Patent Publication Number: US-2009217956-A1

Title: Medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system provided with a medical instrument having a tube path and a cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting an external surface of the medical instrument and an inside of the tube path. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     An endoscope for use in diagnostic examination or treatment of an internal body cavity has a problem in that filth adheres not only to the external surface of an insertion portion to be inserted into the body cavity, but also to the inside of the tube path such as an air supply/water supply tube path and an aspiration tube path serving as a forceps channel. As for the air supply/water supply tube path, filth may adhere to its distal end portion. As for the aspiration tube path, filth may adhere to the entire surface inside the tube path. Accordingly, the external surface of the endoscope and the inside of the tube path after use are cleaned and disinfected. 
     For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H07-308289 discloses an endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus having an endoscope mounting rack capable of maintaining an endoscope holding capacity while increasing cleaning and disinfecting effects with a smaller area of a normal contact portion to be contacted to the endoscope. In this apparatus, the endoscope is placed on a reticulately formed rack and the rack is disposed in a cleaning bath for cleaning and disinfecting. 
     In the endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus, the endoscope which is placed in the cleaning bath undergoes cleaning by cleaning water and disinfecting by being immersed in a disinfectant solution. After cleaning and disinfecting, the endoscope is flushed with clean water. Some of the endoscopes include an aspiration tube path for aspiring a body fluid, filth, and the like, an air supply tube path for supplying air, a water supply tube path for supplying water, and the like. 
     Accordingly, when an operator cleans and disinfects the endoscope having a tube path, the operator had to connect to each tube path a cleaning tube disposed in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for supplying a cleaning solution and a disinfectant solution, as preparatory to the cleaning/disinfecting process. 
     However, according to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H07-308289, when an endoscope is cleaned and disinfected, and an endoscope is placed in a rack an operation of connecting the cleaning tube is required. Therefore, the operation of attaching the endoscope to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus was very troublesome. 
     The present invention is made in view of the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system capable of cleaning and disinfecting by simply attaching a medical instrument such as an endoscope having a tube path to a cleaning/disinfecting apparatus. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises; a medical instrument provided with a tube path which is provided therein and whose external surface has an opening portion communicatively connected to the tube path; a connection member provided with a connection portion capable of being connected to the medical instrument; and has a communicative connection path communicatively connected to the tube path through the opening portion when the connection portion is connected; a first detection portion for detecting that the medical instrument is placed in a predetermined position of a bath portion with a predetermined depth enough to place the medical instrument; an operation portion for moving the connection member toward the medical instrument on the basis of the detection of the first detection portion; a second detection portion for detecting the connection between the connection member and the medical instrument; and a control portion for supplying a fluid from a fluid supply source to the communicative connection path on the basis of the detection by the second detection portion. 
     According to the configuration, the operation portion disposed in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus allows the connection member to automatically move to the opening portion of the medical instrument and after insertion, automatically supply a fluid into the tube path. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 to 7  relate to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view explaining the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus with the top cover opened and includes a partial top plan view; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view explaining an example of a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system; 
         FIG. 3  a perspective view explaining the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus with the endoscope placed inside the cleaning bath and with the top cover closed; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view showing a configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion; 
         FIG. 5  is a drawing showing a configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion viewed from a rear side thereof in a direction opposite from the  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram explaining a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system; 
         FIG. 7  is a drawing explaining an example of a configuration of an attachment state detection portion; 
         FIG. 8  is a drawing showing a configuration in which an ultrasonic proximity sensor serving as an attachment state detection portion is disposed in an aspiration connection opening; 
         FIG. 9  is a drawing explaining a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system in which the ultrasonic proximity sensor serving as the attachment state detection portion is disposed in the aspiration connection opening; 
         FIG. 10  is a drawing explaining a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system in which the ultrasonic proximity sensor serving as the attachment state detection portion is disposed at the distal end side of a tube path cleaning nozzle; and 
         FIG. 11  is a drawing explaining another configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIGS. 1 to 7  relate to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view explaining the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus with the top cover opened and includes a partial top plan view.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view explaining an example of a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system.  FIG. 3  a perspective view explaining the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus with the endoscope placed inside the cleaning bath and with the top cover closed.  FIG. 4  is a top plan view showing a configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion.  FIG. 5  is a drawing showing a configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion viewed from a rear side thereof in a direction opposite from the  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  is a block diagram explaining a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system.  FIG. 7  is a drawing explaining an example of a configuration of attachment state detection means. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  constituting the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  1  of the present embodiment comprises an apparatus main body  3  and a top cover  4 . A cleaning bath  5  serving as a bath portion with a predetermined depth is disposed on the upper portion of the apparatus main body  3 . The top cover  4  is disposed such that the opening of the cleaning bath  5  is covered. A tray holding member  6  is rotatably disposed in a predetermined position of the cleaning bath  5 . 
     A holding tray (shown by the symbol  10  in  FIG. 2 ) is removably disposed on the tray holding member  6 . A first opening and closing protrusion  7   a  and a second opening and closing protrusion  7   b  are disposed in a predetermined position of the bottom face of the cleaning bath  5 . A water inlet opening  16   c  is disposed in the vicinity of the first opening and closing protrusion  7   a  and a water outlet opening  17   c  is disposed in the vicinity of the second opening and closing protrusion  7   b . Into the cleaning bath  5  and the holding tray, a cleaning solution and flush water are supplied from the water inlet opening  16   c . The cleaning solution and flush water supplied from the water inlet opening  16   c  are discharged through a water outlet opening  17   c  out of the cleaning bath  5 . 
