Cleaning instrument for cleaning surgical instruments

Abstract

A cleaning instrument for cleaning a surgical instrument having a housing is provided. The cleaning instrument comprises: a first holding part for holding a first connector; a second holding part for holding the second connector; and a connecting portion that connects the first holding portion and the second holding portion such that a first outflow direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector along a first direction and a second outflow direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector along a second direction intersect with each other are formed between the first connector and the second connector. The second outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector along the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning instrument used when cleaning the interior of a housing of a surgical instrument having a housing. Background Art

[0002] A surgical support robot for supporting surgery is known. An auxiliary device according to the purpose of the surgery can be installed on the surgical support robot. The auxiliary device is also called an instrument, specifically a medical device. The instrument may include forceps, an electric scalpel, etc.

[0003] In addition, as an instrument, a reusable device can also be included. For a reusable instrument, after use in an operation, it is necessary to clean and disinfect it before it can be used again. As a reusable instrument, for example, it can be envisioned that the instrument will be reused about 10 times.

[0004] Generally, the following three methods are widely known as cleaning methods for medical equipment: ultrasonic cleaning, reduced pressure boiling cleaning, and cleaning and disinfection machine cleaning (hereinafter also referred to as "WD cleaning"). Compared with the other two cleaning methods, WD cleaning requires less man-hours and can reduce the burden on medical staff who perform the cleaning. Therefore, many institutions have introduced WD cleaning as a method for cleaning medical equipment.

[0005] WD cleaning is a cleaning method that combines the chemical cleaning effect brought by a cleaning agent and the physical cleaning effect brought by a high-pressure water flow (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2). In this WD cleaning, a device that provides a cleaning liquid at high pressure is used. For the above-mentioned equipment, WD cleaning can also be performed by using equipment suitable for the equipment.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-188387

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-073907 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] When cleaning an instrument by WD cleaning, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the main device for WD cleaning into the inside of the instrument at high pressure. This cleans the inside of the instrument. The cleaning liquid is a liquid containing the above-mentioned cleaning agent. After use in surgery, the inside of the instrument may be contaminated with body fluids such as blood. The body fluids are washed away by the cleaning liquid sprayed from the above-mentioned main device into the inside of the instrument.

[0012] As a structure for supplying cleaning liquid to the device at high pressure, for example, a structure for supplying cleaning liquid to the device via a cleaning pipe from a main device cleaned by a WD is known. In this structure, a cleaning connector is provided at the end of the cleaning pipe located on the device side. In addition, a cleaning port corresponding to the cleaning connector is provided on the device. The cleaning connector of the cleaning pipe is inserted and connected to the cleaning port, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the inside of the device from the main device cleaned by the WD at high pressure.

[0013] In order to reduce the burden on medical personnel who perform cleaning, the cleaning connector and the cleaning port are preferably configured to be easy to connect and disassemble. For example, it is preferably configured so that the cleaning connector can be inserted into the cleaning port and connected to the cleaning port without performing additional operations such as rotating the cleaning connector and the cleaning port. Similarly, it is preferably configured so that the cleaning connector can be removed from the cleaning port and the connection between the two can be released simply by separating the cleaning port and the cleaning connector from each other without performing other additional operations.

[0014] On the other hand, if an attempt is made to adopt a structure that is easier to connect and disassemble the two, the cleaning connector is likely to fall off from the cleaning port due to the reaction force when the high-pressure cleaning fluid is sprayed. If the cleaning connector falls off accidentally, incomplete cleaning may occur.

[0015] The present disclosure discloses an example of a cleaning device that is easy to connect and disassemble and can achieve stable cleaning.

[0016] Solutions to the problem

[0017] A cleaning instrument according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a cleaning instrument for cleaning a surgical instrument having a shell, comprising: a first holding portion, the first holding portion holding a first connector, the first connector being inserted into the shell and causing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the shell to flow out, and the first connector causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a first direction when the first connector is inserted into the shell; a second holding portion, the second holding portion holding a second connector, the second connector being inserted into the shell at a position different from a position when the first connector is inserted into the shell and causing the cleaning liquid to flow out, and the second connector causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a second direction when the second connector is inserted into the shell; and a connecting portion, the connecting portion connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a manner that a first outflow direction and a second outflow direction intersect, wherein the first outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector along the first direction, and the second outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector along the second direction.

