Medical device reprocessor, bottle
By employing a specific sensor configuration in the reprocessor for medical devices, the problem of inaccurate liquid level detection caused by sensor position deviation has been solved, achieving more accurate liquid level detection and reducing waste and operating costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP
- Filing Date
- 2021-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
In existing medical device reprocessors, when the sensor is located on the reprocessor side, it is difficult to accurately detect the remaining liquid level in the bottle, resulting in liquid waste and increased operating costs.
The sensor configuration was designed such that the first inner wall of the bottle is positioned outside the detection range along the direction of gravity, and the angle at which the stepped inner wall intersects with the direction of gravity is connected to the upper part of the first inner wall, which is located within the detection range, ensuring that the sensor can accurately detect the liquid level position.
Even if there is a deviation between the sensor and the bottle's position in the direction of gravity, it can accurately detect the remaining liquid in the bottle, reducing waste and operating costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN116801783B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a reprocessor for medical devices and a bottle disposed in a reprocessor for medical devices. Background Technology
[0002] Previously, techniques were proposed for detecting the remaining liquid level in a bottle.
[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-020224 describes an electric dispenser that dispenses hand sanitizer or other cleaning agents and disinfectants by means of air supplied from an air pump. This electric dispenser has a sensor unit in its main body. The sensor unit may be a non-contact sensor, such as a photoelectric sensor. The sensor unit detects the remaining amount of liquid contained in the container body based on the liquid level or weight.
[0004] A medical device reprocessor is, for example, a device used for regenerating medical devices such as endoscopes. The medical device reprocessor includes a bottle containing a liquid for regenerating the medical device (e.g., cleaning / sterilizing). There are two types of medical device reprocessors: a first type where the amount of liquid in the bottle decreases by one step for each regeneration process of the medical device; and a second type where all the liquid in the bottle is drawn into the medical device reprocessor when the bottle is set up, allowing for regeneration of medical devices in multiple processes. In the first type of medical device reprocessor, a sensor is provided to detect the remaining amount of liquid in the bottle.
[0005] Compared to placing the sensor on the replacement bottle, placing the sensor on the medical device reprocessor side is more cost-effective in terms of operating costs. As for the sensor placed on the medical device reprocessor side, a non-contact sensor that detects the liquid level in the bottle without contact is generally used, such as an electrostatic capacitive sensor that detects the liquid level in the bottle non-contactly from a position close to the bottle.
[0006] However, when sensors are installed in a medical device reprocessor, deviations in the detected liquid level can occur due to factors such as differences in the sensor's installation position relative to the reprocessor, differences in the bottle's storage position within the reprocessor, differences in the sensitivity of each individual sensor, and differences in the sensitivity of sensors corresponding to the type of liquid in the bottle. Consequently, it becomes impossible to accurately determine how many processes can be performed after the medical device's reprocessing; for example, even if the bottle contains enough liquid for one process, it may sometimes be discarded as residual liquid, resulting in waste.
[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a medical device reprocessor that can more accurately detect the remaining amount of liquid in the bottle even if there is a deviation in the relative position between the bottle containing liquid and the sensor that detects the presence of liquid, as well as a bottle disposed in the medical device reprocessor. Summary of the Invention
[0008] Methods for solving problems
[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a medical device reprocessor that includes a bottle containing a liquid for regenerating a medical device. The medical device reprocessor includes a sensor that detects whether the liquid is within a detection range. The sensor is configured such that, when the bottle is placed in the medical device reprocessor, a first inner wall surface of the bottle disposed along the direction of gravity is outside the detection range, while a stepped inner wall surface connected to the upper side of the first inner wall surface at an angle intersecting the direction of gravity is within the detection range.
[0010] One aspect of the invention is a bottle containing a liquid for regenerating a medical device. The bottle is disposed in a medical device reprocessor equipped with a sensor that detects whether the liquid is within a detection range. The bottle includes: a first inner wall surface; and a stepped inner wall surface connected to the first inner wall surface. With the bottle disposed in the medical device reprocessor, the first inner wall surface is positioned along the direction of gravity and is outside the detection range, while the stepped inner wall surface is connected to the upper side of the first inner wall surface at an angle intersecting the direction of gravity and is within the detection range.
[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a medical device reprocessor comprising a bottle containing a liquid for regenerating a medical device. The medical device reprocessor includes a sensor that detects whether the liquid is within a detection range. When the bottle is disposed of in the medical device reprocessor, the sensor detects the liquid when the liquid level is above a step disposed on the side of the bottle, and does not detect the liquid when the liquid level is below the step. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the endoscope reprocessor and endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal structure of the endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment described above.
[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of the internal structure of the reprocessor body in the first embodiment described above, showing the state after the outer casing has been removed.
[0015] Figure 4This is an enlarged representation of the above. Figure 3 A diagram showing the configuration of the bottle and sensor in the image.
[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the sensor being separated from the bottle when the tray is pulled out, as described in the first embodiment above.
[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the situation where the sensor is close to the bottle in the first embodiment described above, with the tray closed.
[0018] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a scenario in the first embodiment described above, where the inner wall of the stepped bottle is within the detection range of the sensor, and the liquid level of the medicine is higher than the inner wall of the stepped bottle.
[0019] Figure 8 This diagram, in the first embodiment described above, illustrates the situation where, even if the bottle and the sensor are misaligned in the direction of gravity, as long as the inner wall of the stepped surface of the bottle is within the detection range of the sensor and the first inner wall surface is outside the detection range, the sensor changes from being on to being off when the liquid level drops to the height of the inner wall of the stepped surface.
[0020] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the bottle according to the first embodiment described above, shown from the back side.
[0021] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the function of the processor in controlling the notification device to make a notification based on the detection results of the sensor, as described in the first embodiment above.
[0022] Figure 11 The diagram shown in the second embodiment of the present invention compares the following structural example with other different structural examples, in which the stepped inner wall surface is set as the inner wall surface of the lower side of the convex wall provided at a predetermined height position of the bottle.
