JP2009189413A - Endoscope cleaning disinfection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disinfection is prevented from being incomplete due to an endoscope contacting a flat portion of a top cover.
An endoscope 10 is sterilized by being immersed in a disinfecting solution 83 stored in a cleaning tank 31. A plurality of projections 66 projecting into the cleaning tank 31 are provided on the inner surface portion 64 of the top cover 37. The inner surface 64 comes into contact with the disinfecting solution 83 stored in the cleaning tank 31 and is sterilized together with the endoscope 10. The insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 may be higher than the depth of the cleaning tank 31 due to overlapping, and may contact the protrusion 66. Since the contact area between the endoscope 10 and the projection 66 is small, disinfection of the endoscope 10 is not hindered.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus including a cleaning tank that houses an endoscope and a lid that opens and closes an opening at the top of the cleaning tank.

  An endoscope is known as a medical device used for inspection and treatment in a body cavity of a living body. The endoscope includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity. The insertion portion is a flexible rod-like body, and includes an imaging portion that images the inside of the body cavity and various channels such as a forceps channel through which the treatment tool is inserted. There are various types of endoscopes, such as those for upper digestive organs, those for lower digestive organs, and those for bronchi. The length of the insertion portion varies depending on the type of endoscope, and varies from a length of 1 m or less to a length exceeding 1.5 m.

  In the endoscope after use, body fluid and dirt are attached to the outer surface of the insertion portion and each channel. Since pathogenic bacteria and viruses contained in body fluids and filth cause nosocomial infections, endoscopes after use are always cleaned and disinfected. The cleaning of the endoscope is a process of washing away body fluids and dirt attached to the endoscope using water or a detergent. Endoscope disinfection is a process of immersing the endoscope in a disinfectant solution to remove pathogenic bacteria and viruses that are not removed by washing, or to eliminate pathogenicity.

  In order to efficiently clean and disinfect an endoscope, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is used. As shown in FIG. 12, a conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 130 includes a cleaning tank 131, a water supply nozzle 132, a liquid supply nozzle 133, and the like. The cleaning tank 131 is a water tank whose upper part is opened, and stores the used endoscope 135. The water supply nozzle 132 injects water as a cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank 131. The liquid supply nozzle 133 supplies a disinfecting liquid into the cleaning tank 131 when the endoscope 135 is disinfected.

The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 130 includes a top cover that opens and closes an opening 131 a at the top of the cleaning tank 131. The top cover is opened when the endoscope 135 is accommodated in or removed from the cleaning tank 131, and is closed during cleaning and disinfection. The top cover is provided with a convex portion that covers the water supply nozzle 132 and the liquid supply nozzle 133. This is because the water supply nozzle 132 and the liquid supply nozzle 133 are arranged above the cleaning tank 131 so as not to be submerged in the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 131. Further, in order to clean and disinfect the inner surface of the top cover contaminated by the cleaning of the endoscope 135, a flat surface portion that is brought into contact with the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 131 is provided on the inner surface of the top cover. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3219730

  In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the disinfection of the endoscope may be incomplete. The endoscope has an insertion portion bent in an annular shape and is accommodated in a cleaning tank. The insertion portion may be bent due to its own elasticity, vibration, impact, water flow of the cleaning liquid, and the like, and may move to a position different from the initial location. For example, when the tip of the insertion portion moves into the convex portion of the top cover and protrudes from the surface of the disinfecting solution, the protruding portion is not immersed in the disinfecting solution, or the immersion time is shortened.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when an endoscope 135 having a long insertion portion 136 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 131, a double or triple overlap occurs in the bent insertion portion 136. The endoscope 135 includes a universal cord 138 provided with a connector portion 137 connected to the video processor at the distal end, and the universal cord 138 also overlaps the insertion portion 136. In addition, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is known in which two endoscopes are accommodated in a cleaning tank for cleaning and disinfection. In this endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, an insertion portion and a universal cord overlap each other. Becomes even worse.