[0018] A cleaning instrument according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a cleaning instrument for cleaning a surgical instrument having a shell, comprising: a first connector, the first connector being arranged at the end of a first tube for supplying a cleaning liquid for cleaning the interior of the shell, and allowing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a first direction, wherein the first direction is a direction in which the first connector is inserted into a first port provided in the shell; a first holding portion, the first holding portion holding the first connector; and a second connector, the second connector being arranged at the end of a second tube for supplying the cleaning liquid, and allowing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a first direction. outflow along a second direction, wherein the second direction is a direction in which the second connector is inserted into a second port provided in the housing; a second holding portion, wherein the second holding portion holds the second connector; and a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion connects the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a manner that the first outflow direction and the second outflow direction intersect, wherein the first outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector along the first direction, and the second outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector along the second direction.

[0019] According to the cleaning device disclosed in the present invention, the first outflow direction is the direction opposite to the direction in which the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector acts, and the first outflow direction intersects with the second outflow direction, and the second outflow direction is the direction along which the second connector is inserted and removed. Therefore, when the first connector is subjected to a force in the direction of being separated from the housing due to the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid, the movement of the first connector is restricted by the second connector connected by the connecting portion.

[0020] In addition, the second outflow direction is in the direction opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector, and the second outflow direction intersects with the first outflow direction, and the first outflow direction is in the direction of the insertion and removal of the first connector. Therefore, when the second connector is subjected to a force in the direction of separation from the housing due to the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid, the movement of the second connector is restricted by the first connector connected by the connecting portion.

[0021] In the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the angle between the first outflow direction and the second outflow direction is greater than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0022] In the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning liquid in the first connector, the component in the direction parallel to the second outflow direction is smaller than the component in the direction perpendicular to the second outflow direction. The component of the reaction force in the perpendicular direction is transmitted to the second connector, thereby generating a force that presses the second connector onto the shell in the direction perpendicular to the second outflow direction. Due to the component of the reaction force in the direction perpendicular to the second outflow direction, the friction force acting between the second connector and the shell increases. Since the component of the reaction force acting on the first connector in the parallel direction is relatively small, the movement of the first connector is restricted. Since the component of the reaction force in the direction perpendicular to the second outflow direction is relatively large, the second connector is not easy to detach from the shell, and the second connector restricts the movement of the first connector.

[0023] In addition, in the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector, the component in the direction parallel to the first outflow direction is smaller than the component in the direction perpendicular to the first outflow direction. The component of the reaction force in the perpendicular direction is transmitted to the first connector, thereby generating a force that presses the first connector onto the shell in the direction perpendicular to the first outflow direction. Due to the component of the reaction force in the direction perpendicular to the first outflow direction, the friction force acting between the first connector and the shell increases. Since the component of the reaction force acting on the second connector in the direction parallel to the first outflow direction is relatively small, the movement of the first connector is restricted. Since the component in the direction perpendicular to the first outflow direction is relatively large, the second connector is not easy to detach from the shell, and the first connector restricts the movement of the second connector.

[0024] In the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferred that the angle between the first outflow direction and the second outflow direction is greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0025] In the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector, the component in the direction parallel to the second outflow direction acts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second connector is pulled out of the housing. Therefore, the second connector further restricts the movement of the first connector.

[0026] Furthermore, of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector, the component in the direction parallel to the first outflow direction acts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first connector is pulled out of the housing. Therefore, the first connector further restricts the movement of the second connector.

[0027] In the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion preferably has elasticity for displacing the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions of approaching and moving away from each other.

[0028] By making the connecting portion elastic, a force acting in a direction in which the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion approach each other (a direction in which they try to approach each other) can be applied. In other words, the force can also be understood as a force from the first retaining portion toward the second retaining portion and / or a force from the second retaining portion toward the first retaining portion. In other words, a force acting in a direction in which the first connector and the second connector approach each other (a direction in which they try to approach each other) can be applied. Similarly, in other words, the force can also be understood as a force from the first connector toward the second connector and / or a force from the second connector toward the first connector. At least a portion of the force applied by the connecting portion in the approaching direction becomes a force that presses the first connector onto the housing. In addition, at least a portion of the force applied by the connecting portion in the approaching direction becomes a force that presses the second connector onto the housing.

[0029] In the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the coupling portion is provided with an elastic portion, and the elastic portion is elastically deformed so as to displace the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions of approaching and moving away from each other.

[0030] By providing the elastic part at the connecting part, it is not necessary to make other parts of the connecting part elastic, thereby widening the range of choices for the material and shape of the connecting part.

[0031] In a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connector preferably has a convex shape with a circumferential outer surface, the first port preferably has a concave shape with a circumferential inner surface, and the first connector is inserted into or pulled out from the first port, and the second connector preferably has a convex shape with a circumferential outer surface, the second port preferably has a concave shape with a circumferential inner surface, and the second connector is inserted into or pulled out from the second port, and further preferably, a first interference fit, a value obtained by subtracting the inner surface of the first port, i.e., the inner diameter, from the diameter of the outer surface of the first port, i.e., the outer diameter, is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting the inner diameter of the inner surface of the second port, i.e., the second interference fit, from the outer diameter of the outer surface of the second port.