     An operation panel  8  allowing various kinds of input operations and capable of displaying characters and the like is disposed in front of the apparatus main body  3 . 
     The top cover  4  is formed into a predetermined shape with a rigid resin member having optical transparency, i.e., a transparent resin member or a translucent resin member. The top cover  4  is disposed in a predetermined position of the cleaning bath  5  such that it can be freely opened and closed. Accordingly, in a state where the opening of the cleaning bath  5  is covered with the top cover  4 , visual observation inside the cleaning bath  5  can be made through the top cover  4 . 
     It should be noted that according to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  of the present embodiment, not only an endoscope (described later), but also a medical instrument such as a treatment instrument and an over tube having an opening portion are cleaned and disinfected. On that occasion, medical instruments are stored in a dedicated holding tray, and the endoscope is stored in an endoscope holding tray (shown by the symbol  10  in  FIG. 2 ) serving as a dedicated holding tray before they are placed in the cleaning bath  5 . In addition, the symbols  31 ,  32 , and  33  inside an ellipse shown by a one-dot chain line in  FIG. 1  denote tube path cleaning nozzles serving as a connection member for cleaning the inside of a tube path of the endoscope. The tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  constitute a cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion  30  disposed inside the apparatus main body  3  as described later. A tube path cleaning nozzle corresponding to an opening portion disposed in a medical instrument is disposed inside an ellipse shown by a one-dot chain line in  FIG. 1 . 
     A medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  1  shown in  FIG. 2  is an endoscope cleaning/disinfecting system and includes a cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 , an endoscope holding tray hereinafter referred to as tray)  10 , and an endoscope  20  serving as a medical instrument. The tray  10  is stored and disposed in a holding portion  6   a  of a tray holding member  6  provided to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  as shown by a two-dot chain line. The endoscope  20  is stored and disposed in the tray  10 . 
     The endoscope  20  is configured to include a proximal portion  21  and a flexible insertion portion  22  extending from the proximal portion  21 . The proximal portion  21  includes an air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion  23  and an aspiration tube path arrangement portion  24  which are spaced by a predetermined distance and are protruded obliquely in a longitudinal axis direction toward the proximal end side. 
     An air supply coupling member (see the  25   d  of  FIG. 6 ) to which an end portion of an air supply tube path (see the symbol  25   a  of  FIG. 6 ) is coupled and a water supply coupling member (see the symbol  25   e    FIG. 6 ) to which an end portion of an air supply tube path (see the symbol  25   b  of  FIG. 6 ) is coupled are arranged in an air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  of the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion  23 . 
     On the other hand, only the aspiration tube path (see the symbol  25   c  of  FIG. 6 ) is arranged in the aspiration tube path arrangement portion  24 . An aspiration coupling member (see the symbol  25   f  of  FIG. 6 ) to which an end portion of the aspiration tube path  25   c  is coupled is arranged in an aspiration connection opening  24   a  of the aspiration tube path arrangement portion  24 . 
     The coupling member  25   d  to be coupled to the air supply tube path  25   a , the coupling member  25   e  to be coupled to the water supply tube path  25   b , and the coupling member  25   f  to be coupled to the aspiration tube path  25   c  are arranged such that, for example, each central axis thereof is aligned in the same plane. 
     It should be noted that during endoscopy, an air supply/water supply tube (not shown) for supplying a fluid such as water and air to the endoscope  20  is connected to an air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and an aspiration tube (not shown) to be aspired from the endoscope  20  is connected to aspiration connection opening  24   a.    
     In addition, the proximal portion  21  is used as a grip portion for gripping when the endoscope  20  is operated. In addition, when the endoscope  20  is fixed to an arm and the like, the proximal portion is used as a fixing portion. 
     A storage concave portion  11  for storing the endoscope  20  in a predetermined position is disposed on the upper surface of the tray  10 . The storage concave portion  11  is formed into a predetermined shape by considering the external shape, length, dimension and the like of the proximal portion  21  and the insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  20  to be stored. 
     In other words, the tray  10  is configured as a dedicated type provided with the storage concave portion  11  for containing a predetermined endoscope  20 . Accordingly, in a medical facility using various kinds of endoscopes having a proximal portion  21  and an insertion portion  22  different in external shape, length, and dimension, a plurality of trays corresponding to those various kinds of endoscopes are provided. 
     More specifically, the storage concave portion  11  includes an operation portion storage portion  12  containing the proximal portion  21  of the endoscope  20  and an insertion portion storage portion  13  containing the insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  20 . The operation portion storage portion  12  includes an air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  14  and an aspiration tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  15  in which the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion  23  and the aspiration tube path arrangement portion  24  of the endoscope  20  are arranged respectively. 
     The air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  14  includes an air supply/water supply tube path opening  14   a  in which an air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  is installed. On the other hand, aspiration tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  15  includes an aspiration tube path opening  15   a  in which an aspiration connection opening  24   a  is installed. 
     A first water inlet/outlet opening  16  for supplying and discharging cleaning water, disinfectant water, and the like is provided in a predetermined position of the bottom surface of the operation portion storage portion  12 . A second water inlet/outlet opening  17  for supplying and discharging cleaning water, disinfectant water, and the like is provided in a predetermined position of the bottom surface of the insertion portion storage portion  13 . 