[0023] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the sensors in a modified example of the second embodiment described above. Detailed Implementation
[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.
[0025] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding elements are appropriately labeled with the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic; the length relationships and ratios of elements within a single drawing may sometimes differ from reality. Moreover, among multiple drawings, there may sometimes be sections where the length relationships and ratios differ from each other.
[0026] [First Implementation Method]
[0027] Figures 1 to 10 This represents the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the endoscope reprocessor 1 and the endoscope 200. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the endoscope reprocessor 1.
[0028] In this embodiment, an example is described where the medical device is an endoscope 200 and the medical device reprocessor is an endoscope reprocessor 1. However, the medical device is not limited to an endoscope 200, and may also be a treatment device, a medical device, a component of a medical device, etc. Therefore, the medical device reprocessor is not limited to the endoscope reprocessor 1.
[0029] The endoscope reprocessor 1 is an apparatus for regenerating the endoscope 200 or endoscope accessories. Here, the regeneration process is not limited to a specific process, and can be water-based rinsing, cleaning to remove dirt such as organic matter, disinfection to inactivate specified microorganisms, sterilization to eliminate or kill all microorganisms, or any combination of two or more of these.
[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope reprocessor 1 includes a reprocessor body 2 and a top cover 3. The top cover 3 is connected to the upper part of the reprocessor body 2, for example, by a hinge (not shown), and can be opened and closed freely relative to the reprocessor body 2.
[0031] With the top cover 3 closed relative to the reprocessor body 2, the reprocessor body 2 and the top cover 3 are secured, for example, by a latch 8. The latch 8 is disposed at a position where the reprocessor body 2 and the top cover 3 are opposite each other.
[0032] exist Figure 1 The reprocessor body 2 has a detergent / alcohol tray 11 mounted on its front surface and upper left half. The front surface of the reprocessor body 2 is the side accessible to the operator of the endoscope reprocessor 1. The side opposite the front surface of the reprocessor body 2 will be referred to as the back surface. The detergent / alcohol tray 11 can be pulled forward (towards the front surface) of the reprocessor body 2.
[0033] The detergent / alcohol tray 11 houses a detergent container 11a and an alcohol container 11b. Detergent container 11a stores the cleaning agent used when cleaning the endoscope 200. The cleaning agent is a concentrated detergent, diluted with water to a specified concentration. The water used to dilute the concentrated detergent is, for example, tap water filtered by the water supply filter 17 described later. Alcohol container 11b stores alcohol used when drying the endoscope 200 after cleaning / disinfection. By pulling the detergent / alcohol tray 11 forward toward the reprocessor body 2, cleaning agent can be added to detergent container 11a, and alcohol can be added to alcohol container 11b.
[0034] The detergent / alcohol tray 11 is provided with two windows 11m. The operator can check the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 11a through one window 11m and check the remaining amount of alcohol in the alcohol tank 11b through the other window 11m.
[0035] exist Figure 1 The upper right half of the front surface of the reprocessor body 2 is provided with a tray 12 for receiving the bottle 100. The tray 12 can be opened and closed relative to the reprocessor body 2. If the tray 12 is pulled forward of the reprocessor body 2, the bottle 100 can be received in the tray 12 or removed from the tray 12. The bottle 100 is placed in the endoscope reprocessor 1 by closing the tray 12 containing the bottle 100.
[0036] Bottle 100 contains solution 103, which is used to disinfect endoscope 200 (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 8 (etc.). Bottle 100, in its unused state, contains an amount of solution 103 for regeneration (sterilization) of the endoscope 200 in various processes. Furthermore, the following description uses an example where the liquid in bottle 100 is a liquid (solution 103) used for sterilizing the endoscope 200, but is not limited to this example. The liquid in bottle 100 can be any liquid used for regeneration of the endoscope 200, etc., and may also be a liquid used for cleaning the endoscope 200, etc., or a liquid used to assist in drying the endoscope 200, etc.
[0037] Bottle 100 is equipped with a nozzle 100n for removing the internal medication 103. The endoscope reprocessor 1 of this embodiment is of the type in which the amount of medication 103 in bottle 100 is reduced by one step each time the endoscope 200 is regenerated.
[0038] Bottle 100 may include, for example, a first bottle 101 containing a first medicinal solution and a second bottle 102 containing a second medicinal solution. Alternatively, bottle 100 may consist of one bottle or three or more bottles.
[0039] A secondary operation panel 13 is provided on the upper part of the tray 12 on the front surface of the reprocessor body 2. The secondary operation panel 13 is equipped with a display device and indicator buttons, etc. The display device includes a display panel, etc., displaying, for example, the cleaning / disinfection time. The indicator buttons include, for example, an operation button for heating the chemical solution 103. The display device can also be used to inform the user; the secondary operation panel 13 also serves as an information device.
[0040] A main operation panel 25 is provided on the upper surface and front surface of the reprocessor body 2, in a portion not covered by the top cover 3, such as a corner. The main operation panel 25 is equipped with setting switches related to the cleaning / disinfection of the reprocessor body 2. Examples of setting switches include start switches for initiating the cleaning / disinfection operation and selection switches for selecting the cleaning / disinfection mode. The main operation panel 25 may also include a display panel or other display device, which can also function as a notification device to inform the user.
[0041] A pedal switch 14 is provided at the lower part of the reprocessor body 2. When the operator steps on the pedal switch 14, the closed top cover 3 can be opened upwards towards the reprocessor body 2.
[0042] A water supply pipe connection port 31 is provided on the upper surface and the back side of the reprocessor body 2, in a portion not covered by the top cover 3, such as a corner. One end of a water supply pipe 31a is connected to the water supply pipe connection port 31. The other end of the water supply pipe 31a is connected to a tap 5 (see reference). Figure 2 Water from the tap 5 is supplied to the reprocessor body 2 via the water supply pipe 31a and the water supply pipe connection port 31. Additionally, a screen filter for removing larger impurities from the tap water can be installed at the water supply pipe connection port 31.
