FLUID DISTRIBUTOR FOR A REPROCESSING DEVICE FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

Abstract

A fluid distributor for a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments. The fluid distributor including: a first fluid routing body having a first fluid hole, the first hole having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second fluid routing body that has at least two second fluid holes, each of the at least two second fluid holes having a second inlet and a second outlet; wherein the first fluid routing body and the second fluid routing body are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation such that the first fluid hole communicates fluidically in sequence with each of the at least two second fluid holes.

Claims

1. A fluid distributor for a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments, the fluid distributor comprising: a first fluid routing body having a first fluid hole, the first hole having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second fluid routing body that has at least two second fluid holes, each of the at least two second fluid holes having a second inlet and a second outlet; wherein the first fluid routing body and the second fluid routing body are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation such that the first fluid hole communicates fluidically in sequence with each of the at least two second fluid holes.

2. The fluid distributor according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid hole comprises at least two first fluid holes.

3. The fluid distributor according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid hole comprises n first fluid holes and the at least two second fluid holes comprises m multiplied by n second fluid holes, wherein n and m are natural numbers, n is greater than 1, and m is greater than or equal to 1.

4. The fluid distributor according to claim 1, wherein the first outlet of the first fluid hole and the second inlets of the at least two second fluid holes are at a same distance from the axis of rotation.

5. The fluid distributor according to claim 3, wherein at least two rows of first outlets of the n first fluid holes and at least two rows of second inlets of the m multiplied by n second fluid holes are provided, wherein a distance of each row from the first outlets to the axis of rotation corresponds to distances of a row of second inlets of the second fluid holes to the axis of rotation.

6. The fluid distributor according to claim 1, further comprising a hollow cylinder in which the first and second fluid routing bodies are arranged.

7. The fluid distributor according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second fluid routing bodies is configured as a hollow cylindrical pot which has one of the first fluid hole or the at least two second fluid holes in an end face, wherein the other of the first and second fluid routing bodies is arranged in the hollow cylindrical pot.

8. The fluid distributor according to claim 1, further comprising a flat seal arranged between an end face of the first fluid routing body and an opposing end face of the second fluid routing body, the flat seal permitting a relative rotary movement of the first fluid routing body to the second fluid routing body.

9. The fluid distributor according to claim 6, further comprising a shaft seal, the shaft seal providing a seal between the hollow cylinder and the first and/or second fluid routing body.

10. The fluid distributor according to claim 7, further comprising a shaft seal, the shaft seal providing a seal between the first or second fluid routing body configured as the hollow cylindrical pot and the other of the first and second fluid routing body.

11. A reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments, the reprocessing device comprising a fluid distributor according to claim 1.

12. A method of using the fluid distributor according to claim 1 in a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments, the method comprising: introducing a first fluid into the first inlet, and rotating the first fluid routing body relative to the second fluid routing body about an axis of rotation such that the first fluid hole communicates fluidically in sequence with each of the at least two second fluid holes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further features will become apparent from the description of embodiments together with the claims and the included drawings. Embodiments can fulfill individual characteristics or a combination of several characteristics.

[0031] The embodiments will be described below, without restricting the general idea of the invention, based on such embodiments in reference to the drawings, wherein we expressly refer to the drawings with regard to the disclosure of all details that are not explained in greater detail in the text. In the following:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a reprocessing device,

[0033] FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate a schematic plan view of a first fluid routing body with two fluid holes in different rotary positions,

[0034] FIGS. 3a-3d illustrate a schematic plan view of a second fluid routing body in which fluids are introduced into corresponding fluid holes corresponding to the rotary positions of the first fluid routing body according to FIG. 2,

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic sectional representation of a fluid distributor in a first embodiment,

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic three-dimensional representation of a fluid distributor in a second embodiment.

