Reprocessor for medical equipment, reprocessing method for medical equipment, and recording medium

Abstract

This reprocessor for medical equipment comprises a supply device for supplying a fluid and a processor, and reprocesses medical equipment including first to third conduits that converge at a convergence point. The reprocessor is connected to the first conduit with a gap therebetween and is connected to the second conduit. The processor controls the supply device so that the supply device starts supplying the fluid only to the second conduit with the first to third conduits not filled with any liquid, and starts supplying the fluid to the first conduit before the fluid flows out from the gap after passing through the convergence point and the first conduit.

Description

Medical device reprocessor, medical device reprocessing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical device reprocessor for reprocessing medical devices, a medical device reprocessing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Endoscopes have been widely used as medical devices for some time. When an endoscope is used, an insertion portion is inserted into a subject to observe the inside of the subject. Furthermore, when the endoscope is used, if necessary, a treatment is performed using a treatment tool inserted through a treatment tool channel (internal duct), and suction is performed from the subject's interior via a suction channel (internal duct). After using the endoscope, it is reprocessed in preparation for the next use.

[0003] In the reprocessing, not only are the surfaces of the endoscope cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, etc., but also the internal channels provided in the endoscope are cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, etc.

[0004] The cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, etc. of the internal channels of an endoscope is performed by connecting the connector of a cleaning tube to a mouthpiece provided at the opening of the internal channels and pouring cleaning fluid from the cleaning tube into the internal channels of the endoscope. If the connector of the cleaning tube is connected so as to block the mouthpiece, the cleaning fluid will not reach the connected part and cleaning of the mouthpiece will be insufficient, so it will be necessary to clean the mouthpiece separately.

[0005] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6010273 describes a reprocessor for endoscopes that uses a connector with a structure that creates a gap when the nozzle of the internal conduit of the endoscope is connected to the connector of the cleaning tube, eliminating the need to clean only the nozzle separately.

[0006] However, with such connectors, if cleaning fluid containing dirt after cleaning flows out from the gap, the dirt may become stuck between the base and the connector.

[0007] The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 6010273 describes that the connectors of cleaning tubes A and B are connected to the connectors of the two openings of the internal conduit of an endoscope that branches into three branches, respectively, and the following three controls (1) to (3) are performed to prevent dirt from clogging the gap between the endoscope's connector and the cleaning tube connector: (1) Simultaneous liquid transfer from cleaning tubes A and B (2) Liquid transfer from cleaning tube A only (or a small amount of liquid also from cleaning tube B at the same time) (3) Liquid transfer from cleaning tube B only (or a small amount of liquid also from cleaning tube A at the same time)

[0008] The gap between the endoscope mouthpiece and the connector of the cleaning tube becomes clogged with dirt when fluid containing dirt flows back and out of the gap.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a medical device reprocessor, a medical device reprocessing method, and a recording medium that can prevent dirt clogging in the gaps where the internal conduits of medical devices are connected to tubes.

[0010] A medical device reprocessor according to one aspect of the present invention is a medical device reprocessor that reprocesses medical devices, the medical device reprocessor having an internal pipeline having a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline, the first pipeline, the second pipeline, and the third pipeline each having an open end and joining at a joining point at the other end, the medical device reprocessor comprising a first tube connected to the first pipeline with a gap therebetween, a second tube connected to the second pipeline, and a first tube that can supply a fluid including a liquid to the first pipeline via the first tube, and a second tube that can supply a fluid including a liquid to a front end via the second tube. The system includes a supply device capable of supplying the fluid to the second pipeline, and a processor that controls the supply device, wherein the processor controls the supply device to start supplying the fluid to the second pipeline at a first timing without supplying the fluid to the first pipeline when the internal pipeline is not filled with liquid, and to start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline at a second timing before the fluid supplied to the second pipeline flows out of the gap via the junction point and the first pipeline.

[0011] A method for reprocessing a medical device according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for reprocessing a medical device having an internal pipeline having a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline, each of which has an open end and merges at a merging point at the other end, wherein a processor controls a supply device that can supply a fluid including a liquid to the first pipeline via a first tube connected to the first pipeline with a gap, and can supply the fluid to the second pipeline via a second tube connected to the second pipeline, to start supplying the fluid to the second pipeline at a first timing without supplying the fluid to the first pipeline when the internal pipeline is not filled with liquid, and start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline at a second timing before the fluid supplied to the second pipeline flows out of the gap via the merging point and the first pipeline.

[0012] A recording medium according to one aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for reprocessing a medical device comprising an internal conduit having a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit, each of which has an opening at one end and converges at a confluence point at the other end. The computer program causes the computer to control a supply device capable of supplying a fluid including a liquid to the first conduit via a first tube connected to the first conduit with a gap, and to supply the fluid to the second conduit via a second tube connected to the second conduit, so that when the internal conduit is not filled with liquid, the supply device starts supplying the fluid to the second conduit at a first timing without supplying the fluid to the first conduit, and starts supplying the fluid to the first conduit at a second timing before the fluid supplied to the second conduit flows out of the gap via the confluence point and the first conduit.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a medical device reprocessor according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration related to fluid control of the medical device reprocessor according to the first embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a connection between a connector of a first tube and a forceps stopper connector of the medical device reprocessor according to the first embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of fluid sent from the suction connector to an internal conduit of an endoscope according to the first embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the action of preventing dirt from clogging a gap between the connection between the connector of the first tube and the forceps stopper connector by fluid sent from the suction connector according to the first embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the action of sending fluid from the first tube and the second tube after sending fluid from the second tube according to the first embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a first example of fluid control when the position where the fluid supplied from the first tube and the fluid supplied from the second tube collide is closer to the forceps stopper connector than the joining point according to the first embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a fluid control process in the medical device reprocessor of the first embodiment, in which the position where the fluid supplied from the first tube and the fluid supplied from the second tube collide is closer to the suction nozzle than the joining point.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0015] In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and that the length relationships, length ratios, and quantities of elements within a single drawing may differ from reality in order to simplify the description. Furthermore, there may be parts in which the length relationships and ratios differ between multiple drawings. [First Embodiment]

