JP2013027626A - Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus, connecting tube for endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus, and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus capable of surely disinfecting the contact portion between a nozzle of a conduit in an endoscope and a connector part of a connecting tube for washing disinfection.SOLUTION: The endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus 1 has: the connector part 115a connectable to the nozzle 110 of the endoscope that communicate with the conduit in the endoscope 100; a fluid supply section that supplies a disinfectant fluid to the conduit in the endoscope 100 from the connector part 115a through the nozzle 110; and a heater 125 that heats the contact portion between the connector part 115a and the nozzle 110.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, a connecting tube for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, and an endoscope.

  In recent years, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. An endoscope used in the medical field is a treatment instrument that is inserted into an insertion channel of a treatment instrument included in an endoscope by observing an internal organ by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body. Various treatments can be performed using this.

  Endoscopes in the medical field are used by being inserted into the body, particularly for the purpose of examination and treatment, and therefore, after use, cleaning and disinfection are necessary to use them again. As a method for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope, for example, a method using an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus) is well known.

  If a cleaning / disinfecting device is used, simply setting the endoscope in the cleaning / disinfecting tank of the cleaning / disinfecting device automatically cleans, disinfects, rinses and drains the endoscope (hereinafter referred to as the cleaning / disinfecting process). Can be performed). At this time, the endoscope is used not only in the outer surface of the endoscope but also in a plurality of pipelines such as known air / water supply pipelines, suction pipelines, treatment instrument insertion pipelines, etc. In addition, by supplying the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid, the pipes in the endoscope are also cleaned and chemically disinfected with the disinfecting liquid.

  At this time, for example, by an operator, a connection tube for cleaning / disinfecting, in which one end is connected to a liquid supply port provided in the cleaning / disinfecting device, to a base communicating with each pipeline in the endoscope set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank The various types of liquid such as cleaning liquid, disinfectant liquid and rinsing water are supplied from the cleaning / disinfecting device to the endoscope line through the cleaning / disinfecting connection tube. Cleaning and disinfection is performed.

  If the tissue in the body remains as a foreign object in the duct in the endoscope and the duct is clogged, the cleaning liquid does not reach the inside of the duct sufficiently, and the endoscope is not properly cleaned and disinfected. . Therefore, a flow sensor is provided in the pipeline in the cleaning / disinfecting device, and the flow rate when the pipeline in the endoscope is clogged is compared with the flow rate when there is no clogging. Detection of clogging is performed.

  In addition, the cleaning / disinfecting device incorporates a circulation line for circulating a liquid such as a cleaning solution between the endoscope and the cleaning / disinfecting device. Contaminants may adhere as the pipe is cleaned. For this reason, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-295543 proposes a technique for sterilizing the circulation line in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

JP-A-10-295543

  However, since there is a contact portion between the mouthpiece of each pipe line and the connector part of the connection tube for cleaning / disinfecting between the mouthpiece of each pipe line in the endoscope and the connector part of the connecting tube for washing / disinfecting, There is a risk of disinfection failure due to the disinfectant not touching the contact portion. In the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to the above proposal, such a problem of disinfection failure at the contact portion is not considered.

  In addition, the contact part between the mouthpiece of each conduit in the endoscope and the connector part of the cleaning / disinfecting connection tube is made to be a line contact or a point contact, so that the disinfectant etc. may actively leak from the contact part, There is also a method of chemically disinfecting such contact parts, but if a method using such liquid leakage is adopted, detection of the amount of liquid delivered to detect clogging of the duct in the endoscope There is a possibility that the accuracy is lowered and the cleaning power in each pipeline is reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that can surely perform disinfection at a contact portion between a mouthpiece of a conduit in an endoscope and a connector portion of a connection tube for cleaning / disinfecting. An object of the present invention is to provide a connecting tube and an endoscope.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the first connector portion that can be connected to the mouthpiece of the endoscope that communicates with the duct in the endoscope, the inner pipe in the endoscope, A fluid supply section for supplying a sterilizing fluid from the first connector section through the base of the endoscope; and a heating section for heating a contact portion between the first connector section and the base. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus can be provided.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the first connector portion that can be connected to the mouthpiece of the endoscope that communicates with a pipe line in the endoscope, the first connector portion, the first connector portion, A heating unit that heats a contact portion between the connector unit and the base, a second connector unit that is detachably connected to a fluid supply port of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the first connector unit, and the second unit An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, comprising: a tube portion connected to the connector portion, and a tube portion for allowing the fluid supplied to the second connector portion to flow into the base via the first connector portion. A connecting tube can be provided.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope that is provided on the mouthpiece of the endoscope that communicates with a pipe line in the endoscope, and that is provided on the mouthpiece for disinfection from the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device. It is possible to provide an endoscope having a heating portion for heating a contact portion with a connector portion that supplies the fluid.

  According to the present invention, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of reliably performing disinfection or sterilization at a contact portion between a mouthpiece of a conduit in an endoscope and a connector portion of a connecting tube for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus connection tube and an endoscope can be realized.

1 is a perspective view of a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of FIG. 1 in the state by which the endoscope 100 was accommodated in the washing | cleaning disinfection tank 4 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the pipe line structure for the opening / closing control of each channel electromagnetic valve 28 in the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 1 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the pipe line structure for the opening / closing control of each channel electromagnetic valve 28 in the washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 1 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the connection tube 115 for endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatuses concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the temperature control of the heater 125 in the control part 70 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the modification of 124 A of elastic members concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure which the connection tube for endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatuses receives the supply of power non-contact from a washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus based on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure which has arrange | positioned the heater 125B which generate | occur | produces heat according to the chemical reaction based on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention so that the elastic member 124 of the connector part 115a may be covered. It is a figure for demonstrating the connection of the endoscope and washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure which has arrange | positioned the heater 131A which generate | occur | produces heat | fever by a chemical reaction to the contact surface with the elastic member 124 of the nozzle | cap | die 110Ab based on the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the connector part of the connection tube for endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatuses which has a cooling mechanism based on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the connector part 115a along the XIII-XIII line | wire of FIG. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the example of the connection tube 115 for endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatuses which has a temperature display part based on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the other example of the connection tube 115 for endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatuses which has a temperature display part based on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the temperature display part 162 of FIG. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the further another example of the connection tube 115 for endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatuses which has an LED display part as a temperature display part based on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In each drawing used for the following description, the scale of each component is different in order to make each component recognizable on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in the figure, the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component.
(First embodiment)
(Configuration of cleaning and disinfecting equipment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state where the endoscope 100 can be stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 1 with the top cover of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus opened.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is an apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope 100, and can be freely opened and closed via an apparatus main body 2 and an upper portion thereof via, for example, a hinge (not shown). The main part is constituted by the connected top cover 3.

  In a state where the top cover 3 is closed to the apparatus main body 2, the top cover 3 is fixed to the apparatus main body 2 by, for example, a latch 8 disposed at a position where the apparatus main body 2 and the top cover 3 face each other. It is the composition which becomes.