[0037] In the drawings, the same or similar types of elements and/or parts are provided with the same reference numbers so that a re-introduction is omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a reprocessing device 10. In the reprocessing device 10, an endoscope 12 is schematically represented in a basket 32. The endoscope 12 has channels which are to be cleaned and disinfected. Lines 33 are provided for this through which corresponding fluids such as liquids as well as gases can be conducted. In order to conduct corresponding fluids to the endoscope 12, a connection plate 31 is provided on the basket 32 which can be connected to a fluid distributor 11. The lines 33 can be connected without a connection plate 31 directly to the fluid distributor 11. The fluid distributor 11 is supplied a corresponding fluid from pumps 35 via lines 34 from the fluid reservoirs 36 and 37. The fluid distributor 11 has two first fluid holes 15, 16 in a first fluid routing body 13 to which a second fluid routing body 14 is directly connected. Four fluid holes (not shown) are provided in the second fluid routing body and communicate with the connections of the lines 33 to the connection plate 31.

[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, the first fluid routing body 13 is rotatable relative to the second fluid routing body 14. Enabling the first routing body 13 to rotate allows the first fluid holes 15 and 16 to alternatingly communicate with the four second fluid holes (not shown) of the second fluid routing body 14. In this exemplary embodiment, two holes always communicate with each other. This is depicted again in FIGS. 2 and 3 in greater detail.

[0040] FIGS. 2a-2d show the first fluid routing body 13 in different rotary angles. In a home position which is shown in FIG. 2a, the first fluid routing body 13 is shown which has a first fluid hole 15 and an other first fluid hole 16. Fluids are indicated in each of the fluid holes 15 and 16 and are provided with the reference numbers 28 and 29. The first fluid routing body 13 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow 30, or respectively direction of rotation 30. Starting from the home position in FIG. 2a, a position is reached after a 90° rotation which is shown in FIG. 2b. After another 90° rotation, a position of the first fluid routing body 13 is reached that is shown in FIG. 2c. Correspondingly, the position in FIG. 2d is provided after an additional 90° rotation. To prevent excessive twisting of the supply lines, a reverse rotation can be provided, i.e., opposite the direction of rotation 30, to reach the home position in FIG. 2a.

[0041] FIGS. 3a-3d schematically portray the second routing body 14. The second fluid routing body 14 has four second fluid holes 20, 21, 22, 23 which all have the same distance to the midpoint of the cross-section of the second fluid routing body and are equidistant to each other on a circle connecting the midpoints of the second fluid holes 20, 21, 22, 23. Correspondingly, the second fluid holes 20-23 can communicate with the first fluid holes 15, 16 of the first routing body 13 shown in FIGS. 2a-2d depending on the positions after the first fluid routing body 13 is rotated, which are depicted successively in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d.

[0042] The holes that communicate with each other can be easily discerned by the fluids indicated in the holes. In the case of FIG. 3a, the fluid 28 is correspondingly let into the hole 20, and the fluid 29 is let into the hole 22. In FIG. 3b, the fluid 28 passes into the second fluid hole 21, and fluid 29 passes into the second fluid hole 23. Correspondingly in FIG. 3c, the fluid 29 passes into the second fluid hole 20, and the fluid 28 passes into the second fluid hole 22. To the extent that the fluid 28 and the fluid 29 are different fluids, a mixture can accordingly be achieved in the respective fluid channels since different fluids are always introduced alternatingly into the second fluid hole 20, 21, 22, 23. With correspondingly short, sequential supplies of fluids, very even dosing and mixing can be achieved.

[0043] FIG. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of a fluid distributor 11 according to another embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the first fluid routing body 13 and the second fluid routing body 14 are introduced into a hollow cylinder 41. The hollow cylinder 41 can be introduced into a housing of a reprocessing device. FIG. 4 shows that the first fluid hole 15 communicates with the second fluid hole 20, i.e., a fluid can pass in the direction of the arrow from a connection 40 via the first inlet 17 through the first fluid hole 15 and then through the second fluid hole 20 via a second outlet 25 to a connection 40. It can be seen that the first outlet 18 of the first fluid hole 15 lies directly opposite to the second inlet 24 of the second fluid hole 20. The corresponding holds true for the first fluid hole 16 and the second fluid hole 21 which are also shown in FIG. 4.

