Drug solution bottle unit, washing and disinfecting device, and method for opening drug solution bottle unit

Abstract

A drug solution bottle unit 7 comprises: a first stopper 17 for closing a first opening 13a of a first drug solution bottle 11 (first bottle body 13); and a second stopper 18 for closing a second opening 14a of a second drug solution bottle 12 (second bottle body 14). In a direction passing through the first opening 13a, the second stopper 18 is disposed at a position different from the first stopper 17.

Description

Chemical solution bottle unit, cleaning and disinfecting device, and method for opening the chemical solution bottle unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid medicine bottle unit to be used in a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes and the like, and a method for opening a liquid medicine bottle.

[0002] Medical endoscopes have been widely used for the examination and treatment of the inside of living bodies. After use, endoscopes need to be cleaned and disinfected before the next use. For this reason, a cleaning and disinfecting device (endoscope reprocessor) for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes and other instruments after use has been put into practical use.

[0003] In general, chemical solutions such as disinfectants used in cleaning and disinfecting devices are supplied to the market in a sealed state in a chemical solution bottle unit, which is generally configured to integrate two chemical solution bottles, each containing a different chemical.

[0004] Various configurations for supplying the chemical liquid in such a chemical liquid bottle unit to a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus have been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Nos. 4,823,537 and 5,106,557.

[0005] The cleaning and disinfecting apparatuses disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 4,823,537 and 5,106,557, for example, are configured such that, simply by closing the tray on which the chemical solution bottle units are placed, the lids (stoppers) of the chemical solution bottle units can be opened and the chemical solutions in the chemical solution bottle units can be injected into the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus.

[0006] In this case, the user first places a liquid medicine bottle unit filled with liquid medicine in a predetermined position on a tray pulled out from the front panel of the washer / disinfector. The user then pushes the tray back into the washer / disinfector to close it. Inside the washer / disinfector is a mechanism for destroying and opening the lids of the liquid medicine bottle units, such as a blade with a pointed tip. The blade is positioned opposite the lids of the liquid medicine bottle units placed on the tray, and when the tray moves in the closing direction together with the liquid medicine bottle units, the lids of the liquid medicine bottle units are pressed against the blade.

[0007] The blade then breaks the lid and opens the bottle unit, and when the bottle is opened, the liquid medicines in the bottle unit are injected into the designated flow paths in the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus.

[0008] However, in the conventional cleaning and disinfecting apparatuses disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 4823537 and 5106557, etc., a blade inside the apparatus is designed to simultaneously open two lids of a chemical solution bottle unit placed on a tray, which poses a problem in that a strong pushing force is required to simultaneously open both lids.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a liquid medicine bottle unit, a cleaning and disinfecting device, and a method for opening a liquid medicine bottle unit, which have a structure that contributes to reducing the amount of pushing force required when opening the lid members of two liquid medicine bottles in the liquid medicine bottle unit.

[0010] A chemical liquid bottle unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a chemical liquid bottle unit that is attached to a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, and comprises a first chemical liquid bottle and a second chemical liquid bottle, wherein the first chemical liquid bottle has a first opening at its tip and includes a first bottle body that stores a first chemical liquid and a first stopper that closes the first opening, and the second bottle has a second opening at its tip and includes a second bottle body that stores a second chemical liquid and a second stopper that closes the second opening, and the second stopper is positioned at a different position relative to the first stopper in the direction of penetrating the first opening.

[0011] A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first blade configured to come into contact with a first lid of a first chemical liquid bottle and destroy the first lid, a second blade configured to come into contact with a second lid of a second chemical liquid bottle and destroy the second lid, and a tray on which the first chemical liquid bottle and the second chemical liquid bottle are placed, and as the tray moves, the first blade and the second blade are positioned to destroy the first lid and the second lid at different times.

