JP4678980B2 - Endoscope cooling device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope cooling apparatus that cools an endoscope that has been sterilized under high pressure steam.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity, the inside of a body cavity can be observed, and various medical treatments can be performed using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel as necessary. Endoscopes are widely used.
[0003]
In particular, endoscopes used in the medical field are used to observe various organs by inserting an insertion portion into a body cavity and using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel of an endoscope. Take action.
[0004]
For this reason, when an endoscope or treatment tool that has been used once is reused for another patient, it is necessary to prevent infection between patients via the endoscope or treatment tool. Had to clean and disinfect.
[0005]
In recent years, autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization), which can be used immediately after sterilization without complicated work and is inexpensive in running cost, is becoming the mainstream of disinfection sterilization processing of endoscope devices.
[0006]
For example, JP-A-5-337081 discloses an endoscope sterilization case that enables high-pressure steam sterilization while the endoscope is housed, and that can be moved and stored while maintaining the sterilized state. ing.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the endoscope sterilization case disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-337081 has not been devised for cooling in a short time so that the endoscope can be used immediately for examination immediately after autoclaving. It was. For this reason, there existed a malfunction that it will be in a standby state until the temperature of an endoscope cools to 40 degrees C or less which can be inserted in a body.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope cooling device that cools an endoscope immediately and without being contaminated immediately after autoclaving.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The endoscope cooling device of the present invention is provided with a tray in which a plurality of vent holes through which water vapor can pass is provided and an endoscope capable of autoclaving is housed, Water vapor is permeable A plurality of ventilation holes are provided and cover the tray. Lid member And at a predetermined position of the tray or the lid member Provided with bacteria capture filter Inlet for inhaling gas and Bacteria capture filter provided An exhaust port for exhausting the gas; By covering the tray with the lid member, the interior in which the endoscope is housed is hermetically sealed except for the plurality of vent holes through which the water vapor can pass, the suction port, and the exhaust port. , A container that can be cooled while maintaining the high-pressure steam sterilization and sterilization state of the endoscope housed in the tray, and a connection part that can be attached to and detached from the suction port or the exhaust port of the storage container, A gas drive device for sending gas into the storage container by airtightly connecting a connection portion to one of the suction port or the exhaust port.
[0010]
According to this configuration, after autoclaving the endoscope, the endoscope can be kept in a sterilized state and rapidly cooled.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage case and a cold air apparatus.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an endoscope 2 having an imaging unit (not shown), and a light that is detachably connected to the endoscope 2 and provided in the endoscope 2. A light source device 3 that supplies illumination light to a guide (not shown), and an image obtained by the imaging means while being connected to the endoscope 2 via a signal cable 4 and controlling the imaging means of the endoscope 2 A video processor 5 that processes a signal into a video signal and a monitor 6 that displays a video signal output from the video processor 5 are mainly configured.
The endoscope 2 is configured to be washed after being used for observation and treatment, and then sterilized by high-pressure steam sterilization.
[0013]
The endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 7 having flexibility, an operation portion 8 provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 7, and flexibility extending from a side portion of the operation portion 8. And a connector portion 10 provided at an end portion of the connection cord 9 and detachably connected to the light source device 3. An electrical connector portion 11 is provided at a side portion of the connector portion 10 so that the signal cable 4 connected to the video processor 5 can be detachably connected.
[0014]
The electrical connector portion 11 is provided with a ventilation portion (not shown) that communicates the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2. For this reason, at the time of high-pressure steam sterilization, the waterproof cap 33 with a pressure regulating valve is detachably connected to the electrical connector portion 11. The waterproof cap 33 is provided with a pressure adjustment valve 33a.
[0015]
The connecting portion between the insertion portion 7 and the operation portion 8 is provided with an insertion portion side bending prevention member 12 having an elastic member in order to prevent sudden bending at the connection portion. Similarly, an operation portion side folding preventing member 13 is provided at a connection portion between the operation portion 8 and the connection cord 9, and a connection portion between the connection cord 9 and the connector portion 10 is similarly bent at the connector portion side. A stop member 14 is provided.
