Assembly to clean and/or disinfect medical hoses, tubes, catheters or endoscopes individually regulated by magnetic valves

The This invention relates to a device for cleaning and / or Disinfecting of elongate hollow bodies, in particular of medical hoses, Catheters and endoscopes according to the preamble of claim 1.

A Such a device is known from <patcit><text>DE 103 21 991 B3</text></patcit> known. There the objects to be cleaned each about a clutch connected to a water channel, which in the flow direction prior to coupling an adjustable flow constriction and a pressure sensor are arranged with a memory function. If there is sufficient flow of cleaning fluid passes through the hollow body at the flow constriction a pressure drop. In completely or partially clogged hollow body builds In contrast, a storage pressure which is detected by the pressure sensor and permanently is stored. As a result, after completion of a cleaning operation, are recognized at the value stored immediately whether one or more hollow body properly flushed and thus were purified.

Out of the <patcit><text>DE 296 20 011 U1</text></patcit> it is known, for cleaning more catheters or tubes to install several attachable to a water channel that a inextricably linked have their associated attachment means of the outside form- to be cleaned object or keep a force fit. These are attachable as a coupling for connecting the hose to the water channel.

to Validation of cleaning and / or disinfecting result of Endoscopes proposes <patcit><text>DE 102 08 035 A1</text></patcit> in front, each channel with a liquid container assign a predetermined volume and to determine whether this volume within predetermined time has flowed through the channel.

The <patcit><text>EP 0711529 A1</text></patcit> describes a method for testing and cleaning of endoscopes, in which each fluid channel via a Manifold with valves is connected to a fluid source. Using a Durchflußprüfgerätes is permeability the channels tested separately or in groups successively by the fluid channels supplied from the fluid source becomes. To check the Transmittance, it is checked whether a specific volume of fluid in a certain time unit by the each channel is sent. The measurement of the flow rate per Unit of time is effected in that the Fluid is forced under pressure through the channel and the time course evaluates the pressure drop, resulting in flow-through volume can be determined. by virtue of the determined volume per unit time is then the specific Endoscope identified by the measured value with device-specific values is compared.

The <patcit><text>DE 36 01 395 A1</text></patcit> describes a device for displaying abnormal operating conditions at an endoscope washer. With a variety of sensors certain parameters, such as water levels of cleaning fluid, measured or monitored and determines whether a fault present or an abnormal condition.

The channels endoscopes have depending on the application (for example, working channel, Sampling channel, injection channel, etc.) very different diameters. Next, these channels very sensitive to pressure, ie, a fluid pressure above in a channel predetermined limits can lead to a damage of the entire endoscope to lead.

at The examination the channels permeability must therefore, in accordance with the aforementioned device <patcit><text>DE 103 21 991 B3</text></patcit> of the Pressure of the individual channels not exceed certain limits. This is achieved in that the from a pump delivered form is limited and / or characterized, that the the individual channels associated nozzles for the respective endoscope and the respective channel are designed. Thus is there any clutch on a specific endoscope with a certain Solldurchflußmenge designed.

at The examination various endoscopes or catheters with various Solldurchflußmengen or testing various endoscope channels it is therefore necessary, the nozzles and the respective pressure gauge with memory function the current conditions adapt, which is very expensive in practice, since the nozzle and the pressure gauge must be replaced.

task of the present invention is to provide the known device to the effect improve that different hollow body can be tested with one and the same device.

These Task is given in the patent claims 1 to 3 Features dissolved. advantageous Refinements and developments of the invention are the claims to remove.

The Basic principle of the invention, each coupling operably an adjustable nozzle assigned. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is the adjustable nozzle a solenoid valve connected to a high frequency &lt;?page 3?&gt;actuated is the above the natural frequency of the valve is situated. raises depending on driving frequency a valve body more or less from a valve seat, so that the opening cross section of the valve depends on the driving frequency and thus the valve forms a controllable nozzle.

After another variant of the invention, each coupling a hollow body at least two nozzles and each nozzle assigned a controllable shut-off valve. This allows per Hollow body optionally one or more nozzles are activated and thus at constant feed pressure of the pump different pressures at the respective hollow body be adjusted. nozzles operatively parallel connected. Their outputs to lead to the pressure gauge, which is preferably an electrical pressure gauge is with a downstream electronic memory.

After another embodiment of the invention, each coupling a hollow body also at least two nozzles assigned, but a plurality of nozzles of different couplings only a common shut-off valve is associated.

Preferably are the nozzle cross-sections the power of the system (binary) rising designed. blank when using two nozzles having cross-sections of "1" and "2" thus effective nozzle cross-sections of "1", "2" or "3" realized. at Use of a "n" number of nozzles 2 canⁿ implemented various effective nozzle cross-sections will. For example, with four nozzles 2⁴ set = 16 ver different nozzle cross-sections will.

to Adaptation to the individual characteristics of a catheter or Endoscope channel can thus the following three parameters are varied: <ul><li>1. the effective nozzle cross section,</li><li>2. the response of the pressure gauge with electronic storage and</li><li>3. the feed pressure P₀,</li></ul>

By these measures can with a single structure, the operation of the device so be adjusted so that each Catheter or each endoscope channel with the optimum flow rate with respect to its Continuity is checked, the pressure gauge with memory function operates when this flow to a preprogrammed percentage down from the target quantity differs from what is noticeable by a corresponding increase in pressure power. The pressure gauge can be designed as a pressure switch, the switches with a programmable threshold.

embodiment

in the following the invention of an exemplary embodiment in connection detail with the drawing explained. It shows:

<figref idrefs="S13">1</figref> a Schematic diagram of a apparatus according to a first embodiment the invention;

<figref idrefs="S14">2</figref> a Schematic diagram of a apparatus according to a second embodiment the invention; and

<figref idrefs="S15">3</figref> a Schematic diagram of a apparatus according to a third embodiment the invention.

<figref idrefs="S13">1</figref> shows a pipeline <figref>1</figref>, Via a manifold <figref>2</figref> to a plurality of water channels <figref>3.1</figref>. <figref>3.2</figref>. <figref>3.3</figref> ... <figref>6.1</figref>. <figref>6.2</figref> branched, wherein a plurality of water channels, eg <figref>3.1</figref>. <figref>3.2</figref>. <figref>3.3</figref> or <figref>4.1</figref>. <figref>4.2</figref>. <figref>4.3</figref> ever form a group, each one clutch <figref>7</figref>. <figref>8th</figref>. <figref>9</figref> or <figref>10</figref> assigned is. All water channels<figref>3.1</figref> to <figref>6.2</figref> will of the pipe <figref>1</figref> and the manifold <figref>2</figref> With liquid fed by a circulation pump <figref>11</figref> With a predetermined pressure P₀ is supplied. In each water channel <figref>3.1</figref> to <figref>6.2</figref> is located a controllable valve <figref>12.1</figref>. <figref>12.2</figref>. <figref>12.3</figref>. <figref>13.1</figref>. <figref>13.2</figref>. <figref>13.3</figref>. <figref>14.1</figref>. <figref>14.2</figref>. <figref>14.3</figref> or. <figref>15.1</figref>. <figref>15.2</figref>, Each of these valves is individually by a controller <figref>16</figref> controllable and can the states "open" or "closed" to take, depending on Control signal to a corresponding electrical control line. Further, in each water channel <figref>3.1</figref> to <figref>6.2</figref> a nozzle <figref>17.1</figref>. <figref>17.2</figref>. <figref>17.3</figref>; <figref>18.1</figref>. <figref>18.2</figref>. <figref>18.3</figref>; <figref>19.1</figref>. <figref>19.2</figref>. <figref>19.3</figref>; <figref>20.1</figref>. <figref>20.2</figref> arranged. downstream the nozzle are the pipes of each group via a pipe connector <figref>21</figref>. <figref>22</figref>. <figref>23</figref> or. <figref>24</figref> together connected so that they groups then in each case a single pipeline <figref>25</figref>. <figref>26</figref>. <figref>27</figref> or. 28 open. In each of these mentioned pipelines last <figref>25</figref>. <figref>26</figref>. <figref>27</figref>. <figref>28</figref> is a respective pressure sensor <figref>29</figref>. <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> or. <figref>32</figref> switched on, of over an electric line <figref>33</figref>. <figref>34</figref>. <figref>35</figref> or. <figref>36</figref> a pressure signal to controller <figref>16</figref> delivers, which is stored there.

Downstream of pressure sensors <figref>29</figref>-<figref>32</figref> then the clutches <figref>7</figref>. <figref>8th</figref>. <figref>9</figref> or. <figref>10</figref> arranged, to each of which a hollow body <figref>37</figref>. <figref>38</figref>. <figref>39</figref> or. <figref>40</figref> is connected. The hollow body , a channel of an endoscope, a catheter, a tube or the like be. The out of the free end of the hollow body<figref>37</figref>-<figref>40</figref> exiting liquid enters into a swamp <figref>41</figref> a housing <figref>42</figref> a cleaning machine and from there via a pipeline <figref>43</figref> for circulating pump <figref>11</figref> recycled.

&lt;?page 4?&gt;

To the Setting the test pressure of the hollow body <figref>37</figref>. <figref>38</figref>. <figref>39</figref> or. <figref>40</figref> flowing liquid can the individual nozzles <figref>17.1</figref> to <figref>20.2</figref> increases or be turned off. Since these are in groups in parallel, to selectively effective nozzle cross section set specifically. It is particularly advantageous, when the nozzle of a Group, such as the nozzles <figref>17.1</figref>. <figref>17.2</figref> and <figref>17.3</figref>. have different cross-section. Preferably, it is even if the gradation after the binary system takes place, so for example, the nozzle <figref>17.1</figref> a cross-section of "1", the nozzle <figref>17.2</figref> the Cross-section "2" and the nozzle <figref>17.3</figref> the Cross-section "4". When n nozzles is obtained thus 2ⁿ Combination and thus gradation possibilities. The above values ​​of "1", "2", "4" are relative Values ​​are normalized to a predetermined cross-sectional nozzle.

