Cleaning device for cleaning surgical instruments

Abstract

Provided is a cleaning device for cleaning a surgical instrument having a casing. The cleaning device includes a first holding portion that holds a first connector, a second holding portion that holds a second connector, and a connecting portion that connects the first holding portion and the second holding portion such that a first flow direction and a second flow direction intersect, wherein the first connector is inserted into the casing and causes a cleaning liquid to flow out, the second connector is inserted into the casing and causes the cleaning liquid to flow out, the first flow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the first connector in a first direction, and the second flow direction is a direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out from the second connector in a 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] Surgical support robots are known for supporting surgeries. These robots can be equipped with accessories tailored to the purpose of the surgery. These accessories are also called instruments, specifically medical equipment. These instruments can include forceps, electric scalpels, and the like.

[0003] Furthermore, the apparatus may also include reusable devices, which are cleaned and sterilized after use in surgery before being reused. Reusable apparatus may be reused approximately 10 times, for example.

[0004] Generally, three methods are widely known for cleaning medical equipment: ultrasonic cleaning, reduced-pressure boiling cleaning, and washer-disinfector cleaning (hereinafter referred to as "WD cleaning"). Compared to the other two cleaning methods, WD cleaning requires less time and reduces the burden on medical staff. Consequently, many institutions have adopted WD cleaning as a method for cleaning medical equipment.

[0005] WD cleaning is a cleaning method that combines the chemical cleaning effect of a cleaning agent with the physical cleaning effect of a high-pressure water flow (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). WD cleaning uses equipment that delivers the cleaning fluid at high pressure. WD cleaning can also be performed on the aforementioned equipment using equipment suitable for the equipment.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

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

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-073907 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] When instruments are cleaned using WD cleaning, a cleaning fluid is sprayed from the main WD cleaning device into the instrument at high pressure. This cleans the instrument's interior. This cleaning fluid contains the aforementioned cleaning agent. After surgical use, the interior of the instrument may become contaminated with body fluids such as blood. This fluid is flushed away by the cleaning fluid sprayed from the main device.

[0012] As a known mechanism for supplying cleaning fluid to an instrument at high pressure, for example, one that supplies cleaning fluid from the main device being cleaned by a WD via a cleaning pipe is known. In this structure, a cleaning connector is provided at the end of the cleaning pipe, located on the instrument side. Furthermore, the instrument is provided with a cleaning port corresponding to the cleaning connector. The cleaning connector of the cleaning pipe is inserted into and connected to the cleaning port, allowing cleaning fluid to be supplied at high pressure from the main device being cleaned by the WD to the interior of the instrument.

[0013] To reduce the burden on medical personnel performing cleaning, the cleaning connector and the cleaning port are preferably configured to be easily connected and disconnected. For example, the cleaning connector can be inserted into and connected to the cleaning port without requiring additional operations such as rotating the cleaning connector and the cleaning port. Similarly, the cleaning connector can be removed from the cleaning port simply by separating the cleaning port and the cleaning connector, thereby disconnecting the two, without requiring any additional operations.

[0014] On the other hand, if a structure that makes it easier to connect and disconnect the two is attempted, the cleaning connector is likely to fall off from the cleaning port due to the reaction force of the high-pressure cleaning fluid. If the cleaning connector accidentally falls off, it may result in incomplete cleaning.

[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 housing, comprising: 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, 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 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 allowing the cleaning liquid to flow out, the second connector causing the cleaning liquid to flow out along a second direction when the second connector is inserted into the housing; and a connecting portion connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion so 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 causing the cleaning liquid to flow out in 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 causing the cleaning liquid to flow out in 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 such 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 herein, the first outflow direction is opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning fluid from the first connector, and the first outflow direction intersects with the second outflow direction, which is the direction along which the second connector is inserted and removed. Therefore, when the first connector is subjected to a force toward separation from the housing due to the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning fluid, the movement of the first connector is restricted by the second connector connected by the connecting portion.

