JP4759486B2 - Endoscope washing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for cleaning an endoscope after use.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus for putting a used endoscope into a washing tank and washing it using washing water such as tap water, strong alkaline electrolyzed water, strong acid electrolyzed water or the like is well known. For example, an endoscope cleaning apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-16638 (Patent Document 1) is provided with a saline electrolysis apparatus, a cleaning tank provided on the downstream side of the apparatus, and a downstream side of the cleaning tank. In addition to the wastewater storage tank provided and the drainage pump connected to the water storage tank, a water supply pump is provided between the electrolyzer and the washing tank. The exterior of the used endoscope placed in the washing tank is washed with washing water sprayed through a water supply pump. Waste water generated after washing is collected in a waste water storage tank and discharged from the washing device by a drain pump.
JP 2004-16638 A

  In the conventional endoscope cleaning apparatus, the water used for cleaning is collected in a wastewater storage tank and then discharged by a pump. In the wastewater storage tank, a pair of upper and lower float switches are used to control the start and stop of the pump. The wastewater storage tank also has an exhaust pipe that leads to the outside, and an adsorption canister containing a gas adsorbent is attached to the exhaust pipe. Chlorine gas generated when the strongly acidic electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing the salt solution flows into the waste water storage tank after washing flows into the exhaust pipe and is absorbed by the adsorption can. However, if the drainage pump or float switch fails and the drainage does not proceed smoothly, the water in the wastewater storage tank leaks through the exhaust pipe and the adsorption can becomes unusable. There may be a problem that the surroundings of the cleaning device are contaminated with waste water. In addition, there may be a odor of chlorine gas around the endoscope cleaning apparatus.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the conventional endoscope cleaning apparatus so as to prevent the above problems.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is directed to a water supply area and a wash area provided downstream of the water supply area, and the water supply area is connected to the wash area through a water supply pipe. Including a connected water supply pump, wherein the washing section is formed so as to be able to wash the endoscope using the washing water supplied from the water supply pump, and includes a drainage pump located at a downstream end, An electrical lower limit sensor that is upstream of the drainage pump and detects the lower limit of the water level and can stop the drainage pump in operation, and the drainage pump that is stopped by detecting the upper limit of the water level. An endoscope cleaning apparatus including a water reservoir with an electrical upper limit sensor that can be activated.

  In such an apparatus, the present invention is characterized in that the amount of water supplied per unit time to the washing area via the water pump can be set smaller than the amount of water discharged per unit time by the drain pump. It is possible to stop water supply from the water supply area to the washing area based on a signal indicating an operating state of the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor that are emitted during water supply by the water supply pump. It is in.

  In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the signals of the two sensors indicate that the water level is above the two sensors, the signal of the upper limit sensor exceeds a predetermined time. The water supply can be stopped when the operation continues.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal of the lower limit sensor indicates a water level below the lower limit sensor, and the signal of the upper limit sensor indicates a water level above the upper limit sensor. In this case, it is possible to stop the water supply and stop the drainage pump.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal of the lower limit sensor indicates that the water level is below the lower limit sensor, and the signal of the upper limit sensor indicates that the water level is below the upper limit sensor. The water supply can be stopped and the drain pump can be stopped.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal of the lower limit sensor indicates that the water level is above the lower limit sensor, and the signal of the upper limit sensor indicates that the water level is below the upper limit sensor. When the signal of the lower limit sensor continues for a predetermined time, the water supply can be stopped and the drainage pump can be stopped.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, stopping the water supply is stopping the water supply pump.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water supply area has an opening / closing valve immediately upstream of the water supply pump, and stopping the water supply stops the water supply pump and the opening / closing valve. At least one of closing.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water supply area is obtained by electrolyzing salt water, strongly acidic electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing salt water, and salt water as the washing water. Any of the strongly alkaline electrolyzed water to be supplied is formed.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing section includes a washing tub formed upstream of the washing section so as to be able to accommodate an endoscope, and a wastewater storage water formed downstream. A wastewater storage tank including the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing area is configured to be capable of accommodating the endoscope and store the washing water, and is provided with the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor. Includes a water tank.

  In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water storage tank provided with the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor has an exhaust pipe connected to the outside, and the exhaust pipe contains a gas adsorbent. ing.