[0016]
The insertion portion 7 includes a flexible flexible tube portion 15 having flexibility in order from the operation portion 8 side, and a bending operation knob provided at the operation portion 8 at the distal end of the flexible tube portion 15. A bending portion 16 that can be bent by an operation 30 and a distal end portion 17 that is located on the distal end side of the bending portion 16 and that is provided with an observation optical system and an illumination optical system (not shown) are connected to each other.
[0017]
The distal end portion 17 is washed toward an optical member (not shown) on the outer surface of the observation optical system by performing an air supply operation or a water supply operation with an air supply / water supply operation button 28 provided in the operation portion 8. An air supply / water supply nozzle that ejects liquid or gas, and a suction port that is a distal end side opening of a treatment instrument channel (not shown) for inserting the treatment instrument disposed in the insertion portion 7 or sucking the liquid in the body cavity are provided. It has been. In addition, a liquid supply port for ejecting the liquid that opens toward the observation object is also provided.
[0018]
The connector 10 includes a gas supply base 21 that is detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3, and a water supply tank that is detachably connected to a water supply tank 22 that is a liquid supply source. A pressure cap 23 and a liquid supply cap 24 are provided. A suction base 25 connected to a suction source (not shown) for performing suction from the suction port is provided. Furthermore, an inlet 26 connected to a water supply means (not shown) for supplying water from the liquid supply port is provided. In addition, when a high frequency leakage current is generated in the endoscope 2 when performing a high frequency treatment or the like, an earth terminal cap 27 is provided for returning the leakage current to a high frequency treatment device (not shown).
[0019]
In addition to the air supply / water supply operation button 28 for operating the air supply operation and the water supply operation and the bending operation knob 30 for performing the bending operation of the bending portion, the operation unit 8 includes a suction operation button for operating the suction operation. 29, a plurality of remote switches 31 for remotely operating the video processor 5, and a treatment instrument insertion port 32 which is a proximal end side opening communicating with the treatment instrument channel.
[0020]
When the endoscope 2 configured as described above is subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization after use or the like, the endoscope 2 serves as a storage container for the endoscope cooling device (hereinafter abbreviated as a storage case). Stored in 34). The storage case 34 includes a tray 35 and a lid member 36. The tray 35 and the lid member 36 are provided with a plurality of air holes (not shown) through which water vapor can permeate, and the water vapor can be transmitted through the air holes.
[0021]
In the tray 35 of the storage case 34, a regulating portion (not shown) corresponding to the shape of the endoscope 2 is provided. The restricting portion is formed so that each portion of the endoscope 2 is placed in a predetermined position, and the insertion portion 7 having flexibility is accommodated in an insertion portion restricting portion (not shown).
[0022]
Here, high-pressure steam sterilization will be described.
In the American standard ANSI / AAMI ST37-1992 approved by the American National Standards Association, which is a typical condition for high-pressure steam sterilization, the sterilization process for prevacuum type is 4 minutes at 132 ° C, and the sterilization process for gravity type is 10 minutes at 132 ° C.
[0023]
The temperature conditions during the sterilization process of high-pressure steam sterilization vary depending on the type of the high-pressure steam sterilization apparatus and the time of the sterilization process, but are generally set in a temperature range of about 115 ° C to 138 ° C. Some sterilizers can be set to about 142 ° C.
[0024]
The time condition varies depending on the temperature condition of the sterilization process, but is generally set to about 3 to 60 minutes. Some types of sterilizers can be set to about 100 minutes.
The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set to about +0.2 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure.
[0025]
In a general pre-vacuum type high-pressure steam sterilization process, the sterilization chamber containing the equipment to be sterilized is evacuated before the sterilization process, and then high-pressure and high-temperature steam is sent into the sterilization chamber for sterilization. And a sterilization step.
