JP2010284213A - Washing and disinfecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive washing and disinfecting device having an electric opening/closing mechanism of opening a lid in a short time. <P>SOLUTION: The washing and disinfecting device includes an opening/closing mechanism for opening/closing a lid with a motor. In the lid opening operation, a motor starts to be driven at low speed and is temporarily stopped after seal of the lid is released. After the temporary stop, the motor is driven at high speed and arrives at an opening position. In the washing and disinfecting device, air flow resistance of the outer air flowing into a cleaning tank is large until the tight seal of the lid is released because of a countermeasure against a bad odor. Since the motor is driven at slow speed until the tight seal of the cover is released, a motor of small torque is available. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for cleaning / disinfecting medical instruments such as endoscopes.

  A cleaning / disinfecting device for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope is known. In the cleaning tank of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the endoscope is accommodated in a state where the insertion portion is wound, and the supplied cleaning water and disinfecting liquid are stored. The upper opening of the washing tank is covered with a lid to prevent the washing water and disinfectant from splashing outside the washing tank, and the lid is attached to the main body of the device via a hinge so that it can be opened and closed. It has been.

  The used endoscope is carried by the staff to a cleaning / disinfecting device. When the endoscope is housed in the washing tank, the staff is holding the endoscope with both hands, so the hand is blocked and the hand cannot be used to open the lid. Therefore, like the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a lid that is biased in the opening direction, a lock mechanism that locks the lid against the bias in the closed position, and a lock mechanism that is operated by depressing the foot switch. A cleaning / disinfecting apparatus having a releasing mechanism for releasing is known. According to this, the lid can be opened without using a hand. After the endoscope is accommodated in the washing tank, the hand is released from the endoscope, and the lid is closed using the hand.

  On the other hand, during the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid and water are jetted in the cleaning tank, and the accompanying water flow is also generated. Therefore, if there is a gap between the lid and the opening of the cleaning tank, the cleaning liquid and water are externally exposed from the gap. To splash. Further, during the disinfection process, the endoscope is immersed in a disinfectant solution in the cleaning tank. As the disinfectant, peracetic acid or the like that emits an intense odor is used. If there is a gap between the lid and the opening of the cleaning tank, the odor leaks to the outside through the gap. For this reason, as described in Patent Document 2, for example, a sealing packing made of an elastic member such as rubber is attached to the outer edge of the lid that covers the cleaning tank. The peripheral edge of the opening and the packing are pressed against each other, and the cleaning tank is hermetically sealed.

Japanese Patent No. 3458081 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-6656

  In the above conventional cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the lid can be opened by a foot switch operation, but the lid cannot be closed by the foot switch operation. Endoscope dirt is attached to the hand holding the used endoscope. In order to prevent infection, many staff members use elbows to close the lid to prevent the lid from getting dirty from the palms and fingertips. In order to improve the operability of the lid closing operation, there is a demand for closing the lid without using a hand.

  In order to enable the closing operation in addition to the opening operation by the operation of the foot switch, a drive mechanism that opens and closes the lid by the operation of the foot switch is required. In addition to the conventional release mechanism of the lock mechanism, if the closing operation is mechanically opened using a wire or the like, there arises a problem that the number of parts and the space for arranging the parts increase.

  Therefore, it is considered to use an electric actuator such as a motor as a drive source instead of a mechanical drive mechanism. However, in the case of a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that requires the cleaning tank to be sealed with a lid, the lid is opened. A large torque is required for operation. This increases the cost of the motor, and has been an obstacle to adopting the motor as a drive source.

  This is because in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the inside of the cleaning tank is sealed when the lid is in the closed position, so that at the beginning of the opening operation of the lid, that is, until the sealing by the packing of the lid is released, Outside air is taken into the cleaning tank through an air passage provided in the lid. In order to prevent odors, a deodorizing filter is arranged at the vent hole, so the ventilation resistance is large. Since the airflow resistance increases in proportion to the square of the lid opening speed, a large torque is required to increase the lid opening speed.

  A motor with a large generated torque tends to be expensive and large, and causes an increase in cost and an arrangement space.

  Of course, if the motor is driven at a low speed and the lid is opened, a small torque is required, but if the time until the lid opens is long, it is psychological stress for staff who are extremely busy and are required to work quickly. Therefore, there is a limit to reducing the opening speed of the lid.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus including an electric opening / closing mechanism that can open a lid at a low cost and in a short time.

  According to the present invention, since the opening speed of the lid is changed so that the speed after the sealing is released is faster than before the sealing by the lid is released, an expensive motor having a large generated torque is used. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of opening the lid in a short time.

  The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus of the present invention contains a medical instrument, cleans and disinfects the medical instrument, opens and closes the opening of the cleaning tank, closes the opening at the closed position, and the cleaning tank. Controlling the deodorizing filter that deodorizes odors from the gas passing through the air passage, the electric actuator that opens and closes the lid, and the drive of the electric actuator. Thus, it is characterized by comprising control means for changing the opening speed of the lid so that the speed after the sealing is released becomes faster than before the sealing by the lid is released.

  Here, “after the seal is released” includes not only immediately after the release but also the time when the lid is opened by a predetermined amount after the seal is released. That is, the speed may be changed immediately after the sealing is released, or the speed may be changed when a predetermined amount of the lid is opened after the sealing is released.

  Preferably, the control means temporarily stops the lid after the sealing is released. Since the drainage and vibration of the lid converge due to the temporary stop, the amount of droplets scattered and the load on the electric actuator can be reduced. It is preferable to change the opening speed of the lid before and after the temporary stop.

  The control means preferably drives the electric actuator in the low speed range from the closed position to the position where the sealing is released, and after the sealing is released, drives the electric actuator in the high speed range. In this case, it is preferable that the electric actuator is driven at a constant speed in the low speed range. Moreover, it is preferable that the high speed region includes an acceleration section that accelerates from an initial speed to a predetermined speed and a deceleration section that decelerates from the predetermined speed before stopping.

  The control means may further change the closing speed of the lid during the closing operation of closing the lid. In this case, it is preferable to reduce the closing speed of the lid before the lid reaches the closed position. By decelerating, it is possible to prevent a finger or hand from being accidentally pinched by the lid.

  The control means preferably performs incremental feed driving that continues driving the electric actuator for a predetermined time after the lid reaches the closed position. Sealing can be reliably performed by the additional feed drive. The control means preferably performs an opening preparation drive for driving the electric actuator in the reverse direction for a predetermined time when the lid closing operation is finished. By performing the opening preparation drive, the time for the next opening operation can be shortened.

  The deodorizing filter is preferably provided on the lid. Moreover, it is preferable to provide a foot switch for inputting a lid opening / closing instruction to the control means.

  The lid is attached so as to be openable and closable so as to rotate about the rear end portion as a fulcrum. It is preferable that the lid has a substantially flat plate shape, and a reinforcing rib is provided on the surface facing the cleaning tank. The ribs are preferably arranged so that the density is higher at the rear of the lid than at the front of the lid.

It is an external view of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of this invention. It is an external view of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus with the top cover opened. It is an external view of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of the state which opened the filter cover. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure of a ventilation path. It is a top view which shows the structure of the lower surface of a top cover. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a top cover and an apparatus main body when it exists in an open position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a top cover and an apparatus main body when it exists in a temporary stop position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a top cover and a sensor when it exists in a closed position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a top cover and a sensor when it exists in a temporary stop position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a top cover and a sensor when it exists in an open position. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of an electric structure. It is a chart which shows the drive sequence in opening operation. It is a chart which shows the drive sequence in closing operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the top cover after an additional feed drive. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the top cover after opening preparation drive. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus. It is a chart which shows the drive sequence in the opening operation | movement when not performing a temporary stop.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus) 10 includes a box-shaped apparatus main body 11. A cleaning tank 13 that houses the used endoscope 12 and is supplied with a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 11. The cleaning tank 13 is a water tank with an open top, and is formed of a metal material having excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and the like, such as stainless steel. The apparatus main body 11 is provided with a top cover 16 that functions as a lid that covers the opening 13 a of the cleaning tank 13.

  The apparatus main body 11 has a chassis (not shown). In addition to the cleaning tank 13 and the top cover 16, the chassis is provided with a cleaning / disinfecting mechanism 83 (see FIG. 11) for performing a cleaning / disinfecting process. . The cleaning / disinfecting mechanism 83 includes a pipe for supplying the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid to the cleaning tank 13, a pump electromagnetic valve, and a tank for storing the disinfecting liquid. The outer periphery of the chassis is covered with an exterior member composed of a front panel 17, a side panel 18, and an upper panel 19.

  When viewed from above, the inner circumferential shape of the cleaning tank 13 has a substantially circular front portion and a substantially square rear portion (see FIG. 5). A substantially circular net 21 on which the endoscope 12 is placed is disposed on the bottom surface of the front portion. The net 21 creates a gap through which liquid flows between the endoscope 12 and the bottom surface, and increases the area where the liquid supplied to the cleaning tank 13 contacts the outer surface of the endoscope 12.

  In the center of the net 21 is disposed a small item cleaning basket 22 that accommodates small components such as an air / water supply button and a suction button that are detached from the endoscope 12. An injection nozzle 23 and a temperature sensor (not shown) are disposed in the vicinity of the accessory washing basket 22. The spray nozzle 23 sprays water toward the top cover 16 located above. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 13. A heater (not shown) for heating the liquid in the cleaning tank 13 is provided below the cleaning tank 13, and the heater is controlled by the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

  The endoscope 12 is placed on the net 21 so as to surround the accessory washing basket 22 in a state where the insertion portion to be inserted into the subject and the universal cord are wound. The universal code is a code connected to a processor that processes an imaging signal received from the endoscope 12 and a light source device that inputs illumination light to a light guide inserted in the endoscope 12. A connector for connecting to a processor or a light source device is provided at one end of the universal cord. When the endoscope 12 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 13, a waterproof cap is attached to the connector.

  In the rear part of the cleaning tank 13, a waste liquid port 26 is provided on the bottom surface, and a liquid level sensor 27 is provided on the side surface. The waste liquid port 26 discharges used water, cleaning liquid, and disinfecting liquid from the cleaning tank 13. The liquid level sensor 27 is, for example, a float type sensor in which the float moves up and down in accordance with the liquid level, and detects the liquid level position of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 13.

  Terraces 13 b and 13 c that are one step higher than the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 13 are provided in the rear portion of the cleaning tank 13. Each of the terrace portions 13b and 13c is provided at two corners of the rear portion, and has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from above. One terrace portion 13b is provided with an airtight test port 28. The airtight test port 28 is a port for sending compressed air to the gap between the insertion part of the endoscope 10 and the outer skin of the universal cord and the built-in object to test whether there is a small hole or crack that allows liquid to enter the outer skin. It is. The hermetic test port 28 is connected to a base for a hermetic test provided on the connector of the universal cord via a tube (not shown).

  The terrace unit 13 b is provided with a supply port for supplying a liquid used for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 12 into the cleaning tank 13. The supply port is provided with a water supply nozzle 29a, a disinfectant supply nozzle 29b, and a detergent supply nozzle 29c bent toward the inside of the cleaning tank 13. These nozzles 29 a to 29 c are arranged at a position higher than the liquid level of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 13.

  The water supply nozzle 29 a supplies water into the cleaning tank 13, and the detergent supply nozzle 29 c supplies the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the cleaning tank 13. Body fluid and dirt attached to the endoscope 12 after use are washed away with a cleaning liquid in which water and a detergent are mixed. The disinfecting liquid supply nozzle 29 b supplies the disinfecting liquid stored in the disinfecting liquid tank into the cleaning tank 13. 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.

  A suction port 31 for sucking and circulating the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 13 is provided on the side surface of the terrace portion 13b in order to generate a water flow in the liquid in the cleaning tank 13. The water supply nozzle 29a is also used as a circulation nozzle, and the liquid sucked from the suction port 31 is supplied again to the cleaning tank 13 from the water supply nozzle 29a through the pipe.

  The terrace portion 13c is provided with a channel cleaning port 32 used for cleaning and disinfecting the air / water channel, suction channel and forceps channel of the endoscope 12. The channel cleaning port 32 is provided with an air / water channel coupler and a suction channel coupler. Each coupler is connected to respective attachment ports of an air / water supply button and a suction button provided in the endoscope 12 via a connection tube (not shown). The channel cleaning port 32 supplies liquids and gases such as water, cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, alcohol, and compressed air into the air / water supply channel, forceps channel, and suction channel.

  The front panel 17 of the apparatus main body 11 has a side end attached to the chassis via a hinge and can be freely opened and closed. A storage tray (not shown) is provided in the front panel 17. The storage tray stores a detergent tank and an alcohol tank. In the detergent tank, a detergent used for cleaning the endoscope 12 is stored. The alcohol tank stores alcohol that flows into each channel such as a forceps channel after the endoscope 12 is cleaned and disinfected. A transparent window 33 for visually confirming the remaining amount of liquid in each tank is attached to the front panel 17.

  In the storage tray, a supply bottle storing a concentrated liquid of a disinfecting liquid (for example, peracetic acid, glutaraldehyde (GA), orthophthalaldehyde (OPA), etc.) is stored in an exchangeable manner. The supply bottle is connected to a disinfecting liquid tank provided in the chassis, and supplies the concentrated liquid into the disinfecting liquid tank. The concentrated liquid is used after being diluted with water in a disinfectant tank.

  Reference numeral 34 denotes a paper discharge port for discharging the print on which the cleaning history information is printed. The cleaning history information is information such as the date and time of cleaning, the name of the person in charge of cleaning, and the ID of the endoscope 12 that has been cleaned. The print on which the cleaning history information is printed is used for confirming and managing the cleaning / disinfecting result of the endoscope 12.

  An operation unit 36 is provided at the front end of the upper panel 19. The operation unit 36 is provided with operation buttons 37 for inputting various operation instructions, a display 38 for performing various displays, and a reading unit 39. The operation buttons and operation keys include, for example, a start button for instructing start of cleaning and disinfection, a stop button for instructing emergency stop, and an operation key for operating an operation screen displayed on the display 38. The display 38 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, and displays an operation screen including a selection screen for selecting a menu for cleaning / disinfecting processing and a setting screen for performing various settings, as well as the progress of cleaning / disinfecting processing, Displays the remaining time and warning messages when trouble occurs.

  The reading unit 39 has a tag reader (not shown) disposed therein. The tag reader communicates with the RFID tag provided on the endoscope 12 or the RFID tag provided on the name plate of the person in charge of cleaning in a non-contact manner, and the information in the RFID tag (ID of the endoscope 12 or person in charge of cleaning) Name).

  The upper panel 19 has a frame shape in which an opening 19 a that exposes the opening 13 a of the cleaning tank 13 is formed. At the upper end of the opening 13 a of the cleaning tank 13, a peripheral edge part 13 d that is orthogonal to the vertically rising side surface of the cleaning tank 13 and extends in the horizontal direction is formed. The peripheral portion 13d and the upper panel 19 are joined so as not to generate a gap through which gas or liquid leaks from the boundary between them. On the inner edge of the opening 19a of the upper panel 19 is formed a slope 19b inclined toward the opening 13a of the cleaning tank 13 so that the liquid flows toward the cleaning tank 13 by the action of gravity.

  The top cover 16 includes, for example, a cover main body 41 formed of a substantially rectangular plate formed of plastic, and a packing 42 attached to an outer peripheral portion of the cover main body 41 facing the cleaning tank 13 on the lower surface side. Consists of. The top cover 16 is attached to the apparatus main body 11 at an attachment portion 43 protruding from the back of the cover main body 41. The top cover 16 is closed to cover the opening 13a of the cleaning tank 13 and the opening 13a with the attachment portion 43 as a fulcrum. It is rotated between the open position where it is opened and exposed. The closed position is a position where the top cover 16 substantially coincides with the horizontal direction, and the opened position of the top cover 16 is a position where the opening angle of the top cover 16 is about 70 ° with respect to the closed position of the top cover 16. is there.

  The top cover 16 is electrically opened and closed by a motor 92 (see FIG. 11). The opening / closing operation instruction is input by depressing the foot switch 44. The foot switch 44 is disposed below the front panel 17 and has a pedal shape. When the foot switch 44 is depressed when the top cover 16 is closed, the top cover 16 is opened, and when the foot switch 44 is depressed, the top cover 16 is closed.

  The top surface of the top cover 16 is configured with a gently curved surface without fine irregularities so that it can be easily cleaned. A net 46 is provided on the lower surface of the top cover 16 at the front portion. The net 46 is disposed at a position facing the net 46 disposed on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 13 when the top cover 16 is closed. The net 46 presses the endoscope 12 accommodated in the cleaning tank 13 from above, and sinks the endoscope 12 below the liquid level.

  The cover body 41 is formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent plastic material so that the state in the cleaning tank 13 can be visually recognized from the outside. The packing 42 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and seals the opening 13a of the cleaning tank 13 in an airtight and watertight manner. The packing 42 is in pressure contact with the peripheral portion 13d of the cleaning tank 13 and the inner surface of the opening 19a of the upper panel 19, so that the liquid supplied to the cleaning tank 13 is scattered to the outside, and further, the odor of the disinfecting liquid is exposed to the outside. Prevent leakage.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an air passage 48 that communicates the inside and the outside of the cleaning tank 13 is provided in the rear portion of the top cover 16. The opening 13 a of the cleaning tank 13 is sealed with a packing 42. For this reason, when the liquid in the cleaning tank 13 is discharged from the waste liquid port 26 or the suction port 31 in a state where the top cover 16 is closed, outside air is taken into the cleaning tank 13 from the outside through the air passage 48.

  In addition, in the initial stage of rotation when the top cover 16 starts to rotate from the closed position to the open position, the opening 13a is sealed by the packing 42, so that the top cover 16 rotates in the opening direction in that state. The inside of the cleaning tank 13 becomes negative pressure. Until the sealing of the opening 13a by the packing 42 is released, outside air is taken into the cleaning tank 13 from the outside through the air passage 48. Thereby, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cleaning tank 13 is eliminated, and the top cover 16 can be rotated in the opening direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a filter mounting portion 51 to which the deodorizing filter 49 is mounted so as to be replaceable is formed on the top surface of the top cover 16. The filter mounting portion 51 is formed with a slit 51 a that constitutes the ventilation path 48. The deodorizing filter 49 is mounted on the filter mounting portion 51 so as to cover the slit 51 a from above, and is disposed in the ventilation path 48. The deodorizing filter 49 deodorizes the odor of the gas discharged from the cleaning tank 13 to the outside through the air passage 48. The deodorizing filter 49 is, for example, a sponge-like porous material carrying a deodorizing agent such as activated carbon, and has high ventilation resistance.

  The filter mounting portion 51 is provided with a filter cover 52 that covers the deodorizing filter 49 so as to be freely opened and closed. A slit 52a is formed in the filter cover 52, and the slit 52a constitutes an air passage 48 together with the slit 51a. The slit 51 a is formed with a cross section bent in a crank shape and covers the lower surface of the deodorizing filter 49. Thereby, the liquid in the cleaning tank 13 is prevented from scattering to the deodorizing filter 49.

  As shown in FIG. 5, abutting portions 54 are formed on both sides of the front portion of the lower surface of the cover body 41 of the top cover 16. When the top cover 16 is closed, the abutting portion 54 abuts on the peripheral edge portion 13d of the cleaning tank 13 to define the closed position of the top cover 16. The height of the abutting portion 54 is determined so that the abutting portion 54 comes into contact with the peripheral portion 13d in a state where the packing 42 is in pressure contact with the peripheral portion 13d.

  The cover main body 41 is formed with a first rib 56, a second rib 57, and a third rib 58 that protrude in a substantially vertical direction from the lower surface. The main function of the first to third ribs 56 to 58 is to ensure the rigidity of the cover body 41. As described above, the cover main body 41 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape in order to make the upper surface a gentle curved surface without fine irregularities. If the cover main body 41 having such a shape is to be driven by the motor 92 with its one end as a fulcrum, the rigidity of the cover main body 41 is insufficient. If the rigidity is insufficient, vibration during rotation increases and the load on the motor 92 increases. Therefore, in order to ensure the rigidity of the cover body 41, the first ribs 56 to 58 are provided.

  Further, since the cover body 41 rotates with the mounting portion 43 provided at the rear end as a fulcrum, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the rear portion rather than the front portion. The degree of congestion is increased.

  The first rib 56 has a shape substantially along the inner periphery of the opening 13 a of the cleaning tank 13. A net 46 is attached to a substantially circular front portion of the first rib 56. The 1st rib 56 has the height which enters the opening part 13a, and reaches the upper surface of the terrace parts 13b and 13c. The washing tank 13 has a strong water flow and a lot of liquid splash during washing and rinsing. Therefore, the liquid splash is scattered around the peripheral portion of the cover body 41 by surrounding the main part of the washing tank 13 with the first rib 56. To prevent.

  The first rib 56 is provided with a lateral rib 56a extending in the lateral direction before the slit 51a, and the lateral rib 56a serves as a wall for splashing the slit 51a. Further, the lateral rib 56a is inclined so that both ends thereof are retracted rearward toward the center. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, when the top cover 16 is opened and the front end thereof is raised upward, a droplet that flows down from the front to the back along the lower surface of the cover body 41 flows to the center, A droplet falls into the cleaning tank 13.

  In addition, a rear portion of the first rib 56 is provided with an abutting portion 56b that comes into contact with the upper surfaces of the terrace portions 13b and 13c when the top cover 16 is closed. The abutting portion 56 b functions as a stopper that defines the closing position of the top cover 16 together with the abutting portion 54. The notch 56c is a recess for avoiding the water supply nozzle 29a. The concave portion 56 d curved in a semicircular shape is a concave portion for avoiding the liquid level sensor 27.

  The second rib 57 is formed to be one step lower than the first rib 56. The second rib 57 includes a vertical rib 57a extending in the vertical direction on both sides of the slit 51a and a horizontal rib 57b extending in the horizontal direction behind the slit 51a at the center. Compared with the first rib 56, the second rib 57 is provided with four vertical ribs 57 a at the center to increase the density of the ribs.

  A third rib 58 is provided in the attachment portion 43 and in the vicinity thereof. Since this region is the portion where rigidity is most required, the third rib 58 is configured by arranging longitudinal ribs 58a extending in the longitudinal direction in a lattice pattern. The third ribs 58 have more vertical ribs 58 a than the second ribs 57 a, the arrangement pitch is narrower, and the density is higher than the second ribs 57.

  A metal plate (indicated by a two-dot chain line) 61 is attached to the attachment portion 43 so as to cover the third rib 58. The metal plate 61 functions as a reinforcing material for ensuring the rigidity of the top cover 16 and also functions as a cover that covers the third ribs 58. Since the third ribs 58 are arranged in a lattice pattern, it is difficult to clean the gaps between the ribs. For this reason, the third rib 58 is covered with the metal plate 61 so that the liquid droplet does not enter the gap.

  In the packing 42, drip stoppers 59 are formed at a plurality of locations in the latter half. When the liquid droplets flow to the rear end of the packing 42, there is a high possibility that the liquid droplets flow around the attachment portion 43 of the top cover 16 or fall outside the inclined surface 19b. As shown in FIG. 6, when the top cover 16 is opened, the drip stopper 59 stops the drops flowing from the front portion through the packing 42, and faces the inclined surface 19 b of the cleaning tank 13 and the upper panel 19. Drop it.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the top cover 16 temporarily stops at the position where the opening angle is about 10 ° during the opening operation that rotates from the closed position to the opening position shown in FIG. 6. The temporary stop position is a position where contact between the entire packing 42 (from the front end to the rear end) and the opening 13a and the opening 19a is eliminated. At the temporary stop position, the sealing of the opening 13 a and the opening 19 a by the packing 42 is released, and the outside air can flow into the cleaning tank 13 through the opening 13 and the opening 19.

  At the temporary stop position, the lower surface of the top cover 16 and the opening 13a of the cleaning tank 13 are substantially facing each other. By stopping the top cover 16 at this position, the liquid droplets adhering to the lower surface of the cover body 41 are cleaned. It can be dropped into the tank 13. As a result, drainage of the top cover 16 is performed, so that the droplets are removed from the washing tank 13 by the centrifugal force when the top cover 16 is rotated from the temporary stop position to the open position or by the vibration when stopped at the open position. Can be prevented from scattering.

  Further, by temporarily stopping the vibration of the top cover 16 generated when the sealing between the packing 42 and the opening 13a and the opening 19a is released. There are two causes for the vibration of the top cover 16 as follows. As described above, at the beginning of the opening operation of the top cover 16, the opening 13 a and the opening 19 a are sealed by the packing 42, and the outside air intake is limited to the air passage 48. Since the deodorizing filter 49 having a large ventilation resistance is provided in the ventilation path 48, the inflow amount of the outside air tends to be insufficient, and the inside of the cleaning tank 13 becomes a negative pressure with respect to the outside air.

  The top cover 16 starts to rotate from the closed position, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cleaning tank 13 is high immediately before the seal between the packing 42 and the opening 13a and the opening 19a is released. Immediately after the start, the outside air flows in from the opening 13a. For this reason, the top cover 16 vibrates greatly due to the reaction. This is the first cause of vibration.

  Further, the side surface of the packing 42 is in contact with the inner edge of the opening 19 a of the upper panel 19 even after the lower surface thereof is separated from the peripheral edge portion 13 d of the cleaning tank 13. The frictional force between the packing 42 and the upper panel 19 acts as a resistance for the opening operation of the top cover 16. For this reason, immediately after the packing 42 is separated from the upper panel 19 and the sealing is released, the top cover 16 vibrates due to the reaction in which the frictional force disappears. This is the second cause of vibration.

  As a measure for suppressing such vibration, the top cover 16 is provided with the first to third ribs 56 to 58 so as to increase the rigidity. Therefore, the top cover 16 is formed when the sealing is released. The vibration is small as compared with the case where the ribs 56 to 58 are not provided. However, the vibration cannot be completely cancelled. When the top cover 16 is vibrated and rotated to the open position, the load on the motor 92 increases. Therefore, by temporarily stopping the vibration, the vibration is further converged and the load on the motor 92 is reduced.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the top cover 16 rotates around a rotation shaft 66 connected to the attachment portion 43. Both ends of the rotation shaft 66 are supported by bearing plates 67 provided in the chassis of the apparatus main body 11. The attachment portion 43 of the top cover 16 is provided with an arm 68 that is disposed behind the rotation shaft 66 and rotates together with the top cover 16.

  One end of a tension spring 69 is attached to the arm 68. The other end of the tension spring 69 is attached to the bearing plate 67 and urges the top cover 16 to rotate toward the open position (clockwise). In the opening operation of the top cover 16, since the weight of the top cover 16 acts in the opposite direction to the torque for rotating the top cover 16, a large torque is required as compared with the closing operation. The tension spring 69 urges the top cover 16 toward the opening position, thereby reducing torque necessary for the opening operation.

  An engaging portion 68 a that engages with a solenoid 71 provided in the apparatus main body 11 is provided at the tip of the arm 68. The solenoid 71 constitutes a lock mechanism 84 (see FIG. 12) that locks the top cover 16 in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 8, when the top cover 16 is in the closed position, the plunger 71a of the solenoid 71 enters the moving path of the engaging portion 68a to restrict the clockwise rotation of the arm 68. The lock mechanism 84 is activated when an instruction to start cleaning / disinfecting processing is issued, and locks the top cover 16 in the closed position to prevent the top cover 16 from being inadvertently opened during the cleaning / disinfecting processing. To do.

  The bearing plate 67 is provided with a closed position sensor 72, a temporary stop position sensor 73, and a closed position sensor 74 for detecting the closed position, the temporary stop position, and the open position of the top cover 16. As each of the position sensors 72 to 74, for example, a photo sensor is used. The arm 68 is provided with a marker 77 detected by the position sensors 72 to 74. Each of the position sensors 72 to 74 is turned on while facing the marker 77 at each of the closed position, open position, and temporary stop position of the top cover 16, and outputs a detection signal.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 10, each part of the apparatus is centrally controlled by the CPU 81. A memory 82 is connected to the CPU 81. The memory 82 includes a ROM that stores a control program and various setting information, and a RAM that is a work area when the CPU 81 loads the program from the ROM and executes the program. The cleaning / disinfecting mechanism 83 includes a pump for supplying and discharging the cleaning tank 13, an electric valve for switching the piping path, a liquid level sensor 27, a temperature sensor, and various drivers for driving them. The lock mechanism 84 includes a solenoid 71 and a driver for driving the solenoid 71.

  The CPU 81 executes a control program and controls the cleaning / disinfecting mechanism 83 and the locking mechanism 84 in response to an operation instruction input from the operation buttons or operation keys of the operation unit 36. Further, the CPU 81 controls the opening / closing mechanism 86 of the top cover 16 in accordance with an operation instruction input from the foot switch 44.

  The opening / closing mechanism 86 includes a motor driver 91, a motor 92, a torque limiter 93, and position sensors 72 to 74. As the motor 92, for example, a pulse motor whose rotation amount is controlled according to a given pulse is used. The CPU 81 gives control signals such as a rotation direction, a rotation amount, and a rotation speed to the motor driver 91. The motor driver 91 generates a pulse corresponding to the control signal, and gives this to the motor 92 as a drive signal.

  The torque limiter 93 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 92. The torque limiter 93 includes, for example, an outer ring and a pressure contact body that presses against the inner circumference of the outer ring. The torque limiter 93 transmits the torque of the motor 92 to the rotation shaft 66 by using the frictional force between the two. When the load exceeds the upper limit value of the frictional force, the outer ring and the press contact member slip, whereby the transmission of torque from the motor 92 to the rotating shaft 66 is interrupted. This prevents an excessive torque from being transmitted to the top cover 16.

  The CPU 81 determines the position of the top cover 16 based on a detection signal output when each of the position sensors 72 to 74 is turned on. When the foot switch 44 is operated, an operation signal is input to the CPU 81. When the top cover 16 is in the closed position, the closed position sensor 72 outputs a detection signal, and when it is in the open position, the open position sensor 74 outputs a detection signal. Based on this detection signal, the CPU 81 determines that the top cover 16 is in the closed position or the open position. If the CPU 81 determines that the top cover 16 is in the closed position, the control signal corresponding to the opening operation is sent to the motor driver 91. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is in the open position, a control signal corresponding to the closing operation is given.

  In FIG. 12 showing the motor drive sequence in the opening operation, the vertical axis shows the rotational speed of the motor 92 in terms of the number of drive pulses (PPS: Pulse Per Second) given per unit time, and the horizontal axis shows the drive time. Show. The rotation speed of the motor 92 corresponds to the opening / closing speed of the top cover 16. At the beginning of the opening operation, the motor 92 is driven at a constant speed of about 400 PPS, and the top cover 16 starts to rotate from the closed position shown in FIG. 8 toward the opened position at an opening speed corresponding thereto. .

  At the beginning of the opening operation of the top cover 16, outside air is taken into the cleaning tank 13 from the ventilation path 48 until the sealing of the packing 42 and the opening 13 a is released. Since the deodorizing filter 49 is provided in the ventilation path 48, the ventilation resistance is large, and when the opening speed of the top cover 16 is increased, the ventilation resistance increases in proportion to the square, so that a large torque is required. By driving the motor 92 at a low speed at the beginning of the opening operation of the top cover 16, the load on the motor 92 is reduced. During low speed driving, the motor 92 is driven at a constant speed.

  During this low-speed driving, release of sealing of the packing 42, the opening 13a, and the opening 19a is started. As the top cover 16 rotates in the opening direction, the lower surface of the packing 42 moves away from the peripheral portion 13d in order from the front to the rear, and releases the sealing of the opening 13a. And the side surface of the packing 42 leaves | separates from the opening 19a. Thus, the sealing of the opening 13a and the opening 19a is released. When the top cover 16 reaches the temporary stop position after the sealing is released, the CPU 81 receives a detection signal from the temporary stop position sensor 73. The CPU 81 stops the rotation of the motor 92 and temporarily stops the top cover 16 at the position shown in FIG. With this temporary stop, the top cover 16 is drained and the vibration converges.

  The CPU 81 measures the temporary stop time with a system timer, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, gives a control signal to the motor driver 91 to restart the rotation of the motor 92. After the rotation is resumed, the motor 92 is driven at a high speed in a speed range where the rotational speed is faster than the speed before the temporary stop. In high-speed driving, an acceleration section that accelerates from the initial speed to the maximum speed, a constant speed section that is driven at a constant speed after the acceleration section, and a deceleration section that decelerates after the constant speed section are provided.

  Specifically, the initial speed is about 800 PPS, the rotational speed is gradually increased from the initial speed, the speed is accelerated to the maximum speed of about 1300 PPS, and the maximum speed is driven at a constant speed for a predetermined time. In this example, high-speed driving is driven in a speed range that is approximately three times the speed range of low-speed driving.

  When the top cover 16 approaches the open position, output of the detection signal of the open position sensor 74 is started. When receiving the detection signal from the opening position sensor 74, the CPU 81 gradually reduces the rotational speed of the motor 92 and stops it.

  In addition, after the opening position sensor 74 is turned on and the output of the detection signal is started, the top cover 16 is slightly rotated and then stopped, but the marker 77 is also opened at the position where the top cover 16 stops. The opening position sensor 74 outputs a detection signal.

  In high-speed driving, an acceleration zone and a deceleration zone are provided, and the speed change of the top cover 16 becomes gentle, so that the vibration of the top cover 16 is suppressed.

  In FIG. 13 showing the motor drive sequence in the closing operation, unlike the opening operation, in the closing operation, the CPU 81 starts rotation of the motor 92 by high-speed driving without performing low-speed driving. The initial speed and the maximum speed of the motor 92 are the same as in the opening operation. The top cover 16 reaches the temporary stop position on the way to the closed position, but passes without stopping at the temporary stop position during the closing operation. When the top cover 16 passes the pause position, the pause position sensor 73 is turned on and a detection signal is output. When the CPU 81 receives this detection signal, the CPU 81 starts decelerating the motor 92.

  In this deceleration zone, the packing 42 of the top cover 16 starts to contact the inner periphery of the opening 19a of the upper panel 19 from the rear portion. As the packing 42 rotates, the contact portion with the upper panel 19 extends to the front portion. When the front end portion of the packing 42 and the upper panel 19 come into contact with each other, the opening 42 a of the upper panel 19 is closed by the packing 42, and when the whole packing 42 and the peripheral portion 13 d of the cleaning tank 13 come into contact with each other, the packing 42 Thus, the opening 13a is sealed.

  After the packing 42 closes the opening 19a of the upper panel 19, the volume in the cleaning tank 13 contracts due to the closing operation of the top cover 16, so that the pressure in the cleaning tank 13 rises with respect to the outside air. In order to eliminate this pressure difference, the air in the cleaning tank 13 is discharged from the cleaning tank 13 through the ventilation path 48 to the outside. The ventilation resistance of the ventilation path 48 is a resistance against the rotation of the top cover 16 even in the closing operation. However, in the closing operation, unlike the opening operation, the weight of the top cover 16 acts positively on the rotation in the closing direction, so that the load on the motor 92 is small compared to the opening operation. Therefore, in the closing operation, unlike the opening operation, high-speed driving is performed without performing low-speed driving in the section from the temporary stop position to the closing position.

  When the top cover 16 approaches the closed position, the closed position sensor 72 is turned on to start outputting a detection signal. When the CPU 81 receives the detection signal from the closing position sensor 72, the CPU 81 ends the deceleration and rotates the motor 92 at a constant speed for a predetermined time. After the closing position sensor 72 is turned on, the top cover 16 is slightly rotated in the closing direction and stopped. At this position, the detection signal is output while the closing position sensor 72 remains on. In the closed position, the abutting portions 54 and 56b of the cover main body 41 come into contact with the cleaning tank 13, and the rotation of the top cover 16 in the closing direction is restricted.

  Even after the top cover 16 reaches the closed position, the motor 92 continues to rotate for a predetermined time and performs an additional feed drive. The additional feed drive is for ensuring the sealing of the packing 42 of the top cover 16 and the opening 13a. Since the additional feed drive is performed after the top cover 16 reaches the closed position, the rotation of the top cover 16 around the rotation shaft 66 is restricted.

  Therefore, when the additional feed drive is performed, as shown in FIG. 14, the cover body 41 of the top cover 16 projects so that the center of the lower surface protrudes into the cleaning tank 13 (the lower surface becomes convex downward). ) Warp back. Thereby, the packing 42 and the opening part 13a are sealed reliably. Since the torque limiter 93 acts to block an excessive torque from the motor 92 to the top cover 16, the top cover 16 is not deformed or damaged during the additional feed driving.

  Returning to FIG. 13, in the closing operation, when the motor 92 is stopped and the additional feed driving is finished, immediately after that, the motor 92 is reversely rotated by a predetermined amount to perform the opening preparation driving of the top cover 16. As shown in FIG. 15, the opening preparation drive is a process for eliminating the warping of the top cover 16 caused by the additional feed drive. This is performed to shorten the opening operation time from the operation of the foot switch 44 until the top cover 16 reaches the opening position. When the rotation of the motor 92 is started in a state where the top cover 16 is warped as shown in FIG. 14, the initial rotation amount of the motor 92 is spent to eliminate the warping of the top cover 16. By performing the process for eliminating the warping of the top cover 16 in advance by the opening preparation drive, the time for the opening operation performed after the closing operation is completed is shortened.

  The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 10 waits for input of an operation instruction in a state where the disclosure preparation drive is completed. When the start button of the operation unit 36 is operated and the start of cleaning / disinfecting processing is instructed, the CPU 81 performs additional feeding to ensure that the top cover 16 is sealed before starting the cleaning / disinfecting processing. Drive. By the additional feed driving, the top cover 16 is warped as shown in FIG. In this state, the CPU 81 operates the lock mechanism 84 to lock the top cover 16. It should be noted that the lock mechanism 84 does not operate in a process that requires opening the top cover 16 and visually confirming the bubble generation state during the process, such as a process for an airtight test.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 10 waits for input of an operation instruction during startup. When the foot switch 44 is operated, if the cleaning / disinfecting process is being executed, the CPU 81 determines that the operation instruction is invalid and does not start the opening operation of the top cover 16. When the cleaning / disinfecting process is not executed, when the CPU 81 receives an operation instruction for the foot switch 44, the top cover 16 is closed according to the output of the detection signal of the closing position sensor 72 or the opening position sensor 74. Whether it is open position.

  When it is determined that the top cover 16 is in the closed position, the CPU 81 controls the opening / closing mechanism 86 to start the opening operation of the top cover 16. The opening operation is performed according to the sequence shown in FIG. Since the motor 92 rotates at a low speed at the beginning of the opening operation, the top cover 16 rotates at a low speed from the closed position to the temporary stop position. For this reason, during the period in which the opening 13a is sealed by the packing 42 of the top cover 16, the ventilation resistance by the deodorizing filter 49 can be kept low, so that the generated motor 92 has a small torque compared to the case where it is rotated at a high speed. Just do it.

  Further, since the top cover 16 is biased in the opening direction by the tension spring 69, the load for rotating the top cover 16 in the opening direction is reduced accordingly. For this reason, it is possible to use the motor 62 having a smaller generated torque as compared with the case where the tension spring 69 is not provided.

  The top cover 16 stops at the temporary stop position. By temporarily stopping, the top cover 16 is drained and the vibration of the top cover 16 generated when the seal of the packing 42 is released converges. When the temporary stop period ends, the rotation of the motor 92 is resumed by high-speed driving. The top cover 16 rotates to the open position at high speed. For this reason, since the time required for the opening operation is short, the psychological stress of the staff waiting for the top cover 16 to be opened is small. In a state where the top cover 16 is opened, the endoscope 12 is set in the cleaning tank 13 or removed from the cleaning tank 13.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in high-speed driving, the rotation of the motor 92 starts from an initial speed that is slower than the maximum speed, and gradually accelerates to the maximum speed. Stop. Therefore, a smooth movement with little impact at the time of starting and stopping the rotation of the top cover 16 can be realized.

  Further, since the top cover 16 is drained at the pause position, the amount of droplets adhering to the top cover 16 is small even if the top cover 16 is rotated at a high speed. Further, since the rotation is performed after the vibration is converged, the load required for the rotation of the top cover 16 is also smaller than the case where the rotation is performed in a state where the vibration is not converged.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 81 determines that the top cover 16 is in the open position when the foot switch 44 is operated, the CPU 81 controls the opening / closing mechanism 86 to start the closing operation of the top cover 16. The closing operation is performed according to the sequence shown in FIG. In the closing operation, the rotation of the motor 92 is started by high speed driving. The top cover 16 rotates at a high speed to the closed position. For this reason, since the time required for the closing operation can be shortened, the psychological stress of the staff is small.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in high-speed driving, the rotation of the motor 92 is started from an initial speed slower than the maximum speed, and gradually accelerates to the maximum speed. Then, when the top cover 16 passes the temporary stop position, deceleration is started. Since the speed is reduced before the closed position, it is possible to prevent a finger or hand from being caught between the top cover 16 and the apparatus main body 11.

  During this deceleration zone, the abutment of the packing 42 and the opening 19a of the upper panel 19 is started. Further, when the top cover 16 rotates toward the closed position, the lower surface of the packing 42 comes into pressure contact with the peripheral edge portion 13d of the cleaning tank 13, and the sealing of the opening portion 13a is completed. When the closing position sensor 72 is turned on, the CPU 81 stops the deceleration of the motor 92 and continues to rotate at a constant speed. At the position slightly rotated from the closed position, the abutting portions 54 and 56b of the top cover 16 reach the closed position where they hit the cleaning tank 13.

  In the closing operation, unlike the opening operation, high-speed driving is performed from the temporary stop position to the closing position. However, in the closing operation, the weight of the top cover 16 acts positively on the rotational power in the closing direction, so that the rotational power can be smaller than in the case of driving at high speed during the opening operation. The load is small.

  Even after the top cover 16 reaches the closed position, the motor 92 is driven to increase feed and continues to rotate. After the additional feed drive is completed, the motor 92 rotates in the reverse direction, and the opening preparation drive is performed. By performing the opening preparation drive immediately before the end of the closing operation, the top cover 16 can eliminate the warping (see FIG. 14) of the top cover 16 caused by the additional feed driving.

  Since the top cover 16 can wait for the start of the opening operation in a state in which the warping has been eliminated, when the start of the opening operation is instructed by the operation of the foot switch 44, the top cover 16 is quickly opened. Is possible. According to the experimental results, the opening time from the stepping operation of the foot switch 44 until the top cover 16 reaches the opening position takes 5.8 seconds when the opening preparation drive is not performed, whereas the opening preparation is required. When driven, the time was 3.8 sec, and a time reduction effect of about 35% was recognized.

  When an instruction to start cleaning / disinfection processing is input by operating the start button of the operation unit 36, the CPU 81 determines the position of the top cover 16 based on the output of the closing position sensor 72 or the opening position sensor 74, and opens the opening position. If it is determined that the start instruction is present, the cleaning / disinfection process is not started and the start instruction is determined to be invalid. Then, for example, a warning message is output on the display 37 to prompt the staff to close the top cover 16.

  When the CPU 81 determines that the top cover 16 is in the closed position, the motor 92 is rotated to perform additional feed driving prior to the start of the cleaning / disinfection process, and the opening of the cleaning tank 13 by the packing 42 is performed. Ensure sealing of 13a. After the additional feed driving, the CPU 81 operates the lock mechanism 84 to lock the top cover 16 (ON). After this, cleaning / disinfection processing is started.

  When the cleaning / processing is completed, the CPU 81 releases (OFF) the lock mechanism 84 and performs opening preparation driving. The opening preparation drive is the same as the opening preparation drive executed in the closing operation. Thereby, the opening time of the foot switch 44 is shortened. The above procedure is repeatedly executed until the power supply of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 10 is turned off.

  The drive sequence of the above embodiment is an example. For example, the rotational speeds of the low-speed drive and the high-speed drive, and the speed ratio between them can be appropriately changed. In addition, acceleration and deceleration are performed at the start and stop of the high-speed drive, but the high-speed drive may have a constant speed from the start to the stop as in the low-speed drive.

  In the above embodiment, the point at which the speed is changed from low speed driving to high speed driving in the opening operation and the point at which the speed is changed from high speed driving to low speed driving in the closing operation are performed at the same position. The purpose of decelerating is to prevent a finger or hand from being pinched and is different from the purpose of changing the speed in the opening operation, so the points of both may be different.

  In the above embodiment, the temporary stop position has been described as an example in which the entire packing 42 of the top cover 16 is temporarily stopped in a state of being separated from the opening 13a and the opening 19a. The temporary stop position may be any position as long as it is after the position where the sealing is released and the outside air can be introduced from the opening 13a. That is, a part of the packing 42 may be temporarily stopped in a state where it is in contact with the opening 13a and the opening 19a, or after the entire packing 42 is separated from the opening 13a and the opening 19a, the top cover 16 is further removed. May be temporarily stopped at a position rotated in the opening direction by a predetermined amount.

  However, the effect of the temporary stop, that is, the reduction of the amount of splashed droplets due to draining and the reduction of the rotational load due to the convergence of vibration, is an effect that is manifested during the rotation after the temporary stop. Therefore, it is preferable that the period until the pause is short and the period after the pause where the rotation is resumed is long. Specifically, it is preferable that the temporary stop position is in the first half of the middle position of the rotation range from the position where the opening 13a and the opening 19a are unsealed by the top cover 16 to the open position. For example, if the opening angle of the top cover 16 at the position where the sealing is released is about 10 ° and the opening position angle is about 70 °, the intermediate position is a position where the opening angle is about 40 °, and the temporary stop position The preferred range is from about 10 ° to about 40 °.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which performs a pause once, you may make it pause at several positions.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 17, when shifting from the low speed drive to the high speed drive, the temporary stop may not be performed. In this way, the opening time can be shortened compared to the above embodiment. Of course, in this way, an effect equivalent to the effect of the above-mentioned pause cannot be obtained, but if the merit of shortening the opening time is sacrificed to some extent, it is possible to obtain an effect close to the effect of the above-mentioned pause. .

  Specifically, as compared with the above-described embodiment, the setting is made such that the low-speed driving period is made longer or the rotational speed of the motor 92 at the time of low-speed driving is further reduced as compared with the case of temporary stop. Taking a long low-speed driving period means, for example, delaying the position for switching from low-speed driving to high-speed driving from a position of about 10 degrees to a position of about 15 degrees. Thus, if the low-speed drive period is long, the draining time and the convergence time of vibration can be ensured. Further, if the rotational speed of the motor 92 during low-speed driving is further reduced as compared with the case where the suspension is temporarily stopped, vibrations generated at the time of releasing the sealing can be further suppressed.

  Further, the rotational speed of the motor 92 may be changed from the low speed range to the high speed range while changing the speed in multiple steps or continuously, instead of changing from the low speed range to the high speed range in one step. Of course, since the low speed and the high speed are relative concepts, the rotational speed of the motor 92 may be changed within an arbitrary speed range having a lower limit value and an upper limit value without distinguishing the plurality of speed ranges. .

  Further, when a pulse motor is used as the motor 92, the respective drive modes may be changed during low-speed driving and high-speed driving. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-160900, the pulse motor is driven by alternately switching the one-phase driving method, the two-phase driving method, the one-phase driving method, and the two-phase driving method. There are various driving modes such as a phase driving method and a W1-2 phase driving method in which the step angle of the 1-2 phase driving is doubled. The two-phase drive generates a large amount of torque, while the low-speed drive generates a large amount of noise. The 1-2 phase drive and the W1-2 phase drive have a small amount of generated torque but also a small amount of noise. . Considering these drive mode characteristics, for example, drive at 1-2 phase drive system or W1-2 phase drive system at low speed drive to suppress noise, and drive at 2 layer drive system at high speed drive. Thus, the drive mode may be changed such that the generated torque is increased.

  Moreover, although the example which used the pulse motor as an electric actuator used as the drive source which opens and closes a top cover was demonstrated, motors other than pulse motors, such as a DC motor, may be sufficient. Moreover, you may use not only a motor but electric actuators, such as a solenoid.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which provided the deodorizing filter in the top cover, you may provide the arrangement | positioning position of a deodorizing filter not in a top cover but in the inner surface of a washing tank, for example. When provided on the inner surface of the cleaning tank, the deodorizing filter is provided above the highest position of the liquid level so as not to sink below the liquid level of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank. However, since there is much scattering of water in the cleaning tank, it is preferable that the deodorizing filter is disposed on the top cover rather than the inner surface of the cleaning tank from the viewpoint of waterproofing the deodorizing filter.

  In addition, the pedal-type foot switch has been described as an example of the operation input means for opening and closing the top cover. However, instead of or in addition to the foot switch, for example, a pressure pad that can be pressed with a foot on the front panel Or a touch sensor may be provided.

  The present invention can be applied not only to a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for cleaning / disinfecting an endoscope, but also to a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for cleaning / disinfecting medical instruments that are reused by cleaning / disinfecting. As a medical instrument other than the endoscope, for example, a treatment instrument that is used by being inserted through the forceps channel of the endoscope, such as a forceps, an ultrasonic probe, a clip treatment instrument, and a snare, can be considered. Of course, a medical instrument other than the treatment tool used with the endoscope may be used. 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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Cleaning disinfection apparatus 12 Endoscope 13 Cleaning tank 13a Opening part 16 Top cover (lid)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Upper panel 36 Operation part 44 Foot switch 41 Cover main body 42 Packing 43 Attachment part 49 Deodorizing filter 56-58 1st-3rd rib 59 Drip stopper 66 Rotating shaft 69 Spring 71 Solenoid 72 Close position sensor 73 Temporary stop position sensor 74 Opening position sensor 81 CPU
84 Locking mechanism 86 Opening / closing mechanism 92 Motor

Claims (15)

A cleaning tank for storing medical equipment and cleaning and disinfecting the medical equipment;
A lid that opens and closes the opening of the cleaning tank and seals the opening in the closed position;
A deodorizing filter that is disposed on a ventilation path for allowing gas to flow inside and outside the cleaning tank, and deodorizes odor from the gas passing through the ventilation path;
An electric actuator that opens and closes the lid;
Control means for changing the opening speed of the lid so that the speed after the sealing is released is higher than that before the sealing by the lid is released by controlling the driving of the electric actuator. A cleaning and disinfecting device.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means temporarily stops the lid after the sealing is released.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means changes the opening speed of the lid before and after the temporary stop.   The said control means drives an electric actuator in a low speed region from the closed position to a position where the sealing is released, and drives the electric actuator in a high speed region after the sealing is released. Or a cleaning / disinfecting device.   5. The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control means drives the electric actuator at a constant speed in the low speed range.   6. The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the high-speed region includes an acceleration section in which acceleration is accelerated from an initial speed to a predetermined speed and a deceleration section in which deceleration is performed from the predetermined speed before stopping.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control means further changes a closing speed of the lid during a closing operation of closing the lid.   8. The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control means decelerates the closing speed of the lid before the lid reaches the closed position.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control means performs incremental feed driving for continuing driving of the electric actuator for a predetermined time after the lid reaches the closed position.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control means performs an opening preparation drive for driving the electric actuator in a reverse direction for a predetermined time when the lid closing operation is finished.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the deodorizing filter is provided on a lid.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a foot switch for inputting a lid opening / closing instruction to the control unit.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lid is attached so as to be openable and closable so as to rotate about the rear end portion.   The cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the lid has a substantially flat plate shape, and a reinforcing rib is provided on a surface facing the cleaning tank.   15. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the ribs are arranged so that the density is higher at the rear of the lid than at the front of the lid.

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