[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the water supply pipe connection port 31 is connected to one end of the water supply pipe 9. The other end of the water supply pipe 9 is connected to the three-way solenoid valve 10. Along the middle of the water supply pipe 9, starting from the side of the water supply pipe connection port 31, a water supply solenoid valve 15, a check valve 16, and a water supply filter 17 are installed in sequence.
[0044] The water supply solenoid valve 15 is electrically controlled to open and close, controlling the flow / cut-off of tap water. The check valve 16 is a backflow prevention valve that allows tap water in the water supply pipeline 9 to flow from the water supply solenoid valve 15 towards the water supply filter 17, while preventing flow in the opposite direction. The water supply filter 17 is a filter that removes foreign matter, bacteria, etc., from the tap water. The water supply filter 17 is, for example, a cylindrical filter that can be replaced periodically.
[0045] The three-way solenoid valve 10 has an internal valve connected to one end of the flow line 18. By actuating the internal valve, the three-way solenoid valve 10 switches the connection destination of the water circulation nozzle 24 to either the water supply line 9 or the flow line 18. Specifically, by switching the internal valve of the three-way solenoid valve 10 to one side, the water circulation nozzle 24 is connected to the water supply line 9 and disconnected from the flow line 18. Conversely, by switching the internal valve of the three-way solenoid valve 10 to the other side, the water circulation nozzle 24 is connected to the flow line 18 and disconnected from the water supply line 9.
[0046] In addition, a flow pump 19 is provided at the other end of the flow line 18. The flow pump 19 is a non-self-priming pump that can only transfer liquids and has excellent liquid transfer capability.
[0047] The upper part of the reprocessor body 2, which is accessible when the top cover 3 is opened, has a cleaning tank 4. The cleaning tank 4 houses the endoscope 200, and the endoscope 200 is cleaned and disinfected using cleaning agents and medicine solutions 103.
[0048] A circulation port 56 is provided in the cleaning tank 4. The circulation port 56 is connected to one end of the circulation pipe 20. The other end of the circulation pipe 20 has two branches. One of the two branches at the other end of the circulation pipe 20 is connected to the other end of the flow pipe 18. The other branch at the other end of the circulation pipe 20 is connected to one end of the channel pipe 21.
[0049] The channel pipeline 21 is equipped with a channel pump 26, a channel block 27, and a channel solenoid valve 28 sequentially from one end along the pipeline. The channel pump 26 is a self-priming pump, which, compared with a non-self-priming pump, can transfer both liquids and gases at high pressure.
[0050] Channel pipe 21 connects to one end of box pipe 30 between channel block 27 and channel solenoid valve 28. The other end of box pipe 30 connects to cleaning box 6. A safety valve 36 is installed midway through box pipe 30.
[0051] The other end of the conduit 21 is connected to the air / water / forceps port 33. A tube is used at the air / water / forceps port 33 to connect the air / water conduit 202 and the forceps conduit 201 of the endoscope 200 (see reference). Figure 1 Additionally, although not shown in the diagram, the other end of the channel conduit 21 is also connected to a clamp lifting port (not shown).
[0052] A leak detection connector 32 is installed in the cleaning tank 4 at a position higher than the air / water supply / pliers port 33. The leak detection connector 32 is connected to a leak detection pump (not shown) via a leak detection pipeline.
[0053] Detergent nozzle 22 is connected to one end of cleaning agent line 39. The other end of cleaning agent line 39 is connected to detergent tank 11a. A detergent pump 40 is installed midway through the cleaning agent line 39. The detergent pump 40 is a high-pressure self-priming pump that draws cleaning agent from detergent tank 11a into cleaning tank 4.
[0054] Alcohol tank 11b is connected to one end of alcohol line 41. The other end of alcohol line 41 is connected to channel block 27. Channel block 27 connects alcohol line 41 to channel line 21.
[0055] An alcohol supply pump 42 and a solenoid valve 43 are installed midway through the alcohol pipeline 41. The alcohol supply pump 42 is a high-pressure self-priming pump that draws alcohol from the alcohol tank 11b to the cleaning tank 4.
[0056] The channel block 27 is also connected to one end of the air duct 44. The channel block 27 connects the air duct 44 to the channel duct 21. The other end of the air duct 44 is connected to the air pump 45. The air pump 45 is a self-priming pump capable of transferring gas, supplying air to the air duct 44. A check valve 47 and an air filter 46 are installed midway through the air duct 44. The air filter 46 is replaced periodically.
[0057] A drain outlet 55 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 4. A switching valve 57 is installed at the drain outlet 55. The switching valve 57 is connected to one end of the drain pipe 59 and one end of the medicine recovery pipe 61. The other end of the medicine recovery pipe 61 is connected to the medicine tank 58.
[0058] A drain pump 60 is installed midway through the drain pipe 59. The drain pump 60 is a non-self-priming pump. The other end of the drain pipe 59 is connected to an external drain outlet via a drain pipe (not shown).
[0059] The switching valve 57 is switched so that the drain outlet 55 is connected to the drain pipe 59 and disconnected from the liquid recovery pipe 61. This allows the cleaning solution / disinfectant solution in the cleaning tank 4 to be discharged from the external drain outlet.
[0060] The switching valve 57 is switched so that the drain outlet 55 is connected to the liquid recovery pipeline 61 and the drain outlet 55 is disconnected from the drain pipeline 59. This allows the liquid 103 in the cleaning tank 4 to be recovered into the liquid tank 58.