[0044] It can be provided that the first fluid routing body 13 can be rotated about an axis which lies in the plane of the drawing and is horizontal, or the second fluid routing body 14 can correspondingly rotate about this axis of rotation 27 to enable fluidic communication between the first fluid holes 15, 16 and the second fluid holes 20, 21. As long as only two second fluid holes 20, 21 are provided as depicted here in FIG. 4, the respective first fluid hole can accordingly always communicate fluidically with the respective second fluid hole. With the other second fluid holes which are not shown in FIG. 4 since it is a sectional view, a corresponding fluidic communication can be provided as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0045] To provide a seal, a flat seal 45 for example made of Teflon is provided between the end face 43 of the first fluid routing body 13 and the end face 44 of the second fluid routing body 14. In addition, a radial seal, or respectively a shaft seal 46, can be provided that provides a seal between the second fluid routing body 14 and the hollow cylinder 41 in FIG. 4. A corresponding shaft seal 46 can also be provided in the region of the first fluid routing body 13. This is however not shown in FIG. 4. The shaft seal 46 can be made of Teflon or contain Teflon.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an additional embodiment of a fluid distributor 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the second fluid routing body 14 is designed in the shape of a pot, and the first fluid routing body 13 is introduced into this pot. Since the representation is three-dimensional, the end face 42 is only implied. A corresponding flat seal can also be provided between this end face 42 of the second fluid routing body 14 and an opposing end face of the first fluid routing body 13. The end face 42 which is meant in this context is the one inside the pot.

[0047] Here as well, corresponding connections 40 are provided which represent a corresponding first inlet 17 of the first fluid routing body 13, or respectively the first fluid holes 15, 16.

[0048] The first and the second fluid routing bodies 13, 14 and the hollow cylinder 41 as well can be made of steel or PEEK, or respectively polyether ether ketone. The cylindrical body can be used as a dosing apparatus. The cylinder in this context is for example designed like a shell or pot and has corresponding throughholes.

[0049] The hole midpoints are distributed concentrically around the middle axis.

[0050] A rotating insert is located in the pot, or respectively shell, and is connected in a form-fit manner to enable a rotary movement.

[0051] The insert can have two or more through-holes which are spaced the same distance from the middle axis of the cylinder as the holes provided in the cylinder itself. This enables the holes to be opened and closed relative to each other during a rotary movement of one of the components. The holes are arranged concentric to each other.

[0052] The rotating insert can be driven manually, for example by a locking screw, or automatically by a pneumatic system, or respectively a servomotor, and be moved into a desired position.

[0053] Liquid or gaseous media, i.e., fluids, can be conducted by gravitation and/or compressed air, or by pumps through the insert via the cylinders into individual channels and then ultimately into hoses or tubes.

[0054] Liquid and gaseous fluids can be dosed thereby. Corresponding holes can be opened or closed by the different rotary positions. The position of the rotations can be controlled or regulated over time, whereby the amount of the flowing fluid can be specifically controlled. Moreover, when there are more than two connections, an efficient mixture of fluids can be enabled.

[0055] This enables a very space-saving dosing as well as mixing of the fluids. In addition, cleaning chemicals can be intentionally added.

[0056] While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

[0057] 10 Reprocessing device [0058] 11 Fluid distributor [0059] 12 Endoscope [0060] 13 First fluid routing body [0061] 14 Second fluid routing body [0062] 15 First fluid hole [0063] 16 First fluid hole [0064] 17 First inlet [0065] 18 First outlet [0066] 20 Second fluid hole [0067] 21 Second fluid hole [0068] 22 Second fluid hole [0069] 23 Second fluid hole [0070] 24 Second inlet [0071] 25 Second outlet [0072] 27 Axis of rotation [0073] 28 First fluid [0074] 29 Second fluid [0075] 30 Direction of rotation [0076] 31 Connection plate [0077] 32 Basket [0078] 33 Line [0079] 34 Line [0080] 35 Pump [0081] 36 Fluid reservoir [0082] 37 Fluid reservoir [0083] 40 Connection [0084] 41 Hollow cylinder [0085] 42 Face side [0086] 43 End face [0087] 44 End face [0088] 45 Flat seal [0089] 46 Shaft seal