U.S. patent application number 09/253860 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing endoscope.
Invention is credited to HASEGAWA, HITOSHI, KUROSHIMA, HISASHI, NAKANISHI, NOBUYUKI, NEGORO, DAISAKU, SUZUKI, EIRI, TAYA, NAOYA.
Application Number | 20020064479 09/253860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27302987 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020064479 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAKANISHI, NOBUYUKI ; et
al. |
May 30, 2002 |
APPARATUS FOR WASHING AND DISINFECTING-STERILIZING ENDOSCOPE
Abstract
A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an
apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is
spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel
for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based
disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing
vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing
step together with the washing vessel.
Inventors: |
NAKANISHI, NOBUYUKI;
(SAGAMIHARA-SHI, JP) ; NEGORO, DAISAKU;
(SAITAMA-KEN, JP) ; TAYA, NAOYA; (TOKYO, JP)
; HASEGAWA, HITOSHI; (YOKOHAMA-SHI, JP) ; SUZUKI,
EIRI; (SAGAMIHARA-SHI, JP) ; KUROSHIMA, HISASHI;
(TOKYO, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF HOLTZ GOODMAN LANGER & CHICK
767 THIRD AVENUE
25TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
100172023
|
Family ID: |
27302987 |
Appl. No.: |
09/253860 |
Filed: |
February 22, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/28 ; 134/26;
422/1; 422/292; 422/295; 422/297; 422/300; 422/33; 422/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/123 20130101;
A61L 2202/17 20130101; A61L 2202/24 20130101; A61L 2/22 20130101;
A61B 1/00059 20130101; A61L 2/18 20130101; A61L 2/24 20130101; A61L
2/26 20130101; A61B 1/125 20130101; A61B 2090/701 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/28 ; 422/1;
422/34; 422/33; 422/292; 422/295; 422/297; 422/300; 134/26 |
International
Class: |
A01N 001/00; A61L
009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 1998 |
JP |
10-079337 |
Mar 31, 1998 |
JP |
10-085895 |
Oct 27, 1998 |
JP |
10-305476 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope, comprising: a vessel in which an endoscope can be
mounted; washing solution supply means for supplying a washing
solution for washing an endoscope into said vessel; washing means
for washing the endoscope mounted within the vessel with said
washing solution; and disinfecting-sterilizing solution supply
means for supplying an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing
solution into the vessel, wherein the endoscope mounted within the
vessel is disinfected and sterilized with said oxide-based
disinfecting-sterilizing solution.
2. A method of washing-disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope,
comprising the steps of: supplying a washing solution into a vessel
having an endoscope mounted therein for washing the endoscope; and
supplying an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution into the
vessel so as to disinfect-sterilize the endoscope with said
disinfecting-sterilizing solution.
3. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said washing solution
contains as a main component an alkaline detergent, an enzyme or an
enzyme-containing alkaline detergent.
4. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said
disinfecting-sterilizing solution contains as a main component at
least one kind of a concentrated disinfecting-sterilizing agent,
said solution being prepared by diluting said concentrated agent
with water within said vessel.
5. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a tank for
storing said disinfecting-sterilizing agent and a fluid passageway
for connecting said tank to said vessel so as to permit said
disinfecting-sterilizing agent to be circulated through the
apparatus.
6. The method for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to claim 2, wherein said disinfecting-sterilizing step is
performed at room temperature or higher.
7. The method for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to claim 2, wherein an endoscope is dipped in said
disinfecting-sterilizing solution which is held at room temperature
or heated in said disinfecting-sterilizing step.
8. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said
disinfecting-sterilizing solution supply means comprises: a tank
connected to a city water supply source and a warm water supply
source and storing a disinfecting-sterilizing agent diluted with
city water and/or warm water; a temperature sensor for detecting
the temperature of the disinfecting-sterilizing solution stored in
said tank; and a control section for controlling the supply amounts
of said city water and warm water upon receipt of a detection
signal supplied from said temperature sensor.
9. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said
disinfecting-sterilizing solution does not communicate with the
outside except a single portion, and a vapor component removing
means is mounted at the portion where the disinfecting-sterilizing
solution communicates with the outside.
10. The method of washing-disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to claim 2, wherein said endoscope is dipped in a
solution of at least an alkaline or enzyme-based detergent for the
washing in said washing step.
11. The method of washing-disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to claim 2, wherein said washing step is performed by at
least an ultrasonic washing and by supply of a washing solution
into tubular passageways of said endoscope.
12. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the vessel having said
endoscope arranged therein is provided with an ultrasonic
vibrator.
13. The method of washing-disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to claim 2, wherein an ultrasonic washing and washing by
circulation of a washing solution within the washing vessel are
employed in combination in said washing step.
14. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising means for
supplying a washing solution into the tubular passageway of the
endoscope such that said washing solution flows within the tubular
passageway at a flowing speed of 100 cm/sec.
15. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said vessel has an upper
opening, and said upper opening is closed by a top cover, a portion
positioned higher than the surface of the liquid housed in the
vessel being formed in at least a part of said top cover and at
least a part of the top cover being kept in contact with the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution in the disinfecting-sterilizing
step.
16. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 15, wherein the
disinfecting-sterilizing of the vessel including said top cover are
performed by combination of contact with the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution and spurting of the solution.
17. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 15, wherein said top cover includes a
planar portion which is disinfected and sterilized by contact with
the surface of the disinfecting-sterilizing solution filling the
vessel and a projecting portion to which the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution is spurted for the
disinfecting-sterilizing purpose.
18. An apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope by dipping an endoscope in a washing solution or
disinfecting-sterilizing solution stored in a vessel, comprising:
reading means for reading data stored in said endoscope; and
setting means for setting the conditions for washing and
disinfecting said endoscope based on the data read by said reading
means.
19. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 18, wherein said data include at least
the kind and date of manufacture of said endoscope.
20. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 18, wherein said data include the
number of endoscopic inspections, date of inspection and finishing
time of inspection, which can be rewritten every time an endoscopic
inspection is performed.
21. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 18, wherein said data are stored in an
IC memory arranged within a connector of the endoscope.
22. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 18, wherein said data are stored in a
bar code attached to said endoscope.
23. The apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope according to claim 18, further comprising a display
section for displaying the washing tube for the tubular passageway
which is to be used depending on the kind of the endoscope.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for washing
and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope.
[0002] An endoscope for a medical treatment must be washed,
disinfected and sterilized every time the endoscope is used. In the
conventional washing-disinfecting apparatus, the endoscope is set
in a washing vessel and, then, a washing solution is spurted from a
spurting nozzle mounted within the washing vessel against the
endoscope. At the same time, the washing solution is supplied into
the tubular passageway of the endoscope so as to wash the
endoscope. Then, the endoscope is dipped in a
disinfecting-sterilizing solution, and the solution is supplied
into the tubular passageway of the endoscope so as to disinfect and
sterilize the endoscope.
[0003] Further, a clean water is spurted against the endoscope and
supplied into the tubular passageway of the endoscope so as to
perform rinsing. Finally, air is supplied into the tubular
passageway of the endoscope so as to dry the inner space of the
tubular passageway. It is also known to the art that, in place of
using a spurting nozzle, the endoscope is dipped in a washing
solution stored in a washing vessel so as to wash the
endoscope.
[0004] In another type of the apparatus, a warm water is spurted
from a spurting nozzle for washing the endoscope, followed by
spurting from a spurting nozzle a disinfecting-sterilizing solution
against the endoscope so as to disinfect and sterilize the
endoscope.
[0005] In the former apparatus for washing and sterilizing the
endoscope, glutaric aldehyde is used as a disinfecting-sterilizing
agent. This sterilizing agent produces prominent function of
sterilizing various bacteria and viruses, but requires a long
treating time. For example, the sterilizing agent is said to
require 45 minutes of the disinfecting time and 10 hours of the
sterilizing time. Therefore, in inspections in which sufficient
treating time cannot be allowed, it is unavoidable to shorten the
treating time, leading to insufficient disinfecting-sterilizing
effect. Alternatively, the number of inspections must be
decreased.
