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

Abstract

This endoscope reprocessor comprises: a first tube having a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope; a second tube having a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece; a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to a tube line of the endoscope; a controller; and a sensor for detecting the pressure of the fluid. The tube line includes a first tube line communicating with the first mouthpiece, a second tube line communicating with the second mouthpiece, and a third tube line in which the first tube line and the second tube line merge. The controller controls the fluid supply unit to a first mode in which fluid at a first pressure is supplied to the first tube and uses the result of comparing a plurality of threshold values with the pressure acquired from the sensor as a basis to switch the control to a second mode in which fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first tube or a third mode in which fluid is supplied to the first tube and the second tube.

Description

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

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

[0002] Endoscopes used in the medical field must undergo reprocessing, such as cleaning and disinfection, before they can be reused after their insertion portion 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] The endoscope reprocessor connects the connectors of each tube to the suction nozzle and forceps nozzle of the endoscope, then supplies fluid to each tube and 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 internal ducts of the endoscope.

[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 duct near the forceps mouthpiece is heavily soiled, the dirt may be swept away by the liquid and trapped in the gap 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] If dirt gets caught in the gap between the forceps mouthpiece and the connector of the tube connected to the forceps mouthpiece, it is not easy to remove the trapped dirt.

[0008] Furthermore, the degree of contamination of the ducts varies depending on the model and use of the endoscope. Endoscope reprocessors that automatically perform reprocessing can sometimes perform unnecessary processing, which can result in longer processing times.

[0009] International Publication No. WO2015-001843 International Publication No. WO2016-194456

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an endoscopic reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, a method for operating an endoscopic reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, and a program for operating an endoscopic reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing.

[0011] An endoscope reprocessor according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first tube having a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope, a second tube having a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope, and a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a duct of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube. the endoscope includes a controller that controls the fluid supply unit and a sensor that detects the pressure or flow rate of the fluid in the conduit, the conduit including a first conduit communicating with the first nozzle, a second conduit communicating with the second nozzle, and a third conduit where the first conduit and the second conduit join together, the third conduit having an opening at the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, the controller controls the fluid supply unit to a first mode in which a fluid at a first pressure is supplied to the first tube, acquires the pressure or the flow rate from the sensor, compares the pressure or the flow rate with a plurality of threshold values ​​that have been acquired in advance according to the model of the endoscope, and, based on the comparison result, switches the control of the fluid supply unit from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first tube.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, the endoscope reprocessor including: a first tube having a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope; a second tube having a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope; and a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a duct of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube. the fluid supply unit is controlled to a first mode in which the fluid at a first pressure is supplied to the first tube, the pressure or the flow rate is acquired from the sensor, and the pressure or the flow rate is compared with a plurality of threshold values ​​corresponding to the model of the endoscope that have been acquired in advance, and based on the comparison result, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first tube.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for an endoscope reprocessor, the endoscope reprocessor including: a first tube having a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope; a second tube having a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope; and a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a duct of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube. the fluid supply unit is controlled to a first mode in which the fluid at a first pressure is supplied to the first tube, the pressure or the flow rate is acquired from the sensor, the pressure or the flow rate is compared with a plurality of threshold values ​​corresponding to the model of the endoscope that have been acquired in advance, and based on the comparison result, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first tube.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, an operation method for an endoscope reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, and a program for efficient endoscope reprocessing can be provided.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a tube connector and a forceps port mouthpiece of the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit junction of the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method of operating the endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The reprocessor 1 is a device that reprocesses (regenerates) an endoscope 9 or an endoscope accessory. The reprocessing may be 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The cleaning liquid nozzle 24 supplies cleaning liquid to the treatment tank 5. 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 having the mesh filter 15 back to the treatment tank 5 to circulate it. The mesh filter 15 filters out contaminants P (see Figure 2) from the liquid. The water level sensor 27 detects the level of the liquid stored in the treatment tank 5.

[0026] The operation panel 6 is disposed on the upper front of the main body 2. The operation panel 6 has various operation buttons and a display panel (not shown). A user uses the operation panel 6 to give various instructions to the reprocessor 1.