  The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention detects an abnormality in a path from water supply to drainage based on a signal indicating an operating state of a lower limit sensor and an upper limit sensor that are emitted during water supply from the water supply area to the cleaning area. Can do. Based on the result, water supply to the washing area is stopped, so that leakage of water from the washing area and various problems resulting therefrom can be prevented.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention and effects obtained by the embodiments will be described below.

  The details of the endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present invention. In the apparatus 1 shown in the figure, a housing 2, a washing tub 3 formed on the top of the housing 2, and a lid 4 that can open and close the top opening of the washing tub 3 are shown. A water supply pipe 5 extending in the vertical direction in the figure is connected to the housing 2.

  The casing 2 has a width direction X, an up-down direction Y, and a front-rear direction Z that are orthogonal to each other, and provided with an operation panel 2a, display panels 2b, 2c, a power switch 2d, a foot pedal 2e, etc. Various devices necessary for cleaning the endoscope 90 indicated by a virtual line are incorporated. The illustrated lid 4 is in an open state, and a part of the endoscope 90 after use to be washed is shown in the washing tub 3. The washing tub 3 is also formed with a box portion 3a. Flexible first and second guide tubes 11 and 12 extend from the box portion 3a. The brush portions 13a and 14a of the second wire brushes 13 and 14 extend. Each of the first and second guide tubes 11, 12 is formed such that the distal end portion can be attached to and detached from the forceps insertion port 91 and the suction button insertion port 92 in the endoscope 90. When the first and second guide tubes 11 and 12 are connected to the insertion ports 91 and 92, the first and second wire brushes 13 and 14 are supplied from the first and second guide tubes 11 and 12, respectively. Together with water, it becomes possible to enter a pipe line (not shown) to be cleaned inside the endoscope 90. On the peripheral wall of the washing tub 3, there are first, second, and third nozzles 31, 32, 33 for discharging washing water, and washing is performed from these nozzles 31, 32, 33 toward the endoscope 90. Water is preferably ejected in a jetting manner, and the exterior of the endoscope 90 is washed. Wash water is supplied to these nozzles 31, 32, 33 from the feed water pump 20 provided in the feed water area 10 (see FIG. 2) through the feed water pipe 5, and after being jetted, becomes waste water. It flows downward from the drain port 6 formed in the bottom.

  FIG. 2 is a piping system diagram of the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 includes a washing area 9 formed so that the endoscope 90 can be washed, and a water supply area 10 formed on the upstream side of the washing area 9. In the water supply area 10, a water supply pump 20 formed at the downstream end of the water supply area 10 is connected to the washing area 9 via the water supply pipe 5. The water supply area 10 includes a purified water storage tank 21 provided on the upstream side of the water supply pump 20, a first electromagnetic valve 22 that is an on-off valve for the purified water storage tank 21, a strongly acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 23, and a storage tank 23. A second electromagnetic valve 24 that is an on-off valve for the water, a water tank 25 for strong alkaline electrolyzed water, and a third electromagnetic valve 26 that is an on-off valve for the water tank 25, and the first, second, and third electromagnetic valves 22, A pipe extends from 24 and 26 to the water supply pump 20. Water can be poured into the purified water storage tank 21 from the faucet 27, and the strong acid electrolyzed water storage tank 23 and the strong alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 25 are supplied with strong acid from the electrolyzer 28 provided on the upstream side thereof. Electrolyzed water and strong alkaline electrolyzed water are supplied. The electrolyzer 28 is supplied with purified water from the purified water storage tank 21 via a water pump 29, and a required amount of salt is mixed with the purified water.

  In the washing area 9, a water supply pipe 5 is provided at the most upstream part. Fourth, fifth, and sixth electromagnetic valves 34, 35, and 36 are provided as on-off valves on the upstream side of the first, second, and third nozzles 31, 32, and 33 attached to the peripheral wall of the washing tank 3, respectively. Thus, the nozzles 31, 32, 33 can be electrically opened and closed. On the downstream side of the drain port 6 in the washing tank 3, a waste water storage tank 37, a pipe 38 extending from the bottom of the waste water storage tank 37 to the outside of the endoscope washing apparatus 1, and a pipe 38 are incorporated into the washing tank. A drainage pump 39 forming the end of the zone 9 is provided. An exhaust pipe 41 extends outward from the top of the wastewater storage tank 37, and an absorption can 42 including a gas adsorbent (not shown) is attached to the exhaust pipe 41. Chlorine gas generated when the strongly acidic electrolyzed water flows into the wastewater storage tank 37 is adsorbed in the absorption can 42. Further, overflow treatment pipes 23 d and 25 d extending from the top of the strongly acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 23 and the top of the strongly alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank 25 can be connected to the top of the waste water storage tank 37. The pipes 23d and 25d are not indispensable in the present invention, but by connecting them to the waste water storage tank 37, it is easy to treat both the overflowed electrolyzed water.

