JP2009261683A - Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus, and disinfectant preparation method for endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the degradation of a disinfectant tank or the like due to concentrate and the deposition of a crystal. <P>SOLUTION: Diluent 132 is supplied through a dilution path 100 and a second waste liquid path 96 to the disinfectant tank 87. When a diluent 132 is detected by a diluent sensor 118, the supply of the diluent 132 is stopped. A bottle unit 38 storing the concentrate 134 of the disinfectant is received in a bottle attaching part 108. The concentrate 134 is supplied into a buffer liquid tank 87 by a concentrate injection path 110 without directly coming into contact with the disinfectant tank 87. The disinfectant 86 of prescribed concentration is prepared in the disinfectant tank 87. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that supplies a concentrated liquid of a disinfecting liquid from a bottle to a disinfecting liquid tank, and mixes the concentrated liquid and the diluted liquid in the disinfecting liquid tank to prepare a disinfecting liquid having a predetermined concentration The present invention relates to a disinfectant preparation method for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

  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, body fluid and dirt are attached to the outer surface of the insertion portion and each channel. 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 various processes such as a cleaning process and a disinfection 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. In the disinfecting process, a predetermined amount of disinfecting liquid is supplied from a disinfecting liquid tank provided in the apparatus into the cleaning tank, and the endoscope is immersed in the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank. Pathogenic bacteria and viruses that have not been removed in the washing process are removed with a disinfectant or the pathogenicity is eliminated.

  For the disinfectant, for example, high-level disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde, ophthalphthalaldehyde and peracetic acid are used. Conventionally, glutaraldehyde has been frequently used, but at present, switching to peracetic acid has been progressing with a high disinfecting effect and less adverse effects on the human body.

  An endoscope in which a concentrated solution of peracetic acid (hereinafter referred to as a concentrated solution) and a diluting solution (for example, water) are supplied into a disinfectant tank, and both are mixed to automatically prepare a disinfectant solution of a predetermined concentration. A mirror cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The concentrate is supplied in a dedicated bottle made of plastic. For example, the concentrated liquid is treated as a deleterious substance because it has a peracetic acid concentration of 6% and contains 10% or more of hydrogen peroxide.

  The bottle in which the concentrated liquid is sealed is attached to a bottle attaching portion provided in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. The concentrated liquid flows through the concentrated liquid injection path that connects the bottle mounting portion and the disinfecting liquid tank, and is supplied to the disinfecting liquid tank. A predetermined amount of water is supplied as a diluent to the disinfectant tank supplied with the concentrate, and a disinfectant having a predetermined concentration is generated. In the disinfectant tank, a liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level positions of the concentrated liquid and the diluted liquid is provided.

The disinfectant tank is formed in accordance with the shape of the empty space in the housing in order to reduce the size of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. In order to form the disinfectant tank in a complicated shape that matches the empty space, for example, plastic blow molding is used. In addition, in order to prevent deterioration of the disinfectant tank and the packing of the liquid level sensor due to the disinfectant, the disinfectant tank and packing are made of plastic such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) that have high resistance to peracetic acid. It has been.
Japanese Patent No. 3537370

  Disinfectant tanks and packings formed using PP and PE have resistance to peracetic acid. However, the disinfectant tank and packing are also deteriorated by repeated contact with high concentration of peracetic acid. In addition, crystals may precipitate in the disinfectant tank due to the concentrated liquid.

  The conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus does not agitate the concentrated solution and the diluted solution supplied in the disinfecting solution tank. Therefore, the disinfecting solution immediately after being prepared in the disinfecting solution tank has a problem that the concentration distribution becomes non-uniform.

  Peracetic acid and its concentrate have a very strong odor. Since the bottle and the bottle mounting part are connected in an airtight and liquid tight manner, the odor of the concentrated liquid remaining in the bottle is removed from the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device while the bottle is attached to the bottle mounting part. Will not leak. However, if the bottle is removed from the bottle mounting portion at the time of replacement of the disinfecting liquid, the odor of the concentrated liquid remaining in the bottle and the bottle mounting portion leaks to the outside, and the working environment is deteriorated.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent deterioration of a disinfectant tank or the like due to a concentrated liquid and precipitation of crystals. It is also an object of the present invention to make the concentration distribution of the disinfecting solution just after preparation uniform and to reduce the odor of peracetic acid leaking from the bottle when the disinfecting solution is replaced.

  An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a diluent supply unit that supplies a diluent to a disinfectant tank, a first detection unit that detects that a predetermined amount of diluent has been supplied to the disinfectant tank, and a disinfectant. Concentrated liquid supply means for supplying the concentrated liquid from a bottle storing the concentrated liquid to the disinfectant tank. And a control unit that stops the dilution liquid supply unit when the dilution liquid is detected by the first detection unit and supplies the concentrate to the disinfectant tank from the concentrate supply unit.

