Endoscope reprocessing machine, cleaning tube, method for operating endoscope reprocessing machine, and program for endoscope reprocessing machine

Abstract

An endoscope reprocessing machine is provided with: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tip of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope; a fluid supply means for supplying a fluid to the conduit of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube, respectively; and a controller for controlling the fluid supply unit, the conduit including a first conduit communicating with the first tip, a second conduit communicating with the second tip, and a third conduit in which the first conduit and the second conduit merge, the third conduit having an opening at the tip of the insertion part of the endoscope, and the first conduit and the second conduit being provided with a fluid supply opening. The controller controls the fluid supply means such that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second line is equal to or less than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope regeneration processing machine, a cleaning tube, a method for operating the endoscope regeneration processing machine, and a program for the endoscope regeneration processing machine. Background Technology

[0002] For endoscopes used in the medical field, after the insertion of the insertion part into the patient's body for observation and treatment based on the instrument, regeneration processes such as cleaning and disinfection are indispensable for reuse.

[0003] For the endoscope regeneration machine, after connecting the connectors of the tubes to the suction head and the forceps head of the endoscope, fluid is supplied to each tube and discharged from the opening at the front end of the insertion part, thereby removing blood clots, mucus and other dirt attached to the tubes.

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

[0005] However, if there is a lot of dirt on the tubing near the forceps tip, the dirt flushed away by the fluid may become trapped between the forceps tip and the connector of the tubing connected to the forceps tip. Therefore, the forceps tip needs to be cleaned with a brush or similar tool before using an endoscope regeneration machine for regeneration.

[0006] International Publication No. WO2016-194456 discloses an endoscope regeneration processing machine that performs flow control, wherein the flow rate of a first fluid supply unit that supplies liquid as fluid and the flow rate of a second fluid supply unit that supplies gas as fluid are adjusted.

[0007] However, for the flow control disclosed in International Publication No. WO2016-194456, during the process of filling the endoscope tubing with liquid, it is necessary to stop the liquid delivery from the forceps tip or aspiration tip, thus increasing the cleaning process time.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an endoscope regeneration machine, a cleaning tube, a control method for the endoscope regeneration machine, and a program for the endoscope regeneration machine that can suppress the clogging of dirt between the connector of the forceps mouth and the cleaning tube and shorten the cleaning process time. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] An endoscope processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube tip of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube tip of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit supplying fluid to the tubing of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube respectively; and a controller controlling the fluid supply unit, the tubing including a first tube communicating with the first tube tip, a second tube communicating with the second tube tip, and a third tube formed by the confluence of the first tube and the second tube, the third tube having an opening at the front end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the controller controlling the fluid supply unit such that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second tube becomes lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first tube.

[0011] In addition, one technical solution of the present invention provides a cleaning tube that connects an endoscope to an endoscope regeneration machine. The cleaning tube comprises: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube head of the endoscope, the first tube head communicating with a first channel of the endoscope; and a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope, the second tube head communicating with a second channel of the endoscope. The first tube and the second tube have the following relationship: the ratio of the length to the diameter of the first tube and the first channel is less than or equal to the ratio of the length to the diameter of the second tube and the second channel.

[0012] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for operating an endoscope regeneration processing machine, comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube tip of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube tip of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit supplying fluid to the tubing of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube respectively; and a controller controlling the fluid supply unit. The tubing includes a first tube communicating with the first tube tip, a second tube communicating with the second tube tip, and a third tube formed by the confluence of the first tube and the second tube, the third tube having an opening at the front end of the insertion portion of the endoscope. In this method of operating the endoscope regeneration processing machine, control is performed such that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second tube is lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first tube.

[0013] Furthermore, the program of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to one technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the endoscope regeneration processing machine includes: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube head of the endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the tubing of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube respectively; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, the tubing including a first tube communicating with the first tube head, a second tube communicating with the second tube head, and a third tube formed by the confluence of the first tube and the second tube, the third tube having an opening at the front end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein the program of the endoscope regeneration processing machine causes a computer to perform the following control: the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second tube becomes lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first tube. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the joint where the first connector engages with the forceps tube head in the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the confluence of the tubing in the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cleaning process of the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cleaning process of the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cleaning process of the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the fifth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, an endoscope regeneration processing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, the endoscope regeneration processing machine 1 will be referred to as the regeneration processing machine 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings based on the embodiments are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, etc., differ from reality. The drawings also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0026] (First Embodiment)

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the regeneration treatment machine 1 has a main body 2 and a top cover 3 that can be opened and closed freely. Figure 1 This indicates that the top cover 3 of the regeneration processor 1 is open.