  In FIG. 2, each of the water tank 21 for purified water, the water tank 23 for strongly acidic electrolyzed water, and the water tank 25 for strongly alkaline electrolyzed water has float switches 21a, which can detect the water level in three stages: a lower stage, a middle stage, and an upper stage. 21b, 21c, 23a, 23b, 23c, 25a, 25b, 25c are provided to display the water level and the number of endoscopes 90 that can be continuously washed depending on the on / off state of each switch. it can. Of these, the upper float switches 21c, 23c, and 25c provide signals for opening and closing the faucet 27 and for stopping or starting the electrolyzer 28 depending on whether the water level is above or below it. Can be put out. The waste water storage tank 37 is provided with a lower float switch FSW1 as an electrical sensor for detecting the lower limit of the waste water level W and an upper float switch FSW2 as an electrical sensor for detecting the upper limit, and the lower float switch FSW1. Gives a signal to stop the drainage pump 39 when the water level W drops to that level, and the upper float switch FSW2 gives a signal to start the drainage pump 39 when the water level W rises there. In the present invention, when the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 are on, it means that the water level W is above the switches FSW1 and FSW2, and when it is off, the water level W is these. It means that it is below the switches FSW1 and FSW2.

  In the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 thus formed, when the endoscope 90 is set in the cleaning tub 3 and the power switch 2d is turned on, an operation start button (not shown) on the operation panel 2a is pressed. The cleaning proceeds according to the setting conditions of the device 1. For example, after the purified water is sprayed from the first, second, and third nozzles 31, 32, and 33 through the water supply pump 20 to wash off solids adhering to the endoscope 90, strong alkaline electrolyzed water is sprayed. Then, the protein solid matter adhering to the endoscope 90 is further washed away, and then strongly acidic electrolyzed water is injected to disinfect and sterilize the endoscope 90. Then, the washing water flows through the drain port 6 to the waste water storage tank 37. In the wastewater storage tank 37, when the water level W reaches the upper float switch FSW2, the switch FSW2 is turned on, and the drain pump 39 is started by the signal to start draining. When the water level W reaches the lower float switch FSW1, the switch FSW1 is turned off, and the drain pump 39 is stopped by the signal.

  The endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 operates in this way in a normal state, but the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 of the waste water storage tank 37 are not operated properly, or the water supply pump 20 and the drain pump 39 are operated. It may be defective. In the conventional endoscope cleaning apparatus, if these malfunctions occur, the wastewater is excessively accumulated in the wastewater storage tank 37, and the wastewater may leak through the exhaust pipe 41. The leaked waste water not only causes the problem of wetting or soiling the surroundings of the housing 2 but also deactivates the absorption can 42, so that chlorine gas generated from strongly acidic electrolyzed water is generated around the housing 2. May cause the problem of odor. However, in the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present invention, in order to prevent these problems due to water leakage, the water supply amount per unit time from the water supply pump 20 to the cleaning tank 3 is changed to the amount of water discharged per unit time by the drain pump 39. The lower float switch FSW1 issued while the water supply pump 20 is operating and when the drain pump 39 is operating and when the drain pump 39 is stopped. On the basis of a signal indicating the operating state of the upper float switch FSW2, the water supply from the water supply area 10 to the washing area 9 can be stopped as in the following states (1) to (8). Of these states (1) to (8), (1) to (4) are the following I.D. This is the state of “when the drain pump 39 is operating”, and (5) to (8) are the following II. The state is “when the drain pump 39 is stopped”. In FIG. 2, for example, a valve 30 (see FIG. 2) can be attached to the water supply pipe 5 in order to adjust the balance between the water supply amount of the water supply pump 20 and the drainage amount of the drainage pump 39.

I. “When drain pump 39 is operating”
State (1): When the signals of the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 are on and indicate that the water level W is above the switches FSW1 and FSW2, the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 is when exceeding the set time t ₁ continues, it stops the water supply from the water supply section 10 to the cleaning zone 9. This is because it is considered that there is an abnormality in the upper float switch FSW2 and the drainage pump 39 at this time.