[0032] Since the first interference is smaller than the second interference, the force required to insert the first connector into the first port is smaller than the force required to insert the second connector into the second port. In addition, the force required to remove the first connector from the first port is smaller than the force required to remove the second connector from the second port. In other words, the force required to insert the second connector into the second port is greater than the force required to insert the first connector into the first port. In addition, the force required to remove the second connector from the second port is greater than the force required to remove the first connector from the first port. Therefore, the force of the second connector to limit the first connector from being disengaged due to the reaction force is greater than the force of the first connector to limit the second connector from being disengaged due to the reaction force.

[0033] By making the first connector easy to insert into and remove from the first port, it is easy to install and remove the cleaning device. On the other hand, the second connector can limit the situation that the first connector is separated from the first port due to the reaction force during the cleaning operation.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to the cleaning instrument disclosed herein, the movement of the first connector in the direction of being separated from the housing is restricted by the second connector, and the movement of the second connector in the direction of being separated from the housing is restricted by the first connector. Therefore, during the cleaning process, the first connector and the second connector are not easily separated from the housing, thereby achieving the effect of being able to more stably clean the interior of the surgical instrument (the interior of the housing). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view for explaining the structure of the cleaning instrument and the surgical instrument disclosed in the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a top view for explaining the structure of the cleaning instrument and the surgical instrument of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a perspective view explaining the shapes of the first connector and the second connector.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view for explaining the positions of the first port and the second port in the surgical instrument.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the first interference between the first connector and the first port.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the second interference between the second connector and the second port.

[0042] Figure 7This is a front view for explaining the structure of the cleaning tool of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a plan view for explaining the structure of the cleaning tool of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 9 This is a front view for explaining a modified example of the cleaning tool.

[0045] Fig.10 This is a front view illustrating another modified example of the cleaning tool.

[0046] Fig.11 This is a front view for explaining the direction of the force acting on the first connector.

[0047] Fig.12 This is a front view for explaining the direction of the force acting from the elastic portion.

[0048] Description of Reference Numerals

[0049] 10 ... cleaning equipment; 21A ... first connector; 21B ... second connector;

[0050] 31A... first holding portion; 31B... second holding portion; 32... connecting portion; 33... elastic portion;

[0051] 50 ... surgical instrument; 51 ... housing; 55A ... first port; 55B ... second port;

[0052] AF…1st outflow direction; BF…2nd outflow direction; AC…1st interference;

[0053] BC…Second Interference DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] [First embodiment]

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 12 A cleaning device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 The cleaning instrument 10 is an instrument used when cleaning the surgical instrument 50 used in the operation (for the cleaning instrument 10, see also Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). More specifically, the cleaning instrument 10 is used when the surgical instrument 50 is subjected to WD cleaning (WD: Washer Disinfector).

[0056] In one example, the surgical instrument 50 is mounted on a master-slave surgical support robot (not shown). The master-slave surgical support robot is a surgical support robot in which a surgeon operates a console (master) at hand to operate a manipulator (slave: equivalent to the robot's arm or hand) inserted into the patient's body.

[0057] The cleaning instrument 10 is an instrument used when cleaning the inside of the surgical instrument 50 (the inside of the housing 51) by supplying a cleaning liquid into the housing 51 of the surgical instrument 50. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the main body 40 which is a separate body connected to the cleaning instrument 10. The main body 40 is a device for performing WD cleaning. The cleaning instrument 10 is an instrument for connecting the main body 40 and the surgical instrument 50.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the cleaning device 10 includes a first holding portion 31A, a second holding portion 31B and a connecting portion 32, and may further include an elastic portion 33 as an additional component. Furthermore, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are connected to the cleaning device 10. In addition, the first tube 11A is connected to the cleaning device 10 via the first connector 21A, and the second tube 11B is connected to the cleaning device 10 via the second connector 21B.

[0059] The first tube 11A and the second tube 11B are tubular members that guide the cleaning liquid from the main body 40 to the housing 51. The ends of the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B on the main body 40 side may be connected to the main body 40 in a freely attachable and detachable manner. Alternatively, the ends of the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B on the main body 40 side may be fixed to the main body 40. The first tube 11A and the second tube 11B are formed using a flexible resin material.

[0060] The first connector 21A is a component disposed at the end of the first tube 11A located on the housing 51 side. The second connector 21B is a component disposed at the end of the second tube 11B located on the housing 51 side. The first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B (see Figure 4 and Figure 6 ) The first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are configured to be pulled out from the housing 51 when a force is applied in a direction opposite to the direction in which they are respectively inserted. The first port 55A and the second port 55B of the housing 51 are described below.