[0026]
The pre-vacuum process is a process for allowing the steam to penetrate into the details of the device to be sterilized during the subsequent sterilization process, and the high pressure and high temperature steam is distributed throughout the device to be sterilized by reducing the pressure in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this pre-vacuum process is generally set to about -0.07 MPa to -0.09 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure.
[0027]
In order to dry the sterilization target device after sterilization, there is a method including a drying step in which the inside of the sterilization chamber is decompressed again after the sterilization step. In this drying step, the interior of the sterilization chamber is accelerated by reducing the pressure in the sterilization chamber and removing steam from the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set to about -0.07 to -0.09 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure.
[0028]
When the high-pressure steam sterilization of the endoscope 2 is performed, the waterproof cap 33 with the pressure adjustment valve 33a is attached to the electrical connector portion 11. In this state, the pressure adjustment valve 33a of the waterproof cap 33 is in a closed state, and the vent is closed by the waterproof cap 33, so that the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 are in a watertight state.
[0029]
In the case of a sterilization method having a pre-vacuum process, when the pressure in the sterilization chamber drops in this brevac process and a pressure difference that causes the external pressure to be lower than the inside of the endoscope 2 occurs, the pressure regulating valve 33a opens, and the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the vent. That is, by preventing a large pressure difference from being generated between the inside of the endoscope 2 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber, the endoscope 2 is prevented from being damaged by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside. .
[0030]
In the sterilization process, when the pressure in the sterilization chamber is increased and a pressure difference that causes the external pressure to be higher than the inside of the endoscope 2 is generated, the pressure regulating valve 33a is closed. Thus, high-pressure and high-temperature steam does not actively enter the endoscope 2 through the waterproof cap 33 and the vent hole. However, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is formed of fluorine rubber, silicon rubber, or the like which is a sealing means provided in the outer skin of the flexible tube portion 15 made of a polymer material or the connecting portion of the exterior body of the endoscope 2. It gradually enters the inside through the O-ring.
[0031]
Therefore, the exterior body of the endoscope 2 is in a state in which a pressure directed from the outside to the inside is generated by adding the pressure reduced in the pre-vacuum process and the pressure pressurized in the sterilization process.
[0032]
In the case of a method including a decompression step after the sterilization step, when the pressure in the sterilization chamber is reduced in this decompression step, a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure outside the endoscope 2 is lower than the inside. The pressure regulating valve 33a opens almost simultaneously. As a result, the inside and outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the vent and a large pressure difference is prevented between the inside of the endoscope 2 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber. Thereby, the endoscope 2 is not damaged by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside.
[0033]
When the depressurization step is finished and the sterilization chamber is pressurized and a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure outside the endoscope 2 becomes higher, the pressure regulating valve 33a is closed.
When all the processes of high-pressure steam sterilization are completed, the exterior body of the endoscope 2 is in a state where pressure from the outside to the inside is generated by the pressure reduced in the pressure reducing process.
Here, when the waterproof cap 33 is removed from the electrical connector portion 11, the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 are communicated with each other by the vent and the inside of the endoscope 2 becomes atmospheric pressure. The load due to the pressure difference that occurred in the body is eliminated.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, ventilation windows 40 each provided with a bacteria capturing filter 41 serving as an inlet or an outlet are provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid member 36 of the storage case 34, for example. When the cover member 36 is put on the tray 35, it is hermetically sealed except for the ventilation window 40 provided with the bacteria capturing filter 41.
[0035]
The ventilation window 40 is provided at a position where air convects at least with respect to the insertion portion 7 of the endoscope 2 housed and disposed in the housing case 34.
[0036]
The ventilating window 40 is connected to the tip of a flexible hose 43 extending from a cold air device 42 that is a gas driving device of an endoscope cooling device that sends cold air to cool the endoscope 2. The part 44 can be connected in a substantially airtight manner.