[0012] A method for opening a chemical liquid bottle unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for opening a chemical liquid bottle unit having a first chemical liquid bottle and a second chemical liquid bottle when the chemical liquid bottle unit is attached to a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, in which the chemical liquid bottle unit is set on a tray provided in the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, the tray is moved, the first chemical liquid bottle is opened, and after opening of the first chemical liquid bottle has begun, the second chemical liquid bottle is opened.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope reprocessor; 2 is a perspective view showing an endoscope reprocessor with the tray pulled out; 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid medicine bottle unit; 4 is a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit; 5 is a perspective view showing a liquid medicine bottle mounting device; 6 is a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device before the liquid medicine bottle unit is inserted; 7 is a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device when the first stopper has started to be unsealed; 8 is a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device when the second stopper has started to be unsealed; a flow chart showing a bottle monitoring routine; a perspective view showing a liquid medicine bottle unit according to a first modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a first modified example; a perspective view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a second modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a second modified example; a perspective view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a third modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a third modified example; a perspective view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a third modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a third modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle unit according to a third modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device before the liquid medicine bottle unit is inserted; a fourth modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device before the liquid medicine bottle unit is inserted; a fourth modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device when the first stopper is started to be unsealed; a fourth modified example; a plan view showing the liquid medicine bottle mounting device when the second stopper is started to be unsealed;

[0014] The present invention will be described below. In the following description, the drawings based on the respective embodiments are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, etc. may differ from the actual ones, and the drawings may also include parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from each other.

[0015] In the following description, the downward direction refers to the direction of gravity (vertically downward), the upward direction refers to the direction opposite to the direction of gravity (vertically upward), and the left-right direction refers to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0016] Here, the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus will be exemplified by an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 1, which is an endoscope reprocessor (Automatic Endoscope Reprocessor / AER) shown in Figures 1 and 2. Note that the present embodiment described below is not limited to use with endoscopes, and is a technique that can be applied to various types of cleaning and disinfecting apparatuses.

[0017] The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 1 is an apparatus for regenerating contaminated used endoscopes, endoscope parts, accessories, etc. (none of which are shown).

[0018] The regeneration process here is not particularly limited, and may refer to, for example, a rinsing process with water, a cleaning process to remove organic matter and other contaminants, a disinfection process to neutralize specific microorganisms, or a sterilization process to eliminate or kill all microorganisms. Note that the endoscope washer-disinfector 1 may perform a combination of the above processes.

[0019] The accessories are not particularly limited, and examples include a suction button that is attached to the endoscope during use and removed from the endoscope during recycling, an air and water supply button, or a tip cover that covers the tip of the endoscope.

[0020] First, we will explain the configuration of the endoscope washer-disinfector 1. The endoscope washer-disinfector 1 has an apparatus main body 2. The apparatus main body 2 has an operation panel 3, an ID input unit 4, a top cover 5, and a water supply hose connection port 6. Furthermore, the apparatus main body 2 has inside it a liquid medicine bottle unit 7, a liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8, a limit switch 9, and a control unit 10.

[0021] The operation panel 3 is mainly composed of, for example, a touch panel. This operation panel 3 can display various types of information. For example, the operation panel 3 can display various operation buttons. This allows a user or the like to input various instructions to the operation panel 3. When an instruction is input by a user or the like, the operation panel 3 outputs a signal corresponding to the content of the instruction to the control unit 10. Note that the form of the operation panel 3 is not limited to the form shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and it may be formed, for example, by an LED panel and a keyboard that allows key input.

[0022] The ID input unit 4 is capable of inputting a user ID. The ID input unit 4 is configured, for example, by an RFID reader capable of reading the user ID from an RFID tag. When the user ID is input, the ID input unit 4 outputs the user ID to the control unit 10.

[0023] The ID input unit 4 is not limited to an RFID reader, but may be, for example, a barcode reader that reads barcodes or a keyboard that allows key input.

[0024] The top cover 5 is provided on the top of the device main body 2 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely. When the top cover 5 is opened, a processing tank (not shown here) is exposed at the top of the device main body 2. The processing tank is a cleaning and disinfecting tank that accommodates the endoscope and accessories to be regenerated and stores liquids such as cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid, and rinsing liquid.

[0025] The water supply hose connection port 6 is provided at one corner of the device body 2. The connection port of this water supply hose connection port 6 is connected to a water faucet via a water supply hose (not shown).