     The first water inlet/outlet opening  16  is provided in the vicinity of the proximal end side of the proximal portion  21  of the endoscope  20 . The second water inlet/outlet opening  17  is provided in the vicinity of the distal end surface side of the insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  20 . 
     Freely opened and closed lid members  16   a  and  17   a  are provided in water inlet/outlet openings  16  and  17  respectively. The lid members  16   a  and  17   a  are configured to constantly close the water inlet/outlet openings  16  and  17  by their own weights or biasing forces by biasing means (not shown) in addition to the own weights. 
     In other words, the tray  10  by itself is in a state where the lid members  16   a  and  17   a  are closed. Accordingly, in a state where the endoscope  20  after use is stored in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10 , filth, body fluid, and the like attached to the endoscope  20  can be prevented from leaking through the water inlet/outlet openings  16  and  17 . Therefore, the user can hygienically carry the endoscope  20  in a state where the endoscope  20  is stored in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10 . 
     According to the present embodiment, a cleaning solution, a disinfectant solution, and the like are fed from the first water inlet/outlet opening  16  to the storage concave portion  11 . Then, the cleaning solution, the disinfectant solution, and the like fed into the storage concave portion  11  are discharged from the second water inlet/outlet opening  17  to the cleaning bath  5 . 
     The storage concave portion  11  is formed such that when a cleaning solution, a disinfectant solution, and the like are fed from the first water inlet/outlet opening  16  to the storage concave portion  11 , the disinfectant solutions and the like can be sufficiently delivered on the external surface and the like of the proximal portion  21  and the insertion portion  22  of the stored endoscope  20 . Accordingly, when the disinfectant solutions and the like are fed to the storage concave portion  11 , no wasted space is formed between the endoscope  20  and the storage concave portion  11 , thereby allowing a small amount of disinfectant to be used for disinfecting. 
     It should be noted that the symbol  18  denotes an attaching portion. The attaching portion  18  is provided along one of the longer sides of the tray  10 . The attaching portion  18  is formed, for example, in a U-shape to fit in an internal shape of the holding portion  6   a  constituting the tray holding member  6 . 
     The symbol  19  denotes a transport grasping portion. The transport grasping portion  19  is provided at both the shorter sides of the tray  10  respectively. The transport grasping portion  19  is formed to be projected downward beyond the lower end surface of the tray  10  to prevent interference with the top cover  4 . 
     The symbol  10   a  denotes a radio tag. The radio tag  10   a  contains ID information indicating the type and the like of the endoscope to be stored in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10 . 
     The user stores the endoscope  20  in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10  by inserting the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  of the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion  23  provided in the proximal portion  21  and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  of the aspiration tube path arrangement portion  24  into the air supply/water supply tube path opening  14   a  formed at the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  14  and the aspiration tube path opening  15   a  formed at the aspiration tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  15  respectively. By doing this, the user can easily store the endoscope  20  after use in a desired state in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10 . 
     The user stores the endoscope  20  in the storage concave portion  11  and then, arranges the tray  10  in the tray holding member  6  as shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 2 . At this time, when the attaching portion  18  of the tray  10  is arranged in a predetermined state in the holding portion  6   a  of the tray holding member  6 , the tray holding member  6  is moved manually or automatically in a predetermined direction. As the tray holding member  6  is moved, the tray  10  arranged in the tray holding member  6  is stored in a predetermined position inside the cleaning bath  5 . 
     At this time, the first opening and closing protrusion  7   a  provided on the bottom of the cleaning bath  5  pushes up the lid member  16   a  to open the first water inlet/outlet opening  16  and at the same time, the second opening and closing protrusion  7   b  pushes up the lid member  17   a  to open the second water inlet/outlet opening  17 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  of the endoscope  20  arranged to be protruded from the air supply/water supply tube path opening  14   a  and the aspiration tube path opening  15   a  of the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10  respectively are arranged to be spaced by a predetermined distance facing the air supply tube path cleaning nozzle  31 , the water supply tube path cleaning nozzle, and the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  respectively. 
     Then, the top cover  4  is moved manually or automatically in a predetermined direction to close the opening of the cleaning bath  5  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     It should be noted that a packing  5   a  is provided in a predetermined position on the upper face at the opening side of the cleaning bath  5  so as to surround the cleaning bath  5 . Therefore, when the opening of the cleaning bath  5  is covered with the top cover  4 , the packing  5   a  is attached firmly to a surface of the top cover  4  to maintain a watertight condition. This can prevent a fluid inside the cleaning bath  5  from splashing outside the apparatus main body  3 . The symbol  4   a  denotes a hinge member which fixes the top cover  4  to cleaning bath  5  such that it can be freely opened and closed. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion  30  including tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  will be described. 
     As shown in the figures, the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion (hereinafter referred to as mechanism portion)  30  is provided to maintain the attachment state or automatically release the attachment state between the opening portion of the coupling member coupled to a tube path provided in the endoscope  20  stored in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10  and the tube path cleaning nozzle provided in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 . 
     More specifically, in a single operation, the opening portion of the coupling member  25   d  coupled to the air supply tube path  25   a  provided in the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and the opening portion of the coupling member  25   e  coupled to the water supply tube path  25   b  are automatically attached to the air supply tube path cleaning nozzle  31  and the water supply tube path cleaning nozzle  32  provided in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  respectively. 
     Further, the opening portion of the coupling member  25   f  coupled to the aspiration tube path  25   c  provided in the aspiration connection opening  24   a  are automatically attached to the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  provided in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 . In addition, the mechanism portion  30  releases the attachment state in a single operation. Therefore, the mechanism portion  30  is provided in a predetermined position with respect to the operation portion storage portion  12  of the tray  10  stored in the cleaning bath  5 . 