  A detergent / alcohol tray 11 is disposed on the front surface in the drawing (hereinafter referred to as the front surface) close to the operator of the apparatus main body 2, for example, at the upper portion of the left half so that the detergent / alcohol tray 11 can be pulled out forward of the apparatus main body 2. ing.

  The detergent / alcohol tray 11 stores a detergent tank 11a in which a cleaning agent used for cleaning the endoscope 100 and an alcohol used for drying the endoscope 100 after cleaning and disinfection are stored. The alcohol tank 11b is accommodated. Since the detergent / alcohol tray 11 can be pulled out, each tank 11a, 11b can be replenished with a predetermined liquid.

  The detergent / alcohol tray 11 is provided with two windows 11m. The window 11m allows the operator to visually check the remaining amounts of the cleaning agent and alcohol stored in the tanks 11a and 11b. It can be confirmed. This cleaning agent is a concentrated detergent that is diluted to a predetermined concentration with tap water that has been filtered by a water supply filter 17 (see FIG. 2) described later. In the present embodiment, in the following description, a mixed liquid of the cleaning agent and the tap water is referred to as a cleaning liquid.

  In addition, a cassette tray 12 is disposed on the front surface of the apparatus main body 2, for example, at the upper portion of the right half, so that it can be pulled out forward of the apparatus main body 2. The cassette tray 12 stores a chemical bottle 12a into which a disinfecting liquid such as peracetic acid is used for disinfecting the endoscope 100, and the cassette tray 12 can be pulled out. The chemical solution bottle 12a can be set at a predetermined position.

  Further, on the front surface of the apparatus main body 2, a sub operation panel 13 having a cleaning / disinfecting time display, an instruction button for heating the disinfecting liquid, and the like is disposed on the cassette tray 12. Yes. In addition, a pedal switch 14 for opening the closed top cover 3 above the apparatus main body 2 as shown in FIG. Is arranged.

  Further, on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2, for example, near the both ends on the front side close to the operator, setting switches such as a cleaning / disinfection start switch for the apparatus main body 2 and a cleaning / disinfection mode selection switch, and a liquid crystal display A main operation panel 25 provided with a display such as the above is provided.

  Moreover, it was connected to the water tap 5 (refer FIG. 2) mentioned later for supplying a tap water to the apparatus main body 2 in the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 and the back side facing the front surface which an operator adjoins. A water supply hose connection port 31 to which a water supply hose 31a (see FIG. 2) described later is connected is provided. A mesh filter for filtering tap water may be provided at the water supply hose connection port 31.

  Further, a cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 in which the endoscope 100 can be stored is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2. The cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 includes a tank main body 50 and a terrace portion 51 provided continuously around the outer peripheral edge of the endoscope storage port of the tank main body 50.

  When the used endoscope 100 is cleaned and disinfected, the endoscope 100 is accommodated in the tank body 50, and the bottom surface 50 t of the tank body 50 has cleaning liquid, water, alcohol supplied to the tank body 50. A drain outlet 55 for draining a liquid such as a disinfectant from the tank body 50 is provided.

  Further, on the side surface 50s of the inner peripheral wall of the tank body 50, water, a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid, and the like supplied to the tank body 50 are supplied to each pipe line provided in the endoscope 100 through means described later. A circulation port 56 is provided for supplying the cleaning liquid, the water, the disinfecting liquid, or the like supplied to the tank body 50 from the feed water circulation nozzle 24 described later to the tank body 50 through a mesh filter or the like. It has been. The circulation port 56 may be provided with a mesh filter for filtering the cleaning liquid or the like.

  The tank body 50 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is further provided with an ultrasonic vibrator 52 and a heater 53 (both of which are shown in FIG. 2), which will be described later. A cleaning case 6 is provided. The ultrasonic vibrator 52 applies vibration to the cleaning water or tap water stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 to ultrasonically clean or rinse the outer surface of the endoscope 100. The heater 53 is for heating the disinfecting liquid, tap water, etc. stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 to a predetermined temperature.

  The cleaning case 6 accommodates buttons such as each scope switch of the endoscope 100, removable parts attached to the endoscope 100, and the like. Each button and the removed parts are stored in the endoscope. It is cleaned and disinfected with 100.

A water level sensor 32 with a cover for detecting the water level of the cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid and the like supplied to the tank body 50 is provided on the side surface 50s of the tank body 50.
A cleaning agent is supplied to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 from the detergent tank 11a by a detergent pump 40 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, on a surface other than the terrace surface 51t of the terrace portion 51, that is, a surface parallel to the bottom surface 50t of the tank body 50. The disinfecting liquid nozzle 23 for supplying the disinfecting liquid to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 from the detergent nozzle 22 and the chemical liquid tank 58 (see FIG. 2) to be described later by the chemical liquid pump 65 (see FIG. 2) to be described later. It is arranged.

  Further, cleaning liquid, water, disinfecting liquid, or the like for supplying water to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 or sucked from the circulation port 56 of the tank body 50 is cleaned again on a surface parallel to the bottom surface 50t of the tank body 50 of the terrace portion 51. A water supply circulation nozzle 24 for supplying the sterilization tank 4 is provided.

  Also, water, cleaning liquid, alcohol, and disinfecting liquid, which will be described later, are provided on a plurality of pipelines provided in the endoscope 100 on a surface 51f of the terrace surface 51t facing the operator proximity position 4k. Or a plurality of ports for supplying air, etc., here two ports (for suction conduit and auxiliary water supply conduit) 33, two ports (for air / water supply conduit and forceps hole) 34, and water leakage A detection port 35 is provided.

  Next, the internal configuration of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a state where the endoscope 100 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 has a water supply hose connection port 31 connected to one end of a water supply hose 31a and the other end of the water supply hose 31a connected to an external water tap 5 so that tap water Is provided.

  The water supply hose connection port 31 communicates with one end of the water supply pipe 9. The other end of the water supply line 9 is connected to the three-way solenoid valve 10. In the middle of the pipe line from the water supply hose connection port 31 to the three-way solenoid valve 10, the water supply electromagnetic is sequentially performed from the water supply hose connection port 31 side. A valve 15, a check valve 16, and a water supply filter 17 are interposed.

  The water supply filter 17 is configured as a cartridge-type filtration filter so that it can be periodically replaced, and is detachable from a filter case (not shown). The water supply filter 17 removes foreign substances, germs, and the like that pass through the tap water.

  The three-way solenoid valve 10 is connected to one end of the flow liquid pipe 18 and switches the communication state between the water supply pipe 9 and the flow liquid pipe 18 with respect to the water supply circulation nozzle 24 by an internal valve member. That is, the water supply circulation nozzle 24 communicates with either the water supply pipe line 9 or the flowing liquid pipe line 18 by the switching operation of the three-way solenoid valve 10. In addition, a fluid pump 19, which is a non-self-priming pump with excellent liquid transport capability, capable of transporting only the liquid is connected to the other end of the fluid flow pipe 18.

  The circulation port 56 disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is connected to one end of the circulation line 20 which is a liquid supply line. The other end of the circulation line 20 is branched into two so as to communicate with the other end of the flowing liquid line 18 and one end of a channel line 21 that is a liquid supply line. The other end of the channel line 21 communicates with the above-described suction line / sub-water supply line port 33 and the two air / water supply line / forceps hole ports 34 (in FIG. 2). Only one of the suction pipe / sub-water supply pipe port 33 is shown). Although not shown, the other end of the channel pipe 21 communicates with the air / water supply / forceps port 34 described above.

  Further, one end of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device connection tube (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning connection tube) 115 is connected to each port 33, 34, and the other end of the cleaning connection tube 115 is shown in FIG. As shown, the operation portion 101, the insertion portion 104, the universal cord 102, and the connector 103 are connected to the corresponding caps 110A to 110D of the endoscope 100. Therefore, each of the ports 33 and 34 is a connector part on the side of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 for connecting the cleaning connecting tube 115.

  The base 110A is for the suction line, the base 110B is for the air / water supply line, the base 110C is for the forceps hole, the base 110D is for the auxiliary water supply line, and each base is It communicates with each pipeline in the endoscope 100. The caps 110A to 110D are made of a heat-resistant member such as metal or Teflon (registered trademark).

The configuration of the cleaning connection tube 115 connected to each base 110 (110A to 110D) will be described later.
The channel pipe 21 is provided with a channel pump 26, a channel block 27, a flow sensor 150, and a channel solenoid valve 28 in that order from the one end side in the middle of the pipe. The channel line 21 between the channel block 27 and the channel electromagnetic valve 28 is connected to the other end of a case line 30 to which the cleaning case 6 and one end are connected. A relief valve 36 is interposed in the case conduit 30.

The channel pump 26 is a self-priming pump that can transfer either gas or liquid at a higher pressure than the non-self-priming pump. Incidentally, the channel pump 26 is constituted by a self-priming pump, for each line in the endoscope 100, reliably, washing, disinfection, for performing the rinsing and the like, the port 33 via a channel 21 This is because it is necessary to send cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, tap water, air, etc. into each pipe line at high pressure. Therefore, the channel pump 26, the ports 33 and 34, and the cleaning connection tube 115 are used for disinfection from the connector portion 115 a (described later) through the cap 110 of the endoscope 100 into each conduit in the endoscope 100. A fluid supply unit for supplying fluid is configured.

  The flow sensor (FS) 150 is a detector for detecting the supply amount of the liquid flowing through the channel conduit 21 and detecting clogging of the conduit in the endoscope 100 from the supply amount of the liquid.

  The detergent nozzle 22 is connected to one end of the cleaning agent pipeline 39, and the other end of the cleaning agent pipeline 39 is connected to the detergent tank 11a. In the middle of this cleaning agent line 39, a detergent pump 40 comprising a high-pressure self-priming pump is interposed in order to lift the cleaning agent from the detergent tank 11a to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  The alcohol tank (A tank) 11b is connected to one end of the alcohol pipe 41, and the other end of the alcohol tank 41 is connected to the channel block 27 so as to communicate with the channel pipe 21 in a predetermined manner. .

  An alcohol supply pump 42 composed of a high-pressure self-priming pump and an electromagnetic valve 43 are interposed in the alcohol conduit 41 to pull alcohol from the alcohol tank 11 b to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  The channel block 27 includes a self-priming pump capable of transferring gas, and one end of an air pipe 44 for supplying air from the air pump 45 to each pipe. It is connected so as to communicate with the pipeline 21. The other end of the air pipe 44 is connected to the air pump 45, and a check valve 47 and a regularly replaced air filter 46 are interposed in the middle of the air pipe 44. .

  The drain port 55 of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is provided with an openable / closable switching valve 57 for discharging cleaning liquid or the like to the outside or collecting the disinfecting liquid in the chemical liquid tank 58 by a valve switching operation. Yes.

  The switching valve 57 is connected to a drainage hose (not shown) connected to an external drainage port and the other end of a drainage pipe 59 that is connected to and communicates with the drainage hose. A drainage pump 60 composed of these pumps is interposed. Further, one end of a chemical solution recovery conduit 61 is connected to the switching valve 57, and the other end of the chemical solution recovery conduit 61 is connected to a chemical solution tank 58.

  The chemical solution tank 58 is connected to one end of the chemical solution supply pipe 62 so that the disinfectant solution from the chemical solution bottle 12a is supplied. The other end of the chemical solution supply pipe 62 is connected to the cassette tray 12.

Further, in the chemical liquid tank 58, one end portion of a chemical liquid pipe 64 provided with a suction filter 63 at one end is accommodated in a predetermined manner. The other end of the chemical liquid pipe 64 is connected to the disinfecting liquid nozzle 23, and a chemical liquid composed of a high-pressure self-priming pump for raising the disinfecting liquid from the chemical liquid tank 58 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 in the middle position. A pump 65 is interposed.
Note that, as described above, for example, two ultrasonic transducers 52 and a heater 53 are disposed below the bottom surface 50t of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. In order to adjust the temperature of the heater 53, a temperature detection sensor 53a is provided in the approximate center of the bottom surface 50t of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  The heater 53 is used for heating the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and circulating in the apparatus to a predetermined temperature. The disinfecting liquid has an appropriate temperature at which the disinfecting effect can be most expected. The disinfecting liquid heated by the heater 53 to the predetermined temperature, which is an appropriate temperature, can effectively disinfect the endoscope 100 and each pipe line in the apparatus main body 2.

  Further, the temperature detection sensor 53 a detects the liquid temperature of the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and circulating in the apparatus, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 70. Based on the detection result from the temperature detection sensor 53a, the control unit 70 performs control to drive and stop the heater 53 so as to keep the disinfectant liquid at a predetermined temperature. Further, as will be described later, the control unit 70 controls the heating unit so that the disinfection at the contact portion between the cap of each pipe line in the endoscope 100 and the connector portion of the cleaning connection tube 115 is performed by heat. Also do.

  Further, inside the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, a power supply 71 to which power is supplied from an external AC outlet and a control unit 70 electrically connected to the power supply 71 are provided. The control unit 70 drives and controls each pump, each electromagnetic valve, the flow sensor 150, and the like described above by being supplied with various signals from the main operation panel 25 and the sub operation panel 13.

  As will be described later, the cleaning connection tube 115 has a heat generating part such as a heater, and a signal line 72 for supplying power to the heat generating part is provided between the control unit 70 and each of the ports 33 and 34. ing.

  FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a pipe configuration for opening / closing control of each channel electromagnetic valve 28 in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. The rinse water after cleaning and disinfection remains in each pipe line in the endoscope 100. Water in each pipe line is removed by air from the air pump 45.