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is a so-called cassette type in which two types of liquid medicine bottles, a first liquid medicine bottle 11 and a second liquid medicine bottle 12, are arranged side by side.

[0027] The first chemical bottle 11 stores, for example, a disinfectant containing concentrated peracetic acid, and the second chemical bottle 12 stores, for example, a buffer.

[0028] That is, the first liquid medicine bottle 11 and the second liquid medicine bottle 12 are liquid medicine containers that store different drugs, namely, the main drug and a buffer. The liquid medicine bottle unit 7 may be composed of a single liquid medicine bottle or three or more liquid medicine bottles.

[0029] 3 and 4 , the first liquid medicine bottle 11 has a first container body 13, which is a first bottle body, and a first lid 15. The second liquid medicine bottle 12 has a second container body 14, which is a second bottle body, and a second lid 15. The first and second container bodies 13 and 14 are basically cuboid-shaped, for example.

[0030] The first container body 13 has a first opening 13a for discharging the medicinal liquid stored in the first container body 13. The first opening 13a is provided at the tip, which is the first end, of the first container body 13. In this embodiment, the first opening 13a has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0031] The second container body 14 also has a second opening 14a for discharging the medicinal liquid stored in the second container body 14. The second opening 14a is provided at the tip, which is the first end, of the second container body 14. In this embodiment, the second opening 14a has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0032] The basic shape of the first and second lids 15 and 16 is, for example, cylindrical.

[0033] The first lid 15 is attached to the first opening 13 a. The second lid 16 is attached to the second opening 14 a. The first lid 15 and the second lid 16 are attached to the first opening 13 a and the second opening 14 a by screwing or the like.

[0034] The first lid 15 has a first plug 17 therein. The first plug 17 has, for example, a substantially disk shape. The first plug 17 is integrally formed with the first lid 15 so as to close the inner hole of the first lid 15. As a result, the first plug 17 closes the first opening 13a of the first container body 14 in an airtight and liquidtight state.

[0035] The second lid 16 has a second plug 18 therein. The second plug 18 has, for example, a substantially disk shape. The second plug 18 is integrally formed with the second lid 16 so as to close the inner hole of the second lid 16. As a result, the second plug 18 closes the second opening 14a of the second container body 14 in an airtight and liquidtight state.

[0036] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the length L2 from the base end, which is the second end of the second container body 14, to the tip of the second opening 14a is set to be shorter than the length L1 from the base end, which is the second end of the first container body 13, to the tip of the first opening 13a.

[0037] Meanwhile, first lid 15 and second lid 16 have the same shape. Furthermore, first stopper 17 and second stopper 18 are formed at the same position inside first lid 15 and second lid 16. Therefore, length L4 from the base end of second liquid medicine bottle 12 to second stopper 18 is set to be shorter than length L3 from the base end of first liquid medicine bottle 11 to first stopper 17.

[0038] Furthermore, the first and second liquid medicine bottles 11 and 12 are joined together such that the base end of the first container body 13 is aligned with the base end of the second container body 14. That is, the base end surfaces of the first and second container bodies 13 and 14 are arranged on the same plane.

[0039] By configuring the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 in this manner, the first stopper 17 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 is positioned closer to the distal end than the second stopper 18 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12. That is, the second stopper 18 is positioned at a different position relative to the first stopper 17 in the direction penetrating the first opening 13a (the direction of the central axis X1 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11). More specifically, the second stopper 18 is positioned shifted toward the proximal end relative to the first stopper 17 in the direction of the central axis X1 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11. Here, as shown in FIG. 4 , for example, it is desirable that the shift amount ΔL of the second stopper 18 relative to the first stopper 17 be as small as possible while ensuring that it is equal to or greater than the thickness of the first stopper 17. More specifically, the second stopper 18 is desirably positioned in an area A between the proximal end of the first stopper 17 and the proximal end of the first lid 15 in the direction of the central axis X1 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11.

[0040] Such a liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is replaceable in the device body 2. That is, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 used in the recycling process of an endoscope or the like is pulled out from the device body 2, for example, when the next recycling process is performed. Then, a new liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is inserted into the device body 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, and a third surface 23. These first to third surfaces 21 to 23 are surfaces that enable detection of the movement position of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 relative to the device main body 2, such as when replacing the liquid medicine bottle unit 7. Furthermore, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has a first auxiliary surface 24 and a second auxiliary surface 25. In this embodiment, the first to third surfaces 21 to 23 and the first and second auxiliary surfaces 24, 25 are provided, for example, on the top surface 20 of the second container body 14 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12. Here, the top surfaces 19, 20 of the first and second container bodies 13, 14 are surfaces that are located above the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 when the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is laid down. In this embodiment, the upper surface 19 of the first container body 13 is configured as a flat surface extending in the front-rear direction over substantially the entire area so as to be parallel to the central axis X1 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11.

[0042] The first surface 21 is a reference surface having a height substantially equal to that of the upper surface 19 of the first container body 13. The first surface 21 is, for example, a flat surface extending in the front-rear direction so as to be parallel to the central axis X2 of the second chemical solution bottle 12.

[0043] The second surface 22 has a step that is higher than the first surface 21. The second surface 22 is, for example, a flat surface that extends in the front-rear direction so as to be parallel to the central axis X2 of the second medical solution bottle 12. In the present embodiment, the second surface 22 is disposed rearward of the first surface 21 (in the direction away from the second lid 16).

[0044] The third surface 23 has a step that is higher than the second surface 22. The third surface 23 is, for example, a flat surface that extends in the front-rear direction so as to be parallel to the central axis X2 of the second medical solution bottle 12. In this embodiment, the third surface 23 is located rearward of the second surface 22.

[0045] The first auxiliary surface 24 is, for example, an inclined surface that connects the rear end of the first surface 21 and the front end of the second surface 22. The first auxiliary surface 24 smoothly connects the first surface 21 and the second surface 22.

[0046] The second auxiliary surface 25 is, for example, an inclined surface that connects the rear end of the second surface 22 and the front end of the third surface 23. This second auxiliary surface 25 smoothly connects the second surface 22 and the third surface 23.

[0047] As described above, the length L4 from the base end surface of the second container body 14 to the second stopper 18 is shorter than the length L3 from the base end surface of the first container body 13 to the first stopper 17. Therefore, the volume of the first storage section 14s1 (see FIG. 10 ) formed in the portion forming the basic shape (rectangular parallelepiped) of the second container body 14 is smaller than the volume of the first container body 13. However, the second container body 14 has a convex portion on the top surface 20 formed by the first to third surfaces 21 to 23 and the first and second auxiliary surfaces 24, 25. The volume of the second storage section 14s2 (see FIG. 10 ) formed in this convex portion complements the volume of the first storage section 14s1. As a result, the second container body 14 of this embodiment is formed to have the same volume as the first container body 13.

[0048] The liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8 is a device for replaceably installing the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 inside the device main body 2. This liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8 is arranged inside the device main body 2 so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction of the device main body 2. Furthermore, the liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8 is inclined at a predetermined angle of elevation so that the base end side is higher than the tip end side. The base end surface of the liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8 arranged in this manner is exposed to the outside through an opening 2a provided in the front panel of the device main body 2.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5 , the liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8 includes a bottle case 31 and a tray 32 .

[0050] The bottle case 31 has a hollow, generally box-like shape and is fixed inside the device main body 2. The bottle case 31 has an opening 31a at its base into which the front of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 can be inserted. This allows the bottle case 31 to function as a bottle installation section into which the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 can be installed inside the device main body 2.

[0051] 6 to 8, the bottle case 31 has a first lid receiving pipe 43 and a second lid receiving pipe 44 on the lower side of the front end wall 31b. The first and second lid receiving pipes 43, 44 protrude into the interior of the bottle case 31. Furthermore, the first and second lid receiving pipes 43, 44 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the bottle case 31. The first lid receiving pipe 43 and the second lid receiving pipe 44 are fluid path inlets that guide the liquids in the first and second liquid medicine bottles 11, 12 to a liquid medicine tank (not shown).

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the first lid receiving tube 43 and the second lid receiving tube 44 are cup-shaped into which the first lid 15 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 and the second lid 16 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12 can be inserted when the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is installed in the bottle case 31.