[0037]
Various other variations are conceivable for the position where the ventilation window 40 is provided. In the case where the endoscope having the flexible insertion portion is accommodated in the storage case 34 in a predetermined state, cold air flows at least through the insertion portion 7 through the two ventilation windows 40 serving as the suction port and the discharge port. It is desirable to arrange in such a position.
[0038]
Here, the cooling process of the endoscope 2 will be described.
The temperature of the endoscope 2 stored in the storage case 34 immediately after the autoclave sterilization may be 40 ° C. or higher, and the temperature of the endoscope 2 is required to be inserted into the patient for examination or the like. It will wait for 40 degrees C or less, and reprocessing time will become long.
[0039]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, immediately after autoclave sterilization, the connection portion 44 of the cold air device 42 is connected to one ventilation window 40 provided in the lid member 36 constituting the storage case 34 to drive the cold air device 42. Then, cool air is sent into the storage case 34.
[0040]
Then, since the positions of the two ventilation windows 40 are arranged so that air flows through the insertion portion 7, at least the insertion portion 7 is cooled immediately and the endoscope 2 housed in the storage case 34 is The temperature that can be quickly inserted into the patient, that is, the examination can be performed.
[0041]
At this time, since cold air from the cold air device 42 is sent into the storage case 34 through the bacteria capture filter 41, bacteria and the like are prevented from entering the storage case 34, and the sterilized state of the endoscope 2 is maintained. The
[0042]
Thus, immediately after autoclave sterilization, by sending cold air from the cold air device into the storage case through the ventilation window provided on the lid member of the storage case in which the endoscope is stored, The temperature endoscope can be quickly cooled while maintaining a sterilized state.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the storage case and the cooling device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a suction cap 45 and a discharge cap 46 are provided on both sides of the tray 35 constituting the storage case 34 on the longitudinal side. Although not shown, bacteria trapping filters are provided inside the caps 45 and 46. As in the first embodiment, the tray 35 and the lid member 36 are hermetically sealed except for the caps 45 and 46.
[0044]
The suction cap 45 can be connected to a connection cap 49 provided at the distal end of a flexible tube 48 extending from a pressurizing device 47 for detecting water leakage. The connection base 49 is connected to a pressure regulating valve 33 a provided on a waterproof cap 33 attached to the connector unit 10.
[0045]
That is, the pressurizing device 47 of the present embodiment feeds the gas through the connection cap 49 to cool the endoscope, or feeds the cooling gas through the cooling mechanism as in the first embodiment. It also serves as a cool air device for cooling the mirror.
[0046]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the connection base 49 is attached to the pressure adjustment valve 33a of the waterproof cap 33 attached to the connector part 10 of the endoscope 2 before the cleaning after the endoscope inspection, so that the pressurization is performed. The apparatus 47 can pressurize the inside of the endoscope 2 to detect water leakage. At this time, if any of the endoscopes 2 has a hole and the airtightness is impaired, the pressure device 47 detects the hole.
[0047]
On the other hand, immediately after the endoscope 2 is cleaned and sterilized by autoclave, the connection base 49 of the pressurizing device 47 is connected to the suction base 45 of the tray 35 and the gas is blown into the storage case 34. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the endoscope 2 in the storage case 34 is quickly cooled.
[0048]
Thus, in the present embodiment, the endoscope can be cooled by sending gas into the storage case using the pressurization device for detecting water leakage. As a result, the user can configure an endoscope cooling apparatus that quickly cools a high-temperature endoscope after autoclaving with an existing pressurizing apparatus at low cost without purchasing a new cooling apparatus. .
[0049]
The storage case 34 is generally made of hard resin or metal, but it may be constructed of a sterilized cloth and the suction cap 45 or the like attached to the sterilized cloth. In addition to branching the suction cap 45 in the storage case 34 and applying gas to the outer surface of the endoscope 2, the suction cap 45 is connected to the pipe line of the endoscope 2 and gas into the endoscope pipe line. It may be configured to feed and cool.