  The height of the endoscope 135 on which the insertion portion 136 and the universal cord 138 overlap may exceed the depth of the cleaning tank 131. When the top cover is closed in this state, the insertion portion 136 and the universal cord 138 are pressed against the flat portion 140a of the top cover 140 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, a linear contact A that makes a linear contact occurs between the flat portion 140 a of the top cover 140 and the insertion portion 136. Since the linear contact A has poor liquid contact, as a result, disinfection becomes incomplete.

  It is difficult to determine whether the height of the insertion portion 136 exceeds the depth of the cleaning tank 131 before closing the top cover 140. Even if it is found that the insertion portion 136 and the flat portion 140a of the top cover 140 are in contact with each other, the top cover 140 once closed is opened again, the endoscope 135 is taken out, and the insertion portion 136 is bent. The work to fix is troublesome. Therefore, the endoscope 135 may be cleaned and disinfected without eliminating the contact state between the insertion portion 136 and the top cover 140.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent incomplete disinfection even if any endoscope is accommodated in a cleaning tank.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention has a lid that faces or fits over the entire opening of the cleaning tank when the cover of the cleaning tank is closed, and the entire surface contacts the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank. Is provided. In addition, a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the cleaning tank when the lid is closed are provided on the inner surface of the lid.

  The tip of the protrusion may be sharp. Further, the arrangement density of the projections may be changed according to the accommodation position of the endoscope. In this case, it is preferable to draw a picture representing the accommodation position of the endoscope on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank. Furthermore, vibration applying means for applying vibration to the lid to change the contact position between the endoscope and the protrusion may be provided.

  According to the present invention, since the endoscope housed in the cleaning tank is received by the plurality of protrusions provided on the inner surface portion of the lid, the contact area between the endoscope and the inner surface portion is reduced. Thereby, in the endoscope, there is no liquid contact defect that shortens the contact time with the disinfecting liquid, and thus the endoscope can be appropriately disinfected.

  When the lid of the cleaning tank is closed, the inner surface part is faced or fitted to the entire opening of the cleaning tank, and the entire inner surface part is in contact with the disinfecting liquid. The sterilization will not be incomplete. Further, since the entire inside of the lid is sterilized, it is possible to prevent the endoscope from being contaminated by water droplets adhering to the inner surface of the lid.

  Since the tip of the protrusion is sharpened, the contact area between the endoscope and the protrusion can be further reduced. Further, the number of protrusions can be reduced by changing the arrangement density of the protrusions according to the accommodation position of the endoscope. If the number of protrusions is reduced, cleaning and disinfection of the inner surface of the lid are improved. Furthermore, since the picture showing the storage position of the endoscope is drawn on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank, the storage position of the endoscope with respect to the cleaning tank becomes clear and can be arranged at the same position every time. Thereby, an endoscope can be appropriately received even with protrusions whose arrangement density is changed.

  If the endoscope and the projection are kept in contact at the same position, disinfection of the contact position may be incomplete. In the present invention, since the vibration applying means is provided on the lid, the contact position between the endoscope and the projection can be changed by applying vibration to the lid.

  An endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an endoscope that is cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus of the present invention. The endoscope 10 includes an insertion unit 11 that is inserted into a body cavity of a living body, and an operation unit 12 that operates the insertion unit 11.

  The insertion part 11 is a rod-shaped body having a circular cross section and has flexibility. At the distal end of the insertion unit 11, an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the body cavity and an imaging unit (not shown) that images the inside of the body cavity are provided. In the insertion portion 11, an air / water feeding channel 15 and a forceps channel 16, one end of which is exposed from the distal end of the insertion portion 11, are provided. A suction channel 17 is connected to the forceps channel 16.

  The operation unit 12 is provided with a forceps port 20, an air / water supply button 21, and a suction button 22. The forceps port 20 is fitted with a forceps port cap 23 that is removed during use. The air / water supply button 21 and the suction button 22 are detachably attached to the mounting ports 12a and 12b. The forceps port cap 23, the air / water supply button 21, and the suction button 22 are removed from the operation unit 12 when the endoscope 10 is cleaned.

  In the universal cord 25 and the connector unit 26 connected to the operation unit 12, the air / water supply channel 15 and the suction channel 17, and the wiring of the illumination unit and the imaging unit are incorporated. The connector portion 26 is provided with a contact portion for connecting the wiring to the light source device and the video processor. When the endoscope 10 is cleaned, a waterproof cap 27 (see FIG. 3) that covers and protects the contact portion of the connector portion 26 is attached.

  An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus) 28 shown in FIG. 2 is an apparatus that accommodates the used endoscope 10 for cleaning and disinfection. The device 28 includes a box-shaped device main body 30. A cleaning tank 31 in which the used endoscope 10 is accommodated is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The cleaning tank 31 is a water tank having an open top, and is formed of a metal plate having excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, etc., such as stainless steel.

  An operation panel 33 and a display panel 34 are arranged in front of the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The operation panel 33 includes a number of buttons for instructing various settings related to cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 10 and starting or stopping of cleaning and disinfection. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used for the display panel 34, and various setting screens, remaining time of each process, a warning message when a trouble occurs, and the like are displayed.

  A top cover 37 for opening and closing the opening 31 a at the top of the cleaning tank 31 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. The top cover 37 is a rectangular plate-shaped body made of, for example, plastic, and one side is pivotally supported by a hinge 38 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 30. Although not shown in detail, the top cover 37 is provided with a lock mechanism for locking in the closed position.

  A box-shaped sub-tank accommodating portion 40 is provided on one side surface of the apparatus main body 30. A sub tank 41 is built in the sub tank housing portion 40. The sub tank 41 is a sealed box-shaped water tank, for example, and is formed of a metal plate having excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance. The sub tank 41 is connected to the cleaning tank 31 by a communication path 42 through which a disinfectant can flow. The communication path 42 is provided between the adjacent side surfaces of the cleaning tank 31 and the sub tank 41.

  The sub tank 41 is used for adjusting the supply amount of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid supplied to the cleaning tank 31. In this embodiment, since the entire opening 31a of the cleaning tank 31 is covered with the top cover 37, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid is detected and supplied in the cleaning tank 31 as in a conventional endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. This is because the amount cannot be controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a supply port 44 that supplies liquid used for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 10 into the cleaning tank 31 is provided on the inner surface 31 b of the cleaning tank 31. The supply port 44 is provided with a water supply nozzle 45, a detergent supply nozzle 46, and a disinfectant supply nozzle 47 that protrude into the cleaning tank 31.

  The water supply nozzle 45 supplies water into the cleaning tank 31. The detergent supply nozzle 46 supplies a detergent (for example, a liquid enzyme detergent) into the cleaning tank 31. The disinfectant supply nozzle 47 supplies a disinfectant (for example, glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, orthophthalaldehyde) into the cleaning tank 31. Body fluids and filths adhering to the endoscope 10 are washed away by a cleaning liquid in which water and a detergent are mixed. Pathogenic bacteria and viruses that have not been washed away with the cleaning solution are removed by the disinfecting solution, or the pathogenicity is lost.

  A channel cleaning port 49 is provided on the inner side surface 31 c of the cleaning tank 31. The channel cleaning port 49 is used for cleaning and disinfecting the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16, and the suction channel 17 of the endoscope 10. The channel cleaning port 49 is provided with an air / water channel coupler 50, a suction channel coupler 51, and a forceps channel coupler 52.

  In the endoscope 10 accommodated in the cleaning tank 31, the mounting ports 12a and 12b and the forceps port 20 are connected to the couplers 50 to 52 by flexible tubes 54 to 56, respectively. Gases and liquids such as water, cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, alcohol, and compressed air are supplied from the couplers 50 to 52 into the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16, and the suction channel 17.

  In the vicinity of the supply port 44, an airtight test port 58 used for an airtight test of the endoscope 10 is provided. The airtight test port 58 is provided with a tube coupler 58a for supplying compressed air. A tube having flexibility is attached to the tube coupler 58a. The tube is connected to a waterproof cap 27 attached to the connector portion 26.

  An accessory cleaning basket 60 is attached to the bottom surface 31 d of the cleaning tank 31. The accessory washing basket 60 is, for example, a rectangular cage having an upper opening, and accessory components such as an air / water supply button 21, a suction button 22, and a forceps port cap 23 that are removed from the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10. Is housed. A waste liquid port 62 is provided at a corner of the bottom surface 31d. The waste liquid port 62 discharges used water, cleaning liquid, and disinfecting liquid from the cleaning tank 31.

  The inner surface 37a of the top cover 37 is provided with a flat plate-like inner surface portion 64 protruding in the thickness direction. A waterproof packing 65 made of rubber, elastomer or the like is provided on the outer periphery of the inner surface portion 64. As shown in FIG. 4, when the top cover 37 is closed, the waterproof packing 65 comes into contact with the edge portion 31 e provided on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the cleaning tank 31 to seal the inside of the cleaning tank 31. The inner surface 64 faces the entire opening 31a of the cleaning tank 31 or has a size that fits loosely into the opening 31a. The flat surface portion 64a of the inner surface portion 64 is disposed substantially horizontally when the top cover 37 is closed.

  A plurality of minute projections 66 that protrude toward the inside of the cleaning tank 31 when the top cover 37 is closed are provided in the entire area of the flat portion 64a at a uniform arrangement interval. The protrusion 66 has a conical shape with a sharp tip. As shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement interval L <b> 1 of the protrusion 66 is narrower than the diameter D of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10, for example. Even if the insertion part 11 enters between the projections 66, the tip of the projection 66 contacts the outer surface of the insertion part 11, so that the contact area between the endoscope 10 and the projection 66 becomes very small.

  Since the conventional top cover 140 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is not provided with a protrusion on the flat surface portion 140a, a linear contact A occurs between the insertion portion 136 and the flat surface portion 140a. Since the linear contact A also hinders the liquid flow of the disinfecting liquid in addition to the poor liquid contact, it also affects the removal of dust adhering to the surrounding area. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the projection 66 is provided on the top cover 37, no linear contact occurs. Further, since the space B is formed by the projection 66 between the top cover 37 and the endoscope 10, a liquid flow of the disinfecting liquid can be ensured and dust attached to the insertion portion 11 can be reliably removed. .

  FIG. 6 shows a piping system in the apparatus main body 30. A rubber heater 67 is attached to the lower surface of the cleaning tank 31. The rubber heater 67 heats the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31 through the cleaning tank 31. In the cleaning tank 31, a temperature sensor (TE) 68 for measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid is provided in addition to the supply port 44 described above.

  The water supply nozzle 45 is connected to a liquid supply path 70 through which water, a cleaning liquid, and a disinfecting liquid flow. The liquid supply path 70 is provided with a check valve 71 that prevents the backflow of the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 31.

  The other end of the liquid supply path 70 is connected to one end of the electric three-way valve 73. A water supply path 74 is connected to the other end of the electric three-way valve 73. The water supply channel 74 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 30 and connected to a tap water tap. The water supply path 74 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 75 and a water filter (hereinafter abbreviated as WF) 76 from the side connected to the faucet. The electromagnetic valve 75 switches supply / stop of tap water to the water supply channel 74. The WF 76 captures foreign substances and bacteria contained in tap water. The electric three-way valve 73 connects the liquid supply path 70 and the water supply path 74 when supplying water into the cleaning tank 31.

  A detergent supply path 79 for supplying a detergent 78 is connected to the detergent supply nozzle 46. The other end of the detergent supply path 79 is connected to a detergent tank 80 in which a detergent 78 is accommodated. The detergent supply path 79 is provided with a water pump (hereinafter abbreviated as WP) 81 and a check valve 82 from the detergent tank 80 side. The WP 81 sucks the detergent 78 in the detergent tank 80. The check valve 82 prevents the back flow of the liquid.