  Second detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of concentrated liquid has been supplied into the disinfectant tank, and third detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of diluent has been supplied again into the disinfectant tank. May be. In this case, when the concentrated liquid is detected by the second detection means, the control means operates the dilution liquid supply means to supply the dilution liquid into the disinfectant tank, and the third detection means detects the dilution liquid. In this case, it is preferable to stop the diluent supply means.

  A second detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of the concentrated liquid has been supplied into the disinfectant tank; a bottle cleaning means for supplying the diluent into the bottle and cleaning the inside of the bottle; and disinfection after the bottle has been cleaned You may provide the 3rd detection means which detects that the dilution liquid which flowed in the liquid tank reached | attained predetermined amount. In this case, it is preferable that the control means operates the bottle washing means when the concentrated liquid is detected by the second detection means, and stops the bottle washing means when the diluted liquid is detected by the third detection means.

  Diluted liquid and concentrated liquid in the disinfecting liquid tank using disinfecting liquid supplying means for supplying the disinfecting liquid in the disinfecting liquid tank to the cleaning tank and disinfecting liquid collecting means for returning the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning tank to the disinfecting liquid tank. May be circulated.

  The method for preparing a disinfectant for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a step of supplying a predetermined amount of diluting solution into the disinfecting solution tank, and a concentration solution from the bottle storing the disinfecting solution concentrate into the disinfecting solution tank. And a supplying step.

  Another method of preparing the disinfectant solution includes a step of detecting that a predetermined amount of concentrate has been supplied into the disinfectant solution tank, and when the concentrate has been detected, a predetermined amount of diluent is again introduced into the disinfectant solution tank. And a supplying step.

  Yet another disinfectant preparation method includes a step of detecting that a predetermined amount of concentrate has been supplied into the disinfectant tank, and a step of supplying and washing the diluent in the bottle when the concentrate is detected. And a step of detecting that the diluted liquid flowing into the disinfectant tank after cleaning the bottle has reached a predetermined amount and stopping the cleaning of the bottle.

  Still another disinfectant preparation method uses disinfectant supply means for supplying the disinfectant in the disinfectant tank to the cleaning tank, and disinfectant recovery means for returning the disinfectant in the tank to the disinfectant tank, A step of circulating the diluting liquid and the concentrated liquid in the disinfecting liquid tank is provided.

  According to the present invention, since the diluting liquid is supplied into the disinfecting liquid tank and the concentrated liquid is then supplied, the concentrated liquid does not directly touch the disinfecting liquid tank or the like. Thereby, deterioration of the disinfectant liquid tank etc. by a concentrate and precipitation of a crystal | crystallization can be prevented. In addition, since the range of materials selection for the disinfectant tank and the like is widened, the cost of the disinfectant tank and the like can be expected to be improved and the moldability can be improved.

  Further, since the diluent is supplied again after the concentrate is supplied into the disinfectant tank, the concentrate and the diluent can be agitated. Furthermore, since the inside of the bottle is washed using the diluting liquid, it is possible to prevent the odor of the concentrated liquid from being generated from the inside of the bottle when the bottle is removed.

  Further, by circulating the diluting solution and the concentrated solution in the disinfecting solution tank and the washing tank and stirring them, a disinfecting solution having a uniform concentration distribution can be prepared.

  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 to which the forceps channel 16 is connected, 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 attachment port 12a to which the air / water supply channel 15 is connected and the attachment port 12b to which the suction channel 17 is connected. 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. 4) 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.

  On the front surface of the apparatus main body 30, a bottle housing portion 37 that can be opened and closed by a door 36 is provided. A bottle unit 38 is accommodated in the bottle accommodating portion 37. The bottle unit 38 includes a first bottle 39 enclosing a concentrated peracetic acid solution and a second bottle 40 enclosing a buffering agent. The first bottle 39 and the second bottle 40 are fastened by a belt-like film 41 wound around the outer periphery, and are handled as one bottle unit 38 integrally.

  The first bottle 39 has a substantially box-shaped bottle body 39a, a substantially cylindrical mouth portion 39b provided on the upper surface of the bottle body 39a, and a lid portion 39c provided in the mouth portion 39b. . A concentrated liquid is stored in the bottle body 39a. The mouth portion 39b communicates with the inside of the bottle body 39a, and the concentrated liquid in the bottle body 39a can be poured outside through the mouth portion 39b. The lid portion 39c is made of a thin plate-like body and closes the mouth portion 39b so that the concentrated liquid does not leak. The first bottle 39 is made of a plastic having resistance to a concentrated solution of peracetic acid.

  The first bottle 39 is accommodated in the bottle accommodating portion 37 in a state where the mouth portion 39b is laid obliquely so that the mouth portion 39b faces downward. The mouth portion 39b is eccentric with respect to the central axis of the bottle main body 39a in order to discharge the liquid in the first bottle 39 to the outside without remaining due to its own weight. Specifically, the inner surface of the mouth portion 39b is flush with the inner surface of the side surface 39d of the bottle main body 39a that becomes the bottom surface when the first bottle 39 is laid down (located in the same plane). In addition, since the 2nd bottle 40 uses the same thing as the 1st bottle 39, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the side of the bottle housing portion 37, a tank housing portion 45 that can be opened and closed by a door 44 is provided. A detergent tank 46 and an alcohol tank 47 are housed in the tank housing part 45. In the detergent tank 46, a detergent used for cleaning the endoscope 10 is stored. The alcohol tank 47 stores alcohol that flows into each channel after the endoscope 10 is cleaned and disinfected.