[0061] The first connector 21A and the second connector 21B have the same shape. Figure 3As shown, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B have a roughly cylindrical shape, and respectively have corresponding through holes 22A, 22B extending along the central axis of the cylindrical shape. The through holes 22A, 22B are flow paths for the flow of cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid flows along the direction in which the through holes 22A, 22B extend, in other words, in the direction in which the central axis of the cylindrical shape extends. That is, the first connector 21A is configured so that the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out is the same as the direction in which the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A. Similarly, the second connector 21B is configured so that the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out is the same as the direction in which the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B.

[0062] The housing side ends 23A and 23B are respectively provided at the portion of the first connector 21A located on the housing 51 side and the portion of the second connector 21B located on the housing 51 side. The housing side ends 23A and 23B have a truncated cone shape whose diameter decreases toward the front end. The through holes 22A and 22B extend along the central axis of the housing side ends 23A and 23B, respectively.

[0063] The first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are formed so that the central portion in the longitudinal direction has a larger outer diameter than the end portions. Two grooves 24A and 24A are provided in the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 21A, and the first holding portion 31A (see Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is arranged in the two grooves 24A, 24A. Two grooves 24B, 24B are provided in the center portion of the second connector 21B in the longitudinal direction, and the second holding portion 31B (refer to Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) are arranged in the two groove portions 24B, 24B.

[0064] The first connector 21A has a tube end 25A inserted into the first tube 11A at a portion located on the first tube 11A side. The second connector 21B has a tube end 25B inserted into the second tube 11B at a portion located on the second tube 11B side.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the surgical instrument 50 has a housing 51 and a shaft 60. The housing 51 is a container having an internal space, and includes a cover 52 and a base 56. The base 56 has a mounting surface 57 for mounting the surgical instrument 50.

[0066] Hereinafter, description will be made using the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. The direction parallel to the axis 60 is the Z direction. The positive direction of the Z direction is the direction away from the housing 51. The X direction and the Y direction are directions extending along a plane orthogonal to the axis 60, and are directions orthogonal to each other.

[0067] The X direction is a direction extending along the mounting surface 57 in the base 56 of the housing 51, and the positive direction of the X direction is Figure 4 The paper is facing downward and diagonally to the left, and is Figure 2 The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 57, and the positive direction of the Y direction is a direction from the base 56 of the housing 51 toward the cover 52.

[0068] The cover 52 is a component that forms the outer shape of the housing 51 together with the base 56 and forms the internal space of the housing 51. Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1 , the cover body 52 has an upper surface 52A, a front surface 52B, side surfaces 52C and 52D, and a rear surface 52E.

[0069] The upper surface 52A is a surface extending along the ZX plane, and is a surface located in the positive direction of the Y direction of the cover body 52. ​​The front surface 52B is a surface extending along the XY plane, and is a surface located in the positive direction of the Z direction of the cover body 52. ​​The side surfaces 52C and 52D are surfaces extending along the YZ plane, and are surfaces located in the positive and negative directions of the X direction of the cover 52. The rear surface 52E is a surface extending along the XY plane, and is a surface located in the negative direction of the Z direction of the cover body 52.

[0070] The cover 52 is provided with a first port 55A. Hereinafter, the first port 55A is also referred to as a flush port. The first port 55A is provided on the upper surface 52A of the cover 52. The first port 55A may also be provided on the front surface 52B of the cover 11, or may be provided on the side surface 52C or the side surface 52D.

[0071] The first port 55A is a through hole that penetrates the cover 52 and extends in the Y direction. Specifically, the first port 55A is a through hole that penetrates the upper surface 52A. The first port 55A is a through hole for supplying the cleaning liquid from the outside of the housing 51 to the internal space.

[0072] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the side surface of the portion of the first port 55A into which the first connector 21A is inserted is inclined at an angle corresponding to the truncated cone shape of the housing side end portion 23A. Specifically, the side surface of the portion of the first port 55A into which the housing side end portion 23A is inserted has a conical surface, and the diameter of the conical surface increases as it approaches the outside of the housing 51. A bottom surface 58A is provided on one side of the first port 55A located inside the housing 51. A hole 59A is provided on the bottom surface for the cleaning liquid to flow.

[0073] The diameter of the bottom surface portion of the first port 55A, i.e., the inner diameter 55AD, is greater than or equal to the diameter of the front end portion 23A of the housing side of the first connector 21A, i.e., the outer diameter 23AD. In the following description, the value obtained by subtracting the inner diameter 55AD of the bottom surface portion from the outer diameter 23AD of the front end is referred to as the first interference AC. Figure 5 As shown, when the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A, the front end of the first connector 21A abuts against the bottom surface 58A of the first port 55A.