[0053] 9 to 14, a first fluid line 45 and a second fluid line 46 are connected to the first lid receiving pipe 43 and the second lid receiving pipe 44 outside the bottle case 31. The first and second fluid lines 45, 46 are fluid lines formed in a predetermined curved shape so as to communicate with the liquid medicine tank. The first lid receiving pipe 43 and the second lid receiving pipe 44 are integrally provided with a first blade 41 and a second blade 42 for opening the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18.

[0054] The first and second blades 41, 42 are tubular members made of metal, such as stainless steel. The first and second blades 41, 42 have a sharp shape for piercing and breaking the first and second stoppers 17, 18 of the first and second lids 15, 16 inserted into the first and second lid receiving tubes 43, 44. The first blade 41 and the second blade 42 extend from the distal end to the proximal end of the bottle case 31. The first blade 41 and the second blade 42 have the same length. Furthermore, the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 are arranged parallel to each other. As a result, the tip of the first blade 41 and the tip of the second blade 42 are positioned at the same position in the front-to-rear direction of the bottle case 31.

[0055] 5, the bottle case 31 has a pair of left and right guide rails 33 at the top of the left and right walls. Each guide rail 33 extends in the front-rear direction of the bottle case 31.

[0056] The tray 32 has a bottom plate 35 , a back plate 36 , and a pair of left and right side plates 37 .

[0057] The width of the bottom plate 35 is set to be slightly larger than the width of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7, thereby enabling the tray 32 to place the liquid medicine bottle unit 7. Furthermore, the width of the bottom plate 35 is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the opening 31a of the bottle case 31, thereby enabling the tray 32 to be inserted into the bottle case 31.

[0058] The lower part of the back plate 36 is connected to the base end of the bottom plate 35. This back plate 36 functions as a door that opens and closes the opening 2a of the device main body 2. That is, when the tray 32 is inserted up to the terminal position (tip position) inside the bottle case 31, the back plate 36 closes the opening 2a of the device main body 2 (see FIG. 1). At this time, the back surface of the back plate 36, which is the base end surface of the tray 32, is positioned approximately on the same plane as the front panel of the device main body 2. On the other hand, when the tray 32 is retracted rearward relative to the bottle case 31, the back plate 36 opens the opening 2a of the device main body 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0059] The lower portions of the pair of side plates 37 are connected to the left and right side portions of the bottom plate 35. Furthermore, the base ends of the pair of side plates 37 are connected to the back plate 36. In this way, the side plates 37 position the medicine solution bottle unit 7 placed on the tray 32 in the left-right direction.

[0060] The upper ends of the pair of side plates 37 are slidably connected to the pair of guide rails 33. This allows the tray 32 to move back and forth relative to the bottle case 31.

[0061] As described above, the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 provided on the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 are disposed at different positions in the direction of the central axis X1 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 (and in the direction of the central axis X2 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12). When the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is set on the tray 32, the difference in the positions of the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 directly corresponds to the difference in the positions of the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 in the insertion direction of the tray 32. Meanwhile, the tip of the first blade 41 and the tip of the second blade 42 are set at the same position as each other in the front-to-rear direction of the bottle case 31 (i.e., the insertion direction of the tray 32).

[0062] Therefore, in the process of inserting the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 set on the tray 32 into the inside of the device main body 2, the first blade 41 first starts to open the first cap 17. Then, the second blade 42 starts to open the second cap 18. In this case, it is desirable that the shift amount of the second cap 18 relative to the first cap 17 is set to a shift amount that allows the second cap 18 to start opening when the first cap 17 has been opened about one-quarter of the way.

[0063] The limit switch 9 is, for example, a double-action limit switch that can detect two amounts of pressure. The limit switch 9 is attached to the top wall of the bottle case 31. As shown in Figures 10, 12, and 14, the limit switch 9 has a switch body 50, a push rod 51, and a roller lever 52.

[0064] The push rod 51 is connected to the switch body 50. In a natural state where no external force is applied, the push rod 51 protrudes from the switch body 50 (see FIG. 10). The push rod 51 can also be pushed into the switch body 50 by an external pressing force.