     The mechanism portion  30  mainly comprises an air supply/water supply tube path connection portion  41 , an aspiration tube path connection portion  42 , a nozzle block  43 , a pair of rail members  44   a  and  44   b  constituting a guide portion  44 , a latch solenoid  45  serving as an example of holding means (holding portion) constituting operation means (operation portion) and a pair of connection springs  46  serving as an elastic member constituting biasing means (biasing portion). 
     The rail members  44   a  and  44   b  are arranged parallel in a predetermined position of the apparatus main body  3  to constitute the guide portion  44 . The nozzle block  43  is slidably arranged between the guide portion  44  provided with the rail members  44   a  and  44   b.    
     The nozzle block  43  arranged in the guide portion  44  can be freely moved between the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  side and its opposite side. The nozzle block  43  comprises a sliding surface in contact with the rail members  44   a  and  44   b , a solenoid fixing surface to which a solenoid is attached, and a nozzle fixing surface having a shoulder to which the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are fixed. The solenoid fixing surface has not only a distal end portion of the solenoid axis  45   a  of the latch solenoid  45  fixed integrally thereto but also an end portion of each of the connection springs  46  attached thereto. 
     An attachment plate  45   b  provided in the latch solenoid  45  is fixed to a predetermined position of the apparatus main body  3 . According to the present embodiment, when the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  is in a cleaning/disinfecting wait state, and the solenoid axis  45   a  is retracted inside the solenoid by the magnetic force inside the solenoid, the latch solenoid  45  is fixed in a position where the nozzle block  43  is in the vicinity of the latch solenoid  45  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     On the other hand, the other end portion of a pair of connection springs  46  is attached to a pin  47  projected in a predetermined position of the apparatus main body  3 . In this spring attached state, the connection springs  46  receive a predetermined biasing force of moving the nozzle block  43  to the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  side. 
     In other words, when the nozzle block  43  is arranged in the vicinity of the latch solenoid  45  as shown in  FIG. 4 , the magnetic force inside the solenoid is a force by which the nozzle block  43  is holdably arranged in the vicinity of the latch solenoid  45  against the biasing force of the elastically deformed connection springs  46 . When the magnetic force inside the solenoid is released, the nozzle block  43  is configured to move to the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  side by the biasing force of the connection springs  46 . 
     The air supply/water supply tube path connection portion  41  is configured to include an air supply tube path cleaning nozzle  31 , a water supply tube path cleaning nozzle  32 , an air supply side buffer spring  34 , a water supply side buffer spring  35 , an air supply L-shaped pipe  36 , and a water supply L-shaped pipe  37 . In contrast, the aspiration tube path connection portion  42  is configured to include an aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33 , an aspiration side buffer spring  38 , and an aspiration L-shaped pipe  39 . 
     The tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are integrally fixed to the nozzle block  43  respectively. At this time, the longitudinal axis of the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  is, for example, parallel to each other in the same plane. 
     The air supply tube path cleaning nozzle  31  and the water supply tube path cleaning nozzle  32  are projected by a predetermined amount from the first nozzle fixing surface  43   a  side constituting the nozzle block  43 . Correspondingly, the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  is also projected by a predetermined amount from the second nozzle fixing surface  43   b  side constituting the nozzle block  43 . 
     The tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are inserted into a transparent hole (not shown) provided in the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  and its distal end portion is projected into inside the cleaning bath  5 . The symbol  41   a  denotes a watertight holding member configured with an elastic member having a bellows portion and a cover portion for covering the tube path cleaning nozzles  31  and  32 . The symbol  42   a  denotes another watertight holding member configured with an elastic member having a bellows portion and a cover portion for covering the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33 . 
     The tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  positioned between the nozzle block  43  and the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  include the air supply side buffer spring  34 , the water supply side buffer spring  35 , and the aspiration side buffer spring  38  respectively. The buffer springs  34 ,  35 , and  38  serve as a member for buffering a shock occurring when the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are inserted into the opening of the coupling member  25   d  provided inside the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a , the opening of the coupling member  25   e , and the opening of the coupling member  25   f  provided inside the aspiration connection opening  24   a.    
     On the other hand, the L-shaped pipes  36 ,  37 , and  39  are fixed to each of the proximal end portion of the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  respectively. An air supply tube  51 , a water supply tube  52 , and an aspiration tube  53  shown by a two-dot chain line are coupled to these L-shaped pipes  36 ,  37 , and  39  respectively. The air supply tube  51 , the water supply tube  52 , and the aspiration tube  53  are communicatively connected through an electromagnetic valve to an air supply pump, cleaning solution pump, a disinfectant solution pump, and an aspiration pump respectively. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  to be coupled to the end portion of the air supply tube path  25   a  and the end portion of the water supply tube path  25   b  are provided in the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  of the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion  23  of the endoscope  20 . 
     The coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  to be coupled to the air supply tube path  25   a  and the water supply tube path  25   b  are fixed in a predetermined position of the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a . The other end portions of the air supply tube path  25   a  and the water supply tube path  25   b  are coupled to an air supply/water supply nozzle (not shown) provided in the distal end surface of the insertion portion  22 . 
     On the other hand, the coupling member  25   f  to be coupled to the end portion of the aspiration tube path  25   c  is provided in the aspiration connection opening  24   a  of the aspiration tube path arrangement portion  24 . The coupling member  25   f  of the aspiration tube path  25   c  is fixed in a predetermined position of the aspiration connection opening  24   a . The other end portion of the aspiration tube path  25   c  is communicatively connected to an aspiration opening (not shown) provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion  22 . 
     In addition, the proximal portion  21  of the endoscope  20  includes a detection process portion  26 , a radio communication portion  27  serving as endoscope side radio communication means (endoscope side radio communication portion), a connection complete notification lamp  28 , and a reed switch  29 . The detection process portion  26  is electrically connected to the radio communication portion  27 , the connection complete notification lamp  28 , and the reed switch  29 . A light emitting portion of the connection complete notification lamp  28  is exposed on the surface of the proximal portion  21  and is placed to be visible externally through the top cover  4 . 
     The reed switch  29  is provided in the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  respectively. More specifically, the reed switch  29  is placed facing the magnet  48  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The magnet  48  is embedded in the distal end surface of the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  which is attached and detached to and from the aspiration connection opening  24   a . In addition, for example, a coupling member  25   f  having an axial through hole is provided in the aspiration connection opening  24   a.    
     The end portion of the aspiration tube path  25   c  is fixed to the proximal end portion of the coupling member  25   f . The distal end portion of the coupling member  25   f  includes an opening portion  25   g  having a tapered surface with its distal opening formed larger in diameter than the through hole. 
     This opening portion is configured to receive an insertion protrusion  33   a  constituting the distal end portion of the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33 . The distal end surface of the insertion protrusion  33   a  is projected beyond the distal end surface of the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  by a predetermined amount. 
     The tube path cleaning nozzles  31  and  32  also have the insertion protrusions  31   a  and  32   a  provided as well respectively. The air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  includes the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  having the opening portion  25   h  with the same configuration as the coupling member  25   f  and the like. The end portions of the air supply tube path  25   a  and water supply tube path  25   b  are fixed to the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e.    
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  is placed in a predetermined position enough to be inserted into the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling member  25   f  provided in the aspiration connection opening  24   a , the distance between the reed switch  29  and the magnet  48  is in a predetermined proximity state. Then, the reed switch  29  detects a magnetic force of the magnet  48 , and outputs the detection signal to the detection process portion  26 . 
     Meanwhile, when the insertion state is released with the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  detached from the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling member  25   f , the distance between the reed switch  29  and the magnet  48  gets wider, and the output of a detection signal from the reed switch  29  to the detection process portion  26  is stopped. In other words, the second detection means (the second detection portion) is configured with the magnet  48  and the reed switch  29 . 
     When a detection signal is inputted from the reed switch  29 , the detection process portion  26  sends an insertion complete notification signal to the radio communication portion  27  and at the same time outputs a control signal instructing the connection complete notification lamp  28  to light. While the insertion complete notification signal is being inputted from the detection process portion  26 , the radio communication portion  27  outputs a cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal to a receiving portion  61 . 
     Hereinafter, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the configuration for controlling the mechanism portion  30  will be described. 
     As shown in the figure, the apparatus main body  3  of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  includes a control portion  60  serving as control means for performing various kinds of control, and a receiving portion  61 . The control portion  60  is electrically connected to the receiving portion  61  and the latch solenoid  45 . 
     The receiving portion  61  receives a cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal and ID information of the radio tag  10   a  outputted from the radio communication portion  27  of the endoscope  20 . The receiving portion  61  outputs an instruction signal to the control portion  60  in response to the received signal. 
     More specifically, when a detection signal is outputted from the reed switch  29 , and a cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal is outputted from the radio communication portion  27  to the receiving portion  61 , a cleaning/disinfecting process instruction signal instructing the cleaning/disinfecting process to start according to a predetermined procedure is outputted from the receiving portion  61  to the control portion  60 . In other words, the cleaning/disinfecting process will not start unless the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  are inserted into the opening portions  25   h  of the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  and the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling member  25   f  of the endoscope  20  respectively. 
     Hereinafter, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the operation mechanism of the top cover  4  and the tray holding member  6  will be described. 
     According to the present embodiment, the top cover  4  and the tray holding member  6  are configured to be operable automatically. Therefore, the apparatus main body  3  includes a cover drive portion  71  and a tray drive portion  75 . The cover drive portion  71  is configured with a lid drive motor  72  and a deceleration mechanism  73  including a plurality of pulleys and a belt. 
     On the other hand, the tray drive portion  75  is configured with a tray drive motor  76  and a deceleration mechanism  77 . The top cover  4  and the tray holding member  6  are opened or closed accordingly under control of the control portion  60 . In addition, the apparatus main body  3  includes a close state stop position sensor  74  for detecting a stop position in which the top cover  4  is closed, and a holding member position detection sensor  78  serving as first detection means (first detection portion) for detecting that the tray  10  is stored in the cleaning bath  5  in a predetermined state. The position detection signals outputted from the sensors  74  and  78  are configured to be sent to the control portion  60  respectively. 
     In addition, the apparatus main body  3  also includes another sensor (not shown) for detecting that the tray  10  is inserted into the tray holding member  6  and yet other sensors (not shown) for detecting that the top cover  4  and the tray holding member  6  are in an open state respectively. 
     According to the present embodiment, the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are configured, but in addition to the tube path cleaning nozzles, a leak detection nozzle may be configured or one of the tube path cleaning nozzles may be used as the leak detection nozzle. In this configuration, an air for detecting a water leak through the leak detection nozzle is supplied to the endoscope. 
     Hereinafter the effect of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  1  will be described. 
     Before the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  is used, the top cover  4  is in a close state, and the tray  10  is not placed in the tray holding member  6  inside the cleaning bath  5 . In addition, a nozzle block  43  of the mechanism portion  30  is moved to the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  side by a biasing force of the connection spring  46 . 
     Before cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope, the operator turns on the power of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  and prepares the tray  10  for storing the endoscope  20  to be cleaned and disinfected. When the power of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  is turned on, the nozzle block  43  constituting the mechanism portion  30  is moved in the vicinity of the latch solenoid  45  by the magnetic force inside the solenoid. 
     When the endoscope  20  that has been used for surgery is cleaned, the operator stores the proximal portion  21  and the insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  20  in the storage concave portion  11  of the tray  10 . At this time, the operator places the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  provided in the proximal portion  21  of the endoscope  20 , in the air supply/water supply tube path opening  14   a  of the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  14  and the aspiration tube path opening  15   a  of the aspiration tube path arrangement portion receiving portion  15 . 
     Next, the operator carries the tray  10  storing the endoscope  20  toward the vicinity of the apparatus main body  3 . Then, the ID information of the radio tag  10   a  provided in the tray  10  is transmitted to the control portion  60  through the receiving portion  61  of the apparatus main body  3 . 
     Here, the control portion  60  of the apparatus main body  3  performs a matching with the endoscope data that has been stored in the apparatus main body  3 . As a result of the matching, if the control portion  60  determines a match therebetween, an instruction signal is outputted to the cover drive portion  71  and the tray drive portion  75  under control of the control portion  60  to sequentially drive the top cover  4  and tray holding member  6 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the top cover  4  is opened, and the tray holding member  6  is moved to a position in which the tray  10  can be placed. 
     Here, the operator places the tray  10  having the endoscope  20  thereon in the holding portion  6   a  of the tray holding member  6 . Then, a sensor (not shown) detects that the tray  10  is placed in the tray holding member  6 . Then, the tray holding member  6  and the top cover  4  are closed sequentially under control of the control portion  60 . 
     It should be noted that if the tray  11  cannot be removed from the tray holding member  6 , but is configured to be provided integrally to the tray holding member  6 , a detection portion may be provided as detection means of detecting that the endoscope is placed in the tray. 
     When the tray holding member  6  is moved to a closed position, a position detection signal is outputted from the holding member position detection sensor  78  to the control portion  60 . At this time, the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  is in a position opposite to the tube path cleaning nozzles  31  and  32 , and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  is in a position opposite to the tube path cleaning nozzles  33  with a predetermined distance therebetween respectively. 
     Afterward, the top cover  4  is closed and a position detection signal is outputted from the close state stop position sensor  74  to the control portion  60 . When the top cover  4  is closed, one of the surfaces of the top cover  4  is attached firmly to the packing  5   a  to enter a cleaning/disinfecting enabled state. In this state, the endoscope  20  stored in the cleaning bath is visible through the top cover  4 . 
     When a position detection signal is received from aforementioned sensor  78  and another sensor  74 , the control portion  60  outputs an insertion instruction signal to the latch solenoid  45  to place the solenoid axis  45   a  in a release state. Then, the nozzle block  43  is moved to the cleaning bath cabinet  5   b  side by a biasing force of the connection spring  40 . 
     Then, the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  integrally fixed to the nozzle block  43  are inserted into the opening portions  25   h  of the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  provided in the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a , and the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  is inserted into the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling members  25   f  provided in the aspiration connection opening  24   a.    
     When the tube path cleaning nozzles  31  and  32  are inserted firmly into the opening portions  25   h  of the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e , and the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  is inserted firmly into the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling members  25   f , the reed switch  29  and the magnet  48  enter a predetermined proximity state and a detection signal is outputted from each of the reed switches  29  to the detection process portion  26 . 
     Then, an insertion complete notification signal is outputted from the detection process portion  26  to the radio communication portion  27  and a control signal is outputted from the detection process portion  26  so as to light the connection complete notification lamp  28 . A cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal is outputted from the radio communication portion  27  to the receiving portion  61 . 
     When the cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal is received from the radio communication portion  27 , the receiving portion  61  outputs the cleaning/disinfecting process instruction signal to the control portion  60 . In response to this signal, the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  starts the cleaning/disinfecting process of the endoscope  20  according to a predetermined procedure. 
     More specifically, according to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 , a disinfectant solution and the like are supplied from the first water inlet/outlet opening  16  and the disinfectant solution and the like are passed through the second water inlet/outlet opening  17  to be discharged to the cleaning bath  5 . In addition, at the same time, the disinfectant solution and the like are supplied from the air supply tube path cleaning nozzle  31  to the air supply tube path  25   a  of the endoscope  20 , from the water supply tube path cleaning nozzle  32  to the water supply tube path  25   b  of the endoscope  20 , and from the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  to the aspiration tube path  25   c  of the endoscope  20  respectively. The endoscope  20  undergoes a predetermined process such as a cleaning process, a disinfecting process, and a drying process by use of air and then the cleaning/disinfecting process is completed. 
     After the cleaning/disinfecting process for the endoscope  20  is completed, an insertion state release instruction signal is outputted to the latch solenoid  45  under control of the control portion  60 . Then, the solenoid axis  45   a  is retracted into the solenoid by the magnetic force inside the solenoid. 