[0027] The water supply hose connection port 7 is provided at the upper rear of the reprocessor body. 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.

[0028] 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 using the first tube 31 and the second tube 32. After the endoscope 9 is set, the reprocessor 1 can be put into a state where it is ready to perform reprocessing by closing the top cover 3.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a state in which the endoscope 9, to which the first tube 31 and the second tube 32 are connected, is housed in the reprocessor 1. Note that Fig. 2 illustrates only the main components of the present invention. The reprocessor 1 may have a different configuration from that shown in Fig. 2 as long as it has the same functions as the configuration shown in Fig. 2.

[0030] 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 therein. The conduit 90 includes a first conduit 91, a second conduit 92, and a third conduit 93. One end of the first conduit 91 is provided with a forceps mouthpiece 91A, which serves as a first mouthpiece, and the other end joins with the second conduit 92 at a junction. One end of the second conduit 92 is provided with an air supply mouthpiece 92A, which serves as a second mouthpiece, and the other end joins with the first conduit 91 at a junction. That is, the first conduit 91 is in communication with the forceps mouthpiece 91A, and the second conduit 92 is in communication with the air supply mouthpiece 92A.

[0031] The insertion section 9A is inserted into a third conduit 93 formed by the merging of the first conduit 91 and the second conduit 92, and the third conduit 93 has an opening O93 at the tip of the insertion section 9A. The first conduit 91 and the third conduit 93 form a forceps channel. A treatment tool such as forceps inserted through the forceps mouthpiece 91A passes through the first conduit 91 and the third conduit 93, with the tip protruding from the opening O93. Fluid supplied from the air supply mouthpiece 92A passes through the second conduit 92 and the third conduit 93 and is released from the opening O93. Note that the air supply mouthpiece 92A is not exclusively used for air supply when the endoscope 9 is in use, but is also used for suction or water supply.

[0032] 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 a water supply port 22 of the reprocessor 1. The water supply port 22 communicates with the forceps connector 91A of the endoscope 9 via the first tube 31.

[0033] The second tube 32 has a second connector 32A provided at one end connected to an air supply nozzle 92A, which is a second nozzle of the endoscope 9, and a connector 32B provided at the other end connected to the air supply port 23 of the reprocessor 1. The air supply port 23 communicates with the air supply nozzle 92A of the endoscope 9 via the second tube 32.

[0034] The reprocessor 1 has a liquid pump 51 , a gas pump 52 , a first solenoid valve 53 , a second solenoid valve 54 , and a controller 61 .

[0035] 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 pipeline 55, pressurizes the taken-in liquid, and sends the pressurized liquid to the branch pipeline 59. Although not shown, a portion of the liquid taken in through the circulation port 16 is sent to the treatment tank 5 by another pump. The mesh filter 15 filters out dirt P that has flowed down from the endoscope 9 and is floating in the liquid in the treatment tank 5.

[0036] The liquid pump 51 is connected to the first electromagnetic valve 53 via a branch pipe 59. The first electromagnetic valve 53 is connected to the water supply port 22 via a pipe 57.

[0037] The gas pump 52 takes in gas via a conduit 56, pressurizes the taken-in gas, and sends the pressurized gas to a branch conduit 59. The gas is, for example, air. The gas pump 52 is connected to a second electromagnetic valve 54 via the branch conduit 59. The second electromagnetic valve 54 is connected to the gas sending port 23 via a conduit 58.

[0038] A check valve 51A is provided in the discharge line of the liquid pump 51. A check valve 52A is provided in the discharge line of the gas pump 52. The check valves 51A and 52A are not essential components.

[0039] A pressure sensor 83 for detecting the pressure of the fluid is disposed in the branch pipe 59. A flow rate sensor 81 is disposed in the pipe 57, and a flow rate sensor 82 is disposed in the pipe 58.

[0040] The controller 61 has a CPU 62, which is the central processing unit of a computer, and a memory 63 including 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 stored in the memory 63 for causing a computer to execute the reprocessing process is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 8 and may be transferred to the memory 63. The memory 63 also stores a plurality of thresholds according to the model of the endoscope 9, which will be described later.

[0041] The controller 61 is electrically connected to the liquid pump 51 , the gas pump 52 , the first solenoid valve 53 , the second solenoid valve 54 , and the pressure sensor 83 .

[0042] When supplying liquid, the controller 61 starts the liquid pump 51 and stops the gas pump 52. When supplying gas, the controller 61 stops the liquid pump 51 and starts the gas pump 52.

[0043] When the controller 61 starts the gas pump 52 after starting the liquid pump 51, a gas-liquid mixed flow is supplied to the conduit 90. By repeatedly supplying the liquid and then sending air from the gas pump 52, the supplied fluid becomes a gas-liquid mixed flow in which liquid and gas are mixed. A gas-liquid mixed flow includes any of a state in which gas bubbles exist in liquid, a state in which liquid droplets exist in gas, and a state in which a mass of liquid and a mass of gas exist side by side.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The liquid pump 51, the gas pump 52, the first solenoid valve 53, the second solenoid valve 54, the pressure sensor 83, etc. constitute the fluid supply unit 10. The fluid supply unit 10 supplies fluid to each of the first tube 31 and the second tube 32. The controller 61 controls the timing at which the fluid supply unit 10 supplies fluid to the pipeline 90.

[0046] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 and the forceps mouthpiece 91A of the endoscope 9. Note that the joint between the second connector 32A of the second tube 32 and the air supply mouthpiece 92A of the endoscope 9 has the same configuration as the joint between the first connector 31A and the forceps mouthpiece 91A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] 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 .

[0048] 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 in 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.

[0049] The plurality of spheres 72 are made of metal etc. 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.

[0050] The connector cover 73 is made of plastic etc. The connector cover 73 is disposed on the outside of the connector body 71 on which the plurality of spheres 72 are disposed.

[0051] The forceps mouthpiece 91A is made of metal, resin, etc. The forceps mouthpiece 91A has a cylindrical body 77 and an outward flange 78 at the tip.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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, and flows out from the gap G1. The fluid flowing out from the gap G1 in the connection region between the connector 31B and the forceps ferrule 91A cleans the outer peripheral surface of the forceps ferrule 91A.

[0054] 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.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, after use, the ducts 90 of the endoscope 9, particularly the first duct 91 and the third duct 93, which are the paths for removing treatment tools inserted into the body, may have dirt P attached thereto.

[0056] As already explained, there is a gap G1 between the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 connected to the forceps connector 91A and the forceps connector 91A. Therefore, in the reprocessing process, for example, if the fluid supplied to the second pipeline 92 flows back through the first pipeline 91 via the junction, there is a risk that the dirt P swept away by the fluid may become trapped in the gap G1.

[0057] As will be described later, the controller 61 controls the timing and pressure at which the fluid supply unit 10 supplies fluid to the pipeline 90. Specifically, the controller 61 compares the pressure of the fluid detected by the pressure sensor 83 with a plurality of predetermined threshold values, and switches the control of the fluid supply unit 10 based on the comparison result.

[0058] That is, as described below, based on the comparison result, the controller 61 switches the control of the fluid supply unit 1 from the first mode to the second mode in which fluid at a second pressure P2 higher than the first pressure P1 in the first mode is supplied to the first tube 31.

[0059] By the above control, even if dirt P in the first pipeline 91 clogs the gap G1, the clogged dirt can be removed, allowing the endoscope reprocessor 1 to perform efficient reprocessing.

[0060] <Operation Method of Endoscope Reprocessor> An example of the operation method of the reprocessor 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0061] <Step S10> Endoscope placement process The user opens the top cover 3 of the reprocessor 1 and sets the endoscope 9. Specifically, the user connects the second connector 32A of the second tube 32 to the air supply nozzle 92A of the endoscope 9, and connects the connector 32B to the air supply port 23.

[0062] The user also connects the connector 31B of the first tube 31 to the water supply port 22 and the connector 32B of the second tube 33 to the air supply port 23.

[0063] After connecting the reprocessor 1 and the endoscope 9, the user places the endoscope 9 in the endoscope placement section 11 and closes the top cover 3.

[0064] When the user issues an instruction to start a predetermined reprocessing process such as cleaning and disinfection from the operation panel 6, the CPU 62 reads a predetermined program from the memory 63 and starts processing the program. For example, the endoscope reprocessor program stored in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 8 has been transferred to the memory 63 in advance.

[0065] <Step S20> Water Supply Process Based on a control signal from the CPU 62, 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.

[0066] <Step S30> 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. By ultrasonic cleaning, dirt P on the outer surface of the endoscope 9 is cleaned.

[0067] <Step S40> Pipeline Cleaning Process Details of the pipeline cleaning process are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0068] <Step S41> First Mode The controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 10 in the first mode. In the first mode, the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 10 to open the first solenoid valve 53 and supply a predetermined flow rate of water to the first conduit 91 via the first tube 31, the first connector 31A, and the forceps mouthpiece 91A.

[0069] The flow rate is controlled by controlling the opening level of the first electromagnetic valve 53 or by controlling the driving power of the pump 51 .

[0070] <Step S42> Pressure < Threshold 2 The first mode is a mode in which the controller 61 checks whether dirt P is attached to the pipeline 90 and simultaneously removes the dirt P from the pipeline 90. If the pressure of the pressure sensor 83 is less than the second threshold T2 (YES), the controller 61 determines that the process of removing dirt P from the pipeline 90 is unnecessary, and proceeds to the processing of step S47.

[0071] Note that multiple thresholds, such as the second threshold T2 and a first threshold T1 (described later), are acquired in advance based on the model of the endoscope 9 and stored in the memory 63. The model data of the endoscope 9 to be reprocessed may be input by the user using the operation panel 6, or may be automatically acquired by the reprocessor 1 if the endoscope 9 is equipped with an RFID tag.

[0072] If more than a predetermined amount of dirt is attached to the conduit 90, the pressure exceeds the first threshold value T1. If more than a predetermined amount of dirt is not attached to the conduit 90 but dirt P is clogging the gap G1, the pressure exceeds the second threshold value T2. In other words, the first threshold value T1 exceeds the second threshold value T2. If the first threshold value T1 is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2, the conduit 90 does not have more than a predetermined amount of dirt attached and the gap G1 is not clogged with dirt P.

[0073] <Step S43> Pressure < Threshold 1 If the pressure of the pressure sensor 83 exceeds the first threshold T1 (S42: NO), the process proceeds to step S41 to remove dirt P from the pipeline 90, and the controller 61 continues control in the first mode.

[0074] <Step S44> Pressure < Threshold 1 If the pressure of the pressure sensor 83 is less than the second threshold T2 and less than the first threshold T1 (S44: YES), the dirt P in the pipeline 90 has been removed and the dirt P is not clogging the gap G1, so the controller 61 proceeds to processing of step S47.

[0075] <Step S45> Second Mode If the pressure of the pressure sensor 83 is greater than the first threshold T1 and less than the second threshold T2 (S44: NO), the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 10 in the second mode. That is, the thresholds include a first threshold T1 for detecting contamination P in the pipeline 90 and a second threshold T2 for detecting clogging of the gap G1 due to contamination P.

[0076] In the second mode, water at a second pressure P2 is supplied to the first pipe 91. The second pressure P2 is higher than the first pressure P1. The second mode is a mode for removing clogging of the gap G1 caused by dirt P.

[0077] The second pressure P2 is preferably more than 1.5 times the first pressure P1, and particularly preferably more than 2 times the first pressure P1. If the second pressure P2 is more than this pressure, clogging of the gap G1 by the dirt P can be effectively removed.

[0078] If the fluid supply unit 10 has multiple pumps 51, the controller 61 may control the fluid supply unit 10 to supply fluid using a greater number of pumps 51 in the second mode than in the first mode.

[0079] <Step S46> Pressure<Threshold 2 The controller 61 continues the second mode control (step S45) until the pressure of the pressure sensor 83 becomes less than the first threshold T1, that is, until the dirt P in the pipeline 90 can be removed.

[0080] The controller 61 may proceed to step S47 after a first predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since switching the control of the fluid supply unit 10 to the second mode.

[0081] The controller 61 may switch the control of the fluid supply unit 10 to the second mode and then switch back to the first mode after a second predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed. That is, the first mode control of low-pressure liquid delivery and the second mode control of high-pressure liquid delivery may be repeated. The number of repetitions may be, for example, more than two and less than five.

[0082] The controller 61 may generate an alarm signal when the second mode control of the fluid supply unit 10 is performed for a third predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) or longer. 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. That is, if the clog is not cleared even after the fluid is pumped at high pressure for the third predetermined time, the user may, for example, perform brush cleaning.

[0083] <Step S47> Third Mode The controller 61 switches the control of the fluid supply unit 10 to a third mode in which the fluid is supplied to the first tube 31 and the second tube 32. In the third mode, the third pressure P3 of the fluid is lower than the first pressure P1. In the third mode, the contamination P of the second pipeline 92 is also removed.

[0084] By the third mode control, the process of removing dirt from the pipe 90 is almost completed.

[0085] In step S40, there may be a period during which the first electromagnetic valve 53 is closed and liquid supply is stopped only through the second tube 32. Also, in step S40, there may be a period during which the liquid pump 51 is activated and the gas-liquid mixed flow is supplied to the pipeline 90.

[0086] The controller 61 can also control the fluid supply unit 10 by comparing the flow rates of the flow rate sensors 81 and 82 disposed in the pipeline 57 with a plurality of threshold values.

[0087] When the flow rate is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the controller 61 switches to a second mode with a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate of the first mode and controls the fluid supply unit 10. The second flow rate is preferably greater than 1.5 times the first flow rate, and particularly preferably greater than 2 times the first flow rate. When the second flow rate exceeds the first flow rate, clogging of the gap G1 due to dirt P can be effectively removed.

[0088] <Step S70> Flow Control Step For example, the flow control step described in the already-described International Publication WO 2016-194456 is performed. That is, the flow rate at which the liquid is supplied as the fluid, the flow rate at which the gas is supplied as the fluid, the first solenoid valve 53, and the second solenoid valve 54 are adjusted, so that the liquid, the gas, or the gas-liquid mixture flow is supplied to the first pipeline 91 or the second pipeline 92 in a predetermined order.

[0089] <Step S80> Flowing Liquid Cleaning Process The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank is injected into the treatment tank 5, which stores water, through the cleaning liquid nozzle 24. The cleaning liquid diluted with water is discharged from the circulation port 16 by the liquid pump 51 and is supplied again to the treatment tank 5 and the pipeline 90.

[0090] <Step S90> Disinfection process After the diluted cleaning liquid is discharged from the treatment tank 5, the disinfectant from the disinfectant tank is injected into the treatment tank 5 through the disinfectant nozzle 25. The disinfectant is sucked into the treatment tank 5 through the circulation port 16 by the liquid pump 51 and supplied again to the treatment tank 5 and the pipeline 90.

[0091] <Step S100> Drying Process After the disinfectant solution is discharged from the treatment tank 5, air is sent into the conduit 90 by the gas pump 52, and a drying process is performed to remove water from the conduit. A drying liquid such as alcohol (not shown) may be sent into the conduit 90.

[0092] This completes the reprocessing of the endoscope 9 placed in the processing tank 5. Note that the reprocessing is not limited to the above-described processes. For example, a rinsing process using water and a drying process may be performed between each process. Also, the flow control process S50 may be omitted.

[0093] The fluid used for pipe cleaning is not limited to a liquid, and a gas-liquid mixed flow may be used. Furthermore, a liquid and a gas-liquid mixed flow may be used in combination. For example, a liquid may be used in the first mode, and a liquid and a gas-liquid mixed flow may be used in combination in the second mode.

[0094] The liquid used for cleaning the pipelines is not limited to water, but may be a cleaning liquid, a disinfectant, etc. Furthermore, a heated liquid may be used as the liquid.

[0095] Dry dirt P may be easier to remove than moist dirt P. In this case, before switching from the first mode to the second mode, a drying process may be performed by supplying gas for a predetermined time to remove the moisture from the dirt P.

[0096] A third threshold value T3 for detecting the connection between the first connector 31A and the forceps mouthpiece 91A may also be stored in the memory 63. In step S42, the controller 61 may generate an alarm signal when the pressure is less than the third threshold value T3.

[0097] There are also models of endoscopes 9 that are unlikely to have dirt P adhering to the duct 90 after use. Depending on the acquired model data of the endoscope 9, the controller 61 may omit the control from the first mode (S41-S46) and start control in the third mode.

[0098] As described above, the operating method of an endoscope reprocessor controls the fluid supply unit to a first mode in which the fluid is supplied to a first tube at a first pressure, acquires pressure or flow rate from a sensor, compares the pressure or flow rate with a plurality of threshold values ​​corresponding to the model of endoscope that have been acquired in advance, and, based on the comparison results, switches the control of the fluid supply unit from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid is supplied to the first tube at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, or to a third mode in which the fluid is supplied to the first tube and the second tube.

[0099] An operating program for an endoscope reprocessor causes a computer to control a fluid supply unit to a first mode in which a fluid at a first pressure is supplied to a first tube, acquire pressure or flow rate from a sensor, compare the pressure or flow rate with a plurality of threshold values ​​corresponding to the model of endoscope that have been acquired in advance, and, based on the comparison results, switch the control of the fluid supply unit from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first tube, or to a third mode in which the fluid is supplied to the first tube and the second tube.

[0100] Although the endoscope 9 in the embodiment is a flexible endoscope for medical use, the endoscope of the present invention may be a rigid endoscope, and may be used for industrial purposes. The endoscope 9 may have a monitor (not shown) directly connected to the operation unit 9B.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0102] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Endoscope reprocessor 2: Main body 8: Storage medium 9: Endoscope 9A: Insertion section 10: Fluid supply unit 31: First tube 31A: First connector 31B: Connector 32: Second tube 32A: Second connector 32B: Connector 33: Second tube 51: Liquid pump 51: Pump 51A: Check valve 52: Gas pump 52A: Check valve 55-58: Pipes 59: Branch pipes 61: Controller 62: CPU 63: Memory 71: Connector main body 72: Sphere 73: Connector cover 74: Peripheral side part 77: Body part 78: Outward flange 81, 82: Flow rate sensor 83: Pressure sensor 90: Pipe 91: First pipe 91A: Forceps mouthpiece 92: Second pipe 92A: Air supply mouthpiece 93...Third pipeline

Claims

1. A first tube having a first connector that connects to the first nozzle of an endoscope, A second tube having a second connector that is connected to the second nozzle of the endoscope, A fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the tubing of the endoscope via the first tube and the second tube, A controller for controlling the fluid supply unit, The system comprises a sensor for detecting the pressure or flow rate of the fluid in the pipeline, The aforementioned controller, The fluid supply unit is controlled in a first mode that supplies fluid at a first pressure to the first tube. The pressure or flow rate is obtained from the aforementioned sensor. An endoscope reprocessor characterized by switching the control of the fluid supply unit from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first tube, based on the pressure or the flow rate.

2. The first connector is configured such that a portion of the fluid supplied from the first tube leaks out through the gap between the first connector and the first nozzle onto the outer surface of the first nozzle. The aforementioned controller, The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure or flow rate is compared with a plurality of threshold values ​​obtained in advance according to the model of the endoscope, and based on the comparison result, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched from the first mode to the second mode, or to a third mode in which the fluid is supplied to the first tube and the second tube.

3. The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold for detecting dirt adhering to the pipeline and a second threshold for detecting blockage of the gap due to the dirt. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller switches the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode when, in the comparison result, the pressure is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold.

4. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller switches the control of the fluid supply unit to the third mode after a first predetermined time has elapsed, or when the pressure falls below the second threshold, after switching the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode.

5. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 4, characterized in that the controller switches the control of the fluid supply unit to control that starts from the first mode or control that starts from the third mode, depending on the model of the endoscope which has been acquired in advance.

6. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller switches the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode, and then switches back to the first mode after a second predetermined time has elapsed.

7. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 6, characterized in that the controller generates an alarm signal when the control in the second mode is performed for a third predetermined time.

8. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit in a fourth mode, which supplies gas to the first tube for a predetermined time, before switching to the second mode.

9. The fluid supply unit comprises a pump for supplying the fluid and a solenoid valve. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller performs mode switching by controlling at least one of the pump or the solenoid valve.

10. The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the fluid is a liquid, or a gas-liquid mixed flow in which liquid and gas are supplied alternately.

11. The fluid supply unit has a plurality of pumps that supply the fluid, The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller controls the fluid supply unit so that in the second mode, it uses a larger number of pumps than in the first mode to supply the fluid.

12. The plurality of thresholds include a third threshold for detecting the connection between the first connector and the first base, The endoscopic reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller generates an alarm signal based on the result of comparing the pressure with the third threshold.

13. The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold for detecting dirt adhering to the pipeline and a second threshold for detecting blockage of the gap due to the dirt. The endoscope reprocessor according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller switches the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode when, in the comparison result, the flow rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

14. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor for an endoscope, The endoscope includes a first conduit communicating with a first nozzle, a second conduit communicating with a second nozzle, and a third conduit formed by the confluence of the first and second conduits, wherein the third conduit has an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The fluid supply unit is controlled to a first mode that supplies the fluid at a first pressure to the first pipeline. The pressure or flow rate of the fluid supplied to the tubing of the endoscope is obtained from a sensor that detects the pressure or flow rate of the fluid supplied to the tubing of the endoscope. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, characterized in that, based on the pressure or flow rate, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first pipeline.

15. The endoscope is connected at the first nozzle to the first connector of the endoscope reprocessor, The first connector is configured such that a portion of the fluid supplied from the first connector side leaks out through the gap between the first connector and the first nozzle onto the outer surface of the first nozzle. The method for operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressure or flow rate is compared with a plurality of threshold values ​​obtained in advance according to the model of the endoscope, and based on the comparison result, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched from the first mode to the second mode, or to a third mode in which the fluid is supplied to the first and second pipelines.

16. The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold for detecting dirt adhering to the pipeline and a second threshold for detecting blockage of the gap due to the dirt. The method for operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 15, characterized in that, in the comparison results, if the pressure is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched to the second mode.

17. The method for operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 16, characterized in that after a first predetermined time has elapsed since switching the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode, or when the pressure falls below the second threshold, the control of the fluid supply unit is switched to the third mode.

18. A control device having a processor, wherein the processor is The fluid supply unit is controlled in a first mode that supplies the fluid at a first pressure to the first pipeline. An endoscope comprising a first conduit communicating with a first nozzle, a second conduit communicating with a second nozzle, and a third conduit formed by the confluence of the first and second conduits, wherein the third conduit has an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the pressure or flow rate of the fluid supplied to the conduit of the endoscope is obtained from a sensor that detects the pressure or flow rate of the fluid supplied to the conduit of the endoscope, A control device characterized by switching the control of the fluid supply unit from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first pipeline, based on the pressure or flow rate.

19. The endoscope is connected to the first connector at the first mouthpiece, The first connector is configured such that a portion of the fluid supplied from the first connector side leaks out through the gap between the first connector and the first nozzle onto the outer surface of the first nozzle. The aforementioned processor, The control device according to claim 18, characterized in that it compares the pressure or flow rate with a plurality of threshold values ​​obtained in advance according to the model of the endoscope, and based on the comparison result, switches the control of the fluid supply unit from the first mode to a second mode in which the fluid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure is supplied to the first conduit, or to a third mode in which the fluid is supplied to both the first and second conduits.

20. The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold for detecting dirt adhering to the pipeline and a second threshold for detecting blockage of the gap due to the dirt. The control device according to claim 19, characterized in that the processor switches the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode when, in the comparison result, the pressure is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold.

21. The control device according to claim 20, characterized in that the processor switches the control of the fluid supply unit to the third mode after a first predetermined time has elapsed, or when the pressure falls below the second threshold, after switching the control of the fluid supply unit to the second mode.

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