[0020] Furthermore, the second outflow direction is in the opposite direction to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning fluid from the second connector, and the second outflow direction intersects with the first outflow direction, which is the direction along which the first connector is inserted and removed. Therefore, when the second connector is subjected to a force in a direction of separation from the housing due to the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning fluid, 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 embodiment of the present disclosure, an 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 the 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 a 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 frictional 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 a 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 frictional 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 first 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 an 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] 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 acts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second connector is removed from the housing. Therefore, the second connector further restricts the movement of the first connector.

[0026] Furthermore, the component of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid in the second connector in a direction parallel to the first outflow direction acts in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first connector is removed from the housing.

[0027] In the cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion preferably has elasticity that displaces the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions toward and 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 attempt 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 attempt 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 that is elastically deformed to displace the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions toward and away from each other.

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

[0031] In the cleaning device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is preferred 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, and it is preferred that 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. In addition, it is preferred that a first interference fit, which is a value obtained by subtracting a diameter of the inner surface of the first port from a diameter of the outer surface of the first connector, i.e., an outer diameter, is smaller than a second interference fit, which is a value obtained by subtracting a diameter of the inner surface of the second port, i.e., an inner diameter, from a diameter of the outer surface of the second connector, i.e., an outer diameter.

[0032] Because the first interference fit is smaller than the second interference fit, 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. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, 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 used by the second connector to prevent the first connector from being disengaged due to the reaction force is greater than the force used by the first connector to prevent the second connector from being disengaged due to the reaction force.

[0033] By making the 1st connector easy to be inserted into the 1st port and to be pulled out from the 1st port, it is easy to install and remove the cleaning apparatus.On the other hand, the 2nd connector can limit the situation that the 1st connector breaks away from the 1st port due to 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 toward separation from the housing is restricted by the second connector, and the movement of the second connector toward separation from the housing is restricted by the first connector. Therefore, during the cleaning process, the first and second connectors are unlikely to separate from the housing, thereby achieving a more stable cleaning effect on the interior of the surgical instrument (the interior of the housing). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view illustrating the structure of the cleaning instrument and surgical instrument disclosed herein.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating the structure of the cleaning instrument and surgical instrument disclosed herein.

[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 illustrating the positions of the first port and the second port in the surgical instrument.

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

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

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

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

[0044] Figure 9 This is a front view illustrating a modified example of the cleaning tool.

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

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

[0047] Figure 12 This is a front view for explaining the direction of the force applied by the elastic portion.

[0048] Description of Reference Signs

[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 (refer to the cleaning instrument 10). 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). A master-slave surgical support robot is a surgical support robot in which a surgeon operates a nearby console (master) to control a manipulator (slave, equivalent to the robot's arm or hand) inserted into the patient's body.

[0057] The cleaning instrument 10 is used to clean the interior of the surgical instrument 50 (the interior of the housing 51) by supplying cleaning liquid into the housing 51 of the surgical instrument 50. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the main body 40, 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 that connects the main body 40 and the surgical instrument 50.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, 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. Furthermore, 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 components that guide the cleaning fluid from the main body 40 to the housing 51. The ends of the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B located on the main body 40 side can 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 located on the main body 40 side can be fixed to the main body 40. The first tube 11A and the second tube 11B are formed of a flexible resin material.

[0060] The first connector 21A is a component that is arranged at the end of the first tube 11A on the housing 51 side. The second connector 21B is a component that is arranged at the end of the second tube 11B 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 ) portion. The first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are configured to be removed from the housing 51 when a force is applied in a direction opposite to the direction in which they are inserted. The first port 55A and the second port 55B of the housing 51 will be 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 and 22B extending along the central axis of the cylindrical shape. The through holes 22A and 22B are flow paths for the flow of cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid flows along the direction in which the through holes 22A and 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] Housing-side ends 23A and 23B are provided at the portion of first connector 21A located on the housing 51 side and at the portion of second connector 21B located on the housing 51 side, respectively. Housing-side ends 23A and 23B have a truncated cone shape with a diameter that decreases toward the front end. Through holes 22A and 22B extend along the central axis of housing-side ends 23A and 23B, respectively.

[0063] The center portion of the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B in the longitudinal direction is formed to have a larger outer diameter than the end portions. Two grooves 24A, 24A are provided in the center portion of the first connector 21A in the longitudinal direction, 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 in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 21B, 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 its portion located on the first tube 11A side. The second connector 21B has a tube end 25B inserted into the second tube 11B at its portion located on the second tube 11B side.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the surgical instrument 50 includes 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, the description will be made using the X, Y, and Z directions. 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 and Y directions extend along a plane perpendicular to the axis 60 and are perpendicular 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 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 FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the cover 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 extends along the ZX plane and is located in the positive direction of the Y direction of the cover 52. The front surface 52B extends along the XY plane and is located in the positive direction of the Z direction of the cover 52. The side surfaces 52C and 52D extend along the YZ plane and are located in the positive and negative directions of the X direction of the cover 52. The rear surface 52E extends along the XY plane and is located in the negative direction of the Z direction of the cover 52.

[0070] The cover 52 is provided with a first port 55A. Hereinafter, the first port 55A is also referred to as the flush port. The first port 55A is provided on the upper surface 52A of the cover 52. The first port 55A may be provided on the front surface 52B of the cover 11, or 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 cleaning liquid from the outside of the housing 51 to the internal space.

[0072] like Figure 5As shown, 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 whose diameter increases toward the exterior of the housing 51. A bottom surface 58A is provided on one side of the first port 55A located inside the housing 51, and a hole 59A is provided on this bottom surface for the flow of cleaning fluid.

[0073] The diameter of the bottom portion of the first port 55A, i.e., the inner diameter 55AD, is greater than or equal to the outer diameter 23AD, i.e., the front end diameter of the housing-side end portion 23A of the first connector 21A. In the following description, the value obtained by subtracting the inner diameter 55AD of the bottom portion from the outer diameter 23AD of the front end is referred to as the first interference fit 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 component that forms the outer shape of the housing 51 together with the cover 52, and forms a position for mounting 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 the surface for mounting the surgical instrument 50 on the surgical support robot and is the surface that contacts 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. A 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 flush port. The second port 55B (main flush port) is a through hole for supplying cleaning liquid from the outside of the housing 51 to the inside of the shaft 60.

[0076] The second port 55B is provided in the portion of the base 56 that extends toward the cover 52 (in the positive Y direction). In other words, the second port 55B is provided in the portion of the base 56 that extends in the positive Y direction at the negative Z-direction end. The second port 55B is a through hole that extends in 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 housing side end portion 23B. Specifically, the side surface of the portion of the second port 55B into which the housing side end portion 23B is inserted has a conical surface, the diameter of which increases as it approaches the outside of the housing 51. A flushing tube 55C is provided on the inner side of the second port 55B located in the housing 51. The flushing tube 55C is a tubular component that guides the cleaning liquid supplied via the second port 55B to a predetermined position. hereinafter, the side surface of the first port 55A on the side into which the housing side end portion 23A is inserted and the side surface of the second port 55B on the side into which the housing side end portion 23B is inserted are also referred to as the inner circumferential surface. In addition, the side surface of the housing side end portion 23A on the side inserted into the first port 55A and the side surface of the housing side end portion 23B on the side inserted into the second port 55B are also referred to as the outer circumferential surface.

[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 outer diameter 23BD, i.e., the front end diameter of the housing-side end portion 23B of the second connector 21B. 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 6 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 irrigation tube 55C.

[0079] In the above description, the first interference AC is a negative value, and the second interference BC is a positive value. In other words, the first interference AC is smaller than the second interference BC. In this embodiment, the fit between the first connector 21A and the first port 55A is also referred to as a clearance fit. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fit between the second connector 21B and the second port 55B is also referred to as an interference fit. Furthermore, in the above description, the fit between the first connector 21A and the first port 55A is described as a clearance fit. However, as long as the condition that the first interference AC is smaller than the second interference 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 where the condition that the first interference AC is smaller than the second interference 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 that holds 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 housing to hold the first connector 21A.

[0081] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first holding portion 31A is provided at the end portion 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 an 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. 2 , the second holding portion 31B is a component for holding the second connector 21B. Specifically, the second holding portion 31B is configured Figure 3 The second connector 21B is held in one of the grooves 24B and 24B.