[0065] When the push rod 51 is pressed a predetermined first amount, the switch body 50 outputs a first signal. When the push rod 51 is pressed a second amount that is greater than the first amount, the switch body 50 outputs a second signal. This allows the switch body 50 to detect two different amounts of pressing.

[0066] The roller lever 52 is attached to the limit switch 9 so as to be able to swing freely. The swing path of the roller lever 52 is set to overlap the path of the upper surface 20 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12 that is placed on the tray 32 and moves. That is, the roller lever 52 functions as a contact that can come into contact with the upper surface 20 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12. Furthermore, the tip side of the push rod 51 is positioned on the swing path of the roller lever 52. As a result, when the roller lever 52 is swung by the upper surface 20 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12, it presses the push rod 51 and pushes the push rod 51 toward the switch body 50.

[0067] Here, the length of the roller lever 52 is set to a length that satisfies the following conditions (1) to (3).

[0068] (1) The roller lever 52 does not contact the first surface 21 (see FIG. 10).

[0069] (2) When the roller lever 52 comes into contact with the second surface 22, the roller lever 52 pushes the push rod 51 by a first pushing amount (see FIG. 12).

[0070] (3) When the roller lever 52 comes into contact with the third surface 23, the roller lever 52 pushes the push rod 51 by a second pushing amount (see FIG. 14).

[0071] Furthermore, the limit switch 9 is attached to the bottle case 31 at a position that satisfies the following conditions (4) to (6).

[0072] (4) When the first and second plugs 17, 18 of the first and second lids 15, 16 are not in contact with the first and second blades 41, 42 (see Figures 9 and 10), the roller lever 52 is not in contact with the first surface 21 at a position closer to the tip of the second surface 22 (see Figure 10).

[0073] (5) When the first plug 17 of the first and second lids 15 and 16 is in contact with the first blade 41 and the second plug 18 is not in contact with the second blade 42 (see Figures 11 and 12), the roller lever 52 is in contact with the second surface 22 (see Figure 12).

[0074] (6) When the first and second plugs 17, 18 of the first and second lids 15, 16 are broken by the first and second blades 41, 42 (see Figures 13 and 14), the roller lever 52 comes into contact with the third surface 23 (see Figure 14).

[0075] The control unit 10 includes one or more processors 10a, a memory, an input / output interface, a recording medium, etc. For example, the processor 10a is at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 10 controls the endoscope washer-disinfector 1.

[0076] To control the endoscope washer-disinfector 1, the processor 10a monitors replacement of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7. In this monitoring, the processor 10a determines the position of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7. This position determination is performed based on detection information from the limit switch 9.

[0077] For example, when the first signal and the second signal are not output from the limit switch 9 during the insertion process of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 by a user or the like, the processor 10a determines that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is in the first position. This first position is, for example, a position where it can be clearly determined that the first and second stoppers 17, 18 are not in contact with the first and second blades 41, 42 (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ).

[0078] Furthermore, for example, when a first signal is output from the limit switch 9 during insertion of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 by a user or the like, the processor 10a determines that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has reached a second position where the first stopper 17 contacts the first blade 41. This second position is, for example, a position where it can be determined that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has been pushed in until the first stopper 17 contacts the first blade 41 (see FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Furthermore, this second position is a position where removal of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 should be prohibited, for example, by a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0079] Furthermore, for example, when the second signal is output from the limit switch 9 during the insertion process of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 by a user or the like, the processor 10a determines that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has reached a third position (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ). This third position is a position where it can be determined that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has been pushed in until the first and second blades 41 and 42 break the first and second stoppers 17 and 18.

[0080] Next, bottle monitoring when the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is inserted will be described with reference to the flowchart showing the bottle monitoring routine shown in Figure 15. This routine is executed by the processor 10a of the control unit 10.

[0081] When a user or the like sets the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 on the tray 32 and starts moving the tray 32 in the insertion direction, the processor 10a starts the bottle monitoring routine.

[0082] When the routine starts, the processor 10a checks in step S101 whether or not a first signal has been detected by the limit switch 9.

[0083] Then, in step S101, if it is determined that the first signal has not been detected (step S101: NO), the processor 10a proceeds to step S102.