  A top cover 49 for opening and closing the cleaning tank 31 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The top cover 49 is a substantially rectangular plate-like body made of, for example, plastic, and one side is pivotally supported by a hinge 50 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The top cover 49 is closed during cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 10 and covers the upper part of the cleaning tank 31. A packing 49 a is provided on the outer periphery of the top cover 49 to seal the inside of the cleaning tank 31 when the top cover 49 is closed. The top surface of the top cover 49 is a transparent viewing window, and the state of cleaning and disinfection can be visually confirmed. Although not shown in detail, the top cover 49 is provided with a lock mechanism for locking in the closed position.

  A supply port 52 that supplies liquid used for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 10 into the cleaning tank 31 is provided in the inclined part 31 a provided at the corner of the cleaning tank 31. The supply port 52 is provided with a water supply nozzle 53, a detergent supply nozzle 54, and a disinfectant supply nozzle 55 that are bent toward the cleaning tank 31. These nozzles 53 to 55 are arranged at positions higher than the liquid level of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31. The top cover 49 is provided with a protruding portion 49 b that accommodates the supply port 52.

  The water supply nozzle 53 supplies water into the cleaning tank 31. The detergent supply nozzle 54 supplies the detergent stored in the detergent tank 46 into the cleaning tank 31. The disinfectant supply nozzle 55 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 57 is provided on the inner side surface 31 b of the cleaning tank 31. The channel cleaning port 57 is used for cleaning and disinfecting the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16, and the suction channel 17 of the endoscope 10 shown in FIG. The channel cleaning port 57 is provided with an air / water channel coupler 58, a suction channel coupler 59, and a forceps channel coupler 60.

  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 58 to 60 by tubes 62 to 64 having flexibility. Gases and liquids such as water, cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, alcohol, and compressed air are supplied from the couplers 58 to 60 into the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16, and the suction channel 17.

  An airtight test port 65 used for an airtight test of the endoscope 10 is provided on the inner side surface 31 c of the cleaning tank 31. The airtight test port 65 is provided with a tube coupler 65a for supplying compressed air. A tube having flexibility is attached to the tube coupler 65a. The tube is connected to a waterproof cap 27 attached to the connector portion 26. A liquid level sensor 66 is provided in the vicinity of the inner side surface 31c. The liquid level sensor 66 detects the liquid level position of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31.

  A small item cleaning basket 68 is attached to the center of the bottom surface 31 d of the cleaning tank 31. The accessory washing basket 68 is, for example, a circular basket having an upper opening, and accessory parts such as the air / water supply button 21, the suction button 22, and the forceps port cap 23 removed from the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10 are used. Be contained. A waste liquid port 69 is provided at a corner of the bottom surface 31d. The waste liquid port 69 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 71 is attached to the lower surface of the cleaning tank 31. The rubber heater 71 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) 72 for measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid and a liquid level sensor (LS) 66 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 water supply nozzle 53 is connected to a liquid supply path 74 through which water, a cleaning liquid, and a disinfecting liquid flow. The other end of the liquid supply path 74 is connected to the discharge port of the electric three-way valve 75. A water supply path 76 is connected to one inflow port of the electric three-way valve 75.

  The water supply channel 76 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 30 and connected to a tap water tap. The water supply path 76 is provided with a solenoid valve 78 and a water filter (WF) 79 from the side connected to the faucet. The solenoid valve 78 switches supply / stop of tap water to the water supply channel 76. WF79 captures foreign substances and bacteria contained in tap water. The electric three-way valve 75 connects the liquid supply path 74 and the water supply path 76 when supplying water into the cleaning tank 31.

  A detergent supply path 81 is connected to the detergent supply nozzle 54. The other end of the detergent supply path 81 is connected to a detergent tank 46 in which a detergent (for example, liquid enzyme detergent or the like) 82 is stored. A water pump (hereinafter abbreviated as WP) 83 is provided in the detergent supply path 81. The WP 83 sucks the detergent 82 in the detergent tank 46 and discharges it from the detergent supply nozzle 54.

  A disinfectant supply path 85 is connected to the disinfectant supply nozzle 55. The other end of the disinfecting liquid supply path 85 is connected to a disinfecting liquid tank 87 in which the disinfecting liquid 86 is stored. The disinfecting liquid supply path 85 is provided with a WP 88 that sucks the disinfecting liquid 86 and discharges it from the disinfecting liquid supply nozzle 55.

  The disinfectant tank 87 is formed by blow molding using polypropylene (PP) having resistance to peracetic acid. The reason why the blow molding is used is that the disinfectant tank 87 is formed in a complicated shape that matches the empty space in the apparatus main body 30 and has a predetermined strength. A discharge port 90 for discharging the used disinfectant 86 is provided on the lower surface of the disinfectant tank 87. The discharge port 91 is connected to a discharge path 91 that is routed outside the apparatus main body 30. An electromagnetic valve 92 is provided in the discharge path 91.