[0074] The base 56 is a plate-shaped member that forms the outer shape of the housing 51 together with the cover 52, and the base 56 forms a position to be mounted on the surgical support robot. Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover 52 is arranged in the positive direction of the Y direction of the base 56. The surface of the base 56 in the negative direction of the Y direction is the mounting surface 57. The mounting surface 57 is a surface for mounting the surgical instrument 50 on the surgical support robot and is a surface in contact with the surgical support robot.

[0075] The shaft 60 is mounted at the end of the base 56 located in the positive direction of the Z direction. The second port 55B is provided at the end of the base 56 located in the negative direction of the Z direction. Hereinafter, the second port 55B is also referred to as the main flushing port (Main Flush Port). The second port 55B (main flushing port) is a through hole for supplying a cleaning liquid from the outside of the housing 51 to the inside of the shaft 60.

[0076] The second port 55B is provided in a portion of the base 56 extending toward the cover 52 side (positive direction of the Y direction). In other words, the second port 55B is provided in a portion extending toward the positive direction of the Y direction at the end portion of the base 56 located in the negative direction of the Z direction. The second port 55B is a through hole extending along the Z direction.

[0077] like Figure 6As shown, the side surface of the portion of the second port 55B into which the second connector 21B is inserted is inclined at an angle corresponding to the truncated cone shape of the shell side end portion 23B. Specifically, the side surface of the portion of the second port 55B into which the shell side end portion 23B is inserted has a conical surface, the diameter of which increases as it approaches the outside of the shell 51. A flushing tube 55C is provided at the inner side of the second port 55B located at the shell 51. The flushing tube 55C is a tubular component that guides the cleaning liquid supplied via the second port 55B to a predetermined position. In the following, the side surface of the first port 55A on the side into which the shell side end portion 23A is inserted and the side surface of the second port 55B on the side into which the shell side end portion 23B is inserted are also referred to as inner peripheral surfaces. In addition, the side surface of the shell side end portion 23A on the side inserted into the first port 55A and the side surface of the shell side end portion 23B on the side inserted into the second port 55B are also referred to as outer peripheral surfaces.

[0078] The diameter of the end face of the flushing tube 55C in the second port 55B, i.e., the inner diameter 55BD, is smaller than the diameter of the front end of the shell side end 23B of the second connector 21B, i.e., the outer diameter 23BD. In the following description, the value obtained by subtracting the inner diameter 55BD at the end face from the outer diameter 23BD at the front end is referred to as the second interference BC. Figure 5 As shown, when the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B, the front end of the second connector 21B stops at a position a certain distance away from the end surface of the flushing tube 55C.

[0079] In the above description, the first interference amount AC is a negative value, and the second interference amount BC is a positive value. In other words, the first interference amount AC is smaller than the second interference amount BC. In the present embodiment, the fit between the first connector 21A and the first port 55A is also referred to as a clearance fit. In addition, in the present embodiment, the fit between the second connector 21B and the second port 55B is also referred to as an interference fit. In addition, in the above description, the case where the fit between the first connector 21A and the first port 55A is a clearance fit is used as an example, but as long as the condition that the first interference amount AC is smaller than the second interference amount BC is satisfied, the fit between the first connector 21A and the first port 55A can also be an interference fit. That is, within the range that the condition that the first interference amount AC is smaller than the second interference amount BC is satisfied, the inner diameter 55AD can be smaller than the outer diameter 23AD. That is, if the first connector 21A is easier to insert into or remove from the first port 55A than the second connector 21B is easier to insert into or remove from the second port 55B, the fit between the connector 21A and the first port 55A may be an interference fit.

[0080] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the first holding portion 31A is a component for holding the first connector 21A. Specifically, the first holding portion 31A is Figure 3 A component that engages with one of the grooves 24A, 24A in the first connector 21A to hold the first connector 21A.

[0081] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 2 , the first holding portion 31A is provided at the end of the connecting portion 32 in the positive direction of the Z axis. The first holding portion 31A has an arc shape extending along the groove portion 24A. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first holding portion 31A has an arc shape arranged on the ZX plane.

[0082] In addition, the first holding portion 31A may have a shape other than the arc shape as long as it can hold the first connector 21 A. In addition, the first holding portion 31A may have a shape that facilitates attachment and detachment of the first connector 21A.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second holding portion 31B is a component for holding the second connector 21B. Specifically, the second holding portion 31B is disposed at Figure 3 The second connector 21B is formed by one of the grooves 24B, 24B and holds the second connector 21B.

[0084] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second holding portion 31B is provided at the end of the connecting portion 32 in the negative direction of the Z axis and at the end in the negative direction of the Y axis. In the present embodiment, the second holding portion 31B has an arc shape extending along the groove portion 24B. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second holding portion 31B has an arc shape arranged on the XY plane.