[0061] The medicine container 58 is also connected to one end of the medicine tube 62. The other end of the medicine tube 62 is connected to the nozzle 100n of the bottle 100 housed in the tray 12. A suction tube 100t, connected to the nozzle 100n, is provided inside the bottle 100 for drawing the medicine 103. Alternatively, an air hole for drawing the medicine 103 may be provided in the bottle 100. A suction pump 66 is provided midway through the medicine tube 62. By activating the suction pump 66, medicine 103 is supplied from the bottle 100 to the medicine container 58. At this time, the first medicine in the first bottle 101 and the second medicine in the second bottle 102 can also be mixed in the medicine container 58. Furthermore, if the bottle 100 consists of three or more bottles, the medicine in each bottle can also be mixed in the medicine container 58.
[0062] Additionally, one end portion of the medicine pipe 64 is housed within the medicine tank 58. A suction filter 63 is provided at the end of the medicine pipe 64 housed within the medicine tank 58. The other end of the medicine pipe 64 is connected to the medicine nozzle 23. A medicine pump 65 is installed midway through the medicine pipe 64. The medicine pump 65 is a high-pressure, self-priming pump. When the medicine pump 65 is activated, medicine 103 is drawn from the medicine tank 58 and supplied to the cleaning tank 4 via the medicine nozzle 23. Alternatively, the medicine pipe 62 can be connected to the medicine nozzle 23, directly supplying medicine 103 from the bottle 100 to the cleaning tank 4.
[0063] For example, two ultrasonic transducers 52, a heater 53, and a temperature sensor 53a are installed on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 4. The ultrasonic transducers 52 agitate the liquid in the cleaning tank 4 under the control of the processor 70 (described later). The heater 53 heats the liquid in the cleaning tank 4 under the control of the processor 70. The temperature sensor 53a detects the temperature of the liquid in the cleaning tank 4 and outputs the detection result to the processor 70.
[0064] When the solution 103 is a disinfectant, there exists a predetermined temperature (appropriate temperature) that maximizes the disinfection effect. The processor 70 controls the heater 53 to heat the solution 103 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53a, thereby adjusting the temperature of the solution 103 in the cleaning tank 4 to an appropriate temperature. Using the solution 103 adjusted to an appropriate temperature, the endoscope 200 housed in the cleaning tank 4 can be effectively disinfected. Furthermore, the liquid stored in the cleaning tank 4 circulates within the reprocessor body 2; therefore, using the solution 103 adjusted to an appropriate temperature, the various pipelines within the reprocessor body 2 can be effectively disinfected.
[0065] The endoscope reprocessor 1 includes a power supply 71 and a processor 70 electrically connected to the power supply 71. The power supply 71 is supplied with power from an external AC outlet and supplies power to the various circuits within the endoscope reprocessor 1, including the processor 70.
[0066] The processor 70 includes a CPU and memory, and performs various processes of the endoscope reprocessor 1 by executing software read from memory through the CPU. Furthermore, the software stored in memory can be updated. However, the processor 70 is not limited to this structure; for example, it may be composed of electronic circuitry that performs each process. Additionally, the processor 70 may be configured as an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that includes circuitry for performing each process.
[0067] The processor 70 receives various signals from the main operation panel 25, the sub-operation panel 13, the temperature detection sensor 53a, the sensor 68 described later, etc., and controls and drives the circuits in the endoscope reprocessor 1, including the main operation panel 25, the sub-operation panel 13, the pumps and solenoid valves mentioned above.
[0068] The software executed by the processor 70 includes, for example, a water supply line cleaning / disinfection program for cleaning / disinfecting the water supply line 9, a full line cleaning / disinfection program for cleaning / disinfecting the entire pipeline within the endoscope in the processor 1, an endoscope cleaning / disinfection program for cleaning / disinfecting the channel of the endoscope 200 via the air / water / forceps port 33, and a drug level detection program for detecting and informing about the remaining amount of drug solution 103 in the bottle 100.
[0069] If the processor 70 is powered on, for example, when executing the liquid medicine balance detection program, the remaining liquid medicine 103 in the bottle 100 is determined based on the detection result of the sensor 68. If the remaining amount is determined to be below the specified amount, the main operation panel 25 or the auxiliary operation panel 13 is controlled to inform the device and inform the user of the remaining amount of liquid medicine 103.
[0070] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of the internal structure of the reprocessor body 2, showing it with its outer casing removed, from the rear side. Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 A diagram showing the configuration of the bottle and sensor in the image.
[0071] The reprocessor body 2 has a frame 81 installed inside its outer casing. A pair of left and right rails 82 are provided on the frame 81. The rails 82 guide the horizontal movement of the tray 12, allowing the tray 12 to be pulled out. Through this structure, the tray 12 is pulled out by moving towards the front surface of the reprocessor body 2 and closed by moving towards the rear surface of the reprocessor body 2.
[0072] As described above, two bottles, namely a first bottle 101 and a second bottle 102, are housed in the tray 12 in a removable manner. The first bottle 101 is provided with a nozzle 101n for removing the liquid medicine inside. The second bottle 102 is provided with a nozzle 102n for removing the liquid medicine inside.
[0073] A sensor hole 12a is provided on the back side of the tray 12. A sensor 68 is provided inside the reprocessor body 2, opposite to the sensor hole 12a. The sensor 68 detects whether the liquid 103 is within the detection range 68s (refer to) without contact with the liquid 103. Figure 7 , Figure 8 (etc.). By configuring sensor 68 as described below, sensor 68 functions as a liquid level sensor that detects the remaining amount of liquid 103 in bottle 100 from the side of bottle 100.
[0074] A specific example of sensor 68 is a capacitive sensor. However, other non-contact sensors, such as optical sensors, can also be used as sensor 68. Furthermore, the suitable material for constituting bottle 100 varies depending on which sensor is used as sensor 68. For example, when using a capacitive sensor as sensor 68, it is preferable that bottle 100 is formed of a non-metallic material, such as plastic. Conversely, when using a reflective optical sensor as sensor 68, a light-transmitting material is used to form bottle 100.
[0075] In this embodiment, a first sensor 68a is provided, which is used to detect the presence or absence of the first liquid medicine contained in the first bottle 101; and a second sensor 68b is used to detect the presence or absence of the second liquid medicine contained in the second bottle 102.