  A waste liquid path 94 is connected to the waste liquid port 69. The waste liquid path 94 is branched into a first waste liquid path 95 and a second waste liquid path 96 on the downstream side. The first waste liquid path 95 discharges the cleaning liquid and water used for cleaning the endoscope 10 to the outside of the apparatus main body 30 by the WP 97. The second waste liquid path 96 returns the disinfecting liquid 86 used for disinfecting the endoscope 10 to the disinfecting liquid tank 87. Since the disinfecting liquid 86 does not lose its disinfecting effect after several uses, it is returned to the disinfecting liquid tank 87 and used repeatedly. The first waste liquid path 95 and the second waste liquid path 96 are switched by opening and closing electromagnetic valves 98 and 99 provided respectively.

  A dilution path 100 is connected to the second waste liquid path 96 on the downstream side of the electromagnetic valve 99. The other end of the dilution path 100 is connected to the water supply path 76 on the downstream side of the WF 79. The dilution path 100 supplies water to the disinfectant tank 87 as a diluent for diluting the concentrate. The dilution path 100 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 101 that controls the supply of the diluent.

  A circulation path 102 is also connected to the waste liquid port 69. The circulation path 102 is provided with a WP 103 that sucks the liquid in the cleaning tank 31. The circulation path 102 branches into a first circulation path 104 and a second circulation path 105 on the downstream side. The first circulation path 104 is connected to the other inlet of the electric three-way valve 75. The electric three-way valve 75 connects the first circulation path 104 and the liquid supply path 74, and circulates the liquid sucked from the cleaning tank 31 by the WP 103 from the water supply nozzle 53 into the cleaning tank 31.

  The second circulation path 105 is connected to the air / water channel coupler 58, the suction channel coupler 59, and the forceps channel coupler 60 of the channel cleaning port 57. The liquid sucked from the cleaning tank 31 by the WP 103 is supplied from the couplers 59 to 60 into the channels 15 to 17 of the endoscope 10.

  In addition to the second circulation path 105, the channel cleaning port 57 is connected to an air supply path that blows air into each channel to remove water droplets, an alcohol supply path that causes alcohol to flow and dry in each channel, and the like. . In order to prevent complication of the drawing, FIG. 4 does not show an air supply path, an alcohol supply path, and the like.

  In the vicinity of the disinfectant tank 87, a bottle housing portion 37 is arranged. The bottle housing portion 37 has a bottom surface portion 107 on which the bottle unit 38 is placed. The bottom surface portion 107 is inclined so as to become lower toward the back of the apparatus main body 30. The bottle unit 38 is tilted so that the mouth portion 39 b faces downward, and the side surface 39 d is placed on the bottom surface portion 107. A first bottle mounting portion 108 is provided at the lowermost end of the bottom surface portion 107. The first bottle mounting portion 108 has a base shape that fits in an airtight and liquid-tight manner outside the mouth portion 39 b of the first bottle 39.

  A concentrated liquid injection path 110 provided at the upper part of the disinfectant tank 87 is attached to the first bottle mounting part 108. The concentrated liquid injection path 110 is formed of a pipe communicating with the disinfecting liquid tank 87, and a sharp tip 110 a protrudes into the first bottle mounting part 108. When the mouth part 39 b of the bottle unit 38 is pushed into the first bottle mounting part 108, the concentrated liquid injection path 110 is inserted into the first bottle 39 by pushing through the lid part 39 c with the tip part 110 a.

  Although not shown in detail, the bottle housing portion 37 is also provided with a second bottle mounting portion for the second bottle 40. The second bottle mounting portion has the same shape as the first bottle mounting portion 108. A buffer injection path provided in the disinfectant tank 87 is connected to the second bottle mounting portion along with the concentrated liquid injection path 110. The buffer is supplied into the disinfectant tank 87 through the buffer injection path simultaneously with the concentrated liquid.

  A bottle sensor 116 that detects the bottle unit 38 is provided in the bottle housing portion 37. The bottle sensor 116 detects the bottle unit 38 when the first bottle 39 and the second bottle 40 are pushed into the first bottle mounting portion 108 and the second bottle mounting portion.

  In the disinfectant tank 87, there are provided a diluent sensor 118 that detects the liquid level and turns it on, and a concentrate sensor 119. The diluting liquid sensor 118 and the concentrated liquid sensor 119 are attached to the disinfecting liquid tank 87 from the outside of the disinfecting liquid tank 87 by using, for example, holes formed in the disinfecting liquid tank 87. Between the disinfecting liquid tank 87, the diluting liquid sensor 118, and the concentrated liquid sensor 119, a packing for preventing the disinfecting liquid 86 from leaking is attached. For this packing, PP having resistance against peracetic acid, polyethylene (PE) or the like is used.