Condition (2): a signal off of the lower float switch FSW1, when when the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 is ON continues beyond the time t ₂ set in advance, cleaning zone from the water zone 10 9 The water supply to is stopped and the drainage pump 39 is stopped. In this case, it is considered that any of the lower float switch FSW1, the upper float switch FSW2, the water supply pump 20, and the drainage pump 39 is abnormal.

Condition (3): a signal of lower float switch FSW1 is off, when the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 be a off continues beyond the set time t ₃ in advance, cleaning zone from the water zone 10 9 When the drain pump 39 is operating, the drain pump 39 is stopped. In this case, it is considered that there is an abnormality in the lower float switch FSW1, the upper float switch FSW2, and the drainage pump 39.

Condition (4): A signal is on the lower float switch FSW1, when the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 be a off continues beyond the time t ₄ when preset is washed zone from the water zone 10 9 The water supply to is stopped and the drainage pump 39 is stopped. This is because it is considered that there is an abnormality in the lower float switch FSW1, the upper float switch FSW2, the water supply pump 20, and the drainage pump 39 at this time.

II. [When drain pump 39 is stopped]
Condition (5): when the signal with the lower float switch FSW1 and upper float switch FSW2 cases is on is continued beyond the time t ₅ that is set in advance, stops the water supply from the water supply section 10 to the washing zone 9 To do.

Condition (6): signals lower float switch FSW1 is off, when the when the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 is ON continues beyond the time t ₆ was set in advance, stops the water supply pump 20.

Condition (7): signal of the lower float switch FSW1 is off, when the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 continues beyond the time t ₇ the case is preset is off, washed zone from the water zone 10 9 Stop water supply to

Condition (8): A signal is on the lower float switch FSW1, when the signal of the upper float switch FSW2 continues beyond the time t ₈ that may preset is off, washed zone from the water zone 10 9 Stop water supply to

Of these states (1) to (8), the state (1) the time t ₁ which is set at the drainage pump 39 slightly longer than the time from the operation to a position above the float switch FSW2 is off In normal operation, the time t ₁ is set to 5 to 10 seconds.

Since the state (2) indicates that the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 is clearly abnormal, it is set to about time t ₂ = 0 to 10 seconds in normal operation, and more preferably time t ₂ = 0. Set to seconds.

The state (3) is a state in which the drain pump 39 to be stopped is not stopped, and is set to t ₃ = 5 to 30 seconds in a normal operation.

Condition (4) is wastewater in a state that is not completed within the scheduled time, the set time t ₄ is the amount of water from the upper float switch FSW2 to a lower float switch FSW1 while the water supply pump 20 is operating The time that can be drained by the drain pump 39 or a slightly longer time than that is set.

Condition (5) is the upper float switch FSW2 water level W is increased in a state despite the drainage pump 39 is turned on is stopped, the time t _5, the water level W is upper float switch The time is set shorter than the time from FSW 2 to the exhaust pipe 41. In actual operation, this time t ₅ can be replaced with time t ₁ = 5 to 10 seconds. In other words, a timer for setting the time t _5, since it is possible to substitute a timer T1 for setting the time t ₁ (see FIG. 3), a timer for time t ₅ is unnecessary.

Condition (6), that from the state (2) just as the endoscope washing apparatus 1 to indicate that it is clearly abnormal, the time t ₆ is to replace at time t _{2 =} 0 seconds it can. In other words, the timer for setting the time t ₆ is not necessary.

Condition (7) is a case drain pump 39 indicating that even though water is stopped not progressed within the time that is scheduled, the time t _7, the drainage pump 39 It is set to a time expected to be required until the lower float switch FSW1 is turned on after the stop or a time slightly longer than that. However, the time _{t 7} in the actual operation, since no time _{t 3} so different, it is possible to substitute at time _t 3 = 5 to 30 seconds. That is, a timer for the set time t7 is unnecessary.

Condition (8) is a case that indicates that water in the waste water for the water reservoir 37 is not in progress within the time that is scheduled, the time t _8, the upper water supply pump 20 from the lower float switch FSW1 It is set to a time sufficient to supply the amount of water up to the float switch FSW2. In Figure 3, in order to set the time t _8, the timer T8 is used.