[0085] In addition, the second holding portion 31B may have a shape other than the arc shape as long as it can hold the second connector 21 B. In addition, the second holding portion 31B may have a shape that facilitates attachment and detachment of the second connector 21B.

[0086] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connecting portion 32 is a linear portion connecting the first holding portion 31A and the second holding portion 31B. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connecting portion 32 includes a first portion 39A extending linearly along the Z axis and a second portion 39B extending linearly in the negative direction along the Y axis. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic portion 33 is provided between the first portion 33A and the second portion 33B. In other words, the elastic portion 33 is provided at a position where the connecting portion 32 is bent.

[0087] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first holding portion 31A is disposed at the end of the first portion 39A. Furthermore, the second holding portion 31B is disposed at the end of the second portion 39B.

[0088] The central axis of the first holding portion 31A formed in an arc shape extends parallel to the first outflow direction AF, which is the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector 21A held by the first holding portion 31A. The central axis of the second holding portion 31B formed in an arc shape extends parallel to the second outflow direction BF, which is the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector 21B held by the second holding portion 31B.

[0089] The first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF intersect at an angle of 90 degrees. The angle between the first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF may be in a range greater than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. In addition, the angle between the first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF may be in a range greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle refers to the angle formed by the first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF. The angle also includes the case where the angle formed by the first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF is 180 degrees.

[0090] The elastic part 33 is a member formed by spirally winding a linear member forming the connecting part 32. That is, the elastic part 33 and the linear member forming the connecting part 32 are continuous.

[0091] In addition, you can also Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, the elastic linear member is bent to form the connecting portion 32, and it can be configured without setting Figure 7 and Figure 8 The elastic portion 33 is shown. In addition, as long as the first holding portion 31A and the second holding portion 31B can be appropriately connected according to the gist of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 32 may be formed by bending a linear member having no elasticity.

[0092] In addition, if Fig.10 As shown, the elastic portion 33 may be covered by the clamp portion 35. The clamp portion 35 includes two rotating portions 36A and 36B that can rotate relative to each other, and rod-shaped opening and closing portions 37A and 37B extending from the two rotating portions 36A and 36B.

[0093] When the opening and closing parts 37A and 37B are brought close to each other, the rotating parts 36A and 36B rotate respectively. The rotation of the rotating parts 36A and 36B is transmitted to the connecting part 32, and the first holding part 31A and the second holding part 31B move in the direction of separation from each other. In addition, when the opening and closing parts 37A and 37B are separated from each other, the rotating parts 36A and 36B rotate in the opposite direction to the above. The rotation of the two rotating parts 36A and 36B is transmitted to the connecting part 32, and the first holding part 31A and the second holding part 31B move in the direction of approaching each other.

[0094] Next, the cleaning of the surgical instrument 50 using the cleaning instrument 10 having the above-mentioned structure will be described. Figure 1 As shown, when cleaning the surgical instrument 50, the cleaning instrument 10 is mounted on the surgical instrument 50. The first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are respectively inserted into the flushing port (first port 55A) and the main flushing port (second port 55B) of the surgical instrument 50 (see Figure 4 ).

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A along the Y direction. Since the first connector 21A and the first port 55A are clearance-fitted, the housing side end 23A of the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A until its front end touches the bottom surface of the first port 55A. A gap is left between the outer peripheral surface of the housing side end 23A and the inner peripheral surface of the first port 55A.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B along the Z direction. Since the second connector 21B and the second port 55B are interference fit, the shell side end 23B of the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B until its outer peripheral surface abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the second port 55B. A gap is left between the front end of the shell side end 23B and the end surface of the flushing tube 55C in the second port 55B.

[0097] When the cleaning instrument 10 is attached to the surgical instrument 50, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the main body 40. The flow rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the main body 40, the composition of the cleaning liquid, the temperature of the cleaning liquid, etc. can be controlled over time according to a predetermined pattern.

[0098] The cleaning liquid is supplied to the housing 51 of the surgical instrument 50 via the cleaning instrument 10. The supplied cleaning liquid cleans the interior of the housing 51. The cleaning liquid that has cleaned the interior of the housing 51 flows out from the gaps in the housing 51 to the outside.

[0099] like Fig.11As shown by the solid arrow in FIG, the cleaning liquid supplied from the main body 40 is ejected from the first connector 21A into the housing 51 in the negative direction of the Y direction via the first tube 11A. When the cleaning liquid is ejected into the housing 51, as shown by the dotted arrow, the reaction force AR of the ejected cleaning liquid acts on the first connector 21A in the positive direction of the Y direction.