[0028] The regeneration treatment machine 1 is a device for regenerating endoscope 9 or endoscope accessories. The regeneration treatment can be any of the following: rinsing with water, cleaning to remove dirt such as organic matter, disinfection to inactivate specified microorganisms, sterilization to eliminate or kill all microorganisms, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The main body 2 has a treatment tank 5 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 9, an operation panel 6, and a water supply hose connection port 7 on the upper part.

[0030] The treatment tank 5 stores liquids such as cleaning solution, water, alcohol disinfectant, or sterilizing solution. The treatment tank 5 has an endoscope mounting section 11 and a platform 21.

[0031] The endoscope mounting section 11 has a bottom surface 12 and a side surface 13, which can mount the endoscope 9 and store liquid. An outlet 14 for discharging the stored liquid is provided on the bottom surface 12 of the endoscope mounting section 11. A circulation port 16 with a screen filter 15 is provided on the side surface 13 of the endoscope mounting section 11. The circulation port 16 communicates with the liquid pump 51 described later. The circulation port 16 may also be provided on the bottom surface 12.

[0032] Platform 21 is adjacent to endoscope mounting section 11 and is positioned higher than endoscope mounting section 11. Platform 21 has a forceps plug port 22 as a first tube connection port, a suction tube head port 23 as a second tube connection port, a cleaning agent nozzle 24, a disinfectant nozzle 25, a water supply nozzle 26, and a water level sensor 27.

[0033] The pliers plug port 22 is used to connect to the first tube 31. The suction tube head port 23 is used to connect to the second tube 32. The first tube 31 and the second tube 32 constitute the cleaning tube. The number of ports that the regeneration treatment machine 1 has is not limited to two.

[0034] Cleaning agent nozzle 24 supplies cleaning solution to treatment tank 5. Disinfectant nozzle 25 supplies disinfectant to treatment tank 5. Water supply nozzle 26 supplies water taken from water supply hose connection port 7 to treatment tank 5, and circulates the liquid in treatment tank 5 again by supplying it from circulation port 16 with screen filter 15. Screen filter 15 filters out dirt P from the liquid. Water level sensor 27 detects the water level of the liquid stored in treatment tank 5.

[0035] The operation panel 6 is located on the front of the upper part of the recycling processor 1. The operation panel 6 has various operation buttons (not shown). The user issues various instructions to the recycling processor 1 using the operation panel 6.

[0036] The water supply hose connection port 7 is located at the rear of the upper part of the regeneration treatment machine 1. A water supply hose (not shown) is connected to the water supply hose connection port 7, and water is supplied to the regeneration treatment machine 1 through the water supply nozzle 26.

[0037] The top cover 3 is freely openable and closable on the upper part of the main body 2. For the regeneration machine 1, by opening the top cover 3, the endoscope 9 is placed in the endoscope placement section 11, and the endoscope 9 can be connected to the regeneration machine 1 via the first tube 31 and the second tube 32. After the endoscope 9 is installed, by closing the top cover 3, the regeneration machine 1 is ready for cleaning, disinfection, and other processes.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This indicates that the endoscope 9, connected to the first tube 31 and the second tube 32, is housed in the regeneration processing machine 1. Furthermore, Figure 2 Only the main structure of the present invention is illustrated. Furthermore, the regeneration processor 1 only needs to have the same... Figure 2 The structure shown has the same function and can also have the same Figure 2 The structures shown are different.

[0039] The endoscope 9 has an insertion part 9A for insertion into the body, an operating part 9B, a universal cable 9C, and an endoscope connector 9D. The endoscope 9 has internal tubing 90. Tubing 90 includes a first tubing 91, a second tubing 92, and a third tubing 93. A forceps head 91A is provided at one end of the first tubing 91, and the other end of the first tubing 91 merges with the second tubing 92. A suction head 92A is provided at one end of the second tubing 92, and the other end of the second tubing 92 merges with the first tubing 91.

[0040] The third pipe 93, formed by the merging of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92, passes through the insertion part 9A and has an opening O93 at its front end. A handling instrument such as pliers, inserted from the pliers tip 91A, passes through the first pipe 91 and the third pipe 93, with its front end protruding from the opening O93. Fluid delivered from the suction tip 92A is released through the second pipe 92 and the third pipe 93 from the opening O93.

[0041] The first connector 31A at one end of the first tube 31 is connected to the forceps head 91A, which serves as the first tube head of the endoscope 9, and the connector 31B at the other end is connected to the forceps bolt port 22 of the regeneration processing machine 1. The forceps bolt port 22 communicates with the forceps head 91A of the endoscope 9 via the first tube 31.

[0042] The second connector 32A at one end of the second tube 32 is connected to the suction head 92A, which serves as the second tube head of the endoscope 9, and the connector 32B at the other end is connected to the suction head port 23 of the regeneration processing machine 1. The suction head port 23 communicates with the suction head 92A of the endoscope 9 via the second tube 32.

[0043] The regeneration treatment machine 1 includes a liquid pump 51, a gas pump 52, a treatment tank 5, a first solenoid valve 53, a second solenoid valve 54, a clamp bolt port 22, a suction tube head port 23, and a controller 61.

[0044] Liquid pump 51 draws cleaning fluid or other liquid from treatment tank 5 into pipeline 55 through circulation port 16, which has screen filter 15. The drawn liquid is pressurized using a specified pressure and then delivered to branch pipeline 59. Although not shown, a portion of the liquid drawn from circulation port 16 is pumped back to treatment tank 5 by other pumps. Screen filter 15 filters out dirt P floating in the liquid flowing down from endoscope 9's tubing 90 into treatment tank 5.

[0045] Liquid pump 51 is connected to first solenoid valve 53 and second solenoid valve 54 via branch line 59. First solenoid valve 53 is connected to clamp bolt port 22 via line 57. Second solenoid valve 54 is connected to suction head port 23 via line 58.

[0046] Gas pump 52 draws in gas via pipeline 56, pressurizes the gas using a specified pressure, and delivers the pressurized gas to branch pipeline 59. The gas is, for example, air. Gas pump 52 is connected to first solenoid valve 53 and second solenoid valve 54 via branch pipeline 59.

[0047] The controller 61 has a CPU 62, which serves as the central processing unit of a computer, and a memory 63 containing ROM or RAM, etc. The functions of the controller 61 are implemented by the CPU 62 reading programs from the memory 63 and executing them. Alternatively, the program used to enable the computer to perform regeneration processing, stored in the memory 63, may be stored in a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium 8 and transferred to the memory 63.

[0048] 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.

[0049] When liquid is supplied to pipeline 90, controller 61 starts liquid pump 51 and stops gas pump 52. When gas is supplied to pipeline 90, controller 61 stops liquid pump 51 and starts gas pump 52.

[0050] When a gas-liquid two-phase flow is supplied to the conduit 90, the controller 61 starts the gas pump 52 after starting the liquid pump 51. A gas-liquid two-phase flow refers to a state in which the conduit 90 of the endoscope 9 is filled with liquid, and air is supplied from the gas pump 52, resulting in a mixture of liquid and gas within the conduit 90. More specifically, a gas-liquid two-phase flow includes any of the following states: a state where bubbles are present in the liquid, a state where droplets are present in the gas, or a state where blocks of liquid and blocks of gas are arranged together.

[0051] Additionally, the controller 61 supplies fluid at a specified flow rate (specified pressure) to the first pipeline 91 via the first pipe 31 by controlling the opening and closing state of the first solenoid valve 53. The controller 61 also supplies fluid at a specified flow rate to the second pipeline 92 via the second pipe 32 by controlling the opening and closing state of the second solenoid valve 54.

[0052] Liquid pump 51, gas pump 52, first solenoid valve 53, and second solenoid valve 54 constitute fluid supply unit 10. Controller 61 controls the timing of fluid supply from fluid supply unit 10 to pipeline 90.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the joint where the first connector engages with the forceps tube head in the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the first embodiment.

[0054] The first connector 31A has a connector body 71 disposed at the front end of the first tube 31, a plurality of balls 72, and a connector cover 73 disposed on the outer periphery of the connector body 71.

[0055] The connector body 71 is made of plastic or the like. The connector body 71 is cylindrical and has multiple circular holes H75 on its peripheral side 74. For example, four holes H75 are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction on the peripheral side 74 of the connector body 71. Each hole H75 narrows from the outer surface of the connector body 71 toward the inner surface, and its cross-section in the thickness direction of the peripheral side 74 is beveled.

[0056] The plurality of spheres 72 are made of metal or the like. The plurality of spheres 72 are configured such that their diameter is larger than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral side portion 74 of the hole H75 and a portion of them enter the hole H75, so that the plurality of spheres 72 will not fall off the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral side portion 74.

[0057] 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, which is provided with a plurality of balls 72. A circumferential gap G2 is formed between the connector cover 73 and the connector body 71.

[0058] The pliers head 91A is made of metal or resin, etc. The main body 77 of the pliers head 91A is formed into a cylindrical shape, and the pliers head 91A has an outward flange 78 at the top end.

[0059] The connector 31B of the first tube 31 is detachably mounted on the pliers head 91A. With the connector 31B mounted on the pliers head 91A, the multiple (four in this case) balls 72 of the connector 31B engage with the outward flange 78 of the pliers head 91A to prevent the outward flange 78 from detaching. A circumferential gap G1 is formed between the main body 77 of the pliers head 91A and the connector body 71.

[0060] The fluid supplied from the first tube 31 is guided into the inner side of the main body 77 of the pliers head 91A, and flows out through the gap G1 between the hole H75 and the ball 72, and also flows out through the gap G2 between the connector body 71 and the pliers head 91A. The fluid flowing out from the gaps G1 and G2 in the connection area where the connector 31B connects to the pliers head 91A cleans the pliers head 91A.

[0061] Furthermore, the shape of the connector 31B of the first tube 31 is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the connector disclosed in International Publication No. WO2015-001843 can also be used.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the confluence of the tubing in the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the first embodiment. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, dirt P may adhere to the tubing 90 of the endoscope 9 after use, especially the first tubing 91 and the third tubing 93, which serve as the removal paths for instruments inserted into the body.

[0063] As already explained, there are gaps G1 and G2 between the first connector 31A of the first pipe 31 connected to the pliers head 91A and the pliers head 91A. Therefore, during the regeneration process, when the fluid supplied to the second pipe 92 flows back through the confluence in the first pipe 91, the dirt P flushed away by the fluid may get stuck in the gaps G1 and G2.

[0064] In this embodiment, control is performed so that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second pipe 92 is lower than the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first pipe 91, preventing backflow from the second pipe 92 to the first pipe 91. This prevents dirt P from getting stuck in the pliers head 91A.

[0065] Specifically, the pressure loss of the fluid is represented by the following equation (1).

[0066] ΔP=4f×pu 2 / 2×L / d···(1)

[0067] Here, ΔP is the pressure loss [Pa].

[0068] f is the coefficient of friction.

[0069] p is the fluid density [kg / m³] 3 ],

[0070] u is the average velocity of the fluid [m / s].

[0071] L is the length of the pipeline [m].

[0072] d is the diameter of the pipe [m].

[0073] According to equation (1), the pressure loss is determined by the ratio of the length to the diameter of the pipeline and the velocity of the fluid. When fluid is supplied using the fluid supply unit 10 as a single driving source, the velocities of the fluid in the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 are equal, so the pressure loss is determined by the ratio of the length to the diameter of the pipeline.

[0074] In this embodiment, a first pipe 31 and a second pipe 32 are used that satisfy the following relationship: the ratio (L1 / d1) of the pipe length (L1) of the first pipe 31 and the pipe diameter (d1) of the first pipe 91 is less than the ratio (L2 / d2) of the pipe length (L2) of the second pipe 32 and the pipe diameter (d2) of the second pipe 92. Therefore, control is achieved such that the pressure of the liquid supplied to the second pipe 92 is less than or equal to the pressure of the liquid supplied to the first pipe 91.

