Endoscope reprocessor, method of operating the endoscope reprocessor, and control device for the endoscope reprocessor

Abstract

This endoscope reprocessor comprises: a processing tank in which an endoscope is disposed; a bottle in which a liquid is accommodated; a conduit for supplying the liquid in the bottle to the processing tank; a pump disposed in the conduit; a flowmeter that measures the flow rate of the liquid; and a controller that detects the shortage of the liquid in the bottle on the basis of the decrease in the flow rate measured by the flowmeter.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope reprocessor, an operation method for an endoscope reprocessor, and a program for an endoscope reprocessor.

[0002] Endoscopes used in the medical field must undergo reprocessing, such as cleaning and disinfection, before they can be reused after their insertion section is inserted into the body to observe the interior and perform treatment using treatment tools.Endoscope reprocessors are used to perform this reprocessing safely, reliably, and automatically.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-23406 discloses an endoscope reprocessor that supplies a chemical solution from a second bottle when it detects that a first bottle containing the chemical solution to be supplied to a processing tank has become empty.

[0004] Using a flow meter for measuring the amount of chemical liquid supplied, it is possible to detect that the bottle is empty when the flow rate of the chemical liquid is equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate (threshold value).

[0005] However, the viscosity of each chemical solution changes with temperature differently depending on the type. Therefore, as will be described later, if a flow meter is used in which viscosity affects flow rate measurement, there is a risk of delay in detecting that the bottle is empty. If there is a delay in detecting that the bottle is empty, air will be mixed into the cleaning solution, and the specified amount of chemical solution will not be supplied to the treatment tank.

[0006] If a dedicated detection current-carrying section is provided instead of a flow meter to detect when the bottle is empty, the device becomes more complex and costs more.

[0007] JP 2017-23406 A

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an endoscope reprocessor with a simple configuration that can supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a processing tank, a method for operating an endoscope reprocessor with a simple configuration that can supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a processing tank, and a program for an endoscope reprocessor with a simple configuration that can supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a processing tank.

[0009] An endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a processing tank in which an endoscope is placed, a bottle containing a liquid, a pipeline that supplies the liquid in the bottle to the processing tank, a pump disposed in the pipeline, a flow meter that measures the flow rate of the liquid, and a controller that detects a shortage of the liquid in the bottle based on a decrease in the flow rate measured by the flow meter.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, which detects a shortage of liquid in a bottle based on a decrease in the flow rate at which the liquid in the bottle is supplied by a pump to a processing tank in which an endoscope is placed.

[0011] The program of an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment of the present invention operates a computer to detect a shortage of liquid in a bottle based on a decrease in the flow rate at which the liquid in the bottle is supplied by a pump to a processing tank in which an endoscope is placed.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope reprocessor having a simple configuration that can supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a processing tank, a method for operating an endoscope reprocessor having a simple configuration that can supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a processing tank, and a program for an endoscope reprocessor having a simple configuration that can supply a predetermined amount of liquid to a processing tank.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a structural diagram of a liquid supply unit of the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an operation method of the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a structural diagram of the liquid supply unit showing the liquid delivery state when the bottle of the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment is empty. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing changes in the rotation speed of a flow meter while cleaning liquid 1 is being supplied. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing changes in the rotation speed of a flow meter while cleaning liquid 2 is being supplied.

[0014] First Embodiment An endoscope reprocessor 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the endoscope reprocessor 1 will be referred to as the reprocessor 1.

[0015] <Overall Configuration of Reprocessor> As shown in Fig. 1, the reprocessor 1 has a main body 2 and an openable and closable top cover 3. Fig. 1 shows the reprocessor 1 with the top cover 3 open.

[0016] The reprocessor 1 is a device that reprocesses (regenerates) an endoscope 9 or an endoscope accessory. The reprocessing 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.

[0017] The main body 2 has, at its upper part, a treatment tank 5 for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope 9, an operation panel 6, and a water supply hose connection port 7.

[0018] The processing tank 5 stores a liquid such as a cleaning liquid, water, alcohol, a disinfectant, or a sterilizing liquid. The processing tank 5 has an endoscope placement section 11 and a terrace 21.

[0019] 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 circulation pump. The circulation port 16 may be provided on the bottom surface 12.

[0020] 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 water supply port 22, an air supply port 23, a cleaning liquid nozzle 24, a disinfectant liquid nozzle 25, a water supply nozzle 26, and a water level sensor 27.

[0021] The water supply port 22 is a port for connecting the first tube 31. The air supply port 23 is a port for connecting the second tube 32. The number of ports that the reprocessor 1 has is not limited to two.

[0022] The cleaning liquid nozzle 24 supplies cleaning liquid L to the treatment tank 5 via the cleaning liquid supply unit 10, which will be described later. The disinfectant liquid nozzle 25 supplies 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, which has a mesh filter 15, back to the treatment tank 5 and circulates 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.

[0023] The operation panel 6 is disposed on the upper front of the main body 2. The operation panel 6 has various operation buttons (not shown). A user uses the operation panel 6 to give various instructions to the reprocessor 1.

[0024] The water supply hose connection port 7 is provided at the upper rear of the main body 2. A water supply hose connected to a water tap (not shown) is connected to the water supply hose connection port 7, and water is supplied to the reprocessor 1 via the water supply nozzle 26.

[0025] 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 perform reprocessing by closing the top cover 3.

[0026] <Cleaning Liquid Supply Unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning liquid supply unit 10 includes a bottle 40, a pipeline 50, a pump 60, a flow meter 70, and a controller (processor) 80.

[0027] The bottle 40 may have any shape, such as a cylindrical or rectangular tube, as long as it can contain the cleaning liquid L. The cleaning liquid L may be a concentrated liquid that is diluted with water before use in the processing tank. When the cleaning liquid L contained in the bottle 40 becomes empty through use, the bottle 40 is removed from the endoscope reprocessor 1 and replaced with a new bottle 40 filled with the cleaning liquid L. The conduit 50 forms a path for supplying the cleaning liquid L from the bottle 40 to the processing tank.

[0028] A pump 60 disposed in the pipeline 50 sucks the cleaning liquid L from the bottle 40 and supplies it to the processing tank 5. The pump 60 is, for example, a tube pump. A tube pump is a metering pump and has small changes in flow rate due to pulsation, making it particularly suitable for the reprocessor 1 of this embodiment.

[0029] The flow meter 70 measures the flow rate of the cleaning liquid L flowing through the conduit 50 at a predetermined time interval ΔT (e.g., 1 second). The flow meter 70 is preferably a rotary type, which allows for compact size and low cost. The flow meter 70 is, for example, a turbine type flow meter.

[0030] The controller 80 has a CPU 81, which is a central processing unit of a computer, and a memory 82, which includes a ROM, a RAM, etc. As will be described later, the controller 80 detects a shortage of the cleaning liquid L in the bottle 40 based on a decrease in the flow rate measured by the flow meter 70.

[0031] The functions of the controller 80 are realized by the CPU 81 reading and executing a program, etc., from the memory 82. The program stored in the memory 82 for causing a computer to execute the liquid supply process may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 8 and transferred to the memory 82.

[0032] The controller 80 that controls the cleaning liquid supply unit 10 does not have to be dedicated to the cleaning liquid supply unit 10 , but may be part of a controller that controls the entire reprocessor 1 .

[0033] <Operation Method of Reprocessor> An example of the operation method of the reprocessor will now be briefly described.

[0034] <Step S10> Endoscope placement process The user opens the top cover 3 of the reprocessor 1 and sets the endoscope 9. After connecting the reprocessor 1 and the internal conduit of the endoscope 9 using the first tube 31 and the second tube 32, the user places the endoscope 9 in the endoscope placement section 11 and closes the top cover 3.

[0035] When the user issues an instruction to start a predetermined process such as cleaning and disinfecting from the operation panel 6, the CPU 81 reads a predetermined program from the memory 82 and starts processing the program.

[0036] <Step S11> Water Supply Process Based on a control signal from the CPU 81, water is supplied from the water supply nozzle 26 to the treatment tank 5. When the water level in the treatment tank 5 detected by the water level sensor 27 reaches a predetermined value, the water supply automatically stops.

[0037] <Step S12> Ultrasonic Cleaning Step When a vibrator (not shown) disposed on the underside of the treatment tank 5 is activated, ultrasonic waves are applied to the water stored in the treatment tank 5. Dirt on the outer surface of the endoscope 9 is cleaned by ultrasonic cleaning.

[0038] <Step S13> Pipeline Cleaning Process The controller 80 supplies water to the pipes inside the endoscope 9 via the first tube 31 and the second tube 32. Dirt P in the pipes is discharged together with the water from the opening at the tip of the endoscope 9. The water stored in the treatment tank 5 is discharged via the circulation port 16 and supplied to the treatment tank 5 again.

[0039] <Step S14> Flowing Liquid Cleaning Process The cleaning liquid supply unit 10 injects the cleaning liquid L from the bottle 40 through the cleaning liquid nozzle 24 into the treatment tank 5 in which water is stored. The operation method of the cleaning liquid supply unit 10 will be described in detail later. The cleaning liquid L diluted with the water stored in the treatment tank 5 is discharged via the circulation port 16 and supplied again to the treatment tank 5.

[0040] <Step S15> Disinfection process After the diluted cleaning liquid L is discharged from the treatment tank 5, the disinfectant connected to the disinfectant tank is injected into the treatment tank 5 through the disinfectant nozzle 25. The disinfectant is sucked in through the circulation port 16 and supplied to the treatment tank 5 again.

[0041] <Step S16> Drying process After the disinfectant solution is discharged from the treatment tank 5, air is sent into the conduit 90 to perform an air-sending drying process for removing moisture from the conduit. A drying liquid such as alcohol (not shown) may be sent into the conduit 90.

[0042] This completes the reprocessing of the endoscope 9 placed in the processing tank 5.

[0043] The reprocessing is not limited to the above example. For example, a rinsing step using water and a drying step may be performed between each step, and the pipe cleaning step may be omitted.

[0044] <Operation Method of Cleaning Liquid Supply Unit> The operation method of the cleaning liquid supply unit will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. In the following, the flow rate will be expressed using the rotation speed of the turbine type flow meter 70.

[0045] <Step S20> Pump Start-Up When the pump 60 receives a control signal from the controller 80, the pump 60 starts to send the cleaning solution L from the bottle 40 to the processing tank 5. Note that the pump 60, which is, for example, a tube pump, is a metering pump with a constant rotation speed (flow rate).

[0046] <Step S21> Measuring the rotation speed The flow meter 70 measures the rotation speed of the cleaning liquid L flowing through the pipeline 50 at predetermined time intervals ΔT. The interval ΔT is based on the specifications of the flow meter 70, etc. The upper limit of the interval ΔT is preferably 2 seconds or less, and particularly preferably 1 second or less. If the interval ΔT is equal to or less than the upper limit, the desired amount of cleaning liquid L can be accurately supplied. The lower limit of the interval ΔT is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 seconds.

[0047] <Step S22> Supply amount≧predetermined value? When the liquid supply starts, the controller 80 starts measuring time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, it stops the pump 60 and ends the supply of the cleaning liquid L. In other words, when the amount of the cleaning liquid L supplied to the processing tank 5 reaches a predetermined value, the supply process of the cleaning liquid L ends. The predetermined liquid supply amount is set as the amount of cleaning liquid L required for one reprocessing treatment.

[0048] The controller 80 may store an integrated amount SM (number of rotations x time) obtained by integrating the number of rotations detected by the flow meter 70, for example, in the memory 82. When the integrated amount SM reaches a predetermined value, the controller 80 controls the cleaning liquid supply unit 10 to end the supply process of the cleaning liquid L.

[0049] 4, when the cleaning liquid L in the bottle 40 is insufficient, air is mixed in with the cleaning liquid L sucked into the conduit 50 (L+Air). The area of ​​the conduit 50 close to the cleaning liquid nozzle 24 is filled with the cleaning liquid L, but only air (Air) is present in the area of ​​the conduit 50 close to the bottle 40. The flowmeter 70 of this embodiment is a turbine-type flowmeter for liquids, and when gas is mixed in with the liquid to be measured, the rotation speed decreases.

[0050] 5 shows the change in the rotation speed of the flow meter 70 when the bottle 40 runs out of cleaning liquid L at time 25 seconds and the bottle 40 runs out of cleaning liquid L at time 40 seconds. When the bottle 40 runs out of cleaning liquid L, air gets mixed into the cleaning liquid L, and the rotation speed of the flow meter 70 decreases.

[0051] 5, by setting a threshold value TH1, which is a predetermined number of revolutions, the controller 80 can detect in a short time that the cleaning liquid L in the bottle 40 is insufficient based on the threshold value TH1. For example, if the threshold value TH1 is set to 80 rpm, the controller 80 can detect insufficient cleaning liquid L in 27 seconds when the liquid temperature is 5° C. The controller 80 can also detect insufficient cleaning liquid L in 30 seconds when the liquid temperature is 40° C.

[0052] That is, even if the temperature of cleaning liquid L1 rises from 5°C to 40°C, the rotation speed detected by the flow meter 70 at the standard liquid delivery rate increases only by about 1.6 times, from 100 rpm to 160 rpm. This is because the viscosity change of cleaning liquid L1 with temperature is approximately the same as that of water (-0.5 mPa·s / °C). Therefore, with cleaning liquid L1, even if the temperature changes, the controller 80 can detect a shortage of cleaning liquid L within 5 seconds after the flow rate begins to decrease.

[0053] However, in the case of cleaning liquid L2 shown in Figure 6, when the temperature rises from 5°C to 40°C, the rotation speed detected by the flow meter at the standard liquid flow rate rises from 50 rpm to 150 rpm, which is about three times higher. This is because the viscosity change of cleaning liquid L2 due to temperature is four times higher (-2 mPa·s / °C) than that of water.

[0054] Therefore, if the threshold value for the cleaning liquid L2 is set to 80 rpm, the same as for the cleaning liquid L1, the controller 80 will not be able to detect that the cleaning liquid L is insufficient at 5°C.

[0055] For example, if the threshold value TH2 is set to 30 rpm corresponding to a liquid temperature of 5° C., at 40° C., it will take 8 seconds from when the flow rate starts to decrease until the controller 80 detects a shortage of the cleaning liquid L. For the cleaning liquid L2, there is no threshold value that allows the controller 80 to detect a shortage of the cleaning liquid L within 5 seconds, whether the temperature is 5° C. or 40° C.

[0056] Furthermore, the rotation speed detected by the flow meter 70 varies not only with temperature but also with individual differences (manufacturing errors, deterioration) in the pump 60 or the flow meter 70, and therefore the conversion coefficient when converting the rotation speed to flow rate may change.

[0057] In other words, in the detection method using the rotation speed as a threshold value, depending on the type of cleaning liquid L, it may take time for the controller 80 to detect a shortage of cleaning liquid L, and there is a risk that cleaning liquid L containing air may be delivered.

[0058] In contrast, in the reprocessor 1, the controller 80 detects a shortage of cleaning liquid L based on the moving average value (moving average rotation speed / moving average flow rate) of the rotation speeds measured the most recent N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) by the flow meter 70. The number N can be set appropriately, but from the viewpoint of detection accuracy, it is preferable that it be, for example, 3 or more and 6 or less.

[0059] The controller 80 then detects that there is a shortage of cleaning liquid L when the rotation speed is less than a threshold value obtained by multiplying the moving average rotation speed by a predetermined coefficient k. The predetermined coefficient k can be set as appropriate, but is preferably less than 0.9 and greater than 0.7. If the coefficient k is less than the above range, the controller 80 is less likely to make an erroneous detection, and if the coefficient k is greater than the above range, the controller 80 does not delay in detecting a shortage of cleaning liquid L.

[0060] Below, an example will be explained in which the number of times N is 3 and the coefficient k is 0.8.

[0061] 5, the moving average rotation speed at 5°C for 25 seconds is 102 rpm. The moving average rotation speed at 40°C for 25 seconds is 160 rpm. It takes 27 seconds for the rotation speed at 5°C to reach (102 x k) rpm, i.e., 82 rpm. It takes 27 seconds for the rotation speed at 40°C to reach 120 rpm.

[0062] 6, the moving average rotation speed at 5°C for 25 seconds is 52 rpm. The moving average rotation speed at 40°C for 25 seconds is 141 rpm. It takes 27 seconds for the rotation speed at 5°C to reach (52 x k) rpm, i.e., 42 rpm. It also takes 27 seconds for the rotation speed at 40°C to reach 113 rpm.

[0063] The controller 80 of the reprocessor 1 can detect a shortage of cleaning liquid L within 5 seconds after the flow rate begins to decrease, even if the viscosity of the cleaning liquid changes significantly with temperature, more than twice that of water.

[0064] In addition, in a reprocessor 1 in which cleaning fluids with different characteristics (model numbers) are used depending on the type of endoscope to be cleaned, the optimal coefficient k for each cleaning fluid may be stored in advance by the controller 80 along with the model number, or the user may input it using the operation panel 6 or select it from among multiple stored model numbers or multiple stored coefficients k.

[0065] The bottle 40 may have a non-volatile memory such as an RFID tag 41, and the controller 80 may acquire the model number of the cleaning liquid or the coefficient k from the RFID tag 41.

[0066] The coefficient k is set so that a shortage of the cleaning liquid L can be detected within 5 seconds when the temperature of the cleaning liquid L is in the range of 5°C to 40°C.

[0067] If a shortage of the cleaning liquid L is not detected (S23: NO), the process from S21 is repeated.

[0068] <Steps S24, S25> Alarm, Pump Stop When a shortage of the cleaning liquid L is detected (S22: YES), the controller 80 generates an alarm signal, stops the pump 60, and stops the supply of the cleaning liquid L.

[0069] The alarm signal is communicated to the user, for example, by displaying an image or text on the operation panel 6 or by generating a buzzer sound. The user replaces the bottle 40, removes the cleaning liquid L containing air from the conduit 50, and then instructs the reprocessor 1 to resume processing. In a reprocessor having multiple bottles 40, the bottle 40 that supplies the cleaning liquid may be automatically changed.

[0070] As described above, the method of operating an endoscope reprocessor detects a shortage of liquid in a bottle based on a decrease in the flow rate at which the liquid in the bottle is supplied by a pump to a processing tank in which an endoscope is placed.

[0071] The program for the method of operating an endoscope reprocessor operates a computer to detect a shortage of liquid in a bottle based on a decrease in the flow rate at which the liquid in the bottle is supplied by a pump to a processing tank in which an endoscope is placed.

[0072] <Modification> The endoscope reprocessor 1A of the modification is similar to the endoscope reprocessor 1 of the embodiment and has the same effects. Therefore, in the following, a description of the same configuration as the endoscope reprocessor 1 of the embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] The controller 80 of the modified endoscope reprocessor 1A may detect a shortage of cleaning fluid L when the rotation speed (flow rate) decreases K times (where K is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) in succession. The number K can be set as appropriate, but from the viewpoint of detection accuracy, it is preferable that the number K be between 3 and 6, for example.

[0074] It goes without saying that the same configuration as the cleaning liquid supply unit 10 can be used in a liquid supply unit of an endoscope reprocessor, such as a disinfectant liquid supply unit or an alcohol supply unit, and will have the same effect as the cleaning liquid supply unit 10.

[0075] In order to detect air mixing into the liquid as early as possible, it is preferable that the flow meter 70 be located in the conduit 50 closer to the bottle 40 than the pump 60, as shown in FIG.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0077] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A... Endoscope reprocessor 2... Main body 3... Top cover 5... Processing tank 6... Operation panel 8... Storage medium 9... Endoscope 10... Cleaning liquid supply unit 40... Bottle 41... RFID tag 50... Pipe 60... Pump 80... Controller 80... Flow meter 81... CPU 82... Memory 90... Pipe

Claims

1. A processing tank in which the endoscope is placed, A liquid storage section in which liquid is contained, A pipeline for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage section to the processing tank, A pump installed in the aforementioned pipeline, A flow meter installed in the aforementioned pipeline, A controller having a processor, The aforementioned processor, A signal is output to the pump to send the liquid through the pipeline. The value of the flow meter is obtained, A predetermined threshold is set based on the value of the flow meter, An endoscope reprocessor characterized in that, when the value of the flow meter is less than the predetermined threshold, it detects a shortage of the liquid in the liquid storage section.

2. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller calculates a moving average of the flow meter values ​​for N times (an integer N ≥ 2), and detects a shortage of the liquid based on the moving average.

3. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller detects a shortage of liquid when the value of the flow meter is less than a threshold obtained by multiplying the moving average value by a predetermined coefficient.

4. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller stores the respective predetermined coefficients corresponding to the type of liquid.

5. The liquid storage unit has a memory that stores a predetermined coefficient corresponding to the type of liquid stored therein. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller obtains the predetermined coefficient from the memory.

6. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller detects a shortage of liquid when the value of the flow meter decreases K times (a natural number K ≥ 2) consecutively.

7. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller stops the pump and generates an alarm signal when it detects a shortage of the liquid.

8. The aforementioned pump is a tube pump, The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow meter is a turbine-type flow meter.

9. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the pipeline, the flow meter is located closer to the liquid storage section than the pump.

10. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the viscosity change of the liquid with respect to temperature is more than twice that of water with respect to temperature.

11. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid is a cleaning solution and its viscosity change with respect to temperature is four times that of water with respect to temperature.

12. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 11, characterized in that it can detect a shortage of the cleaning solution within 5 seconds when the temperature of the cleaning solution is in the range of 5°C to 40°C.

13. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, The liquid contained in the liquid storage section is supplied to the pipeline by a pump. The values ​​from the flow meter placed in the aforementioned pipeline are obtained, A predetermined threshold is set based on the value of the flow meter, A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, characterized in that if the value of the flow meter is less than the predetermined threshold, a shortage of the liquid in the liquid storage section is detected.

14. The method for operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 13, characterized in that a moving average value of the flow meter values ​​for N times (an integer N ≥ 2) is calculated, and a shortage of the liquid is detected based on the moving average value.

15. The method for operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 14, characterized in that a shortage of liquid is detected when the value of the flow meter is less than a threshold obtained by multiplying the moving average value by a predetermined coefficient.

16. The method for operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 15, characterized in that it stores each of the predetermined coefficients corresponding to the type of liquid.

17. A control device for an endoscope reprocessor, comprising a processor, The aforementioned processor, The liquid contained in the liquid storage section is supplied to the pipeline by a pump. The values ​​from the flow meter placed in the aforementioned pipeline are obtained, A predetermined threshold is set based on the value of the flow meter, A control device for an endoscope reprocessor, characterized in that it detects a shortage of the liquid in the liquid storage section when the value of the flow meter is less than the predetermined threshold.

18. The control device for an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 17, characterized in that the processor calculates a moving average of the flow meter values ​​for N times (an integer N ≥ 2), and detects a shortage of the liquid based on the moving average.

19. The control device for an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 18, characterized in that the processor detects a shortage of liquid when the value of the flow meter is less than a threshold obtained by multiplying the moving average value by a predetermined coefficient.

20. The control device for an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 19, characterized in that the processor stores each of the predetermined coefficients corresponding to the type of liquid.

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