Patent Description:
Conventionally, endoscope reprocessors have been used that perform reprocessing, such as cleaning and disinfecting, on an endoscope used on a subject. To properly perform the reprocessing, there is a demand for the endoscope reprocessor to adopt a technique to determine whether or not the endoscope reprocessor is being used with an endoscope being appropriately disposed.

For example, <CIT> discloses an endoscope cleaning device where the inside of a cleaning tank is irradiated with ultrasound to detect ultrasound reflection information and, thereafter, it is possible to determine whether or not an endoscope is appropriately disposed based on the ultrasound reflection information and RFID information.

<CIT>discloses a reprocessing device for cleaning and/or disinfecting surgical instruments, i.e. endoscopes, having fluid connectors connected with surgical instrument.

Further, <CIT> discloses an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for automatically cleaning and disinfecting an object to be cleaned.

However, if a conventional endoscope reprocessor is equipped with a device that determines the disposition of an endoscope or whether or not an endoscope reprocessor is being used in an appropriate use state, the structure of the endoscope reprocessor becomes complicated, or the size of the endoscope reprocessor increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope reprocessor that can be more easily equipped with an observation terminal, which determines whether or not the endoscope reprocessor is being used in an appropriate use state.

The object is solved by an endoscope reprocessor according to claim <NUM>.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a top plan view of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an explanatory view for describing a state where an endoscope E is disposed in a treatment tank <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The endoscope reprocessor <NUM> is a device that performs reprocessing on the contaminated endoscope E, and components or accessories of the endoscope E, or the like. In the embodiment, reprocessing is not particularly limited, and may be any one of rinsing with water, cleaning to remove stains caused by organic matter or the like, disinfecting to make predetermined microorganisms inactive, sterilizing to eliminate or kill all microorganisms, or a combination of these. Further, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> may be used for performing reprocessing on tubular medical equipment, such as dilators or endoscope sheaths.

In the description made hereinafter, a downward direction indicates a gravity direction, an upward direction indicates a direction opposite to the gravity direction, and a high or a low indicates a height relationship along the gravity direction.

In the present invention the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> includes a top cover <NUM>, a reprocessor body <NUM>, and a terminal holding unit <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> has a cover panel <NUM>, which acts as a transmitting unit. The terminal holding unit <NUM> is provided to the top cover <NUM>. The terminal holding unit <NUM> holds an observation terminal D that receives visible light as an observation wave.

The top cover <NUM> is disposed such that the back surface of the top cover <NUM> faces the treatment tank <NUM> of the reprocessor body <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> opens and closes the treatment tank <NUM> by rotating about a hinge 11a. In other words, one end of the top cover <NUM> is connected to the reprocessor body <NUM> by the hinge 11a, and the other end of the top cover <NUM> rotates about the one end of the top cover <NUM>. When the top cover <NUM> is brought into a closed state, the top cover <NUM> covers the treatment tank <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> includes a cover frame <NUM>, the cover panel <NUM> being the transmitting unit, a gas filter <NUM>, and a finger hooking portion <NUM>.

The cover frame <NUM> is made of a material, such as metal or a resin, and is provided to surround a periphery portion of the top cover <NUM>. The cover frame <NUM> has a sealing 12a on a back surface of the cover frame <NUM>, and the sealing 12a is provided to surround and extend along an upper edge portion of the treatment tank <NUM>. When the top cover <NUM> is brought into the closed state, the sealing 12a is brought into close contact with the upper edge portion of the treatment tank <NUM>.

The cover panel <NUM> has light transmitting properties. An example of a transmitting material for forming the cover panel <NUM> may be a resin or ceramic. A resin may be polycarbonate having chemical resistance and visible light transmitting properties. The cover panel <NUM> is provided inside the cover frame <NUM>. The configuration of the cover panel <NUM> is not particularly limited. The cover panel <NUM> may have a cover discharge port 13a at a portion close to the one end of the cover panel <NUM> and bulging into a dome shape.

The gas filter <NUM> is formed of a filter medium accommodating container and a filter medium. The filter medium accommodating container is made of a material, such as a resin. The filter medium is accommodated in the filter medium accommodating container. The gas filter <NUM> is detachably attached to the cover discharge port 13a. The gas filter <NUM> has a filter discharge port 14a at an upper portion of the gas filter <NUM> (<FIG>). The gas filter <NUM> takes in a gas in the treatment tank <NUM> through the cover discharge port 13a, and discharges, through the filter discharge port 14a, the gas subjected to filtering for deodorizing or the like.

The finger hooking portion <NUM> is made of a material, such as metal or a resin. The finger hooking portion <NUM> is continuously formed with the other end side of the cover frame <NUM> to allow a user to hook his/her finger on the finger hooking portion <NUM>. A fastener 15a is provided inside the finger hooking portion <NUM>.

The reprocessor body <NUM> includes a locking unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, a water supply hose connection port <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM> and the treatment tank <NUM>.

The locking unit <NUM> is provided on the other end side of an upper portion of the reprocessor body <NUM>. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM> engages with the fastener 15a or releases the engagement with the fastener 15a. When the locking unit <NUM> engages with the fastener 15a, the top cover <NUM> is locked in the closed state. It may be configured such that the locking unit <NUM> is linked with a foot panel <NUM> to allow the engagement of the locking unit <NUM> with the fastener 15a to be released in response to an operation of the foot panel.

The display unit <NUM> is provided to a corner portion on the other end side of the upper portion of the reprocessor body <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> includes a display panel, and is configured to display various notifications to a user under the control of the control unit <NUM>.

The operation unit <NUM> has an instruction input button to input various instructions to the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>.

The water supply hose connection port <NUM> is connected with a water faucet via a water supply tube W.

The communication unit <NUM> is connected with the control unit <NUM>, and is configured such that the communication unit <NUM> can communicate with the observation terminal D by wired or wireless communication under the control of the control unit <NUM>. It may be configured such that the communication unit <NUM> can communicate with an external device via a network.

The control unit <NUM> controls respective units in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes a processor and a memory, and can execute various programs stored in the memory. A function of the control unit <NUM> is achieved by reading and executing the program stored in the memory.

The control unit <NUM> is connected with the observation terminal D via the communication unit <NUM>. When the control unit <NUM> receives an input of a determination result indicating an abnormality from the observation terminal D, the control unit <NUM> notifies a user of an abnormality. An abnormality notification may be a warning displayed on the display unit <NUM>, or an output of a warning sound from a speaker not shown in the drawing. Further, when the control unit <NUM> receives the input of the determination result indicating an abnormality from the observation terminal D, the control unit <NUM> may perform a control to stop reprocessing.

As shown in <FIG>, the treatment tank <NUM> is provided to the upper portion of the reprocessor body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the top cover <NUM> is brought into an open state, the treatment tank <NUM> is exposed to the outside. The treatment tank <NUM> has a recessed shape to accommodate the endoscope E that performs reprocessing and to store a liquid, such as a cleaning solution, a disinfecting liquid or a rinsing liquid. The treatment tank <NUM> has air/water feeding connectors <NUM>, a holding net <NUM>, a cleaning casing <NUM>, water level gauges <NUM>, a medicinal solution nozzle <NUM>, a water supply circulation nozzle <NUM>, a circulation port <NUM>, and a liquid discharge port <NUM>.

In the treatment tank <NUM>, cleaning tubes T connect the reprocessor body <NUM> and the endoscope E with each other. Each cleaning tube T includes an endoscope-side connector T1 connected with the endoscope E, and a processor-side connector T2 connected with the reprocessor body <NUM>. The reprocessor-side connector T2 has an ejection port T3 from which liquid ejects in a liquid passing state.

The endoscope E includes, for example, an endoscope operation portion E1, an insertion portion E2, a universal cord E3, and a scope connector E4. The insertion portion E2 has an elongated shape that extends from the endoscope operation portion E1 toward a distal end side of the endoscope E. The universal cord E3 extends from the endoscope operation portion E1. The scope connector E4 is caused to extend from a distal end side of the universal cord E3. The endoscope-side connectors T1 are connected to the endoscope operation portion E1 and the scope connector E4.

The air/water feeding connectors <NUM> are provided to a wall portion of the treatment tank <NUM>. The reprocessor-side connectors T2 are connected to the air/water feeding connectors <NUM>. Eight air/water feeding connectors <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. However, the number of air/water feeding connectors <NUM> is not limited to eight. The air/water feeding connectors <NUM> are connected with the circulation port <NUM> through conduits. When the control unit <NUM> drives a circulation pump, the air/water feeding connectors <NUM> takes in liquid through the circulation port <NUM>, and feed the liquid to the endoscope E. Further, when the control unit <NUM> drives an air compressor, the air/water feeding connectors <NUM> takes in air from the atmosphere, and feed the air to the endoscope E.

The holding net <NUM> is made of a material, such as metal or a resin, and is attached to a bottom portion of the treatment tank <NUM>. The holding net <NUM> includes an index pin 33a, an operation portion receiving portion 33b, a scope connector receiving portion 33c, and a hook 33d. The index pin 33a has a mark indicating a height of disinfecting liquid level. The operation portion receiving portion 33b is provided for disposing the endoscope operation portion E1. The scope connector receiving portion 33c is provided for disposing the scope connector E4. The hook 33d is provided for hooking the insertion portion E2 and the universal cord E3. A user disposes the endoscope operation portion E1 to the operation portion receiving portion 33b, disposes the scope connector E4 to the scope connector receiving portion 33c, and winds the insertion portion E2 and the universal cord E3 such that the insertion portion E2 and the universal cord E3 pass on the inside of the hook 33d. The user causes the endoscope E to be held by the holding net <NUM> such that the endoscope E is disposed below the mark on the index pin 33a to prevent the endoscope E from exceeding the disinfecting liquid level.

The cleaning casing <NUM> is attached to a center portion of the holding net <NUM>. Accessories removed from the endoscope E, such as an air/water feeding button, a suction button, and a cap, are accommodated in the cleaning casing <NUM>. A lower portion of the cleaning casing <NUM> is connected with a bottom portion connector provided to a bottom portion of the reprocessor body <NUM>. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, air or water is fed to the cleaning casing <NUM> from the bottom portion connector. The accessories are not particularly limited. Examples of the accessories are the suction button, the air/water feeding button, and a distal end cover that covers a distal end portion of the endoscope E, which are mounted on the endoscope E during the use and removed from the endoscope E at the time of performing reprocessing.

The water level gauges <NUM> measure a level of liquid in the cleaning tank, and outputs the measurement result to the control unit <NUM>.

The medicinal solution nozzle <NUM> is provided to a terrace portion provided at a position one step higher than other portions of a periphery portion in the treatment tank <NUM>. The medicinal solution nozzle <NUM> is connected with a medicinal solution tank in the reprocessor body <NUM>. When the control unit <NUM> drives a medicinal solution pump, the medicinal solution nozzle <NUM> discharges medicinal solution in the medicinal solution tank into the treatment tank <NUM>.

The water supply circulation nozzle <NUM> is provided to the terrace portion. The water supply circulation nozzle <NUM> is connected with the circulation port <NUM> through a conduit. When the control unit <NUM> drives the circulation pump, the water supply circulation nozzle <NUM> takes in liquid through the circulation port <NUM>, and discharges the liquid into the treatment tank <NUM>. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, the water supply circulation nozzle <NUM> also discharges, to the treatment tank <NUM>, water supplied through the water supply tube W via the water supply hose connection port <NUM>.

Each of the circulation port <NUM> and the liquid discharge port <NUM> is formed on the bottom portion of the treatment tank <NUM>, and a mesh filter is mounted on each of the circulation port <NUM> and the liquid discharge port <NUM> (<FIG>). Liquid is taken into the treatment tank <NUM> through the circulation port <NUM>. The liquid discharge port <NUM> is connected with external liquid discharge means, and the liquid in the treatment tank <NUM> is discharged to the outside through the liquid discharge port <NUM>. Further, the liquid discharge port <NUM> can be connected with the medicinal solution tank under the control of the control unit <NUM>. In the case where the liquid discharge port <NUM> is connected with the medicinal solution tank, medicinal solution used in the treatment tank <NUM> is recovered into the medicinal solution tank.

An example of medicinal solution used in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> may be peracetic acid solution. Peracetic acid solution is prepared in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> at a predetermined concentration in such a manner that a stock solution is diluted with water supplied through the water supply tube W. The medicinal solution is stored in the medicinal solution tank, and is discharged to the treatment tank <NUM> from the medicinal solution nozzle <NUM> at the time of disinfecting the endoscope E. After the medicinal solution is used for disinfecting the endoscope E, the medicinal solution is recovered into the medicinal solution tank so as to be used in the next reprocessing. A concentration of medicinal solution decreases with the number of use days and the number of use times. The medicinal solution may be prepared by the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> is made of a material, such as metal or a resin, and is provided to a front surface side on a side opposite to the back surface side of the top cover <NUM> (<FIG>). The terminal holding unit <NUM> is configured such that the terminal holding unit <NUM> can hold the observation terminal D at a position that allows the observation terminal D to observe the inside of the treatment tank <NUM> through the cover panel <NUM>. In other words, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is disposed on an outer surface of the top cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of the observation terminal D of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a back view of the observation terminal D of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the observation terminal D is a portable information terminal of a tablet type, for example. The observation terminal D includes cameras D1, D2, a control unit D3, a communication unit D4, a display unit D5 and an external connection connector D6.

The camera D1 is provided to a front surface of the observation terminal D. The camera D2 is provided to a rear surface of the observation terminal D. The camera D1, D2 includes an image pickup device formed of a CMOS, a CCD or the like, picks up an image of the outside, and outputs the picked-up image to the control unit D3. The camera D1, D2 may include a wide angle lens. The wide angle lens may be fixed to the observation terminal D, or may be detachably mounted on the observation terminal D.

In other words, the camera D1, which acts as a receiving unit, receives visible light reflected in the treatment tank <NUM> and transmitting through the cover panel <NUM>.

The control unit D3 includes a processor and a memory, and controls actions of respective units in the observation terminal D. The control unit D3 detects use state information from a picked-up image or a movie. Examples of the use state information may be a disposition state of the endoscope E, a connection state between the endoscope E and the reprocessor body <NUM>, a waterproof state of the endoscope E, a mounting state of the mesh filter, a liquid passing state of the conduit, a driving state of the pump, and a concentration state of medicinal solution. The use state information may be all of or some of these states, or may be use state information indicating other use state.

Further, the control unit D3 determines based on the detection result whether the use state information is normal or abnormal, and outputs the determination result.

The communication unit D4 communicates with the communication unit <NUM>, and outputs the determination result to the control unit <NUM>.

The display unit D5 can display various types of information on a display panel under the control of the control unit D3. The display unit D5 may display the determination result. In the display unit D5, a touch panel is made to overlap with the display panel, so that it is possible to input various instructions by touch operation.

The external connection connector D6 is electrically connected with an external device.

In other words, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> includes the top cover <NUM> and at least one terminal holding unit <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> is made of a material that allows light to transmit through the material, that is, a material having light transmitting properties, and the top cover <NUM> is disposed such that light is allowed to transmit from a reprocessor outer surface to the inside of the treatment tank <NUM>. The terminal holding unit <NUM> is disposed on the reprocessor outer surface, and holds the observation terminal D at a position that allows the observation terminal D to observe the inside of the treatment tank <NUM> through the cover panel <NUM>, the observation terminal D including the cameras D1, D2 that receive light. The observation terminal D includes the camera D1 that receives light, and the observation terminal D observes the inside of the treatment tank <NUM> using the light.

Subsequently, detection and determination of the use state information will be described.

A user causes the endoscope E to be held by the holding net <NUM>, and connects the endoscope E and the reprocessor body <NUM> by the cleaning tubes T, and then brings the top cover <NUM> into the closed state.

In the observation terminal D, the camera D1 picks up an image of the inside of the treatment tank <NUM>, and outputs the picked-up image to the control unit D3.

The control unit D3 detects use state information.

For example, the control unit D3 detects, based on the picked-up image, a disposition state of the endoscope E depending on respective positions of the endoscope operation portion E1, the insertion portion E2, the universal cord E3, and the scope connector E4.

For example, the control unit D3 detects and determines, based on the picked-up image, a connection state between the endoscope E and the reprocessor body <NUM>, such as a kind of the cleaning tube T, a mounting state of the endoscope-side connector T1 on the endoscope E, a mounting state of the reprocessor-side connector T2 on each air/water feeding connector <NUM>, removal of the cleaning tube T not in use, and bending of the cleaning tube T.

For example, the control unit D3 detects, based on the picked-up image, a waterproof state of the endoscope E, such as whether or not the waterproof cap is mounted on the scope connector E4.

For example, the control unit D3 detects, based on the picked-up image, a mounting state of the mesh filter on each of the circulation port <NUM> and the liquid discharge port <NUM>, such as mounting of the mesh filter, and whether or not the mesh filter is clogged.

<FIG> is an explanatory view for describing an example of detecting a liquid passing state of the conduits of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

For example, when the control unit <NUM> drives the reprocessor body <NUM> to feed liquid to the air/water feeding connectors <NUM>, a portion of the liquid is ejected from the ejection ports T3 (dashed-and-dotted lines in <FIG>). The camera D1 picks up an image of the liquid ejected from the ejection ports T3, and outputs the picked-up image to the control unit D3. The control unit D3 detects, based on the picked-up image, a liquid passing state of the conduits depending on whether or not the ejected liquid is impinging on the back surface of the top cover <NUM>.

For example, the control unit <NUM> drives the reprocessor body <NUM> to cause the liquid taken into the reprocessor body <NUM> from the circulation port <NUM> to be discharged from the water supply circulation nozzle <NUM>. The camera D1 picks up an image of the water supply circulation nozzle <NUM>, and outputs the picked-up image to the control unit D3. The control unit D3 detects, based on the picked-up image, a driving state of the pump depending on whether or not the liquid is being discharged from the water supply circulation nozzle <NUM>.

Each of <FIG> and <FIG> is an explanatory view for describing an example of detecting a concentration state of medicinal solution in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, a user opens the top cover <NUM>, and removes a cap 36a of the medicinal solution nozzle <NUM> to cause a test paper S to be immersed in the liquid in the medicinal solution nozzle <NUM> for a predetermined time period. After the test paper S is immersed in the liquid for the predetermined time period, the user removes excess liquid from the test paper S in a liquid removing operation, and causes the camera D1 to pick up an image of the test paper S. The camera D1 picks up the image of the test paper S, and outputs the picked-up image to the control unit D3. The control unit D3 detects, based on the picked-up image, a concentration state of medicinal solution depending on the degree of color change in the test paper S.

At this point of operation, the observation terminal D may give a user support for a test method, such as an immersion time period of the test paper S or a liquid removal time period. Examples of a support method may include a method of displaying the immersion time period or the liquid removal time period on the display unit D5 of the observation terminal D, a method of displaying a count timer for counting from the start to the end of the immersion time period or the liquid removal time period on the display unit D5, a method that the observation terminal D informs the immersion time period or the liquid removal time period by voice, and a method that the observation terminal D counts from the start to the end of the immersion time period or the liquid removal time period by voice.

The user may cause medicinal solution to adhere to the test paper S using a technique disclosed in <CIT>. Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the user may remove the gas filter <NUM> to cause the test paper S to be immersed in medicinal solution in the treatment tank <NUM> from the filter discharge port 14a. Alternatively, the user may insert the test paper S from an opening of the medicinal solution tank to immerse the test paper S into medicinal solution. Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, the user may collect medicinal solution into a container from a drain port, and may measure a concentration by inserting the test paper S into the container.

The control unit D3 compares the detection result and reference information stored in advance in the memory to determine whether the detection result falls within a normal range or falls outside the normal range, that is, in an abnormal range. Then, the control unit D3 outputs the determination result to the control unit <NUM> via the communication units D4, <NUM>.

When the control unit <NUM> receives an input of the determination result indicating an abnormality, the control unit <NUM> displays a warning on the display unit <NUM> to notify a user of an abnormality.

According to the embodiment, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> can be more easily equipped with the observation terminal D, which determines whether or not the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> is being used in an appropriate use state.

A terminal holding unit <NUM> may have a substantially U shape in cross section continuing in a length direction, for example.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an explanatory view for describing a disposition of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the description of components substantially identical to the corresponding components in other embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In the same manner, the description of components substantially identical to the corresponding components will be omitted also in other embodiments and modifications described hereinafter.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin, ceramic or metal. Assume the case where at least a portion of the terminal holding unit sandwiched between the observation terminal D and the top cover <NUM> is made of a material having visible light transmitting properties and a refractive index identical to a refractive index of the top cover <NUM>. In such a case, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that a user can easily observe the display unit of the observation terminal D through the top cover <NUM>.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> is provided to the outer surface of the top cover <NUM> such that a direction from the other end toward the one end is aligned with a direction in which the observation terminal D is inserted. The terminal holding unit <NUM> includes holding plates 212a, 212b, an insertion opening <NUM>, and an abutment plate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the holding plates 212a, 212b are provided substantially parallel to each other in a spaced apart manner by a distance that corresponds to the thickness of the observation terminal D. The lengths and the widths of the holding plates 212a, 212b are determined according to the size of the observation terminal D such that the holding plates 212a, 212b can stably hold the observation terminal D. The holding plate 212a is attached to a front surface of the cover panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the insertion opening <NUM> is provided on the other end side of the holding plates 212a, 212b. The observation terminal D is inserted into the insertion opening <NUM> such that the camera D1 faces the treatment tank <NUM> with the cover panel <NUM> interposed between the camera D1 and the treatment tank <NUM>.

The abutment plate <NUM> is continuously formed between the holding plates 212a, 212b on one end side of the holding plates 212a, 212b. The observation terminal D inserted from the insertion opening <NUM> is caused to abut against the abutment plate <NUM>. When the observation terminal D abuts against the abutment plate <NUM>, the observation terminal D is positioned such that the observation terminal D can pick up an image of the inside of the treatment tank <NUM>. In other words, the terminal holding unit <NUM> has the insertion opening <NUM> on the other end side of the terminal holding unit <NUM>, and include the abutment plate <NUM> on one end side of the terminal holding unit <NUM>, the abutment plate <NUM> positioning the inserted observation terminal D.

The holding plates 212a, 212b and the abutment plate <NUM> form a receiving base.

A region surrounded by the holding plates 212a, 212b and the abutment plate <NUM> form a holding groove.

With such a configuration, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> can hold the observation terminal D with the terminal holding unit <NUM> more easily.

In the modification <NUM> of the first embodiment, the holding plate 212b is fixed to the cover panel <NUM>. However, a detachable unit <NUM> may be provided between the holding plate 212b and the cover panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is an upper perspective view of a terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a lower perspective view of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The detachable unit <NUM> is detachably attached to the cover panel <NUM>. The detachable unit <NUM> includes a plate body <NUM>, knobs <NUM>, and suction cups <NUM>.

The plate body <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin or metal. The plate body <NUM> is continuously formed with the cover panel <NUM> side of the holding plate 212a. The plate body <NUM> has a protruding portion 322a at each of both end portions of the plate body <NUM> in a length direction. The protruding portion 322a protrudes in the length direction from each of both end portions of the holding plate 212a.

The knobs <NUM> are made of a material, such as a resin or metal, and are respectively provided to front surfaces of the protruding portions 322a. Each knob <NUM> is coupled with the center portion of the suction cup <NUM> by a screw member provided to penetrate the plate body <NUM>. The knob <NUM> is turned in a forward direction or a reverse direction by the finger of a user gripping the outer peripheral portion of the knob <NUM>, thus causing the screw member to advance or retract.

The suction cups <NUM> are made of a material, such as a resin having elasticity, and are provided to back surfaces of the protruding portions 322a. Each suction cup <NUM> has a suction surface having a recessed curved shape on a back surface of the suction cup <NUM>, and is detachably attached to the cover panel <NUM> by a negative pressure.

When the user turns the knob <NUM> in the forward direction, the screw member pulls the center portion of the suction cup <NUM> in a direction toward the front surface, so that the suction cup <NUM> increases a suction force against the cover panel <NUM>. When the user turns the knob <NUM> in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction, the screw member pushes back the center portion of the suction cup <NUM> in a direction toward the back surface, so that the suction cup <NUM> reduces the suction force against the cover panel <NUM>.

A component to which the terminal holding unit <NUM> is attached is not limited to the top cover <NUM>. The terminal holding unit <NUM> may be detachably attached to another component of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>.

In other words, the terminal holding unit <NUM> includes the receiving base and the detachable unit <NUM>. The receiving base holds the observation terminal D. The detachable unit <NUM> allows the receiving base to be detachably disposed.

With such a configuration, in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, the terminal holding unit <NUM> can be detachably attached to the outer surface of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> more easily.

According to the present invention, the observation terminal is held by the terminal holding unit such that the display unit of the observation terminal faces the top cover. In such a case, it is preferable to hold the observation terminal at a position where the terminal holding unit is prevented from overlapping with the display unit.

With such a configuration, a user can easily observe the display unit of the observation terminal through the top cover.

In the modifications <NUM> and <NUM> of the first embodiment, the terminal holding unit <NUM>, <NUM> has a substantially U shape in cross section continuing in the length direction. However, a terminal holding unit <NUM> may have a substantially L shape in cross section continuing in the length direction. In other words, the cover panel <NUM> or the reprocessor body <NUM> may play a role of the holding plate 212a in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin, ceramic or metal. The terminal holding unit <NUM> includes a holding plate <NUM>, an insertion opening <NUM>, and an abutment plate <NUM>.

The holding plate <NUM> is provided substantially parallel to the cover panel <NUM> in a spaced apart manner by a distance that corresponds to the thickness of the observation terminal D. The length and the width of the holding plate <NUM> are determined according to the size of the observation terminal D such that the holding plate <NUM> can stably hold the observation terminal D.

The insertion opening <NUM> is provided on the other end side of the holding plate <NUM>. The observation terminal D is inserted into the insertion opening <NUM> such that the camera D1 faces the treatment tank <NUM> with the cover panel <NUM> interposed between the camera D1 and the treatment tank <NUM>.

The abutment plate <NUM> is continuously formed between one end side of the holding plate <NUM> and the cover panel <NUM>. The observation terminal D inserted from the insertion opening <NUM> is caused to abut against the abutment plate <NUM>. When the observation terminal D abuts against the abutment plate <NUM>, the observation terminal D is positioned such that the observation terminal D can pick up an image of the inside of the treatment tank <NUM>.

The holding plate <NUM> and the abutment plate <NUM> form a receiving base.

A region surrounded by the holding plate <NUM> and the abutment plate <NUM> form a holding groove.

A detachable unit, such as a suction cup, may be provided between the abutment plate <NUM> and the cover panel <NUM>, for example.

It may be configured such that the terminal holding unit <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape in cross section continuing in the length direction, and the terminal holding unit <NUM> and the cover panel <NUM> form a V shape in cross section. In other words, the holding plate <NUM> may also serve as the abutment plate <NUM>.

In the modification <NUM> of the first embodiment, the terminal holding unit <NUM> includes no terminal connector <NUM>. However, a terminal holding unit <NUM> may include the terminal connector <NUM> to which the observation terminal D is connected.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> includes the terminal connector <NUM> and a battery <NUM>.

The terminal connector <NUM> is provided on a holding groove side of the abutment plate <NUM>. The terminal connector <NUM> is configured such that the terminal connector <NUM> can be connected with the external connection connector D6 of the observation terminal D that is held.

The battery <NUM> is connected with the terminal connector <NUM>, and outputs power to the observation terminal D connected to the terminal connector <NUM>.

It may be configured such that the terminal connector <NUM> is connected with an external power source, and outputs power supplied from the external power source to the observation terminal D.

In other words, the terminal holding unit <NUM> includes the insertion opening <NUM>, the abutment plate <NUM>, and the terminal connector <NUM>. The observation terminal D is inserted into the insertion opening <NUM>. The abutment plate <NUM> positions the inserted observation terminal D. The terminal connector <NUM> is provided to the abutment plate <NUM>.

With such a configuration, in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, power can be supplied to the observation terminal D by the terminal holding unit <NUM>.

The terminal connector <NUM> may be a connector for connecting the observation terminal D with an external memory or other smart device.

In the modifications <NUM> to <NUM> of the first embodiment, the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> holds the observation terminal D substantially parallel to the cover panel <NUM>. However, a terminal holding unit <NUM> may be configured such that the terminal holding unit <NUM> holds the observation terminal D at an angle at which the observation terminal D intersects with the cover panel <NUM> according to the purpose of use of the observation terminal D.

<FIG> is an explanatory view for describing a disposition of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a modification <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin or metal. The terminal holding unit <NUM> is provided to the front surface of the top cover <NUM> such that a direction from one end toward the other end is aligned with a direction in which the observation terminal D is inserted. The terminal holding unit <NUM> includes holding plates 612a, 612b, an insertion opening <NUM>, and an abutment plate <NUM>.

One surface of the holding plate 612a is provided to the front surface of the cover panel <NUM>. The other surface of the holding plate 612a inclines such that the other surface of the holding plate 612a approaches the top cover <NUM> as progresses from the one end side toward the other end side. The holding plate 612b is disposed substantially parallel to the holding plate 612a in a spaced apart manner by a distance that corresponds to the thickness of the observation terminal D.

The insertion opening <NUM> is provided on the one end side of the holding plates 612a, 612b. The observation terminal D is inserted into the insertion opening <NUM> such that the camera D1, which acts as a receiving unit, faces the treatment tank <NUM> with the cover panel <NUM> interposed between the camera D1 and the treatment tank <NUM>.

The abutment plate <NUM> is continuously formed between the holding plates 612a, 612b on the other end side of the holding plates 612a, 612b. The observation terminal D inserted from the insertion opening <NUM> is caused to abut against the abutment plate <NUM>.

The holding plates 612a, 612b and the abutment plate <NUM> form a receiving base.

A region surrounded by the holding plates 612a, 612b and the abutment plate <NUM> form a holding groove.

It may be configured such that an inclination angle of the other surface of the holding plate 612a can be adjusted by a user.

