JP2002065607A - Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] To reduce the number of manual operations of a user and to easily and accurately detect leaks in pipes in a washing / disinfecting apparatus and check whether a compressor or a pump is operating, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a mirror cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. A suction line cleaning tube connection port connected to a pipe line of an endoscope, an air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port,
An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus having a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6 and capable of washing and disinfecting the endoscope channel by flowing a fluid for cleaning and disinfecting work through the endoscope channel. Joints 9, 1 that open the respective tube connection ports 4, 5, 6 by being connected to the tube connection ports 4, 5, 6
For example, a pressure sensor 22 as a measuring means for measuring physical quantities of the fluid flowing through the tube connection ports 4, 5, and 6, and a measured value measured by the pressure sensor 22 need to be notified to a user. Control means for determining whether there is no information or information to be notified to the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an endoscope.
The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for disinfecting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used for examination and treatment of body cavities, in which air supply, water supply,
Various pipes for performing suction and the like are incorporated. Then, each time the endoscope is used, it is necessary to clean and disinfect the internal conduit.

In order to wash and disinfect the endoscope, in an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus, the apparatus is connected to each endoscope pipe line,
A cleaning solution, a disinfecting solution, air, and the like are sent from the apparatus into each endoscope channel. For this reason, a compressor and a liquid feed pump are built in the apparatus, and various air feed pipes and liquid feed pipes are configured.

By the way, in order to maintain the washing and disinfecting properties of the endoscope channel, it is necessary to perform sufficient liquid supply and air supply to the endoscope channel.

[0005] In the conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, before cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope, the operating state of the apparatus, such as the amount of air supplied and the amount of liquid supplied, has been visually checked manually.

[0006]

However, in a conventional endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus, a method for confirming air supply or liquid supply to an endoscope channel is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-25302.
No. 8, the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device provided for each conduit of the endoscope is clogged with each connector and the inspection tools are sequentially connected manually. This was a method of visually confirming the emergence of air and air one by one, which took time and effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the manual work of the user, and to simply, accurately and quickly and easily use a compressor, a pump, a valve, and a pipe of a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of confirming a state of air supply and a liquid supply of a road or the like.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a pipe connecting portion connected to a pipe of an endoscope, and the endoscope pipe is provided for cleaning and disinfecting. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus capable of washing and disinfecting the inside of the endoscope conduit by flowing a fluid, wherein the joint is connected to the conduit connection to open the conduit connection, and the conduit connection Measuring means for measuring the fluid flowing through the section, and control means for determining whether the measured value measured by the measuring means does not need to notify the user or information to be notified to the user. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus characterized by the above.

The measuring means is a pressure gauge or a flow meter for measuring a fluid flowing through the pipe connection, and the control section compares a measurement result of the measuring means with a threshold value stored in advance. Means for judging the operation state and notifying the user of the information to be notified in the case of the information to be notified to the user is provided.

According to the above configuration, the pressure or flow rate of the fluid flowing through the pipe connection is measured, and the measured result is compared with a threshold value stored in advance, so that the fluid is sufficiently supplied to the pipe connection. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus can automatically and reliably check whether the flow is flowing without bothering the user. Then, the operating state can be notified to the user.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 6 show a first embodiment, and FIG.
1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a cleaning tank, and a circulating fluid suction port 2 and a drain port 3 are provided at the inner bottom of the cleaning tank 1. On the inner wall surface of the cleaning tank 1, a suction channel cleaning tube connection port 4, an air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, and a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6 are provided, respectively. A water supply port 7, a disinfectant liquid inlet 8, and a detergent inlet 204 are provided.

On the inner wall surface of the cleaning tank 1, liquid level sensors 301 and 302 for detecting the amounts of the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 1 are provided. Here, the liquid level sensor 301 detects the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid in the cleaning tank 1 by the endoscope 1.
This is an electrode type liquid level detection sensor installed at a water level for detecting that an appropriate amount has been stored for washing and disinfecting 00.

On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 302 is provided at a position higher than the appropriate water level, and is provided for detecting information to be notified to a user such that the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid overflows from the cleaning tank 1. Is a float type liquid level sensor. Here, by making the liquid level sensor 301 and the liquid level sensor 302 different in detection method, it is possible to prevent the two sensors from erroneously detecting at the same time.

[0015] Clogging in a pipe in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus
When performing a function check function to check for leaks and malfunctions of the pump and the compressor, the suction tube cleaning tube connection port 4 in the cleaning tank 1, the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, the forceps Suction pipe cleaning tube connection port joint 9 that can be attached to and detached from each of the riser pipe cleaning tube connection ports 6, joint 10 for air / water supply pipe cleaning tube connection port, and forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection. The mouth joint 11 is connected. When each of these joints is installed at each connection port, each connection port is opened through the joint.

When an endoscope (not shown) is cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, instead of the joints, a suction pipe cleaning tube connection port 4 and an air / water supply pipe are provided. The cleaning tube connection port 5 and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6 are connected to one end of an unillustrated suction pipe cleaning tube, an air / water supply pipe cleaning tube, and a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube, respectively. ing.

The other end of each of the cleaning tubes is connected to a suction line, an air supply / water supply line, and a forceps raising pipe of an endoscope (not shown). The cleaning and disinfecting of each conduit is performed by feeding a disinfectant or a disinfectant.

The water supply port 7 is connected to one end of a water supply pipe 12. The other end of the water supply pipe 12 is connected through a water supply valve 13 to, for example, a tap water faucet 14. Further, one end of a disinfectant supply line 15 is connected to the disinfectant inlet 8. The other end of the disinfectant supply pipe 15 is connected to the bottom of the disinfectant tank 16.

A disinfectant injection pump 17 is provided in the middle of the disinfectant supply line 15. Further, one end of a detergent supply conduit 202 is connected to the detergent inlet 204. The other end of the detergent supply pipe 202 is connected to the detergent bottle 2.
00 is connected to the upper part. A detergent injection pump 205 is provided in the middle of the detergent supply pipe 202.

A circulating fluid suction port 2 at the inner bottom of the cleaning tank 1
Is connected to one end of a conduit 18 for washing and disinfecting the endoscope. The other end of the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting conduit 18 is branched into three flow paths, and three branch flow paths 19a, 1
9b and 19c are formed. And the branch channel 19
a is connected to the suction line cleaning tube connection port 4, the branch flow path 19b is connected to the air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port 5, and the branch flow path 19c is connected to the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6, respectively.

Further, a conduit 18 for washing and disinfecting the endoscope conduit is provided.
, A pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit, a check valve 21, and a pressure sensor (measuring means) 22 are sequentially provided. Note that the three branch channels 19a, 19b,
19c is a cleaning / disinfecting line switching solenoid valve 23a, 23b, 2
3c are provided.

An ultrasonic vibrator 8 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 1.
0 is provided, and is driven when the endoscope installed in the cleaning tank 1 is ultrasonically cleaned.

In addition, a check valve 21 in the endoscope pipe washing / disinfecting pipe 18 and a pipe section 24 communicating with the pressure sensor 22 between the pressure sensor 22 are provided with a check valve 25 through a check valve 25. An air supply line 27 leading to the compressor 26 is connected.

The drain port 3 of the washing tank 1 is connected to an inflow port 28a of a pipeline switching valve 28. The pipeline switching valve 28 is provided with the inflow port 28a and two outflow ports 28b and 28c. Here, one end of the recovery pipe 29 is connected to one outflow port 28b of the pipe switching valve 28. The other end of the recovery pipe 29 is connected to the upper part of the disinfectant tank 16. Further, a drainage line 30 is connected to the other outflow port 28c of the line switching valve 28.
Are connected at one end.

In the middle of the drain line 30, the drain pump 3
1 is interposed. The line switching valve 28 is connected to the drain port 3.
Is switched to one of a state in which the drain port 3 is communicated with the collection line 29, and a state in which the drain port 3 is communicated with the drain line 30. Then, the liquid in the cleaning tank 1 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus by operating the drainage pump 31 by switching the conduit switching valve 28 to the drain conduit 30 side.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the cleaning tank 1.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a connection port for each washing tube inside and a joint for each connection port detachable from the connection port. FIG.
In (A) and (B), reference numeral 51 denotes a wall surface of the cleaning tank 1. A cleaning tube connection port 52 attached to a wall surface 51 of the cleaning tank 1 is provided with a base member 53 forming a conduit and a connection port main body 54. Then, the base member 53
The inside of the base member 53, which is fixed to the wall surface 51 with a nut 56 via a packing 55, is connected to the branch flow path of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. Further, the connection port main body 54 is screwed and fixed to the base member 53 via a packing 57. Further, a valve body 58 that opens and closes a pipe and a spring 59 that urges the valve body 58 in a direction to close the internal pipe of the connection body 54 are housed inside the connection port body 54.

Here, on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 58, a ring-shaped packing 61 joined to the valve seat portion 60 of the internal conduit of the connection port main body 54 is mounted. Then, the connection port body 54
At the time of opening operation, the valve body 58 of the washing tube connection port 52 is pushed in against the spring 59, and the valve seat portion 60 of the connection port body 54 is opened.
The pipe is opened by separating the gasket 61 from the packing 61 of the valve body 58.

Further, a ring-shaped rib 62 on the cleaning tube connection port 52 side protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the connection port main body 54 at a joint portion with the base member 53, and a ring-shaped packing is provided on the distal end side. 63 is mounted.

A push pin 66 protrudes from the inside of the internal conduit 65 of the connection port joint 64. The push pin 66 is arranged at a position corresponding to the valve body 58 of the cleaning tube connection port 52.

Further, a lock claw 67 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connection port joint 64 so as to be detachably engaged with the rib 62 on the cleaning tube connection port 52 side. When the connection joint 64 and the cleaning tube connection port 52 are connected, the connection port body 54 of the cleaning tube connection port 52 is inserted into the connection port joint 64.

At this time, the push pin 66 inside the connection port joint 64 pushes the valve body 58 of the cleaning tube connection port 52, and the packing 61 of the valve body 58 is cut off from the valve seat 60 of the connection port body 54 to disconnect the pipe. A road is formed. At this time, the packing 63 of the connection port main body 54 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the connection port joint 64 so as to maintain the airtightness with the surroundings.

At the time of connection, as shown in FIG. 2A, the tip of the lock claw 67 of the connection port joint 64 engages the rib 62 on the cleaning tube connection port 52 side, and the connection port joint 64 and the cleaning tube connection. Connection port body 5 of port 52
4 is prevented from being inadvertently disconnected.
That is, the connection between the connection port joint 64 and the connection port main body 54 of the cleaning tube connection port 52 does not come off unless the other end of the lock claw 67 is pushed in to release the hook between the tip of the lock claw 67 and the rib 62. It has become.

When the connection between the joint 64 for the connection port and the connection port body 54 of the cleaning tube connection port 52 is released, the valve body 58 is moved to the original position by the spring 59.
Is pushed back to the position that closes the internal conduit of the Therefore, when nothing is connected to the washing tube connection port 52, the internal pipe is closed, and when the connection port joint 64 is connected, the internal pipe is opened.

FIG. 3 shows an operation panel 32 for a user to operate the endoscope cleaning apparatus of the present embodiment. The operation panel 32 has a program selection button 3
3, a cleaning / disinfection process start button 34, and a stop button 35
And a plurality of additional function buttons 36a to 36f, a cleaning time display section 37, a disinfection time display section 38, a message code display section (notification means) 39, and a disinfectant temperature display section 40. .

The additional function buttons 36a to 36f are
Function check button 36a and water leak detection button 36b
, An alcohol flush button 36c, an air supply button 36d, a disinfectant heating button 36e, and a detergent rinse button 36f.

When operating the operation panel 32, the cleaning time and the disinfection time of the process selected by the program selection button 33 are displayed on the cleaning time display section 37 and the disinfection time display section 38, respectively. Thereafter, the washing / disinfecting process start button 34 is pressed to start the washing / disinfecting process.

Further, by selecting and pressing the additional function buttons 36a to 36f, a function check step for checking whether there is any clogging or leakage in the conduit of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus other than the cleaning / disinfecting step, Additional functions such as a water leak detection step of checking for leakage inside the endoscope and a disinfectant heating step of heating the disinfectant stored in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus to a set temperature can be executed.

By pressing the stop button 35, the washing / disinfecting step and the additional function step can be stopped halfway. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus has a built-in warning buzzer (notifying means) 48 shown in FIG. 3 for notifying the user of information to be notified to the user.

When information to be notified to the user occurs in the middle of the process, a warning buzzer 48 sounds and a message code is displayed on the message code display section 39 to notify the user to the user. Announce the information to be done. Here, the displayed message code is determined according to the message code table in Table 1.

[0040]

[Table 1]

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control section 41 for controlling the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present embodiment. The control unit 41 is provided with a CPU (central processing unit) 42 for controlling devices of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. The CPU 42 includes an arithmetic circuit (not shown),
A ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), a parallel communication port, a serial communication port, an A / D converter, and a counter are built in.

Further, the CPU 42 has an analog circuit 4
3, a digital sensor 44, a driver 45, an operation panel 32, and a reset circuit 46 are connected to each other. Here, the analog circuit 43 is connected to an analog sensor 47 that monitors the state of the devices in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and converts the state into a continuous electric signal.

The analog circuit 43 amplifies the output from the analog sensor 47 and supplies it to the CPU 42. The digital sensor 44 is a sensor that monitors the state of devices in the endoscope washer-disinfector and outputs a binarized electric signal to the CPU 42.

Further, a warning buzzer 48 is provided to the driver 45.
Also, valves / pumps 49 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus are connected. The control signal output from the driver 45 drives the warning buzzer 48 and the valves / pumps 49 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

The reset circuit 46 is an electric circuit that detects a fluctuation or decrease in the power supply voltage and outputs a reset signal to prevent the system from running out of control. Further, C
In the ROM inside the PU 42, a program for controlling devices in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is recorded. Then, the CPU 42 operates according to this program.

Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. Before cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope with the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device, check that there is no clogging or leakage in the pipeline in the device, or malfunction of the pump, compressor, etc. in order to achieve a sufficient cleaning and disinfecting function. Must be checked using a function check process. In order to perform this function check step, first, a suction line cleaning tube connection port 4 in the cleaning tank 1, an air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port 5,
At each connection port of the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6, a joint 9 for a suction line cleaning tube connection port, a joint 10 for an air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port, and a joint for a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port. The joint 11 is connected.

When each of these joints is installed at each connection port, each connection port is opened. Subsequently, when a function check button 36a on the operation panel 32 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is pressed, a function check step is performed. At this time, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus executes the function check step as follows according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, water is stored in the cleaning tank 1. That is, in step S1, the pipe line switching valve 28 is operated to set the drainage port 3 in a state of closing and blocking, and subsequently, in step S2,
The water supply valve 13 is opened, and the cleaning water from the water tap 14 is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 through the water supply pipe 12 and the water supply port 7.

Then, in step S3, the cleaning tank 1
It is determined from the information from the liquid level sensor 301 whether or not the stored amount has reached the designated water level due to the supply of water into the inside, and when the designated water level has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step S4, and the water supply valve 13 is closed. Next, pressure measurement at the time of liquid supply in each branch flow path is performed. Here, the cleaning / disinfecting pipeline switching solenoid valves 23a, 23
b, 23c are operated, and each branch flow path 19a, 19b, 1
9c is individually sent. Then, by reading the output of the pressure sensor 22 individually for each channel, the pressure is measured for each channel.

That is, in step S5, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a is first opened. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valves 23b and 23c are closed. Then, in step S6, the operation of the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting pump 20 causes the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 to be sucked from the circulating fluid suction port 2, and the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting conduit. Through 18, the flow reaches the suction pipe cleaning tube connection port 4 via the check valve 21, the pressure sensor 22, the branch flow path 19 a, and the cleaning / disinfecting pipe switching electromagnetic valve 23 a in this order. The cleaning liquid is discharged into the cleaning tank 1 through the suction pipe cleaning tube connection port joint 9 connected here.

During this operation, by reading the output of the pressure sensor 22 in step S7, the pressure value when the cleaning liquid is flowing through the cleaning / disinfecting pipeline 18 and the branch channel 19a in the endoscope channel is determined. Measure. Pa is the pressure value measured at this time. The measured value Pa is obtained by cleaning and disinfecting the pipe 18 in the endoscope conduit and the branch channel 19a, and the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit interposed in these conduits, the check valve 21, and the cleaning and disinfecting pipe. It is used for confirming the operation of the road switching electromagnetic valve 23a and the like.

Similarly, pressure measurement is performed on the branch flow paths 19b and 19c. That is, in step S8, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a that has been opened is first closed, and then in step S9, the closed cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23b is opened. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23c is closed.

Then, the pump 2 for cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the endoscope channel is provided.
In step S10, the output value of the pressure sensor 22 is read in a state in which the cleaning liquid is flowing through the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting conduit 18 and the branch passage 19b. Measure. The pressure value measured at this time is defined as Pb.

Then, the process proceeds to step S11, in which the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23b is closed, and in step 12, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23c is opened. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a is closed. Similarly, the output of the pressure sensor 22 is read in step S13 while the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit is kept operating, whereby the conduit 18 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit is formed. The pressure value when the washing liquid is flowing in the passage 19c, that is, information on the operating state is measured. The pressure value measured at this time is defined as Pc.

Next, after the pressure measurement for each branch channel is completed, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 is discharged. That is, the washing / disinfecting pipeline switching electromagnetic valve 23c is closed in step 14, and the operation of the endoscope duct internal washing / disinfecting pump 20 is stopped in step S15. Subsequently, at step S16, the pipeline switching valve 28
Is operated to bring the drainage port 3 into communication with the drainage pipe 30. Next, at step S17, the drainage pump 3
1 is operated.

The drainage pump 31 is operated for a sufficient time to discharge the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 1 to a designated water level. This time is a value determined in advance by the storage amount and the pump capacity.

In the flowchart of FIG.
The time in minutes is described. That is, it is determined in step S18 whether the operation time of the drainage pump 31 has elapsed one minute, and when it has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step S19, and the operation of the drainage pump 31 is stopped.

When the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 has been completely drained, it is determined whether there is any information to be notified to the user by comparing the measured pressure values. For this purpose, a lower threshold value A and an upper threshold value B for the measured pressure value are stored in advance in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. This threshold value is compared with the measured value of each branch channel to determine whether or not the following expression is satisfied. If the threshold value is not satisfied, it is determined that the information should be notified to the user.

Comparison formula: (lower limit threshold A) <(measured value P
a, Pb, Pc) <(upper limit threshold B) For example, it is assumed that the lower limit threshold is stored as 0.15 MPa and the upper limit threshold is stored as 0.18 MPa. Assume that the measured pressure value is 0.17 MPa. In this case, since the comparison formula is satisfied, it is determined that the information need not be notified to the user.

However, for example, if the measured value is 0.12M
Suppose that it was Pa. In this case, since the measured value is lower than the lower threshold, it is determined that the necessary liquid sending pressure is not output. The cause of this is that the endoscope pipe line washing / disinfecting pump 20 is not operating, or there is a leak in the pipe in the middle, or somewhere in the pipe upstream of the pressure sensor 22 is clogged. The device determines that information to be notified to the user has occurred.

Further, for example, when the measured value is 0.2MP
Let it be a. In this case, since the measured value exceeds the upper limit threshold value, it is determined that excessive liquid sending pressure is applied to the pipeline. The cause may be that the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23 has failed and is not opened, or that the line downstream of the pressure sensor 22 has been clogged, for example. It is determined that information to be notified to the user has occurred.

As described above, each of the comparison between the measured pressure value as the information on the operating state and the upper and lower thresholds stored in the apparatus in advance to determine whether the information should be notified to the user is performed. This is performed for each branch channel. If it is determined that at least one of the pressure values of the branch passages is information to be notified to the user, the function check process is stopped and the user is notified of the information to be notified to the user. Do. That is, in step S20, it is determined whether or not the measured pressure value of each branch channel is larger than the lower limit threshold A (Pa> A, Pb> A, Pc> A). In this step S20, when at least one of the measured pressure values is smaller than the threshold value A (when information to be notified to the user is generated), the process proceeds to the next step S21. In this step S21, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is sounded, and the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32 indicates that the measured pressure value is below the lower threshold according to the message code table of Table 1. The message code of the character "E21" is displayed.
Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

If it is determined in step S20 that all three measured pressure values are larger than the lower threshold value A (when no information to be notified to the user is generated), the next step S22 is performed.
Proceed to. In this step S22, the measured pressure value of each branch channel is smaller than the upper limit threshold B (Pa <B, Pb <
B, Pc <B) is determined.

In step S22, if at least one of the measured pressure values is larger than the threshold value B (when information to be notified to the user is generated), the process proceeds to the next step S23. In this step S23, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device is sounded, and the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32 indicates that the measured pressure value exceeds the upper threshold according to the message code table of Table 1. "E
A message code of 22 "characters is displayed. With this, generation of information to be notified to the user and notification of the content thereof are performed.

If it is determined that all the pressure measurement values for each branch flow path do not need to be notified to the user, the operation of the liquid supply pipeline, pump and valve is notified to the user. It is determined that the information is unnecessary, and the process proceeds to the next step. From here,
It is confirmed whether there is any information to be notified to the user in the operation of the air supply line or the compressor 26. Here, similarly to the pressure measurement at the time of liquid feeding, the cleaning / disinfecting pipeline switching electromagnetic valves 23a,
3b and 23c are operated, and each branch flow path 19a, 19b,
Air is individually supplied to 19c.

The pressure sensor 2 is individually provided for each flow path.
By reading the output of 2, the pressure measurement at the time of air supply for each flow path is performed. That is, first, in step S24, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a is opened first. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valves 23b and 23c are closed.

When the compressor 26 operates in step S25, the air blown out of the compressor 26 flows through the air supply pipe 27 and the check valve 2
5. Through the pressure sensor 22, and further through the branch flow path 19a, to the suction pipe cleaning tube connection port 4 via the cleaning / disinfecting pipe switching electromagnetic valve 23a. The air flows out into the washing tank 1 through the suction pipe washing tube connection port joint 9 connected here.

During this operation, by reading the output of the pressure sensor 22 in step S26, the pressure value when air is flowing through the air supply pipe 27 and the branch flow path 19a is measured. Pd is the pressure value measured at this time. The measured value Pd is used for confirming the operation of the air supply pipe 27 and the branch flow path 19a, and the compressor 26, the check valve 25, the cleaning / disinfecting pipe switching electromagnetic valve 23a and the like interposed in these pipes.

Similarly, pressure measurement is performed on the branch flow paths 19b and 19c. That is, in step S27, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a that has been opened is first closed, and then in step S28, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a that has been closed is closed.
Open b. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23c is closed.

Then, with the compressor 26 kept operating, in step S29, the pressure sensor 22
Is read, the pressure value when air is flowing through the air supply pipe 27 and the branch flow path 19b is measured.
The pressure value measured at this time is defined as Pe. Then, the process proceeds to step S30, where the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23b is closed, and in step 31, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23c is opened. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23a is closed.

Similarly, in step S32, the output value of the pressure sensor 22 is read while the compressor 26 is kept operating, so that the pressure value when air is flowing through the air supply pipe 27 and the branch flow path 19c is determined. Measurement is performed. The pressure value measured at this time is defined as Pf.

After the measurement of the pressure value is completed, the washing / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23c is closed in step 33 of FIG. 6, and the operation of the compressor 26 is stopped in snap S34. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the measured pressure values (Pd, Pe, Pf) are information that does not need to be notified to the user in the same manner as in the procedure for confirming the information to be notified to the user of the liquid supply system pipeline. . For this purpose, a lower threshold C and an upper threshold D for the measured pressure value are stored in advance in the cleaning device. This threshold value is compared with the measured value of each branch channel to determine whether or not the following expression is satisfied. If the threshold value is not satisfied, it is determined that the information should be notified to the user.

Comparison formula: (lower limit threshold C) <(measured value P
d, Pe, Pf) <(upper limit threshold D) For example, it is assumed that the lower limit threshold is stored as 0.11 MPa and the upper limit threshold is stored as 0.15 MPa. Assume that the measured pressure value is 0.13 MPa. In this case, since the comparison formula is satisfied, it is determined that the information need not be notified to the user.

However, for example, if the measured value is 0.02M
Suppose that it was Pa. In this case, since the measured value is lower than the lower threshold, it is determined that the required air supply pressure is not output. This may be because the compressor 26 is not operating, or there is a leak in the pipeline on the way, or somewhere in the pipeline upstream of the pressure sensor 22 is clogged. It is determined that information to be notified to the user has occurred.

Further, for example, when the measured value is 0.18M
Suppose that it was Pa. In this case, since the measured value is above the upper limit threshold value, it is determined that excessive air supply pressure is applied to the pipeline. This may be due to the fact that the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23 is not open, or that some portion of the line downstream of the pressure sensor 22 is clogged. It is determined that information to be notified has occurred. In this way, the measured pressure value is compared with the upper and lower threshold values stored in the apparatus in advance for each branch flow path. When it is determined that any one of the branch flow paths is information to be notified to the user, the function check process is stopped and the information to be notified to the user is notified to the user. That is, in step S35, the measured pressure value of each branch channel is larger than the lower limit threshold C (Pd>
C, Pe> C, Pf> C). In this step S35, when at least one of the pressure measurement values is smaller than the threshold value C (when information to be notified to the user occurs).
Proceeds to the next step S36. In this step S36, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is sounded, and the message code display section 3 of the operation panel 32 is sounded.
FIG. 9 shows a state in which the measured pressure value is below the lower threshold according to the message code table in Table 1. A text message of "23" is displayed. Thus, the user is notified of the abnormal display and the contents thereof.

If it is determined in step S35 that all three measured pressure values are larger than the lower threshold C (no information to be notified to the user is generated), the next step S37 is performed.
Proceed to. In this step S37, the measured pressure value of each branch channel is smaller than the upper limit threshold D (Pd <D, Pe <
D, Pf <D). This step S3
In step 7, if at least one of the pressure measurement values is larger than the threshold value D (when information to be notified to the user is generated), the process proceeds to the next step S38. In this step S38, the built-in warning buzzer 48 of the endoscope washer / disinfector is sounded, and the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32 indicates that the measured pressure value exceeds the upper threshold according to the message code table of Table 1. The message code of the character "E24" is displayed. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

If it is determined that the pressure measured values of all the branch passages do not need to be notified to the user, it is necessary to notify the user of the operation of the air supply line, the compressor 26 and the valve. It is determined that there is no information, and the function check process ends.

During the operation of the process, the liquid level detecting sensor 302 is constantly monitored, and when it is determined that the washing water or the disinfectant has reached the information water level to be notified to the user, the water supply valve 13 is provided.
Is closed, and the disinfectant injection pump 17 and the detergent injection pump 205 are stopped.

At the same time, the warning buzzer 48 built into the endoscope washer / disinfector is sounded, and the information water level to be notified to the user according to the message code table shown in Table 1 on the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32 is reached. The message code of the character “E05” indicating the state is displayed.
Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By performing the function check process, the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device automatically performs pressure measurement during liquid supply and air supply,
By comparing the measured value with a threshold value stored in advance, it is determined whether or not there is any information to be notified to the user in the liquid supply line, the air supply line, the valve, the pump, the compressor, and the like.

When it is determined that the information should be notified to the user, the function check process is stopped, the warning buzzer 48 built in the device is sounded, and the message code is displayed on the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user. Therefore, information to be notified to the user in the liquid feeding pipe system and the air feeding pipe system in the apparatus can be automatically and accurately detected without bothering the user.

In this embodiment, a pressure gauge is used to detect information to be notified to the user of the pipeline, and the determination is made based on the pressure value. However, a flow meter is used instead of the pressure gauge. The determination may be made by detecting the operation state information based on the flow rate value.

Further, in this embodiment, after confirming the pipeline of the liquid supply system, the pipeline of the air supply system is confirmed. Confirmation of the system pipeline may be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, after confirming the liquid sending line, the gas sending line is checked. At this time, the pressure of the three branch passages is measured by checking the gas sending line. Is going. However, since the operation of the branch flow path was checked when checking the liquid feeding system pipe, the pressure measurement was omitted, and only one of the three branch flow paths was measured when checking the air feeding system pipe. Compressor 26 and air supply line 2 based on one pressure value
The operation of the check valve 7 and the check valve 25 may be checked.

Further, in the present embodiment, two types of liquid level detection sensors, an electrode type and a float type, are used. However, a liquid level sensor of a different detection type from among a diaphragm type, an optical type, an ultrasonic type, etc. May be installed in plurality.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. In this embodiment, the configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 6) is changed as follows. In FIG. 7, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 7, one end of a pipe 18 for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope is connected to a circulating fluid suction port 2 at an inner bottom of a cleaning tank 1 of the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus. The other end of the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting conduit 18 is branched into three flow paths, and three branched flow paths 19a, 19b, and 19c are formed. The branch channel 19a is connected to the suction channel cleaning tube connection port 4, the branch channel 19b is connected to the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, and the branch channel 19c is connected to the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6, respectively. ing. Further, a pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit, a check valve 21, and a pressure sensor (measuring means) 22 are sequentially provided in the middle of the conduit 18 for cleaning and disinfecting the conduit of the endoscope. Have been.

Next, the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of this embodiment will be described. In order to perform the function check step, first, the suction tube cleaning tube connection port 4 in the cleaning tank 1 is used.
A suction pipe cleaning tube connection port joint 9 at each of the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6, and an air / water transmission pipe cleaning tube connection port Joint 10 and the joint 11 for the connection port for the cleaning tube of the forceps raising pipe are connected. When each of these joints is installed at each connection port, each connection port is opened.

Subsequently, when the function check button 36a on the operation panel 32 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is pressed, a function check step is performed. At this time, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus executes the function check process as follows according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, water is stored in the cleaning tank 1. That is, in step S39, the pipeline switching valve 28 is operated to set the drain port 3 in a state of closing and blocking, and subsequently, in step S40.
Then, the water supply valve 13 is opened, and the cleaning water from the water tap 14 is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 through the water supply pipe 12 and the water supply port 7.

Then, in step S41, the cleaning tank 1
It is determined from the information from the water level sensor in the apparatus (not shown) whether or not the storage amount has reached the designated water level due to the water supply to the inside. When the designated water level has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step S42, and the water supply valve 13 is closed. .

Next, the pressure of the pipeline is measured. That is, the pump 2 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope channel in step S43.
As a result, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 is sucked through the circulating fluid suction port 2, through the cleaning / disinfecting conduit 18 in the endoscope conduit, via the check valve 21 and the pressure sensor 22, and further. The flow is divided into three branch channels 19a, 19b, and 19c, and reaches the suction channel cleaning tube connection port 4, the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6.

The cleaning is performed by passing through the joint 9 for the suction tube cleaning tube connection port, the joint 10 for the air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port, and the joint 11 for the cleaning tube connection port for raising the forceps. The cleaning liquid is discharged into the tank 1.

During this operation, the pressure value is measured by reading the output of the pressure sensor 22 in step S44. Note that Pg is the pressure value measured at this time when the cleaning liquid is flowing through the cleaning / disinfecting conduit 18 in the endoscope conduit and the branch passages 19a, 19b, 19c. This measured value Pg
Is a conduit 18 for washing and disinfecting the endoscope conduit and a branch passage 19
a, 19b, 19c, and the operation of the endoscope conduit cleaning / disinfecting pump 20 and the check valve 21 interposed in these conduits.

After the pressure value has been obtained, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 is discharged. That is, in step S45, the operation of the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit is stopped, and in step S46, the conduit switching valve 28 is operated to the discharge position. The drainage pump 31 is operated in step S47.

In step S48, it is determined whether the drainage pump 31 has been operated for a time sufficient to discharge the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 1. If the operation has elapsed, the flow proceeds to the next step S49, where the drainage pump is operated. The operation of 31 is stopped. When the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 is completely drained, it is determined whether there is information to be notified to the user in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus by comparing the measured pressure values. For this purpose, a lower limit threshold E and an upper limit threshold F for the measured pressure value are stored in advance in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. The threshold value and the measured value are compared to determine whether or not the following expression is satisfied. If not, the information is determined to be information to be notified to the user.

Comparative formula: (lower limit threshold value E) <(measured value P
g) <(upper limit threshold F) That is, in step S50, the measured pressure value is lower than the lower threshold E.
It is determined whether it is larger than (Pg> E). In this step S50, when the pressure measurement value is smaller than the threshold value E (when information to be notified to the user is generated), the process proceeds to the next step S51. In this step S51, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope washer / disinfector is sounded, and the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32 indicates that the measured pressure value is below the lower threshold according to the message code table of Table 1. The message code of the character "E21" is displayed. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

If the measured pressure value is larger than the lower threshold value E in step S50 (when no information to be notified to the user is not generated), the process proceeds to the next step S52. In this step S52, it is determined whether or not the measured pressure value is smaller than the upper threshold value F (Pg <F). This step S
If the measured pressure value is larger than the threshold value F (when information to be notified to the user is generated) at 52, the next step S
Go to 53.

In this step S53, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope washer / disinfector is sounded and the operation panel 3
A message code of “E22” indicating that the pressure measurement value exceeds the upper threshold according to the message code table of Table 1 is displayed on the message code display unit 39 of Table 2. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

If it is determined that the measured pressure value is information that does not need to be notified to the user, it is determined that the operation of the liquid supply system pipeline, pump, and valve is information that does not need to be notified to the user. Then, proceed to the next step.

From here, it is confirmed whether or not there is any information to be notified to the user in the operation of the air supply system pipeline or the compressor 26. That is, first, by operating the compressor 26 in step S54, the air blown from the compressor 26 passes through the air supply pipe 27 and
5. Via the pressure sensor 22, the branch flow path 19a,
A suction pipe cleaning tube connection port 4 which is divided into three parts 19b and 19c, an air / water supply pipe cleaning tube connection port 5,
The forceps riser reaches the pipe washing tube connection port 6.

The cleaning is performed by passing through the joint 9 for the suction tube cleaning tube connection port, the joint 10 for the air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port, and the joint 11 for the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port connected here. The air flows out into the tank 1. By reading the output of the pressure sensor 22 in step S55 during this operation, the pressure value when air is flowing through the air supply pipe 27 and the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, 19c is measured.

Note that Ph is a pressure value measured at this time when air is flowing through the air supply pipe 27 and the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, and 19c. This detection value Ph is based on the air supply line 27 and the branch passages 19a, 19b, 19c,
Then, it is used for confirming the operation of the compressor 26, the check valve 25 and the like interposed in these pipelines.

After the pressure measurement is completed, step S5
At 6, the operation of the compressor 26 is stopped. Subsequently, it is checked whether the measured pressure value is information that does not need to be notified to the user in the same manner as in the procedure for checking the information to be notified to the user of the liquid supply system pipeline. For this purpose, a lower threshold G and an upper threshold H for the measured pressure value are stored in advance in the cleaning device. Whether the threshold value and the measured value satisfy the following expression is compared, and if the expression does not satisfy the following expression, it is determined that the information should be notified to the user.

Comparison formula: (lower limit threshold value G) <(measured value P
h) <(upper limit threshold H) That is, in step S57, it is determined whether the pressure measurement value is larger than the lower limit threshold G (Ph> G). In this step S57, when the measured pressure value is smaller than the threshold value G (when information to be notified to the user is generated), the process proceeds to the next step S58.

In this step S58, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope washer / disinfector is sounded and the operation panel 3
In the second message code display section 39, the message code of the character "E23" indicating that the pressure measurement value is lower than the lower threshold is displayed according to the message code table of Table 1. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

If the measured pressure value is larger than the lower limit threshold value G in step S57 (when there is no information to be notified to the user), the flow advances to the next step S59. In this step S59, it is determined whether or not the measured pressure value is smaller than the upper threshold value H (Ph <H). This step S
At 59, if the pressure measurement value is larger than the threshold value H (if information to be notified to the user is generated), the next step S
Proceed to 60.

In step S60, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope washer / disinfector is sounded and the operation panel 3
In accordance with the message code table of Table 1, the message code of the character "E24" indicating that the pressure measurement value exceeds the upper threshold is displayed on the message code display section 39 of Table 2. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

If it is determined that the measured pressure value is information that does not need to be notified to the user, it is determined that the operation of the air supply line, the compressor, and the valve is information that does not need to be notified to the user. Then, the function check process ends.

According to the present embodiment, the branch flow paths 19a, 1
Since the cleaning liquid and the air are simultaneously supplied to 9b and 19c, the branch flow paths 19a and
As compared with the case where the pressure is measured for each of 9b and 19c, the pipe resistance is reduced and the measured pressure value is also reduced. Therefore, the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope channel is used.
When the performance of the compressor 26 is low, the measurement is performed when the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, and 19c are information that does not need to be notified to the user, and when one of the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, and 19c is blocked. It is possible that the pressure values are equivalent.

In such a case, the respective connection ports of the suction channel cleaning tube connection port 4, the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6 in the cleaning tank 1. The joint 9 for the suction line cleaning tube connection port, the joint 10 for the air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port, and the joint 11 for the cleaning tube connection port for raising the forceps, which are connected to the pipes, are provided with appropriate pipe resistance such as an orifice. A mechanism for generating the light may be provided.

By the above-mentioned mechanism, the case where all three of the branch flow paths need not notify the user and the case where one of the branch flow paths
It is possible to easily cause a significant difference in the measured pressure value between the state in which the clogging is performed and the state in which the clogging is performed.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, according to the present embodiment, by performing the function check process, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus automatically performs pressure measurement at the time of liquid supply and air supply, and compares the measured value with a threshold value stored in advance. It is determined whether there is no information to be notified to the user in the liquid supply line and the air supply line by doing, and if it is determined that the information is to be notified to the user, the function check process is stopped. By generating a warning buzzer 48 built in the apparatus and displaying a message code on the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32, information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user. It is like that.

Therefore, information to be notified to the user in the liquid feeding pipe system and the air feeding pipe system in the apparatus can be automatically detected with a simple and accurate configuration without bothering the user. Also, the number of parts on the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device side,
The control method can be simplified as compared with the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus automatically checks information to be notified to the user in the apparatus. There is also a way to have them check visually without any hassle or time. The embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6).
The configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention is changed as follows. In FIG. 9, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 50 denotes a function check tube. The function check tube 50 has three tubes 51a, 51b, and 51c. One end of each of the tubes 51a, 51b, and 51c is connected to the suction tube cleaning tube connection port 4 in the cleaning tank 1.
And the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5 and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6.

The three tubes 51a, 51a
The other ends of b and 51c are connected to a block 52. This block 52 has tubes 51a, 51b, 5
The liquid flowing from 1c is directly supplied to the three openings 53
a, 53b and 53c are discharged above the block 52. Also, this block 52 is used for cleaning tank 1.
It can be fixed near the center inside.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The three tubes 51a and 51 of the function check tube 50
b and 51c are attached to the suction tube cleaning tube connection port 4, the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6 in the cleaning tank 1.

Next, the block 52 of the function check tube 50 is fixed in the cleaning tank 1, and the function check step is started by operating the operation panel 32. When the function check step is started, the cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning tank 1. After reaching the designated water level, the pump 20 for washing and disinfecting the endoscope channel is operated.

The cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 1 is suctioned from the circulating fluid suction port 2 by the operation of the cleaning / disinfecting pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit. Through the internal washing / disinfecting pipe line 18, the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, 1
9c is divided into three, and the suction line cleaning tube connection port 4
Then, it reaches the air / water supply channel cleaning tube connection port 5 and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6.

The function check tube 5 connected here
The cleaning liquid is discharged into the cleaning tank 1 through the cleaning tank 1. Here, the block 52 of the function check tube 50 is provided to the user.
By visually confirming that the cleaning liquid is blowing out from the openings 53a, 53b, 53c, the operation of the pumps and valves inside the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is confirmed.

According to the above configuration, the following effects can be obtained. That is, according to the present embodiment, information to be notified to the user of the pipeline of the apparatus can be detected simply and in a short time without manually checking each pipeline individually, and The number of components on the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus side and the control method can be simplified as compared with the first and second embodiments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an embodiment in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 1. FIG. FIG.
In (A) and (B), 80a to 80h are ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers 80a to 80h are arranged on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 1, and are driven when the endoscope 100 is cleaned.
The ultrasonic cleaning of the endoscope 100 is performed.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that eight ultrasonic transducers 8 are used.
0a to 80h are arranged. The cleaning tank 1 has a shallow portion where the insertion portion 101 of the installed endoscope 100 is installed, and a deep portion where the operation portion 102 and the electric connector 103 are installed. The ultrasonic transducers 80a to 80d are the endoscope 1
The ultrasonic vibrators 80e to 80h
Is disposed at a shallow depth of water for cleaning the insertion section 101 of the endoscope 100.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the ultrasonic vibrator 80 and a circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator 80. In the figure, reference numeral 81 denotes a reference signal generation circuit. This reference signal generation circuit 81
Thus, a reference signal having a frequency for driving the ultrasonic transducer 80 is generated. The reference signal generation circuit 81 inputs a reference signal to the multiplier 82.

The multiplier 82 has a C of the endoscope washer / disinfector.
A signal from a D / A converter 83 that has converted a digital signal from the PU 42 into an analog signal is also input. Multiplier 82
Then, a signal obtained by multiplying the input reference signal generated by the reference signal generation circuit 81 and the signal from the D / A converter 83 is output to the amplifier circuit 84.

The amplification circuit 84 drives the ultrasonic vibrator 80 by amplifying the input signal and supplying the output to the ultrasonic vibrator 80. The output from the amplifying circuit 84 is supplied in parallel to a set of four ultrasonic transducers, two each for the ultrasonic transducers 80a and 80b, 80c and 80d, 80e and 80f, and 80g and 80h.

The output from the amplifier circuit 84 is measured by the voltage detection circuit 85 and the current detection circuits 86a to 86d. Then, the voltage value measured by the voltage detection circuit 85 and the current value measured by the current detection circuits 86a to 86d are output to the CPU.

Here, the current detection circuit 85a measures the current flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers 80a and 80b, and outputs the measured current value to the CPU. Similarly,
The current detection circuit 85b has two ultrasonic transducers 80c and 80d.
The current flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers is detected by a current detection circuit 85c.
Represents the current flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers 80e and 80f, and the current detection circuit 85d represents the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 80e.
The currents flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers g and 80h are measured.

FIGS. 12A to 12C show the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1.
Detergent bottle 200 and detergent bottle 200 built in 19
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a storage tray 201 of FIG. Detergent bottle 200
Stores a detergent used when the endoscope 100 is cleaned by the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 119. Detergents are used and must be replenished by the user as they decrease. At this time, the storage tray 201 is arranged so as to be pulled out from the front of the endoscope cleaning device 119 so that the detergent bottle 200 can be easily taken out from the endoscope cleaning device 119.

Also, when the storage tray 201 is pulled out, the detergent supply pipe 202 connected to the detergent injection pump 205 of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus does not come off from the detergent bottle 200 so that the detergent supply pipe 202 is pulled out only by the amount that the storage tray 201 is pulled out. Has redundancy.

Further, the redundancy of the detergent pipe tube 202 is such that when the storage tray 201 is stored, the detergent pipe tube 20 is prevented from being entangled or buckled by the spring 203.
2 is suspended. That is, when the storage tray 201 is stored, the spring 203 contracts, and the detergent supply pipe 2
Since the redundant portion 02 is lifted by the spring 203, the detergent supply pipe 202 is not entangled or buckled. Further, when the storage tray 201 is pulled out, the spring 203 is extended, and the redundant portion of the detergent supply pipe 202 is extended along the storage tray 201 so that the detergent supply pipe 202 is not stretched or pulled out. Has become.

In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, when cleaning and disinfecting the used endoscope 100, first, the cleaning tank 1 is used.
The endoscope 100 is installed at the end. Then, a suction line cleaning tube connection port 4 in the cleaning tank 1, an air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port 5, and a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6
Then, one end of an unillustrated suction channel cleaning tube, an air / water supply channel cleaning tube, and one end of a forceps raising pipe cleaning tube are connected. The other ends of these washing tubes are connected to a suction line, an air supply / water supply line, and a forceps raising pipe of an endoscope (not shown). Thereafter, an optimum cleaning / disinfecting program is selected by the program selection button 33 of the operation panel 32 according to the type of endoscope and the use conditions of the endoscope, and the cleaning / disinfecting process start button 34 is pressed to start the cleaning / disinfecting process.

When the cleaning / disinfecting process is started, the ultrasonic cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and air-supplying processes are sequentially and automatically performed. First, in the cleaning step, water is stored in the cleaning tank 1. The pipe line switching valve 28 is operated to close and shut off the drain port 3. Subsequently, the water supply valve 13 is opened, and the washing water from the tap 14 of the tap water enters the washing tank 1 through the water supply pipe 12 and the water supply port 7. Supplied.

Then, it is determined from the information from the liquid level sensor 301 whether or not the stored amount has reached the designated water level due to the supply of water into the cleaning tank 1.
Is closed. Subsequently, the detergent pump 120 operates for a certain period of time, and the detergent is injected into the cleaning tank 1. Here, the reason why the detergent is injected after the water supply is to prevent foaming of the liquid surface.

Subsequently, the pump 2 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope channel is used.
The cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 1 is sucked from the circulating fluid suction port 2 by the operation of the check valve 21, the check valve 21, the pressure sensor 22, and the branch flow through the cleaning / disinfecting conduit 18 in the endoscope conduit. Via the passage 19 and the washing / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23, the suction tube cleaning tube connection port 4, the air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port 5, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6 are reached. .

From here, the suction pipe of the endoscope 100 and the air / water supply pipe via the suction pipe cleaning tube, the air / water supply pipe cleaning tube, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning pipe connected to each connection port. The cleaning water is sent to the channel and the forceps raising pipe, whereby the respective channels of the endoscope 100 are cleaned. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting pipeline switching solenoid valves 23a, 23b, 23c
Is operated to individually feed the liquid into each of the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, and 19c, thereby performing cleaning for each conduit of the endoscope 100. This is to ensure the pressure and flow rate of the cleaning water flowing to each pipe, and to perform the cleaning without fail. In addition, the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit after water supply is operated.
This is to prevent ripples on the water surface.

By driving the ultrasonic vibrator 80, ultrasonic cleaning is performed. When the ultrasonic cleaning is started, the reference signal generation circuit 81 generates a reference signal having a frequency for driving the ultrasonic vibrator 80. For example, this reference signal is a 36 kHz sine wave of 2 Vp-p.

At this time, a digital signal, for example, "1" is input from the CPU to the D / A converter 83 so as to multiply the reference signal by 1, and a signal obtained by converting this input into an analog signal, for example, 1V, is supplied to the D / A converter 83. The A converter 83 is a multiplier 82
Output to The multiplier 82 outputs a signal obtained by multiplying the input reference signal from the reference signal generation circuit 81 and the signal from the D / A converter 83.

That is, when the control signal 1V is input to the sine wave of the reference frequency 3Vp-p, the output is 3Vp-p.
Sine wave. The signal output from the multiplier 82 is input to the amplifier circuit 84. The amplifier circuit 84 amplifies the input signal to drive the ultrasonic vibrator 80. For example, when the gain of the amplifier circuit is set to 40 times, when the input to the amplifier circuit 84 is 3 Vp-p, the output is 120 Vp-p.

This output is output from the ultrasonic vibrators 80a and 80a.
b, 80c and 80d, 80e and 80f, 80g and 80h
Are supplied in parallel to two sets of four ultrasonic vibrators, and each ultrasonic vibrator is driven to perform ultrasonic cleaning. Then, the ultrasonic transducers 80a to 80a to
For the output supplied to 80h, the output voltage is measured by the voltage detection circuit 84, and the measurement result is output to the CPU. The output voltage measured at this time is defined as Vout.

The current flowing through each set of two ultrasonic transducers is measured by the current detection circuits 85a to 85d, and the measured current values are output to the CPU.
That is, the current detection circuit 85a is connected to the ultrasonic vibrators 80a and 80a.
The current flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers 0b is measured, and the measured current value is output to the CPU.

The output current measured at this time is represented by I₁Toss
You. Similarly, the current detecting circuit 85b is connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 80c.
And the current flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers of 80d are measured,
The measured current value is output to the CPU. Measured at this time
Output current is I₂And The current detection circuit 85c is an ultrasonic wave
The electric current flowing through the two ultrasonic transducers 80e and 80f
The current is measured, and the measured current value is output to the CPU. this
When the measured output current is I₃And Current detection circuit 8
5d is two ultrasonic vibrations of the ultrasonic vibrators 80g and 80h
The current flowing through the probe is measured, and the measured current value is output to the CPU.
Power. The output current measured at this time is represented by I_FourAnd C
In the PU, the output voltage sent from the voltage detection circuit 84
Wout and sent from current detection circuits 85a-85d
Output current I₁ ~ I_FourFrom the ultrasonic transducers 80a to 80h
Is calculated from the following equation.

Wout = Vout × (I ₁ + I ₂ + I ₃ + I ₄ ) The calculated output value Wout is compared with a previously stored output reference value Ws. If the output value Wout is larger than the output reference value Ws, the output is reduced. Thus, the signal sent to the multiplier 82 is reduced. That is, when Wout> Ws, the reference signal is set to, for example, 1
The D / A converter 83 outputs a digital signal “0.5” to the D / A converter 83 so as to increase the output signal by a factor of ２, and converts the input signal into an analog signal, for example, a control signal of 0.5 V. Output to

The multiplier 82 outputs an amplifier input signal obtained by multiplying the input reference signal from the reference signal generation circuit 81 and the signal from the input signal 83. That is, when the control signal 0.5V is input to the sine wave of the reference frequency 3Vp-p, the output is a 1.5Vp-p sine wave. The signal output from the multiplier 82 is input to the amplifier circuit 84 and amplified 40 times to supply an output of 60 Vp-p to the ultrasonic transducer 80.

Conversely, when the calculated output value Wout is smaller than the output reference value Ws stored in advance, the signal sent to the multiplier 82 is increased to increase the output. That is,
If Wout <Ws, a digital signal “2” is output to the D / A converter 83 so as to double the reference signal, for example, and a control signal of 2V, which is an analog signal of this input, is D / A converted. The output from the multiplier 83 is output to the multiplier 82.

The multiplier 82 outputs an amplifier input signal obtained by multiplying the input reference signal from the reference signal generation circuit 81 and the signal from the D / A converter 83. That is, when the control signal 2V is input to the sine wave of the reference frequency 3Vp-p, the output is a 6Vp-p sine wave. The signal output from the multiplier 82 is input to an amplifier circuit 84, amplified by a factor of 40, and supplies an output of 240 Vp-p to the ultrasonic transducer 80.

By the way, there are various types of endoscopes, such as a stomach endoscope, a bronchial endoscope, a colonic endoscope, and an ultrasonic endoscope, and their structures are also various. Whereas a gastric endoscope is a standard size, a bronchial endoscope has a short and thin insertion portion. In addition, the endoscope for the large intestine has a long insertion portion. The ultrasonic endoscope is provided with an ultrasonic code and a sub-operation unit, and is very large.

In washing and disinfecting various types of endoscopes as described above, the load applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 80 greatly changes depending on the type of endoscope to be cleaned. By monitoring and controlling the power supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator as described above, the ultrasonic vibrator is always driven at a constant power, and a constant cleaning power is efficiently maintained.

The CPU performs power control and determines whether the ultrasonic vibrator 80 has information to notify the user at the same time.
It is confirmed by comparing the current values I ₁ and I _{2, and} I ₃ and I ₄ , respectively. Here, the current values I ₁ and I ₂ are the currents flowing through the pair of ultrasonic transducers 80a and 80b and the pair of 80c and 80d, respectively. Ultrasonic transducer 80a-
80d denotes an operation unit 102 of the endoscope 100 and the electric connector 1
03 is disposed in a deep portion of the washing tank 1 in which the ultrasonic transducers 80a to 80d are almost equally loaded. Then, the current values I ₁ and I
₂ usually shows almost the same value.

The current values I ₃ and I ₄ are respectively
This is the current flowing through the pair of ultrasonic transducers 80e and 80f and the pair of 80g and 80h. Since the ultrasonic transducers 80e to 80h are arranged in the shallow portion of the cleaning tank 1 in which the insertion portion 101 of the endoscope 100 is installed, the ultrasonic transducers 80e to 80h are substantially equivalent to the ultrasonic transducers 80e to 80h. Load is applied. Therefore, the current value I ₃ and I ₄ are would normally shows almost the same value.

[0153] However, if you do not operate any even one of the ultrasonic transducer 80A? 80H, current value I ₁ and _{I 2,} or, not shown the same value _{I 3} and I _4. Therefore, the CPU calculates the current values I ₁ and I
_2, I ₃ and checks whether the information should be notified to the user to the ultrasonic transducer 80 is not by comparing I _4, respectively.

(Equation 1) X1 = I₁÷ I₂× 100 X2 = I₃÷ I
_Four× 100 Here, X1 and X2 are within an appropriate range stored in advance.
Information to be notified to the user based on whether the
I do. For example, the appropriate range is supposed to be 80% to 120%.
Then, the measurement result of the current value is I₁= 1.2A, I₂
= 1.4A, I ₃= 1.3A, I_Four= 1, 1A
Suppose Then, the calculation result of the above expression is X1 ≒ 85.7.
%, X2 ≒ 118.2%, and the appropriate range is 80% to 12%.
Information that does not need to be notified to the user because it is within 0%
Refuse.

However, for example, the measurement result of the current value is I
₁ = 1.2 A, I ₂ = 1.8 A, I ₃ = 1.3
A, I ₄ = 0.6A. Then, the calculation results of the above expression are X1 ≒ 66.7% and X2 ≒ 216.7%, and both are out of the appropriate range of 80% to 120%, so that it is determined that the information should be notified to the user. Of course, if either X1 or X2 is out of the proper range, the information is to be notified to the user. As described above, by comparing the currents flowing through the ultrasonic vibrators subjected to substantially the same load, it is possible to accurately detect information to be notified to the user of the ultrasonic vibrator.

At the same time, a threshold value is set for each of I _{1 to} I _4, and it is determined that the information should be notified to the user when the current value is excessively low or excessively high. That is, for example, when the upper limit is set to 3A and the lower limit is set to 0.5A, I
Compare the upper and lower limits for each of _{1 to} I ₄ ,
Even when the threshold value is exceeded, the information is to be notified to the user. This can detect, for example, a disconnection or a case where there is information to be notified to the user in the power supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator based on information to be notified to the user of the oscillation circuit.

That is, for example, I ₁ = 0A, I ₂ = 0
A, I ₃ = 3.7 A and I ₄ = 3.8 A. In this case, although the calculation result of Equation 1 falls within the information range that does not need to be notified to the user, each of I _{1 to} I ₄ is out of the upper limit value 3A and the lower limit value 0.5A, so the user is notified. Judge that the information should be. Of course, if any of I _{1 to} I ₄ deviates from the threshold value, the information is to be notified to the user.

When it is determined that the information should be notified to the user, the cleaning / disinfecting process is stopped, the warning buzzer 48 built in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device is sounded, and the message code display section 39 of the operation panel 32 is sounded. In accordance with the message code table shown in Table 1, a message code of "E61" indicating information to be notified to the user of the ultrasonic circuit is displayed. Thus, the generation of information to be notified to the user and the contents thereof are notified to the user.

When the ultrasonic cleaning step is completed without any information to be notified to the user, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 is discharged out of the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. That is, the operation of the endoscope pipeline cleaning / disinfecting pump 20 is first stopped, and the pipeline switching valve 28 is operated to set the drain position so that the drain port 3 communicates with the drain pipeline 30. Next, the drainage pump 31 is operated. The drainage pump 31 operates for a time sufficient to drain the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 1 to a designated water level. This time is a value determined in advance by the storage amount and the pump capacity. When the specified time has elapsed, the operation of the drainage pump 31 is stopped.

Subsequently, the disinfection step is started. First, a disinfectant is stored in the cleaning tank 1. That is, the pipeline switching valve 2
The disinfecting solution pump 17 is operated by operating the disinfecting solution pump 16, and the disinfecting solution stored in the disinfecting solution tank 16 is supplied through the disinfecting solution supply 15 and the disinfecting solution inlet 8. It is supplied into the cleaning tank 1.

Then, the liquid level sensor 30 determines whether or not the stored amount has reached the specified liquid level by injecting the disinfectant into the cleaning tank 1.
Judging from the information from 1, the operation of the disinfecting solution injection pump 17 is stopped when the designated water level is reached. Thus, the cleaning tank 1
By filling the inside with the disinfectant, the endoscope 100 installed in the cleaning tank 1 is immersed in the disinfectant, and the outer surface of the endoscope 100 is disinfected.

After the disinfectant is stored, the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope conduit is operated, whereby the disinfectant in the cleaning tank 1 is sucked from the circulating fluid suction port 2 and the endoscope conduit is cleaned. A check valve 21, a pressure sensor 22,
Further, via the branch flow path 19 and the cleaning / disinfecting line switching electromagnetic valve 23 in order, to the suction line cleaning tube connection port 4, the air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port 5, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connection port 6. And reach.

From here, the suction pipe of the endoscope 100 and the air / water supply pipe via the suction pipe cleaning tube and the air / water supply pipe cleaning tube connected to each connection port, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube. The disinfecting solution is sent to the channel and the forceps raising pipe, thereby disinfecting each channel of the endoscope 100.

At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting line switching solenoid valve 23
a, 23b, and 23c are operated, and each branch flow path 19a, 1
Disinfection is performed for each conduit of the endoscope 100 by individually sending the liquids to 9b and 19c. This is to ensure the pressure and flow rate of the disinfectant flowing into each conduit, and to reliably fill each endoscope conduit with the disinfectant. The reason why the pump 20 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope channel after the disinfectant is injected is to prevent the liquid surface from waving.

Then, when the selected disinfecting time has elapsed, the disinfecting solution in the cleaning tank 1 is collected in the disinfecting solution tank 16 and the disinfecting step is completed.

That is, by operating the line switching valve 28 to the collection position, the drain port 3 is communicated with the collection line 29, and the cleaning tank 1 and the disinfectant tank 16 are communicated, thereby disinfecting. The liquid is recovered by its own weight from the washing tank 1 to the disinfectant tank 16.

When the disinfection step is completed, a rinsing step is subsequently performed. In the rinsing step, water is stored in the cleaning tank 1 in the same manner as in the ultrasonic cleaning step, and then the endoscope pipe cleaning / disinfecting pump 20 is operated, and the cleaning water is supplied to each pipe of the endoscope 100. By sending, rinsing of the outer surface of the endoscope 100 and the inside of each conduit is performed.

When the rinsing is completed, the washing water in the washing tank 1 is discharged out of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus in the same manner as in the ultrasonic washing step. Thereafter, when the compressor 26 operates, the air blown out from the compressor 26 passes through the air supply pipe 27 and passes through the check valve 25 and the pressure sensor 22.
, Further, through a branch flow path 19, through a cleaning / disinfection pipeline switching electromagnetic valve 23, a suction pipeline cleaning tube connection port 4, an air / water supply pipeline cleaning tube connection port 5, a forceps rising pipe cleaning tube connection port. Reach 6

From here, the suction pipe of the endoscope 100 and the air / water supply pipe via the suction pipe cleaning tube, the air / water supply pipe cleaning tube, and the forceps raising pipe cleaning tube connected to each connection port. By sending air to the channel and the forceps raising pipe, water removal in each channel of the endoscope 100 is performed. At this time, the cleaning / disinfecting pipeline switching solenoid valves 23a, 23b, 23c
Is operated to individually supply air to each of the branch flow paths 19a, 19b, and 19c, thereby removing water for each conduit of the endoscope 100. This is to ensure the pressure and flow rate of the air flowing to each pipeline and to reliably remove water.

As described above, a series of washing and disinfecting steps are performed.

According to the above-described embodiment, the following configuration can be obtained.

(Supplementary Note 1) A conduit connecting portion connected to the conduit of the endoscope is provided, and a fluid for washing and disinfecting is flowed through the conduit of the endoscope to clean and disinfect the conduit of the endoscope. In a possible endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, a joint that is connected to the conduit connection to open the conduit connection, measuring means for measuring a physical quantity of a fluid flowing through the conduit connection, An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprising: a control unit that determines whether a value measured by the measuring unit does not need to be notified to a user or information to be notified to a user.

(Supplementary Note 2) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the measuring means is a pressure measuring means for a fluid flowing through the pipe connection part.

(Supplementary Note 3) The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the measuring means is a means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the conduit connection portion.

(Supplementary Note 4) The control means, when it is determined that the measurement result measured by the measuring means is the information to be notified to the user, notifies the user of the fluid flowing through the pipe connection part. An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to appendix 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying an information state to be performed.

[0176]

As described above, according to the present invention, the pipe connecting section connected to the pipe of the endoscope is provided with a measuring means for measuring the fluid flowing through the pipe connecting section. By providing a control means for determining whether the measured value measured by the measuring means is information that does not need to be notified to the user or information to be notified to the user, the manual work of the user is reduced, and it is simple and in a short time. There is an effect that it is possible to accurately confirm whether there is no leak in the pipeline in the cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, whether the compressor or the pump is operating, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a cleaning tube connection port and a connection port joint of the embodiment, wherein FIG. 2A is a side view and FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary front view of the operation panel according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows the bottom of the cleaning tank of the embodiment, wherein (A) is a longitudinal side view and (B) is a plan view.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows the endoscope cleaning device of the embodiment, and (A)
Is a perspective view, and (B) and (C) are longitudinal side views showing the operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cleaning tank 4 ... Suction line cleaning tube connection port 5 ... Air / water supply line cleaning tube connection port 6 ... Forceps rising pipe cleaning tube connection port 9 ... Suction line cleaning tube connection port joint 10 ... Air supply Joint for water tube cleaning tube connection port 11 ... Joint for cleaning tube connection port for forceps raising pipe 22 ... Pressure sensor

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A conduit connecting portion connected to a conduit of an endoscope, wherein a fluid for cleaning and disinfecting operation is flowed through the conduit of the endoscope so that the inside of the conduit of the endoscope can be cleaned and disinfected. In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, a joint that is connected to the conduit connection portion to open the conduit connection portion; a measuring unit that measures a physical quantity of a fluid flowing through the conduit connection portion; Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, comprising: control means for judging whether the measured value measured in (1) is information that does not need to be notified to the user or information to be notified to the user.