  The diluent sensor 118 detects the level of the diluent supplied into the disinfectant tank 87 through the dilution path 100. The amount of the diluent detected by the diluent sensor 118 is an amount capable of diluting the prescribed amount of concentrated solution and buffer supplied from the bottle unit 38 to a predetermined concentration. The concentrated liquid sensor 119 detects a prescribed amount of the concentrated liquid and buffer to be supplied from the bottle unit 38. The amount of the concentrated solution and the buffering agent detected by the concentrated solution sensor 119 is actually the total amount of the disinfecting solution 86 including the diluted solution.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the device 28 includes a CPU 122 that controls the entire device, a ROM 123 that stores a control program and various data, and a RAM 124 that is an execution area of the control program read from the ROM 123. I have. Sensors such as a liquid level sensor 66, a temperature sensor 72, a bottle sensor 116, a dilution liquid sensor 118, and a concentrated liquid sensor 119 are connected to the CPU 122. Also connected to the CPU 122 are an LCD driver 125 that drives the display panel 34, a valve driver 126 that drives each electromagnetic valve, a motor driver 127 that drives the electric three-way valve 75, and the like. A WP driver 128 that drives each WP, a heater driver 129 that drives the rubber heater 71, and the like are also connected to the CPU 122.

  The apparatus 28 has a plurality of operation modes such as a cleaning / disinfecting mode, a disinfecting liquid preparation mode, and a disinfecting liquid discharge mode. Each mode is selected by operating the operation panel 33. Hereinafter, the disinfectant preparation mode for preparing a new disinfectant 86 in the disinfectant tank 87 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the device 28 is set to the disinfectant preparation mode by operating the operation panel 33 (S1), the CPU 122 sets the disinfectant 86 in the disinfectant tank 87 based on the signals of the diluent sensor 118 and the concentrate sensor 119. The presence or absence is confirmed (S2). When the disinfecting liquid 86 is stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 87, the CPU 122 opens the electromagnetic valve 92 to discharge the disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 (S3). It is preferable that a predetermined amount of diluent is supplied into the disinfectant tank 87 after the disinfectant 86 is discharged, and the disinfectant tank 87 is cleaned.

  When the disinfecting liquid tank 87 is not present in the disinfecting liquid tank 87, as shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 122 opens the electromagnetic valves 78 and 101 and supplies the diluting liquid 132 into the disinfecting liquid tank 87 (S4). When the dilution liquid 132 supplied in the disinfectant liquid tank 87 reaches a predetermined amount, the dilution liquid sensor 118 detects the liquid level and turns on (S5). When the diluent sensor 118 is turned on, the CPU 122 closes the electromagnetic valves 78 and 101 and stops supplying the diluent 132 (S6).

  When the diluent sensor 118 is turned on, the CPU 122 accepts installation of a new bottle unit 38 (S7). For example, the display panel 34 displays that a new bottle unit 38 can be attached.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the bottle unit 38 storing the concentrated solution 134 and the buffering agent is slanted so that the mouth portion 39b faces downward, and the bottle housing portion is opened from the mouth portion 39b side. 37. The bottle unit 38 is placed on the bottom surface portion 107.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the bottle unit 38 is slid on the bottom surface portion 107, and the mouth portion 39 b is pushed into the first bottle attachment portion 108. The distal end portion 110a of the concentrate injection path 110 is inserted into the mouth portion 39b, and the lid portion 39c is pushed and broken. Since the first bottle mounting portion 108 is fitted to the outer periphery of the mouth portion 39 b so as to be airtight and liquid-tight, the odor of the concentrated liquid 134 does not leak from the first bottle 39. Although not described in detail, the second bottle 40 is fitted to the second bottle mounting portion in the same manner as the first bottle 39.

  The concentrate 134 and the buffer in the bottle unit 38 flow into the disinfectant tank 87 through the concentrate injection path 110 and the buffer injection path. The concentrated liquid sensor 119 detects the level of the disinfecting liquid 86 having a predetermined concentration by mixing the concentrated liquid 134, the buffering agent, and the diluent 132 (S8). A disinfecting liquid 86 having a predetermined concentration is prepared in the disinfecting liquid tank 87.

  The bottle sensor 116 detects the bottle unit 38 accommodated in the bottle accommodating portion 37 and is turned on. In addition, the CPU 122 performs measurement for a predetermined time after the bottle sensor 116 is turned on. Then, when the concentrate sensor 119 is not turned on within a predetermined time, error processing is performed (S9). This is because when the concentrate sensor 119 is not turned on within a predetermined time, there is a possibility that an empty bottle unit 38 or a bottle unit 38 with a small amount of the concentrate 134 or the like is set. As a cause of the error in which the concentrated liquid 134 or the like is not detected, a liquid supply error such as the concentrated liquid 134 leaking out of the disinfecting liquid tank 87 may be considered. As the error processing, for example, an error message is displayed on the display panel 34.

  According to this embodiment, since the concentrated liquid 134 does not directly touch the disinfecting liquid tank 87 and the packing of each sensor, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the disinfecting liquid tank 87 and the packing. Further, the concentrated liquid 134 can also prevent crystals from being precipitated in the disinfectant tank 87. Since the range of material selection for the disinfectant tank 87 and packing is widened, cost reduction and improvement in formability can be expected.

  Next, a cleaning / disinfecting mode in which the endoscope 10 is cleaned and disinfected will be briefly described with reference to FIG. When the used endoscope 10 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 31 and the cleaning / disinfecting mode by the operation panel 33 is set (S10), the cleaning process (S11) is started.

  The CPU 122 drives the electromagnetic valve 78, the electric three-way valve 75, the WP 83, etc., supplies a predetermined amount of water and detergent 82 into the cleaning tank 31, and heats it with the rubber heater 71. The CPU 122 sucks the cleaning liquid obtained by mixing water and the detergent 82 with the WP 102, circulates it through the circulation paths 102, 104, 105, etc., injects it from the water supply nozzle 53 toward the endoscope 10, and adheres to the outer surface. Wash away the filth. Further, the cleaning liquid is also poured into each channel of the endoscope 10 for cleaning. After completion of the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid is discharged through the waste liquid paths 94 and 95.

  After the cleaning process, a rinsing process (S12) is started. The CPU 122 supplies water into the cleaning tank 31 and circulates this water to remove the cleaning liquid remaining on the outer surface of the endoscope 10 and in each channel. The water used for rinsing is also discharged through the waste liquid paths 94 and 95.

  After the rinsing process, the disinfection process (S13) is started. The CPU 122 drives the WP 88 to suck the disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 and supplies a predetermined amount of the disinfecting liquid 86 into the cleaning tank 31. The disinfectant liquid 86 is heated by the rubber heater 71. As in the washing process and the rinsing process, the disinfecting solution 86 is circulated in each channel of the washing tank 31 and the endoscope 10 to remove pathogens and viruses that have not been washed away in the washing process, or to eliminate pathogenicity. . After the disinfection process is completed, the disinfecting liquid 86 is returned to the disinfecting liquid tank 87 through the waste liquid paths 94 and 96.

  The cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 10 is completed through a rinsing step (S14) for removing the disinfecting liquid 86 and a drying step (S15) for drying the inside of each channel of the endoscope 10 with air and alcohol.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid 132 is supplied to the disinfecting liquid tank 87 in the order of the diluting liquid 132 and the concentrated liquid 134 to prepare the disinfecting liquid 86. However, the diluting liquid 132 may be supplied in two portions. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the diluent 132 is supplied before and after the supply of the concentrate 134 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in this embodiment, a dilution liquid sensor 118, a concentrated liquid sensor 119, and a disinfecting liquid sensor 140 are provided in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 from below. The diluent sensor 118 detects the liquid level of the diluent 132 supplied first. The concentrated liquid sensor 119 detects the liquid level where the supplied diluted liquid 132, the concentrated liquid 134, and the buffer are mixed. The distance between the diluent sensor 118 and the concentrate sensor 119 is set according to the prescribed amounts of the concentrate 134 and the buffer. The disinfecting liquid sensor 140 detects the liquid level of the diluting liquid 132 that is supplied again after supplying the concentrated liquid 134 and the buffer, that is, the liquid level of the adjusted disinfecting liquid 86.

  The disinfectant preparation mode according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. CPU122 performs the process of S1-S6. As shown in FIG. 9A, a predetermined amount of diluent 132 is supplied into the disinfectant tank 87. Next, the CPU 122 performs the process of S7. As shown in FIG. 9B, a predetermined amount of concentrated liquid 134 and buffer are supplied into the disinfecting liquid tank 87. The concentrated liquid sensor 119 detects the liquid level where the diluted liquid 132, the concentrated liquid 134, and the buffer are mixed, and turns on (S8).

  As shown in FIG. 9C, when the concentrate sensor 119 is turned on, the CPU 122 opens the electromagnetic valves 78 and 101 and supplies the diluent 132 again into the disinfectant tank 87 (S20). The disinfectant solution sensor 140 detects and turns on the liquid in which the diluent 132, the concentrated solution 134, and the buffer are mixed (S21). When the disinfecting liquid sensor 140 is turned on, the CPU 122 closes the electromagnetic valves 78 and 101 and stops supplying the diluting liquid 132 (S22). As a result, a disinfectant 86 having a predetermined concentration is generated in the disinfectant tank 87.

  According to this embodiment, the diluent 132 and the concentrate 134 can be agitated by the flow of the diluent 132 supplied after the concentrate 134 is supplied. Thereby, since the concentration distribution of the disinfectant 86 becomes uniform, a stable disinfection effect of the endoscope 10 can be obtained. It should be noted that the amount of the diluent 132 supplied first and the amount of the diluent 132 supplied later are determined so that the deterioration prevention of the disinfectant tank 87 and the like and the stirring effect can be obtained in a balanced manner. preferable.

  Peracetic acid and its concentrate 134 have a very strong odor. Therefore, there is a problem that when the empty bottle unit 38 is removed from the bottle housing portion 37, the working environment is deteriorated by the odor of the concentrated liquid 134 remaining in the first bottle 39. In order to solve this problem, a configuration may be provided in which water is sprayed into the first bottle 39 for cleaning. In addition, since the water which wash | cleaned the inside of the 1st bottle 39 flows in into the disinfection liquid tank 87 through the concentrate injection path 110, it is preferable to use this water as a dilution liquid. Hereinafter, an embodiment for cleaning the inside of the first bottle 39 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, a bottle cleaning nozzle 145 is provided in the concentrated liquid injection path 110. The bottle cleaning nozzle 145 is connected to the water supply path 76 by a bottle cleaning path 146. An electromagnetic valve 147 is provided in the bottle cleaning path 146.

  The disinfectant preparation mode according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. CPU122 performs the process of S1-S6. As shown in FIG. 11A, a predetermined amount of diluent 132 is supplied into the disinfectant tank 87. Next, the CPU 122 performs the process of S7. As shown in FIG. 11B, a predetermined amount of concentrated liquid 134 and a buffering agent are supplied into the disinfecting liquid tank 87. The concentrated liquid sensor 119 detects the liquid level where the diluted liquid 132, the concentrated liquid 134, and the buffer are mixed, and turns on (S8).

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the CPU 122 opens the electromagnetic valves 78 and 147 when the concentrate sensor 119 is turned on. The bottle cleaning liquid 149, which is the same water as the dilution liquid 132, is sprayed into the first bottle 39 from the bottle cleaning nozzle 145, and the concentrated liquid 134 remaining in the first bottle 39 is cleaned (S25). The bottle cleaning liquid 149 flows into the disinfecting liquid tank 87 through the concentrated liquid injection path 110 and dilutes the concentrated liquid 134.

  The disinfectant liquid sensor 140 detects and turns on the liquid in which the diluent 132, the concentrated liquid 134, the buffering agent, and the bottle cleaning liquid 149 are mixed (S26). When the disinfecting liquid sensor 140 is turned on, the CPU 122 closes the electromagnetic valves 78 and 147 and stops the supply of the bottle cleaning liquid 149 (S27). As a result, a disinfectant 86 having a predetermined concentration is generated in the disinfectant tank 87.

  According to the above embodiment, the water used for cleaning the first bottle 39 is used as the diluent 132, so there is no waste. Similar to the above embodiment, the diluting liquid 132 is supplied in two portions, so that the stirring effect of the disinfecting liquid 86 can be expected.

  The concentration of the disinfecting solution 86 is decreased by mixing water remaining in the cleaning tank 31 after the endoscope 10 is cleaned, or the disinfecting effect is weakened due to the progress of decomposition of peracetic acid. Further, the disinfecting liquid 86 adhering to the cleaning tank 31 and the endoscope 10 is left in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 without being collected, so that the disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 is reduced. The disinfecting liquid 86 needs to be replaced when the disinfecting effect becomes weak or when the storage amount in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 decreases. Further, the disinfecting liquid 86 that has passed for a predetermined time after the adjustment may be decomposed and the disinfecting effect may be weakened, so that replacement is required.

  Next, the disinfectant discharge mode used when discharging the used disinfectant 86 from the apparatus 28 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  For example, the device 28 of the present embodiment counts the number of times the disinfectant 86 is used after the preparation of the disinfectant 86, that is, the number of times the endoscope 10 is disinfected, and when the count value reaches a predetermined number, the display panel 34 A message prompting the replacement of the disinfectant 86 is displayed. When the apparatus 28 is set to the disinfecting liquid discharge mode by the operation panel 33 (S30), the CPU 122 determines whether or not the disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 is present based on the signals from the diluting liquid sensor 118 and the concentrated liquid sensor 119. Is confirmed (S31).

  The CPU 122 opens the electromagnetic valve 92 when the disinfecting liquid 86 is stored in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 (S32). The disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 is discharged out of the apparatus main body 30 through the discharge port 90 and the discharge path 91. The CPU 122 closes the electromagnetic valve 92 after the predetermined time has elapsed after the diluent sensor 118 is turned off (S33) (S34). This is because all the disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87 is discharged. When there is no disinfecting liquid 86 in the disinfecting liquid tank 87, the CPU 122 performs error processing (S35). As the error processing, for example, it is displayed that there is no disinfectant 86 to be discharged on the display panel 34. It is preferable that a predetermined amount of diluent is supplied into the disinfectant tank 87 after the disinfectant 86 is discharged, and the disinfectant tank 87 is cleaned.

  After the disinfecting liquid 86 is discharged, the empty bottle unit 38 accommodated in the bottle accommodating portion 37 can be replaced with a new bottle unit 38. The empty bottle unit 38 is cleaned in the first bottle 39 by the bottle cleaning liquid 154 when the concentrated liquid 134 is supplied. Therefore, when the empty bottle unit 38 is removed from the bottle accommodating portion 37, the working environment is not deteriorated by the odor of the concentrated liquid 134.

  In each of the above embodiments, the disinfecting liquid 86 is stirred by supplying the diluting liquid 132 in two portions. However, when the stirring effect is weak, the disinfecting liquid 86 is removed between the cleaning tank 31 and the cleaning liquid 31. It may be circulated and forcedly stirred. For example, after supplying the diluting liquid 132, the concentrated liquid 134, and the buffering agent to the disinfecting liquid tank 87, the CPU 122 operates the WP 88 and simultaneously opens the electromagnetic valve 99. Since the disinfecting liquid 86 is circulated through the disinfecting liquid supply path 85, the cleaning tank 31, the waste liquid path 94, and the second waste liquid path 96 and returned to the disinfecting liquid tank 87, the concentration distribution becomes uniform.

  In each of the above embodiments, the user is substantially supplied with the concentrate 134, but may be automatically performed by the device 28. For example, it is preferable that an electromagnetic valve is provided in the concentrate injection path 110 and the buffer injection path, and the timing at which the concentrate 134 or the like is supplied from the bottle unit 38 to the disinfectant tank 87 is preferably determined by the apparatus 28 itself.

  The present invention can also be applied to an endoscope disinfection device that does not have an endoscope cleaning function. It can also be used for disinfection devices such as endoscope treatment tools and other medical instruments. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

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 disinfection liquid preparation mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process order of disinfection liquid preparation mode. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of washing | cleaning disinfection mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process sequence of the disinfection liquid preparation mode which supplies a dilution liquid in 2 steps. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the disinfection liquid preparation mode which supplies a dilution liquid in 2 steps. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process sequence of the disinfection liquid preparation mode which dilutes a concentrate using a bottle washing | cleaning liquid. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the disinfection liquid preparation mode which dilutes a concentrate using a bottle washing | cleaning liquid. It is a flowchart which shows the process order of disinfection liquid discharge mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope 28 Endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 31 Cleaning tank 37 Bottle accommodating part 38 Bottle unit 39 1st bottle 40 2nd bottle 86 Disinfection liquid 87 Disinfection liquid tank 100 Dilution path 108 1st bottle attachment part 110 Concentrated liquid injection path 118 Diluted liquid sensor 119 Concentrated liquid sensor 132 Diluted liquid 134 Concentrated liquid 140 Disinfectant liquid sensor 145 Bottle cleaning nozzle 149 Bottle cleaning liquid

Claims (8)

A diluent supply means for supplying a diluent to the disinfectant tank;
First detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of the diluent has been supplied to the disinfectant tank;
A concentrate supply means for supplying the concentrate to the disinfectant tank from a bottle storing the concentrate of the disinfectant;
Control means for stopping the diluent supply means and supplying the concentrate into the disinfectant tank from the concentrate supply means when the diluent is detected by the first detection means; Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device characterized by. Second detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of the concentrated liquid is supplied into the disinfectant tank;
A third detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of the diluent has been supplied again into the disinfectant tank;
The control means operates the dilution liquid supply means to supply the dilution liquid into the disinfectant tank when the second detection means detects the concentrated liquid, and the third detection means causes the 2. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diluent supply means is stopped when the diluent is detected. Second detection means for detecting that a predetermined amount of the concentrated liquid is supplied into the disinfectant tank;
A bottle cleaning means for supplying the diluent into the bottle and cleaning the bottle;
A third detection means for detecting that the diluted liquid that has flowed into the disinfectant tank after cleaning the bottle has reached a predetermined amount;
The control means activates the bottle cleaning means when the concentrated liquid is detected by the second detection means, and stops the bottle cleaning means when the diluted liquid is detected by the third detection means. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1.   The control means uses the disinfecting liquid supply means for supplying the disinfecting liquid in the disinfecting liquid tank to the cleaning tank, and the disinfecting liquid collecting means for returning the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning tank to the disinfecting liquid tank, The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diluting liquid and the concentrated liquid in the disinfecting liquid tank are circulated. Supplying a predetermined amount of diluent into the disinfectant tank;
And a step of supplying the concentrated solution from a bottle storing the concentrated solution of the disinfecting solution into the disinfecting solution tank. Detecting that a predetermined amount of the concentrate has been supplied into the disinfectant tank;
6. A disinfecting solution for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a step of supplying a predetermined amount of the diluting solution again into the disinfecting solution tank when the concentrated solution is detected. Preparation method. Detecting that a predetermined amount of the concentrate has been supplied into the disinfectant tank;
When the concentrated liquid is detected, supplying the diluent into the bottle and washing;
6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of detecting that the dilution liquid that has flowed into the disinfectant tank after cleaning the inside of the bottle has reached a predetermined amount, and stopping the cleaning of the bottle. Disinfectant preparation method for endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus.   The disinfection liquid supply means for supplying the disinfection liquid in the disinfection liquid tank to the cleaning tank and the disinfection liquid recovery means for returning the disinfection liquid in the cleaning tank to the disinfection liquid tank, The method for preparing a disinfecting solution for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a step of circulating the diluting solution and the concentrated solution.

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