JP5642636B2 - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus mainly for cleaning medical instruments, and more particularly to a cleaning apparatus that disinfects medical instruments with hot water.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tank that stores objects to be cleaned such as tableware and stores cleaning water in a lower portion, a hot water heater that heats raw water fed from a water supply source, and a high-temperature rinse heated by the hot water heater. There is disclosed a washing machine including a tank for storing water, a rinsing pump for supplying rinsing water from the tank to a washing tank, and a rinsing nozzle for injecting rinsing water pumped by the rinsing pump toward an object to be washed. . In this cleaning machine, after the main cleaning process for cleaning the object to be cleaned, as a rinsing cleaning process, hot rinsing water stored in the tank is sprayed from the rinsing nozzle to the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank by the pressure of the rinsing pump. Yes.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-261504

  Although the washing machine of the above-mentioned patent document 1 supplies hot rinse water stored in a tank to a washing tank by a rinse pump, there is a problem that the rinse pump is likely to be deteriorated by hot rinse water. Therefore, as in the cleaning device described in the present application, a tank for storing hot water, a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water as a hot water supply source to the upper portion of the tank, and a position below the hot water outlet of the hot water supply pipe are set up in the tank. A cylindrical guide that is provided and guides hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe from the lower end opening to the lower part of the tank, a heater that is provided in the tank and heats hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe to hot water, and in the tank If a hot water supply device having an upper end opening at a position higher than the water storage portion and having an overflow pipe for sending hot water overflowing beyond the upper end opening to the water storage portion is used, the hot water supplied in the tank is heated. The hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe is guided to the lower part of the tank by the guide in the state heated to the hot water by the guide, and the hot water that overflows from the overflow pipe when the water level in the tank is pushed up by the guided hot water is stored in the reservoir. Since it is intended to output, as the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 described above, without using a device such as a pump hot water supply, equipment such as a pump, it can be solved the problem of deteriorated by hot water.

  This hot water supply device guides the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe to the lower part of the tank with the guide while the hot water supplied into the tank is heated to the hot water by the heater, and the water level in the tank is guided by the guided hot water. Since hot water that overflows from the overflow pipe when it is pushed up is supplied to the water storage part of the washing tank, the hot water that overflows from the overflow pipe is hot immediately after the start of supply, but the hot water in the water heater that is gradually supplied Mixing with the temperature becomes lower. In particular, when the hot water of the water heater supplied from the hot water pipe is guided to the lower part of the tank by the guide, the hot water derived from the lower end opening of the guide hits the bottom of the tank and rises while stirring the hot water in the tank. The temperature of the hot water around the upper end opening of the overflow pipe in the tank may be lowered by this hot water. If the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water supply device is lowered in this way, the hot water cannot be used to disinfect the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, or until the hot water can be disinfected again in the water storage part of the cleaning tank. It sometimes took time to heat. In order to solve this, for example, if the amount of hot water is increased by increasing the capacity of the tank, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the hot water around the upper end opening of the overflow pipe in the tank. However, when the capacity of the tank is increased, there is a problem that the cleaning device incorporating the hot water supply device is enlarged. Therefore, the present invention aims to make it difficult for hot water in the tank to mix with hot water in a water heater guided to the bottom of the tank so that the tank of the hot water supply device used for hot water disinfection of the cleaning device can be miniaturized as much as possible. And

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a cleaning tank having a water storage part for storing an object to be cleaned and storing cleaning water in the lower part, cleaning water supply means for supplying cleaning water to the water storage part, and hot water in the water storage part. A hot water supply device for supplying water, a cleaning nozzle for injecting cleaning water from the water storage section onto the object to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank, and a cleaning pump for sending the cleaning water from the water storage section to the cleaning nozzle. The object to be cleaned is washed with the washing water ejected from the washing nozzle by the washing pump, and the hot water supplied from the hot water supply device to the water storage section after washing is jetted from the washing nozzle to the object to be washed by the washing pump. The hot water supply device is a cleaning device for disinfecting. A hot water supply device is installed in the tank at a position below the hot water supply port of the hot water supply tank, a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water as a hot water supply source to the upper part of the tank. Supplied from this hot water pipe A cylindrical guide that guides the hot water from the lower end opening to the bottom of the tank, a heater that is provided in the tank and that heats the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe, and the upper end opening in the tank is higher than the water storage part And an overflow pipe for sending hot water that overflows beyond the upper end opening to the water storage section, and the hot water supplied in the tank is heated to hot water by the heater and is supplied from the hot water supply pipe Hot water is guided to the lower part of the tank by a guide, and hot water overflowing from the overflow pipe when the water level in the tank is pushed up by the guided hot water is sent to the water storage part. The present invention provides a cleaning device characterized in that it has an agitation suppression means that suppresses agitating and rising by hot water guided to the bottom of the tank.