[0050]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the storage case and the cooling device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, vent holes 50 are provided on both longitudinal sides of the lid member 36 of the storage case 34. Inside the vent 50, a bacteria capture filter (not shown) is attached as in the above-described embodiment.
[0051]
The vent cap 50 is connected to a connection cap 51 provided at one end of a pipe 52 extending from the autoclave device 56. The other end of the pipe line 52 is connected to a switching valve 53, and the switching valve 53 is provided in a pipe line connecting the chamber 55 in which an object to be sterilized is stored and the vacuum pump 54.
[0052]
For this reason, immediately after autoclaving the storage case 34 in which the endoscope 2 is stored, the connection base 51 provided in the conduit 52 is connected to the vent base 50 of the storage case 34 and the vacuum pump 54 is driven. At the same time, the switching valve 53 is switched to the conduit 52 side and sucked, whereby the gas in the storage case 34 is convected and the endoscope 2 is cooled.
[0053]
On the other hand, at the time of autoclave sterilization, the switching valve 53 is switched to the chamber 55 side. Accordingly, the vacuum pump 54 acts on the chamber 55 and can perform a pre-vacuum process or a vacuum drawing / drying process.
[0054]
Thus, by using the vacuum pump provided in the chamber for autoclave sterilization and endoscope cooling, the endoscope in the storage case can be cooled more quickly immediately after sterilization. As a result, as in the second embodiment, the user can configure the endoscope cooling device at a low cost without purchasing a new cooling device.
[0055]
The storage case 34 may be provided with temperature warning means. As a result, the user can determine the temperature of the storage case 34 by the temperature warning means. The temperature warning means may be a reversible seal that notifies that the temperature is equal to or lower than a specific temperature.
[0056]
By the way, in the endoscope sterilization case described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-337081, the prevention of contamination in the storage state after autoclaving is described, but the prevention of contamination at the start of the inspection is not described. It was.
[0057]
That is, when the energy supply function such as electricity, light, fluid, etc. to the endoscope 2 which is a function that is always necessary for the endoscopy is in the OFF state, the operator can use the light source device or the video processor. In conventional endoscopes, when a sterilized endoscope is used for examination, the endoscope is connected and sterilized. There was no mention of preventive measures to be contaminated by operating non-video processors and light source devices.
[0058]
For this reason, there has been a demand for an endoscope system that can perform the functional operation of the video processor and the light source device without contaminating the sterilized endoscope, and can perform the endoscopic examination while continuing the sterilization.
[0059]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the function to be controlled by the switch provided in the video processor 5 or the light source device 3 can be controlled by the switch provided also in the endoscope 2, so that the video to be sterilized is provided. Necessary functions are operated without touching the processor 5 and the light source device 3 to prevent contamination of the endoscope 2 after sterilization.
[0060]
For this purpose, by operating the corresponding switch of the remote switch 31 provided in the operation unit 8 of the endoscope 2 shown in FIG. 1, the power supply of the video processor 5 and the light source device 3 is 0 N / OFF, or the light source device. 3 can control the output level of 0 N / OFF of the air supply pump provided in 3 or the light amount of the light source device 3. Note that these functions are basically necessary for the endoscope 2 and are normally not operated during the examination, and the control switches are provided in the light source device 3 and the video processor 5.
[0061]
That is, in this embodiment, various switches corresponding to various controls are provided in the light source device 3 and the video processor 5 and the light source device 3 and the video processor 5 can be controlled by the remote switch 31 of the endoscope 2. Yes.
[0062]
Thus, by operating the remote switch 31 of the sterilized endoscope 2, for example, the function of supplying energy such as electricity, light, and fluid to the endoscope 2 is controlled, and the light source device 3 that is not sterilized. The examination can be started without the operator touching the video processor 5.
[0063]
The remote switch 31 may be configured to control all energy output functions of the endoscope 2 necessary for the above-described inspection by operating one specific switch once.
In addition, the video processor 5 and the monitor 6 may display an instruction for operating the remote switch 31 and a function that can be achieved by the instruction.