With such a configuration, in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, the terminal holding unit <NUM> holds the observation terminal D in a state where the observation terminal D is inclined with respect to the treatment tank <NUM>. Therefore, the observation terminal D can pick up a wider field of an image of the treatment tank <NUM>.

The observation terminal D may be disposed such that the observation terminal D is prevented from covering a portion of the treatment tank <NUM> close to one end side.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> is provided to a portion away from the center of the top cover <NUM>. In <FIG>, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is provided at a portion closer to the other end side than to the center portion, and holds the observation terminal D inserted in a direction from the other end side toward one end side.

With such a configuration, in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, a user is allowed to visually check a portion (a dashed-and-double-dotted line in <FIG>) disposed closer to the one end side than to the center portion of the treatment tank <NUM>. For example, the user is allowed to visually check ejection of liquid from the ejection ports T3 and whether or not liquid is being appropriately discharged from the water supply circulation nozzle <NUM>.

In the first embodiment and the modifications <NUM> to <NUM> of the first embodiment, the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> cannot allow the observation terminal D to rotate with respect to the cover panel <NUM>. However, a terminal holding unit <NUM> may be configured such that the terminal holding unit <NUM> can cause the observation terminal D to be rotated with respect to the cover panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top plan view for describing a first position of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an explanatory view for describing the first position of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view for describing a second position of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an explanatory view for describing the second position of the terminal holding unit <NUM> of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin or metal. The terminal holding unit <NUM> is provided to the front surface of the top cover <NUM> such that a direction from one end toward the other end is aligned with a direction in which the observation terminal D is inserted. The terminal holding unit <NUM> includes holding plates 712a, 712b, an insertion opening <NUM>, an abutment plate <NUM>, and a rotating unit <NUM>.

The holding plates 712a, 712b are provided substantially parallel to each other in a spaced-apart manner by a distance that corresponds to the thickness of the observation terminal D.

The insertion opening <NUM> is provided on a side of the holding plates 712a, 712b opposite to the rotating unit <NUM>. The observation terminal D is inserted into the insertion opening <NUM>.

The abutment plate <NUM> is continuously formed between the holding plates 712a, 712b on a rotating unit <NUM> side of the holding plates 712a, 712b.

The observation terminal D is inserted from the insertion opening <NUM> such that the camera D2 is directed toward the holding plate 712a side, and the camera D1 is directed toward the holding plate 712b side, and the observation terminal D is caused to abut against the observation terminal D.

The holding plates 712a, 712b and the abutment plate <NUM> form a receiving base.

A region surrounded by the holding plates 712a, 712b and the abutment plate <NUM> form a holding groove.

The rotating unit <NUM> is provided to the front surface of the top cover <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> has a rotation axis extending in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the observation terminal D is inserted. The rotating unit <NUM> supports the abutment plate <NUM> such that the abutment plate <NUM> can rotate about the rotation axis.

With the rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is disposed at either one of the first position or the second position.

The first position is a position where the insertion opening <NUM> is directed to the one end side of the top cover <NUM>. When the terminal holding unit <NUM> is in the first position, the camera D2 is disposed to face the treatment tank <NUM>. When the top cover <NUM> is brought into the closed state, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is brought into the first position.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second position is a position where the insertion opening <NUM> is directed to the other end side of the top cover <NUM>. When the terminal holding unit <NUM> is in the second position, the camera D1 is disposed to protrude from the other end side of the top cover <NUM>. When the top cover <NUM> is brought into the open state, the terminal holding unit <NUM> is brought into the second position.

In other words, the terminal holding unit <NUM> includes the receiving base and the rotating unit <NUM>. The receiving base holds the observation terminal D. The rotating unit <NUM> rotatably supports the receiving base. The rotating unit <NUM> causes the receiving base to be rotated such that the receiving base is in the first position with the top cover <NUM> being in the closed state, and the receiving base is in the second position different from the first position with the top cover <NUM> being in the open state.

With such a configuration, in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, it is possible to pick up an image of the inside of the treatment tank <NUM> in a state where the top cover <NUM> is brought into the closed state, thus causing the terminal holding unit <NUM> to be brought into the first position.

Further, in the endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, various types of information, such as a manual, an instruction, a notification, or warning, is displayed on the display unit D5 in a state where the top cover <NUM> is brought into the open state, thus causing the terminal holding unit <NUM> to be brought into the second position. A user can perform a work for reprocessing, such as disposing or connecting the endoscope E in the treatment tank <NUM> by referencing the various types of information displayed on the display unit D5.

According to the embodiment, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> includes the terminal holding unit <NUM> capable of being rotated by the rotating unit <NUM>, and can be more easily equipped with the observation terminal D, which determines whether or not the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> is being used in an appropriate use state.

In the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> has no light reflecting structure. However, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> may have the light reflecting structure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> according to a third embodiment not part of of the present invention.

The reprocessor body <NUM> includes a terminal holding unit <NUM>, an observation panel <NUM>, which acts as a transmitting unit, a mirror <NUM> that forms the light reflecting structure, and an observation terminal F.

The terminal holding unit <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin or metal. The terminal holding unit <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the transmitting unit at an outer peripheral side portion of the reprocessor body <NUM>. The terminal holding unit <NUM> includes a holding base that holds the observation terminal F.

The observation panel <NUM> is made of a material, such as a resin, and has light transmitting properties. The observation panel <NUM> is provided to the outer peripheral side portion of the reprocessor body <NUM> to allow an observation of the inside of the treatment tank <NUM>.

The mirror <NUM> is made of a material, such as glass or metal. The mirror <NUM> is provided to the wall portion of the treatment tank <NUM> at a position that faces the observation panel <NUM>.

The observation terminal F is held by the terminal holding unit <NUM>. The observation terminal F includes a camera F1, a control unit F3, and a communication unit F4.

The camera F1 is disposed such that the camera F1 faces the mirror <NUM> with the observation panel <NUM> interposed between the camera F1 and the mirror <NUM>. The camera F1 can pick up an image of the inside of the treatment tank <NUM> displayed on the mirror <NUM>. The configurations of the control unit F3 and of the communication unit F4 are substantially same as the configurations of the control unit D3 and the communication unit D4 and hence, the repeated description will be omitted.

According to the embodiment, the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> allows the observation terminal F to observe also the back side of an article accommodated in the treatment tank <NUM> with the mirror <NUM>, and can be more easily equipped with the observation terminal F, which determines whether or not the endoscope reprocessor <NUM> is being used in an appropriate use state.

In the embodiments and the modifications, the description has been made for an example where an observation wave is light. However, the observation wave may be an electromagnetic wave including visible light, invisible light, and the like. Further, the observation wave is not limited to an electromagnetic wave, but may be an acoustic wave.

The observation terminal D, F may include a filter that receives only a specific wavelength of the observation wave.

In the embodiments and the modifications, the observation terminal D, F is a portable information terminal of a tablet type or a camera terminal. However, the observation terminal D, F is not limited to the above. The observation terminal D may be a portable information terminal, such as a smartphone, or a camera terminal, such as a Web camera.

In the embodiments and the modifications, one set of the observation terminal D, F and the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> is provided. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. A plural sets of the observation terminal D, F and the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> may be provided.

In the embodiment and the modifications, the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> is configured such that the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> can hold a portable information terminal of a tablet type or a camera terminal. However, the shape of the terminal holding unit <NUM> to <NUM> is not limited to the shape described in the examples in the embodiments and the modifications.

Unlike the first to third embodiments, in a fourth embodiment, not part of the present invention, a holding base including the terminal holding unit is separate from an endoscope reprocessor.

It is sufficient for the holding base to be able to hold the observation terminal D such that the observation terminal D can observe the treatment tank <NUM> with the cover panel <NUM> being in the closed state or in the open state. An example of the shape of the holding base may be a shape of a music stand. Another example of the shape of the holding base may be a shape formed of a hanging portion from which the observation terminal D is hung and a support portion that supports the hanging portion.

The endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, the observation terminal D, or the holding base may include at least one of a detection unit and an informing unit. The detection unit is configured to detect whether or not the treatment tank <NUM> is within a visual field range of the observation terminal D. The informing unit is configured to inform the detection result from the detection unit.

The endoscope reprocessor <NUM>, the observation terminal D, or the holding base may include at least one of a calculation unit and an informing unit. The calculation unit is configured to calculate a position of the holding base, a height of the holding portion, or an angle of the terminal holding unit to allow the treatment tank <NUM> to be within the visual field range of the observation terminal D. The informing unit is configured to inform the calculation result from the calculation unit.

In the embodiments and the modifications, the observation terminal D, F performs determination processing on the detection result. However, a device that performs the determination processing is not limited to the observation terminal D, F. The device that performs the determination processing may be any of a PC terminal, an information terminal such as a server, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a wearable device of a type such as a watch type, a pendant type, a brooch type, a glasses type, or a headband hat type, or the reprocessor body <NUM> instead of the observation terminal D, F.

In the embodiments and the modifications, a notification processing is performed by the reprocessor body <NUM>. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. The notification processing may be performed by any one of a PC terminal, an information terminal such as a server, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, a wearable device of a type such as a watch type, a pendant type, a brooch type, a glasses type, or a headband hat type, a projector, or a virtual image monitor instead of the reprocessor body <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An endoscope reprocessor (<NUM>) comprising:
a treatment tank (<NUM>);
a top cover (<NUM>) having a transmitting unit (<NUM>) made of a transmitting material that allows visible light to transmit through the transmitting material, the transmitting unit (<NUM>) being disposed such that the visible light is allowed to transmit from a reprocessor outer surface to an inside of a treatment tank (<NUM>);
an observation terminal (D) including a receiving unit (D1) that receives the visible light and a display unit (D5);
and
at least one terminal holding unit (<NUM>) disposed on an outer surface of the top cover (<NUM>), and configured to hold the observation terminal (D) at a position that allows the observation terminal (D) to observe the inside of the treatment tank (<NUM>) through the transmitting unit (<NUM>), wherein the observation terminal (D) is held by the terminal holding unit (<NUM>) such that the display unit (D5) faces the top cover (<NUM>) and a user can observe the display unit (D5) of the observation terminal (D) through the top cover (<NUM>).