[0076] The shapes and sizes of the first bottle 101 and the second bottle 102 can also be different, and the amounts of the first and second pharmaceutical solutions used in a single regeneration process are generally different. Therefore, the first sensor 68a and the second sensor 68b can also be configured at different height positions.
[0077] Furthermore, since the first and second pharmaceutical solutions are of different types, the sensitivities of the sensors are generally also different. Therefore, the first sensor 68a and the second sensor 68b can use sensors with different sensitivities or sensors with different operating principles.
[0078] Two sensor holes 12a can be provided for the first sensor 68a and the second sensor 68b, or only one sensor hole of the same size can be provided for both the first sensor 68a and the second sensor 68b.
[0079] Figure 5This diagram shows the situation where sensor 68 is separated from bottle 100 when tray 12 is pulled out. Figure 6 This diagram shows the situation where sensor 68 is close to bottle 100 with tray 12 closed.
[0080] When the tray 12 is pulled out, as Figure 5 As shown, sensor 68 is in a position separated from bottle 100. At this time, there is no liquid medicine 103 in bottle 100 within the detection range of sensor 68 for 68 seconds.
[0081] On the other hand, when tray 12 is closed, such as Figure 6 As shown, sensor 68 approaches bottle 100, and bottle 100 enters the detection range of sensor 68 for 68 seconds. At this time, sensor 68 can detect the presence or absence of liquid medicine 103 in bottle 100.
[0082] Reference Figure 7 The sensor 68 detects the presence or absence of liquid medicine 103 in bottle 100. Figure 7 This diagram shows the situation where the inner wall surface 100b of the stepped bottle 100 is within the detection range 68s of the sensor 68, and the liquid surface 103a of the liquid 103 is at a position higher than the inner wall surface 100b of the stepped bottle 100.
[0083] Bottle 100 has a first inner wall surface 100a, a stepped inner wall surface 100b, and a second inner wall surface 100c. Here, the inner wall surface is the inner side of the wall portion that constitutes a predetermined wall thickness of bottle 100, that is, the surface that contacts the liquid medicine 103.
[0084] With the bottle 100 properly housed in the tray 12, the tray 12 properly closed, and the bottle 100 positioned in the endoscope reprocessor 1, the bottle 100 and sensor 68 are configured as follows.
[0085] The first inner wall surface 100a is disposed along the direction of gravity G. The second inner wall surface 100c is disposed along the direction of gravity G at a horizontal position different from that of the first inner wall surface 100a. The stepped inner wall surface 100b is connected to the upper side of the first inner wall surface 100a at one end and to the lower side of the second inner wall surface 100c at the other end, intersecting the direction of gravity G. Therefore, the stepped inner wall surface 100b is a step provided on the side of the bottle 100. In addition, the stepped inner wall surface 100b is a surface that connects the first inner wall surface 100a disposed on the lower side and the second inner wall surface 100c disposed on the upper side.
[0086] The stepped inner wall surface 100b is positioned in the bottle 100 in the state of being disposed of as endoscope reprocessor 1, at the following location. The stepped inner wall surface 100b is positioned at a height such that, when n is an integer greater than or equal to 0, at the point in time when the liquid medicine 103 transitions from a state of contact with the stepped inner wall surface 100b to a state of non-contact with the stepped inner wall surface 100b, an amount of liquid medicine 103 remains in the bottle 100 sufficient to perform regeneration processing steps of n or more but less than (n+1) endoscopes 200.
[0087] The first inner wall surface 100a and the second inner wall surface 100c, as long as they are arranged along the direction of gravity G, can have a direction along the surface that is different from the direction of gravity G, or can be slightly inclined. In other words, the direction perpendicular to the first inner wall surface 100a can be orthogonal to the direction of gravity G, or it can be non-orthogonal. Similarly, the direction perpendicular to the second inner wall surface 100c can be orthogonal to the direction of gravity G, or it can be non-orthogonal. In addition, the first inner wall surface 100a and the second inner wall surface 100c, as long as they are arranged along the direction of gravity G, are not limited to planes, but can also be curved surfaces.
[0088] If an angle orthogonal to the direction of gravity G is chosen as the angle at which the inner wall surface 100b intersects with the direction of gravity G, then even if the liquid level 103a is lower than the inner wall surface 100b, droplets of the drug solution 103 will remain on the inner wall surface 100b, and may be detected by the sensor 68 as having the drug solution 103 present. Therefore, the inner wall surface 100b can be inclined downwards from the connection portion connected to the second inner wall surface 100c toward the connection portion connected to the first inner wall surface 100a, intersecting at an angle θ approximately orthogonal to the direction of gravity G. At this time, Figure 7 The angle θ shown is θ > 90°.
[0089] Sensor 68 is configured such that the first inner wall surface 100a is outside the detection range 68s, while the stepped inner wall surface 100b is within the detection range 68s. More specifically, sensor 68 does not detect liquid medicine 103 regardless of whether it is in contact with the first inner wall surface 100a or not. Conversely, sensor 68 detects liquid medicine 103 when it is in contact with the stepped inner wall surface 100b, which is within the detection range 68s. On the other hand, sensor 68 does not detect liquid medicine 103 when it is not in contact with the stepped inner wall surface 100b.
[0090] The following explanation describes the situation where sensor 68 is turned on when it detects liquid medicine 103 and turned off when it does not detect liquid medicine 103. However, it is also possible to change the correspondence between the detection result and the on / off state, with sensor 68 turning off when it detects liquid medicine 103 and turning on when it does not detect liquid medicine 103.
[0091] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the situation where, even if the bottle 100 and the sensor 68 are misaligned in the direction of gravity G, as long as the stepped inner wall surface 100b of the bottle 100 is within the detection range 68s of the sensor 68 and the first inner wall surface 100a is outside the detection range 68s, the sensor 68 will switch from being on to being off when the liquid level 103a of the liquid 103 drops to the height of the stepped inner wall surface 100b.
[0092] Figure 8 Columns A and B indicate the state of bottle 100 set in endoscope reprocessor 1, with the first inner wall surface 100a outside the detection range 68s of sensor 68.
[0093] Figure 8 Column A indicates a configuration example where the height L1 of the central axis of sensor 68 is higher than the inner wall surface 100b of the step and the lower side of sensor 68 within the detection range 68s includes at least a portion of the inner wall surface 100b of the step.
[0094] in addition, Figure 8 Column B indicates a configuration example where the height L2 of the central axis of sensor 68 is lower than the inner wall surface 100b of the step and the upper side of the sensor 68 within the detection range 68s includes at least a portion of the inner wall surface 100b of the step.
[0095] Regardless Figure 8 In both column A and column B, sensor 68 is activated when the liquid level 103a of the liquid 103 is above the inner wall 100b of the step on the side of the bottle 100, thus detecting the liquid 103. It is deactivated when the liquid level 103a of the liquid 103 is below the inner wall 100b of the step, thus failing to detect the liquid 103.
[0096] Therefore, if the inner wall surface 100b of the step is within the detection range of 68s, and the first inner wall surface 100a is outside the detection range of 68s, then even if the sensor 68 and the gravity direction G of the bottle 100 are misaligned, the sensor 68 will switch from being on to being off at a time point when the remaining amount is approximately the same. Thus, even if the sensor 68 and the gravity direction G of the bottle 100 are misaligned, the remaining amount of liquid 103 in the bottle 100 at the time point when the sensor 68 switches from being on to being off can be accurately detected.
[0097] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of bottle 100 from the back side.
[0098] The back of the first bottle 101 is provided with: a first inner wall surface 101a corresponding to the first inner wall surface 100a, a stepped inner wall surface 101b corresponding to the stepped inner wall surface 100b, and a second inner wall surface 101c corresponding to the second inner wall surface 100c.
[0099] The back of the second bottle 102 is provided with: a first inner wall surface 102a corresponding to the first inner wall surface 100a, a stepped inner wall surface 102b corresponding to the stepped inner wall surface 100b, and a second inner wall surface 102c corresponding to the second inner wall surface 100c.
[0100] As mentioned above, the amount of the first solution used in the regeneration process of a step is generally different from the amount of the second solution. Therefore, the height of the inner wall surface 101b of the step from the bottom surface of the first bottle 101 and the height of the inner wall surface 102b of the step from the bottom surface of the second bottle 102 can also be different.
[0101] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the function of the processor 70 in controlling the notification device to issue a notification based on the detection results of the sensor 68.
[0102] As described above, the processor 70 is connected to the circuits within the endoscope reprocessor 1, which includes the sensor 68, the main operation panel 25, and the sub-operation panel 13.
[0103] When the power is turned on to the endoscope reprocessor 1, the processor 70 performs... Figure 10 The processing is shown.
[0104] The processor 70 obtains the detection result from the sensor 68 (step S1) and determines whether the medicine liquid 103 is detected (step S2).
[0105] Here, if it is determined that the medicine solution 103 has been detected, the bottle 100 containing the medicine solution 103 capable of performing regeneration processing of the endoscope 200 for n or more steps is correctly housed in the tray 12, and the tray 12 is correctly closed. In this case, during the cycle of steps S1 and S2, the process returns to step S1, and the detection result is obtained from the sensor 68.
[0106] In step S2, if it is determined that no medicine liquid 103 is detected, the processor 70 displays a notification on the main operation panel 25 or the sub-operation panel 13 (step S3).
[0107] For example, if a notification is displayed immediately after the bottle 100 is replaced and the tray 12 is closed, there is any possibility that the tray 12 is not closed properly, the bottle 100 is not properly contained in the tray 12, or the bottle 100 contained in the tray 12 is not the bottle containing the correct medicine 103, and the user can reconfirm each status.
[0108] Furthermore, regarding the bottle 100 in use, when the detection result changes from detecting the medicine liquid 103 (on) to not detecting the medicine liquid 103 (off), the processor 70 determines that the number of regenerable processing steps for the endoscope 200 is n steps remaining. When the processor 70 determines that the number of regenerable processing steps for the endoscope 200 is n steps remaining, it controls the main operation panel 25 or the sub-operation panel 13 to inform that the number of regenerable processing steps is n steps remaining.
[0109] Here, an example of a notification display when n is 1 or more is "The remaining number of endoscope regeneration processing steps is n". In particular, when n is 1, a notification display such as "The next endoscope regeneration processing step is the last one" can also be displayed. Another example of a notification display when n is 0 is "The medication in the bottle is used up. Please replace the bottle." Appropriate notification displays can be made, and these examples are not limited to.
[0110] In addition, an example of notification display is shown here through a display device such as the secondary operation panel 13 or the main operation panel 25, but a sound device such as a speaker can also be used as a notification device to notify by beeping or sound, or by display and sound.
[0111] After notification in step S3, it is determined whether to end the process (step S4). Here, if it is determined that the process should not end, the process returns to step S1 and obtains the detection result from sensor 68.
[0112] Therefore, for example, if the notification display in step S3 is performed immediately after the bottle 100 is replaced, by returning to step S1 to obtain the detection result from the sensor 68, it is possible to confirm whether the bottle 100 containing the correct medicine 103 is correctly housed in the tray 12 and whether the tray 12 is correctly closed in the reprocessor body 2 based on the detection result.
[0113] On the other hand, if the process is determined to be complete in step S4, the process ends.
[0114] Furthermore, while the example described above illustrates how the bottle 100 is housed in the tray 12 and placed in the endoscope reprocessor 1 by opening and closing the tray 12, the bottle 100 can also be placed without the tray 12. For example, the concave portion housing the bottle 100 can be placed in the endoscope reprocessor 1, allowing the bottle 100 to be placed directly in the endoscope reprocessor 1. Even in this case, the positional relationship between the inner wall surfaces of the bottle 100 in its placed state and the sensor 68 remains as described above.