[0006] Also, the disinfecting-sterilizing agent of glutaric
aldehyde must be diluted in advance to have a predetermined
concentration, and the diluted disinfecting-sterilizing agent must
be injected in an amount of about 20 L (liters) into the
washing-disinfecting apparatus. In performing the injecting
operation, an activating agent is added to about 3 to 5 L of the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution, followed by shaking the
resultant solution 4 to 6 times and subsequently injecting the
solution into the washing-disinfecting apparatus. These operations
give a big burden to the user.
[0007] In the latter apparatus for washing and sterilizing an
endoscope, the washing solution and the disinfecting-sterilizing
solution are used in a warmed condition. Naturally, the warming
takes a long time, leading to a long washing-disinfecting time.
Also, requirement of the warming means leads to a high
washing-disinfecting cost. Further, in order to allow the spurted
disinfecting-sterilizing agent to permeate into the endoscope
without fail, the endoscope must be set over a large space so as to
prevent parts of the endoscope from overlapping each other. As a
result, the washing-disinfecting apparatus is rendered bulky.
[0008] It should also be noted that the disinfecting-sterilizing
agent, which is spurted, is unlikely to permeate into fine portions
of the endoscope, making it necessary to perform the
disinfecting-sterilizing step for a long time. A
disinfecting-sterilizing agent of glutaric aldehyde type is also
used in the washing-disinfecting apparatus of this type. Since the
disinfecting-sterilizing agent must be warmed, the agent is
promptly deteriorated, making it necessary to discard the remaining
agent every day. As a result, the running cost is increased.
[0009] The endoscope includes various kinds including, for example,
an endoscope for stomach, an endoscope for duodenum, an endoscope
for large intestine, and an endoscope for bronchia. The endoscope
for stomach does not include a special tubular passageway. Also,
the tubular passageway is short and a has an appropriate thickness.
Therefore, the washing and water removal can be performed in a
short time. On the other hand, the endoscope for duodenum has a
very thin tubular passageway and requires a long washing time,
making it necessary to use a pipe for rising up forceps. Also, it
is necessary to introduce a high pressure air into the tubular
passageway for removing water.
[0010] The endoscope for large intestine includes a long inserting
section and a thick tubular passageway, making it necessary to wash
the endoscope and remove water from the endoscope carefully and
sufficiently. Further, the endoscope for bronchia has a fine
tubular passageway. The endoscope can be washed easily in a short
time. Also, water removal from the endoscope can be performed
easily. However, the tubercle bacillus attached to the bronchia has
a high resistance to chemicals, making it necessary to carry out
the disinfection-sterilization for a long time.
[0011] As described above, the endoscopes quite differ from each
other in construction depending on the kind. If these endoscopes
are washed and sterilized under the same conditions, the
washing-disinfecting is insufficient in some kinds of the
endoscopes and is excessive in other kinds of the endoscopes so as
to give detrimental effects to the endoscopes. Also, it is
undesirable in economy to perform an excessive washing-disinfecting
operation.
[0012] The conventional apparatus for washing-disinfecting an
endoscope comprises a washing vessel and holding sections mounted
within the washing vessel for holding a plurality of endoscopes. A
detection switch is mounted to each of the holding sections. If
endoscopes to be washed are set on the holding sections within the
washing vessel, the detection switches are turned on so as to
detect the kind of the endoscope based on the number of endoscopes
set on the holding sections, the thickness of the inserting section
of the endoscope, etc. Also, the treating times for the washing,
disinfecting-sterilizing, rinsing and water-removing steps are set
in accordance with the number and kinds of endoscopes.
[0013] In the conventional apparatus, however, the
washing-disinfecting conditions are set on the basis of the number
of endoscopes set in the washing vessel. Also, the
washing-disinfecting conditions are set by detecting the kind of
the endoscope depending on the thickness of the endoscope. In the
conventional apparatus, it is certainly possible to detect the
kinds of the endoscopes such as those for stomach, for duodenum,
for large intestine or for bronchia. However, new endoscopes
differing from the conventional endoscopes in thickness, shape and
construction are being developed successively, making it difficult
to detect accurately the kind of the endoscope.
[0014] It should also be noted that the washing vessel,
particularly the ceiling of the washing vessel, is contaminated
during the washing step of the endoscope, making it necessary to
wash the ceiling of the washing vessel in washing the endoscope.
Therefore, a nozzle for washing the ceiling is also mounted within
the washing vessel to allow the washing solution to be spurted from
the nozzle against the ceiling of the washing vessel. Incidentally,
the washing solution used for washing the endoscope and the ceiling
is circulated by using a pump so as to use again the washing
solution for the washing purpose in view of the running cost and
the environmental problem.
[0015] Since the washing solution used for washing the endoscope is
used again for washing the ceiling of the washing vessel, it is
possible for the washing solution of the ceiling to contain a large
amount of contaminants such as bacteria. Naturally, these
contaminants tend to be blown against the ceiling together with the
washing solution. Also, if the pressure for spurting the washing
solution against the ceiling is not sufficiently high, it is
impossible to wash away sufficiently the contaminants such as
bacteria attached to the ceiling of the washing vessel. It is also
difficult to remove sufficiently the washing solution attached to
the ceiling in the rising step for removing the washing
solution.
[0016] Needless to say, the ceiling of the washing vessel must be
kept clean. Otherwise, the contaminants such as bacteria attached
to the ceiling tend to be transferred onto the endoscope set in the
washing vessel. It follows that the endoscope once washed and
disinfected tends to be contaminated again.
[0017] Under the circumstances, the washing vessel is not washed in
the washing step by the washing means mounted within the washing
vessel, and the washing of the washing vessel by the washing means
mounted within the washing vessel is performed after the washing
step so as to remove without fail the contaminants attached to the
ceiling of the washing vessel and, thus, to prevent the endoscope
from being contaminated with the contaminants coming from the
ceiling.
[0018] However, the wall or ceiling of the washing vessel has a
large area, making it difficult to spray uniformly the wall or
ceiling with the washing solution. Also, it is necessary to use an
additional equipment for the spraying, leading to a high apparatus
cost and to a complex structure of the apparatus.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope in a short time without fail.
[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an
endoscope, comprising a vessel in which an endoscope can be
mounted, washing solution supply means for supplying a washing
solution for washing an endoscope into the vessel, washing means
for washing the endoscope mounted within the vessel with the
washing solution, and disinfecting-sterilizing solution supply
means for supplying an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing
solution into the vessel, wherein the endoscope mounted within the
vessel is disinfected and sterilized with the oxide-based
disinfecting-sterilizing solution.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of washing-disinfecting -sterilizing an
endoscope, comprising the steps of supplying a washing solution
into a vessel having an endoscope mounted therein for washing the
endoscope, and supplying an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing
solution into the vessel so as to disinfect-sterilize the endoscope
with the disinfecting-sterilizing solution.
[0022] In the method of the present invention, the entire endoscope
is washed with a washing solution containing as a main component an
alkaline or enzyme-based detergent, followed by
disinfecting-sterilizing the entire endoscope with an oxide-based
disinfecting-sterilizing solution. The oxide-based
disinfecting-sterilizing solution exhibits a high sterilizing
power, making it possible to shorten markedly the time for the
disinfecting-sterilizing step, compared with use of the
conventional disinfecting-sterilizing solution.
[0023] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided An apparatus for washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope by dipping an endoscope in a
washing solution or disinfecting-sterilizing solution stored in a
vessel, comprising, reading means for reading data stored in the
endoscope, and setting means for setting the conditions for washing
and disinfecting the endoscope based on the data read by the
reading means.
