JP3961677B2 - Autoclave device for endoscope sterilization - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope sterilization autoclave device for sterilizing an endoscope with high-temperature steam.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an autoclave device for sterilization of an endoscope sterilizes an endoscope by filling the sterilization tank with high-temperature and high-pressure steam after sucking and exhausting air from the sterilization tank in which the endoscope is accommodated. ing.
[0003]
However, when the inside of the sterilization tank is decompressed, air is also sucked and exhausted from the endoscope in conjunction with the suction and exhaust in the sterilization tank so that the rubber part that covers the endoscope does not swell and break. After that, it is necessary to seal the outer wall of the endoscope so that high temperature steam does not enter the endoscope. Therefore, conventionally, a communication hole with a check valve that allows communication between the inside and the outside of the endoscope has been formed in the outer wall portion.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if there is a pinhole in some part of the exterior of the endoscope due to deterioration of the adhesive or sealant, high-temperature steam filled in the sterilization tank enters the endoscope, The optical parts will be damaged.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention prevents the occurrence of failure of the optical components inside the endoscope by preventing high temperature steam from entering the endoscope when there is damage to the exterior of the endoscope through the inside or outside. An object of the present invention is to provide an autoclave device for endoscope sterilization that can be performed.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope sterilization autoclave apparatus according to the present invention includes a tank suction means for sucking and exhausting air from a sterilization tank in which an endoscope is accommodated, and the tank suction means. In an autoclave device for endoscope sterilization provided with steam filling means for filling high temperature steam into the sterilization tank in a state where air is sucked and exhausted, air is evacuated from the sterilization tank by the suction means in the tank. Endoscope suction means for sucking and exhausting air from the endoscope in conjunction with suction and exhaust, endoscope internal pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the endoscope, and the endoscope And safety control means for stopping the operation of the vapor filling means when the pressure detected by the mirror internal pressure detection means rises after the operation of the vapor filling means.
[0007]
After the operation of the vapor filling means is stopped by the safety control means, the high-temperature steam remaining in the sterilization tank is discharged to return the sterilization tank to a state filled with atmospheric air. Steaming means may be provided, in which case the endoscope is filled with atmospheric pressure in conjunction with the return of the sterilization tank filled with atmospheric pressure air by the steaming means. You may make it return to the satisfy | filled state.
[0008]
Further, a communication tube communicating with the endoscope may be provided detachably with respect to the endoscope, and state control in the endoscope may be performed through the communication tube. A base that is normally closed and is opened when the communication pipe is connected to the inside of the endoscope and the communication pipe may be provided on the outer wall portion of the endoscope.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entire apparatus of an autoclave device for sterilization of an endoscope. A sterilization tank 1 for accommodating an endoscope 50 is a sealed container, but is configured so that the endoscope 50 can be taken in and out.
[0010]
In this device, six electromagnetic valves 11 to 16 are used, among which the first electromagnetic valve 11, the third electromagnetic valve 13, the fourth electromagnetic valve 14 and the sixth electromagnetic valve 16. Each of the four solenoid valves is attached to a separate pipe communicating with the inside of the sterilization tank 1.
[0011]
The 1st electromagnetic valve 11 opens and closes the piping which connects between the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and the vacuum pump 2, and when the 1st electromagnetic valve 11 is opened in the state where the vacuum pump 2 is on, the sterilization tank The inside of the sterilization tank 1 gradually approaches a vacuum state as a result of suction and exhaust from the inside.
[0012]
The third solenoid valve 13 opens and closes a pipe through which high-temperature and high-pressure (eg, 135 ° C, 2.2 atm) steam is sent. When the third solenoid valve 13 is opened, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is opened. Is fed into the sterilization tank 1.
[0013]
The fourth electromagnetic valve 14 opens and closes a pipe that communicates the atmosphere with the inside of the sterilization tank 1. When the fourth electromagnetic valve 14 is opened when the pressure in the sterilization tank 1 is lower than the atmospheric pressure, the sterilization is performed. Air is sent into the tank 1.
[0014]
The sixth electromagnetic valve 16 also opens and closes a pipe that communicates the atmosphere with the inside of the sterilization tank 1. When the sixth electromagnetic valve 16 is opened in a state where high-pressure steam is filled in the sterilization tank 1. The steam in the sterilization tank 1 is discharged into the atmosphere. Note that the sixth solenoid valve 16 and the fourth solenoid valve 14 can be used together as one.
[0015]
An endoscope to be sterilized by an autoclave device must have a completely airtight outer wall. However, a mouth that leads to the inside is provided, for example, on the outer wall of the connector section, as shown in FIG. The connection adapter 20 is detachably attached to the.
[0016]
FIG. 3 shows the structure of the portion, where the reference number 50 indicates a member on the endoscope 50 side and the reference number 20 indicates a member on the connection adapter 20 side.
A pedestal 51 projecting from the outer wall of the connector portion of the endoscope 50 has a through-hole extending into the endoscope 50 at the axial position, and a receiving base 52 is screwed on the front side portion of the pedestal 51. It is fixed.
[0017]
In an internal space surrounded by the pedestal 51 and the receiving base 52, a valve body 53 formed in a mushroom shape is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction. The valve body 53 is urged outward by a compression coil spring 54. In a normal state, the O-ring 55 attached to the surface of the valve body 53 is pressed against the back surface of the receiving base 52 to perform internal inspection. The inside and outside of the mirror 50 is closed.
[0018]
A connection cap 22 detachably attached to the receiving cap 52 is provided on the connection adapter 20 side, and a communication pipe 21 whose other end is drawn out of the sterilization tank 1 is provided at the protruding end portion of the connection cap 22. One end is connected.
[0019]
The connection cap 22 is brought into a state in which the connection cap 22 cannot be removed from the pedestal 51 by engaging and rotating an engagement pin 56 protruding from the side surface of the receiving base 52 into an L-shaped guide groove 23 formed on the side surface. When the engaging pin 56 is detached from the guide groove 23 by rotating in the opposite direction, the base 51 is removed.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 3, in a state where the connection cap 22 is attached to the pedestal 51, the valve opening pin 25 disposed inside the connection cap 22 resists the urging force of the compression coil spring 54 and the valve body 53. Will be pushed down.
[0021]
As a result, a gap is formed between the O-ring 55 and the inner surface of the receiving base 52, and the inside of the endoscope 50 and the inside of the communication pipe 21 communicate with each other through a groove 57 formed on the outer edge of the valve body 53. It is in a state.
[0022]
Returning to FIG. 1, the pressure sensor 4 is connected to the communication pipe 21 to detect the pressure in the endoscope 50. A second solenoid valve 12 and a fifth solenoid valve 15 are attached to a branch pipe branched from two places in the middle of the communication pipe 21.
[0023]
Among them, the second electromagnetic valve 12 opens and closes the communication state between the communication pipe 21 and the vacuum pump 2. When the second electromagnetic valve 12 is opened while the vacuum pump 2 is on, the endoscope Suction and exhaust are performed from the inside of the endoscope 50, and the inside of the endoscope 50 gradually approaches a vacuum state.
[0024]
The fifth solenoid valve 15 opens and closes a pipe that communicates the inside of the communication pipe 21 and the atmosphere. When the pressure in the endoscope 50 is lower than the atmospheric pressure, the fifth solenoid valve 15 is opened. The atmosphere is sent into the endoscope 50.
[0025]
3 is a control unit that generates and outputs control signals for controlling the operations of the electromagnetic valves 11 to 16 and the vacuum pump 2, and the operations of the electromagnetic valves 11 to 16 and the vacuum pump 2 are controlled by the control unit 3. It is controlled in conjunction with the control signal.
[0026]
Further, an output signal from the pressure sensor 4 is sent to the control unit 3 to monitor the internal pressure of the endoscope 50, and after the high temperature steam starts to be sent into the sterilization tank 1, the pressure in the endoscope 50 is increased. When it rises, it means that the outer wall of the endoscope 50 has been torn. Therefore, an anti-abnormal process such as closing the third electromagnetic valve 13 and stopping the high-temperature steam feed into the sterilization tank 1 is performed. To do.
[0027]
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of each unit executed based on a control signal from the control unit 3 in a normal state where the detected pressure in the pressure sensor 4 is normal.
[0028]
When the endoscope 50 is sterilized, when the endoscope 50 is set in the sterilization tank 1, the vacuum pump 2 is turned on to open the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 12 (▲ 1). ▼). Then, air is sucked and exhausted from the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and the endoscope 50.
[0029]
When the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and the endoscope 50 are close to a vacuum state, the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 12 are closed, the vacuum pump 2 is turned off, and the third electromagnetic valve 13 is opened. High-temperature and high-pressure steam is fed into the sterilization tank 1 ((2)).
[0030]
Then, the sterilization tank 1 is filled with high-temperature and high-pressure steam, and the outer surface of the endoscope 50 is sterilized by maintaining the state for a certain period of time. The pressure in the endoscope 50 does not change from a state close to a vacuum.