[0016] 1 to 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a medical device reprocessor 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] In this embodiment, an endoscope 11 is used as an example of the medical device to be reprocessed. In this case, the medical device reprocessor 1 is an endoscope reprocessor. However, the medical device to be reprocessed is not limited to the endoscope 11. The medical device reprocessor of the present invention can be widely applied to medical devices that have three ducts (internal ducts) that open at one end and join at a joining point at the other end.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the medical device reprocessor 1 includes a device main body 2 and a top cover 3. The top cover 3 can be opened and closed relative to the device main body 2. Figure 1 shows the medical device reprocessor 1 with the top cover 3 open.

[0019] The medical device reprocessor 1 is a device that reprocesses a used endoscope 11 so that it can be reused. The reprocessing is not limited to a specific treatment, and may be any of rinsing with water, cleaning to remove dirt such as protein-containing organic matter, disinfection to neutralize specific microorganisms, sterilization to eliminate or kill all microorganisms, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0020] The apparatus main body 2 has, at its upper part, a processing tank 4 for accommodating an endoscope 11 to be reprocessed. The processing tank 4 is closed from the outside by closing a top cover 3.

[0021] The endoscope 11 includes an insertion section 12, an operation section 13, and a universal cord 14. The insertion section 12 is a section that is inserted into a subject. The operation section 13 is disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion section 12 and is a section through which an operator operates the endoscope 11. The universal cord 14 extends from, for example, a side surface on the proximal end side of the operation section 13 and is connected at the extending end to an image processor, a light source device, etc.

[0022] A forceps plug connector 15, which serves as the proximal opening of the treatment instrument channel, is provided on the distal end of the operation section 13. A suction connector 16, which serves as the proximal opening of the suction channel, is provided on the extending end of the universal cord 14.

[0023] The processing tank 4 stores a liquid such as a cleaning liquid (which may be alcohol, disinfectant, or the like, but will be referred to as a cleaning liquid hereinafter) and water, after the endoscope 11 is placed therein. The cleaning liquid is supplied from a tank inside the device main body 2. Water is supplied from a water faucet (not shown) via a water supply hose connected to the medical device reprocessor 1.

[0024] A circulation port 7 communicating with a liquid pump 21 (described later) is provided inside the treatment tank 4. The circulation port 7 is provided with, for example, a mesh filter, which filters out contaminants such as organic matter contained in liquids such as the cleaning liquid.

[0025] The treatment tank 4 is further provided with a forceps plug port 5 and a suction nozzle port 6. The forceps plug port 5 is a port to which one end of the first tube 31A is connected. The suction nozzle port 6 is a port to which one end of the second tube 31B is connected.

[0026] A connector CA is provided at the other end of the first tube 31A. The connector CA is connected to the forceps stopper connector 15 of the endoscope 11. The forceps stopper port 5 communicates with the forceps stopper connector 15 of the endoscope 11 via the first tube 31A. Therefore, the first tube 31A is connected to a treatment instrument channel, which is an internal conduit of the endoscope 11, via the connector CA and the forceps stopper connector 15.

[0027] A connector CB is provided at the other end of the second tube 31B. The connector CB is connected to the suction mouthpiece 16 of the endoscope 11. The suction mouthpiece port 6 communicates with the suction mouthpiece 16 of the endoscope 11 via the second tube 31B. Therefore, the second tube 31B is connected to the suction channel, which is an internal conduit of the endoscope 11, via the connector CB and the suction mouthpiece 16.

[0028] When reprocessing an endoscope 11 using the medical device reprocessor 1, the top cover 3 is opened and the endoscope 11 is placed in the processing tank 4. Then, the first tube 31A is connected to the forceps stopper port 5 and the forceps stopper connector 15. Furthermore, the second tube 31B is connected to the suction connector port 6 and the suction connector 16. This connects the fluid lines between the endoscope 11 and the medical device reprocessor 1. After the endoscope 11 is set in the processing tank 4, the top cover 3 is closed, making it ready for reprocessing.

[0029] Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration related to fluid control of the medical device reprocessor 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] 2 shows a state in which the endoscope 11 is connected to the medical device reprocessor 1 by a first tube 31A and a second tube 31B. Note that other components of the medical device reprocessor 1 are omitted from the illustration in FIG.

[0031] In addition to the above-mentioned processing tank 4, forceps stopper port 5, suction nozzle port 6, and circulation port 7, the medical device reprocessor 1 is equipped with a liquid pump 21, a compressor 22, a first solenoid valve 23, a second solenoid valve 24, a speed sensor 25, a flow rate sensor 26, a pressure sensor 27, a controller 28, and an acquisition device 29.

[0032] The liquid pump 21, the compressor 22, the first solenoid valve 23, and the second solenoid valve 24 constitute a supply device 20 that supplies fluid to the internal conduits of the endoscope 11. The supply device 20 may further include a speed sensor 25, a flow rate sensor 26, and a pressure sensor 27. It is not necessary to provide all of the speed sensor 25, the flow rate sensor 26, and the pressure sensor 27; one or more may be omitted. Alternatively, a sensor that detects a physical quantity other than the speed sensor 25, the flow rate sensor 26, and the pressure sensor 27 may be further provided.