[0024] Various data such as the kind of the endoscope, the date of
manufacture and the date of delivery, which are stored in the
endoscope, are read out by the reading apparatus so as to set the
conditions for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope,
making it possible to perform the washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing appropriately for each of the
endoscopes.
[0025] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows the entire construction of an apparatus for
washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIGS. 2A to 2C show the arrangement of solution bottles used
in the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the operation of the
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the entire construction of an apparatus for
washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 6A and 6B are oblique showing an endoscope apparatus
and an apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing the
endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the operation of the
apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an oblique view showing data input state into an
IC memory in the apparatus according to the third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 9A and 9B are oblique views collectively showing an
apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the operation of the
apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 11 shows the construction of an apparatus for washing
and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 12 shows the construction of an apparatus for washing
and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a disinfecting nozzle
included in the apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing in a magnified
fashion a portion XIV shown in FIG. 12;
[0041] FIGS. 15A to 15D show modifications of the apparatus
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 16 shows the construction of an apparatus for washing
and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a seventh
embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 17 shows the construction of an apparatus for washing
and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a eighth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 18 shows the construction of an apparatus for washing
and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to a ninth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 19A to 19C collectively show the construction of an
apparatus for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope
according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 20 shows the construction of a channel connector
included in an apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0047] FIG. 21 shows a detector for detecting an abnormality of a
tubular passageway, etc. included in an apparatus for washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] Let us describe an apparatus for washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to the first
embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to
4.
[0049] Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the entire construction of the
apparatus. As shown in the drawing, an endoscope a is arranged
inside a washing vessel 1. A vibrating plate 2 provided with a
Ranjuban type ultrasonic oscillator is arranged within the washing
vessel 1. An ultrasonic vibration is oscillated from the vibrating
plate 2 into the washing liquid housed in the washing vessel 1 so
as to wash the outer surface of the endoscope a including fine
clearances formed in the outer surface.
[0050] A tower 3 is arranged in a central portion of the washing
vessel 1 for decreasing the amount of the washing solution housed
in the washing vessel 1. The upper open portion of the washing
vessel 1 is closed by a lid 1b having a packing 1a extending along
the outer circumferential surface so as to keep the washing vessel
liquid-tight and gas-tight. Also arranged within the washing vessel
1 is a washing solution nozzle 4a communicating with the discharge
port of a washing solution pump 4 via a washing solution tubular
passageway 10. A high pressure washing solution is spurted from the
nozzle 4a so as to wash the outer surface of the endoscope a.
Further, a washing water nozzle 5 for supplying city water into the
washing vessel 1 is arranged near the washing solution nozzle 4a.
The nozzle 5 is connected to a plug 6 of city water with a
bacteria-removing filter 7 interposed therebetween.
[0051] A tubular passageway 9 for washing the inner passageway of
the endoscope and the washing solution tubular passageway 10 are
mounted to the washing-disinfecting apparatus body. The suction
sides of these tubular passageways 9 and 10 communicate with a
circulating liquid suction port 11 at the bottom portion of the
washing vessel 1.
[0052] The other end of the tubular passageway 9 for washing the
inner passageway of the endoscope is connected to a pump 12 for
washing the inner passageway of the endoscope. The pump 12 is
connected to a channel connection port 13 with a check valve 15a
interposed therebetween. The channel connection port 13 is
connected to various channels within the endoscope a via a tube 14
for washing the inner passageway of the endoscope. Further, an air
supply tubular passageway 16 is connected to the tubular passageway
9 for washing the inner passageway of the endoscope, said tubular
passageway 9 being connected to the channel connection port 13. As
shown in the drawing, a check valve 15b is mounted to the air
supply tubular passageway 16. Still further, a compressor 17 is
connected to the air supply tubular passageway 16. It follows that
the compressed air is supplied from the compressor 17 into the
various channel connection port 13 of the endoscope a so as to
remove water from within the endoscope a.
[0053] Bottles 19 housing concentrated disinfecting-sterilizing
agents are set above a disinfecting solution tank 18. A single or a
plurality of bottles 19 are set above the tank 18 depending on the
kinds of the concentrated disinfecting-sterilizing agents.
[0054] The disinfecting-sterilizing solution is an oxide-based
disinfecting solution containing as a main component acetic peracid
or hydrogen peroxide. For preparing the disinfecting-sterilizing
solution, a single or a plurality of chemicals are mixed and, then,
diluted with clean water to activate the solution so as to allow
the diluted solution to produce a sterilizing effect.
[0055] Various types of disinfecting-sterilizing solutions are used
in the present invention including, for example, a combination of a
main agent 19a and an activating agent 19b as shown in FIG. 2A, a
combination of two kinds of main agents 19c as shown in FIG. 2B,
and a combination of two kinds of main agents 19c and the
activating agent 19b as shown in FIG. 2C.
[0056] Electromagnetic valves 20a, 20b mounted to the bottles 19
are opened to permit the concentrated chemicals housed in the
bottles 19 to fall gravitationally into the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution tank 18, followed by operating a
button of a main panel so as to prepare a desired
disinfecting-sterilizing solution.
[0057] Float switches 33a, 33b are mounted in the
disinfecting-sterilizing tank 18, and a water-supply valve 31
consisting of an electromagnetic valve is mounted to a tubular
passageway for supplying water into the disinfecting-sterilizing
tank 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the float switches 33a, 33b are
connected to a control section C to allow the electromagnetic
valves 20a, 20b and the water supply valve 31 to be turned on or
off by a signal generated from the float switches 33a, 33b.
[0058] To be more specific, when the electromagnetic valves 20a,
20b are turned on (step S1), the concentrated
disinfecting-sterilizing solution falls into the
disinfecting-sterilizing tank 18, followed by changing-over the
water supply valve 31 on the tank side (step S2). Then, the water
supply valve 31 is turned on, with the result that city water is
supplied through the water supply filter 7 into the
disinfecting-sterilizing tank 18 (step S3).
[0059] Then, the float switch 33a within the
disinfecting-sterilizing tank 18 is turned on (step S4). When a
predetermined water level is reached, the water supply valve 31 is
closed (step S5). In this fashion, the disinfecting-sterilizing
solution of a predetermined concentration is prepared.
Incidentally, the float switch 33b is for detecting an abnormal
water level and, thus, is not used in the ordinary operation.
[0060] Where the sterilization is performed by using warmed
chemicals and the chemicals are discarded after use, it suffices to
mix the concentrated solutions of the chemicals within the
disinfecting solution tank 18 without diluting the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution in advance. In other words, water
need not be supplied into the disinfecting solution tank 18.
[0061] In this case, the concentrated disinfecting-sterilizing
solution is supplied into the washing vessel 1 when the
disinfecting-sterilizing operation is started, followed by
supplying warm water into the washing vessel 1 so as to prepare the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution. Incidentally, it is possible to
supply the concentrated disinfecting-sterilizing chemicals from the
bottles of the concentrated chemicals directly into the washing
vessel 1.
[0062] Various forms of chemicals may be housed in the bottles 19
shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. These chemicals may be in the form of, for
example, a liquid, a powder or a solid. The chemicals used in the
present invention produce a disinfecting capability (capability of
killing harmful bacteria) at room temperature or a sterilizing
capability (capability of killing all the bacteria) at room
temperature. Alternatively, these chemicals produce a sterilizing
capability when warmed. It follows that, where it suffices to
obtain a disinfecting effect, the disinfection is performed at room
temperature.
[0063] The concentrated chemicals are set in a predetermined upper
portion within the bottle 19 so as to fall gravitationally into the
disinfecting solution tank 18 when the electromagnetic valves 20a,
20b are turned on. Then, a button of the main panel is operated so
as to introduce automatically city water or warm water into the
disinfecting solution tank 18 so as to prepare a
disinfecting-sterilizing solution of a practical concentration. It
should be noted that the tubular passageway connected to the
disinfecting solution tank 18 communicates with the washing vessel
1 via a pump 21.
[0064] A vapor component removing member 22 consisting of, for
example, an activated carbon filter is mounted at the portion where
the disinfecting-sterilizing solution communicates with the
outside. Also, an alkali-based detergent or an enzyme-based
detergent is housed in a detergent bottle 23. A tubular passageway
connected to the detergent bottle 23 communicates with the washing
vessel 1 via a pump 24. It should be noted that the alkali-based
detergent or enzyme-based detergent serves to remove organic
substances such as proteins and blood. On the other hand, the
oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing agent such as acetic peracid
serves to remove inorganic substances such as calcium
carbonate.
[0065] A drain pipe 28 is connected at one end to the waste water
discharge port of the washing vessel 1 and extends to permit the
other end to be positioned outside the apparatus via a drain pipe
29.
[0066] The apparatus of the first embodiment, which is constructed
as described above, is operated as follows. Specifically, when the
washing-disinfecting apparatus body is used, a used endoscope a is
set within the washing vessel 1, and the tube 14 for washing the
fluid passageway within the endoscope is connected at one end to
the endoscope a and at the other end to the channel connecting port
13. Then, various switches (not shown) are operated to perform the
steps of washing, disinfecting-sterilizing, rinsing, air blowing,
etc. In the washing step, the water supply valve 31 is opened so as
to supply washing water such as city water from the water supply
source into the washing vessel 1 through the bacteria-removing
filter 7 and the water supply tubular passageway. Also, the
detergent supply pump 24 is operated to supply the detergent within
the detergent bottle 23 into the washing vessel 1.
[0067] When the washing water supplied into the washing vessel 1
has reached a predetermined water level, the water supply valve 31
is closed so as to start the washing operation. In the washing
step, an ultrasonic wave washing and the washing with the
circulating washing water spurted from the spurting port are
carried out independently or simultaneously.
[0068] Further, the pump 12 for washing the tubular passageway
within the endoscope is operated so as to pressurize the washing
solution within the washing vessel 1. As a result, the pressurized
washing solution is supplied into all the tubular passageways
within the endoscope 1. In this case, the pump operation is
controlled to permit the flowing speed of the washing solution
within at least the suction tubular passageway of the endoscope a
to be at least 100 cm/sec.
[0069] A rinsing step is performed after completion of the washing
step. Specifically, clean water is introduced into the washing
vessel after discharge of the washing solution so as to carry out
the rinsing operation once or twice. In the latter half of the
rinsing operation, the pump 12 for washing the tubular passageway
within the endoscope is stopped, and the compressor 17 is turned
on. As a result, air is introduced through the channel connecting
port 13 into various channels of the endoscope a so as to remove
water from within the channels of the endoscope a.
[0070] Then, the disinfecting-sterilizing step is performed after
completion of the rinsing step. In the disinfecting-sterilizing
step, the oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing agent within the
disinfecting solution tank 18 is supplied into the washing vessel 1
through the disinfecting solution supply tubular passageway. As a
result, the endoscope a is completely dipped in the disinfecting
solution stored in the washing vessel 1. At the same time, the pump
12 for washing the tubular passageway of the endoscope is operated
so as to supply the disinfecting-sterilizing solution within the
washing vessel 1 into the tubular passageway of the endoscope so as
to disinfect and sterilize the endoscope a.
[0071] The valve is opened a predetermined time later so as to
recover the disinfecting-sterilizing solution in the disinfecting
solution tank 18. The disinfecting-sterilizing solution thus
recovered is used repeatedly as far as the solution produces the
disinfecting-sterilizing effect.
[0072] After completion of the disinfecting-sterilizing step, the
rinsing step is performed again.
[0073] After completion of the rinsing step, the water removing
operation is carried out so as to remove water completely from
within the endoscope a.
[0074] As described above, the apparatus for washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope according to the first
embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to disinfect
and sterilize the endoscope without fail in a short time so as to
lessen markedly the burden of the user.
[0075] FIG. 5 shows an apparatus according to a second embodiment
of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus which are
common with the members in the first and second embodiments are
denoted by the same reference numerals so as to omit an overlapping
description. In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the city
water and a warm water from a warm water supply equipment can be
supplied to the washing vessel 1 so as to prepare a disinfecting
solution based on the warm water.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, a water supply valve 40a consisting of
an electromagnetic valve is mounted o a tubular passageway
connected to the water cock 6. Also, a warm water supply valve 40b
consisting of an electromagnetic valve is mounted to the tubular
passageway connected to a warm water supply equipment 8. These
water supply valve 40a and the warm water supply valve 40b are
connected to the control section C.
[0077] Temperature sensors 41a, 41b are mounted to the tubular
passageways connected to the city water cock 6 and the warm water
supply equipment 8, respectively. Also, temperature sensors 42, 43
are mounted to the washing vessel 1 and the disinfecting solution
tank 18, respectively. Further, a flow meter 44 for measuring the
water amount flowing into the disinfecting solution tank 18 is
connected to the tubular passageway 20, which is connected at one
end to the tank 18 and at the other end to the city water cock 6
and the warm water supply equipment 8.
[0078] Heaters 45 and 46 for heating the washing solution and the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution housed in the washing vessel 1
and the disinfecting solution tank 18 are mounted within the
washing vessel 1 and the tank 18, respectively. These temperature
sensors 42, 43, flow meter 44 and heaters 45, 46 are connected to
the control section C.
[0079] Incidentally, each of the disinfecting solution tank 18 and
the washing vessel 1 is formed of a material resistant to chemicals
and heat such as stainless steel, polyethylene or
polypropylene.
[0080] The control section C, which is connected to the temperature
sensors 41a, 41b, detects the temperature of the city water
supplied from the city water cock 6 and the temperature of the warm
water supplied from the warm water supply equipment 8.
[0081] If the temperature of the disinfecting solution is set by an
operator in the control section C, the mixing ratio of the city
water to the warm water is determined in the control section C
based on the temperatures set for the disinfecting solution, for
the city water and for the warm water supplied from the warm water
supply equipment. Then, the required amounts of the city water and
warm water are calculated based on the mixing ratio thus determined
and the volume of the disinfecting solution tank 18.
[0082] In the next step, the control section C permits the water
supply valve 40a to be opened based on the calculation so as to
supply the city water. In this step, the supply amount of the city
water is calculated on the basis of the indication of the flow
meter 53. When a required amount of the city water has been
supplied into the disinfecting solution tank 18, the city water
supply valve 40a is closed so as to stop supplying the city
water.
[0083] Then, the warm water supply valve 40b is opened so as to
supply a warm water. In this step, the supply amount of the warm
water is calculated on the basis of the indication of the flow
meter 44. When a required amount of the warm water has been
supplied into the disinfecting solution tank 18, the warm water
supply valve 40b is closed so as to stop supplying the warm water.
At the same time, the electromagnetic valves 20a, 20b are operated
by the control section C so as to supply the concentrated
disinfecting-sterilizing agent into the warm water within the
disinfecting solution tank 18, thereby preparing a diluted
disinfecting-sterilizing solution. During preparation of the
diluted disinfecting-sterilizing solution, the heaters 45 and 46
within the washing vessel 1 and the disinfecting solution tank 18
are controlled by the control section C so as to maintain constant
the temperature of the washing solution and the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution, respectively. The apparatus of
the second embodiment is equal to that of the first embodiment in
the other respects.
[0084] The apparatus of the second embodiment permits disinfecting
and sterilizing the endoscope without fail in a short time. In
addition, the burden of the operator can be markedly lessened. It
should be noted in particular that, in the apparatus of the second
embodiment, a warm water equipment is arranged outside the
apparatus body, making it unnecessary to prepare a warm water
within the apparatus body. It follows that it suffices to use a
small heater as far as the temperature of the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution can be maintained at a
predetermined level.
[0085] FIGS. 6 to 8 show an apparatus according to a third
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B
schematically show the construction of each of an endoscope
apparatus and a washing-disinfecting-sterilizing apparatus. As
shown in FIG. 6A, the endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope 51
consisting of an operating section 52, an inserting section 53 and
a universal cord 54. A solid camera element (not shown) such as a
CCD is arranged within a distal end portion 55 of the inserting
section 53. Also, a light guide cable (not shown) is inserted into
the operating section 52 and into the inserting section 53. The
light guide cable is connected at one end to an illuminating
optical system arranged in the distal end portion 55 of the
inserting section 53 and at the other end to a connector 56 via the
universal cord 54.
[0086] The connector 56 is detachably connected to a light source
device 57 included in the peripheral apparatus and is also
connected to a video processor 59 via a signal cable 58. A video
signal generated from the video processor 59 is supplied through an
electric cable 60 to an observation monitor 61, with the result
that the image observed by the endoscope is displayed on the
monitor 61.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 6B, the signal cable 58 is connected at one
end to a first connector 62 and at the other end to a second
connector 63. It should be noted that signals generated from the
endoscope 51 and the video processor 59 are exchanged.
[0088] In order to avoid, for example, infection, the outer surface
and inner tubular passageway of the endoscope 51 must be washed and
disinfected every time the endoscope 51 is used. An apparatus 65
for washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope comprises an
apparatus body 66. A washing vessel 67 is included in the apparatus
body 66. For performing the washing and disinfecting operation, the
endoscope 51 is set within the washing vessel 67. To be more
specific, the endoscope 51 after use is set in the washing vessel
67. Under this condition, various switches are operated so as to
perform automatically the steps of washing,
disinfecting-sterilizing, rinsing and air blowing based on
instructions given by a control section 64.
[0089] An IC memory 68, which is mounted within the connector 56 of
the endoscope 51, is electrically connected to a connecting
terminal 69 projecting to the outside of the connector 56. Further,
a control section 70 electrically connected to the control section
64 of the washing-disinfecting apparatus 65 is mounted to a part of
the apparatus body 66. Also, a connecting terminal 71 is mounted to
the connecting section 70.
[0090] The first connector 62 of the signal cable 58 is detachably
connected to the connecting terminal 69 of the connector 56, and
the second connector 63 is detachably connected to the connecting
terminal 71 of the apparatus body 66 so as to permit exchange of
signals between the endoscope 51 and the control section 64 of the
apparatus body 66.
[0091] Various data of the endoscope 51 including the kinds, e.g.,
an endoscope for stomach, an endoscope for duodenum, an endoscope
for large intestine and an endoscope for bronchia, date of
manufacture, date of delivery, etc. are stored in an IC memory 68
arranged in the connector 56 of the endoscope 51 by connecting the
second connector 63 of the signal cable 58 to a personal computer
47 and by connecting the first connector 62 of the signal cable 58
to the connector 56 of the endoscope 51, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0092] Where the endoscope 51 is used for inspection, various data
such as the total number of inspections, date of inspection and the
inspecting time are supplied from the video processor 59 to the IC
memory 68 through the signal cable 58 so as to be stored in the IC
memory 68, as shown in FIG. 6A.
[0093] In washing the endoscope 51 after the endoscopic inspection,
the first connector 62 of the signal cable 58 is connected to the
connection terminal 69 of the connector 56 included in the
endoscope 51, and the second connector 63 of the signal cable 58 is
connected to the connection terminal 71 of the apparatus body 66,
as shown in FIG. 6B. As a result, the data stored in the IC memory
68 of the endoscope 51 are transferred to the control section 64 of
the apparatus body 66. In other words, the data of the endoscope 51
including the kind, date of manufacture, date of delivery, the
number of inspections, date of inspection and inspecting time,
which are stored in the IC memory 68 of the endoscope 51, are
transferred to the control section 64 of the apparatus body 66 by
simply connecting the endoscope 51 to the apparatus body 66 by the
signal cable 58. It follows that the treating time for any of the
washing, disinfecting, and water removing steps can be determined
within the apparatus body 66 depending on the kind of the endoscope
51. It is also possible for the apparatus body 66 to recognize the
number of uses of the endoscope 51, the time from completion of the
inspection to the washing-disinfecting step, etc., and to determine
the washing-disinfecting conditions based on the result of the
recognition.
[0094] The treating time for each of the washing, disinfecting and
water removing steps depending on the kind of the endoscope 51 is
as shown in, for example, Table 1.
1 TABLE 1 Kind of Water Endoscope Washing Disinfecting Removal For
stomach 3 minutes 20 minutes 1 minute For large 5 minutes 20
minutes 2 minutes intestine For Duodenum 5 minutes 30 minutes 3
minutes For Bronchia 3 minutes 45 minutes 1 minute
[0095] Scratches or the like given to the inserting section 53,
etc. of the endoscope 51 are increased with increase in the number
of inspections performed by the endoscope 51, with the result that
the endoscope 51 tends to be stained easily and severely. Also, in
the case where the washing treatment is performed a long time after
completion of the inspection, stains tend to be attached firmly
even to a new endoscope and are unlikely to be removed easily from
the new endoscope. In the present invention, however, an
appropriate treating time for any of the washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing steps can be determined on the basis of
the data stored in the IC memory 68.
[0096] Let us describe the function of the apparatus according to
the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] For performing an endoscopic inspection, the connector 56 of
the universal code 54 included in the endoscope 51 is connected to
the light source device 57, and the connector 56 is also connected
to the video processor 59 via the signal cable 58, as shown in
FIGS. 6A and 7. Further, if the endoscopic inspection is performed
by connecting the video processor 59 to the observation monitor 61
via the electric cable 60, various data including the date of
inspection, the number of times of inspection, the inspecting time
and, when the inspection is finished, the inspection finishing time
are supplied from the video processor 59 to the IC memory 68
through an interface I/F. Incidentally, various data of the
endoscope such as the kind, date of manufacture, date of delivery,
and serial number are stored in the IC memory 68 when the endoscope
is delivered to the user.
[0098] Upon completion of the endoscopic inspection, the connector
56 of the endoscope 51 is withdrawn from the light source device
57. Also, the second connector 63 of the signal cable 58 is
withdrawn from the video processor 59. If the second connector 63
of the signal cable 58 is connected to the connection terminal 67
of the apparatus body 66 before the endoscope 51 is set in the
washing vessel 67 of the washing-disinfecting apparatus 65, the
data stored in the IC memory 68 of the endoscope 51 are supplied to
the control section 64 of the apparatus body 66 via an interface
I/F, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7.
[0099] As described above, various data of the endoscope 51 such as
the date of manufacture, the date of delivery, the number of times
of inspection, the date of inspection and the inspection finishing
time are stored in the control section 64 of the apparatus 65 for
washing and disinfecting-sterilizing an endoscope. As a result, the
treating time for each of the washing, disinfecting-sterilizing and
water removing steps can be set within the apparatus body 66
depending on the kind of the endoscope 51. It is also possible for
the apparatus body 66 to recognize the number of uses of the
endoscope 51, the time from completion of the inspection to the
washing-disinfecting step, etc., and to determine automatically the
washing-disinfecting conditions based on the result of the
recognition. Naturally, the endoscope 51 is subjected to the
washing, disinfecting-sterilizing and water removing treatments in
accordance with the conditions thus set.
[0100] Since the conditions such as the time for any of the
washing, disinfecting-sterilizing and water removing steps are
determined on the basis of the data such as the kind of the
endoscope 51, the number of uses of the endoscope 51 and the time
from completion of inspection to the washing, adverse effects given
to the endoscope 51 by the insufficient washing or excessive
washing can be prevented, making it possible to carry out the
washing and disinfecting-sterilizing treatments adapted for the
individual endoscope 51. Incidentally, it is also possible to set
the temperature of the washing solution and to change appropriately
the amount and kind of the detergent and the
disinfecting-sterilizing agent while setting the time for each of
the washing and disinfecting-sterilizing treatments.