  In the cleaning device configured as described above, the hot water supply device has a stirring suppression means that suppresses the hot water at the lower part of the tank from being stirred and raised by the hot water guided from the lower end opening of the guide to the lower part of the tank. The hot water at the bottom of the tank is agitated by the hot water guided from the lower end opening of the guide to the lower part of the tank by the stirring suppression means, and the temperature of the hot water overflowing from the upper end opening of the overflow pipe in the tank is guided to the lower part of the tank. It becomes difficult to be affected by the hot water and it is difficult to decrease. Thereby, a large amount of hot water can be overflowed from the overflow pipe without increasing the capacity of the tank more than necessary.

  As an embodiment of the cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the stirring suppression means may be configured such that the lower end opening of the guide erected along one side of the tank faces the other side of the tank. Further, as another embodiment of the cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the stirring suppression means is attached to a tank located above the lower end opening of the guide and suppresses hot water led out from the lower end opening from stirring hot water. It is good also as a stirring suppression board. As another embodiment of the cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the stirring suppression means may be configured such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank decreases as it goes downward. As another embodiment of the cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the stirring suppression unit may be a heater attached at a position above the lower end opening of the guide of the tank.

1 is a schematic view of a cleaning apparatus according to the present invention. (A) is a top view of a hot-water supply apparatus, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the AA line. It is a block diagram of a control device It is a flowchart which shows the action | operation of a hot-water supply apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning program of the alkaline detergent course of a washing | cleaning apparatus. (A) is a top view of the hot water supply apparatus of other embodiment, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the BB line. It is a front view of the hot water supply apparatus of other embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The cleaning apparatus 10 according to the present invention is mainly for cleaning medical instruments. As shown in FIG. 1, a cleaning unit 10 for storing an object to be cleaned such as a medical instrument and storing cleaning water in a lower part is provided. Housed in the washing tank 20, the washing water supply means 28 for supplying washing water to the water storage section 21, a hot water supply pipe 28, a hot water supply pipe 29, a hot water supply device 40 for supplying hot water to the water storage section 21, and the washing tank 20. The cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 for injecting the cleaning water of the water storage unit 21 to the medical instrument and the cleaning pump 27 for sending the cleaning water of the water storage unit 21 to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 10 includes a cleaning tank 20 in a housing 11, and the cleaning tank 20 integrally includes a water storage unit 21 that stores cleaning water in a lower part. A temperature sensor 22 for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water and a heater 23 for heating the cleaning water are provided at the bottom of the water storage unit 21 of the cleaning tank 20. The heater 23 is used to reheat the cleaning water of the water storage unit 21 whose temperature has been lowered to a temperature suitable for disinfection when performing a hot water disinfection step of a cleaning program described later.

  Cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 for injecting cleaning water to medical instruments are rotatably supported on the upper and lower surfaces in the cleaning tank 20, and these cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 have a water storage section 21 below the cleaning tank 20. A circulation pipe 26 derived from the above is connected. The circulation pipe 26 is provided with a cleaning pump 27 that sends the cleaning water of the water storage unit 21 to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25. When the cleaning pump 27 is operated, the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 is sent to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 via the circulation pipe 26, and the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 are rotated by the jetting reaction force of the cleaning water, and the cleaning water is Inject toward a medical device. The cleaning water sprayed on the medical instrument falls and returns to the water storage unit 21.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a water supply port 20 a and a hot water supply port 20 b for supplying cleaning water are formed on the upper rear wall of the cleaning tank 20. A water supply pipe 28 constituting cleaning water supply means is connected to the water supply port 20a, and the water supply pipe 28 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) such as water supply. A water supply valve 28 a is interposed in the water supply pipe 28, and water from the water supply source is supplied to the water storage unit 21 of the cleaning tank 20 through the water supply pipe 28 when the water supply valve 28 a is opened. A hot water supply pipe 29 is connected to the hot water supply port 20 b, and the hot water supply pipe 29 is connected to a hot water supply source such as a hot water heater 30. A hot water supply valve 29 a is interposed in the hot water supply pipe 29, and hot water in the water heater 30 is supplied to the water storage unit 21 of the washing tank 20 through the hot water supply pipe 29 by opening the hot water supply valve 29 a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a drain pipe 31 is connected to a drain port 21 a formed on the bottom surface of the water storage section 21 of the cleaning tank 20, and a drain pump 32 is interposed in the drain pipe 31. When the drain pump 32 is operated, the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 31. Further, a water level detection tank 33 is connected to the water storage section 21 of the cleaning tank 20, and a float switch (water level sensor) 34 is accommodated in the water level detection tank 33. The float switch 34 detects that the wash water in the water storage unit 21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level L required for cleaning. The float switch 34 is turned on when the water level is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level L, and is turned off when the water level is lower than the predetermined water level L. In the cleaning device 10 of the present embodiment, the amount of cleaning water when the water level of the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined level L is 5L. The cleaning tank 20 is provided with a detergent supply device 35 for supplying detergent. The detergent supply device 35 is detachably mounted with a detergent tank (not shown) that stores detergent, and supplies the detergent in the detergent tank into the cleaning tank 20. In this cleaning apparatus 10, an alkaline detergent or an enzyme-containing detergent containing an enzyme such as a protease is used, and an alkaline detergent and an enzyme-containing detergent can be selectively used by exchanging the detergent tank storing these detergents. . In addition, as for the detergent containing an enzyme, the use at 50 degrees C or less is suitable as temperature at which enzymes, such as protease, do not deactivate.

  The hot water supply device 40 supplies hot water to the water storage unit 21 of the cleaning tank 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hot water supply device 40 includes a hot water tank 41 for storing hot water, and a hot water supply pipe 42 led out from the water heater 30 is connected to the upper portion of the hot water tank 41. A hot water supply valve 42 a is interposed in the hot water supply pipe 42, and hot water in the water heater 30 is supplied to the hot water tank 41 through the hot water supply pipe 42 when the hot water supply valve 42 a is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a guide 43 is provided in the hot water tank 41 to guide the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 42 downward. The guide 43 is made of a cylindrical member having openings at the upper end and the lower end, and is erected along the rear wall (one side) of the hot water tank 41. The upper end opening 43 a of the guide 43 is located directly below the hot water supply port 42 b of the hot water supply pipe 42. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the lower portion 43b of the guide 43 is bent to the front wall side (the other side) at the lower portion of the hot water tank 41, and the lower end opening 43c at the tip of the lower portion 43b is a stirring suppression means. It is directed to the front wall side. The lower part 43b of the guide 43 is bent from the rear wall side (one side) to the front wall side (the other side) at the lower part of the hot water tank 41, and the lower end opening 43c serving as the tip of the lower part is directed to the front wall side. The hot water guided from the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 to the lower part of the hot water tank 41 is gently introduced from the rear wall side to the front wall side without colliding with the bottom surface of the hot water tank 41 by the stirring suppression means. The hot water in the lower part is prevented from being stirred and raised by the hot water guided to the lower part of the hot water tank 41 from the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43.

  A heater 44 is provided in the hot water tank 41, and the heater 44 heats hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 42 into the hot water tank 41 to a temperature suitable for hot water disinfection to 91 ° C. or higher. The heater 44 is attached above the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 of the hot water tank 41 and constitutes another stirring suppression means. The hot water guided from the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 to the lower part of the hot water tank 41 is blocked by the heater 44 that constitutes the stirring suppression means, and is difficult to rise to the upper part of the hot water tank 41. A temperature sensor 45 is provided in the hot water tank 41, and this temperature sensor 45 detects the temperature of hot water or hot water in the hot water tank 41.

  Further, an overflow pipe 46 is provided in the hot water tank 41, and this overflow pipe 46 sends hot water that overflows beyond the upper end opening 46 a to the water storage unit 21. The overflow pipe 46 is formed of a substantially L-shaped pipe member, and most of the vertical portion 46 b is erected in the hot water tank 41 and extends from the lower end of the vertical portion 46 b that penetrates the bottom wall of the hot water tank 41. The tip opening of 46 c is connected in communication with a hot water supply port 20 c formed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 20. The upper end opening 46 a of the overflow pipe 46 is disposed at a position higher than a predetermined water level L suitable for cleaning the water storage section 21 and at a height where sufficient hot water can be supplied to the water storage section 21. In this embodiment, in order to supply 5 L of hot water to the water storage unit 21 during the hot water disinfection described later, the upper end opening 46 a of the overflow pipe 46 is set to a position where 10 L of hot water can be stored in the hot water tank 41. ing. When hot water is supplied to the water storage unit 21 of the washing tank 20 by the hot water supply device 40, the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 42 is guided while the hot water supplied into the hot water tank 41 is heated to hot water by the heater 44. If the water is guided to the lower part of the hot water tank 41 by 43, the water level in the hot water tank 41 is pushed up by the guided hot water, and the hot water in the hot water tank 41 overflows from the overflow pipe 46 and is sent to the water storage section.

  The cleaning device 10 includes a control device 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 50 includes a temperature sensor 22, a heater 23, a cleaning pump 27, a water supply valve 28a, a hot water supply valve 29a, a drainage pump 32, a float. A switch 34, a detergent supply device 35, a hot water supply valve 42a, a heater 44, and a temperature sensor 45 are connected. The control device 50 includes a microcomputer (not shown), and the microcomputer includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a timer (all not shown) connected via a bus. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 22 and 46, the on / off signal from the float switch 34, and the timer, the CPU 23 measures the heater 23, the cleaning pump 27, the water supply valve 28a, the hot water supply valve 29a, the drainage pump 32, and the detergent supply device 35. Then, the operation of the heater 44 and the hot water supply valve 42a is controlled to execute a cleaning program shown below. The RAM temporarily stores variables and the like necessary for executing the cleaning program, and the ROM stores the cleaning program. The control device 50 is connected to an operation panel provided on the front panel of the housing 11, and by operating this operation panel, a cleaning program using an alkaline detergent or a cleaning program using an enzyme-containing detergent can be selected. It has become.

  Next, as an example of the cleaning program of the cleaning apparatus 10, a cleaning program for the alkaline detergent course will be described. The cleaning program for the alkaline detergent course sequentially executes a preliminary cleaning process, a main cleaning process, a rinse cleaning process, and a hot water disinfection process. Before describing the cleaning program for the alkaline detergent course, first, the hot water preparation process of the hot water supply device 40 used in the hot water disinfection process will be mainly described.

  When the power of the cleaning device 10 is turned on, the control device 50 opens the hot water supply valve 42a for the hot water tank 41 in step 101 as shown in FIG. The hot water in the water heater 30 is sent into the hot water tank 41 through the hot water pipe 42, and the water level of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 gradually rises. When the hot water level in the hot water tank 41 exceeds the upper end of the overflow pipe 46, the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is sent to the water storage unit 21 of the cleaning tank 20 through the overflow pipe 46. In step 102, the control device 50 determines whether or not the hot water overflowed from the hot water tank 41 to the water storage section 21 by the overflow pipe 46 by the float switch 34 has reached the predetermined water level L, thereby overflowing into the hot water tank 41. It is determined whether hot water has been supplied to the upper end position of the pipe 46. In step 102, the controller 50 repeatedly determines “NO” until the hot water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L. While the hot water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L, the control device 50 turns on from the float switch 34. When the signal is input, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to step 103. In step 103, the controller 50 closes the hot water supply valve 42 a for the hot water tank 41 and ends the hot water supply processing into the hot water tank 41.

  Next, in step 104, the control device 50 operates the drain pump 32 for a predetermined time for 30 seconds to drain the hot water overflowing from the hot water tank 41 to the water storage unit 21. At the same time as the processing in step 104, the control device 50 energizes the heater 44 in step 105 to heat the hot water in the hot water tank 41 to hot water.

  In step 106, the control device 50 determines whether or not it is the timing from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process, and when it is not the timing from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process. Determine “NO” and proceed to Step 107. When it is not the timing from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process, the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is heated to 60 ° C. so that it can be immediately heated to 91 ° C. as a temperature suitable for hot water disinfection. In step 107, the control device 50 determines whether or not the temperature of the hot water is 60 ° C. or higher by the temperature sensor 45 of the hot water tank 41, and if the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is not 60 ° C. or higher. Return to step 105.

  While the control device 50 repeatedly executes the processing of steps 105 to 107 until the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 becomes 60 ° C. or higher, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 45 for the hot water tank 41 is 60 ° C. or higher. Then, it is determined as “YES” in Step 107, and the process proceeds to Step 108. In step 108, the controller 50 stops energizing the heater 44 and returns to step 106. Thus, when it is not the timing from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water supply process in the hot water disinfection process, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is 91 ° C. as a temperature suitable for hot water disinfection by the start of the hot water supply process in the hot water disinfection process. It is controlled to be 60 ° C. (hot water disinfection standby temperature that is lower than the hot water disinfection temperature) or higher so that it can be heated to (hot water disinfection temperature). As a result, the temperature is controlled to be 60 ° C. or higher from the end of the hot water supply process in the hot water disinfection process until the next cleaning program is executed, so there is no delay until the hot water supply process in the hot water disinfection process starts. The temperature can be set to be higher than or equal to ° C., and energy can be saved and running cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the temperature is always controlled to be equal to or higher than 91 ° C.

  On the other hand, at the timing from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process, the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is 91 ° C. or higher as the temperature suitable for hot water disinfection by the start of the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process. It is necessary to. Therefore, at the timing from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water supply process in the hot water disinfection process, the control device 50 determines “YES” in step 106 and proceeds to step 109. In step 109, the control device 50 determines whether or not the temperature of the hot water is 91 ° C. or higher by the temperature sensor 45 of the hot water tank 41, and if the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is not 91 ° C. or higher. Return to step 105. While the control device 50 repeatedly executes the processing of steps 105, 106 and 109 until the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 becomes 91 ° C. or higher, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 45 for the hot water tank 41 is 91. When the temperature is higher than or equal to ° C., “YES” is determined in step 109, and the process proceeds to step 108. In step 108, the controller 50 stops energizing the heater 44 and returns to step 106. In this way, from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water disinfection process in the hot water disinfection process, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is controlled to be 91 ° C. or higher as a temperature suitable for hot water disinfection in the hot water disinfection process. Is done.

  Next, a cleaning program for an alkaline detergent course using hot water from the hot water supply device 40 for hot water disinfection will be described. When the user starts the alkaline detergent course cleaning program through the operation panel, the control device 50 first executes a pre-cleaning process in steps 201 to 205 as shown in FIG. In step 201, the controller 50 opens the water supply valve 28a and the hot water supply valve 29a for the cleaning tank 20, and starts the water supply process in the pre-cleaning process. Thereby, the water and hot water of the water supply source and the water heater 30 are sent to the water storage part 21 of the cleaning tank 20 through the water supply pipe 28 and the hot water supply pipe 29. In step 202, the control device 50 determines whether or not the wash water in the water storage unit 21 has reached a predetermined water level L by detection of the float switch 34. While the control device 50 repeatedly determines “NO” until the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L in step 202, the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 becomes the predetermined water level L and the float switch 34. If an ON signal is input from, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to step 203. In step 203, the control device 50 closes the water supply valve 28a and the hot water supply valve 29a for the cleaning tank 20 to end the water supply process.

  Next, in step 204, the controller 50 operates the cleaning pump 27 for 1 minute as a cleaning process in the pre-cleaning process. Accordingly, the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 is pumped to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 via the circulation pipe 26, and the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 are cleaned by spraying the cleaning water onto the medical instrument while rotating. After this cleaning process, in step 205, the control device 50 operates the drain pump 32 as a predetermined time for 30 seconds as a drain process. Thereby, the wash water in the water storage unit 21 is discharged out of the machine through the drain pipe 31.

  When the pre-cleaning process in steps 201 to 205 is completed, the control device 50 causes the main cleaning process to be executed in steps 211 to 216. In this main cleaning process, the controller 50 opens the hot water supply valve 29a for the cleaning tank 20 in step 211 to start the hot water supply process in the main cleaning process. Thereby, the hot water of the water heater 30 is sent to the water storage part 21 of the cleaning tank 20 through the hot water supply pipe 29. In step 212, the control device 50 determines whether or not the wash water in the water storage unit 21 has reached a predetermined water level L by detection by the float switch 34. In step 212, the control device 50 repeatedly determines “NO” until the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L. While the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L, the float switch 34. When an ON signal is input from, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to step 213. In step 213, the controller 50 closes the hot water supply valve 29a for the cleaning tank 20 and ends the hot water supply process.

  Next, as a cleaning process in the main cleaning process, the control device 50 supplies an alkaline detergent into the cleaning tank 20 by the detergent supply device 35 in step 214, and operates the cleaning pump 27 for 3 minutes in step 215. Accordingly, the cleaning water containing the alkaline detergent in the water storage unit 21 is pumped to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 via the circulation pipe 26, and the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 spray the cleaning water onto the medical instrument while rotating. And wash. After the cleaning process, in step 216, the control device 50 operates the drain pump 32 as a predetermined time for 30 seconds as a drain process. Thereby, the wash water in the water storage unit 21 is discharged out of the machine through the drain pipe 31.

  When the main cleaning process in steps 211 to 216 is completed, the control device 50 causes the rinse cleaning process to be executed in steps 221 to 225. In this rinsing process, the controller 50 opens the hot water supply valve 29a for the cleaning tank 20 in step 221, and starts the hot water supply process in the rinsing process. Thereby, the hot water of the water heater 30 is sent to the water storage part 21 of the cleaning tank 20 through the hot water supply pipe 29. In step 222, the control device 50 determines whether or not the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 in the cleaning tank 20 has reached the predetermined water level L by the detection of the float switch 34. In step 222, the control device 50 repeatedly determines “NO” until the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L. While the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L, the float switch 34. If an ON signal is input from, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to step 223. In step 223, the control device 50 closes the hot water supply valve 29a for the cleaning tank 20 and ends the hot water supply process.

  Next, in step 224, the controller 50 operates the cleaning pump 27 for 15 seconds as a cleaning process in the rinse cleaning process. As a result, the cleaning water in the water storage unit 21 is pumped to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 via the circulation pipe 26, and the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 spray the cleaning water onto the medical instrument while rotating, and contain detergent. Rinse the wash water. After the cleaning process, in step 225, the control device 50 operates the drain pump 32 as a predetermined time for 30 seconds as a drain process. Thereby, the wash water in the water storage unit 21 is discharged out of the machine through the drain pipe 31.

  When the rinsing process in steps 221 to 225 is completed, the control device 50 causes the hot water disinfection process to be executed in steps 231 to 247. In this hot water disinfection process, in step 231, the control device 50 opens the hot water supply valve 42a for the hot water tank 41 and starts the hot water supply process in the hot water disinfection process. Thereby, the hot water in the hot water heater 30 is sent into the hot water tank 41 through the hot water supply pipe 42, and the hot water in the hot water tank 41 is sent out by overflowing the overflow pipe 46 to the water storage unit 21 due to the increased hot water. At this time, since the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 42 into the hot water tank 41 is guided to the lower part of the hot water tank 41 by the guide 43, the temperature of the hot water around the upper end opening of the overflow pipe 46 of the hot water tank 41 decreases. It has become difficult. In step 232, the control device 50 determines whether or not the hot water in the water storage unit 21 has reached the predetermined water level L by detection of the float switch 34. In step 232, the control device 50 repeatedly determines “NO” until the hot water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L. While the hot water in the water storage unit 21 reaches the predetermined water level L, the control device 50 turns on from the float switch 34. When the signal is input, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to Step 233. In step 233, the control device 50 closes the hot water supply valve 42 a for the hot water tank 41 and ends the hot water supply process.

  Next, in step 234, the controller 50 operates the cleaning pump 27 to start the hot water disinfection process. Hot water in the water reservoir 21 is pumped by the cleaning pump 27 to the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 through the circulation pipe 26, and the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 spray hot water on the medical instrument while rotating. In step 235, the controller 50 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 for the cleaning tank 20 is equal to or higher than 80 ° C., which is a temperature range suitable for disinfection. If the temperature of the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is 80 ° C. or higher, the temperature is suitable for disinfection, and therefore the control device 50 determines “YES” in step 235 and proceeds to step 237.

  On the other hand, when the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is sprayed from the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 in step 234, the hot water is heat-exchanged with the medical instrument and the inner wall of the cleaning tank 20, and the temperature drops to 80 ° C. May be lower. At this time, the control device 50 determines “NO” in step 235 and proceeds to step 236, and in step 236, the heater 23 for the cleaning tank 20 is energized. Thereby, the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is heated by the heater 23 while being jetted from the washing nozzles 24 and 25, and the temperature gradually rises.

  After determining “YES” in step 235 or after processing in step 236, the control device 50 starts measuring hot water disinfection time by a timer in step 237. Next, in Step 238, the control device 50 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 for the cleaning tank 20 is 91 ° C. or higher. When the hot water in the water storage unit 21 reaches 91 ° C. or higher, the control device 50 determines “YES” in step 238, and proceeds to step 239. In step 239, the control device 50 stops energization of the heater 23 for the cleaning tank 20 and proceeds to step 240. On the other hand, if the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is not 91 ° C. or higher, the control device 50 determines “NO” in step 238 and proceeds to step 240.

  In step 240, the controller 50 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 for the cleaning tank 20 is 81 ° C. or higher. If the hot water in the water storage part 21 is 81 degreeC or more, the control apparatus 50 will determine with "YES" in step 240, and will advance to step 241. In step 241, the controller 50 determines whether or not the hot water disinfection time started in step 237 has elapsed 10 minutes. If the hot water disinfection time has not elapsed 10 minutes, the control device 50 makes a “NO” determination at step 241 to return to step 238.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 240 whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 for the cleaning tank 20 is 81 ° C. or higher, if the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is not 81 ° C. or higher, the control device 50 In 240, “NO” is determined, and the process proceeds to step 242. In step 242, the controller 50 further determines whether the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is 80 ° C. or higher. If the hot water in the water storage part 21 is 80 degreeC or more, the control apparatus 50 will determine with "YES" in step 242, and will advance to step 243. In step 243, the controller 50 energizes the heater 23 for the cleaning tank 20 and returns to step 238. Thereby, the hot water in the water storage part 21 is heated by the heater 23, and is maintained at 80 degreeC or more.

  On the other hand, if the hot water in the water storage part 21 is not 80 degreeC or more, the control apparatus 50 will determine with "NO" in step 242, and will return to step 236. Thus, if the hot water in the water storage part 21 becomes lower than 80 degreeC, it will return to step 236, the hot water in the water storage part 21 will be heated, and the measurement of the hot water disinfection time will be started anew.

  When the hot water disinfection time in which the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is maintained at 80 ° C. or more and 10 minutes have elapsed since step 237 has elapsed, the control device 50 determines “YES” in step 241, Proceed to step 244. The controller 50 stops the energization of the heater 23 for the cleaning tank 20 in step 244 and stops the operation of the cleaning pump 27 in step 245. As described above, the medical instrument is sterilized by injecting hot water maintained at 80 ° C. or more from the cleaning nozzles 24 and 25 for 10 minutes.

  Next, in step 246, the controller 50 opens the water supply valve 28 a for a predetermined time for wastewater treatment for 10 seconds, and supplies water from the water supply pipe 28 to the water storage unit 21. The temperature of the hot water in the water storage unit 21 is lowered by the water from the water supply pipe 28, and even if this is drained, the drainage path including the drain pipe 31 and the drain pump 32 is not easily deteriorated by the hot water. Next, in step 247, the control device 50 operates the drain pump 32 for a predetermined time of 30 seconds. Thereby, the hot water in the water reservoir 21 is discharged outside the machine through the drain pipe 31.

  When the above-described cleaning program is executed, the temperature of hot water in the hot water tank 41 is 91 ° C. as a temperature suitable for hot water disinfection in the hot water disinfection process from the start of the cleaning program to the end of the hot water disinfection process in the hot water disinfection process. The temperature is controlled so that the temperature becomes 60 ° C. or higher from the end of the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process until the start of the next cleaning program. As a result, the hot water supply device of the cleaning device 10 was controlled to be 91 ° C. or higher, and the cleaning time could be shortened by setting it to 91 ° C. or higher without delay until the hot water supply process of the hot water disinfection process was started. It saves energy compared to the time and can reduce running costs.

  In the cleaning device 10 configured as described above, the hot water supply device 40 serves as an agitation suppression unit that suppresses the hot water in the lower part of the hot water tank 41 from being stirred up by the hot water guided from the lower end opening of the guide 43 to the lower part of the tank. The lower part of the guide 43 erected along the rear wall (one side side) of the hot water tank 41 is bent toward the front wall side of the hot water tank 41, and the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 is placed on the front wall side (the other side side) of the tank. ). Thus, the hot water guided from the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 to the lower part of the hot water tank 41 is gently introduced from the rear wall side to the front wall side without hitting the bottom surface of the hot water tank 41, and the hot water at the lower part of the hot water tank 41 is guided by the guide. The hot water guided from the lower end opening 43c of 43 is agitated and prevented from rising. Therefore, the hot water overflowing from the upper end opening 46a of the overflow pipe 46 in the hot water tank 41 is not easily affected by the hot water guided to the lower part of the hot water tank 41, and the temperature is not easily lowered. Accordingly, a large amount of hot hot water can overflow from the overflow pipe 46 without increasing the capacity of the hot water tank 41 more than necessary. Moreover, since the hot water overflowing from the upper end opening 46a of the overflow pipe 46 is not easily affected by the hot water guided to the lower part of the hot water tank 41, the temperature is not easily lowered. The heating time can be shortened or shortened by 23, and the cleaning time including hot water disinfection can be shortened.

  In the cleaning device 10 of the present embodiment, as a stirring suppression means, the lower portion of the guide 43 erected along the rear wall (one side) of the hot water tank 41 is bent toward the front wall side of the hot water tank 41, and the guide 43 The lower end opening 43c is directed to the front wall side (other side side) of the hot water tank 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 is directed to the bottom surface of the hot water tank 41 as in another embodiment shown in FIG. It is good also as the stirring suppression board 47 which is attached to the hot water tank 41 of the upper position from the lower end opening 43c, and suppresses that the hot water led out from the lower end opening 43c stirs hot water. Even in this case, the hot water in the lower part of the hot water tank 41 is prevented from being stirred and raised by the hot water guided from the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43, and the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained. it can.

  Further, as in another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the stirring suppression means may be such that the horizontal sectional area of the hot water tank 41 becomes smaller as it goes downward. Even in this case, by reducing the volume of the hot water tank 41 where hot water guided from the lower end opening 43c of the guide 43 is mixed with the hot water at the lower part of the hot water tank 41, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Can be obtained.

  In the cleaning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the water supply pipe 28 and the hot water supply pipe 29 led out from the water heater 30 are used as the cleaning water supply means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the water supply pipe 28 or One using the hot water supply pipe 29 may be used. Further, in the cleaning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the hot water supply device 40 supplies only hot water for disinfection in the hot water disinfection process of the cleaning program, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may use the hot water of the supply apparatus 40 as a part or all of the washing water of another washing process.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Cleaning apparatus, 20 ... Cleaning tank, 21 ... Water storage part, 24, 25 ... Cleaning nozzle, 27 ... Cleaning pump, 28, 29 ... Cleaning water supply means (water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe), 40 ... Hot water supply apparatus, 41 ... tank (hot water tank), 42 ... hot water supply pipe, 43 ... guide, 43c ... lower end opening, 44 ... heater, 46 ... overflow pipe, 46a ... upper end opening, 47 ... stirring suppression plate.

Claims (5)

A washing tub having a water storage section for storing an object to be cleaned and storing washing water in the lower part, cleaning water supply means for supplying cleaning water to the water storage section, hot water supply device for supplying hot water to the water storage section, The cleaning tank includes a cleaning nozzle that injects cleaning water from the water storage section onto an object to be cleaned stored in the cleaning tank, and a cleaning pump that sends the cleaning water from the water storage section to the cleaning nozzle, and is stored in the cleaning tank. The object to be cleaned is cleaned by the cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle by the cleaning pump, and hot water supplied from the hot water supply device to the water storage unit after cleaning is transferred from the cleaning nozzle to the object to be cleaned by the cleaning pump. A cleaning device that sprays and sterilizes hot water,
The hot water supply device includes a tank for storing hot water, a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water as a hot water supply source to the upper portion of the tank, and a hot water supply pipe standing upright in the tank at a position below the hot water supply port of the hot water supply pipe. A cylindrical guide for guiding hot water supplied from a pipe from the lower end opening to the lower part of the tank, a heater provided in the tank for heating the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe to hot water, and in the tank An upper end opening is provided at a position higher than the water storage section, and has an overflow pipe for sending hot water overflowing beyond the upper end opening to the water storage section, and the hot water supplied into the tank is heated by the heater. The hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe is guided to the lower part of the tank by the guide in a state where the hot water is heated, and overflows from the overflow pipe when the water level in the tank is pushed up by the guided hot water. Hot water is sent to the water storage section, and has a stirring suppression means for suppressing the hot water at the bottom of the tank from being stirred up by the hot water guided to the bottom of the tank from the lower end opening of the guide. Characteristic cleaning device. The cleaning device according to claim 1,
2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stirring suppression means has a lower end opening of the guide, which is erected along one side of the tank, directed toward the other side of the tank. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stirring suppression means is a stirring suppression plate that is attached to the tank above the lower end opening of the guide and suppresses hot water led out from the lower end opening from stirring hot water. In the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stirring suppression means is such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank becomes smaller toward the lower side. In the cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stirring suppression means is the heater attached to a position above the lower end opening of the guide of the tank.

Images