JP3273551B2 - Endoscope accessory cleaning device and endoscope cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Endoscopes are frequently used for examination and treatment of body cavities. Endoscopes after use need to be cleaned and disinfected to prevent infection and the like.

As an endoscope cleaning apparatus, for example, there is one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-9729. This endoscope cleaning device sets an endoscope in a cleaning tank, then jets a cleaning liquid from a jet nozzle provided in the cleaning tank, and sends the cleaning liquid into an endoscope channel to perform an endoscope. After cleaning the inside and outside of the mirror, the endoscope is disinfected by immersing it in a disinfectant solution and sending it, then rinsing by jetting and sending clean water, and finally sending it into the endoscope channel. It takes care to remove water in the pipeline.

[0004] By the way, the endoscope is provided with buttons, forceps port caps, and other accessory parts necessary for operation at the time of inspection, but these are detached from the endoscope and independently cleaned and impulsed. It is possible.

[0005] Since many of these accessory parts have a complicated shape, such as those having a spring structure inside and those having a bag-shaped part, they are formed by spraying the above-mentioned cleaning liquid. An enormous amount of time was required to obtain a sufficient cleaning effect by cleaning.

[0006]

[0007]

In order to solve such problems, the present applicant has devised an endoscope cleaning apparatus as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-66764. This endoscope cleaning device uses accessory parts
It is stored in a case immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the liquid flow
Supply and rotate the accessories with the force of the liquid flow.
Bleed air inside the accessory parts
The cleaning ability is improved by evenly contacting the cleaning solution with the surface.
It is to raise it.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, endoscopes
Accessories attached to the have a spring structure inside
Presents complex shapes, such as
Many of these are described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-66764.
The cleaning solution evenly on the surface of the accessory parts.
It was difficult to obtain a sufficient cleaning effect only by performing the cleaning. (Object) In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an endoscope accessory cleaning device capable of easily and sufficiently cleaning accessory components of an endoscope.
The purpose is to provide a device.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems In view of the above problems, an endoscope accessory cleaning device according to the present invention is provided with an endoscope.
Endoscope accessories for immersing the accessory parts to be washed in a cleaning solution
In the parts cleaning device, the accessory parts in the cleaning solution are supersonic
Ultrasonic wave generating means for generating ultrasonic waves for wave cleaning;
Provided at the position where the ultrasonic wave hits
A setting section for movably setting parts at predetermined positions,
Cleaning liquid for the accessory parts set in the set section
This accessory can be moved by squirting and supplying
Washing water supply means capable of:
Without supplying the washing water to the set section,
A first period of supplying said ultrasonic wave by a step;
While the purified water supply means supplies the set water to the set section,
The ultrasonic wave is supplied by the ultrasonic wave generating means.
And control means for controlling sequentially in the period of 2.
Features. In addition, the endoscope cleaning device according to the present invention includes
The endoscope and the accessories attached to the endoscope are immersed in the cleaning liquid.
In an endoscope cleaning apparatus for immersing and cleaning, the endoscope is
Cleaning tank for setting and cleaning, and accessory parts in the cleaning liquid
Ultrasonic wave generating means for generating ultrasonic waves for ultrasonic cleaning,
It is provided at a position where the ultrasonic wave is applied in the cleaning liquid,
A set part that movably sets the attached parts at predetermined positions
And the accessory parts set in the set part
The accessory is operated by jetting and supplying the cleaning liquid.
A first liquid supply conduit capable of shading, and an interior of the endoscope.
A second liquid supply line for supplying a cleaning liquid to the line, and the first liquid supply line;
Liquid sending for sending the cleaning liquid to the liquid sending conduit or the second liquid sending conduit
Means, and a conduit for sending the cleaning liquid from the liquid sending means.
Switching to the first liquid sending line or the second liquid sending line
Switching means, and the switching means, the second liquid feeding conduit
To supply the washing water to the endoscope conduit, and
A first period for supplying the ultrasonic waves by ultrasonic generating means
And switching the switching means to the first liquid feed line.
Supplying cleaning water to the set section, and
Sequentially controlling the second period for supplying the ultrasonic wave by the step
And control means for controlling. (Operation) According to the endoscope accessory cleaning device having the structure of claim 1.
Then, in the first period, the cleaning water supply means cleans the set
Do not supply water, supply ultrasonic waves by ultrasonic generation means
As a result, the cleaning solution does not shake, and ultrasonic waves are standing in the cleaning solution.
Waves are not disturbed and work on attached parts,
In the second period, the washing water supply means supplies washing water to the set section.
Ultrasonic wave to the accessory parts by ultrasonic generation means while feeding
Supplied parts are moved so that ultrasonic waves are evenly supplied
Transmitted to the part. An endoscope having the structure of claim 2.
According to the cleaning device, the switching means is switched to the second during the first period.
Switch to the liquid feed line to supply the washing water to the endoscope line, and
Ultrasonic waves are supplied by the ultrasonic generator, so the cleaning liquid
The standing wave of the ultrasonic wave is disturbed in the cleaning solution without shaking
Without acting on the accessory, in the second period
Set the washing water by switching the switching means to the first liquid feed line
Supplied to the unit, and ultrasonic waves are attached by ultrasonic generation means
As it is supplied to the parts, the attached parts are moved and the ultrasonic waves are uneven
Transmitted to attached parts.