[0100] The first holding portion 31A is integrally formed with the connecting portion 32 and the second holding portion 31B, and the second holding portion 31B holds the second connector 21B. The second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B along the Z direction. That is, the second connector 21B is inserted in a direction that forms an angle of 90 degrees with the direction of the reaction force AR. The reaction force AR is received by the second connector 21B inserted into the second port 55B. Therefore, the first connector 21A remains inserted into the first port 55A and does not fall off due to the reaction force AR.

[0101] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, due to the reaction force AR, a torsional moment AT is applied to the elastic portion 33. The elastic portion 33 elastically deforms in response to the torsional moment AT, and generates a torsional moment RT in the opposite direction to the torsional moment AT due to the elastic deformation.

[0102] Due to the torsional moment RT, a force AE in the opposite direction to the reaction force AR is applied to the first holding portion 31A. The force AE is a force in a direction to bring the first holding portion 31A and the second holding portion 31B closer to each other and a force in a direction to press the first holding portion 31A against the housing 51.

[0103] The reaction force caused by the spraying of the cleaning liquid also acts on the second connector 21B. As in the case of the first connector 21A, the reaction force acting on the second connector 21B is received by the first connector 21A inserted into the first port 55A. Therefore, the second connector 21B remains inserted into the second port 55B. In addition, since the outer peripheral surface of the housing side end 23B contacts the inner peripheral surface of the second port 55B, frictional force acts between the housing side end 23B and the second port 55B. The second connector 21B also remains inserted into the second port 55B by the frictional force.

[0104] According to the cleaning device 10 having the above-mentioned structure, the first outflow direction AF intersects with the second outflow direction BF, wherein the first outflow direction is the direction opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector 21A, and the second outflow direction BF is the direction opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector 21B. That is, the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector 21A intersects with the insertion direction and the extraction direction of the second connector 21B. Therefore, when the first connector 21A attempts to move in the direction of detaching from the first port 55A due to the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid, the movement is restricted by the second connector 21B connected by the connecting portion 32. In other words, even if a reaction force is applied to the first connector 21A due to the outflow of the cleaning liquid, the first connector 21A is not easy to detach from the first port 55A.

[0105] In addition, the second outflow direction BF is a direction opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector 21B, and intersects with the first outflow direction AF, which is a direction opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector 21A. That is, the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector 21B intersects with the insertion direction and the removal direction of the first connector 21A. Therefore, when the second connector 21B attempts to move in the direction of detachment from the second port 55B due to the reaction force, the movement is restricted by the first connector 21A connected by the connecting portion 32. In other words, even if a reaction force is applied to the second connector 21B due to the outflow of the cleaning liquid, the second connector 21B is not easy to detach from the second port 55B.

[0106] Since the elastic portion 33 provided in the connection portion 32 has elasticity, it is possible to apply a force to the first holding portion 31A and the second holding portion 31B in a direction in which the first holding portion 31A and the second holding portion 31B approach each other. In other words, a force acting in a direction in which the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B approach each other is applied to the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B. At least a portion of the force acting in the approaching direction becomes a force that presses the first connector 21A onto the housing 51. In addition, at least a portion of the force acting in the approaching direction becomes a force that presses the second connector 21B onto the housing 51. That is, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are not easily detached from the first port 55A and the second port 55B, respectively.

[0107] By providing the elastic portion 33 in the connecting portion 32 , it is not necessary to make the connecting portion 32 elastic, thereby widening the range of choices for the material and shape of the connecting portion 32 .

[0108] Since the first interference AC is smaller than the second interference BC, the force required when inserting the first connector 21A into the first port 55A is smaller than the force required when inserting the second connector 21B into the second port 55B. In other words, due to the friction between the outer peripheral surface of the housing side end 23B and the inner peripheral surface of the second port 55B, a force greater than the force required when inserting the first connector 21A into the first port 55A is required when inserting the second connector 21B into the second port 55B. In addition, when the second connector 21B is pulled out from the second port 55B, a force greater than the force required when pulling out the first connector 21A from the first port 55A is required. That is, compared with the case where the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B or pulled out from the second port 55B, it is easier to insert the first connector 21A into the first port 55A or pull it out from the first port 55A. When the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B, the second connector 21B is fixed to the second port 55B by the friction force. Therefore, the force of the second connector 21B to restrict the first connector 21A from being disengaged due to the reaction force is greater than the force of the first connector 21A to restrict the second connector 21B from being disengaged due to the reaction force.

[0109] By making the first connector 21A easy to insert into and remove from the first port 55A, it is easy to install and remove the cleaning device 10. On the other hand, the second connector 21B can limit the first connector 21A from being separated from the first port 55A due to the reaction force during the cleaning operation.

[0110] When the angle between the first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF is greater than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, the component of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector in the direction parallel to the second outflow direction BF is smaller than the component in the perpendicular direction.