  Water is not drained from all the pipelines in the endoscope 100 at the same time, and a plurality of pipelines are divided into a plurality of pipelines, and one or more pipes are selected from the plurality of pipelines. A group including a path may be selected in order, and water removal may be performed to shorten the water removal process. The inner diameters of the suction pipe and the forceps hole are substantially equal, and the inner diameters of the air / water supply pipe and the auxiliary water supply pipe are smaller than the inner diameters of the suction pipe and the forceps hole. The inner diameter of the auxiliary water supply pipe is smaller than the inner diameter of the air / water supply pipe.

  In the case of FIG. 3, the air pipe 44 connected to the air pump 45 is branched into four, and four pipes in the endoscope 100 (a suction pipe, an auxiliary water pipe, an air / water pipe, Are connected to channel electromagnetic valves 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D for forceps holes). The four channel solenoid valves 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D are connected to the suction conduit port 33a, the auxiliary water supply conduit port 33b, the air / water supply conduit port 34a, and the forceps hole port 34b, respectively. .

  The four channel solenoid valves 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D are controlled so that water removal is performed every two pipelines. Here, the control unit 70 is configured to simultaneously remove water from the pair of suction pipes and forceps holes, and to remove water simultaneously from the pair of air / water supply pipes and sub-water supply management after the water removal. Four channel solenoid valves 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D are controlled.

  In this way, the four pipes are not simultaneously but divided into a plurality of groups, here two groups, so that air is supplied, so the flow rate of air supplied to each pipe necessary for water removal Since the sufficient flow rate of air is supplied to each pipe line, water removal can be performed in a short time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when air is supplied in a plurality of groups, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 may be used. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a modified example of the pipeline structure for opening / closing control of each channel electromagnetic valve 28 in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. That is, the channel connection valve 115 and the bifurcated connection tube 115 described above are provided as channel connection valves for the cleaning and disinfection device 1 provided with the channel solenoid valves 28a and 28b for each of two pipes for supplying simultaneous air. A cleaning connection tube 115a is used.

  According to FIG. 4, the air pipe 44 is branched into two, a suction pipe that is drained at the same time and a channel electromagnetic valve 28 a for the forceps hole, an air / water feed pipe that is drained at the same time, and a sub-feed. A channel solenoid valve 28b for the water pipe is provided. The channel solenoid valve 28a is connected to the port 33, and the channel solenoid valve 28b is connected to the ports 34a and 33b. The port 33 is connected to a cleaning connecting tube 115a having a bifurcated tip, and the two branched connector portions are connected to a base 110A of a suction conduit and a base 110C of a forceps hole.

  The channel solenoid valve 28a is opened, the channel solenoid valve 28b is closed, the suction conduit and the forceps hole are simultaneously dehydrated, and after the water removal, the channel solenoid valve 28b is opened and the channel solenoid valve 28a is closed. The air / water supply line and the auxiliary water supply line are simultaneously dewatered.

The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is merely an example, and the connecting tube for the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention can be connected to any apparatus that cleans / disinfects the endoscope. Alternatively, they may be integrally formed.
(Structure of connection tube for cleaning)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the cleaning connection tube 115. The cleaning connection tube 115 includes a distal end side connector portion 115a, a proximal end side connector portion 115b, and a tube portion 115c provided between the two connector portions 115a and 115b. FIG. 5 shows a state where the connector part 115 a is connected to the base of the endoscope 100 and the connector part 115 b is connected to the port 33 or 34.

  Hereinafter, a case where the cleaning connection tube 115 is connected to the suction pipe cap 110A will be described as an example. Since the connection pipes for cleaning other pipe lines (air supply / water supply pipes, auxiliary water supply pipes, forceps holes) are the same, description thereof is omitted.

  The connector 115a at the distal end of the cleaning connection tube 115 can be connected to a suction pipe base 110A. The connector 115b at the proximal end of the cleaning connection tube 115 can be connected to the suction conduit port 33a. That is, the cleaning connection tube 115 is connected to the connector portion 115a that can be connected to the base 110A of the endoscope 100 that communicates with the conduit in the endoscope 100 and the port 33 that is the fluid supply port of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. And a connector portion 115b that is detachably connected.

  The connector part 115a includes a pipe line member 121 and a clip part. The clip portion includes two clip members 122. A circular groove 123 is formed at the tip of a metal pipe member 121 such as stainless steel, and an annular elastic member 124 is embedded and fixed in the groove 123. The elastic member 124 is a seal member made of silicon rubber, soft metal (for example, copper) or the like.

  A heater 125 as a heat generating member is provided in the pipe line member 121. A heater 125 made of a heating wire such as a nichrome wire is disposed in the vicinity of the elastic member 124 in the pipe member 121 so that the elastic member 124 can be heated. The heater 125 can be provided in the pipe member 121 so as to be embedded in a groove formed in the circumferential direction along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 121 and fixed with an adhesive, for example.

  The heater 125 is provided in an annular shape in the pipe line member 121, and a signal line 126 for supplying power to the heater 125 is connected to the heater 125. For example, the signal line 126 can be provided in the pipe member 121 so as to be embedded in a groove formed in the axial direction of the pipe member 121 along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 121. Therefore, the heater 125 is provided in the connector part 115a, and comprises the heating part which heats the contact part of the connector part 115a and the nozzle | cap | die 110A.

  Two clip members 122 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe member 121. Each clip member 122 uses the elastic force of the torsion spring 122a, which is an elastic member, to fix the connector portion 115a to the base 110A. Specifically, the clip member 122 has a claw portion 122b that protrudes inward on the distal end side.

  The clip member 122 is urged by the torsion spring 122a so that the claw portion 122b is always pressed inwardly on the distal end side with the shaft member 122c provided on the outer peripheral surface of the duct member 121 as the axial center.

  Further, the user grasps the proximal end portion of each clip member 122 and pushes it down to oppose the pressing force of the torsion spring 122 a, so that the claw portion 122 b at the distal end is separated from the axis of the conduit member 121. can do.

  The user presses the tip of the pipe member 121 against the base 110 </ b> A with the claw part 122 b at the tip separated from the axis of the pipe member 121, and the two clips in a state where the elastic member 124 is crushed. When the force to grip the proximal end portion of the member 122 is loosened, the claw portion 122b at the distal end is locked to the flange portion of the base 110A. As a result, the distal end portion of the conduit member 121 and the base 110A are in close contact with each other because the elastic member 124 is pressed and crushed.

  The tube portion 115c includes a resin-made tubular member 115c1, and the tubular member 115c1 is attached to the connector portion 115a so that the distal end portion of the tubular member 115c1 is locked to the stepped portion of the proximal end portion of the connector portion 115a. It is fixed. The signal line 126 for supplying power for the heater 125 is inserted into the tubular member 115c1. A fluid such as a disinfectant flows in the pipe line of the tubular member 115c1. That is, the tube part 115c is a member for connecting the connector part 115a and the connector part 115b, and allowing the fluid supplied to the connector part 115b to flow into the base 110 through the connector part 115a.

