JP5380252B2 - Endoscope cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an outer surface of an endoscope having a duct having a distal end side opening and a proximal end side opening therein, and an endoscope cleaning apparatus for cleaning the inside of the inner duct.

End-use endoscopes that have been used for endoscopy are contaminated on the outer surface of the insertion section that is inserted into the body cage. Also, the endoscope forceps channel, suction channel, air supply channel, water supply channel, etc. The inside of several pipe lines is contaminated with mucus, blood, and filth. For this reason, when the endoscope is reused, in order to prevent secondary infection and the like, it is necessary to strictly clean the outer surface of the endoscope and the inside of the duct.
Therefore, in general, a cleaning tank for cleaning the endoscope is provided, the cleaning tank is filled with a cleaning solution, the endoscope is immersed therein, and the outer surface of the endoscope is covered with a sponge, gauze, or the like. A plurality of liquid supply conduits are disposed in the cleaning tank or the like so that the cleaning liquid can be injected into each of the plurality of conduits of the endoscope while cleaning, and a plurality of liquid supply conduits and a plurality of endoscopes are provided. There are various types of pipes that are connected to each other using a washing adapter, and a washing liquid is injected into the pipe to wash the inside of the pipe of the endoscope. Washing could not be performed sufficiently because it was only flowed.

Therefore, as an improvement on such an endoscope cleaning apparatus, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-275437 (Patent Document 1), the endoscope cleaning apparatus has a predetermined depth above it. A cleaning tank is provided, the endoscope is accommodated in the cleaning tank, cleaning liquid, rinsing water, etc. are supplied to wash mucus, blood, and dirt adhering to the endoscope, and the endoscope A liquid supply unit supplies a fluid such as a cleaning liquid to each of the pipes, and a cleaning brush is automatically inserted into and removed from the pipe to clean the pipe.
Further, in Japanese Patent No. 3416933 (Patent Document 2), a plurality of spherical brushes having a size slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe are sucked and moved simultaneously with the cleaning liquid in the pipe of the endoscope. There has been proposed a spherical brush suction type endoscope brushing and cleaning device that cleans contaminants such as mucus and blood on the surface and removes and disappears bacteria and viruses.

JP 2007-275437 A Japanese Patent No. 3416933

However, since the invention of Patent Document 1 uses a cleaning brush to insert and remove the inside of the pipeline, since the cleaning is performed with a brush that rubs the inner wall of the pipeline irregularly, secretion adhering to the inner wall of the pipeline Although it is possible to wash and remove relatively easy-to-drop contaminants such as materials, blood, and tissue fragments, it does not have a sufficient cleaning effect, and there are problems with removing viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. It has been difficult to clean every corner of a portion of the endoscope having a different diameter or a curved portion of the conduit.
In addition, in the invention of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, secretions such as mucus, blood, tissue fragments, etc. that are aspirated and moved together with the cleaning liquid using a spherical brush and adhere to the endoscope duct, as well as viruses, Bacteria and other various microorganisms can be washed away, but in order to enhance the cleaning effect, the means for moving the inside of the spherical brush is improved, and the spherical brush is sent out to improve the ease of use. There was room to improve the vessel.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. The outer surface of the endoscope is cleaned by an outer surface cleaning device that cleans the outer surface of the endoscope. A cleaning member that cleans the inside of a conduit and that contains a spherical cleaning tool to be fed into the conduit inside the endoscope can be easily attached to the endoscope, and the cleaning member is attached to the endoscope base. Connected to the end opening, for example, the suction channel port of the universal cord section, feeds the spherical cleaning tool from the suction channel port with relatively little contamination, moves the spherical cleaning tool through the suction channel, and then communicates with the suction channel It can be moved in the contaminated forceps channel and cleaned in the direction of the endoscope's distal end, so that the person performing the cleaning operation does not touch the distal end of the endoscope inserted into the most contaminated body It can be cleaned and soiled The cleaning tool that has passed through the forceps channel can be cleaned without passing through the suction channel, and the cleaning effect is improved. Further, when the spherical cleaning tool is fed into the pipe, the control unit controls the injection of liquid such as cleaning liquid and air. Even if there is a large or small difference in the inner diameter of the endoscope pipe line by applying a strong water flow and large air pressure to the spherical cleaning tool or intermittently acting on the spherical cleaning tool, curved parts, steps, etc. Even if there is, it is possible to move while being in close contact with the inner wall of the pipe line, and it is possible to reliably wash every corner in the pipe line of the endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning apparatus that is easy to use, such as being able to reliably discharge the spherical cleaning tool without being clogged in the endoscope duct even if it is sent out from the endoscope.

What achieves the said subject is the following.
(1) An endoscope cleaning apparatus for cleaning an endoscope having a duct having a distal end side opening and a proximal end side opening therein,
The endoscope cleaning apparatus includes an outer surface cleaning apparatus that cleans the outer surface of the endoscope, an in-pipe cleaning apparatus that cleans the inside of the duct in the endoscope, and a control unit.
The outer surface cleaning device includes: a cleaning tank that houses the endoscope; a cleaning liquid tank that stores cleaning liquid; a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank to the cleaning tank; and a discharging unit that discharges the cleaning liquid after cleaning It is possible to wash and wash the outer surface of the endoscope immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank,
The in-pipe cleaning device is connected to a cleaning member that contains a spherical cleaning tool, a cleaning member mounting portion that detachably mounts the cleaning member, a liquid injection device, an air injection device, and the liquid injection device. A liquid supply pipe and an air supply pipe connected to the air injection device, the cleaning member mounting portion includes the liquid supply pipe and an upstream mounting portion communicating with the air supply pipe, and the endoscope of the endoscope A downstream mounting portion having a connection portion connectable to the proximal end side opening of the pipe,
The control unit includes a liquid injection device control function for controlling an injection amount, an injection time, and an injection interval of a liquid such as a cleaning liquid injected by the liquid injection device, an injection pressure of air injected by the air injection device, and an injection With air injection device control function to control time and injection interval,
The endoscope cleaning device controls the liquid and air sent from the liquid injection device and the air injection device by the control unit, and supplies the liquid and air to the upstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion, and the cleaning member The spherical cleaning tool housed in the endoscope is fed into the pipe line from the proximal end opening of the endoscope through the downstream mounting portion, and the spherical cleaning tool is in contact with the inner wall of the pipe line. After the liquid is moved together with a liquid such as a cleaning liquid or liquid and air, the inside of the endoscope is cleaned from the proximal side opening side to the distal side opening direction by discharging from the distal side opening. Endoscope cleaning device made possible.

(2) The internal control unit according to (1), wherein the control unit has a function of selectively performing supply of only liquid and simultaneous supply of liquid and air in a conduit of the endoscope. Endoscopic cleaning device.
(3) The control unit has a function of selecting and supplying only liquid, simultaneous supply of liquid and air, and supply of only air in the conduit of the endoscope (1) ) Endoscope cleaning apparatus.
(4) When the spherical cleaning tool is fed into the pipe line, the control unit controls the liquid to flow for a predetermined time and then the air to flow for a predetermined time as one set, and this is repeated multiple times. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above.
(5) When the control unit sends the spherical cleaning tool into the pipe, the liquid is allowed to flow for 30 to 60 seconds, and then the air is allowed to flow for 10 to 20 seconds. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), which is controlled to be repeated once.

(6) The endoscope cleaning apparatus includes a flow rate sensor provided in the liquid feeding pipe of the liquid injection device, and the control unit stores a flow rate value for clogging determination, and the flow rate sensor The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an alarm device that operates when it is detected that the detected flow rate is equal to or less than the clogging determination flow rate value.
(7) The endoscope cleaning apparatus includes a flow rate sensor provided in the liquid feeding pipe of the liquid injection device, and the control unit stores a flow rate value for clogging determination, and the flow rate sensor (1) to (6) having a function of stopping the operation of the liquid injection device and the air injection device when it is detected that the detected flow rate is equal to or less than the clogging determination flow value. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of the above.
(8) The spherical cleaning tool is a porous body formed into a substantially spherical shape by a large number of ultrafine fibers, and can be swollen by the liquid, and from the inner diameter of the conduit of the endoscope to be cleaned at the time of swelling. The inner diameter according to any one of the above (1) to (7), which has a large outer diameter and is movable while being in contact with the inner wall of the pipeline by the liquid or liquid and air injected into the pipeline. Endoscopic cleaning device.

(9) The liquid injection device is provided in a liquid pump that supplies the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank, a liquid supply pipe that supplies the cleaning liquid, and a liquid supply pipe that is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), further including a liquid supply switching valve that is provided and a flow rate sensor that measures a flow rate of the liquid.
(10) The air injection device includes an air pump, an air tank that stores compressed air, an air supply pipe that supplies compressed air, and an air supply switching valve that is provided in the air supply pipe and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9).

(11) The cleaning member includes a cylindrical member that holds a plurality of spherical cleaning tools, and a storage case that stores the cylindrical member, and the storage case has substantially the same inner diameter as the cylindrical member at both ends. A connecting portion formed with an equal outer diameter, and a seal that can be liquid-tightly connected to the inside of the tube constituting the upstream mounting portion and the downstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein an annular rib is provided.
(12) The cleaning member includes a cartridge having a plurality of holding holes for holding a plurality of spherical cleaning tools, a cartridge mounting portion for inserting the cartridge, and a plurality of holding holes of the cartridge inserted in the cartridge mounting portion. A plurality of upstream flow paths that communicate with each other, an inflow connection section that collects the plurality of upstream flow paths and that can be connected to the upstream mounting section of the cleaning member mounting section, and each of the holding holes. (1) thru | or (1) thru | or which have a some downstream flow path connected, and an outflow side connection part which gathers together this some downstream flow path, and can be connected to the said downstream mounting part of the said washing | cleaning member mounting part. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of 10).
(13) The plurality of downstream flow paths of the cleaning member have different arrival times to the outflow side connection portions of the plurality of spherical cleaning tools flowing out from the cartridge. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to (12), wherein the flow path lengths are different from each other.

According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the endoscope is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank by the outer surface cleaning apparatus, and the outer surface of the immersed endoscope is washed away to clean the outer surface of the endoscope. It can be performed.
In addition, the in-pipe cleaning device can be easily mounted with a cleaning member that contains a spherical cleaning tool that is fed into the pipe of the endoscope, and a plurality of spherical cleaning tools can be easily fed into the pipeline.
Then, the controller of the in-pipe cleaning device controls the amount of liquid injected from the liquid injection device, the injection time, the injection interval, and the amount of air supplied from the air injection device to the cleaning member containing the spherical cleaning tool. The injection pressure, the injection time, and the injection interval are controlled, and the controlled liquid or liquid and air are supplied to the spherical cleaning tool, and the spherical cleaning tool has a strong water flow in the pipeline from the proximal end opening of the endoscope. (Hydraulic pressure), or a strong water flow and a large air pressure are sent in, and it moves in the pipe, so it cleans and removes contaminants such as secretions, blood, and tissue fragments attached to the inner wall of the endoscope. Viruses, bacteria and other various microorganisms can be removed at once.
In addition, the in-pipe cleaning device is configured such that the spherical cleaning tool is fed from the suction channel port, which is the proximal-side opening of the endoscope with relatively little contamination, and is cleaned in the direction of the distal-end opening of the highly contaminated endoscope. Therefore, the cleaning tool that has passed through the forceps channel that is heavily contaminated is discharged from the distal end opening of the endoscope, and the contaminated cleaning tool can be cleaned without passing through the suction channel.
Furthermore, since the in-pipe cleaning apparatus can perform a cleaning operation without connecting a cleaning member of the in-pipe cleaning apparatus to the opening on the distal end side that is inserted into a body block where the endoscope is most contaminated. The person who performs the cleaning operation can perform the cleaning operation without touching the contaminated distal end of the endoscope, and the pipe cleaning apparatus itself is not contaminated. There is no need to disinfect.

According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the control unit supplies only a liquid such as a cleaning liquid, or simultaneously supplies liquid and air into the conduit of the endoscope. Therefore, effective cleaning can be performed in response to differences in the types of endoscopes used, differences in the degree of contamination, and the like.
In particular, when the spherical cleaning tool is fed into the pipe line, the control unit controls the liquid to flow for a predetermined second and then the air to flow for a predetermined second as a set, and this is repeated multiple times. Therefore, it is possible to effectively clean the inside of the pipe line. Then, the operation of flowing the liquid for 30 to 60 seconds and then flowing the air for 10 to 20 seconds is set as one set, and if this is repeated 3 to 7 times, the cleaning effect becomes extremely high.
Furthermore, after the spherical cleaning tool is discharged, the inside of the pipe can be dried by controlling to supply only air, and adhesion and increase of bacteria and the like can be prevented.

  According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the endoscope cleaning apparatus includes a flow rate sensor, and if the flow rate value for clogging determination is below an alarm device, an alarm is issued, so cleaning is proceeding smoothly. You can know whether or not. Further, when the flow rate value for determining clogging is below, the operation of the liquid injection device and the air injection device can be stopped and the supply of liquid or air can be stopped. A strong water pressure and a large air pressure are applied to the member mounting portions and their connecting portions, so that the instrument is not damaged and the connecting portions are not detached.

According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention, since the spherical cleaning tool uses a porous body that is formed into a substantially spherical shape by a large number of ultrafine fibers, an endoscope using liquid or liquid and air is used. The spherical cleaning tool swells with the liquid and becomes an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the endoscope pipe to be cleaned, and the liquid or the liquid and the air are applied to the inner wall of the pipe. While in contact, the mucous secretions, blood, and tissue fragments adhering to the inner wall of the endoscope's duct are washed away, moving while removing viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Can be washed.
Furthermore, the spherical cleaning tool moves in a state where it is in contact with the inner wall of the pipe while being deformed into an elliptical shape even when moving from a pipe with a large inner diameter to a pipe with a small inner diameter. Even if it is approached, it moves in contact with the inner wall according to the shape of the pipeline, so that it can quickly reach every corner of the endoscope's pipeline due to the action of the liquid such as the cleaning liquid to be injected and air It can be washed reliably.

According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention, since the cleaning member containing a plurality of spherical cleaning tools is used, the cleaning member is upstream of the cleaning member mounting portion to which liquid and air are supplied. With a simple operation of mounting between the mounting portion and the downstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion connected to the proximal end side opening of the endoscope, a plurality of spherical cleaning tools are attached to the endoscope. Ready to feed into the pipeline.
Further, when the cleaning member is a cartridge type that holds a plurality of spherical cleaning tools, when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion, each of the plurality of holding holes of the cartridge, the plurality of upstream channels, and the plurality of downstream A plurality of spherical cleaning tools can be sent out simply by supplying liquid or liquid and air from the upstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion.
Further, since the plurality of downstream flow paths have different flow path lengths, even if the plurality of spherical cleaning tools are simultaneously sent out from the cartridge, the time-difference causes the opening from the proximal end side of the endoscope. Since it is sent into the pipeline, the spherical cleaning tool is not clogged in the pipeline and it is easy to use.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between each pipeline, the cleaning member, and the connection port of the endoscope of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning member of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a different cleaning member of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge used in the cleaning member shown in FIG. 4 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a table showing the test results of the cleaning method and cleaning effect.

An endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, A is an endoscope cleaning device, an outer surface cleaning device B for cleaning the outer surface of the endoscope, and an in-pipe cleaning device C for cleaning the inside of the duct in the endoscope. The outer surface cleaning apparatus B is provided with a control unit D, and includes a cleaning tank 2 for storing the used endoscope 1 after endoscopic examination, and a proteolytic enzyme, lipolytic enzyme, or amine protein. A cleaning liquid tank that stores a cleaning liquid containing a removing agent, a cleaning liquid such as alkaline water such as hypochlorous acid water, and other cleaning liquids, and a cleaning liquid supply that supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 3 to the cleaning tank 2 It comprises means 4 and discharge means 5 for discharging the cleaning liquid and the like from the cleaning tank 2 after the cleaning is completed.

The cleaning liquid supply means 4 for supplying the cleaning liquid supplies the cleaning liquid from the bottom of the cleaning liquid tank 3 to the cleaning tank 2 through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 7 by the liquid pump 6, and also provides a liquid injection device 8 to be described later. The cleaning liquid is injected into the pipe line of the endoscope 1 through the liquid supply pipe 9 branched from the cleaning liquid supply pipe 7.
The discharge means 5 for discharging the cleaning liquid is returned to the cleaning liquid tank 3 from the cleaning tank 2 through the filter 47 by the discharge pipe 46 or is internally viewed by the discharge liquid pump 10 through the waste liquid supply pipe 11. The liquid is discharged out of the mirror cleaning device A.
Further, in order to wash the outer surface of the endoscope 1 with tap water, water can be fed into the washing tank 2 through a water supply pipe 14 through a filter 13 and the like from a tap faucet 12, and water can be supplied through a shower head 15. Water can be allowed to flow out and the outer surface of the endoscope 1 can be washed away. Further, the water can be branched from the water supply pipe 14 and also supplied into one pipe line of the endoscope.

The in-pipe cleaning device C includes a spherical cleaning tool 16, a cleaning member 17 that houses the spherical cleaning tool 16, a suction channel port 19 of the suction channel 18 of the endoscope 1, and a connection port 30. A cleaning member mounting portion 21 that is detachably mounted, a liquid injection device 8 that injects a liquid such as a cleaning liquid into a conduit such as the suction channel port 19 of the endoscope 1, and the endoscope. And an air injecting device 22 for injecting air into a pipe line such as one suction channel port 19.
The liquid injection device 8 shares the cleaning liquid supply means 4 that supplies the cleaning liquid, and includes a liquid pump 6 that supplies the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 3 and a cleaning liquid supply that supplies the cleaning liquid. The liquid supply pipe 9 is branched from the pipe 7, and the liquid supply pipe 9 has a liquid supply switching valve 23 controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit D, and a flow rate of the liquid flowing in the liquid supply pipe. A flow sensor 24 for measurement is provided.
In addition, a tank different from the cleaning liquid tank 3 can be prepared, and a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid different from the cleaning liquid fed to the cleaning tank 2 can be stored so that the liquid can be injected into the suction channel port 19 and the like. .

The air injecting device 22 includes an air pump 25, an air tank 26 for storing compressed air, and an air supply pipe 27 for supplying compressed air. A supply switching valve 28 is provided.
The liquid feeding pipe 9 of the liquid injecting device 8 and the air feeding pipe 27 of the air injecting device 22 are connected, and the feeding pipe 29 to which both are connected is a connection port installed in the peripheral part of the cleaning tank 2 It is connected to the upstream side of the plurality of 30 supply path connection portions 31.
A plurality of connectors for connecting to a plurality of conduits 32 and the like of the endoscope are connected to the downstream side of each supply path connection portion 31 of the connection port 30. One of the connecting tools is a cleaning member mounting portion 21 for mounting the cleaning member 17 on the suction channel port 19 of the universal cord portion 20, which is the proximal end side opening of the endoscope conduit, and the other connecting tools are: It is a connection adapter that connects to pipelines such as air supply channels and liquid supply channels. It is preferable to use a chief as the cleaning member mounting portion 21 and the connection adapter.
The suction channel 18 communicates with the forceps channel 33 among the plurality of conduits included in the endoscope, and not only the liquid and air but also the spherical cleaning tool 16 is fed into the conduit for cleaning. The upstream side mounting part 21a of the cleaning member mounting part 21 is connected to the supply path connection part 31, and the upstream side connection part 36 of the cleaning member 17 in which the spherical cleaning tool 16 is housed is inserted and connected thereto. The other downstream connection portion 36 of the cleaning member 17 is fitted and connected to the downstream mounting portion 21 b of the cleaning member mounting portion 21 connected to the suction channel port 19.

The control unit D includes a liquid injection device control function for controlling an injection amount, an injection time, and an injection interval of a liquid such as a cleaning liquid injected by the liquid injection device 8, and an injection of air injected by the air injection device 22. An air injection device control function for controlling the pressure, injection time, and injection interval, and supplying only liquid such as cleaning liquid into the conduit of the endoscope 1 or supplying liquid and air simultaneously A function that can select and control the liquid and air feeding method, such as feeding only air, alternately feeding liquid and air, or intermittently feeding liquid or air It is provided.
When starting the cleaning of the pipe line of the endoscope 1, the liquid feed switching valve 23 is opened, and only the liquid is fed from the liquid feed pipe 9 through the feed pipe 29 to the feed path of the connection port 30. The spherical cleaning tool 16 that is fed to the connecting portion 31 and supplied to the cleaning member 17 through the upstream mounting portion 21a and is held inside the cleaning member 17 is flown into the pipe line of the endoscope 1 with a water flow. In addition, both the liquid supply switching valve 23 and the air supply switching valve 28 are opened to simultaneously supply liquid and air, and the spherical cleaning tool 16 is pulled from the suction channel 18 of the conduit of the endoscope 1 with forceps. It can be sent to the channel 33.
Further, a small amount of liquid can be allowed to flow before the cleaning operation is started so that the spherical cleaning tool 16 can sufficiently absorb and swell the liquid and then be fed into the suction channel 18.
Further, the control unit D alternately controls opening and closing of the liquid supply switching valve 23 and the air supply switching valve 28, and when the spherical cleaning tool 16 is fed into the suction channel 18, the liquid 30 to 60 is controlled. It is possible to control so that the operation of flowing a second and then flowing air for 10 to 20 seconds is set as one set and this is repeated 3 to 7 times.
Further, after the endoscope 1 is cleaned in the pipeline, the liquid feed switching valve 23 is closed and the air feed switching valve 28 is opened, and only the air can be supplied to dry the inside of the pipeline.

The liquid injection device A is configured to be able to supply a liquid at a flow rate of 500 mL / min or more into the conduit of the endoscope, and is set so as to supply the liquid at 1000 mL / min or more in a short time. Is desirable.
In addition, the air injection device is configured to be able to supply air at a pressure of 50 KPa or more into the pipe line of the endoscope, and is preferably set to supply at a supply pressure of 100 KPa or more. .