[0111] The vertical component of the reaction force is transmitted to the second connector 21B and becomes a force pressing the second connector 21B against the second port 55B. The vertical component of the reaction force increases the friction force acting between the second connector 21B and the second port 55B.

[0112] Since the component of the reaction force acting on the first connector 21A in the parallel direction is relatively small, the movement of the first connector 21A is restricted. Since the component in the vertical direction is relatively large, the second connector 21B is not easily detached from the second port 55B, and the second connector 21B restricts the movement of the first connector 21A.

[0113] In addition, in the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector 21B, the component in the direction parallel to the first outflow direction AF is smaller than the component in the perpendicular direction. Since the component in the parallel direction of the reaction force acting on the second connector 21B is relatively small, the movement of the first connector 21A is restricted. Since the component in the perpendicular direction is relatively large, it is difficult for the second connector 21B to be detached from the second port 55B, and the first connector 21A restricts the movement of the second connector 21B.

[0114] When the angle between the first outflow direction AF and the second outflow direction BF is within a range of greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees, the component in the direction parallel to the second outflow direction BF of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the first connector acts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second connector 21B is detached from the second port 55B. Therefore, the second connector 21B further restricts the movement of the first connector 21A.

[0115] Furthermore, in the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector 21B, the component in the direction parallel to the first outflow direction AF acts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first connector 21A is detached from the first port 55A. Therefore, the first connector 21A further restricts the movement of the second connector 21B.

[0116] [Example 2]

[0117] In the first embodiment described above, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are not components included in the cleaning device 10, but are separate components from the cleaning device 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the cleaning device 10 includes the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B. That is, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are included in the cleaning device 10.

[0119] [Other embodiments]

[0120] In the first embodiment, the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B are not components of the cleaning device 10, but are independent components of the cleaning device 10, and the description is given on the premise that the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B are independent components of the cleaning device 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning device 10 may include the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B. In other words, the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B may be included in the cleaning device 10.

[0121] The functions of one constituent element in the above-mentioned embodiment may be dispersedly arranged in a plurality of constituent elements. The functions of a plurality of constituent elements may also be integrated into a single constituent element. In addition, a part of the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment may be added to the configuration of the other embodiments described above, or at least a part of the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment may be replaced with the configuration of the other embodiments described above. In addition, all the modes included in the technical ideas determined by the statements recorded in the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument having a housing, the cleaning device being characterized in that it comprises: a first holding portion, the first holding portion holding a first connector, the first connector being inserted into the housing and allowing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the interior of the housing to flow out, and the first connector causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a first direction when the first connector is inserted into the housing; a second holding portion, the second holding portion holding a second connector, the second connector being inserted into the housing at a position different from the position at which the first connector is inserted into the housing and causing the cleaning liquid to flow out, and the second connector causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a second direction of the second connector being inserted into the housing; as well as A connecting portion connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a manner that a first outflow direction and a second outflow direction intersect each other, wherein the first outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector along the first direction, and the second outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector along the second direction.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The range of the angle between the first outflow direction and the second outflow direction is greater than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The range of the angle between the first outflow direction and the second outflow direction is greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

4. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connecting portion has elasticity for displacing the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions of approaching and moving away from each other.

5. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connecting portion is provided with an elastic portion, and the elastic portion is elastically deformed so as to displace the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions of approaching and moving away from each other.

6. A cleaning device for cleaning a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument having a housing, the cleaning device comprising: a first connector, the first connector being disposed at an end of a first tube for supplying a cleaning liquid for cleaning the interior of the housing, and causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a first direction, wherein the first direction is a direction in which the first connector is inserted into a first port provided in the housing; a first holding portion, the first holding portion holding the first connector; a second connector, the second connector being disposed at an end of a second tube for supplying the cleaning liquid and causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a second direction, wherein the second direction is a direction in which the second connector is inserted into a second port provided in the housing; a second holding portion that holds the second connector; and A connecting portion connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a manner that a first outflow direction and a second outflow direction intersect each other, wherein the first outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector along the first direction, and the second outflow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector along the second direction.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first connector has a convex shape with a circumferential outer surface, the first port has a concave shape with a circumferential inner surface, and the first connector is inserted into or removed from the first port. The second connector has a convex shape with a circumferential outer surface, the second port has a concave shape with a circumferential inner surface, and the second connector is inserted into or removed from the second port. A first interference, which is a value obtained by subtracting an inner diameter of the inner surface of the first port from an outer diameter of the outer surface of the first port, is smaller than a second interference, which is a value obtained by subtracting an inner diameter of the inner surface of the second port from an outer diameter of the outer surface of the second port.

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