[0101] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10 collectively show an apparatus according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Those members of
the apparatus of the fourth embodiment which are common with the
members of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference
numerals so as to omit description thereof in the following
description. In the apparatus of the fourth embodiment, a bar code
72 is attached to the connector 56 of the endoscope 51 and a bar
code reader 73a is mounted to the signal cable 73 as shown in FIG.
9A in place of using the IC memory 68 used in the third embodiment.
Various data of the endoscope such as the kind, date of
manufacture, date of delivery and serial number are recorded in the
bar code 72 in the step of delivering the endoscope to the
user.
[0102] Before the endoscope 51 is set in the washing vessel 67 of
the apparatus 65 for washing and disinfecting the endoscope 51
after completion of the endoscopic inspection, the connector 73b of
a signal cable 73 is connected to the connection terminal 67 of the
apparatus body 66 so as to permit the bar code reader 73a to read
the bar code 72 attached to the connector 56 as shown in FIG. 9B.
As a result, the data recorded in the bar code 72 are transmitted
to the control section 64 of the apparatus body 66 through the
I/F.
[0103] As described above, the data of the endoscope 51 such as the
kind, date of manufacture and date of delivery are stored in the
control section 64 of the apparatus 65 for washing and
disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope. Therefore, the time for
each of the washing, disinfecting-sterilizing and water removing
steps is set within the apparatus body 66 depending on the kind of
the endoscope 51. It is also possible for the apparatus body 66 to
recognize the time from the date of manufacture of the endoscope 51
and to set automatically the washing-disinfecting conditions based
on the result of the recognition. Naturally, the washing,
disinfecting-sterilizing and water removing steps can be applied to
the endoscope 51 in accordance with the conditions thus set.
[0104] Since the conditions such as the time for any of the
washing, disinfecting-sterilizing and water removing steps are
determined on the basis of the data such as the kind of the
endoscope 51 and the time from the date of manufacture, adverse
effects given to the endoscope 51 by the insufficient washing or
excessive washing can be prevented, making it possible to carry out
the washing and disinfecting-sterilizing treatments adapted for the
individual endoscope 51. Incidentally, it is also possible to set
the temperature of the washing solution and to change appropriately
the amount and kind of the detergent and the
disinfecting-sterilizing agent while setting the time for each of
the washing and disinfecting-sterilizing treatments.
[0105] FIG. 11 shows an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment
of the present invention. As described previously, endoscopes
includes various types such as an endoscope 74 for stomach, an
endoscope 75 for duodenum, an endoscope 76 for large intestine, and
an endoscope 77 for bronchia. These endoscopes differ from each
other in the arrangement of the internal tubular passageways and
the number of bases 74a, 75a, 76a, 77a. Therefore, it is necessary
to connect without fail a tube 78 used exclusively for washing the
tubular passageway to any of the bases 74a, 75a, 76a, 77a
communicating with the internal tubular passageways of the
endoscope.
[0106] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a display
section 79 is mounted to the apparatus body 66 of the
washing-disinfecting apparatus 65 in addition to the constituents
of the apparatus according to the third or fourth embodiment. An
image of the tube 78 for washing the tubular passageway is
displayed in the display section 79 together with images of the
endoscope 74 for stomach, endoscope 75 for duodenum, endoscope 76
for large intestine and endoscope 77 for bronchia so as to permit
the tube 78 for washing the tubular passageway to be connected
without fail to the base 74a, 75a, 76a or 77a before application of
the washing-disinfecting treatment to the endoscope. It follows
that the tubular passageways are washed without fail.
[0107] In any of the third to fifth embodiments described above,
the washing-disinfecting treatment can be performed appropriately
to meet the requirement of the endoscope, making it possible to
prevent the insufficient washing or excessive washing of the
endoscope.
[0108] FIGS. 12 to 14 show an apparatus according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus
of the sixth embodiment which are common with the members of the
apparatus of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference
numerals so as to omit the overlapping description.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 12, a top cover 81, which forms the ceiling
of the washing vessel 1 and which can be opened, is mounted to
close partially the upper opening of the washing vessel 1 having
the endoscope a disposed therein. The top cover 81 is opened when
the endoscope a is set in the washing vessel 1.
[0110] A nozzle-mounting table 83 is formed in a part of the upper
peripheral portion of the washing vessel 1. Various nozzles such as
a washing solution nozzle 4a, a washing water nozzle 5, a
disinfecting solution nozzle 84 and an air-release nozzle 85 are
mounted to the nozzle-mounting table 83. In order to prevent the
washing water or the disinfecting solution from flowing backward
out of the washing vessel 1, these nozzles must be mounted at a
position higher than the liquid level within the washing vessel 1.
To meet this requirement, the nozzle-mounting table 83 having a
reasonable height is formed in a part of the washing vessel 1, and
the nozzles are mounted to the table 83.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 13, the disinfecting solution nozzle 84
consists of a pipe bent in an inverted J-shape and includes a slit
84a formed in the upper portion of the bent pipe such that the
disinfecting-sterilizing agent is partly spurted upward from the
slit 84a.
[0112] The nozzle 4a for the washing solution is connected to the
discharge port of the washing solution pump 4 via the tubular
passageway 10. On the other hand, the suction port of the pump 4 is
connected to the circulating solution suction port 11 formed at a
bottom portion of the washing vessel 1. Also, the channel
connection port 13 connected to the tube 14 for washing the tubular
passageway within the endoscope is formed in a tower 3 arranged
within the washing vessel 1. Further, a discharge port 86 is formed
in a bottom portion of the washing vessel 1.
[0113] The disinfecting solution tank 18 is connected to the
disinfecting solution nozzle 84 via a tubular passageway 88 having
a pump 87 mounted thereto. The disinfecting-sterilizing agent
stored in the tank 18 is supplied into the washing vessel 1 by the
sucking function of the pump 87. Also, a tubular passageway 90 for
circulating the disinfecting solution and the tubular passageway 28
for the waste solution are connected to a tubular passageway
extending from the discharge port 86 with a tubular passageway
change-over switch 89 interposed therebetween. The tubular
passageway 90 is connected to the disinfecting solution tank 18 so
as to recover the disinfecting-sterilizing agent from the washing
vessel 1 into the disinfecting solution tank 18.
[0114] The top cover 81 covering the open portion of the washing
vessel 1 comprises a planar portion 81a contacting the liquid
surface when the washing vessel 1 is filled with the washing
solution or the disinfecting-sterilizing agent and a projecting
portion 81b covering the nozzles 4a, 5, 84, 85 mounted to the
nozzle-mounting table 83 and positioned higher than the liquid
surface. The top cover 81 is swingably mounted to an upper
peripheral portion of the washing vessel 1 by a hinge (not shown)
such that the top cover 81 can be opened or closed.
[0115] Further, a horizontal supporting portion 1c for supporting
an outer peripheral portion 81c of the top cover 81 is formed on
the upper peripheral portion 1b of the washing vessel 1, as shown
in FIG. 14. Also, a rising portion 1d is formed to project. upward
from the outer circumferential portion of the supporting portion
1c. Further, a packing 91 is interposed between the outer
peripheral portion 81c of the top cover 81 and the horizontal
supporting portion 1c so as to keep the washing vessel 1
liquid-tight. It should be noted that the top cover 81 is locked to
the washing vessel 1 by a clamp mechanism (not shown).
[0116] Let us describe the function of the apparatus according to
the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the first step, a
used endoscope a is set in the washing vessel 1, and the endoscope
a is connected to the channel connection port 13 via the tube 14
for washing the tubular passageway of the endoscope. Then, the top
cover 81 is closed to make the washing vessel 1 completely
liquid-tight, followed by operating the various switches (not
shown) so as to perform automatically the steps of washing,
disinfecting-sterilizing, rinsing and air-blowing.