The endoscope cleaning apparatus A is provided with a control unit D, and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 24 provided in the liquid feeding pipe 9 of the liquid injection device 8 is changed into an electric signal and input to the control unit D. It is like that.
And the said control part D has memorize | stored the flow value for clogging judgment, and the electric signal of the flow volume detected by the said flow sensor became below the said clogging judgment flow value, for example, 100 mL / min or less. When this is detected, an alarm is issued from the alarm device 45 provided in the endoscope cleaning apparatus A to notify the user. The control unit D can also stop the operation of the liquid injection device 8 and the air injection device 22 when detecting that the flow rate value is less than or equal to the clogging determination flow value.

The spherical cleaning tool 14 is a porous body formed into a substantially spherical shape by a large number of ultrafine fibers, and has a property rich in elasticity, and deposits on the inner wall of the pipe of the endoscope 1 are adhered to the surface of the porous body and the porous body. The liquid is taken in and removed from the body, and when a liquid such as a cleaning liquid is sent by the liquid injection device 17, the liquid is absorbed and swollen. When swollen, the outer diameter becomes larger than the inner diameter of the endoscope to be cleaned, and when it is fed into the pipeline, it moves in a state of being in close contact with the inner wall of the pipeline by the injected liquid or liquid and air. .
In particular, the suction channel of the endoscope and the forceps channel for tissue collection communicate with each other, and the inner diameter of the suction channel is generally larger than the inner diameter of the forceps channel. Therefore, as the spherical cleaning tool 16 to be used, a spherical cleaning tool having a size in which the outer diameter when the liquid is absorbed and swollen is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the suction channel is used. Thus, when the spherical cleaning tool 16 is fed from the suction channel port 19, the spherical cleaning tool moves while being in close contact with the inner wall of the suction channel 18, and eventually reaches the forceps channel 33 having a small inner diameter, the spherical cleaning tool becomes a water flow pressure or water flow. The shape is deformed into an oval shape by the pressure of air and moves in a state of being in strong contact with the inner wall of the forceps channel and discharged from the opening 48 on the distal end side of the conduit.
In addition, the spherical cleaning tool moves in a state where the curved portion, the scratched portion, and the stepped portion are in close contact.
The spherical cleaning tool 16 accommodated in the spherical cleaning member 17 requires 1 to 5 cleanings at a time, and if three are used, contaminants such as secretions, blood, and tissue fragments are almost removed. It is possible to wipe and remove viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning member 17 includes a cylindrical member 34 that holds the three spherical cleaning tools 16 and a storage case 35 that stores the cylindrical member 34, and the cylindrical member The inner diameter of the cylindrical member 34 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the spherical cleaning tool 16, and the inner diameter is such that the cylindrical member 34 can be held so as not to roll out easily when the spherical cleaning tool 16 is inserted into the cylindrical member 34. Yes.
An accommodation case 35 for accommodating the tubular member 34 is cylindrical and has both ends narrowed down, and an upstream connection portion 36 formed with an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tubular member 34 and a downstream connection. A portion 36 is provided at both ends.
The connection portions 36 and 36 at both ends of the housing case 35 are used for sealing so that they can be liquid-tightly connected to the tube-shaped upstream mounting portion 21a and the downstream mounting portion 21b of the cleaning member mounting portion 21. The annular ribs 37 and 37 are provided.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show different embodiments of the cleaning member 17, and this cleaning member 17 ′ is mainly used in the vicinity of the cleaning tank 2.
The cleaning member 17 ′ communicates with the cartridge 39 having three holding holes 38 for holding the three spherical cleaning tools 16, the cartridge mounting portion 40 for inserting the cartridge, and the holding hole 38. The three upstream-side flow passages 41 for supplying liquid or liquid and air to the spherical cleaning tool 16 and the holding hole 38, and the pipe 1 from the spherical cleaning tool 16 to the endoscope 1 through the holding hole 38. And three downstream flow paths 43 that are sent out to the upstream side, and further, the three upstream flow paths 41 are gathered to be connected to the upstream mounting portion 21a of the cleaning member mounting portion 21. 42, similarly, three downstream channels 43 are also gathered, and an outflow side connection portion 44 that can be connected to the downstream side mounting portion 21 b of the cleaning member mounting portion 21 is provided.
The three downstream flow paths 43 are provided so that the arrival times of the three spherical cleaning tools 16 delivered from the cartridge 39 to the outflow side connection portion 44 are different. 43 are linear, corrugated, and spiral so that the channel lengths are different.
In addition, the shape of the said downstream flow path 43 is not restricted to these, What is necessary is just a shape which can change a flow path length.

  For cleaning the endoscope 1, a cleaning solution containing a proteolytic enzyme, a lipolytic enzyme, or an amine-based protein remover, a cleaning solution such as alkaline water such as hypochlorous acid water, and other cleaning solutions are used. In general, when a disinfectant is used, the organic matter adhering to the endoscope may be coagulated, which may hinder subsequent cleaning. Therefore, the cleaning liquid is mainly used. However, the spherical cleaning tool 16 and the cleaning liquid are used. After the cleaning process is completed using the, disinfectant solution is fed into the endoscope channel, the outer surface of the endoscope is immersed in the disinfectant solution, and then the disinfectant solution is washed away and rinsed. May be used for cleaning and disinfection.

