WO1998029028A1

WO1998029028A1 - Endoscope cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1998029028A1
Application number: PCT/JP1997/004887
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiromichi Tai
Original assignee: Koshin Ltd.
Priority date: 1996-12-27
Filing date: 1997-12-26
Publication date: 1998-07-09

Abstract

An endoscope cleaning apparatus which comprises a strong acid water vessel, a strong alkaline water vessel and a cleaning vessel in which an endoscope to be cleaned is disposed, wherein strong alkaline water is supplied first to the interior of the endoscope-held cleaning vessel and a hollow portion of the endoscope and retained as it is for a predetermined period of time, the strong alkaline water being thereafter discharged, the strong acid water being then supplied to the cleaning vessel and endoscope and retained as it is for a predetermined period of time, the strong acid water being thereafter discharged, the water being finally supplied to the cleaning vessel and endoscope and retained as it is for a predetermined period of time, the water being thereafter discharged.

Description

Description Endoscope cleaning equipment Technical field

The present invention relates to a device having various elongate portions, particularly an endoscope, an apparatus for cleaning a catheter, which is used by being inserted into the body of a human or an organism for various purposes in the medical or medical fields. The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus which cleans a device comprising a long portion so that the device can be subsequently inserted into the body of another patient. In particular, the present invention relates to a strongly acidic water (anode water) obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous electrolytic solution such as saline without using a conventionally used disinfecting and cleaning agent and Z or ultrasonic waves or ultraviolet rays. And a device for cleaning long sections, preferably fully automatically, using high alkaline water (cathode water). Background art

As is well known, an endoscope is a medical device that allows a person to directly see the inside of an organ by inserting a thin tube into the body. Endoscopes are used properly. For example, there is an endoscope configured to be able to reach the inside of a predetermined organ through the body cavity from the oral cavity or the urethra, and to observe or photograph the inside of the organ from the outside. Others, such as a laparoscope, allow observation of the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall. The principle of each of these endoscopes is the same: a light source is provided at the tip of an insertable tube to illuminate the interior of an organ so that it can be observed directly or through a prism or lens. It has a flexible long part and the inside Image guide means are located in the area. In addition, the flexible elongate section is intended to provide a means to supply solids, liquids, gases or any combination of these to the interior of the organ and remove it from the Z or internal organs, rather than merely observing the interior. It may have a hollow part. For example, it has a hollow cylindrical portion to provide a sampling means such as forceps for sampling tissue and Z or body fluid from the body.

In addition, a catheter is a device having a flexible hollow / tubular portion as an elongated portion that can be inserted into a cavity, a tube, a blood vessel, or the like, and supplies or takes out a liquid and / or gas, and further, a passage. It is used for the purpose of ensuring the patency of the building.

In the present specification, it is intended to clean a device (for example, an endoscope or a catheter) having a flexible elongated portion to be inserted into a body, which has a hollow portion as described above in some cases. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, devices having such a long portion are collectively called an endoscope.

The current typical endoscope (1) has a forceps insertion port (2), an air supply port (50), and a water supply port (52) as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. An eyepiece (3) having one end (4a) connected to the eyepiece (3), and the other end (4b) forming an objective (5) flexible (ie, flexible) (4) (eg, image guide means) and one end (6a) is connected to the eyepiece (3), and the other end (6b) is connected to a connector such as an illumination light source.

And (7) a guide means (6) (for example, a light guide means), which is flexible in some cases. It should be noted that the guide means (4) and (6) may be any means for transporting any suitable object (substance, light, optical or electronic information or any combination thereof) (eg, In the case of substances, such as hollow parts, in the case of information, optical waveguides and wiring And the like, and may be a combination of multiple independent guide means or a single guide means for transporting them. Hereinafter, as a representative of these guide means, the guide means (4) is referred to as an image guide means, and the guide means (6) is referred to as a light guide means.

When such an endoscope is used, it is necessary to clean the part to be inserted into the body, that is, at least a part (or a hollow part) of the image guide means (4) at least outside and, if necessary, at least. is there. During operation of the endoscope, after touching the image guide means (4) to which bodily fluids have adhered, the user may touch the eyepiece (3) and the light guide means (6). In some cases, the eyepiece (3) needs to be cleaned in addition to the image guide means (4), and further, the light guide means (6) may need to be cleaned.

Conventionally, in order to use a used endoscope for the next patient, the endoscope is completely sterilized using a special agent or detergent and a special ultrasonic or ultraviolet sterilizer. Or washing). In such a method, it is necessary to dispose the image guide means (4) of the endoscope in the washing tank so as to be wound in a spiral or coiling shape. At that time, in order to complete the cleaning, care must be taken so that the image guide means (4) do not touch each other. In addition, in order to concentrically or coil the image guide means (which is also referred to as a contaminated portion) to which bodily fluids are attached, it is necessary to directly touch the contaminated portion, and the contaminated portion is careless. In addition, it is necessary to avoid contact with the surrounding area, which is troublesome and also takes care. In addition, the cleaning time usually requires at least about 30 to 40 minutes, which is a relatively time-consuming operation.

In addition, the endoscope cleaning work itself is also varied in each hospital, and in the treatment of patients who are not concerned about infectious diseases, a simplified cleaning work can be followed by the next patient. It is said that some people use it. In such a case, mechanical cleaning may be performed manually, for example using a brush, but it goes without saying that sufficient cleaning requires time together with empirical techniques.

If the number of endoscopes is small, such as in hospitals or mass screening laboratories with a large number of patients, it is difficult to spend enough time cleaning the endoscopes so that they can be used for another patient There is also a problem. If a large number of endoscopes are prepared, long cleaning times will not be a problem, but due to the high price of endoscopes, many hospitals perform medical work with a very small number of endoscopes. It is said.

Furthermore, the positioning of the endoscopy room in a hospital is not always a high priority, and it is often difficult to secure enough space for endoscopy. In some cases, an endoscope washer must be installed at the patient's bedside, so it is desired to provide a more compact endoscope washer. Disclosure of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method which at least reduce or preferably eliminate at least one of the problems in the conventional endoscope cleaning described above. In other words, a cleaning device and cleaning method that are improved from the current state should be improved in terms of at least one of the simplification of the cleaning operation, the shortening of the cleaning operation, the compactness of the cleaning device, and the reduction of the installation space of the device. To provide. Further, it is to save labor by enabling such cleaning to be performed substantially automatically. In the present invention, the term "cleaning" is used to mean that the contaminated portion of the endoscope is cleaned to the extent that the next use of the endoscope is substantially possible. Preferably, the contaminated portion is sterilized or sterilized. It means that you can be in a state.

In the first gist, the present invention provides:

Provided is an endoscope cleaning apparatus including a strongly acidic water tank, a strongly alkaline water tank, and a cleaning tank in which an endoscope to be cleaned is arranged.

Preferably, the endoscope cleaning device includes: a cleaning tank in which the endoscope is arranged; and a hollow portion of the endoscope, if present.

First, supply strong alkaline water and hold it for T1 for a predetermined time. After discharging strong alkaline water,

Next, after supplying the strong acid water and holding T 2 for a predetermined time, after discharging the strong acid water,

Finally, after supplying water and holding it at T3 for a predetermined time, the water is discharged. The water may be tap water, for example.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, after the strong alkaline water is discharged, and before the strong acidic water is supplied, the water is supplied, and the water is discharged for a predetermined time T4, and then the water is discharged. It has become.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides

A method for cleaning an endoscope using an apparatus having a strong acid water tank, a strong alkaline water tank, and a cleaning tank in which an endoscope to be cleaned is arranged,

(1) First supply strong alkaline water and hold it for a specified period of time T1 in the washing tank in which the endoscope is located and, if present, the hollow part of the endoscope, and then discharge the strong alkaline water Process,

(2) Next, a step of supplying the strongly acidic water and holding it for T2 for a predetermined time, and then discharging the strongly acidic water; and

(3) Finally, tap water is drained after supplying tap water and holding it at T3 for a predetermined time. Providing a method comprising: The water may be tap water.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, a step of supplying water, maintaining T4 for a predetermined time, and discharging the water is included between step (1) and step (2).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a flow sheet schematically showing a specific embodiment of the endoscope cleaning device according to the present invention so that the mutual relation of elements constituting the device and the flow of liquid can be understood.

FIG. 2 schematically shows another embodiment of a portion (second cleaning region) surrounded by a broken line in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention as viewed in a direction W indicated by an arrow in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention as viewed along the arrow direction X in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention as viewed in the direction of the arrow Y (the direction opposite to W) in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present invention viewed from above (in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 3).

FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing a state where a contaminated portion is inserted into the u-shaped first cleaning region.

In the drawings, reference symbols or numbers indicate the following members or parts:

1 endoscope, 2 forceps insertion port, 3 eyepiece, 4 image guide means, 5 Object part, 6 Light guide means, 8 Case, 9 Strongly alkaline water, 10 Strongly alkaline water tank, 11 Strongly acidic water, 1 2 Strongly acidic water tank,

13, 13, tap water supply source, 14 1st washing area upper first flow path opening, 15 1st washing area upper second flow path opening,

1 6 1st washing area curved lower drain, 1 7 1st washing tank,

1 8 Lower drain outlet, 1 9 2nd washing area, 2 0 1st washing area water supply section, 2 1 1st flow path means, 2 2 2nd flow path means, 2 3 3rd flow path means, 2 4 4th Channel means, 25 fifth channel means, 26 sixth channel means,

2 7 7th channel means, 2 8 Eyepiece water supply section,

2 9 Channel means to the eyepiece water supply section, 30 Salt water tank,

3 2 Light guide housing space, 50 air inlet, 52 liquid inlet, 60 washing tank,

C power supply control unit, E electrolytic cell, F c flow sensor, M mixing point, P electrolytic cell electrode, P1 strong alkaline water supply pump,

P 2 strong acid water supply pump, P 3 drainage pump,

P4 saline supply pump, S electrolytic cell diaphragm, U endoscope disinfection and cleaning device, V1-V7 first-seventh flow path opening / closing operation means, V8 water introduction source valve, V9 cleaning water discharge Controlled three-way valve, VI 0 constant flow valve. Detailed description of the invention

In the present invention, an endoscope is, as described above, a device having a long part that can be inserted into the body, and is not only a so-called endoscope, but also various long parts such as a catheter. It is used to include devices that have In addition, the cleaning tank means at least a flexible contaminated part of the endoscope (that is, a part that is actually inserted into the body), for example, an image guide means. Means a tank having an area to be washed in Specifically, the cleaning tank is a first cleaning area where a contaminated part such as an image guide means is disposed, and a part which is not directly contaminated such as an eyepiece and a Z or a light guide means. It may comprise a second cleaning area where a part attached to the contaminated part is arranged. In addition, flexible means that the member can be bent at least to the extent that it can be inserted into the body.

In the present invention, the predetermined time is such that the endoscope can be cleaned to such an extent that the combination of T1 to T3 or T1 to T4 does not cause a problem in the subsequent use of the endoscope. This refers to the time during which alkaline water, strongly acidic water, and water are retained inside the washing tank and endoscope, and can be changed according to the situation of the patient who previously used the endoscope, the site of use, etc. . Τ1 is usually about 5 to 180 seconds, preferably about 5 to 30 seconds, Τ2 is usually about 1 to 10 minutes, preferably about 1 to 5 minutes, and Τ3 and Τ4 are Usually it may be about 0-60 seconds, preferably 0-15 seconds, more preferably 0-5 seconds.

In the present invention, the strongly acidic water means strongly acidic water obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution of an electrolyte (eg, a saline solution, an aqueous solution of potassium chloride, hydrochloric acid, etc.). The ρΗ may be, for example, 3.0 or less, preferably 2.7 or less, and usually 2,0 or more. The oxidation-reduction potential of the strongly acidic water may usually be between 1,000 mV and 200 mV. The strongly acidic water may contain chlorine, in which case the effective (or residual) chlorine concentration of the strongly acidic water is usually 0-200 mg Zi, preferably 10-1 O OmgZl. Good. The strong alkaline water refers to strongly alkaline water obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution of the same electrolyte, and its pH may usually be 11 to 12. By electrolyzing the aqueous solution of the electrolyte, the strongly acidic water and the strongly alkaline water used in the present invention can be obtained at the same time. Such a strong acid Water and alkaline water itself is known, and its production method is described in JP-A-62-129889, JP-A-118hi293, and 9-103797. Can be referenced. The disclosures of these patent documents constitute a part of the present specification by this citation. Such strongly acidic water is superior in terms of safety to the human body, especially to the skin, as compared with chemicals conventionally used for cleaning endoscopes. However, there is an advantage that it can be discarded without special treatment.

The strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water to be used in the apparatus of the present invention may be, for example, p-water by applying a current of 2.5 A to 10 kg of a 0.1% by weight saline solution for 10 minutes. 2.5 kg of acidic water of 2.5 kg and 2.5 kg of strongly alkaline water of pH 11. Although this example is a patch-type production example, it is also possible to continuously supply a saline solution and continuously electrolyze to obtain strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water. The above conditions (current value, energization time, salt solution concentration and supply flow rate (during continuous production), electrode surface fineness, type of electrolyte, etc.) for producing strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water are as follows. It can be varied depending on the desired properties (pH, redox potential, available chlorine concentration, etc.) of strongly acidic water and strong alkaline water.

In one preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, the cleaning tank comprises a tubular portion having a U-shaped overall vertical shape, into which the contaminated portion of the endoscope is inserted. It has become. The U-shaped tubular section has a cross section larger than the cross section of the contaminated portion and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the contaminated portion, for example, 2-3 times the inner diameter.

In one preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, a device capable of producing strongly acidic water and strongly viscous water as described above is combined with a washing device. Specifically, strong acid water and strong alkaline water are continuously produced, Store in each of the water tanks. With such a combination, strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water can be constantly obtained, so that the capacity of the strongly acidic water tank and the strongly alkaline water tank can be reduced as compared with the case where the manufacturing apparatus is not combined. The space obtained by reducing the size can be used for the placement of manufacturing equipment.

In one more specific aspect, an endoscope cleaning device of the present invention includes an eyepiece having a forceps inlet, one end of which is connected to the eyepiece, and the other end of which forms an objective. A cleaning device for an endoscope, comprising: an image guide means; and a light guide means having one end connected to the eyepiece and having a connector such as an illumination light source at the other end,

Strong water tank for storing strong water;

Strongly acidic water tank for storing strongly acidic water;

Tap water supply;

It is formed by a U-shaped tube, and flows into the first washing region having the upper first passage opening, the upper second passage opening and the lower drain, and the upper second passage opening of the first washing region. A washing tub connected by a channel and having a second washing area with a drain port at the bottom;

A first flow path means (for example, a conduit or a tube) for connecting a flow path between the strong water tank and the upper first flow path opening of the first washing area;

A channel connecting the strong acid water tank and the upper first channel opening of the first washing area

2 channel means;

Third flow path means for connecting the flow path between the tap water supply source and the upper first flow path opening of the first cleaning area

And has

By inserting the image guide means of an endoscope in a first washing zone disposed, ^second wash The eyepiece of the endoscope and the light guide means are arranged in the cleaning area, and the first, second and third flow path opening / closing operation means provided in the first, second and third flow path means respectively. The endoscope is configured to be selectively supplied to first and second cleaning tanks by supplying strongly alkaline water, strongly acidic water and tap water. Further, in another preferred embodiment, the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention comprises a strong water tank and an opening (for example, a forceps insertion port located at the eyepiece) connected to the hollow portion of the endoscope. Fourth flow path means for connecting the flow paths between them,

Fifth flow path means for flow connection between the strongly acidic water tank and an opening (for example, a forceps insertion port located at the eyepiece) connected to the hollow portion of the endoscope, and

Sixth flow path that connects between the tap water supply source and the opening that connects to the hollow part of the endoscope (for example, the forceps insertion port, air supply port, and liquid supply port located in the eyepiece). And means.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth passage opening / closing operation means provided in the fourth, fifth, and sixth passage means respectively selectively select strong alkaline water, strong acid water, and tap water. It is configured to be supplied to an opening (for example, a forceps insertion port located in the eyepiece) that is connected to the hollow portion of the endoscope to clean the hollow portion of the endoscope. Preferred embodiments of the invention

Hereinafter, the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking more specific embodiments as examples.

FIG. 1 is a flow sheet schematically showing a specific example of an endoscope cleaning apparatus according to the present invention so that the mutual relationship between members constituting the apparatus and the flow of liquid can be understood. FIG. 2 schematically shows another embodiment of a portion surrounded by a broken line in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention viewed in a direction W indicated by an arrow in FIG. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention as viewed along the direction X of the arrow in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention as viewed along the direction Y of the arrow in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention as viewed in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing how a contaminated portion is introduced into the U-shaped first cleaning region.

With reference to FIG. 3, the arrangement of each element in one preferred embodiment of the cleaning apparatus U of the present invention will be described. Each element is arranged inside the housing (or housing) 8 and, when viewed from the direction of W, the first cleaning area 17 of a U-tube shape where the image guide means is arranged at the foremost side (Fig. 3 In the figure, a first washing area water supply section 20 is also shown), and a modified box-shaped second washing area 19 in which the eyepiece section 3 and the light guide means 6 are arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cleaning region 19 has a vertically long thin space portion 32 in which the light guide means 6 can be arranged. The first cleaning area 17 and the second cleaning area 19 constitute a cleaning tank 60. Behind the washing tank, a strong acidic water tank 12 and a strong water tank 10 are arranged.On top of this, a three-way valve V 9, an electrolytic cell E, and a saline solution pump P 4 (from Fig. 3) (Not shown) and a saline solution tank 30 are arranged, and a control unit (and a power supply unit) C is arranged above the three-way valve V9, the electrolytic cell E and the saline solution pump P4. Pumps P 1 to P 3 are arranged below the housing 8. The positional relationship of such members can be understood more clearly by referring to other drawings. However, the embodiment of the device of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

In FIGS. 3 to 8, the channel means (or conduit) for connecting each member of the apparatus is not shown for simplicity, but these may be any suitable conduits, for example, plastics. Tubes (for example, salt bite) Good. The flow path opening / closing means (or valve) and the electric wiring are not shown for simplicity, but may be any suitable ones. Such flow path means, flow path opening / closing means, connection between each member and connection / wiring between these and the control unit are performed by those skilled in the art based on the flow sheet shown in FIG. 1 and the description in this specification. If so, it can be easily performed.

An endoscope 1 to be cleaned by the endoscope cleaning apparatus U of the present invention is a forceps insertion port 2, an air supply port 50, and a water supply port 5, for example, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. An eyepiece 3 having one end 4 a connected to the eyepiece 3, the other end 4 b being an image guide means 4 forming an objective part 5, and one end 6 a being connected to the eyepiece 3. And a light guide means 6 having a connector 7 such as an illumination light source at the other end 6b. In the illustrated embodiment, the image guide means 4 not only has a light for irradiating the inside of the organ and a means for transferring information obtained by imaging the inside to guide the image, but also has It has a hollow portion (not shown) in combination with the air inlet 50 and the water inlet 52 for sending and / or removing liquids and gases to and from the organ. In some cases, such a hollow portion may not be present.

The illustrated endoscope cleaning apparatus U of the present invention basically includes a strong alkaline water tank 10 for storing strong alkaline water 9 in a housing 8;

Strongly acidic water tank 1 2 for storing strongly acidic water 1 1;

Tap water source 1 3; and

First washing area 17 with U-shaped tubular section (upper first flow path opening 14, upper second flow path opening 15, and U-shaped curved lower drain port 16 (at the bottom) (Figure ), And a second washing area 19 connected to the upper second passage opening 15 of the first washing area 17 (a drain port 18 at the bottom). (See Fig. 1))

And that which includes.

Further, in the endoscope cleaning device U of the present invention, a first cleaning region water supply section 20 is provided for the first flow path opening 14 above the U-shaped first cleaning region 17. A first flow path means 21 for connecting a flow path between the strong water tank 10 and the upper first flow path opening 14 via a water supply section 20, a strong acid water tank 12 and an upper first flow path means; A second flow path means 22 for connecting the flow path between the flow path openings 14 through the water supply section 20 and a water supply section between the tap water supply source 13 and the upper first flow path opening 14. And a third channel means 23 connected to the channel via 20.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the image guide means 4 of the endoscope 1 is inserted through the U-shaped first cleaning area 17, and the eyepieces 3 and 3 of the endoscope 1 are inserted into the second cleaning area 19. The light guide means 6 is arranged so that the endoscope 1 can be cleaned. In some cases, if it is not necessary to clean the light guide means 6 and / or the eyepiece 3, at least a part of the second cleaning area 19 may be omitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning tank 60 may have a structure in which the light guide means 6 is not disposed in the second cleaning area 19.

According to the endoscope cleaning apparatus U of the present invention, the first flow path means 21 and the second flow path means 22 and the third flow path means 23 each include the first flow path opening / closing operation means V 1, the second flow path opening / closing operation means V 2 and the third flow path opening / closing operation means V 3 are provided _c. Further, the strong flow force water tank 10 of the first flow path means 21 A water supply pump P 1 is provided, and a strong acid water supply pump P 2 is provided on the strong acid water tank 1 ′ 2 side of the second flow path means 22, and strong alkaline water is provided in the first washing area 17. It is possible to selectively supply strong acid water and tap water. Further, in the apparatus of the present invention, the flow between the strong alkaline water tank 10 and the opening to the hollow portion of the endoscope 1 (for example, the inlet 2, the air inlet 50, the liquid inlet 52, etc.) Road A fourth flow path means 24 connected to the flow path via the means 29 and the eyepiece water supply section 28; an opening to the hollow portion of the strong acid water storage tank 12 and the endoscope 1 (for example, The fifth connection, which is connected to the insertion port 2, the air supply port 50, the water supply (or liquid supply) port 52, etc., through the flow path means 29 and the eyepiece water supply section 28. Flow path means 25 between the tap water supply source 13 and the opening to the hollow part of the endoscope 1 (for example, 揷 inlet 2, air inlet 50, water inlet 52, etc.) A sixth flow path means 26 is connected to the flow path via a flow path means 29 and an eyepiece water supply section 28.

According to the endoscope cleaning device U of the present invention, the fourth flow path means 24, the fifth flow path means 25 and the sixth flow path means 26 each include the fourth flow path opening / closing operation means V 4. The fifth flow path opening / closing operation means V5 and the sixth flow path opening / closing operation means V6 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the water supply means in the fourth flow path means 24 is a strong water supply pump P 1 applied to the first flow path means 21, and the fifth flow path means 2 The water supply means in 5 is a strong acid water supply pump P 2 applied to the second flow path means 22.

The curved lower drain port 16 in the U-shaped first washing area 17 and the lower drain port 18 in the second washing area 19 are connected by a drain channel means 27, and a drain channel is provided. The means 27 is provided with a drainage pump P3 and a seventh passage opening / closing operation means V7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fourth flow path means 24 and the outlet ends 24 a, 25 a and 26 a of the fifth flow path means 25 and the sixth flow path means 26 are provided. Is provided with an eyepiece water supply section 28, and a forceps insertion port 2 (and / or an air supply port 50 and a water supply port 5) of the endoscope 1 through a channel means 29 (for example, a hose) extending therefrom. 2) It is possible to selectively supply strong alkaline ice, strong acid water and tap water into the endoscope 1 via the endoscope 1 (only the case where the water is supplied to the forceps insertion port 2 is shown). . In the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 and Figs. 3 to 7, a strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water producing apparatus is combined, and this apparatus purifies each water as follows. Manufacturing:

1. Water from the tap water source 13 '(for example, tap water faucet) introduced from the tap water source valve V8 has a constant flow rate even if the tap water source pressure fluctuates by passing through the constant flow valve V10. It flows through a constant flow valve V10. The water tap valve V8 is controlled by the control unit C and constantly monitors whether electrolysis is being performed well.If an abnormality occurs, the tap water tap valve V8 is closed and the tap water supply is stopped. I do.

2. The tap water that has passed through the V 10 always monitors the amount of water passed by the control unit C by passing through the flow rate sensor F c, detects a change in the amount of water, detects a change in the amount of water, and issues a command based on the change. Feed to pump P4 to change the capacity of the saltwater pump. The saline water pump P 4 draws saline from the food Jfe water tank 30 that stores saline generated at the specified concentration, and mixes the saline with tap water based on the control signal from the control unit C. Send water to M.

3. A certain amount of tap water and a certain amount of saline are mixed at the mixing point M, and the saline with the predetermined salt concentration for final electrolysis is led to the electrolytic cell E.

4. Electrolyzer E is a diaphragm electrolyzer with an intermediate part separated by a diaphragm S. A pair of electrodes P are arranged on both sides of the diaphragm. After decomposition, it is electrolyzed into strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water from above and discharged. DC voltage is applied from the power supply section C to the electrode P in the electrolytic cell E, and electrolysis is always performed at a constant current (constant current electrolysis).

5. During electrolysis, anions accumulate on the anode and cations accumulate on the cathode. Magnesium and calcium ions contained in tap water adhere to the cathode side. At a certain time It is preferable to reverse the polarity of the electrode every interval. The control of this inversion is also performed by the control unit c.

6. The strongly acidic water and strongly alkaline water electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell E are sent to the water tanks 1.2 and 10 respectively. At this time, if the polarity of the electrode is reversed at regular intervals as described in 5 above, the discharge position of the strongly acidic water and the strongly alkaline water will be reversed, and the three-way valve V 9 will be turned on to keep the discharge direction constant. Use so that the same type of washing water can be stored in the tank. Switching control of the three-way valve V9 is also performed by the control unit C.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cleaning area 17 is formed of a substantially U-shaped tubular member extending in the vertical direction. The tubular member having the U-shape is not particularly limited as long as the overall shape is a U-shape and at least a dimension (for example, length, cross-sectional shape, etc.) that can accommodate a flexible contaminated portion. However, it may usually be a tube having a circular cross section. The inlet portion may have a tapered shape to facilitate insertion of the contaminated portion (see FIG. 8). The length of the legs on both sides of the U-shape (the length from the bottom to the top) does not have to be the same and may differ as shown, so that the part to be cleaned is immersed in liquid. It should just be like. Of course, in the cleaning tank 60, all the parts to be cleaned as a whole are soaked in the liquid. If the eyepiece is also cleaned, as shown in the figure, the length of the leg may be shorter on the right side than the left side by the depth of the second cleaning area, as shown in Figure 8. Yeah.

Providing a U-shaped tubular section in this way has the following advantages: As shown in Fig. 8 (a), after using an endoscope, support and suspend the eyepiece of the endoscope Therefore, the image guide means, which is a contaminated part, becomes substantially straight due to its own weight. Next, place the contaminated part in the first cleaning area 17 At this time, as shown in Fig. 8 (b), the tip of the contaminated part is inserted into the inlet of the U-shaped part (that is, the upper second passage opening 15), and then the tip advances deeply into the tubular part. As shown in Fig. 8 (c), the contaminated part curves and moves along the U-shape due to its flexibility, and the tip of the contaminated part goes up as shown in Fig. 8 (c). Turn around. After that, when it is further inserted, the state shown in FIG.

In this arrangement, as long as the tip of the contaminated portion is positioned at the entrance 15 of the U-shaped tubular portion of the first cleaning region, the contaminated portion is then smoothly moved into the first cleaning region without touching the contaminated portion. Can be placed in This eliminates the need to carefully wrap the contaminated area in a spiral or coiled shape as in prior art methods. In a more preferred embodiment, the U-shaped inlet portion is tapered in cross section as shown, thereby facilitating insertion of the tip of the contaminated portion.

Also, by adopting a U-shape, the shape of the washing tank is such that the force S spreading in the vertical direction and the force in the horizontal direction are small. This means that the area occupied by the cleaning tank can be reduced, and ultimately the area occupied by the cleaning device can be reduced. For example, as is clear from FIG. 3, when viewed along the direction of arrow W, the area occupied by the cleaning tank is a thin space in front of the housing 8.

Next, the operation procedure of the endoscope cleaning device U of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the endoscope 1 is inserted with a contaminated portion to be cleaned (that is, an image guide portion 4) into the first cleaning region 17, and the eyepiece portion 3 and the light guide are inserted. By arranging the means 6 in the second cleaning area 19, it is set inside the endoscope cleaning apparatus U of the present invention. When it is not necessary to clean the light guide means 6, for example, as shown in FIG. The second cleaning area 19 in which 2 is omitted may be used. If it is not necessary to clean the eyepiece 3 in addition to the light guide means, the entire second cleaning area may be omitted.

After the endoscope 1 is set, the strong alkaline water supply pump P1 is operated to open the first flow path opening / closing operation means V1 and the fourth flow path opening / closing operation means V4, thereby forming a U-shape. The strong cleaning water is supplied to the first cleaning area 17 of the U-shape and the hollow part which may be the contaminated part of the endoscope, and the water flow is created in the first cleaning area 17 of the U-shape. The endoscope 1 is cleaned by flowing the overflow solution in the first cleaning area 17 into the second cleaning area 19. At the same time, strong alkaline water is supplied from the eyepiece water supply section 28 to the forceps inlet 2, the air supply port 50, and the water supply port 52 via a hose (or conduit) 29, and the image guide means 4 Wash the empty space. At this time, if there is a hollow portion in fluid communication with the eyepiece portion 3 in the light guide means 6, the hollow portion can also be washed. In this case, since strong alkaline water is excellent in decomposing oils and fats and proteins, it removes body fluid and blood attached to the surface of the fiber and the inside of the forceps opening.

The supply of the strongly alkaline water is continued and the supply of the strongly alkaline water is stopped when the part to be cleaned of the endoscope 1 is completely immersed in the water, and the supply of the strongly alkaline water is stopped for a predetermined time T 1 (for example, 5 seconds). Immerse. As a result, the remaining body fluid and blood adhered to the inside and outside of the endoscope can be sufficiently dissolved or dispersed in the strongly alkaline water. Then, the drainage pump P3 is operated to open the seventh flow path opening / closing operation means V7, and the strong alkaline water in the U-shaped first washing area 17 and the second washing area 19 is discharged. Drain through drains 16 and 18 and pump P3.

Next, the third flow path opening / closing operation means V3 and the sixth flow path opening / closing operation means V6 are opened, and the tap water from the tap water supply source 13 is supplied with the U-shaped first cleaning area 17 and the second flow path. 2 Washing area 1 9 and forceps insertion port 2, air supply port 50 and water supply port 52 And water is supplied to the hollow part of the endoscope, and the surface of the endoscope 1 is cleaned, and the inside of the endoscope is washed, and adheres to the inside and outside of the endoscope.The remaining strong water is dissolved in tap water. Let me do it. When the supply of the tap water is continued and the endoscope 1 is completely immersed, the supply of the tap water is stopped, and the tap water is immersed for a predetermined time T 4 (for example, 5 seconds) as before. At the stage when the strong alkaline water is sufficiently dissolved, the drainage pump P3 is operated to open the seventh flow path opening / closing operation means V7, and the U-shaped first washing area 17 and the second washing area V7 are opened. Drain tap water in washing area 19 as before.

After draining the tap water, the strongly acidic water supply pump P2 is operated to open the second flow path opening / closing operation means V2 and the fifth flow path opening / closing operation means V5, so that the U-shaped first A strong acidic water is supplied to the cleaning area 17 to create a water flow in the U-shaped first cleaning area 17, and the overflow solution of the first cleaning area 17 flows into the second cleaning area 19. Then, the endoscope 1 is washed. At the same time, strong acid water is supplied from the eyepiece water supply unit 28 to clean the hollow portion of the endoscope through the forceps inlet 2, the air inlet 50 and the water inlet 52. In this case, the strongly acidic water is excellent in disinfecting and cleaning effects, so that the surface of the endoscope and the hollow portion of the endoscope are effectively disinfected and cleaned.

When the supply of the strong acid water is continued and the endoscope 1 is completely immersed, the supply of the strong acid water is stopped, and the endoscope 1 is immersed for a predetermined time T 2 (for example, one minute). When the cleaning effect has been completed, the drainage pump P3 is operated and the seventh flow path opening / closing operation means V7 is opened to open the U-shaped first cleaning area 17 and the second cleaning area. Drain the 9 strongly acidic water as before.

Next, the third flow path opening / closing operation means V3 and the sixth flow path opening / closing operation means V6 are opened, and the tap water from the tap water supply source 13 is supplied with the U-shaped first cleaning area 17 (2) Water is supplied to the cleaning area (19), the forceps insertion port (2), the air supply port (50) and the water supply port (52), and the outside of the endoscope (1) is cleaned to remove the residual acidic acid water adhering. Remove Leave. When the supply of the tap water is continued and the endoscope 1 is completely immersed, the supply of the tap water is stopped, and the tap water is immersed for a predetermined time T 3 (for example, 5 seconds) as before. At the stage when the strong acidic water is sufficiently dissolved in the tap water, the drainage pump P3 is operated to open the seventh flow path opening / closing operation means V7, and the U-shaped first washing area 17 and Drain the tap water in the second washing area 19 as before.

In the present invention, the pumps P 1 to P 3 (or P 1 to P 4) are applied to the respective passage opening / closing operation means V 1 to V 7 (or V 1 to V 10) by applying, for example, electromagnetic pulp or the like. ), The operation of the device can be automatically controlled, including the control of (1), and the above-described total procedure can be performed, for example, within about 10 minutes. Therefore, after the endoscope is placed in the apparatus, the above-described steps can be performed completely automatically, so that it is possible to save labor and to perform constant cleaning without requiring any skill. Industrial applicability

An endoscope disinfecting and cleaning apparatus U of the present invention is an endoscope disinfecting apparatus for cleaning medical endoscopes, and in particular, electrolyzes a saline solution without using a disinfecting and cleaning agent. The safety is high in that the endoscope is completely automatically cleaned using the strongly acidic water (anode water) and the strongly alkaline water (cathode water) obtained by It works.

Further, the endoscope cleaning device U of the present invention is characterized in that the endoscope can be easily disposed in the cleaning device, and thereafter, the endoscope can be cleaned completely automatically. This is extremely effective in that the work can be shortened and labor can be saved.

Furthermore, the endoscope cleaning device U of the present invention reduces the installation space of the device in that the entire device can be compacted, and makes effective use of the space. It can contribute, and it can be said that it also works very effectively in that respect. Example 1

Using the cleaning apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, the presence or absence of H. pylori before and after cleaning the endoscope used for endoscopy was examined.

The operating conditions of the washing device were as follows:

Strong acidic water: pH 2.5, redox potential: 110 mV

Strong water: pH 1 1.5

Predetermined time T1: 5 seconds, T2: 60 seconds, T3 and T4: 0 seconds

The liquid that had flowed out from the end of the used endoscope was collected (this is called the internal liquid). In addition, the outside of the used endoscope was wiped with gauze to collect the liquid adhering to the outside of the endoscope (this is called an external solution).

The obtained solution was cultured in a petri dish, and the presence or absence of bacteria was observed.

Next, the endoscope was washed with the washing apparatus of the present invention, and thereafter, the internal solution and the external solution were similarly collected, cultured, and observed for the presence of bacteria.

The results are shown in Table 1 below:

Presence or absence of H. pylori before and after cleaning with an endoscope cleaning device

+: H. pylori was observed.

-: H. pylori was not found. As is evident from Table 1, H. pylori was confirmed in the internal or external solution before cleaning in 5 of the subjects, but in any case after cleaning with the endoscope cleaning device. Was not confirmed from the endoscope.

Therefore, since no bacteria were identified before washing after washing, washing the endoscope by the endoscope washing apparatus washing method of the present invention is effective for H. pylori. is there. Example 2

The endoscope was washed with the same washing apparatus and operating conditions as in Example 1.

1) After the endoscope inspection, the endoscope was taken out, and 5 Oml of water was sucked to remove the liquid remaining in the endoscope.

2) Next, a brush was passed from the forceps insertion port of the eyepiece of the endoscope through the hollow part of the image guide means of the endoscope, and the tip was rubbed against the GAM semi-fluid medium to collect the specimen. The cells were cultured in TS AZ BTB medium and HP medium (this state is referred to as “before washing”).

3) Next, the endoscope was cleaned by the cleaning device of the present invention. 4) Specimens were collected and cultured in the same manner as in 2) above (this state is called after washing).

The results are shown in Table 2 below.

As is clear from Table 2 below, in all of Samples 6 to 15, bacteria were confirmed before washing, but not after washing. In addition, H. pylori was confirmed in two samples before washing, but neither was observed after washing.

Therefore, while any bacteria or H-pylori were confirmed in each sample before washing, no bacteria were found in H. pylori after washing. The cleaning device cleaning method is effective for cleaning the endoscope.

Table 2: Measurement results of bacterial count before and after cleaning the endoscope

Bacteria several stages (sign meaning)

A: 30 to 50 B: 20 to 30 C 10 to 20 D 0

E: 10 or less F: (Bacteria count) Not found

Sample Bacterial species Bacteria several stages

No.Before washing After washing

6 B, catarrhalis E ―

-Streptococcus E ―

H, pylori ― ―

7 -Streptococcus E ―

H. pylori ― ―

8 -Streptococcus F (l) ―

H. pylori ― ―

9 B. catarrhalis C ―

a -Streptpococcus C

γ-Streptococcus D

H. Pylori Colony) ―

1 0 -Streptpococcus E ―

y -Streptococcus E ―

H. ylori ― ―

1 1 B. catarrhalis E

ひ -Streptpococcus E ―

y -Streptococcus E ―

Corynebacterium spp E

H. Pylori

1 2 ひ -Streptpococcus E

y -Streptococcus E

H. Pylori

1 3 B. catarrhalis E

-Streptpococcus E

Staphylococcus E

H. Ylori

1 4 -Streptpococcus F (l)

H. Pylori Colony (+)

1 5 a -Streptpococcus D

Escherichia coli D

H. Ylori

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. An endoscope cleaning device comprising a strong acidic water tank, a strong alkaline water tank, and a cleaning tank in which an endoscope to be cleaned is arranged.

2. In the washing tank in which the endoscope is located and in the hollow part of the endoscope that may be present,

After supplying strong alkaline water for the first time and holding it for a predetermined time, after discharging strong alkaline water,

Next, supply strong acid water and hold it for a predetermined time, then discharge strong acid water. Finally, supply water and hold it for a predetermined time, then discharge water.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to:

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the washing tank has a U-shaped washing area for introducing an image guide portion.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a device for producing a strongly acidic water and a strongly alkaline water.

5. Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein after supplying the strongly alkaline water, before supplying the strongly acidic water, supplying the water and holding it for a predetermined time, and then discharging the water. An apparatus according to any one of the above.

6. A method of cleaning an endoscope using a device having a strong acid water tank, a strong alkaline water tank, and a cleaning tank in which an endoscope to be cleaned is disposed,

In the washing tank in which the endoscope is arranged and in the hollow part of the endoscope that may be present,

(1) First, supplying strongly alkaline water and holding it for a predetermined time, and then discharging strongly alkaline water,

(2) Next, after supplying the strongly acidic water and maintaining it for a predetermined time, discharging the strongly acidic water, and (3) Finally, tap water is drained after supplying tap water and holding it for a predetermined time.

A method comprising:

7. The method according to claim 6, comprising a step of supplying water, maintaining the liquid for a predetermined time, and then discharging the water between the steps (1) and (2).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the apparatus used for cleaning is the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.