When the connector 115b is attached to the port 33, the signal line 126 is connected to the electrical connector 115b1 in the connector 115b and the electrical connector 33a (34a) in the port 33. The signal line 72 is electrically connected.
Note that a heat insulating member 111 may be provided around the base 110 </ b> A inside the endoscope 100. This is to make it difficult for the heat of the base 110 </ b> A to be transmitted to other parts of the endoscope 100.
(Function)
The heater 125 provided in the vicinity of the elastic member 124 is heated so that the base 110 </ b> A reaches a predetermined temperature in the cleaning / disinfecting process of the endoscope 100, so that the connector part of the base 110 </ b> A and the cleaning connection tube 115. The contact portion with 115a is disinfected by heat. Each pipe line of the endoscope 100 is chemically sterilized by a disinfecting solution, and the contact portion between the base 110A and the connector portion 115a of the cleaning connecting tube 115 that is not touched by the disinfecting solution is thermally disinfected.

  Endoscope heat disinfection standards are predetermined. For example, disinfection in reprocessing has a heat disinfection standard that the endoscope must be placed in an environment at 80 ° C. for 1 minute or longer. This standard is based on HLD (High Level Disinfection). Therefore, each pipe line of the endoscope 100 is chemically sterilized using a liquid such as a disinfectant, and the contact portion between the base 110A and the connector part 115a of the cleaning connection tube 115 meets a predetermined standard. The control unit 70 controls the current, voltage, and the like supplied to the heater 125 so that the heat disinfection is maintained at 80 ° C. for 1 minute or longer.

Heating by the heater 125 may be performed, for example, after the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is discharged, or may be performed in a state where the disinfecting liquid is filled in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.
In the method of performing the heat treatment in the state where the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is filled with the disinfecting liquid, there is no need to discharge the disinfecting liquid, so that there is an advantage that the entire time required for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope is shortened. is there.

  In the case of performing the heat treatment in the state where the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is filled with the disinfecting solution, a device is made so that the enzyme contained in the disinfecting solution is not inactivated. For example, an enzyme whose inactivation temperature is equal to or higher than the heating temperature (80 ° C.) is used. Alternatively, the base 110 </ b> A of the endoscope 100 transmits heat at the contact portion with the cleaning connection tube 115, but the other portions of the base 110 </ b> A do not transmit heat to the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. It may be covered with a heat insulating member.

Further alternatively, the temperature detection sensor 53a may detect the temperature of the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, and the disinfecting liquid may be cooled by the cooling function when the temperature of the disinfecting liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Such a cooling function is, for example, arranged by adhering a pipe line connected to a water pipe around the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 and dissipating the heat obtained by the tap water by using a so-called evaporator principle. It can be realized by the mechanism.
However, the disinfecting liquid has a temperature that exhibits the highest medicinal effect, and a high temperature may be preferable depending on the type of the chemical liquid. You may make it heat the chemical | medical solution with which a washing tank is filled with the heat of the connection tube 115 for washing | cleaning, without providing a heat insulation member.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of temperature control of the heater 125 in the control unit 70. For example, it is a diagram showing changes in the temperature of the heater 125 and the temperature of the elastic member 124 when it is desired to supply a predetermined voltage or current to the heater 125. Since the pipe line member 121 exists between the heater 125 and the elastic member 124, the temperature of the elastic member 124 changes with a delay with respect to the temperature change of the heater 125.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for example, in an environment of room temperature of 25 ° C., the control unit 70 starts supplying a predetermined current to the heater 125 via the signal line 72 from time t0. The controller 70 controls the current supplied to the heater 125 so that the temperature of the heater 125 is maintained at 100 ° C. after the time t1.

  In response to the heating of the heater 125, the heat from the heater 125 is transmitted through the pipe line member 121 and raises the temperature of the elastic member 124. In FIG. 6, with a time delay after time t0, the temperature of the elastic member 124 rises and reaches 80 ° C. at time t2 after time t1. The time t2 can be determined by measuring in advance through experiments or the like how long the temperature of the elastic member 124 reaches 80 ° C. Since the heater 125 is maintained at a constant temperature (100 ° C.) after time t1, the temperature of the elastic member 124 becomes 80 ° C. after time t2.

  Since the transfer function of heat from the heater 125 to the elastic member 124 varies depending on the structure and arrangement of the heater 125, the pipe member 121, and the elastic member 124, the temperature of the elastic member 124 is controlled by how the temperature of the heater 125 is controlled. (To be precise, the temperature of the close contact portion between the elastic member 124 and the base 110A) is confirmed by an experiment or the like so that the temperature of the elastic member 124 is correctly set to a predetermined reference temperature for heat disinfection. In addition, the control unit 70 controls the current supplied to the heater 125 and the like.

  In FIG. 5, the heater 125 is provided in the vicinity of the elastic member 124 so that the heat from the heater 125 is supplied to the elastic member 124 via the metal pipe member 121. The elastic member 124 may be in close contact.

  Furthermore, after the elastic member 124 reaches 80 ° C., the control unit 70 controls the supply current to the heater 125 so that the temperature is maintained for a predetermined time of the heat disinfection standard, for example, 10 minutes. In FIG. 6, the time from t2 to t3 corresponds to 10 minutes.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, by controlling the current (or voltage) supplied to the heater 125 by the control unit 70, the temperature of the elastic member 125 (more precisely, the temperature of the close contact portion between the elastic member 124 and the base 110A). ) Can be brought to a temperature that meets a predetermined heat disinfection standard, and the close contact portion can be heat disinfected.

  In the case of simple control, if the controller 70 controls the heater 125 to supply a predetermined current or voltage for a predetermined time based on a timer that counts a predetermined time, Thermal disinfection that meets the heat disinfection standards is performed. The close contact portion is conventionally a portion that cannot be chemically disinfected by a disinfectant solution or the like, but according to the present embodiment, as described above, thermal disinfection is performed.

  In the example described above, the elastic member 124 has an O-ring shape, and the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the circumferential direction is a circular shape as shown in FIG. 5, but an O-ring shape as shown in FIG. The cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the elastic member 124 may be a substantially rectangular shape. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the elastic member 124A.

  In order to ensure adhesion between the elastic member 124A and the base 110A, a protrusion 124Ab is formed on the contact surface 124Aa of the elastic member 124A with the base 110A of the endoscope 100. The protrusion 124Ab is provided in an annular shape along the shape of the circular contact surface 124Aa.

  Furthermore, in the example described above, the elastic member 124 and the heater 125 are separate, but may be integrated. In FIG. 7, as indicated by a dotted line, the heater 125A may be provided in a ring shape in the elastic member 124B. For example, the elastic member 124B with the heater 125A is a silicon rubber heater in which the heater is disposed in a silicon member.

