JP2009066291A - Endoscope cleaning system - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope that can easily detect the cleaning state of each part without increasing the number of work steps.
An insertion portion including a flexible and long linear line portion and an imaging portion connected to a tip of the linear portion, and an end portion of the insertion portion on the side opposite to the imaging portion is connected An operation unit for operating the insertion unit, an endoscope having a plurality of light emitting units disposed on the surface of the insertion unit at a predetermined interval from each other, and a cleaning unit for cleaning the endoscope are mounted in the cleaning unit. An endoscope cleaning machine that cleans the endoscope, a light detection unit that detects light from the light emitting unit on the endoscope placed in the cleaning unit, and a determination value is calculated from the detection result of the light detection unit. The above-described problem is solved by having a surface state detection unit that detects the surface state of the endoscope.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope, and specifically relates to an endoscope cleaning system that cleans an endoscope for use in a clean state.

An endoscope inserts an insertion tube into a living body such as a human body, thereby performing in-vivo diagnosis, specimen collection, treatment, and the like.
Endoscopes are usually not disposable and are used repeatedly for multiple patients. In order to repeatedly use the endoscope in this way, it is necessary to carefully clean the endoscope every time it is used in order to prevent bacterial infection that is mediated by the endoscope. Further, the endoscope after washing needs to be in a state where it is reliably washed, that is, a state where no dirt remains.
As an endoscope cleaning machine that can also check whether dirt remains in the endoscope, for example, an endoscope cleaning apparatus described in Patent Document 1 and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus described in Patent Document 2 are used. is there.

  In Patent Document 1, after coloring the entire outer surface of the endoscope with a dye solution for the degree of cleaning, the surface of the endoscope is washed for a predetermined time, and the dye solution adheres to the outer surface of the endoscope after washing. A cleaning device is described that detects whether or not a dye solution has been removed and ends the cleaning process, and if the cleaning solution remains, continues the cleaning process for a predetermined time. .

  In Patent Document 2, the degree of contamination of electrolyzed water used for cleaning the endoscope at the time of washing is detected, and the washing time and the property of the electrolyzed water are adjusted based on the detection result of the degree of dirt. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is described.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-276977 JP 2002-263066 A

  By detecting the cleaning state of the endoscope as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to confirm whether or not dirt remains in the endoscope.

However, in the cleaning device described in Patent Document 1, if there is unevenness in coloring with the dye solution for the degree of cleaning, that is, unevenness in coating, detection control may be reduced. In addition, since the dye is applied to an endoscope that needs to be cleaned, it is necessary to perform cleaning until the dye drops, which increases the number of cleaning steps and increases costs.
In addition, since the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device described in Patent Document 2 measures the amount of organic water in the electrolytic water for cleaning the endoscope, in which part of the endoscope dirt remains. There is a problem that cannot be detected.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems based on the above prior art, and to easily detect the cleaning state of each part without increasing the work process, and to efficiently and reliably clean the endoscope. It is to provide an endoscope cleaning system.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first aspect of the present invention is an insertion unit including a flexible and long line-shaped linear part and an imaging unit connected to a tip of the linear part, An endoscope having an operation unit that is connected to an end of the insertion unit opposite to the imaging unit and operates the insertion unit, and a plurality of light emitting units that are arranged on the surface of the insertion unit at a predetermined interval from each other An endoscope cleaning machine for cleaning the endoscope placed in the cleaning section, and a cleaning section for cleaning the endoscope, and the endoscope placed in the cleaning section A light detection unit that detects light from the light emitting unit, and a surface state detection mechanism that includes a surface state detection unit that calculates a determination value from a result detected by the light detection unit and detects a surface state of the endoscope An endoscope cleaning system is provided.

Here, in the endoscope cleaning system according to the first aspect, it is preferable that the light emitting unit is disposed over the entire surface of the insertion unit.
Further, it is preferable that the light emitting unit is further arranged in the operation unit.
Further, the endoscope can be detachably connected to at least one of a power source and a light source, and includes a connector unit that supplies at least one of electric power and light to the operation unit and the insertion unit, and the operation unit and the connector. It is preferable that a universal cord to be connected is provided, and the light emitting unit is further disposed on at least one of the connector and the universal cord.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a second embodiment of the present invention is an insertion unit including a flexible and long line-shaped linear part and an imaging unit connected to a tip of the linear part, An operation unit that is connected to an end of the insertion unit opposite to the imaging unit and operates the insertion unit, and a detection unit that includes a plurality of optical sensors arranged on the surface of the insertion unit at a predetermined interval from each other. An endoscope, an endoscope cleaning machine that has a cleaning unit that cleans the endoscope, and that cleans the endoscope placed in the cleaning unit, and the endoscope that is placed in the cleaning unit A light source that irradiates light to a mirror, a receiving unit that receives a measurement value measured by the optical sensor of the endoscope that is irradiated with light from the light source, and a determination value that is calculated from the measurement value that is received by the receiving unit; Endoscope washing having a surface state detection mechanism having a surface state detection unit for detecting the surface state of the endoscope It is intended to provide a system.

Here, in the endoscope cleaning system according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the optical sensor is disposed over the entire surface of the insertion portion.
Moreover, it is preferable that the said detection part is further provided with the optical sensor arrange | positioned at the said operation part.
Further, the endoscope can be detachably connected to at least one of a power source and a light source, and includes a connector unit that supplies at least one of electric power and light to the operation unit and the insertion unit, and the operation unit and the connector. It is preferable that a universal cord to be connected is provided, and the detection unit further includes an optical sensor disposed on at least one of the connector and the universal cord.

In the endoscope cleaning systems of the first and second embodiments, it is preferable that the surface state detection unit calculates a determination value based on a comparison with a measurement result of the cleaned endoscope.
The cleaning state detection mechanism further adjusts the processing time of the endoscope by the endoscope cleaning machine or the processing conditions of the endoscope based on the detection result of the surface state detection unit. It is preferable to provide a part.
Moreover, it is preferable that the said process conditions are the stirring speed or temperature of a washing | cleaning liquid.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily detect the cleaning state of each part at the time of cleaning without increasing the number of work steps at the time of cleaning, and to confirm whether the dirt is removed for each part. Thereby, it is possible to easily and finely detect the cleaning state.
Further, by adjusting the cleaning conditions and the cleaning time according to the detection result of the surface state of the endoscope, the endoscope can be cleaned without waste and without leaving dirt.

  An endoscope cleaning system according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of the endoscope cleaning system of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope cleaning system 2 includes an endoscope 10 and two cleaning units 201, and an endoscope cleaning machine 200 that cleans and disinfects the endoscope 10 with the cleaning unit 201, An endoscope surface state detection mechanism 250 that detects the surface state of the endoscope 10 is configured.
Hereinafter, each part will be described.

First, the endoscope 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of the endoscope of the present invention used in the endoscope cleaning system, and FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is a perspective view shown.

The endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 2 captures (photographs) an image of an examination site using a CCD sensor 60, and observes the examination site and takes a moving image or a still image. Thus, it has an insertion portion 12, an operation portion 14, a connector 16, and a universal cord 18 as in a normal endoscope. The endoscope 10 further includes a plurality of light emitting units 21.
The endoscope 10 observes an examination site, takes a photograph or a movie, collects a tissue, and the like from an insertion portion 12 inserted into the examination site such as a body cavity (digestive tract, otolaryngology, etc.).

  The insertion part 12 is a long part to be inserted into an examination part such as a body cavity, and includes a tip part 22 at the tip (insertion-side tip = opposite end of the operation part 14), an angle part 24, and a flexible part 26. And have.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a CCD sensor 60 for imaging the examination site is arranged at the distal end portion 22 as in a known endoscope, and an optical system for imaging the examination site by the CCD sensor 60 ( An imaging) lens 62 and a prism 64 for making an image (light) incident on the lens 62 incident on the imaging surface of the CCD sensor 60 are provided. The output signal of the CCD sensor 60 is subjected to predetermined processing such as A / D conversion by the processing substrate 68 and is output. The output signal lines from the processing board 68 are combined into one, and the data cable 70 is inserted through the angle portion 24 and the flexible portion 26, through the operation portion 14 to the universal cord 18 to the connector 16, and to the video connector 56. Is done.

  Further, the distal end portion 22 is provided with an air / water supply port 72 for supplying air or water to the examination site, a forceps port 74 for inserting a forceps for collecting tissue into the examination site, and the like. Furthermore, a light guide 76 (its light emitting end) for illuminating the examination site, which is composed of an optical fiber or the like, is provided.

The angle portion (curved portion) 24 is a region that is bent up and down and left and right (four directions orthogonal) by the operation of the operation portion 14 in order to insert the distal end portion 22 into the target position or to position the tip portion 22 at the target position. In the endoscope 10 of the illustrated example, the angle portion 24 has a configuration in which a large number of circular rings are connected in the same manner as the angle portion of a known endoscope, and the angle portion is curved in this ring. Wires (angle wires) are connected.
The angle portion 24 is bent by an operation of an LR knob 36 and a UD knob 38 of the operation unit 14 described later.

The flexible portion 26 is a portion that connects the distal end portion 22 and the angle portion 24 and the operation portion 14, and is a long portion having sufficient flexibility for insertion into the examination portion.
The flexible portion 26 (and the angle portion 24) is a conduit connected to a forceps channel (forceps tube) that is a conduit connected to a forceps port 74 for inserting forceps, and an air supply / water supply port 72. The air / water channel (air / water tube), the data cable 70, the light guide 76, the wire for bending the angle portion 24, and the like are accommodated / inserted.

The operation unit 14 is a part that operates the endoscope 10.
As with a normal endoscope, the operation unit 14 is connected to the forceps channel 78 and is inserted into the forceps port 28 for inserting forceps, and the forceps port 74 through the forceps channel 78 performs suction from the forceps port 74. The air supply / water supply button 32 and the like for supplying air and water from the air supply / water supply port 72 of the distal end portion 22 to the examination site and the like via the suction button 30 and the air supply / water supply channel 80 are arranged.
In addition, the endoscope 10 that is an electronic scope includes various switches for observing / photographing images with the CCD sensor 60, such as a zoom switch, a still image shooting switch, and a moving image shooting switch. Is provided with a light emission control unit for controlling the light emission timing, intensity, and the like of each light emitting unit.

  Further, the operation unit 14 includes an LR knob (left / right knob) 36 that bends the angle part 24 leftward and rightward, and a UD knob (up / down) that bends the angle part 24 upward and downward. (Knob) 36 is arranged. In the endoscope 10, as in various known endoscopes, the wire connected to the angle portion 24 is pulled by rotating the LR knob 36 and the UD knob 36, and the angle portion 24 is pulled. As a result, the angle portion 24 is bent in the vertical and horizontal directions or in the combined vertical and horizontal directions.

The connector (LG (Light Guide) connector) 16 is a part for connecting the endoscope 10 with a water supply means, an air supply means, a suction means, etc. in a facility using an endoscope, and is not shown in the figure. However, a water supply connector for connecting the endoscope 10 to the water supply (water supply) means of the facility, a ventilation connector for connecting to the air supply means, a suction connector for connecting to the suction means, and the like are arranged. Further, the connector 16 has an LG bar 52 for connecting a light guide 76 for illuminating the examination site and an illumination light source, an S terminal (not shown) for connecting an S cord when an electronic knife is used, and the like. As described above, since the endoscope 10 is an electronic scope, the connector 16 is further connected with a video connector 56 for connecting a video processor, a monitor, and the like to the endoscope 10. As described above, the data cable 70 that transmits the image captured by the CCD sensor is inserted from the insertion unit 12 through the operation unit 14 to the universal cord 18 and is connected to the video connector 56 through the connector 16.

The universal cord (LG soft part) 18 is a part for connecting the connector 16 and the operation part 14.
The universal cord 18 accommodates a water supply channel 82 connected to the water supply connector 46, an air supply channel 84 connected to the ventilation connector 48, a suction channel 86 connected to the suction connector 50, a light guide 76, a data cable 70, and the like. / Is inserted.

The plurality of light emitting units 21 are light emitting elements that respectively emit light, and are disposed at a plurality of positions of the insertion unit 12 of the endoscope 10, a plurality of positions of the operation unit 14, a plurality of positions of the connector 16, and a plurality of positions of the universal cord 18. Has been placed. The light emitting unit 21 is disposed on the surface of each unit and emits predetermined light. Moreover, the light emission part 21 arrange | positioned at the insertion part 12 and the universal cord 18 is arrange | positioned so that the perimeter of the circumferential direction may be covered, and a light emission part can be recognized from any direction.
Moreover, as a light emitting element, elements that emit various kinds of light such as organic EL (electroluminescence) and inorganic EL can be used. When arranged on a flexible member such as the insertion portion 12 or the universal cord 18, each member It is preferable to use a light-emitting element that can be deformed by being driven.

Next, the endoscope cleaning machine 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
Here, FIG. 4 (A) is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of an endoscope cleaning machine used in the endoscope cleaning system, and FIG. 4 (B) is an endoscope shown in FIG. 4 (A). FIG. 5 is a side view of the mirror cleaner, and FIG. 5 is a top view of the endoscope cleaner shown in FIG.

  The endoscope cleaning machine 200 (hereinafter referred to as the cleaning machine 200) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes two cleaning units 201 that clean the endoscope 10, and each cleaning unit 201 includes an endoscope cleaning unit. The endoscope 10 is cleaned by performing a cleaning process with a cleaning agent prepared by diluting a cleaning agent for cleaning, a cleaning process for rinsing with tap water, a disinfection process with a disinfecting liquid, and a rinsing process with tap water. Do. In addition, a scanning unit 252 and a control unit 258 of a surface state detection mechanism 250 to be described later are arranged inside the cleaning machine 200.

The cleaning unit 201 of the cleaning machine 200 includes cleaning tanks 202 (first cleaning tank 202a and second cleaning tank 202b) that house the endoscope 10 and perform cleaning. The cleaning tank 202 places the endoscope 10 on its bottom surface 204 and accommodates the endoscope 10 in the tank. Here, the washing machine 200 shown in FIG. 5 is a washing machine when the endoscope 10 is placed (accommodated) in the first washing tank 202a and the endoscope is not placed in the second washing tank 202b. is there.
Moreover, the washing tank 202 has the cover body 206 (206a and 206b). The lid 206 swings around a fulcrum 208 disposed in the vicinity of the end on the back side to open / close the inside of the cleaning tank 202.

  Further, an operation panel 210 for operating the cleaning machine 200 and a start button 212 for instructing start of cleaning of the endoscope 10 are arranged at the upper part on the front side of the cleaning machine 200, and further, at the lower part on the front side. A foot pedal 214 (214a and 214b) for opening / closing the lid 206 is disposed.

  Although not shown, the endoscope has an arithmetic unit that determines a cleaning condition based on information input on the operation panel 210, an instruction unit that switches between processes, and a valve that will be described later. An operation control unit for controlling the operation of the machine 200.

  Such a cleaning machine 200 is an apparatus in which two cleaning units 201 (first cleaning tank 202a and second cleaning tank 202b) can clean the endoscope 10 independently of each other and asynchronously. It is. A piping system that supplies water, drainage, and intake air for cleaning, disinfection, and drying to the cleaning unit 201 will be described in detail later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning layer 202 is engaged with the operation unit 14 of the endoscope 10 so as to stand on the bottom surface 204 on the upper side, and supports and positions the operation unit 14. Engagement member 216 (216a and 216b), engagement member 218 (218a and 218b) that engages connector 16 to support and position connector 16, and video connector 56 engages video. And an engagement member 220 (220a, 220b) for supporting and positioning the connector 56. Therefore, in the endoscope 10, the operation unit 14 is positioned by the engagement member 216, the connector 16 is positioned by the engagement member 218, and the video connector 56 is positioned by the engagement member 220. 202 (bottom surface 204) is set at a predetermined position.
By including such an endoscope positioning means, the endoscope 10 can be appropriately set in the cleaning machine 200 (cleaning tank 202) more easily and quickly.

Note that various known means can be used as positioning means for each part of the endoscope 10 such as an operation part and a connector provided on the bottom surface 22 or the like.
As an example, there are a recess that loosely fits or houses a predetermined part of the operation unit, an engagement member that is fixedly engaged with each part of the endoscope 10, a hook or an engagement member that is engaged with the operation unit 56, or the like. Illustrated.

Further, this positioning means may also serve as a fixing means for each part of the endoscope 10 or may have a fixing means for fixing each part of the endoscope 10 separately from the positioning means.
In addition, in order to smoothly accommodate the insertion portion 52 and the universal cord 54 in the cleaning tank 14, it is preferable that the bottom surface 22 has no protrusions other than these positioning means and fixing means.

Next, the surface state detection mechanism 250 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the surface state detection mechanism 250 includes a scanning unit 252 and a control unit 258.
The scanning unit 252 includes a reading unit 254 that reads light emitted from the light emitting unit 21 of the endoscope 10 and a scanning driving unit 256 that scans the reading unit 254, and the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 202 a of the cleaning unit 201. It is arranged on the side surface. The scanning unit 252 is also disposed in the cleaning tank 202b of the other cleaning unit 201.

  The reading unit 254 is a CCD, an optical sensor, or the like, and is arranged so that the tip protrudes into the cleaning tank 202a. The reading unit 254 acquires optical data such as the luminance at each position inside the cleaning tank 202a and the light intensity at each wavelength.

The scanning drive unit 256 is a mechanism that is disposed along the side surface on the long side of the cleaning tank 202a and moves the reading unit 254 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side surface.
As the scanning drive unit 256, for example, there is a mechanism configured by a rail extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side surface, a support base that moves on the rail, and a drive mechanism that moves the support base. By fixing the reading unit 254 on the support, the reading unit 254 can be moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side surface. In addition, as this drive mechanism, a support body and a rail are connected by a wheel and the support base is moved by rotating the wheel by a motor or the like, and a wire is connected to both ends in the moving direction of the support base, respectively. Various mechanisms such as a mechanism for moving the support base by winding the wire in the direction can be used.

  The scanning unit 252 scans the reading unit 254 with the scanning driving unit 256, and acquires optical data at each position of the cleaning tank 202a with the reading unit 254, whereby the endoscope 10 placed in the cleaning tank 202a is scanned. The light emitted from each light emitting unit 21 is read.

The control unit (server) 258 includes a surface state detection unit 260 and an adjustment unit 262.
The surface state detection unit 260 detects a cleaning state (in other words, a dirty state) of each part of the endoscope 10 from information (that is, a measurement result) read by the reading unit 254. Specifically, the luminance data of each light emitting unit 21 of the endoscope 10 read by the reading unit 254 is compared with luminance data serving as a reference for a preset clean state, and the endoscope 10 is determined based on the difference. The cleaning state at each position is detected.

Here, the correspondence between each light emitting portion 21 of the endoscope 10 and each portion of the endoscope 10, that is, which portion of the endoscope 10 the luminance data of the measured light emitting portion 21 is (for example, an insertion portion, an operation portion). The specific method for determining the luminance data can be performed by various methods. For example, as in this embodiment, when the position of the endoscope in the cleaning tank can be specified by the positioning member, the position of the endoscope can also be specified by the position of the light emitting unit. Moreover, the insertion part which is not fixed can also be specified from the distance and positional relationship with the adjacent light emitting part.
As another method, it is also possible to specify the position of the light emitting portion of the endoscope where the light emitting portion detected by the wavelength of the light is emitted by the light emitting portion 21 with different wavelengths.

The adjustment unit 262 changes and sets the processing condition and the processing time based on the detection result of the surface state detection unit 260. For example, as a result of detection by the surface state detection unit 260, when the endoscope 10 has a region that is heavily contaminated or an area that is not sufficiently cleaned (in other words, a region that remains dirty), the adjustment unit 262 Adjust the amount of water, apply more water to the part, or increase the flow rate to increase the stirring speed, and set the conditions for intensive cleaning. Alternatively, the processing time (that is, the cleaning time) is set to be longer than the reference.
Alternatively, the cleaning may be repeated until the degree of cleaning of the entire region of the endoscope 10 detected by the surface state detection unit 260 exceeds a predetermined value.

The endoscope cleaning system 2 is basically configured as described above.
The endoscope cleaning system 2 includes a used endoscope 10 installed in the cleaning unit 201 of the endoscope cleaner 200, cleaning with a cleaning agent prepared by diluting a cleaning agent for endoscope cleaning, and The endoscope 10 is cleaned by performing a cleaning process of rinsing with tap water, a disinfection process with a disinfecting liquid, and a rinsing process with tap water. Here, each step will be described in detail later.

Here, the surface state detection mechanism 250 scans the reading unit 252 for each step such as before the cleaning process, during the cleaning process, after the cleaning process, before the rinsing process, after the rinsing process, and the like. Read the optical data of the light emitted from. Next, the surface state detection unit 260 detects the surface state (the degree of dirt in this embodiment) of each position of the endoscope 10 based on the read optical data, and the adjustment unit 262 further detects the surface state detection unit. Based on the detection result of 260, the conditions at the time of cleaning and the processing time are adjusted.
The cleaning unit 201 cleans the endoscope 10 based on the processing conditions and processing time adjusted by the adjustment unit 262.
Here, as processing conditions, the stirring speed and temperature of the cleaning agent at the time of cleaning are exemplified. The stirring speed can be adjusted by the flow rate of the cleaning agent in the cleaning tank and the flow direction. Examples of methods for adjusting the flow rate and flow direction of the cleaning agent include changing the liquid feed rate of a circulation pump for circulating the cleaning agent and switching the supply port for supplying the cleaning agent to the cleaning tank. The

In this way, the endoscope is provided with a light emitting unit, and the surface state of the endoscope is detected from the optical data such as the luminance of each light emitting unit of the endoscope, so that the degree of cleaning of each part without adhering colored liquid (That is, how much dirt is removed) can be detected. Thereby, it is possible to detect the degree of cleaning of the endoscope without performing coloring for coloring the endoscope and cleaning for removing the coloring liquid attached to the endoscope.
Further, since the light emitted from the light emitting unit arranged on the surface of the endoscope is detected, it is possible to detect the dirt attached to the surface of the endoscope. Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical data changes depending on whether or not dirt is attached to the surface of the light emitting part, so that the degree of dirt of each part can be detected by comparison with a reference value.
Thereby, dirt can be detected even before cleaning, and appropriate processing conditions and processing time can be detected.
Further, the endoscope can be cleaned more reliably and efficiently by detecting the surface state for each process and adjusting the processing conditions and the processing time according to the detection result.

  In the above embodiment, the cleaning conditions are adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If there is a portion where the surface state does not reach the reference state (for example, the detected luminance is lower than the reference), the cleaning is performed. Warning information indicating that the degree has not reached a certain value may be transmitted.

Here, the arrangement position and arrangement interval of the light emitting units are not particularly limited, and can be any arrangement interval.
Moreover, the light emission part should just be arrange | positioned at the multiple position of the insertion part at least. By disposing at a plurality of positions of the insertion portion, since it is inserted into the human body and comes into contact with the human body, it is possible to detect the degree of cleaning of the portion that needs to be cleaned most and most accurately for each portion.
Thus, although the arrangement position of the light emitting unit is not particularly limited, the light emitting unit is preferably arranged in both the insertion unit and the operation unit, and the insertion unit, the operation unit, the universal cord, and the connector as in this embodiment. It is more preferable to arrange all of them. By disposing the light emitting unit over the entire area of the endoscope, the degree of cleaning of the endoscope can be detected more accurately.
Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the light emitting part over the entire area of the insertion part. By arranging the light emitting part over the entire area of the insertion part, it is possible to detect the degree of contamination of the entire surface of the insertion part, and more accurately detect the degree of cleaning of the insertion part that needs to be cleaned most accurately and most accurately. can do.

The light emitted by the light emitting unit and the light read by the reading unit are not limited to visible light, and various types of light such as ultraviolet rays and infrared rays can be used.
In addition, the timing at which the light emitting unit emits light, that is, the timing at which light is emitted from the light emitting unit is not particularly limited, and the light emission control unit may emit light only when the surface state is detected or may emit light constantly.
Moreover, it is preferable that the light emission control part can be wirelessly controlled from the outside. By controlling from the outside, it is possible to emit light efficiently when the surface state is detected.

In addition, when the reading unit is scanned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the cleaning tank as in the present embodiment, a position close to the lid (a position away from the bottom surface) can be scanned in the vertical direction. preferable. Thereby, the optical data of the whole area of the bottom face of the cleaning tank can be suitably acquired, and the optical data of the endoscope can also be suitably acquired.
The arrangement position of the scanning unit is not particularly limited as long as the surface state of the endoscope can be detected, and may be provided on the lid or on the side surface on the short side. In this embodiment, the reading unit is scanned in one direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reading unit may be scanned two-dimensionally or may be fixed. When the reading unit is fixed, the entire region may be read at once, or the reading unit may be rotated to read the light emitted at various values in the cleaning tank.
Further, each light emitting unit may be read in a state where the reading unit is moved three-dimensionally and the reading unit is brought close to the endoscope.
Furthermore, since the control is simplified and the load on the operator is reduced, it is preferable that the cleaning machine and the surface condition detection mechanism are integrated as in this embodiment, but the surface condition detection mechanism is separate from the cleaning machine. It may be provided as a body and disposed at a position where the surface state of the endoscope can be detected only when the surface state is detected.

Here, in the above embodiment, the light emitting unit is arranged in the endoscope, and the reading unit reads the light emitted from each part of the endoscope to detect the surface state of the endoscope. An optical sensor may be disposed in each of the above, the endoscope may be irradiated with light from the surface state detection mechanism, and the surface state of the endoscope may be detected from the light detected by each optical sensor.
Hereinafter, an endoscope cleaning system in which an optical sensor is arranged in an endoscope according to another embodiment of the endoscope cleaning system of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the endoscope cleaning system of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope cleaning system 300 includes an endoscope 302 and two cleaning units 201, and an endoscope cleaning machine 200 that cleans and disinfects the endoscope 302 with the cleaning unit 201, An endoscope surface state detection mechanism 304 that detects the surface state of the endoscope 302 is configured.
Hereinafter, each part will be described.

  Since the basic configuration of the endoscope 302 is the same as that of the endoscope 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the detecting unit 312 is provided instead of the light emitting unit, the endoscope 10 Only the differences will be described. Although illustration is omitted, the endoscope 302 also captures (photographs) an image of the examination region using the CCD sensor 60 in the same manner as the endoscope 10, and observes the examination region, displays a moving image or a still image. This is a so-called electronic scope-type endoscope that performs photographing, and has an insertion portion 12, an operation portion 14, a connector 16, and a universal cord 18 in the same manner as a normal endoscope. The endoscope 302 further includes a detection unit 312 and a transmission unit 314.

The detection unit 312 includes a plurality of optical sensors 316. Similar to the light emitting unit 21 of the endoscope 302, the plurality of optical sensors 316 include a plurality of positions of the insertion unit 12 of the endoscope 302, a plurality of positions of the operation unit 14, a plurality of positions of the connector 16, and a plurality of positions of the universal cord 18. It is arranged at each position.
The optical sensor 316 is an optical sensor that detects light having a luminance or an arbitrary spectrum, and measures (or detects) the light applied to the arranged portion.

  The transmission unit 314 is disposed inside the operation unit 14, receives the measurement value of the sensor 316, and communicates with the reception unit 324 of the control unit 322 of the surface state detection mechanism 304 wirelessly. The detection unit 312 transmits the measurement value measured by the optical sensor 316 to the reception unit 324 of the surface state detection mechanism 304.

  Since the endoscope cleaning machine 200 has the same function and configuration as the endoscope cleaning machine 200 shown in FIG. 1, its detailed description is omitted.

Next, the surface state detection mechanism 304 includes a light irradiation unit 318 and a control unit 322.
The light irradiation unit 318 includes a light source 320 that irradiates light to the endoscope 302 placed inside the cleaning tank 202a, and a scanning drive unit 256 that scans the light source 320, and the cleaning tank 202a of the cleaning unit 201. It is arrange | positioned at the side surface of the longitudinal side. The light irradiation unit 318 is also disposed in the cleaning tank 202b of the other cleaning unit 201.

  The light source 320 is a light emitting element such as an LED, a UV lamp, or a fluorescent lamp, and a part of the light source 320 is disposed so as to protrude into the cleaning tank 202a. The light source 320 irradiates the cleaning tank 202a with light having a predetermined intensity. The light source 320 only needs to be able to irradiate light in the cleaning tank 202a, particularly on the bottom surface side, and does not need to be exposed in the cleaning tank.

The scanning drive unit 256 is the same mechanism as the scanning drive unit 256 of the scanning unit 252 described above, and is arranged along the side surface on the long side of the cleaning tank 202a, and moves the light source 320 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side surface. It is a mechanism to make.
The light irradiation unit 318 scans the light source 318 emitting light by the scan driving unit 256, so that each part of the endoscope 302 placed inside the cleaning tank 202a has a predetermined intensity (and a predetermined wavelength). Irradiate light.
The endoscope 302 detects the light emitted from the light source 320 scanned by each optical sensor 316, acquires the optical data detected by each optical sensor 316 for each position of the light source 320, and receives it from the transmission unit 314. To the unit 324.

The control unit (server) 322 includes a reception unit 324, a surface state detection unit 326, and an adjustment unit 262.
The reception unit 324 receives the measurement value of the optical sensor 316 transmitted from the transmission unit 314 of the endoscope 302 and transmits it to the surface state detection unit 326.
The surface state detection unit 326 calculates a determination value for each optical sensor based on a measurement value (that is, a measurement result) for each position of the light source 320. For example, a peak measurement value is detected from the measurement value at each position, and the value is used as the measurement value.
Further, a cleaning state (in other words, a dirty state) of each part of the endoscope 302 is detected from the detected determination value of each optical sensor. Specifically, the brightness data of the determination value of each optical sensor of the endoscope 302 is compared with the brightness data serving as a reference for a preset clean state, and each position of the endoscope 302 is cleaned from the difference. Detect state. Here, the correspondence between the optical sensor and the position of each part of the endoscope can be achieved by adding positional information to the measurement value from each optical sensor.

  The adjustment unit 262 changes and sets the processing condition and the processing time based on the detection result of the surface state detection unit 326. Note that the adjustment method based on the detection result is the same as described above.

In this way, by arranging the optical sensor in the endoscope, detecting the light emitted from the light source, and detecting the surface state of the endoscope from the optical data of each optical sensor of the endoscope, the colored liquid can also be detected. Without adhering, the degree of cleaning of each part (that is, how much dirt is removed) can be detected. In addition, since light is detected by the optical sensor disposed on the surface of the endoscope, dirt attached to the surface of the endoscope can be detected. Specifically, in this embodiment, the optical data changes depending on whether or not dirt is attached to the surface of the optical sensor. Therefore, the degree of dirt of each part can be detected by comparison with a reference value.
As described above, even when the optical sensor is arranged in the endoscope and the endoscope is irradiated with light, the same effect as in the case where the light emitting unit is provided in the endoscope can be obtained.

  The optical sensor may be disposed at least in the insertion portion as in the light emitting portion provided in the endoscope of the endoscope cleaning system 10 described above, and a preferable aspect is also the same. Specifically, it is preferable to provide optical sensors over the entire insertion portion of the endoscope, and it is preferable to provide a plurality of optical sensors for each member of the endoscope.

  Further, the scanning method of the light source and the arrangement position of the light irradiating unit can be set to various methods and positions in the same manner as the scanning method of the reading unit of the endoscope cleaning system 10 and the arrangement position of the scanning unit.

  In this embodiment, two cleaning tanks are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one or three tanks may be used. That is, a single cleaning unit or a plurality of cleaning units may be provided.

Hereinafter, a preferable example of the endoscope cleaning machine piping system and endoscope cleaning method of the endoscope cleaning system of the present invention will be described.
A piping system of the endoscope cleaning machine 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a piping diagram showing a schematic configuration of piping of the endoscope cleaner shown in FIG.
As described above, the cleaning machine 200 includes the two cleaning tanks 202, the first cleaning tank 202a and the second cleaning tank 202b.
However, a tank for storing a processing liquid for cleaning an endoscope, that is, a cleaning liquid tank 100 for storing a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid tank 102 for storing a disinfecting liquid, and an alcohol tank for storing alcohol for alcohol flushing. 104 has only one, that is, is shared by the two cleaning tanks 202. Further, the cleaning liquid pump 106 that supplies the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 100 to the cleaning tank 202, the disinfecting liquid pump 108 that supplies the disinfecting liquid from the disinfecting liquid tank 102 to the cleaning tank 202, and the alcohol is supplied from the alcohol tank 104 to the cleaning tank 202. The alcohol pumps 110 to be used have only one, that is, are shared by the two washing tanks 202.
These pumps may be any of various known pumps, but it is of course preferable to use a metering pump, and when each tank is located below the washing tank 202, It is preferable to use a self-contained metering pump such as a diaphragm pump.

  Further, the first air pump 114 for detecting water leakage in each channel of the endoscope 10, the second air pump 116 for supplying air into each channel of the endoscope 10, and the drain pump 118 are both 1 Only two cleaning tanks 202 are used. Air filters 120 are provided at the air inlets of the first air pump 114 and the second air pump 116.

The cleaning agent tank 100 stores a cleaning agent that is a stock solution of a cleaning solution for cleaning the endoscope 10. In the cleaning machine 200, the cleaning liquid is prepared by diluting the cleaning agent to a predetermined concentration with tap water.
The disinfectant tank 102 stores a disinfectant obtained by diluting a stock solution of the disinfectant to a predetermined concentration. The disinfectant is repeatedly used until the endoscope is cleaned a predetermined number of times. When the disinfecting liquid is used a predetermined number of times, the disinfecting liquid is completely discarded, and a new disinfecting liquid is prepared / filled in the disinfecting liquid tank 102.

In the illustrated example, the disinfecting liquid tank 102 includes a level sensor 102L for measuring the amount of the disinfecting liquid in the tank, and a disinfecting liquid bottle B filled with the disinfecting liquid that supplies the disinfecting liquid to the disinfecting liquid tank 102. A mounting portion 102A is provided. In the illustrated example, as an example, two attachment portions 102A are provided. The disinfecting liquid tank 102 is provided with a deodorizing filter 102F for preventing the smell of the disinfecting liquid from leaking outside. Further, the disinfecting liquid tank 102 may have an air filter for preventing foreign substances such as dust and germs from entering the disinfecting liquid tank 102.
The cleaning machine 200 is configured so that the disinfecting liquid bottle B can be attached until the next replenishing of the disinfecting liquid, and the disinfecting liquid bottle B is used as a cover body of the attachment portion 102A, that is, a cover body of the disinfecting liquid tank 102. You may make it act.

  The cleaning liquid tank 100 is provided with a check valve 100V for preventing the cleaning liquid from being discharged from the cleaning liquid tank 100. Further, the alcohol tank 104 is also prevented from discharging alcohol from the alcohol tank 104. A check valve 104F is provided.

  The first cleaning tank 202a and the second cleaning tank 202b basically have the same configuration, and the piping system has many portions having the same configuration. Therefore, the following description is representative of the first cleaning bath 202a. The second cleaning tank 202b will be described as necessary.

A forceps raising port 124a (124b) for connecting the forceps raising channel of the endoscope 10 and a forceps channel for inserting the forceps are connected to the first washing tank 202a (second washing tank 202b). A forceps port 126a (126b) for connecting, an air / water supply port 128a (128b) for connecting the air / water supply channel, and a suction port 130a (130b) for connecting the suction channel are provided.
Further, a cleaning liquid port 132a (132b) for introducing a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid port 134a (134b) for introducing a disinfecting liquid, and a water supply port 136a (136) for introducing tap water are formed in the first cleaning tank 202a. Furthermore, an air port 138a (138b) for introducing air for water leakage detection and a drain port 1140 (140b) are provided.

Further, the first cleaning tank 202a heats the level sensor 142a (142b) for detecting the liquid amount in the tank, the thermometer TE for measuring the liquid temperature in the tank, and the liquid in the tank. A heater H is provided.
As an example, the level sensor 142a can detect the amount of liquid in four stages (or four level sensors are provided).

The forceps raising port 124 is connected through a valve 150a (150b), the forceps port 126a is connected through a valve 152a (152b), the air / water supply port 128a is connected through a valve 154a (154b), and the suction port 130a is connected to a valve. Both are connected to valves 158a, 160a, and 162a (158b, 160b, and 162b) via 156a (156b).
In the cleaning machine 200, the valve is not particularly limited, and a known valve that can be automatically opened and closed such as an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve may be used. However, the valve provided in the line (pipe) for discharging the waste liquid from the cleaning tank 202 and returning the disinfectant liquid to the disinfectant tank preferably uses a motor-operated valve in that the dead space in the valve is small.

The valve 158a (150b) is connected to the alcohol supply pump 110 of the alcohol tank 104.
The valve 160a (160b) is connected to a second air pump 116 for introducing air into each channel of the endoscope 10.
Further, the valve 162a (162b) is connected to a water supply line 164 for supplying tap water to each part of the cleaning machine 200.

The water supply line 164 is connected to a faucet or the like of a water supply, and supplies tap water to the washing machine 200. As shown in FIG. 7, a filter 166 for preventing foreign matter from entering upstream, The pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, and the second valve 172 are configured to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the piping system in the apparatus.
The pipe from the valve 162a is connected between the first valve 170 and the second valve 172 of the water supply line 164 (hereinafter, between the valve 162a and the first valve 170 and the second valve 172). For convenience, the water supply pipe 163a (163b) is used. This water supply pipe 163a branches off in the middle and is connected to a circulation pump 182a (182b) and a valve 180a (180b) provided in the water supply port 136a of a first cleaning tank 202a (second cleaning tank 202b) described later. .
Further, the second valve 172 is connected to the disinfecting liquid tank 102 and a valve 198a (198b) connected to the discharge port 144a of the first cleaning tank.

On the other hand, the cleaning liquid port 132a is connected to the cleaning liquid pump 106 via a valve 176a (176b). The disinfecting liquid port 134a is connected to the disinfecting liquid pump 108 via a valve 178a (178b). Further, the water supply port 136a is connected to the water supply pipe 163a (163b) via a valve 180a (180b). In other words, the branch pipe branched from the water supply pipe 163a is connected to the valve 180a, that is, the water supply port 136a.
A circulation pump 182a (182b) is connected to the first cleaning tank 202a (second cleaning tank 202b). The circulation pump 182a supplies the liquid in the first cleaning tank 202a to a branch pipe that branches from the water supply pipe 163a and reaches the valve 180a (that is, the water supply port 136a).

An air port 138a for introducing air for detecting water leakage is connected to a pressure reducing valve 186 connected to the first air pump 114 via a valve 184a (184b).
In addition, a pressure gauge 188a (188b) is disposed in the pipe from the air port 138a to the valve 184a. The pressure gauge 188a is preferably a pressure transmitter that outputs a signal to the first air pump 114 when the pressure reaches a predetermined pressure.

The discharge port 144a is connected to the drainage pump 118 via a valve 190a (190b).
The drain pump 118 sends the liquid in the cleaning tank 202 to a drain line 194 having a valve 192. The water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194 are connected to each other upstream of the filter 166 of the water supply line 164 and upstream of the valve 192 of the drainage line 194 via the bypass valve 196.
Further, the pipe between the discharge port 144a and the valve 190a branches in the middle and is connected to the second valve 172 of the water supply line 164 and the disinfectant tank 102 through the valve 198a (198b).

In the cleaning machine 200, the endoscope 10 is basically cleaned in the order of a cleaning process using a cleaning liquid → a rinsing process → a disinfection process using a disinfecting liquid → a rinsing process.
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of cleaning the endoscope 10 by the cleaning machine 200 will be described. In the following description, the first cleaning tank 202a is also representative, but the endoscope can be cleaned in the same manner in the second cleaning tank 202b. Further, in the following description, all the valves are closed except for the valve described as open in the description of each process in each process, even if not specifically described, and other than the pump described as drive, All are stopped.

First, the endoscope 10 is set at a predetermined position of the first cleaning tank 202a by an operator (engineer), and then the forceps raising channel of the endoscope 10 is set to the forceps raising port 124a, and the forceps channel is set to the forceps port 124a. However, the air / water supply channel is connected to the air / water supply port 128a, and the suction pipe channel is connected to the suction port 130a.
These connections may be made by known means that is used in an endoscope washing machine using a connector or the like.

When the setting of the endoscope 10 is completed and an instruction to start cleaning is input, the surface state detection mechanism 250 detects the surface state of the endoscope 10, that is, the dirt state, and processing conditions and processing are determined from the surface state detection result. Determine the time.
The cleaning machine 200 cleans the endoscope according to the adjusted processing conditions and processing time (cleaning process).
First, the pressure reducing valve 168 and the first valve 170 of the water supply line 164 and the valve 180a connected to the water supply port 136a are opened, the first cleaning is performed from the water supply port 136a via the water supply line 163a. A predetermined amount of tap water is introduced into the tank 202a (introduction of tap water).
When a predetermined amount of tap water is introduced, the valve 176a connected to the cleaning liquid port 132a is opened, the cleaning liquid pump 106 is driven, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 100 to the cleaning liquid port 132a. A predetermined amount of cleaning liquid is supplied (introducing cleaning liquid).

In addition, in the washing machine 200, after introducing tap water in the cleaning process (between tap water introduction and cleaning liquid introduction), a water leakage detection process may be performed as necessary.
Moreover, when not performing a water leak detection process, you may perform introduction of a tap water and introduction | transduction of a washing | cleaning liquid in parallel.

When a predetermined amount of tap water and cleaning liquid are introduced into the first cleaning tank 202a, the valve 162a is opened to drive the circulation pump 182, and as an example, the valve 150a and forceps port 124a connected to the forceps raising port 124a. The valve 152a connected to the air supply / water supply port 128a and the valve 156a connected to the suction port 130a are sequentially opened for a predetermined time one by one. The valve opening time may be the same or different at each port.
Thus, the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 202a is circulated through each channel of the endoscope 10, and each channel of the endoscope 10 is sequentially cleaned with cleaning water (channel cleaning).

When the channel cleaning is completed, the valve 180a corresponding to the water supply port 136a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven.
As a result, the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 202a is circulated outside the endoscope 10, and the outside of the endoscope 10 is cleaned with cleaning water (external flowing water cleaning).

When the external running water cleaning is performed and the set processing time is reached, the cleaning is terminated, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, the drain pump 118 is driven, and the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 202 is drained ( Washing wastewater).
When all the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning tank 202 is drained, the cleaning state detection mechanism 250 detects the surface state of the endoscope again and checks whether the surface state of the endoscope has reached the reference state.
When the surface state of the endoscope does not reach the reference state (that is, when it is detected that dirt remains), the processing condition and processing time are determined from the surface state detection result, and the determined processing condition And the endoscope of the above-described process is cleaned with the processing time.
When the surface state of the endoscope has reached the reference state, the valve 190a and the valve 192 remain open, the valve 160a is opened, the second air pump 116 is driven, and the forceps are raised. The valve 150a connected to the port 124a, the valve 152a connected to the forceps port 124a, the valve 154a connected to the air / water supply port 128a, and the valve 156a connected to the suction port 130a are sequentially opened one by one.
As a result, air is sent to each channel of the endoscope 10 from the forceps raising port 124a, the forceps port 124a, the air / water supply port 128a, and the suction port 130a, and the cleaning liquid remaining in the channel is discharged from the endoscope. Yes (cleaning air supply).

The cleaning process is thus completed, and then a rinsing process after cleaning is performed.
The rinsing process after cleaning is basically performed in the same manner as the cleaning process except that the cleaning liquid is not introduced into the first cleaning tank 202.
That is, first, the pressure reducing valve 168, the first valve 170, and the valve 180a are opened to introduce a predetermined amount of tap water into the first cleaning tank 202a (introduction of tap water).
After introducing a predetermined amount of tap water into the first cleaning tank 202a, the valve 162a is opened, the circulation pump 182 is driven, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are one by one. The channels are sequentially opened and channel rinsing is performed in which each channel of the endoscope 10 is rinsed with tap water in the same manner as the channel cleaning. Thereafter, the valve 180a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven to perform external running water cleaning. Similarly, the external running water rinse which rinses the endoscope 10 exterior with a tap water is performed.
When the external running water rinsing is completed, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, the drainage pump 118 is driven, and the drainage in the rinsing process is performed in the same manner as the cleaning drainage, and then the valve 160a is opened and the second air pump 116, the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are sequentially opened one by one, and air is supplied in the rinsing process in the same manner as the cleaning air supply. finish.

When the rinsing process after cleaning is completed, a disinfection process is then performed.
In the disinfecting process, first, the valve 178a connected to the disinfecting liquid port 136a is opened, the disinfecting liquid pump 108 is driven, and a predetermined amount of disinfecting liquid is introduced into the first cleaning tank 202a (disinfecting liquid introduction).

When a predetermined amount of the disinfectant is introduced into the first cleaning tank 202a, disinfection in each channel of the endoscope 10 is performed in the same manner as the above-described channel cleaning.
That is, the valve 162a is opened to drive the circulation pump 182, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a connected to the ports that connect the respective channels of the endoscope one by one sequentially. Open for a predetermined time.
Thereby, the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 202a is circulated through each channel in the endoscope 10 to disinfect each channel of the endoscope 10 with the disinfecting liquid (channel disinfection).

When the channel disinfection is completed, disinfection outside the endoscope 10 is performed in the same manner as the above-described external running water cleaning.
That is, the valve 180a corresponding to the water supply port 136a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven to circulate the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 202a outside the endoscope 10, so that the endoscope 10 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid. Perform external disinfection (external running water disinfection).

When external running water disinfection is performed for a predetermined time, the valve 198a connected to the discharge port 144a is opened, and the disinfecting liquid is returned to the disinfecting liquid tank 102 (disinfecting liquid recovery).
In the cleaning machine 200 in the illustrated example, a pump or the like is not used to collect the disinfecting liquid, and the disinfecting liquid is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 102 by dropping due to its own weight.

When the disinfecting liquid in the first cleaning tank 202 is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 102, air is supplied to each channel of the endoscope 10 in the same manner as the cleaning air supply.
That is, the valve 160a is opened to drive the second air pump 116, and the valves 150a, 152a, 154a, and 156a are sequentially opened one by one. As a result, air is sent to each channel of the endoscope 10 from the forceps raising port 124a, the forceps port 124a, the air / water supply port 128a, and the suction port 130a, and the disinfecting liquid remaining in the channel is supplied to the endoscope 10. (Disinfection air supply).

The sterilization process is thus completed, and then a rinsing process after sterilization is performed.
The rinsing process after disinfection is basically performed in the same manner as the rinsing process after the cleaning.
That is, first, the pressure reducing valve 168, the valve 180a, and the first valve 170 are opened, and a predetermined amount of tap water is introduced into the first cleaning tank 202a (introduction of tap water).
When the introduction of tap water is introduced, the valve 162a is opened to drive the circulation pump 182, and the valves 150a, 152a, 154a, and 156a are opened one by one sequentially for a predetermined time, and then tap water. To rinse the channels of the endoscope 10. Next, the valve 180a is opened and the circulation pump 182 is driven to rinse the outside of the endoscope 10 with tap water.
When the external water rinsing is completed, the valve 190a and the valve 192 are opened, and the drain pump 118 is driven to drain the rinsing process. Thereafter, the valve 160a is opened to drive the second air pump 116, and the valve 150a, the valve 152a, the valve 154a, and the valve 156a are sequentially opened one by one to supply air in the rinsing process. The rinsing process after the disinfection process ends.

  When the rinsing process after the disinfection process is finished, the washing of the endoscope 10 by the washing machine 200 is finished, and the operator is informed that the washing of the endoscope 10 is finished due to, for example, display display or generation of warning sound. To do.

  As described above, the cleaning machine 200 shares many items such as a tank and a pump with the first cleaning tank 202a and the second cleaning tank 202b. , Except for the water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194, both have independent piping systems, so it is possible to perform the same treatment at the same time or different treatments (asynchronous treatment in both tanks) at the same time. is there.

In the cleaning machine 200, the endoscope 10 is basically cleaned as described above, but the cleaning machine 200 may perform various processes in addition to such cleaning.
As an example, if necessary, an alcohol flush for promoting drying in each channel of the endoscope 10 after washing may be performed, and the water supply line 164 and the drainage line 194 are disinfected with a disinfectant. Self-disinfection may be performed.
The endoscope cleaning system 2 cleans the endoscope as described above.

Here, in the above process, the surface state of the endoscope is detected by the surface state detection mechanism before and after the endoscope is cleaned, but as described above, the surface state is also detected during the cleaning process. Processing conditions and processing time may be adjusted according to the result.
Also, the surface condition is not detected before the cleaning process, but the surface condition is detected only after the cleaning process, and it is inspected whether the surface condition reaches the reference condition, that is, whether the dirt is removed. Good.

  As described above, the endoscope cleaning system according to the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. You may go.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an example of the endoscope cleaning system of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of an example of the endoscope of this invention used for an endoscope cleaning system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. (A) is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of an example of the endoscope washing machine used for an endoscope washing | cleaning system, (B) is a side view of the endoscope washing machine shown to (A). It is a top view of the endoscope washing machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the other example of the endoscope cleaning system of this invention. It is a piping diagram which shows schematic structure of piping of the endoscope washing machine shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2,300 Endoscope cleaning system 10,302 Endoscope 12 Insertion part 14 Operation part 16 Connector 18 Universal code 21 Light emission part 22 Tip part 24 Angle part 26 Soft part 28,74 Forceps port 30 Suction button 32 Air supply / water supply Button 36 LR knob 38 UD knob 40 LR fixing knob 42 UD fixing lever 46 Water supply connector 48 Water supply connector 48 Ventilation connector 50 Suction connector 52 LG bar 56 Video connector 60 CCD sensor 62 Lens 64 Prism 68 Processing board 70 Data cable 72 Air supply / water supply port 76 Light guide 78 Forceps channel 80 Air supply / water supply channel 82 Water supply channel 84 Air supply channel 86 Suction channel 100 Cleaning agent tank 102 Disinfecting solution tank 104 Inspection solution tank 106 Cleaning agent pump 108 Disinfecting solution Pump 110 Test liquid pump 114 First air pump 116 Second air pump 118 Drain pump 120 Air filter 124a, 124b Water supply port 126a, 126b Forceps port 128a, 128b Air supply / water supply port 130a, 130b Suction port 132a, 132b Cleaning liquid port 134a, 134b Disinfection Liquid port 136a, 136 Water supply port 138a, 138b Air port 144a, 144b Drain port 163a, 163b Water supply pipe 164 Water supply line 166 Filter 168 Pressure reducing valve 170 First valve 172 Second valve 182a, 182b Circulation pump 194 Drain line 200 ( Endoscope) Washing machine 201 Washing unit 202 Washing tank 204 Bottom face 206 Cover body 208 Support point 210 Operation panel 212 Start button 214 Foot pedal 216, 2 18, 220 Engagement member 250, 304 Surface state detection mechanism 252 Scan unit 254 Reading unit 256 Scan driving unit 258, 322 Control unit 260, 326 Surface state detection unit 262 Adjustment unit 312 Detection unit 314 Transmission unit 316 Optical sensor 318 Light irradiation Unit 320 light source 324 receiving unit

Claims (11)

An insertion part comprising a flexible and long linear line part and an imaging part connected to the tip of the linear part, connected to the end part of the insertion part opposite to the imaging part, and An endoscope having an operation unit for operating the insertion unit and a plurality of light emitting units disposed on a surface of the insertion unit at a predetermined interval from each other;
An endoscope cleaning machine that has a cleaning unit for cleaning the endoscope, and that cleans the endoscope placed in the cleaning unit;
A detection value is detected from the light detection unit that detects light from the light emitting unit of the endoscope placed in the cleaning unit, and a measurement result detected by the light detection unit, and a surface state of the endoscope is detected. An endoscope cleaning system having a surface state detection mechanism having a surface state detection unit.   The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting unit is disposed over the entire surface of the insertion unit.   The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit is further disposed in the operation unit. The endoscope can be detachably connected to at least one of a power source and a light source, and connects the connector and the operation unit that supply at least one of power and light to the operation unit and the insertion unit, and the connector. Have a universal code,
The endoscope cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light emitting unit is further disposed on at least one of the connector and the universal cord. An insertion part comprising a flexible and long linear line part and an imaging part connected to the tip of the linear part, connected to the end part of the insertion part opposite to the imaging part, and An endoscope having an operation unit for operating the insertion unit and a detection unit including a plurality of optical sensors arranged on the surface of the insertion unit at a predetermined interval from each other;
An endoscope cleaning machine that has a cleaning unit for cleaning the endoscope and that cleans the endoscope placed in the cleaning unit;
A light source that emits light to the endoscope placed in the cleaning unit, a receiving unit that receives a measurement result measured by the optical sensor of the endoscope irradiated with light from the light source, and the receiving unit An endoscope cleaning system including a surface state detection mechanism having a surface state detection unit that calculates a determination value from a received measurement result and detects a surface state of the endoscope.   The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 5, wherein the optical sensor is disposed over the entire surface of the insertion portion.   The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the detection unit further includes an optical sensor disposed in the operation unit. The endoscope can be detachably connected to at least one of a power source and a light source, and connects the connector and the operation unit that supply at least one of power and light to the operation unit and the insertion unit, and the connector. Have a universal code,
The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 5, wherein the detection unit further includes an optical sensor disposed on at least one of the connector and the universal cord.   The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the surface state detection unit calculates a determination value based on a comparison with a measurement result of the cleaned endoscope.   The cleaning state detection mechanism further includes an adjustment unit that adjusts processing time of the endoscope by the endoscope cleaning machine or processing conditions of the endoscope based on a detection result of the surface state detection unit. An endoscope cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.   The endoscope cleaning system according to claim 10, wherein the processing condition is a stirring speed of the cleaning liquid or a temperature.

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