With the above configuration, when the endoscope 1 is cleaned, first, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 3 is supplied to the cleaning tank 2 by the cleaning liquid supply means 4, the cleaning tank 2 is filled with the cleaning liquid, and the endoscope is stored therein. Immerse the entire mirror. In the soaked state, contaminants on the outer surface of the endoscope 1 are removed using a sponge, gauze, cloth, etc., and rinsing is performed by causing tap water to flow out of the shower head.
After the cleaning of the outer surface of the endoscope 1 has been completed, or after the cleaning of the endoscope duct to be described later is completed, when the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank is to be reused, the filter 47 is removed from the discharge pipe 46. Return to the cleaning liquid tank 3 again. When discarding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank, the liquid is discharged out of the endoscope cleaning apparatus A from the waste liquid feed pipe 11 by the discharge pump 10.

In the cleaning of the plurality of pipelines inside the endoscope 1, the cleaning member mounting portion 21 is attached to one of the plurality of supply path connection portions 31 of the connection port 30 installed in the peripheral portion of the cleaning tank 2. The upstream attachment portion 21a is used to connect the upstream connection portion 36 of the cleaning member 17, and the downstream connection portion 36 of the cleaning member 17 is connected to the downstream attachment portion 21b of the cleaning member attachment portion 21. It is used to connect to the suction channel port 19 of the universal cord portion 20 which is the proximal end side opening of the endoscope 1.
Next, the liquid injection device 8 and the air injection device 22 operate the liquid pump 6 according to a command from the control unit D, the liquid supply switching valve 23 is opened, and the liquid passes from the cleaning liquid supply pipe 7 through the liquid supply pipe 9. In the case where the liquid and air are fed simultaneously through the feed pipe 29 connected to the feed pipe 27 and sent to the plurality of feed path connection portions 31 of the connection port 30, the air feed switching valve 28 is used. Is opened, the air pump 25 is activated, the air tank 26 passes through the air supply pipe 27, passes through the supply pipe 29 connected to the liquid supply pipe 9, and is supplied to the plurality of supply path connection portions 31 of the connection port 30. It is done.

The liquid or the liquid and air sent to the plurality of supply path connection portions 31 are supplied from one of the supply path connection portions 31 to the cleaning member 17 through the upstream mounting portion 21a of the cleaning member mounting portion 21. The spherical cleaning tool 16 accommodated in the cylindrical member 34 of the cleaning member 17 is sent out from the cleaning member, passes through the downstream mounting portion 21b of the cleaning member mounting portion 21, and from the suction channel port 19 of the universal cord portion 20. It is fed into the suction channel 18.
The sent spherical cleaner 16 is in a swelled state by absorbing liquid until it is sent to the suction channel port 19, and receives pressure from the liquid or liquid and air and is in close contact with the inner wall of the pipeline. Moving. When the spherical cleaning tool is inserted into the forceps channel with a small inner diameter from the suction channel, the spherical cleaning tool is deformed into an oval shape under the pressure of water flow and air and moves in a state where the inside of the forceps channel is in close contact with the inner wall. It is discharged from the front end side opening 48 of the mirror. The discharged spherical cleaning tool 16 is collected by a net or the like provided at the drain of the cleaning tank 12, and it is confirmed that the number of used spherical cleaning tools 16 has been recovered.

When the spherical cleaning tool 16 is fed from the suction channel port 19, the control unit D takes into account the type of endoscope to be cleaned, the state of use of the endoscope, the degree of contamination, and the like. Control the injection interval, control the injection pressure of the air, the injection time, and the injection interval, and supply only liquid or liquid and air simultaneously.
For example, if the operation of flowing a liquid such as a cleaning liquid for 45 seconds and then flowing air for 15 seconds is set as one set and this operation is repeated five times, the cleaning effect is enhanced.
When only one set of the above cleaning operations is performed, the spherical cleaning tool stops or clogs when it becomes an obstacle when the spherical cleaning tool passes due to a portion where the inner diameter of the pipe is reduced, a bent portion in the pipe, a scratch, or the like. May be present. However, by repeatedly performing a plurality of sets, the pipe is hardly clogged. In addition, since the pressure of the air to be fed into the pipe line is set to be about three times as high as the pressure fed to dry the inside of the pipe of the normal endoscope, the spherical cleaning tool 16 can be sufficiently piped. Can be pushed out of the road.
When the spherical cleaning tool 16 is discharged in the first set, only the liquid or the liquid and air are supplied from the second set.
Whether or not the spherical cleaning tool 16 has been discharged can be determined based on whether or not the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 24 has fallen below the clogging determination flow rate value stored in the control unit. For example, after the third set, the supply of liquid or liquid and air can be stopped. Further, the alarm device 45 can notify that the spherical cleaning tool 16 is clogged in the pipe line.
In addition, pipes 32 such as an air supply channel and a liquid supply channel other than the suction channel 18 and the forceps channel 33 are connected to a plurality of supply path connection portions 31 by connection adapters, and liquid or liquid and air are supplied and washed. Is done.
In addition, when supplying liquid and air, a forceps port or the like in the operation portion of the endoscope is covered so that the liquid and air do not escape.

Next, when the cleaning member 17 ′ shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is used as the cleaning member, the cartridge 39 in which the spherical cleaning tool 16 is housed is inserted and set in the cartridge mounting portion. Thereafter, in the same operation as in the above embodiment, the liquid or liquid and air pass from the supply path connection portion 31 through the upstream mounting portion 21a of the cleaning member mounting portion 21 and from the inflow side connection portion 42 of the cleaning member 17 ′. The ball passes through the three upstream flow paths 41 and is sent to the holding hole 38 of the cartridge 39. The three spherical cleaning tools 16 accommodated receive the water flow or the pressure of the water flow and the air, and are sent out from the holding hole 38 and pass through the outflow side connection portion 44 from the three downstream flow paths 43 and the cleaning member mounting portion 21. From the downstream side attachment portion 21b, the suction channel port 19 of the universal cord portion 20 is fed into the suction channel 18.
Since the three spherical cleaning tools 16 move in the three downstream flow paths 43 having different flow path lengths, a straight flow path, a corrugated flow path, and a spiral flow path are used. Since the passing time of the spherical cleaning tool 16 reaches the outflow side connection portion 44 where the downstream flow path 43 gathers is different, liquid or liquid and air are simultaneously sent to the three spherical cleaning tools 16. The spherical cleaning tool is fed from the suction channel port 19 with a time difference. Therefore, a device for feeding the spherical cleaning tool with a time difference is not required.