Further, since the accessory rotates and its posture changes, the ultrasonic wave is evenly transmitted to the accessory, and when the accessory stops rotating, the cleaning liquid does not shake. In this case, the standing wave of the ultrasonic wave acts on the attached parts without being disturbed.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present embodiment relates to the present invention.
Applied endoscope cleaning device applied to endoscope cleaning device
Things. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the endoscope is attached.
Metal parts, and wash the accessory parts together with the endoscope.
An endoscope cleaning device will be described. Hereafter, the form of this implementation
Description of an endoscope cleaning device according to an embodiment with reference to the drawings.
I do. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a view showing a piping state of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are cleaning tanks of the endoscope cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. Plan view and front sectional view showing details of
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a storage case for accessory parts, and FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an ultrasonic cleaning step in the endoscope cleaning apparatus. FIG. 3A is a chart showing the ultrasonic cleaning step. , (B) and (c) are views showing a state of the accessory in the ultrasonic cleaning step, and FIG. 5 is a view showing a state where ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the accessory.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 has a cleaning tank 2 forming a cleaning chamber. In cleaning tank 2,
An openable / closable lid 3 forming a ceiling surface of the washing room is attached. The cleaning tank 2 can store a predetermined number (one in the case of the present embodiment) of endoscopes (not shown in FIG. 1) in the inside thereof, and the cleaning liquid and the cleaning liquid are so immersed that the endoscope is immersed. It has a volume that can be filled with disinfectant.

An inlet 4 is provided on a side wall of the washing tank 2, and a water supply line 6 connected to a water tap 5 as a water supply source is connected to the inlet 4. A water supply valve 7 and a filter 8 for filtering tap water are provided in the middle of the water supply line 6 in order from the upstream side. A cleaning liquid jet port 10 for jetting high-pressure water into the cleaning tank 2 is provided on a side wall of the cleaning tank 2.
A circulating fluid suction port 11 is provided at the bottom of the circulating fluid.

The circulating liquid suction port 11 is connected to a first suction pipe line 13a connected to the suction side of a first liquid feeding pump 12, and the cleaning liquid jet port 10 is connected to a first liquid sending pump. 1st liquid feed line 13 connected to the discharge side of 12
b is connected. The first liquid sending pipe 13b and the first suction pipe 13a are used to collect a liquid from the circulating liquid suction port 11 in the cleaning tank 2 and feed the liquid to the cleaning tank 2 again under pressure.
Is formed.

In the course of the first circulation path 13, the liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is recovered, and the liquid is returned to the cleaning tank 2 through various channels (internal pipes) of an endoscope housed in the cleaning tank. And a second circulation path 15 for pressure feeding.

The second circulation path 15 is connected to the first suction line 13
a, a second suction line 15a branched from the middle of
A second liquid feed pump 16 having a suction pipe 15a connected to the suction side, and a second liquid pump 16 connected to the discharge side of the second liquid feed pump 16.
And the second liquid feeding line 15b.
Are connected to the channel connection port 17.

The channel connection port 17 is provided at a position on the side wall of the cleaning tank 2 where the channel connection port can be connected to a channel of an endoscope housed in the cleaning tank 2. A check valve 18 that opens toward the channel connection port 17 is interposed between the liquid supply pipe 15b and the liquid supply pipe 15b.

The check valve 18 and the second liquid feed pump 16
The accessory washing channel 19 is branched between the two, and the accessory washing channel 19 is connected to the washing tank 2 via a relief valve 20 that opens when a predetermined pressure or more is applied. At the same time, a storage case 21 for storing accessory parts of the endoscope (not shown in FIG. 1) is detachably provided at an end of the cleaning tank 2.

In the middle of the second liquid feed line 15b (downstream of the check valve 18), an air supply line 23 is opened via a check valve 22 opened toward the channel connection port 17. Is connected, and a compressor 24 is connected to the air supply line 23.
Is connected. An electromagnetic valve 25 for opening and closing the second liquid supply pipe 15b is provided between the air supply pipe 23 and the channel connection port 17.

A drain port 26 is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 2. The drain port 26 is connected to a disinfectant return line 28 and a drain line 29 via a line switching valve 27. Are connected respectively.

A drainage pump 30 is interposed in one drainage line 29 and the other disinfectant return line 2
8 is connected to the disinfectant tank 31. A disinfecting solution feed pipe 33 is connected to the disinfecting solution tank 31 via a disinfecting solution supply pump 32.
Is connected to the inlet 34 of Also, in the cleaning tank 2,
The detergent supply line 35 is connected, and the detergent supply line 35 is connected.
Is connected to a detergent tank 37 via a detergent supply pump 36.

Next, a detailed structure around the cleaning tank 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), a heater (not shown) for heating and keeping a liquid such as a cleaning liquid or a disinfecting liquid filled in the cleaning tank 2 is built in the bottom center of the cleaning tank 2. Tower 38
Is provided.

A plurality of Langevin-type ultrasonic vibrators 40 as ultrasonic generating means are provided circumferentially around the tower 38 and outside the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 corresponding to almost directly below the endoscope 39. Are located. The reason why the ultrasonic transducers 40 are arranged circumferentially is that the endoscope 39 is bent into a substantially circular shape so that even a long endoscope can be housed in the washing tank 2 as small as possible. This arrangement allows the ultrasonic waves to be efficiently applied to the endoscope 39 accommodated in the cleaning tank 2.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 40
Are arranged circumferentially, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an annular ultrasonic transducer 40 may be used. Further, the ultrasonic vibrator 40
May be appropriately changed according to the storage form of the endoscope 39. For example, when the endoscope 39 is linearly arranged in the cleaning tank 2, the ultrasonic vibrator is accordingly adjusted. 40
May be arranged linearly.

Further, when the endoscope 39 is stored in a curved state, its central portion becomes a useless space, and if this portion is filled with the cleaning solution and the disinfecting solution, these solutions are wasted. By providing the above-described tower 38 at this position, waste of the liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is prevented.

An operation unit holding member (not shown) is provided in the cleaning tank 2, and high-pressure water is supplied to the operation unit 39a of the endoscope 39 mounted on the operation unit holding member. A cleaning liquid jet port 10 for jetting is provided. The cleaning liquid jet 10 is oriented such that its extension line is in contact with or slightly away from the side wall of the tower.
The cleaning liquid spouted from the cleaning tank 2
It becomes a vortex orbiting around.

The cleaning tank 2 has an endoscope 3 housed therein.
Connection tube 41 for communication with various channels of 9
A connection case 17 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 for accommodating accessory parts of the endoscope such as buttons (not shown in FIG. 2). is set up.

An inlet 21a for ejecting a cleaning liquid is provided at the bottom of the storage case 21, and the inlet 21a is detachably attached to the end of the accessory washing pipe 19 by a one-touch joint. In addition, the attachment / detachment position of the storage case 21 is provided at a position where the ultrasonic waves (US) from the ultrasonic transducer 40 sufficiently reach the storage case 21.

The storage case 21 is, as shown in FIG.
In the form of a basket, a metal, preferably a stainless steel mesh, the mesh of the mesh is easy to transmit ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic frequency range when performing ultrasonic cleaning, specifically, at least It is preferable that the mesh transmits an ultrasonic wave of 20% or more, and the mesh has a size that does not allow the accessory such as a button to be cleaned to fall off. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the mesh 5
mm.

In the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 described above, each of the valves, pumps, and ultrasonic transducers described above are all connected to a control device (not shown). These devices can be controlled according to the above, and the processes such as predetermined cleaning, disinfection, and rinsing can be automatically processed.

Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, the used endoscope 39 is bent into a substantially circular shape, the lid 3 is opened, and the endoscope 39 is set in the cleaning tank 2, and the accessory removed from the endoscope 39 is set in the storage case 21. The connection port of the endoscope 39 and the channel connection port 17 are connected by a connection tube 41.

Since the shape of the connection tube 41 is determined for each type of endoscope, it is used appropriately in accordance with the endoscope to be used. Thereafter, by operating an operation switch of a control device (not shown), the steps of cleaning, disinfection, rinsing, and air supply are automatically performed according to the inputted program.

Hereinafter, the steps which are automatically performed will be sequentially described. In the washing process, first, the water supply valve 7 is opened, and water from the water tap 5 is supplied through the water supply line 6 to the inlet 4.
, And the detergent injection pump 36 is driven, and a predetermined amount of detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 37 into the cleaning tank 2. When a certain amount of water and detergent are supplied into the cleaning tank 2, the first and second liquid feed pumps 12,
The cleaning step is started by driving 16 and when the inside of the cleaning tank 2 reaches the designated water level, the water supply valve 7 is closed.

At this time, part of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2
The circulating fluid suction port 11 sucks the fluid into the first suction pipe 13a by the suction action of the first liquid feed pump 12, and the cleaning liquid jet 10 from the endoscope 3 through the first liquid feed pipe 13b.
9 at high pressure. Therefore, the endoscope 3
Large dirt, soft dirt, light dirt, and the like adhering to the cleaning liquid 9 (mainly the operation unit 39a) are washed away by the impact force of the cleaning liquid jetted from the cleaning liquid jet port 10. In addition, since the vortex is formed in the cleaning tank 2 by the ejection of the cleaning liquid, the various dirt attached to the outer surface of the endoscope 39 is also chipped off by the vortex.

Further, a part of the cleaning liquid sucked into the first suction pipe 13a is sucked into the second suction pipe 15a by the suction action of the second liquid feed pump 16 and the second suction pipe 15a.
Is supplied into the channel via the channel connection port 17 and the connection tube 41 through the liquid supply pipe 15b. This removes various dirt in the channel.

The washing liquid sent into the channel is ejected from the tip of the endoscope 39 into the washing tank 2 through the channel of the endoscope 39, into the washing tank 2, and from the washing liquid jet port 10 to the storage case 21. Cleaning solution is used as it is in cleaning tank 2
And these washing liquids are returned to the first circulation path 1 again.
3 or the second circulation path 15 is circulated.

Thereafter, the cleaning by the circulating action is performed for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is operated while maintaining the circulation of the cleaning liquid, and the ultrasonic cleaning is performed. In the ultrasonic cleaning step, the ultrasonic vibration (US) from the ultrasonic transducer 40 causes hard dirt adhered to the endoscope 39 and the accessory 42 and adheres to a complicated shape portion of the endoscope 39 and the accessory 42. Smeared dirt is strongly removed.

The ultrasonic cleaning step will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4A, the second liquid feed pump 16 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 operate continuously throughout the ultrasonic cleaning period. In the period (A) immediately after the shift from the cleaning process to the ultrasonic cleaning process, the cleaning liquid from the second liquid feed pump 16 is supplied into the channel because the electromagnetic valve 25 is open. I have. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the period (A), the cleaning liquid is supplied into the channel, so that the accessory 42 in the storage case 21 does not rotate and its posture does not change.

Then, following the first period (a), (b)
During the period, since the electromagnetic valve 25 is closed, the supply of the cleaning liquid into the channel is stopped. Then, the pressure in the second liquid supply pipe 15a and the pressure inside the accessory cleaning 19 increases, and the relief valve 20 is opened, so that the cleaning liquid flows into the storage case 21 via the accessory cleaning pipe 19 and the inlet 21a. It is gushing. As a result, the accessory 42 is
1, the air accumulated inside the accessory 42 escapes into the washing water. According to the present embodiment, this (b)
Lasts for 10 seconds.

That is, in the present embodiment, the configuration such as the storage case, the second liquid feed pump, the accessory washing channel 19, and the relief valve 20 functions as an attitude changing means for changing the attitude of the accessory 42. I do.

Further, for example, from the state of FIG.
By rotating, the accessory 42 is moved to the state shown in FIG.
5A, the ultrasonic wave impinges on the accessory 42 from a direction different from the initial state, as shown in FIG. 5A, which shifts from the state of FIG. 5B to the state of FIG. Further, due to a change in the position or posture of the accessory 42, the accessory 42 is placed at a node of the standing wave of the ultrasonic wave, that is, at a portion where the sound pressure is low.
Will not be constantly installed.

Therefore, all parts of the accessory 42 have a chance to be installed in a part having a high sound pressure.
The cleaning unevenness of the accessory 42 is eliminated. Then, after 10 seconds, the second period (A) shown in FIG.
When the electromagnetic valve 25 is opened, the relief valve 20 is closed, the liquid supply into the storage case 21 is stopped, and the cleaning liquid is supplied again into the channel.

As a result, the cleaning liquid is not supplied into the storage case 21, so that the accessory 42 does not rotate, but the ultrasonic wave continues to act on the accessory 42, and the details are cleaned.

At this time, since the cleaning liquid is not supplied into the storage case 21, the cleaning liquid around the storage case 21 does not vibrate violently, so that the standing wave of the ultrasonic wave is not disturbed in the cleaning liquid. Therefore, during this period, 4
2 is ultrasonically cleaned with a stable standing wave. After a certain period of time (10 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, the solenoid valve 25
Is closed, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the storage case 21 again.

By opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 25 in this way, the feeding of the liquid into the channel and the feeding of the liquid to the storage case 21 are repeated at least once or an arbitrary number of times. That is,
By repeating opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 25, and repeating supply and stoppage of the cleaning liquid to the storage case 21, uniformity of the ultrasonic irradiation position by changing the posture and position of the accessory 42, and stable standing wave , And the accessory parts 42 are surely washed.

The number of repetitions is set, and
The setting of the time per one time can be appropriately set by the user according to the degree of dirt. When the above ultrasonic cleaning step is completed, a rinsing step is subsequently performed.

In the rinsing step, first, the driving of the first and second liquid feed pumps 12 and 16 is stopped, and the pipe line switching valve 27 is switched to the drain pipe line 29 so that the drain pump 30 is driven. As a result, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged from the drain port 26 to the outside through the drain pipe 29.

When the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is completely drained, the water supply valve 7 is subsequently opened, and new water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 as rinse water. And the first and second
Are driven again to rinse the inside and outside of the channel of the endoscope 39 and the accessory parts 42 in the storage case 21 by the circulating action described above.

For this reason, rinsing is performed several times. At this time, an overflow-type rinse may be performed in which the rinse water in the cleaning tank 2 is sequentially replaced with new water. In the latter half of the rinsing step, the draining step is performed in a state where the rinsing water has been completely discharged from the washing tank 2.

In this draining step, the driving of the first and second liquid feed pumps 12 and 16 is stopped and the compressor 24 is driven, and the air from the compressor 24 flows through the air supply pipe 23 to the second liquid feed pipe 23. 15b.

The air sent to the second liquid sending line 15b is
It is sent from the channel connection port 17 into the channel of the endoscope 39, and is discharged into the cleaning tank 2 through the channel. Thereby, drainage in the channel is performed.

After draining in the channel, the solenoid valve 25 is closed, the relief valve 20 is opened, and the accessory washing line 19 is opened.
Air is supplied to the storage case 21 through the
May be drained.

When the above rinsing step is completed, a disinfection step is subsequently performed. First, the pipeline switching valve 27 is switched to the disinfectant tank 31 side, and thereafter, the disinfectant supply pump 32 is driven. As a result, the disinfecting solution in the disinfecting solution tank 31 is injected into the cleaning tank 2 from the injection port 34 via the disinfecting solution feed pipe 33. When a predetermined amount of disinfectant is injected into the cleaning tank 2 and the endoscope 39 is completely immersed in the disinfectant,
The driving of the disinfecting liquid pump 32 is stopped, and then the second liquid feeding pump 16 is driven.

Thereafter, the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is changed by the switching operation of the solenoid valve 25 in the same manner as in the above-described ultrasonic cleaning step.
It is sent from the channel connection port 17 into the channel or from the accessory washing pipe 19 into the storage case 21 to disinfect the inside of the channel and the accessory 42. That is, the accessory 42
Is rotated in the case 21 in the same manner as in the above-described ultrasonic cleaning step, so that it contacts the disinfecting solution evenly and is effectively disinfected.

At this time, if the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is operated to apply ultrasonic waves to the endoscope 39 and the accessory 42, more effective disinfection becomes possible. After such disinfection has been performed for a predetermined period of time, the line switching valve 27 is switched to the disinfecting solution return line 28 side, the disinfecting solution supply pump 32 is operated, and the disinfecting solution in the cleaning tank 2 is returned to the disinfecting solution. It is collected in the disinfectant tank 31 through the pipe 28.

Thereafter, a rinsing step similar to the rinsing step described above is performed, and the disinfecting solution is rinsed. After the rinsing process, air is supplied to the channel and to the accessory 42 (water removal).
Is performed.

This draining step is performed in the same procedure as the draining step performed in the latter half of the above-described rinsing step. When the rinsing step and the draining step are completed, the entire process is completed, so the lid 3 is opened and the endoscope 39 in the cleaning tank 2 is taken out.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the accessory parts 42 are rotated in the storage case 21 to come into contact with each other or to contact the wall of the storage case 21. Bubbles attached to 42 are eliminated or moved to other positions by the impact.

As a result, the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid are circulated all over the inner and outer surfaces of the accessory 42, and the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid spread sufficiently to the inside of the accessory 42 having a complicated shape. No unevenness.

Further, in the ultrasonic cleaning step, since the posture of the accessory 42 changes, the ultrasonic wave is evenly applied to the accessory 42, which is effective. Further, during the ultrasonic cleaning and the disinfecting process using the ultrasonic vibration, the supply of the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid to the storage case 21 is temporarily stopped to prevent the fluctuation of the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid. Since the period during which the accessory 42 can be cleaned and disinfected by a wave is provided, the efficiency of cleaning and disinfecting is improved. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both the advantage of cleaning by rotating the accessory with the liquid flow and the advantage of cleaning and disinfection using ultrasonic waves.

Incidentally, the attitude changing means for changing the attitude of the accessory parts is not limited to the injection of the cleaning liquid into the storage case as in the present embodiment. A storage case 45 provided with a flowing liquid generating means may be provided in the cleaning tank 2.

As shown in FIG. 8, a storage case 46 is disposed below the inlet 4 which is a water supply source, and the accessory 42 is rotated by the force of water when water is supplied into the washing tank 2. Is also good.

Although not shown, the storage case is swung by using a rotation driving device such as a motor having an eccentric weight on the rotation shaft or a vibration generating means such as an ultrasonic vibrator, so that the posture of the accessory 42 is changed. It may be changed.

Although not shown, the storage case may be swung by a swinging device using a rotating cam or the like to change the attitude of the accessory 42. Further, according to the present embodiment, the liquid supply means to the storage case 21 is constituted by a pipe via the relief valve 20 for preventing an abnormal increase in pressure in the pipe, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid into the channel. (Second liquid feed pump 16) is commonly used, but a dedicated pump or pipe line may be used.

If the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is disposed below the storage case 21, the ultrasonic waves can be effectively applied to the components in the storage case 21. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which a storage case and accessory parts in the storage case in this embodiment are rotating.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the storage case is made of a thin stainless steel plate, so that the duplicated description will be omitted. The storage case 44 shown in FIG. 6 is formed by making the above-mentioned thin stainless steel plate into a cylindrical shape and joining an upper lid 44b having two flow holes 44a to one end (upper side) and the other end (lower side). ), A bottom cover 44c is joined thereto, and the bottom cover 44c is provided with a one-touch joint for detachably connecting to the end of the accessory washing pipe 19 on the side of the washing tank 2.

The thin stainless steel plate has a thickness of 0.2 mm.
Thus, the sound pressure of an ultrasonic wave having an output of 300 to 600 W and a frequency of 30 to 50 kHz is transmitted by 20% or more. In the thin stainless steel plate, if the thickness exceeds 0.2 mm, the transmittance is reduced, and it becomes difficult to exhibit the cleaning ability. However, up to a thickness of about 1 mm, there is no practical problem. Also, if the thickness is 0.2
If it is less than mm, the transmittance will improve, but it will be difficult to obtain the required mechanical strength, depending on the size and weight of the accessory.

According to the storage case 44 having the above-described structure, the storage case 44 has sufficient permeability for ultrasonic waves, and the circulation hole 44a, which is a place where the liquid is ejected from the storage case 44, can be arbitrarily provided. The flow of the liquid in 44 can be controlled. That is, since the speed and direction of the flowing liquid in the storage case 44 can be controlled by changing the position and size of the flow hole 44a, the flowing liquid suitable for the shape, size and weight of the target accessory 42 is Can be produced.

Therefore, it is possible to create conditions for reliably rotating the accessory 42 in a short time,
The cleaning effect by the impact force generated by the rotation of the accessory 42 can be expected.

It should be noted that the communication hole 44a is not
Can be changed, and if at least one is formed, the position may be any position of the storage case 44 as necessary, and the number is not limited.

The upper cover 44b itself may not be provided. (Supplementary Note) The present invention includes the following configurations. (1) In an endoscope cleaning apparatus for cleaning an endoscope and accessory parts of an endoscope, an ultrasonic generating means for cleaning the endoscope and accessory parts immersed in a cleaning liquid, and an accessory part immersed in a cleaning liquid A posture changing means for changing the posture by rotating the, and a control means for repeating the rotation and stop of the accessory by the posture changing means while generating ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic wave generating means, Endoscope cleaning equipment. (2) In an endoscope cleaning apparatus for cleaning an endoscope and small items such as buttons attached to the endoscope, the small items of the endoscope are cleaned by at least ultrasonic waves and small items (accessory parts). Cleaning by rotating the endoscope in combination. (3) In the configuration (2), a storage case for storing small items made of a substance having high ultrasonic permeability, a cleaning tank for installing the storage case in an ultrasonic vibration region in the cleaning tank, A pump and a conduit capable of freely sending a fluid in the storage case are provided, and the liquid feeding into the storage case is stopped at least in a part of the cleaning process. (4) In the constitutions (2) and (3), the storage case has a sound pressure of an ultrasonic wave of 30 to 50 Hz of at least 20.
%. The endoscope cleaning device according to configuration (1), wherein the endoscope cleaning device is made of a material that transmits at least%. (5) In the constitutions (2) and (3), the storage case is formed of a stainless steel plate having a thickness of 1 mm or less or a wire mesh having a hole of 0.5 mm square. (6) In the constitutions (2) and (3), the liquid supply line to the storage case is also used as a relief line for preventing an abnormal pressure rise of the endoscope cleaning line. . (7) The attitude changing means according to claim 1 is a flow liquid generating means for discharging the cleaning liquid toward the accessory so that the accessory changes its attitude by rotating the accessory by the pressure of the flow of the cleaning liquid. . (8) The configuration (7) is characterized in that the flowing liquid generating means is shared with a circulation pipe of the cleaning liquid.

According to the above configurations (1) to (3), the attached parts in contact with the cleaning liquid are cleaned by ultrasonic waves. In addition, since the accessory rotates in the cleaning process, air accumulated inside the accessory is released, and the cleaning liquid comes into contact with all parts of the accessory to be cleaned.

Further, since the position and the orientation (posture) of the accessory parts are changed, cleaning without unevenness is performed. Similarly, since the disinfectant is in contact with all locations, disinfection is performed reliably. Further, according to the above configurations (4) and (5), since the storage case has good ultrasonic permeability, it can be sufficiently cleaned by ultrasonic waves.

According to the above configurations (6) and (7),
According to the above configuration (8), the flowing liquid generating means can be shared with the circulation line of the cleaning liquid, so that the structure of the apparatus can be simplified. can do.

[0076]

According to the present invention, during the ultrasonic cleaning process,
Acts on accessory parts by changing the attitude of metal parts
Can change the direction of the ultrasonic waves in various ways,
Ultrasonic waves can be evenly applied to attached parts
You. Also, during the ultrasonic cleaning process,
When stopped, cleaning by changing the posture of attached parts
Fluid shake is prevented, and attached parts are washed with stable standing waves
As a result, the cleaning efficiency by ultrasonic waves is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pipe state of an endoscope cleaning device according to a first embodiment.

2 (a) is a plan view showing details of a cleaning tank of the endoscope cleaning device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 (b) is a side view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a storage case for accessory parts.

FIG. 4A is a chart showing the ultrasonic cleaning process,
(B) And (c) is a figure which shows the state of the accessory during the ultrasonic cleaning process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted to attached parts.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a storage case according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a fan is used as a posture changing unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the momentum of water when supplying water into the cleaning tank is used as the posture changing means.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope cleaning apparatus 2 Cleaning tank 16 2nd liquid supply pump 19 Accessory washing channel 20 Relief valve 21 Storage case 39 Endoscope 40 Ultrasonic transducer 42 Accessory

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An accessory attached to an endoscope is used as a cleaning liquid.
In an accessory cleaning device for an endoscope that is immersed and cleaned, an ultrasonic wave for ultrasonically cleaning the accessory in the cleaning liquid is generated.
An ultrasonic wave generating means to be provided, provided at a position where the ultrasonic wave is applied in the cleaning liquid,
A set part that movably sets the attached parts at predetermined positions
When cleaning with respect to the accessory part to be set in the set portion
Move this accessory by squirting and supplying liquid
Cleaning water supply means capable of supplying the cleaning water to the set section
Without supplying the ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic wave generating means.
A first period, and the cleaning water supply means
By the ultrasonic generating means while supplying the washing water
Control for sequentially controlling the second period for supplying the ultrasonic wave
Means for cleaning endoscope accessory parts. 2. An endoscope and an accessory attached to the endoscope.
Endoscope cleaning equipment that cleans products by immersing them in a cleaning solution
Te, a cleaning tank for cleaning sets the endoscope, ultrasonic waves ultrasonic cleaning accessories in said cleaning liquid generator
An ultrasonic wave generating means to be provided, provided at a position where the ultrasonic wave is applied in the cleaning liquid,
A set part that movably sets the attached parts at predetermined positions
When cleaning with respect to the accessory part to be set in the set portion
Move this accessory by squirting and supplying liquid
A first liquid supply pipe capable of supplying a cleaning liquid to an internal pipe of the endoscope;
And the cleaning liquid is supplied to the first liquid supply pipe or the second liquid supply pipe.
A liquid supply unit for supplying the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply unit to the first line;
For switching to the second liquid feed line or the second liquid feed line
Means for switching the switching means to the second liquid feed line and
To the endoscope conduit, and to the ultrasonic generating means
Therefore, the first period for supplying the ultrasonic wave and the switching
Means is switched to the first liquid sending line, and the washing water is
And the supersonic wave generated by the ultrasonic wave generating means.
Control means for sequentially controlling a second period for supplying a sound wave
And an endoscope cleaning device, comprising: