Endoscope reprocessor, cleaning tube, endoscope reprocessor operation method, and program for endoscope reprocessor

Abstract

An endoscope reprocessor comprises: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first cap of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second cap of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to a pipeline of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit. The pipeline includes a first pipeline communicated with the first cap, a second pipeline communicated with the second cap, and a third pipeline in which the first pipeline and the second pipeline merge. The third pipeline has an opening at the tip of an insertion portion of the endoscope. The controller controls the fluid supply unit so that the pressure of a liquid to be supplied to the second pipeline is equal to or less than the pressure of the liquid to be supplied to the first pipeline.

Description

Endoscope reprocessor, washing tube, endoscope reprocessor operation method, and endoscope reprocessor program

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope reprocessor used in reprocessing an endoscope, a cleaning tube, an operation method of an endoscope reprocessor, and a program for an endoscope reprocessor.

[0002] Endoscopes used in the medical field must be reprocessed, such as by being cleaned and disinfected, after their insertion portion is inserted into a subject to observe the inside of the subject and perform treatment using treatment tools, in order to be reused.

[0003] The endoscope reprocessor connects tube connectors to the suction nozzle and forceps nozzle of the endoscope, supplies fluid to each tube, and then discharges the fluid from the opening at the tip of the insertion section, thereby removing blood clots, mucus, and other contaminants that have adhered to the ducts.

[0004] International Publication No. WO2015-001843 discloses an endoscope cleaning device that cleans a forceps mouthpiece using liquid leaking from between the forceps mouthpiece and a connector of a tube connected to the forceps mouthpiece.

[0005] However, if the ductwork near the forceps mouthpiece is heavily soiled, the dirt may be swept away by the fluid and become trapped between the forceps mouthpiece and the connector of the tube connected to the forceps mouthpiece. For this reason, it is necessary to clean the forceps mouthpiece with a brush or the like before reprocessing using an endoscope reprocessor.

[0006] International Publication No. WO2016-194456 discloses an endoscope reprocessor that performs flow control to adjust the flow rate of a first fluid supply unit that supplies a liquid as a fluid and the flow rate of a second fluid supply unit that supplies a gas as a fluid.

[0007] However, the flow control disclosed in International Publication WO2016-194456 requires stopping the liquid supply from the forceps mouthpiece or suction mouthpiece during the process of filling the endoscope channels with liquid, which lengthens the cleaning process time.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an endoscope reprocessor, a cleaning tube, an endoscope reprocessor control method, and an endoscope reprocessor program that can prevent dirt from clogging between the forceps port nozzle and the cleaning tube connector, and shorten the cleaning process time.

[0009] An endoscope processor according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the ducts of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the ducts include a first duct that communicates with the first mouthpiece, a second duct that communicates with the second mouthpiece, and a third duct where the first duct and the second duct join together, the third duct having an opening at the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, and the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second duct is equal to or lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first duct.

[0010] In addition, one aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning tube that connects an endoscope and an endoscopic reprocessor, and includes a first tube including a first connector that is connected to a first mouthpiece that is connected to a first conduit of the endoscope, and a second tube including a second connector that is connected to a second mouthpiece that is connected to a second conduit of the endoscope, and the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the first tube and the first conduit is less than or equal to the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the second tube and the second conduit.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, which comprises a first tube including a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope, a second tube including a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope, a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the endoscope's ducts via each of the first tube and the second tube, and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the ducts include a first duct communicating with the first mouthpiece, a second duct communicating with the second mouthpiece, and a third duct where the first duct and the second duct join together, and the third duct has an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the method controls the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second duct to be equal to or lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first duct.

[0012] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is an endoscope reprocessor program that includes a first tube including a first connector that is connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope, a second tube including a second connector that is connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope, a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the endoscope's ducts via each of the first tube and the second tube, and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the ducts include a first duct that communicates with the first mouthpiece, a second duct that communicates with the second mouthpiece, and a third duct where the first duct and the second duct join together, and the third duct has an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and causes a computer to execute control such that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second duct is equal to or lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first duct.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope reprocessor according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a first connector and a forceps mouthpiece in an endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a confluence of conduits in an endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of a cleaning process of an endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of a cleaning process of an endoscope reprocessor according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of a cleaning process of an endoscope reprocessor according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to a sixth embodiment.

[0014] An endoscope reprocessor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the endoscope reprocessor 1 will be referred to as the reprocessor 1.

[0015] The drawings based on the embodiments are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, etc. are different from the actual ones. The drawings also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0016] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope reprocessor according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the reprocessor 1 has a main body 2 and a top cover 3 that can be opened and closed. Fig. 1 shows the reprocessor 1 with the top cover 3 open.

[0017] The reprocessor 1 is a device that regenerates an endoscope 9 or an endoscope accessory. The regeneration process may be rinsing with water, cleaning to remove organic matter and other contaminants, disinfection to neutralize specific microorganisms, sterilization to eliminate or kill all microorganisms, or a combination of these.

[0018] The main body 2 has, at its upper part, a treatment tank 5 for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope 9, an operation panel 6, and a water supply hose connection port 7.

[0019] The treatment tank 5 stores a liquid such as a cleaning liquid, water, an alcohol disinfectant, or a sterilizing liquid. The treatment tank 5 has an endoscope placement section 11 and a terrace 21.

[0020] The endoscope placement section 11 has a bottom surface 12 and side surfaces 13, on which the endoscope 9 can be placed, and which stores liquid. The bottom surface 12 of the endoscope placement section 11 is provided with a discharge port 14 for discharging the stored liquid. The side surface 13 of the endoscope placement section 11 is provided with a circulation port 16 having a mesh filter 15. The circulation port 16 communicates with a liquid pump 51, which will be described later. The circulation port 16 may be provided on the bottom surface 12.

[0021] The terrace 21 is adjacent to the endoscope placement section 11 and is provided at a higher position than the endoscope placement section 11. The terrace 21 has a forceps stopper port 22 which is a first tube connection port, a suction nozzle port 23 which is a second tube connection port, a detergent nozzle 24, a disinfectant nozzle 25, a water supply nozzle 26, and a water level sensor 27.

[0022] The forceps plug port 22 is a port for connecting a first tube 31. The suction nozzle port 23 is a port for connecting a second tube 32. The first tube 31 and the second tube 32 constitute a cleaning tube. The number of ports that the reprocessor 1 has is not limited to two.

[0023] The cleaning agent nozzle 24 supplies a cleaning liquid to the treatment tank 5. The disinfectant nozzle 25 supplies a disinfectant liquid to the treatment tank 5. The water supply nozzle 26 supplies water taken in from the water supply hose connection port 7 to the treatment tank 5, and also supplies the liquid in the treatment tank 5 taken in from the circulation port 16 having the mesh filter 15 back to the treatment tank 5 to circulate it. The mesh filter 15 filters out dirt P from the liquid. The water level sensor 27 detects the level of the liquid stored in the treatment tank 5.

[0024] The operation panel 6 is disposed at the front of the upper part of the reprocessor 1. The operation panel 6 has various operation buttons (not shown). A user issues various instructions to the reprocessor 1 via the operation panel 6.

[0025] The water supply hose connection port 7 is provided at the rear of the upper part of the reprocessor 1. A water supply hose connected to a water faucet (not shown) is connected to the water supply hose connection port 7, and water is supplied to the reprocessor 1 via a water supply nozzle 26.

[0026] The top cover 3 is provided on the top of the main body 2 so as to be able to be opened and closed. By opening the top cover 3, the reprocessor 1 can place the endoscope 9 in the endoscope placement section 11 and connect the endoscope 9 to the reprocessor 1 via a first tube 31 and a second tube 32. After the endoscope 9 is set, the reprocessor 1 can be put into a state where it can be subjected to processes such as cleaning and disinfection by closing the top cover 3.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of the endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a state in which an endoscope 9 connected to a first tube 31 and a second tube 32 is housed in the reprocessor 1. Note that Fig. 2 illustrates only the main components of the present invention. Furthermore, the reprocessor 1 may have a configuration different from that shown in Fig. 2 as long as it has the same functions as the configuration shown in Fig. 2.

[0028] The endoscope 9 has an insertion section 9A that is inserted into the body, an operation section 9B, a universal cord 9C, and an endoscope connector 9D. The endoscope 9 has a conduit 90 inside. The conduit 90 includes a first conduit 91, a second conduit 92, and a third conduit 93. A forceps mouthpiece 91A is provided at one end of the first conduit 91, and the other end merges with the second conduit 92. A suction mouthpiece 92A is provided at one end of the second conduit 92, and the other end merges with the first conduit 91.

[0029] The first conduit 91 and the second conduit 92 join to form a third conduit 93, through which the insertion section 9A passes and which has an opening O93 at its tip. A treatment tool such as forceps inserted through the forceps mouthpiece 91A passes through the first conduit 91 and the third conduit 93, with its tip protruding from the opening O93. Fluid delivered from the suction mouthpiece 92A passes through the second conduit 92 and the third conduit 93 and is released from the opening O93.

[0030] The first tube 31 has a first connector 31A provided at one end connected to a forceps connector 91A, which is a first connector of the endoscope 9, and a connector 31B provided at the other end connected to the forceps plug port 22 of the reprocessor 1. The forceps plug port 22 communicates with the forceps connector 91A of the endoscope 9 via the first tube 31.

[0031] The second tube 32 has a second connector 32A provided at one end connected to a suction mouthpiece 92A, which is a second mouthpiece of the endoscope 9, and a connector 32B provided at the other end connected to the suction mouthpiece port 23 of the reprocessor 1. The suction mouthpiece port 23 communicates with the suction mouthpiece 92A of the endoscope 9 via the second tube 32.

[0032] The reprocessor 1 has a liquid pump 51 , a gas pump 52 , a processing tank 5 , a first solenoid valve 53 , a second solenoid valve 54 , a forceps plug port 22 , a suction nozzle port 23 , and a controller 61 .

[0033] The liquid pump 51 takes in liquid such as cleaning liquid from the treatment tank 5 through the circulation port 16 having the mesh filter 15 into the conduit 55, pressurizes the taken-in liquid at a predetermined pressure, and sends the pressurized liquid to the branch conduit 59. Although not shown, a portion of the liquid taken in from the circulation port 16 is sent to the treatment tank 5 by another pump. The mesh filter 15 filters out dirt P that flows down from the conduit 90 of the endoscope 9 and is floating in the liquid in the treatment tank 5.

[0034] The liquid pump 51 is connected to a first solenoid valve 53 and a second solenoid valve 54 via a branch pipe 59. The first solenoid valve 53 is connected to the forceps plug port 22 via a pipe 57. The second solenoid valve 54 is connected to the suction nozzle port 23 via a pipe 58.

[0035] The gas pump 52 takes in gas via the conduit 56, pressurizes the taken-in gas to a predetermined pressure, and sends the pressurized gas to the branch conduit 59. The gas is, for example, air. The gas pump 52 is connected to the first solenoid valve 53 and the second solenoid valve 54 via the branch conduit 59.

[0036] The controller 61 has a CPU 62, which is the central processing unit of a computer, and a memory 63, which includes a ROM, a RAM, or the like. The functions of the controller 61 are realized by the CPU 62 reading and executing a program from the memory 63. The program for causing a computer to execute the reprocessing stored in the memory 63 is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 8 and may be transferred to the memory 63.

[0037] The controller 61 is electrically connected to the liquid pump 51 , the gas pump 52 , the first solenoid valve 53 , and the second solenoid valve 54 .

[0038] When supplying liquid to the conduit 90, the controller 61 starts the liquid pump 51 and stops the gas pump 52. When supplying gas to the conduit 90, the controller 61 stops the liquid pump 51 and starts the gas pump 52.

[0039] When a gas-liquid two-phase flow is supplied to the conduit 90, the controller 61 starts the liquid pump 51 and then the gas pump 52. The gas-liquid two-phase flow refers to a state in which the conduit 90 of the endoscope 9 is filled with liquid and then air is sent from the gas pump 52, causing a mixture of liquid and gas to exist in the conduit 90. More specifically, the gas-liquid two-phase flow includes any of a state in which gas bubbles exist in the liquid, a state in which liquid droplets exist in the gas, and a state in which a mass of liquid and a mass of gas exist side by side.

[0040] Furthermore, the controller 61 controls the open / close state of the first solenoid valve 53, whereby a predetermined flow rate (predetermined pressure) of fluid is supplied to the first pipeline 91 via the first tube 31. The controller 61 controls the open / close state of the second solenoid valve 54, whereby a predetermined flow rate of fluid is supplied to the second pipeline 92 via the second tube 32.

[0041] The liquid pump 51, the gas pump 52, the first electromagnetic valve 53, and the second electromagnetic valve 54 constitute the fluid supply unit 10. The controller 61 controls the timing at which the fluid supply unit 10 supplies the fluid to the pipeline 90.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a first connector and a forceps mouthpiece in an endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The first connector 31A has a connector body 71 provided at the tip of the first tube 31 , a plurality of spheres 72 , and a connector cover 73 provided on the outer periphery of the connector body 71 .

[0044] The connector body 71 is made of plastic or the like. The connector body 71 is cylindrical and has a plurality of circular holes H75 in the peripheral side portion 74. For example, four holes H75 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the peripheral side portion 74 of the connector body 71. The diameter of each hole H75 decreases from the outer surface to the inner surface of the connector body 71, and the cross section of the peripheral side portion 74 in the thickness direction is tapered.

[0045] The plurality of spheres 72 are made of metal or the like. The plurality of spheres 72 have a diameter larger than that of the hole H75 in the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential side portion 74 so as not to fall off from the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential side portion 74, and are arranged so that some of the spheres 72 fit into the hole H75.

[0046] The connector cover 73 is made of plastic or the like. The connector cover 73 is disposed on the outside of the connector body 71 on which the plurality of spheres 72 are disposed. A circumferential gap G2 is formed between the connector cover 73 and the connector body 71.

[0047] The forceps mouthpiece 91A is made of metal, resin, etc. The forceps mouthpiece 91A has a body 77 formed in a cylindrical shape and an outward flange 78 at the tip.

[0048] The connector 31B of the first tube 31 is detachably attached to the forceps ferrule 91A. When the connector 31B is attached to the forceps ferrule 91A, the multiple (four in this example) spheres 72 of the connector 31B lock onto the outward flange 78 of the forceps ferrule 91A to prevent it from falling off. A circumferential gap G1 is formed between the body 77 of the forceps ferrule 91A and the connector main body 71.

[0049] The fluid delivered from the first tube 31 is introduced into the body 77 of the forceps ferrule 91A, passes between the hole H75 and the sphere 72, flows out from the gap G1, and passes between the connector main body 71 and the forceps ferrule 91A, and flows out from the gap G2. The fluid flowing out from the gaps G1 and G2 in the connection region between the connector 31B and the forceps ferrule 91A cleans the forceps ferrule 91A.

[0050] The shape of the connector 31B of the first tube 31 is not limited to the one described above, and for example, the connector disclosed in International Publication WO2015-001843 already described can also be applied.

[0051] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the junction of the conduits in the endoscope reprocessor according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, after use, contaminants P may be attached to the conduits 90 of the endoscope 9, particularly the first conduit 91 and the third conduit 93, which are the removal paths for treatment tools inserted into the body.

[0052] As already explained, there are gaps G1 and G2 between the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 connected to the forceps nozzle 91A and the forceps nozzle 91A. Therefore, during the reprocessing process, when the fluid supplied to the second pipeline 92 flows back through the first pipeline 91 via the confluence, there is a risk that dirt P washed away by the fluid will become trapped in the gaps G1 and G2.

[0053] In this embodiment, the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second conduit 92 is controlled to be equal to or lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first conduit 91, thereby preventing backflow from the second conduit 92 to the first conduit 91. This prevents dirt P from getting caught in the forceps mouthpiece 91A.

[0054] Specifically, the pressure loss of the fluid is expressed by the following formula (1): ΔP=4f×pu ２ / 2×L / d (1) where, ΔP is the pressure loss [Pa], f is the friction coefficient, and p is the fluid density [kg / m ３ ], u is the average velocity of the fluid [m / s], L is the length of the pipe [m], and d is the diameter of the pipe [m].

[0055] From this formula (1), the pressure loss is determined by the ratio of the length to the diameter of the conduit and the velocity of the fluid. When the fluid is delivered by the fluid supply unit 10, which is a single driving source, the fluid velocities in the first conduit 91 and the second conduit 92 are equal, so the pressure loss is determined by the ratio of the length to the diameter of the conduit.

[0056] In this embodiment, the length of the first tube 31 and the first conduit 91 (L １ ) and pipe diameter (d １ ) ratio (L １ / d １ )≦the length of the second tube 32 and the second pipe 92 (L ２ ) and pipe diameter (d ２ ) ratio (L ２ / d ２ ) are used. This controls the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second pipe 92 to be equal to or lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first pipe 91.

[0057] Next, a cleaning process will be described as an operation of the endoscope reprocessor 1. The user opens the top cover 3 of the endoscope reprocessor 1 and sets the endoscope 4 to be cleaned in the endoscope reprocessor 1. Specifically, the user connects the connector 31B of the first tube 31 to the forceps plug port 22, connects the connector 31A to the forceps mouthpiece 91A of the endoscope 4, connects the connector 32B of the second tube 32 to the suction mouthpiece port 23, and connects the connector 31A to the suction mouthpiece 92A of the endoscope 4. Although not shown, in addition to the connection between the first tube 31 and the second tube 32, other tubes may be used to connect the endoscope reprocessor 1 and the endoscope 4 as needed.

[0058] After connecting the endoscope reprocessor 1 and the endoscope 4, the user places the endoscope 4 in the endoscope placement section 11 and closes the top cover 3.

[0059] When the user issues an instruction to start a process such as cleaning and disinfecting from the operation panel 6, the CPU 62 reads a predetermined program from the storage unit 63 and starts processing the program.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the cleaning process of the endoscope reprocessor of the first embodiment.

[0061] The controller 61 drives the fluid supply unit 10 to simultaneously send the liquid to the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 (S1). This process fills the liquid into the first pipeline 91, the second pipeline 92, and the third pipeline 93 where the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 join together.

[0062] Next, the controller 61 sends gas and liquid to the first conduit 91 (S2). Next, the controller 61 sends gas and liquid to the second conduit 92 (S3).

[0063] The controller 61 then determines whether the cleaning processes of S2 and S3 have been performed a predetermined number of times (S4). If the controller 61 determines that the cleaning processes have not been performed the predetermined number of times (S4: NO), the controller 61 returns to the cleaning process of S2 and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the cleaning processes have been performed the predetermined number of times (S4: YES), the controller 61 ends the cleaning process.

[0064] As described above, the pressure loss of the fluid is proportional to the pipe length and inversely proportional to the pipe diameter. Therefore, when the driving sources that supply the fluid are the same (or have the same output), the pressure loss increases as the ratio of the pipe length to the pipe diameter at the junction where the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92 join increases.

[0065] In this embodiment, the ratio of the length to the diameter of the first tube 31 and the first conduit 91 (L １ / d １ )≦the ratio of the length to the diameter of the second tube 32 and the second pipe 92 (L ２ / d ２ ) relationship. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid supplied to the second tube 32 and the second conduit 92 is greater.

[0066] Therefore, when liquid is delivered by liquid supply unit 10, which is a single drive source, the liquid delivery pressure to first pipe 91 is higher than the liquid delivery pressure to second pipe 92. As a result, the fluid supplied to second pipe 92 does not flow back into first pipe 91 via the confluence, and dirt P swept away by the fluid can be prevented from becoming trapped in gaps G1 and G2.

[0067] Furthermore, since there is no need to perform control such as stopping the liquid supply to one of the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 or reducing the amount of liquid supplied to one of them, a large flow rate can be ensured in the same liquid supply time as before.

[0068] Therefore, according to the endoscope reprocessor 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent dirt from clogging between the nozzle of the forceps port and the connector of the cleaning tube, and to shorten the cleaning process time.

[0069] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration of the reprocessor 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the cleaning process is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the cleaning process of the endoscope reprocessor of the second embodiment.

[0071] The controller 61 drives the fluid supply unit 10 to simultaneously send the liquid to the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 (S11). Through this process, the liquid is filled into the first pipeline 91, the second pipeline 92, and the third pipeline 93 where the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 join together.

[0072] Next, the controller 61 sends gas and liquid to the first conduit 91 (S12). Next, the controller 61 sends gas and liquid to the second conduit 92 (S13).

[0073] The controller 61 then determines whether the cleaning processes of S12 and S13 have been performed a predetermined number of times (S14). If the controller 61 determines that the cleaning processes have not been performed the predetermined number of times (S14: NO), the controller 61 returns to the cleaning process of S12 and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the cleaning processes have been performed the predetermined number of times (S14: YES), the controller 61 ends the cleaning process.

[0074] In the cleaning process of the second embodiment, the flow rate to the second pipeline is reduced compared to the cleaning process of the first embodiment, but if the second pipeline is configured to be easy to clean (for example, there are few pipelines with complex curves and many straight pipelines), the reduction in flow rate is not a problem.

[0075] On the other hand, in the cleaning process of the second embodiment, air and liquid are constantly supplied to the first duct 91, which is the removal path of the treatment tool, and therefore the dirt P can be removed more effectively.

[0076] According to the endoscope reprocessor 1 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent dirt from clogging between the nozzle of the forceps port and the connector of the cleaning tube, and to shorten the cleaning process time.

[0077] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration of the reprocessor 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the cleaning process is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a cleaning process of the endoscope reprocessor of the third embodiment.

[0079] The controller 61 drives the fluid supply unit 10 to simultaneously send the liquid to the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 (S21). Through this process, the liquid is filled into the first pipeline 91, the second pipeline 92, and the third pipeline 93 where the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 join together.

[0080] Next, the controller 61 supplies air and liquid to the first pipeline (S22). Next, the controller 61 supplies air and liquid to the second pipeline (S23). Next, the controller 61 supplies air and liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline (S24).

[0081] The controller 61 then determines whether the cleaning processes of S23 and S24 have been performed a predetermined number of times (S25). If the controller 61 determines that the cleaning processes have not been performed the predetermined number of times (S25: NO), the controller 61 returns to the cleaning process of S23 and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the cleaning processes have been performed the predetermined number of times (S25: YES), the controller 61 ends the cleaning process.

[0082] In the cleaning process of the third embodiment, after the air-liquid supply (S22) is performed to the first duct 91, the air-liquid supply is continued to the second duct 92. By performing such a cleaning process, the cleaning process can be performed efficiently even in an endoscope 9 having a configuration in which the second duct 92 is difficult to clean (for example, many ducts are complexly curved and few ducts are straight).

[0083] According to the endoscope reprocessor 1 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent dirt from clogging between the nozzle of the forceps port and the connector of the cleaning tube, and to shorten the cleaning process time.

[0084] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 8, the same components as those in Fig. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0085] 8, in the endoscope reprocessor 1A, a flow rate sensor 81 is disposed in the discharge line of the liquid pump 51 to detect the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the first line 91 and / or the second line 92. The detection result of the flow rate sensor 81 constituting the flow rate detection unit is output to the controller 61.

[0086] The controller 61 detects the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the pipeline 90 from the detection results of the flow sensor 81, and controls the timing of switching the pipeline through which the gas and liquid are sent based on the volume from one nozzle to the other, thereby achieving more accurate clogging prevention.

[0087] Specifically, in the above-mentioned cleaning process, when switching from supplying air liquid to the second pipeline 92 to supply air liquid to the first pipeline 91, the flow rate of the air liquid to the second pipeline 92 is detected by the flow sensor 81.

[0088] Then, the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 10 to switch from supplying air to the second pipeline 92 to supplying air to the first pipeline 91 before the detected flow rate exceeds the capacity from the suction nozzle 92A to the forceps nozzle 91A.

[0089] As a result, the fluid supplied to the second pipe 92 does not flow back into the first pipe 91 via the confluence, and dirt P washed away by the fluid can be prevented from getting caught in the gaps G1 and G2.