  When the water supply area 10 includes a pipe 23d from the strongly acidic electrolyzed water storage tank 23 and a pipe 25d from the strongly alkaline electrolyzed water tank 25, the electrolysis is performed in the states (1) to (8). It is also necessary to stop the operation of the device 28. Moreover, in order to stop the water supply from the water supply area 10 to the washing area 9, any one provided in the upstream rather than the nozzles 31, 32, 33 of the washing tank 3 other than stopping the water supply pump 20 The on-off valve may be closed.

  3 and 4 are ladder diagrams showing the relationship among the water supply pump 20, the drainage pump 39, the lower float switch FSW1, and the upper float switch FSW2 for enabling such operation in the washing apparatus 1. FIG. In FIG. 3, the auxiliary relay R1 that is excited when the water supply pump 20 is in operation and the auxiliary relay R2 that is excited when the drainage pump 39 is in operation are turned on / off of the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2. Corresponding to the abnormality in the water supply pump 20, the wastewater storage tank 37, and the drainage pump 39 in association with the OFF state. Subsequent to the excitation of the auxiliary relay R11 that is turned on when the operation start button (not shown) of the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 is turned on, the auxiliary relay R1 is excited to start the water supply pump 20, and the lower float switch FSW1. The drain pump 39 is started and stopped via the auxiliary relay R22 that is turned on and off in relation to the on and off of the upper float switch FSW2 and the auxiliary relay R2 that is excited following the excitation of the auxiliary relay R22. To do. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the lower float switch FSW1, the upper float switch FSW2, and the auxiliary relay R22.

As apparent from FIG. 3, when the auxiliary relay R1 of the water supply pump 20 is excited and the water supply pump 20 is in an operating state, the timer T1 is activated when the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 are turned on. and, time exceeds t ₁ timer T1 when entering the contact E1 to the error 1, and at the same time displayed on the display panel 2c the error 1, the water supply from the water supply section 10 as shown in the state (1) to the washing zone 9 Stop.

When the auxiliary relay R1 is energized, the timer T2 is activated when the lower float switch FSW1 is turned off and the upper float switch FSW2 is turned on. The timer T2 is usually by the time setting t ₂ to 0 seconds, if operated immediately enters the contact E2 to error 2, when displaying the error 2 on the display panel 2c at the same time, the water supply section as state (2) The water supply from 10 to the washing area 9 is stopped, and the drain pump 39 is stopped.

Further, when the auxiliary relay R1 is energized, the timer T3 is activated when the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 are turned off. The timer T3 is usually by the time setting t ₃ to about 10 seconds, the water supply section as if to operate immediately enters the contact E3 to the error 3, at the same time state when displaying the error 3 on the display panel 2c (3) The water supply from 10 to the washing area 9 is stopped, and the drain pump 39 is stopped.

Furthermore, when the auxiliary relays R1 and R2 are excited and the water supply pump 20 and the drainage pump 39 are operating, the timer is set when the lower float switch FSW1 is on and the upper float switch FSW2 is off. T4 is activated, time exceeds t ₄ of the timer T4 when entering the contact E4 error 4, at the same time displays the error 4 to the display panel 2c, from the water zone 10 as condition (4) to the washing zone 9 Water supply is stopped and the drainage pump 39 is stopped.

Furthermore, when the auxiliary relay R1 is energized, but the auxiliary relay R2 is not energized, and therefore the feed pump 20 is operating but the drain pump 39 is stopped, the lower float switch FSW1 is it is on and the upper float switch FSW2 is off, the timer T8 is operated, exceeds a set time t ₈ of the timer T8 when entering the contact E8 to the error 8, when the display panel 2c the error E8 simultaneously In the state (8), the water supply from the water supply area 10 to the washing area 9 is stopped, and the drain pump 39 is stopped.

As described above, the states (1) to (8) are generated for the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2, but in actual operation, the times t ₅ , t ₆ , and t ₇ out of these states are used. Instead of providing a dedicated timer for directly monitoring these times, timers T1, T2 for times t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ to be monitored while the feed pump 20 is operating , T3 can be substituted. The timers T1, T2, and T3 are not related to whether the drain pump 39 is operating or stopped. If the water supply pump 20 is operating, the timers T1, T2, and T3 are It can be replaced with one in an operable state.

  In the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 operated as in the states (1) to (8) based on such a ladder diagram, waste water leaks from the exhaust pipe 41 or out of the pipe 38 although it is not necessary. Can be prevented.

  FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an example of the embodiment of the present invention. However, in the water supply area 10 in FIG. 5, the overflow treatment tank 23 and the strong alkaline electrolysis water storage tank 25 are used for overflow treatment, which is open to the outside instead of the pipes 23 d and 25 d. Pipes 23e and 25e are used. Further, the washing area 9 is different from that shown in FIG. In the washing area 9 of FIG. 5, instead of injecting washing water from the nozzle, washing water is stored in the washing tub 3, and the endoscope 90 is immersed in the washing water for a required time, thereby the endoscope 90. Is washed. This washing tank 3 should be a washing water storage tank, and the purified water, the strongly alkaline electrolyzed water, and the strongly acidic electrolyzed water that are the wash water are sequentially replaced. The same washing tank 3 as the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 in FIG. 2 is used, and an exhaust pipe 41 is attached to the top. In such a washing area 9, the waste water storage tank 37 of FIG. 2 is not necessary, and the washing tank 3 and the drainage pump 39 are directly connected. In addition, since the 4th, 5th, 6th electromagnetic valve 34, 35, 36 is provided between the washing tank 3 and the feed water pump 20, depending on the number of the electromagnetic valves to be opened, The water supply speed can be adjusted. In addition, in the washing tank 3 of FIG. 5, it is also possible to store washing water while injecting it.

  FIG. 6 is also a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the washing section 9 of FIG. 6, a seventh electromagnetic valve 47 that is normally opened is provided between the washing tank 3 and the waste water storage tank 37. In the present invention, when the water supply from the water supply area 10 to the washing area 9 is stopped, the seventh electromagnetic valve 47 can be closed at the same time to stop the flow of waste water from the washing tank 3 to the waste water storage tank 37. . By adopting such a seventh electromagnetic valve 47, the leakage prevention effect in the wastewater storage tank 37 may be improved.

  In the illustrated example, the water supply area 10 includes the faucet 27 and the electrolyzer 28. However, since these are not indispensable in the present invention, the water supply area 10 is connected to the water supply pump 20 and various washings connected thereto. It is also possible to comprise a water pipe and an on-off valve interposed between the pump 20 and the pipe. Moreover, although the float switch used for detecting the water level in the illustrated example is a contact type, the present invention can be implemented by replacing this with a non-contact type.

  The present invention is suitable for preventing the leakage of waste water during washing of the endoscope 90. However, the technical idea of the present invention is applied to the start-up inspection of the endoscope washing apparatus 1, whereby the endoscope Prior to the start of use of the washing apparatus 1, it can be useful to know the abnormality of the wastewater treatment system, the possibility of leakage of wastewater caused by the abnormality, and the like. For example, in the start-up inspection, without using the endoscope 90, normal washing using purified water, strong alkaline electrolyzed water, and strong acidic electrolyzed water sequentially as washing water, or washing using only purified water is started. The operation status of the lower float switch FSW1 and the upper float switch FSW2 is confirmed, and when any abnormality is detected from the status, that fact is displayed on the display board 2c, and the start of the washing operation is stopped. Also, at the start of the inspection, close any of the fourth, fifth and sixth solenoid valves 34, 35 and 36 so that the amount of water flowing to the waste water storage tank 37 is less than the amount of water for regular washing. If this occurs, even if there is an abnormality in the wastewater storage tank 37 or the like, it is possible to keep a small amount of water leaking therefrom.

  An example of a procedure for inspecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in the wastewater treatment system as a start-up inspection is as follows.

  Procedure 1: After closing the lid 4 of the washing tub 3, a start inspection check button (not shown) provided on the operation panel 2a is pushed.

  Procedure 2: The drainage pump 39 is operated to discharge the remaining water in the wastewater storage tank 37, and the water level at the start of the start-up inspection is made constant.

  Procedure 3: The lower float switch FSW1 is activated and the drainage pump 39 is stopped.

  Step 4: When the drainage pump 39 stops, the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 is allowed to stand for a required time, preferably about 1 minute, to drain the pipe downstream from the drainage pump 39, and the water level in the pipe To stabilize.

  Procedure 5: The water supply pump 20 operates and starts water supply to the washing tub 3.

  Procedure 6: Measure the time from the operation of the feed water pump 20 until the lower float switch FSW1 detects the rise of waste water. When the measurement time exceeds the scheduled time, the occurrence of abnormality is displayed on the display panel 2b or 2c, and at the same time, the feed water pump 20 is stopped.

  Procedure 7: When the upper float switch FSW2 detects the rise of the water level, the feed pump 20 is stopped and the drain pump 39 is started at the same time.