[0115] Furthermore, while the example described above of detecting the remaining amount of liquid medicine 103 in bottle 100 using sensor 68 is not limited to this, the sensor can also detect the remaining amount of other liquids. For example, the sensor can also detect the remaining amount of cleaning agent in detergent container 11a, or the remaining amount of alcohol in alcohol container 11b. Thus, the liquid whose remaining amount is detected by the sensor is not limited to liquid medicine 103.
[0116] According to this first embodiment, when the bottle 100 is set up, the sensor 68 is configured such that the first inner wall surface 100a is outside the detection range 68s and the stepped inner wall surface 100b is within the detection range 68s. Therefore, even if the relative position of the bottle 100 and the sensor 68 deviates within the range allowed by the size of the detection range 68s, the remaining amount of medicine liquid 103 in the bottle 100 can be accurately detected as a certain amount.
[0117] The sensor 68 is configured such that the bottle 100 is housed in the tray 12, and with the tray 12 closed, the inner wall surface 100b of the steps is within the detection range 68s. Therefore, if the sensor 68 detects the liquid medicine 103, it can be determined that the tray 12 is correctly closed. Thus, the sensor 68 can also be used as a sensor to detect the open or closed state of the tray 12.
[0118] A stepped inner wall surface 100b is set at the height of the liquid 103 remaining in the bottle 100, which is sufficient to perform more than n but less than (n+1) regeneration processes of endoscopes 200. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine that the number of regeneration processes of the endoscope 200 is the remaining n processes.
[0119] Furthermore, the system notifies the user when the number of recyclable processing steps for endoscope 200 is determined to be n steps remaining, allowing the user to accurately identify the replacement date of bottle 100. This enables the user to efficiently prepare for bottle 100 replacement.
[0120] When the medical device is an endoscope 200, an endoscope reprocessor 1, which is used as a medical device reprocessor, can obtain a regeneration process suitable for the endoscope 200.
[0121] This reduces the amount of liquid 103 remaining in the bottle 100 that could jeopardize subsequent regeneration processes when the remaining amount cannot be accurately measured. Consequently, unnecessary waste of liquid 103 is prevented.
[0122] [Second Implementation]
[0123] Figure 11This diagram illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram that compares a structural example in which the inner wall surface 100b of the stepped structure is the inner wall surface of the lower side of the convex wall 100d located at a predetermined height position of the bottle 100A with other different structural examples.
[0124] In this second embodiment, the same reference numerals and other descriptions are appropriately omitted for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment described above, and only the differences are explained.
[0125] In this embodiment, the bottle 100A is provided with a convex wall 100d. When the bottle 100A is placed in the endoscope reprocessor 1, the convex wall 100d protrudes from between the lower first inner wall surface 100a and the upper second inner wall surface 100c.
[0126] The stepped inner wall surface 100b is the lower inner wall surface of the convex wall 100d and is connected to the first inner wall surface 100a. In addition, the upper inner wall surface 100e of the convex wall 100d is connected to the second inner wall surface 100c.
[0127] Additionally, the second inner wall surface 100c is configured, for example, at the same horizontal position as the first inner wall surface 100a along the direction of gravity G. In this configuration, the second inner wall surface 100c is outside the detection range 68s of the sensor 68.
[0128] In the structure of this embodiment, the sensor hole 12a' provided on the tray 12 also serves as a hole for embedding the convex wall 100d.
[0129] Figure 11 Column A indicates the state when the bottle 100A containing the correct medicine solution 103 (illustration omitted) is housed in tray 12 and tray 12 is closed.
[0130] In the bottle 100A containing the correct medication 103, a convex wall 100d is provided at a position corresponding to the sensor hole 12a'. When the tray 12 is closed, the convex wall 100d engages with the sensor hole 12a', and the stepped inner wall surface 100b enters the detection range 68s of the sensor 68. Thus, the sensor 68 changes from off to on, and the processor 70 can determine that the correct bottle 100A containing the correct medication 103 is correctly positioned in the endoscope reprocessor 1.
[0131] Figure 11 Column B indicates the state when a bottle 100X containing a liquid different from the correct medicine 103 (illustration omitted) is housed in tray 12 and tray 12 is closed.
[0132] A bottle 100X containing a liquid different from the correct medicine 103 has a convex wall 100Xd at a different position than the bottle 100A containing the correct medicine 103. Depending on the circumstances, the bottle 100X, being of a different shape than the bottle 100A, cannot be accommodated in the tray 12. Even when the bottle 100X can be accommodated in the tray 12 and the tray 12 can be closed, the convex wall 100Xd is not in a position that engages with the sensor hole 12a'.
[0133] Therefore, since the liquid in bottle 100X did not enter the detection range 68s of sensor 68, processor 70 could not determine that bottle 100X had been set in endoscope reprocessor 1.
[0134] In this way, the shape of the bottle varies depending on the type of liquid contained inside, and the sensor hole 12a' and sensor 68 of the tray 12 are provided at the position corresponding to the bottle being housed. This prevents the use of liquids different from the correct medicine 103 in the bottle 100X for the regeneration process of the endoscope 200.
[0135] Figure 11 Column C indicates the state when a bottle 100Y containing a liquid different from the correct medicine 103 (illustration omitted) is housed in tray 12 and tray 12 is closed.
[0136] Bottles 100Y containing liquids different from the correct medicine 103, for example, do not have convex walls 100d like bottles 100A containing the correct medicine 103. Such bottles 100Y can be accommodated in tray 12 and the tray 12 can be closed, provided that their overall dimensions are approximately the same.
[0137] However, since the liquid in bottle 100Y did not enter the detection range 68s of sensor 68, processor 70 could not determine that bottle 100Y had been set in endoscope reprocessor 1.
[0138] In this way, even if the bottle 100Y containing a liquid different from the correct solution 103 is not provided with a convex wall 100d, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the bottle 100Y from being used for the regeneration process of the endoscope 200.
[0139] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the configuration of sensor 68 in a modified example of the second embodiment.
[0140] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, sensor 68 is configured horizontally, and the detection range 68s is located in the horizontal direction of sensor 68. In contrast, Figure 12 In this configuration, sensor 68 is positioned vertically upwards, and detection range 68s is located above sensor 68. The sensor hole 12a” of tray 12 is shaped to receive sensor 68 positioned vertically.
[0141] Even with this configuration, as long as there is a stepped inner wall surface 100b within the detection range of 68s and a first inner wall surface 100a outside the detection range of 68s, the same function and effect as described above can be achieved.
[0142] Furthermore, the configuration of sensor 68 is not limited to the horizontal or vertical direction, but can also be tilted. Such a vertical or tilted sensor 68 configuration can also be applied to the structure of the first embodiment described above.
[0143] According to this second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment described above is obtained. Furthermore, a convex wall 100d is provided on the bottle 100A, and the stepped inner wall surface 100b is set as the inner wall surface below the convex wall 100d. Therefore, by fitting the convex wall 100d into the sensor hole 12a of the tray 12, it is possible to determine, based on the detection result of the sensor 68, that the bottle 100A containing the correct medication 103 is correctly placed in the endoscope reprocessor 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent liquids different from the correct medication 103 from being used in the regeneration process of the endoscope 200.
[0144] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be further modified and embodied by adapting the constituent elements without departing from its spirit during the implementation phase. Additionally, various inventive methods can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Moreover, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Thus, various modifications and applications are naturally possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A medical device reprocessor, wherein the medical device reprocessor is provided with a bottle containing a liquid for regenerating the medical device, characterized in that, The medical device reprocessor includes a sensor that detects whether the liquid is within a detection range. The sensor is configured such that, when the bottle is placed in the medical device reprocessor, a first inner wall surface of the bottle arranged along the direction of gravity is outside the detection range, while a stepped inner wall surface connected to the upper side of the first inner wall surface at an angle intersecting the direction of gravity is within the detection range.
2. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical device reprocessor also features: The reprocessor body; and A tray, which can be opened and closed relative to the reprocessor body, accommodates the bottle. The sensor is configured on the reprocessor body such that, with the tray closed, the inner wall surface of the stepped structure is within the detection range.
3. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical device reprocessor further includes a processor, on which the detection results from the sensor are input. The bottle, in its unused state, contains the amount of liquid used in the regeneration process of the medical device for multiple steps. The stepped inner wall is positioned at a height such that, when n is an integer greater than or equal to 0, at the point in time at which the liquid transitions from contact with the stepped inner wall to a state of non-contact, a quantity of liquid remains in the bottle sufficient for n or more but less than (n+1) regeneration processes when the bottle is placed in the medical device reprocessor. When the detection result changes from a state where the liquid is detected to a state where the liquid is not detected, the processor determines that the number of regenerative processing steps of the medical device is n steps remaining.
4. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The medical device reprocessor also includes a notification device for informing the user. When the processor determines that the number of regenerative processing steps of the medical device is n steps remaining, it controls the notification device to inform that the number of regenerative processing steps is n steps remaining.
5. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical device reprocessor also includes a cleaning tank that contains the medical device and uses the liquid to regenerate the medical device.
6. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical device in question is an endoscope.
7. A bottle containing a liquid for regenerating a medical device, disposed in a medical device reprocessor having a sensor for detecting whether the liquid is within a detection range, characterized in that, The bottle includes: a first inner wall surface; and The inner wall of the stepped structure is connected to the first inner wall surface. With the bottle positioned in the medical device reprocessor, The first inner wall surface is positioned along the direction of gravity and is outside the detection range. The inner wall of the stepped structure is connected to the upper side of the first inner wall at an angle intersecting the direction of gravity, and is within the detection range.
8. The bottle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottle also has a second inner wall surface, which, when the bottle is disposed in the medical device reprocessor, is arranged along the direction of gravity at a horizontal position different from that of the first inner wall surface. The stepped inner wall surface is the surface that connects the first inner wall surface located on the lower side and the second inner wall surface located on the upper side.
9. The bottle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottle further comprises: a second inner wall surface, wherein, when the bottle is disposed in the medical device reprocessor, the second inner wall surface is arranged along the direction of gravity and is outside the detection range; and The convex wall, in the state where the bottle is placed in the medical device reprocessor, is disposed between the lower first inner wall surface and the upper second inner wall surface, and protrudes from both the first and second inner wall surfaces. The inner wall surface of the stepped structure is the inner wall surface of the lower side of the convex wall.
10. A medical device reprocessor, wherein the medical device reprocessor is provided with a bottle containing a liquid for regenerating the medical device, characterized in that, The bottle includes: a first inner wall surface; and The inner wall of the stepped structure is connected to the first inner wall surface. The medical device reprocessor includes a sensor that detects whether the liquid is within a detection range. With the bottle positioned in the medical device reprocessor, the first inner wall surface is positioned along the direction of gravity and is outside the detection range; The sensor detects the liquid when the liquid level is above the step located on the side of the bottle, and does not detect the liquid when the liquid level is below the step; the sensor is configured such that the inner wall of the step is within the sensor's detection range.
11. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensor is configured such that the height of its central axis is offset from the height of the step on the side of the bottle.
12. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the bottle is placed in the medical device reprocessor, the sensor detects the liquid when the liquid level is above the inner wall of the step, and does not detect the liquid when the liquid level is below the inner wall of the step.
13. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensor detects the liquid level in a non-contact manner.
14. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sensor is mounted on a tray and positioned opposite the hole into which the stepped surface is embedded.
15. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensor is positioned facing upwards in the vertical direction.
16. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 10, characterized in that, The medical device reprocessor also includes a cleaning tank that contains the medical device and uses the liquid to regenerate the medical device.