[0090] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 9, the same components as those in Fig. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0091] 9 , in the endoscope reprocessor 1B, a pressure control unit 82 is disposed in the branched conduit 59 between the liquid pump 51 and the first solenoid valve 53. In addition, a pressure control unit 83 is disposed in the branched conduit 59 between the liquid pump 51 and the second solenoid valve 54. The pressure control units 82 and 83 are electrically connected to the controller 61.

[0092] The pressure control units 82 and 83 control the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first pipeline 91 and the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second pipeline 92 in response to a control signal from the controller 61 .

[0093] It should be noted that the pressure control units 82 and 83 may each be configured using a proportional valve or the like. When proportional valves are used as the pressure control units 82 and 83, the valves can be opened and closed by the proportional valves, and solenoid valves 53 and 54 can be omitted. These proportional valves make the pressure loss in the second pipe 92 greater than the pressure loss in the first pipe 91, thereby adjusting the pressure difference at the junction of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92.

[0094] Therefore, even in an endoscope 9 that cannot ensure the relationship of the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the first tube 31 and the first conduit 91 being less than or equal to the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the second tube 32 and the second conduit 92, backflow into the first conduit 91 can be prevented.

[0095] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of an endoscope reprocessor according to the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 10, the same components as those in Fig. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10, the endoscope reprocessor 1C is provided with an acquisition unit 84 adjacent to the processing tank 5 that acquires endoscope information.

[0097] The acquisition unit 84 includes an RF-ID reader. RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identification) can transmit and receive information by wireless communication using an electromagnetic field or radio waves.

[0098] If the endoscope 9 is equipped with an RF-ID containing endoscope information about the endoscope 9, such as the model name and serial number of the endoscope 9, the acquisition unit 84 acquires the endoscope information using the RF-ID reading unit.

[0099] The acquisition unit 84 may have a camera, instead of the RF-ID reader, that acquires an image of the endoscope 9 placed in the treatment tank 5. The acquisition unit 84 determines the type of the endoscope 9 from the image of the endoscope 9 captured by the camera and acquires the endoscope information.

[0100] The acquisition unit 84 may also be a user interface provided on the operation panel 6. The acquisition unit 84 acquires endoscope information from the content input through this user interface. The user interface may be physical operation buttons or operation buttons displayed on a touch panel.

[0101] The conduit length and conduit diameter of the first conduit 91 and the second conduit 92 of the endoscope 9 differ depending on the type of endoscope 9. Therefore, by acquiring endoscope information of the endoscope 9 by the acquisition unit 84, information on the conduit length and conduit diameter of the first conduit 91 and the second conduit 92 of the endoscope 9 can be acquired.

[0102] As a result, the user can select the first tube 31 and the second tube 32 according to the type of endoscope 9 so as to satisfy the relationship that the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the first tube 31 and the first conduit 91 is less than or equal to the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the second tube 32 and the second conduit 92.

[0103] Furthermore, the controller 61 may switch the cleaning process based on endoscope information of the endoscope 9. For example, if the first pipeline 91 includes a component that is difficult to clean, the controller 61 switches to the cleaning process of the second embodiment, and if the second pipeline 92 includes a component that is difficult to clean, the controller 61 switches to the cleaning process of the third embodiment. Furthermore, if neither the first pipeline 91 nor the second pipeline 92 includes a component that is difficult to clean, the controller 61 switches to the cleaning process of the first embodiment.

[0104] In this way, by switching the cleaning process based on the endoscope information of the endoscope 9, the optimal cleaning process can be performed depending on the type of endoscope 9, which has different shapes of the first duct 91 and the second duct 92.

[0105] It should be noted that the steps in the flowcharts in this specification may be executed in a different order, may be executed multiple times simultaneously, or may be executed in a different order each time, as long as this does not contradict the nature of the steps.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications, combinations, and applications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope reprocessor comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first nozzle of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second nozzle of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a pipeline of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the pipelines include a first pipeline communicating with the first nozzle, a second pipeline communicating with the second nozzle, and a third pipeline where the first pipeline and the second pipeline are joined, the third pipeline having an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second pipeline is equal to or lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first pipeline.

2. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which the ratio of the conduit length and the conduit diameter of the first tube and the first conduit is equal to or less than the ratio of the conduit length and the conduit diameter of the second tube and the second conduit.

3. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit so as to alternately supply air and liquid to the first pipeline and air and liquid to the second pipeline after supplying liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

4. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit so as to alternately supply air and liquid to the first pipeline and air and liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline after supplying liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

5. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit to supply air and liquid to the first pipeline after supplying liquid to the first pipeline and, after supplying air and liquid, alternately supply air and liquid to the second pipeline and supply air and liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

6. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 3, characterized in that it has a flow rate detection unit that detects the flow rate of liquid, and the controller detects the flow rate of the air supply liquid to the first pipeline based on the detection result of the flow rate detection unit, and controls the fluid supply unit to switch from air supply liquid to the first pipeline to air supply liquid to the second pipeline before the capacity from the first nozzle to the second nozzle is exceeded.

7. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 6, characterized in that the controller detects the flow rate of the air / liquid supply to the second pipeline based on the detection result of the flow detection unit, and controls the fluid supply unit to switch from supplying air / liquid to the second pipeline to supplying air / liquid to the first pipeline before the flow rate exceeds the capacity from the second nozzle to the first nozzle.

8. An endoscope reprocessor according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring endoscope information of the endoscope.

9. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition unit has an RF-ID reading unit that reads an RF-ID provided on the endoscope, and acquires the endoscope information from the RF-ID.

10. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition unit has a camera that acquires an image of the endoscope, and acquires the endoscope information from the image of the endoscope.

11. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition unit is a user interface provided on an operation panel, and acquires the endoscope information from contents inputted through the user interface.

12. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 8, characterized in that the controller switches cleaning processes based on the endoscope information acquired by the acquisition unit.

13. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 12, characterized in that when the controller determines based on the endoscope information that the first pipeline and the second pipeline do not contain any components that are difficult to clean, after supplying liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline, the controller controls the fluid supply unit to alternately supply air and liquid to the first pipeline and air and liquid to the second pipeline.

14. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 12, characterized in that when the controller determines based on the endoscope information that the first pipeline contains a component that is difficult to clean, after supplying liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline, the controller controls the fluid supply unit to alternately supply air and liquid to the first pipeline and air and liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

15. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 12, characterized in that when the controller determines based on the endoscope information that the second pipeline includes a component that is difficult to clean, the controller controls the fluid supply unit to supply air / liquid to the first pipeline after supplying liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and to alternately supply air / liquid to the second pipeline and air / liquid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline after the air / liquid supply.

16. A cleaning tube connecting an endoscope and an endoscopic reprocessor, comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece communicating with a first conduit of the endoscope; and a second tube including a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece communicating with a second conduit of the endoscope, wherein the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the first tube and the first conduit is equal to or less than the ratio of the conduit length to the conduit diameter of the second tube and the second conduit.

17. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first nozzle of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second nozzle of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit which supplies fluid to a pipeline of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller which controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the pipelines include a first pipeline communicating with the first nozzle, a second pipeline communicating with the second nozzle, and a third pipeline where the first pipeline and the second pipeline are joined, the third pipeline having an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, characterized in that the method for operating an endoscope reprocessor comprises controlling a pressure of liquid supplied to the second pipeline to be equal to or lower than a pressure of liquid supplied to the first pipeline.

18. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 17, characterized in that the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which the ratio of the line length and the line diameter of the first tube and the first line is equal to or less than the ratio of the line length and the line diameter of the second tube and the second line.

19. A program for an endoscope reprocessor comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first nozzle of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second nozzle of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a pipeline of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the pipeline includes a first pipeline communicating with the first nozzle, a second pipeline communicating with the second nozzle, and a third pipeline where the first pipeline and the second pipeline join together, the third pipeline having an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the program for an endoscope reprocessor comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first nozzle of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second nozzle of the endoscope; 20. The program for an endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 19, characterized in that the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which the ratio of the conduit length and the conduit diameter of the first tube and the first conduit is equal to or less than the ratio of the conduit length and the conduit diameter of the second tube and the second conduit.

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