In the above-described example, the cleaning connection tube 115 has the connector 115b for detachably connecting to the port 33 or 34 that is the connector of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, and is detachable from the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. However, the connection tube for cleaning 115 does not have the connector 115b at the base end portion, and the base end portion of the connection tube for cleaning 115 may be fixed so that it cannot be attached to and detached from the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1.
Furthermore, in the above-described example, the heater 125 of the cleaning connection tube 115 is supplied with power from the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 via the signal line 126, but the cleaning connection tube is not contacted from the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. May be supplied with power.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a configuration in which the cleaning connection tube receives power supply from the cleaning / disinfecting device in a non-contact manner according to a modification of the present embodiment. In the pipe line member 121 </ b> A, a series circuit of a switch 127, a coil 128, and a storage battery 129 is connected to the heater 125. The switch 127 is a reed switch that can be turned on and off by magnetism. When the endoscope 100 is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, a coil disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 so as to come close to the switch 127. 127A can be turned on / off.

  The coil 128 receives an external AC magnetic field and charges the storage battery 129 with the voltage generated at both ends of the coil 128. A transmission coil 128 </ b> A for supplying a magnetic field to the coil 128 is arranged in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 so as to come close to the coil 128 when the endoscope 100 is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. . The transmission coil 128A constitutes a power supply unit that supplies power for driving the heater 125 in a non-contact manner.

  The storage battery 129 supplies power to the heater 125 when the switch 127 is turned on and the coil 128 receives an external magnetic field from the transmission coil 128A. As a result, the heater 125 generates heat, and the contact portion between the elastic member 124 and the base 110A can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and disinfection can be performed by heat.

  Control of the coil 127A for turning on / off the switch 127 and the transmission coil 128A for applying a magnetic field to the coil 128 is performed by the control unit 70, and the control unit 70 controls the temperature as shown in FIG. Thus, the contact portion between the elastic member 124 and the base 110A can be set to a predetermined temperature.

The heater 125 described above is a heating wire that generates heat by electricity, but may be an ultrasonic vibrator that generates heat upon receiving a predetermined voltage.
Furthermore, in the above-described example, the elastic member 124 is provided on the connector portion 115a of the disinfecting connection tube 115, but may be provided on the base 110A side.

  The heaters in the above examples are driven by electricity to generate heat, but may be those that do not generate heat, those that generate heat due to a chemical reaction, or those that generate heat by microwaves.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a heater 125B that generates heat due to a chemical reaction is arranged so as to cover the elastic member 124 of the connector portion 115a according to a modification of the present embodiment. The heater 125B is provided in a circular groove at the tip of the pipe member 121B.

The heater 125A includes a heat generating member that generates heat by being in contact with a fluid used for cleaning or disinfection, or a fluid other than the fluid. The heater 125A is, for example,
It is a material belonging to Class 3 hazardous materials such as potassium and sodium. The material that generates heat when it comes into contact with water or oxygen is mixed with a heat-resistant resin and adjusted so that the specified temperature can be maintained without ignition. For example, when a material that becomes 80 ° C. or higher when water is touched is selected for the heater 125A, after the contact with water starts, the temperature of the contact portion between the base 110A and the elastic member 124 reaches 80 ° C. for 10 minutes. A predetermined disinfection process can be performed by managing the time until the elapsed time using a timer. The control of water supply is performed by the control unit 70.

  The heater 125B may be a material such as a metal that generates heat when subjected to microwaves or a metal-dispersed ceramic, for example, an alumina fired body (alumina-silica composite). In that case, a material for the heater 125B that is 80 ° C. or higher is selected by microwave irradiation. When the endoscope 100 is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, the microwave irradiation source is disposed in the vicinity of the position of the connector portion 115a of the cleaning connection tube. Note that water may be present in the vicinity of the heater 125B for microwave heating.

  Then, after the start of the microwave irradiation, the time until the temperature of the contact portion between the base 110A and the elastic member 124 reaches 80 ° C. and 10 minutes elapses is managed by using a timer, so that the heat disinfection process is performed. It can be carried out.

  Moreover, materials other than the heater 125B of the endoscope 100 and the cleaning connection tube 115 are made of a material such as ceramic that is not affected by microwaves. However, a material such as a metal can be used for members other than the heater 125B by devising the irradiation angle and irradiation direction of the microwave.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment and each modification, it is possible to reliably perform disinfection at the contact portion between the mouthpiece of the conduit in the endoscope and the connector portion of the cleaning connection tube. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and a cleaning / disinfecting tube can be realized.

Furthermore, according to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and the cleaning disinfecting tube of the above-described embodiment and each modified example, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, clogging of a pipeline in the endoscope is detected by flow measurement. In this case, the detection accuracy is not lowered.
(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the heat generating portion is provided in the connector portion 115a of the cleaning connecting tube connected to the endoscope 100. However, in the second embodiment, the heat generating portion is provided in the endoscope 100. A contact portion between the mouthpiece of the endoscope 100 and the cleaning connecting tube 115 is heated. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Hereinafter, a case where the cleaning connection tube 115A is connected to the suction pipe base 110A will be described as an example. Since the connection pipes for cleaning other pipe lines (air supply / water supply pipes, auxiliary water supply pipes, forceps holes) are the same, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the endoscope and the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the connecting tube for cleaning 115A, the heater is not provided in the pipe line member 121C in the connector portion 115a on the distal end side, and the heater 131 is provided in the base 110Aa.

  The heater 131 is a heating wire such as a nichrome wire which is incorporated in the inner peripheral groove of the flange portion of the base 110Aa and is fixed by an adhesive or the like. The heater 131 is provided in an annular shape along the flange portion of the base 110Aa so that the contact surface between the elastic member 124 of the cleaning connection tube 115A and the base 110Aa can be heated. That is, the heater 131 is provided in the base 110 </ b> Aa, and constitutes a heating unit for heating the contact portion with the connector unit 115 </ b> A that supplies the disinfecting fluid from the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1.

  A signal line 132 for supplying power to the heater 131 is connected to a series circuit of a switch 133, a coil 134, and a storage battery 135 in the endoscope 100A as shown in FIG. The switch 133 is a reed switch and can be turned on and off by a magnetic force.

  In a predetermined step during the process of cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 100A, the switch 133 can be turned on by passing a current through the coil 141 provided in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. When the heat disinfection of the contact portion between the mouthpiece of the conduit in the endoscope and the connector portion of the cleaning connecting tube is completed, the switch 133 is turned off. Control of current supply to the coil 141 is performed by the control unit 70. The coil 141 is arranged in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 so as to be in the vicinity of the switch 133 when the endoscope 100A is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  The coil 134 is a circuit for receiving a magnetic field from the outside and supplying a current to the charger 134 when charging the charger 135 or heating the heater 131. A magnetic field to the coil 134 is generated by a transmission coil 142 provided in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. The transmission coil 142 is arranged in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 so as to come close to the coil 134 when the endoscope 100A is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  In FIG. 10, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, charging of the charger 135 is performed by receiving power supply from the light source device 201, for example, when the endoscope 100A is used for inspection or the like. May be.

  As described above, the temperature control of the heater 131 provided in the base 110A is also performed according to the time until the temperature of the contact surface between the heater 131 and the elastic member 124 reaches a predetermined temperature as shown in FIG. be able to.

  Therefore, also according to the present embodiment, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and an endoscope that can surely perform disinfection at the contact portion between the mouthpiece of the duct in the endoscope and the connector portion of the cleaning tube are realized. be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the above-described embodiment and each modified example, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the detection accuracy when detecting clogging of the pipeline in the endoscope by the flow measurement It does not decrease

In the above-described example, the coil 141 and the transmission coil 142 are provided in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, but may be provided in the connector portion 115a of the cleaning connection tube 115A.
Furthermore, the above-described silicon rubber heater may be used as the heater 131.

The heater 131 described above is a heating wire that generates heat by electricity, but may be an ultrasonic vibrator that generates heat upon receiving a predetermined voltage.
Furthermore, in the example described above, the elastic member 124 is provided on the connector part 115a of the disinfecting connection tube 115A, but it may be provided on the base 110Aa side.

  The heaters in the above examples are driven by electricity to generate heat, but may be those that do not generate heat, those that generate heat due to a chemical reaction, or those that generate heat by microwaves.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a heater 131A that generates heat due to a chemical reaction is disposed on a contact surface with an elastic member 124 as a part of a base 110Ab, according to a modification of the present embodiment. The heater 131A is a ring-shaped member provided at the tip of the base 110Aa. For example, the same material as the heater 125B of FIG. 9 of the first embodiment is selected. Then, after the start of contact with water, the time until the temperature of the contact portion of the base 110Ab with the elastic member 124 reaches 80 ° C. and 10 minutes elapses is controlled by using a timer. Disinfection can be performed. Control of the supply of water or the like is performed by the control unit 70.

  Note that the heater 131A may be made of a material that generates heat when receiving microwaves, similarly to the heater 125B described in the modification of the first embodiment. In that case, a material that causes the heater 131A to be 80 ° C. or higher by microwave irradiation, for example, a material similar to the heater 125B of FIG. 9 of the first embodiment is selected. The microwave irradiation source is disposed in the vicinity of the position of the base 110Ab when the endoscope 100A is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  Then, after the start of the microwave irradiation, the time until the temperature of the contact portion between the base 110Ab and the elastic member 124 reaches 80 ° C. and 10 minutes elapses is managed by using a timer, thereby performing a predetermined disinfection process. It can be performed.

  Further, materials other than the heater 131A of the endoscope 100 and the cleaning connection tube 115A are made of a material such as ceramic that is not affected by microwaves. However, a material such as a metal can be used for the members other than the heater 131A by devising the irradiation angle and the irradiation direction of the microwave.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment and each modification, it is possible to reliably perform disinfection at the contact portion between the mouthpiece of the conduit in the endoscope and the connector portion of the cleaning connection tube. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device, a cleaning / disinfecting tube, or an endoscope can be realized.

  Furthermore, according to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, the cleaning / disinfecting tube and the endoscope of the above-described embodiment and each modified example, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, clogging of a pipeline in the endoscope is performed. The detection accuracy when detecting by flow rate measurement is not reduced.

  Since the vicinity of the contact portion of the cleaning connecting tubes 115 and 115A according to each of the above-described embodiments and the modifications thereof with the base becomes high temperature, countermeasures for the high temperature will be described below.

  FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the structure of the connector portion of the cleaning connection tube having the cooling mechanism according to the modification of the first embodiment described above. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector portion 115a taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pipe line member 121D has a pipe line 151 formed around the axis, and an annular shape protruding inside the pipe line formed in the axial direction of the pipe line member 121D. A protrusion 152 is provided. The pipe line 151 is formed over the entire circumference of the pipe member 121 around the axis. Inside the pipe member 121D, two openings 153a and 154a of two communication paths 153 and 154 communicating with the pipe 151 are formed. That is, the openings 153a to 154a form one flow path. The opening 153a is formed on the distal end side of the connector portion 115a with respect to the projection portion 152, and the opening 154a is formed on the proximal end side of the connector portion 115a with respect to the projection portion 152.

After the heating by the heater 125, when a liquid, for example, water is flowed from the port 33 or 34 to the cleaning / disinfecting tube 115, the water passing through the pipe member 121 causes a differential pressure before and after the protrusion 152, so that the water From the opening 154a, it flows through the conduit 151 through the communication path 154, and exits from the opening 153a through the communication path 153. As a result, the pipe member 121 heated by the heater 125 is cooled not only by water flowing inside the pipe member 121 but also by water flowing through the pipe 151 formed inside the pipe member 121. Therefore, the connector part of the cleaning connecting tube 115 that has become hot can be quickly cooled.
Note that in FIG. 13, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line, a cover 155 having heat insulation covering the periphery of the connector portion 115 a may be provided.

Moreover, you may make it display to the user the temperature of the front-end | tip part of the disinfection tube for washing | cleaning, or the display which shows that the temperature of the front-end | tip part is high.
FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view showing an example of the cleaning connection tube 115 having a temperature display unit according to a modification of the above-described first embodiment. The temperature display unit 161 is configured, for example, by applying a paint whose color changes according to the temperature to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe line member 121 of the connector unit 115a. A temperature display corresponding to each reaction temperature is printed on the paint. The type of paint corresponding to the temperature display number is applied. In FIG. 14, since the color of the temperature display portion of 70 ° C. is changed by the oblique line, the user can know that the temperature is 70 ° C. Since the color of the reaction temperature portion changes, the user can recognize the temperature of the connector portion 115a.

  FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view showing another example of the cleaning connection tube 115 having the temperature display section according to the modification of the first embodiment described above. The temperature display unit 162 is configured by applying, for example, a paint that changes color when the temperature of the pipe member 121 of the connector unit 115a becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. At a predetermined temperature or higher, for example, 40 ° C. or higher, the temperature display unit 162 changes to a predetermined color, for example, red. Since the color of the temperature display part 162 changes, the user can recognize that the temperature of the connector part 115a is high.

  In addition, you may make it a character appear in the temperature display part 162. FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the temperature display unit 162 of FIG. In the temperature display section 162a of FIG. 16, when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 ° C. or higher, predetermined characters “DANGER”, “Attention”, “CAUTION”, and the like appear.

Further, a light emitting element such as an LED may be used for the temperature display portion. FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view showing still another example of the cleaning connection tube 115 having an LED display section as a temperature display section according to the modification of the first embodiment described above. The LED display part 162b is controlled to emit light when the temperature on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe line member 121 of the connector part 115a reaches a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, a thermography device is provided in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, the connector unit 115 a is imaged, the surface temperature is measured from the image data, and the measured temperature is supplied to the control unit 70. When the measured temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 ° C. or higher, the control unit 70 drives and lights the LED display unit 162b. Therefore, when the LED display portion 162b is lit, the user can recognize that the temperature of the connector portion 115a is high.
In addition, instead of the LED display unit 162b, the display unit of the main operation panel 25 of the apparatus main body 2 displays characters, pictures, or the like indicating that the connector unit 115a is hot or displays the temperature of the connector unit 115a. You may do it.
Furthermore, a temperature sensor is provided in the connector portion 115a, and the output of the temperature sensor is supplied to the control portion 70 so that the LED display portion 162b is turned on or the temperature display on the display portion of the main operation panel 25 is performed. You may make it perform.

  In addition, the lock mechanism is disposed in the cleaning / disinfecting device 1 so that the user can open the top cover 4 when the temperature detected by the thermography device or the temperature sensor in the connector portion 115a becomes a predetermined temperature or lower. May be provided.

  Furthermore, a cooling device, for example, a cooling member composed of a Peltier element or the like may be provided in the connector portion 115a, and the connector portion 115a may be cooled by the cooling device in accordance with the detected temperature. .

  As described above, by taking measures against the high temperature of the connector portion of the cleaning connection tube 115, the user can surely perform cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the heater has been described as a heater for performing disinfection in accordance with HLD. However, when the endoscope needs to be sterilized, the heater is a predetermined heater. The temperature is controlled so that sterilization is performed in accordance with the standards. Whether the endoscope should be sterilized during cleaning or disinfection, depending on the type of endoscope (for gastrointestinal, organ, neurosurgery, etc.) or depending on the procedure used, or should it be sterilized? Is predetermined. For example, in the case of sterilization, the temperature of the contact portion is maintained at 121 ° C. for 15 minutes.

  Heating at 121 ° C. for 15 minutes with a heater may be performed before cleaning or disinfection, or may be performed after cleaning and disinfection. For example, after chemically disinfecting the inside of the endoscope channel, the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is discharged, and after the cleaning connection tube does not remain, heating with a heater is performed. Processing is performed. Alternatively, heat treatment with a heater may be performed before disinfection, and then cleaning with a chemical solution may be performed. However, it is conceivable that the fouling substance is thermally deformed and fixed to the die or the like by heating, and therefore the heat treatment is preferably after cleaning and disinfection.

  In that case, an endoscope information reading unit for reading endoscope information is provided in the cleaning / disinfecting device or the connecting tube for cleaning, and the cleaning / disinfecting device is based on the information read by the endoscope information reading unit. Alternatively, switching between disinfection and sterilization may be performed automatically.

  The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus described above is a liquid medicine disinfecting type using a liquid such as a cleaning liquid or a disinfecting liquid, but may be a gas disinfecting type using a disinfecting gas such as EOG (ethylene oxide gas).

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

1 Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device,
2 device body,
3 Top cover,
4 Cleaning disinfection tank,
5 Water tap,
6 Cleaning case,
9 Water supply pipeline,
10 Three-way solenoid valve,
11 Alcohol tray,
11a Detergent tank,
11b alcohol tank,
12 cassette tray,
12a chemical bottle,
13 Sub-operation panel,
14 Pedal switch,
17 Water supply filter,
18 Flow line,
19 Fluid pump,
20 Circulation line,
21 channel line,
22 Detergent nozzle,
24 water supply circulation nozzle,
25 Main operation panel,
26 channel pump,
27 channel block,
28A ~ 28D channel solenoid valve,
30 Case pipeline,
31 Water supply hose connection port,
31a Water supply hose,
32 Water level sensor,
33 ports
33a Port for suction line 33b Port for auxiliary water supply line,
34 ports,
34a Port for air / water supply conduit 34b Port for forceps hole 36 Relief valve,
40 Detergent pump,
41 Alcohol line,
42 alcohol supply pump,
44 Air line,
45 Air pump,
50 tank body,
50t bottom,
50s side,
51 Terrace,
51t terrace surface,
52 ultrasonic transducer,
53 heater,
53a temperature detection sensor,
55 drainage port, 56 circulation port,
58 chemical tank,
60 drainage pump,
63 Suction filter,
65 chemical pumps,
70 control unit,
71 power supply,
72 signal lines,
100, 100A endoscope,
101 operation unit,
102 universal cable,
103 connector,
110A-110D base,
111 heat insulation member,
115 Connecting tube for endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device,
115a, 115b connector part,
115c tube section,
115c1 tubular members 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D pipe members,
122 clip member,
122a Torsion spring,
122b claw member,
122c shaft member,
123 groove 124, 124A, 124B elastic member,
125 heater,
125B heater,
126 signal lines,
127 switch,
127A coil,
128 coils,
128A transmission coil 129 storage battery,
131 heater,
131A heating member,
132 signal lines,
133 switch,
134 coils,
135 battery,
141 coils,
142 transmit coil,
150 flow sensor,
151 pipeline,
152 protrusions,
153 communication path,
153a opening,
154 communication path,
154a opening, 155 cover,
161 temperature display,
162 temperature display,
162a temperature display,
162b LED display

Claims (20)

A first connector portion connectable to a mouthpiece of the endoscope communicating with a pipe line in the endoscope;
A fluid supply section for supplying a disinfecting fluid from the first connector section through the base of the endoscope into the conduit in the endoscope;
A heating part for heating the contact portion between the first connector part and the base;
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising:   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit is provided in the first connector unit.   The said 1st connector part is provided in the connection tube which has a 2nd connector part connected to the supply port of the said fluid from the said fluid supply part so that attachment or detachment is possible. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to 1.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating unit includes a heating wire or an ultrasonic vibrator.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating unit includes a heat generating member that generates heat by being in contact with the fluid or a fluid different from the fluid. .   The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating unit includes a material that generates heat when receiving microwaves.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connector portion includes a pipe line for cooling the first connector portion.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit is provided in the base.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the heating unit includes a heating wire or an ultrasonic vibrator.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power for driving the heating wire or the ultrasonic transducer in a non-contact manner.   The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the heating unit includes a heat generating member that generates heat by being in contact with the fluid or a fluid different from the fluid.   The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the heating unit includes a material that generates heat when receiving microwaves. A first connector portion connectable to a mouthpiece of the endoscope communicating with a pipe line in the endoscope;
A heating unit that is provided in the first connector unit and heats a contact portion between the first connector unit and the base;
A second connector portion detachably connected to a fluid supply port of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device;
A tube portion for connecting the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and allowing the fluid supplied to the second connector portion to flow into the base via the first connector portion; ,
A connection tube for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, comprising:   The connecting tube for an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating unit is configured by a heating wire or an ultrasonic vibrator.   The connecting tube for an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating unit includes a heat generating member that generates heat by being in contact with the fluid or a fluid different from the fluid.   The connecting tube for an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating unit includes a material that generates heat when receiving microwaves. An endoscope,
A mouthpiece of the endoscope communicating with a pipe line in the endoscope;
A heating unit for heating a contact portion with a connector unit that is provided in the base and supplies a disinfecting fluid from the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device;
The endoscope characterized by having.   The endoscope according to claim 17, wherein the heating unit includes a heating wire or an ultrasonic transducer.   The endoscope according to claim 17, wherein the heating unit includes a heat generating member that generates heat by being in contact with the fluid or a fluid different from the fluid.   The endoscope according to claim 17, wherein the heating unit includes a material that generates heat when receiving microwaves.

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