[0075] Next, the cleaning process will be explained as part of the function of the endoscope regeneration processing machine 1.

[0076] The user opens the top cover 3 of the endoscope regeneration machine 1 and places the endoscope 4 for cleaning inside. Specifically, the user connects connector 31B of the first tube 31 to the forceps bolt port 22, and connector 31A to the forceps tube head 91A of the endoscope 4. Additionally, the user connects connector 32B of the second tube 32 to the suction tube head port 23, and connector 31A to the suction tube head 92A of the endoscope 4. Furthermore, although not shown, in addition to connecting via the first tube 31 and the second tube 32, other tubes may be connected between the endoscope regeneration machine 1 and the endoscope 4 as needed.

[0077] After connecting the endoscope regeneration processor 1 to the endoscope 4, the user places the endoscope 4 in the endoscope mounting section 11 and closes the top cover 3.

[0078] When the user issues a start instruction for cleaning, disinfection, or other processes from the operation panel 6, the CPU 62 reads the prescribed program from the storage unit 63 and begins processing the program.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cleaning process of the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the first embodiment.

[0080] The controller 61 drives the fluid supply unit 10 to simultaneously supply liquid to the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92 (S1). Using this process, liquid is filled into the first pipe 91, the second pipe 92, and the third pipe 93 formed by the confluence of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92.

[0081] Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to the first pipeline 91 (S2). Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to the second pipeline 92 (S3).

[0082] Then, controller 61 determines whether the cleaning processes S2 and S3 have been performed a predetermined number of times (S4). If controller 61 determines that the predetermined number of times has not been performed (S4: No), it returns to the cleaning process of S2 and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if controller 61 determines that the predetermined number of times has been performed (S4: Yes), it ends the cleaning process.

[0083] As mentioned above, the pressure loss of a fluid is directly proportional to the pipe length and inversely proportional to the pipe diameter. Therefore, when the driving source for supplying the fluid is the same (or has equal output), the greater the ratio of the pipe length to the pipe diameter up to the confluence of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92, the greater the pressure loss.

[0084] In this embodiment, the following relationship exists: the ratio of the pipe length to the pipe diameter (L1 / d1) of the first pipe 31 and the first pipe 91 ≤ the ratio of the pipe length to the pipe diameter (L2 / d2) of the second pipe 32 and the second pipe 92. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid supplied to the second pipe 32 and the second pipe 92 increases.

[0085] Therefore, when liquid is supplied using the liquid supply unit 10 as a single driving source, the liquid supply pressure for the first pipe 91 is higher than that for the second pipe 92. As a result, the fluid supplied to the second pipe 92 will not flow back to the first pipe 91 via the confluence, thus preventing dirt P washed away by the fluid from getting trapped in the gaps G1 and G2.

[0086] Furthermore, since it is not necessary to control the flow of liquid to either the first line 91 or the second line 92, or to reduce the amount of liquid supplied to one of them, a larger flow rate can be ensured with the same delivery time as before.

[0087] Therefore, the endoscope regeneration processing machine 1 according to this embodiment can suppress the clogging of dirt between the connector of the forceps mouth and the cleaning tube, and shorten the cleaning process time.

[0088] (Second Implementation)

[0089] Next, the second embodiment will be described.

[0090] Furthermore, the structure of the regeneration treatment machine 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the cleaning process is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cleaning process of the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the second embodiment.

[0092] The controller 61 drives the fluid supply unit 10 to simultaneously supply liquid to the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92 (S11). Using this process, liquid is filled into the first pipe 91, the second pipe 92, and the third pipe 93 formed by the confluence of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92.

[0093] Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to the first pipeline 91 (S12). Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to the second pipeline 92 (S13).

[0094] Then, controller 61 determines whether the cleaning processes in S12 and S13 have been performed a predetermined number of times (S14). If controller 61 determines that the predetermined number of times has not been performed (S14: No), it returns to the cleaning process in S12 and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if controller 61 determines that the predetermined number of times has been performed (S14: Yes), it ends the cleaning process.