[0117] In the washing step, the water supply valve 6a is opened to
supply the washing water from the city water cock 6 into the
washing vessel 1 through the washing water nozzle 5. Incidentally,
a predetermined amount of a detergent is supplied into the washing
vessel 1 before the washing step.
[0118] When a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the
washing vessel 1, the water supply valve 6a is closed, followed by
driving the pump 4 for circulating the washing water and the pump
12 for washing the tubular passageways of the endoscope. As a
result, the washing water within the washing vessel 1 is partly
blown at a high pressure against the outer surface of the endoscope
a and circulated through the washing water tubular passageway 82
into the tubular passageways of the endoscope a. To be more
specific, the washing water within the washing vessel 1 is sucked
through the suction port 11 of the circulating water by the
function of the pump 4 so as to be spurted from the washing water
spurting nozzle 4a through the washing water tubular passageway 10.
Also, the washing water sucked by the function of the pump 4 is
sucked partly by the function of the pump 12 so as to be supplied
to the channel connection port 13 through the tubular passageway
82. Then, the washing water is supplied from the channel connection
port 13 into the tubular passageways within the endoscope a. It
should be noted that the washing water supplied into the tubular
passageways within the endoscope a is brought back into the washing
vessel 1 through an opening at the distal end of the endoscope
a.
[0119] The large stains, soft stains and light stains attached to
the endoscope a are washed away by the circulation of the washing
water described above. Particularly, these stains are peeled off
the outer surface of the endoscope a by the impact of the washing
water spurted from the washing water nozzle 4a or by the eddy
current formed within the washing vessel 1 by the spurting of the
washing water noted above.
[0120] After the washing with the washing water, which is continued
for a predetermined time, the vibrating plate 2 is operated so as
to carry out an ultrasonic washing. In the ultrasonic washing, the
stains firmly attached to the endoscope a and the stains attached
to those portions of the endoscope a which are shaped complex are
removed by the ultrasonic vibration oscillated from the vibrating
plate 2.
[0121] After completion of the ultrasonic washing, the endoscope a
is washed again by the circulating washing water. In this step, the
stains swollen by the ultrasonic washing so as to be attached only
lightly to the endoscope a are removed by the circulating washing
water.
[0122] After completion of the washing step, the rinsing step is
carried out. In the rinsing step, driving of the pumps 4 and 12 is
stopped first. Then, the waste water pump 29 is driven, and the
tubular passageway change-over valve is switched to open the waste
water tubular passageway 28. As a result, the washing liquid within
the washing vessel 1 is discharged from the disport 86 to the
outside through the tubular passageway 28 for the waste water. When
the washing water within the washing vessel 1 is discharged
completely, the water supply valve 6a is opened so as to supply a
rinsing water into the washing vessel 1. Then, the pumps 4 and 12
are driven again so as to permit the rinsing water to be
circulated, with the result that the inner tubular passageways and
the outer surface of the endoscope a are rinsed.
[0123] After completion of the rinsing step, the rinsing water is
discharged completely from within the washing vessel 1. Under this
condition, water remaining inside the endoscope a is removed. In
this water removing step, driving of the pumps 4 and 12 is stopped.
Also, the compressor 17 is driven to blow air into the tubular
passageway 82 through the air supply tubular passageway 16. The air
blown into the tubular passageway 82 is supplied into the tubular
passageways within the endoscope a so as to remove water remaining
inside the inner tubular passageways of the endoscope a.
[0124] After completion of the rinsing step, the
disinfecting-sterilizing step is performed. In this
disinfecting-sterilizing step, the pump 87 is driven first. As a
result, the disinfecting solution within the disinfecting solution
tank 18 is supplied into the tubular passageway 88 so as to be
poured into the washing vessel 1 through the disinfecting solution
nozzle 84. The disinfecting solution is poured into the washing
vessel 1 until the washing vessel 1 is filled with the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution. Naturally, the planar portion
81a of the top cover 81 is in contact with the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution filling the washing vessel 1.
[0125] As described previously, the slit 84a is formed in the
disinfecting solution nozzle 84, with the result that the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution is spurted partly from the slit
84a toward the inner surface of the projecting portion 81b of the
top cover 81 so as to disinfect-sterilize the inner surface of,
particularly, the projecting portion 81b of the top cover 81. When
a predetermined amount of the disinfecting-sterilizing solution is
poured into the washing vessel 1 to permit the endoscope a to be
dipped completely within the disinfecting-sterilizing solution,
driving of the pump 87 is stopped, followed by driving the pump 12
for the washing operation. As a result, the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution within the washing vessel 1 is
supplied into the inner tubular passageways of the endoscope a so
as to disinfect-sterilize the inner tubular passageways of the
endoscope a together with the side wall of the washing vessel 1 and
the inner surface of the top cover 81.
[0126] After the disinfecting-sterilizing step, which is continued
for a predetermined time, the tubular passageway change-over valve
89 is switched to open the tubular passageway 90 so as to permit
the disinfecting-sterilizing solution to be recovered in the
disinfecting solution tank 18. Then, the rising step described
previously is repeated so as to rinse the disinfecting
solution.
[0127] After the disinfecting-sterilizing agent is completely
removed by the rinsing step, the air blowing step is carried out.
The air blowing step is performed like the water removing step
performed in the latter part of the rinsing step described
previously. Then, driving of the waste water discharge pump 29 is
stopped a predetermined time later.
[0128] As described above, in the endoscope washing-disinfecting
apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention, the washing vessel 1 is filled with the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution in the disinfecting-sterilizing
step such that the inner surface of the planar portion 81a of the
top cover 81 is in contact with the disinfecting-sterilizing
solution. Naturally, the inner surface of the planar portion 81a is
disinfected with the solution. Also, the disinfecting-sterilizing
solution is partly spurted through the slit 84a of the disinfecting
solution nozzle 84, with the result that the inner surface of the
projecting portion 81b of the top cover 81 is also disinfected and
sterilized with the solution. In short, in the step of disinfecting
the endoscope a, the side wall of the washing vessel 1 and the top
cover 81 are also disinfected and sterilized simultaneously without
fail.
[0129] What should be noted in particular is that the top cover 81
of the washing vessel 1 can be kept clean in the endoscope
washing-disinfecting apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of
the present invention, thereby to eliminate the possibility that
the contaminants such as bacteria, which are attached to the wall
of the washing vessel 1 and the inner surface of the top cover 81,
are attached again to the endoscope a set in the washing vessel 1
so as to contaminate again the endoscope a.
[0130] In the sixth embodiment described above, the washing vessel
1 is filled completely with the disinfecting-sterilizing solution
in the disinfecting-sterilizing step, and the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution is spurted from the slit 84a. The
particular technical idea can also be applied to the washing and
rinsing steps. Specifically, it is possible to fill completely the
washing vessel 1 with the washing solution and to permit the
washing solution to be spurted from the washing solution nozzle 4a
toward the projecting portion 81b of the top cover 81.
[0131] FIGS. 15A to 15D show modifications of the apparatus
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the
modification shown in FIG. 15A, a plurality of slits 84a are formed
in the disinfecting solution nozzle 84 to permit the disinfecting
solution to be spurted from these slits 84a in a plurality of
different directions. In the modification shown in FIG. 15B, a
spurting nozzle 84b is mounted to the disinfecting solution nozzle
84. In the modification shown in FIG. 15C, a spurting port 92 is
formed in the tubular passageway 88 for the disinfecting solution
or in the tubular passageway 10 for the washing solution. Further,
in the modification shown in FIG. 15D, a disinfecting solution
nozzle 93 is formed to face obliquely upward to permit the
disinfecting-sterilizing solution to be spurted onto the top cover
81 and, at the same time, to be supplied into the washing vessel
1.
[0132] FIG. 16 shows an apparatus according to a seventh embodiment
of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus which are
common with the members of the apparatus of the sixth embodiment
are denoted by the same reference numerals so as to avoid an
overlapping description. In the apparatus of the seventh
embodiment, an arcuate disinfecting solution nozzle 94 is mounted
to the nozzle-mounting table 83 arranged within the washing vessel
1. In this embodiment, the washing vessel 1 is not completely
filled with the disinfecting solution, with the result that the
inner surface of the top cover 81 is not in direct contact with the
disinfecting solution housed in the washing vessel 1. However, the
surface region of the disinfecting solution is waved by operating a
pump (not shown) so as to bring the disinfecting solution into
contact with the inner surface of the top cover 81.
[0133] FIG. 17 shows an apparatus according to an eighth embodiment
of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus which are
common with the members of the apparatus of the sixth embodiment
are denoted by the same reference numerals so as to avoid an
overlapping description. In the apparatus of the eighth embodiment,
the disinfecting-sterilizing solution filling the washing vessel 1
is in contact with the inner surface of the planar portion 81a of
the top cover 81, with the result that the inner surface of the
planar portion 81a is disinfected and sterilized. Also, a
disinfecting solution nozzle 95 is mounted to the tower 3 arranged
within the washing vessel 1, and the top cover 81 includes a
projecting portion 81b positioned to face the tower 3. Further, a
slit 95a for spurting the disinfecting-sterilizing solution to the
projecting portion 81b is formed in the disinfecting solution
nozzle 95, with the result that the projecting portion 81b of the
top cover 81 is also disinfected and sterilized by the solution
spurted from the slit 95a.
[0134] FIG. 18 shows an apparatus according to a ninth embodiment
of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus which are
common with the members of the apparatus of the sixth embodiment
are denoted by the same reference numerals so as to avoid an
overlapping description. In the apparatus of the ninth embodiment,
the inner surface of the planar portion 81a of the top cover 81 is
in contact with the disinfecting-sterilizing solution filling the
washing vessel 1, with the result that the inner surface of the
planar portion 81a is disinfected and sterilized by the solution.
Also, the top cover 81 is of a double-layer structure having an
inner free space 96. Various tubular passageways 97 having a
flexibility are arranged in the free space 96. The washing water
nozzle 5, the washing solution nozzle 4a and the disinfecting
solution nozzle 84, which are connected to the various tubular
passageways 97, are mounted to face downward to the inner surface
of the projecting portion 81b of the top cover 81. Also, a slit 84a
for spurting the disinfecting-sterilizing solution toward the
projecting portion 81b of the top cover 81 is formed in the side
wall of the disinfecting solution nozzle 84, with the result that
the projecting portion 81b is also disinfected and sterilized by
the solution spurted from the slit 84a.
[0135] FIGS. 19A to 19C show an apparatus according to a tenth
embodiment of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus
which are common with the members of the apparatus of the sixth
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals so as to
avoid an overlapping description. It should be noted that, since
the operating section of the endoscope a is complex in
construction, the foam of the detergent used in the washing step is
attached to small clearances in the operating section, leading to
requirement of a long rinsing time. The tenth embodiment is
intended to overcome this difficulty.
[0136] Specifically, FIG. 19A shows that a washing solution nozzle
100 for spurting the washing solution toward the operating section
of the endoscope a is mounted to the nozzle-mounting table 83. FIG.
19B shows that a washing solution nozzle 101 for spurting the
washing solution toward the operating section of the endoscope a is
mounted to the inner surface of the projecting portion 81b of the
top cover 81. Further, FIG. 19C shows that a washing solution
nozzle 102 for spurting the washing solution toward the operating
section of the endoscope a is mounted to the tower 3 arranged
within the washing vessel 1. In the tenth embodiment, the washing
solution is vigorously spurted to the operating section of the
endoscope a so as to remove the foam of the detergent attached to
the operating section in a short time. It follows that the rinsing
step can be performed efficiently.
[0137] FIG. 20 shows an apparatus according to an eleventh
embodiment of the present invention. Those members of the apparatus
which are common with the apparatus of the sixth embodiment are
denoted by the same reference numerals so as to avoid an
overlapping description. The apparatus of the eleventh embodiment
comprises a first connector 108a, a second connector 108b and a
third connector 108c. The first connector 108a, which is mounted to
the tower 3 within the washing vessel and connected to a first
branched tubular passageway 105, is normally kept open. On the
other hand, the second and third connectors 108b and 108c, which
are connected to a second branched tubular passageway 106, are
normally kept closed. It follows that fluid flows through the first
connector 108a, even if the tube 14 for washing the tubular
passageways of the endoscope is not connected to the endoscope a.
On the other hand, the second and third connectors 108b, 108c are
closed when the tube 14 for washing the tubular passageways of the
endoscope is not connected to the endoscope a, and permit fluid to
flow through these second and third connectors 108b, 108c only when
the tube 14 for washing the tubular passageways of the endoscope is
connected to the endoscope a. The particular construction produces
a prominent effect. Specifically, in washing an endoscope a which
does not include inner tubular passageways such as a forceps
channel and a suction tubular passageway, the tube 14 for washing
the tubular passageways of the endoscope is not connected to the
endoscope a, quite naturally. It follows that the flow amount of
the fluid can be decreased. Also, a costly relief valve can be
omitted, and the burden of the pump can be decreased.
[0138] FIG. 21 shows a flow detector 113 for detecting whether or
not the endoscope washing-disinfecting apparatus operates normally.
The washing-disinfecting apparatus includes a large number of
tubular passageways. Since it is naturally possible to use the
apparatus for washing-disinfecting the endoscope a without knowing
that the tubular passageway is plugged, it is necessary to check
the apparatus before the washing-disinfecting operation. For
performing the checking, a detector is connected to a connector for
connecting the tube 14 for washing the tubular passageway of the
endoscope so as to detect whether or not fluid actually flows out
of the connector. In general, the washing-disinfecting apparatus
comprises a connector 111 having a large diameter and a connector
112 having a small diameter. On the other hand, a connecting port
115 of a small diameter is connected to one end of the flow
detector 113 via a tube 114. Also, a connecting port 117 having a
large diameter is connected to the other end of the flow detector
113 via a tube 116. As shown in the drawing, the flow detector 113
comprises an annular passageway 113a having a ball 113b put
therein. The ball 113b is circulated within the annular passageway
113a by the flow of fluid within the flow detector 113.
[0139] If the large diameter connecting port 117 of the flow
detector 113 is connected to the large diameter connector 111 of
the washing-disinfecting apparatus, the fluid flowing out of the
large diameter connector 111 flows through the flow detector 113 so
as to be discharged to the outside through the small diameter
connecting port 115. Naturally, the ball 113b put in the flow
detector 113 is rotated, if the fluid flows through the flow
detector 113. In other words, movement of the ball 113b indicates
that the washing-disinfecting apparatus operates normally. If the
fluid does not flow through the flow detector 113, however, the
ball 113b is kept stationary, indicating that the tubular
passageway of the washing-disinfecting apparatus is plugged or the
pump included in the washing-disinfecting apparatus fails to
operate normally. Incidentally, it is also possible to connect the
small diameter connecting port 115 of the flow detector 113 to the
small diameter connector 112 of the washing-disinfecting apparatus,
with the large diameter connecting port 117 allowed to act as a
fluid discharge port.
[0140] The apparatus according to any of the sixth to eleventh
embodiments of the present invention permits washing-disinfecting
the endoscope and the washing vessel included in the
washing-disinfecting apparatus without fail. Also, it is possible
to prevent the endoscope after the washing-disinfecting treatment
from being contaminated when the endoscope is taken out of the
apparatus. It follows that infection of a disease via the endoscope
can be prevented. Further, the washing-disinfecting apparatus can
be simplified in construction and can also be miniaturized.
[0141] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *