JP3796602B2 - Endoscope cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning apparatus for medical equipment that performs observation, imaging, and cell extraction of a patient's affected area, and in particular, a cleaning tank that stores a chemical solution stored in a cleaning tank in an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting process. The present invention provides an endoscope cleaning apparatus that forcibly drains or forcibly collects liquid from within.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an endoscope cleaning apparatus, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-34155 has been provided. This endoscope cleaning device is a mixture of bubbles and running water. By adopting the disinfection method, the processing ability is high and the operability is improved. The specific structure is as follows: “The main body of the washing tank is made of a panel made of a resin molding material having a large number of pores in the wall surface of a spiral groove having a gradient that gradually decreases from the outside to the inside. The fluid such as the washing water supplied to the spiral groove has a flow velocity, and air is injected from a large number of pores drilled in the wall surface of the spiral groove to create bubbles in the water flow. An endoscope cleaning device that is generated and cleaned with water flow and bubbles.
[0003]
In the endoscope cleaning apparatus, in the cleaning / disinfecting process for cleaning / disinfecting the endoscope (fiber), the endoscope (fiber) is arranged in an annular shape in the cleaning tank, and water is supplied into the tank. When full water level is reached, bubbles and bubble mixture are generated until the time set by the operator, the water accumulated in the washing tank is drained (drained) from the drain, and the chemical in the chemical tank is washed via the chemical pump Fill the tank and immerse the endoscope (fiber) until the set time. After immersion disinfection, the chemical solution in the cleaning tank is collected from the same drain port into the chemical tank, and water is supplied to the cleaning tank to rinse the endoscope (fiber), and rinse water is discharged from the drain port. It is the process of waste liquid (drainage).
[0004]
According to the above endoscope cleaning device, in order to collect waste liquid and chemical liquid into the tank when cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope (fiber), the equipment configuration with different heights in the cleaning tank, drainage tank, chemical liquid tank It is said. Now, using the natural fall, waste liquid is drained to the drainage tank via the drainage valve during chemicals. After that, waste liquid (drainage) is discharged to the outside of the endoscope cleaning device by a drain pump. At the time of recovery, the liquid is recovered into the chemical tank via the recovery valve. However, there are issues to be improved regarding the following items. (1) Since natural fall is used for waste liquid and recovery, it takes much time for waste liquid and recovery. (2) If a forcible pump for forcibly performing waste liquid and recovery is added, the cost including piping attached to it will increase. (3) Since the liquid in the cleaning tank is circulated through the circulation / waste liquid pump at the time of the washing process, there is a problem that germs may propagate in the circulation pump / waste liquid.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of the problems of the above-described conventional endoscope cleaning apparatus, the present invention forcibly recovers the chemical solution during the endoscope cleaning process directly from the cleaning tank, thereby shortening the recovery time of the chemical solution. It is another object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning apparatus that can be used as a chemical solution recovery path via a circulation / waste liquid pump and can be sterilized in the circulation / waste liquid pump.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting process, the chemical liquid accumulated in the cleaning tank is forcibly discharged or forcibly recovered from the cleaning tank directly from the cleaning tank through the pump and the switching valve. In addition, when the chemical solution is collected, the circulation / waste liquid pump that circulates / wastes the water and detergent water accumulated in the washing tank is used as a collection path, and the circulation / waste liquid pump is disinfected by the passage of the chemical solution. It is characterized by that.
[0008]
[Action]
Since the endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is configured as described above, the chemical solution is forcibly recovered from the cleaning tank directly by the switching valve and the pump during the endoscope cleaning process. The collection time is shortened. This shortens the fiber cleaning time, and at the time of recovery of the chemical solution after the fiber is immersed and disinfected, the circulation / waste liquid pump that circulates / wastes the water and detergent water accumulated in the cleaning tank Since the chemical solution is collected in the chemical tank as a recovery path, the chemical solution passes through the circulation pump, and the circulation / waste liquid pump is sterilized. Thereby, the endoscope cleaning apparatus can always be kept clean (hygienic).
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments of the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cleaning tank. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram including a control system.
[0010]
First, in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 has a cleaning tank body 2 that houses an endoscope 80 on the upper surface 1 </ b> A of the box 1. The washing tank body 2 has a dish shape having an annular tank 2A having a U-shaped cross-section with an open upper surface. Therefore, when running water, bubble mixed running water, or the like is jetted into the cleaning tank body 2, this running water circulates while turning in the spiral groove 2, and reaches the filter F from the overflow hole 2C provided in the central portion 2B. It is discharged through the drainage pump P1. The endoscope 80 housed in the cleaning tank body 2 is cleaned by a flow of flowing water W, bubble mixed flowing water W1, detergent water W ′, and the like, and is sterilized by the chemical liquid Y.
[0011]
There are four swirl nozzles (spray nozzles) N, a disinfecting liquid discharge port S1 and this disinfecting plug S2, two level switches LS1 and LS2, and an endoscope 80. An attachment coupler AK of “suction port K1, water supply port K2, forceps K3” to be connected and vinyl pipes H1, H2, H3 thereof are provided. Various operation switches (attachment coupler water supply switch Sa, suction port switch Sb, and leak check coupler switch Sc are provided on the front side of the upper surface 1A of the box body 1. Thereby, cleaning and disinfection are performed.・ Automatic cleaning operation is possible.
[0012]
Next, a schematic configuration of a control system for controlling the operation of the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The washing tank body 2 has a dish shape having an annular tank 2A having an open upper surface. First, bubble mixed flowing water (microbubbles) W1 generated during the cleaning step (A) is supplied to the cleaning tank body 2 from the microbubble nozzle N1. The generation method is made, for example, by a vortex turbine pump (corresponding to the “circulation / waste liquid pump” of the present invention) P2. The manufacturing path is connected so that the air E can be sent from the air E suction port E1 to the air suction portion (a) of the vortex turbine pump P2 via the air suction SOL1. Further, the water W reaches from the filter F1 connected to the drain port 2D provided at the lowest part of the washing tank main body 2 to the adjustment valve V1 through the drain opening / closing valve MV1, and the flow rate is controlled here and the water of the vortex turbine pump P2 is controlled. It connects so that water W can be sent in to a suction part (b).
[0013]
The air E and water W sent (supplied) to the vortex turbine pump P2 are mixed by the rotating impeller H rotating at high speed, as shown in FIGS. To produce fine bubble mixed flowing water (microbubbles) W1. This bubble mixed flowing water W1 reaches the microbubble nozzle N1 via the circulation / drainage switching valve V2 and the “air separator + air relief valve” V3. Of course, in addition to the vortex turbine pump P2, other types of pumps may be used.
[0014]
The water W, the bubble mixed flowing water W1, the detergent water W ′, etc. in the cleaning tank main body 2 reach the vortex turbine pump P2 from the drain port 2D through the filter F1, the drain opening / closing valve MV1, and the adjustment valve V1. / Circulation system supplied to micro bubble nozzle N1 or vortex nozzle (spray nozzle) N by drain / drainage switching valve V2 and vortex flow SOL3, and discharge system drained to the outside from second circulation / drainage switching valve V2 Sorted.
[0015]
The washing tank main body 2 is provided with a water supply nozzle N2 used for water supply, and water W is supplied to the water supply nozzle N2 from a “water supply main tap” K such as a water supply via a “pressure reducing valve” G and a “water supply” SOL4. Supplied. The detergent is supplied to the detergent nozzle N3 used in the dipping process from the detergent tank T1 containing the detergent via the detergent pump P4. When an appropriate amount of detergent is supplied into the cleaning tank body 2 from the detergent nozzle N3, the detergent water W ′ is diluted with water in the cleaning tank. The detergent water W ′ is supplied together with air into the vortex turbine pump P2, and a fine bubble-mixed detergent solution Wo mixed with bubbles inside the pump is obtained by the same means as the bubble-mixed flowing water W1.
[0016]
That is, the air E and the detergent water W ′ fed (supplied) to the vortex turbine pump P2 are a rotating impeller that rotates the air E and the detergent water W ′ at a high speed as shown in FIGS. Mix with H to produce very fine bubble-mixed detergent liquid (microbubbles) Wo. This bubble-mixed detergent solution Wo reaches the microbubble nozzle N1 via the circulation / drainage switching valve V2 and the “air separator + air relief valve” V3.
[0017]
Further, the chemical liquid Y in the chemical liquid tank T2 containing the sterilizing liquid is supplied to the chemical liquid tap N4 functioning during the sterilization process (B) by the chemical liquid pump P3. In this route, the chemical Y in the chemical tank T2 is supplied from the chemical pump P3 to the chemical tap N4. Then, the chemical Y in the cleaning tank reaches the vortex turbine pump P2 from the drain port 2D through the filter F1, the drain opening / closing valve MV1, and the adjustment valve V1, and from the first circulation / drainage switching valve V2 to the chemical tank T2. Form a circulatory system to be returned. Further, a discharge system for discharging the chemical solution from the second circulation / drainage switching valve V2 to the outside is formed by the switching operation of the second circulation / drainage switching valve V2.
[0018]
In the rinsing step (C), water W is supplied to the water supply nozzle N2 from a “water supply main tap” K such as a water supply via a “pressure reducing valve” G and a “water supply” SOL4. The water W in the washing tank reaches the vortex turbine pump P2 from the drain port 2D through the filter F1, the drain opening / closing valve MV1, and the control valve V1, and from the second circulation / drainage switching valve V2 to the air separator + air. A vortex W2 that is a swirl flow is injected from the vortex nozzle N into the cleaning tank body 2 via the relief valve V3 and the vortex opening / closing SOL3.
[0019]
The endoscope 80 has an appearance as shown in FIG. The main unit 80A and the operation unit 80B are connected by a connecting pipe 80C, and the main unit 80A includes an insertion unit 80D. The main body 80A is provided with a suction port (A), a water supply port (B), and forceps (C), to which vinyl pipes H1, H2, H3 branched from the discharge port of the vortex turbine pump P2 are connected. The By this piping, the bubble-mixed detergent solution Wo is supplied into the fiber pipeline and becomes a piping pathway for cleaning the pipeline.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning tank main body 2 has a dish-shaped cross section having an annular tank 2A having an open upper surface, and the main body and fiber portion of the endoscope 80 are provided in the annular tank 2A. Can be wrapped in a ring shape.
[0021]
The endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as described above and operates as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 80 to be cleaned is wound in a circumferential shape and stored in the annular tank 2 </ b> A of the cleaning tank body 2. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning of the endoscope 80 is performed in the cleaning step (A) in which the endoscope 80 is immersed in a cleaning tank body 2 filled with the detergent water W ′. It comprises a step (A1), a bubble mixed detergent solution Wo after the detergent soaking step (A1), and a vortex washing step (A2) using the bubble mixed flowing water W1 and vortex W2. This is followed by a disinfection step (B) with the chemical Y and a final rinsing step (C).
[0022]
First, the detergent immersion step (A1) for immersing the endoscope 80 in the cleaning tank body 2 filled with the detergent water W ′ includes the water supply nozzle N2 in the cleaning tank body 2, and the water supply nozzle N2 includes Water W is supplied from a “water supply main tap” K such as a water supply via a “pressure reducing valve” G and a “water supply” SOL4. Further, detergent is supplied to the detergent nozzle N3 from the detergent tank T1 containing the detergent via the detergent pump P4. An appropriate amount of detergent is supplied from the detergent nozzle N3 into the washing tank body 2 to obtain detergent water W ′ diluted with water in the washing tank.
[0023]
The endoscope 80 is put into the detergent water W ′ in the washing tank and the detergent immersion process (A1) is advanced. After a predetermined time, the detergent soaking process (A1) is terminated, and the process is switched to the vortex washing process (A2) using the bubble mixed detergent liquid Wo and the bubble mixed running water W1 and vortex W2 after the detergent soaking process (A1). Here, the air E and the detergent water W ′ fed (supplied) to the vortex turbine pump P2 are rotating blades that rotate the air E and the detergent water W ′ at a high speed as shown in FIGS. Mixing with the vehicle H produces a very fine bubble mixed detergent liquid (microbubble) Wo. This bubble-mixed detergent solution Wo reaches the microbubble nozzle N1 via the circulation / drainage switching valve V2 and the “air separator + air escape valve” V3, and is supplied into the cleaning tank body. In particular, a delicate bubble-mixed detergent solution Wo is easily obtained with a single pump, and the surface of the endoscope is precisely cleaned by the bubble-mixed detergent solution Wo. As a result, even at room temperature water, the delicate bubble mixed detergent liquid Wo works to exert an excellent effect on the fiber surface cleaning ability.
[0024]
Subsequently, the eddy current washing step (A2) using the bubble mixed running water W1 proceeds as follows. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bubble mixed flowing water W1 supplied to the cleaning tank main body containing the endoscope is mixed by the rotating blade H that rotates the air E and the water W at a high speed in the vortex turbine pump P2. And very fine bubble mixed flowing water (microbubble) W1 is manufactured. The bubble mixed flowing water W1 can be obtained continuously from the discharge port by simply supplying water and air into the pump. The bubble mixed flowing water reaches the microbubble nozzle N1 via the circulation / drainage switching valve V2 and the “air separator + air release valve” V3.
[0025]
Note that the flow path of the water W, the bubble mixed flowing water W1, the detergent mixed water W ′, Wo, W2 and the like in the cleaning tank body 2 during the endoscope cleaning process passes from the drain port 2D to the filter F1, the drain opening / closing valve MV1. , A circulatory system that reaches the vortex turbine pump P2 via the control valve V1, and is supplied to the microbubble nozzle N1 or the vortex nozzle (spray nozzle) N by the two circulation / drainage switching valves V2 and the vortex flow SOL3; This is distributed to a discharge system that drains to the outside from the circulation / drainage switching valve V2. That is, it is forcibly carried out directly from the washing tank by at least one switching valve and at least one pump, thereby shortening the recovery time of the waste liquid / chemical solution and shortening the fiber cleaning time.
[0026]
The bubble mixed flowing water W1 ejected from the microbubble nozzle N1 cleans the endoscope 80 while swiveling counterclockwise in the annular tank 2A, as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the delicate bubble mixed flowing water W1 permeates through the details of the fiber surface of the endoscope (and a part inside the fiber), and can be washed precisely.
[0027]
Furthermore, since the bubble mixed flowing water W1 circulates in the circumferential direction in the annular tank, the bubble mixed flowing water flows smoothly, and the fiber surface of the endoscope (and a part inside the fiber) Efficient and precise washing with water flow and bubbles.
[0028]
In order to clean the inside of the endoscope 80 more cleanly, the vinyl pipe H1 is connected to the suction port (A), the water supply port (B) and the forceps (C) provided in the main body 80A of the endoscope 80. , H2, H3 are connected, and the bubble mixed flowing water W1 is supplied to the vinyl pipes H1, H2, H3. Thereby, the fiber surface of the endoscope and the inside of the fiber can be cleaned efficiently and precisely. Therefore, each part of the endoscope is completely cleaned, and the endoscope can be secured in a sanitary state.
[0029]
Finally, in the disinfection step (B), the chemical solution Y in the chemical solution tank T2 containing the disinfectant solution is supplied to the chemical solution tap N4 functioning in the disinfection step (B) by the chemical solution pump P3. In this route, the chemical Y in the chemical tank T2 is supplied from the chemical pump P3 to the chemical tap N4. Then, the chemical Y in the washing tank reaches the vortex turbine pump P2 from the drain port 2D through the filter F1, the drain opening / closing valve MV1, and the regulating valve V1, forming a circulation system and forming the first circulation / drainage switching valve. Returned from V2 to the chemical tank T2. Further, by switching the second circulation / drainage switching valve V2, a discharge system is formed, and the chemical solution is discharged from the second circulation / drainage switching valve V2 to the outside.
[0030]
In addition, when collecting the chemical solution after immersion and disinfection of the fiber with chemical solution, the chemical solution is collected into the chemical solution tank using the circulation / waste liquid pump as the chemical solution recovery route. The inside of the waste liquid pump is disinfected. Thereby, the endoscope cleaning apparatus can always be kept clean (hygienic).
[0031]
According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention, the following effects are exhibited. First, waste liquid and chemical solution are collected forcibly from the washing tank directly by the switching valve and pump during the endoscope cleaning process, shortening the recovery time of waste liquid and chemical solution and shortening the fiber washing time Can be achieved.
[0032]
In addition, when collecting chemicals after immersing and disinfecting fibers with chemicals, the chemicals are collected into the chemical tanks using the circulation / waste liquid pump as the chemical recovery route. The inside of the waste liquid pump is disinfected. Thereby, the endoscope cleaning apparatus can always be kept clean (hygienic).
[0033]
The above is an introduction of a limited embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 shown in the above embodiment. For example, the configuration of the control system for controlling the operation of the endoscope cleaning apparatus 100 is not limited to the pump type and the number thereof and the switching valve type and the number thereof shown in FIG. Further, the configuration of the detailed pipeline can be changed as appropriate.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
In the endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting process, the chemical liquid accumulated in the cleaning tank is forcibly discharged or forcibly recovered from the cleaning tank directly from the cleaning tank through the pump and the switching valve. In addition, when the chemical solution is collected, the circulation / waste liquid pump that circulates / wastes the water and detergent water accumulated in the washing tank is used as a collection path, and the circulation / waste liquid pump is disinfected by the passage of the chemical solution. Therefore, in the endoscope cleaning / disinfection process, the chemical solution accumulated in the cleaning tank is forced to be drained or forcibly recovered from the cleaning tank directly from the cleaning tank via the pump and switching valve. The collection time is shortened, and the effect of shortening the fiber washing time is demonstrated. At the time of collecting the chemical solution, circulating and waste liquid that circulates the water and detergent water accumulated in the washing tank. Turn the pump Since the inside of the circulation / waste liquid pump is sterilized by passing the above chemical solution, the endoscope cleaning device can always be kept clean (hygienic), and the inside and outside of the endoscope fiber can be cleaned (hygienic) Effective for cleaning and disinfection.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an operational sectional view of the vortex turbine pump according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the impeller of the vortex turbine pump according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tank body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of an endoscope.
FIG. 8 is a process chart of cleaning and disinfection according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Box 1A Upper surface 2 Cleaning tank main body 2A Ring tank 2B Center part 2C Overflow hole E Air H Rotary blade H1, H2, H Vinyl piping N1 Micro bubble nozzle P1 Drain pump P2 Eddy current turbine pump (circulation and waste liquid pump)
P3 Chemical pump P4 Detergent pump W Water W 'Detergent water W1 Bubble mixed flowing water Wo Bubble mixed detergent liquid 80 Endoscope 80A Main unit 80B Operation unit 80C Connection pipe 80D Insertion part (A) Cleaning process (A1) Detergent immersion process (A2) ) Eddy current cleaning process (B) Disinfection process (C) Rinsing process (A) Suction port (B) Water supply port (C) Forceps 100 Endoscope cleaning device

Claims (1)

In the endoscope washing and disinfecting steps, a is medicine liquid accumulated in the cleaning tank is forcibly waste or forced recovery than direct cleaning tank through the pump and the switching valve from the cleaning tank, and, when the recovery of the chemical liquid An internal view characterized in that a circulation / waste liquid pump that circulates / wastes water accumulated in the washing tank and detergent water is used as a collection path, and that the circulation / waste liquid pump can be sterilized by passing the chemical solution. Mirror cleaning device .

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