[0095] Compared to the cleaning process in the first embodiment, the flow rate to the second pipeline is reduced in the second embodiment. However, if the second pipeline has a structure that is easy to clean (e.g., fewer complex bends and more straight lines), the reduction in flow rate will not be a problem.

[0096] On the other hand, the cleaning process in the second embodiment always supplies air and liquid to the first pipe 91, which serves as the removal path of the disposal device, and can remove dirt P more effectively.

[0097] The endoscope regeneration processing machine 1 according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, can suppress the clogging of dirt between the head of the forceps and the connector of the cleaning tube, and shorten the cleaning process time.

[0098] (Third implementation)

[0099] Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0100] Furthermore, the structure of the regeneration treatment machine 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the cleaning process is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cleaning process of the endoscope regeneration processing machine of the third embodiment.

[0102] The controller 61 drives the fluid supply unit 10 to simultaneously supply liquid to the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92 (S21). Using this process, liquid is filled into the first pipe 91, the second pipe 92, and the third pipe 93 formed by the confluence of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92.

[0103] Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to the first pipeline (S22). Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to the second pipeline (S23). Next, controller 61 supplies gas and liquid to both the first and second pipelines (S24).

[0104] Then, controller 61 determines whether the cleaning processes in S23 and S24 have been performed the prescribed number of times (S25). If controller 61 determines that the prescribed number of times has not been performed (S25: No), it returns to the cleaning process in S23 and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if controller 61 determines that the prescribed number of times has been performed (S25: Yes), it ends the cleaning process.

[0105] In the cleaning process of the third embodiment, after the air and liquid are supplied to the first conduit 91 (S22), the air and liquid are supplied to the second conduit 92. With this cleaning process, even endoscopes 9 with a structure that is difficult to clean (e.g., a large number of complex bends and a small number of straight lines) can be cleaned efficiently.

[0106] The endoscope regeneration processing machine 1 according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, can suppress the clogging of dirt between the head of the forceps and the connector of the cleaning tube, and shorten the cleaning process time.

[0107] (Fourth implementation)

[0108] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0109] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the main components of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In China, for the sake of Figure 2 For the same structure, use the same reference numerals and omit the description.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, the endoscope regeneration processing machine 1A is equipped with a flow sensor 81 in the ejection 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 sensor 81, which constitutes the flow detection unit, is output to the controller 61.

[0111] The controller 61 detects the flow rate of the liquid flowing to the pipeline 90 based on the detection results of the flow sensor 81, and controls the switching timing of the gas and liquid delivery pipeline based on the volume from one pipe head to another, thereby achieving more accurate anti-clogging.

[0112] Specifically, in the above cleaning process, when switching from supplying air and liquid to the second pipeline 92 to supplying air and liquid to the first pipeline 91, the flow rate of the air and liquid supplied to the second pipeline 92 is detected by the flow sensor 81.

[0113] Furthermore, the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 10 in such a way that it switches from supplying air and liquid to the second line 92 to supplying air and liquid to the first line 91 before the detected flow rate exceeds the capacity from the suction tube head 92A to the clamp tube head 91A.

[0114] As a result, the fluid supplied to the second pipe 92 will not flow back to the first pipe 91 through the confluence, thus preventing the dirt P washed away by the fluid from getting stuck in the gaps G1 and G2.

[0115] (Fifth implementation)

[0116] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0117] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the main components of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In China, for the sake of Figure 2 For the same structure, use the same reference numerals and omit the description.

[0118] like Figure 9 As shown, the endoscope regeneration processing machine 1B is equipped with a pressure control unit 82 in the portion of the branch line 59 located between the liquid pump 51 and the first solenoid valve 53. Additionally, a pressure control unit 83 is equipped in the portion of the branch line 59 located 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.

[0119] Pressure control units 82 and 83 control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the first pipeline 91 and the pressure of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline 92 according to the control signal from the controller 61.

[0120] Furthermore, pressure control units 82 and 83 can also be constructed using proportional valves, etc. When proportional valves are used as pressure control units 82 and 83, the valves can be opened and closed using proportional valves, thus eliminating the need for solenoid valves 53 and 54. By using these proportional valves to make the pressure loss of the second pipeline 92 greater than the pressure loss of the first pipeline 91, the pressure difference at the confluence of the first pipeline 91 and the second pipeline 92 can be adjusted.

[0121] Therefore, even if the endoscope 9 cannot ensure that the ratio of the length to the diameter of the first tube 31 and the first tube 91 is less than or equal to the ratio of the length to the diameter of the second tube 32 and the second tube 92, it can still prevent backflow into the first tube 91.

[0122] (Sixth implementation)

[0123] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0124] Figure 10This is a structural diagram of the main components of the endoscope regeneration processing machine according to the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In China, for the sake of Figure 2 For the same structure, use the same reference numerals and omit the description.

[0125] like Figure 10 As shown, the endoscope regeneration processor 1C has an acquisition unit 84 for acquiring endoscope information adjacent to the processing tank 5.

[0126] The acquisition unit 84 includes an RF-ID reading unit. RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identification) enables the transmission and reception of information via wireless communication using electromagnetic fields or radio waves.

[0127] When the RF-ID containing endoscope information related to the endoscope 9, such as the model name and manufacturing number, is embedded in the endoscope 9, the acquisition unit 84 acquires the endoscope information using the RF-ID reading unit.

[0128] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 84 may replace the RF-ID reading unit with a camera that acquires images of the endoscope 9 disposed in the processing slot 5. The acquisition unit 84 determines the type of the endoscope 9 based on the images of the endoscope 9 captured by the camera and acquires endoscope information.

[0129] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 84 can also be a user interface provided on the operation panel 6. The acquisition unit 84 acquires endoscope information based on the content input from the user interface. The user interface can be a physical operation button or an operation button displayed on a touch panel.

[0130] The lengths and diameters of the first tube 91 and the second tube 92 of the endoscope 9 vary depending on the type of endoscope 9. Therefore, by acquiring endoscope information of the endoscope 9 using the acquisition unit 84, information on the lengths and diameters of the first tube 91 and the second tube 92 of the endoscope 9 can be obtained.

[0131] As a result, the user can select the first tube 31 and the second tube 32 according to the type of endoscope 9, in a manner that satisfies the relationship that the ratio of the tube length to the tube diameter of the first tube 31 and the first tube 91 is less than the ratio of the tube length to the tube diameter of the second tube 32 and the second tube 92.

[0132] Furthermore, the controller 61 can also switch cleaning processes based on endoscopic information from the endoscope 9. For example, if the first conduit 91 contains structures that are difficult to clean, the controller 61 switches to the cleaning process of the second embodiment; if the second conduit 92 contains structures that are difficult to clean, the controller 61 switches to the cleaning process of the third embodiment. Conversely, if neither the first conduit 91 nor the second conduit 92 contains structures that are difficult to clean, the controller 61 switches to the cleaning process of the first embodiment.

[0133] In this way, by switching the cleaning process based on the endoscope information of the endoscope 9, the optimal cleaning process can be performed according to the type of endoscope 9 with different shapes of the first tube 91 and the second tube 92.

[0134] Furthermore, for each step in the flowchart in this specification, the execution order can be changed, multiple steps can be executed simultaneously, or the steps can be executed in a different order each time, as long as their nature is not violated.

[0135] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, combinations, and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope reprocessing machine characterized by comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube head of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies a fluid to a tube line of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube, respectively; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the tube line includes a first tube line that communicates with the first tube head, a second tube line that communicates with the second tube head, and a third tube line that merges the first tube line and the second tube line, the third tube line having an opening at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that a pressure of a liquid supplied to the second tube line becomes lower than a pressure of a liquid supplied to the first tube line.

2. The endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the first tube and the first tube line is lower than a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the second tube and the second tube line.

3. The endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that, after liquid is supplied to the first tube line and the second tube line, gas and liquid are alternately supplied to the first tube line and the second tube line.

4. The endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that, after liquid is supplied to the first tube line and the second tube line, gas and liquid are alternately supplied to the first tube line and gas and liquid are alternately supplied to the first tube line and the second tube line.

5. The endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that, after liquid is supplied to the first tube line and the second tube line, gas and liquid are supplied to the first tube line, and after the gas and liquid are supplied to the first tube line, gas and liquid are alternately supplied to the second tube line and gas and liquid are alternately supplied to the first tube line and the second tube line.

6. The endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the endoscope reprocessing machine has a flow rate detection unit that detects a flow rate of liquid, and the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that, based on a detection result of the flow rate detection unit, a flow rate of gas and liquid supplied to the first tube line is detected, and before the flow rate exceeds a capacity from the first tube head to the second tube head, the gas and liquid supplied to the first tube line are switched to the gas and liquid supplied to the second tube line.

7. The endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The controller controls the fluid supply unit in such a manner that, based on a result of detection by the flow rate detection section, a flow rate of gas and liquid supply to the second pipe is detected, and the gas and liquid supply to the second pipe is switched to the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe before the flow rate exceeds a capacity from the second pipe head to the first pipe head.

8. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 1, wherein The endoscope reproduction processor includes an acquisition section that acquires endoscope information of the endoscope.

9. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 8, wherein The acquisition section includes an RF-ID reading section that reads an RF-ID provided to the endoscope, and acquires the endoscope information from the RF-ID.

10. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 8, wherein The acquisition section includes a camera that captures an image of the endoscope, and acquires the endoscope information based on the image of the endoscope.

11. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 8, wherein The acquisition section is a user interface provided to an operation panel, and acquires the endoscope information based on input content by the user interface.

12. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 8, wherein The controller switches the cleaning process based on the endoscope information acquired by the acquisition section.

13. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 12, wherein The controller controls the fluid supply unit in such a manner that, in a case where it is determined based on the endoscope information that the first pipe and the second pipe do not include a structure that is difficult to clean, after liquid is supplied to the first pipe and the second pipe, the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe and the gas and liquid supply to the second pipe are alternately performed.

14. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 12, wherein The controller controls the fluid supply unit in such a manner that, in a case where it is determined based on the endoscope information that the first pipe includes a structure that is difficult to clean, after liquid is supplied to the first pipe and the second pipe, the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe and the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe and the second pipe are alternately performed.

15. The endoscope reproduction processor according to claim 12, wherein The controller controls the fluid supply unit in such a manner that, in a case where it is determined based on the endoscope information that the second pipe includes a structure that is difficult to clean, after liquid is supplied to the first pipe and the second pipe, the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe is performed, and after the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe, the gas and liquid supply to the second pipe and the gas and liquid supply to the first pipe and the second pipe are alternately performed.

16. A cleaning tube that connects an endoscope to an endoscope reproduction processor, comprising: a first pipe including a first connector that connects to a first pipe head of the endoscope, the first pipe head communicating with a first pipe of the endoscope; and ​ a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope, the second tube head communicating with a second tube line of the endoscope, the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the first tube and the first tube line is lower than a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the second tube and the second tube line.

17. A method of operating an endoscope reprocessing machine that includes: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube head of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a tube line of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube, respectively; a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, the tube line includes a first tube line that communicates with the first tube head, a second tube line that communicates with the second tube head, and a third tube line in which the first tube line and the second tube line join, the third tube line having an opening at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope, the method of operating the endoscope reprocessing machine is characterized by controlling in such a manner that a pressure of liquid supplied to the second tube line becomes lower than a pressure of liquid supplied to the first tube line.

18. The method of operating the endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the first tube and the first tube line is lower than a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the second tube and the second tube line.

19. A program of an endoscope reprocessing machine that includes: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first tube head of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second tube head of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a tube line of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube, respectively; a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, the tube line includes a first tube line that communicates with the first tube head, a second tube line that communicates with the second tube head, and a third tube line in which the first tube line and the second tube line join, the third tube line has an opening at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope, the program of the endoscope reprocessing machine is characterized by causing a computer to perform control in such a manner that a pressure of liquid supplied to the second tube line becomes lower than a pressure of liquid supplied to the first tube line.

20. The program of the endoscope reprocessing machine according to claim 19, characterized in that the first tube and the second tube have a relationship in which a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the first tube and the first tube line is lower than a ratio of a tube line length to a tube line diameter of the second tube and the second tube line. ​ ​

Images