For each of the -mentioned groups, ie each of the hollow bodies <figref>37</figref>. <figref>38</figref>. <figref>39</figref> and <figref>40</figref> let yourself thus individually the valves <figref>12.1</figref> to <figref>15.2</figref> Set a test pressure, of the output pressure P₀ the circulating pump <figref>11</figref> based is. this pressure also can be by the controller <figref>16</figref> Setting, for example by changing the rotational speed of the circulating pump <figref>11</figref>, Finally, let Also limiting pressures for the pressure sensors <figref>29</figref>. <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> and <figref>32</figref> set to. It may be provided that in the case of such a crossing preset pressure, which is an indicator of an open or not properly permeable hollow body is, the circulating pump <figref>11</figref> off is an inadmissible high pressure in the respective hollow body to avoid. additionally is the maximum pressure of the pressure sensors <figref>29</figref>-<figref>32</figref> stored, which as proof of flawless continuity the hollow body serves.

<figref idrefs="S14">2</figref> shows a variant of the invention, which extends from the <figref idrefs="S13">1</figref> in the substantially differs in that in each case a check valve a plurality of nozzles assigned. This variant assumes that, for example, at large Endoscopes all channels a larger diameter have and with small endoscopes all a smaller diameter. More specifically, in <figref idrefs="S14">2</figref> to the manifold <figref>2</figref> three lines <figref>3</figref>. <figref>4</figref> and <figref>5</figref> connected, in each of which a controllable check valve <figref>12</figref>. <figref>13</figref> or. <figref>14</figref> used is. At the outputs these valves <figref>12</figref>. <figref>13</figref> and <figref>14</figref> is each a manifold <figref>44</figref>. <figref>45</figref> or. <figref>46</figref> connected. On the manifold <figref>44</figref> are each a nozzle <figref>17.1</figref>. <figref>18.1</figref>. <figref>19.1</figref> and <figref>20.1</figref> each group connected by nozzles, to the individual clutches <figref>7</figref>. <figref>8th</figref>. <figref>9</figref> and <figref>10</figref> to lead. Similarly Example, to the second manifold <figref>45</figref> the nozzle <figref>17.2</figref>. <figref>18.2</figref>. <figref>19.2</figref> and <figref>20.2</figref> affiliated and the third manifold <figref>46</figref> the nozzle <figref>17.3</figref>. <figref>18.3</figref>. <figref>19.3</figref> and <figref>20.3</figref>,

The outputs all nozzles are like at <figref idrefs="S13">1</figref> - Turn on pipe connectors <figref>21</figref>. <figref>22</figref>. <figref>23</figref> and <figref>24</figref> to piping <figref>25</figref>. <figref>26</figref>. <figref>27</figref> and <figref>28</figref> summarized in the the pressure sensors <figref>29</figref>. <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> and <figref>32</figref> used are. By switching one or more of the valves<figref>12</figref> . <figref>13</figref> or <figref>14</figref> will thus for all groups, ie for all couplings <figref>7</figref>. <figref>8th</figref>. <figref>9</figref> and <figref>10</figref> the effective nozzle cross-sections switched together. In the here shown three nozzles per Group thus result 2³ = 8 Stufungsmöglichkeiten.

in the embodiment of the <figref idrefs="S15">3</figref> each clutch <figref>7</figref>. <figref>8th</figref>. <figref>9</figref> and <figref>10</figref> just a controllable nozzle <figref>17</figref>. <figref>18</figref>. <figref>19</figref> and <figref>20</figref> assigned. These controllable nozzles <figref>17</figref>-<figref>20</figref> are controllable solenoid valves, which can take not only the states "on" and "off" but also stable intermediate positions. For this purpose, for example, solenoid valves with movable valve plug used, which are driven with a high frequency. These Driving frequency is above the cutoff frequency of the valve, with which just a complete inputs and off is achieved. This higher frequency raises the valve plug from the assigned from the valve seat, without that the valve opens fully. ever after driving frequency is the extent of the lifting of the valve plug from the Valve seat adjustable, while also addressing the effective flow area of the valve is adjustable. This yields as a result a controllable or adjustable nozzle.

At the outcome of the controllable nozzles <figref>17</figref>-<figref>20</figref> is then in each case a pressure sensor <figref>29</figref>. <figref>30</figref>. <figref>31</figref> or. <figref>32</figref> and because the clutch <figref>7</figref>. <figref>8th</figref>. <figref>9</figref> or. <figref>10</figref> connected.

With the device according to the invention can, without structural modifications many different hollow bodies cleaned and checked are, in each case in coordination with the respective hollow bodies, such as for example, an endoscope, the pressures in the programmable controller, for example, a microprocessor is to be determined.

The Pressure sensors can be of any design. For example, they can according to the<patcit><text>DE 103 21 991 B3</text></patcit> educated be. It can but also other pressure sensors are used in the prior are known to the art. It can make it both pressure sensors his own memory function as well as normal pressure sensors, which provide a pressure-proportional output signal which is then in the control <figref>16</figref> is stored.