[0033] The supply device 20 can supply a fluid including a liquid to a first pipeline R1 (described later) of the endoscope 11 via a first tube 31A. Furthermore, the supply device 20 can supply a fluid to a second pipeline R2 (described later) of the endoscope 11 via a second tube 31B.

[0034] The liquid pump 21 takes in liquid such as cleaning liquid from the processing tank 4 through the circulation port 7. The liquid pump 21 pressurizes the taken-in liquid to a predetermined pressure and sends the pressurized liquid. The liquid sending path branches into two, one of which is connected to the forceps plug port 5 via a first solenoid valve 23, and the other is connected to the suction nozzle port 6 via a second solenoid valve 24.

[0035] The compressor 22 functions as a gas pump. The compressor 22 takes in a gas, such as air, pressurizes it, and delivers the pressurized gas. The gas delivery path branches into two: one is connected to the forceps plug port 5 via a first solenoid valve 23, and the other is connected to the suction nozzle port 6 via a second solenoid valve 24.

[0036] That is, the liquid supply path from the liquid pump 21 and the air supply path from the compressor 22 share the same path after their respective branch points.

[0037] By employing such a configuration, the supply device 20 can supply only liquid to the internal ducts of the endoscope 11 by driving the liquid pump 21 and stopping the compressor 22. Moreover, the supply device 20 can supply only gas to the internal ducts of the endoscope 11 by stopping the liquid pump 21 and driving the compressor 22. Furthermore, the supply device 20 can supply a fluid in which liquid and gas are mixed to the internal ducts of the endoscope 11 by driving the liquid pump 21 and driving the compressor 22.

[0038] The first electromagnetic valve 23 is switched between an open state and a closed state by a control signal sent from the controller 28. When the first electromagnetic valve 23 is in the open state, the liquid pump 21 and the compressor 22 are connected to the forceps stopper connector 15 of the endoscope 11.

[0039] The second electromagnetic valve 24 is switched between an open state and a closed state by a control signal sent from the controller 28. When the second electromagnetic valve 24 is in the open state, the liquid pump 21 and the compressor 22 are connected to the suction mouthpiece 16 of the endoscope 11.

[0040] The velocity sensor 25, the flow rate sensor 26, and the pressure sensor 27 detect physical quantities related to the fluid supplied by the supply device 20 to the second pipeline R2.

[0041] The speed sensor 25 is disposed, for example, near the liquid pump 21, between the liquid pump 21 and the branch point of the liquid supply path. The speed sensor 25 detects the speed of the liquid supplied from the liquid pump 21. The speed sensor 25 transmits the detection result of the liquid speed to the controller 28. For example, when the first solenoid valve 23 is in a closed state and the second solenoid valve 24 is in an open state, the speed sensor 25 detects the speed of the liquid (fluid) supplied to the second pipeline R2.

[0042] The flow rate sensor 26 is disposed, for example, near the liquid pump 21, between the liquid pump 21 and the branch point of the liquid feed path. The flow rate sensor 26 detects the amount of liquid (flow rate) fed per unit time from the liquid pump 21. The flow rate sensor 26 transmits the detection result of the liquid flow rate to the controller 28. For example, when the first solenoid valve 23 is in a closed state and the second solenoid valve 24 is in an open state, the flow rate sensor 26 detects the flow rate of the liquid (fluid) supplied to the second pipeline R2.

[0043] The pressure sensor 27 is disposed, for example, at a branch point of the liquid supply path from the liquid pump 21. The pressure sensor 27 detects the pressure of the liquid supplied from the liquid pump 21 at the branch point. The pressure sensor 27 transmits the detection result of the pressure at the branch point to the controller 28. For example, when the first solenoid valve 23 is in a closed state and the second solenoid valve 24 is in an open state, the pressure sensor 27 can substantially detect the pressure of the liquid (fluid) supplied to the second pipeline R2.

[0044] The controller 28 includes a processor 28a and a memory 28b. The processor 28a includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The memory 28b is a recording medium including, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The processor 28a loads and executes processing programs stored in a nonvolatile manner in the memory 28b, thereby performing various functions of the controller 28. However, the configuration of the controller 28 is not limited to this. For example, one or more of the components performing the various functions of the controller 28 may be configured as dedicated electronic circuits.

[0045] The controller 28 is electrically connected to the liquid pump 21 , the compressor 22 , the first solenoid valve 23 , the second solenoid valve 24 , the speed sensor 25 , the flow rate sensor 26 , the pressure sensor 27 , and the acquisition device 29 .

[0046] The controller 28 acquires information (pipeline information) related to the internal pipes of the endoscope 11 based on the signal acquired by the acquisition device 29. The acquisition device 29 may be any device capable of acquiring signals, such as an RFID reader, an image sensor, or a touch panel.

[0047] The memory 28b stores in advance a table that associates the model number, serial number, etc. of the endoscope 11 with conduit information such as the length and diameter of the internal conduit of the endoscope 11. The table can be updated to the latest table during maintenance work, etc.

[0048] When an image sensor, for example, is used as the acquisition device 29, the image sensor acquires an image of the endoscope 11 placed in the treatment tank 4. The processor 28a reads the image signal acquired by the image sensor, performs image analysis, and estimates the model number, serial number, etc. of the endoscope 11. The processor 28a may also estimate the length of the internal conduit of the endoscope 11, etc., through image analysis.

[0049] When an RFID reader, for example, is used as the acquisition device 29, the RFID reader reads information from an RF tag attached to the endoscope 11. The RF tag stores the model number, serial number, etc. of the endoscope 11. When a touch panel, for example, is used as the acquisition device 29, the user operates the touch panel to input the model number, serial number, etc. of the endoscope 11. Alternatively, the user may operate the touch panel to input the conduit information of the endoscope 11.