Further, the initial setting (adjustment) of the white balance of the observation optical system, which is essential before the inspection, may be performed based on the instruction signal output from the remote switch 31.
[0064]
In this way, by controlling various functions such as a video processor and a light source device with a remote switch provided in the operation unit of the endoscope, it is possible to control inspection essential functions provided in the light source device and the video processor. This can be done without contaminating the endoscope after sterilization.
[0065]
Further, it is necessary to prevent the insertion portion 7 of the endoscope 2 from being contaminated during the standby until the examination is started. Therefore, for example, a disposable cover 58 is provided on a hanger 57 provided with a conical holding portion 57a as shown in FIG. 5 provided in the vicinity of an endoscope inspection trolley (not shown) equipped with the light source device 3 and the video processor 5, The sterilized insertion portion 7 is placed on the hanger 57 on which the disposable cover 58 is disposed. This prevents the insertion section 7 after sterilization from directly touching the hanger 57 and other non-sterilized peripheral equipment until the start of inspection.
[0066]
An elastic member 59 such as a rubber ring is provided at one end portion of the disposable cover 58, and this one end portion can be fixed to the constricted portion of the holding portion 57a. Therefore, the disposable cover 58 is replaced with a new one every inspection.
[0067]
A cap member 60 made of a white resin on which the distal end portion 17 of the insertion portion 7 is disposed is also covered with a cap cover 61. Thus, the tip portion 17 of the insertion portion 7 can be disposed in the cap member 60 before inspection, and white balance can be achieved.
[0068]
Also in this case, since the non-sterilized cap member 60 is covered with the cap cover 61, the tip portion 17 is prevented from touching the non-sterilized cap member 60 directly.
[0069]
The cap member 60 may be made of white paper, which is an inexpensive sterilized product, and made disposable. In addition, by providing the disposable cover 58 or the cap cover 61 with a gripping part that is gripped when the hanger 57 or the cap member 60 is attached to a part other than the part in contact with the endoscope 2. It is possible to prevent the portion in contact with the mirror 2 from being soiled by mounting.
[0070]
Further, in order to prevent the insertion portion 7 of the endoscope 2 from being contaminated during the waiting period until the start of the inspection, an endoscope storage chamber 63 is provided in the endoscope inspection trolley 62 as shown in FIG. It may be. The endoscope storage chamber 63 is configured such that the tray 35 for storing the endoscope 2 in a predetermined state is a drawer.
[0071]
In this way, by providing an endoscope storage chamber in the endoscope inspection trolley, compared to holding the endoscope before the inspection in a hanger form, the endoscope can be used after being sterilized by touching peripheral devices. Endoscope contamination can be reliably prevented.
[0072]
In addition, the endoscope storage chamber can store the storage case in which the cover member is covered on the tray, so that the endoscope can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.
[0073]
A temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of a CCD (not shown) built in the distal end portion 17 of the insertion portion 7, and a signal line of the temperature sensor is extended to the vicinity of the electrical connector portion 11. By connecting this detection device, the temperature around the CCD may be measured to notify the user whether or not the temperature can prevent the CCD from being damaged. As a result, even if the signal cable 4 is connected to the electrical connector section 11, it is possible to notify the user whether or not the temperature is such that damage to the CCD can be prevented.
[0074]
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, you may make it provide the bathtub 64 which accommodates the storage case 34 shown in the said 1st Embodiment. The bathtub 64 stores a cold liquid such as water. The depth of the bathtub 64 is set so that the bacteria capturing filter 41 is not submerged when the liquid is filled.
[0075]
Thus, by preparing a bathtub capable of storing the storage case, the storage case can be quickly cooled by placing the storage case in the bathtub and immersing it in the liquid immediately after autoclave sterilization.
[0076]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0077]
[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above in detail, the following configuration can be obtained.
[0078]
(1) an autoclavable endoscope;
A storage container for storing the endoscope having a gas suction port and a gas exhaust port, and at least provided with a bacteria capture filter at the suction port;
A gas driving device detachably attached to the suction port or the exhaust port of the storage container;
An endoscope cooling apparatus comprising:
[0079]
(2) The endoscope cooling apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the storage container is autoclavable.
[0080]
(3) The endoscope cooling device according to appendix 1, wherein the gas driving device is a vacuum pump provided in an autoclave device.
[0081]
(4) The gas driving device is a pressurizing device that can be attached to and detached from the endoscope and changes the pressure inside the endoscope.
[0082]
(5) In an endoscope system including an endoscope, a video processor to which the endoscope is connected, and a light source device that supplies illumination light to the endoscope.
An endoscope system in which the endoscope is provided with a remote switch for performing at least one control instruction capable of controlling an output state of energy output to the endoscope from the video processor or the light source device.
[0083]
(6) The endoscope system according to appendix 5, provided with a display means for notifying the control content for each switch provided in the endoscope.
[0084]
(7) The endoscope system according to appendix 5, wherein the video processor or the power source of the light source device can be controlled by a switch provided in the endoscope.
[0085]
(8) The endoscope system according to appendix 5, wherein the initial setting of the white balance of the observation optical system can be performed by a switch provided in the endoscope.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope cooling apparatus that cools an endoscope immediately and without being contaminated immediately after autoclave sterilization.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a storage case and a cold air device
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the storage case and the cooling device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the storage case and the cooling device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a hanger for holding an endoscope and a cap member on which a distal end portion of an insertion portion is arranged.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an endoscope inspection trolley provided with an endoscope storage chamber;
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a bathtub for storing a storage case.
[Explanation of symbols]
34 ... Storage case
35 ... Tray
36 ... Lid member
40 ... Ventilation window
41 ... Bacteria capture filter
42. Cold air device
44 ... connection part

Claims (4)

A tray in which a plurality of vent holes that allow water vapor to pass therethrough and an endoscope capable of autoclaving are housed; and a lid member that includes a plurality of vent holes that allow water vapor to pass therethrough and covers the tray. to a predetermined position of the tray or the lid member, the suction port for sucking a gas in which a bacterial trapping filter and an exhaust port for exhausting gas having a bacterial capture filter, wherein the lid member Covering the tray allows the interior of the endoscope to be housed in an airtightly sealed state except for the plurality of vent holes through which the water vapor can permeate, the suction port, and the exhaust port. A container capable of cooling while maintaining the high-pressure steam sterilization and sterilized state of the endoscope,
A gas that has a connecting part that can be attached to and detached from the suction port or the exhaust port of the storage container, and sends the gas into the storage container by hermetically connecting the connection part to one of the suction port or the exhaust port. A driving device;
An endoscope cooling apparatus comprising: The suction port and the exhaust port are a pair of ventilation windows provided with the bacteria capture filter,
The gas driving device is a cold air device that sends cold air to cool the endoscope,
The cold air device is characterized in that a connecting portion provided at a tip portion of a hose extending from the cold air device is airtightly connected to the one ventilation window, and cool air is sent into the storage container to generate convection. The endoscope cooling device according to claim 1. The suction port and the exhaust port are a pair of caps provided on both sides of the tray on the long side and provided with the bacteria capture filter inside,
The gas driving device is a pressurizer for detecting leakage of an endoscope,
The pressurizer is characterized in that a connection base provided at a distal end portion of a tube extending from the pressurizer is hermetically connected to the one base and gas is fed into the storage container to generate convection. The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1. The suction port and the exhaust port are a pair of caps provided on both sides of the lid member on the longitudinal side and provided with the bacteria capturing filter therein,
The gas driving device is a vacuum pump provided in an autoclave device for high-pressure steam sterilization of the endoscope,
The vacuum pump hermetically connects a connection base provided at one end of a pipe connected to a switching valve provided in a pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the autoclave device to the one base. The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convection of the gas is generated by sucking the gas in the storage container.

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