[0031]
If the third solenoid valve 13 is closed and the sixth solenoid valve 16 is opened after the predetermined time has elapsed ((3)), the steam is exhausted to a level at which the inside of the sterilization tank 1 becomes atmospheric pressure. 6 is closed, and then the vacuum pump 2 is turned on and the first solenoid valve 11 is opened (4). As a result, steam is sucked from the sterilization tank 1 until the inside is close to vacuum. Discharged.
[0032]
After that, by alternately opening and closing the first solenoid valve 11 and the fourth solenoid valve 14 (5), the moist steam remaining in the sterilization tank 1 is replaced with the outside air, and finally By opening the fourth solenoid valve 14 and the fifth solenoid valve 15 ((6)), the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and the endoscope 50 are both filled with air at atmospheric pressure. To finish.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of each part executed based on a control signal from the control unit 3 when an abnormality occurs when the pressure in the endoscope 50 rises after high temperature steam starts to be fed into the sterilization tank 1. It is a chart.
[0034]
The control state before the abnormality detection, that is, the vacuum pump 2 is turned on, the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 12 are opened ((1)), and the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and the endoscope 50 are vacuumed. When approaching the state, the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 12 are closed, the vacuum pump 2 is turned off, the third electromagnetic valve 13 is opened, and high-temperature high-pressure steam is sent into the sterilization tank 1 ( The state up to (2)) is the same as the normal state shown in FIG.
[0035]
Thereafter, when the internal pressure of the endoscope 50 detected by the pressure sensor 4 increases, it means that the outer wall of the endoscope 50 is torn. Therefore, the third electromagnetic valve 13 is immediately closed to stop the supply of steam into the sterilization tank 1, and the sixth electromagnetic valve 16 is opened to release the steam in the sterilization tank 1 to the outside.
[0036]
When the inside of the sterilization tank 1 becomes atmospheric pressure or less, the sixth electromagnetic valve 16 is closed, the vacuum pump 2 is turned on again, the first electromagnetic valve 11 and the second electromagnetic valve 12 are opened, and the inside of the sterilization tank 1 is opened. Suction and exhaust are performed (7).
[0037]
Then, after the inside of the sterilization tank 1 is dried in a state close to vacuum, the vacuum pump 2 is turned off, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 are closed, and the fourth solenoid valve 14 and the fifth solenoid valve are closed. When the electromagnetic valve 15 is opened ((8)), the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and the endoscope 50 are both filled with air at atmospheric pressure.
[0038]
In this way, the intrusion of high-temperature steam into the endoscope 50 is prevented, and damage to the optical components and the like in the endoscope 50 is prevented in advance, and only repair of the damaged portion of the outer wall of the endoscope 50 is performed. Just do it.
[0039]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, you may leave the vacuum pump 2 on continuously.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when the pressure detected by the endoscope internal pressure detecting means rises after the operation of the vapor filling means, the operation of the vapor filling means is stopped, so that the exterior portion is damaged. It is possible to prevent the high temperature steam from entering and prevent the occurrence of failures in the optical components inside the endoscope.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope sterilization autoclave according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a state where an endoscope is accommodated in a sterilization tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a connection adapter is attached to the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of each part in the normal state according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of each part when the outer wall of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention is torn.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilization tank 2 Vacuum pump 3 Control part 4 Pressure sensor 11-16 Solenoid valve 20 Connection adapter 21 Communication pipe 50 Endoscope

Claims (3)

In-tank suction means for sucking and exhausting air from the inside of the sterilization tank in which the endoscope is housed, and for filling high-temperature steam into the sterilization tank in a state where air is sucked and exhausted by the in-tank suction means In an autoclave device for endoscope sterilization provided with vapor filling means,
Endoscopic suction means for sucking and exhausting air from the endoscope in conjunction with air being sucked and exhausted from the sterilization tank by the tank suction means;
Endoscope internal pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the endoscope;
Safety control means for stopping the operation of the vapor filling means when the pressure detected by the endoscope internal pressure detection means rises after the operation of the vapor filling means ;
After the operation of the vapor filling means is stopped by the safety control means, the high temperature steam remaining in the sterilization tank is discharged, and the sterilization tank is dried to a state close to vacuum, and then the sterilization tank Steaming means for returning the inside and the endoscope to a state filled with atmospheric air,
An autoclave device for sterilizing an endoscope characterized by comprising: Communicating pipe which communicates with the endoscope above is provided detachably with respect to the endoscope, the endoscope according to claim 1 Symbol placement state control in the endoscope is performed through the communicating pipe Autoclave equipment for sterilization. 3. A base that is normally closed and is opened when the communication pipe is connected to allow the endoscope to pass through the endoscope and the communication pipe on the outer wall portion of the endoscope. The autoclave apparatus for endoscope sterilization as described.

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