  A disinfectant supply path 84 for supplying the disinfectant 83 is connected to the disinfectant supply nozzle 47. The other end of the disinfecting liquid supply path 84 is connected to a disinfecting liquid tank 85 in which the disinfecting liquid 83 is accommodated. In the disinfectant supply path 84, a WP 86 and a check valve 87 are provided from the disinfectant tank 85 side. The WP 86 sucks the disinfecting liquid 83 in the disinfecting liquid tank 85. The check valve 87 prevents back flow of liquid. The disinfecting liquid tank 85 is provided with a discharge passage 85a for discharging the used disinfecting liquid 83.

  A waste liquid passage 90 branched on the downstream side is connected to the waste liquid port 62. One branched first waste liquid path 91 discharges the cleaning liquid and water used for cleaning the endoscope 10 out of the apparatus main body 30 by the WP 92. The other second waste liquid path 93 returns the disinfecting liquid 83 used for disinfecting the endoscope 10 to the disinfecting liquid tank 85. Since the disinfecting solution 83 does not lose its disinfecting effect after several uses, it is returned to the disinfecting solution tank 85 and used repeatedly. The first waste liquid path 91 and the second waste liquid path 93 are switched by opening and closing electromagnetic valves 94 and 95 provided respectively.

  A circulation path 97 for circulating the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid 83, and the water stored in the cleaning tank 31 is also connected to the waste liquid port 62. The circulation path 97 is provided with a WP 98 that sucks the liquid in the cleaning tank 31. The circulation path 97 is branched into a first circulation path 99 and a second circulation path 100 on the downstream side of the WP 98. The first circulation path 99 is connected to the electric three-way valve 73. The electric three-way valve 73 connects the liquid supply path 70 and the first circulation path 99 when circulating the water, the cleaning liquid, and the disinfecting liquid 83 stored in the cleaning tank 31.

  The second circulation path 100 is connected to each of the couplers 50 to 52 of the channel cleaning port 49 described above. The cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid 83, and the water that have flowed into the second circulation path 100 pass through the couplers 50 to 52 and the tubes 54 to 56 of the channel cleaning port 49, and are supplied to the air, the water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16, and the suction channel 17. Clean and disinfect.

  In addition to the second circulation path 100, the channel cleaning port 49 is connected to an air supply path that blows air into each channel to remove water droplets, an alcohol supply path that causes alcohol to flow and dry in each channel, and the like. In order to avoid complication of the drawing, FIG. 6 does not show the channel cleaning port 49 and the airtight test port 58 and various supply paths connected to them.

  A liquid level detection sensor 103 that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid 83 is provided in the sub tank 41. As the liquid level detection sensor 103, for example, a float type level sensor in which the float moves up and down in accordance with the liquid level is used. Since the cleaning tank 31 and the sub tank 41 are connected by the communication path 42, the liquid level positions of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid 83 stored in both are equal. Therefore, the liquid level position in the cleaning tank 31 can be known by detecting the liquid level of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid 83 in the sub tank 41 by the liquid level detection sensor 103.

  The sub tank 41 is formed such that its depth direction is higher than the upper surface of the cleaning tank 31. This is for reliably detecting that the disinfectant 83 is supplied so as to contact the inner surface 64 of the top cover 37.

  An exhaust passage 105 for exhausting the air in the cleaning tank 31 and the sub tank 41 to the outside of the apparatus main body 30 is provided on the upper side surface of the sub tank 41. The exhaust passage 105 is provided with an air filter (AF) 106 that prevents the flow of harmful disinfectant vapor. A waste liquid port 107 is provided on the bottom surface 41 a of the sub tank 41. A sub waste liquid path 108 connected to the waste liquid path 90 is connected to the waste liquid port 107.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 28 includes a CPU 110 that controls the entire apparatus, a ROM 111 that stores control programs and various data, and a RAM 112 that is an execution area of the control program read from the ROM 111. I have. The CPU 110 drives an LCD driver 113 that drives the display panel 34, a valve driver 114 that drives each electromagnetic valve, a motor driver 115 that drives the electric three-way valve 73, a WP driver 116 that drives each WP, and a rubber heater 67. A heater driver 117 and the like are connected.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the cleaning and disinfection process of the endoscope 10 by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 28 will be described. The endoscope 10 is washed with water with a sink or the like (preliminary washing) immediately after the inspection is completed, and is washed away before the attached dirt or the like becomes dry and difficult to fall off. Note that it is preferable to turn on the power of the apparatus 28 so that the endoscope 10 can be cleaned immediately after the preliminary cleaning.

  Small parts such as the air / water feed button 21, the suction button 22, and the forceps port cap 23 are removed from the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10 and are accommodated in the small article washing basket 60. The operation unit 12 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 31 such that the mounting ports 12 a and 12 b face the channel cleaning port 49 and are along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning tank 31. The insertion portion 11 is wound in a ring shape and placed between the inner side surface 31 c and the accessory cleaning basket 60. The connector portion 26 is placed between the inner side surface 31f and the accessory cleaning basket 60 with the universal cord 25 bent. A waterproof cap 27 is attached to the connector portion 26.

  Tubes 54 to 56 are attached to the air / water channel coupler 50, the suction channel coupler 51, and the forceps channel coupler 52 of the channel cleaning port 49, respectively. The tubes 54 to 56 are connected to the air supply / water supply button mounting port 12a, the suction button mounting port 12b, and the forceps port 20 of the endoscope 10, respectively. After the endoscope 10 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 31, the top cover 37 is closed. The inner surface portion 64 of the top cover 37 faces the entire opening 31a of the cleaning tank 31 or fits loosely.

  When the insertion part 11 is long, a double or triple overlap occurs in the insertion part 11 bent in the cleaning tank 31. Not only the insertion portion 11 but also the insertion portion 11 and the universal cord 25 overlap. The height of the endoscope 10 in which the insertion portion 11 and the universal cord 25 overlap may exceed the depth of the cleaning tank 31. When the top cover 37 is closed in this state, the insertion portion 11 and the universal cord 25 are pressed against the inner surface portion 64 of the top cover 37. However, since a large number of protrusions 66 are provided on the inner surface portion 64, no linear contact occurs between the insertion portion 11 and the inner surface portion 64.

  The operation panel 33 is operated, and the cleaning process of the endoscope 10 is started. The CPU 110 controls the valve driver 114 to open the electromagnetic valve 75. Further, the motor driver 115 is controlled to switch the electric three-way valve 73 so that the liquid supply path 70 and the water supply path 74 are connected. The water flowing through the water supply channel 74 due to the water pressure from the water pipe is purified by the WF 76. The water that has flowed into the liquid supply passage 70 through the water supply passage 74 is jetted into the cleaning tank 31 from the water supply nozzle 45.

  The CPU 110 drives the WP 81 simultaneously with the start of water supply to the cleaning tank 31, and discharges a predetermined amount of the detergent 78 from the detergent supply nozzle 46 into the cleaning tank 31. As a result, a cleaning liquid in which water and the detergent 78 are mixed is generated in the cleaning tank 31.

  The cleaning liquid flows into the sub tank 41 through the communication path 42. When the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the sub tank 41 becomes higher than the communication path 42, the liquid levels of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 31 and the sub tank 41 become equal. The amount of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 31 is detected by the liquid level detection sensor 103. The CPU 110 closes the electromagnetic valve 75 and stops water supply when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid reaches a predetermined position.

  The CPU 110 controls the heater driver 117 to drive the rubber heater 67. The heat of the rubber heater 67 is transmitted to the cleaning liquid through the cleaning tank 31. The temperature of the cleaning liquid is detected by a temperature sensor 68. The CPU 110 controls the rubber heater 67 so that the cleaning liquid maintains a predetermined temperature.

  The CPU 110 switches the electric three-way valve 73 to connect the liquid supply path 70 and the first circulation path 99 to drive the WP 98. The cleaning liquid discharged to the waste liquid port 62 flows through the circulation path 97, the first circulation path 99, and the liquid supply path 70, and is jetted toward the endoscope 10 by the water supply nozzle 45. Body fluid and dirt attached to the outer surface of the endoscope 10 are washed away by the impact of the jetted cleaning liquid and the vortex flow during circulation. Since the concentration gradient of the detergent is leveled by the circulation of the cleaning liquid, the same cleaning power can be obtained in the entire area of the cleaning tank 31.

  The cleaning liquid that has flowed through the circulation path 97 is supplied into the endoscope 10 through the second circulation path 100, the channel cleaning port 49, and the like. The cleaning liquid supplied into the endoscope 10 cleans the air / water supply channel 15, the forceps channel 16 and the suction channel 17.

  The CPU 110 drives the WP 92 by opening the electromagnetic valve 94 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The cleaning liquid used for cleaning flows through the waste liquid port 62, the waste liquid path 90, and the first waste liquid path 91 and is discharged out of the apparatus main body 30. In order to prevent the cleaning liquid from remaining inside the circulation path 97 and the like, the driving of the WP 98 is stopped after the discharge of the cleaning liquid.

  In order to remove the cleaning liquid from the endoscope 10, rinsing with water is performed. The CPU 110 supplies a predetermined amount of water into the cleaning tank 31 and circulates the water to remove the cleaning liquid adhering to the outer surface of the endoscope 10 and each channel. Since the supply of water and the discharge of water after rinsing are the same as at the time of washing, a detailed description is omitted.

  The CPU 110 drives the WP 86 to supply the disinfecting solution 83 into the cleaning tank 31. The CPU 110 detects the liquid level position of the disinfecting liquid 83 in the cleaning tank 31 by the liquid level detection sensor 103. The CPU 110 stops the WP 86 when the liquid level position of the disinfecting liquid 83 comes into contact with the inner surface portion 64 of the top cover 37.

  The CPU 110 heats the disinfecting solution 83 to a predetermined temperature using the rubber heater 67 and the temperature sensor 68. After heating the disinfecting liquid 83, the CPU 110 drives the WP 98 to circulate the disinfecting liquid 83 in the cleaning tank 31 and in each channel. The outer surface of the endoscope 10 and each channel are immersed in a disinfecting solution 83 to be disinfected. The CPU 110 opens the electromagnetic valve 95 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and returns the disinfecting liquid 83 to the disinfecting liquid tank 85.

  During the disinfection of the endoscope 10, the endoscope 10 may move in the cleaning tank 31 due to the circulation flow of the disinfecting solution 83, or some vibration, impact, etc., and the insertion portion 11 may come into contact with the inner surface portion 64. Since the inner surface portion 64 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 66, no linear contact occurs between the insertion portion 11 and the inner surface portion 64. Further, since the space B is formed by the projection 66, the liquid flow of the disinfecting liquid 83 can be secured and the dust attached to the insertion portion 11 can be reliably removed.

  In the present invention, the inner surface 64 of the top cover 37 faces the entire opening 31 a of the cleaning tank 31, and the disinfecting solution 83 is in contact with the inner surface 64, so that the insertion portion 11 protrudes out of the disinfecting solution 83. There is nothing.

  After the disinfection is completed, rinsing is performed twice in order to remove the disinfectant 83 from the endoscope 10. After the end of rinsing, the CPU 110 blows air into each channel of the endoscope 10 to remove water droplets, and then causes alcohol to flow through each channel to dry it.

  After completion of cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope 10, the top cover 37 is opened and the endoscope 10 is taken out from the cleaning tank 31. Although water droplets at the time of rinsing adhere to the inner surface portion 64 of the top cover 37, the inner surface portion 64 is sterilized together with the endoscope 10, so that the endoscope 10 is again contaminated by the water droplets. Absent.

  In the above-described embodiment, the protrusions 66 are provided in the entire area of the inner surface portion 64 at a uniform arrangement interval. However, the arrangement interval, that is, the arrangement density may be changed according to the position where the protrusions 66 are provided. The two-dot chain lines shown in FIG. 9 indicate the positions of the plurality of protrusions 66 that face the cleaning tank 31 when the top cover 37 is closed. In this embodiment, the arrangement density of the protrusions 66 at the position facing the endoscope 10 is set higher than the arrangement density of other portions. Further, the projection 66 may be provided only at a position facing the endoscope 10.

  When the arrangement density of the projections 66 is changed in accordance with the accommodation position of the endoscope 10, the accommodation position of the endoscope 10 needs to be constant. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a full-size illustration 120 representing the accommodation position of the endoscope 10 may be drawn on the bottom surface 31 d of the cleaning tank 31. If the endoscope 10 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 31 according to this illustration 120, each part of the endoscope 10 can be made to face the protrusion 66.

  If the endoscope 10 and the projection 66 are kept in contact at the same position, the contact position between the endoscope 10 and the projection 66 may be changed because disinfection of the contact position may be incomplete. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a vibration applying mechanism 123 that applies vibration to the top cover 37 may be attached. When the vibration is applied to the top cover 37 by the vibration applying mechanism 123, the endoscope 10 moves in the cleaning tank 31, so that the contact position between the endoscope 10 and the projection 66 changes.

  As the vibration imparting mechanism 123, a vibration device used for a mobile phone or the like, an ultrasonic vibration device, or the like can be used. In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus that cleans the endoscope 10 by vibrating the cleaning liquid with the ultrasonic vibration apparatus, the ultrasonic vibration apparatus may be used for the vibration of the top cover 37.

  In each of the above embodiments, the disinfectant 83 is brought into contact with the inner surface 64, but cleaning liquid or rinsing water may also be brought into contact with the inner surface 64. Thereby, the inner surface part 64 can be cleaned each time. Further, although the sub tank 41 is provided for detecting the liquid level position of the disinfecting liquid 83 supplied to the cleaning tank 31, the supply amount of the disinfecting liquid 83 may be detected by a flow meter.

It is a top view which shows the structural example of an endoscope. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance shape of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of a washing tank. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which closed the top cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the diameter of an insertion part, and the arrangement | positioning space | interval of protrusion. It is a piping diagram which shows the schematic piping system in an apparatus main body. It is a block diagram which shows a part of electrical structure of an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning and disinfection procedure of an endoscope. It is a top view of the washing tank which shows the processus | protrusion which changed arrangement density according to the accommodation position of the endoscope. It is an external appearance perspective view of the endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus which drew the illustration showing the storage position of an endoscope on the bottom face of the washing tank. It is a piping diagram of an embodiment in which a vibration applying mechanism is provided on the top cover. It is a top view which shows the inside of the washing tank of the conventional endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the contact state of the conventional top cover and an insertion part. It is a perspective view which shows the contact state of the conventional top cover and an insertion part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope 11 Insertion part 12 Operation part 28 Endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus 30 Main body 31 Cleaning tank 31a Opening 37 Top cover 61 Inner surface part 66 Protrusion 83 Disinfectant liquid 120 Illustration 123 Vibration imparting mechanism

Claims (5)

A cleaning tank that houses the endoscope; and a lid that opens and closes an opening at the top of the cleaning tank, and the endoscope is immersed in a disinfecting solution stored in the cleaning tank. In the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting device to be disinfected,
When the lid is closed, it faces or fits over the entire opening of the cleaning tank, and the inner surface of the lid is in contact with the entire surface of the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning tank;
An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus comprising: a plurality of protrusions provided on the inner surface portion and protruding toward the inside of the cleaning tank.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a sharp tip.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement density of the protrusions is changed in accordance with an accommodation position of the endoscope.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a picture representing the accommodation position of the endoscope is drawn on a bottom surface of the cleaning tank.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration applying unit that applies vibration to the lid.

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