular box-shaped body made of, for example, plastic, and one side is pivotally supported by a hinge 41 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The top cover 40 is closed when the endoscope 10 is cleaned and disinfected to cover the upper part of the cleaning tank 31. The top surface of the top cover 40 is a transparent viewing window, and it is possible to visually check the state of cleaning and disinfection.

  In the cleaning tank 31, a supply port 43 that supplies liquid used for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 10 into the cleaning tank 31 is provided. The supply port 43 is provided with a water supply nozzle 44, a detergent supply nozzle 45, and a disinfectant supply nozzle 46 bent toward the inside of the cleaning tank 31. These nozzles 44 to 46 are arranged at positions higher than the liquid level of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31. The top cover 40 is provided with a protruding portion 40 a that houses the supply port 43.

  The water supply nozzle 44 supplies water into the cleaning tank 31. The detergent supply nozzle 45 supplies the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the washing tank 31. The disinfectant supply nozzle 46 supplies the disinfectant stored in the disinfectant tank into the cleaning tank 31. Body fluid and dirt attached to the endoscope 10 after use are washed away with a cleaning liquid in which water and a detergent are mixed. Pathogenic bacteria and viruses that have not been washed away with the cleaning solution are removed by the disinfecting solution, or the pathogenicity is lost.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a channel cleaning port 48 used for cleaning and disinfecting the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16 and the suction channel 17 of the endoscope 10 is provided on the inner surface 31 a of the cleaning tank 31. It has been. The channel cleaning port 48 is provided with an air / water channel coupler 49, a suction channel coupler 50, and a forceps channel coupler 51.

  In the endoscope 10 accommodated in the cleaning tank 31, the mounting ports 12a and 12b and the forceps port 20 are connected to the couplers 49 to 51 by flexible tubes 53 to 55, respectively. Gases and liquids such as water, cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, alcohol, and compressed air are supplied from the couplers 49 to 51 into the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16, and the suction channel 17.

  An airtight test port 57 used for an airtight test of the endoscope 10 is provided on the inner surface 31 b of the cleaning tank 31. The airtight test port 57 is provided with a tube coupler 57a for supplying compressed air. A tube having flexibility is attached to the tube coupler 57a. The tube is connected to a waterproof cap 27 attached to the connector portion 26. A vent hole 58 is provided in the inner side surface 31c.

  An accessory cleaning basket 60 is attached to the center of the bottom surface 31 d of the cleaning tank 31. The accessory washing basket 60 is, for example, a circular basket having an upper opening, and accessory parts such as an air / water supply button 21, a suction button 22, and a forceps port cap 23 removed from the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10 are used. Be contained. Below the small item cleaning car 60, there is provided a car nozzle 62 for injecting water, a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid and the like into the small object cleaning car 60. A waste liquid port 63 is provided at a corner of the bottom surface 31d. The waste liquid port 63 discharges used water, cleaning liquid, and disinfecting liquid from the cleaning tank 31.

  FIG. 4 shows a piping system in the apparatus main body 30. A rubber heater 64 is attached to the lower surface of the cleaning tank 31. The rubber heater 64 heats the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31 through the cleaning tank 31. In the cleaning tank 31, a temperature sensor (TE) 65 for measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid and a liquid level sensor (LS) 66 for detecting the liquid level are provided. As the liquid level sensor 66, for example, a float type level sensor in which the float moves up and down in accordance with the liquid level is used.

  The vent hole 58 is provided with an air filter (hereinafter abbreviated as AF) 67 that deodorizes the odor of the disinfectant supplied into the cleaning tank 31 with activated carbon.

  The water supply nozzle 44 is connected to a liquid supply path 68 through which water, a cleaning liquid, and a disinfecting liquid flow. The other end of the liquid supply path 68 is connected to one end of the electric three-way valve 69. A water supply path 70 is connected to the other end of the electric three-way valve 69.

  The water supply path 70 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 30 and connected to a tap water tap. The water supply path 70 is provided with a solenoid valve 72 and a water filter (WF) 73 from the side connected to the faucet. The solenoid valve 72 switches supply / stop of tap water to the water supply channel 70. WF73 captures foreign substances and bacteria contained in tap water. The electric three-way valve 69 connects the liquid supply path 68 and the water supply path 70 when supplying water into the cleaning tank 31.

  The detergent supply nozzle 45 is connected to a detergent supply path 76 that supplies a detergent (for example, a liquid enzyme detergent) 75. The other end of the detergent supply path 76 is connected to a detergent tank 77 in which the detergent 75 is stored. The detergent supply path 76 is provided with a water pump (hereinafter abbreviated as WP) 78. The WP 78 sucks the detergent 75 in the detergent tank 77 and discharges it from the detergent supply nozzle 45.

  A disinfectant supply path 81 for supplying the disinfectant 80 is connected to the disinfectant supply nozzle 46. The other end of the disinfecting liquid supply path 81 is connected to a disinfecting liquid tank 82 in which the disinfecting liquid 80 is accommodated. The disinfectant supply path 81 is provided with a WP 83 that sucks the disinfectant 80 and discharges it from the disinfectant supply nozzle 46. The disinfecting liquid tank 82 is provided with a discharge path 82a for discharging the used disinfecting liquid 80 and a vent hole 82b. The vent hole 82b is provided with an AF 84 that deodorizes the odor of the disinfectant solution 80 with activated carbon.

  As the disinfectant 80, peracetic acid, which is a high-level disinfectant, is used. Peracetic acid has excellent properties such as low toxicity to the human body, low persistence and low environmental impact, no coagulation or accumulation of protein soil, and effectiveness against spores. Peracetic acid also has a very strong odor.

  A decomposition liquid supply path 86 is connected to the detergent supply path 76 downstream of the WP 78. The other end of the decomposition liquid supply path 86 is connected to a decomposition liquid tank 88 in which the decomposition liquid 87 is stored. The decomposition liquid supply path 86 is provided with a WP 89 that sucks the decomposition liquid 87 in the decomposition liquid tank 88 and discharges it from the detergent supply nozzle 45.

  For the decomposition solution 87, a decomposing enzyme that promotes decomposition of peracetic acid is used. For example, catalase is used as the degrading enzyme. Peracetic acid is present due to an equilibrium reaction between hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. Catalase secondarily decomposes peracetic acid into hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid by decomposing hydrogen peroxide contained in peracetic acid into water and oxygen. By decomposing peracetic acid with catalase, the odor of acetic acid remains, but the very strong odor that deteriorates the working environment is eliminated.

  A waste liquid passage 91 branched on the downstream side is connected to the waste liquid port 63. One branched first waste liquid path 92 discharges the cleaning liquid and water used for cleaning the endoscope 10 out of the apparatus main body 30 by the WP 93. The other second waste liquid path 94 returns the disinfecting liquid 80 used for disinfecting the endoscope 10 to the disinfecting liquid tank 82. Since the disinfecting solution 80 does not lose its disinfecting effect after several uses, it is returned to the disinfecting solution tank 82 and used repeatedly. The first waste liquid path 92 and the second waste liquid path 94 are switched by opening and closing electromagnetic valves 95 and 96 provided respectively.

  A dilution path 98 branched from the water supply path 70 is connected to the second waste liquid path 94. An electromagnetic valve 99 is connected to the dilution path 98. The dilution path 98 supplies water into the disinfecting liquid tank 82 via the second waste liquid path 94 and dilutes the high concentration peracetic acid supplied from the cassette bottle to a concentration suitable for the disinfection of the endoscope 10.

  The waste liquid port 63 is also connected to a circulation path 101 for circulating the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid 80 and the water stored in the cleaning tank 31. The circulation path 101 branches into a first circulation path 102 and a second circulation path 103 on the downstream side. The first circulation path 102 is provided with a WP 104 that sucks the liquid in the cleaning tank 31. The first circulation path 102 is connected to the electric three-way valve 69. The second circulation path 103 is provided with a WP 105 and a check valve 106 that prevents backflow of liquid and gas. The second circulation path 103 is connected to one end of the four-way valve 107.

  A channel cleaning path 109 is connected to the other end of the four-way valve 107. The channel cleaning path 109 is connected to air / water supply paths 114 to 117 provided with electromagnetic valves 110 to 113, respectively. The air / water supply paths 114 to 117 are connected to the couplers 49 to 51 of the channel cleaning port 48 and the car nozzle 62.

  The electric three-way valve 69 connects the first circulation path 102 and the liquid supply path 68 when circulating the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31. The four-way valve 107 is configured to supply the second circulation path 103, the channel cleaning path 109, and the like when the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31 flows in the air supply, water supply channel 15, forceps channel 16, and suction channel 17 of the endoscope 10. Connect.

  An air supply path 119 is connected to the other end of the four-way valve 107. The air supply path 119 is provided with an air pump (hereinafter abbreviated as AP) 120, two AFs 121 and 122, and a check valve 123. The four-way valve 107 connects the channel cleaning path 109 and the air supply path 119 when removing water droplets in each channel of the endoscope 10. The AP 120 compresses clean air from which foreign substances and bacteria are captured by the two AFs 121 and 122, and blows the compressed air into each channel.

  An alcohol supply path 125 is connected to the other end of the four-way valve 107. The end of the alcohol supply path 125 is connected to an alcohol tank 127 in which alcohol 126 is stored. The alcohol supply path 125 is provided with a WP 128 that sucks the alcohol 126 stored in the alcohol tank 127 and a solenoid valve 129. The four-way valve 107 connects the channel cleaning path 109 and the alcohol supply path 125 when alcohol is allowed to flow through each channel of the endoscope 10 to dry the inside of each channel.

  A test air supply path 131 is connected to the airtight test port 57. The test air supply path 131 is provided with an AF 132 that captures foreign matter from the outside air, and an AP 133 that compresses clean air from which foreign matter has been captured and supplies the compressed air to the test air supply path 131.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the device 28 includes a CPU 135 that performs overall control of the entire device, a ROM 136 that stores a control program and various data, and a RAM 137 that is an execution area of the control program read from the ROM 136. I have. The CPU 135 includes an LCD driver 138 that drives the display panel 34, a valve driver 139 that drives each solenoid valve and four-way valve, a motor driver 140 that drives the electric three-way valve 69, a WP driver 141 that drives each WP, and each AP. An AP driver 142 for driving, a heater driver 143 for driving the rubber heater 64, and the like are connected.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, each process of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 28 cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 10 will be described. The endoscope 10 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 28 so that the endoscope 10 can be cleaned immediately after the preliminary cleaning.

  Small parts such as the air / water feed button 21, the suction button 22, and the forceps port cap 23 are removed from the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10 and are accommodated in the small article washing basket 60. The operation unit 12 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 31 so that the mounting ports 12 a and 12 b face the channel cleaning port 48. The insertion portion 11 is placed on the outer periphery of the accessory washing basket 60 while being wound in an annular shape. The connector part 26 is mounted in the vicinity of the airtight test port 57 with a waterproof cap 27 attached.

  Tubes 53 to 55 are attached to the air / water channel coupler 49, the suction channel coupler 50, and the forceps channel coupler 51 of the channel cleaning port 48, respectively. The tubes 53 to 55 are connected to the air supply / water supply button mounting port 12a, the suction button mounting port 12b, and the forceps port 20 of the endoscope 10, respectively. After the endoscope 10 is stored in the cleaning tank 31, the top cover 40 is closed.

  The operation panel 33 is operated, and a cleaning process for cleaning the endoscope 10 is started. The CPU 135 controls the valve driver 139 to open the electromagnetic valve 72. The CPU 135 controls the motor driver 140 to switch the electric three-way valve 69 to connect the liquid supply path 68 and the water supply path 70. The water flowing through the water supply channel 70 by the water pressure from the water pipe is cleaned by the WF 73. The water that has flowed into the liquid supply path 68 through the water supply path 70 is jetted into the cleaning tank 31 from the water supply nozzle 44.

  The CPU 135 drives the WP 78 simultaneously with the start of water supply to the cleaning tank 31, and discharges a predetermined amount of the detergent 75 from the detergent supply nozzle 45 into the cleaning tank 31. A cleaning liquid in which water and a detergent 75 are mixed is generated in the cleaning tank 31.

  The CPU 135 detects the liquid level position of the water in the cleaning tank 31 by the liquid level sensor 66. The CPU 135 closes the electromagnetic valve 72 and stops water supply when the water level reaches a predetermined position set in advance.

  The CPU 135 controls the heater driver 143 to drive the rubber heater 64. The heat of the rubber heater 64 is transmitted to the cleaning liquid through the cleaning tank 31. The temperature of the cleaning liquid is detected by the temperature sensor 65. The CPU 135 controls the rubber heater 64 so that the cleaning liquid maintains a predetermined temperature.

  The CPU 135 switches the electric three-way valve 69 to connect the liquid supply path 68 and the first circulation path 102 to drive the WP 104. The cleaning liquid discharged to the waste liquid port 63 flows through the circulation path 101, the first circulation path 102, and the liquid supply path 68 and is jetted toward the endoscope 10 by the water supply nozzle 44. Body fluid and dirt attached to the outer surface of the endoscope 10 are washed away by the impact of the jetted cleaning liquid and the vortex flow during circulation. Since the concentration gradient of the detergent is leveled by the circulation of the cleaning liquid, the same cleaning power can be obtained in the entire area of the cleaning tank 31.

  The CPU 135 switches the four-way valve 107 to connect the second circulation path 103 and the channel cleaning path 109. Further, the CPU 135 opens the electromagnetic valves 110 to 113 to drive the WP 105. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 31 also flows into the second circulation path 103 via the circulation path 101. The cleaning liquid flows through the channel cleaning path 109, the respective liquid supply / air supply paths 114 to 117, the couplers 49 to 51 of the channel cleaning port 48, and the tubes 53 to 55, and the air / water supply channel 15 of the endoscope 10, forceps The inside of the channel 16 and the suction channel 17 is washed.

  The CPU 135 opens the electromagnetic valve 95 to drive the WP 93 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The cleaning liquid used for cleaning flows through the waste liquid port 63, the waste liquid path 91, and the first waste liquid path 92 and is discharged out of the apparatus main body 30. In order to prevent the cleaning liquid from remaining in the circulation path 101 and the like, the driving of the WPs 104 and 105 is stopped after the cleaning liquid is completely discharged.

  In order to remove the cleaning liquid from the endoscope 10, a rinsing process is performed. The CPU 135 supplies a predetermined amount of water into the cleaning tank 31 and circulates this water to remove the cleaning liquid adhering to the outer surface of the endoscope 10 and each channel. Since the supply of water and the discharge of water after rinsing are the same as in the cleaning process, a detailed description is omitted.

  After completion of the rinsing process, a sterilization process for sterilizing the endoscope 10 is started. The CPU 135 drives the WP 83 to supply a disinfectant solution (peracetic acid) 80 into the cleaning tank 31. The CPU 135 detects the liquid level position of the disinfecting liquid 80 using the liquid level sensor 66, and stops the WP 83 when the liquid level reaches a predetermined position.

  The CPU 135 heats the disinfectant 80 to a predetermined temperature using the rubber heater 64 and the temperature sensor 65. After heating the disinfecting solution 80, the CPU 135 drives the WPs 104 and 105 to circulate the disinfecting solution 80 in the cleaning tank 31 and in each channel. The outer surface of the endoscope 10 and each channel are immersed in a disinfecting solution 80 to be disinfected. The CPU 135 opens the electromagnetic valve 96 after a predetermined time and returns the disinfecting liquid 80 to the disinfecting liquid tank 82.

  After the disinfection process is completed, a rinsing process for removing the disinfecting liquid 80 from the endoscope 10 is performed again. After completion of the rinsing process, a deodorizing process for deodorizing the odor of the disinfecting solution 80 from the cleaning tank 31 and each supply path is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 135 drives the WP 89 to supply a decomposition solution (catalase) 87 into the cleaning tank 31. The amount of the decomposition solution 87 supplied into the cleaning tank 31 is about several cc, and may be about 1 cc, for example.

  The CPU 135 connects the liquid supply path 68 and the water supply path 70 by the electric three-way valve 69, and supplies a predetermined amount of water into the cleaning tank 31 by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 72. The amount of water supplied into the cleaning tank 31 is determined by circulating the cleaning liquid 31 between the cleaning tank 31 and each supply path without diluting the decomposition liquid 87 to a predetermined concentration or more, and spreading the decomposition liquid 87 to each part. Amount.

  The CPU 135 connects the liquid supply path 68 and the first circulation path 102 by the electric three-way valve 69. Further, the CPU 135 connects the second circulation path 103 and the channel cleaning path 109 with the four-way valve 107. The CPU 135 drives the WPs 104 and 105.

  The water stored in the cleaning tank 31 is circulated to the cleaning tank 31 through the circulation path 101, the first circulation path 102, and the liquid supply path 68. Further, the water supplied to the second circulation path 103 includes a channel cleaning path 109, air / water supply paths 114 to 117, tubes 53 to 55, an air / water supply channel 15 of the endoscope 10, forceps channels 16, and the like. It is circulated to the washing tank 31 through the suction channel 17. The decomposition solution 87 mixed with water decomposes the disinfecting solution 80 and its odor components remaining in the cleaning tank 31 and the supply channels, and deodorizes the very strong odor of peracetic acid.

  The circulation of water in the deodorizing step is performed for a predetermined time necessary for deodorizing the disinfecting solution 80. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 135 opens the electromagnetic valve 95 to drive the WP 93 and discharges the water mixed with the decomposition solution 87. In addition, the CPU 135 stops the WPs 104 and 105 after completing the discharge of water.

  After completion of the deodorizing step, a drying step for drying the inside of each channel of the endoscope 10 is started. The CPU 135 switches the four-way valve 107 to the air supply path 119 side and drives the AP 120 to blow compressed air into each channel of the endoscope 10. Water droplets adhering in each channel are removed by compressed air. The CPU 135 switches the four-way valve 107 to the alcohol supply path 125 side, drives the WP 128, and causes the alcohol 126 to flow through each channel. Each channel of the endoscope 10 is dried by evaporation of the alcohol 126.

  After the drying process is finished, the top cover 40 is opened and the endoscope 10 is taken out from the cleaning tank 31. In the conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the odor of peracetic acid remaining in the cleaning tank and each supply channel leaks out of the apparatus and the working environment is deteriorated. In the present invention, since the odor of peracetic acid is deodorized in the deodorization step, the work environment is not deteriorated. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a special ventilation facility in the room where the device 28 is installed, the facility cost can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid decomposition liquid 87 is supplied into the cleaning tank 31, but the decomposition liquid 87 may be sprayed into the cleaning tank 31 in the form of a mist. As shown in FIG. 8, a spray nozzle 151 is provided in the supply port 43 in the cleaning tank 31. A mist generator 152 is connected to the spray nozzle 151. The mist generator 152 atomizes the decomposition liquid 87 sucked from the decomposition liquid tank 88 during the deodorization process, and sprays the atomized decomposition liquid 153 from the spray nozzle 151.

  The odor in the atmosphere of the cleaning tank 31 can be effectively deodorized by spraying the decomposition liquid 87 in the form of a mist into the cleaning tank 31. Further, after the decomposition liquid 87 is ejected, the inside of each supply path connected to the cleaning tank 31 can be deodorized if it is circulated together with water as in the above embodiment.

  In each of the above embodiments, the WP 89 for sucking the decomposition solution 87 is provided. However, the WP 78 or the WP 128 may also be used. In this case, it is preferable to provide an electromagnetic valve in the supply path connected to the WP so that the liquid to be sucked can be switched.

  Further, although liquid catalase is used as the decomposition solution 87, granular catalase may be used. Peroxidase may be used instead of catalase.

  When an alkaline detergent is used for cleaning the endoscope 10, an alkaline detergent may be supplied into the washing tank 31 instead of the decomposition solution 87. Since peracetic acid is neutralized by an alkaline detergent and stability is lowered, decomposition of peracetic acid can be promoted. Also, acetic acid produced by the decomposition of peracetic acid can be neutralized with an alkaline detergent.

  Further, when discharging the disinfecting liquid 80 having a reduced disinfecting effect from the disinfecting liquid tank 82, the disinfecting liquid 80 is once supplied into the cleaning tank 31 and is discharged after disinfecting the cleaning tank 31 and the waste liquid path 91. There is an endoscope cleaning and disinfection device When the present invention is applied to such an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the decomposition solution 87 may be supplied into the cleaning tank 31 after the disinfecting solution 80 is discharged. Further, the decomposition liquid 87 may be supplied into the cleaning tank 31 at an arbitrary timing by a user operation.

It is a top view which shows the structural example of an endoscope. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance shape of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of a washing tank. It is a piping diagram which shows the schematic piping system in an apparatus main body. It is a block diagram which shows a part of electrical structure of an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a deodorizing process. It is a piping diagram which shows embodiment which makes a decomposition liquid mist and ejects.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope 11 Insertion part 12 Operation part 28 Endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 30 Apparatus main body 31 Cleaning tank 40 Top cover 43 Supply port 75 Detergent 80 Disinfection liquid 87 Decomposition liquid 88 Decomposition liquid tank 152 Mist generator

Claims (7)

In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for disinfecting the endoscope by supplying peracetic acid into the cleaning tank in which the endoscope is accommodated,
A decomposition solution storage means in which a decomposition solution for decomposing the peracetic acid is stored;
Connecting the decomposition liquid storage means and the cleaning tank, and a decomposition liquid supply path through which the decomposition liquid flows from the decomposition liquid storage means;
Decomposition liquid supply means for flowing the decomposition liquid from the decomposition liquid storage means to the decomposition liquid supply path;
After the disinfection of the endoscope is completed and the peracetic acid is discharged from the cleaning tank, the decomposition liquid supply means is operated to supply the decomposition liquid from the decomposition liquid supply path into the cleaning tank. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising a supply control means.   The decomposition liquid supply control means causes the water supply means to supply water into the cleaning tank to supply the water into the cleaning tank supplied with the decomposition liquid, and the cleaning tank and the peracetic acid are allowed to flow. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water mixed with the decomposition liquid is circulated in the supply path.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the decomposition liquid supply means is a sprayer that mists the decomposition liquid and ejects the decomposition liquid into the cleaning tank.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the decomposition solution is a decomposing enzyme that decomposes the peracetic acid or an alkaline detergent added to the water when the endoscope is cleaned. Cleaning disinfection device. A disinfection step of disinfecting the endoscope by supplying peracetic acid into a cleaning tank containing the endoscope;
A deodorizing step of supplying a decomposition solution for decomposing the peracetic acid into the cleaning tank from which the peracetic acid has been discharged, and deodorizing the odor of the peracetic acid remaining in the cleaning tank. Endoscope cleaning and disinfection method.   In the deodorizing step, water is supplied into the cleaning tank supplied with the decomposition liquid, and the water mixed with the decomposition liquid is circulated in the supply path in which the cleaning tank and the peracetic acid are flowed. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting method according to claim 5, wherein:   The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the decomposition solution is a decomposing enzyme that decomposes the peracetic acid or an alkaline detergent added to the water when the endoscope is cleaned. Method.

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