  Procedure 8: In Procedure 7, when the lower float switch FSW1 does not detect the rise in the water level, and after the drain pump 39 is started, the upper float switch FSW2 continues to detect the rise in the water level beyond the scheduled time. In such a case, the occurrence of an abnormality is displayed on the display panel 2b or 2c, and at the same time, the drain pump 39 is stopped.

  Procedure 9: The drainage pump 39 stops when the lower float switch FSW1 detects the lowering of the water level. However, if the measurement time from when the upper float switch FSW2 detects the lowering of the water level to when the lower float switch FSW1 detects the lowering of the water level exceeds the scheduled time, an abnormality is displayed on the display panel 2b. At the same time, the drain pump 39 stops.

  Step 10: If no abnormality occurs in steps 1 to 9, a message to that effect is displayed on the display panel 2b.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to produce an endoscope cleaning apparatus capable of preventing leakage of water from a water storage tank.

The perspective view of an endoscope cleaning apparatus. Piping system diagram. The ladder diagram for detecting the abnormality of the abnormality sensor. The ladder diagram which shows the relationship between a lower float switch, an upper float switch, and an auxiliary relay. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows an example of an embodiment. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows another example of an embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Endoscope washing device 3 Washing tank (water tank for washing)
5 Water supply pipe 9 Washing area 10 Water supply area 20 Water supply pump 22 On-off valve (solenoid valve)
24 On-off valve (solenoid valve)
26 On-off valve (solenoid valve)
37 water tank (water tank for wastewater)
39 Drain pump 41 Exhaust pipe 90 Endoscope FSW1 Lower limit sensor (lower float switch)
FSW2 upper limit sensor (upper float switch)

Claims (11)

A water supply area; and a wash area provided downstream of the water supply area, the water supply area including a water supply pump connected to the wash area through a water supply pipe, the wash area being supplied from the water supply pump The endoscope is formed so that it can be washed using washing water and includes a drain pump located at the downstream end, and is operated by detecting the lower limit of the water level on the upstream side of the drain pump. A water tank comprising an electrical lower limit sensor capable of stopping the drain pump inside and an electrical upper limit sensor capable of operating the drain pump being stopped by detecting the upper limit of the water level An endoscope cleaning device comprising:
The amount of water supply per unit time to the washing area through the water supply pump can be set smaller than the amount of water discharged per unit time by the drainage pump,
It is possible to stop water supply from the water supply area to the washing area based on a signal indicating an operating state of the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor that are issued during water supply by the water supply pump. Said device.   When the signals from both sensors indicate that the water level is above these sensors, the water supply is stopped when the signal from the upper limit sensor continues for a predetermined time. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is capable of.   In the case where the signal of the lower limit sensor has a water level below the lower limit sensor and the signal of the upper limit sensor indicates that the water level is above the upper limit sensor, the water supply is stopped, and The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drainage pump can be stopped.   When the signal of the lower limit sensor indicates that the water level is below the lower limit sensor, and the signal of the upper limit sensor indicates that the water level is below the upper limit sensor, the water supply is stopped, and the drainage pump is The device according to claim 1, wherein the device can be stopped.   In the case where the signal of the lower limit sensor has a water level above the lower limit sensor, and the signal of the upper limit sensor indicates that the water level is lower than the upper limit sensor, the signal of the lower limit sensor is predefined. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water supply can be stopped and the drainage pump can be stopped when the operation continues over time.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein stopping the water supply is stopping the water supply pump.   The said water supply area has an opening / closing valve immediately before the upstream of the water supply pump, and stopping the water supply is at least one of stopping the water supply pump and closing the opening / closing valve. The apparatus in any one of.   The water supply section can supply either tap water, strongly acidic electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing salt water, or strongly alkaline electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing salt water as the washing water. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is formed.   The washing area includes a washing tank formed upstream of the washing area so as to be able to accommodate an endoscope, and a waste water storage tank formed on the downstream side, and the waste water storage tank includes the lower limit. The device according to claim 1, comprising a sensor and the upper limit sensor.   9. The washing area according to claim 1, wherein the washing area includes a washing water tank that is configured to be able to accommodate the endoscope and store the washing water and includes the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor. A device according to the above.   The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the water storage tank including the lower limit sensor and the upper limit sensor has an exhaust pipe connected to the outside, and the exhaust pipe contains a gas adsorbent. .

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