[0084] In step S102, the processor 10a determines that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 is in the first position, and then returns to step S101.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the first signal has been detected (step S101: YES), the processor 10a proceeds to step S103.

[0086] In step S103, the processor 10a determines that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has reached the second position. That is, the processor 10a determines that the first stopper 17 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 has reached the position where it contacts the first blade 40 (see FIG. 11 ). Note that, as shown in FIG. 12 , at this second position, the second stopper 18 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12 is not in contact with the second blade 41.

[0087] In the next step S104, the processor 10a activates a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the tray 32 (medicinal solution bottle unit 7) against removal. This prevents the liquid medicine from leaking out of the device main body 2 even if a part of the first plug 17 is broken by the first blade 40.

[0088] In the following step S105, the processor 10a checks whether the limit switch 9 has detected a second signal.

[0089] Then, in step S105, if it is determined that the second signal has not been detected (step S105: NO), the processor 10a continues to wait.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the second signal has been detected (step S105: YES), the processor 10a proceeds to step S106.

[0091] In step S106, the processor 10a determines that the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 has reached the third position. That is, the processor 10a determines that the second blade 41 has reached the position (see FIG. 14 ) where it starts to destroy the second stopper 18 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12. Note that, before the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 reaches the third position, the first blade 40 has already started to destroy the first stopper 17 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 (see FIG. 23 ). Therefore, when the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 reaches the third position, the destruction of the first stopper 17 by the first blade 40 has progressed sufficiently (see FIGS. 13 and 24 ).

[0092] In the next step S107, the processor 10a checks whether the time elapsed since the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 reached the third position is equal to or longer than the set time t. Here, the set time t is set to, for example, the time required for all of the liquid medicine in the first and second liquid medicine bottles 11, 12 to flow out after the user or the like pushes the tray 32 to the end position (leading end position) in the bottle case 31.

[0093] Then, in step S107, if it is determined that the elapsed time is less than the set time t (step S107: NO), the processor 10a waits.

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the set time t (step S107: YES), the processor 10a proceeds to step S108.

[0095] In step S108, the processor 10a determines that the supply of the liquid medicine from the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 to the liquid medicine tank has been completed.

[0096] In the following step S109, the processor 10a releases the lock on the tray 32 and then exits the routine.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 includes a first stopper 17 that closes the first opening 13a of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 (first container body 13) and a second stopper 18 that closes the second opening 14a of the second liquid medicine bottle 12 (second container body 14). The second stopper 18 is disposed at a different position relative to the first stopper 17 in the direction penetrating the first opening 13a (the direction of the central axis X of the first liquid medicine bottle 11). That is, the positions of the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 are different from each other in the insertion direction of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7. This reduces the amount of pushing force required to open the first lid 15 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 and the second lid 16 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12.

[0098] That is, by arranging the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 at different positions in the insertion direction of the liquid medicine bottle unit 7, it is possible to start opening the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 at different times. Therefore, the pushing force required to simultaneously start opening the first stopper 17 and the second stopper 18 is not required, and the pushing force required to open the first lid 15 of the first liquid medicine bottle 11 and the second lid 16 of the second liquid medicine bottle 12 can be reduced.

[0099] (First Modification) Here, for example, it is also possible to set the volume of the first container body 13 to be equal to the volume of the second container body 14. Setting such volumes can be achieved, for example, by making the first container body 13 and the second container body 14 have the same shape, as shown in Figures 16 and 17 .

[0100] In this case, by differentiating the mounting position of the first plug 17 relative to the first lid 15 from the mounting position of the second plug 18 relative to the second lid 16, it is possible to position the second plug 18 in a different position relative to the first plug 17.

[0101] (Second modified example) Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, when the first container body 13 and the second container body 14 are made to have the same shape, it is also possible to make the shape of the first lid 15 and the shape of the second lid 16 different.

[0102] In such a case, by making the length of the first lid 15 in the direction of the central axis X1 and the length of the second lid 16 in the direction of the central axis X2 different from each other, it is possible to position the second plug 18 in a different position relative to the first plug 17.

[0103] (Third Modification) Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the first liquid medicine bottle 11 and the second liquid medicine bottle 12 may be formed to have the same shape.