[0050] The processor 28a acquires conduit information such as the length and diameter of the internal conduit of the endoscope 11 by referring to a table in the memory 28b based on information such as the model number and serial number of the endoscope 11 included in the signal read from the acquisition device 29 or based on information such as the model number and serial number estimated by image analysis. Alternatively, the processor 28a acquires conduit information estimated by image analysis or conduit information input from the touch panel.

[0051] The processor 28a controls the driving of the liquid pump 21, the driving of the compressor 22, the opening and closing operation of the first solenoid valve 23, and the opening and closing operation of the second solenoid valve 24 based on the conduit information of the endoscope 11 and one or more of the liquid velocity, flow rate, pressure, etc. acquired from the velocity sensor 25, the flow rate sensor 26, and the pressure sensor 27. In this way, the processor 28a controls the supply device 20.

[0052] As described above, the endoscope 11 includes a treatment instrument channel and a suction channel. The treatment instrument channel and the suction channel are connected at a junction point JC. The treatment instrument channel from the forceps stopper connector 15, which is an opening, to the junction point JC is referred to as a first conduit R1. The treatment instrument channel from the junction point JC to the opening at the tip of the insertion section 12 is referred to as a third conduit R3. The suction channel from the suction connector 16, which is an opening, to the junction point JC is referred to as a second conduit R2. The third conduit R3 serves as both a treatment instrument channel and a suction channel.

[0053] Thus, the endoscope 11 has an internal conduit having a first conduit R1, a second conduit R2, and a third conduit R3. The first conduit R1, the second conduit R2, and the third conduit R3 each open at one end and join at a joining point JC at the other end.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the connection portion between the connector CA of the first tube 31A and the forceps stopper connector 15 of the medical device reprocessor 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] The connector CA of the first tube 31A includes a connector body 32a, a connector cover 32b, and a plurality of spheres 32c. The connector body 32a is provided at the tip of the first tube 31A. The connector cover 32b is provided on the outer periphery of the connector body 32a. The plurality of spheres 32c are generally disposed between the connector body 32a and the connector cover 32b.

[0056] The connector body 32a is cylindrical and has a plurality of circular holes 32d formed at equiangular positions on its circumferential side. For example, four circular holes 32d are formed on the circumferential side of the connector body 32a at 90° intervals along the circumferential direction. Each circular hole 32d has a tapered cross section such that its diameter decreases from the outer circumferential surface toward the inner circumferential surface of the connector body 32a.

[0057] The diameter of the plurality of spheres 32c is larger than the diameter of the circular hole 32d in the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion, so that the spheres 32c can partially protrude from the opening on the inner peripheral side of the circular hole 32d but will not fall off from the inner peripheral surface of the connector body 32a.

[0058] The connector cover 32b is disposed on the outer periphery of the connector body 32a on which the plurality of spheres 32c are disposed, and a circumferential gap 32e is formed between the connector cover 32b and the connector body 32a.

[0059] The forceps stopper connector 15 is cylindrical and has an outward flange at its tip. The connector CA is detachably attached to the forceps stopper connector 15.

[0060] When the connector CA is attached to the forceps stopper nozzle 15, some of the multiple spheres 32c protrude from the opening on the inner periphery of the circular hole 32d, and engage the outward flange of the forceps stopper nozzle 15 to prevent it from falling off.

[0061] A circumferential gap 32f is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the forceps plug mouthpiece 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the connector body 32a.

[0062] Fluid such as cleaning liquid sent from the first tube 31A flows through the gap 32f between the connector body 32a and the forceps stopper nozzle 15, and then flows through the gap 32e between the circular hole 32d and the sphere 32c, thereby thoroughly cleaning the forceps stopper nozzle 15.

[0063] The shape of the connector CA shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and connectors CA of other shapes may be used as long as they are capable of allowing fluid to flow out of the gap at the connection between the connector CA and the forceps stopper connector 15.

[0064] In this way, the first tube 31A and the first conduit R1 are connected with gaps 32e and 32f formed between the connector CA and the forceps stopper connector 15. The gaps 32e and 32f are provided so that the connecting surface of the forceps stopper connector 15 with the connector CA can also be thoroughly cleaned.

[0065] 3 has been described above as an example of the configuration of the connection between the connector CA and the forceps stopper connector 15, but the configuration of the connection between the connector CB and the suction connector 16 also has a gap formed therein that allows fluid to flow out from the gap, in order to thoroughly clean the connection surface of the suction connector 16 with the connector CB.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of fluid sent from the suction mouthpiece 16 to the internal conduit of the endoscope 11 in the first embodiment.

[0067] The processor 28a closes the first electromagnetic valve 23 and opens the second electromagnetic valve 24, and drives at least the liquid pump 21 (and may also drive the compressor 22, if necessary). This causes a fluid containing liquid to be supplied from the second tube 31B to the internal conduit of the endoscope 11.

[0068] The fluid containing the liquid flows through the second pipe R2 and branches at the junction JC. That is, part of the fluid that reaches the junction JC flows into the third pipe R3 and the other part flows into the first pipe R1. If the fluid that flows into the first pipe R1 reaches the connector CA, it will flow out through the gaps 32e and 32f of the connector CA.

[0069] The suction channel is used to perform suction from inside the subject. Therefore, after use, organic matter and other contaminants may adhere to the inside of the second conduit R2 of the endoscope 11. Fluids containing liquid, i.e., liquid only or a gas-liquid mixture fluid that is a mixture of liquid and gas, can carry organic matter and other contaminants (although in practice, it can be considered that gas-only fluids do not carry organic matter and other contaminants).

[0070] If the fluid containing dirt flows out from the gaps 32e, 32f of the connector CA, the gaps 32e, 32f may become clogged with dirt, which will prevent the fluid from flowing out from the gaps 32e, 32f, resulting in insufficient cleaning of the forceps stopper connector 15.

[0071] Therefore, the controller 28 of this embodiment performs fluid control as shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the action of preventing dirt from clogging the gaps 32e and 32f at the connection portion between the connector CA of the first tube 31A and the forceps stopper connector 15 by the fluid sent from the suction connector 16 in the first embodiment.

[0072] 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of sending fluid from the first tube 31A and the second tube 31B after sending fluid from the second tube 31B in the first embodiment. In FIG. 6 (and also in FIGS. 7 and 8 described below), the solid line indicates the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second pipeline R2, and the dotted line indicates the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the first pipeline R1.

[0073] Here, the liquid pump 21 is driven by a constant power and delivers a predetermined flow rate of fluid. The supply device 20 delivers the predetermined flow rate of fluid delivered from the liquid pump 21 to either the first pipeline R1 or the second pipeline R2, or distributes the fluid to both the first pipeline R1 and the second pipeline R2. The flow rate on the vertical axis in Figure 6 is expressed in units of a percentage (%) of the predetermined flow rate.

[0074] The used endoscope 11 is placed in the processing tank 4, the top cover 3 is closed, and reprocessing is started. Then, under the control of the controller 28, the processing tank 4 is filled with cleaning liquid.

[0075] Even if the treatment tank 4 is filled with cleaning liquid, the internal channels of the endoscope 11 still contain air and are not filled with liquid.

[0076] In this state, the controller 28 closes the first solenoid valve 23 and opens the second solenoid valve 24 to drive the liquid pump 21. Then, the fluid is sent via the suction mouthpiece port 6 and the second tube 31B, and flows from the second tube 31B into the second pipeline R2 at a first timing (time t1 in FIG. 6 , hereinafter referred to as the first timing t1).

[0077] In this way, the supply of fluid to the second pipeline R2 is started at the first timing t1 without supplying fluid to the first pipeline R1.

[0078] Furthermore, the controller 28 can estimate the first timing at which fluid will flow into the second pipeline R2 after the liquid pump 21 starts to operate, because the length and diameter of the pipeline within the medical device reprocessor 1 and the length and diameter of the pipeline of the second tube 31B are known.

[0079] Column A of Figure 5 shows the fluid sent from the second tube 31B and the suction nozzle 16 flowing through the second pipeline R2 and reaching the confluence point JC, with part of the fluid flowing from the confluence point JC into the first pipeline R1.

[0080] The processor 28a estimates how much time will elapse from the first timing t1 at which the fluid starts to be supplied to the second pipeline R2 until the third timing (for example, time t3 shown in Figure 6, hereinafter referred to as the third timing t3) at which the supplied fluid starts to flow out of the gaps 32e, 32f of the connector CA via the confluence point JC and the first pipeline R1.

[0081] The processor 28a calculates the position in the internal pipeline of the fluid that has started to be supplied to the second pipeline R2 at the first timing t1, based on physical quantities detected by one or more of the velocity sensor 25, the flow rate sensor 26, and the pressure sensor 27. The processor 28a then estimates the third timing t3 based on the calculated position of the fluid.

[0082] A first method for estimating the third timing t3 is a method based on the detection value of the velocity sensor 25. That is, the processor 28a estimates the third timing t3 based on the velocity of the fluid detected by the velocity sensor 25, the length of the first pipeline R1, and the length of the second pipeline R2.

[0083] The second method for estimating the third timing t3 is a method based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor 26. That is, the processor 28a estimates the third timing t3 based on the flow rate of the fluid detected by the flow rate sensor 26, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the first conduit R1, and the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the second conduit R2. The cross-sectional area is calculated from the diameter of the conduit. The volume inside the conduit is calculated by multiplying the length and cross-sectional area.

[0084] A third method for estimating the third timing t3 is a method based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 27. In this case, the memory 28b pre-stores data indicating the relationship between the fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 and the leading positions of the fluid flowing in the first pipeline R1 and the second pipeline R2. The processor 28a estimates the third timing t3 based on the fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27, with reference to the memory 28b.

[0085] The processor 28a estimates a second timing (for example, time t2 shown in FIG. 6 , hereinafter referred to as the second timing t2 as appropriate). The second timing t2 is estimated by setting the second timing t2 so that it is later than the first timing t1 and earlier than the estimated third timing t3. Therefore, the second timing t2 can be set to any appropriate timing as long as it is after the first timing t1 and earlier than the third timing t3.

[0086] Then, the processor 28a controls the supply device 20 to start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline R1 at the second timing t2.

[0087] Column B of Figure 5 shows the situation when the processor 28a opens the first solenoid valve 23 to send fluid from the first tube 31A and the forceps stopper nozzle 15 before the third timing t3 at which the fluid sent from the suction nozzle 16 reaches the gaps 32e, 32f of the connector CA via the confluence point JC, and the supply of fluid to the first pipeline R1 begins at the second timing t2.

[0088] When the fluid sent from the first tube 31A reaches the connector CA, it flows out through the gaps 32e and 32f. Because the fluid sent from the first tube 31A does not contain any dirt, the gaps 32e and 32f are not clogged with dirt. The forceps stopper connector 15 is thoroughly cleaned by the fluid flowing out from the gaps 32e and 32f.

[0089] 5 shows how the fluid sent from the suction nozzle 16 is pushed back toward the junction point JC by the fluid sent from the forceps stopper nozzle 15, and moves to the third pipeline R3 via the junction point JC. Because the fluid sent from the suction nozzle 16 is pushed back before reaching the connector CA, dirt does not clog the gaps 32e and 32f.

[0090] After time t3 shown in FIG. 6, the fluid supplied by the supply device 20 at a predetermined flow rate is distributed to the first pipeline R1 and the second pipeline R2, for example, in a ratio of 50% each (other ratios are acceptable as long as the total is 100%).

[0091] The position where the fluid supplied from the first tube 31A and the fluid supplied from the second tube 31B collide in the internal pipeline is hereinafter referred to as the “collision position.” The collision position is shown, for example, in column B of Fig. 5 as the position where arrows pointing in opposite directions collide on the first pipeline R1.

[0092] The collision position may be on the first pipeline R1 or on the second pipeline R2. A fluid control method when the collision position is on the first pipeline R1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Furthermore, a fluid control method when the collision position is on the second pipeline R2 will be described later with reference to Fig. 8.

[0093] In a control process in which fluid supply from the second tube 31B is started at time t1 and then from the first tube 31A at time t2, if the collision position is on the first pipe R1, the second pipe R2 is cleaned at 100% flow rate, but the first pipe R1 is cleaned at only 50% flow rate. Therefore, the fluid control method shown in Figure 7 enables the first pipe R1 to also be cleaned at 100% flow rate.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a first example of fluid control in the first embodiment when the position at which the fluid supplied from the first tube 31A and the fluid supplied from the second tube 31B collide is closer to the forceps stopper nozzle 15 than the junction point JC.

[0095] For example, the processor 28a performs fluid control with the first conduit R1 at a flow rate of 50% and the second conduit R2 at a flow rate of 50% from time t3 to time t4. After that, the processor 28a drives the liquid pump 21 and closes the second solenoid valve 24 while keeping the first solenoid valve 23 open.

[0096] As a result, the flow rate supplied from the supply device 20 to the first pipeline R1 increases, and the flow rate supplied from the supply device 20 to the second pipeline R2 decreases, so that from time t5 to t6, the flow rate in the first pipeline R1 is 100% and the flow rate in the second pipeline R2 is 0%.

[0097] However, if the situation continues as it is, the fluid supplied from the supply device 20 to the first pipeline R1 will travel back up the second pipeline R2 to the connector CB, and dirt contained in the fluid flowing out from the gap in the connector CB may clog the gap in the connector CB.

[0098] Therefore, at time t6 before the fluid supplied from the supply device 20 to the first pipeline R1 reaches the gap of the connector CB, the second solenoid valve 24 is opened again to prevent dirt from clogging the gap of the connector CB.

[0099] Thereafter, a first state in which the first conduit R1 has a flow rate of 50% and the second conduit R2 has a flow rate of 50% and a second state in which the first conduit R1 has a flow rate of 100% and the second conduit R2 has a flow rate of 0% are repeated in the same manner. Note that the ratio of the flow rates of the first conduit R1 and the second conduit R2 may be changed (i.e., it does not have to be the same ratio) each time the first state and the second state are repeated.

[0100] This repetition is performed by the processor 28a controlling the first solenoid valve 23 and the second solenoid valve 24 so that, after the second timing t2, a predetermined flow rate of fluid supplied from the supply device 20 is continuously supplied to the first pipeline R1 and intermittently supplied to the second pipeline R2.

[0101] Next, in a control process in which fluid supply is started from the second tube 31B at time t1 and then from the first tube 31A at time t2, if the collision position is on the second pipeline R2, the second pipeline R2 from the suction nozzle 16 to the collision position is cleaned at 100% flow rate, but the second pipeline R2 from the collision position to the junction point JC and the first pipeline R1 are cleaned at only 50% flow rate. Therefore, the fluid control method shown in Figure 8 is used to lengthen the pipeline portion cleaned at 100% flow rate.

[0102] Figure 8 is a timing chart showing a second example of fluid control in the first embodiment when the position at which the fluid supplied from the first tube 31A and the fluid supplied from the second tube 31B collide is closer to the suction nozzle 16 than the confluence point JC.

[0103] For example, the processor 28a performs fluid control with the first conduit R1 at a flow rate of 50% and the second conduit R2 at a flow rate of 50% from time t3 to time t4. After that, the processor 28a drives the liquid pump 21 and closes the first solenoid valve 23 while keeping the second solenoid valve 24 open.

[0104] As a result, the flow rate supplied from the supply device 20 to the first pipeline R1 decreases, and the flow rate supplied from the supply device 20 to the second pipeline R2 increases, so that from time t5 to t6, the flow rate in the first pipeline R1 is 0% and the flow rate in the second pipeline R2 is 100%.

[0105] However, if the situation continues as it is, the fluid supplied from the supply device 20 to the second pipeline R2 will travel back up the first pipeline R1 to the connector CA, and dirt contained in the fluid flowing out from the gaps 32e, 32f of the connector CA may clog the gaps 32e, 32f.

[0106] Therefore, at time t6 before the fluid supplied from the supply device 20 to the first pipeline R1 reaches the gaps 32e, 32f of the connector CA, the first solenoid valve 23 is opened again to prevent dirt from clogging the gaps 32e, 32f of the connector CA.

[0107] Thereafter, similarly, a first state in which the first pipeline R1 has a flow rate of 50% and the second pipeline R2 has a flow rate of 50%, and a third state in which the first pipeline R1 has a flow rate of 0% and the second pipeline R2 has a flow rate of 100% are repeated.

[0108] This repetition is performed by the processor 28a controlling the first solenoid valve 23 and the second solenoid valve 24 so that, after the second timing t2, a predetermined flow rate of fluid supplied from the supply device 20 is continuously supplied to the second pipeline R2 and intermittently supplied to the first pipeline R1.

[0109] In this case, however, the second pipe R2 can be cleaned at a flow rate of 100%, but the first pipe R1 can only be cleaned at a flow rate of 50%. Therefore, by not only repeating the first and third states but also including a second state in which the first pipe R1 has a flow rate of 100% and the second pipe R2 has a flow rate of 0%, as shown in Figure 7, the first pipe R1 can also be cleaned at a flow rate of 100%.

[0110] Generally, the cleaning effect increases as the fluid flows for a longer period of time at the same flow rate. Therefore, if cleaning cannot be achieved at 100% flow rate, the cleaning time may be extended to achieve a sufficient cleaning effect.

[0111] In the above description, an example of control in which fluid supply to the suction channel is started first, and then fluid supply to the treatment instrument channel is started, has been mainly described.

[0112] Alternatively, it is possible to control the fluid supply to the treatment instrument channel to start first, and then to start the fluid supply to the suction channel. In this case, the above description in which the section between the confluence point JC and the forceps stopper connector 15 is the first conduit R1 and the section between the confluence point JC and the suction connector 16 is the second conduit R2 can basically be applied if it is interpreted as a description in which the section between the confluence point JC and the suction connector 16 is the first conduit R1 and the section between the confluence point JC and the forceps stopper connector 15 is the second conduit R2.

[0113] When reprocessing begins, the endoscope 11 is cleaned with a cleaning liquid in the first process. After the first process is completed, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the treatment tank 4, and air is sent from the compressor 22 to the internal ducts of the endoscope 11 to remove the liquid from the internal ducts. Thereafter, the endoscope 11 is rinsed with water in the second process.

[0114] In this process, the internal conduits of the endoscope 11 are not filled with liquid both at the start of the first process and at the start of the second process, and therefore the above-described process for preventing clogging of the gaps 32e and 32f with dirt can be applied both at the start of the first process and at the start of the second process.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of fluid control processing in the medical device reprocessor 1 of the first embodiment.

[0116] The processing shown in Figure 9 is called and executed in a main process (not shown) that processes the entire medical device reprocessor 1, for example, when the first process starts and when the second process starts.

[0117] When the process starts, the processor 28a acquires a signal from the acquisition device 29 and acquires the conduit information of the endoscope 11 (step S1). Then, the processor 28a closes the first electromagnetic valve 23 and opens the second electromagnetic valve 24, thereby supplying fluid from the supply device 20 only to the second conduit R2 at a first timing t1 (step S2).

[0118] Then, the processor 28a acquires physical quantities from one or more sensors among the velocity sensor 25, the flow rate sensor 26, and the pressure sensor 27 (step S3).

[0119] Based on the acquired physical quantities, the processor 28a estimates the third timing t3 at which the fluid supplied only to the second pipeline R2 flows out of the gaps 32e, 32f via the confluence point JC and the first pipeline R1 (step S4).

[0120] The processor 28a sets the second timing t2 to be later than the first timing t1 and earlier than the third timing t3 (step S5).

[0121] Then, at the second timing t2, the processor 28a switches the first solenoid valve 23 from a closed state to an open state while keeping the second solenoid valve 24 in an open state, and distributes and supplies the predetermined flow rate of fluid supplied by the supply device 20 to the first pipeline R1 and the second pipeline R2 (step S6).

[0122] Thereafter, the processor 28a determines whether a predetermined time (for example, the time from time t2 to time t4 shown in FIG. 7) has elapsed (step S7).

[0123] The processor 28a waits for a predetermined time to elapse, and when it determines in step S7 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it controls the supply device 20 to continuously supply fluid to the first pipeline R1 and intermittently supply fluid to the second pipeline R2 (step S8), for example, as shown after time t4 in Figure 7.

[0124] After performing the process of step S8, the processor 28a returns the process to the main process (not shown).

[0125] According to the first embodiment, the supply device 20 starts supplying fluid only to the second conduit R2, and then starts supplying fluid to the first conduit R1 before the fluid flows out of the gaps 32e, 32f between the connector CA and the forceps stopper connector 15. This prevents contaminant-containing fluid from flowing out of the gaps 32e, 32f, preventing the gaps 32e, 32f from becoming clogged with contaminants. This allows the forceps stopper connector 15 to be fully reprocessed. Similarly, the suction connector 16 can also be fully reprocessed.

[0126] While the present invention has been described above primarily in terms of a medical device reprocessor, it is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may also be a medical device reprocessing method. Furthermore, the present invention may also be a computer program for causing a computer to perform processing similar to that of a medical device reprocessor. Furthermore, the present invention may also be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

[0127] Examples of recording media for storing a computer program product include portable recording media such as flexible disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), as well as recording media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives). The recording media may store only a portion of the computer program, not just the entire program. Furthermore, all or part of the computer program may be distributed or provided via a communications network. A user can install the computer program from the recording media onto a computer, or download and install the computer program onto a computer via a communications network. The computer reads the computer program, executes all or part of the operations, and performs the operations of the medical device reprocessor described above.

[0128] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various aspects of the invention can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components disclosed in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. In this way, it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Claims

1. A medical device reprocessor for reprocessing medical devices comprising an internal pipeline having a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline, the first pipeline, the second pipeline, and the third pipeline each having an open end and a joining point at the other end, the reprocessor comprising: a first tube connected to the first pipeline with a gap; a second tube connected to the second pipeline; a supply device capable of supplying a fluid including a liquid to the first pipeline via the first tube, and supplying the fluid to the second pipeline via the second tube; and a processor for controlling the supply device, the processor being configured to: when the internal pipeline is not filled with liquid, start supplying the fluid to the second pipeline at a first timing without supplying the fluid to the first pipeline; a supply device that controls the supply device to start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline at a second timing before the fluid supplied to the second pipeline flows out of the gap via the junction and the first pipeline.

2. The medical device reprocessor of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a physical quantity related to the fluid supplied by the supply device to the second pipeline, wherein the processor calculates a position in the internal pipeline of the fluid that begins to be supplied to the second pipeline at the first timing based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor, and estimates the second timing based on the calculated position of the fluid.

3. The medical device reprocessor of claim 2, characterized in that the sensor detects a speed of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline, and the processor estimates the second timing based on the speed of the fluid detected by the sensor, the length of the first pipeline, and the length of the second pipeline.

4. The medical device reprocessor of claim 2, characterized in that the sensor detects the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline, and the processor estimates the second timing based on the flow rate of the fluid detected by the sensor, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipeline, and the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipeline.

5. The reprocessor for medical equipment according to claim 2, further comprising a memory for pre-storing data indicating the relationship between the pressure of the fluid detected by the sensor and the leading position of the fluid flowing in the first and second pipelines, and wherein the processor estimates the second timing based on the pressure of the fluid detected by the sensor and by referring to the memory.

6. The medical device reprocessor of claim 1, characterized in that the supply device is capable of distributing and supplying a predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and the processor controls the supply device so that, after supplying the predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the first pipeline, the supply device continuously supplies the predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the first pipeline and intermittently supplies the predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the second pipeline.

7. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 1, further comprising a connector that connects said first conduit and said first tube, said gap being provided in said connector.

8. The medical device reprocessor according to claim 1, wherein the medical device is an endoscope.

9. The medical device reprocessor of claim 2, wherein the processor estimates a third timing at which the fluid will start to flow out of the gap based on the position of the fluid in the internal pipeline, sets the second timing before the third timing, and controls the supply device to start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline at the second timing.

10. A reprocessor for medical devices as described in claim 9, further comprising an acquisition device that acquires signals related to pipeline information of the medical device, wherein the processor acquires the pipeline information from the signals acquired by the acquisition device, and calculates the position of the fluid in the internal pipeline based on the pipeline information and physical quantities related to the fluid.

11. A method for reprocessing a medical device comprising an internal pipeline having a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline, the first pipeline, the second pipeline, and the third pipeline each having an open end and merging at a junction point at the other end, comprising: a processor controls a supply device capable of supplying a fluid including liquid to the first pipeline via a first tube connected to the first pipeline with a gap, and supplying the fluid to the second pipeline via a second tube connected to the second pipeline, to start supplying the fluid to the second pipeline at a first timing without supplying the fluid to the first pipeline when the internal pipeline is not filled with liquid; and to start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline at a second timing before the fluid supplied to the second pipeline flows out of the gap via the junction point and the first pipeline.

12. The method for reprocessing medical equipment described in claim 11, characterized in that the processor calculates a position in the internal pipeline of the fluid that begins to be supplied to the second pipeline at the first timing based on a physical quantity detected by a sensor that detects a physical quantity related to the fluid supplied by the supply device to the second pipeline, and estimates the second timing based on the calculated position of the fluid.

13. The method of reprocessing medical devices as described in claim 12, characterized in that the sensor detects a velocity of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline, and the processor estimates the second timing based on the velocity of the fluid detected by the sensor, the length of the first pipeline, and the length of the second pipeline.

14. The method for reprocessing medical devices described in claim 12, characterized in that the sensor detects a flow rate of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline, and the processor estimates the second timing based on the flow rate of the fluid detected by the sensor, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipeline, and the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipeline.

15. The method for reprocessing medical devices as described in claim 12, characterized in that the sensor detects the pressure of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline, and the processor estimates the second timing based on the pressure of the fluid detected by the sensor by referring to a memory that pre-stores data indicating the relationship between the pressure of the fluid detected by the sensor and the leading position of the fluid flowing in the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

16. The method for reprocessing medical devices described in claim 11, characterized in that the supply device is capable of distributing and supplying a predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and the processor controls the supply device to, after supplying the predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the first pipeline, continuously supply the predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the first pipeline and intermittently supply the predetermined flow rate of the fluid to the second pipeline.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for reprocessing a medical device comprising an internal pipeline having a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline, each of which has an opening at one end and which joins at a joining point at the other end, wherein the computer program causes the computer to control a supply device capable of supplying a fluid including a liquid to the first pipeline via a first tube connected to the first pipeline with a gap, and supplying the fluid to the second pipeline via a second tube connected to the second pipeline, to start supplying the fluid to the second pipeline at a first timing without supplying the fluid to the first pipeline when the internal pipeline is not filled with liquid, and to start supplying the fluid to the first pipeline at a second timing before the fluid supplied to the second pipeline flows out of the gap via the joining point and the first pipeline.

18. The recording medium described in claim 17, characterized in that the computer program causes the computer to calculate a position in the internal pipeline of the fluid that begins to be supplied to the second pipeline at the first timing based on a physical quantity detected by a sensor that detects a physical quantity related to the fluid supplied by the supply device to the second pipeline, and to estimate the second timing based on the calculated position of the fluid.

19. The recording medium according to claim 18, characterized in that the computer program causes the computer to estimate the second timing based on the velocity of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline detected by the sensor, the length of the first pipeline, and the length of the second pipeline.

20. The recording medium according to claim 18, characterized in that the computer program causes the computer to estimate the second timing based on the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the second pipeline detected by the sensor, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the first pipeline, and the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipeline.

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