[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 this 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 an 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. 3 , 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. 3 , 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. 3 , the elastic portion 33 is provided between the first portion 39A and the second portion 39B. 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, the first holding portion 31A is arranged at the end of the first portion 39A. Furthermore, the second holding portion 31B is arranged at the end of the second portion 39B.

[0088] The central axis of the arcuate first holding portion 31A extends parallel to the first outflow direction AF, which is the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out of the first connector 21A held by the first holding portion 31A. The central axis of the arcuate second holding portion 31B extends parallel to the second outflow direction BF, which is the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows out of 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 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 greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees. In this 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 portion 33 is a linear member formed into a spiral shape. The elastic portion 33 is a linear member forming the connecting portion 32 wound into a spiral shape. In other words, the elastic portion 33 and the linear member forming the connecting portion 32 are continuous.

[0091] In addition, you can also Figure 9 As shown, the elastic linear member is bent to form the connecting portion 32, and it can be constructed without setting the 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 Figure 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 are rotatable 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 sections 37A and 37B are brought closer together, the rotating sections 36A and 36B rotate, respectively. The rotation of the rotating sections 36A and 36B is transmitted to the connecting section 32, causing the first retaining section 31A and the second retaining section 31B to move away from each other. Furthermore, when the opening and closing sections 37A and 37B are separated from each other, the rotating sections 36A and 36B rotate in the opposite direction. The rotation of the rotating sections 36A and 36B is transmitted to the connecting section 32, causing the first retaining section 31A and the second retaining section 31B to move closer to 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 FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A along the Y direction. Because the first connector 21A and the first port 55A are a clearance fit, the housing-side end 23A of the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A until its front end contacts the bottom surface of the first port 55A. A gap remains between the outer circumference of the housing-side end 23A and the inner circumference of the first port 55A.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, 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-fitted, the housing-side end portion 23B of the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B until its outer circumferential surface abuts the inner circumferential surface of the second port 55B. A gap remains between the front end of the housing-side end portion 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, cleaning liquid is supplied from the main body 40. The flow rate, composition, temperature, etc. of the cleaning liquid supplied from the main body 40 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 Figure 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, a reaction force AR of the ejected cleaning liquid acts on the first connector 21A in the positive direction of the Y direction, as shown by the dotted arrow.

[0100] The first retaining portion 31A is integrally formed with the connecting portion 32 and the second retaining portion 31B, and the second retaining portion 31B retains the second connector 21B. The second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B along the Z direction. In other words, the second connector 21B is inserted at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the reaction force AR. The reaction force AR is absorbed 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 out due to the reaction force AR.

[0101] In addition, if Figure 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. This force AE moves the first holding portion 31A and the second holding portion 31B closer to each other and presses the first holding portion 31A against the housing 51.

[0103] The reaction force caused by the spray of cleaning fluid also acts on second connector 21B. Similar to the case of first connector 21A, the reaction force acting on second connector 21B is absorbed by first connector 21A, which is inserted into first port 55A. Therefore, second connector 21B remains inserted into second port 55B. Furthermore, because the outer circumferential surface of housing-side end portion 23B contacts the inner circumferential surface of second port 55B, frictional force acts between housing-side end portion 23B and second port 55B. This frictional force also maintains second connector 21B's insertion into second port 55B.

[0104] According to the cleaning device 10 having the above-described 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 cleaning liquid from 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 cleaning liquid from the second connector 21B. That is, the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning liquid from the first connector 21A intersects with the insertion direction and the removal direction of the second connector 21B. Therefore, when the first connector 21A attempts to move toward the direction of separation from the first port 55A due to the reaction force caused by the outflow of 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 cleaning liquid, the first connector 21A is not easy to separate from the first port 55A.

[0105] Furthermore, the second outflow direction BF is opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning fluid from the second connector 21B, and intersects with the first outflow direction AF, which is opposite to the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning fluid from the first connector 21A. That is, the direction of the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning fluid from the second connector 21B intersects with the insertion and removal directions of the first connector 21A. Therefore, when the second connector 21B attempts to move away from the second port 55B due to the reaction force, this movement is restricted by the first connector 21A connected via the connecting portion 32. In other words, even if a reaction force is applied to the second connector 21B due to the outflow of cleaning fluid, the second connector 21B is unlikely to be removed from the second port 55B.