[0104] In this case, by connecting the second liquid medicine bottle 12 at a position shifted relative to the first liquid medicine bottle 11 in the direction of the central axis X1 (and the central axis X2), it is possible to arrange the second stopper 18 at a different position relative to the first stopper 17. In other words, it is possible to arrange the first liquid medicine bottle 11 and the second liquid medicine bottle 12 in a state shifted in the insertion direction of the tray 32.

[0105] 23 to 25, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 of this modification has a first liquid medicine bottle 11 and a second liquid medicine bottle 12 that are identical in shape and are connected at the same position along the central axis X1 (and the central axis X2). That is, the liquid medicine bottle unit 7 of this modification has a first stopper 17 and a second stopper 18 that are at the same position along the central axis X1.

[0106] For such a liquid medicine bottle unit 7, the timing for turning the first cap 17 to open and the timing for turning the second cap 18 can be made different depending on the configuration of the liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8.

[0107] Specifically, in the liquid medicine bottle mounting device 8 of this modified example, the tip of the second blade 42 is positioned at a position shifted from the tip of the first blade 41 in the insertion direction of the tray 32 .

[0108] With this configuration, the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 destroy the first plugs 17 and the second plugs 18 at different times as the tray 32 moves.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A chemical liquid bottle unit that can be attached to a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, comprising: a first chemical liquid bottle; and a second chemical liquid bottle, wherein the first chemical liquid bottle includes: a first bottle body having a first opening at its tip and storing a first chemical liquid; and a first stopper that closes the first opening, and the second bottle includes: a second bottle body having a second opening at its tip and storing a second chemical liquid; and a second stopper that closes the second opening, and wherein the second stopper is positioned at a different position from the first stopper in the direction of passing through the first opening.

2. The drug solution bottle unit described in claim 1, characterized in that the length from the base end face of the second bottle body to the second stopper is shorter than the length from the base end face of the first bottle body to the first stopper, the second bottle body has a first storage section formed in a part forming the basic shape of the second bottle body and a second storage section that complements the volume of the first storage section, and the combined volume of the first storage section and the second storage section is equal to the volume of the first bottle body.

3. The liquid medicine bottle unit according to claim 2, wherein the second bottle body has a general shape obtained by adding a convex portion to the basic shape of the second bottle body, and the convex portion is a portion that complements the volume of the second bottle body.

4. A liquid medicine bottle unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the base end surface of the second bottle body is arranged on the same plane as the base end surface of the first bottle body.

5. The liquid medicine bottle unit according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid medicine bottle and the second liquid medicine bottle have the same volume.

6. The liquid medicine bottle unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first liquid medicine bottle has a first lid provided on the first opening, and the first stopper is provided on the first lid.

7. The liquid medicine bottle unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the second liquid medicine bottle has a second lid provided on the second opening, and the second stopper is provided on the second lid.

8. The drug solution bottle unit described in claim 7, characterized in that the second stopper is positioned between the base end of the first stopper and the base end of the first lid in the direction of penetrating the first opening.

9. A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprising: a first blade configured to come into contact with a first lid of a first chemical liquid bottle and destroy the first lid; a second blade configured to come into contact with a second lid of a second chemical liquid bottle and destroy the second lid; and a tray on which the first chemical liquid bottle and the second chemical liquid bottle are placed, characterized in that the first blade and the second blade are positioned to destroy the first lid and the second lid at different times as the tray moves.

10. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first blade and the second blade are arranged at different positions in the direction of movement of the tray.

11. A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus as described in claim 9, wherein the first chemical liquid bottle and the second chemical liquid bottle are arranged on the tray at different positions in the direction of movement of the tray.

12. A method for opening a chemical liquid bottle unit having a first chemical liquid bottle and a second chemical liquid bottle when the chemical liquid bottle unit is attached to a cleaning and disinfecting apparatus, the method comprising: setting the chemical liquid bottle unit on a tray provided in the cleaning and disinfecting apparatus; moving the tray; opening the first chemical liquid bottle; and opening the second chemical liquid bottle after starting to open the first chemical liquid bottle.

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