     Then, the nozzle block  43  is moved toward the vicinity of the latch solenoid  45 . Then, the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  integrally fixed to the nozzle block  43  are removed from the opening portions  25   h  of the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e , and the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling members  25   f  provided in the proximal portion  21  of the endoscope  20 . 
     As described above, according to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  of the present embodiment, an air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion having an air supply tube path and a water supply tube path provided in the operation portion and an aspiration tube path arrangement portion having only an aspiration tube path are projected obliquely in a longitudinal axis direction toward the proximal end side, and are spaced by a predetermined distance, thereby assuredly preventing filth in the aspiration tube path from spreading into an air supply tube path and a water supply tube path provided inside the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion. 
     In addition, according to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 , an operation portion storage portion is provided in a storage concave portion in which an endoscope is stored. The operation portion storage portion includes an air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion receiving portion having an air supply/water supply tube path opening and an aspiration tube path arrangement portion receiving portion having an aspiration tube path opening. 
     When a user stores the endoscope in the tray storage concave portion, the user places the air supply/water supply connection opening of the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion in the air supply/water supply tube path opening, and also places the aspiration connection opening of the aspiration tube path arrangement portion in the aspiration tube path opening. 
     In this state, when the tray is placed in predetermined state in a cleaning bath, the respective tube path cleaning nozzles fixed to a slidable nozzle block constituting a mechanism portion face the opening portions of the air supply/water supply coupling members provided in the air supply/water supply connection opening, and the opening portion of the aspiration coupling member provided in the aspiration connection opening. 
     When an insertion instruction signal is outputted to a latch solenoid under control of the control portion  60  and the solenoid axis enters a release state, the nozzle block is moved to the cleaning bath cabinet side by the biasing force of a connection spring. Then, each of the tube path cleaning nozzles fixed integrally to the nozzle block is inserted into each of the opening portions of the coupling members provided in the operation portion of the endoscope. 
     On the other hand, after the cleaning/disinfecting process is completed, an insertion state release instruction signal is outputted to the latch solenoid under control of the control portion  60 . Then, the solenoid axis is retracted into the solenoid by the magnetic force inside the solenoid. 
     Then, the nozzle block is moved to a position opposite to the cleaning bath cabinet. Then, the insertion state between each of the tube path cleaning nozzles fixed integrally to the nozzle block and each of the opening portions of the coupling members is released. In other words, the insertion and removal between a plurality of tube path cleaning nozzles provided in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus and each of the opening portions of the coupling members provided in the endoscope can be performed automatically. 
     Accordingly, when an operator performs a cleaning/disinfecting process, the operator can hygienically perform the cleaning/disinfecting process without the need of inserting each of the tube path cleaning nozzles into each of the opening portions of coupling members individually. 
     In addition, the air supply/water supply tube path arrangement portion and the aspiration tube path arrangement portion provided in the operation portion of the endoscope are spaced by a predetermined distance, and only an aspiration tube path is provided in the aspiration tube path arrangement portion. Accordingly, during the cleaning/disinfecting process, cleaning and disinfectant solutions can be strongly sprayed into the aspiration tube path of the endoscope which is relatively easily contaminated with a body fluid, filth, and the like, thereby maintaining an efficient use of cleaning and disinfectant solutions. 
     In addition, a plurality of tube path cleaning nozzles are fixed integrally to a nozzle block and this nozzle block is configured to be slidable to and from a latch solenoid by a pair of connection springs. A plurality of tube path cleaning nozzles can be inserted into or removed from each of the corresponding opening portions of the coupling members by advancing or retreating the nozzle block. 
     Accordingly, the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  can simplify its configuration and reduce costs as compared to the configuration in which each of the tube path cleaning nozzles is inserted into or removed from the opening portion of the coupling member individually by providing a plurality of latch solenoids. 
     In addition, according to the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 , a magnet is provided in a tube path cleaning nozzle of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus and a reed switch is provided in a connection opening of the tube path arrangement portion of the endoscope as well. When an insertion protrusion of the tube path cleaning nozzle is inserted into the opening portion of the coupling member in a predetermined state, the reed switch and the magnet are configured to be spaced by a predetermined distance into a predetermined proximity state. Then, a detection signal is outputted from the reed switch. 
     When a detection signal is outputted from the reed switch, a cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal is outputted from the radio communication portion to the receiving portion. When the cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal is received, the control portion  60  starts the cleaning/disinfecting process under control of this control portion  60 . This assures that the cleaning/disinfecting process will not start unless the tube path cleaning nozzles are inserted firmly into the opening portions of the coupling members. This can assuredly prevent the cleaning/disinfecting process from starting in an incomplete insertion state. Accordingly, disinfectant solutions and the like can be prevented from being wasted. 
     According to the present embodiment, the insertion state detection means (insertion state detection portion) is configured with a combination of the reed switch  29  and the magnet  48 . However, the insertion state detection means (insertion state detection portion) is not limited to this configuration, but a push switch and a sensor such as a capacitive proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, and a photo interrupter may be used to detect the insertion state in which the nozzle is inserted into the opening portion of the coupling member. 