Since the present invention has the above-described configuration, the outer surface of the endoscope and the inside of the plurality of ducts in the endoscope can be cleaned, and the suction channel and the forceps in the plurality of ducts in the endoscope The channel moves in a state where the spherical cleaning tool is in intimate contact with the inner wall of the pipe by liquid or liquid and air, so even if there is a difference in the inner diameter of the pipe, steps, or curved parts, it can be sure to It can be washed and can remove mucus and other secretions adhering to the inner wall of the endoscope, blood and tissue fragments, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.
The spherical cleaning tool and liquid or liquid and air sent from the suction channel port of the endoscope move from the proximal end opening toward the distal end opening of the endoscope, and the distal end of the endoscope with severe contamination Since the area around the opening of the head is cleaned last, it is effectively cleaned, and there is no need to attach a cleaning device to the opening on the distal side of a highly contaminated conduit inserted into the body of the endoscope. Since the cleaning member mounting part of the in-pipe cleaning device is connected to the suction channel port of the few universal cords, the cleaning work is not contaminated, and the in-pipe cleaning device is also contaminated. Since it does not require cleaning of the in-pipe cleaning device itself, it is easy to use.
In addition, since it is only necessary to install a cleaning member between the endoscope pipe line and the connection port, the cleaning operation can be easily performed, and there is a time difference even if a plurality of spherical cleaning tools are simultaneously sent out from the spherical cleaning member. The spherical cleaning tool is not clogged in the endoscope pipe, and if a spherical cleaning tool is clogged in the pipe, an alarm device will It is easy to use because it informs you.

FIG. 6 is a table showing the cleaning method and the cleaning effect test results. In the endoscope channel,
a. When cleaning with water only without using a spherical cleaning tool.
b. When using 3 spherical cleaning tools and supplying water and air for cleaning.
c. When using only an amine-based cleaning agent and cleaning without using a spherical cleaning tool.
c. When using 3 spherical cleaning tools and supplying amine detergent and air for cleaning.
The degree of soil detachment (protein removal rate) on the inner wall of the pipe and the removal rate of bacteria fixed on the inner wall of the pipe were examined.
In addition, as a spherical cleaning tool, a 3.5 mm diameter spherical cleaning tool made of multi-layer split type ultrafine fibers using an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and polyethylene terephthalate is used. It is the value measured by sending it to the object.
The experimental method was a test based on the test methods of ISO 15883-4, 4.3.5, and 6.11.3, and a cleaning member containing three spherical cleaning tools 16 shown in FIG. 3 was used.
A culture solution containing 10 8 8 Pseudomonas aeruginosa per 1 mL was circulated by a pump through an endoscope duct having a length of 180 centimeters at a temperature of 30 ° ± 2 for 72 hours to 96 hours. A biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is formed on the inner surface of the duct (tube), and the tube on which the biofilm is formed is cut into 120 mm pieces, which are cut into 6 pieces (20 mm × 6 pieces), and 3 pieces each for protein peeling test. And used for the bacteria peeling test.
The three tubes cut to 20 mm are the forceps channel (biopsy channel) of the endoscope, between the forceps channel port (biopsy channel port) and the suction channel port (suction channel port), and the suction channel of the universal cord section. The tube was cut, the tube on which the biofilm was formed was connected, the washing process was performed with the endoscope washing apparatus of the present invention, and the reduction rate of protein and bacteria was examined.

As a result, as described in the table showing the cleaning method and the cleaning effect test results of FIG.
By simply pumping three spherical cleaning tools with water and air, the amount of fixed bacteria and protein after washing is greatly reduced. When three spherical cleaning tools are pumped with amine detergent and air, the amount of fixed bacteria In addition, the amount of protein is below the detection limit, indicating that the cleaning effect is extremely high.
Therefore, when the endoscope used for the examination is reused, secondary infection can be prevented by washing using the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS A ... Endoscope cleaning apparatus B ... Outer surface cleaning apparatus C ... In-pipe cleaning apparatus D ... Control part 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Cleaning tank 3 ... Cleaning liquid tank 4 ... Cleaning liquid supply means 5 ... Discharge means 6 ... Liquid pump DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Liquid injection apparatus 9 ... Liquid feed pipe 10 ... Liquid pump for discharge 11 ... Waste liquid feed pipe 12 ... Water tap 13 ... Filter 14 ... Water feed pipe 15 ... Shower head 16 ... Spherical washing tool 17 ... Cleaning member 17 '... Different Cleaning member 18 ... suction channel 19 ... suction channel port (opening of proximal end of pipe line)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Universal cable part 21 ... Cleaning member mounting part 21a ... Upstream side mounting part 21b ... Downstream side mounting part 22 ... Air injection apparatus 23 ... Liquid feed switching valve 24 ... Flow rate sensor 25 ... Air pump 26 ... Air tank 27 ... Sending Trachea 28 ... Air supply switching valve 29 ... Supply pipe 30 ... Connection port 32 ... Endoscope conduit 33 ... Forceps channel 34 ... Cylindrical member
35 ... Accommodating case 36 ... Connection part 37 ... Ring rib 38 ... Holding hole 39 ... Cartridge 40 ... Cartridge mounting part 41 ... Upstream flow path 42 ... Inflow side connection part 43 ... Downstream side flow path 44 ... Outflow side connection part 45 ... Alarm device 48 ... Opening of the end of the pipeline