[0106] Since the elastic portion 33 provided on the connecting portion 32 is elastic, a force can be applied to the first retaining portion 31A and the second retaining portion 31B in a direction that brings the first retaining portion 31A and the second retaining portion 31B closer to each other. In other words, a force is applied to the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B in a direction that brings the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B closer to each other. At least a portion of this force acting in the approaching direction becomes a force that presses the first connector 21A against the housing 51. In addition, at least a portion of this force acting in the approaching direction becomes a force that presses the second connector 21B against the housing 51. In other words, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are less likely to detach 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 unnecessary to provide the connecting portion 32 with elasticity, thereby broadening the range of choices for the material and shape of the connecting portion 32 .

[0108] Since the first interference amount AC is smaller than the second interference amount BC, the force required to insert the first connector 21A into the first port 55A is smaller than the force required to insert the second connector 21B into the second port 55B. In other words, since the frictional force between the outer peripheral surface of the housing side end portion 23B and the inner peripheral surface of the second port 55B, a greater force is required when the second connector 21B is inserted into the second port 55B than when the first connector 21A is inserted into the first port 55A. Further, when the second connector 21B is pulled out of the second port 55B, a greater force is required than when the first connector 21A is pulled out of the first port 55A. That is, the first connector 21A can be more easily inserted into or pulled out of the first port 55A than the second connector 21B is inserted into or pulled out of the second port 55B. Further, 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 frictional force. Therefore, the second connector 21B restricts the force by which the first connector 21A is detached due to the reaction force more than the first connector 21A restricts the force by which the second connector 21B is detached due to the reaction force.

[0109] By making the first connector 21A easy to be inserted into and pulled out of the first port 55A, the installation and removal of the cleaning device 10 is facilitated. On the other hand, the second connector 21B can restrict the first connector 21A from being detached from the first port 55A due to the reaction force during the cleaning operation.

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

[0111] The component in the perpendicular direction of the reaction force is transmitted to the second connector 21B and becomes a force that presses the second connector 21B against the second port 55B. Due to the component in the perpendicular direction of the reaction force, the frictional force acting between the second connector 21B and the second port 55B increases.

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

[0113] Furthermore, the reaction force caused by the outflow of cleaning fluid from the second connector 21B has a smaller component parallel to the first outflow direction AF than a component perpendicular to it. Since the parallel component of the reaction force acting on the second connector 21B is relatively small, the movement of the first connector 21A is restricted. Since the perpendicular component is relatively large, the first connector 21A is less likely to be detached from the first port 55A, 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 greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees, the component of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning fluid from the first connector, which is parallel to the second outflow direction BF, acts in a 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, the component of the reaction force caused by the outflow of the cleaning liquid from the second connector 21B 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 removed 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 of the cleaning device 10, but are independent components of 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. In other words, the first connector 21A and the second connector 21B are included in the cleaning device 10.

[0119] [Other embodiments]

[0120] In the first embodiment described above, the first tube 11A and the second tube 11B are not included in the cleaning device 10, but are independent 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 component in the above-mentioned embodiment can be dispersed across multiple components. The functions of multiple components can also be integrated into one component. In addition, part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment can be omitted. In addition, at least part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment can be added to the components of each of the other embodiments described above, or at least part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment can be replaced with the components of the other embodiments described above. In addition, all methods included in the technical ideas defined by the terms described 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 comprising: a first connector, the first connector being arranged at an end portion of a first tube for supplying a cleaning liquid for cleaning the interior of the housing and being inserted into a first port provided in the housing so as to allow the cleaning liquid to flow out in a first direction when the first connector is inserted into the first port; a first holding portion for 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 being inserted into a second port provided in the housing so as to allow the cleaning liquid to flow out in a second direction when the second connector is inserted into the second port; a second holding portion for holding the second connector; as well as a connecting portion connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a manner such 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, 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 connector, 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 connector.

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

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in 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.

4. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connecting portion has elasticity that displaces the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions toward and 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 that is elastically deformed to displace the first holding portion and the second holding portion in directions toward and away from each other.

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