     For example, when the ultrasonic proximity sensor is used as the insertion state detection means (insertion state detection portion), a medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  1 A as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  or a medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  1 B as shown in  FIG. 10  may be configured.  FIG. 8  is a drawing showing a configuration in which the ultrasonic proximity sensor serving as the insertion state detection means is provided in the aspiration connection opening.  FIG. 9  is a drawing explaining a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system in which the ultrasonic proximity sensor serving as the insertion state detection means is provided in the aspiration connection opening.  FIG. 10  is a drawing explaining a configuration of the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system in which the ultrasonic proximity sensor serving as the insertion state detection means is provided at the distal end side of the tube path cleaning nozzle. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , according to the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  1 A of the present embodiment, the insertion state detection means (insertion state detection portion) does not include the magnet  48  or the reed switch  29 , but instead an ultrasonic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as ultrasonic sensor)  29   a  is provided in the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  of the endoscope  20 A. The ultrasonic sensor  29   a  is electrically connected to the detection process portion  26 A. 
     The ultrasonic sensor  29   a  detects the distance between the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  and the tube path cleaning nozzles  31  and  32  of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 A as well as the distance between the aspiration connection opening  24   a  and the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 A. The detection process portion  26 A calculates the distance on the basis of a reflected signal from each of the ultrasonic sensors  29   a.    
     In addition, the detection process portion  26 A judges whether or not the calculated distance reaches a predetermined insertion complete distance. If the detection process portion  26 A determines that the insertion complete distance is reached, meaning that a completely inserted state is detected, the detection process portion  26 A instructs the connection complete notification lamp  28  to light and outputs an insertion complete notification signal to the radio communication portion  27 . 
     Afterward, a cleaning/disinfecting enabled state signal is outputted from the radio communication portion  27  to the receiving portion  61  of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 A. It should be noted that the other configuration, effect, and advantages in the following description are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the same symbols are assigned to the same members and their description is omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , according to the medical instrument cleaning/disinfecting system  113 , the insertion state detection means (insertion state detection portion) does not include the magnet  48  or the reed switch  29 , but instead, for example, an ultrasonic sensor  29   a  is provided in each of the tube path cleaning nozzles  32  and  33  of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 B. The ultrasonic sensors  29   a  are electrically connected to the control portion  60 A. 
     The ultrasonic sensor  29   a  detects the distance between the water supply tube path cleaning nozzle  32  and the air supply/water supply connection opening  23   a  of the endoscope  20 B as well as the distance between the aspiration tube path cleaning nozzle  33  and the aspiration connection opening  24   a  of the endoscope  20 B. The control portion  60 A calculates the distance therebetween on the basis of a reflected signal from each of the ultrasonic sensors  29   a.    
     In addition, the control portion  60 A judges whether or not the calculated distance reaches a predetermined insertion complete distance. If the control portion  60 A determines that the insertion complete distance is reached, meaning that a completely inserted state is detected, the control portion  60 A instructs to display characters and the like indicating a connection complete notification on the display portion of the operation panel  8  and then the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2  starts the cleaning/disinfecting process of the endoscope  20 B under control of the control portion  60 A according to a predetermined procedure. 
     It should be noted that according to the endoscope  20 B of the present embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor  29   a  is provided in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 B. Accordingly, unlike the aforementioned endoscope  20 , the endoscope  20 B does not have the ultrasonic sensor  29   a , the radio communication portion  27 , the connection complete notification lamp  28 , or the detection process portion  26 . 
     This configuration can simplify the configuration of the endoscope  20 B. It should be noted that the other configuration, effect, and advantages in the following description are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the same symbols are assigned to the same members and their description is omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a cleaning/disinfecting apparatus of the present embodiment differs only in the configuration of the mechanism portion  30 A.  FIG. 11  is a drawing explaining another configuration of the cleaning nozzle attaching/detaching mechanism portion of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus. 
     The operation means (operation portion) of the mechanism portion  30 A provided in the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 C does not include the latch solenoid  45  or the connection springs  46 , but instead includes advance/retreat means (advance/retreat portion) having a removable drive motor  81  as described later. The advance/retreat means (advance/retreat portion) is configured to transmit the drive power of the removable drive motor  81  to the mesh portion  83   a  provided in the drive rack axis  83  through the deceleration mechanism  82  having a plurality of gears. 
     The removable drive motor  81  is fixed in a predetermined position and the drive rack axis  83  advances or retreats with the rotation of the removable drive motor  81 . In other words, by the deceleration mechanism  82  that is transmission means (transmission portion) and the mesh portion  83   a , the rotational motion of the removable drive motor  81  that is drive means (drive portion) is converted to rectilinear motion. 
     The distal end portion of the drive rack axis  83  is fixed integrally to a first nozzle fixing surface  43   a  constituting the nozzle block  43 . Accordingly, as the drive rack axis  83  advances or retreats, each of the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  as well as the nozzle block  43  advance or retreat in the axial direction for insertion or removal. 
     It should be noted that when the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are inserted into the opening portions  25   b  of the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  and into the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling members  25   f , a control portion (not shown) of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus  2 C outputs a control signal instructing the removable drive motor  81  to rotate, for example, clockwise. 
     On the other hand, when the tube path cleaning nozzles  31 ,  32 , and  33  are removed from the opening portions  25   h  of the coupling members  25   d  and  25   e  and from the opening portion  25   g  of the coupling members  25   f , the control portion outputs a control signal instructing the removable drive motor  81  to rotate counterclockwise. 
     Then, the control portion calculates each distance on the basis of reflected signal from the ultrasonic sensor. When the calculated distance reaches a predetermined insertion complete distance or a cleaning/disinfecting wait position, the control portion outputs a rotation stop signal to the removable drive motor  81 . 
     Accordingly, the same effect and advantages as described above can be obtained. It should be noted that the other configuration is the same as that of the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the same symbols are assigned to the same members and their description is omitted. 
     In addition, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.