Claims (13)

An endoscope cleaning apparatus for cleaning an endoscope having a duct having a distal end side opening and a proximal end side opening therein,
The endoscope cleaning apparatus includes an outer surface cleaning apparatus that cleans the outer surface of the endoscope, an in-pipe cleaning apparatus that cleans the inside of the duct in the endoscope, and a control unit.
The outer surface cleaning device includes: a cleaning tank that houses the endoscope; a cleaning liquid tank that stores cleaning liquid; a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank to the cleaning tank; and a discharging unit that discharges the cleaning liquid after cleaning It is possible to wash and wash the outer surface of the endoscope immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank,
The in-pipe cleaning device is connected to a cleaning member that contains a spherical cleaning tool, a cleaning member mounting portion that detachably mounts the cleaning member, a liquid injection device, an air injection device, and the liquid injection device. A liquid supply pipe and an air supply pipe connected to the air injection device, the cleaning member mounting portion includes the liquid supply pipe and an upstream mounting portion communicating with the air supply pipe, and the endoscope of the endoscope A downstream mounting portion having a connection portion connectable to the proximal end side opening of the pipe,
The control unit includes a liquid injection device control function for controlling an injection amount, an injection time, and an injection interval of a liquid such as a cleaning liquid injected by the liquid injection device, an injection pressure of air injected by the air injection device, and an injection With air injection device control function to control time and injection interval,
The endoscope cleaning device controls the liquid and air sent from the liquid injection device and the air injection device by the control unit, and supplies the liquid and air to the upstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion, and the cleaning member The spherical cleaning tool housed in the endoscope is fed into the pipe line from the proximal end opening of the endoscope through the downstream mounting portion, and the spherical cleaning tool is in contact with the inner wall of the pipe line. After the liquid is moved together with a liquid such as a cleaning liquid or liquid and air, the inside of the endoscope is cleaned from the proximal side opening side to the distal side opening direction by discharging from the distal side opening. An endoscope cleaning apparatus characterized by being made possible. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a function of selecting and supplying only the liquid and the simultaneous supply of the liquid and air in the conduit of the endoscope. . 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a function of selectively performing supply of only liquid, simultaneous supply of liquid and air, and supply of only air in the conduit of the endoscope. Endoscope cleaning device. 2. The control unit controls the operation such that when the spherical cleaning tool is fed into the pipe line, the liquid is allowed to flow for a predetermined second and then the air is allowed to flow for a predetermined second, and this operation is repeated a plurality of times. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of Items 3 to 3. When the spherical cleaning tool is fed into the conduit, the control unit sets the operation of flowing the liquid for 30 to 60 seconds and then flowing air for 10 to 20 seconds, and repeats this operation 3 to 7 times. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the endoscope cleaning apparatus is controlled. The endoscope cleaning device includes a flow rate sensor provided in the liquid feeding pipe of the liquid injection device, and the control unit stores a flow rate value for clogging determination and is detected by the flow rate sensor. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an alarm device that operates when it is detected that the flow rate is equal to or less than the clogging determination flow rate value. The endoscope cleaning device includes a flow rate sensor provided in the liquid feeding pipe of the liquid injection device, and the control unit stores a flow rate value for clogging determination and is detected by the flow rate sensor. 7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a function of stopping the operation of the liquid injection device and the air injection device when it is detected that the flow rate is equal to or less than the clogging determination flow value. Endoscope cleaning device. The spherical cleaning tool is a porous body formed in a substantially spherical shape by a large number of ultrafine fibers, and can be swollen by the liquid and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of an endoscope duct to be cleaned at the time of swelling. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the endoscope cleaning apparatus is movable while being in contact with an inner wall of the pipe line by the liquid or liquid and air injected into the pipe line. The liquid injection device includes a liquid pump that supplies a cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank, a liquid supply pipe that supplies the cleaning liquid, and a liquid that is provided in the liquid supply pipe and that is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a supply switching valve and a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate of the liquid. The air injection device includes an air pump, an air tank for storing compressed air, an air supply pipe for supplying compressed air, and an air supply switching valve provided in the air supply pipe and controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the endoscope cleaning apparatus is one. The cleaning member includes a cylindrical member that holds a plurality of spherical cleaning tools and a storage case that stores the cylindrical member, and the storage case has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical member at both ends. A connecting ring formed on the tube, and a sealing ring that can be liquid-tightly connected to a tube constituting the upstream mounting portion and the downstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a rib is provided. The cleaning member communicates with each of a cartridge having a plurality of holding holes for holding a plurality of spherical cleaning tools, a cartridge mounting portion for inserting the cartridge, and a plurality of holding holes of the cartridge inserted into the cartridge mounting portion. A plurality of upstream flow paths, an inflow connection section that collects the plurality of upstream flow paths and that can be connected to the upstream mounting section of the cleaning member mounting section, and a plurality that communicates with each of the holding holes 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of downstream flow paths, and an outflow side connection portion that collects the plurality of downstream flow paths and is connectable to the downstream mounting portion of the cleaning member mounting portion. The endoscope cleaning apparatus described. The plurality of downstream flow paths of the cleaning member have different arrival times to the outflow side connection portions of the plurality of spherical cleaning tools flowing out from the cartridge. The endoscope cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lengths are different from each other.

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